F RI DAY, N OV EM B ER 1, 2013

The ProsPecTorStudent Newspaper of Cupertino High School 10100 FINCH AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014VOLUME 55 NO. 2 CHSPROSPECTOR.ORG

“Obamacare” not a dirty word

Fall recipies

Life lessons from Pokémon battles

OPINIONSpages 4 & 5

FLIP SIDEpage 12

FEATURESpages 6 & 7

LIFESTYLESpages 8 & 9

School food: Hit the refresh button

In order to comply with changing USDA regulations and California state laws such as SB13 and SB965, the Fremont Union High School District board is implementing changes in school food. These rules place restrictions on calories – high school meals must have 800 calo-ries or less – and sodium levels, thus limiting the number of food options at high school cafeterias.

While these reforms have forced schools across the state to present new, lower calorie foods, Bill Schuster, nutrition services coordinator

12k

$12k

$60

The biannual Clubs Day was held on Oct. 18 in the newly reconstructed quad, but accompanying the student organization-sponsored food fundraiser were a few changes to the system — the event took place during lunch and, for UIF�ÜSTU�UJNF �VUJMJ[FE�B�UJDLFU�TZTUFN�GPS�QVSDIBTF�PG�GPPE��

The switch to a lunchtime Clubs Day not only TBWFE� JOTUSVDUJPOBM� NJOVUFT� CZ� FOTVSJOH� UIBU� ÜWF� NJO-utes was not removed from each class period as was done on previous Clubs Days, but it also allowed many clubs to improve logistics and order from restaurants

that opened between the brunch and lunch periods.Further easing the complications of Clubs Day was

the new ticket system, instituted in order to ensure ef-ÜDJFODZ� JO� FYDIBOHF� PG� NPOFZ� BOE� UIVT� BDDFMFSBUJOH�UIF� TQFFE� PG� MJOFT� BOE� JNQSPWJOH� USBĤD� ÝPX� JO� UIF� OFX�quad. This, according to junior and ASB Clubs Com-missioner Mukil Loganathan, resulted in a better col-lection system that allowed clubs to net more money.

Said Loganathan, “Last year there was about �� ���� JO� QSPÜU � CVU� UIJT� ZFBS� <UIF� UPUBM� QSPÜU>�XBT� ��� ����� <"4#>� TPME� PVU� BMM� �� ���� UJDLFUT�u�

While the establishment of this method, along with the additional guideline that food must be priced solely in $1 increments, was successful in its attempt to stream-MJOF� UIF� MPOH� MJOFT� BOE� DPOGVTJOH�NPOFZ� FYDIBOHJOH� UIBU�plagued previous Clubs Days, a major loophole in the ticket system allowed for easy forgery of tickets. One stu-dent was caught counterfeiting tickets in such a manner.

i*U�<XBT>�SFBMMZ�FBTZ�GPS�DMVCT�UP�PWFSMPPL�GBLF�UJDLFUT�CFDBVTF�FWFSZUIJOH�<XBT>�IVSSJFE u�KVOJPS�+POBUIBO�.P�TBJE��

However, the ticket system is known largely as a tried-and-true system as it has been tested and lat-er implemented by neighboring high schools. In fact, BDDPSEJOH� UP� -PHBOBUIBO � i<$VQFSUJOP>� JT� UIF� MBTU�TDIPPM� JO� UIF� EJTUSJDU� UP� JOTUJUVUF� UIFTF� OFX� QPMJDJFT�u�

In addition to the risk of counterfeit tickets, the TFU� VQ� PG� UIF� UJDLFU� TZTUFN� XBT� EJĤDVMU � BT� TDIPPM� PĤ-cials had to deal with printing and distributing tickets.

i*U� XBT� B� EJĤDVMU� UBTL� GPS� <4DIPPM� 'JOBODJBM� 5FDI-OJDJBO� -JTB>� #BMHB� UP� QSPEVDF� UIF� UJDLFUT� BOE� UIFO� GPS�"4#� UP� DJSDVMBUF� UIFN u� "4#� BEWJTPS� 8FT� .PSTF� TBJE��

While it faced a few setbacks and challenges, Clubs Day was largely viewed as a successful event.

Said freshman Armita Alikhani, “There was a large WBSJFUZ� PG� GPPE� <TUVEFOUT>� DPVME� QJDL� GSPN� BOE� UIF� FY-QFSJFODF� XBT� GVO � CVU� UIF� RVBE� XBT� TMJHIUMZ� DSBNQFE�u

In response to these concerns, Morse assures stu-EFOUT� UIBU� iOFYU� TFNFTUFS � $MVCT� %BZ� XJMM� CF� CBDL�and better than ever because we will have the entire RVBE� PQFO� BOE� XJMM� IBWF� XPSLFE� PVU� BMM� UIF� LJOLT�u�

Clubs Day will be back and better than ever because we will have the entire quad open and will have worked out all the kinks

- Wes Morse, ASB Adviser“

DELANIE MEDINAflip side assistant

NIRMIT SHAHsports editor

Last year there was about �� ���� JO� QSPÜU � CVU� UIJT� ZFBS�<UIF� UPUBM� QSPÜU>� XBT� ��� �����<"4#>�TPME�PVU�BMM��� ����UJDLFUT�

- Mukil Loganathan, junior“

Shutdown furthers political riftTHU DAM

THU DAM

Tickets replace bills in biannual event

From Oct. 1 to Oct. 17, the United States federal government TIVU�EPXO�EVF�UP�QBSUJTBO�HSJEMPDL �DBVTJOH�UIF�MBZPġ�PG�UIF�NBKPS-

SHUTDOWN, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2SCHOOL FOOD, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

RISHI NAIRweb crew

SERENA NGANfeatures assistant

Clubs Day 2.0

ASHLEY LIUlifestyles editor

2 The ProspectorNews November 1, 2013

Cupertino High SchoolEstablished 1958

Vol LV, No. I | 2013

editors-in-chiefkatie martinchris s. yoon

news editormichael li

opinions editordiana kruzman

features editorkeely zhang

lifestyles editorashley liu

sports editornirmit shah

flip side editorjessica shin

copy editortanay tandon

photo editorthu dam

web editortanay tandon

business managerashley liu

news assistants

opinionsassistants

featuresassistants

lifestyles assistants

sportsassistants

flip sideassistants

copy assistant

photo crew

web crew

laura shkouratoffjay shroffmyung-ju song

alex levineisabel lin

serena nganalex shiehjoyce ye

maithilee kanthimarvin wang

nikita devdharbrian zhong

delanie medinajeremy xue

yane ahn

gloria choianirudh pai

gloria choirishi nair

adviserann peck

Editorial Policy“The Prospector” is an open fo-

rum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cu-pertino community in an accurate, pro-fessional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector,” please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertis-ing policy.

Contact UsThe Prospector10100 Finch AvenueCupertino, CA 95014prospector.chs@gmail.com

The ProsPecTor

S TA F F2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

:ML�4QOP\[�KWUJI\[�[M`�\ZIٻKSQVO�

Gov’t shutdown furthers D.C. partisanship

YANE AHNcopy assistant

High school students from around the Bay Area come together to help present Red -JHIUT � B� CFOFÜU� EBODF� TIPXDBTF� BHBJOTU�IVNBO�USBĤDLJOH �XIFSF�UFTUJNPOJFT�GSPN�WJDUJNT�XJMM�BMTP�CF�TIBSFE��5JDLFUT�BSF�ÜWF�dollars presale, eight dollars at the door, and can be purchased online on the Facebook event or from the hosts. Donations are also accepted, and all proceeds will be distrib-uted evenly to organizations actively par-UJDJQBUJOH� JO� UIF�ÜHIU� UP� FOE� UIF� JOEVTUSZ�

A high school senior from The King’s Academy decided to do something about hu-NBO�USBĤDLJOH��4IF�DPOUBDUFE�GSJFOET�GSPN�other schools — Palo Alto High School,

Stevenson School, Branham High School and Cupertino High School--and realized a lot of people felt passionate about it, too.

Said Park, “I just wanted people to see the reality of this issue and how big of a prob-MFN�JU�JT��"�MPU�PG�QFPQMF�XBOUFE�UP�IFMQ�NF�u�

Human rights groups estimate that anywhere between 12.3 million and 27 million people are enslaved in forced or CPOEFE�MBCPS �DIJME�MBCPS �TFYVBM�TFSWJUVEF �and involuntary servitude at any given time. *U�T� BMTP�FYUSFNFMZ�DPNNPO� JO� UIF�6OJUFE�States, and is not just of the past. The ben-FÜU� EBODF� TIPX� JT� UJUMFE� 3FE� -JHIUT � BGUFS�red-light districts in urban areas. These ar-FBT� BSF� QPQVMBS� TFY� UPVSJTN� EFTUJOBUJPOT �XJUI� TFY� TIPQT� BOE� TUSJQ� DMVCT�� 5IF� SFBM-ity is that it is a mentally, emotionally, and psychologically damaging industry. The victims are often those without voices who

SHUTDOWN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

YANE AHN

at FUHSD, alongside his team, IBWF� QVU� FġPSU� JOUP� BWPJEJOH�the decline in taste for which healthier foods are often known.

“If I want to buy the pulled pork from a USDA-approved store, it is not as ÝBWPSGVM u� 4DIVTUFS� TBJE��

Schuster, however, works to alleviate this problem by ÜSTU� SPBTUJOH� UIF� QVMMFE� QPSL�in a kitchen, draining it of the GBU� BOE� ÜOBMMZ� BEEJOH� JU� UP� B�MPX�DBMPSJF� TBVDF��5IF� ÜOJTIFE�— and healthier — product is then ready for sale to students.

A major portion of the regulations is ensuring that each student receives three of the ÜWF� WJUBM� DBUFHPSJFT� PG� TPVSDFT�of nutrition – fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy. The source of protein, however, does not always have to be meat; it can come from meat alternatives such as cheeses. A refusal to make sure each student ends up XJUI�UISFF�PG�UIPTF�ÜWF�TPVSDFT�of nutrition in his or her hands can result in state auditing.

8JUI� UIF� FġPSUT� UP� SF-duce calories, however, the board has also noticed is-sues in portion sizes.

“They want to reduce the calories and they just reduce the QPSUJPOT u�4DIVTUFS�TBJE��i4PNF�kids say I got the proper plate and the proper portions and they’re still hungry. Schools of-fer three ounces of meat and three ounces of vegetables and I know some of you guys DBO� FBU� B� MPU� NPSF� UIBO� UIBU�u�

By reducing the portions, schools often inadvertently QVTI�TUVEFOUT�UP�FBU�Pġ�DBNQVT��

i<.BOZ� TUVEFOUT�>� GB-WPSJUF� MVODI� XIFO� ZPV� HP� Pġ�campus is a 20-ounce Arizo-na and Doritos and I cannot DPOUSPM� UIBU u� 4DIVTUFS� TBJE�

Ultimately, the school board must endure a compli-cated process in order to ful-ÜMM� UIF� OVUSJUJPOBM� HVJEFMJOFT�enacted by the state while still PġFSJOH� TUVEFOUT� ÝBWPSGVM� BOE�plentiful dining options.

SCHOOL FOOD, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

New food

News briefs: October

On Oct. 1, 2013, the United States federal government entered a government shutdown, forcing the furlough of 800,000 federal em-ployees and suspen-sion of many govern-ment activities due to budget disagreements between the House and the Senate, namely over funding of Presi-dent Obama’s landmark legislation — the Af-fordable Care Act. The government shutdown ended on Oct. 17.

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The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a watchdog group enforcing the world-wide chemical weap-

ons ban, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, Oct. 11, al-though Pakistani wom-en’s education rights ÄNO[LY� 4HSHSH� @V\ZHMaHP�was the favorite to win.

------------------------------------------

Alfonso Cuaron’s Grav-ity, a movie about two stranded astronauts in space, earns $55.6 mil-lion in the U.S. open-ing-weekend gross. Starring George Cloo-ney and Sandra Bull-ock, the two astronauts struggle to survive in space after their shuttle is destroyed. It is the must-watch movie of the October premieres.

------------------------------------------

7VRtTVU�?�HUK�@�^LYL�released on Saturday, Oct. 12 to mixed re-views and a save-cor-rupting bug, according to Gamestop. Nintendo also released the new Pokémon bank, an ap-plication on the cloud that lets users store all their Pokémon from X, @�HUK�WYL]PV\Z�]LYZPVUZ�for an annual $5 fee.

-----------------------------------------

A 12-year-old girl killed OLYZLSM�I`�Q\TWPUN�Vќ�H�silo in Florida after being constantly cyberbullied by two girls around the same age as her. Police have arrested one of the girls and her moth-er but claim that the mother was arrested on separate charges. COMPILED BY JAY SHROFF AND

MYUNG-JU SONG

ity of federal employees and creating doubts over the na-UJPO�T�ÜTDBM�IFBMUI�

5IF�TIVUEPXO�PDDVSSFE�EVF�UP�UIF�"OUJEFÜDJFODZ�"DU�of 1884, which states that the federal government cannot operate until it has funding — namely, a budget. However, OFBS�UIF�FOE�PG�UIF������ÜTDBM�ZFBS �UIF�3FQVCMJDBO�DPO-trolled House of Representatives proposed a budget which delayed or defunded Obamacare, causing the Democratic Senate to refuse to pass the bill. Congress was unable to reach a compromise by midnight on Monday, Sept. 30.

Over the course of the shutdown, 800,000 federal em-QMPZFFT�XFSF� GVSMPVHIFE���MBJE�Pġ� JOEFÜOJUFMZ���XIJMF�1.3 million additional employees were required to work without pay. Some government workers, such as Cabinet NFNCFST�BOE�$POHSFTTNFO �XFSF�EFFNFE�iFTTFOUJBMu�BOE�continued to be paid.

During this period, many Americans were especially wary of imminent threat of hitting the debt ceiling by Oct. 18, which would cause the government to default, or enter bankruptcy, if left unresolved.

On Oct. 16, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reached a com-QSPNJTF�CJMM �XIJDI�XJMM�GVOE�UIF�HPWFSONFOU�UISPVHI�+BO��15 at sequestration levels and suspend the debt limit until Feb. 7.

The shutdown caused a variety of negative economic

and social reactions. Polls concluded that while most Amer-icans blamed congressional Republicans more than con-HSFTTJPOBM�%FNPDSBUT�GPS�UIF�TIVUEPXO �XIJMF�B�TJHOJÜDBOU�portion reported overall decreased satisfaction in govern-ment performance.

'PS�FYBNQMF �TFOJPS�/JUIZB�,VNBS �XIPTF�GBUIFS�XBT�GVSMPVHIFE� GSPN� /"4" � SFQPSUFE� UIBU� BQQSPYJNBUFMZ� ���/"4"�JOUFSOT�JO�IFS�GBUIFS�T�PĤDF�XFSF�GVSMPVHIFE �GPSDJOH�UIFN�UP�MFBWF�JNNFEJBUFMZ�BOE�ÜOE�PUIFS�SFTJEFODF�GPS�UXP�weeks.

i5IF�XPSTU�QBSU�XBT�UIF�VODFSUBJOUZ u�,VNBS�TBJE��i<.Z�GBUIFS>�DPVMEO�U�BDUVBMMZ�SFMBY�PS�<UBLF�B>�WBDBUJPO�CFDBVTF�PG�UIF�VODFSUBJOUZ�PG�QBZ�PS�<DBMMCBDL>�u

8JUIJO�UIF�GFEFSBM�HPWFSONFOU �%FNPDSBUT�PQFOMZ�FY-QSFTTFE�GSVTUSBUJPO�BU�UIF�FġFDUT�PG�UIF�TIVUEPXO �IJHIMJHIU-JOH�FWFS�JODSFBTJOH�QBSUJTBO�DPOÝJDU��

“What we see happening with this Republican strat-egy is a willingness to threaten the very foundation of the world’s greatest economic power. That is a very risky propo-TJUJPO u�8IJUF�)PVTF�1SFTT�4FDSFUBSZ�+BZ�$BSOFZ�TBJE�

/FWFSUIFMFTT �NBOZ�5FB�1BSUZ�NFNCFST�DPOUJOVFE�UP�EFGFOE� UIF� UBDUJD � DMBJNJOH� UIBU� UIF� TIVUEPXO� FġFDUJWFMZ�called attention to the prospect of defunding Obamacare.

i8F�SF�WFSZ�FYDJUFE��*U�T�FYBDUMZ�XIBU�XF�XBOUFE �BOE�XF� HPU� JU�� 1FPQMF� XJMM� CF� WFSZ� HSBUFGVM u� 4FOBUPS�.JDIFMF�#BDINBOO�3�./�TBJE��

RED LIGHTS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

3The Prospector NewsNovember 1, 2013

are broken into submission and repeatedly abused. Often culture paints prostitution in a positive light, disregard-ing the dehumanization that happens behind the scenes.

4FOJPS� +BOF� ,JN � B� DMPTF� GSJFOE� PG� 1BSL�T � IFMQFE�design the clever, red lightbulb poster for the event.

i*�WF�CFFO�JOUFSFTUFE�JO�UIJT�JTTVF�TJODF�GSFTINBO�ZFBS u�,JN�TBJE��i*U�XBT�B�HSFBU�PQQPSUVOJUZ�GPS�NF�UP�HFU�JOWPMWFE�u�

Senior Stephen Do has cho-reographed several pieces himself.

i.BOZ�EJġFSFOU�QFPQMF�BSF�BCMF�UP�DPNF�UPHFUIFS �<BOE>�BġFDU�<UIF�BVEJFODF>�PO�B�NPSF�QFSTPOBM� MFWFM u�%P�TBJE�

Said senior and performer Ryan Duong, “It’s an issue UIBU�B�MPU�PG�QFPQMF�OFFE�UP�LOPX�<BCPVU>�BOE�3FE�-JHIUT�is spreading the word and getting people involved. It’s JNQPSUBOU�UIBU�XF�IBWF�QFPQMF�CF�BXBSF�PG�UIJT�DBVTF�u�

Stanford Online High School, or OHS for short, is an education program completely run online. The school was founded in 2006 as a three-year institution and has since educated students from countries around the world. Its courses are accredited by the Western Association of 4DIPPMT� BOE� $PMMFHFT� 8"4$� BOE� CZ� UIF� 6$� TZTUFN��

While 42 percent of the student body are full-time stu-EFOUT � PS� UIPTF� XIP� UBLF� GPVS� UP� ÜWF� DPVSTFT � 0)4� EJSFDUPS�Kathlyn Gray notes how “many OHS students elect to take a single course online, which best suits those who still want to FYQFSJFODF� UIF� QVCMJD� TDIPPM� BUNPTQIFSF�u�"T� GPS� UIF� UVJUJPO � B�full-time student pays $16,600 per year, although single courses cost $3,500 each; these rates are viewed by many participants as a reasonable amount considering the caliber of the educa-tion and the high tuitions rates at neighboring private schools.

Many students opt to attend OHS in order to pur-sue higher-level academic enrichment or accommodate

their demanding schedules. Said OHS junior Roma

Forest, “In middle school, I would be learning ma-

terial in class that I already went over sev-eral weeks ago. Thus, I sought an alternate form of education,

one that could appease NZ� BDBEFNJD� OFFET�u�

One distinctive contrast between public school and OHS is the sched-

ule. Students in a tra-ditional high school take

courses four times a week; IPXFWFS �0)4�PġFST�DPVSTFT�

that students take twice a week for 75 minutes each. Indeed, students

can take classes that start as early as 6:30am or as

MBUF�BT������QN��$BSPMJOF�,PSOEPSġFS �B�TFOJPS�BU�0)4 �TQFMMFE�PVU�UIF�QSPDFTT�PG�DPVSTF�TFMFDUJPO��i'JSTU �ZPV�ÜMM�PVU�B� MFOHUIZ�TVSWFZ�UIBU�BTLT�GPS�ZPVS�DPNNJUNFOUT��5IFO �B�DPNQMFY�BMHPSJUIN�BUUFNQUT� UP�DSFBUF�B�NBTUFS� TDIFEVMF� UIBU�ÜUT�FWFSZPOF�T� TDIFE-VMFT��*�TUJMM�IBWF�UP�NBLF�BEKVTUNFOUT�UP�NZ�TDIFEVMF�BT�OFFE�CF�u�

The courses at OHS run the gamut from recogniz-able science classes such as AP Biology to one-of-the-kind DPSF� DMBTTFT� MJLF� i%FNPDSBDZ � 'SFFEPN � BOE� 3VMF� PG� -BX�u�

4BJE�'PSFTU �i5IF�DMBTTFT�BU�0)4�FYBNJOF�JO�EFQUI�UIF�OV-BODFT�CFIJOE�TVDI�QJWPUBM�UFYUT�BT�5IF�'FEFSBMJTU�1BQFST �TPNF-UIJOH� UIBU� B� UZQJDBM� QVCMJD� TDIPPM� DBO� OFWFS� FNVMBUF�u� "T� TIF�put it, “the discussions fostered at OHS are so vivid and pro-GPVOE��UIFZ�XFSF�TPNFUIJOH�*�ZFBSOFE�GPS�JO�NZ�QVCMJD�TDIPPM�u

The intimate relationships students develop with their in-structors, albeit through video chat, surpass the connections most public school students have with their teachers. OHS in-TUSVDUPST �TJNJMBS�UP�DPMMFHF�QSPGFTTPST �IBWF�PĤDF�IPVST �B�CMPDL�PG�UJNF�JO�XIJDI�UIF�JOTUSVDUPS�DBO�EFWPUF�FYDMVTJWFMZ�UP�TUVEFOU�interaction rather than to grading or running other errands.

“I was able to ask any questions I had as well as partake in live-MZ�EJTDVTTJPOT�BCPVU�UIF�TVCKFDU�NBUFSJBM u�,PSOEPSġFS�FYQMBJOFE��

One common concern students have when considering OHS is the social atmosphere. The lack of face-to-face interac-tions, the void of Homecoming and rallies and the inability to partake in hands-on activities cast a critical light on online educa-UJPO��)PXFWFS �'PSFTU�BSHVFT�UIBU�i<*>�XBT�BCMF�UP�NFFU�BOE�FT-UBCMJTI� MBTUJOH� GSJFOETIJQT�XJUI� GSJFOET� GSPN�BMM�PWFS� UIF�XPSME�u�

4BJE� ,PSOEPSġFS � i5IF� ��� PĤDJBM� DMVCT �such as student radio club or Gay Straight Alli-BODF� (4"� VOJUF� TUVEFOUT� XJUI� TJNJMBS� JOUFSFTUT�u�

&WFO� TDJFODF� DMBTT� MBCT� BSF� B� DPMMBCPSBUJWF� FġPSU�� i4UV-EFOUT� DPOEVDU� FYQFSJNFOUT� BU� IPNF� XJUI� UIF� IFMQ� PG� B� QSF�TIJQQFE� CPY� GVMM� PG� MBC� FRVJQNFOU� BOE� UIFJS� MBC� QBSUOFS� PO�

1VLMXMVLMV\�TMIZVMZ[�ÅVL�IT\MZVI\Q^M�ML]KI\QWVIT�XI\P[�WV�\PM�_MJBRIAN ZHONGlifestyles assistant

I sought an alter-nate form of education, one that could appease my academic needs

- Roma Forest, OHS junior“

4LZQF u�,PSOEPSġFS� FYQMBJOFE�� i.Z� MBC�QBSUOFS� BOE� *�XPVME�XPSL�UPHFUIFS�BOE�GBJM�UPHFUIFS�BT�JG�XF�XFSF�JO�B�DMBTTSPPN�u

Getting into OHS is not easy. The school has a comprehen-sive admissions process similar to those of colleges. The appli-cation asks for transcripts, standardized test scores such as the SAT scores, teacher recommendations and supplemental essays.

i$PNQMFUJOH� UIF� BQQMJDBUJPO� EFÜOJUFMZ� UPPL� B�MPU� PG� JOUSPTQFDUJPO � CVU� UIF� BENJTTJPOT� PĤDFST� SFBM-MZ� XBOU� UP� MPPL� GPS� B� XFMM�SPVOEFE� TUVEFOU u� 'PSFTU� TBJE�

On the other hand, Gray admits that OHS is not for FWFSZPOF�� 4IF� FYQMBJOT� IPX� iUIJT� TPSU� PG� POMJOF� FEVDB-UJPO� EPFTO�U� TVJU� UIPTF� XIP� DBOOPU� NBOBHF� UIFJS� UJNF�u�

,PSOEPSġFS� FDIPFE� UIFTF� TFOUJNFOUT�� i0OMZ� QFPQMF�XIP� BSF� BDBEFNJDBMMZ� NPUJWBUFE� DBO� SFBQ� UIF� CFOFÜUT�u�

,PSOEPSġFS � IPXFWFS � EPFT� OPU� SVMF� PVU� UIF� QPTTJCJM-ity that online mediums will become the forefront of educat-ing the nation’s posterity. She described how “online learn-ing through such websites as Khan Academy are rampant UPEBZ�BOE�IBWF�HSFBU�QPUFOUJBM�UP�SFQMBDF�TPNF�BSFBT�PG�TDIPPM�u�

)PXFWFS �(SBZ� BTTVSFT� UIBU� iTDIPPM�XJMM� EFÜOJUFMZ� TUJDL�BSPVOE�JO�UIF�GVUVSF u�BOE�UIBU�TIF�iTUSPOHMZ�CFMJFWFT�UIBU�POMJOF�FEVDBUJPO�DBO�QBUDI�UIF�NBOZ�IPMFT�JO�PVS�TDIPPM�TZTUFN�UPEBZ�u�

RED LIGHTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Red Lights performance

when my mother is proud of me

living in the present

without regrets from the past

As leaves turn yellow and school charges forward at full throttle, a typical high school conversation runs something like this.

i)FZ �ZPV�MPPL�QSFUUZ�UJSFE��8IFO�E�ZPV�TMFFQ�MBTU�OJHIU u“Uh, I don’t know man, sometime around two in the

NPSOJOHwui5XP �*�XBT�VQ�UJMM���ÜOJTIJOH�VQ�NZ�"1�

Bio lab, catching up on some APUSH read-ings, starting my AP Comp Sci lab, and TUVEZJOH�GPS�UIF�$BMD�UFTU�u

“Sigh … life sucks. I wish high school XBT�PWFS�BMSFBEZ�u

However, as the two students walk away from each other, one feels decid-edly more accomplished and cool than the other. Welcome to the psy-chological hierarchy of a competitive high school where perceived stress level determines social standing.

Students are so inured to late night studying and procrastination that feeling stressed has become the norm for average teenagers. Students try to per-petuate and go beyond this norm, setting new minimal-sleep records and piling on more and more work, by any means possible — even through decep-tion — and thereby elevate their so-cial perception; the longer students stay up or the more stressed they are, the cooler and smarter they become in the eyes o f UIFJS�QFFST��/PX �JG�BOZPOF� w a l k s around the campus, one will hear negative conversations about how miserable and tired students’ lives are. A per-

son might even mistake this high school for some kind of a horrid mental institution.

/FWFSUIFMFTT �UIF�USVUI�PG�UIF�NBUUFS�JT�GBS�MFTT�frightening. An anony-

mous poll of 219 students in the school revealed only about 20 percent of students claimed to be unhappy, a much smaller OVNCFS�UIBO�XIBU�QFPQMF�NJHIU�FYQFDU��5IF�PWFSXIFMNJOH�NB-jority of students - 69% - reported that they were enjoying life, a clear contradiction to the stressed and overwhelmed

image of the typical teenager. These results in-dicate that many students mask their happi-ness in favor of a frazzled and overburdened image. What has our education system

done, if students now pretend to be sad and PWFSCVSEFOFE�XJUI�TDIPPM�XPSL� KVTU�TP� UIFZ�DBO�ÜU� JO�

with this academic community? Or perhaps its just misguid-ed observation on the students’ part. Either way, the grim truth

still stands: Being stressed is the new cool.However, it is important for students to recognize that happiness

shouldn’t be taken for granted, and certainly shouldn’t be regarded XJUI� TIBNF��0OF�PG� UIF�NPTU� JNQPSUBOU� iIPNFXPSLu� BTTJHONFOU�UIF�TUBġ�USJFT�UP�FODPVSBHF�TUVEFOUT�UP�EP�JT�UP�IBWF�GVO��"OE�UIFZ�do: the majority of students often lose themselves in the latest FQJTPEF�PG�i)PX�*�.FU�:PVS�.PUIFSu�PS�SFMBY�BOE�IBOH�PVU�XJUI�friends as they study at the library. Its safe to say many stu-dents are, in fact, quite content.

Besides, as teenagers, it is our duty — as cheesy as it may sound — to enjoy the world and live life to the fullest. There is absolutely no reason to put on a fake facade, which will only fuel the ongoing stereotype of adolescent misery. High school can be chal-lenging at times, but that’s all part of the fun. When else will people get to work hard and

play hard with no obligations or tribulations? As the old ad-

age goes ... “You only MJWF�PODFàu

4 Opinions November 1, 2013

HAPPINESSIt’s everyone’s ultimate goal, but serenity has become increasingly scoffed at and looked down upon, while stress is exalted and admired. Why it’s okay to be happy

family

Are you happy?

hanging out

with friends

sleep

moviesfood

love

A young teenager walks into class, already tired from spending her morn-JOH� QJDLJOH� PVU� BO� PVUÜU� UIBU� TIF� GFFMT�

she looks good in while keeping it appro-priate enough to fall under the school’s dress

code and her mom’s approval. However, as she slides into her seat, she sees other girls smirking at her low-cut shirt and guys ogling at her tight shorts. She can already hear the whispers behind her back that she knows she’ll be hearing all day.

*O�UPEBZ�T�TPDJFUZ �HJSMT�BSF�DPOTUBOUMZ�FY-posed to pictures of models and trim celebri-ties wearing skimpy clothing. Because of this,

many become driven to obtain a similar image. Girls often GFFM�UIBU�XIBU�UIF�NFEJB�GFFET�UIFN�JT�BO�FYQFDUBUJPO�BT�UP�how they are supposed to look. They strive to meet these VOBDIJFWBCMF�JEFBMT �TUSVHHMJOH�UP�ÜU�XJUIJO�UIF�DPNQMJDBUFE�norms of society. Unfortunately, these clothing choices tend to come with a variety of negative connotations. It is com-mon for others to make an assumption about an individual based on what they choose to wear. Social media feeds wom-

FO�IJHI�FYQFDUBUJPOT�PO�XIBU�UIFZ�TIPVME�ideally look like and most of these images contain clothing that are often considered JOBQQSPQSJBUF��1JDLJOH�PVU� DMPUIJOH� UIBU�ÜUT�between the thin lines of attractive and ap-propriate is becoming more and more dif-ÜDVMU�BT�XPNFO�BSF�IFME�UP�TJNVMUBOFPVT�TUBOEBSET�PG�TFYJOFTT�BOE�TFFNMJOFTT�

It’s important for girls to know that they have the right to wear whatever they’d like. As long as what they wear ÜUT� JOUP� UIF� ESFTT� DPEF� GPS� UIF� FOWJSPO-ment they’re in, they should have the right to wear it without being ridiculed for it. Whether they want to go to school in in a skimpy top or show up in a concealing turtleneck, the decision is com-pletely up to them. It’s unfair for the opinions of others to JOÝVFODF�IPX� UIFZ� DIPPTF� UP� FYQSFTT� UIFNTFMWFT � BOE� JU�T�rude and inappropriate for labels and unkind words to push POF�T�DIPJDFT�BT�XFMM��"T�HJSMT �XF�TIPVME�OPU�CF�FYQFDUFE�UP�BMUFS�PVS�PVUÜU�EFDJTJPOT�TJNQMZ�UP�TVJU �TP�UP�TQFBL �TPDJFUZ�T�whims.

in defense of

scandalous clothing

11% somewhat/maybe

20% no

69% yes

STAFF EDITORIAL

no stress

editorial cartoon

LAURA SHKOURATOFFnews assistant

5The Prospector OpinionsNovember 1, 2013

It is tempting to believe even the staunchest Repub-lican could understand that an institution that enslaved

upwards of four million people at its peak just 150 years ago, coupled with the unlimited power owners wielded for buying, selling, torturing and murdering human beings, is not the most ÜUUJOH�DPNQBSJTPO�UP�B�IFBMUI�DBSF�QMBO����PS�UIBU�UIFZ�DPVME�QFS-haps comprehend that President Obama is in no way akin to the fanatical German leader behind the ghettoization and subsequent TZTUFNBUJD�FYFDVUJPO�PG���NJMMJPO�+FXT�EVSJOH�8PSME�8BS�**��

However, no claim is too radical, too insensitive or too plain-MZ�GBMTF�GPS�UIF�GSJOHF�DPOTFSWBUJWFT�XIP�IBWF�JOÜMUSBUFE�UIF�(01��

According to pundit and neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson, UIF�"ġPSEBCMF�$BSF�"DU�"$" �LOPXO�DPMMPRVJBMMZ�BT�i0CBN-BDBSF u�JT�iUIF�XPSTU�UIJOH�UIBU�IBT�IBQQFOFE�JO�UIJT�OBUJPO�TJODF�TMBWFSZu���B�TUBUFNFOU�NBEF�QBSUJDVMBSMZ�IPSSJÜD�CZ�UIF�GBDU�UIBU�Carson himself is African American. Senator Ted Cruz was all PG����NJOVUFT�JOUP�IJT�QSF�TIVUEPXO�ÜMJCVTUFS�CFGPSF�IF�MJLFOFE�UIF�5FB�1BSUZ�T�BOUJ�0CBNBDBSF�CPNCBTU�UP�UIF�ÜHIU�BHBJOTU�/B[J�Germany during World War II, asserting that support for Obam-acare mirrors the initial appeasement of the Third Reich. Even more appalling are statements from Idaho state senator Sheryl /VYPMM �XIP�XSPUF�JO�BO�FNBJM�UP�TVQQPSUFST�FBSMJFS�UIJT�ZFBS�UIBU�iNVDI�MJLF�UIF�+FXT�CPBSEJOH�UIF�USBJOT�UP�DPODFOUSBUJPO�DBNQT �QSJWBUF�JOTVSFST�BSF�VTFE�CZ�UIF�GFET�UP�QVU�UIF�<JOTVSBODF>�TZTUFN�JO�QMBDF u�BT�XFMM�BT�DMBJNT�GSPN������3FQVCMJDBO�7JDF�1SFTJEFO-UJBM�OPNJOFF�4BSBI�1BMJO�UIBU�UIF�"$"�XJMM�JOTUBUF�iEFBUI�QBOFMTu�consisting of government employees who make end-of-life deci-sions for the elderly — an assertion so remarkably untrue that it FBSOFE�1BMJO�1PMJUJ'BDU�T�i-JF�PG�UIF�:FBSu�JO�������

And while comments in this vein may simply be dismissed as Tea Party rhetoric too outrageous to be believed by the general populace, this visceral hatred for Obamacare has indeed shaped public opinion of the law. According to a 2013 poll from the Kai-ser Family Foundation, 47 percent of respondents believed the CJMM�XPVME�PġFS�JOTVSBODF�UP�VOEPDVNFOUFE�JNNJHSBOUT ����QFS-cent agreed with the statement that the reform would cut Medi-DBSF�CFOFÜUT�BOE�BOPUIFS����QFSDFOU�CPVHIU�JOUP�1BMJO�T�CMBUBOU�MJF�SFHBSEJOH�GFEFSBMMZ�TQPOTPSFE�iEFBUI�QBOFMT�u�&TQFDJBMMZ�TIPDLJOH�is that the percentage of those who believed these unequivocally false statements was in every case higher than that of respondents who answered correctly.

Perhaps the most accessible demonstration of healthcare ignorance, however, came in the form of a late night television TLFUDI��*O�B�SFDFOUMZ�WJSBM�WJEFP�DPVSUFTZ�PG�+JNNZ�,JNNFM �UIF�talk show host deployed a reporter to ask random people strolling PO�UIF�TUSFFUT�PG�/FX�:PSL�$JUZ�XIFUIFS�UIFZ�QSFGFSSFE�0CBN-BDBSF�PS�UIF�"ġPSEBCMF�$BSF�"DU��/FBSMZ�FWFSZ�TVCKFDU�JNNFEJ-ately replied with the latter, citing reasons for support that ranged GSPN�GFXFS�FYQFOTFT�UP�B�GSFFS�NBSLFU�UP�UIFJS�CFMJFG�UIBU�UIF�"$"�JT�UIF�NPSF�i"NFSJDBOu�TZTUFN���OFWFS�EJE�BOZ�QBSUJDJQBOU�BD-knowledge that Obamacare is simply a nickname for the bill that subjects overwhelmingly favored.

These instances represent an enormous victory for ACA opponents. They have succeeded in their mission to deliberately mislead the public, convincing a sizeable portion of Americans that health care reform is indeed a dangerous, unpatriotic plan destined to doom the nation before the program even began. But in an ironic twist, the same Kaiser poll revealed that most ma-jor provisions in the bill are supported across party lines, with 71 percent, 80 percent and 88 percent of respondents favoring Med-JDBJE�FYQBOTJPO �OFX�TUBUFXJEF�IFBMUI�DBSF�FYDIBOHFT�BOE�JOTUBU-JOH�JOTVSBODF�UBY�DSFEJUT�UP�TNBMM�CVTJOFTTFT �SFTQFDUJWFMZ���UIF�seemingly sole deterrent is the name attached to the law.

1BSUJTBOTIJQ� JT� OPUIJOH� OFX� BOE� OFJUIFS� BSF� UIF� FYUSFNFT�to which politicians will go in order to persuade constituents of the evil lurking in the legislation of their rivals. And in an era of inescapable media dramatics, it is especially easy to get caught VQ�JO�UIF�FYBHHFSBUJPO�UIBU�TP�PGUFO�BDDPNQBOJFT�QPMJUJDBM�DPN-NFOUBSZ��#VU�XIJMF�FMFDUFE�PĤDJBMT�TIPVME�CF�FYQFDUFE�UP�UFMM�UIF�truth, it is ultimately the public’s responsibility to think critically about sensationalist statements of knee-jerk hatred.

Want to know more about Obamacare? Visit chsprospector.org

MISINFORMEDWhy Obamacare should not be a dirty word

bad@$$Does the entertainment industry glorify crime?

PRO//

For a long time, the majority of the cinematic industry has been unabashedly

escapist, with over the top superhero mov-JFT� BOE�ESVH�EFBMJOH� FY�DIFNJTUSZ� UFBDIFST��

5IFTF� ÜMNT� BOE� 57� TIPXT� IBWF�been garnering great reviews BOE� QSPÜUT�� *U�T� OP� XPOEFS�

studios continue to churn out such unrealistic stories.

However, with all successes, there has been no shortage of critics calling out these producers for trivializ-ing serious content. They DMBJN� UIF� FYQPTVSF� UIBU�issues such as drugs and law-breaking receive, spin them into a positive and

tempting lifestyle. But then again, when did imposing

common sense become the media’s responsibility?

The purpose of the entertainment indus-USZ� IBT� BMXBZT� CFFO � ÜSTU�

and foremost, to entertain its viewers. Hundreds of thou-

sands of dollars are spent analyzing data on what the view-ers enjoy and are willing to pay for. So when movies such BT�i0DFBO�T�&MFWFOu�DIBSU�BT�UIF�ÜGUI�IJHIFTU�HSPTTJOH�ÜMN�of 2001, the message is clear that people enjoy watching BO�FYDJUJOH�IFJTU�NPWJF �EFTQJUF �PS�NBZCF�FWFO�CFDBVTF�of, its lawless behavior.

i#SFBLJOH�#BE u�XIJDI�IBT�CFFO�EVCCFE�UIF�#FTU�57�Drama of all time by critics, revolves around a middle aged man who joins the drug dealing industry to support his family when diagnosed with cancer. Even “Entertain-NFOU�8FFLMZu�DSJUJD�,FO�5VDLFS�TBJE�UIBU�i*U�UPPL�DBODFS�<���>� UP� KPMU�8BMU� PVU� PG� IJT� TVCVSCBO� TUVQPS � UP� FYQFSJ-ence life again — to take chances, risk danger, do things IF�EJEO�U�UIJOL�IJNTFMG�DBQBCMF�PG�EPJOH�u�"T�DPOTVNFST �QFPQMF�BSF�DBQUJWBUFE�CZ�UIF�HMBNPVSPVT�BOE�FYDJUJOH�MJWFT�that might otherwise be unattainable. When a studio does JUT�SFTFBSDI�BOE�UIF�DSFBUJWF�UFBN�FYFDVUFT�B�XFMM�EFWFM-oped show, the public buys it, and there is no reason to BYF�TPNFUIJOH�UIBU�JT�NBLJOH�HPPE�NPOFZ�

Some critics argue that media promote immoral be-IBWJPS�BNPOH�DIJMESFO �CVU�NPTU�PGUFO� UIFTF�57�TIPXT�are aimed at an audience that has the maturity to prop-erly interpret the controversial messages. Therefore, it’s VQ� UP� UIF�WJFXFST� UP�VOEFSTUBOE� UIF�EJġFSFODF�CFUXFFO�right and wrong, not up to the shows to censor sensitive subjects.

Let the government and parents and schools focus on educating the youth about a sense of morality. If there’s B�QFSTPOBM�PCKFDUJPO�BHBJOTU�UIF�DPOUFOU�JO�B�NPWJF�PS�57�show, the simple solution is to not watch it.

“Mom, I want to be a drug

d e a l e r XIFO�*�HSPX�VQ�u

/P�NPUIFS�FWFS�XBOUT�UP�IFBS�UIJT�GSPN�IFS�DIJME �BOE�most likely no mother ever will; however, as the popularity PG�NPWJFT�BOE�57�TIPXT�UIBU�HMPSJGZ�BDUT�TVDI�BT�ESVH�EFBM-ing grows, it is becoming increasingly evident that kids and adolescents are looking up to idols other than doctors and lawyers. While these programs are meant for entertainment QVSQPTFT �UIFJS�FġFDUT�PO�WJFXFST��XBZT�PG�UIJOLJOH�BSF�FOPS-mous, and include desensitization to crimes and ignorance of the negative impacts of such actions.

8IJMF�".$�T� i#SFBLJOH�#BEu� EPFT� OPU� BEWPDBUF� ESVH�VTBHF � JU� HMPSJÜFT� UIF� QSPEVDUJPO� BOE� TBMF� PG�drugs, leading to a loss of understanding of the negative consequences of this crime among the viewers. The show’s protagonist, Walter White, manufactures crystal meth in order to provide for his family, an act that has enormously nega-tive, far-reaching consequences. Walter’s actions feed the drug habits of everyone that buys from IJN �MFBE�UP�OVNFSPVT�EFBUIT �BOE�FYQBOE�UIF�ESVH�USBEF �XIJDI� UIF�HPWFSONFOU�OFFET� UP�ÜHIU�BHBJOTU�using federal funds. Despite these negative impacts, viewers identify with Walter because of the struggles he goes through, and feel sympathy for him; his battle with cancer and love for his family seemingly justify his actions. Although fans of the show most likely won’t quit their jobs and decide to take up drug dealing, they will feel that Walter did the right thing, and by think-ing this will lose understanding of why it is a DSJNF�JO�UIF�ÜSTU�QMBDF��

The entertainment industry often casts criminal acts in an BEWFOUVSPVT� PS� FYDJUJOH�light, a romantici-zation that

not only disguises the negative impacts of crime, but lowers respect for the law and fosters a skewed sense of morality in view-

FST��/FBM�$BġSFZ �UIF�QSPUBHPOJTU�PG�64"�/FUXPSL�T�i8IJUF�$PMMBS u�JT�B�TFNJ�SFGPSNFE�DPO�BSUJTU�BOE�BSU�GPSHFS�UIBU�DPO-stantly goes around the law to accomplish his goals, and usu-ally ends up successful. For a viewer watching the show, the portrayal of his criminal actions as adventurous and the cast-ing of law enforcement as the villains creates the impression that those actions are not all that bad, and that in fact he is do-JOH�UIF�SJHIU�UIJOH��7JFXFST�CFHJO�UP�MPTF�SFTQFDU�GPS�UIF�MBX �as well as believe that the ends justify the means.

The entertainment industry needs to realize that its pro-EVDUJPOT�IBWF�BO�FOPSNPVT�FġFDU�PO�UIF�NJOET�PG�WJFXFST �and thus need to approach crime from behind a less romantic MFOT��5IF�HMPSJÜDBUJPO�PG�DSJNJOBM�BDUT�XPO�U�NBLF�B�DIJME�UFMM�his mother he wants to be a drug dealer, but it does lead to a

more lenient mindset towards crime - and after all, it is the thought that counts.

hanging out with friends

//CON

KATIE MARTINeditor-in-chief

DIANA KRUZMANopinions editor

MAITHILEE KANTHIlifestyles assistant

It’s already half past three in the morning, yet the anticipation is too great to possibly set down the book. The variable plot, the dynamic characters and the heart-wrenching romances never fail to entice the unsuspecting reader; however, even the most accomplished author cannot answer every ques-UJPO �ÜMM�JO�FWFSZ�QMPU�IPMF�BOE�EFWFMPQ�FWFSZ�DIBSBDUFS��5IFTF�VOBOTXFSFE�questions can often be frustrating for a reader; fortunately, advance-ments in technology have given way to online communities that pro-vide just the solution to such a dilemma.

-BUFMZ �GBOÜDUJPO�IBT�HSPXO�JODSFBTJOHMZ�QPQVMBS�BNPOH�UIF�HFO-FSBM�BVEJFODF��'BOÜDUJPO�DPOTJTUT�PG�TUPSJFT�XSJUUFO�BCPVU�B�DIBSBDUFS�PS�setting derived from an author’s original work. It is a way to uphold the MFHBDZ�PG�BO�PSJHJOBM�UFYU�BOE�OFUXPSL�BNPOHTU�B�VOJRVF�DPNNVOJUZ�PG�individuals with similar interests.

However, with the variety of fandoms that are found online DPNFT�NBOZ�NPUJWFT�GPS�XSJUJOH�GBO�ÜDUJPO��

Inspired by the Warriors book series, sophomore Grace Yu be-gan writing during the summer of her eighth grade year.

i0GUFO�*�XBTO�U�IBQQZ�<XJUI>�IPX�UIF�TUPSZ�UVSOFE�PVU u�:V�TBJE��i<'BOÜDUJPO>�BMMPXT�NF�UP�CF�IBQQZ�JO�UIF�GBDU�UIBU�*�IBWF�UPUBM�DPO-USPM�PWFS�UIF�DIBSBDUFST�UIBU�PSJHJOBMMZ�EJEO�U�CFMPOH�UP�NF�u�

4PQIPNPSF�.BEEZ�.PMBSP� XSJUFT� GBOÜDUJPO� GPS� UIF� 1FSDZ�+BDLTPO� TFSJFT�� IPXFWFS � TIF� DIPPTFT� OPU� UP� TIBSF� IFS� XSJUJOH�without a pseudonym. She displays her work not for the atten-tion, but for the community that is provided.

4BJE�.PMBSP �i/PU�NBOZ�QFPQMF�BU�TDIPPM�LOPX�NZ�QFO�OBNF����� JU�T�NPSF�GPS�NF�UIBO�BOZUIJOH��<*� MJLF�UP>�QVU� JU�PVU�UIFSF�CFDBVTF�<*�LOPX�UIBU>�JG�<*�FOKPZ�JU> �UIFO�TPNFPOF�FMTF�JT�QSPCBCMZ�HPJOH�UP�u

'BOÜDUJPO�IBT�DSFBUFE�BO�FOWJSPONFOU� JO�XIJDI�JOEJWJEVBMT� BSF� BCMF� UP� FYFSDJTF� UIFJS� DSFBUJWF� XSJUJOH�skills and communicate their interests; they are able to track their progress and receive feedback from all EJġFSFOU�LJOET�PG�XSJUFST�BMM�BDSPTT�UIF�XPSME��

i<'BOÜDUJPO>�PġFST�B�SFBMMZ�UJHIU�DPNNV-OJUZ u�.PMBSP� TBJE�� i<8SJUFST>� EPO�U� KVEHF�each other on the quality of the work ... <UIFZ>� KVTU� XBOU� UP� IFMQ� FBDI� PUIFS�PVU�u

FANFICTION

6 Features November 1, 2013

ONLINE COMMUNITIES

While a large part of fandom takes place in real life, a con-siderable portion takes place on online communities such as Tumblr and Reddit. Whether it be reblogging photos or gifs related to one’s favorite show or posting on an anime subred-EJU �BWJE�NFEJB�GBOT�BCTPSC�BOE�QSPEVDF�BO�FYUFOTJWF�BNPVOU�of content.

� 5IF� GBOEPN� JT� B� DPOTUBOUMZ� FYQBOEJOH� DPNNVOJUZ� PG�fans surrounding a nucleus of any common interest, may it be comic books, anime, celebrities — and the vast majority of it takes place online. One notable reason that fans enjoy these forms of media is that they can be immersed in the worlds that these interests establish.

4PQIPNPSF�&LUB�4IBIBOJ �GPS�FYBNQMF �XBUDIFT�iNBJOMZ�Supernatural, Doctor Who, and Sherlock. It’s nice to imagine XPSMET�MJLF�UIFTF�BOE�HFU�BXBZ�GSPN�SFBM�MJGF�GPS�B�XIJMF�u�

According to sophomore Rino Kodama, “Some people TBZ�57� JT� B�XBTUF� PG� UJNF � CVU� *� IPOFTUMZ� CFMJFWF� UIBU� TPNF�shows teach us a lot about life and people in general. I think it’s XPOEFSGVM�UP�JOWFTU�NZ�FYDFTT�FOFSHZ�JOUP�TPNFUIJOH�*�MPWF�u�

Added Kodama, “It’s my way of getting out of touch with SFBMJUZ�u

"�QPQVMBS�XBZ�UP�FYQSFTT�POF�T�MPWF�GPS�TIPXT�BOE�OPW-els is through the blogging platform Tumblr. Tumblr is con-sidered by many to be the epitome of online fandom, having evolved into an immensely popular online community where users can reblog, post and surf through content.

“I mostly reblog posts consisting of gifs, HSBQIJDT �BOE�NPSF u�TPQIPNPSF�$ISJTUJOB�-V�TBJE��i*�BMTP�MJLF�UP�EFTJHO�HSBQIJDT�PO�QIPUPTIPQ �XIJDI�*�QPTU�PO�NZ�CMPH�u�

Lu continued, “On Tumblr, I meet people with similar JOUFSFTUT �TP�XF�DBO�UBML�BCPVU�57�TIPXT�BOE�,QPQ�<,PSFBO�1PQ>�UPHFUIFS�u

In addition, Reddit, a social news aggregate, has a large following among high schoolers. Reddit is composed of indi-vidual communities, or subreddits, that cover an enormous va-riety of interests, including television shows such as Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and How I Met Your Mother.

+VOJPS�*TINBN�/BXBS�JT�BO�BWJE�3FEEJU�VTFS �TVCTDSJCJOH�to a number of subreddits and actively participating in online EJTDVTTJPOT�BT�XFMM��/BXBS�TQFOET�TPNF�PG�IJT�free time scrolling through and commenting PO�UIF�DPOUFOU�PG�TVCSFEEJUT�IF�FOKPZT��/BXBS�described the communities as “generally pret-UZ�DIJMM �CVU�PDDBTJPOBMMZ�FMJUJTU�u�

When asked about Reddit’s impact on his TPDJBM�MJGF �/BXBS�KPLJOHMZ�SFQMJFE �i3FEEJU�JT�NZ�TPDJBM�MJGF�u�

PHOTO BY GLORIA CHOI

GLORIA CHOIphoto crew

JEREMY XUEflip side assistant

PHOTO BY GLORIA CHOI

Outlandish costumes, stunning artwork, gatherings for people with the same interests and amazing visual works of literature have seeming no connection to each other,but in truth, they are all key components of the fandom community. When most people hear the word “fandom,” they dismiss it as child’s play. Even dictionary.com doesn’t give the term much thought, defining it simply as “fans collectively, as of a motion-picture star or a professional game or sport.” However, fandom, originating from the word “kingdom,” is much more complicated than its general public perception. Fandoms consist of five basic sections: fanart, cosplaying, conventions, online communities and fanfiction. Participating in such groups is often a great unifying experience, as they provides people all around the world with connections to others with the same passion.

One cannot help but marvel at the phe-nomenon that occurs when over 20,000 people gather at one location, at one time, for the same QVSQPTF�� 4VDI� BO� FYUSBPSEJOBSZ��� BMNPTU� TVS-real — sight can be observed at gatherings like

'BOJNF$PO �B�DPOWFOUJPO�IFME�BOOVBMMZ�BU�UIF�4BO�+PTF�$POWFOUJPO�$FO-ter. For hardcore anime fanatics, aspiring artists and cosplay enthusiasts BMJLF �'BOJNF$PO�JT�UIF�QFSGFDU�PDDBTJPO�UP�ÝBVOU�DPTQMBZ�DPTUVNFT �NFFU�famous artists and writers, buy fanart and more.

6QPO�ÜSTU�FOUFSJOH�'BOJNFDPO �UIF�TIFFS�FOPSNJUZ�PG�UIF�DPOWFOUJPO�can, unsurprisingly, be overwhelming.

4BJE�TPQIPNPSF�5IBX�.ZJOU�PO�IJT�FYQFSJFODF�BU�IJT�ÜSTU�DPOWFOUJPO �i<.Z�GSJFOET�BOE�*>�XFSF�UPUBMMZ�MPTU�CFDBVTF�UIFSF�XFSF�TP�NBOZ�QFPQMF�u�

.BOZ� BUUFOEFFT � IPXFWFS � TPNFIPX� ÜOE� UIFNTFMWFT� ESBXO� UP�the Dealer’s Hall, a wondrous hall of alluring merchandise. From cute clothes to drawing books and anime art, there is something for every-one. The Dealer’s Hall even boasts a luring trove of items from out of the state and country.

i4PNFUJNFT� UIFZ�MM�IBWF� TQFDJBM� UIJOHT� TUSBJHIU� GSPN�+BQBO u� TF-OJPS�3FTINB�;BDIBSJBI�TBJE��i<4JODF>�*�WF�CFFO�UP�+BQBO �JU�CSJOHT�CBDL�NFNPSJFT��#VU�w�UIF�TUVġ�T�QSFUUZ�FYQFOTJWF�UIFSF �TP�JU�T�IBSE�OPU�UP�TQFOE�BU�MFBTU�����u�

Alongside shopping, cosplaying, or dressing up as a certain char-acter, is a popular practice amongst convention attendees. Zachariah attested to the numerous months — and amount of money — co-splayers must spend on preparing costumes.

“People spend … many months beforehand, preparing cos-UVNFT�<GPS�DPTQMBZJOH> �BOE�DPOWFOUJPOT�BSF�UIFJS�DIBODF�UP�QVU�JU�PO�EJTQMBZ u�;BDIBSJBI�TBJE�

According to sophomore Stephanie Shi, seeing cosplayers at conventions is “like seeing your favorite characters come to MJGF�u

Aside from the vast realm of spectacles to see and pro-grams to attend — ranging from autograph sessions to

i)PX�UP�5BML�UP�(JSMTu�QBOFMT���DPOWFOUJPOT�QSFTFOU�individuals with the rare and welcome opportunity

to meet others with similar interests. Said Shi, “I don’t really know a lot of

people that like the same things as me — so when I go to conventions it’s nice to

TFF� QFPQMF� XIP� MJLF� UIF� TBNF� 57�TIPXT�BOE�NPWJFT�UIBU�*�EP�u�

7The Prospector FeaturesNovember 1, 2013

Outlandish costumes, stunning artwork, gatherings for people with the same interests and amazing visual works of literature have seeming no connection to each other,but in truth, they are all key components of the fandom community. When most people hear the word “fandom,” they dismiss it as child’s play. Even dictionary.com doesn’t give the term much thought, defining it simply as “fans collectively, as of a motion-picture star or a professional game or sport.” However, fandom, originating from the word “kingdom,” is much more complicated than its general public perception. Fandoms consist of five basic sections: fanart, cosplaying, conventions, online communities and fanfiction. Participating in such groups is often a great unifying

Though cosplayers are often considered emblematic of fandom, there is more to their work than their impressive cos-tumes. Cosplayers are not only devout fans of what they co-splay, but are also artists, actors, and businesspeople and most of them would agree that their art entails a great amount of dedication and fun.

The prerequisites to a successful cosplay — choosing an appropriate character and preparing a costume — require de-tailed knowledge of the relevant work and a great deal of pa-tience. Sophomore Ihna Yoo was introduced to cosplay by her GSJFOET �XIP�TVHHFTUFE�IFS�ÜSTU�DIBSBDUFS�UP�DPTQMBZ�CFDBVTF�Yoo had a similar appearance and personality to the character.

5IF�OFYU�TUFQ �HFUUJOH�B�DPTUVNF �BMMPXT�GPS�NPSF�DSFBUJW-ity. While many cosplayers order costumes online and modify them, some make their costumes from scratch.

Said sophomore Isabelle Roetcisoender of her friend Maria, “She really inspires because she makes all of her co-TQMBZT�CZ�IBOE�BOE�VTFT�B�TFXJOH�NBDIJOF�UP�NBLF�JU�BMM�u

In addition to investing time in preparing their cosplay, cosplayers face occasional harassment at conventions, as se-nior Azaleah Matula describes: “Sometimes, there are some really creepy people at conventions who view you as the char-acter, not a person, so they think it’s okay to mistreat you and UBML�UP�ZPV�SFBMMZ�TUSBOHFMZ�u

4UJMM � JO�TQJUF�PG� UIF�EFEJDBUJPO�BOE�EJĤDVMUJFT� JOWPMWFE�with cosplaying, cosplayers consider their hobby well worth-XIJMF�� "DDPSEJOH� UP�.BUVMB � i8F� <DPTQMBZ>� UP� FYQSFTT� PVS-selves and ... it’s just really fun to go out there and meet people XIP�IBWF�TJNJMBS�JOUFSFTUT�u�

5IF�VOJRVF�FYQFSJFODFT�BOJNF�DPOWFOUJPOT�PġFS�GVSUIFS�motivate cosplayers to continue pursuing their passion.

Said Yoo of one convention she attended, “Quite a lot of young girls went up to me and said my character was their IFSP u�UIVT�JOTQJSJOH�:PP�UP�BDU�BT�IFS�DIBSBDUFS�UP�QMFBTF�IFS�newfound admirers.

Roetcisoender also has her share of entertaining cosplay FYQFSJFODFT��

“At one point, I met this male character … and I made him carry me bridal-style. Another time this guy was like ‘Madoka! I love you!’ and I went ‘Thank you citizen, I love ZPV�UPPà�u�TIF�TBJE�

Beneath each costume is a creative, committed cosplayer with their own story. Despite — or because of — all of their FYQFSJFODFT �HPPE�BOE�CBE �UIFZ�SFNBJO�QBTTJPOBUF�EFWPUFFT�of their art.

Said Yoo, “If anyone else wants to cosplay, they need UJNF �NPOFZ� BOE� QBUJFODF � PS� TPNF� TUSBOHF�NJYUVSF� PG� UIF�three, but the outcome is always worth it ... If you want to co-TQMBZ �HP�GPS�JU�u�

COSPLAYALEX LEVINEopinions assistant

COMPILED BY JOYCE YE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IHNA YOO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AZALEAH MATULA

GLORIA CHOIphoto crew

CONVENTIONS

8 Lifestyles November 1, 2013

"T�UIF�XFBUIFS�DPPMT�BOE�CPPUT �TXFBUFST�BOE�TDBSWFT�ÜOE�UIFJS�XBZ�PVU�of closets, there is no better way to fall into the autumn spirit than curling up on the couch and enjoying a warm, homemade pumpkin spice latte QFSGFDUMZ� DPNQMFNFOUFE� CZ� B� EFDBEFOU� TMJDF� PG� B�/VUFMMB�NBSCMF� DBLF��With these simple recipes, you can enjoy the season and all the delicious ÝBWPST�JU�IBT�UP�PġFS��

THU DAMphoto editor

Spice Latte Marble CakePumpkin Nutella

Ingredients:

������DVQT�BMM�QVSQPTF�ÝPVS��MBSHF�FHHT�SPPN�UFNQFSBUVSF��UFBTQPPOT�WBOJMMB�FYUSBDU1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt��TUJDLT�CVUUFS�����QPVOE�TPGUFOFE1 1/4 cups sugar����DVQ�/VUFMMB�TQSFBE3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 X 5 inch pan.2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and TVHBS�VOUJM�ÝVġZ�3. Beat in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla.���.JY�UPHFUIFS�ÝPVS �CBLJOH�QPXEFS �BOE�TBMU �BOE�BEE�UIJT�UP�UIF�FHH�CVUUFS�NJYUVSF�JO�UISFF�CBUDIFT �CFBUJOH�KVTU�VOUJM�NJYFE����3FNPWF�POF�UIJSE�PG�UIF�NJYUVSF�UP�B�TFQBSBUF�CPXM�BOE�TUJS�JO�UIF�/VUFMMB�BOE�DPDPB����1PVS�IBMG�UIF�SFNBJOJOH�QPVOE�DBLF�NJYUVSF�JOUP�UIF�QSFQBSFE�QBO �UIFO�BEE�UIF�/VUFMMB�NJY-ture on top, gently smoothing it to cover.7. Top with the remaining pound cake batter.8. Use a knife and swirl the chocolate batter through the pound cake. Be careful not to over-NJY��ZPV�XBOU�UP�FOTVSF�ZPV�HFU�B�TXJSM�FġFDU�JO�the cake.9. Bake the cake for about an hour and 10 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.10. Cool for 15 minutes then remove from the pan, and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Ingredients:

1 cup hot milk (soy/ almond milk works UPPà1-1/4 teaspoons white sugar����UFBTQPPO�WBOJMMB�FYUSBDU1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice��PVODFT�EPVCMF�TUSFOHUI�CSFXFE�DPġFF1 tablespoon sweetened whipped cream 1 pinch pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Combine the hot milk, TVHBS �WBOJMMB�FYUSBDU �BOE�pumpkin pie spice in a blender and blend until frothy (vigor-PVT�NJYJOH�XJMM�TVĤDF���1PVS�UIF�NJYUVSF�JOUP�B�NVH�to about 2/3 full���1PVS���PVODFT�DPġFF�JOUP�each mug4. Garnish each mug with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice and enjoy!

C A FFw

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Many students are more than familiar with the nightly routine that accompanies a combination of a heavy homework load and a hearty dose of procrastination: as midnight approaches, they sleepily read UIFJS� UFYUCPPLT � CBSFMZ� BCMF� UP� TUBZ� BXBLF�after a grueling day of sports, clubs or maybe even both. They then take a sip of XBSN�DPġFF� BOE� KPMU�CBDL�VQ� UP� DPOUJOVF�TUVEZJOH�� &WFO� UIPVHI� DPġFF� DBO� FMFWBUF�already-high stress levels, the drink has be-come a necessity for a number of teenagers due to the increased amount of work that goes hand-in-hand with multiple advanced classes.$PġFF�DPOTVNQUJPO�CZ�ZPVOH�QFPQMF�IBT�

long earned negative publicity; however, the beverage has been proven by countless TUVEJFT�UP�CF�CFOFÜDJBM�JG�DPOTVNFE�JO�TNBMM�BNPVOUT��4UVEJFT�GSPN�UIF�/BUJPOBM�4UVE-ies of Health prove that people who drink DPġFF� XIFO� UIFZ� BSF� TMFFQ�EFQSJWFE� DBO�improve their cognition and reaction rates. According to the Cancer Research journal, which in a recent study researched the ef-

GFDU�PG�DBġFJOF�TQFDJÜDBMMZ�JO�DPġFF �ESJOLFST�PG� DPġFF� DBO� XBSE� Pġ� UIF�NPTU� EJBHOPTFE�form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. )PXFWFS � EFTQJUF� JUT� CFOFÜUT � DPġFF� DBO�

still prove to be harmful to the body. The NPTU�DPNNPO�TJEF�FġFDU�PG�DPġFF�JT�UIF�QSP-duction of stress hormones which, if untreat-ed, can lead to a plethora of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Even though cof-GFF�DBO�IBWF�JUT�IFBMUIZ�CFOFÜUT �EPDUPST�POMZ�recommend under two cups per day, as the NPTU�FġFDUJWF�XBZ� UP�QSFWFOU�OFHBUJWF�TJEF�FġFDUT�JT�UP�MJNJU�POF�T�DPOTVNQUJPO��$BġFJOF�� UIF� XPSE� JT� FWFSZXIFSF�� $PġFF�

immediately comes to mind for many, but there are innumerable ways to consume this TVCTUBODF�� /PXBEBZT � B� UXP� EPMMBS� DVQ� PG�DPġFF�JT�GPVOE�JO�QSBDUJDBMMZ�BOZ�SFTUBVSBOU �DPOUBJOJOH�BCPVU�����NJMMJHSBNT�PG�DBġFJOF��However, there are many more ways to con-TVNF�DBġFJOF��$BQQVDDJOP�BOE�DPMB�TPEB�BSF�two of the most common ways people ingest DBġFJOF��$BQQVDDJOP� JT�PGUFO� SFHBSEFE�BT�B�iTVQFS�TVQQMFNFOUu��JU�DPOUBJOT�BO�BTUPVOE-JOH� ��� NJMMJHSBNT� PG� DBġFJOF� CVU� XJUI� UIF�NPSF�FYQFOTJWF�QSJDF�PG�GPVS�EPMMBST��8IJMF�B�POF�EPMMBS�DBO�PG�TPEB�NBZ�TFFN�JOTVĤDJFOU �JUT����NJMMJHSBNT�PG�DBġFJOF�DPVME�VMUJNBUFMZ�be worth it for a student heading for an all-nighter.

However, there are other unconven-UJPOBM�DBġFJOF�TPVSDFT �TVDI�BT�DPG-fee ice cream, which contains about 30-45 milligrams of DBġFJOF � BT� XFMM� BT� UIF�infamous future caf-feine spray. While the UIPVHIU� PG� DBġFJOF�spray might be ludi-DSPVT � DBġFJOF� TQSBZ�EPFT�FYJTU��5IF�QSPE-uct is currently up on Indiegogo, an inter-national crowd fund-ing site. Despite the recency of its invention, its reputation and popularity has risen immense-ly. So how does it work? In the $15 bottle, four sprays is equivalent to UIF�BNPVOU�PG�DBġFJOF�JO�B�DVQ�PG�DPġFF�/FWFSUIFMFTT � FOFSHZ� JT� B� OFDFTTJUZ� GPS� OV-

NFSPVT� TUVEFOUT� BOE� DBġFJOF � JO� NBOZ� GPSNT �provides a delicious and satisfying way of obtaining it. "�TUFBNJOH�DVQ�PG�KPF�NBZ�CF�UIF�EJġFSFODF�CFUXFFO�reading those last few pages of the chapter and falling BTMFFQ�PO�UIF�UFYUCPPL��

ANIRUDH PAIphoto assistant

ALEX SHIEHfeature assistant

PHOTO BY GLORIA CHOI

9The Prospector LifestylesNovember 1, 2013

My Halloween tradition has always been to watch Disney Channel’s Twitches while ignoring the peo-ple knocking on my doors because we never had candy. I think I was always a little jealous of those who went door to door every October 31st. They were living out their childhoods as princesses, su-QFSIFSPFT�PS�BOJNBMT�XIJMF�ÜMMJOH�VQ�CSJHIU�PSBOHF�pumpkin buckets to the brim with candy. That was years ago, though, as it seems that others’ Hallow-een festivities, like mine, have been replaced by the realities of growing up.

Senior Baotran Ton is going to work at Great America’s Halloween Haunt this year. Her blue col-lar job doesn’t leave her blue, though, as Ton gets iQBJE�JOTUFBE�PG�TUBZJOH�IPNF�BOE�EPJOH�OPUIJOH�u�

Ton, who took her younger brother trick-or-treat-ing in years past, this year took her brother along with her to Halloween Haunt. She prefers giving IFS� MJUUMF�CSPUIFS� UIF�FYQFSJFODF�PG�)BMMPXFFO� JO-stead, especially since she will be making money

at the same time. She does not see her happily employed life as a tragedy at all.+VOJPS� "OHFMB� $IPJ � PO� UIF� PUIFS� IBOE � EF-

cided to spend her Halloween indoors studying for the ever-demanding AP Biology because, as she put it, “my grade is more important. Besides, DBOEZ�NBLFT�ZPV�GBU�u

But while she’s not going door-to-door this season, but it isn’t because she thinks that she’s too old.

“If people want to trick or treat they should EFÜOJUFMZ�USJDL�PS�USFBU u�$IPJ�TBJE �BHSFFJOH�XJUI�the value of partaking in the season’s festivities.

On the opposite end of the Halloween spec-USVN�JT�TFOJPS�%JLTIB�7FOLBUFTI �XIP�QMBOOFE�to trick-or-treat by herself in pursuit of candy: i<.Z� JEFBM� )BMMPXFFO� JT>� HFUUJOH� BU� MFBTU� UXP�bags full of candy and going to the pumpkin

QBUDI�BOE�QMBZJOH�PO�UIF�TMJEFT u�7FOLBUFTI�TBJE��i*�BMXBZT�ESFTT�VQ�BT�NZTFMG�u*U�T�B� MJUUMF�EJġFSFOU�GSPN�DIJMESFO�T�WFSTJPO�PG�

USJDL�PS�USFBUJOH �BT�7FOLBUFTI�JT�GPDVTJOH�OPU�PO�the costume element but solely on the delicious rewards she will reap — however, the heart she has for the candy is still the same as that of any ÜWF�PS�TJY�ZFBS�PME��4IF�T�TUJMM�CMJTTGVMMZ�MJWJOH�PVU�her childhood.

Senior Katerina Gurzhi also planned to follow UIJT�DPVSTF�PG�BDUJPO �TQFOEJOH�IFS�ÜOBM�)BMMPX-een before college trick-or-treating and going out purely to relive the sentimental feelings of childhood nostalgia before her life as a legally

branded adult.i*�SFNFNCFS�BT�B�LJE�*�XBT�BMXBZT�SFBMMZ�FY-

DJUFE�UP�HP�PVU�<���>�BOE�OPX�*�TUJMM�XBOU�UP�EP�UIF� TBNF� UIJOH u�(VS[IJ� FYQMBJOFE�� i:PV�SF�never too old for trick-or-treating! You’ll take your kids out trick-or-treating one day, BOZXBZT��*U�T�B�DZDMF�u

Ultimately, it’s not really a matter of age. As the years pass, our values may change and that’s just something we can’t stop. Yet child-hood doesn’t have to end at a certain year. Maybe we can’t do anything about growing old, but we don’t have to grow up.

YANE AHNcopy editor

ARE HIGH-SCHOOLERS TOO OLD TO

TRICK-OR-TREAT?

PHOTO BY JESSICA SHIN

10 Sports November 1, 2013

Paying respect or perpetuating racism?Recent debate surrounding Washington Redskins team name intensifies

Controversy in the sport of football is not rare — doping, drug abuse, criminal records and even coaching scandals have all manifested themselves in the game. The racial backlash surrounding the Washington Redskins’ name, however, is far from NVOEBOF��0SJHJOBUJOH�BT�QSPUFTUT� GSPN�MPDBM�/BUJWF�American populations who found the team’s name PġFOTJWF � UIF� JTTVF� IBT� OPX� UBLFO� B� OBUJPOBM� QMBU-form with growing interest in the debate’s outcome.

Surprisingly, the Washington Redskins were not always known by the controversial name: prior to 1933, the team went as the Boston Braves. In honor of then-IFBE�DPBDI�-POF�4UBS�%JFU[ �B�4JPVY� USJCF�NFNCFS �the name was later changed to its current form. Thus, supporters of the franchise’s current name argue that JU�ÜOET�JUT�SPPUT�GSPN�B�QPTJUJWF�TJUVBUJPO�BOE�BUUFNQUT�UP� IPOPS� BO� JOÝVFOUJBM� CFJOH� JO� UIF� UFBN�T� IJTUPSZ��

Opposers bring up the highly negative con-notation of the word throughout the late 19th and FBSMZ���UI�DFOUVSZ��6TFE�BT�B�XBZ�UP�JEFOUJGZ�/BUJWF�Americans, especially in land disagreements, the XPSE�DBNF�UP�CF�BTTPDJBUFE�XJUI�UFSNT�TVDI�BT�iEJSUZu�PS�iMZJOH�u�5IVT �QSPUFTUFST�BSHVF�UIBU�UIF�DPOUJOVFE�usage of the name presents a tolerance of racism.

“It is really irresponsible on the part of

the owner to let the team carry that name es-QFDJBMMZ� JO� UIJT� UJNF� BOE� FSB u� TFOJPS� "TIVUPTI�3BN� TBJE�� i)POFTUMZ � JU� PġFOET� NBOZ� QFPQMF�BOE� JU�T� CFUUFS� UP� TJNQMZ� BWPJE� TVDI� DPOUSPWFSTZ�u

In response to such protests, current team owner Dan Snyder recently made use of a tra-dition-based argument in his open letter to fans regarding his refusal to change the team name.

“We are proud of our team and the pas-sion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing ‘Hail to the Redskins’ in celebration at every Redskins game. 5IFZ� TQFBL� QSPVEMZ� PG� A3FETLJOT� /BUJPO�� JO� IPO-PS� PG� B� TQPSUT� UFBN� UIFZ� MPWF u� 4OZEFS� XSPUF�

Similarly, some students take a viewpoint claiming that any derogatory meaning of the word is outdated and meaningless in a modern society.

Said junior and football fan Suyash Ganu, “Sports in America have a long history and it’s a great American pastime. Americans do not have resent-NFOU�UPXBSET�/BUJWF�"NFSJDBOT��JU�IBT�KVTU�CFDPNF�B� USBEJUJPO� BOE� UIPTF� BSF� USBEJUJPOBM� UFBN� OBNFT�u

Both sides continue to present valid arguments, and the controversy will likely provoke many more EFCBUFT�BOE�DPNQSPNJTFT�CFGPSF�BOZ�EFÜOJUF�BDUJPO�is taken. Until then, opposers must cope with the name while supporters of the management’s actions will continue to face the ire of protesting populations.

Teachers leave classrooms behind, take on the world of sports

Roberts - Martial Arts Founds - Ultimate Frisbee Ferrante - CyclingAfter starting it for fun during college, math teacher

+VMJB�3PCFSUT�EFDJEFE�UP�DPOUJOVF�NBSUJBM�BSUT�FWFO�BGUFS�graduating, and eventually became a black belt. She began the sport because she “thought it was a good way to stay JO�TIBQF�BOE�XBOUFE�UP�MFBSO�TPNF�TFMG�EFGFOTF�TUVġ�BOE�FOEFE�VQ�HFUUJOH�UPUBMMZ�IPPLFE�u�.BSUJBM�BSUT��BCJMJUZ�UP�include anyone, no matter what size or shape, was one of Roberts’ favorite aspects, although being unable to per-fect some higher level techniques has constantly been an obstacle for her. Even after achieving black belt rank, she continues to practice martial arts in a small area in her ga-rage where she has all her gear accessible. She enjoys do-JOH�TP�OPU�POMZ�GPS�UIF�QIZTJDBM�FYFSDJTF �CVU�BMTP�GPS�UIF�mental relief that she believes is necessary for anyone.

Growing up watching her older brother play, history UFBDIFS� +FOOJGFS� 'PVOET�XBT� JOTQJSFE� UP� CFDPNF� BO�6MUJ-mate Frisbee player and joined a team during her freshman year in college. Despite the competitive nature many players possess, the sport, known colloquially simply as‘Ultimate,’ is less widely known than other sports because “most people UP�IBWF�TPNF�DSB[Z�JEFBT�BCPVU�UIF�TQPSU u�TVDI�BT�UIJOLJOH�UIBU�iJU�JT�B�EJTD�HPMG�XJUI�EPHT u�BDDPSEJOH�UP�'PVOET��$VS-SFOUMZ�QMBZJOH�JO�B�UFBN�DBMMFE�/JHIU �'PVOET�NVTU�CBMBODF�playing Ultimate and teaching. Recently, she and her team XFOU� UP�'SJTDP �5FYBT� UP�QMBZ� JO� UIF�6MUJNBUF�'SJTCFF�/B-tionals Tournament, in which her team placed fourteenth.

Although many people travel by car nowadays, math and computer science teacher Eric Ferrante usu-ally does not; his main mode of transportation is his bicycle. He began cycling during his college years to get to classes and his cycling distances became lon-ger and longer. He eventually went from daily trips to TDIPPM� B� UZQF� PG� SJEJOH� SFGFSSFE� UP� BT� VSCBO� DZDMJOH�UP� ����NJMF� USJQT� BDSPTT� UIF� DPVOUSZ� UPVS� DZDMJOH��Although many people may think that the physi-cal weariness of cycling may be the hardest aspect, for 'FSSBOUF � UIF� FOFSHZ� FYQFOEFE� JT� IJT� GBWPSJUF� FMFNFOU��

“You may feel tired, but your CPEZ�T� WFSZ� SFGSFTIFE u� 'FSSBOUF� TBJE��

Besides cycling, Ferrante also plays tennis in UIF� #BZ� "SFB� #BTFMJOFST� UFBN� BOE� #FBDI� 7PMMFZ-ball whenever he goes back home to Santa Cruz.

&YFSDJTF�IBT�NFOUBM�IFBMUI�CFOFÜUT�BT�XFMM�BOE�*�UIJOL�that part of the reason teach-FST�UFOE�UP�EP�B�MPU�PG�FYFSDJTF�outside of work is because we need to be in shape physi-cally as well as emotionally and mentally

��+VMJB�3PCFSUT

“

Ultimate manages to main-tain something that people call ‘the spirit of the game,’ which is the idea that even when you have an oppo-nent, you treat them with respect

��+FOOJGFS�'PVOET

“

If you bike 80 miles a day, the OFYU�EBZ�ZPV�MM�

feel great

- Eric Ferrante

“

TANAY TANDONweb manager

JESSICA SHIN

JESSICA SHINPHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC FERRANTE

11The Prospector SportsNovember 1, 2013

“A better mindset”:School athletes boost physical and mental fitness with pre-season workouts and training

8IJMF�B�MPU�PG�QFPQMF�QSFGFS�UP�TQFOE�UIFJS�TVNNFST�SFMBYJOH�PO�B�DPVDI�BOE�TIJGUJOH�UISPVHI�the channels on the television, others choose to spend their time improving themselves as athletes. Though preseason may seem optional to new athletes, veteran athletes who have gone through the preseason trainings may disagree with this notion. Additionally, some athletes see preseason as a XBZ�UP�EJTUJOHVJTI�UIFNTFMWFT�GSPN�PUIFS�BUIMFUFT��/PU�BMM�TQPSUT�IBWF�QSFTFBTPO �CVU�BNPOH�UIPTF�UIBU�EP�BSF�GPPUCBMM �XSFTUMJOH �CBTLFUCBMM �DSPTT�DPVOUSZ�BOE�USBDL���ÜFME��

Said sophomore and cross country runner Hursh Karkhanis, “Preseason is something that you have to be motivated for and you could make great connections with the athletes you practice XJUI�FBSMJFS�PO�UIF�TFBTPO�u

Some athletes view preseason as a gateway to and a key component of winning. Most of the time, they are motivated to perform at high levels. One such athlete is senior Brett Koci, a varsity XSFTUMFS �XIP�QBSUJDJQBUFE�JO�UIF�$46�#BLFSTÜFME�8SFTUMJOH�$BNQ�BOE�UIF�4FQUFNCFS�UP�0DUPCFS�wrestling workouts. Koci, whose goal is to achieve the title of CCS champion in the upcoming TFBTPO �EFTDSJCFT�IJT�QSFTFBTPO�USBJOJOH�BT�B�SFÝFDUJPO�PG�IJT�PXO�EFUFSNJOBUJPO�UP�TVDDFFE��

4BJE�,PDJ �i*�BN�NPUJWBUFE�UP�EP�QSFTFBTPO�NZTFMG �OPU�PO�BOZPOF�FMTF�T�FYQFDUBUJPOT��*�UIJOL�preseason is helpful for keeping me in shape and prepared for the gruesome regular season. Pre-TFBTPO�XSFTUMJOH�QVUT�ZPVS�CPEZ�BOE�NJOE�JO�B�SJHIU�QMBDF�u

Coaches encourage athletes to participate in the preseason, arguing that it is essential for the athletes to be conditioned for the regular season. Paul Armstrong, head of the cross country and USBDL���ÜFME�UFBNT �JT�POF�TVDI�DPBDI�XIP�i<XBOUT>�UP�HFU�BUIMFUFT�Pġ�UIFJS�CVUUT�BOE�HFU�JO�TIBQF�EVSJOH�UIF�TVNNFS�u

i1SFTFBTPO� � JT�OFDFTTBSZ�CFDBVTF�BMM� UFBNT�BSF�EPJOH�JU u�"SNTUSPOH�TBJE��i*G�ZPV�XBJU �ZPV�won’t be ready for the regular season. Conditioning is optional. However, if you are serious, then ZPV�NVTU�DPNNJU�UP�JU�u�

4PQIPNPSF�7JWJ�,VOH �B�CBTLFUCBMM�QMBZFS �BHSFFT�� i*U� JT�DSVDJBM�CFDBVTF�XF�OFFE� UP�CF� JO�shape for the regular season. Other teams have already started, and we don’t want to be behind UIFN�u

It is true that some athletes attend practice only during the regular season without preseason training and still succeed, but for many, preseason workouts are an essential facet of their sporting DBSFFST��"QBSU�GSPN�UIF�QIZTJDBM�CFOFÜUT �UIF�SPVUJOF�BOE�EJTDJQMJOF�GPSHFE�UISPVHIPVU�QSFTFBTPO�training is seen by many athletes as key to establishing a winning record in league.

“Knowing that you are coming into the season with a better mindset will help you tremen-EPVTMZ u�,PDJ�TBJE���

Commentary: Failure a necessary element of the youth sports experience

When I was younger and delved into the large realm of sports, I quickly learned a few things about myself. One, I loved playing soccer. Two, I had no eye-foot coordination of any sort. Three, UIPTF�UXP�RVBMJUJFT �XIFO�DPNCJOFE�UPHFUIFS �XFSF�BO�FYUSFNFMZ�CBE�DPNCJOBUJPO��/P�NBUUFS�how mediocre I was at soccer, I always got stickers, medals, or trophies simply because I partici-QBUFE��/PX �EPO�U�HFU�NF�XSPOH��*�XJMM�BMXBZT�TVQQPSU�QFPQMF�XIP�BSF�XJMMJOH�UP�UBLF�B�SJTL�BOE�USZ�something new. What I don’t support, however, is the fact that these participation awards can raise kids to believe that it is acceptable to settle for less than our best because they are going to get an award regardless of whether they work for it or not.

5BLF�FMFNFOUBSZ�TDIPPM�TQPSUT �GPS�FYBNQMF��.BOZ�PG�VT�IBWF�DPVOUMFTT�NFEBMT�BOE�USPQIJFT�adorning our walls from participating in sports seasons, regardless of whether we were undefeated or winless. We were taught that it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose; it only matters that you tried. The same mentality that was fostered in elementary school is no longer the case in high school. High school sports have a high level of competition, and if you don’t have the right XJOOJOH�NFOUBMJUZ �JU�T�WFSZ�IBSE�UP�CF�TVDDFTTGVM��-JWJOH�CZ�UIF�NPUUP�UIBU�iFWFSZPOF�JT�B�XJOOFSu�doesn’t motivate us to get better; it only tells us that it’s okay to settle for less than your best per-formance, which is obviously not the case in high school.

1BSUJDJQBUJPO�BXBSET�BSF�BO�FġPSU�UP�LFFQ�UIF�JEFB�PG�GBJMVSF�BXBZ�GSPN�ZPVOHFS�LJET �ZFU�GBJM-

VSF�JT�POF�PG�UIF�WFSZ�ÜSTU�UIJOHT�XF�TIPVME�CF�UFBDIJOH�UP�ZPVOHFS�LJET��0VS�HFOFSBUJPO�EPFTO�U�understand the concept of failure at a young enough age, and instead of being taught that failure is bad, we should be taught that’s it’s okay to fail. Rather than emphasizing the concepts of winning and losing, we should instead teach the younger generation to set high standards for themselves and push themselves to the best they can be, and not stop when their success has gotten a label on it.

Instead of being taught that failure is bad, we should be taught that’s it’s okay to fail

“

Sophomore Richa Wadaskar posts up during a regular preseason practice.

MARVIN WANGlifestyles assistant

NIKITA DEVDHARsports assistant

GLORIA CHOI

Flip Side November 1, 2013 12

NEXT MONTH: NOVEMBERJOYCE YE

Fall play: Julius Caesar

Nov. 8-9, 15-16 at 7 p.m.

Fall sports awards ceremony

Monday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.

ELD Thanksgiving lunch

Thursday, Nov. 21

Band home show

Thursday, Nov. 14

End of second grading period

Friday, Nov. 8

Thanksgiving break

Thursday-Friday, Nov. 28-29

JASON CHEN

SERENA NGAN

CHOIR CONCERT | Choir teacher Andrew Aron shows off his mus-tache during the debut choir con-cert.

CLUBS DAY | Senior Joshua Park and sophomore Ethan Shen adver-tise their club’s snack .

BLOOD DRIVE | Junior Charles Tzou reclines as he donates blood during the blood drive.

TOURNAMENT OF BANDS | Mark Chang, Sam Tam and Scott Tatsuta wait on the field to pass out tro-phies.

FIELD HOCKEY | Senior Jane Li sprints to hit the ball during the Se-nior Night game.

THU DAM

NIRMIT SHAH

THU DAM

ANIRUDH PAI

About a week ago I saw my classmate secretly play-ing Pokémon on her phone in the middle of AP Gov-ernment. Perhaps others knew about this phenomenon years ago and I’m a little slow on the uptake, but I had no idea that Pokémon could be played on smartphones.

So of course I was left with no choice but to give this a try; after almost rage-quitting twice and crying a MJUUMF � *� ÜOBMMZ� TVDDFFEFE� JO� EPXOMPBEJOH� 1PL»NPO� 'JS-F3FE�BOE�BEPQUFE�UIF�QTFVEPOZN�i#PC�u� �"U�ÜSTU �*�POMZ�QMBZFE� GPS� PME� UJNF�T� TBLF��/P�XBZ�XBT� *� HPJOH� UP� TQFOE�more than 30 minutes on the game. — not with home-work and ACT preparation to keep me occupied. But, as UIF�PME�BEBHF�HPFT �*�iHPUUB�DBUDI�AFN�BMMuw�BOE�*�FOEFE�VQ�QBTTJOH�PVU�BU���B�N��XJUI�NZ�UXJUDIJOH�ÜOHFST�TUJMM�BCVT-JOH� B�QIBOUPN�i"u�CVUUPO��6OGPSUVOBUFMZ �VQPO�PQFOJOH�NZ�QIPOF� UIF� OFYU� EBZ � *� SFBMJ[FE� UIBU� 1PL»NPO�VUJMJ[FT�UIF� BSDIBJD� i4BWFu� GVODUJPO� �� NFBOJOH� TJODF� *� EJEO�U�save before my phone died, I had to restart. So I did.

It’s been about a week now. I’ve trained long and hard — averaging three to seven hours a day — and have even VQHSBEFE�UP�UIF�%4��%FTQJUF�UIF�NVħFE�DSJFT�PG�NZ�TBEMZ�neglected ACT book, my obsession with Pokémon has sur-prisingly done me some good; it taught me a number of valu-able life lessons that I am now going to pass on to you guys. +VTU�TP�ZPV�XPO�U�IBWF�UP�HP�UISPVHI�UIF�TBNF�QBJO�UIBU�*�EJE��

5IF� ÜSTU� UIJOH� *� MFBSOFE� XBT� QBUJFODF�� &TQFDJBMMZ�GSPN� NZ� VOGPSUVOBUF� FQJTPEF� XJUI� UIF� i4BWFu� GVOD-tion, I learned how important it is to never lose hope. That’s what it truly means to be a Pokémon Master.

The second thing I learned was how to analyze your PQQPOFOU�T�TUSFOHUIT�BOE�XFBLOFTTFT��8BUFS�CFBUT�ÜSF �ÜSF�CFBUT�HSBTT � HSBTT� TVDLT � FU� DFUFSB��4P�OFYU� UJNF�ZPV�XBOU�to beat up someone, remember to do some calculations and strike them where it hurts. Especially if they’re male.

The third thing Pokémon taught me was the impor-tance of friendship. In the game, you need to trade certain Pokémon to evolve them, something you cannot do with-out a trusted friend to trade with. Unfortunately I haven’t made any friends yet so I can’t give you any advice on that.

Beyond those lessons, Pokémon has also taught me how to abuse animals, the advantages of underage gambling and UIF�ÜOFS�UFDIOJRVFT�PG�IPNF�JOWBTJPOT��1FSIBQT�UIF�SFBTPO�why Pokémon possesses such a timeless appeal is because its themes are so universal: patience, strategy, friendship, tres-QBTTJOH� $ISJTUPQIFS�$PMVNCVT � BOZPOF ��5IFZ� FYJTUFE�before Pokémon was invented and will be around long after 1PL»NPO�IBWF�BMM�HPOF�FYUJODU�PI�XBJU �UIFZ�SF�OPU�SFBM ��But probably not. It’s probably because playing Pokémon USJHHFST� UIF� FYBDU� TBNF� QBSUT� PG� PVS� CSBJOT� UIBU� TNPLJOH�DJHBSFUUFT�EPFT��0I�XFMM��/PX�BTL�NF�BCPVU�BOJNBM�BCVTF��

An expert’s guide to pumpkin carving

COMPILED BY MICHAEL LI

KEELY ZHANGfeatures editor

OCTOBER IN PHOTOS

As I drew closer, I could make out a crude design of a fox hastily gouged into the pumpkin shell. I gazed in wonderment as I was suddenly struck upside the head by the question of the century: “WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?” The answer, like a beam of brilliant, divine light, shone straight into my head: HAP-HAP-HAPPY HAL-LOWEEN! HAP-HAP-HAPPY HALLOWEEN! HAP-HAP-HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Final words...

.Z�MVOHT�DPMMBQTFE�JOXBSE�JO�B�USFNFOEPVT�TJHI�BT�*�SFBMJ[FE�UIBU�*�XPVME�OFWFS�CF�BCMF�UP�GVMÜMM�NZ�ESFBN�PG�HPJOH�PO�UP�CF�)FBE�1SPGFTTPS�PG�UIF�)BSWBSE�4DIPPM�PG�1VNQLJO�)FBMUI��*�XPVME�OFWFS�HFU�UIBU�TFWFO�ÜHVSF�ESFBN�KPC �OPS�XPVME�*�FWFS�XJO�B�/PCFM�Pumpkin. My sad eyes slowly drifted across the orange-splattered room to the pumpkin, now devoid of its insides.

0QFSBUJPO�'JSFGPY�JT�B�OP�HP

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I slowly turned around and saw Professor Carvin-Fordayz’s icy face staring straight down NZ�TPVM��8BT�JU�SFBMMZ�UIBU�DIJMMZ�UPEBZ �5IF�QSPGFTTPS�TUFSOMZ�JOGPSNFE�NF�UIBU�*�IBE�VUUFSMZ�BOE�UFSSJCMZ�GBJMFE�NZ�FYBN��*�IBE�BD-

DJEFOUBMMZ�TBXFE�Pġ�B�MFH�EVSJOH�UIF�TVSHFSZ��

The great depression

*�TBXFE�GSBOUJDBMMZ�XJUI�UIF�LOJGF�BT�*�DSVEFMZ�BUUFNQUFE�UP�BQQSPYJNBUF�UIF�QBQFS�EFTJHO��"�DSPXE�PG� MJUUMF�DIJMESFO�HBUIFSFE �eagerly watching my each and every move. The knife made its last dance around the perimeter of the design as I stood up with a

triumphant smile on my face. The struggles had been real, but at least they were over.

The surgery is underway

5IF�QIPUPHSBQIFS�BSSJWFE�BOE�*�QPTFE�GPS�B�RVJDL�QSF�FYBN�QIPUP��#&-(*/ �ZFMMFE�1SPGFTTPS�*��#��$BSWJO�'PSEBZ[��0VU�DBNF�UIF�LOJWFT��0VU�

came the forks and spoons. Out came the paper designs and the tape. In went the knife as I carved a cap from the pumpkin. In went the forks

BOE�TQPPOT�BT�*�TUSVHHMFE�UP�FYUSBDU�UIF�TFFET�BOE�ÝFTI��*O�UIF�NJEEMF�PG�UIF�pumpkin went the paper design, securely taped with Double-Strength Scotch

Tape.

Preparation for operation

I packed my backpack: knives, forks and spoons, along with a paper de-sign and some tape and set out. Sitting on a park bench on a chilly Oc-

tober afternoon, I waited for the photographer to show up. Gosh! Shouldn’t have worn shorts today! I was about to take the ludi-DSPVTMZ� EJĤDVMU� +PIOT� 1VNQLJOT� .FEJDBM� 4DIPPM� ÜOBM� FYBNJOB-UJPO� GPS� NZ� EJTUJOHVJTIFE� %PDUPSBUF� PG� 1VNQLJO� 4VSHFSZ� 1T%��

The initial phase

8WSuUWV"�1\¼[�M`\ZMUMTa�MٺMK\Q^MJESSICA SHIN