oiceThe

News...........................1-3Opinions.....................4-5Features......................6-7 Entertainment.............8-9Sports.....................10-11Humor..........................12

INSIDE4 The entire Voice Staff voices their opinion on a subject close to their hearts and minds Opinions 4-5| Find out what colleges the Class of ‘08 plans to plunder for higher education Features 8-9

Check out cool clips and exclusives online

WEB EXCLUSIVE INDEX

WWW.IHSVOICE.COM

I r v i n g t o n H i g h S c h o o l - F r e m o n t , C a l i f o r n i aihsvoice.com Volume 17.1 October 24, 2008

Seniors

Triple

Freshmen

Skit & Dance: 4th

Bench: 4thSpirit: 4th

Sophomores

Skit & Dance: 2nd

Bench: 2ndSpirit: 3rd

Juniors

Skit & Dance: 3rd

Bench: 3rd

Spirit: 2nd

ENTERTAINMENTInterview with the homecoming king and queens

Opinions

Turn to page 10 for some fl ipping awe-some action

SPORTS

PAGE 8 PAGE 10

Is there any hamr in cut-ting doctorʼs salaries?

PAGE 4

By Selina Mahesri

N2 | The Voice 17.1

ews

The board has made further limitations on the number of transfer students from Kennedy High School to Irvington’s art programs. Of the 60 qualified applicants, Irvington has only been allowed to accept 20 students into the Center for Creative Arts (CCA), and the number is only decreasing each year. According to principal Mr. Pete Murchison, the acceptance rate is going to shrink to 15 as the applicant number increases. Irvington’s arts magnet program, the CCA, is a family in Irvington that incorporate art into English classes. Due to a massive loss of Kennedy High School students in the past, the school board has required Irvington to adopt a selective application process to enter CCA. In the past, students merely had to call in and the spot was theirs. This application process has its advantages. It actually helps separate the students who are trying to get into Irvington for its academic excellence from those who are trying to get in for the art programs. “I want

Influx of CCA Students to be Regulated Extensively

Fremont school board regulates number of students transferring to IHS art programs

Kennedy to be successful,” said Mr. Murchison. “If we take 60 kids a year from Kennedy, it wouldn’t give them a chance to succeed or grow as a school.” Kennedy’s demand for more students has made its administration resort to checking the addresses of students in the Kennedy boundaries who do not currently attend Kennedy. In addition, students in the Irvington boundaries have not been able to attend Irvington due to the lack of space. The newly enforced rules from the school board has definitely been influenced by the growing discontent amongst the Kennedy High School staff. “I like Irvington because it has a greater variety of activities and forms of art that were not available in Kennedy,” said sophomore Devan Seeley, who was accepted into CCA this year. Although Irvington feels strongly about supporting students through art forms and would love to welcome all students into the art program, the flow of students out of Kennedy would reach an all time high if not controlled.

Report: Mysterious Fire on Campus

For a few minutes on what seemed to be an ordinary night in the Irvington district, flames consumed the walls of Irvington High School. About four weeks later, the origins of this tragedy are still unclear.

On September 14, just before 3:30 AM, five fire engines were deployed to Irvington after reports of a fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to merely two classrooms, including Room 84, which were completely burned to the ground.

D e s p i t e t h o r o u g h investigation, the cause has yet to be officially determined. Despite the lack of information, the school and the fire department are considering the possibility of arson.

“Currently it’s under i n v e s t i g a t i o n , ” said Fremont Fire Battalion Chief Tom Mulvihill. “Really, at that time in the morning it’s always suspicious, but at this time we don’t have anything more than investigation.” The search of possible causes is still underway.

The injury count was zero. However, damages to the classroom and their contents are estimated to equal over $100,000.

“Budget cuts are at their worst,” said Mr. Pete Murchison,

Our school up in flames...what really happened?By Anisha Babbar and Samiha Baseer

who believes our school can work through this tragedy with diligence.

The staff and the faculty’s immediate reaction to the Irvington fire was frustration. “You take some steps forward, and then you have to take a couple steps back, but we have

to look forward,” Mr. Murchison said. “In the end, I hope to make this school a better place because of [the fire]… I hope whoever did it walks past the school and sees that.”

The fire disturbed the balance at IHS by displacing several teachers and their classes.

“I’m very appreciative of all the teachers that allow my classes to use their classroom.” said Ms. Kimberly Nguyen, one of the science teachers who relocated as a result of the

fire. “They are very welcoming. However, it’s hard to set up and break down every class period.”

Future plans for the school are in progress and Mr. Murchison hopes that Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Elizabeth Ernst, and Ms. Cindy Hullford will be able to return to their old classrooms by October 27 (rooms 95, 82, and 83, respectively). There is still some uncertainty as to when this will happen, as there is a strong possibility that these plans may be continued to be pushed back for safety reasons or construction issues.

Room 84, the storage room, however, was burnt past the point of repair. Construction workers are starting from scratch in designing a “new and improved” classroom.

I r v i n g t o n has recently received a $350,000 grant

for its Arts program, so there is a possibility that Room 84 will become the new home for the media arts academy.

Oct. 25Make a Difference

Day

Nov. 10CAML @ Rm. 222

Nov. 14-22Alice in Wonderland in Valhalla @ 7:30

P.M.

Nov. 18ASMA @ Rm. 222

Nov. 22-23Winter LAN

Nov. 3-8National French

Week

UpcomingEvents

Phot

o: S

elin

a M

ahes

ri

SOctober 2008 | 3

New Old rules at our school regarding gang affiliated attire are now being enforced with even more vigor than before. Students wearing certain articles of red or blue clothing are now being stopped by administrators and asked to remove such clothing. Faculty members at Irvington are working towards the goal of ensuring the safety of the students and staff, but adjustments to these rules still remain difficult. Recent events in Fremont have triggered the strict clothing enforcement. On September 12, a gang fight occurred at Robertson High School. The next day, shootings occurred at homes of students, thought to be correlated with the school fights. As a result, Irvington staff members have decided to become more proactive to ensure the safety of our students. The controversy over the issue of banning red or blue clothing lies in whether the school has a right to restrict the students’ choices in clothing; whether an administrator may infringe

By Jennifer Siew and Sri Ravipati

Report: Irvington’s Crackdown on Dress Code RulesRed and Blue Banned for Life?

upon their freedom for reasons of safety. Some students have argued that requesting students to remove their personal items is too subjective and unfair. T h e r e are two issues with banning the colors: the first one being that blue is the school color. The second is the violation of student rights. The administration has yet to make a decision with all of these issues to consider, but in the meantime, the faculty has advised that students avoid wearing an excess of red and blue clothing to help maintain the safety of Irvington. To many, this new onset of bans and rules may be viewed as a violation of our rights as students of self-expression. A

The unofficial slogan of the Green Advisory at IHS, “Go Green or Go Home!” symbolizes everything they stand for. The Green Advisory is dedicated to making our campus more eco-friendly because they believe preserving the environment is important for our future.

“It is great that Irvington has a club devoted to ‘going green,’” said junior Jambu Jambulingam. “It goes to show that we are the generation that must change to promise a better future.”

The Green Advisory has been encouraging students to recycle by providing IHS with recycling bins in convenient locations around the campus. Along with helping spread the message of keeping the environment clean. But the advisory does more than just that.

“Green Advisory means researching different ways to help the environment and creating more awareness,” said junior Kelly Uchiumi. “This gives students more information about getting involved with making the world cleaner for tomorrow.” The Green Advisory researches several “going green” events and projects around the bay area. Projects such as the reduction of global warming green house gasses by recycling, food scraps in particular.

Some students even went to visit the “greenest” building on Earth, the Cal Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The members of the Green Advisory also meet with several organizations, such as Greeniacs.com and StopWaste.org, and have discussions on different ways to “keep it green.” “It’s either recycle your trash or don’t make trash,” says junior Margaret Wong. “Leaving trash around the campus not only makes our school look worse, but it contributes to pollution. If everybody picked up one piece of trash and recycled it, the school would be a much cleaner place.”

The Green Advisory is helping to spread the message of keeping the environment clean and unpolluted. They are currently working on projects such as raising awareness by making t-shirts out of organic materials and selling them to other students. The Green Advisory strives to clean up IHS and the environment at the same time.

To senior Vincent Vo, “Green Advisory means helping to save the planet.” For the students in Green Advisory, helping the environment is not just a dream but a reality.

Go Green or Go Home!

Mr. Johns and his “Green” TeamBy: David Lo

At the start of the school year, ASB rolled out a series of club reforms, the first of which were mergers of some clubs.

According to an ASB release, the purposes of these mergers were to “create bigger and more efficient clubs”, to “increase the chances of these clubs being active”, and give clubs “a greater number of members”.

The mergers were created by ASB to address problems created by a sudden increase in clubs on campus. The mergers were designed for the clubs, student body, and faculty; addressing staff shortages, club inactivity, and the huge surge in

Irvington Clubs ShuffleMergers First of Many Club Reforms

By Daniel Nguyen

precedence regarding freedom of speech is the landmark case Tinker v. Des Moines. On December 1965, students John

and Mary Beth Tinker, along with Christopher E c k h a r d t , wore black a r m b a n d s to school to protest the V i e t n a m War. The three were s u s p e n d e d until the end of the protest. Their families filed a suit and the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the

First Amendment applies to public schools. However, Irvington administrators have deemed safety to be more important than free speech. The dress code policies have affected students’ day to

day choices. “I was ready to have the time of my life at the Hello Dance,” said Junior Anika Ajmera. “Then security stopped me because I had been wearing a reddish- orange top. I hadn’t heard the announcements and it just killed the rest of my evening because I had to wear someone else’s clothes.” There is no certain percentage of red and blue allowed. Examples of confiscated items include red shoelaces and a medallion that says “Thirteen.” The general rule to remember is that affiliated items to gangs will be taken away in addition to wearing too much of one color. “Safety comes first,” said Officer Wilkinson. “Even when the students feel like their rights are being violated.” Wilkinson’s sentiment is reflected by some students. “I understand that the rules that take our creativity away may seem unreasonable,” said Junior Arnold Canete, “bwut if it’s for our safety we must enforce it.”

the number of clubs.“Almost every club

has been really cooperative,” said ASB Club Commissioner Linda Dong. “We’re trying to make clubs more accountable by requiring calendar of plans of events [and] implementing a new service requirement for every club.”

Clubs merged usually are done so to merge common interests, generate club activity, or lessen the burden on staff.

“[Take] for example: Bhangra and Indopak,” said Linda, “Bhangra is basically indian dance, so that fits well.

[Also], there is Arctic addicts and Ping Pong, because those two clubs that were kind of inactive last year, and since there’s only a limited amount of clubs we can take on every year, we decided to merge them instead of reject them.”

In addition to making clubs more efficient, ASB designed the club mergers to meet the needs of the staff.

“For example, the Lampoon used to have Ms. Chung as an adviser, but Ms. Chung advises so many clubs, so by merging them, they have one

English advisor; Mr. Rodocker, and Ms. Chung is freed up.”

Some clubs merged were MAPS, FCSN, Senior Smiles, and Make-A-Wish, into what is now the Friendship Exchange club, or F.X.

“There was a problem in the beginning,” said F.X. co-secretary Andrea Shyu, “but after we instated positions for good, there weren’t really any problems.”

“In the long run, this is best for everyone,” said Linda. “Including the clubs themselves.”

Phot

o: g

reen

earth

hom

e.co

m

Phot

o: p

ictu

re-b

ook.

com

Excel Test PrepPhone: (510) 490-7000 - www.exceltest.com

email: info@exceltest.com

to malpractice insurance. That is, regardless of whether or not the doctor is actually convicted of malpractice, a sizable chunk of his paycheck goes to the insurance. Cutting salaries will only give minimal reductions in costs. According to USA Today, cutting doctors’ salaries will save only around 2% a year on healthcare costs. At the same time, the same gesture would show a public dislike to a profession that already selflessly gives up many parts of their lives to save others.

Money must not and must never be the driving force to becoming a doctor, but the fact remains that very few, if any, people would want to drive themselves into debt for stress for minimum wage.

That means there will be fewer doctors available for the already-growing population, and according to the rules of supply-and-demand, even higher healthcare costs. This is nothing more than the right intentions leading down the wrong road.

Association, 46% of students graduate in debt, with 41% of those students in debt higher than $150,000. Some students have debt far more than that, surpassing $350,000. Being a doctor isn’t the glamorous life television portrays it to be. The doctors who are paid over $300,000 a year are generally operating room doctors: those with an intense amount of work-related stress. Operating room doctors can work up to 80 hours a week regularly. However, the main rule is that the doctors never get to go home before the patient does, so they do not get to go home until their job is finished. In addition, after they leave the hospital, doctors do not get the luxury that many others do: Operating room doctors are required to be on call 24/7. This means that if a patient comes in and the hospital does not have enough doctors on hand, you are obligated to come in if they page you, no matter what hour or day it is. Furthermore, doctors never get to take home all of their pay. Apart from paying taxes like

the rest of America, they also have to pay tens of thousands of dollars

Ask a typical American what issues are on his/her mind, and more than likely, health care costs will be one of the problems that come up. One suggestion put forth to lower health care costs has recently begun to gain more attention: cutting doctors’ salaries. With some doctors being paid upwards of $300,000 a year, why wouldn’t it be a great idea? Why should doctors be paid handsome salaries while 33% of America lives without health insurance? Simply put- their job demands it. First off, the path to becoming a doctor is rigorous. Medical schools in the United States are notoriously difficult when it comes to both admissions and academics. The learning curve for medical students are set extremely high, culminating in the motto “See one, do one, teach one” for medical residents. Second, the majority of students who graduate from medical school walk out with a degree and great debt. According to the American M e d i c a l S t u d e n t

pinions4 | The Voice 17.7O

“Sigh. Edward Cullen is perfect.” Yeah, we’ve heard that one, haven’t we? He’s the perfect boyfriend. He has the smarts, he has the charisma and he’s like Superman compacted into the perfect teenage body. All the Twilight lovers out there (you know who you are) swoon at every cute thing he does. But girls (or perhaps even men), let’s be honest: is our Edward obsession realistic or healthy? First off, we enter the Twilight series through the eyes of your typical shy high school girl. She doesn’t think she’s pretty or special, but is attractive to the most handsome boy of all. Deep down, that’s a reverie that many girls want to live someday. And to see it be done so simply in a book makes our expectation of romance want to be similar- something that’s easier said than done.

By Kriti Gupta

To all the teenage girls (and boys) going crazy over Edward Cullen: open your eyes

Heartthrob Hottie or a Bunch of Hoo-Ha?

By Daniel NguyenWhy we need to look elsewhere to cut health care costs

Cutting Doctors’ Salaries as Effective as Surgery with a Chainsaw

By Kim Ngo

Changing the start of school later will benefit Irvington students.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” But can this quote really be applied to high school students?

Many high schools around the country have changed the start of school to a later time in order to benefit the students and their schools physically and mentally.

In fact, the FUSD is considering changing the start of school next year to a time between 8 and 8:40 a.m. But will this change actually be beneficial?

Every school morning I wake up at 6 a.m. feeling exhausted and totally out of it. Feeling totally out of it and overly exausted, the last thing that I want to do is to learn so early in the day.

Research has shown that about 60 percent of high school students are experiencing sleep deprivation. Teenagers need about nine hours of sleep a night according to experts, but not nearly enough of us are getting that much.

Because school starts so early most students have to force themselves to wake up, and in result, come to school unable to focus on the day’s lesson plans. Some students even admit to sleeping in class.

Honestly, don’t you ever feel so out of it in first period that you can’t focus on anything? I myself find it so difficult to concentrate

in the morning. It’s hard to expect so much from students when they are far from being alert in class. But of the high schools that have changed their start time, students and teachers have been more active and ready to learn.

High school students also have experienced less depression when school starts later. According to educational researcher Kyla Wahlstrom of the University of Minnesota, students are also less inclined to drop out of school or move to and from different schools.

Yet, despite the benefits of more sleep and concentration for the students, parents are also benefiting from this change. Parents are seeing changes in their children’s behavior. They have claimed that their children are easier to deal with because their emotions are regulated.

And even if this doesn’t seem as much of a benefit, don’t you think it’s nice to wake up to even a little bit of sun in the morning and not the dark? I hate waking up inthe morning to see the darkness. What is there to wake up to but what you saw when you fell asleep? Honestly, it just makes you want to continue to sleep. Being at school at in the dark just makes going to school early in the morning even more horrible. So is this change beneficial? I would have to say yes.

Phot

o C

redi

t: ht

tp://

ww

w.h

arbo

rope

ra.c

om

We can easily say that Bella has confidence issues (like many females), and her relationship with Edward subtly tells her readers that it’s okay

to be so introverted and unsure of yourself as long as you have someone like him to approve of you in your life. I understand that Edward is amazingly good-

looking, but I could figure as much without her calling him “godlike” or “an angel.” This description of him virtually allows Edward to dictate the entire relationship.

He eavesdrops on her and sneaks into her room to watch her sleep. That is sweet bordering on uncomfortable. This series is just setting the bar too high for men to reach. Women want someone just like Edward, but guys aren’t always going to meet that standard. While Meyer may want to portray Edward as the perfect modern lover, she is actually setting girls up to want to live a life like Bella’s. Ladies, let’s not fantasize about being in Bella’s shoes. Lets also get over the fact that Mr. Cullen is one in a million because

there’s more to life than attractive physical attributes. Chances are, our boyfriends are definitely not vampires that can save the day.

Time for a Change

in Time?

Photo: ww

w.collegeotr.com

Prep Courses for theSAT/PSAT

Excel Test Prep

opinionOctober 2008 | 5 s

The VOICE is a student-run newspaper with the sole purpose of providing an open forum for student expression. Anything printed represents the opinion of the writer, but not necessarily that of the VOICE staff, the administration or faculty of Irvington High School, or any person affiliated with the Fremont Unified School District. The VOICE does not discriminate against race, political orientation, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or dis-ability. Although the VOICE will never refuse to publish student guest submission based on the aforementioned factors, we reserve the right to edit or not publish them.

ADVISOR MR. PHILLIPS

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Salman Qasim* COLUMNIST: Yu-Hsuan Lin* STAFF WRITERS:

Mishu Sharma* BUSINESS MANAGERS: Phi Nguyen Selina Mahesri

NEWS EDITORS: Ashwin Shanker* Rebeccah Warmack Jennifer Siew

Yu-Hsuan Lin* HISTORIANS: David Lo* Daniel Nguyen

FEATURES EDITORS: Tuan Dang* Tina Karimi Anisha Babbar

Sri Ravipati* SENIOR COPY EDITOR: Rebeccah Warmack* Karishma Patel

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: Rachel Li * COPY EDITOR: Quess Liu* Samiha Baseer

Shilpa Sharma WEB EDITOR: Neetu Puranikmath*

SPORTS EDITORS: Kriti Gupta* PHOTOGRAPHER: Raji Ramanathan

Kim Ngo *

HUMOR EDITOR: Marlo Yonocruz*

staff@ihsvoice.comhttp://www.ihsvoice.com (510) 656-5711 ext. 46398

*Deadline Workers

POLICY STATEMENT:

Disagree with the writers? Bring your letters to the editor to room 223 or e-mail them to staff@ihsvoice.com. We welcome all

comments.

VOICE STAFF 2008--2009

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Students know that Monday mornings provide perfect opportunities to show off new outfi ts. So, there you are, strutting

down the hall when, suddenly, an administrator confi scates your hat and forces you to change your clothes. You lose your brand-new

clothes to the ever-growing pile somewhere in the offi ce. Everywhere you look, there are students being stripped of their personal items of clothing. Why is this happening? It is because recent gang-related activity in our neighborhood prompted the administration to start cracking down on students wearing local gang colors, especially solid red and blue. What ever happened to freedom of speech and expression? According to he Supreme Court decision on Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1965), free speech rights extend to students, as long as they do not interrupt the educational process. Since a student’s fundamental right to free speech and expression may include wearing various types of clothing, why should the school be allowed to enforce a policy that contradicts this right? The biggest counter argument is that the policy was enacted in order to prevent any accidental confrontations between innocent students and gang-affi liated people. But what prevents this abuse of power from going too far? If three new, local gangs claimed three new colors, would the administration or the school district revise the policy to restrict students from wearing these colors as well? Eventually, the only “acceptable” colors would be black and white. While it is the duty of the administration to keep all students safe, the question will always remain: How much authority does it

have? It mirrors the age-old question involving our government: Should the federal government protect our “freedoms from” violence and disorder, or protect our “freedoms to” do anything towards our pursuit of happiness? People who are physically threatened, i.e. during times of war, tend to give up freedoms for their security. When the threat passes, people usually seek to reclaim their freedoms. In the case of restricting red-colored clothing, has Irvington reached that point? Are we physically threatened to the point where we feel the need to give up our freedoms for more security, or do we still believe that our fundamental rights exceed acts of the administration in importance? In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Any society that would give up a little liberty for a little security deserves neither and loses both.”

By Marlo Yonocruz

Red Means Stop, But Everything Else Means Go?

By Yu-Hsuan Lin

The fi re that horrifi cally destroyed classrooms shocked most people, but students were inexplicably more distressed over the newly toughened dress code than the destruction of school property. Rumors quickly swirled that it was a gang-related arson, and they were reinforced by the sight of our school’s administration being somewhat desperate to keep red or blue off our bodies.

Honestly, I thought these rules were a bit ridiculous when I was pulled aside for wearing a fl ower-printed, crimson scarf. I clearly have no gang affi liations: I’m your average nerdy student, who totally ignores doing homework during the last week of the month to cram for SATs.

Then, I realized that our administration isn’t being paranoid, they are just trying to protect us. At school, we don’t have our parents to watch over us. It’s left to our teachers and administration to be our mommies and daddies while we’re in our classrooms. In return, the administration acts upon instinct and keeps us safe by doing what they know. These rules aren’t meant to limit our creative expression through clothes; they’re to keep us safe in a time of danger. The dress code is like house rules that our parents set and we follow, even though we don’t agree about them.

I was sort of foolish and naïve to think that I was safe because I didn’t look like someone who could be in a gang. But from a distance (think from a car driving on the street and the sidewalk), all that is seen is a block of color. Never mind who is wearing it— the subtle details and patterns, or what item of clothing is it. Colors are colors, and we shouldn’t fi nd loopholes when our safety is at risk.

It may be a minor hassle to avoid wearing certain colors, especially if our closets have red and blue already. But I’m sure we can fi nd alternatives while we wait for tensions to lessen: why not try the dashing color of black? Or maybe even green and white polka dots? This dress code won’t be a permanent part of our lives. Let’s just take a chill pill and not be overdramatic over something minor like clothes.

Obviously, we don’t have to dodge stray bullets in the halls between classes, but there is a possibility of that threat daily. Unfortunately, we live in a place where gang tensions run high and our administration is just doing their best to keep us safe. School is meant to be a safe environment, and it won’t be if we’re purposely going against rules that are created to keep us out of harm’s way.

You’Are Going to Need to Take Your Shirt Off

“This door’s wide open now. It’s gonna happen, whether you like it or not.” -Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco.

F o u r judges ignored four million voters and imposed same-sex

marriage on California. It’s no longer about tolerance. Acceptance of gay marriage is now mandatory. “That changes a lot of things. People sued over personal beliefs. Churches could lose their tax-exemption. Gay marriage taught in public schools.” Professor Richard Peterson, Pepperdine University of Law. We don’t have to accept this.

“Whether you like it or not.” -Gavin Newsom. Yes on 8. Above is the advertisement that many of you have seen or heard, and will continue to see or hear as November 4th approaches. The ad promotes Proposition 8, which seeks to add an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage in California.

In May, the California Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the “it is unconstitutional” to limit marriage between a man and a woman, and thereby repealed a previous ban on gay marriage. Rallying under the slogan “Protect Marriage,” those against gay marriage have pushed Proposition 8 onto the ballot. A key argument among

the proponents of this bill is that marriage has been defi ned by tradition as being between those of opposite genders. The same people also contend that by legalizing gay marriage, the state is infringing on personal beliefs. For some convoluted reason, those against gay marriage can justify imposing their morality on other couples. They do not seem to understand that there is a distinction between freedom of religion and freedom to exercise those beliefs. Your rights therein only extend to the point where they interfere with those of other people. This type of hypocrisy is not unprecedented. In fact, if we can just modify the words of the ad a little, and shift the context back a couple of decades, we

should come up with something terrifyingly familiar in its bigotry.

“We conclude that, in the fi eld of public education, the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place.” -Chief Justice Earl Warren.

Nine judges ignored millions of white voters and imposed desegregation on the South. It’s no longer about tolerance. Integration of African-Americans is now mandatory.

“That changes a lot of things. Business owners sued over personal beliefs. Pure white non-profi ts could lose their tax-exemption. Black children taught in all public schools.” -Professor Richard Racist, Caucasian University of Law.

We don’t have to accept this.Yes on 8.White southerners

certainly believed that African-Americans should be segregated.

But should they be allowed to exercise such beliefs to abridge the rights of others?

The parallelism of intolerance is stunning. Opponents of gay marriage and integration alike attempted to force their narrow set of beliefs and morality onto a weaker minority, while using fear-mongering to deter social progress.

Yes, I know: same-sex relations are a “no-no” in the Bible. Then again, so is shaving and eating shellfi sh. Slavery, on the other hand, is totally cool in the Bible. If you object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds, you might want to grow a beard, get a few slaves and cut back on shrimp. After all, you don’t want to upset God, would you?

Battle for Civil Rights, Part II

Ban on Red: Did the Administration Get It Right?

By Rachel Li

About Me: I live in Fremont with a son and daughter and four grandchildren, all who bring me great joy. I have a younger sister and two older brothers who I served with in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam conflict giving our country a total of 39 years of honorable service. I enjoy spectator sports such as football, baseball, boxing and MMA. I play golf and still attend my health club. I thoroughly enjoy riding either my Harley Davidson or Big Dog custom motorcycle. I trade off; one is for show and the other for go. I am currently—time permitting— rebuilding a Yamaha motorcycle.

Interests:Interests: Golf, weightlifting, Cycling

Favorite shows: Favorite shows: Favorite shows: Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol Think You Can Dance, American Idol Think You Can Dance, American Idol

Sports played in high school: Sports played in high school: Sports played in high school: Soccer, track (sprints)

Favorite actor:Favorite actor:Favorite actor: Brandon Frasier

Favorite food: Favorite food: Favorite food: Everything except sushi

”

“Favorite quote:Favorite quote:Favorite quote: “It’s not your apptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”

Interests:

Favorite shows: Think You Can Dance, American Idol

Sports played in high school:

Favorite actor:

Favorite food:

Favorite quote:that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”

Interests: Watching my son play hockey, reading.

Favorite music: Weezer, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots

Favorite movies: Iron Man, Shaun of the Dead

Cartoon character resemblance: Marge Simpson

Other ambitions or passions: Being a rockstar

Favorite quote: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” -Thumper in Bambi.

When I was a student teacher I had to give my first solo lesson to a first grade class in front of my spervisor. I had to go to the office to make a copy of my lesson and I walked head on smack into a metal tetherball pole cemented into the ground. It felt as if I was suddenly hit in the face with a baseball bat. After the little stars around my head subsided, I walked in the class trying to keep my composure. A little boy asked me what happened and I was so embarrassed. My supervisor gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the students were attentive and it actually went very well.

Interests: Baseball, reading, and walking

Favorite music: Rolling Stones

Favorite show: Two and a Half Men

Favorite books: Ones focusing on the Middle East.

Fear: The current Wall Street money situation

Favorite quote: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Two summers ago I spent a month in Jordan with a group of teachers from throughout California. We visited the Dad Sea and Petra, and had access to universities and governmental agencies. I tried and failed miserably to learn Arabic. Turkish coffee is the best coffee in the world. It was an amazing experience and I became very enchanted with the Middle East. This summer I plan to go back to Jordan and then visit Egypt. There is so much history and culture to learn. It was exciting to see a third world country start to bloom. You really wanted to be part of it.

Interests: Working on getting a Masters in French, traveling, and current events

Candy bar resemblance: A toffee bar…I’m allergic to chocolate

Fruit resemblance: An apple…I don’t know why.

Favorite quote: “A student asks a teacher what he thinks of his essay. The teacher replies, ‘Your work was both original & brilliant. However, the parts that were brilliant were not original, & the parts that were original were not brilliant.’”

Interests: Tennis, astronomy, wind surfi ng, sailingFavorite music: Linkin Park, U2

Favorite movies: A Few Good Men, All the Pixar movies

Favorite day of the week: Saturday

Animal resemblance: Dolphin

Favorite quote: Education is not fi lling a bucket, but lighting a fi re.” - William Yeats

Interests: Fast forwarding through bad movies, playing tennis horribly, eating Panini’s near the Champs-Élysées

Favorite books: Pride & Prejudice, 1. Corinthians

Favorite food: Everything succulent and calorie-free

Pet peeves: Jessica , Paris, Lohan, cell Phones illuminating in theatres

First thought in the mornings: Starbucks, s’il vous plait!

Favorite quote: “People want to change the world, but don’t want to change themselves.” - Leo Tolstoy

Interests: A: hiking, camping, playing my guitar.

Favorite movie: Dances with Wolves

Childhood dream career To become a nun.

Super power: Flying

High School clubs and sports: GSA [Girls Sports Association], volleyball, softball, basketball.

Favorite quote: “I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life” -Henry David Thoreau.

Shortly after moving to Hanoi, Vietnam in 2005, I learned that I was pregnant. All of my Vietnamese neighbors were very helpful, and refused to let me carry anything, including groceries or clothes. Once my daughter was born, everyone wanted to help her, which was wonderful until she “disappeared.” My husband had taken her for a walk, and one of our neighbors insisted on carrying my daughter. After a few minutes, she briskly walked away to show off my daughter to her family, before my husband had a chance to stop her. Fortunately, the woman returned – with my daughter smiling widely and laughing – after 15 minutes, but I had been pretty worried during her absence.

I graduated from Irvington more than 10 years ago and went to U.C. Berkeley to major in cognitive psychology. When I saw that the Iraq War was tarnishing the reputation of this country, I decided to join the Peace Corps I left for Peace Corps to teach math and English in a small West African country named Guinea. I also involved the community in HIV/AIDS and girls education. As a secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer secondary project, I helped the village build its first school library and a computer center using solar panels. It was great to help out a country that actually wanted our help and to see what it’s like to live without electricity or running water.

Like the freshmen, I came wide-eyed. However, I was not expecting to come to class everyday with a smile (though sometimes very much inward) and with a renewed energy to teach my students the a – e- i – o – uuuuuuuuu’s! I learned one other thing this year that will forever be etched upon my mind and heart: I am so thankful and blessed to have gotten the opportunity to have come into contact with my students and with everyone involved in making this school Viking – tough and Viking – fantabulous!

Once about 11 years ago, I was deep in the wilderness of my journey. I knew not what to do, but had to make a critical life decision. I left for Yosemite National Park. Before down the first meeting there, I left for Half Dome and hiked to the top before lunchtime. Once there, the clouds gathered and a major lightening storm struck. Everyone at the top began scrambling down the mountain side holding onto the steel cable while lightening struck and rain made our feet slip from under us. When my feet slipped from under me, I held onto that cable for dear life. Death was nearby. But I made it to the bottom of Half Dome and once there my path in life was clear. Eleven years later, I still thank Mother Nature.

gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the gave me a few minutes to get myself together. When I finally gave the lesson the

About Me:

”

“

About Me:

”

“

About Me:

”

“

About Me:

”

“

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”

“

Computer Science

Ms. Melanie Bragg

Ms. Kristina Faitel

Mr. Henry Fung

Mr. Herbert Gomez

Ms. Christy Hallford

Sports played in high school:

Favorite quote:that determines your altitude.”that determines your altitude.”

Mr. Hector Albizo

Ms. Kathryn Dwyer

English

AP Psychology

Alg. 2/ Geometry

Spanish

Eng./ AP English

Alg./ Geometry

Interviewed by Beccach Warmack

Interviewed by Kim Ngo

Interviewed by Kriti Gupta

Interviewed by Mishu Sharma

Interviewed by Ashwin Shanker

Interviewed by Karishma Patel

Interviewed by Raji Ramanathan

eatures: *Campus Confidential* New Teachers

Favorite subject: AP Government

Pets: a goldfi sh named Papaya.

Favorite TV series: Lost

Favorite shopping store: The G.A.P.Interesting fact: She got married this past summer and spent her honeymoon in Cancún.

Favorite quote: “I’m not European. I don’t plan on being European so why do I care if they’re socialists?” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Interests: Reading, snowboarding, horseback riding

Favorite music: Pop 80’s music, French music

Favorite TV shows: The West Wing, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Favorite ice cream fl avor: Mint chocolate chip

Favorite Disney character: Bell (Beauty and the Beast)

Favorite quote: “To thine own self be true.” —Shakespeare

Interests: Interests: Art, music, books and travel

Favorite movies:Favorite movies:Favorite movies: “Amelie” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”Tenenbaums”Tenenbaums”

Favorite TV shows: Favorite TV shows: Favorite TV shows: The Offi ce and The Soup

Favorite book:Favorite book:Favorite book: The Brothers Karamazov

Childhood hero: Childhood hero: Childhood hero: My Mom

Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Does not have one.

Interests: Interests: Coaching football and baseball, playing golf

Celebrity crush: Celebrity crush: Celebrity crush: Jennifer Aniston

Favorite vacation spot: Favorite vacation spot: Favorite vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cartoon character resemblance: Cartoon character resemblance: Cartoon character resemblance: Hagar the Horrible

Three words to discribe you:Three words to discribe you:Three words to discribe you: “A good guy”

Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Favorite quote: “To be early is on time, and to be in time is late.”is late.”is late.”is late.”

So, how did I end up on YouTube? Well, I was innocently helping my English students study for the High School Exit Exam, when I noticed they were falling asleep halfway through an article about falconry. I decided to imitate the bird described in the article. My students cracked up, and made me promise to do the “bird dance” again at the end of the year. I thought they might forget, but a CCA student never forgets a good show! So I bird dancedand they filmed it, and put it on YouTube. The things we teachers are willing to do in pursuit of education!

All my life I wanted to be First Lady. I realize this put undue pressure on all potential spouses, but in the end I married a man from a foreign country. Just last night I said to him, “too bad you can never be president because I soooo wanna be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, sweetheart.” =)

A couple of years ago, I was rushing to change from my work attire into coaching items for football practice. I was concerned that I would be late and in an effort to multi-task, I answered my cell phone to take a work related call and tried to change at the same time. When I arrived to practice and had the team gather, one of my players asked if I was trying to make a fashion statement. I was puzzled by the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In my haste, I had put two different types of tennis shoes on. I felt stupid, but everyone got a good laugh.

After graduating from high school, I attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio where I earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree. I moved to California shortly after graduating. Just before graduating from SJSU I got married to another artist who I had met a few years ago while he was in grad school at the San Francisco Art Institute. I currently live in San Jose with my husband and we both teach high school art and are practicing artists.

Interests:Interests: Music, piano, singing, reading

Favorite books:Favorite books:Favorite books: Lord of the Rings, The Grapes of Wrath, The Little PrinceWrath, The Little PrinceWrath, The Little Prince

Biggest fear:Biggest fear:Biggest fear: Retiring penniless because of the stock market crashmarket crashmarket crash

Childhood hero: Childhood hero: Childhood hero: Grandfather

Dream job if you were not a teacher:Dream job if you were not a teacher:Dream job if you were not a teacher: Writer or journalist

Favorite quote:Favorite quote:Favorite quote: “ It varies with each day.”

Interests:Interests: Reading, writing, dancing, singing

Favorite author:Favorite author:Favorite author: Susan Cooper, author of the Dark is RisingRisingRisingRisingRisingRising series

Favorite candy:Favorite candy:Favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Favorite TV show: Favorite TV show: Favorite TV show: “Good Eats” with Alton Brown

Favorite movie:Favorite movie:Favorite movie: Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas

Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Favorite quote: “Success is measured by how you bounce when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”

Favorite movie:Favorite movie:Favorite movie: Harry Potter 5, X2: X-Men

Favorite music:Favorite music:Favorite music: Pop and R&B, K-PoP

Favorite quote: Favorite quote: Favorite quote: “Power to the geeks! Heck, I was one in high school.”Heck, I was one in high school.”Heck, I was one in high school.”

Favorite shows:Favorite shows:Favorite shows: Malcolm in the Middle, Big Brother, Friends, SurvivorFriends, SurvivorFriends, Survivor

Interests:Interests:Interests: I love K-pop, but I’m not Korean

Hero: My dad

After college, I worked at Walt Disney World for a while. Moving to another part of the country gives you a different perspective of life. I got to meet a lot of celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell, Cameron Mathison, and Susan Lucci, and see stars like Enmett Smith, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, and the cast.

One of the highlights of my summer vacation was seeing Avenue Q on Broadway (and getting my picture taken with the leads after the show). The musical, kind of Sesame Street for adults starts with Princeton, a recent college graduate, renting the only vacant apartment on the avenue. He finds out that he has been “laid off” from the job he accepted but had never even started. He wonders (in song) what he can do with a B.A. in English and realizes that, maybe, he can make a difference. Irvington is my avenue Q, and my purpose is to make a difference here.

During my freshman year, to celebrate my birthday, my mother bought me my favorite drink (sparking apple cider), my best friend and I brought it to school and sat in the middle of the cafeteria, drinking it from champagne glasses. None of us, however, knew the brand was alcoholic. I still remember being sent to the principal, and being completely in capable of walking in a straight light. The matter was cleared up with a simple phone call to my mother, and we never really got into trouble, but that was a day I will never forget.

be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan, be First Lady!” I was being nice. What I really meant was, “way to mess up the plan,

the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In the question. When I asked him why he said that, he told me to look at my shoes. In

Interests:

Favorite books:Wrath, The Little Prince

Biggest fear:market crash

Childhood hero:

Dream job if you were not a teacher:

Favorite quote:

Interests:Interests:

Favorite author:RisingRising

Favorite candy:

Favorite TV show:

Favorite movie:

Favorite quote: when you hit bottom.”when you hit bottom.”

Interests:

Interests:

Favorite movie:

Favorite music:

Favorite quote: Heck, I was one in high school.”

Favorite shows:Friends, Survivor

Interests:

Hero:

Interests:

Interests:

Celebrity crush:

Favorite vacation spot:

Cartoon character resemblance:

Three words to discribe you:

Favorite quote: is late.”is late.”is late.”is late.”

Interests:

Interests: Interests:

Favorite movies:Tenenbaums”

Favorite TV shows:

Favorite book:

Childhood hero:

Favorite quote:

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”

“

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”“

About Me:

”“

Ms. Jenna Hull

Ms. Allyson McAuley

Ms. Madeline Walch

Ms. Shavon Walker

Mr. Vincent Wu

Mr. Shelley Smith

Ms. Amanda Smith

World / US Hist.

Librarian

Art1,2/ Sculpture

PE 10/ PE9

French, Eng. 9/ ELD

Eng. 9/ Eng. 12

Geometry/ Precacl.

Interviewed by Niveditha Puranikmath

Interviewed by Shilpa Sharma

Interviewed by Anisha Babbar

Interviewed by Phi Nguyen

Interviewed by Selina Mahesri

Interviewed by Rachel Li

Interviewed by Samiha Baseer

eatures: *Campus Confidential* New TeachersPhotos: Raji Ram

anathan

Irvington Royalty ntertainmente 8 | The Voice 17.1

There’snothingmeekaboutGreekBy Ashwin Shanker

When Greek first started, it seemed like the stereotypical teenage show: cool sorority girl ignores her nerdy freshman brother. Just when I was about to lose hope in the show, Greek started to go against all odds. The show follows siblings Rusty and Casey Cartwright, who have never found much in common with each other. Rusty is the nerd who decides to rush a fraternity and Casey is the head of one of the most prestigious sororities on campus. These siblings find the Greek system in common, and help each other through personal problems. Greek is currently in its second season, finding Casey in a struggle to keep her position as sorority president and Rusty overcoming a difficult breakup. This show would be more fitting on TBS or HBO, instead of ABC Family. Greek hits the surface on risky topics, but is unable to use vulgarity because of the nature of the channel. In a recent party scene, a character falls asleep and wakes up with “Buttmunch” written on his back. Intoxicated college students obviously use more profane words than this. Because the show is censored so much by the network it is on, many of these situations discredit the show in giving an insight into the crazy world of Greek life.

This show is receiving reasonable viewership because it attempts to break college and Greek system stereotypes. Casey starts dating a complete nerd and still finds plenty in common with him. There are two openly gay guys in the fraternity, which seems unlikely in the common notion of beer chugging and idiotic fraternities.

Are these concepts absolutely innovative? Not really. But Greek’s lovable characters and somewhat refreshing ideas make this a worthwhile watch.

On the Fringe of Legendary

By Rachel Li

I was one of the many TV geeks who counted down for the premiere of Fringe, Fox’s new science fiction show. It was hyped to be the next X-Files of our generation. The show’s name is derived from the term “fringe science”, which includes strange topics like reanimation. Clarification: ZOMBIES. For fans feeling a bit “Lost” with creator J.J. Abrams’s other shows, Fringe is slightly less confusing. Each episode is like the average crime show: a weird murder begins the show and investigators get to the bottom of it.

Admittedly, the show’s characters are a little cliché. Agent Olivia Dun is a strong woman who is traumatized by the death of her lover in the pilot episode. Her not-so-trusty sidekick is Peter Bishop, the sarcastic son of the odd scientist Dr. Walter Bishop.

But the plot definitely makes up for the typical characters. In the first episode, all the passengers of an airplane arrive at their destination on time and as planned. However, there was one little difference: everybody is dead.

With babies that are born within 30 minutes of being conceived and transparent people, Fringe brings back the entertainment in science fiction. Like in true J.J. Abrams fashion, there’s an underlying mystery as well: the Pattern, which is apparently responsible for all these strange occurrences. It’s pretty obvious that people start to lose interest in confusing shows such as Lost, so I hope that mystery gets solved eventually.

In conclusion, if you’re angry that this review spoiled the pilot episode because you haven’t seen it yet, you’re an idiot. Get online, and Google all the episodes of Fringe right now.

Fame. Fortune. Money. Looks. With wealth radiating of their bodies, the students of West Beverly Hills High seem to outdo even local celebrities. The epitome of what the average SoCal teen aspires to be, the cast of 90210 sadly seems to be a bit cliché. Although the CW’s team of writers attempt to make a new drama into a familiar setting, neither the teens nor the people who were faithful followers of the old Beverly Hills 90210 are amused. The storyline of the spin-off revolves around Annie, the innocent hick from Kansas, who returns to Beverly Hills and attends West Beverly Hills High School. The story chronicles her adventurers and escapades in the school as she bonds with the rebel Silver, who was Naomi’s ex-best friend; has a strange friendship with popular Naomi Clark; and falls-in-like with Tony, a boy who owns his own private jet. In a steamy scene worthy of Desperate Housewives, Naomi’s mother and Annie’s dad reveal that they have produced a child together. Annie’s adopted brother, Dixon, is a star athlete and scholar who can bring tears to anyone with his cheesy, unrealistic romance with Silver. Together, the two “new kids on the block” try out new passions, find love and go to wild LA parties. Unlike other original teen dramas, 90210 offers no new or interesting defining characteristic to set it apart from Laguna Beach, The Hills or even, The OC. The spirit of the characters and the show’s vibrant atmosphere are offset by the same old plot that has been done before. If you loved the old 90210, you will be sorely disappointed by its new facelift. While the old 90210 was a TV classic that essentially defined the genre of today’s “teen drama”, the new spin-off only serves up a platter of disappointment.

90210 Seconds of Boredom

By Niveditha Puranikmath

Killer Queen: Natalie Poulton

Dancing Queen: Brooke Stevenson

Jungle King: Kenta Naoi

By Tuan Dang

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ! W h a t does this title mean to you?This award is very significant to me. This award, in my mind, means that I have contributed to IHS and that the student body has recognized my contributions and achievements.

Do you think the Homecoming process is a popularity contest? As much as we [ASB] try to not make Homecoming Court a popularity contest, to some extent it is. I think it’s good that we put our extracurricular activities on the ballot, so students who aren’t familiar with the students on the ballot get a better idea of what they have contributed to the school, and can vote based on their accomplishments. Unfortunately, people tend to vote for the person they know or the person they recognize.

Did you expect this to happen? What was your first reaction?I was not expecting to make it this far in the competition, but I guess you can call it a pleasant surprise :). I was very excited, and and I still cannot get over the fact it was a tie! Very funny!

You’re in The Voice! What do you want to say?Irvington students... Thank you for this opportunity!

So, do you have a boyfriend?AND YES BOYS, I’m single! Haha! :)

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ! W h a t does this title mean to you?This means that my high school experience has been shared with others. I’m glad to have been noticed for my achievements; but, it’s not as important to me. I’m happy that I won, but even if I lost it wouldn’t have been a big deal. In the end, it’s just a title, and there are so many more important ones to gain in the near future.

No. I was not expecting to win. I actually wanted my best friend Aaron to receive the award. Initially I didn’t know that I

Did you expect this to happen? What was your first reaction?

Do you think the Homecoming process is a popularity contest?I believe that it is purely a popularity contest depending on how you define popularity. If popularity is defined as being recognized by your peers as some one noticed and achieving, then I believe that it is a popularity contest. �

won because I was looking to check whose light turned on to reveal the winner.You’re in The Voice! What do you want to say?I would say, “Thank you. I truly appreciate your presence and your contributions to my life. You can always count on me. And my only wish is for us to be happy and that we appreciate the relationship that we share. I am grateful. Thank you.” I would say it to my friends and family. They know who they are. Or they can assume, haha!

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ! W h a t does this title mean to you?To me, it means that my peers recognized the effort I have put into contributing to Irvington since I have been a student at our school.

Do you think the Homecoming process is a popularity contest?A lot of it is a popularity contest I’m sure, but I would hope to think that it is actually about your contributions to some extent. When people are leaders I think that popularity comes along with it because you really make the effort to meet lots of new people.

Did you expect this to happen? What was your first reaction?I hadn’t expected it, but I hoped! When I first pulled the blue shoe out of the bag I kinda had to just look around because I wasn’t sure if it was real or not! :)

What motivated you to participate in this event? I suppose curiosity. Just wanted to have some fun. You know, live big with no regrets that I didn’t go for something :)

So, do you have a boyfriend?No I do not have a boyfriend. :) Really just looking for a great, successful, fun senior year!

You’re in The Voice! What do you want to say?I would like say to Maya Harris that she deserves the crown just as much as any of us do and thank you for being one of the most caring and supportive friends I have come to know.

Best Friends Learning CenterAt Irvington Community Center

41885 Blacow Road, Fremont CA 94538 TEL: (510)364-2027, FAX: (510)651-3968

Grand Opening:Jan 05, 2009

School Homework Tutoring

Star Test Preparation/Gate Practice

Sports Gymnasium, Indoor Hardwood Flooring (Additional Fee needed)

12-acre Park (Teacher Guided)

Photos: PJ Denyer, Lisa Ngo, Vasilisa Schvachko, unitedmask.com, partypoppets.biz, sendflowerstobangalore.com

“Anderson, save me!” the feeble voice cried from the wreckage of the helicopter.

With the grace and speed of a gazelle, Anderson bounded to the helicopter, lifting it

with the strength of a hundred men. All in a day’s work for Anderson. Out of nowhere, the executive producer of Anderson Cooper 360 came up to him.

“Anderson,” he said, “I want you to infiltrate the underbelly of Al-Qaeda, and find out what they’re up to for the next edition of ‘CNN Presents.’” With one whip of his salt and pepper hair, Anderson flashed his steel blue eyes and said, “I’m on it.” The make-up crew went to work on him immediately, and soon he looked the part of his new identity, An-Darson bin Quper. He was flown to the border of Afghanistan and dropped off at 10,000 feet, and quickly charmed the local villagers into directing

entertainmenOctober 2008 | 9

How to Get Over Your Ex(For real this time) By Mishu Sharma

Gadget GuideA look into iPhone alternativesBy Phi Nguyen After Apple brought the new multi-tasking iPhone into the market to much critical and commercial acclaim, rival phone companies quickly began rolling out new inventory to compete with Apple’s do-it-all iPhone. These phones have features ranging from touch screen capabilities, internet connection and GPS tracking. Here’s are some new alternative phones that might just be better than the original.

Art ShowcaseBy Sri Ravipati

Junior Arjun Panda does not simply paint to earn his art credits in high school. In his free time he paints whatever is on his mind to express himself. Most of the time, Arjun doesn’t keep his work; he gives them to his friends instead to keep as a memory.

Specs: 3G, Wi-Fi enabled, 3.2 inch touchscreen, 3.2 MP camera, GPS, video and music player, built-in stylus, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, web browser, voice command dialingStatus: set for early 2009Cost: approx. $385

Refuse to be a victim: Do not listen to Shontelle Layne’s T-shirt. Honestly, your wardrobe is definitely more exciting than your ex’s t-shirt. Lie in YOUR bed with YOUR t-shirt on.

Recycle: Don’t stash the trash. Take all of their most loved possessions- their jacket, their ring, their CD’S- and donate them to charity.

Communication: Be expressive. The expression of ideas is what makes the world go round. You may find filling their locker with cottage cheese more communicative approach.

5

Be the better person: Take the responsibility to tell them that THEY are not good enough of for you anymore. (It’s not you, it’s them)3Distraction via annoyance: Memorize Katy Perry’s Hot n’ Cold. With a song like THAT in your head, who’s going to think about their ex?4

21

The Amazing Adventures of Anderson Cooper: Chapter OneBy Y.H. and S.Q.

him to the Al-Qaeda headquarters. Straighten his turban and clearing his throat, Anderson took a deep breath and strolled in. At first glance, the office revealed nothing out of the ordinary. It was the décor that dulled Anderson’s normally sharp senses. Normally, he would have noticed that the mole on the secretary’s upper lip was actually a miniature explosive. He would have also noticed that the janitor leaving for lunch break was his long-lost father, whose midlife crisis was further worsened by deep regret from abandoning his handsome son. “Hi,” said Anderson, turning away from the lovely drapes to lock his eyes with the secretary. “I would like to speak with bin Laden.” Before the secretary could utter a word, she was captured by Anderson’s soulful eyes. In an instant, she discovered infinite joy, the meaning of life and the fact that her parents’ broken marriage was all her fault. Anderson swooped to her side, cradling her gently in his strong arms. “Room 9,” she whispered, staring longingly in Anderson’s eyes. “Promise me we’ll meet again.” “We’ll always have Afghanistan,” Anderson said, before tossing her out the window and stepping down the hallway to his destiny.

To be continued...

A sketch done in charcoal of Arjun’s best friend, Noah.

Arjun’s minia-ture crab leg necklace in pen-cil and charcoal.

An acrylic painting of a walrus.

T-Mobile: G1 by Google

Specs: 3G, 3.2 MP camera, GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, 3.25 inch “3D” touchscreen, web browser, 1GB internal storage, video and music player, voice command dialingStatus: set for late 2008Cost: approx. $199

Although more expensive than the other two, it has some of the most fully-functional features, longer battery life and a year’s worth of free music. Its touchscreen capabilities outmatch the other competitors with its simplicity and

TNokia 5800 XpressMusic

breadth. Not only that, it’s probably the most aesthetically pleasing of the three, especially compared to the clunky Blackberry. The Blackberry is missing one major quality – WiFi – which puts it far behind the competition.

Our choice: Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

Blackberry 9530 Storm

Specs: 3G, Wi-Fi enabled, 3.2 inch touchscreen, web browser, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, 3.1 MP camera, music player, digital compassStatus: set for release October 22, 2008Cost: approx. $179

Photos: tech.yahoo.com

Best Friends Learning CenterAt Irvington Community Center

41885 Blacow Road, Fremont CA 94538 TEL: (510)364-2027, FAX: (510)651-3968

Grand Opening:Jan 05, 2009

School Homework Tutoring

Star Test Preparation/Gate Practice

Sports Gymnasium, Indoor Hardwood Flooring (Additional Fee needed)

12-acre Park (Teacher Guided)

Photo: Mishu Sharma

Photo: prettyontheoutside.typepad.com

PORTSS10 | The Voice 17.1

On Tuesday, October 7th, Irvington’s girls’ volleyball team came out on top versus Washington High School, a long-awaited and well-earned victory. This win has secured our girls’ no less than third place this year, and the prospects of winning league are anything but out of sight.

In an intense four games, Irvington proved to be too much for Washington, winning three out of four games. During the first two games, it was a race for the win, as both teams struggled to take the lead, but it was soon apparent that our girls wouldn’t settle for anything less than a victory. Clinching a win in the first game (25-19), our girls didn’t let the loss of the second game (22-25) extinguish their spirits,

and they overtook Washington in the third and fourth games (25-18, 24-14), showing the Huskies just what Irvington is made of. Aside from their great teamwork and inspiring determination, the Lady Vikes had large number of excellent passes, digs, hits, and blocks, many from Senior, Teasara Thompson and Junior, Morgan Aspelund. Teasara led the team with 14 kills, four blocks, and five digs, followed closely by Morgan’s nine kills, three blocks, and seven digs. With our girls in third place behind Mission and Logan, and the memory of this tremendous win against Washington still fresh in their minds, there’s no telling how long it will be before Irvington reaches the top.

It was Friday Night Lights for Irvington High School ’s homecoming football game. The Vikings played a close game against the Kennedy Titans but, unfortunately, lost with a score of 28 to 33. However, this was a game that had everyone standing on their feet. Throughout the game, suspense and uncertainty filled the air. The scores were close the whole game, which caused a great deal of excitement in the stands. For the Homecoming game of 2008, senior Kenny Kester

had scored the Vikings’ first touchdown in the last two minutes of the first quarter. By the end of the quarter, the score became 7 to 7, a tied game. Everyone was cheering for the Vikings to score another touchdown. Next thing you know, Irvington ’s senior J.R. Chandra caught an amazing pass from the 35-yard line and scored a touchdown, making the score 14 to 13. The quarter ended with Vikings winning, 14 to 13. When third quarters rolled around, J.R. scored another touchdown,

making the score 21 to 19. All the fans jumped up and down, excited to see the Vikings score yet again. Titans started to get frustrated and attacked the IHS defense. The Titans then tried to score another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Irvington ’s senior Robert Gomez saved us at the 10-yard line. The furious Titans scored another two touchdowns, making the score 21 to 33. The Vikings then got their heads back in the game when senior Trevor Ramos scored

There are several top picks this season, depending on your foot type. •In order to discover if you have a high arch or low arch take a paper bag: wet the bottom of your foot and step on the bag Depending on how wide your arch appears will determine if you have a low arch, an average arch, or a high arch.

•You’ll want to research on if you ove r p ro n a t e, underpronate, etc. to decide what type of shoe, the amount of support you will need, and more before you pick the right shoe for you.

Cross CountryMotion Control shoes are for people with low arches who tend to overpronate (run more on the outside of their foot). Motion Control Shoe top pickAsics Gel-Evolution 4

Stability shoes are for those who have low-normal arches and mild overpronation.Stability shoe top pickAdidas Supernova Sequence

Performance Training shoes are for racing or speed training.Performance Training shoe top pickMizuno Wave Precision 9

Football cleat pickAdidas Reggie II

Volleyball PickAdidas Vuelo CC

Tennis PickNike Air Max Resolve Plus Low

a touchdown, the scoreboard reading 28 to 33. The Vikings were anxious to score, and Trevor Ramos intercepted and caught the ball in the last minute of the game. Viking fans were up and on their feet, cheering with the hope of victory. All of a sudden during the fourth down, the Titans charged and sacked Irvington’s quarterback, Kenny Kester, which ended the game with the final score of 28 to 33. Overall the Vikings did an outstanding job. They

intercepted passes, caught numerous long passes, and had many long runs. The Vikings used many different techniques and strategies throughout the game. Junior Eric Harmon stated, “On defense we knew that if we stopped their running game, we would beat them. We wanted to force them to throw the ball because we knew they couldn’t pass very well.” The Vikings gave it their all to make the outcome of the game better, and overall, played a tough, close game.

Football Friday Night LightsIrvington’s unfortunate loss against the Titans, by one touchdown.

Best in Shoe:Gear Review

By: Rebeccah Warmack

By: Karishma Patel

Lady Vikes Bump, Set, Spiking Their Way Up to the TopIrvington girls’ volleyball team beats Washington high school in long-awaited

By Jennifer Siew

Armed with a handful of talented, new recruits, the Irvington gymnastics team plans to fly over the competition this year in MVALs. “I love our team this year,” said junior Nicole Furuta. “I think we might have a good chance at winning MVALs.” New additions to the

varsity elite this year include junior Ally D’Ambrosio and sophomore Megan Powers, both of whom have years of gymnastics training underneath their leotards. The team believes that they can reclaim the title as

MVAL champions from their rivals, Mission San Jose High School. “The title narrowly slipped by us last year,” said senior Shelby Matsuoka. “But our team is much stronger this year.” Last year, junior Priyanka Shah fractured her wrist during practice, preventing

her from competing. The year before, Shelby tore her ACL during a summer practice session. This year, junior Natasha Laux

will not be able to compete due to recent back injuries. Varsity also received a handful of new, promising members. This year, however, the team is competing without any Junior Varsity members. Although gymnastics has always been overshadowed by the bigger sports, the team always goes into MVALs with high goals and a positive attitude. “We give it our best whether or not there are 100 people or ten people,” said Priyanka. “We’re out to prove that gymnastics can be one of the toughest sports out there..” “I’m proud of my team regardless of how well they do in MVALs,” said gymnastics coach Laurie Skelton.

New Year, New HopesGymnastics team gets back on the horse By Marlo Yonocruz

b. Irvington’s number 24 battles against a Titan to score a touchdown

a. The Vikings prepare to face their opponents as they line up across the Kennedy Titans

Phot

os: K

im N

go

Photos: Rebeccah Warmack

Junior Natasha Laux shows the judges herelegant moves.

Phot

o: E

lain

e Yu

SSPORTOCTOBER 2008 | 11

Coach Amberlee Avina has been teaching at Irvington for three years now and can be seen in various roles around campus. She’s a freshman P.E. teacher as well as the coordinator for the SHAPE Academy, teaching three R.O.P. classes. She is also the sophomore class advisor and a member of the Journey Team that works toward refining the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) this year. Although she is well known on campus, it may come as a great surprise that she grew up in the mountains near Yosemite and had a great childhood, in which she remembers riding horses and seeing animals like chickens and goats. Outside of Irvington, Coach Avina keeps herself busy by taking pleasure in activities like camping, hiking, snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, and playing disc golf among other things. However, what she loves most is spending time with her family whenever she gets a chance and especially with

her dog, Deja, whom she takes everywhere with her! As for her personal tastes, she thoroughly enjoys watching the TV show, Friends, all three of the Pirates of the Carribean trilogy, and listening to Jack Johnson in her spare time. Having been able to coach Irvington’s Girls’ Tennis team for three years, Coach Avina feels that creating a positive and supportive environment is essential in getting people to be more involved in athletics. Extracurricular activities in general, she feels, helps students stay motivated and feel supported in their lives. As a tennis coach, she would like each girl to get the most they can out of the sport

and develop their skills daily. To achieve this, she wants each athlete to try their level best and simply have fun. She

feels that the team is full of talented,

unique individuals and said, “I want

them to have fun and improve their skills because they want to,

not because I tell them to.”

When most people think of stretching, an image of girls doing gymnastics or dance usually pops up. Hence, a stereotype of stretching being “sissy” and “weak” has emerged. Contrary to popular belief, almost all athletes of every sport must stretch regularly in order to perform at 100%. In sports, stretching grants the athlete increased flexibility and better range of their joints. In football, soccer, wrestling, and basketball,

increased flexibility allows an athlete to maneuver more efficiently in tight spots, which could make the difference in a close match. In racket sports, increased flexibility means faster footwork, allowing an athlete to glide effortlessly across an entire court. Stretching also improves circulation, allowing your blood to supply your muscles with more nutrients. This helps athletes recover faster from a grueling workout.

This fall season has started off a victorious one for the Lady Vikings. Girls’ tennis has earned themselves a 3-2 season score so far in the season, beating Logan, Newark and Kennedy, but facing defeat with Mission and American. The season looked bleak with a number of last year’s senior players gone, but the JV and Varsity teams have successfully filled their shoes so far. The girls have definitely met the expectations set by last year’s MVAL championship. On Oct. 9, the Vikings took on Kennedy and won with a perfect 7-0 score with achievements by all players. No team gave up more than two games in a three set match. In addition to their landslide victory over Kennedy, the Lady Vikings continued their legacy by beating Logan 5-2 for the second time after eight years. Wins by the number two doubles team and all four varsity singles players contributed to the great defeat. American barely

slipped away with a win on Sept. 30 with a score of 3-4, but an epic match between number one singles player Tara Kurihara and Robin Zhou of American took place in which Irvington just barely lost. The second time around the girls are confident that they will take them down. This past Tuesday, Irvington played Mission and lost, but despite their loss, Seniors Christine Lee and Tien Ho Irvington broke Mission’s undefeated record in number three doubles. The tennis team has undying excitement towards each of their matches and has high hopes for the upcoming MVALs. “This season has been a combination of fun and craziness,” said varsity one singles player, senior Tara Kurihara. The girl’s tennis team still has a round of matches against Washington, Newark, Mission, American, and Logan. “The girls are staying strong from last year,” said Coach Amber. “They’re consistently playing hard and improving.”

Football Friday Night Lights Girls’ Tennis Bounces Back

Girls beat Logan, Newark, and Kennedy as fall season beginsBy Selina Mahesri

Coach’s Corner: Coach Amberlee AvinaWalking in the coach’s shoesBy Shilpa Sharma

Stretching CornerA brief introduction to stretching and its hidden benefits

By Quess Liu

Desk Stretches: stretches to relieve built-up tension and stress from prolonged sitting at a desk. These are great for students who frequently use the computer or who write a lot.~5-10 seconds each

Even students who don’t participate in sports can benefit from daily stretching. Stretching improves posture and reduces stress by relaxing your muscles. A few minutes spent everyday can dramatically affect your work habits and efficiency. Perhaps the best aspect of stretching is that you don’t need special equipment for it! You can stretch anywhere and at any time. With benefits and convenience, doesn’t it seem too good to be true?

Neck: Begin by tilting your neck to one side and then switching after a few seconds. Next, rotate your head in a circular motion. Lastly, tilt your head forward and backward. Stiff necks are common from writing and doing homework.

Shoulder: Begin by rotating your shoulders in a circular motion. Then, put your hands behind your head and move your elbows outward. This should stretch your upper back as well as shoulders

Back: Begin by placing your hands on the back of your head. Slowly bring your arms backward until you feel a light stretch on your back.

Top Photo: Junior Lucia Wang hits the ten-nis ball with force to her opponents. Photo Credit: Raji Ramanathan

Left Photo: Coach Amberlee Avina smiles for te camera as she precpares for tennis practice with the Lady Vikings. Photo Credit: Shilpa Sharma

Irvington Water Polo Stats

wins lossesVarsity Girls

Varsity Boys

JV Girls

JV Boys

1

4

2

4

4

1

3

1

Photos: Kim Ngo

Compiled by Anisha Babbar

Misfortune Cookies

Humor12 | The Voice 17.1

By Quess Liu

Photo: allposters.com

ASB set strict new rules last month regarding existing and new gangs at Irvington. With 62 established gangs and 32 awaiting approval, Gang Commissioner Linda Dong has begun merging gangs with similar themes, pressuring gangs to hold more activities, and rejecting new gangs that don’t meet strict requirements. “Yo man, this is whiggity-freakin-whack maaannn, we bein’ played” said senior Bola Ajibola, leader of the Hip-Hop Dance Gang, which was merged with the Break Dance Gang. “There are fundamental differences between hip-hop and breaking.” Mergers have been angering many gang leaders like Bola, who say that ASB is grouping gangs without looking at the specifi cs. The regulations come as many gangs cease holding activities and teachers fi nd themselves overseeing two to three gangs at a time. With a sharp decline in neutral zones, administrators say it is only a matter time before violent turf wars could occur.

“If the Environmental Gang and the Couture Gang ever get into a P-3 turf dispute,

10. Bill Clinton for First Lady! Vote Hillary!9. “No Country for Old Men,” Vote for Barack Obama!8. McCain - proof that “old” and “wise” aren’t necessarily synonymous7. Vote Obama! I suck way less than the other guy6. Vote George W. Bush! He promises no sex scandal: just look at him5. Ask not what you can do for your country; ask what

By Sri Ravipati and Rachel Li

By Salman Qasim

A collection of real fortune cookies gone bad

we could be seeing green on pink violence in no time,” said Assistant Principal Steven Musto.

ASB also has effi ciency and productivity concerns. Gangs like the Arsonists Gang hold events often, like their recent school fi re fund raiser, or the Shank Gang, which recently completed a successful stabbing. However, other gangs, such as the Creative Sewing Gang or Chess Gang, haven’t organized beatings, vandalism or choreographed gang dances in months. “We just had way too many gangs,” said Linda, “and some of them were pretty

pointless. I mean, the Rubik’s Cube gang? Really? How would they even pick a gang color?” Yet many gang heads are afraid of losing their leadership positions through mergers, and wish to fi ght the new regulations. Protests have already occurred in back-alleys and seedy bars all over Irvington. But many un-approved gangs plan on moving ahead with their plans anyway. “If we ain’t approved, it dun matta to us, foo” said junior Tiki Tikwalla, who founded the Do Something Gang, “We still gon go out there and do something.”

Top Ten Political Campaign Slogans

ASB to Merge Irvington GangsInfl ux of new gangs forces ASB to set new rules; gang heads unhappy

You will wake up tomorrow

with a fever and the stomach

fl u

If this didn’t make you laugh

then pay a trip to the mirror

Letting your crush copy your

homework everyday won’t

get him to like you

You weren’t nominated for

Homecoming court for a

reason

You’re never going to fi t into

your old clothes again, so

stop trying

Your older sibling will always

outshine you

In your case, it’s true; you’re

failing because your teachers

hate you personally

You have a big future in

public food service

Start looking for a Winter

Ball date because you won’t

be asked

Import Videogames Gang (above) refuses to merge with Anime Gang.

Photo: yeinjee.com

your country can take from others and give to you!4. Obama ’08! Change is all you’ll have left!3. ¡Vote a John McCain en ‘08! Él está muy bien por inmigrantes ilegales2. Monica Lewinsky’s ex-boyfriend’s wife for president! Vote Hillary Clinton!1. Barack Obama is loud and makes you feel good, but it is only hot air. . . like a fart. Vote John McCain!A popular float at one of Obama’s super-hyphy, political parades.

Photo: awib.org

Photo: allposters.com

Photo: Raji Ramanathan

Photo: Raji Ramanathan

News to KnowMdman Drowns One Puppy Per Wink in Vice Presidential Debate

Four-Way Tie For Homecoming Queen; Supreme Court Decision Halts Recount

Palin’s House Burns Down; Foreign Policy Experience Gone

Global Warming Causes “Froyo” Craze To Melt

Local Firefi ghters on Strike, Fire-station Burned Down Photo: prattville.com

By Voice Staff

1. Sweats/PJ bottoms - We all know that school is our “job” and it is true. Obviously, you would not go to your job in sweats or PJ bottoms. Your classmates don’t want to know what you smelled like the night before. We also don’t want to fi gure out that you haven’t washed your bed sheets in months. Do everyone a favor and change into clean, real clothes before coming to school.

By Marlo Yonocruz

Ridiculous Fashion TrendsIf your fashion style falls under this list, be very ashamed

4. Really bright colors - After seeing guys wear T-shirts containing just about every color on the spectrum of light, I’m starting to believe that I’m going color blind. Guys, you are not going to pick up girls looking like you just came out of the fruity section of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The term “peacocking” means trying to impress others with fl ashy clothing. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work when you and your friends look like the long lost members of the M&M family. Try developing actual social skills and real talents to get girls.

3. Flip Flops year-round - Not only do girls love pressure-cooking their toes by wearing Uggs in the summer, but they also love deep freezing them during the winter. “Whoa, girl, I think your toes are turning pink. Maybe you should wear some actual shoes with some socks?” Response: “I LOOK BEAUTIFUL!”

2. Kiddy Backpacks - “I claim to be studying at a high school level, and yet I prefer to go down to Lucky’s and buy some cheap, Spiderman backpacks clearly meant for third graders. You think I care that I snatched the last Pokemon backpack away from that eight year old? Heck no. I also like how my Dora the Explorer backpack matches my pink tee and pink hat,” said a student.

Phot

o:m

omin

thec

ity.c

omPh

oto:

clo

thin

gwire

.com