Volume XIII, Issue II: October 12, 2011

www.thehowleronlIne.org

4515 Portola Pkwy. IrvIne, Ca 92620

The Legacy of a Man

allen ChIu The Northwood Howler

Viewpoint Editor

By rInI SamPath

The one way man can become immortal is through his work. Although he passed from pancreatic cancer on Oct. 5, Steve Jobs lives on in many forms around us. As a creative genius and visionary, Steve Jobs can be compared to Thomas Alva Edison. His inventions, much like the light bulb, can be found everywhere. Through the creation of Apple Inc., he revolutionized how we interact with each other, how we feel about music and how we work. Steve Jobs has brought a whole new way of experiencing the world

to youth, said junior Anjali Mehta. Conquering the world has been turned into a single phrase: Theres an app for that. His effect on this world started when he brought the computer to the average persons home by simplifying the interface. Mac was the first computer to use icons and a mouse that allowed its users to simply point and click to begin programs. It was evident from the start that Jobs understood the needs of his consumers. Moreover, he captured the loyalty of his customers through the striking aesthetics and dependable nature of all Apple products. I own an iPad now and I dont

even see the need to lug around a laptop, said English teacher Tim Horrigan. Although the portable music system existed before the iPod, what set Jobs product apart was its utter simplicity. The way in which the iPod worked so seamlessly with iTunes changed the entire music industry. With iTunes, he gave us a platform in which big names and independent artists could be discovered. I remember when we started our independent band and we had the opportunity to put our music on iTunes, said Northwood graduate and Army of Sun guitarist Marc Ninyo. It was an empowering experience to compete

with mainstream artists. Jobs was also a key player in making Pixar, a computer animation film studio, a large part of lives. Pixar changed the world of animation by showing that it was possible to tell memorable stories through computer generated imagery (CGI) alone. As long as I can remember, Toy Story has been one of my favorite movies, said junior Kylie Christianssen. [Jobs] helped create a whole new category of film that weve all grown up sharing with one another. His success, however, didnt come easily; Jobs was adopted from a single mother, dropped out of college and was ousted from Apple in 1985.

But this was a man who knew how to make a comeback. And when he did, he made a difference in the world. In his own words, Being the richest man in the cemetery doesnt matter to me. Going to bed at night saying weve done something wonderful thats what matters. Although the final chapter of Jobss life has ended, he has left an impression upon society that will translate to the pages of several generations. Every text message that is sent, every song that is heard, and every computer that is used has remnants of his vision. The apple may have fallen, but the roots of the tree have spread everywhere.

NEWS Club decisions are in: ASB adds seven new clubs to the list
2
October 12, 2011
Sports Editor

The Northwood Howler

By Jennifer Yu

This semester, Northwood will see seven new clubs on campus that each serve to benefit a different cause. All clubs that applied went through a thorough application process that required a club constitution and for some, an interview in front of a panel comprised of ASB Director Sandy Banks, ASB club commissioners Addy Bhasin and Annette Lee, fine arts commissioner Ari Weiss and a representative from The Northwood Howler. The interviewers approved clubs based on unique mission, passion of the president, role of the advisor and sustainability. We thought long and hard about each decision we made, said Lee. The hardest part of this whole process was denying the clubs. Every club we interviewed had great ideas, but sadly we werent able to accept them all. Here are the clubs that made the cut: World Vision Inspired by her eye-opening trip to Vietnam, sophomore Chloe Pham started the World Vision Club at Northwood. I realized how fortunate we were and how important it was to give back to people in need, said Pham. The World Vision club at Northwood is a charter of World Vision, an international humanitarian organization that aids impoverished

shelters, including Sahara in Artesia. We want our club to make a safe environment for domestic violence and dating abuse victims a reality, said Kopparam. Break the Silence meets every other Monday in room 1203 and is led by Raksha and her sister Rohini. Support Our Soldiers Aimed to send support to soldiers still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Support Our Soldiers (S.O.S.) club was created by sophomore Ellie Bowers. Bowers, who was inspired by her fathers experiences as a Marine, has already planned multiple events for her club, including a large-scale letter-writing campaign and a sock drive. S.O.S. meets Mondays in rooms 1121 and 1225, alternating between weeks. Shes the First Sophomores Maryam Khan and Iman Siddiqi decided to create a charter club of the national not-forprofit charity Shes the First because its mission to provide education to women in the developing world resonated with them. The club plans to kick off its first fundraiser, the Tie-Dye Cupcake Bake Sales event, as part of the Shes The First national fundraising campaign. The club meets on Mondays in room 1202. Comfort Zone Comfort Zone is a club dedicated to helping Comfort Zone Camp,

the nations largest bereavement camp for children and teens. Sophomore Jason Lee became passionate about this cause after seeing the therapeutic effects the camp had on his cousin. Our vision is to create a strong community that supports each other through tough times as well as break the current culture of avoidance that surrounds grief,said Lee. Comfort Zone plans to fundraise to cover the tuition and costs of running the camps and to offer volunteer opportunities as Junior Counselors at the local Irvine site. Comfort Zone meets in room 1123 every other Monday.

Kris GeorGe The Northwood Howler

BReAk THe SiLeNCe: Sisters Raksha and Rohini Kopparams club, Break the Silence, was among seven clubs to be accepted this semester.
children and families affected by natural disasters and social injustice. Pham plans to raise awareness for her cause on campus through fundraising events such as the 30 Hour Famine. The World Vision Club at Northwood meets every other Tuesday in room 1101. History Day History Day is the newest academic organization on campus and is based on the competition called National History Day. Students who join this club will have the opportunity to compete in a county-wide competition by exploring and researching any aspect of history they choose. I hope to get people more passionate about history, beyond the topics taught in school, said sophomore co-president Yash Gupta. History Day meets two Tuesdays a month in room 901 and is led by Gupta and sophomore Nikhil Mishra. Break the Silence Break the Silence is a club that focuses on helping women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Sophomore Raksha Kopparam became passionate about this cause after dedicating her time volunteering at shelters as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She hopes to raise awareness by inviting guest speakers and offering volunteering opportunities at various womens

NHS Imagiscience Robotics Club The NHS Imagiscience Robotics Club is the newest science-based club at Northwood. Led by sophomore Eugene Chang and junior Shounak Dattagupta, the club hopes to raise students interests in the field of science through various contests and simple robotics building activities using Lego kits. The Imagiscience Robotics Club meets every Friday in room 1207. Improv Insanity Due to copyright issues, Northwoods ComedySportz club has changed its name to Improv Insanity. Improv Insanity competes as a team in improvisational comedy against other schools in the county. It bills itself as a version of the TV show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Improv Insanity meets every other Tuesday in room 1302.

Food trucks congregate at NHS ACLU suit forces NHS budget tightening
Staff Writer

By Christina Ko

Totally-memphis.com

FReSH FLAvoRS: The Lime Truck, winner of The Great American Food Truck Race, will bring its unique cuisine to Northwood this Friday.
By simone DLuna
News Editor

An entirely new event has been added to this years Homecoming festivities: a food truck fair and movie screening of Tangled. The event, which will be held this Friday, Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Northwood, serves the dual purpose of providing an outing for Northwood students and fundraising for school programs. This year, the budget cuts are really affecting school programs, said ASB president Rini Sampath. We wanted to find a new and fun way to raise money that wasnt a simple bake sale. I think the food truck fair accomplishes this because its unique and attractive to all kinds of people. Five gourmet food trucks will be present on Friday, including The Lime Truck, the recent winner of Food Networks The Great American Food Truck Race. Spudrunners, Panfiniti, Dos Chinos, Barcelona OntheGo and The Lime Truck each have a unique cuisine and style. All are donating 10% of the profits they make this Friday to Northwood. Spudrunners serves a twist on

comfort food inspired by potatoes and featuring a variety of fries, soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. According to their slogan, Panfinitis menu consists of paninis and beyond, made with fresh bread, marinated meats and handmade sauces. Barcelona OntheGo offers a modern approach to traditional Spanish cuisine with a menu that adapts to seasonal ingredients. Dos Chinos blends flavors from different cultures in a fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine. The Lime Trucks objective is to provide refreshing and healthy beach cuisine while accommodating the busy Southern California lifestyle. The trucks will be in the parking lot from the beginning of the event, but as soon as the sun sets, the movie Tangled will be shown around the Oak Tree. There is no cost of admission to the event; the food from the trucks is the only thing that students will need to purchase. Bringing beach chairs or blankets is advised. ASB and NTV have cooperated to put on this event, and both groups are encouraging students to bring their families and friends from other schools. Im really looking forward to the great turn out! said Sampath.

The newly reduced school budget has prompted significant changes in some departments, but most remain relatively unaffected. The recent court decision to enforce the illegality of public school fees has made the situation all the more difficult, especially for departments that had previously depended on lab fees to support their programs. Those departments will now have to rely on donations. Major changes have been made in the Media Centers printing policy. According to Media Specialist Alan Simsovic, students may now print without charge, but if they print over 10 pages at a time or 100 pages in a month, they will have to justify the quantity. If the material was not for educational purposes, students will be blocked from printing. Staff were given only one new toner to use for the entire year; those who use theirs up will have to use the main printer. Non-academic departments are suffering the greatest hits because they require an expensive variety of supplies. [In Visual Arts,] weve always been diligent about buying in bulk and finding vendors with the lowest prices, but even with these cost-cutting measures, we arent sure we can provide whats needed, said VAPA Department Chair Christy ODwyer. If we dont secure enough [funds through donations], our students simply wont be able to learn important techniques essential in the Arts. The Drama Department is scaling back the size of the annual spring musical, featuring a slightly smaller cast and fewer special effects, but Drama Director Angela Hanigan said the performance standard will still be the same; it is still going to be an exciting show, just more intimate. The cuts have shortened Marching Bands summer camp and elimi-

Kris GeorGe The Northwood Howler

DoNATioNS?: At registration, ASB treasurer Ashley Elgie explains the new donation system replacing mandatory lab, technology and arts fees.
nated their transportation and dinner at football games, but overall, the Music Department is faring better with the support of its booster groups. Neither [the instrumental music nor the vocal music] program wants to lower expectations of what we want to achieve, so were just putting more responsibility on the boosters to fill the widening gap between what the state will pay and what we feel we need to provide the best musical experience for each student, said Instrumental Music Director Ben Case. Even in these tough times, we still have great support and were able to do [a lot] and provide great experiences. Athletic budgets have been reduced to what Athletic Director Dean Toohey calls bare bones budgets, eliminating, among other things, transportation to and from games for students playing after 5 p.m. In physical education, students are still required to wear PE uniforms and lock their lockers, but are allowed to bring their own locks and wear their own clothes as long as they are in school colors. For the most part, other departments, many of which are academic, havent had to make significant changes and are coping with their changes relatively well. We cant require students have supplies or books, but Mr. Simsovic has done a great job of stocking the Media Center with the books and plays we read, said English Department Chair Tim Horrigan. All the students will have books one way or another. Similarly, the Language Department can no longer require students to buy workbooks, but it does not have the funds to purchase them for every student. Consequently, level four and AP students have the option of borrowing read-only workbooks from the school. Students in levels one through three are still able to write in their workbooks because the textbooks publishers have agreed to provide workbooks for students. The Science Department, despite being unable to collect its customary lab fees this year, has been able to maintain all of its activities except after-school labs for AP classes due to generous donations. For special education students, the federally supported six-week extension of the school year has been reduced to four weeks. On-site school nursing and mental health were also reduced. Despite across-the-board cuts reducing budgets and class sizes, most departments have been able to adapt or have been supported by donations. As Horrigan said, the parents of Irvine know what their kids need to succeed.

The Northwood Howler

Yo-yo ma(ster) Food on the move

ACCENT

October 12, 2011

CREATIVE CHANG-BUHM: Chang-Buhm Huhs yo-yo tricks leaves his audience saying, Huh?
By Brandon Choi
Staff Writer

allen Chiu The Northwood Howler

You may recognize him from last years talent show or from around the campus where he is always hopping over yo-yos or teaching others the sport. While many teenagers choose to play football or basketball, junior Chang-Buhm Huh has delved into the unique sport of yo-yoing. Over the summer, Huh has managed to place in regional competitions and even earn a national seed. Out of three divisions in the SouthWest U.S. regional, Huh placed 3rd in two of them, a feat made possible through his endless hours of practice. I have to balance my schedule with other activities, but I still practice for about two and a half hours every day. I try to practice anywhere I can, whether it is at a restaurant or on my way home, said Huh. Though the yo-yo may look like a simple toy to many, numerous different styles exist. Some involve putting a counterweight on one end while others require multiple yo-yos.

Each style is also based around different types of tricks, so the common trick will not do in the competitive field. I personally have a body and arm style in which I incorporate my body into my tricks, said Huh. I prefer the difficult tricks because they are fast and score easily. Along with the numerous awards from his competitions, Huh got the opportunity to explore the science behind the sport beside professional companies and engineers. With his experiences in mechanical engineering, Huh was able to turn his own yo-yo designs into reality. Currently, I am working with a professional mechanist to learn how to use engineering tools like the lathe, said Huh. Huh states that he loves the sport not just for the awards and prizes, but for the tight-knit community. I recommend yo-yoing to everyone not just for the stress relief it provides, but for the opportunity to learn a new sport and meet new people, said Huh.

SATISFIED SENIORS: Seniors Frey Chu and Josh Navi enjoy pizza slices at Johnnies New York Pizzeria.
By Jenny lee
Staff Writer

Kris GeorGe The Northwood Howler

As students age, coloring books are traded in for notebooks, crayons for black pens and finally some give up their brown bag lunches to head out for an off campus lunch. The nearby centers around the school allow students to have a variety of selections for lunch during their 35 minutes of freedom. So, for students who have cars, friends with cars or the athletic capabilities to speed walk, here is an example schedule of a fully packed week of off campus lunches. The beginning of the week, Monday, is always dreaded and must be started off right. What better way to comfort yourself than an ice cream cone or a treat off the dollar menu? The nearest McDonalds is located at the Orchard Hills Village Center, about three minutes by car and 15 minutes by foot. Most com-

plete meals can be bought for under $10. The blandest day of the week, Tuesday, needs a bit of excitement. Cravings for a fully satisfying yet reasonably priced meal can be met at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Customers are greeted with countless options of choices as they pick the ingredients that go in their burrito, taco, burrito bowl or salad bowl. The different flavors of Mexican cuisine packed into a big portion make for a great meal for, once again, under $10. Wednesday, the middle of the seemingly endless week, calls for a slight health kick at Chick-Fil-A in Woodbury. Varying from sandwiches to salads, the menus contents revolve around chicken and are served with crisp waffle fries. The restaurant offers many sauces that customers can freely take and enjoy with a meal under $10. The nearest Chick-Fil-A is located about 8 minutes away from the school by car.

Incorporate some fine dining on Thursday by visiting La Sirena Grill at the Orchard Hills Village Center. The restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cuisine with bright and tasty flavors. Although the price is around $10 to $20, the fresh ingredients and fully stocked salsa bar make it worthwhile. Finally, on Friday, congratulate yourself for making it through the week with a healthy but sweet dessert at Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt. Also located in the Orchard Hills Village Center, it serves a variety of different flavored frozen yogurt. Customers can also choose from many different toppings to put on their yogurt and buy according to what size they prefer for around $5. Adding to the already numerous options, students can also head to Pavilions, Flame Broiler, Johnnies New York Pizzeria and much more. Students, grab your keys and start your engines. Ready, get set, eat.

More waffles, please! Silver in the sea

October 12, 2011

ACCENT

The Northwood Howler

phers kept saying was, everyone can take a portrait, but it takes skill to take a photograph. They taught us how to find perspective in the angles of shots and how to eliminate eye sores in the picture. Each participant received a Canon underwater camera that can go 33 feet underwater. AL: I heard you received an internship with the NOAA. What is your internship about? RS: The people at NOAA liked me so much that they asked me to contact them when I arrive at UC Santa Cruz so that I can get in touch with their Santa Cruz office and work with them there. I am excited for the opportunity and cant wait for what it has in store. AL: What was it like being with many different people from different places? RS: Being with people from throughout the world was an eye-opening experience. Even though we were from different parts of the world, we all laughed at the same jokes and shared cultural dances and songs. The news that I read in newspapers and saw on television about the Middle East were now being told to me in first hand accounts. A girl from Egypt was talking with exuberance about how they finally got freedom. A girl in Pakistan shared that she was going to be a part of an arranged marriage. It made me feel thankful for what I have here. AL: How has this program ultimately impacted you? RS: I can walk the streets without having to worry about getting bombed or having a gunfight break out, things that were common in the Middle East. Our oceans are vital to us and learning about problems in oceans really enforced me to want to help protect them. It was a great experience that made me an overall more cultural and well-rounded person.

WONDERFUL WAFFLES: Customers travel from near and far to experience the delicious taste of a Bruxie waffle.
By Kristie Chang
Staff Writer

www.foodsmackdown.com

Waffle lovers, you can officially leggo of your basic breakfast Eggo. Welcome to the world of Bruxi, where delicious, gourmet waffle sandwiches are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located in Old Town Orange, this popular, retro-style street stand always has a long line of avid fans waiting impatiently to order at the walk-up window for their taste of heavenand with good reason. Bruxis waffles are a cut above your typical breakfast staple. Their specially formulated waffle, dubbed the Bruxie, is a light, crispy spin on the classic Belgian waffle. It is the base for every solid item on the menu. For the main course, Bruxi offers gourmet fare like gruyre cheese with prosciutto in their waffles. Bruxi gets even more creative with seasonal offerings such as the Green Eggs and Ham: ham, cheddar, egg, arugula and pesto. The standout, however, is the Bruxi burger. The waffle is stuffed with an angus beef patty, fresh tomato, lettuce, pickles and cheddar cheese. Its not the con-

ventional way to eat a burger, and it definitely tastes out of the ordinary. Of course, no meal is complete without a decadent dessert. Try the unique combination of the Ogura waffle, where Asian and Western cuisine meet in the form of red bean and sweet cream between waffles. Other items include pure cane sugar soda, made locally, and frozen custard, a fresh ice cream enhanced with egg yolk that releases its flavor as it slowly melts in your mouth. From the handwritten menus to the friendly servers, everything about Bruxi emphasizes community. This is the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday lunch with close friends and good food at affordable prices; nothing on the menu exceeds $8. The downside to this hole-inthe-wall gem is the challenge of finding parking space. Theres only four spaces on the Bruxi premises. If you arent lucky enough to snag one of these spots, youll have to find the parking structure on Palm Street and walk over to Bruxi. Also, dont drink too much because there arent any bathrooms nearby. But it is all worth it. Bruxi is street food at its finest.

RADIANT RANDY: Northwood graduate Randy Silver poses with his friend, Nassar.
By aliCe lee
Accent Editor

Photo provided by randy silver

What do Northwood graduates do once they leave the confines of high school? One former Northwood student, Randy Silver, participated in a program hosted by Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from July 14 to 26 in Santa Barbara. In this field study, Silver learned that the first step to going green is to conserve the oceans. Motivated by this underlying philosophy, he helped clean up the ocean while enjoying ocean-related activities like snorkeling and kayaking. He was one of two lucky students chosen from California to participate alongside 18 students from countries in the Middle East and 12 students from the United States. Through this program, Silver was able to experience an opportunity of a lifetime. Alice Lee: How does it feel being

one of the two California students chosen to be in the program? Randy Silver: To be able to represent California from the hundreds of applicants was humbling. Even though the program was based here in Southern California, it was still rewarding. AL: What were your responsibilities in the program? RS: In the program, we went to lectures and met renowned scientists and professors who were studying subjects ranging from ocean acidification to water pollution. National Geographic photographers were there too. We did many beach clean ups, went to the Malibu and visited the Chumash Native American tribal village and learned about their peoples connection to the land. When we stayed at Santa Cruz Island, we learned about the history of the island and its unique animal and plant life. AL: What did the National Geographic photographers help you guys with? RS: The key phrase the photogra-

New teachers join the pack

Students speak: Once upon a Homecoming

By Monsoon Pabrai
Layout Editor

yet. Hopefully a Jedi or a dragon. Annette Lee (11)

Northwoods ASB has decided on a theme for this years Homecoming: Once Upon a Homecoming. All four classes have been designated a theme to dress up as: seniors are fairytales, juniors are science-fiction/ fantasy, sophomores are action/adventure and the freshmen are mystery. We talked to some students about what they are looking forward to the most and what they plan on going as.
Kris george The Northwood Howler

I'm really excited because Homecoming is just something that I really look forward to every year. A little fun is good for us and it gets rid of some of the stress. I'm planning to go as cat woman. Leah Nawabi (10) "I'm not sure if I'm going or not, but if I do go, I'd go as Goku from Dragon Ball" Seung Ha Lee (11) "Im not so sure yet, but Im stuck between Marvin the Martian or one of the Jetsons. Jiwon Shin (11) I love this theme because I have an excuse to dress up as a unicorn. Jeffrey Zhang (11) My friends and I are thinking pirates or ninja turtles. Im looking forward to seeing what everyone dresses up as because it usually is super creative. Eugene Chang (10) I am so excited, there are no words in the dictionary to describe my anxiety, except for anxiety. Im the Chosen One and Im ready to fight Voldemort. Stupefy! Sarah Samynathan (11) Homecoming is my favorite dance of the year. Everyone gets super creative and the DJ is always great. Cailin Rosborough (11) We have an inflatable slide and obstacle course so there is no way that Im turning that down. I still dont know what I want to be, probably Yoda or an Oompa Loompa. Lee Lazar (11)

By sooyun Choi
Staff Writer

The Northwood Timberwolves were joined by four new teachers this year: music teacher Whitney Tavlarides, physical education teacher Zeff Dena, Spanish teacher Katie Ellis and English teacher Robert Balogh. Although from very different places, they are now part of the pack! Mrs. Tavlarides Sooyun Choi: What inspired you to become a music teacher? Whitney Tavlarides: I had great music teachers growing up. It came to me naturally. When I got up in front of the ensemble I felt like this is it! SC: Where did you work before you came to Northwood? WT: Ive worked for Disney for the past eight years. I also taught at few different elementary and middle schools and Irvine High. SC: Who influenced you to be the person you are today?

WT: Musically, my high school band director inspired me not to just become a great musician but an advocate for music. Mr. Dena SC: Why do you think physical education is important to students? ZD: It is paramount for kids! There is an obesity epidemic in schools, and without PE in school, kids would have no exposure to physical activities. SC: What are you most excited about this school year? ZD: Im just thrilled to be here. Northwood is a fantastic school and Im starting my teaching career. Im also coaching JV Football and we have a good team. Im having a blast with them. Ms. Ellis Sooyun Choi: How does learning a second language help you in life? Katie Ellis: You can communicate

with so many more people and understand various cultures. With learning a new language, it helps you to tolerate and be more understanding of other people, their lifestyles and the way they interact. SC: Why did you become a Spanish teacher? KE: I love Spanish! Im not a native speaker; I started in school, continued on and even lived in Mexico. After I was able to see how useful Spanish was, I became a teacher to pass that on to kids in high school. Mr. Balogh Sooyun Choi: What was your dream job when you were young? Robert Balogh: When I was a really little kid I wanted to be a professional athlete. When I got even older I wanted to be a teacher. SC: What is your favorite part of teaching high school? RB: It is learning about the students and seeing who they are as people and see what interests them.

Fairytales are awesome. Its been my dream to be a part of one. John Lee (12) This dance is going to be everything I've ever wanted: a place where I can pretend to be someone I'm not in hopes of finally being loved by anyone who's foolish enough to mistake me for a good person." Keyian Vafai (12) My friends and I were pretty stoked to hear about the fairytale theme because it gives us a good excuse to dress up in princess tutus. Chelsea Wan (12) I was considering Harry Potter, but then I got something way better; Im going to be Spock! Chirag Dixit (11) "Im so excited for Homecoming. I think the themes are great and I cant wait to dress up as Piglet." Sathvik Shastry (12) Homecoming is going to be so much fun. I have no idea what I'm going as

The Northwood Howler

THE KINGS OF QUEEN

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

October 12, 2011

Celebrating High School Theater

By Jennifer Yu
Sports Editor

FIT FOR A QUEEN: Junior Kevin Rhee blows the audience away with his trombone skills at the pep rally on September 16.
By simone dLuna
News Editor

audreY nguYen The Northwood Howler

Northwoods Marching Band and Color Guard will be performing a field show fit for royalty this football season. The show, Queen, includes hits such as Bicycle Race, We are the Champions, We will Rock You and Bohemian Rhapsody by the popular British band Queen. Were excited to do Queen because the directors have been talking about it for a long time, and this is the first year they were able to pull it together, said drum major Alex Hibbard. The show looks great, it sounds great, the musics a lot of fun. And everyone recognizes Queen so when were marching the show people can sing along in the stands,

which I think is pretty cool. According to Instrumental Music Director Ben Case, the show was built around Bohemian Rhapsody, which the directors have been trying to incorporate into a field show for years. In the past they had difficulty finding other pieces that were strong enough to balance such a famous song, but as Case says, once they began to look at the other music of Queen, the stars kind of aligned and [they] were able to figure it out. Now Bohemian Rhapsody is in its rightful place as the powerful closing number of the show. A unique feature of this show is that Pep Squad joins Marching Band for a portion of the show; they come onto the field and dance during a segment of We Will Rock You in which the band is stationary.

Both groups are pleased about this collaboration and it adds a new dimension to the performance as a whole. Other highlights are a visual in Bicycle Race in which band members mimic the movements of riding a bicycle and an extended baritone solo in Bohemian Rhapsody by senior Tori Bynon. The first movement we use metal-frame bicycle wheels and we dance with them and there [are] flags and rifles and sabers all incorporated into it, said Color Guard co-captain senior Amanda Grivas of Color Guards choreography. Its dancing, but also we spin them and toss them and it looks really cool. Marching Band and Color Guard have been preparing the show since their two-week summer

camp in August. Now that school has started they rehearse for an hour before school each morning, learning new formations and practicing what they already know. The show will be performed in its entirety for the first time on Oct. 13. This year we had shorter time than previous years, but theyve been picking up pretty well, said drum major Amy Jang of her fellow band members. Im very proud of them. I think the whole point of the show this year is fun. Its kind of the theme and were having such a great time out there, said Case. And I can tell you just based on the rehearsals that weve had so far and the performances weve had theres a lot of energy and theres a lot of excitement, and like I said that theme of fun is really coming through.

AUTUMN AUDIO
By addY Bhasin, drew dunn-ranKin and JohnnY Zhang
A&E Editor, Editor-in-Chief and Junk Editor

This Falls Showstoppers

Celebrate autumnal foliage, crisp air and the season of change with this perfect playlist, which can also be found online at thehowleronline.org.

From A Midsummer Nights Dream to Wicked, nobody knows high school theater better than the Cappies. The Cappies, also known as the Critics and Awards Program, is an international organization aimed to celebrate high school theater, according to its mission statement, by training high school theater and journalism students to become critics of theater. Through the Cappies, we are helping to develop smart, enthusiastic audiences, said Heide Janssen, the program director of Orange County Cappies. One of the largest and oldest chapters of the Cappies program, the Orange County chapter boasts 35 high schools from La Habra to Northwood to Dana Hills. Together the schools form a network of teams who travel to each others schools, watch their plays and musicals for free and write reviews, some of which have the opportunity to be published in the local Orange County Register. Theres no better training program than the Cappies for a keen, critical eye, said Northwoods Cappies advisor, Tim Horrigan. The Cappies program runs throughout the school year. Each member school begins assembling its own team of nine critics and two optional alternates in June with an application process requiring two short essays. After the critics and lead critics are selected, the new team participates in bonding meetings before attending a training session September. There, all the Orange County Cappies teams congregate and learn the formalities of writing a review. Throughout the school year, Cappies are required to attend a set number of shows and write corresponding reviews for every musical and play they watch. The season ends with a Gala Night, a Tony-esque awards show to celebrate the participating high school theater departments accomplishments. Despite all the training and long hours, many people who join the Cappies stay. In the three years I've been a Cappie, I've had the pleasure of watching various productions on stage and have engaged in meaningful discussions with students I would have otherwise never met, said senior co-lead critic Farheen Basith. Cappies has allowed me to grow as both a writer and a performer. New Girl (Tuesdays on FOX) Fresh from a humiliating break up, resident goofball Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves in with a trio of bachelors and forms a tentative, slightly awkward friendship with the three men as they all try to deal with life, love and the dilemmas that come with sharing an apartment. Modern Family (Wednesdays on ABC) Primetimes most diverse and dysfunctional family returns for a third season, filled with the utter insanity that usually accompanies the Pritchett-Dunphy clan. Their various mishaps are jumbled with the occasional moments of true bonding that give the show its heart. Catch up with them this fall as this oneof-a-kind group gives a whole new meaning to the phrase one big happy family.

wORd TO yOUR mOTHER: The cast of How I Met Your Mother gears up for a new fall season sure to be filled with hoots ... and suits.
By BrittneY Kuo & tiffanY tsai
Staff Writers

wikia.com

How I Met Your Mother (Mondays on CBS) Suit up for another season with Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) and his crazy group of friends as he embarks on a quest to find true love. Through a series of flashbacks, the very same story is narrated to Teds children 25 years later as they try to figure out how exactly their father met their mother. The mystery woman is yet to be revealed, so tune in to CBS this fall to find out more. Glee (Tuesdays on FOX) The New Directions return to the halls of McKinley High just in time for another school year and another

shot at the national show choir championship. The road to winning isnt easy, though, as the group faces

maxupdates.com

yet another year of drama, hilarity and romance, along with a variety of show tunes thrown in to keep everyones spirits up.

October 12, 2011

CENTERSPREAD

October 12, 2011

Kris George Northwood Howler

ics.uci.edu

What does the SAT stand for?

Super Accurate Test S k e w e d A c c u r a c y Te s t
By Brandon Choi and Monsoon PaBrai
Staff Writers
For those students who want to attend a good college, the SAT is more than just a simple standardized test. The SAT is by far the most dreadful experience for any high school student. Waiting for your scores is even more painful, and when you finally get them, they will be ingrained forever in your memory. But is the idea of standardized testing really all that bad? America is a land known for its freedom, opportunity and equality. The SATs main purpose is to give colleges a score that ranks students nationwide on the same ruler. Due to the large number of schools with different grading systems colleges need to know which students 3.9 GPA is valid and which students 4.8 GPA is not. With the SAT, colleges can accurately assume whether a students grades were a result of hard work or a schools lenient grading system. Many people fear taking the SAT in a certain month because they fear that it is a popular test date and the curve will be tougher. However, the curves are set ahead of time. What you may not know is that in every SAT that College Board income, gender or race. Recent polls suggest that the socioeconomic gap has been closing, with a 13 point improvement in lower class students scores while the upper class students scores have been slowly decreasing over the years. And although past SAT tests were rumored to be specifically oriented towards rich, wealthy males, the modern SAT does not reflect this prejudice. Past questions were revolved around white American culture and male aspects, but modern questions explore numerous topics which present equal opportunities for all English-speaking students. Now, minorities such as Asians are scoring as well as or even higher than the majority of the population. Most importantly, the SAT prepares individuals for the rigorous midterms and finals in college. Determination and the hours spent with a prep book teach students to remain dedicated. Also, the idea of a single important test creates an easier transition for high school students moving onto college. In college, homework is not always required, and occasional tests make up the bulk of students grades. The SAT is undoubtedly the

October 12, 2011

VIEWPOINT

The Northwood Howler

By siMone dLuna
News Editor
Its almost impossible to walk through Northwood and not hear some mention of the SAT. Scores, vocab, how Johnny spent the summer or why Suzie cant hang out after school today. Over 2 million high school students took the SAT Reasoning Test last school year. So what makes the SAT such a big deal? Its the most standard mechanism of measuring aptitude for colleges, but this test has inherent flaws, and far too much emphasis is placed upon it. Ive seen time and again students with excellent standardized test scores and mediocre grades expect to have a reasonable chance of admission, said a former Ivy League admission officer and current East Coast private college consultant. The reality is the most selective colleges will reject the application. In short, high SAT scores are less important than high grades, but students often forget this and spend disproportionately high amounts of time preparing for the SAT. Is time spent studying the intricate details of SAT questions really more valuable than time spent learning coursework that will actually be of use later in life? Highly doubtful. The SAT is fantastic in theory; it supposedly provides an equal standard by which to measure candidates from different schools. In actuality, this is simply not the case. The SAT is biased in multiple ways. A study published in the Harvard Educational Review in 2010 indicated that questions on the verbal portions of the SAT are racially biased because they use language more commonly known to white students. The study tested black and white students of equal academic aptitude and discovered that the black students scores were lower. Controversy was stirred more recently about one of the essay prompts administered for the March 2011 SAT, which asked test takers to measure the impact of reality TV on its audience. While it did include enough information about reality TV for all students to be able to answer the prompt, it was tremendously in favor of students who watch reality television on a regular basis. What about students from foreign countries, students who dont have a TV in their homes and students who simply dont watch reality TV? The prompt assumed

preparation program and about $100-200 per hour for a private tutor, SAT preparation is far from cheap. The high cost of living in Irvine indicates a high economic status, so many who live here are privileged enough to be able to participate in such preparation programs. Elite Educational Institutes $2,300 Boot Camp claims to have an average score improvement [of] 240 points. Oxford Tutoring Centers $1399 SAT Elite Course is designed to boost already high scores by 200+ points. So what happens to students who cannot afford to take these expensive preparation courses? They dont have the opportunity to take endless practice tests and vocabulary drills and strategy lessons, so their scores do not benefit from any manufactured increases. A student from Irvine who attended a test preparation course will on average achieve 220 more points on the SAT than a student of equal intelligence from a poorer background who did not have any formal test preparation. Whats more, the Irvine student can probably afford to take the SAT multiple times if his or her score is less than what was hoped for. The $48 price tag is no small issue for students of lower-income families, but while fee waivers do exist, many of these students will content

CONFLICTING IDEAS: Brandon Choi and Simone DLuna have differing views about the SAT.
Tina Xu Northwood Howler

administers, there is either an extra math, writing or critical reading section that does not affect your score; College Board uses it to test a mass amount of people for future tests. Therefore, regardless of the number of students from different grade levels taking the test, the scores remain proportional. This way, the questions are based on the general response to the equating sections. Despite rumors of bias against minorities and low income families, the SAT is not skewed towards any

worst nightmare you will ever wake up to, but that doesnt mean its not fair. With no income or gender bias, the SAT is an accurate measurement of a students success in high school. The SAT creates a standard. Such a standard is important when colleges will be accepting students from around the world who have grown up in different educational environments. The SAT represents what America strives to accomplish: equality.

Naturally, the College Board is going to make the SAT sound like the be all and end all of college applications (it is a business, after all). But in general, schools would prefer consistent academic and extracurricular strength over an impressive 4-digit number achieved on only one day. Thats not to say that the SAT is given no weight at all in the college admission process. On the contrary, it is given far too much weight considering its inherent flaws.

that all test takers are familiar with American pop culture. In an age when the SAT serves people from all cultures and backgrounds, this is an unfair assumption. The SAT is not only culturally biased, but socioeconomically biased as well. This bias comes less from the test questions themselves as it does from the logistics of taking the test. Students that are able to afford SAT preparation benefit tremendously from it. At approximately $1000-3000 for a
News Editor Simone DLuna Accent Editor Alice Lee

themselves with the scores they receive on their first test. The SAT is supposed to be an aptitude test, but today thats not what it calculates. It measures free time, culture and wealth. For now we can do no more than hope that our nations higher education institutions will eventually dispose of the SAT and find a better way of measuring aptitude. Until then, the advantaged will achieve, the disadvantaged will lament and the College Board will profit.
Distribution Manager Quincie Li Adviser Tim Horrigan Staff Writers Christina Ko Brittney Kuo Jenny Lee Francesca Ricapito Jennifer Kim Brandon Choi Christine Yang Emaan Baqai Kristie Chang Sooyun Choi Tiffany Tsai Photographers Allen Chiu Kris George Tina Xu Quincie Li Audrey Nguyen

To advertise in the Howler: Please contact our Business Manager, Quincie Li, at nhshowler@ gmail.com or (949) 812-1166. Classifieds: Northwood High students and faculty members may place classified ads in the Howler by contacting the Business Manager at nhshowler@gmail.com or (949) 812-1166.

The Northwood Howler is published by Northwood High School as an open forum for the exchange of news and ideas. Views expressed in The Northwood Howler do not necessarily represent the opinions of the NHS administration or the Irvine Unified School District. Signed Letters to the Editor are welcomed and encouraged. They can be placed in Adviser Tim Horrigans mailbox or delivered to Room 1102. The Northwood Howler reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and clarity. Advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinion of the newspaper. Mission Statement: To serve as a medium for school news and the expression of student ideas while adhering to the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

Editor-in-Chief Drew Dunn-Rankin Managing Editor Catherine Dong The Howler Online Editor Catherine Dong Copy Editor Adelina Pak Layout Editor Monsoon Pabrai Photo Editor Kris George Graphics Editor Allen Chiu Front Page Editor Simone DLuna

Centerspread Editor Megan Nazareno Viewpoint Editors Rini Sampath Tina Xu A&E Editor Addy Bhasin Sports Editor Jennifer Yu Junk Editor Johnny Zhang Business Managers Quincie Li Megan Nazareno

The Howler can be contacted at

nhshowler@gmail.com

The Northwood Howler

Abolish the death penalty

What says the law? Thou shalt not kill. How? By killing! - Victor Hugo

VIEWPOINT

October 12, 2011

Toddlers, and
Viewpoint Editor

By Tina X u
Viewpoint Editor

America, we have blood on our hands. As long as state governments continue to kill in the name of the people, we are all incriminated in the inefficient, unjust and brutal practice we call the death penalty. It falls nothing short of state-sponsored murder, and in a country of elected officials, we as citizens may as well be holding the smoking gun. The most common argument for the death penalty is that the criminals deserve to die because of the heinous crimes they have committed, and that it will act as a deterrent to further crime. This brings up the age-old moral question of crime and punishment. Advocates of the death penalty claim it is justice: You killed someone, therefore you must be killed in return. However, I fail to see the sense in this. As Gandhi once said, An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. It is retribution, not justice. But more than that, it is hypocritical. Is our government going to tell us that murder is bad

by doing exactly that? And while many criminals who have done truly disgusting deeds are on death row, many others have been proven innocent -- some before, and some after execution. Since the 1970s, 139 people have been released from death row. However, Northeastern Law School reports that at least 39 people have still been executed despite compelling evidence of innocence or serious doubt about guilt. In 1981 a man named Wayne Felker pleaded not guilty to the murder of a woman, but was convicted and executed nevertheless. Four years after his death in 2000, new DNA evidence was examined and he was found innocent. You cant correct these kinds of mistakes. And being human, we always have made and always will make mistakes. Moreover, the death penalty is, as Governor Cuomo of New York calls it, the politics of death. Sentences vary largely across state lines as well as racial and socioeconomic divides. The number of African Americans and Caucasians murdered are almost equal each year, yet 80% of death penalty sentences since 1982 were given to murderers of white victims. Although 72% of the population is Caucasian according to the 2010 Census, they make up only 46% of executions. At the same time, 12% of the population is African American, yet they make up 37% of executions. Over 90% of those convicted in death penalty cases cannot afford to hire experienced lawyers to argue their case. In over half

of the cases, the defense counsel is arguing its first capital trial. As lawyer Frederick Millett says, It appears that, in capital punishment, it is those without the capital who get the punishment. Deficit hawks claim that the death penalty is a way to pinch pennies in the fiscal black hole that is our overflowing prison system. First of all, you cant put a price tag on human life. Secondly, that is a huge misconception. In Texas, the state that has executed the most people (475 in the past 35 years), it costs $2.3 million per execution, which is three times more than keeping someone in a single cell under maximum security for 40 years. So in fact, it is the opposite; our state governments are killing people using preposterous sums of taxpayer money. Around the world, the top executors of 2010 were China, Iran, North Korea, Yemen, USA, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Syria. Does anyone else find it embarrassing that our country, which prides itself as a symbol of justice, is clumped together with countries known for their dictatorships and corruption? On the other hand, 139 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or in practice. These include first world countries such as England, Australia, Canada, South Africa, France, Germany and Italy, as well as developing countries such as Cambodia, Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam and Armenia. America, we must stop our governments shameless assault on human life. Biased, inefficient, immoral and primitive, the death penalty puts a big black spot on our national conscience. Its time to wash our hands clean.

Tiaras,

Teens

Americas children are growing up way too fast.

By R ini s ampaTh
Imagine a 3-year-old made up to look like Dolly Parton. If you are picturing an adorable child in a blonde wig, it actually sounds pretty cute. But when you add a fake butt, fake breasts, cameras, make-up and competition to the picture, its not that cute at all. If you think Im joking, Im not. Toddlers and Tiaras is an actual reality show on television that showcases 3 and 4 year old beauty pageant contestants who have been forced into this quest for fame and a plastic crown by their parents. But its not just the bad parenting in this image that is unsettling. Its the sign of a much larger American issue. When I was 10 years old, I rode my bike around the greenbelt and played basketball with my neighbors. I sat on the curb waiting for the ice cream truck to come by every Wednesday and emptied the coins in my bright pink piggy bank to pay for my favorite Popsicle. Nowadays, 10-year-olds adorn themselves in tight-hugging t-shirts and walk around the Spectrum with a Gucci bag slung over their shoulder. They apply pink lip gloss using one hand while they swipe their debit cards to purchase the latest Demi Lovato album with the other. So in the end, whos to blame for this kind of calamity? The parents come first. You can blame the media all you want for propagating sexual images on channels like Nickelodeon and Disney, but at the end of the day, its up to the parents to control what their kids see. Rebekah Levine Coley, a researcher at Boston College, wrote in her study published in the Child Development journal, Youth who engaged more regularly in activities with their families and had fathers who were more knowledgeable about their friends and activities reported lower average levels of sexual risk behaviors in comparison to their peers with less engaged parents. Activities may include regular conversations at the family dinner table or weekly outings where the parents show genuine concern for their children. The more time parents spend with their children, the more opportunities they have to show their children the right way in life. The mothers of Toddlers and Tiaras may seem to be actively engaged, but they are involved in all the wrong ways. If they dont put an end to the exploitation of their own children, the negative attention will surely affect their kids in the long run. And before we know it, the kids of tomorrow may be born with cell phones strapped to their small hands.

Angry Addys Republican Rant

With the 2012 Presidential election looming, we, as Americans, must decide if the Republican candidates have our best interests in mind.

By a ddy B hasin
A&E Editor
OK with having a president who unapologetically targets our fellow countrymen? In their defense, I understand that Republicans feel their actions and decisions are staying true to the original American ideal of our Founding Fathers: allowing the private sector to control much of our nations money flow. But our Constitution clearly states that the government should promote the general welfare. Allowing all citizens to serve openly in the army no matter their sexual orientation and providing universal health care are two of the governments duties that do promote the general welfare. At this point you may feel the need to tell me that I have not addressed many of the other Republican candidates, but the truth is that all of them who spoke at the debate said that if they were elected to office they would reinstate DADT, which was repealed three weeks ago. It seems to me that a Republican in office would usher in an era with the motto compassion is out of fashion, and while I do want a leader who is able to make decisions, I also want that leader to be able to make decisions wisely taking the 66,000 gays and lesbians serving in the U.S. armed forces and the 50 million American citizens who struggle to pay for health insurance into consideration. The Republican candidates seem to believe that they are leading a nation of imaginary people people who do not need government support, people who do not need equality. But we Americans are very real; we have families, salaries and feelings. Its time for leaders to let us into their hearts.

Quincie Li The Northwood Howler

FACES OF THE GOP: Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Ron Paul
When you are a leader, you are not only responsible for making decisions for the nation, but you are also expected to bring out the best in the rest of the country. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. At the GOPs presidential debate on Sept. 6, Representative Ron Paul was asked what should be done with a 30year-old man who did not have insurance, but was in need of intensive health care. When Paul said that people should make their own decisions and take their own risks, CNNs Wolf Blitzer asked him if he meant that society should just let him die. Shockingly, this extreme statement was met with cheers and whoops. Is this the spirit of the future? With a Republican in the White House, it seems that the answer is a definitive Yes. Unfortunately, the hate doesnt stop there. At the GOP debate held in Florida on Sept. 2, the controversial Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT) policy, which barred openly gay, lesbian or bisexual people from military service, was brought up. I understand that there are many people living in America who dont believe in equality for all, but is it morally acceptable for Republicans to boo a video clip of Stephen Hill, a gay soldier currently stationed in Iraq, who said that he had to lie about his sexual orientation because he didnt want to lose [his] job? Its true that I have little faith left in the intelligence and judgment of the American people, but I should be able to have confidence in the intelligence and judgment of those who are running to be the face of our nation. Thats why I was appalled when not one of the Republican candidates stood up to stop or even control the hatred erupting out of the mouths of the mostly Republican audience, which brings us to the obvious question: Are you

10

Homecoming Game Preview: TWolves vs Patriots

October 12, 2011

SPORTS

The Northwood Howler

TWOlveS RUnninG aWay WiTh WinS: Senior quarterback Ricky Bautista sets up for a pass during last Thursdays 31-14 victory against Valley Christian.
Editor-in-Chief

Kris george Northwood Howler

By Drew Dunn-ranKin

After some tough losses and big wins, the Northwood football team considers itself ready to rumble against its strong Pacific Coast League opponents. Following the league opener against Corona del Mar this Thursday, the Timberwolves take on the Beckman Patriots on Thursday, Oct. 20 in this years Homecom-

ing battle. Beckman has a solid team this year. They made it to CIF finals last year and they have some of those players returning. Its going to be a good game, but we did beat them last year, said senior running back Kyle Wakayama. Northwood goes into league play riding a strong wave of momentum after a solid 31-14 victory over Valley Christian last Thursday.

Despite their 2-3 record, the Timberwolves still consider themselves to be contenders for the league title. Our coaching staff and our players have worked extremely hard, said senior lineman Travis Fox. We have plenty of talent to compete for the league. The Timberwolves are led by their deadly passing attack, as senior quarterback and reigning league MVP Ricky Bautista is averaging al-

most 300 yards a game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Zorn leads the county in receiving yards, setting a school record with 226 in Northwoods loss to Laguna Hills. However, the Patriots offensive prowess will be hard to match. Senior quarterback Cameron Biedgoly has been great this year, carrying Beckman to blowout victories against Hawthorne and Torrance. However, senior running back Jeff Kim, the

Patriots leading rusher last year, has not played the last three games for unspecified reasons; it is still unclear whether or not he will be available once league play gets underway. My prediction? Northwoods overwhelming offense will be too much for Beckmans defense to handle. I expect the game to be a shootout until the end, though, with lots of scoring from both sides. Final score: 34-31, Northwood.

freshmen Serve the Perfect Balance Coachs Corner: Catching Up with Charles Gates
By Kristie Chang
Staff Writer

Charles Gates lectures have his students imaginations running away with the classic themes of English literature. Ouside of the classroom, Gates displays the same dynamic energy and focus in the sport of running. As coach of the Northwood Cross Country team, he runs as a hobby and as a way of life. The Howlers Kristie Chang sat down with Coach Gates to explore his philosophy of running. Kristie Chang: Why did you decide to coach cross country? Charles Gates: When I first started coaching cross country, I coached in

SeRve, SliCe and eveRyThinG niCe: Freshmen Elizabeth Yu, left, and Shreya Kumar, right, set up their shots during their matches.
By Brittney Kuo
Staff Writer

Photo provided by eriC Keith

a school up in Northern California. I was a competitive runner myself. They were starting a cross country program and asked me to start in the mid 90s. KC: Did you join cross country in high school? CG: Ive been running in high school since I was 15, and Ive coached for 17 years. KC: Whats your life motto? CG: The thing I try to focus on is maintaining high goals for myself. If you dont, you wont achieve anything. Its what I do in my own life and what I try to do in my athletics. KC: What do you like about cross country? CG: I like the competitive aspect of it. I like to compete; I like to see

my athletes improve and develop as runners and people. I think you learn a lot about life through running. It builds character. KC: What does cross country teach you? CG: The hard work and dedication and determination you learn through cross country will lead to success. Its true of cross country and with any other way of life. I think cross country is a microcosm of our life as a whole. KC: If you could say anything to your team right now, what would it be? CG: My message to my team is to work hard, believe in yourself and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Freshmen Shreya Kumar and Elizabeth Yu have caused quite the racket among Northwoods girls Varsity Tennis team. A constant presence on the courts after class, Kumar and Yu are taking their first year of high school in stride by setting aside time in their busy schedules for both sports and schoolwork. Their positions on the varsity team are evidence of their skill, which garner both respect and a bit of teasing from the older players. There might be a few little jokes here and there, but its fine, said Kumar, who plays No. 2 singles on the team. We have fun playing team matches with the others. Trips to Yogurtland and to the beach also play a part in the team bonding experience, helping the two freshmen connect with the other players. The upperclassmen are pretty nice, and we learn a lot from them, said Yu, who plays doubles on the team.

After-school practices with their teammates are only one of the many things that are included in their daily schedules. Yu hones both her athletic and musical skills by taking private tennis lessons and playing in orchestra, while Kumar plays for a tennis club and satisfies her fondness for dancing in her free time. Along with their dedication to sports and other extracurriculars, the two girls also have their homework to complete on a daily basis. The first couple of days were tough, but its gotten better and Im getting used to it by now, said Kumar. But theres still a lot of homework! Despite the workload, the girls are embracing their freshman year so far, which is an accomplishment that they attribute to fun classes, likeable teachers and a genuine love for their sport. The two indeed manage to keep things balanced by juggling their extracurricular and athletic activities with their schoolwork, no matter what sacrifices they have to make in the process. Its definitely less time for Facebook, but I manage! said Yu.

WORdS Of WiSdOm: Cross country coach Charles Gates gives his daily pep talk before the entire team goes on its practice runs.

QuinCie Li Northwood Howler

11 JOHNNYS JUNK Who is Delilah Morris? A story of investigative journalism

The Northwood Howler October 12, 2011
By Rini Sampath
Viewpoint Editor

It was approximately 3 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon. I was seated in the Northwood Howler headquarters with my comrades when the question hit me like a baseball bat to the face: Who is Delilah Morris? I thought I knew. Heck, we all thought we knew who Delilah Morris was. She was quite the convincing Facebook friend request. Her profile picture was of a strikingly beautiful Asian girl. She claimed to be a new student to Northwood and she apparently knew fluent Japanese and English. Her music taste ranged from Pink Floyd to M.I.A., and she said she moved from Valley High School in Southern California. But then things didnt add up. If she was new, why was she adding

nearly half of the Northwood student body, including graduates? Why did she have only one photograph, and why did that one photograph appear to be so perfect? There was no way that a girl this pretty would have gone unnoticed at a sexually frustrated school like Northwood. To get to the bottom of this, Drew Dunn-Rankin, Simone DLuna and I decided to investigate. Soon enough, we discovered Delilahs shocking secret: she doesnt exist. We began our investigation by asking the office for Delilahs information under the guise that we were writing a new student article for the next issue. The clerks were immediately suspicious and refused to give us her information. But we didnt give up. We went to one of the most powerful women at our school: Sue Weatherholt, the keeper of cash and the queen of school activities.

We convinced her this was a matter of Northwood security by giving her the real story, so she consented to looking up Delilahs information for us. And then, it happened like a scene out of Mean Girls. Weatherholt uttered, She doesnt even go here. We bolted out of Weatherholts office and broke the news to our fellow staffers back at our headquarters. They gasped and squealed. But we werent finished there. If Delilah isnt real, who is that girl in her profile picture? We proceeded to use a reverse Google engine to find out. The entire Howler staff gathered around the computer as we uploaded Delilahs picture to tineye. com, a reverse image search. Even the manliest of Howler staff members screamed like little girls when the search engine brought back 15 results, revealing that the image was actually

of Japanese pop star Meisa Kuroki. While we confirmed the fact Delilah is not a real student at Northwood, one question still lingers in our minds: Who is behind all of this trickery? A parent? A college admissions officer? A predator? We may never know. But one

thing is certain: Dont add people you dont know online. We got lucky this time and foiled this creepers plans. But that doesnt mean there arent other Delilahs out there. So beware, Northwood. Beware.

Taken from Facebook.com

Cartoon by Janice chun

FA LL FA SH IO N