SAN MARINO HIGH SCHOOL TITAN SHIELD

Volume LVI, Issue 2, Circulation 1600 San Marino, California, 91108 October 19, 2007 Students Revel Titans Parade Homecoming Spirit in Casablanca

By Andrea Chiu at Coronation Assistant News Editor By Peony Khoo To pump students up for the Managing Editor 2007 homecoming game against La Cañada, the ASB hosted This year’s Casablanca-themed its annual Homecoming week Coronation Ball attracted over celebration from October 8 to 12. 600 people, a signifi cant increase During snack break and lunch, from last year’s attendance of 509 different students from each grade people, to the Conzonire residence participated in various activities. on October 13 from 8 to 11 p.m. To kick off the week, ASB “I thought the turnout was started with a football throw great,” remarked ASB Fundraising during snack break. From the Commissioner Senior Calvin Breezeway to the Architectural Chen, who coordinated the event Rally Point (APR), quarterbacks along with Secretary Senior Lauren from each grade had to throw a Chan, Community and Service football to three receivers. Commissioner Senior Ann Liang, During lunch, each ASB and Athletics Commissioner class president participated in Senior Kimi Silverstein. an obstacle course by spinning With a $3500 budget for the around with a tennis racket, dance, ASB brought in ticket sales running through steps and tossing of well over $10,000. a ball to their teammate. Kimi attributed part of the On Tuesday, contestants increased turnout to “an awesome had to drink a cup of unknown freshman class [that] is really Members of SAB (Senior Advisory Board) rally Titan spirit in support of the Homecoming theme, “Spank the spirited and into everything.” (Continued on page 2) Spartans” at the annual Homecoming Parade along Huntington Drive last Friday, October 12. Justin Quan//TITAN SHIELD (Continued on page 2) “The Odd Couple” Football Stifl ed by La Cañada Opens at Webb Theater in 7-7 Homecoming Draw anticipate scheduling confl icts By Brandon Shiau between the performances and By Deryck Wong Associate Editor of Copy Managing Editor Rose Court events, she chose to The SMHS Drama Department follow a two-cast system; seniors In a defensive struggle for premiered its fall play, The Odd and some juniors comprise cast fi eld position, the San Marino Couple (the female version), A, whereas other juniors and Varsity Football team played to a yesterday, and performances will sophomores star in cast B. 7-7 Homecoming tie against the continue today. Also, she selected the female La Cañada Spartans last Friday, Following Drama Department version of the play because many October 12. Head Ms. Bennett Wright’s dual- of the seniors who graduated in After both teams held each cast plan, Cast A, which starred in 2007 were male, making for a other scoreless in the fi rst half, last night’s performance, will also larger proportion of actresses the Titans rallied back in the perform on Saturday at 2 p.m. this school year. Senior Ariana fourth quarter after giving up a and Sunday at 7 p.m. Audiences Basseri commented, “I think touchdown in the third. can watch Cast B today at 7 p.m., it’s great because we’re fi nally Head Coach D.R. Moreland tomorrow at 7 p.m., and Sunday getting a chance to have more commented, “[We] gave one away. at 2 p.m. We felt that La Cañada was a team Because Ms. Wright had to (Continued on page 3) that we should have beat[en], but we just didn’t execute well and Junior Tailback Scott Dooley jukes a La Cañada defender on his way to a fi rst down in the Titans’ tie in their league opener. Justin Quan//TITAN SHIELD the end result [was] a tie.” Though the game was a low- Coach Moreland did not think playing at the top of their game scoring affair, the San Marino they should have sent in the fi eld tonight, so that made for a real offense actually opened the night goal unit on fourth down. defensive game. The defense is on the Spartan one-yard line. On “No way, no. On the one yard going to be on the fi eld a lot if fourth down, Junior Defensive line, you should be able to just fall you’re going three and out,” said Back Will Myers blocked the forward and pick [the touchdown] Coach Moreland. La Cañada punt and recovered up.” The Titans normally rely on the ball to set up a fi rst and goal. After that sequence, the two their running game to move the ball However, the Titans could not put teams proceeded to trade punts downfi eld. However, throughout the ball in the end zone on their for the rest of the half. In addition, the fi rst two quarters, John failed fi rst three downs, and the Spartan neither San Marino nor La to establish a rhythm running the front four stopped Senior Tailback Cañada managed to move the ball ball as the Spartan defensive line John Trawick in the backfi eld yet into their opponents’ respective consistently penetrated into the again to maintain a 0-0 tie after red zones, leading to a half of San Marino backfi eld. Senior Ariana Basseri and Juniors Geoff Wenzlau and Jeff Kinsey act out the game’s fi rst two possessions. scoreless football. a scene in this year’s fall play, “The Odd Couple.” Jon Wong//TITAN SHIELD In regards to that set of downs, “Both offenses just weren’t (Continued on page 16) Inside: News Features Opinion Spectrum Sports • Jack Howe • Jesse Conklin’s • Price Tag on Iraq • Horror Movie • Fans Neglect MLB Results (pg. 2) New Gig (pg. 5) War has Become Formula (pg. 12) Playoffs (pg. 14) • VAPA Bravo • Rotary: John Far Too Costly • Gossip Girl • Water Polo Tops Award (pg. 3) Trawick (pg. 6) (pg. 10) Thoughts (pg. 13) Monrovia (pg. 15) 2 News ASB Hosts Casablanca Speech and Debate CLUB Themed Coronation Place Third Overall Sophomore Oscar Wang won BRIEFS By Emily Chang in Extemporaneous Speaking. ASB News Editor Juniors Patrick Chang, Margaret ASB showed Casablanca for The SMHS Speech and Debate Lazzarini, Jody Sheu, and Christi its fi rst movie night of the year team attended the Jack Howe performed in Platform. Jody placed on October 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. Invitational in Long Beach from fi rst in Expository; Christi was a “This [event’s] turnout was October 6 to 7. semi-fi nalist in Oratory; Patrick great,” stated ASB Treasurer “We did amazing[ly],” and Margaret placed fourth and Senior Casey Luu. commented Speech and Debate fi fth in Advocacy, respectively. In comparison to previous Coach Mr. Oliver Valcorza. Freshman Kevin Wu also won movie nights, Casey believes Compared to other schools such the Speaker Award in Lincoln- that this event’s attendance was as Fullerton Union, Gabrielino, Douglas Debate. The Speaker among the greatest. and Redlands, which brought 200, Award is for the top ten speakers Approximately 40 students 150, and 80 students respectively, in the Debate competition. occupied all the available Sticking to the Casablanca theme, ASB set-up “Rick’s Cafe,” which offered “bringing only 21 [students] Although only in the Novice couches and tables. various virgin cocktails and fi nger foods. Joanne Kuo//TITANIAN and getting third place overall is Division, Sophomore Charles Lin The movie takes place in the (Continued from page 1) sangrias. Small snacks, such as absolutely amazing,” explained and Freshman Kevin Wu were Morrocan city of Casablanca. chicken skewers and chocolate- Mr. Valcorza. fi nalists in Impromptu Speaking. The fi lm follows the complicated Although ASB began with slow covered strawberries, were also For Speech, students “I’m really proud of the team,” love story of restaurant owner ticket sales on September 24, sales available on the side. participated in one of three main stated Mr. Valcorza. However, Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund as picked up signifi cantly in the last ASB also acknowledged the groups of events: Interpretation, he believes the team should not they unite against the German week with over 100 tickets being Homecoming Court of Senior Limited Preparation, and rest on its laurels; he added that Nazis during World War II. sold on one day. Queen Emily Barth, Senior Platform. Jack Howe should serve as an Casey hopes future movie ASB even sold tickets to Princess Alisa Trager, Junior Each category contained inspiration to the members as to nights will “turn out as students who still wanted to Princess Elizabeth Haralambos, several other events. According to what they can achieve. “We’re successful[ly] as the fi rst.” purchase tickets for an extra day. Sophomore Princess Catherine Mr. Valcorza, the varsity team won only going to get better.” —Connie Chen//Features At the dance, students enjoyed Barth, and Freshman Princess fi rst in every category. Besides This year, a lot of the varsity Editor a larger dance fl oor and lounge Charmaine Lee towards the recognition, each varsity member members could not compete Key Club area in the front yard rather than end of the dance whom they who placed fi rst will receive a because of the SATs. “Imagine Members of Key Club helped the backyard as was done past had announced at lunch last $500 scholarship per semester for what we could do with the entire at the Wheelchair Wash held years. At the entrance, an old- friday during the pep rally. ASB the college of their choice. team,” pondered Mr. Valcorza. by the group Familia Unida fashioned car set the mood for announced the Queen at halftime In the Interpretation category, Coming up, the Speech and Living with Multiple Sclerosis the night. Casablanca, the movie during the Homecoming game. Juniors Raymond and Steven Debate team has the Fall Debate (FULWMS) on Saturday, October was also playing to the side of the “I think people enjoyed [Coro] Troung placed fi rst in Duo at Alhambra and the Glenbrooks 6 in East Lost Angeles to promote lounge area. and I’ve heard people say this is Interpretation, while Junior Tournament in Chicago. The awareness of multiple sclerosis. ASB had “Rick’s Café” serve the best dance they’ve ever been Christi Valone received second Debate team is fi rst in league, and A disease that affects the virgin drinks, such as mojitos and to,” Kimi concluded. in Thematic Interpretation. Mr. Valcorza expects SMHS “to central nervous system, multiple For Limited Preparation, sustain dominance.” sclerosis often results in the Our Opportunity to Clarify impairment of mobility. The mission of FULWMS is to In our last issue, distributed omitted from the graphic. offer support services to those on Friday, September 28, diagnosed with the disease and Titan Shield reported on “Academic Decathlon Takes who need attention. several topics of interest: Root at SMHS” From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., — Junior Mary Tsang’s last name Key Club members washed “National Merit Scholarship was misspelled as Tseng. wheelchairs brought in by people Semifi nalists Graphic” with multiple sclerosis. Others —Senior Daniel Kiang was “Are You Looking for the New helped with crafts at the kid’s Faces of the SMHS Faculty corner and decorations. Network?” “This was our fi rst year —Mathematics teacher Mr. doing it,” stated Pamela. “The Joshua Deng was wrongly cited environment was energetic and as Mr. Joseph Deng. supportive.” The next event for Key Club “Staff Box” is the AIDS walk this Sunday, —Christian Lai is Assistant October 21. Spectrum Editor, not Following the outdoor awards ceremony at The Jack Howe Invitational, the —Connie Chen//Features Technology. SMHS Speech and Debate Team display their trophies. Courtesy of Patrick Chang Editor

Red Cross Titans Pump Up Spirit for Homecoming The SMHS Red Cross Club hosted its fi rst blood drive of the (Continued from page 1) in a teacher’s pie eating contest. held a fi sh sword fi ght. The and blowing up balloons. year on Tuesday, October 9, from On Wednesday, students contestants, armed with dead fi sh, “People really liked the Spank 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the small substances as fast as they could competed in a hot dog eating tried to knock their opponent off the Spartans [signs] we put on the gym. during a mystery drink contest. At contest during break. Although their stools. doors,” stated Senior Athletics The trained nurses collected a lunch, several teachers, including Junior Juen-Jen Lee vomited, he The Homecoming Court Director Kimi Silverstein. pint of blood from each student. Dr. Tom Armbruster, Mr. Russell placed fi rst, with Senior Miles nominees dressed up four football The ASB handed out “SM” All the collected blood will go to Silver, Mrs. Mary Snyder, and Blansett placing second. players on Thursday during tattoos during break, while at Red Cross organizations and later Mrs. Kerry Witzeman, participated Also, during lunch, the ASB break. Representatives from each lunch, cheerleaders, Drumline and be shipped to disaster events. grade then played in a game Color Guard performed for the According to Red Cross Club of dodgeball during lunch on special homecoming pep rally. Co-President Senior Jocelyn Lo, Thursday. Several minutes into The annual San Marino the club collected 82 pints of the fi rst round, the boundaries Homecoming Parade began at blood from over 100 people. The were reduced signifi cantly. Senior 3:15 p.m. after school on Friday. people who donated blood had to Ryan Shao dodged a ball by diving Each class designed and created a be 17 years of age and weigh at and accidentally stuck half a foot different fl oat for the parade. least 110 pounds. out of the boundary. With that, the “A lot of people came out Although the club’s goal was sophomores won the fi rst round. and watched the events, and on to collect 90 pints of blood, On Friday, students arrived in Homecoming day, the decorations Jocelyn is satisfi ed “because we the morning to a newly decorated seemed to pump everyone up. collected more this year than last school. At the game, everyone was just year. Even if we didn’t reach our The ASB stayed overnight to cheering and going wild so I goal, we still got a lot.” Mrs. Mary Snyder, Mrs. Kerry Witzeman, Mr. Russell Silver, and Dr. Tom decorate the whole school by thought that was great,” concluded —Andrea Chiu//Assistant Armbruster attempt to devour an entire pie. Jon Wong//TITAN SHIELD hanging posters all over the walls Senior Vice President Leo Zhu. News Editor October 19, 2007 TITAN SHIELD News 3 Drama Presents Fall Play SMHS Congratulates Rose Court Princess quarterfi nals, I thought that I did Last week, the Rose Court By Kevin Lu really well,” Courtney stated, attended a retreat on Balboa Staff Writer “But after the semifi nals, I didn’t Island. “It was a weekend to get On Monday, October 8, get any positive reinforcement.” to know the other girls and the SMHS Senior Courtney Rubin, Finalists received their letters judges,” Courtney summarized. along with six other girls from on Tuesday, but Courtney received Despite the benefi ts, such local high schools, became a her letter one day late. “That was as free clothing, make-up, and Rose Court Princess. This public a big surprise,” Courtney said transportation to and from events, announcement concluded three afterwards, “I thought I wouldn’t being a member of the Rose Court weeks of auditions in which over even be considered.” requires responsibility and time- 1,100 girls participated. Judges Even though the process management. The girls often conducted interviews and rated is very selective, becoming a have to make decisions regarding girls on several traits. Rose Court Princess is only the the rigor of their high school Jesus and Manolo, Juniors Anthony Cailan and Timothy Wang, relate with The judges looked for elegance, beginning of the girls’ activities. curriculum, as they will miss Florence, Junior Delaney Yeager and her divorce. Connie Chow//TITAN SHIELD poise, quality of speech, academic Immediately after selection, the several days of school. “Balancing (Continued from page 1) According to Ms. Wright, the achievement, and community princesses began attending events my schedule requires help from play has been “a lot of work” for service. Some questions focused to publicize the Tournament of all of my teachers, who have been stage shine instead of [the the cast because the plot contains on the princesses’ role models and Roses. “The fi rst two weeks were fl exible and have supported me department’s] fabulous men.” abundant conversation and their reasons for trying out. pretty busy,” Courtney remarked, so far even though I [haven’t] Cast A includes Seniors Ariana requires a lot of memorization. After the initial interviews, “We had training for etiquette, been there all the time,” Courtney (Olive), Andrea Binley (Silvie), The play revolves around the about 250 girls returned to the modeling, and media.” stated. Jennifer Chang (Vera), Myra relationship of two divorced, past- quarterfi nals, 75 girls to semifi nals, The girls have over 150 events “I am very happy about my Deperalta (Renee), Cami Thacher their-prime friends, Florence and and 25 girls to fi nals. This year, to attend by January 1, 2008, accomplishment. I went into this (Mickey), and Hayley Van Hiel Olive. Olive has been divorced San Marino had 20 to 30 girls in participating in three to four events tournament not expecting much,” (Florence); along with Juniors for years; she is familiar with the quarterfi nals, seven girls in the a day. Their goal is to publicize the Courtney stated. “I’ve worked Jeff Kinsey (Jesus) and Geoff single life, both the good parts semifi nals, three girls in the fi nals, Tournament of Roses at locations hard for the past four years with Wenzlau (Manolo). and the bad. Florence, however, and one Rose Court Princess. such as hospitals to get people my grades and community service. Cast B features Juniors who recently separated from her “When I went to the interested in the event. This is the icing on the cake.” Anthony Cailan (Jesus), Kara husband, moves in with Olive so Cohen (Olive), Madeline Lindsey the two can hopefully help each (Mickey), Katiana Mashikian other through hard times. (Vera), Tim Wang (Manolo), Throughout the play, the “odd and Delaney Yeager (Florence); couple” of ex-wives deal with with Sophomores Jamie Basurto their differences, a constant (Sylvie) and Sarah Youngblood source of confl ict. (Renee). Though Olive and Florence’s Ms. Wright designed the set personalities clash, the play has a and coordinated the overall effort humorous and lighthearted tone, of the fall play. However, Mrs. with euphemisms and sexual Patricia Mashikian headed the jokes. publicity effort, and Mrs. Linda Ms. Wright commented, “I Yeager helped with the props. think the casting is unique. While In addition to running the light it is the same show each time, the cues and other technical details of different actors make for unique the play, Ms. Wright’s stagecraft performances.” class constructed the set. Students The Odd Couple is different from the other drama classes in comparison to last year’s play, assisted with concessions, tickets, Rumors. According to Hayley, and ushering. “Last year’s play was a lot more Tickets cost six dollars at the serious. I think this [year’s] door. Proceeds from The Odd is a lot funnier. There’s a lot Couple will go towards paying for more excitement and a lot more production costs. relevan[ce] to teenagers’ lives.” VAPA Applies for Bravo Award TITAN SHIELD comprehensive arts program to be not great not so long ago, we still By Emily Chang integrated into the school. had amazing support along with Staff Box News Editor Both the winning teachers and great teachers and students,” Advisor Section Editors For the fi rst time ever, SMHS’s school receive a Bravo sculpture explained Dance Department Lou Ann Fuentes News Features Visual and Performing Arts and cash awards. The teachers Head and Art teacher Ms. Bonnie Board of Directors Emily Chang Connie Chen (VAPA) Department has applied receive $4,000 each, and the Hanson. Managing Editors Sports Spectrum for the Bravo Award hosted by schools each receive $10,000. All SMHS offers a self-study Peony Khoo Ryan Chan Alison Chang Dennis Su Allison Zia Maddy Wojdak the Los Angeles Music Center. nominees, fi nalists, and winners program in the arts and has eight Deryck Wong Opinion Technology The Music Center established the receive prizes including books, VAPA teachers. Over 1,100 of Editor of Staff Relations and Ads Katie Wu Kevin Lau Bravo Award in 1983 to recognize tickets to performances, and the 1,150 students at SMHS Jeff rey Chen Photography teachers and schools for creativity, educational materials. participate in at least one of the Associate Editors of Copy Emma Quan Shaina Lu Jonathan Wong innovation, and excellence in arts Nominees must submit a nine VAPA programs. According Brandon Shiau education. completed application, which is to Ms. Hanson, not all the students Associate Editor of Layout Assistant Editors “I think it’s great to get some then reviewed by a committee are enrolled just to fulfi ll the Charlene Veranunt News Features recognition,” commented Drama of educators, artists, and arts graduation requirements. A third Andrea Chiu Jocelyn Liang Department Head Ms. Bennett specialists. The commitee chooses of the Dance Company members Senior Editors Yuan-Yuan Lin Wright. “We have one of the top the top tier of applicants using are currently enrolled in a second Features Spectrum Sports Spectrum Eugenia Chan Audrey Kennedy Raymond Nhan Christian Lai [arts] programs without being a a point ranking system. Next, a VAPA program, such as Advanced Sports Samantha Lai panel of judges chooses three to Drama or Chamber Choir. Opinion magnet school.” Josh Chang Kim Nguyen The award honors educators four fi nalists from each category At SMHS, the Drama and Business Circulation Ads and schools for excellence in and visits their classrooms to Music Departments have existed Technology Lauren Bagheri David Gelt Amrapali Gokani Randy Lee Alexa Wei all arts disciplines. Three Bravo determine the Bravo Award for approximately 50 years, while Awards are presented: one to a winners. the Dance Department has been Photographers school, one to an arts specialist The Music Center released around for 25. Patrick Chan Connie Chow Matt Enger teacher and one to a general information about the Bravo The names of the fi nalists for the Sharon Huang Jilly Ko Justin Quan classroom teacher. Award. Principal Mr. Loren Bravo Award will be announced Staff Writers SMHS is applying for the Kleinrock nominated SMHS two weeks before the Bravo gala Kevin Lu Daniel Woong school award, which requires a because “while the facilities were on February 27, 2008. TITAN SHIELD October 19, 2007

Features 5

Drumming

recording songs in their closet. Eventually, they enlisted their be selling merchandise friends, Kyle and Jessie, to at the shows.” to4AWho knew Newthat a drummer complete the Beatlineup. Even though Jessie is once walked in the halls of Drawing from its gospel no longer a teacher, she SMHS as a special education influences, Bodies of Water has always been interested teacher? In fact, Jessie Conklin, features harmonizing choruses in helping special needs a former member of the SMHS and majestic overtones. With children, even as a child staff, decided to leave her job the release of their new record growing up in Litchfield Park, as a teacher so she could Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink, Arizona. So, at San Marino, Jessie pursue her dream of being Jessie has been working non- pursued her interest by helping in her band, Bodies of stop. “We’re really busy” says those students at SMHS last year. Water. Jessie, “we practice a lot and But after the previous A four-piece blend of folk we’re touring the west coast school year, Jessie left to and gospel with an indie rock now; we’ll tour the east coast devote more time to her attitude, Bodies of Water is after that.” band. composed of Jessie’s friends Following its show at the As of now, Jessie is with David Metcalf on guitar; Eagle Rock Music Festival, looking forward to her David’s wife Meredith Metcalf Bodies of Water will tour tour because to her, on keyboard; Kyle Gladden on with The Go! Team in “it’s fun to sing into a bass; and of course, Jessie on Southern California and with microphone!” For the the drums. Phosphorescent in the east time being, Southern In fact, Bodies of Water would coast. “It’s going to be great California will not be have never [to tour with The Go! Team]! able to see Bodies of started without They’re pretty awesome and water until November Jessie’s the music they play is fun,” 10, when the band bandmates. added Jessie. completes its final As newlyweds, Their west coast tour kicked stop of its month- David and off on October 15 in Seattle, long tour. Meredith Washington, and they will play formed at The Glass House in Pomona —Daniel Woong Bodies of tomorrow. “We’re making T- //Staff Writer Water by shirts, too,” added Jessie, “and the amazing [SMHS Senior] Grant Wenzlau will 6 Features Rotary Student of the Month October

athletics with schoolwork, he still manages By Shaina Lu Dear SMHS: Associate Editor of Copy to fi nd a remarkable balance between the two. In fact, he “feel[s] putting in the work Thank you for Friday night—the tang of spicy mango on the fi eld can easily translate to putting naming me for Rotary Student of the month; I’m very honored to salsa wafts out over the football stadium; the work in the classroom.” The key, receive this prestigious award. I never cheerleaders, standing on their white stools, he says, is “time management.” thought that I’d be chosen with such a wide toss up their pompoms, and the band blares For John, his balancing act with variety of very talented students at SMHS to choose music from the stands as it pumps up the sports and academics gives him from. It’s amazing to think how much I’ve grown and how spectators. The crowd roars as the tailback, an edge because “it makes [him] rewarding the experience has been in only a short time in my life. The dodging various other color-clad giants, more focused to get things faculty and student life has made such an impact on my experience and has runs clear across the fi eld, inching toward accomplished on time.” helped shape me into the person I am today. that seemingly elusive touchdown. John describes his I’d like to thank my teachers and coaches: Mrs. Smith for teaching me about Friday nights mean football games, and favorite subject, English, life and to think outside the box, Mrs. Witzeman for making learning such a fun football games are October Rotary Student as something that “comes experience, Mr. Ford for showing me how such a great person can be a great role Senior John Trawick’s show. easily to [him].” One of his model for his students, Mr. Irie for raising my self-esteem and telling me that as John has always been interested in sports. passions is reading; he takes long as I’m a good Titan that’s all that matters, Coach Arrington and D.R. Moreland In elementary school, he played football pleasure from “getting into for sharing their love and passion for football, Coach Mooney for sharing the with his friends as a mere hobby. Since a good book, because it’s a same values and principles on life and for seeming to always have an answer to then, “as he got older and more involved,” great escape from the chaos everything, and to all my other teachers for their support and encouragement. he found “a great interest and tried to from our high school lives.” There are so many great people at SMHS that have given me the develop [his] skill.” John participates—and He enjoys the creativity and opportunity to benefi t from and continually guide me towards becoming succeeds—in a variety of sports, especially, expressiveness that go hand in successful. I’ll remember all the football games under the lights, the countless late nights to fi nish up last minute projects, but nonetheless but not limited to football. To date, he has hand with English. I’ll always remember the incredible faculty and student body at won Boys State 2007, the Rotary Youth “Everyone is just as smart as San Marino High School that has made my experience Leadership Award (RYLA), All-Pasadena any other individual,” John points here so exceptional. I’ve been so fortunate to Star News Honorable Mention, and is now out, “but certain people spend [more have the support and guidance of everyone Co-Captain of the SMHS Varsity Football of] their time doing extra-curricular involved with SMHS. Sincerely, team. activities.” Thank you, Go Titans! John feels that his greatest lesson is John’s goal for the near future is to be from his athletics: “taking hardship, seeing accepted to UC Berkeley and to make their going adversity when it’s not expected, and National Championship Rugby Team. For to and working to better [yourself]” are some of the distant future, he speculates on a job not going to do, the things he has learned. in sports psychology or sports medicine, but whatever I do end up doing, I hope I’ll John Trawick John’s talents are not only limited to although he is not certain. In the end be successful in my own eyes and wake athletics; he also excels academically. however, John simply wants a job he loves. up each morning looking to do something With an extremely busy schedule, juggling “There are no guarantees of what I’m great,” John concludes. GO TITAN SPIRIT!

Go Titans! - Dr. A

GO TITANS!

10 Opinion A Commentary on Bottled Downloading War Victimizes LimeWire Water by countersuing major record interested in blocking their fi les money more effi ciently. On this By Kevin Lu companies on September 26, 2006. from being downloaded, uploaded note, LimeWire should create a It is everywhere. Staff Writer According to Macworld News, and shared are invited to learn program that monitors the amount From placidly sitting on Music has always been available the fi rm claimed that the music more and register.” In addition, it of time a download can stay on the tops of desks to rattling around half-full in the parking to the general public. In recent industry is stifl ing legal digital also warns users about copyright one computer. That way, the lot, the ubiquitous water bottle years, music has even found a distribution of copyrighted music. infringement and download download is more like a rental; has integrated itself into our way into the digital universe in In addition, LimeWire pointed out responsibility. Thus, LimeWire people can be fi ned for keeping everyday lives. The average a format known as MP3. Now, that it had attempted to adopt “a should not be framed for the the fi le for too long. American consumes over 24 music enthusiasts can carry all of fi ltering application to prevent actions of people who use the Although there is room for gallons of bottled water a year — a considerable amount. their favorite songs in a fl at, four- illegal downloading and encourage network to share fi les. improvement, LimeWire has The bottled water industry inch long MP3 player. Although legal content purchasing, [but] Instead, peer-to-peer networks never actively supported illegal is booming: big multinational convenient, MP3-format has the record companies refused could be seen as advertising downloading and should not corporations like Coca Cola sparked controversies over illegal to give the developer access media or trial programs. People be accused of doing so. The (Dasani), Pepsi (Aquafina), government should continue Poland Spring, and Nestle are downloading of copyrighted songs. to metadata that [allows] the could sample a song from literally ruling the market. Multiple peer-to-peer networks fi ltering system to work.” It is a LimeWire and delete it as soon punishing individual perpetrators Why do Americans love bottled have sprung up; LimeWire is one good, but unnecessary, idea. The as they purchase it somewhere rather than entire companies; the water? More specifically, why of the most recent ones. According music industry should not expect else. In short, LimeWire should general public will discontinue are Americans spending so to online security, downloads off LimeWire to do any more than offer an opportunity to try music illegal downloading after enough much money on a “product” that is really free? LimeWire’s network are both give suffi cient warning about its out before user purchase. This negative examples have been Part of the reason is in the diffi cult to monitor and very functions. way, consumers could spend their established. marketing. Brands like Evian prevalent. However, although Though some previous cases or FIJI Water advertise pure illegal downloading sometimes have resulted in companies paying water from distant France or occurs on LimeWire, its existence a settlement to the music industry, far away Fiji. Apparently, water from foreign places merits alone does not promote misuse. other cases have resulted in the Man on the Street On the contrary, LimeWire claims fi le-sharer paying a substantial extra moola. Everest Water “Downloading with LimeWire is unsafe, to have taken measures to combat sum of money to compensate for bottles have a majestic view slow, and illegal. If you’re going to of mountains sprawled around illegal downloading. Thus, peer- their actions. According to Cnet, risk three months in jail, three years their labels. However, the to-peer networks like LimeWire in one such case, Jammie Thomas, probation, 200 hours of community truth is that Everest Water is should not be held accountable 30, had to pay $220,000 to six merely bottled tap water from service, and a $5,400 fi ne, then just use for the actions of people who use major label companies because Texas. Likewise, Glacier Clear Torrents instead!” Water, which is actually not them. she shared music over Kazaa, a from a glacier, comes from a Legal controversy over peer-to-peer network similar to - Sophomore Graham Allen tap in Tennessee. In our own LimeWire’s peer-to-peer system LimeWire. school vending machines, we “Something like music should be sell Dasani and Aquafina for a culminated when the music Many people contend that fi le- hefty buck. We pay a dollar for industry sued the fi rm for sharing fi rms promote illegal universally enjoyed, whether or not it’s processed tap water and some copyright infringement on August downloading directly because obtained by illegal means. The artists plastic casings worth less than 4, 2006. It accused LimeWire of it allows access to copyrighted receive enough money from people 2 cents when we could easily buying their CDs, and from all the stroll to a water fountain and not showing “suffi cient interest material to anybody with an drink for free. in developing a legal business internet connection. LimeWire endorsements. LimeWire wouldn’t and Many assume that tap water model.” (http://www.news. clearly refutes this point. shouldn’t make a difference.” is “dirty” and that bottled com/2100-1025_3-6102509. LimeWire’s offi cial website - Junior Simon Zhang water is “purer.” In actuality, html) However, LimeWire replied clearly states, “Copyright owners tap water is more strictly regulated than bottled water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests municipal Security Measures Jeopardize Privacy tap water daily, checking for com/2007/10/more-cctv-cameras- the $20,000 worth of cameras that that simple changes such as those cleanliness and bacteria. The By Alexa Wei does-not-mean-more.html] were installed at public housing can reduce crime rate by 20%. water American cities provide Assistant Ads Editor for free is cleaner and purer Additionally, these cameras, which locations never achieved their [http://www.homeoffice.gov. than any water that a company Across the world, video can cost up to $50,000 each, are intended purpose: assisting in uk/rds/pdfs2/hors251.pdf, http:// can sell. Additionally, municipal surveillance cameras are becoming defi nitely not cheap. [http://www. homicide arrests. [http://www. www.aclunc.org/news/opinions/ tap water includes fluoride, more common fi xtures. These epic.org/privacy/surveillance/ aclunc.org/news/opinions/ security_cameras_erode_ a key mineral which is often filtered out of bottled water. devices, once confi ned to private spotlight/0505.html] In the U.S., security_cameras_erode_ liberties_without_increasing_ On the flip side, the Food and businesses and ATM’s, are now the surveillance cameras in public liberties_without_increasing_ safety.shtml] Currently, the Drug Administration (FDA) only the norm in many public places. In places are mostly government safety.shtml] public’s privacy is being violated checks bottled water if it is the 90’s, some areas tried out the funded. [http://www.aclunc.org/ As incompetent as these cameras for no reason. imported or shipped from state video cameras and most decided issues/government_surveillance/ are, such funds would be better Past the scope of fi lming, some to state. As a result, tests show significantly higher bacterial against further use. However, asset_upload_file42_5887.pdf] spent on actual police offi cers or cameras even have high-powered levels in bottled water. more recently, many areas have This money, of course, comes via better lighting. In 2002, Home microphones to detect “aggressive Environmentally, the bottled begun to rethink their choice American tax dollars. In addition, Offi ce Research Study found exchanges” to stop them before water industry is one of the to dispose of the surveillance they become violent. [http://p10. worst polluters out there. hostingprod.com/@spyblog. Shipping the water all the systems. Despite this, recording way from France or Fiji and equipment should not be placed in org.uk/blog/2006/11/cctv_with_ then trucking it all around public because it is an ineffective, audio_snooping_to_detect_ the United States provides no costly invasion of privacy. aggressive_behavior_hype. end to global warming and About ten years ago, London html] The equipment picks up pollution. But why focus on the negative environmental installed 10,000 cameras in order aggressive tones based on twelve aspects of bottled water? Why to reduce crime. However, rather factors, including decibel level not, say, bag on soda? Soda is than plummeting, city crime is and the speed at which words are unhealthier and no better for still 80% unresolved. [http:// spoken. [http://www.timesonline. the environment. www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/ co.uk/tol/news/uk/article650166. Those are all very valid points. Bottled water is a much better article-23412867-details/Tens+ ece] These microphones are a alternative to soda. of+thousands+of+CCTV+came violation of freedom of speech; But here is the catch: soda ras%2C+yet+80%25+of+crime not all of these verbal exchanges does not come out of drinking +unsolved/article.do] According lead to violence. fountains and faucets for free. to the Liberal Democrats on the If what is said and done in And bottled water does. Let us recap: when you feel London Assembly, four out of public is recorded, who knows thirsty and pop that bill and fi ve boroughs with cameras have how long it will be before citizens coin into a vending machine a below-average record of solving are recorded in their homes. And for a nice, cool, refreshing crimes, no different from areas for all their promises to make the Dasani that is actually just tap water in a swirly plastic case without cameras. [http://www. world a safer place, surveillance worth two cents, feel damn boingboing.net/2007/09/20/ cameras are not exactly earning good that you are killing the londons-panopticon-o.html] their keep. Videotaping civilians polar bears and contributing to “There is no link between a as they go about their daily global warming. And you just high number of CCTV cameras activities, even in the name of wasted $1.25. and a better crime clear-up “safety,” is an extreme invasion rate,” stated Liberal Democrats of privacy. Safety does not seem —By Shaina Lu Spokeswoman Dee Doocey. quite so desirable when everyone //Associate Editor of Copy [http://liberalengland.blogspot. is forced to live like a criminal. October 19, 2007 TITAN SHIELD Opinion 11 V-22 Osprey Heralds Disaster for Iraq War history is littered with the deaths unexplained computer glitches, 1,00.html] rallying for withdrawal hovering By Katie Wu of 30 passengers. [CRS Report for devastating falls from mere meters The unreliable Osprey has around 75% for the countries most Opinion Editor Congress: V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor off ground level, aerodynamic already transported nearly 30 involved. [BBC World Service, For four and a half years, the Aircraft, http://digital.library.unt. ambiguities checked off without Marines into battle in Iraq. If this http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/ U.S. has fought in t h e edu/govdocs/crs/permalink/meta- prior investigation, fragile wires fi rst mission is successful, 458 bsp/hi/pdfs/23_01_07_us_poll. grueling turmoil of the crs-7265:1] tangling... the minute one issue is additional V-22s will be supplied pdf] Even amongst American Iraq War – a war which The Osprey made its debut confronted, another surfaces and to the U.S. Navy and Air Force, troops, the unrest is growing: American forces entered fl ight in 1989, and since then, has others go unaddressed. And while at an average cost of $110 million according to a poll conducted under false pretenses, has cost ploughed a $20 the plane’s weaponry may be per aircraft. [http://digital.library. in February of 2006, roughly the government nearly $460 impressive, it is still sorely lacking unt.edu/govdocs/crs/permalink/ 75% of polled soldiers believed billion, and claimed over 1.2 in necessities commonly taken for meta-crs-7265:1] As for the war the U.S. should exit within the million lives. [National Priorities billion hole in granted – such as parachutes and itself, it is not surprising that a next year – a feat that has, with Project, http://nationalpriorities. the Pentagon’s funding ejection seats. In fact, good number of people have the passing of February 2007 org/index.php?option=com_ program, and will the only mentioned already forgotten the reason well behind us, obviously not wrapper&Itemid=182; dip in for another protection for those on for America’s intervention... occurred. [Zogby International, Opinion Research 35 before board is the ambiguous probably because there http://www.zogby.com/news/ Business, http:// assurance of crumpling was not one to begin ReadNews.dbm?ID=1075/] As www.opinion. co.uk/ central wing structure with. Supposedly, the for the Iraqi people, opposition to Newsroom_ details. main rationale for U.S. the war has found its peak at an aspx?NewsId=78] The once- invasion stemmed overwhelming 78% as of March empowering reasons to hold from the assumption of 2007. [BBC, http://news.bbc. ground now seem insubstantial and that Iraq was both co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/19_ amongst the population – and collapsible housing and actively developing 03_07_iraqpollnew.pdf] The with the recent seating threatening weapons of mass Bush administration must begin inception of the to cushion destruction; however, in January to consider hard facts: if only 22% infamously faulty V-22 Osprey, it its culmination. Even after public t h e ill-fated Marines. of 2005, it was announced of Iraqi citizens remain neutral or appears that the cost of wartime protests and a four-time-failure Even the once-hailed feature that no true evidence for such in support of the war, perhaps the has fi nally gone too far. attempt to axe the mounting of an airplane/helicopter weaponry existed. Each year, United States has lost sight of its As the world’s fi rst tilt- budget from former Defense hybrid simply glosses over the troops witness uneven humanitarian objectives. rotor aircraft, the expectations Secretary Dick Cheney, Congress fact that both its gliding and limbos of allied If the United States government for the Osprey are, to say the overruled his and any further hovering are mediocre compared involvement is desperate enough to employ least, extremely lofty. While attempts to silence the program. to those of the traditional aircraft. from President the fl awed machine that is the V- its design is similar to that of a According to TIME Magazine, Additionally, when repeated Bush’s “Coalition of the 22 Osprey, America has simply conventional helicopter, it also Cheney claimed the carrier’s attempts at autorotation in the Willing”; from the mere become too hungry for the victory has the long-range, high-speed faults were “irredeemable” back case of engine failure resulted four countries that participated that will never come. The facts cruise performance of a turboprop in 1989 – and would probably in obvious malfunction, The in initial invasion, this number have become too ludicrous to aircraft and is equipped with a say the same for the supposedly Pentagon hastily hedged with has skyrocketed to 40 – six of ignore any longer. Death tolls, rear-end .30 caliber machine gun. new and improved version of the excuse that the probability of which have no military, and obvious dissent, and monetary It would seem as though it is the today. The problems plaguing such an occurrence was negligibly 20 of which have withdrawn. abuse are mounting; it is time to epitome of lethal aircraft – save the aircraft have been lethal and, low. [http://www.time.com/time/ Support for the war has dwindled admit stalemate and retreat, quite for the fact that its operational in some cases, badly hushed up: nation/article/0,8599,1665835- severely since 2003, with statistics literally now or never. 12 Spectrum Tricks For The Treats

Trick or treat! Smell my feet; give me something good to eat! If you don’t, I don’t care, I’ll pull down your underwear! Okay now, since we’re no longer fi ve years- old, let us not attempt any pants pulling, or as the kids are calling it these days, “pantsing.” Instead, let’s mature in our prankster ways and conjure up some superbad tricks! Okay! So children, listen up! I was thinking that the perfect prank needs blood, broken limbs, screaming, a lot of loud and confusing sounds, a clown mask, knives, a chair, a screwdriver, lemons, persimmons, and a handkerchief. It’s brilliant. But, sorry, I can’t reveal my secret plan. However, I will now share some of my other reject ideas. Baked Delectables the delicious, crunchy experience it. For special effects, bring that lame heart attack stuff, Oh! Don’t forget to have your Okay, if you will be staying they will enjoy when biting into packets of ketchup and have something with intensity-think friends make up some awesome home and passing out candy a chewy, chocolate chip and your accomplice tear it open and real swords and ninja nunchucks) story about how the hauntee to those eager, and somewhat cockroach cookie. squirt it EVERYWHERE at the with a bunch of witnesses and angered you and that you will annoying trick-or-treaters, turn opportune moment. Think about then have your partners-in-crime always be after them. Eh, eh? those tables and give them a Arm on the loose it-how caught off guard would scare everyone about how you will scare! And I don’t mean scare Okay, here’s the plan! Buy one you be if a seemingly dismembered haunt them. Then, throughout the So, my darling pranksters, them with your face. I mean, of those really realistic fake arm came flying at you? I would night, you literally follow some I truly hope I have at least bake those kiddos some cookies arm majigs, and hold it to make think VERY caught off guard. of them and “haunt” them. Like, enlightened some of you or what not, and in the middle, it look as one with the rest of ruffle leaves around them, and amateurs. I expect this upcoming surprise them by putting one your arm. Then, while you are Dramatic Entrance or make creepy sounds and throw Halloween to be filled with the of those disgusting bugs, like walking around mooching candy Exit in their name from time to time. best pranks ever! It’s up to you a spider or cricket, in clear from random houses, single out Another prank I just thought Maybe, if you really want to now. Make me proud! plastic (like the ones you find in a target and out of nowhere, of is this: you pretend to die outdo yourself, throw some [not — Alison Chang//Spectrum lollipops) in the middle! Imagine chuck your “arm” at him/her/ in an ultra dramatic way (not particularly hard] candy at them! Editor Your Guide to directing top notch Horror films — Maddy Wojdak//Spectrum Editor Ah, horror movies. Whether it’s a gory torture fl ick, a terribly wonderful teen-slasher, or one of those special fi lms with Japanese children in the bathroom, these movies make life worth living. But what is that element, that, “je ne sais quoi” about them that entertain us so much? Well, come with me to get into all the glamorous gore! nice, and stupid. game. points, but not too just writing that, and First and foremost, The I know you’re looking The third quality, much. We still want the I’ve seen that movie Main Character at that fi rst one and plain stupidity, is main character to come twice!) The star of any thinking “God, she’s so the most important. If out alive. horror-fl ick MUST shallow,” but consider we had an intelligent End with a Bang! be three things: this: would you rather star, she’d never go Here it comes, the JUICY plot The conclusion physically see a movie with Jessica upstairs to investigate Every movie has a plot! doesn’t matter as appealing, Alba running around that creak. She would In a horror movie, the much since most people screaming or that stay where she was with plot should be simple. fall asleep or end up creepy nose-picking guy a large knife in her A video tape that kills turning off the movie who sits behind you in hand, just in case that people? Okay. A haunted because they get too math? noise wasn’t the cat. hotel room? Fine. A man scared. But, this The niceness is institutionalized since doesn’t mean that you obvious. When watching Now, the fun part- The Villain childhood escaping and should just conclude a scary movie, you’re Something needs killing random people? your movie with the supposed to be rooting to chase the lead Good. A woman trying to bad person dying for the main character around the house fi gure out her sister’s and the good person to live, not have her with a screwdriver or death, an apartment coming out with only guts ripped out. whatnot. He/She/It can with a creepy neighbor, a few scratches. No, But anyone else’s be anything as long and a schoolgirl being it should be slightly amiability is as he/she/it strikes followed by a little blue more complex than that. fair fear into our innocent boy, all in separate If it’s not a fi lm with hearts. Try adding years? Umm, I would say a villain known from background for sympathy no. (I’m confused after the beginning of the movie (think Halloween or Friday the 13th) then the villain can be anything from the supposedly dead boyfriend to the main character’s alter- ego; be creative! But really random twists can be not only scary as hell, but also hilarious. Who would have thought that Johnny Depp would have washed his hair and got braces at the end of Secret Window? October 19, 2007 TITAN SHIELD Spectrum 13 MythBusters: Shield Edition –Katie Wu//Opinion Editor From the Amityville Horror to hooves in your Jello, urban legends are everywhere; most of the time, we hardly notice that they’re there. But for the more obscure ones that do tickle our fancy... the question mark still hovers menacingly over our unevenly shaped skulls. And there, I guess, is where I come in. So... HERE R SUM URBEN LEGENDZ 4 U. EVRY1 LAFF.

Disney Films and ... Lemmings, Apparently The 9/11 Conspiracy Sorry, guys. Aladdin doesn’t actually tell anyone to take It really is just a big coincidence that 9 + 1 + 1 = 11. And their clothes off and the Seven Dwarves do not symbolize that New York was the 11th state added to the Union. the seven stages of cocaine addiction. While Disney may not And that one terrorist guy had 11 letters in his name. be sending subliminal messages through their animated The attack on the twin towers was not some manifest features, their wildlife documentaries are another story. In destiny conspiracy; the so-called evidence is really just a the 1985 nature fi lm White Wilderness, fi lmmakers purchased collection of random data – some of which is actually false. several dozen lemmings in Canada and coerced them off a The area code to Iran and Iraq is not 119, and American cliff into the sea, thereby “proving” the actually false myth Airlines Flight 77 was not carrying 65 people (6+5=11). busted that lemmings periodically do this of their own accord. ... busted As devastating as the tragedy was, no higher entity was Yeah. Way to send a message to the kids, guys. playing cruel puppet master on that particular day.

Buffalo Generative Glands as a Delicacy? Jellyfi sh & “Number One” So, this one is unfortunately very, very true. Not only have We’ve all heard it: the sagely advice given out to even the I seen the so-called “Rocky Mountain Oysters” myself, but youngest of children, assuring them that if any ill-fated I have also witnessed their consumption - not exactly body part should ever come in contact with the tentacles the loveliest sight. These crunchy novelties are carefully of a jellyfi sh, an immediate cure is urine. But surprisingly, peeled, coated in fl our, pepper, and salt, deep-fried, then this is completely false - rather than appeasing the pain, served hot to eager consumers. Other names for the enzymes in the urine actually cause dormant stinging cells “oysters” include Montana tendergroin, huevos del toro, to fi re off and exacerbate the sting. So while it may have and swinging sirloin [ugh]. But the sad, sad truth is: you worked on that one episode of Friends, in the real world, it’s confirmed can call ‘em whatever you want, but in the end, it doesn’t busted really better to avoid the extra agony and humiliation of really change anything. having a friend...you know...

Dihydrogen Monoxide MySpace Bulletins It’s one of the deadliest substances known to man - and, Anyone and everyone with a MySpace has, at least once, dear Lord, it’s not only infi ltrated our water supply, but in opened a bulletin threatening them with a violent death excess, it can kill crops and destroy entire cities... and kills if they refuse to repost the attached message. But despite roughly 3500 Americans per year!!!1!11 WHAT?! SO WHY their ludicrous wording, these near-illiterate threats still ISN’T IT BEING STOPPED?! WHY HAVE DRASTIC MEASURES manage to scare enough people into circulating them every NOT BEEN TAKEN?! WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL DYING?! IS few minutes. Forget the power of suggestion; use your head. THERE NO CURE?!?!?!?! ... Let’s take a closer look at that You don’t have to open links entitled “PARTEE GONE RONG,” confirmed chemical formula, shall we? HOH - so that’s 2 Hydrogens and even when you do, think it through before you start the + 1Oxygen. ... Why does that look so darn familiar? ... Isn’t busted frantic copying-and-pasting. Most of these “crimes” didn’t that... just... water...? Well. Yes, water can be dangerous in even happen. The fi ctional little girl who died at so-and-so’s the aforementioned ways, but it’s also a wonderful com- hands isn’t going to crawl out of your shower and throttle pound that sustains life and acts as a universal solvent. you with hair if you don’t repost. Relax. You’ll be fi ne. ... WAIT Yayyyyy solvent. OMFG ZAT HAS 11 LETERZ NOOOOOOO APOKALIPZ

You’re NobodyA StreamUntil of Consciousness You’re by Alison Chang// SpectrumTalked Editor About As a non-avid reader of Gossip Girl always uses der Woodsen, popular and betrayed that her makes that all the the Gossip Girl series, I the lamest lines. Don’t get “it” girl. You know, the so-called best friend more difficult. Chuck, really had absolutely no me wrong, the show itself one that all the other left without so much as Nate’s best buddy, and girls want to be. Serena a warning. So, now we idea what was in store for is spankin’, but I’m just not Blair are seemingly a fan of the person after and BFF Blair Waldorf get to view the awkward in cahoots to take me when I tuned io that are, in short, the queen way that Serena is going whom the show is named. Serena down. And on fateful Wednesday night bees of pretty much life. to try to fit back in. FYI, the sidelines, we meet Literally every other to Channel 5, the new CW, However, as I have so far it does not go well. Blair Dan Humphrey, a poor, at 9 pm. However, the new line she says contains inferred from the show, is pretty much a big but an-all around nice show introduced me to a the words, “S and B, Serena slept with Blair’s drama queen about the guy. You might have nice combination of The spotted (insert something beloved boyfriend, Nate whole thing. She is still guessed it by now. OC and Sex and the City, dramatic).” I just want her Archibald (gasp!). Wow, insecure, but I don’t Yes, Serena falls for leaving me surprisingly to switch it up a bit, you classic. The best friend blame her.Well, you can Dan, who in return pleased. I instantaneously know, say something that and the boyfriend, a imagine from here that hates the stereotypical secret affair behind the it does not go down so fell in love with Serena is excitingly new. She also upper East siders, AKA always ends the show with, innocent girlfriend’s well when she actually Blair and Chuck. So, and Blair, lovingly back. I must admit, does find out that her “XOXO, Gossip Girl.” I will Serena be able to dubbed S and B by the after finding this out, best friend and her balance mysterious and somewhat mean it’s obviously Gossip I thought Serena was boyfriend had a one- all this on annoying Gossip Girl. Girl, who else would say all the worst! However, as night stand. But then her thin, For some unknown the bogus commentary? the story line went on, again, who would be fragile, reason, this Gossip Does she really need to I warmed up to her. The pleased that their BFF couture Girl chick just really say her code name when show begins with the and BF fooled around? shoulders? irks me. She somehow signing out? I don’t think homecoming of Serena, As it turns out, Blair is Conform knows everything so. But, I guess the drama- after the overwhelming now even more hostile with guilt of her and Nate towards Serena and the about everyone’s life in rama in the core of the me and was too much to handle BFF status Serena hoped tune in Manhattan and plus, new series ameliorates and she peaced out to to obtain once again to find the annoying comments of she says that w e some random boarding is drifting further and out! will “never this Gossip Girl. school. Upon her further away from her. know” Okay, enough of arrival, news spread When Serena was away, her real my ranting about the like wildfire throughout Blair became the solo annoying third person. identity. the wealthy, upper East- queen bee and now has Let us move on to the Stalker, siders, and within a time her own two followers. juicy scoop in the span of perhaps thirty Serena realizes that she much? Gossip Girl series. Oh! minutes, everyone, I will have to step it up to Enter Serena mean EVERYONE, knew be accepted back into And Van she was back. Blair, who her darling Blair’s life at this stage has no idea again. So, Serena tries about the little escapade her best to change and between Serena and reform into a “good Nate, still feels person.” However, rich, abandoned party boy Chuck Bass, TITAN SHIELD October 19, 2007 14 Sports Volleyball Falls to South Pasadena , 2-3 a 25-20 win in the fi rst game with to gain momentum, garnering By Peony Khoo a South Pasadena hitting error. another 25-20 win in the third Managing Editor However, the Tigers came back game. 2007 Varsity Volleyball This past Tuesday, October 16, with a 25-20 win themselves in “We missed 18 serves, and they the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team the second game with help from missed 4… that was probably the suffered a tough 2-3 loss to rival more serving errors by the Lady biggest difference in the match,” 10/23 @ Blair* 3:30 p.m. South Pasadena at home. Titans. commented Coach Cameron. “It was even and went right “We were a little sporadic at The Lady Titans fi nally down to the last point,” remarked the net, and I think that caused us retaliated in the fourth game, 10/25 Monrovia* 3:30 p.m. Head Coach Mr. Scott Cameron. a little frustration,” stated Coach crushing the Tigers 25-15. The Lady Titans gained footing Cameron. “[South Pasadena] Several of the Lady Titans’ kills 10/29 @ Monrovia* 3:15 p.m. with a six-serve run by Senior seemed to have a little more of the entire match took place in Middle Blocker Emily Barth consistency in the outside and the fourth game to give the Lady that brought the score to 13- middle, so they might’ve been a Titans an ever-increasing lead that 10/29 Temple City* 3:30 p.m. 12. Despite a number of missed little more even in terms of their fi nally topped off at 25-15 with a serves and hits, the Lady Titans performance at the net.” double call on the South Pasadena 11/01 South Pasadena* 3:30 p.m. maintained the lead to fi nish with South Pasadena continued setter. In the fi nal game of the match, *Denotes league game both teams fought closely for the win, ending with a 18-16 game and Senior Middle Blocker Alex commented Coach Cameron. in South Pasadena’s favor. In the Ferraco had signifi cant kills, The Monrovia match scheduled beginning, the Lady Titans trailed earning 14 and 13, respectively. on Tuesday last week was by as much as four points in the 15- “We played about where we’ve rescheduled to the last Monday of point fi fth game. However, strong played all year, but we’re still not league play, October 29. serves by Emily and fewer hitting consistent enough,” concluded Yesterday, the Lady Titans also errors allowed the Lady Titans to Coach Cameron. “I still think played La Cañada, ranked 7th in even the score at 13-13. The game we’re the second best team in Division IIA, but results were continued with each team vying league [to La Cañada], but we’re not available at press time. “It’s for each game point until South going to have to prove it.” obvious La Cañada’s a level above Pasadena fi nally fi nished off the Tuesday’s defeat brought the everybody [in league]; if we can game 16-18. San Marino’s league record to 2-2 get a game or two, I’ll be happy,” “We got in a little bit of a hole and 6-4 overall as of Wednesday, stated Coach Cameron. in the last game when we were October 17. In addition to preparing for down 3-7, [but] we had the lead Last week, the Lady Titans the last few weeks in league, the at 15-14 and just couldn’t hold it,” crushed the Temple City Rams in Lady Titans are also preparing added Coach Cameron. “We hurt a 3-0 victory, 25-21, 25-18, and for the Gabrielino Tournament ourselves too much serving the 25-18. tomorrow, which will be held at ball out at crucial times, and we “We played much better [and] three locations—Gabrielino High don’t give ourselves a chance to didn’t make as many mistakes as School, San Gabriel High School, Senior Nicole Chan elevates to set the ball during Girls’ Volleyball match score some points.” we made today. We played much and SMHS—with over 40 teams aganist South Pasadena on October 17. Matt Enger//TITAN SHIELD Despite the loss, both Emily smoother against Temple City,” competing. MLB Playoff s: You’re Missing Something Special Nowadays, it seems like everyone thinks baseball is boring, dumb, unimportant, and irrelevant. Perhaps most distressing of all is the fact that everyone at school thinks baseball is unexciting. Though that is true during the long death march that is the 162-game regular season, the MLB Postseason is consistently the most dramatic event in professional sports. Simply put, it brings out a personʼs full spectrum of emotions, from despair, to hope, to elation. In case youʼve missed them (which you probably have), here are the fi ve best things so far from this yearʼs playoffs. — Layout and Copy by Deryck Wong//Managing Editor

1) The Games are Ridiculously Good 2) How ‘Bout Them Colorado Rockies? They won 13 of their last 14 games in the regular season Even though I follow the game, I normally donʼt watch actual baseball games. just to get the chance to make the playoffs. Then, they I drift in and out of the games, watch the highlights sometimes, but thatʼs about beat the Padres in a one-game playoff thatʼs going to it. But the games have just been so close and dramatic this postseason that be shown on ESPN Classic for a long time to come. Iʼve come to enjoy watching baseball again. I literally screamed in excitement Down 6-8 in the bottom of the 13th inning, the upstart at the television after the Rockies came back to win their one-game playoff Rockies dismantled the most prolifi c closer of all time, against the Padres. Beyond Trevor Hoffman, to clinch their fi rst postseason berth that, weʼve seen some beautiful since 1995. Since then, the team with the no-name pitching match-ups, the stomping pitching that came out of nowhere has swept its way to the World Series and of the Evil empire, and a team into the hearts and minds of sports fans everywhere. How can you not love that came out of nowhere to capture the largest bandwagon fan base in the the Colorado Rockies? If they keep winning, they might just turn the baseball history of forever. establishment upside down.

3) The Red Sox. They Looked Unstoppable. The odds-on favorite to win the World Series looked absolutely dominating in their 4) The Yanks Are Done! three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Unfortunately, theyʼve run into the buzzsaw that is the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS. No more news on ESPN about Joe Torreʼs job Coming off a 3-1 ALDS win over the Yankees, the Indians have made the Red Sox security, about the Boss, and about the whole lot hitters look awful as they fl ail away at the remarkable Cleveland pitching. While they were great up of overpaid minions of the evil empire. Itʼs good to this point, the Sox just havenʼt performed in the ALCS. Since Iʼm writing this on Wednesday night, knowing that itʼs seven years and counting since The Nation could already be grieving about the death of the Sox by the time youʼre reading this. the team that everyone loves to hate last won a World Series.

5) No more ESPN! Thank You TBS for Some Decent Playoff Coverage!

For the past several years, Fox and ESPN have held a stranglehold over the television coverage of the MLB playoffs. These two networks have used broadcasting duos like Jon Miller and Joe Morgan and Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. For those of you who have no idea what Iʼm talking about, these men state the obvious and drone on and on for the entire game about how they think they know everything. Their commentary is absolutely atrocious and almost makes the games unwatchable unless theyʼre on mute. TBSʼs Chip Caray, Tony Gwynn, and Bob Brenly actually offer insightful, meaningful coverage that adds to the quality of the game, instead of making it worse. On top of that, TBSʼs minimalist use of graphics doesnʼt detract from the action on the fi eld in the way that Foxʼs garish effects do. Finally, TBS is commmitted to show games in their entirety. If the end of one game spills over to the start of another, theyʼve moved the game thatʼs just beginning over to TNT, just to please everyoneʼs viewing preference. October 19, 2007 TITAN SHIELD Sports 15 Boys’ Water Polo Triumphs in Overtime opportunity in a penalty shot when After the Titans burned By Dennis Su Junior Hole Set Kevin Hon helped another timeout, Coach Holcomb Managing Editor the Titans close within one goal. substituted James into the fi eld and The San Marino Water Polo After Monrovia committed placed Michael as the goalkeeper. team celebrated its fi rst league two quick turnovers in the third, With the Titans trailing 9-10 win in a 14-11 overtime thriller the Titan offense found the hole and six seconds on the clock, over the Monrovia Wildcats at set wide open for a game-tying James shuttled the ball to Alex home on October 16. seventh goal. from the left wing, and he tied the This win leaves the Titans in On the next poesssion, Alex game with a buzzer-beater past a tie for third in the Rio Hondo scored on a power shot from Monrovia’s 4-1 defense, giving League, along with Temple City the left wing to send the crowd the Titans a chance to win the (1-3) and Monrovia (1-3). cheering by handing the Titans game. The score remained close their fi rst lead of the game at 8-7. In the fi rst of two overtime throughout the game, with no That lead was short-lived, periods, James returned as the team ever leading by more than however, as Monrovia struck back goalkeeper. After a Monrovia foul, three goals. with a quick goal in response. the Wildcat goalkeeper defl ected San Marino opened the game The San Marino defense Kevin Hon’s penalty shot to hold down 0-2 to the Wildcats, going defl ected a close-range shot, only the tie. The two teams continued to Senior Daniel Means lays off a pass to one of his teammates during a 14-11 scoreless in the fi rst fi ve minutes to fi nd the ball in the hands of an deny each other goals until Calvin overtime victory against Monrovia on October 16. Jon Wong//TITAN SHIELD of play. The Titans’ fi rst goal of open Wildcat who tipped the ball slammed in a goal to capture the Joe slammed in his fourth goal The Titans began their second the game came on a successful in away from an off-guard defense lead at 11-10. After James made of the game at the cheers of the round of league play against La penalty shot by Senior Kevin Lin to break an 8-8 tie. a crucial save with less than a home crowd as the Titans broke Cañada yesterday, but results following a Monrovia fi ve-meter The Titans responded in kind, minute remaining in the period, away for good. With the fi nal were not available at press time. penalty. The Wildcats maintained as Joe put in a goal unchallenged Kevin Hon tipped in a goal on an goal by Alex, Monrovia accepted San Marino will continue league their lead through the end of the by Monrovia to reestablish a tie assist from Alex, extending the defeat, letting the fi nal seconds play against South Pasadena on quarter, 2 -5. game. Titans’ lead to 12-10. run off the clock in San Marino’s Tuesday, October 23 at home. San Marino took advantage of With less than 10 seconds in the Opening the second overtime fi rst league victory. Looking ahead to the South a Monrovia ejection later when fourth quarter, James threw deep period, Monrovia acquired the Kevin Lin refl ected that, in Pasadena game, Coach Holcomb Alex bounced in a goal through the to Senior Dan Means, and the ball in a messy battle from the comparison to the Titans’ other commented, “I’m just hoping short-handed Monrovia defense Titans fought for an opening until tip, and Joe made a hard foul to league matches, “We defi nitely they keep working on some of to leave the score 4-6, with the they drew a key Wildcat ejection, give the Wildcats a penalty shot, did play a lot better […] but we our offense [and] ball handling; I Titans still trailing. leaving San Marino with a crucial allowing them to draw within one still need to improve more for think that’s going to be crucial to The Titans found another man-up advantage. of the Titans. future games.” controlling the game.” Titans Race in League Meet pleased Thursday with the overall size of our school and the lack of By Brandon Shiau performance,” he concluded. depth, we bring out the most from Associate Editor of Copy Standouts for the Titans what we’ve got.” The SMHS Cross Country included: Senior Cristian Raether, With more than half of the teams attended the second Rio who was seventh in his race with cross country season over, the Hondo League meet at their home a time of 16:42, Sophomore Sean runners are anticipating the end of course at Lacy Park on Thursday, Silva in seventeenth at 17:23, and the season. But, Coach Ramirez October 11. Junior Raymond Nhan at 22nd in believes the team is seeing results The Varsity Girls achieved third 17:43. from its training: “hard work is place in the meet. Three of the top In the previous week, the team starting to pay off.” six runners wore a Lady Titan prepared with a long-distance run Coach Ramirez maintains that jersey; Senior Captain Jasmine (~8 miles), half-mile and mile four Titans, Cristian, Jasmine, Quan-Liu fi nished second in sprint sets. Also, easy practices Nikki, and Sarah have a good 19:26, Junior Sarah Tolley came in the days right before the race chance at qualifying individually in third at 19:28, and Junior Nikki would guarantee that the runners for CIF. Miller followed in sixth place with were not exhausted when it did The Cross Country team will a time of 20:03. occur. be at the Mt. Sac Invitational at Coach Ernest Ramirez recalled, Recently, a few of the runners Mr. San Antonio College today. “We’ve managed to beat South got sick, both due to both pathogen While the invitational will not Pasadena [Girls’ Varsity].” He and injury; four runners had to sit affect the Titans league standing, remained confi dent of the girls’ out last Thursday. it will nonetheless be a challenge. ability: “Nikki, Jasmine, and Sarah From a wider perspective, San The Mt. Sac course is dominated have a good chance to qualify for Marino is doing well considering by steep slopes and dirt roads, CIF at this point.” the size of the team. Compared making it one of the more arduous Though no other team fi nished to league competitors, the team courses that the Titan runners with results quite as “good” as is signifi cantly smaller. Coach encounter during their season those of the Varsity girls, Coach Ramirez commented, “I think for and will later compete in the Rio Senior Captain Jasmine Quan-Liu races towards the fi nish line in the second Ramirez maintained a positive what we have, we do quite well. Hondo League Finals, concluding Rio Hondo league meet on October 11. Matt Enger//TITAN SHIELD overall attitude. “I was very For the size of the team and the the normal season.

Junior Varsity Stats Results current as of Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Boys’ Cross CountryFootball Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Volleyball Boys’ Water Polo

Record N/A 3-2 3-2 3-1 0-4

N/A 17-19 Loss at La 6-12 Loss at South 2-0 Win vs. South 12-16 Loss vs. Monrovia Cañada on Oct. 11 Pasadena on Oct. 16 Pasadena on Oct. 16 on Oct. 16 Last Game

3:00 Today at Mt. Sac 3:30 on Oct. 25 at 3:15 on Oct. 22 4:30 on Oct. 23 at 4:30 Today vs. Bell Invitational Temple City vs. Arcadia Blair Gardens Next Game TITAN SHIELD October 19, 2007 16 Sports Titans Tie Homecoming Game (Continued from page 1) Receiver Sean Denney to move received the ball back for one last the ball to the San Marino two- attempt to break the tie, the Titans “I’m sure [the La Cañada yard line. could not manage to move the ball defense] wasn’t doing anything Duke then rushed into the end into fi eld goal range. fancy, we just weren’t executing zone to put the Spartans ahead 0-7 Throughout this drive, the La our blocks properly,” added Coach with about four minutes left in the Cañada safety stayed consistently Moreland. quarter. deep. The two teams combined for “One of our defensive backs On the most promising play six punts and two interceptions at forgot his assignment, and he went of the drive, Junior Quarterback the end of the fi rst half. to the wrong place, and left [Sean] Steven Wright lobbed a ball After the halftime festivities wide open [on fourth down]. down the sideline to Senior Wide for Homecoming, which included Then on the touchdown, it was Receiver Arturo Vargas, who had fi reworks and streamers fl ying just a simple matter of we thought his man beat by several yards. into the packed crowd at Titan we had [Duke] tackled. However, the ball slipped Memorial Stadium, the two teams Our guys stopped trying to through Arturo’s hands, forcing took the fi eld again for another half tackle him, and he just kind of the Titans to punt the ball away. of defensive-minded football. rolled out and scored,” explained After one more La Cañada With 9:48 left in the third Coach Moreland. possession, the game ended in a quarter, the Spartans began the Seven minutes later, the Titan 7-7 tie. fi rst scoring drive of the night. offense began its own scoring The draw moves the Titans to After fi ve straight rushes, on drive to tie the game. 4-1-1 overall and 0-0-1 in Rio fourth down and three, La Cañada On a 5:21 drive, San Marino Hondo league play. continued its drive on a non-call turned to John for nine of its 10 “It’s not a loss. [We] didn’t win, from the referees. plays, including a touchdown run but [we] didn’t lose. [We]’ve just Though it appeared as if San on fourth and goal from the La got to come back out to practice,” Marino had reclaimed the ball off Cañada one-yard line to push the concluded Coach Moreland. a fumble, the Spartan ball carrier Titans into a 7-7 draw. was ruled down by contact, “[The team put together a good Titans Continue League Play resulting in a fresh set of downs offensive sequence] because our for La Cañada. guys knew they had their backs Tonight, San Marino travels to Several plays later, the Titans against the wall. John Muir High School to face forced another fourth down, this They fi nally started to realize the 5-0 (1-0) Blair Vikings, a team time inside their own territory. that they needed to get something coming off of a 22-10 victory over However, Spartan Junior done if they wanted to win the the Temple City Rams in their Rio Quarterback Duke McCaffrey game,” noted Coach Moreland. Hondo League opener. Kickoff is Junior Quarterback Steven Wright prepares to pass during the Homecoming managed to fi nd Junior Wide While the San Marino offense scheduled for 7:00 p.m. game against the Spartans on October 12. Matt Enger//TITAN SHIELD Girls’ Tennis Defeated by Tigers, 8-10 opponent, 0-6. dropping their matches 0-6 and 1- By Ryan Chan On the doubles’ courts, Senior 6, respectively. Sports Editor Alyssa Velasco and Junior Jessica, However, the doubles team The San Marino Girls’ Varsity Ecung started as the Lady Titans continued its dominance, tennis team (7-8) dropped its #1 Doubles team. Alyssa and sweeping the second round. second straight league match to Jessica took an early 3-0 lead with Although at they gave away two South Pasadena, 8-10, on Tuesday, consistent lobbing that proved too straight games at 5-0, Alyssa and October 16. much for their opponents. They Jessica limited their opponents to The Tigers boasted a singles fi nished their match at 6-0, after very few winners as they won 6-2. lineup that included two of the forcing their opponent to hit the After their loss in the fi rst round, top four players in the league, ball at the net for the fi nal point. Lauren and Marsha, like Jeannie, including their #1 Singles San Marino’s #2 Doubles team, were able to recover and beat their Marivick Valdeavilla, who is also consisting of Senior Lauren Chan opponents, 6-4. ranked 40 in the nation. Not to and Freshman Marsha Chang, The team’s aggressive play be outdone, San Marino had three struggled in its fi rst match. at the net overwhelmed their doubles teams that consistently Despite effective top spin lobs opponents, underlined by won most of the points for the from Marsha, the two could not Marsha’s hard volley down the team. fi nish the points, often allowing line to end the match. “We can’t do anything about the their opponents to prepare for a After also giving up two quick singles. They’re ranked players fi nishing volley. At 2-5, the Lady games, Anya and Tammy regained and they’re just tough. But we can Tigers broke their serve, ending the momentum and defeated their do a lot in doubles. We have three the match at 2-6. opponents, 6-4. really strong doubles team,” Head However, the #3 Doubles team Marivick opened up the third Coach Paula Bush commented. Freshmen Anya Laibangyang and set by defeating Stephanie, 2- Sophomore #1 Singles Jeannie Tammy Le, did better against its 6. With the total scoreline at 6- Peterson opened up against South Pasadena counterparts, 6, the Titans needed victories Marivick in the centre court. effectively returned its opponents from all three of their doubles However, Marivick took a quick serves and fi nishing points off easy teams and at least one from either 0-3 lead in the opening minutes volleys. Despite having their serve Jeannie or Supriya in order to win. by stumping Jeannie with her broken at 0-4, their opponents However, San Marino and South slice serves. Jeannie continued to began to make too many mistakes, Pasadena traded off points instead struggle as she was forced to hit including an unforced error that as Supriya and Jeannie lost, 3-6 awkward shots that set up easy ended the match at 6-2. and 0-6, respectively while Lauren points off the volley for Marivick. In the second round, Jeannie and Marsha won 6-2 and Anya The match eventually ended at 1- managed to battle back to win 6-2 and Tammy defeated their South 6. over her opponent. Pasadena’s #1 Doubles team, 6-1. San Marino’s other two singles Unlike her fi rst match, Jeannie The game came to a fi nish as did not fare better, struggling to was able to control the tempo and Alyssa and Jessica lost their last keep with their Tiger opponents. had several chances to come to match 5-7. Junior #2 Singles Supriya Kumar the net and fi nish points off with The Girls’ Varsity team played could not deal with her opponent’s overheads. After jumping to a 3-0 La Cañada yesterday, but results dominating forehand, eventually lead, she fi nished out the match at were not available at press time. falling 0-6. As for Sophomore 6-2 with a backhand volley down San Marino will continue its #3 Singles Stephanie Law, she the line. season on Monday, October 22 Senior #2 Doubles Lauren Chan hits the ball towards the opposite corner of also committed unforced errors at Supriya and Stephanie resumed in a non-league match at Arcadia the court during Girls’ Tennis’s 8-10 loss on Tuesday. Jilly Ko//TITAN SHIELD key points. She lost to her Tiger their troubles in the second round, High School. October 19, 2007 TITAN SHIELD