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The Bull's Eye - January 2009

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VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE V

The Bulls Eye


INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Inauguration Edition
MAKING A MARC Will new, USB President Marc Inocencio make a big splash at DBHS? Get ready to dive into the thoughts of this effervescent junior. Please see page 6. RIP OFF Sure they are brilliant, but are American televison shows really original? Discover shows that are based off ideas from other countries. Please see page 11. NEW CIVIL WAR This time, it is not about color, but about sexuality. Read why a high school solely for homosexuals should not be considered. Please see page 4.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

DIAMOND BAR HIGH SCHOOL

Air Quality in Hong Kong Causes Residents to Emigrate

COLUMN ONE

The air pollution in Hong Kong is causing problems for both the residents health and the citys economy. The government is working on new laws to prevent further damage. Ruby Hwang Contributing Staff Writer Officials have revealed that Hong Kongs air quality is now the worst ever recorded. Hong Kong began monitoring its air in 1998, and the amount of pollution has significantly increased since then. A recent survey by Civic Engine, a think tank in Hong Kong, showed that every one in five, or nearly 1.4 million residents, are considering leaving the city due to the poor condition of the air. Because of this, city officials are now attempting to produce long-term plans to reduce the pollution. One of the biggest problems is the citys location. With about 57,500 factories, more than eighty percent of the pollution comes from fumes that are blown over by factories from across the city. Coal-powered factories are said to be some of the worst causes of pollution in Hong Kong. The quality of Hong Kongs air is taking a toll on its economy as well. Many of those who leave the city, are high-earning, well-educated workers. If these trends continue, Hong Kong will lose many of its existing and future businesses. "People from all sectors of society know that air pollution is making them sick, stated Michael DeGolyer, the Director of Baptist Universitys Hong Kong Transition Project, on the issue of air pollution in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Agency warned that the air is much worse than it has been said to be, claiming that only the most life-threatening levels of pollution have been considered. At least 10,000 deaths in Hong Kong are caused by air pollution every year, and a majority of those deaths have affected the elderly. In an attempt to improve the air quality, the government is now paying residents to drive cars that are more environmentallyfriendly. Drivers will also be fined if they do not follow the citys emission standards. These measures are expected to encourage the people of Hong Kong to conserve energy. In addition to creating new laws, the government is also rewriting old laws. Until now, pollution levels in Hong Kong were measured based on regulations that were written in 1987. A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong has stated, The government shares the aspiration of the public for clean air and has been implementing strong measures to control our emissions at source, particularly from road transport and power generation. Donald Tsang, Hong Kong Chief Executive, called the problem a matter of life and death.

DANCE: DJ Eddie will spin the music for the night. A wide selection of desserts and refreshments will also be provided. Today is the last day to turn in date passes. Eric Lee Staff Writer Diamond Bar High Schools annual winter formal dance will be held at the White House Event Center located in Anaheim on Saturday, February 7, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This years theme will be While the President is Out, chosen by Girls League, which hosts the dance every year. The theme is different compared to that of previous dances because the dance will take place closely after the inauguration and students will be able to relate to the theme. Girls League Advisor Lisa Pacheco stated, What better way to celebrate an event than to be in a place like the White House to get wrapped up in the excitement. DBHS is one of the first schools to have a dance at the White House Event Center. Pacheco said, [This is] because Kathy Miller, the party planner, really trusts the DBHS students. Shes had very good experiences in the past with DBHS, and she doesnt have any worries or concerns that the venue will be damaged. Shes really excited about having us have our dance there. The venues exterior is an exact replica of the actual White House. Pacheco said, [It is] one of the best venues we have ever had. The venue will be decorated with a red, silver, and blue color scheme. It will also feature a rose garden, a [Please see PRESIDENT on page 3]

Winter Formal to be Held at White House Event Center

RAISE THE WOOF The varsity boys basketball team said fetch when they tied down the Chino Hills Huskies and beat them by three points. Please see page 14.

Planting up a storm!...Seniors Kevin Lawrence and Matthew Fontana dig holes as other volunteers watch and plant Cyprus trees in Carbon Canyon Regional Park . Leanne Fan

DBHS Students Participate in First Eco Challenge


GREEN : One Air raffled off reusable bags and water bottles. The team plans to present a plaque to the fire department in February for their efforts to keep the community safe. Iris Li Staff Writer Diamond Bar High Schools One Air team hosted their Plant a TreeSave the World campaign at Carbon Canyon Regional Park on Sunday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. About 150 trees were donated to the Carbon Canyon Regional Park, but only twenty Cyprus trees were allowed to be planted. One Air hosted this event to restore the park that was damaged by the Triangle Complex Fires in November, and to educate the attendees on improving the air quality in our community. Our mission is to unite our community while planting trees in the burned areas of Carbon Canyon Regional Park as a memorial for the people that lost property after the fires, explained senior Valerie Lopez, the leader of One Air. The One Air team consists of ten DBHS students, Jessica Chen, Erin Duff, Ava Jahanvash, Trevor Malik, Alvin Lee, Henry Lee, Valerie Lopez, Brandon Sim, Sweet Song, and Eric Wong, who are participating in the Lexus Eco Challenge competition. Trees are a natural air filter, and by planting trees, it helps the air a lot; not only cleaning up and providing more oxygen, but it can also help the area stay cooler, said Jahanvash. Although twenty trees arent going to have great immediate impact, it only takes one to start making a difference, commented Lopez. DBHS Leo Club, Key Club, and community residents volunteered at the event. Special guests who came to support the event included

Freestylerz Dance for Neglected and Abused


CHILDREN: Anthony Tietz set the time and place for the Freestylerz to perform at Hillview Acres. The dancers connected with and inspired the kids from the home. Marcel Boubion Contributing Staff Writer Diamond Bar High Schools Freestylerz danced for the Hillview Acres Home for Children in Chino, a home for severely neglected and abused children ages 6 18 on Friday, January 16. The team surprised the kids with a visit during their movie night and performed for them. The dancing started at around 7 p.m. About thirty members of the Freestylerz came to dance, consisting mostly of break dancers. Towards the end of the night, the Freestylerz discovered that about five or six children were dancers as well, although most of the people who worked there did not know. The kids themselves started dancing. It was pretty good [] it kind of surprised us, commented President of the Freestylerz, senior Andrew Shin. The children surprised everyone with their moves, and everyone cheered them on. Thats kind of the whole reason we were there, to make them feel like they could be

Jack Tanaka, a council member of Diamond Bar, and Naveen Berry, an employee of the Air Quality Management District of Southern California. We can help our community recover and regenerate everything back to the way it was before by planting trees, commented junior Gary Li, a member of the Leo Club. The trees were donated by the Brea Olinda Nursery and the Coiner Nursery. Jongs Egg Ranch donated the organic fertilizers for the trees. AQMD and One Air set up booths to display brochures and [Please see GROW on page 3]

celebrated. It wasnt about us being the stars, it was about them being the stars, said the Freestylerz advisor Anthony Tietz, You could be the best or the worst and you are going to be loved no matter what, thats the thing I loved the most about being around the Freestylerz. Tietz set the time for the Freestylerz to perform for the kids. We went in trying to entertain them more, instead of just dancing, and we actually connected with them because thats what its all about, said Shin. Tietz organized the event with admiration for what the home does for the children. He wanted to find a way to help the children, and possibly inspire them. Before the dance, the team did not know what to expect. The visit was eye opening for most of the dancers. It was really inspiring. We wish it could have been longer or maybe we could do things like this more often, said Shin. The Freestylerz successfully connected with the children from Hillview Acres. We didnt expect to impress them, we just expected to show them what we are and who we are, stated Shen. Were entertainers and were a family. Were definitely up for anything that people want to throw at us.

United Student Body Welcomes New Members


INSTALL: The 2008-2009 E-board performed a skit for guests during the installation/ extollation. The skit was held t o m o c k l a s t y e a r s U S B members. Genesis Keller Asst. News Editor The United Student Body Installation/Extollation was held on Sunday, January 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Diamond Bar High School Theater. The ceremony was held to welcome the incoming 2009-2010 USB officers and commissioners, and to honor and thank the 2008-2009 USB members. Tickets to the event cost 20 dollars, which included dinner. The 2008-2009 USB members, incoming USB members, DBHS administration, and individuals invited by USB members were allowed to attend the ceremony. The ceremony had an Italian theme. Tables and chairs were set up outside of the DBHS Theater. The location was chosen by Petria Gonzales, the activities director, because it wasnt as costly as having it

Talk it out...The 2008-2009 USB President Bobby Herrman gives his presidential oration to the old and new E-board members. Tiffany Huey

somewhere else. The theme for USB this year is Dare to be Different, which was chosen by the 2009-2010 executive board. The new E-board includes juniors USB President Marc Inocencio, Vice President Raely Saldana, Speaker of the House Sabrina Liu, Interorganizational Chairperson Katie Cardoza, Secretary Judy Hwang, and Finance Director Mikey Sarmiento. This year will undoubtedly [Please see NEW on page 3]

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

News

THE BULLS EYE

News

On Target
KEEP UP THE HARD WORK Tired? Had a hard week of school? Is your stress level shooting up? Need that well-earned break? Well, now is your chance to sleep away those bags and headaches. There is a Late Start day on Wednesday, February 4. THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY Are you lonely? Do you have nobody to call your own, or no significant other? Well that could all change this year. Get off that couch, put on some fresh clothes, and get a new haircut because Valentines Day is here! Now is your chance to woo the love of your life. Valentines Day is on Saturday, February 14. A LITTLE GIFT FROM MR. PRESIDENT WHOO! Its Presidents Day. LETS CELEBRATE! Now lets be serious. We all know that is not the reason why we are celebrating. Dont worry; well let you get away with it this time. Who wouldnt appreciate a good break from school anyway? Thank you Presidents! There is no school on Monday, February 16. ARE YOU GOOD ENOUGH? Have you been staying up past midnight every day or pulling out your hair in agitation? Do you need to buy hair dye because your hair is now white? Dont worry. All your hard work will pay off when your parents finally buy you that new car because you are in the Top 10 of your class. But even though you are the president of every club, have straight As in every class, and have served the community for over 200 hours, please dont forget to turn those applications in on time. Top 10 applications are due on Wednesday, February 18.

Gotta kick it up...Diamond Bar High School dancers showcase their talent to their families and friends after many months of hard work and preparation. Ashley Chen

SHOW: Twenty-nine dances were performed by DBHS students during the concert. Dancers auditioned before winter break and practiced every opportunity they had. Elizabeth Lee Staff Writer The dance department held its annual winter dance concert, Dancers at Work, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9. Performers included students on the Dance Team,

Dancers Perform Annual Winter Concert at the DBHS Theater


the All Male Dance Crew, in the Advanced Dance Class, and in the Intermediate Dance Class. Students from Janna Lindenbergs Beginning Dance Class and Intermediate Dance Class ushered for the event. [The students] started at the very start of the semester; and it was for a grade. They would show me [their dances] throughout the semester as it progressed, Lindenberg explained, Some of the dances were a little quicker to come [] together, but some of the smaller groups have been working on it all semester. Auditions for the concert were held before the break. Dancers practiced during lunch, after school, during their dance period, and during winter break. The Dance Team also performed choreographed pieces, some of which are going to be in competitions. [The concert] had way more variety and we had a lot of boys this year that were willing [to] learn new things. They would put themselves out there

City Brings Snow to DB Residents


FROST: Refreshments including pizza, Thai barbeque, hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade, and funnel cake were available for purchase by attendees of the event. Iris Li Staff Writer The City of Diamond Bar held its 9th annual Winter Snow Fest at Pantera Park on Saturday, January 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eighty tons of snow was provided by the City of Diamond Bar for three, 25-foot long slides that attendees could sled down. The Winter Snow Fest featured a wide selection of games, activities, entertainment, and food. [I enjoyed] the experience of playing in fake snow as well as just hanging out with friends and other members of the community, commented senior Henry Lee, a Leo Club member.

and do crazy stuff because they love to dance, said senior Tori Thomas. A total of 29 dances were performed. I think everybody did a great job. The tech went really smoothly and the audience was great. I was very pleased and very proud, stated Lindenberg. Next semesters concert includes my entire department, so not just the intermediate and advanced classes, it also includes my beginning classes, commented Lindenberg.

Words of Wisdom..Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr, the author of 63 books and pamphlets, speaks to the Muslim Student Association about the challenges that youth face today. Leanne Fan

Students from Diamond Bar High School, Diamond Ranch High School, and Walnut High School volunteered at the event by running game and activity booths. There were also face painting and coloring booths run by DBHS Leo Club members. As the president of the DBHS Leo Club, I ran the face painting booth. I organized how many and which Leos would work at our booth at what times, as well as, which kids would sit where while getting their faces painted. I also did some advertising to get more people to come to our totally free face painting booth, explained junior Tim Huang, President of the Leo Club. Presentations included karate, dancing, and singing by various school and community groups. A variety of food was sold during the event including pizza, Thai barbeque, hot dogs, hamburgers, and more.

Play, Laugh, Snow...Children ride sleds down the slopes as volunteers await them at the bottom. Eunice Lee Beverages included lemonade, Excel Landscape. water, soda, and hot cocoa. The Winter Snow Fest was Admission to the event a great event because you get and snow play areas was to have fun in the snow. There is free. Wristbands for unlimited entertainment, food, and most sled rides and 10 games were importantly you get to hang out available for purchase at the with your friends and family. It is ticket booth for $5. It cost $1 to a lot of work to set up everything play 10 games. and then pack it up, but at the The sponsors of the end of the day, everyone goes event included David Evans & home satisfied because we Associates, MCE Corporation, know that we took part in the Inland Empire Tours & community and brought smiles Transportation, Southern to many faces, commented California Edison, Dickson, and senior Gurpreet Singh.

News

News
THE BULLS EYE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

news bits
A maid, who was fired in 2004 for drinking during job hours, was declared innocent by Perus top court. A judge considered the job loss to be abusive because the maid did not harm anyone. The court ruling mentioned that she was only drunk once and that her drinking was not repetitive. She is scheduled to start working again in October. Firefighters blamed goats for starting a fire in central Norwalk, Iowa. The goats, kept in a shed at the rear of a house, knocked down a space heater used by residents, who safely escaped with their dog, but are now missing a cat. A mans gun fell out of his pocket after using the restroom at a Carls Jr. Restaurant. The gun shattered a toilet and was triggered when it hit the floor. A woman at the opposite wall of the restroom was frightened after hearing the gunshot. Both people were questioned by police around the area. No charges were filed. Paul and Caragh Brooks exchanged their vows at a Taco Bell in Normal, Illinois. The fast food restaurant helped by decorating with streamers, balloons, and hot sauce packets that read Will you marry me? The couple and their families thought it was an easy and affordable way to go. The wedding cost about $200. Three siblings from Holland Township, New Jersey were taken from their home for having Nazi associated names, and are now in the custody of the state. The children were brought to peoples attention when a bakery declined to put the name Adolf Hitler Campbell on a birthday cake last month.

Stars of Diamond Bar Raises Funds for Recreation Within the City
GALA: Diamond Bar High Schools orchestra and California Scholarship Federation helped at the event. CSF acted as paparazzi photographing city officials as they arrived. Pamela Lewes Contributing Staff Writer Stars of DB, the City of Diamond Bars largest fundraiser, was held on Sunday, January 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center. The Stars of DB was the theme of this years Gala. It was a Hollywood theme that highlighted the stars of Diamond Bar. The event was planned by Gala Chairperson Jody Roberto and a committee consisting of members of the Diamond Bar Community Foundation Board. It was the fifth annual Gala and was also one of the biggest. Tickets sold for $100 per person, $175 per couple, and $850 for a table of ten. The Gala is a formal event where there is a sit down dinner, music provided by the Diamond Bar High School Orchestra, dancing to either music from a DJ or band, and a silent auction, stated Roberto. This year, there was a raffle drawing for the Walnut Valley Rotary Club. The Grand Prize for the Rotary Clubs drawing was $10,000. Roberto added, DBHS California Scholarship Federation was very helpful with setting up for the Gala and helping out at the event. Most of the tables were sponsored by businesses and individuals. Those who wish to have a small ad in the Gala Program paid $1000. There was a Walk of Fame with names of members of the community on it. There was also a red carpet surrounded by paparazzi made up of CSF and DB 4 Youth members that took pictures and asked for autographs as guests arrived. We brought in over $50,000 and will have close to a $30,000 profit, commented Roberto. Many people paid extra money to help support the Gala, but the biggest donors for Stars of DB included BP America, Majestic Realty, Valley Vista Services, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. There was a lot of publicity for the event. Stars of DB was publicized in local newspapers, on storefronts, and announced at various events. We wanted to sell as many tickets as possible to ensure the success of the event, said Roberto. The event was scheduled for November 16, but was cancelled due to the Triangle Complex Fire. Originally, 320 people were scheduled to attend the event, but because of the inconvenience due to the fire, there were approximately 275 attendees. DB 4 Youth, DBHS CSF members, and DBHS orchestra helped at the event. The president of CSF, Mina Mohammadi, had contacted Roberto prior to the Gala that was scheduled for November and offered to have students help out. California State Senator Bob Huff, Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem Carol Hererra, Councilman Steve Tye, Diamond Bar City

Manager Jim DeStefano, Director of Community Services Bob Rose, Mayor of La Habra Tom Beamish, and La Habra Council Members Tim Shaw and Jim Gomez were a few of the attendees at Stars of DB. The City of Diamond Bars former mayor, Jack Tanaka, was also present at the event. This was my fourth Gala. I think the whole evening was memorable. The arrival at the parking lot [and] rides in the limousine to the red carpet made you feel like a star. It is always worthwhile because of the many positive activities the Community Foundation supports, commented Tanaka. It took a year to plan Stars of DB. We use a lot of the same vendors every year which makes it a little easier. Our Foundation Board also meets regularly to plan and make decisions regarding the Gala, said Roberto. I was extremely pleased with the outcome, commented Roberto, We made more money than expected and [the turnout was] great.

Continued from page 1 PRESIDENT: Ticket sales end on Wednesday, February 4. fireplace, a patio, and a room called The West Wing, which is similar in appearance to a private nightclub. People posing as secret servicemen will stand in front of the White House Event Center, and a cardboard statue of, or someone dressed as, President Barack Obama will be available to take pictures with. Senior Bonnie Jan commented, Im very excitedI hope I can have a good time with my friends. There will be a full beverage bar consisting of water, soda, and coffee, and a wide variety of desserts and pastries. This year however, tickets will be more expensive than those of previous years. Pre-sale ticket sales began on Monday, January 12, and ended on Friday, January 23. The tickets were sold in the United Student Body room during lunch. Presale tickets cost $110 with two activity cards, $115 with one activity card, and $120 without any activity cards. Regular ticket sales began on Monday, January 26 and will end on Wednesday, February 4. Regular tickets cost $115 with two activity cards, $120 with one activity card, and $125 without any activity cards. Students are not the only ones excited for the dance. Pacheco stated, Im looking forward to seeing the kids reaction to the venue!

Continued from page 1 GROW: Leo Club and Key Club members volunteer to plant trees.

Stress mess...Peer Counselors paint posters to promote Stress Awareness Day. James An

Dig it up...Councilman Jack Tanaka supports One Air and its cause. Leanne Fan information about improving air gained valuable experience. quality. A pledge booth was The purpose of the challenge is set up for attendees to be more to do something different every aware of the environment. year, so next year may be a [The event] turned out different event to help reduce air better than I expected. A lot of pollution, stated Lynn Wan, the kids participated and I think they advisor of One Air.

Continued from page 1 NEW: An Italian-themed installation/extollation ceremony was held for new and old USB members. be a very fun year, but we must never forget the true purpose of the United Student Body: making a difference. Leadership is someone whos willing to make a difference, someone who dares to be different, said Inocencio during his speech. The evening began with dinner, and guests were later invited to go into the theatre for the actual ceremony. Bobby Herrman, the 2008-2009 USB President, began with the USB agenda followed by a skit performed by the 20082009 E-board. After the skit, speeches were made by the Senate, E-board, and President. During his Inaugural Address, Inocencio said, This year, alongside with my talented executive board, I seek to include many elements of true leadership that are essential to a great USB, which includes being able to go the extra mile and creating more leaders with a greater vision than our own. At the end of the evening, Gonzales gave out USB awards to the 2008-2009 USB members and the Commissioners of Visual Communications presented a special slideshow. The E-board for 2008-2009 holds high expectations for the incoming officers. Although the 2008-2009 officers have been relieved of their duties, they will miss USB. Im going to miss knowing that every fourth period I get to see and hang out with my best friends, commented senior Ashkon Nosrat, the Attorney General and School Board Representative. When asked what she will miss the most about the 20082009 officers, Gonzales replied, Ill miss their personalities, but I hope that the new officers will exceed this years USB.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

THE BULLS EYE

Editorial

Editorial
Pro: Israel Operations Op-Ed: High Schools for the Homosexual
Katie Lee Editorial Cartoonist The recent eruption of violence in the Middle-East was triggered by the provocation of the Hamas and has led Israel to conduct air strikes and ground sweeps in order to locate and destroy the responsible terrorists. The international community must recognize that Hamas violated the right of life of the Israelis and that Israel should have the right to eliminate a threat to its safety. Israel rightfully declared that it was merely defending itself after the Hamas deliberately violated the six-month ceasere last month with rocket attacks. Imminent action was necessary to maintain the stability in the region; furthermore, Israel has every right to defend itself from the terrorism of the Hamas. To retain peace within a country, the government must be responsible for the full defense of its borders. If Israel does not defend its borders, no peace can be attained. In order to ensure protection for the citizens of Israel, the government of Israel had no choice but to invade. In spite of the propaganda overowing from Hamas, countries must recognize the rights of Israel to defend itself from haphazard attacks. The Hamas is a terrorist organization that seized its power from the legitimate Palestinian authority. True to its terrorist roots, the Hamas is using Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip as human shields. From Israels perspective, the events of the past two weeks have not been a war on the people of Gaza but a war on the people who are using them as shields. This cowardly act is the basis for Israels need to execute ground attacks and ultimately minimize civilian casualties on both sides. Whatever tactics Israel must employ are justied if they attain peace in Gaza. Although many still nd it brutally ironic that Israel is responding to violence with more violence and bloodshed, Israel had formerly considered other more passive options. Israel has made many attempts at peace with the Hamas in the past along with the support of other countries. Moreover, Israel is commendable for even trying because the Hamas position is extreme and its members are bent upon Israels extinction. In short, Israel has been seeking peace while the Hamas has only been interested in serving its extremist dogma. Also, by seizing power in Gaza and undermining Israels reactions, the Hamas deliberately provoked Israel into this conict. Despite Israels ideology of peace, the Israeli government has an obligation to protect the security of its citizens. If Israels response to the provocation is null, the Israeli government will be considered impotent. As a world power, the United States should side with Israel to help extinguish the ambitions of terrorists especially from randomly ring rockets into an area where civilians are located. Israel is our ally, and it is not only desirable to help defend the recent attacks, it is a responsibility. The international community must pressure the Hamas and the other extremist groups to contain their violence and force a peace on their fundamental belief which is rooted in hatred. It is the international communitys responsibility to preserve peace in the Middle East and let all beliefs prosper without bringing harm to innocent people. Gina Hong Editor-in-Chief In mid-December, President Barack Obama announced his choice for Secretary of Education: Arne Duncan, now former CEO of Chicago Public Schools. One of the most notable facts circulated by news reporters covering the announcement was Duncans previous proposal of controversial plans for a special public high school for homosexuals. The Social Justice Solidarity High School (previously named Social Justice High School, Pride Campus) in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago would be open to all students, but would seek to encourage a healthy and safe atmosphere for individuals often targeted for their sexual identities. Whether or not the establishment of such an institution would actually constitute shelter or discrimination is a question that comprises the crux of this controversy. Supporters believe that it will have a positive effect, that creation of a new school. It is likely that in every educational institution, at least one student has suffered emotional conictanger, shame, and humiliationbecause of his or her sexual orientation. Now that Duncan, someone with the aim and power to create a haven for such victimized students and their allies, 2003 CHICAGO DISTRICT SURVEY is in a position of shows that gay and lesbian youths are federal authority, three times more likely to miss school o p p o n e n t s because they dont feel safe. criticize the STUDIES SHOW THAT GAY AND LESBIAN proposal and opt STUDENTS ARE AT GREATER RISK FOR: to return to a ght dropping out of school that has been tirelessly fought abusing drugs and alcohol for all too gradual attempting suicide (two to three times and minimal more likely) recompense thus tolerance, not separation. far. Perhaps this is a Yet the achievement of a rather pessimistic outlook, but universally more open-minded waiting for people to change outlook on homosexuality is a their minds, merely encouraging reward that will not be gained homophobic teenagers tobe for years to come; for decades, more broadminded, has yet perhaps even centuries, the to advance the understanding debate over the morality and of homosexuality amidst education of homosexuality educational institutions. Of has reached far deeper than course, the effort to promote any controversy over the tolerance must be continued; it will foster a safe environment for students who feel threatened because of their sexual orientation. Opponents, including some gay-rights advocates, consider such isolation of homosexuals to be segregation, asserting that ofcials should work more on encouraging acceptance and yet the opening of minds is a painstaking, time-consuming process. In the meantime, it is crucial for gay and lesbian students to have an option that guarantees safety, particularly in the educational sphere. Plans for Social Justice Solidarity High School have been stalled in response to mounting criticism from various parties on both sides of the general issue of homosexuality who are concerned with segregation. However, this delay is particularly unfortunate since the alternative to separating gay students is leaving them vulnerable to anti-homosexual attacks. Opponents are concerned that separation enforces the idea that homosexuals are different but they are different, and furthermore, they are at risk for emotional and physical danger because of their differences. The need to eliminate these risks by providing a safe institution outweighs any concerns over segregation: it is more important to protect those who are different than to be alarmed about accentuating their differences.

Despite Israels ideology of peace, it has an obligation to protect the security of its citizens.

Con: Israel Operations


Adeel Mohammadi Asst. Editorial Editor Israels utter disregard for human life has surpassed all limits with the countrys recent operation to collectively punish the nearly 1.5 million residents of the Gaza Strip. The countless deaths of innocent people were ignored by Israeli forces, who insisted on securing the future of Israel at the cost of civilian lives. Basic humanitarian impulses should have halted Israels unwarranted offensive against the residents of Gaza weeks before the acceptance of the recent cease-re. Israel had no right to kill hundreds of innocent civilians and now deserves to be castigated for its rampage. Modest gures claim that the Palestinian death toll is over 1,300about one third of which are children. Israels offensive to stop Hamas militants very quickly turned into genocide and a show of unilateral military strength. This was nothing more than Israels way of terrorizing a noncompliant nation into submission. With armaments provided by the United States, Israel shelled day and night. Residents of Gaza, who were not allowed to leave the area because of the Israeli border closings, were forced to live in constant fear. Israel claims it was provoked into war by rockets sent into its territory by Hamas, yet the wayward actions of an extremist group do not warrant this disproportionate slaughter. In what the United Nations has called the collective punishment of the people of Gaza, a new generation is being ex-

This was nothing more than Israels underhanded way of terrorizing a noncompliant nation into submission.

The Alien Speaks


I am an alien of the United States of America. It means an extra section to ll out on college applications and tracking by Homeland Security, not to mention countless annoyances that most Americans cannot even imagine. I was told that the naturalization process took ve years, but fteen years later, Im still getting stopped at state borders. The Terrorists from Arizona My family and I had enjoyed Thanksgiving vacation in Arizona and were crossing into Utah at the state border, where homeland security ofcials inspected each vehicle by asking its occupants about their citizenship status. When it got to be our turn, we told the ofcer that we were not citizens, but permanent residents. From which destitute nation in South America could three obviously Americanized Chinese people drive to Utah? It was all illogical and impractical to me as I sat in the cramped detention cell, next to the urine-clogged toilet. I cannot grasp the gaping chasm of difference between a citizen and a permanent resident, and I nd this deliberate targeting of a group of people parallel to gender or racial discrimination. I understand the safety concerns, but I can not see why America has more to fear from legal immigrants than from citizens. Checking for stereotypes at customs Prior to receiving the green card that denotes permanent residency, my family had to pass through a different inspection section at the airport. On one occasion, after returning to the US from a trip to China, I had to ll out a series of convoluted forms and pass through a special security line that usually takes twice as long as the other line. So while the American citizens walked right out of the airport, I had to submit to questioning before a customs inspector. He proceeded to ask me in a deliberately loud and slow voice whether I was carrying mooncakes, lotus, or Chinese ointments on my person. I found his line of questioning stereotypical and offensive as I am a legal immigrant and am owed the same rights as we the people. But I have to suffer through the indignation the second-tier citizen because the American government (whose founding was at the hands of immigrants) nds their pilgrims foreign and therefore untrustworthy. Inconveniences As an alien, not only am I frequently subject to special inspections, I am also constantly monitored by the State Department and Homeland Security. Again, while I recognize that in the interests of national security, foreign nationals should be monitored for your safety, the fact that my family must report to Homeland Securityan ofce established as a counterterrorism measureis disconcerting. And while my parents are never summoned for jury duty and I cannot serve the military should a draft be implemented, it makes me quake to think what other Constitutional provisions do not pertain to the alien.

posed to Israeli atrocitiesand Israel wonders why young men are willing to risk their lives and wage war against her. Israel maintains that Hamas is at fault for all the bloodshed, but it is difcult to tell this to the thousands of injured who lie in poorly supplied hospitals thanks to Israels blockade. In the past weeks, Israel has targeted civilians, going as far as to bomb a UN school, which was being used as a shelter for evacuees told by Israeli ofcials to leave their homes. In another incident, the UN conrms that soon after Israeli troops forced a whole family to evacuate into an empty building, they bombed the same building, killing more than 30. Journalists, foreigners, aid workers, and innocent civilians have all been targeted in what has amounted

to a Gazan Holocaust, the slow extermination of an entire nation under the pretense of defense. The Israelis did not even have a clear objective in this military operationperhaps this was their way of capturing the entire nation of Palestine. Israel has long exploited the sympathy of the world for what happened decades ago during the Second World War; it seems that Israel has now found a target which it too can ruthlessly bombard while the world looks on without action. In what the United Nations, the Red Cross, the Vatican, and numerous other international organizations have labeled a clear violation of human dignity and international law, the transgressions of the Israeli government and military are beyond all limits of acceptable behavior. Blatant war crimes have been committedthe Israelis need to be held accountable for their actions. It is time for Israel to start behaving like the rst world country it so desperately aspires to become.

Commentary: Women and Eating


Gina Hong Editor-in-Chief New research headed by Dr. Gene-Jack Wang of Brookhaven National Laboratory was published this month. His studies show that men are able to ght off food urges better than women, or at least their brain activity is vastly different than that of women when asked to suppress their desire for food. A group of people was asked to fast for over 17 hours before being asked to resist their hunger. After this request, the womens brain activity remained relatively the same while men exhibited a drop in brain regions pertaining to emotion and motivation: men seem to have better cerebral tools for appetite control. The two genders did, however, agree that they felt less hungry after being asked to control their desire. Marci Pelchat, a food scientist at Monell Chemical Senses Center, who was not involved in the research, commented on this similarity, saying that the women may have felt just as hungry but were too embarrassed to admit it. In our society, being able to diet is seen as being somehow praiseworthy, she said, and so failing at self-control might be something that people might not want to admit. Self-control. What a hallowed virtue among women. Particularly in regard to food, women are entangled in expectations and subconscious associations with self-control. Pelchat stated that we prize being able to diet; this is true, but praise is not allotted to the act of dieting, specically. What is truly valued is the capacity of a woman to reign in her traditionally overabundant emotions, her sensitivity, and her resultant vulnerability. Throughout the canon of philosophy, women have been spoken of with a certain virulence, as something tempting or sinful, in a manner that is remarkably similar to the way society now speaks of food. In fact, it has been argued that food has replaced sex as the prime cultural taboo: but this taboo is not one against eating, or sex, or the eshit is taboo against the loss of control. In the past, female sexuality has often been bracketed together with sexual voracity: an inability to harness ones hungers and physical appetites. This cloud of doubt over the power of a woman to control herself has simply shifted over to matters of food, which, like sex, physically graties and can be seen as an indulgence, a submission to cravings. This conict (internally, within the women themselves, and also between the two genders) is rooted in the ageold hostilities between the two sexes and thus it manifests itself in various relations between men

and women. Women are often undesirable business partners or leaders because they are commonly seen as inept in restraining their emotions. The most unseemly thing a woman might do in polite society is to eat uncontrollably, and in contrast her control over her appetite, her weight, and her sexual urges is revered. Eating disorders are not expected to occur in men, and, interestingly enough, conditions like anorexia and bulimia are not physical inictions but mental ones that stem most frequently from a patients fears and obsession over control. Perhaps anorexics and bulimics simply suffer an inward amplication of the value over self-restraint that is embedded in societys collective opinion of women. Wangs research team did not actually test to see which gender could restrain their hunger for a longer period of time. It would have been interesting, though, to observe which sex bends rst, not toward hunger, but away from self-control. Natural operations of the brain may favor men, yet societys derision and expectations, which often prove stronger than any natural circumstance, have long conditioned the female sex to struggle to maintain controlover the body and over the mind, regardless of whether or not brain activity in women differ from that of their male counterparts.

Editorial

THE BULLS EYE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Editorial
Out of the Box
Sorry Democrats, Obama isnt faster than a speeding bullet, doesnt have X-ray vision, and can only jump small buildings. Kevin Acciani

In President Obama s spirit, Im gonna drop out of school, not get a job, and live off of welfare. Change I can believe in. Jonathan Laliberte Maybe by non-believer Obama was referring to the 46% of Americans who didnt vote for him. Eric Su Barack Obamas staff looks eerily like Clintons. Maybe Michelle should appoint the interns. Ryan DeVore
Obama and Biden graciously accepted gifts from the American people after their inaugurations. I don t remember signing the card. Adeel Mohammadi

Blazing Trails of Satire

Closed Captioning for the Hard of Hearing


Sharon Lin Asst. Editorial Editor

Diane Feinstein: I am now honored to present the poet laureate, Elizabeth Alexander. Elizabeth Alexander: PRAISE. (dramatic pause) Song, for the day. EACH day, we go about our Business. Walk-ing past each Other, LOOKING at each others eyes. Or not. About to speak. Or speaking. All a-bout us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din. EACH one of our an-ces-tors on our TONGUES. Som-eone is stitching up a HEM. DARNING a hole in a uniform, patch-ing a tire, repairing. The THINGS. In need. Of repair. Someone. Is TRYING. To make music Some. where.

With a pair of wood-en spoons on an oil DRUM. With cell-o, boom box, harm.on.ica, voice. A woman. And her son WAIT for. A ride. A farmer, WONDERS when the wa-ter will fall; A teacher says, TAKE out. Your pencils. Write. We encount.er each Other in words, words SPINY, or smooth. Whispered, or deCLAIMED; words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt. roads. and HIGHways, that mark. The will. Of someone and then others who said, I need to see whats on the other side; I know. the grass. is greener. somewhere else. We need to nd a place. where we are safe; We walk in-to that. Which we can-not yet see. Say it plain, that many have died for THIS day. SING the names of the dead who BROUGHT us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, (Pauses and shufes paper.) (Still paused.) PICKED the cotton and the lettuce, built BRICK by BRICK the GLITTering EDices they would then KEEP clean and work. inside of. Praise. Song. For struggle; Praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The g-ur-ing it out at kitchen tables. Some live. By Love thy neighbor as thy self. Others by rst do no harm, or take no more than you need. What. If the mightiest word is. Love? Love beyond marital, lial, national. LOVE that casts a wi-den-ing pool of light. Love with no NEED to preempt griev-ance. In tod-ays sharp sparkle, this. Cold, anything. Can be made, any. sent-ence begun. On the BRINK. On the BRIM, on the CUSPpraise. Song, for walk-ing forward in. that. LIGHT.

I dont remember signing either... But to me, Barack is a gift. I dont mind. Gina Hong
The Editorial Board invites The Bulls Eye readers to submit original commentary based on current events. All submitted work should be in accordance with the Editorial Policy in the staff box. Selected entries will be published in a subsequent issue of The Bulls Eye.

Relling the Tank


Elizabeth Lee Staff Writer In December, Congress officially allocated $17 billion to bail out General Motors and Chrysler; in return, they must draw up reconstruction plans by March or pay back the loan. Congress was right to support the major automobile manufacturers because the economic repercussions of not doing so may have been longlasting and crippling. One of the major reasons why Congress made the decision to bail out the automobile companies is because of the massive unemployment problem that would result from the collapse of the American auto industry. About three million people work for these two automobile manufacturers, and if Congress had decided to let these companies close, it would have to watch the unemployment rate skyrocket. With America already suffering historic economic lows, a major increase in unemployment would only worsen the situation and deplete the resources of an already taxed unemployment welfare system. Automobile parts suppliers would have also been deeply affected by the fall of two major automobile companies. Consumers would be hard-pressed to buy cars from companies that have led for bankruptcy for fear of the resale value of their purchase. If automobile manufacturing opposed the bailout failed to see the chain-reaction that would ensue after the bankruptcy of GM and Chrysler. They subjectively saw the automobile producers as an organization that would not have a major effect on the economy and failed to consider the consequences of the bankruptcy of those manufacturers. Many also believe that after the automobile manufacturers get their bailout, other industries will demand their own bailout, because, after all, GM and Chrysler got theirs. However, they seemed to underestimate the governments wisdom. The government knows that the automobile production managers have not been spending funds wiselythat is why there were certain requirements they had attached to the bailout funds. These requirements will help automobile producers reform their companies for the better. It was a wise decision on the governments part to attach strings to the bailout deal. Chrysler and GM are now being kept in line, because if they do not meet the three-month deadline for a reconstruction plan, they will have to pay back loans, something that they cannot afford to do. The motor companies must open up their books to government agencies and have plans that meet fuel efciency standards. Since these companies have thus far proved themselves incapable of managing funds well, these strings will ensure improvement and allow two of Americas oldest industrial institutions to progress. Though many still doubt the necessity of the bailout, bailout opposers will begin to see changes in the companies of top automobile producers. If Chrysler and GM abide to the requirements the government set for them, Americans will see more benets than drawbacks. It may take a couple of months to see the positive outcome of the bailout, but it is worth it. The decision Congress made also saved millions from unemployment. Taxpayers need to start lending a hand to businesses that constitute a large part of Americas economy; Congress approval of the bailout is the rst step in doing so.

An increase in unemployment would only exacerbate the a l re a d y t a x e d unemployment welfare system.


companies had declining sales, so would parts suppliers. That would lead to the unemployment of about 800,000 in addition to the approximated 3 million from the manufacturing plants. This would further increase the unemployment count and exacerbate the economic depression. Those who have

Editors-in-Chief Gina Hong Anahita Namaki News Editors Tiffany Huey Jennifer Shin Asst. News Editor Genesis Keller Editorial Editor Yufeng Luo

THE BULLS EYE STAFF


Diamond Bar High School 21400 E. Pathnder Rd. Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Asst. Sports Editors Ryan DeVore Andrew John Photo Editor Leanne Fan Asst. Photo Editors James An Ashley Chen Eunice Lee Business Manager Eliza Pan Asst. Business Manager Eric Su Editorial Cartoonist Katie Lee Staff Writers Kevin Acciani Elizabeth Lee Eric Lee Iris Li Asst. Copy Editor Reshma Patel Advisor Connie Chen

Asst. Editorial Editors Sharon Lin Adeel Mohammadi Feature Theme Editors Leanne Fan Lisa Park Asst. Feature Theme Editor Justin Kong A & E Editor Janice Yu Asst. A & E Editors Kevin Kang Jane Park Feature Editors Pia Kochhar Eliza Pan Asst. Feature Editors Pauline Phan Desiree Wang Sports Editor Phoebe Hua

Eye of the Editors


Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is lowering the quality of education in California. To deal with the states budget crisis, he is proposing to cut approximately $2.1 billion from public schools; his budget plan includes increasing class sizes, eliminating a week of school, and cutting down on science classes so schools would only require one of the two currently mandatory science courses to graduate. Rather than making an effort to better the education in public schools, he is actually making it worse. At Diamond Bar High School, classes hold 30 to 40 students on average. With this many students, we are already cramped in our seats with little room to move. For example, in an Advanced Placement Rhetoric class, every tablewith room for only four seatsis actually occupied by ve students. Increasing class sizes would mean even less room in classrooms, less private instruction from teachers, and a lower quality of education than could be provided. If anything, to improve education in California, Governor Schwarzenegger should be pushing to reduce class sizes. Furthermore, his proposal of cutting five days of school probably sounds appealing to students ears. However, if we think about it, ve days of schoolsix classes a day, 30 hours of instructionis a lot. In one week, classes cover about a chapter of material, and students know that we miss a lot instruction even by just missing one day of school. Being absent for lectures leads to a mountain of make-up work: imagine making up five extra days of school. By reducing the school calendar from 180 days to 175 days of school, students and teachers would be forced to move even faster and squeeze that last chapter into a shortened school year. Losing ve days of school is actually detrimental to students. In addition to all of these ridiculous proposals, Schwarzenegger has also suggested cutting one of the science courses students are required to take to graduate. Again, our governor is taking away from our education. At Diamond Bar, the number of seats available in a science course is already limited, so many students are unable to take their desired courses. Governor Schwarzenegger not only wants to reduce the amount of students able to take a science course, but also remove the whole course from a students high school curriculum! By making all of these cuts, he is not only hurting the educational environment and reducing the amount of materials available for us to use, but also taking away from the great education that we could receive.

Editorial Policy The Bulls Eye is a public forum that welcomes the views of our readers. Letters to the Editor will be accepted only if they are signed. The author may, however, request anonymity. The staff reserves the right to edit letters without changing content. Forward letters to Ms. Chen, Room 250.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Lisa Park Feature Theme Editor This weekend I completely broke all my theories about how I was independent and ready to go far, far away for college. My friends and I decided to watch Unborn, and as brave as I thought I was, the movie still gave me ultra creeps and resulted in me sleeping in my parents room DONT ASSUME I DO THIS ON A DAILY BASIS! It only happened this one time, this year, OK? Its funny to think that only so much time is left until high school is over. Its funny to think that Ill actually have to try growing up. When I think of high school I think of people looking back in their yearbooks and sighing Ahh, the memories and then I think about MY horrible, horrible yearbook pictures and how Ive managed to smile or half-blink or shrug in the most awkward ways EVERY year. But Ive learned to accept my only aw of horrible picture taking OK, ne, I admit I have many aws! Ive really tried to think of what I could possibly write here, but honestly, there isnt really a way to make this senior column NOT sound so cheesy. So Ive decided to give you a list of random things, some things that are really special to me and my senior year: -Since New Years, I have ambitious goals to fulll: Maintain a job and make money, work out (hah), get my license, walk the dogs, run a marathon, nish at least ve books, travel, get out of Diamond Bar. -Im afraid of so many things, but I have conquered so many things as well. Im scared of living forever and creepy things and being alone. Maybe if I admit my fears, someone will be able to admit theirs and conquer them too. -Good or bad, friendships have greatly impacted me. I feel so lucky to have such great people and I thank you guys so much! To Linda, Tim, and Dean for always saving my life and being there for me whenever I needed someone. Jennifer, for sticking with me since the embryo*.- James and Eunice and Janice and Gina, just because we have journalism together -Sister Park for being a sister. Thanks Bayo! Love you lots. And family and family! Failed. Ive failed to think. Its weird because when I think of a senior column, I imagine it to be something of a farewell to your high school life. Its still only January. Ive recently just nished my college applications and still have FAFSA and supplements and grades to worry about. Im still trying to get by, but right now, a nice conclusion seems necessary. But all I feel is confusion and hesitation over what clever line I can think up next. But really, whats on my mind is a test tomorrow, econ homework that I forgot to do, and my friend complaining about boys in her life (I still love you!). Im also bitter because while Im stuck here in this bubble, my sister is off to Paris tomorrow. There are so many little things that I feel are in my way, and I feel so distracted that I feel like Im unable to nish anything. Well, thats high school for you.

Marc Inocencio took the sacred oath on January 18th, 2009. So what does our new USB President think about the school, the students, and everything else on campusl? The Bulls Eye sat down with Mr. Inocencio to demystify the force that is USB. The new DBHS representative talks about changes in the making, common stereotypes of USB and the election process.

Meet the President: Marc Inocencio


run for president? MI: Bobby [Herrman] was a really big inspirationthe way he led people, inspired people and help[ed] people become a good person. That inspired me to run for president. I want [to have the] same effect on others. TBE: What do you think made students vote for you instead of your opponents? MI: I think it was the way I campaigned. I spent days after school, a week, talking to kids, having a conversation with them, and not just telling them to vote for me and walk away. I try to make myself approachable, so even if I did win, I want them to talk to me. activities more fun and then pretty much change every single thing weve done. Everything weve done, make it better and hopefully...also working with other groups pay attention to what they say and please other clubs. involved as much and hopefully everybody will have a fun time in high school. USB member. TBE: Mr. Gossett has told us that there is a huge problem with trash on our campus. Even when there is a trashcan a few feet away, students dont throw away their trash. What do you propose to do about this? MI: [...] USB can do something to, at least once a week we can go out and pick up trash and clean up the school. And h o p e f u l l y, we can do some sort of activity where we can show kids what the problem is, their actions. TBE: What do you think about the leadership ination problem where people just create clubs and say theyre president and do nothing? MI: Maybe look into the application a lot more deeply to see who really wants to do it and what their intentions were making the club are good, and we believe that they will use it to change and if people will join. Then I think that that club calls for an approval. TBE: How do executive board meetings usually go? What is decided? MI: We decide on a place we can all go and we just sit around and talk about the current issues within USB and we also talk about stuff we can do for the school. We brainstorm ideas and bring them into USB. The most recent one, we just discussed interviews, about who we wanted, what we were looking for in the new USB. I think the part that we run is basically the fun part, basically getting to decide, a major aspect in what we do. TBE: What advice do you have for students who are looking to ll your shoes in the future? MI: Go big or go home! TBE: Do you wish to pursue a political future? MI: I have been looking into leadership as something I can do in the future and hopefully change lives and inspire but who knows what the future has in store for me?

Feature

THE BULLS EYE

Feature

The Bulls Eye: What are the duties and powers of the USB president? Marc Inocencio: The USB president pretty much oversees all the social activities we put on, and most importantly, the USB president is supposed to be a good role model, lead by example and hopefully inspire others. TBE: What is your top priority as the USB president? MI: Pretty much, my top priority is to do better than last year. I know its going to be pretty tough. I have some big shoes to ll, but the main goal is for me to raise the bar even higher. TBE: Do you have some specic examples of that? MI: [...] maybe publicize an activity more or think outside the box, instead of wasting posters and stuff, maybe we can use other stuff like plastic footballs for publicizing an at-home football game or something like that, instead of wasting butcher paper after butcher paper that we only use for one week. TBE: What made you want to

Guilty Pleasures
Ashley Ahn Contributing Staff Writer

TBE: What do you think about the allegations that the elections are just a popularity contest? TBE: You MI: Its really about probably campaigning your My fellow citizens...USB President Marc Inocencio speaks Leanne Fan know that hardest. You need to USB . to put yourself out there. Really, TBE: What are some of the there is a lot of grumbling I didnt know that many people. biggest problems that the about the special privileges that There are these categories of school, the students, or USB is USBers get. What do you have the Asians and the Populars. facing right now? What do you to say to that? Really its about how hard you plan to do about it? MI: We really dont have as much campaign. If people see that, MI: I think the school needs to privileges as everybody says we theyre going be like, I think reach out to those who arent do. Instead, once we get into as social as everybody else USB, were taught to be servant hes going to do a good job. because usually we focus on leaders, were supposed to set TBE: What changes do you those who are really school- behind the line and encourage spirited and I want to reach people to step forward. Really, have in store for 2009-2010? MI: Hopefully make lunchtime out to those who dont get there are rarely perks to being a

I like saving food to the point of expiration because aging it gives it more flavor.

peter gi junior

Guilty pleasures: the alternative of dancing like nobodys watching. Whats life without these quirky little abnormalities? Whether its singing at the top of your lungs to crummy 80s music or playing with your sisters Barbies, guilty pleasures are what get us through the hard days. Personally, as an anti-boy band kind of girl, I was naturally lead to loathe The Jonas Brothers and think of them as despicable pansies. Can you guess what my guilty pleasure is? It all started when I was sitting in my car, waiting for my mom, and one of The Jonas Brothers songs just so happened to play on the radio. Now, of course I was inclined to change the station until I heard the amazing voice of Nick Jonas. Before I knew it, I was bobbing my head, which quickly turned into full on dancing. I attempted to sing along, but before anything could turn too intense, I was caught by my stunned mother. As I saw the look on her face I swear, my heart skipped a beat. There, I said it. Im a closeted Jonas Brothers fan. But shhhhdont tell anyone about my guilty pleasure. Its a secret. Whats yours?

My guilty pleasure is singing aloud when I have the house to myself. I can sing without being judged and I dont feel all self conscious.

anthony parisi sophomore

I like brushing my teeth five to seven times a day because I dislike when my mouth feels unclean.

ann lung freshman

arya baghkhanian senior My guilty pleasure is eating whipped cream out of the can because, its delicious and I know that its bad for me.

joseph baiden freshman I like to eat baby food because I dont have to chew.

Feature

THE BULLS EYE

Wednesday, January 28, 2008

Adeel Mohammadi Asst. Editorial Editor

kind of fun too. Probably the most spoken auxiliary language in the O-day ou-yay ike-lay y-may world is Esperanto. Created in ew-nay anguage-lay? Well, 1887 by a Russian doctor, L.L. maybe I didnt exactly make Pig Zamenhof, Esperantos purLatin up myself, but bepose was to become lieve it or not, there are Phrases to know... a universal second languages out there that language. Zamenhof have been completely hoped to promote intermade up. Labeled connational understanding structed or auxiliary Hello = nuqneH and encourage peace languages by linguists, Yes = HIja by coining a language No = ghobe these tongues owe their that, according to him, Happy birthday = creation to mostly one would be so easy that qoSlIj DatIvjaj person, and surprisingly everyone would be able What time is it? = have a sizable number to learn it. Esperanto is arlogh Qoylupu? of fans. based off of Latin roots, Merry Christmas = Perhaps one of the and its vocabulary and toDwImaj qoSyItIvqu most famous examples grammar are extremely My name is __ = of a constructed lansimple. Today, there are __oH pongwIje guage can be found from an estimated million the Star Trek series. The Esperanto-speakers. Esperanto language, called Klingon, Phrases include Saluwas developed by a linton (Hello) and u guist, Marc Okrand, who Hello = Saluton vi parolas Esperanton? was hired by Star Trek Yes = Jes (Do you speak Espeto develop the language No = Ne ranto?). Happy Birthday = Felican datof the warrior Klingons. Languages come revenon There is now a Klingon and go, and often evolve What time is it? = Kioma estas with people and geogLanguage Institute, with la horo? about a thousand memraphy (look at Latins Merry Christmas = Gajan bers; in fact, Okrand popularitycenturies Kristnaskon has published a Klingon ago, it was the domiMy name is __ = Dictionary, which has nant world language). sold nearly a quarter of Mi nomigas __ In fact, there are more a million copies. There than ve thousand lanhave even been copies guages, many of which of Shakespeares Hamlet and the vowel again. For example, have since gone extinct. Maybe Much ado about Nothing trans- her name, Lorena, becomes it would be benecial to learn lated into Klingon. However, the Loporepenapa. There are an additional language, since Institute estimates that there are times when I dont want people the whole world does not speak only about a dozen uent Klin- to understand; I dont want to be English or Spanish or Chinese gon speakers in the world. As rude, Aparicio explains. In the or whatever. Its either that, or for the rest of us, we can all say beginning it takes practice, but you can make up your own lantlhIngan Hol vIjatlhbe, mean- now we are pretty uent. Its guage.

Feature DOOMSDAY Say What? SCHMOOMSing I dont speak Klingon. Sophomore Lorena Aparicio has developed a system of talking with her family. In any word, she takes all the vowels, and adds a p, followed by Pia Kochhar Feature Editor Im guessing most of us have heard of the supposed end of the world that is set to grace our sorry, little lives on December 21, 2012. But for those nave beings that imagined growing old alongside their signicant other in a peaceful world full of colorful rainbows and butteries, an explanation is in order. Basically, you can thank the ancient Mayas for shattering your dreams. The Mayas Long Count calendar, which started on August 11, 3114 BC, will end after 1,872,000 days on December 21, 2012 AD. This date signies the end of the fourth world, the rst successful world to include humans. According to the ancient Mayas, this fourth world will end in catastrophe. In other words, high school was a complete waste of time. How are we supposed to react to this so-called apocalypse? Answer: Quit your job, save enough money for doomsday, start a survival group, and abandon all forms of normalcy in your life. At least thats what thousands of people across the world are currently doing. According to ABC News, survival groups in Europe and the U.S., among others, are gathering resources, learning how to hunt, and nding

Klingon

secret shelters to prepare themselves from whatever disaster may hit. I understand that the end of the world may be a pretty big deal to some, but come now, we mustnt get carried away. All sarcasm aside, these people deserve kudos for devoting what could be the rest of their lives to trying to defy what they themselves believe to be the end of the world. What happened to taking it all in stride? However, we shouldnt be quick to judge others, considering that the majority of students on this campus would probably drop out of school, engage in inappropriate activities, and become utterly self-indulgent, uncivilized wild children. Its probably best we dont take this end of the world thing to heart. Only time will tell what the future has in store for us. Maybe the dire state of our economy will somehow initiate world hunger and start a nuclear war over water, which will cause the climate change to get worse because of harmful emissions, all the while a meteor will crash into the earth, during the same time that a deadly, massive hurricane and earthquake will occur on opposite sides of the earth leading to the extinction of all living species...or not.

DAY

Janice Yu A&E Editor Tiring. Tiring is the one word I can use to describe most of my high school experience. Many of my classmates and teachers (forgive me) have most likely seen me doing my usual head-bob while falling asleep and all of my friends have gasped at least once at my puffy, dark circles. Although most people say that high school life should not be tiring until junior year, I was tired from day one of freshmen year. Now dont get me wrong, I was not tired of high school since then, but I was overwhelmed by the enormous work load that I had. I dont deny the fact that it is entirely my fault for choosing to take demanding courses; however, I wish that I had not given in to the Diamond Bar pressure of striving to be the best academically. If I could go back in time I would take less difcult classes, be more diligent, SLEEP, and play hard while studying hard. Thats another thing I regret, not playing enough. I doubt that many of my fellow classmates parents actually tell them to GO OUT and PLAY. Always caught up in school work, studying for the SAT, ACT, or whatnot, I rarely left my house to simply relax. As much as Id love to return to the good ol carefree elementary school days, playing handball and having World War III (inside joke), I would rather stay in the present rather than simply returning to the past. I may have made it seem as though my entire high school experience was solely comprised of studying. Nonetheless, I have met teachers and built and maintained new and old friendships who helped make high school more bearable and enjoyable. Id like to thank two teachers for having both positive and negative inuences upon my outlook on life. Teacher number one, I cannot stress how surprisingly demanding you are of your students; however, I am grateful to have been your student because you taught me in a way no other teacher has ever taught me before. Teacher number two, you are the most interesting and unpredictable teacher I have ever had. Thank you for always making me laugh. As for my wonderful friends: Alice Kim, thank you for your constant prayers and encouragements. Hana Kim, you can tell everybody that this is your song! Gloria Yi, you can be Sleeping Beauty. Terry and Willy Choi, I love twins. Ryan Park, we need to get Love Potion Number Six with aloe. Lisa Park, lets go back to E.T. days. James An, I dont got ve on it! Tim Kim, I am not a miserable person. Joposopeh Yopi, yay for op talk! Sneezy Park, peanuts. Dopey Kang, I dont hate you. So to underclassmen reading this, although high school may seem tiring, make the most out of it by studying hard and playing after. Also, be thankful for the teachers you have (whether you think they are good or bad) because you can always learn something valuable from them. Finally, maintain old and build new friendships that will last you a lifetime.

GO GREEN or GO HOME
Desiree Wang Asst. Feature Editor What does the environment have to do with me? Well, everything. As the clich goes, We are the future. But here lies the conundrum what if theres no future Earth for us to live in? With the deteriorating state of our environment, the least we can do is follow a few steps in helping to preserve it. If you wont do it for the polar bears, do it for yourself. After all, you live in the world too. If every American just changed their traditional light bulbs to uorescent ones, the amount of greenhouse gases saved would be equivalent to the amount of emissions from 800,000 cars. Bright ideachange your light bulbs. If everyone in the US abstained from printing their ATM receipts, we would save a roll of paper long enough to circle the equator fteen times! Your new motto: No thanks, ATM receipts. If every American household replaced one roll of ber paper towels (70 sheets) with a 100% recycled paper towel roll, 544,000 trees would be saved. Better yet, just use a cloth towel instead! You better start digging! Each tree planted reduces the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. Go green, grow a tree!

INAUGURATION:

IN OUR GENERATION
Anahita Namaki Editor-in-Chief

Despite what we choose to believe, our parents are not lying when they say that the world does not revolve around us. However, that does not mean that our nations most controversial issues do not affect us, the youth of America. In fact, almost every topic that President Barack Obama addressed in his inaugural speech last week can be connected to our lives. As teenagers make up over 27 percent of Americas population, it is essential that we, the generation on the horizon, understand the direct or indirect impact that current world issues have on our lives.

Middle East Conict/Energy Crisis the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Crude oil production in the Middle East ranks among the highest in the world and produces a signicant amount of Americas oil supply. A long history of conict within the Middle East keeps the United States dealings with the region on a level of uncertainty. Such insecurity is potentially a major problem for American consumers because crude oil is a major source of energy and is found in many products that we purchase, such as soda bottles and tooth brushes.

Economic Crisis Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure A survey conducted by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth as well as First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization committed to making children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions, found that 459 school districts in the United States had an increase of at least 25 percent in the number of homeless students identied between the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years. Both the NAEHCY and First Focus site the current economic crisis as the cause for the increase. It has been reported that homeless students are at a greater risk, than their peers, of school failure, behavioral problems, and other challenges.

Power of the Youth We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers so it must be with this generation of Americans. President Barack Obamas election campaign managed to increase young voter participation and, according to exit polling, 68 percent of young voters between the ages of 18 and 24 voted for Obama in the November election. On several occasions, Obama focused on the youth of America in his speeches, asserting that our generation is now the model for past and future generations. He also emphasizes that we must recognize the struggle and sacrice of our Founding Fathers, gaining strength from the knowledge that in the face of daunting obstacles, courage and hope lead to success.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

THE BULLS EYE

A&E

Arts & Entertainment


Versailles Etiquette
French queens. Visitors are rst shown a piece of Koons work as they are walking up, an enormous sculpture of a gold dog sculpture graces the courtyard and gives a taste of what is to come. A giant magenta sculpture of a balloon dog stands next to a Veronese masterpiece in the Salon dHercule. The initiation is now over. Room after room, more outlandish sculptures appear; a lobster hangs alongside a breathtaking crystal chandelier and a collection of vintage Hoover vacuums in a Plexiglas encasement sits in the Queens Antechamber. This contemporary air of art shown in the museum has not come without opposition. The opening of the exhibit drew a crowd of protestors who believed that it was an insult to France, an utter act of disrespect, in one of the most politically important structures in the history of France. However Koons insists he has complete respect for Versailles [and] complete respect for each individual coming to Versailles. Opposition sees the exhibit as tasteless and grossly improper, while supporters see the exhibit as groundbreaking and appropriate for the changing times. Although Koons is not the rst artist to mix contemporary with the traditional, he is the rst to do so successfully on such a grand scale. It can be assured that his work will continue to break the rules of art as we know it.

The circus is in town...at the Palace of Versailles. Jane Park Asst. A&E Editor Imagine the Palace of Versailles with its ornate architecture and picturesque grounds. Now envision the ornate and ornamental palace lled with seventeen of the most immense, loud statues imaginable. This is the visualization of Jeff Koons exhibit in the infamous palace, which began on September 12, 2008. Jeff Koons is an American artist who grew up in the most humble of backgrounds. He was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania. As a teenager, he revered the works of Salvador Dali, a product of the Surrealist era who painted such works as The Persistence of Memory in 1931. Koons studied painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Maryland Institute College of Art. After college, he worked on Wall Street while establishing himself as an artist. He gained recognition in the 1980s and consequently set up a factory-like studio in a SoHo loft in New York. He had over 30 assistants, each of whom carried out a different task in producing a piece, a system similar to that of Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. His factory-like system and quiver of assistants probably comes in handy as his pieces are often on a very large scale. One of his most legendary sculptures is Puppy, a 43-foot tall topiary of a West Highland white terrier, executed in different colored owers. The money his sculptures fetch at auctions is a even more impressive. His sculpture, Hanging Heart

Courtesy of www.cloudform.com sold at Sothebys New York for $23.6 million, which is the most expensive piece of art created by a living artist. Koons is the rst contemporary artist to show in Versailles. His exceedingly contemporary art clashes with the gilded extravagance of the palace. It seems clearly out of place, yet it feels right at the same time. In one room, a marble statue of Louis XIV shares space with a porcelain sculpture of the king of pop, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, his pet chimpanzee. Surprisingly Koons art seems to be a perfect match for the setting at Versailles. A massive reective balloon adorns the Hall of Mirrors. An impressive sculpture of a vase of owers ts well with the excessively oral wallpapers and tapestries in a bedroom once used by

Courtiers who wished to see the king were not allowed to knock on his door. Instead, they had to scratch the door gently with their left pinkie nger. Therefore they grew that ngernail longer than the others. When gentlemen sat down, they followed an odd procedure. They rested their hands on the sides of the chair while sliding his left foot in front of the right. This was a practical method that prevented their tight pants from splitting. In accordance with Louis XIVs rules, courtiers living at the palace had to participate in a daily morning rising, called Lever, and a daily tucking in, called Coucher. The practice included prayers and an announcement of what would follow throughout the day.

Ashley Chen Asst. Photo Editor

SMASHIN FASHION

THEBUZZ
American Teen
Elizabeth Lee Staff Writer end. It tells the audience that everyone has their own struggles and that people grow The movie American Teen and mature at their own pace. is everything youd expect a Some characters in documentary about the film seem to high school to be. be too predictable Its lled with drama, and obvious scandals, pressure, representatives and depression. of certain cliques. Though the However, that is documentary is too what makes them fast paced at times, so relatable to. it still does a good All the characters job of exploring the have the general, problems of high vague personality school cliques. one would expect to T h i s nd in someone of documentary has their social group. been able to look This allows people deeply into the of that social group, lives of a variety whether slightly in of social groups. the group or deeply This movie shows rooted in, to be able audiences the to relate to certain obstacles people characters. That face every day, no ultimately draws matter what social the audience closer group they belong to the film on an in. The lm takes emotional level. the time to examine American each character and Teen is a hard lm the difculties they to label. It looks like go through. The another dramatic documentary is also teenage lm, with its real, raw, and does bright yellow cover not spare any of the Reality bites...so take a bite out of this american pie. and good-looking tears or profanity, Courtesy of www.hushgossip.com c h a r a c t e r s . B u t making it more after watching it, it relatable to. A sense of sincerity seem overly dramatic, cheesy, turns into something more: a throughout the documentary and staged. Whether they are or raw, emotionally compelling pulls the audiences heartstrings are not, that is how high school documentary on high school and holds onto them until the life is. It seems unbelievably experience. very end. predictable, but never fails to High school life is filled There are also interesting shock when its all over. At some with unneeded gossip and techniques used throughout the points in the lm, scenes seem scandals, but the documentary documentary that correspond to be completely ridiculous and sends an important message with the character and his or her unlike the Diamond Bar culture. out to its audience. There are personality. The graphics used However, the documentary struggles in life, but life goes on in the fantasy scenes of each brings a clear message in the and time never stops. character illustrate their different styles and personalities. Some use detailed art, while others look more geometric. There are many scenes that

PC: PENDING Concepts

Adeel Mohammadi Asst. Editorial Editor With all the attention focused on new models of MP3 players and cell phones, computers and laptops have fallen behind in the innovative design department. Yet in the past few retail seasons, entrepreneurs and companies

inhibitively expensive and quite impractical for personal use. If you are looking for a novel design, a more sensible answer would probably be the MacTab, a new laptop with a detachable keyboard. The screen can fold back and stand on its own, and the ultra-thin keyboard can come off when in use, but can

Messy, unorganized desk?...Clean it up with the Napkin PC. Courtesy of www.tuvie.com have introduced an array of new attach itself on top of the screen personal computer designs, as a cover during transportation. from which one might very soon The MacTab is being introduced end up in your home. by Apple, who already has In a PC design contest seen great success with its held last year, industrial design slick MacBook laptop. Though student Avery Holleman won the product was rumored to be rst prize for his design of the released for purchase in late Napkin PC. The idea was 2008, no denite word of its based on the appearance of release has come yet. traditional napkins, assorted in PCs have evolved through a dispenser. The Napkin PC the years from older versions has many touch-screen user of huge desktops to newer and interfaces, which are meant to more manageable laptops be passed out during meetings now, a new generation of to allow each individual to personal computers will contribute ideas digitally; the soon be introduced to the information amassed from the markets. Consumers will not screens is kept together on be disappointed with these new one central base unit. Though gadgets, but of course, only if the idea is original, it would be the price is right.

As temperatures rise and heavy coats drop, get ready to show your fashion savvy with the newest spring trends for 2009. Coming in rst is the ever-sopopular trend that encompasses the neo-hippie and bohemian looks, along with a dash of cowboy accents. Give in to fringe, w a s h e d out denim, e m b r o i d e r y, beading, and flower prints. Add some leather staples, such as boots, a relaxed and roomy bag, or a studded belt, and in doing so, achieve a laidback and relaxed feeling while looking effortlessly trendy. Next up, show your adventurous side as you indulge in the safari look that is prominent in runway shows this spring. Tailored khakis are back, along with tweed pieces, both in neutral and clean colors. Accentuate with pythonpatterned accessories and canvas messenger bags, and you will have yourself a look thats ready for a trek through the hallways of DBHS. Shine out amongst the crowds with metallicsa trend for the new season. Soft and subtle silvers, pewters, and bronzes are all you need to play up an otherwise boring outfit. Vintage lam and wrinkled Lurex are the different textures and styles to be on the look for. If you think gold is much too bold, simply accessorize by adding to a subtler set of colors. Last, but certainly not the least, is the body-flattering geometric trend. Because horizontal stripes add curves while vertical ones elongate the b o d y, b o l d geometric shapes can look their best on everyone. Bright, colorblock prints and artsy patterns have infused themselves in the clothes and accessories of this spring. With such an array of trends to satisfy your craving to look your best, be creative and mixand-match your way to an outt that will have heads turning as you walk to class.

A&E

THE BULLS EYE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

11

Todd Schlickbernd Contributing Staff Writer

of the Trade

Y o u D o n t H a v e T o , T o o l s B u t Y o u l l W a n t T o NEW FLICK PICKS


Kevin Kang Asst. A&E Editor Saying that something is the best whether it is a talent or an object is a bit pretentious, but, The Best American Non Required Reading , edited by Dave Eggers, is one of the best books I have ever read. The book is compiled of a myriad of short stories, each one with an interesting plot. From eye-pleasing comics about a boy struggling in college to an adopted child whom no one wants, the book is delightful and fun to read. The book is also part of a series called The Best American; each one is written annually and covers a different elds or subjects such as The Best American Comics, The Best American Sports Writing, or The Best American Travel Writing. The Best American series usually starts off with an interview of a famous person including Zadie Smith, Beck, and Sufjan Stevens; this particular book starts off with an introduction by Judy Blume, a famous author. The introduction highlights Blumes personality and humor, making it easy to read with her light-hearted style and witty jokes. Afterwards, the book progresses into interesting sections such as Champion Show Dogs or Facebook Groups. The one that caught my attention was the Best American Diary of the Living Dead or: Are You There God? Its Me. Also, a Bunch of Zombies. The story is centered on a young man hiding in an ofce building from savage zombies and yes, savage zombies. The story is written in a diary-like style and makes the reader almost feel as if he is within the room with the young man and survivors, fending zombies by cutting their heads off with a paper cutter. Another story that caught my eye was about a poor sixteenyear old who stays at a hotel. He meets an old man who is paid almost a lifetime supply of money; when the old man dies, he takes the money and runs. The book also contains comic strips, one that stood out was about a homosexual child who loved to wear a tutu. His mom and dad always fought over what he should wear, but in the end the child wore I t anyways because he was happy in it. Most books tend to be repetitive with the same plot and a happy ending to please the reader; however, this compilation of short stories is the complete opposite. Though some of the stories may seem far from reality or even unlikely, the stories draw upon real feelings. They deal with people who are neglected by society and your typical average Joe who is far from the ideal hero or Mr. Perfect. Readers can relate to the characters such as an ugly orphan whom no one wants to accept, a group of Mexicans trying to save their jobs, a man who believes he doesnt exist, homosexuals running from a natural disaster, and a homosexual child who enjoys wearing tutus. All in all, this book is enjoyable and though you would not nd these stories on a list of books to read for a class, it is denitely worth your time. The book truly does justice to its title and is a great anthology of nonrequired readings.

Arts & Entertainment


Up:

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen:

During a war between the Autobots and the evil Decepticons, Sam Witwicky discovers information about how the Transformers came to exist. June 26, 2009

Youd be surprised how many gaming industry success stories started in someones basement. As video game companies became larger and larger, basement projects were sectioned off into ash games and broken dreams. With the

By tying hundreds of balloons to his house, an old balloon salesman fulfills his dream of going on an adventure, only to find that the trip has been ruined by an 8-year-old stowaway. May 29, 2009

Watchmen:

A retired superhero reunites with his old friends to stop a series of murders directed at his fellow heroes. March 6, 2009

New Moon:

Bella Swan is heartbroken by the sudden disappearance of her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen and nds comfort in the werewolf Jacob Black. November 29, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:


Harry, Ron, and Hermione must once again battle Lord Voldemort in the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series. July 17, 2009

recent rmware upgrade for the Xbox 360 came the integration w i t h t h e X N A c o m m u n i t y, delivering the ability to create, publish, and sell games that you create, in a basement or otherwise. Whereas in the past it was a select few who had their projects realized in the gaming market, now anyone who takes the time to learn the code and utilize their abilities can not only make a game, but they can also publish it and make money off of it. T h e X N A c o m m u n i t y s integration with Xbox LIVE will give young minds destined for professions in the gaming industry an early chance to prove to potential employers that they have talent. Additionally, to themselves that they can deal with the arduous tasks included in creating a game. Artists and writers have portfolios to showcase their work; now so too do game designers. Unfortunately, the recently acquired freedoms are susceptible to bureaucracy.

While the process for submitting a game is pretty simple, the path to earning money includes a lot of regulatory hoops to jump through. Said hoops are arranged in a basic order: you create your game, submit it to the XNA community, have it reviewed by peers in the community, and then off it goes. The necessary intricacies of the process are extensive and, in some cases, limiting. Although theyre small potatoes once you make it past all the checkpoints. This new venue for game enthusiasts is not one to tread upon lightly, and as it offers serious reward, it takes serious commitment. Unfortunately, criteria for making money off your game includes being 18 and paying for a premium account, but knowing the opportunity is there for your taking is enabling enough for the most dedicated. When push comes to shove, hopefully you have parents who are over 18 and can share the love; of course, you might have to share the wealth.

realistic than Michael Scott, who is just a complete buffoon whom no one is their right mind Not a day goes by without would give a job to. a conversation with your friends On the other hand, other or family about what was on shows were imported from the yesterdays show, or how cute U.S., such as Family Feud, (usually girls) or how hot (mostly called Family Fortunes in the guys) the new character was in U.K., That 70s Show, Wheel of your favorite show. Fortune and many more. In todays society, TV shows Unfortunately, there are have become an important conicts between the fans of aspect of our the original daily lives, show and and for some, supporters of TV is just as the remade important as version of breathing air. the show. Many people H o w e v e r, living in the instead of United States arguing that watch their their favorite favorite show show is without even the best, realizing that audience the shows s h o u l d they watch e x p l o r e originated in different different parts ideas of their of the globe, show that from countries might have like United not appeared Kingdom to in the even Sweden. original or be However, U.S. encouraged TV shows have to enjoy the also made old school expeditions into shows that other countries they have neglected to spread their Whose Ofce will be on top...Steve Carrell or Ricky Gervais? Courtesy of www.gizmodo.com due to being originality to the rest of the world. British The Ofce. The British obsolete. Many U.S. TV shows were version is much more real than It is inevitable to compare remade based on other original the American version. Many the original and the remake. For shows and most of them are from critics believe that in real life example, stating that the original the United Kingdom. Among one Americans do not act that way is better than the remake or of them is The Ofce, a British as the characters do in the show. saying that the remake is better original made by Ricky Gervais Especially the character David than the original. Whatever the (with Stephen Merchant) who Brent, who became complacent case may be, viewers should is also the leading character in as he as he became more love the show without any types the TV show. He plays the role successful, is so much more of judgment. Eric Lee Staff Writer of David Brent who is like the character Michael Scott who is played by Steve Carell. There are other refashioned characters in the American The Ofce, such as Dwight Schrute and Gareth Keenan; Jim & Pam, and Tim & Dawn. Although Scott, Dwight, and Jim & Pam take on roles as the original characters, there are many differences that set the American The Ofce from the

Dont copy the current trend...get the Originals. Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

Well Dressed, Im Impressed

Jane Park Asst. A&E Editor Does the name Robert Maxwell ring a bell? What about Angelina Jolie, Pharrell Williams, Tom Cruise or Johnny Depp? Chances are that you have seen these people in fashion, music, or tabloids. Besides being famous, what else do these celebrities have in common? Theyve all been photographed by Robert Maxwell, a renowned fashion and editorial photographer who has taken pictures for publications, from Esquire and Complex to Vanity Fair. Besides photographing celebrities and advertising their latest lm or musical endeavors, Maxwell has been shooting the hopelessly fashionable in a series for the New York Times Magazine called The Originals. The Originals series captures fashion icons from the various music, lm, art, and design industries, all of whom have created their own unique personal style. It applauds and points out the men and women who deviate from the it style of the moment. They do not have personal stylists who look up and order clothes and make glamour ordinary and mundane.

Whether they create it, buy it, or sell it, The Originals are people who are just passionate about design. Those photographed for the series come from different walks of life. Past models have included those involved in the fashion industry like Ronnie and Vidal Sassoon, creators of the self-named hair product line, and Diane von Furstenburg, one of the most famous designers, as well as those in the music industry, such as Andre 3000, Kelis, and the Black Eyed Peas, to the people who probably care least about what is going on at New Yorks Fashion Week like Glenn, Patsy, and Eddie, members of the motorcycle gang, Hells Angels. Most recently, Maxwell has shot Japanese groundbreakers like Takashi Murakami, whos worked with Louis Vuitton, and Verbal and Yoon of Ambush Design, which has designed a custom new car model for Toyota and handles the Japanese press for Pharrell Williams Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. The Originals spread in the New York Times Magazine celebrates individuals who embrace their personal style and serve as an inspiration to many.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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THE BULLS EYE

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Sports

A Shocking Season
Ryan DeVore Asst. Sports Editor A f t e r watching early reruns of Sports Center in the summer, it seemed inevitable that the San Diego Chargers were sure contenders to at least make it to the Super Bowl. After a run to the AFC Championship game last year the Bolts seemed to have all the pieces in place to go all the way. What almost everyone failed to realize, however, was the Chargers underlying inability to overcome obstacles in their path for the second straight year; this monumental struggle consisted of injuries. When the Chargers lost defensive line-man Shawne Merriman to a severe knee injury, the team realized there would have to be a vast change in order to make-up for this enormous loss. However, it was evident that the loss of Merriman would prove to be detrimental throughout the entire season. A defense that thrived off pressure to create interceptions and fumbles last year had turned into a defense that hoped for dropped passes and miscommunication from the offense. Only when the debut of the new defensivecoordinator, Ron Rivera, halfway through the season, did the Bolts witness a sudden revival. Although the defensive side of the ball struggled, the offensive line also had a poor performance this season. Having a quarterback with barely any mobility hurt the Chargers when it came to key interceptions and fumbles at the end of crucial games. The offensive line must allow Philip Rivers to see that third or fourth option that can prove to be the decisive factor in a close game. Also, the key blocks that enabled running-back LaDainian Tomlinson to break all sorts of records years ago was clearly non-existent all season long. Its true LT was, once again, injured most of the season, but a team needs a running-game in order to win a championship; for the running game proved to be one of the many downfalls of the Chargers this season. A few key losses, however, seemed to be caused by Rivers throwing arm. Even though he had great numbers this season, he still had a couple of costly throws that proved to be crucial in tight games. Rivers is a solid quarterback, but he is still not ready to carry the team on his shoulders just yet. Regardless of poor offensive or defensive lines, a few games could have been won by a game-ending drive led by Rivers, but he could not nd any of his ever-so-talented receivers on those key third-downs. With the Chargers electrifying receiving core, it is not a question about catching the ball, but rather putting the ball in the right place and allowing playmakers to make plays. In spite of all this criticism, the San Diego Chargers still showed grit and brutal determination in making it to the second round of the playoffs, even after a 4-8 start. But this team has the potential to become a dominant squad for years. If the Bolts are able to establish a solid running game and create crucial turnovers next season, the team will be a strong contender for the Vince Lombardi trophy and quite possibly shock the football nation.

Boys Soccer Loses a Tough One


Megan Quiamas Contributing Staff Writer The boys varsity soccer team played against their rival, the Chino Hills Huskies, on Friday, January 23. Despite their efforts throughout the game, the Brahmas lost 0-4. They f o u g h t back hard and tried to gain control of the game in the second half; h o w e v e r, they never caught up to Chino Hills lead. D i a mond Bar did not start Battle for the ball...Junior Matt Jean challenges an opposing player for the ball. off strong. With both of the teams speeds, ous fouls on DBHS. Sophomore The Brahmas signicantly the ball kept going back and forth Neil Ignacio received two unjust improved from the rst half to across the eld; but Chino Hills fouls. During the game, Ignacio the second half, even though had the advantage and kept the and a Chino Hills defender got only two of the starters, Bobby play within the Brahmas half of into an offensive battle. While Herrman and Robert Ignacio, the eld. Not long into the game, Ignacio was trying to get the were still playing. The Brahmas Chino Hills scored. Co-captain ball, a Chino Hills player kicked played much more offensively, Alex Whisenand stated, A key Ignacio in the head, knocking Ig- giving them many more oppormoment in the game was when we gave up the rst goal. Coach Kemp Wells commented, We played well, but gave up too easily. The referee called numernacio to the ground. The referee called the foul on Ignacio, causing Coach Jeff Clarke to get into a dispute with the referee. By the end of the rst half, Chino Hills was leading 0-3. tunities. Whisenand commented, A lot of our starters came out to rest for our upcoming game. Our best players stepped up and had a great game. The Brahmas were at a disadvantage in this game because they were missing a player on the eld. Sophomore starter Alex Perez received a red card in the previous game against Ayala High School, making it impossible for him to play in the game. W e still have a chance to make playoffs if we correct the mistakes Eunice Lee that we have been making, said Wells about the game, Its a typical soccer season. Some [games] are good and others are meant to be forgotten. Diamond Bars varsity boys soccer team will be facing the Huskies again at home on February 9 at 3:15.

Sports

THE BULLS EYE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

13

If I Ruled the World...


Kevin Acciani Staff Writer To the avid sports fan (or nut job as some would say), the world of sports is an escape, a way to lose yourself and hide from the troubles of the world (work, classes, psychotic exgirlfriends, etc.). But the sports world isnt perfect, nor will it ever be, and improvements will always need to be made. If I was in charge of all sports, these are the issues I would address, in order of importance. 1. College Football Playoff System. Seriously, why has this not happened yet? Everyone who knows anything about football has been screaming about this for years. Every year the Bowl Championship Series forgets a couple of teams; this year it was the University of Utah. Will someone please explain to me why the only undefeated team in Division One was not given a shot at the national championship? Newly Inaugurated President Barack Obama has even expressed his support for a playoff system. Come on, NCAA, even the leader of our country is calling for it! 2. National Football League Overtime. College footballs overtime is one of the most magical times in a sporting event (second only to a hockey shootout). Each team gets a turn to score from 25 yards away. Whoever scores more is the winner. Doesnt that sound so much better than the rst team to score wins? In the NFL, a mere coin toss practically wins the game for a team and both teams have a 50-50 chance to win (Place your bets! Place your bets!). I propose that the NFL should be more like the NCAA in this, with each team getting the ball with 40 yards to go. 3. Bring hockey into the spotlight. Ask almost anyone, and they will say what they love most about sports are grace, hits, and athleticism. In no other sport in the world are all three of those skills displayed at one time more than in hockey. Thats right, hockey isnt just for Canadians and Eastern Europeans anymoreit is slowly but surely becoming more prevalent in the U.S. Whatever popularity hockey seems to gain still never seems to be enough. Heres a good example: Most sports fans can name the exact amount of points Kobe Bryant scored in his near record-breaking game*, but besides these few enlightened souls, can anyone name the Anaheim Ducks player who scored three goals in about two minutes against the L.A. Kings?** I didnt think so. 4. Abolish the Designated Hitter. I may be a fan of an American League team, but the National League really was right for not following the AL in accepting designated hitters. The DH has become a position for players without a full skill set to recieve substantial playing time, without concern for improvement in such skills as elding or throwing. Its like having a basketball player who has no other job than standing right under the hoop to score. Everyone loves watching a pitcher hit a home run; why cant this happen in both leagues? Players are getting paid millions upon millions of dollars to play baseball, so teams should get their moneys worth, right? * 81 points, **Bobby Ryan

First Win of the Season


but also the Brahmas rst goal of the league season. Not long after the rst goal, Dahlin settled As the rain poured down on another ball into the net, making Friday, January 23, the varsity the score 2-0 for Diamond Bar. Brahma girls began warming up However, the Brahmas did not for their soccer match against stop there. By the end of the the Chisecond no Hills half MeHuskies. lissa LoLittle pez made did they another k n o w g o a l , that 90 setting minutes the nal later the score at Brahmas 3-0. would be T h e celebratjourney to ing a 3-0 this vicv i c t o r y, tory was their rst a difcult win of struggle the seadue to son. the BrahI n mas two tensity injuries hung in in the the air as game. the girls The rst, lined up occurring for the toward Taking one for the team...Freshman kick off, the end keeper Danielle Selfridge is injured after and from blocking a goal. Ashley Chen of the rst the mohalf, was ment the ball was tapped into suffered by defender Kirsten play, it was blatantly obvious Welsch, who was experiencing that the Brahmas were deter- ankle pain do to irritation caused mined to win. by a previous injury. The other With complete ball control player injured in the match was and amazing communication, the goalkeeper, Danielle Selthe Brahmas were clearly domi- fridge, who was put on crutches nating the game despite their after she collided with an opprevious league record of 0-3. ponent while competing for the Senior Brenna Dahlin was the ball. [Selfridge] denitely was rst to score, placing a direct a huge part of the game, comkick smoothly into the top right mented head coach Chris Racorner of the goal. This was not mos. She played the game of only the rst goal of the game her life today. Laura Moftt Contributing Staff Writer

The Bulls Eye Athlete of the Month


Terrin Clark
Pamela Lewes Contributing Staff Writer Senior Terrin Clark, a versatile and hard-working athlete, sets the standard for basketball players. Inspired by his older brother and the Phoenix Suns Shaquille O Neal, Clark began playing basketball when he was six years old and decided he wanted to continue playing it in his future. Basketball is the most exciting [sport] to play and watch, commented Clark. Not only does Clark play basketball for fun, he also strives for excellence. He has received many awards for basketball, including the Most Improved Award in his freshman year, the Most Valued Player Award in his sophomore year, and the Facilitated Award and the Athletic All League Award in his junior year. His excellence does not solely come from his drive to succeed, but also from a general love for the game. I like the exhilaration o f shooting [the ball] and giving [it to] my teammates. It gets my heart pumping, stated Clark, [I also like] the spur of the moment decision making. Aside from being an excellent basketball player, Clark is also a leader. Clark was the United Student Bodys Commissioner of Audio Communications and is a Black Student Union member. Clark has also been on the track team for three years. Despite Clarks busy basketball schedule, he still manages to earn high grades while taking rigorous courses such as AP Biology, AP Calculus 2, and AP Statistics. Due to his love of basketball, Clark hopes to attend UCLA and continue to play basketball there. Its a pretty good school with good sport [programs], stated Clark, Its one of the best basketball programs in the [country]. An extremely athletic and well-rounded student, Terrin Clark is truly a role model for many. His accomplishments and dedication to basketball encourage all basketball players to try harder and strive for excellence.

Nobody could have drawn this up. After a season of many surprises, the best of all is saved for the Super Bowl. Gray-haired quarterback Kurt Warner will face o against the highest-rated defense in the league. Can Pittsburgh steal the game away from the Cardinals in this Cinderella-like story? On February 1, Super Bowl history will be made.

UPER BOWL XLIII

14

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

game was back and forth the whole time, with the Huskies going into halftime with a fourThe theory that clutch point lead thanks to a three playing wins games rang true point shot that beat the buzzfor the Brahmas as they deer. The Brahmas fought back feated the Chino Hills Huskies in the third quarter, making up 53-50. those points and The game more, andholdwas very ining a 43-40 lead tense with both going into the sides playing fourth quarter. very physical In nearly evbasketball. It ery sport, games seemed that are won or lost in for every posthe fourth quarsession someter. Sportscastone was either ers always talk knocked down about clutch or a foul was and crunch committed. time playing as But besides the most importhe tough detant skill in all of fense played sports, but mostby both sides, ly in basketball, the Brahmas where the game were still able can swing one to shoot the way or another ball well and very quickly. score almost Clinging on every time. to a five point Leading lead late in the the Brahma fourth quarter, charge was the game startjunior guard ed to change Kacy Barlow, as Diamond Bar who began the saw their lead game on fire, dwindle away, draining a couand watched ple jump shots as the Huskies and getting the started to take team going. It over. We need seemed like to work on our every time he rebounding, touched the Jump for it... Junior Kacy Barlow attempts to score for the Brah- said Cameron, James An that really hurt ball, he found mas. a way to score or get the ball fensive department, getting two us tonight. But the late run by to another teammate. Whether blocks, including a huge one Chino Hills wasnt enough to he was draining deep shots or that stopped the Huskies from stop this dedicated Diamond crossing over defenders and getting an early layup. The Bar squad. driving to the hoop, the Huskies guys played excellent defense When asked what he was could not stop this young phe- against a very tough team, most happy about, Cameron nomenon who is already being stated coach J.T. Cameron. stated, I was very pleased with recruited by multiple Division 1 However, things didnt go how well we were able to excolleges. Also scoring well was perfectly for the Brahmas. The ecute against a hard team. Kevin Acciani Staff Writer

Brahma Basketball Wins a Close One, 53-50


senior forward Sam Rockwood, who was a lights-out shooter. Even with the Brahmas great offense, the game would not have been won without their stellar defense. Rockwood helped greatly in the de-

Sports

THE BULLS EYE

Sports

Brahma Wrestling Gets Taken Down by Cowboys


Chino won the subsequent two points ahead. Sophomore Senior captain Isaiah Bon- I knew I had to win. By capitaliztwo matches, making the over- Brandon Chavez won his match golan contributed points to Dia- ing on key opportunities as well all score as the 6 - 1 2 . oppoNext was nents the 215 m i s lb. weight takes, group. Bongo The spotlan was light was able to on Diawin his mond Bar match senior 8-3, setcaptain ting the Lawrence overall Liu, who score at stepped 17-30, on to the with Dimat with amond c o n f i Bar still d e n c e trailing and domibehind. nated. SeWith sevn i o r eral takecaptain d o w n s , Taking control... Using the 3/4 nelson technique, senior captain Joshua Martindale attempts to pin his oppoJoshua Ashley Chen M a r reversals, nents shoulder to the mat. and nearfalls, Liu defeated his opponent 8-2, and won by major decision. The overall score was now 10-12, with Chino in the 103 lb. weight group in a similar manner, defeating his opponent 14-5, and gaining four more points for the Brahmas. mond Bars score as well. Bongolan said, I was pretty tired, but I didnt want to look bad in front of the team and the crowd. tindale was up after Bongolan. Martindale had a close matchup, as both wrestlers earned point after point. Martindale

Despite the score, the Lady Brahmas never did give up. With only one returning varsity The girls varsity basketball player, its hard to ask them to team had an unfortunate loss get too much better too fast, against the Chino Hills Huskies explained Holmes. on Friday, January 23, with Even with this loss, the game Diamond Bar can still achieve ending at 17their goal of finishing third place 51. [It was] in league if they continue to disappointing. work hard. I know we can This is Holmes first season play better coaching girls varsity basketball than that, at Diamond Bar. He is very commented pleased with the season so head coach far, but doesnt think the team Chris Holmes. started the season as well This unlucky game brings their as they could have. Holmes Sierra League record to 2-2 and believes they are beginning to their overall record to 10- 8. play at their potential. For this The Lady Brahmas hung game, he wanted the girls to in the game in the beginning, be more competitive than they trailing by only four points at the were at the last game against end of the first quarter. However, Ayala, to start the game off Diamond Bar stronger and struggled to get the to maintain ball past half court that level of against the Huskies play. They tough full court work hard and press. Chino Hills [are] smart, [I] quick and aggressive like everything pressure resulted about them, in failed passes and each one by the Brahmas is a really and ultimately interesting in turnovers. By person, halftime, the Huskies commented were in the lead at Holmes. 27-9. To prepare When the Lady for their next Brahmas came back game, Coach to start the second Holmes wants half, they seemed to improve to play without overall and confidence. Senior work on the captain Remy Mallett fundamentals. took many good Captain and shots in front of the leading scorer basket, but they just Lexie Mark wouldnt fall in. On said that the the other hand, she team needs totaled an impressive to limit the nine rebounds, while turnovers junior Jen Miller A difficult loss...The varsity girls look upon the scoreboard as and work on grabbed six. Senior time expires. James An shooting. Rachel Halpert Contributing Staff Writer

Ball Bounces the Wrong Way for Lady Brahmas


[It was] disappointing. I know we can play better than that...
captain Karliegh Nakata scored the only three-pointer for the Brahmas at the end of the third quarter, making the score 1237. Senior Joy Dou entered the game strongly in the fourth quarter with a steal at half court. D o u ended the play with a nice, e a s y lay-up. W e could h a v e played better, stated senior captain Lexie Mark. We just didnt have a good game tonight. The Brahmas stayed fairly strong throughout the game but their shots just kept falling short.

Phoebe Hua Sports Editor After a hard fight against the Chino High School Cowboys on Thursday, January 22, the Diamond Bar Wrestling team was unable to pull through and lost the match 23-44. Starting the night off strong with the 152 lb. weight group, the Brahmas won the first match of the night. Sophomore Kevin Kim pinned his opponent within the first five seconds of his match, making the score 6-0. Commenting on his pin, Kim said, I saw an opening and I took it. Kim was followed by sophomore Dennis Ruan of the 160 lb. weight group. Ruan had numerous takedowns and escapes in the first period and continued to battle throughout the match, but was unable to clutch the win, losing by only one point to his opponent, 5-6. Despite the close loss, the Brahmas were still in the lead with an overall score of 6-3.

took down his opponent, got a reversal and a nearfall, but unfortunately was pinned during the second period. The overall score was then 17-36, with the Cowboys still ahead. Diamond Bar lost all remaining matches except for the very last one. Senior Bryan Perez in the 145 lb. weight group was successful at pinning his opponent. I got my pin by EMUflipping the guy when hes on you, said Perez. This gave the Brahmas six more points, ending the match with a final score of 23-44. Feeling relieved after his pin, Perez said, a big load of nerves just came off of me! Though the Brahmas were not victorious against the Cowyboys, new head coach Scott Usher still thinks the team performed well, It was a tough match but the kids wrestled hard. Chino was a good opponent. Kevin Kim, Bryan Perez, and Lawrence Liu all wrestled well today and are doing a great job of being the leaders on the team.

Off the Field: Which injury of 2008 had the greatest impact?

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