Volume 58, Number 8
801 Ramona St., San Gabriel, CA 91776
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Schofield camps out on rooftop Dedication inspires staff and students to focus on CST testing. word.” And senior Alicia Zhang said, “I thought it was really In an effort to reward students for increasing the awesome. I didn’t think he would do it. It shows that he school’s Academic Performance Index (API) score and really cares about us.” motivate students to do well on the upcoming California Schofield revealed that he only left the roof three times in the 24-hour period to heat up food, use the restStandardized Tests (CSTs), Principal Jim Schofield spent 24 hours living on the A-Building roof top. Schofield fulroom, and brush his teeth on Tuesday morning. Overall, filled his challenge beginning on noon Monday, April 15. he managed to catch four full hours of sleep and spent Around hour 22, or 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, the rest of his time writing emails, and watchingmovies Schofield woke up to a circulating FOX 11 News helilike “Moneyball.” Schofield has promised for copter covering his story. He received a call from a FOX two consecutive years that News reporter and engaged if San Gabriel High School in a phone interview for an reached an API score of at least article that was later put up on 800, the federal requirement, the network’s website. he would spend the night on Schofield brought along the roof. “I like to set the bar his laptop, movies, blankets, high for you guys because I food, and a tent for the 24know you guys can reach it.” hour challenge. Before setting Not only did San Gabriel up on the roof, he received reach this goal, but according - John Scanlan, to the 2012 CST scores, San supportive emails from teachers and staff members wishing him well. Assistant Assistant Principal of Gabriel High School now sits Principal of Instruction Debbie Stone the federal requirement Business and Activities above called the act “very inspirational,” noting with an API score of 812, surthat it showed a “true investment” and proves that “[it] passing Alhambra High School. In addition to making means a lot to him that the students meet their goals.” the standard 800, San Gabriel High School has been Assistant Principal of Business and Activities John ranked a 10, the highest score possible, when compared Scanlan believed that the act heightened the sense of to schools that are economically and demographically importance about the standardize tests. similar. “It spreads the message that these tests aren’t just Although Schofield is proud of the progress achieved an annual event, they are something significant for the so far, he looks to the future and for new goals to achieve. staff and students,” Scanlan said. “If we grow by 20 points I’d come up with a wheel Several students also supported him and were inthat you guys can spin [to choose another reward],” spired by Schofield’s actions. Schofield said. “I think it was motivating because it got us [the Schofield is confident that this offer will be taken students] to do well,” senior Jazmin Zubia said. Junior because for the last 3-5 years, the school has grown by Xuan Tong noted that it was, “good that he kept his 20 points or more. Lauren Fuk umot o and K aren Ri vera
Schofield makes use of his time on the roof, using his laptop to complete work for the school district.
“It spreads the message that these tests aren’t just an annual event; they are something significant for the staff and students.”
A tent, sleeping bag, and movies kept Schofield occupied and warm during his 24-hour stay.
The ladder that leads to the roof of the A-building which other administrators used to visit Schofield. Photos by Nana Akahoshi and Natalie Tran
‘The Outsiders’ addresses divisions at San Gabriel Tra n L a m Selling out for two consecutive nights, “The Outsiders” opened on April 9, and ran until April 13. The play tells a story about a rivalry between the rich and poor, or the Socs and the Greasers, due to their socioeconomic differences. On opening night, the attendants of the play filled a little less than half of the Little Theater, but audience attendance began to increase tremendously for the following performances. “By Friday and Saturday, we were completely sold out. Sadly, we had to turn away people because there were absolutely no seats available. Knowing that there were so many people who wanted to see the show, we decided to do encore shows,” sophomore Denise Kha, the stage manager, said. Play director Patrick Posada chose this particular play to inform the audience of the social issues and to expose the good inside of people. “There are unfortunate borders and dividing lines that
Photo by Derek Deng
Seniors Cristian Saldivar (Ponyboy), Sandy Nguyen (Sandy), and Omar Sarabia (Sodapop) relive the spirit of the 60s at the opening night of the “The Outsiders.”
Visit thematadorsghs.com for more photos and behind-the-scenes shots.
define the society within San Gabriel’s walls and gates. Whether it’s academic, economic, racial, or just ignorant hatred. And that’s what this play tells a story of,”senior Andres Bermudez, who plays Dallas in the show, said. As compared to Mr. Posada’s previous productions, which had a preparation duration of two to three months, the actors in “The Outsiders” only had five weeks to rehearse. The actors typically rehearsed from 4-7 p.m. for a week; however, during the last few days of rehearsals before opening night, they were obligated to attend the rehearsals from 3-8 p.m. Th e s t a g e ma n a g e r s an d t e ch cre w w or k e d hard to keep the play running smoothly by staying late at school to attend play rehearsals and show time. The stage managers’ jobs were to keep the 20 cast members focused on their routines and lines. “Being stage manager for this play was a bit harder because there were 20 cast members and [the] majority of the cast are seniors. We, the tech crew, spent most of our time on lights because it was very complicated to adjust everything to its right spot. And we have about 46 different light cues. It was really fun to work with this cast because we’re all so different from each other. Everyone treats the theater like home, and we created a new family bond there through this show,” Kha said. Senior Cristian Saldivar, who plays the main protagonist Ponyboy, can relate to his character since his character and he are both immersed in a world filled with conflicts and divisions between two “rival” social classes such as the Socs and the Greasers in Ponyboy’s world, or in Saldivar’s case, the AP students and the non-AP students. “I wanted to act as Ponyboy because, well, I felt he was like me, stuck in between two worlds and having to choose how to deal with it. This play resonates with this high school because we are separated, and we are like the Socs and Greasers. I picture the Socs as the AP students who take as many [classes] as they can and the Greasers as the students who don’t. We think we are different, but in reality we are all the same,” Saldivar said.
Photo illustration by Natalie Tran
NEWS
THE MATADOR
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Boston Marathon terrorizes nation with three dead and many injured Steven Ho and Mimi Lam Two terrorist bombs interrupted marathon runners at the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon of April 15 at 2:45 p.m. EST, leaving three dead and over 100 others injured with at least 15 in critical condition. The cause of these unexpected bombings are most likely attributed to terrorism, though it is unknown whether the cause connected toward foreign or domestic affairs. No matter the cause, the nation is overwhelmed with despair and sympathy for the tragedy that befell Boston. “The security is getting looser, and it feels like something’s happening in the world,” sophomore Justin Toyomitsu said. “It makes me think again that the world is no longer safe.” Toyomitsu expresses his deepest condolences for those who have been affected by the tragedy. The two bombs were planted near the finish line, attacking unsuspecting bystanders and endangering the lives of the 27,000 registered runners. Small portable packages activated the explosions, releasing shards of metal called shrapnel. After days of investigation, Boston police and federal forces identified the two alleged bombers as brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Although Tamerlan was killed in a police shooting, Dzhokhar is being held in custody in a Boston hospital.
Right: Boston Marathon runners reach the finish line as one of two bombs explodes. T h r e e have been p ro n o u n c e d dead,and many are faced with serious injuries such as lost limbs. The attack has raised multiple concerns for national security.
A question of security is raised as to where this leaves the rest of the nation. Authorities encourage citizens not to interact among crowds of people. According to ABC News, the city of Boston shut down cell phone services in order to prevent explosive detonations. Institutions adopted security measures as well moments after the blast. The White House immediately went under lock down for security purposes. San Gabriel High School has not yet responded to this act of terrorism, but the sympathy of many students and staff members have been piqued. Although the Boston Marathon tragedy, dubbed the Second Boston g Truon Massacre, was unique n h o by J ation in the conduct of the terrorism, r t s u Ill the tragedy could be compared to the detrimental acts of violence appearing in similarly sudden abruptness, such as the Newtown shooting in Ct., the Aurora shooting in Co., and the 9/11 attack. In addition, many Americans are fearing increased susceptibility to acts of terrorism in the near future, such as the looming fear of North Korea’s atomic bomb threats. ROP Technician Liza Hernandez expresses her reluctance to attend the Long Beach Grand Prix, an event she annually attends. “Students should be vigilant of their surroundings regardless of the setting, including the school or the mall. They should be on the look out for something out of the ordinary,” Hernandez said.
2
BTA visits Southern California Gas Company for job shadowing Kather ing Montelon
Suited up in professional clothing, 44 Business and Technology Academy juniors went on a Job Shadow field trip to the Southern California Gas Company in Downey on April 2. Tables with employees from Business, Engineering Environmental Fuel, and Human Resources were set up for students to visit and ask questions. Students were divided into two groups, the first group visited the tables, while the second group toured the facilities. Samantha McReynolds, a junior, was very interested in Engineering Environmental Fuel. “When we went to the field trip we learned about business and how it works, from the different stations that they had,” McReynolds said. Employees showed McReynolds and other students a few things that should be expected when applying for a job including how to work in certain places, how to dress professional, how to approach and talk to people. “It was really helpful and interesting,” McReynolds said. The mentors such as Jimmie Cho, Vice President of Field Services, were very helpful to the students. McReynolds felt more confident about herself after receiving encouragement from Gas Company employees. McReynolds at first did not know what to major in, and now that new courses were introduced during the tour, it made it easier to narrow down the courses to take in college. “[The employees] were telling us what college they went to, when they graduated, what they majored in, what their field does, and how the field works,” McrReynolds said. Students were treated to a “working lunch” where employees sat with the students and encouraged them to network. The Gas Company gave each student a green tote bag, which students filled up with flyers, information, and souvenirs. The Business and Technology Academy is currently accepting applications for 2013-2014. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/sghs.bta or H2.
Photo courtesy of BTA
Photo courtesy of CBSnews.com
Juniors Dat Le and Frankie Zhang ask Gas Company representatives about the business aspect of the company at a BTA field trip.
AUSD student’s death brings mourning and concern for dangers in local hiking spot Jenny Bui Mark Keppel High School senior Esther Suen fell to her death on March 22 in Eaton Canyon while hiking with her three friends during their spring break. One male companion who was 18 years-old faced a 200 feet drop in which he survived. However, Suen suffered major head injuries which she could not sustain. Suen was known to be a hard-worker among her peers as well as a high academic achiever with college acceptances from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University. Her involvement in school with her diving team and Science Olympiad participation along with her religious youth group at church displayed an immense amount of contribution Suen has given to those around her. Following her tragic death, mourning students from her school conducted a memorial service as well as posting online pictures to remember Suen and her lively personality. At San Gabriel High School, students who have known Suen through middle school or sports meets participated in a memorial service at school. Executive Board posted a poster during lunch for students to write messages on in honor of Suen. Some students channeled their emotions and memories of Suen differently such as junior Alex Luu. Luu wrote a poem dedicated to Suen and recorded himself reciting the poem for others to
listen to in the loving memory of Suen. “I’ve never felt so much concern for a stranger, but I knew this stranger deserved recognition, so I expressed all this through my poem, ‘A Dive in Heaven.’ It was at first a tool for me to vent out what I felt at the moment, but then I also felt this could be of some words of help for others grieving her loss. I was very hesitant about posting it, fearing that I would be remarked ‘disrespectful’ for going so in-depth about someone I didn’t know, but after looking at the people who also didn’t know her, posting up words of condolences on Facebook, I felt my poem would also reflect their care and how they felt about the situation,” Luu said. Many students at San Gabriel High School were also affected by Suen’s death either emotionally or through knowledge of Suen and her life background such as sophomore Samantha Khou. “I had a friend who knew [Esther] and she was deeply affected by Suen’s death which made me sad,” Khou said. Another major concern is that students in the Alhambra Unified School District and community should become more aware of the constant deaths of hikers at Eaton Canyon. Suen’s death is one of countless others who have fallen on the hiking trail to their deaths. Rescuers have reportedly received at least one phone call for help every weekend. Students must be cautious when hiking on any trail in the area and should pay extra attention to the caution signs posted along any hiking trail.
Photo courtesy of Pasadena Star News
Photo by Derek Deng
Photo courtesy of Pasadena Star News
Top: Close friends of Esther Suen from Mark Keppel High School gather at the Eaton Canyon Hiking Trail where Suen fell to her death to host a memorial service on March 25. Bottom Left: Students at San Gabriel High School give their condolences to Suen and her family through written messages. Bottom Right: A framed-picture of Esther Suen is displayed at the hiking trail in Eaton Canyon.
3
THE MATADOR
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
NEWS
Academic Pep Rally recognizes Matador achievement L a u re n Ka k a z u “It was stressful, but in the end it was fun, successful and we pulled it off,” junior and ASB vice president Tiffany Truong said after she and the rest of the ASB members finished holding the 2013 Academic Pep Rally, also known as APR. At 5:30 a.m., all ASB members arrived at the Matador Arena on April 12 to set up the Mario Kart-themed rally that would be held hours later. “It was super hard because we were on a time crunch and we tried our best to make it as decorative as we can with the little time that we had,” Troung said. Every year, APR ignites the competitve spirit of the freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior classes. APR also honors those seniors who made academic and athletic achievements throughout their high school years. To start off the rally, two seniors were recognized for winning the Renaissance Award: Dara Dan and Katie Mai. Other seniors were recognized for their achievements such as Athlete of the Year for girls: Tiffany Ha and Co-athletes of the Year for boys Eric Alvarez and Richard Zheng. Senior Jasmine Lau was recognized for winning the Christina Martinez Award and senior Pablo Garcia was recognized for winning the Henry Acuna Award. Three seniors won the Athletic Scholar Award: Richard Zheng for the boys and Eileen Fung and Joanne Ly for the girls.
Lastly, seniors were nominated by their classmates and teachers for the Phoenix Award. The court of semifinalists included Isaac Facundo, Crisel Galindo, Haley Lim, Jimmy Peraza, Alejandra Rios, Diana Soto, and Kevin Troung. Out of the nine semi-finalists, Charlene Hernandez and Tristian Quintana won the Phoenix Award. In-between presenting each award, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Class Council performed skits that tied into the Mario Kart theme. FCC pretended to play a video game, SophCC acted out a live race, JCC performed a boxing match with interspersed dancing, and SCC showed their superiority in a two-person race. Also, All Male Dance Team, Band, Drill, Cheer, Choreo, and Color Guard entertained the audience. Ending APR, Principal Jim Schofield proclaimed that the seniors had the most spirit. The seniors celebrated their win by dancing to The Harlem Shake.
Top Left: Joanne Ly accepts the Athletic Scholar Award for her achievements in academics and the girls varsity tennis team. Top Right: Choreo performs their pep rally routine to raise Matador spirit in the stands. Bottom: The junior class shows their Matador spirit as they cheer for their class council’s boxing-match dance routine on the court. Photos by Derek Deng
Publications makes headlines at SCJEA Tra n L a m The San Gabriel High School publications program exploded into cheers as junior John Truong placed first in Editorial Cartoon and seniors Ronald Eusebio and Anna Huang placed first in Yearbook Sweepstakes at the state journalism finals sponsored by the South California Journalism Education Association (SCJEA). A total of 17 schools competed on April 13 at California State University, Long Beach. The last time San Gabriel won the state Yearbook Sweepstakes was in 2007. Working as a duo, Huang and Eusebio captured first in Yearbook Copy and second in Yearbook Layout to claim the overall sweepstakes prize and two trophies for the school. Schurr High School tied with San Gabriel for Yearbook Sweepstakes. SCJEA is a scholastic write-off competition consisting of 10 different categories in journalism, photography, and design. During the competition, student journalists listen to the speakers or press conferences and then write for one hour. Yearbook teams have two hours to design and write a two-page spread based on information given that day. Overall, The Matador and El Camino Real staffs placed 13 times within the events. The winners were as follows: Newspaper division: seniors Debbie Dinh (2nd place, Feature Writing), Ryan Luong (5th News Photography); juniors John Truong (1st, Editorial Cartoon), Steven Ho (4th, News Writing), Vanessa De La Rosa (6th, Editorial), sophomore Annie Huang (3rd, Editorial Cartoon). Yearbook division: seniors Ronald Eusebio and Anna Huang (1st Yearbook Copy, 2nd Yearbook Layout), junior Natalie Ma (6th, Feature Photography). When Truong’s name was announced for
winning first place in Editorial Cartoon , the entire room shook with laughter and cheers from the San Gabriel team. “For a whole year people were laughing at my pictures in journalism class, but when they called my name out for first place, I saw Ms. Kim, yearbook, [and] everyone just so surprised and laughing so hard when I [sat] back down. I thought I was seriously dreaming because at ELAJEA I got last place,” Truong said. ELAJEA is the East Los Angeles Journalism Education Association that sponsors the regional journalism competition. Truong placed 10th in regionals, which barely qualified him to compete at the state competition. Since Truong’s drawings are peculiar and eccentric, nobody expected such an outcome. “Everyone was shocked because John’s drawings were so unique and different from what they usually saw, and I guess we all didn’t expect him to win because of that, but he totally flipped the tables around and surprised everyone,” sophomore newspaper staffer Kaleen Luu said. Although the mood was uplifted upon hearing Truong placing first, Huang and Eusebio were not confident in their yearbook copy. Only having a set goal of having fun, Huang and Eusebio did not have high hopes on placing high in Yearbook Sweepstakes, which is the top prize. “It was crazy fun. Spending time with my friends from journalism really made the day special for me. Even with the rivalry with journalism, we all support each other and we all clapped for each other at the award ceremonies. Being surrounded by friends made winning that much more amazing,” Eusebio said. The San Gabriel Parent Teacher Student Association provided the bus transportation for the team.
San Gabriel’s publications program exercised their talents in writing and photography at the South California Journalism Education Association (SCJEA) competition, bringing back medals, trophies, and certificates in both journalism and yearbook events. Photo courtesy of SGHS Publications
Debaters end season at Spartan Aloha Classic C hri st op her Lan Junior varsity and varsity debaters finished the speech and debate season in the 13th annual Spartan Aloha Classic tournament on April 6 at Schurr High School. The tournament provided a more relaxed competitive environment for students to compete in after State and National Qualifiers. Juniors Oscar Molina and Justin Yeh placed second in Duo Interpretation; Yeh placed sixth in Oratorical Interpretation and advanced in semifinals in Extemporaneous Speaking; junior Jenny Bui advanced to semifinals in Original Oratory and junior William Nguyen
advanced to semifinals in Extemporaneous Speaking. Since Aloha Classic was not a league tournament, students from all over southern California were eligible to compete, many to finish the year. “At first [Aloha] seemed like every other tournament, but I found that it had more of a laid-back atmosphere and [that] it was more fun,” freshman Kenny Yeung said. For competitors like Yeh, this tournament served as practice for State Championships. Others similarly used it as practice for National Championships. But to most competitors, Aloha Classic not only was a
relaxed tournament to finish off the year, but also practice that prepared them for the 2013-2014 debate season. The cultural music a n d a t m o s p h e re a n d captivating award ceremony of the tournament reflected its deviance from t h e p re v i o u s l e a g u e tournaments of the year. For many senior competitors, it marks the end of a long four-year journey in high school speech and debate. “Aloha is always a nice tournament to end the debate year with... so it is fitting that I end my 4 years... with it,” fouryear debate senior Duke Lin said.
Art Club organizes Art Gallery to showcase student masterpieces Oscar M olina Featuring over 40 diverse works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, the Art Club will be hosting the Art Gallery on April 25 and 26 in the foyer of the auditorium from lunch to 4:30 p.m.. With a long month of planning and working to obtain a spot in the auditorium, Advisor Karen Keller predicts that the Art Gallery will have relative success. “I really enjoy the different students’ work because many of these kids aren’t even in Art Club or art classes,” Keller said. Keller is excited to showcase the artwork of new and familiar students alike. Some of the pieces to be exhibited at the gallery were part of the Fine Arts Contest for High School Students held at the Mission Playhouse Art Gallery on April 6 and 7. The Art Club also
played a major role as an intermediary between this gallery and San Gabriel High School artists because it paid for the admission fee and helped submit the pieces of students who gave their consent to enter the contest. However, only about 15 submissions were made because of the late notice to students. “I look forward to seeing people take a moment to admire art and the talent of people around our school and community,” Art Club president Alex Luu said. The art gallery this semester will be held at the entrance hall to the auditorium in an effort to attract more attention. The Mission Playhouse will host a new art galley on April 24, 25, 27, and 28. With new Art Club officers and new students displaying their work, the Art Gallery will be a true display of San Gabriel skill and individuality.
5
THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
OPINIONS
Staff Stance
The lack of morality has distorted social media Audrie Potts and Rehtaeh Parsons are two recent teenage sexual assault victims who have taken their own lives because of the assault and the way it was documented and spread through social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and even through text messages. In Steubenville, Ohio, two teens on the Steubenville High School football team were convicted of rape. The incident occurred when the boys transported the unconscious victim from several cars to a basement and sexually assaulted her multiple times before urinating on her. The events were posted by the two boys on Instagram and Twitter, which fueled the case against them as the acts certainly did not look consensual.
Similarly, in San Jose, California, sophomore Audrie Potts was photographed nude and unconscious at a house party over Labor Day weekend. After several boys at the party sexually assaulted her, they wrote on her body “[John] was here.” (Name has been changed.) Of course, as in the Steubenville case, photos circulated of Potts’ body, which led to her suicide because according to her “the whole school knows.” Finally, 17-year-old Canadian student Rehtaeh Parsons hanged herself after photos of her sexual assault were circulated throughout her high school. Despite the photos and reported cyber bullying which went on for over a year, an investigation was launched by the police and it was determined
that there was “not enough evidence” to charge her attackers. Sexual assault used to be a heinous crime that was committed in secret, under the cloak of a disguise that led to an investigation to find the rapist or assaulter. But now, the suspects are not only known, but documented both textually and photographically committing the acts they are accused of. How can such crimes be bragged about on social media sights by teenage boys, who haven’t even entered adulthood yet? These boys seem to be proud of their immoral actions, going so far as to brag about them on the very sites where similar teenagers post photos of tickets to see their favorite band or sports team, or even their college accep-
tance letters. It is universally known that social media is at the center of most teenage lives, and apparently the need to document every event has been twisted into advertising the cruelty teenagers can exhibit. Former sexual assault counselor and current Assistant Principal of Student Services Janett Perales called cyber-bullying a “pet-peeve” of hers, since the Internet is often “not being modeled to be used appropriately” amongst teenagers. These acts exhibit an inability to distinguish right from wrong. Although social media is the outlet the attackers used to fuel their bravado, the focus on morality is what needs to be restored if we can hope to stop what has now become known as the ‘rape culture’ we live in.
Students must maintain C average for extra activities to start the development of one’s passion in life. And if it is sports, then it becomes Grade point average minimums of 2.0 a priority over other studies. set by sports and dance leagues force many The incentive of sports alone prevents students who aspire to become profes- the will to drop out for many students. “I sional athletes or dancers to bring more had to stop playing for [my previous sport] than just physical capabilities to the table. after I couldn’t meet the GPA limit. I’m Many struggle to maintain their grades to only trying to improve my [class grades] continue participating in their current because being in sports is just so activities. And to them, participagreat,” an affecttion would be much easier without ed student said. the GPA restrictions. But behind At the very least, these imposed limits, there is this anonymous more than forcing students to student actually study better. wished to improve his Many would argue that grades to rejoin competing sports are merely extracurricular in sports. However, some completely activities for students to lose the will to continue high school compete and exercise with the loss of their main passion. in their time outside of An occasion that happens often, studies. Thus, stustudents’ strong desires to be part dents should focus Illustration by John Truong of an activity will eclipse their on the ultimate goal observation of the rules. “[Stuof enrolling to a college. In contrast, people dents] come out and try out [for also argue that the goal of high school is activities] knowing the fact that Ch ri s t o p h e r L a n
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they do not have a 2.0 GPA,” Business and Activities Office Manager Vicky Yum said. On the other hand, the GPA minimum reflects the traits and characteristics involved in both the realms of academic studies and sports. Both specialize in the drive to do one’s best, hard work, and motivation. “I believe that the 2.0 GPA requirement is quite understandable. Sports are quite often really enjoyable to all students and help build character, teamwork, [and] speaking skills. Also, some are better physically learning than academically learning,” junior Johnny Nguyen said. Currently, most school districts nationwide support a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA minimum for students to participate in these activities. Despite the possible list of arguments for or against the limit, the limit will most likely stay without major changes. So whether a student supports it or not, there is no choice besides maintaining that C average if he or she wishes to compete in high school sports or dance teams.
Luu-sing sanity
Jelina Luu Connecting through Coming from a rather huge family, I got the chance to socialize during gatherings. Everyone was able to catch up and have the typical talks and gossip from time to time. It would make sense that I would be close to all of my relatives, considering that I tend to see them every few weeks or so, right? But appearances can be deceiving. Every Sunday, my uncle, aunt, and cousins, would stop by for dinner. We all took part in preparing for it so that in the end, every one of us could sit down and eat to our heart’s delight. However, all of those events now remain as memories. As they slowly drifted away from us, I was disappointed at the fact that I may never get the opportunity to bond with them once more. Yet somehow a miracle happened. My uncle and aunt reappeared in my life again. They came every week with groceries so that my family would prepare the food. It was indeed strange that they visited occasionally, but I merely pushed that thought aside. The only thought I had was that my family bonds would continue to strengthen. However, what I soon learned would shock me. My aunt was diagnosed with a brain tumor that continued to grow at a rather quick pace. As a result, she slowly lost her ability to recall recent occurrences. I remember sitting beside her as we had small conversations in our native language. At that moment, I understood the true intentions behind the constant visiting. With her life ticking down to the last seconds, my aunt wanted to spend her last moments together with my family, just like the old times. After all that had happened, I continue to recall the laughs and smiles I shared with my relatives. As close as my family may be, the mere appearance is not always what it seems to be to the naked eye. On the night of a family dinner with my closest relatives, we received news from the hospital that my aunt passed away. I watched as my parents and my grandma grieved over the terrible news. Yet, the strange part was that I could not join them in their mourning. At that very moment, I realized that even though I was able to see my aunt every single week for several days, I was still not that close to my aunt. In terms of proximity, sure, she was close to me, literally - she would sit next to me. After realizing that fact, I was somewhat disappointed in myself. Coming from a sociable environment, I expected myself to maintain strong connections with the family. Yet those expectations were shattered at that one moment when I could not even shed a tear. The only thing I can focus on now, is building more bonds, not only with relatives, but also with those around me. Being open to the world is hard for many of us, but in order to explore the countless opportunities the world offers to us, we have to take risks. Even though my feelings toward my aunt were not as deep as those of my parents and grandma, I still felt grateful to be able to know her more. As long as there are opportunities to meet new people of different backgrounds, I can continue to venture out and make an effort to leave my comfort zone. Socializing with my family members was one step. Now I just have to take the initiative to proceed onto the other step. All it takes is one simple “Hello” for a new beginning.
OPINIONS
THE MATADOR
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
6
Penalty for sexual assault should be more severe Vanessa De La Rosa
Illustration by Jelina Luu
Repercussions for cocaine and marijuana possession or sale in California: three to five years in incarceration. Illegally reproducing or pirating music: a civil lawsuit and, depending on the case, five years in prison. What Steubenville High School football players Ma’lik Richmond and Trent Mays received for sexually assaulting, raping, psychologically destroying and essentially humiliating Jane Doe*? One year in prison. On Aug. 12, 2012, Richmond and Mays raped 16-year-old Jane Doe after she had been severely intoxicated to the point of unconsciousness. Evidence of the assault was plastered on social media, specifically on networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, leading to their eventual conviction on March 17. Despite the mass exposure of the incident and the fact that there were lots of people around, no one came to Jane Doe’s aid. It is extremely disappointing and tremendously upsetting to see a woman so disrespected and so completely disregarded by another person, let alone two people, and it is even more demoralizing to see how the media reacted to the conviction. Rather than empathizing with Jane Doe and humanizing her and the mental and physical struggles she undeniably underwent, CNN mourned the “plight” of the convicted rapists, whose lives were “ruined” by the guilty verdict. In an article on Huffington Post, CNN Correspondent Poppy Harlow was the center of criticism for the comments she made that seemed to sympathize with the rapists and their actions. “These two young men who had such promising futures -star football players, very good students -- literally watched as they believed their li[ves] fell apart,” Harlow said in the report. The reoccurring thought that seemed to dominate the case was the fact that they were “high school football stars” and that their “promising futures” were spoiled. It does not
matter whether they held the potential to make something out of themselves. What matters is that they both decided to rape and humiliate Jane Doe, subjugating her to a night of mortification. They were both convicted and apologized only after the verdict was declared. They felt no real remorse nor regret for their repulsive actions until after they realized that they would spend one year of their lives in incarceration. Jane Doe in no way ruined their lives; they ruined their own lives when they decided to take advantage of her. Another prominent thought that seemed to willingly discredit Jane Doe was the fact that she had been excessively drinking. Whether or not she had been severely intoxicated is not the issue; how much a person drinks should not factor into someone else’s decision to take advantage of them. A woman’s unconscious state does not mean consent, and women should stop being blamed for the volatile acts of sordid men. It was Mays’ responsibility as a friend she had previously trusted to get her home safe and sound. Despite the turmoil her family endured, Jane Doe’ mother spoke out in an interview with Anderson Cooper 360 on March 18 in hopes of bringing awareness to sexual assault. “I feel I have an opportunity to bring awareness to others, possibly change the mentality of a youth…We need to stress the importance of helping those in need and to stand up for what is right,” Doe’s mother said. Richmond and Mays deserved so much more than just one year in prison. It is deeply infuriating to know that the court system holds the value of pirated music and illegal drugs in higher regards than a woman’s life and safety. One year in prison for raping someone and, to an extent, seriously damaging someone’s life compared to the possession of cocaine is extremely insulting. It is no wonder why rapeculture is still prominent in our society. If stricter, more severe laws were implemented on both rapists and idle bystanders who simply watched as incidents like these transpired, rape-culture would not be such a distinct aspect of our own culture. *Name has been changed.
Understanding of autism brought to public De rri c k C h i
Illustration by Annie Huang
When I was younger, I would play with my older cousin all the time. When we began to grow older, I started to realize that my cousin and I were very different; he was afflicted by autism. Knowing this broke my heart since we had grown up together and we were very close. Even after I found out that he was diagnosed with autism, it did not change the way I would talk to or play with him. He is still human and he is not that different from anyone else. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, is the name for a group of disorders involving brain development. Its effects cause a person to have difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communications, and repetitive behaviors. Some people in our society today do not empathize with or understand people who are suffering from autism. Many people see autistic people as a different kind of species, disregarding them as people simply because they look and act differently. People who do not understand autism may give them dirty looks and go as far as to even laugh at them for their incapacity at maintaining social interactions. According to an article in the Huffington Post, the U.S. Department of Education reported that 46.3 percent of men and women with ASD are victims of bullying. People often label autistic people as “retarded,” making them feel embarrassed, as if it were disturbing to be around them. What some people do not understand is that people suffering from autism did not willingly choose to be born like that; they did not choose to have trouble interacting with others. They may seem completely different, but people suffering from autism are not that different.
Autistic people are very similar to us; we both feel and experience and undergo the same emotions. Although some people may think that autistic people are very different from people who exhibit normal human behavior, they should realize that the only minor difference is their mentality. “Since my little cousin has autism, it doesn’t really affect me or the family except you just have to be a little more attentive of her and her actions. Other than that, she’s just as any other human being. She’s part of our family. We don’t seclude her because of her disability. She has feelings and emotions and thoughts just like any other person,” junior Jaina Ramadane said. Autism Awareness Month, which is celebrated in the month of April every year, reaches out to people in order to spread awareness of autism. It also educates the public by informing them of what exactly autism is, helping them to be more understanding and sympathetic towards their conditions. By doing this, more people are becoming aware of autism, bringing more support from the community to find a cure for autism. Even though I know my cousin is suffering autism, it doesn’t change our relationship.
Illustration by Jelina Luu
Frequent visits to the doctor can help with early detection of cancer and other medical conditions K at heri ng Montelon Often, people think going to the doctor, making an appointment, and getting a check up is a waste of time. No one needs to go to the doctor when everything is perfectly fine and there is no sign of any type of cancer. Wrong. According to the American Cancer Society, “Having one sign or symptom may not be enough to figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes, a patient’s signs and symptoms still don’t give the doctor enough clues to be sure what is causing the illness. Then medical tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.” If people really care about their families and friends, why do they lack the effort to make an appointment to see the doctor to make sure there are no signs of cancer? It is not that hard to see a doctor to get a screening. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it should be treated because it is very important. Guadalupe de Santiago, a sophomore, had relatives diagnosed with cancer, mostly from her mother’s side of the family. Santiago had a grandpa diagnosed with cancer, but he did not take care of it. However, Santiago’s grandma went to the hospital to have an operation. Santiago’s grandpa unfortunately died, while Santiago’s grandma was a survivor of cancer. “I felt sad because I think he should have
gone to take treatment but he did not. I felt great that my grandma survived cancer, because now I know if I had cancer I would also be able to survive cancer as well,” Santiago said “My uncle had a tumor in his head when he was thirty years old. When he found out he had cancer it was too late. I felt very sad for my uncle because I saw him dead in the funeral.” According to the American Cancer Society, in 2012 about 577,190 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease, accounting for nearly one of every four deaths. Survival varies widely by cell type and stage of disease. People who are diagnosed with cancer should think that it is possible to survive cancer. There are a variety of treatments to choose from to survive cancer. Another good reason for going to the doctor and having a check up is that if someone is detected with cancer in the family, there might be a chance that someone else in the same family is afflicted as well. That is why I think it is the best for people to go to the doctor, and if cancer is detected, then it should be treated. The point is do not be childish about the decision to go see a doctor when it could save your life and the lives of your family members.
7
THE MATADOR
OPINIONS
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
A simple umbrella hat can go a long way for individualism
those bewildered witnesses didn’t understand. Don’t get me wrong. Everybody is a critic. Don’t I still cower toward judgment, believe me? Wear a clown wig and but I make an effort to punch out a spacesuit in public and see if my resistance. It is just stronger in that gets a reaction. Even though others, while some are very open. I am not wearing those pieces of Of course self-expression is not clothing, it feels as if I am. The limited toward clothing; it could chuck of a head turn, the whispers, also be speaking up one’s mind, and the finger pointing become how we interact amongst our peers, apparent after a few moments out or even how we write. People have in the streets. their own paces in developing O n r a i n y d a y s , w h e n I their own personalities whether decide to wear an umbrella hat extremely willing to share it toward to school, people believe that I the public or confined within one’s am brave and adventurous. But personal space. inner turmoil consumes We live in an age when seven me in those moments of billion people are grouped anticipation as I decide into a category whether I should one way or grab my umbrella a n o t h e r. I t ’ s hat. It’s risky. I sad to say how will journey challenging it is through the to stand out. David laughs, the McCullough, an praise, Englis h teacher, but most explored this idea importantly within his faculty the judgment speech, deemed the within each and “You’re not Special every one of the Speech,” to the Class of student body. My 2012 to Wellesley High experience of one graduates. negative comment “Even if you’re one amongst the in a million, on a planet plethora of positives of 6.8 billion, that means have become quite there are nearly 7,000 daunting. I have to people just like you… and say, that umbrella hat consider for a moment was embarrassing at Illustration by Annie Huang the bigger picture: your first, but at the end planet, I’ll remind you, of the day I was glad I made an is not the center of its solar system, impression with onlookers. your solar system is not the center But why do we have that fear of of its galaxy, your galaxy is not being ourselves? Why do we care the center of the universe. In fact, what people think? Honestly, the astrophysicists assure us the people in public will only see you universe has no center; therefore, once, and people in school will you cannot be it.” forget what you wore yesterday. The speech states the blunt truth. That umbrella hat? Never spoken No one is special because everyone of again after the day I wore it. is. Conformity hides behind every The point is that I showed off my corner; that is just the more reason individualism, which was an aspect to shine our individuality. Mi mi Lam
Illustration by Annie Huang
‘Prom’posals make it hard for girls to voice feelings Hana Ngo Perfect dress? Check. Hair and make up? Check. Shoes and accessories? Check. Date? Probably not. It’s prom season, ladies and gentlemen, which means the checklists come out. Guys are getting fitted for their suit and ties. Girls are on the hunt for the perfect dress, the shoes, the styles, and for some, the perfect date. Every dance season, there’s always someone getting asked. While a lot of thought is put into asking a girl out – there’s a lot more than what is expected. The standard has gone up from the typical roses and asking the question, to flashy posters and activities. There’s a fine line that needs to be drawn though about all this asking. I do have to hand it to the boy who asked by twerking in gold booty shorts, A+ for creativity. But why the need to go to extreme lengths just to ask someone to a dance? Instead of proposing for marriage people are now proposing for prom - a promposal. Another issue is the answer – guys automatically expect a “yes” simply because they went through all the trouble of planning on how to ask you. Everybody has the right to say “no.” You shouldn’t be pressured into saying yes just because you’ve been asked in front of everybody, making you look like the bad guy when the boy put so much effort into asking. There are two sides to every story – a girl may be uncomfortable with the attention, and she may not even be that close to you – so why should she have to put up with your antics? If a dog understands the meaning of “no,” then how come humans don’t? Girls don’t always need dates. Yes, some would like one – so that they can partake in the trading card game that is dance pictures. And some girls do enjoy the process of being asked - but for some, it’s unwanted and unnecessary. Why waste time and money just for a simple “yes?” Just a reminder: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a date or not, or just going with a group of friends. All that matters is that you have a night of fun, dressed up to the nine’s for the occasion.
Editor in Chief News Editors Opinions Editors Focus Editor Life and Art Editors Sports Editors Features Editors Copy Editors Photo Editor Artists Business Managers Website Editors Blogs Manager Photographers Adviser
Lauren Fukumoto Jenny Bui Steven Ho Maggie Cheng Monica Lam Natalie Tran Derrick Chi Debbie Dinh Marvin Luu Oscar Molina Sandy Peng Julianne Teng Christopher Lan Priscilla Liang Jenny Wu Hana Ngo Annie Huang Jelina Luu John Truong Irene Hong Chelsey Tran Celine Dang Yadanar Oo Karen Rivera Nana Akahoshi Derek Deng Sonny Hy Jennifer Kim
The Matador Bullring What do you want to do before the school year ends?
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“I plan on spending my time at volleyball practice and hanging out with friends.”
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“I want to be more involved in clubs for next year, like ASB and JCC.” -Mayra Jimenez, 10th grade
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“I want to bring my grades up.”
Assistant Editors: Vanessa De La Rosa, Kristy Duong, Annie Huang, Lauren Kakazu, Mimi Lam, Tran Lam, Rebecca Lei, Jelina Luu, Kathering Montelon Reporters: Kaleen Luu, Brian Rios, Crystal Wong The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox. The Matador is published monthly by the journalism staff of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at JEJ Print Inc. The opinions and views expressed in The Matador do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the school or the Alhambra School District. The Matador and the Alhambra Unified School District do not endorse the vendors advertised in this paper.
- Tommy Liung, 9th grade
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-Chhe Tum, 11th grade
“I want to go to places I’ve never been to before, such as a nude beach.” -Drew Navas, 12th grade
MoreThanWords
Julianne Teng The outside looking in Let’s be honest here. I’m no Joel Stein, the genius behind the Awesome Column of Time Magazine. I can’t write superbly well, or string together words to form some brilliant sentences, or even combine these unpolished thoughts into an organized manner. I also can’t solve for “x” in my sleep, or memorize the Krebs cycle by heart, or remember a series of American Revolutionary battles in chronological order, but I will ultimately resolve to my last resort-- to try. Of course, with great leaps of faith comes the possibility of failure, but the latter occurs too often that I do not even react. Often times, uncertainty is so daunting that I decide to completely shell away in order to avoid committing blunders because of my apprehensive attitude. Ever since entering grade school, I found myself labeled as the shy, quiet girl, wordless till it is her turn to speak. I was just never as courageous as the 10-year-old Jane Eyre who dares to defy her unloving aunt and deems Mrs. Reed a liar. Every bone within me would never have allowed such acts of unladylike manners, especially for someone like Jane, an orphan well below the authority line. Thus, this leads me flowing with the social norm, and acceptance of my theory of fate. This issue that I never resolved evidently carries its seed to high school, where I still, never colored outside the lines. It was simpler, far easier than expected for I blended well as a wallflower-- silent and decorative, virtually useless. My reserved nature didn’t bother me for I was not troublesome and I was able to hide so perfectly behind those who could not survive the daylight without constant chatter. It was a good tactic for me to never be called on in class, but elsewhere, this plan does not execute well. I thought by high school, I would override some of this disease, but the efforts of altering the side effects of passiveness is far greater than I would have liked. It was a burden to raise my hand, voice my opinion, ask for help, and the scariest one of all: putting myself out there. I guess I never really understood what courage really meant. To me it was merely a noun meaning the moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand difficulty. With total ignorance, I left out the other half of the definition involving mental strength. Because of this, for years I stumped in the ocean of unconsciousness, trudging in the waking waters that led me blindly to the shore of my old habits. As I prepare to register a new chapter of life’s story, writing this column has definitely been one of my few milestones. For the four years I have been in The Matador, I never found the courage in me to write for the opinions section. I resonated in myself that I did not have any validating reason to stand for, so I kept in the shadows. Despite the constant encouragement from the previous staff members, I lacked the confidence in my words. Initially, hesitant old me declined the offer of this column, but I knew this was my last chance and I had no other choice. From my own experiences to hopefully none of yours, find the courage that I had never found. To this day, I still don’t know where I will reside in the next four years, but I have found exploring to be my new calling. Here’s to the future.
FOCUS
THE MATADOR
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
8
YOUTUBE GURUS PROVIDE A HASSLE-FREE AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO PREP FOR PROM Nat al i e Tran Prom is an exhilarating time for many of us. It’s the one night during our high school career when we get the chance to feel and look like royalty. Sadly, many of us are also very busy and do not hold jobs, so looking good for prom can be both time-consuming and costly. But thanks to YouTube video tutorials, we can all learn how to create picture-perfect looks in time for the special occasion. Rather than paying up big bucks for hair stylists and makeup artists, girls can style themselves via beauty gurus. Viewers can learn how to create big, soft curls like the Victoria’s Secret Angels, glamorous faux bobs with retro pin curls, or haute couture high updos to feel like celebrities walking on a red carpet. They can also learn about what
tools and hair products to use, as well as learn how to use them. Makeup tutorials can teach girls how to apply things like foundation and eyeliner, which tend to be tricky for first-timers. Many gurus also have tutorials that use only drugstorebrand products, as well as show viewers were to purchase “dupes” for name-brand products. Guys can also turn to YouTube for help as well. Having a nice hairstyle is essential for prom, and hair tutorial videos can help guys just as they do girls. Looking to achieve David Beckham’s hair? There’s a tutorial for that. Want to learn how to style an undercut? There’s a tutorial for that, too. YouTube video tutorials are a great way to learn new styling skills, which are useful for everyday looks as well. With these videos, we can all achieve the perfect look without the stresses of leaving home and burning a hole in our wallets.
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FIND YOUR PERFECT PROM NIGHT STYLE C ry s t al Wong and Maggi e C heng Prom, one of the most exciting events of senior year, can be a magical night when you are with the right person and wearing the right dress. To name a few styles of dresses for prom, a vintage, Hollywood glam, rock n’ roll, or sweet and romantic all have a chic yet classic style for this year. For a vintage look, a retro dress will give a unique feel. <Modcloth. com> or thrift shops are perfect places to find vintage, one-of-a-kind dresses. Shopping at these places can almost guarantee that no other girl will be wearing the same dress as you at prom. And let’s face it, we wouldn’t want that, right? But no matter what kind of dress you decide to wear, the accessories you choose can help either make or break your look. After finding the perfect prom-worthy dress, one mustn’t forget about the accessories to go with your outfit. It’s recommended to bring a wristlet or a clutch since a purse may be obnoxious to hold onto when you want to make your way to the dance floor. A small clutch with a shoulder strap or a wristlet is a perfect prom accessory because not only can it complete your outfit, but it can also carry your phone, camera, money, and any other small makeup items for quick touch-ups in the restroom. One of the most important prom accessories that should be planned at least two weeks in advance would be a boutonniere for your date and a corsage for yourself. If you want to have matching corsages and boutonnieres, then you may go to a flower shop and order matching ones. To ensure a great prom experience, make sure to check out <fashion.thematadorsghs.com> for more information on what essentials to bring to prom and how to plan out your schedule one week before the big night.
Photo illustration by
Natalie Tran
For more information on prom, check out <thematadorsghs.com>
9
THE MATADOR
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
FOCUS
LOCATION DESTINATION: THE WESTIN BONAVENTURE
Situating itself among urban skylines, prom will boast plenty of views of an impressive cityscape. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites is the largest hotel in the city and is valued at $200 million. Built between 1974 and 1976, the Bonaventure displays 35 stories that range from a revolving cocktail lounge to boutiques and outdoor swimming pools all designed by architect John C. Portman, Jr. Dozens of movies and television shows have filmed at the Westin Bonaventure from Strange Days, Hancock, Chuck, Mission Impossible III and many episodes of CSI. In addition, the hotel is located right in the center of famous Los Angeles attractions from the Staples Center to the Warner Brothers’ Studios. The view looking outside of the clear, glass elevators include the famous Hollywood sign and the artistic streets of the city. Prom will be held in the Catalina Ballroom, which is both elegant and charming with stylish contemporary decor, located on the side of the hotel’s six story atrium that is filled with boutiques and international restaurants. Guests can also view a magnificent skyline as well as cross a bridge that connects the hotel’s parking structure to the lobby. The bridge allows for a better view of city life, as well as for taking photos before entering the hotel itself. The glitz and glam of the luxurious Hollywood life is all located here in the hotel’s “city-within-a-city.”
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courtesy of YouTube
Jenny B ui
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beauty gurus and demonstrate how to and apply makeup.
Photos courtesy of flickr.com n Luong
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SELF-PARKING: $10 (IN GARAGE ON FLOWER ST.) VALET: $20 (AT THE HOTEL) ALL PARKING MUST BEVERIFIED BY MS. REVILLA Map courtesy of starwoodhotels.com
PROM IS STILL OR WITHOUT APROMISING WITH DATE BY YOUR SIDE
S te ve n H o “I can’t go to prom . I don’t have a da te.” I take excuses very well—exceptionall y well for that matt eral circumstances er—but under gen, the lack of a date should not dictate to prom or not. As whether one is go unappealing as it ing may sound, going just as magical—or to prom alone may even more so—as be go in Prom is meant to g with that dream be a nostalgic acco lady or gentleman . lade of high school one night, so a date memories captured should not define in how many good m Since many anxio emories are left be us prom attendees hind. are afraid of walki doors without com ng through the pr pany firm around om the elbow, there se drive to find a prom ems to be a relentle date who may or ss may not be a perfe a shame because dr ct match. This is tru agging along som ly eone who does no to prom puts a bu t completely want rden on both hand to go s in the business de “Going with a date al. has its perks, but sta ying with friends is senior Jenny Teng more memorable,” said. Teng, who is going to prom alo a date would oblig ne, feels that brin ate her to spend th ging e night with him. having a date shou She believes that ld not dampen a pe not rson’s dream of go senior year, and I ing to prom. “It’s might as well go,” my Teng said. Going alone has its perks: not worryin g about someone els corsages, and phot e paying for tickets, os; coordinating rid es; and not feeling night with someo obligated to spend ne else. Friends ca the n go to prom with and the entire nigh out having to find t would not be wa a da te, ste d on romantic compl not forget the Cind ications. One mus erella story ending t , where the gracefu auspiciously mee lly-single prom m ts her Prince Char aiden ming at the fancy on prom night, go ball. Whatever ha ing alone should ppens never be synonym alone in the corner ous with being fo watching others ha rever ve fun. On the co prom couples migh ntrary, disappoin t be the ones starin ted g at the group of fun on the dance single friends havi floor. ng Society preaches Am erican values of in one should feel in dividuality and in clined to ask som dependence, so no eone just to go to not rely on a shrin prom. Happiness king sea of single should fish. The best catch es may come natu rally.
LIFE & ART
10
NEWS
THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Popular activities for teenagers in 1950’s-60’s Soda Fountains
old-fashioned sweet spots have long been gone, there are still a few surviving.
Look around your area and what do you see? Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, and countless boba places – these are some destinations we turn to during times of hunger and thirst. These sweet spots play a big role in our daily lives, but in the old days, another shop grabbed the attention of the folks from older generations. Traveling back in history, the pharmacy was not only the place for the locals to get their prescriptions, but it also was the ideal spot for those with a sweet tooth. What made these ice cream parlors attractive were their soda fountains and huge menus consisting of malteds, milkshakes, cherry floats, sundaes, and egg creams. The families who ran the shops, who were called “soda jerks,” also promoted a friendly environment. The sweet haven served as an opportunity for people to socialize. Even though many of these
Remaining Places Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena Mitchell’s Ice Cream in San Francisco McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream in Santa Bar bara Old Towne Grinder & Ice Cream Parlor in Orange County Photo courtesy of missretroagogo.blogspot.com
Girls flock to grab soda from a “soda jerk” who was responsible for dispensing and delivering drinks to the crowd.
Drive-In Theaters
Jerry’s Soda Shoppe in Canoga Park, LA - Jelina Luu theaters are no longer popular, it is still one of the notable past times during the 50s-60s.
Dive back into the 1950’s and 1960’s when going to the movies only occurred at night. People started to drive into an empty lot when the sun set. Popcorn was readily made and the soda was by their fingertips. They would look for the perfect spot where the screen was in full view. All the other people who surrounded the car were ready to watch a new movie. Back then, drive-in movie theaters were frequent places for young teenagers to socialize. Sitting comfortably in one’s own car and also having privacy were two things that were guaranteed when drive-in theaters were prevalent. As time went on, the popularity of drive-in movie theaters started to decline with the emergence of indoor theaters. Large parking lots once used for drivein movie theaters are now used for other buildings. Although in modern times drive-in movie
Remaining Places Vineland Drive-In Movie Theater in City of Industry, CA Devil’s Night Drive-In in Downtown LA Van Buren Drive-In Theater in Riverside West Wind Santa Barbara Drive-In in Santa Barbara Photo courtesy of Ogle Winston Link
O Winston Link’s Hotshot Eastbound (1965) taken at the drive-in theater in Iaeger, West Virginia.
Illustration by Annie Huang
Tunes playing on the radio in the 1940’s-50’s Oscar Molina The 1950’s gave way to a period in the United States when music continued to revolutionize audience appeal by entertaining younger crowds, the teenagers. The period was engulfed by revolutionizing world and national events: the Korean War, the Red Scare, a post-World War II economic boom, the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, and major technological advancements. But despite any troubles, music was able to produce a safe haven for teenagers seeking to find enjoyment. Music throughout the 1950’s was dominated by pop music, rockabilly and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Pop music at the time was considered music that exhibited influences of jazz, swing, and big band music; typically it brought 1940’s-style music over into the 50’s. The genre featured vocalists, sometimes with Italian Canto Bella traditions, supported by orchestras. Hit artists for pop music consisted of Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Dean Martin, and Patti Page. Audiences were further entertained with Rhythm and Blues music that introduced them to funky and
Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater in Montclair, CA - Monica Lam
Fashion recreated
up-tempo songs based on jazz, doo-wop, blues, and gospel. Not only did R&B help create the foundation for the style that would heavily influence Rock ‘n’ Roll, but it also helped create the foundation for the careers of many African-American artists like The Drifters, Frankie Lymon, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, The Platters, Ray Charles,Sam Cooke, and the Teenagers. Each genre shared a hint of style from other genres, but Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rockabilly were the ultimate culmination of all different styles. Rockabilly, which was led by Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, and Jerry Lee Lewis, appeared in the early 50’s and brought Rock ‘n’ Roll to country folk. The 50’s served as a developmental period for the greatest wonder of the era, Rock ‘n’ Roll, a genre that was identifiable with teenagers and displayed guitar solos and showmanship. The sometimes sexually provocative style became extremely influential in popular culture, especially in uniting African-American and white teenagers during the Civil Rights Movement. Although Elvis Presley is known as the face of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the industry was also led by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino.
Photo by Debbie Dinh Photo courtesy of rollingstones.com, screanews.us and tonybennett.com
From left to right: Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Tony Bennett, and Little Richard.
Junior Alicia Bermudez and senior Sandy Nguyen demonstrate two different female styles of dress popular in the 1950’s and 60’s. These costumes were featured in The Outsiders.
11
LIFE & ART
THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 English literature novels that made themselves classic today Vanessa De La Rosa
Photo by Derek Dang
From left to right: Chris Oliva, Andres Bermudez, Isai Fernandez, Omar Sarabia, Tyler Dominguez and Cristian Saldivar.
60’s pop culture in ‘The Outsiders’
S t even H o The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton was a truly vicarious vision of the 1960’s, including every aspect of fashion and culture of this stormy decade in American history. San Gabriel’s theater production of The Outsiders encompasses much of the trends in 1960’s America by featuring the edgy “Greasers,” who were the gang-like hoodlums, and the “Socs,” who were the privileged teens of the upper-middle class. The fashion trends and other cultural remnants of the sixties have made an impact on future American culture. Patrick Posada, the director of the theater program at San Gabriel, explains how the students researched the fashion styles of the 1950’s and 1960’s. The boys assembled their own costumes. “The girls went with costumes from Pasadena [shops], .and some of the guys went to the gym,” Posada said. “Greaser” fashion persists to this day, taking on the look of rough-and-tough attitudes. Greasers wore plain black or white Tshirts, blue Levi jeans, and Chuck Taylor Converse. The complete look was complemented by a slicked-back hairdo. The surreptitious look still has not gone out of style; a greaser subculture developed and inspired rock music and punk rock. The preppy fashion of the Socs translates well into today’s perception of “proper and obedient children.” The guys usually wore checkered vests and plaid T-shirts with slacks, while the girls wore short pleated skirts and dresses along with a jacket and long socks. Stores such as Dairy Queen also were very popular and iconic. There were also many more record and music stores in the 1960’s, which added to the rock n’ roll era in the next decades. Overall, the sixties fashion and trends were all classic facets in the play.
The 1950’s gave birth to several extremely talented writers who are still admired and esteemed to this day. Among those who contributed to the astounding literary culture of the era, some of the most prominent writers were Ray Bradbury, William Golding, Vladimir Nabakov, Sylvia Plath, and J.D. Salinger. Although Sylvia Plath did not publish her first book until the early 1960’s, she began publishing in national periodicals and was heavily influenced by the fifties. She wrote The Bell Jar in the early sixties, a dark novel that paralleled her own life and her descent into the darkness of her mind. William Golding published Lord of the Flies in 1954. It contains moral themes that explores the aspects of human nature and instinct. The book was not successful in its prime, but was soon taught and
incorporated into both British and American schools. Many of these writers explored controversial themes that were not accepted at the time of their publication. Vladimir Nabakov stirred up much controversy with his book Lolita, which was published in 1955. The story tells of an aging man who falls obsessively in love with 12year-old Dolores Haze and exploits the maddening hallucinations that passion can create. Published in 1951, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye generated much dispute. The book was originally published for adults, but became popular with adolescents because of it’s existential themes. A teacher in the early sixties was fired for assigning a class the book to read, and the book continued to be on the “most challenged books” up until 2005. Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 harbors themes of conformity and
the use of technology and the media to control society. Published in 1953, the book uses strong language and was constantly challenged, but was nonetheless considered one of the greatest books in English literature to this day.
Photo courtesy of meggarr.wordpress.com
America’s celebrities remain alive in entertainment culture S onny Hy The 1950’s and 60’s of America in culture provided a plethora of musicians, actors and people who will always be carried throughout time. Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Bettie Page and Mick Jagger are only a few of these stars from an age of music and performances by people who deserve to be remembered. Musicians who decorated this age have become staples of their genre. Presley defined Rock n’ Roll; the very mention of his name evokes powerful emotions of love, cherishment and adoration for his ability and regret for his death. Mick Jagger of the
Rolling Stones launched Rock n’ Roll with songs like “Paint It Black.” The Beatles invaded America and brought forth fangirls and intense, unimaginable fascination with the four British males who enchanted Americans with “Blackbird,” “Across the Universe” and many others. Actors and movie stars rose to fame in this era, symbolizing and capturing the essence of America at the time. Marilyn Monroe captivated America by singing and acting. James Dean seduced America with his beauty and acting ability in movies like Rebel Without a Cause. Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor charmed America in movies like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. These people cultivated American culture and now they remain as classics in today’s society.
SPORTS 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W
JV 4/2 vs. Bell Gardens 4/4 vs. Schurr 4/9 vs. Mark Keppel* 4/11 vs. Montebello
2-0 W 3-0 W 2-0 W
FRESHMAN 4/3 vs. Burbank* 4/10 vs. Bourroughs* 4/13 vs. John Bourroughs Tourn.*
BOYS TENNIS VARSITY 4/2 vs. Schurr 4/4 vs. Mark Keppel 4/9 vs. Montebello 4/11 vs. Alhambra
6-12 L 10-8 W 14-4 W 17-1 W
JV 4/2 vs. Schurr 4/4 vs. Mark Keppel 4/9 vs. Montebello
13-5 W 5-13 L 16-2 W
BASEBALL VARSITY 4/2 vs. Alhambra 4/5 vs. Schurr 4/9 vs. Bell Gardens 4/12 vs. Bell Gardens
0-8 L 8-5 W 4-5 L 0-1 L
JV 4/2 vs. Alhambra 4/5 vs. Schurr 4/9 vs. Bell Gardens 4/12 vs. Bell Gardens
0-24 L 1-5 L 14-3 W 14-14 Tie 0-8 L 6-20 L 12-5 W 10-0 W
7-10 L 6-7 L
20-20 T 4-20 L
CO-ED BADMINTON VARSITY 4/2 vs. Polytechnic 4/4 vs. Mark Keppel 4/9 vs. Pasadena 4/11 vs. Alhambra
Rescheduled 19-2 W 21-0 W 16-5 W
CO-ED SWIM VARSITY 4/4 vs. Montebello 4/9 vs. Schurr 4/11 vs. Mark Keppel JV 4/4 vs. Montebello 4/9 vs. Schurr 4/11 vs. Mark Keppel
Rescheduled (G) 58-111 L (B) 101-68 W (G) 35-135 L (B) 56-114 L Rescheduled (G) 85-69 W (B) 99-52 W (G) 32-132 L (B) 37-117 L
CO-ED TRACK VARSITY 4/4 vs. Mark Keppel 4/11 vs. Montebello JV 4/4 vs. Mark Keppel 4/11 vs. Montebello
Rituals have become an integral past time in sports all over the world and whether they are carried out pregame, in-game, or post-game, rituals bring people together to celebrate the will to win. Rituals are usually done for a variety of reasons. For example, people may engage in rituals as a way to fit in culturally or to form an identity that is similar to their surrounding environment. For example, at the TD Garden, Celtics forward Kevin Garnett participates in a pre-game ritual in which he bangs his head onto a column to boost his competitiveness. Miami Heat forward Lebron James does a routine in which he grabs chalk and throws it in the air. Adding to the excitement and anxiety before every game, James does this to stir mixed feelings in the crowd at every NBA game he plays. Culturally significant activities help to gain the support of surrounding fans, which lead to increased output of “peppiness” and “cheer” from the crowd. During the half-time show of the Maryland Testudos and Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball game, University of Maryland college students participated in a choreographed “flash mob,” in which a group of random spectators jump in on an organized dance routine. Typically during games, fans main-
(G) 53-39 W (B) 108-19 W (G) 11-116 L (B) 34-93 L (G) 26-56 (B) 79-48 (G) 44-83 (B) 63-64
L W L L
*No available score
Check out www.thematadorsghs.com for updated scores and game. recaps
Photo by Derek Deng
Captains Brenda Hau and Petty Thai assemble the Choreo team in their preroutine “good luck” ritual to pray for a successful performance at APR. tain traditions in hopes of keeping a team’s chances at victory. Often, teams participate in rituals that would unite the entire crowd and create a single entity that enhances the competitive nature. At San Gabriel High School, many sports teams engage in rituals to promote luck before the teams go off to compete. Before the start of any football game, a few San Gabriel varsity football players gather at the end zone and kneel on the turf to pray for a good game and a sound victory. “We do prayers before we go on the field,” former San Gabriel linebacker Felix Cai said. “We would gather around and
say a prayer and it would be about protecting players on the field, appreciating what we have, and accepting the outcome of the game whether it is a win or a loss.” Before every performance, the Choreo dance team participates in a pre-performance ritual where the entire team, in locked arms, lifts each other’s spirits by wishing luck to one another. “Leaders and captains would give advice to everyone and remind everyone that this is our time,” Choreo leader Michelle Sy said. All in all, rituals are important in helping to bring forth a competitive nature, connecting the bond of a team, and fitting in to a cultural surrounding.
Robinson and Lin define the face of sports equality Marvi n Luu
SOFTBALL
JV 4/9 vs. Bell Gardens 4/11 vs. Mark Keppel
12
J ohn Truong
VARSITY 4/2 vs. Bell Gardens 4/4 vs. Schurr 4/9 vs. Mark Keppel 4/11 vs. Montebello
VARSITY 4/9 vs. Bell Gardens 4/11 vs. Mark Keppel 4/16 vs. Montebello* 4/18 vs. Alhambra*
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Team rituals and cheers increase overall confidence
BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL
FRESHMAN 4/2 vs. Alhambra 4/5 vs. Schurr 4/9 vs. Bell Gardens 4/12 vs. Bell Gardens
THE MATADOR
With the growing popularity of a new Jackie Robinson movie 42 released on April 12, many are beginning to reflect on the pressures of being a minority in a sports league. In the late 1800s, professional African-American players were only permitted to play in all-black teams; Robinson originally played for the Kansas Monarchs, one of these teams, before Dodgers manager Branch Rickey changed his life. On October 23, 1945, Robinson, as a free agent, signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In a time where strict segregation of blacks and whites still existed, Robinson had to hold his ground and to stay strong under heavy public observation. His perseverance would eventually earn him respect as a he won Rookie of the Year in 1947 and the major league’s Most Valuable Player award two years later. His name was immortalized in 1962 when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Breaking the color barrier in 1945, Robinson opened the door for many minorities to join national leagues predominated by white players. In 1947 Wat Misaka became the first Asian born player to play for the New York Knickerbockers in the National Basketball Association. Though the number of Asian players who have played in the NBA are still limited, after Misaka, eight more Asian players would join the league. Misaka’s entrance was eventually followed by 7’6’’ center Yao Ming and the new young AsianAmerican guard Jeremy Lin who is currently playing for the Houston Rockets. Lin, who took part in a huge scoring period last year, later dubbed “Linsanity,” admitted to hearing racial slurs and Asian stereotypes from the crowd even before playing as a pro in New York. In a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports, Lin opened up about how he felt about being an Asian American in the NBA. “I was a little surprised, but I wasn’t shocked. I honestly feel it’s part of the underlying issue of race in American
Workout of the Month:
Photo courtesy of www.nydaily.com
society of being an Asian-American,” Lin said. “I’ve always been a target. Everyone looks at me and says, ‘I’m not going to let that Asian kid embarrass me. I’m going to go at him.’” There is no doubt that being a minority in sports is uneasy as stereotypes and racism still exists in America. However, under the examples of Robinson and Misaki, hopefully our society will learn to appreciate a player’s ability to play and not to judge them by their backgrounds.
Step 1 & 4
The Warrior (Yoga) You do not have to be an athlete to live a healthy and
vigorous lifestyle; you just have to give exercise and eating healthy a try. Anyone can do it. Description: The Warrior yoga pose stretches the upper body and lungs and strengthens the thighs, calves and ankles. Step 1: Stand in a Mountain Position on a flat surface.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 2: Spread your legs a little more than shoulder width apart, turn your right foot 90 degrees and your right foot inwards 45 degrees. Then, square your hips to the right. Step 3: Inhaling, bend your right leg while bringing both of your arms together. Look up at your hands and hold for 30 seconds to a minute. (You should be able to feel the burn on your calves!) Step 4: Exhale back into your original position and do the same with your other leg. Photo by Derek Deng
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THE MATADOR
SPORTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Students aspire to pursue a variety of sports careers Antonio Ruiz: Pro Athlete
Sportscaster Real sports time with Brian Rios I have not always had a burning passion for sports; in fact there was a point in my life in which I did not even like sports. Somewhere along the line of being a terrible athlete, I lost hope in trying to understand sports. I vaguely remember playing basketball as a child, and I try to forget about my three years of baseball because to my disappointment, I merely managed to register one hit. My 15 seconds of glory quickly faded as I ran to third base with a tight grip on the bat. I realized that I was not meant to play sports. I attempted to turn my back on sports but to no avail. I suppose it did not help that my house was always the host to Super Bowl parties and was Laker-friendly. I vividly remember watching my first Lakers game. It’s a day I will never forget because it is the day I fell in love with Lakers basketball. It was May 29, 2004 and the Lakers were at Minnesota, taking on Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves. I was watching the game at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It was an elimination game as the Lakers were up 4-1 in the series; however, they would lose the game by a mere two points. Nonetheless, I recall the game as if it were yesterday. Eventually my affinity for the Lakers grew into an admiration of basketball. Each loss pained me but I kept loyal to the purple and yellow. My dad taught me the ins and outs of basketball, and simultaneously my knowledge and passion for the game mushroomed. There was one particular night when the Lakers surged a comeback and forced overtime. Unfortunately, I had a bed time like any other kid and to my dismay, missed the overtime period. However, my dad reassured me by telling me I could watch the highlights on Sports Center. My eyes lit up with amazement as I spent the entire day watching Sports Center. Since the sixth grade, I have watched the 6 o’clock Sports Center right before school and the 4 o’clock Sports Center after school. It is safe to say I have evolved into quite the poindexter in sports. I no longer watch sports, but instead analyze them, and for me, no sport is difficult to parse. With my newfound passion for journalism, it is with great confidence and pride that I aspire to become a sportscaster. This is my life, this is what I do.
Photo by Derek Deng
A 93 mile per hour fastball. A height of 6’4’’. Those are qualities that are putting Antonio Ruiz well on his way to playing for Major League Baseball (MLB) as a pitcher or a shortstop. “Baseball is an integral part of my life,” Ruiz said. “I’ve been playing ever since I was four.” Throughout this year Ruiz has been scouted by the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Blue Jays are pursuing Ruiz heavily and have proposed the option of going to Florida to train for the Blue Jays and starting off playing in a rookie league until he can make his way up the ladder. “I would take the oppurtunity in a heartbeat,” Ruiz said. Aside from going straight to the MLB, Ruiz has considered attending Rio Hondo College or the California State University, Bakersfield, where he would also play baseball. If Ruiz is unable to sign a contract with the Blue Jays, he will most likely go to Rio Hondo because he could then get more easily contracted by the MLB, unlike at Bakersfield.
Tracy Lam: Physical Therapist Senior Tracy Lam’s dual passion for sports and science has significantly swayed her into pursuing a career as a physical therapist. Lam has not endured severe injuries but in her sophomore year she realized that she wanted to be a physical therapist. Lam has yet to decide what sport she wants to specialize in but her favorite is basketball. She plans on majoring in kinesiology at Humboldt State University, and then move on to obtain a physical therapy license. “It is always difficult for an athlete to recover mentally so being optimistic is crucial in being a physical therapist. Anyone can recover from a physical injury; it’s their mental state that could either help them or hinder them,” Lam said. Lam is very focused on becoming a physical therapist and adamant on helping people recover to Photo by Derek Deng a healthy state of being. trainer saw the disappointment in Abner Taghdis: Kinesiologist letic my face as he told me my thumb was In most cases, sports injuries broken, but he did whatever he could tend to deter student athletes to ensure I play basketball again,” mentally and physically. HowTaghdis said. ever, senior Abner Taghdis has Since his injury, Taghdis has dispelled the negative stigma aspired to become the very perthat comes with injuries by son that guided him through his convalescing through his own injury. “I want to help athletes grievances. Taghdis has that are battling through battled through a broinjuries because I know ken ankle, a broken what it’s like,” Taghdis wrist, and a broken said. thumb. It has been Taghdis plans to his injuries that major in kinesiolhave steered him ogy at Citrus ColPhoto by Derek Deng into the path of belege where he seeks coming an athletic trainer. “The ath- to begin his career as an athletic trainer.
Sports Media Caring about sports with Karen Rivera Whether I watched my dad coach football from the sidelines or watched basketball games religiously on the television, I grew up learning and admiring these sports. Since I was a young girl I would yell at the television as if the referees or players could hear my frustration. This was my favorite past time growing up, but I soon discovered that watching and analyzing basketball and football games would become not only my passion, but also my life. Although playing basketball and softball was fun until I tore a ligament in my right knee, it wasn’t the field of sports I was meant for. After the injury I suffered, I was then able to spend most of my time looking deeply into professional sports. After spending multiple nights taking notes on Lakers games or 49ers games and Tweeting my thoughts, I figured that this was more than being a dedicated fan; this is what my life is going to be. My future resided within the realm of sports media and there was no doubt about it. Listening to Marv Albert call basketball games or reading an article by Dave McMenamin about the Lakers has further inspired me to be in their position of work. I have made these sporting events such a big part of my life that I have planned my daily schedule around them. I have gathered a following on Twitter from basketball and football fans to professional athletes, such as Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and 49ers tight end Vernon Davis to share my thoughts with. I have a responsibility that I owe to fans when it comes to updates and thoughts about games. Whether I’m live Tweeting or blogging about the Lakers poor transition defense or the 49ers off-season acquisitions, I have to fulfill the need to discuss these important aspects of the game. My life is more than just watching a game, it’s analyzing and looking closely at match-ups. I am a sports enthusiast following in the foot steps of Chick Hearn and Adrian Wojnarowski. My name will be known in sports media. I was meant to do this.
Isai Fernandez: Trainer Senior Isai Fernandez’s passion for sports and interest in the medical field has developed into the dream of becoming a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Ever since he felt improperly aided after he broke his leg freshman year during football, he has hoped that one day he will be able to return to San Gabriel or any other high school to assist injured athletes. “I never had anyone carry me through my recovery process, so I want to help athletes avoid this scenario,” Fernandez said. Fernandez plans on attending the University of La Verne or the University of Saint Mary, where he will pursue a degree in sports medicine. Aside from this career path, Fernandez
Photo by Derek Deng
has also considered becoming a football coach, a goal brought upon him by his admiration for Coach Jude Oliva. “I want to be a type of savior for impoverished students who might not have insurance to cover their medical expenses,” Fernandez said. Following through in his peers’ footsteps, Fernandez does not show signs of diverging from an athletic-related career but rather following through with his humble and competitive faith.
Briefs by Brian Rios, Marvin Luu, and Oscar Molina
FEATURES Tell Me
what’s the
WORD. Famous Hallway quotes, Volume Thirty-seven
Friend 1: “Did you ever run for anything?” Friend 2: “I ran for the lunch line.” - Student asking about prom applications. “If you kill somebody, you have to admit it.” - Teacher talking about OJ Simpson. “We’re almost there on New Mar Ave.” - Student driving on the freeway. “Can you put my ear back on?” - Student adjusting her Minnie Mouse ears. “I’ll pick up your binder for extra credit points.” - Student offering help to his teacher.
“Don’t roll over my grandmother.” - Student talking about Rose Hills. “Dog butts are cute.” - Student talking about dogs.
“It’s like you wrote with your face.” - Student talking about messy notetaking.
All quotes overheard by The Matador staff.
THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Commentary : Throwback
90s brings back memories P ri sci l l a Li ang As we grow up and find new interests, it’s quite interesting to look back at some of ours from years past, some to be considered guilty pleasures now. When I think of childhood interests, I think of two things: boy bands, and while some may have preferred Nickelodeon, I was more of a Disney Channel kid. I remember going online, not for social media, but to play the various games on their website. But perhaps the interests that I vividly remember, and is something that still sticks with me today are boy bands. No, I am most definitely not talking about the new ones, such as One Direction, or other various Korean Pop Bands. I am talking about the classic ‘90s and early 2000s boy bands: the Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC. Unlike some of my other childhood pastimes, I still listen to these two bands’ music once in a while. While childhood pastimes vary amongst all of us, there is one thing that is certain: no matter what interests, they define who we are and where we come from. Though most of us may have outgrown our interests, they will remain a vital part of our growing up. Illustration by Annie Huang
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Early academic achievement allows Carolyn Ngo to skip a grade level Kr isty Duong Carolyn Ngo is a typical high school freshman, except that she entered this school when she was 13. In elementary school, Ngo had an opportunity to skip first grade as a result of her exemplary capabilities. Despite being younger than her peers, she doesn’t mind a bit. “It’s actually pretty cool because you get along with all the other kids, and they’re not really afraid you’re younger. It feels good to get along with the older kids,” Ngo said. After having spent the past few years with her peers, she feels that she fits in with her future graduating class. “I’m thankful that I skipped a grade
because the people here are really nice. I like my friends now,” Ngo said. Thanks to this, she has been able to expand her social horizon. Despite having spent so much time with her current class, Ngo still feels that she is younger than them in maturity. Initially, she was frightened to enter her second grade class because she was the youngest one. However, she eventually adapted to the environment. “After I got used to the class, I started talking more and made a lot of friends,” Ngo said. In fact, one probably would not notice her age because of all the honors classes she is taking. Ngo has been elected treasurer of Kare Bear for their cabinet. Ngo hopes to find a profession that will allow her to assist others.
Jasmine Ontiveros stands for equality Sonny Hy Senior Jasmine Storm Ontiveros is not just a girl; she is a woman. This young female braved the adversity of standing up for her Godgiven rights as a human being. Ontiveros merely wore a “No H8” (No Hate) tattoo to support her view that gays deserve the same civil rights as every other person in America and essentially the world. She stood in the face of authority and power; however, she did not falter in her ideals. Everything she has done has created no resentment within this admirable woman. Ontiveros attended Ramona Convent Secondary
School in Alhambra for a majority of her high school years. In the blink of an eye, she was evicted from the very school that she loved and held dearly. In support of gay rights, she wore an accessory to support the equality of homosexuals to school. Ms.Bonachi, principal of the school, scolded her for such behavior. She was forced to write an entire essay of repentance, which she completed diligently and ardently. Unfortunately, she was then expelled upon the basis that her grades have been less than expected and that she can “flourish more at another school,” Ontiveros said. She now attends San Ga-
briel, unashamed and proud of her actions. Although she was afraid of meeting boys, they have become an integral part of her life since moving from an all-girls Catholic school to a public high school. She previously feared that the mere presence of a boy would force her to shiver and freeze in cold fear of the opposite sex cultivated in the culture that was present at Ramona Convent Secondary School. Ontiveros confessed that “this was the best, worst possible solution because of how much I have evolved as a person.” Not a day goes by without Ontiveros feeling “surprised and loved” at her newfound joy at San Gabriel High School.
“The environment is wildly different from my old school,” Ontiveros said, speaking of the well kept manner of San Gabriel. Her days at San Gabriel are spent in admiration at the astounding differences of how different it is from her old school. Something that constantly surprises her is the simplicity of dealing with the opposite sex, something absent in her life previously. Ultimately, Ontiveros
admitted that she holds no “anger at her old school;” in fact, she “loves it.” Her first visit to her previous school thrilled her as she walked into her former home and she was overcome with a mountain of hugs and joy at seeing her former friend again. “I don’t regret it at all, I stood up for what I believe in and there is nothing that I would have undone.” Photo by Derek Deng
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THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
Health myths busted Cracking knucklesDoes cracking our knuckles lead to arthritis or any other long-term health risks? According to the Advanced Physical Medicine website, “cracking knuckles do not lead to arthritis, but there is a relationship between knuckle-cracking and hand swelling, loss of lower grip strength, ligament damage, soft tissue injuries and dislocation of tendons.” Cracking your knuckles, however, is not always detrimental. It can increase mobility in your joints because your muscles become relaxed by the action. “It is commonly known that cracking your knuckles after a long period of monotonous activity helps you ‘loosen’ the joints and relieve knuckle pain and stiffness,” Buzzle author Arjun Kulkarni wrote. Even though cracking your knuckles can help relieve stress and tension, it is advised that we keep our habit to a minimum to decrease the possibility of damage to your hands. - Jenny Wu
Effects of sunlightLiving in California, we are not strangers to sunlight. A majority of the time, California has sunshine and clear skies, but because of this typical weather, myths appear such as avoiding sunlight. Some people think that too much sunlight is bad for a person’s health. In some circumstances, sunlight can be hurtful to a person, but when taken in moderation, sunlight can provide multiple health benefits. Sunshine allows for a person to gain a fair amount of vitamin D, which can help boost immune functions and, in some cases, can protect against some forms of cancer. It also helps increase white and red blood cell production and kills dangerous substances on the skin, such as bacteria and viruses. The only thing to be aware of is that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn, form skin cancer and premature wrinkling. So in the end, moderate sun exposure is good for the body, just do not get sunburned. - Monica Lam
Going to sleep with wet hairThe world is filled with germs and myths, and one of the biggest myths a lot of people have heard from caring mothers – mainly girls, or those with long hair to care for – “don’t go out or go to bed with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold!” According to pediatrics.org, 40 percent of mothers believed that sending their kids out in cold weather or to bed with a wet hair would get them sick. The origin of this old wives’ tale can place some blame on the French chemist Louis Pasteur, according to Discovery Channel’s Fit and Health. In 1878, Pasteur exposed chickens to anthrax and then dipped them in icy water to see the odds of how it might affect the chances of catching a disease. These chickens developed anthrax and died, whereas when the experiment was repeated, the chickens were then wrapped in warm blankets and survived. The truth is that you can only get a cold through the microscopic germs that exist in the world, which continues to spread. The common cold is a virus which people catch mainly due to contact with those who carry it – be it that they sneeze or cough. - Hana Ngo
Improve eyesight with carrotsWith continuous advances in technology comes the rising concern that our youth will develop problems with eyesight. To prevent vision loss, we have been told that consuming carrots will improve our eyesight. Although carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a compound that the body converts to vitamin A, Professor Algis Vingrys from the University of Melbourne’s Department of Optometry and Vision Services says “no amount of carrots will improve your eyesight if you already have a well balanced diet.” When the body is deficient in vitamin A, the surface of the eye, or the cornea, can become damaged and lead to night blindness. However, when the body is sufficient in vitamin A, eating a large amount of carrots will not help improve your vision. As author Yulia Berry states, “Take care of your eyes. You will not get another pair.” - Jenny Wu
FEATURES
Potential harm in inconspicuous everyday habits Hair productsWith the recent YouTube incident of Tori Locklear burning her hair off with a magic hair wand, the danger of hair products has become a more spotlighted issue. Ranging from hair sprays to blow dryers, certain hair products come attached with a risky price for beauty. There is no problem with using hair products, but one must be careful with them, use them in moderation, and be cautious of what they contain. For safety, people should avoid hair products with alcohol, sulfates, and diethanolamine (DEA). If gels or hair sprays contain too much alcohol they lead to hair dehydration, so it is better to go with low alcohol level products or those that contain pro vitamin B5, according to the Spry Living website. Other dangers with hair products include hair straightener products, such as keratin and the controversial Brazilian Blowout, which contains formaldehyde, a known allergen and carcinogen. However, special attention should be given to the Brazilian Blowout because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a study showing that it had levels of over 10 percent of formaldehyde, above the government standard. Lastly, extra precaution must be taken with ceramic hair straighteners, which can reach up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, because they can cause hair breakage, damage to the scalp, and excess hair loss. Hair spray, although not extremely dangerous, poses a potential threat due to its flammability and possibility of causing headaches and lung irritation when inhaled. Remember, if it doesn’t feel right on your head, then don’t use it. -Oscar Molina
Cellular phones in pocketsCell phones and other wireless devices such as Internet routers emit microwave radiation, even when not in use. The founding director of the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology at the U.S. National Academy o f Science Devra Lee Davis notes that radiation from cell phones can lead to brain cancer and tumors and can “damage DNA, weaken the blood-brain barrier, and increase markers identified as risk factors for cancer.” According to EM Watch, other risks of cell phone radiation, such as leukemia, skin damage, increased blood pressure, psychological problems, and sleep interference, has the greatest effect on those who frequently use their cell phones. The worst place a person can keep their phone is in their pants or shirt front pocket because the phone is still transmitting microwave radiation. To avoid radiation, keep some distance from your phone by placing it somewhere not on your body like in a backpack or handbag and away from your bed or turned off when you are asleep. - Jenny Wu
Long hours surfing the webThe blurry vision and headaches. The pain from bloodshot, dry eyes. Most people are all too familiar with the eye strain that comes from staring at the computer screen for an extended amount of time. This problem, called computer vision syndrome (CVS), can affect those who continuously stare at a computer, smart phone, or tablet for more than 2 hours per day. CVS can lead to harmful effects such as nearsightedness, blurry eyesight and dry or itchy eyes. Women’s Health Magazine suggests looking away from your computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at a fixed spot 20 feet away – or the so-called “20-20-20 rule” to avoid eye strain. Remember the “20-20-20 rule” to maintain healthy vision and to prevent blurry eyesight. - Maggie Cheng
EarphonesAlthough always a hassle to untangle, earbuds can be considered one of the electronics that people cannot live without. However, even though we tend to not be able to survive without these convenient pocket-sized earbuds, the Journal of the American Medical Association suspects them to be the primary cause of hearing loss. Most people probably do not realize how sensitive their ears become after using earbuds to listen to music until they have to focus harder on listening to what someone is saying. According to TIME Magazine, the area where the ear is damaged is not the eardrum, but actually hair cells, which if exposed to loud noises too often will result in hearing loss. However, using headphones instead of earbuds are a slightly better option to opt for as they do not bypass a lot of natural sound dampeners your ear has. All illustrations by Jelina Luu - Crystal Wong
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THE MATADOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
All hail the Do’s and Don’ts of testing AP: 1. Do begin reviewing your subjects 4-6 weeks in advance. 2. Don’t pull an all-nighter the night before an exam. 3. Do get adequate amounts of sleep during the days leading up the exam. 4. Do remember to eat breakfast on the day of the exam. 5. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries in case your calculator malfunctions. 6. DO AIM HIGH AND GET A 5! CST: 1. Don’t be absent. 2. Do relax and rest before taking the tests. 3. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. 4. Do remember that there are no penalties for wrong answers. 5. Don’t be late on testing days. 6. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE CST AND BUBBLE IN RANDOM ANSWERS JUST SO YOU CAN SLEEP MORE. - Compiled by Rebecca Lei
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