JUST DANCE - Junior Corliss Liang and sophomores Elyssa Pak and Stacey Yu rehearse their dance routines yesterday for their upcoming dance competition tomorrow.

Parents and students listen intently as a government speaker gives an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student as well as the various types of financial aid available, Tuesday in the den. PHOTO/VIRGINIA TANG

Volume 41 January 9, 2009Number 18 WWW.PAWPRINTSWEEKLY.COM

Glen A. Wilson High School Hacienda Heights, California 91745

PHOTO/FION LING

Cat Tracks

the INSIDE story

Dance remains hopeful despite early disappointment

Students ‘xcellerate’ study through physics trip

EDITORIAL | Accepting an increased number of out-of-state applicants may not necessarily be deterimental for California residents seeking quality education from the UCs. pg 2

Students who wish to change their schedule for the second semester must pick up a request form from the guidance office starting from Jan. 12. The forms will be due Jan. 15.

SPORTS | Varsity boys basketball wins 68-63 against Costa Mesa HS in what was an offensive showdown from the start. Free throws played a crucial part in the closing minutes. pg 4

By JACOB EWALDSTAFF WRITER

Students may think what they learn in school has no bearing in real life, but physics disproves that theory.

Yesterday, all of the physics students traveled to Knott’s Berry Farm to observe physical forces in action. This annual trip was designed to help students see and experience the effects of dynamics on objects such as park rides.

“Knott’s Berry Farm became our lab. It is hands-on, so instead of studying a theory, you are sitting on a rollercoaster and physically experiencing it,” said physics teacher Scott Fessenden.

Some students say Knott’s stimulated their understanding of physics.

“We did not really learn any new concepts, but we combined what we learned in class about velocity, acceleration, forces and circular motion and applied it to rollercoasters,” said sophomore Rebecca Wong.

At Knott’s, students were given a review packet, which they had to fill out

By MELODY WANGSTAFF WRITER

With the first dance meet under their belt, the dance team prances towards their second one.

“We did fine for our first competition since our firsts have never been great. We went against some really strong teams who were a little intimidating and some of our team is fairly new,” said dance team captain senior Tina Chen.

Competing in the hip hop, lyrical and small jazz divisions, the team will dance to songs including Too Far by Kylie Minogue, Change by KT Tunstall, Fool by Marié Digby, and a mix composed of various hip hop songs, as well as a senior lyrical solo.

After the dances is performed, three judges will give each routine a score. At the end of the competition, the average of each dance will be taken and each school will be given a rank. The teams can recieve a rank or not place at all.

“Only half our team will be competing this time because we put a lot of time into the first three dances, but in the next competition we’ll have six dances with the whole team and one solo,” said dance instructor Nina Chang.

Entering with dance numbers that have already been previously performed, the team says they have been doing many things to better prepare themselves and these routines for this competition.

“We’re still working on the routine with the whole team. We’re cleaning up our dances section by section and changing parts as necessary to be effective and visual,” said Chang.

Some members say that they feel the team will do better this competition.“We’re working on our dances one by one and we’re working towards making our dances

stronger and more powerful. This time is going to be better because we’re going to have more time to practice, and we learned from last competition’s mistakes,” said sophomore Jackie Hsu.

The competition is set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Santiago HS.

for their class. Along with the packet, students had to begin working on their rollercoaster project. For this report, groups of students had to choose a ride from a list of approved rollercoasters and analyze it. The assignment will be completed after the field trip.

Once students completed their objective, they were allowed to use the rest of their allotted time to relax.

Some students say they enjoyed the event.

“Besides the fact that I got to skip school for a whole day, it was also a fun experience for me to be able to think of how physics is used in real life situations such as rollercoasters,” said sophomore Eugene Yip.

Californians have paid taxes for public school systems.

In an economic situation where unexpected sacrifices are conceivable, having to give up their upper-hand in the “UC acceptance race” is a possibility Californians might have to prepare themselves for.

This proposal will surely aggravate the already fierce competition between thousands of qualified Californian students. However, if UC were to yield to the wishes of resident students and maintain the number of instates attendees, campuses would operate on insufficient funds.

Non-Californians: threat to locals, relief to UC’s

Just as seniors begin to breathe sighs of relief about completing college applications, changes in one university system may prolong college acceptance anxieties.

Many colleges facing a budget deficit have been resorting to different sources to overcome monetary shortages. Recently, University of California (UC) officials announced that the university system will consider accepting more out-of-state applicants in order to supplement its depleted funds. Because out-of-state students pay approximately $20,000 more than their instate peers, these tuitions will allow UC campuses to bolster their income.

Although the university system has not officially taken any action, discussion of possibly decreasing the number of instate attendees has Californians protesting. The UC system was not created to cater especially to instate students. Yet California’s students and families cringe at the prospect of admissions competition intensifying. Some bitter residents have gone as far as calling the UC’s disloyal, claiming that, for years,

Number 18©Volume 41

Glen A. Wilson High School16455 E. Wedgeworth DriveHacienda Heights, CA 91745www.pawprintsweekly.com

Alyssa RobertsAdviser

Double EaglePrinting

An open forum, Paw Prints encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and / or censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed. It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson.

Billy LinCharles Tsuei Editors-in-Chief NEWS

Carey LeungBrandie Wong

EDITORIALStephanie Chang

FEATUREPERSPECTIVES

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS VISUALS

Renee TangSabrina Dea

Allison Ko Howard Li

Charles TsueiChris Chiang

Jennifer ChowMichelle GorSonia Tellis

EDITORS

Charles TsueiBilly Lin

Carey LeungHoward Li

Chris ChiangSonia Tellis

Jennifer ChowAllison Ko

Brandie WongMichelle Gor

Renee TangSabrina Dea

P. VangcharoenMichael ZubiaCarol CiriacoVanessa Ho

Virginia TangHanny KishawiMelody Wang

Elina Oliferovskiy

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editorial2 January 9, 2009

ART/ RENEE TANG

The education and resources hopeful candidates spent months competing fervently for would degenerate, rendering the efforts of all college applicants pointless.

Perhaps Californians believe UC’s have an unspoken duty to locals, but specifically, the system was created to “serve society as a center of higher learning.” Instead of viewing UC’s initiative to accept more out-of-state students as a betrayal, perhaps, critics should see this as a method to preserve the quality of education that has been valued and vied for by students—from all over the country.

&SUCHsuch

“ M o m . . .when can I get a new

phone?”

By SONIA TELLIS

By ELINA OLIFEROVSKIYSTAFF WRITER

I woke up one day and suddenly, women were singing about buying their own diamond rings and setting their boyfriends’ cars on fire.

In a world of dainty feminine traditions, had women had finally risen up and found not only a voice, but one that was angry and powerful?

Times are changing, music is evolving—and with it, the standards of the female race.

Once a simple form of expression, music is now an angry declaration of independence. And so, we witness the birth of the Furious Female Artists (FFA), who hate the world—and love to sing about it.

Interestingly, almost every song by these FFAs is about men. Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” describes life after a breakup. Avril Lavigne’s “I Can Do Better” is pretty much a “I’m-breaking-up-with-you-and-I-don’t-care” letter.

While romance and heartbreak were once areas of vulnerability, these songs are both angry and empowering. Voila! Confidence wrapped into the consistency of a song: mission successful.

But these songs do not exist merely because women tend to defend their bruised egos like spiky, inflated puffer fish. Women want to show men what they’re worth. They want

Entertainment January 9, 2009 3

FFA’s transform music into cultural battleground

Rihanna

mascara era A look at the most prominent women of our generation’s current music scene.

COMPLILED BY MICHAEL ZUBIA

Katy Perry BeyonceGrammy-nominated diva

Rihanna has emerged as a record super-star. Best known for her witty and snide remarks towards disloyal men, Rihanna has produced numerous number-one hits (“SOS,” “Umbrella,” “Take a Bow,” and “Disturbia”) and sold a total of 11 million albums worldwide. Rihanna’s next album is scheduled to be released in early 2009.

Katy Perry is an up-and-coming artist with a wicked sense of style and lyrics that many women can relate to. Her smash hit single, “I Kissed a Girl,” topped the charts in more than 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Perry’s new single, “Hot ‘N’ Cold,” rose to top of the charts, showing not only her fearlessness, but also her public appeal.

PinkFun and crazy Pink has been a

pop culture hit for over eight years and counting. One of the earliest FFA’s, the two-time Grammy winner is known for her notorious songs that divulge details about her personal life, particularly her divorce with ex-husband Carey Hart. The loud-mouthed superstar begins her Funhouse Tour on February 26 in Belgium.

Beyoncé Knowles is a legend in the music industry. Although her career ranges from modeling to acting, Knowles will always be known for her strong and inspirational voice. The superstar’s songs usually consist of heartbreak, moving on, and even wanting to be a boy. Knowles recently released her latest album (along with announcing her new identity), I am…Sasha Fierce.

GRAPHIC/JENNIFER CHOW

to rise up, fight back, speak out.

Deep within, it’s all about independence.

In a society where women have only recently begun asserting their independence, the past is frequently present on their minds.

I n t h o s e t i m e s , w o m e n c o p e d with their p r o b l e m s b y moping

under your skin until your heart caves in,” she epitomizes the spirit of the FFA revolution.

It’s not to say that all women have transformed from princesses to evil stepmothers. They’ve simply gotten tired of being Cinderellas.

Destiny’s Child emerged. Women were fearlessly learning to stand up for themselves.

This is shown in not only in song lyrics, but also the personal lives of these FFAs.

Pink, known for her deep voice and expressive lyrics,

recently experienced a short and unsuccessful marriage. Her new album is full of songs expressing not only

anger, but also indifference: “I guess I just lost my

husband. I

Singers who started off singing songs of sadness and love now transform into furious and almost brutal characters of rivalry and revenge.

An example is Rihanna, who began her career with songs like “S.O.S” containing the lyrics, “I’m going crazy over you, I’m begging S.O.S. please somebody help me.”

But today she sings songs with lyrics like, “I ain’t going to stop until I see police lights. I’m ’a fight a man tonight.”

She has become not only a different singer, but also a new woman—one of the most outspoken and riotous FFA’s.

Others have done the same. Redefining herself with her edgier, sexier alter ego Sasha Fierce in her new album, Beyonce explains that “I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world.”

In the same way, the FFA’s all want the world to know that every girl can and should be a Ferocious Female. (And yes, being a Ferocious Male is also allowed.)

There are those who might criticize these “over-dramatic” songs as being a “bad influence.” But our world is changing. While music is a reflection of current cultural trends, it is also a driving force. It is influencing, empowering, uplifting and inspiring a new generation of young listeners.

The lyrics speak loud. Music—and society—will never be the same.

a round and crying bitter tears. But tears result in pity, and the newly aggressive female race wants anything but that. Nowadays, women put on an imaginary suit of armor as they get behind the microphone and belt out melodious threats and violent promises.

That’s how the obnoxiously outspoken Katy Perry showed up. Singing lyrics such as “Let me be the curse that creeps

They have discovered something new, something that was inside them all along, but which they have not known how to use before—inner strength.

As the years progressed, songs like “Miss Independent” by Kelly Clarkson and “Independent Women” by

d o n ’ t know where

he went…So what,

I ’ m still a

rockstar. I don’t need

you.” Her resentment is apparent,

but her apathy gives her the strength to move on. Her you-don’t-want-to-mess-with-me attitude makes her ready to take on the world, or at least a new perspective of independent life.

Women worldwide find a source of consolation in these lyrics. They relate to the songs and idolize these brave Ferocious Female Artists.

COMMENTARY

January 9, 20094

PHOTO/IRENE CHOU

Guards lead boys basketball in seventh win

PHOTO/FION LING

GIVE IT BACK! - Lauren Holguin (12) attempts to steal the ball from her Brahmas counterpart after diving to her knees on Tuesday as the girls basketball team lost to Diamond Bar, 38-35.

Sports

Cats falter on the road after double OT win

SOMEONE GOING TO GET THAT? - Allison Wahab (11) chases down the floating ball after multiple players failed to grab it. Junior varsity received their only lost of the season as they too played against California HS Wednesday.

By CHRIS CHIANGSPORTS EDITOR

Snapping a two-game win streak, the girls water polo team lost at California HS Wednesday, 11-5.

“They’re a very good team and have great swimmers,” said Coach Billy Cavezza. “California plays very strong pressure defense and they have a great goalie.”

The girls say that one of the reasons why they struggled was because of the Condor’s toughness.

“This is the first time we played a team like this and we made a couple of mistakes,” said Cavezza. “We let them push us around and their physical play was hard for us to handle.”

Apart from the Condors’ tough plays, the girls add that they did not respond fast enough to their offense.

“We didn’t do very well,” said Co-captain Victoria Moreno (12). “We were slow to react to [California’s] counter attacks and we weren’t ready. Our defense couldn’t get set.”

Nevertheless, the game allowed the girls to work on their game and prepare for league.

“It’s good to play against these kinds of teams because

Fighting for the ball By JON JON LEWSTAFF WRITER

The boys basketball team started off the new year with a win against Costa Mesa on Wednesday, 68-63.

The game turned into a shootout as both teams consistently scored, making it a close and exciting game throughout.

However, the Cats were able to pull away in the second half by gaining a 12 point lead.

Wilson had a great performance offensively as team captain Eric Cheng (12) and Michael Wong (11) scored over half the team’s points. Cheng achieved a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Wong added 19. Justin Buenviaje (12) also supported the team with 10 points.

“We executed and attacked the basket. We did what we were supposed to do,” said Coach Jack Dunbar.

Yet, their lack of defense almost cost them the game.

“We were just lazy and no one bothered to help. When we started to pull away with the lead we got cocky and lightened our [intensity],” explained Cheng.

Foul trouble was another problem that plagued the boys.

“Three of us had four each. We weren’t sliding our feet, and I just felt sluggish on the court,” said Andrew Lee (11), one of the key big men on the team.

The Mustangs took advantage of these mental lapses in the second half of the game when they cut the Wilson’s lead from twelve to four.

In the end, the Cats were still able to pull out a victory, giving them a record of 7-8. This is an improvement from last year when the team had lost 10 at this point of the season.

They earned the win with two of their regular starters out of the line up at the beginning of the game.

“Due to missing practices and games, Justin and Daniel [Lee] (12) did not start and this gave an opportunity for other players to step up. They played very well. Mark Fuji (11) did an excellent job,” said Dunbar, who left Lee on the bench throughout the game.

The Cats will be put to the test once again today as they will be outsized by West Ranch who has a record of 10-5.

With a game next Wednesday against the Raiders, the team has a chance to enter league play with a record above the .500 mark.

when we get into league next week, there will be a lot of teams that will look like that,” said Cavezza.

Despite the lack of practice, the Cats played a better game Monday as they squeezed out a 9-8 win against Nogales.

“We should have done better, but we were really rusty,” said Moreno. “A lot of times, the players were a little confused on where to be on offense.”

According to Cavezza, the Cats blew a two-point lead that led to double overtime.

Because the two teams still remained tied at 8-8 by the end of the regulation, a sudden-death match would determine the winner. The first to score would win the game.

“We were definitely out of form, but fortunately our defense was strong and helped make up for our slow offense,” said Cavezza. “We had our hands up and we really forced the other team to make tough shots.”

While their defense kept Nogales in check, Co-captain Mia Icamen (12) led the Cat’s offense with three points,

one of which was the game winning goal.

“I felt ecstatic for Mia. It was a great shot. She did a little short drive and put the ball away,” said Cavezza. “She missed a couple shots earlier but she played well the whole game.”

Moreno, Lindsey Silva (11) and Co-captain Isaura Balderrama (12) all chipped in with two points each.

Although the match was much closer than the Cats had hoped, their coach says that the competition was a good game for them.

“It was a very exciting win and I am happy that we won,” said Cavezza.

Returning to school, the girls began to work their way back into shape.

“There are three things we need to work on: shooting, running different offensive plays and our half court defense,” said Cavezza.

The Cats will play in their first league game next Monday against Bonita.

“We have a lot of work to do, but if we work today and tomorrow, then we should be okay,” said Moreno.