Volume XIV, Issue II: October 2, 2012

www.northwoodhIgh.org

Timberwolves and Bruins unite

4515 Portola Pkwy. IrvIne, Ca 92620

marching To fooTBall glory: Northwood Marching Band played alongside UCLAs and 29 other Southern California high schools ensembles on Sept. 22 at the Rose Bowl. Although they had an almost 13-hour day that began at 6 a.m., marching band members were able to work with UCLA Marching Band Director Gordon Henderson and to see UCLA win 42-14 against Oregon State.

Photo provided by MIa PaI

Inside this issue...

story on Page 2

ACCENT

CENTERSPREAD

Keeping up with the Renduchintalas: Theres a new one. Page 3

The Bubble: See six different places to go in the city. Who said Irvine was boring? Pages 6-7

VIEWPOINT

SPORTS

Cupcake Wars: Sprinkles is elegant, but Caseys has a welcoming atmosphere. So which one is better? Page 9

aint no mt. SAC high enough: Northwood Girls Cross Countr y Team hopes to continue their success at the Oct. 19 invitational, one of the most popular cross country races in the nation. Page 10

October 2, 2012

Marching band plays at UCLA

New clubs at Northwood

By DEnnis KiM
Business Manager

NEWS

The Northwood Howler

Elderflower Club Presidents: Rohan Ramanan and Prianka Sharma This new club will focus on strengthening the connection between students and senior citizens. Seniors Rohan Ramanan and Prianka Sharma seek to emphasize visiting the elderly on a regular basis. The club will include activities such as pen pals and will focus on establishing a connection between students and elderly members of the community. Hearts at Harmony President: Sherry Esaki President Sherry Esaki aims to provide free music education to a wide variety of people, including elementary and middle school children and adults. Members will give music lessons and gain hands on experience with music theory and instruments. Members of Hearts at Harmony hope to expose more people to the joy of music and inspire them to begin their journeys with music. Big Brothers Big Sisters Presidents: Lorie Park and Christen Hong Led by seniors Lorie Park and Christen Hong, this organization hopes to mentor children, especially in low-income areas with underprivileged children. One big brother or big sister will be assigned to one little brother or little sister. This will be the first Big Brothers Big Sisters school club in Irvine, but Park and Hong hope that the club will eventually extend to and collaborate with other high school chapters at other Irvine high schools. Xposure Club President: Kenneth Pham Led by president

Pham, this photography club hopes to increase interest in photography at Northwood. The Xposure Club will encourage students to expand photography by participating in community service projects involving shooting at areas outside school and gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Rather than just shooting photos for community service, the Xposure Club hopes to push their members to present an emotional impact in each photo.

Snowboard Club President: Andrew Pritts The Snowboard Club, led by president Andrew Pritts, aims to help with the Adaptive Program at Mountain High. This program supplies modified snowboarding equipment for children with physical disabilities. Meetings will consist of planning fundraisers and contacting sponsors to fund their multiple trips to Mountain High. Computer Science President: Dennis Shim Junior Dennis Shim created this club to take Northwoods computer science program to a higher level. Club members will train for competitions such as the American Computer Science League. Shim hopes to spread his love for computer science and apply skills from the classroom to real life. World Wildlife Fund Presidents: Andy Kim and Alex Tran Seniors Andy Kim and Alex Tran have created a chapter of World Wildlife, the leading national organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species. Service projects will include volunteering at the zoo and wetland kayak projects. Kim and Tran hope to establish a positive outlook on restoring damaged areas and contribute to the recovery of wildlife. Swim for Life President: Ro bert Kang President junior Robert Kang made Swim for Life to help the community learn about preventative measures against drowning. Community service projects will include both water safety events and learning how to see the signs of someone having trouble in the water. Besides upcoming events, club meetings will also consist of learning first aid.

ReAdy ANd WAitiNg: Northwood Marching Band members wait to perform with UCLAs marching band at the Rose Bowl.
By ElainE lu
Staff Writer

Photo provided by Mia Pai

Junior Adella Guo stands at the edge of the UCLA football field and stares up at the thousands of blue dots cheering for the Bruins. Standing in a major football for the first time, she finds it hard to imagine playing for such a large crowd. As the band flocked into its block on the field, her heart speeds up and her hands shake. Deep breath in, deep breath out, and the show begins. Northwoods marching band played alongside 29 other Southern California high schools and UCLAs marching band during the halftime show at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 22 as a part of UCLA Band Day 2012. "It was an incredible experience," said Guo. "There were hundreds of people from different marching bands and it was just amazing to play with this university marching band in the football stadium." Band Day was established in 1948 to give high school marching bands the opportunity to perform in a major football stadium, promote band activity in Southern California and recruit members for UCLAs marching band. To participate, high schools must submit applications and be selected. The morning before the game, the band rehearsed Bruin Fanfare, The Mighty Bruins, America the Beautiful and the UCLA Fight Song with the universitys marching band.While practicing with the UCLA players under the direction of UCLA marching band director Gordon Henderson, senior Brandon Chinn was impressed by their energy.

I really liked how they were very animated and brought a lot of enthusiasm to their work, said Chinn. I hope we can bring that into our show as well. Northwoods color guard practiced flag work and learned UCLA choreography which they displayed at the sidelines during halftime. It was exciting to work beside college students and other [high school] color guard members, said senior Melinda Jenkins.I definitely thought the day was energizing even though the weather was scorching. Northwood marching band director Whitney Tavlarides hoped that, by gaining such energy and motivation, the band and color guard students would see how the marching band is the center of school spirit at college football games. They are the entertainment, said Tavlarides. [Thats] what we are hoping to do at Northwood: Keep marching band a fun activity that promotes school spirit and entertains at football games. While at UCLA, students such as sophomore Steven Lim cheered with the crowd and did their best to stay involved with the pep tunes, regardless of the burning sun and their long-sleeved uniforms. I really enjoyed cheering for the team, said Lim. It was a different and fun experience. At the end of the day, junior Tiffany Zhang said she was motivated by the bands energy and enthusiasm. Seeing the UCLA marching band's pregame show inspired me to work hard to improve our marching band show, said Zhang. I want our halftimes to be as awesome as UCLAs.

Unite For Sight Presidents: Yutaek Oh and Kevin Kim The goal of Unite For Sight is to fundraise for free eye care and eliminate preventable blindness in African rural villages, with an emphasis on free eye surgeries. During meetings, presidents Yutaek Oh and Kevin Kim will discuss recruiting more members and fundraising. They eventually hope to raise enough money for an international trip. Operation Smile Train Presidents: Nina Kalantar and Lauren Song Combining the agendas for Operation Smile and Smile Train, this club will focus on fundraising for operations for children who have cleft lip and cleft palate. Presidents sophomore Nina Kalantar and junior Lauren Song hope to focus on supplying necessities to the affected children after the operation, including toothbrushes and toothpaste. National Organization for Women President: Isha Punja Sophomore President Isha Punja created this club to spread awareness about womens rights and the constant battle against low self-esteem in young women. Club members will be involved in campaigns that promote self confidence in for young women nationwide.

Kenneth

College fair on Oct. 15

By angElinE nguyEn anD Karina lEE
Staff Writers

Northwoods College and Career center will host a Mini College Fair Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oak Tree. Juniors, seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend. Representatives from over 15 public and private schools will be attending the event. Many are members of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, an organization made up of colleges in over 13 states, so information about alternative out-of-state

colleges will be available. Kathi Smith, Northwoods Regional Occupation Program/College and Career specialist, was contacted by Becky Marchant, Northwood history teacher Greg Marchants wife and counselor at Brea-Olinda High School, to host this event. The counseling department is always looking for additional options for our students and this seemed like the perfect opportunity, said Smith. If you are looking for alternatives in addition to the UCs or Cal States, here are some good prospects.
Wilson College (PA) Rochester Institute of Tech Salve Regina University (RI) Montana State University* Black Hills University (SD)* South Dakota State University* Cardiff University (Wales, UK) University of Idaho* Fisher College (MA) Northern State University* (SD)

Colleges attending include:

Western Oregon University* Eastern Oregon University* Southern Oregon University* Oregon Tech* Maryville University (MO) Sweet Briar College (VA) Northern Arizona University* New Mexico State* Clarkson University (NY) University of Tampa Prince William Sound Community College

The Northwood Howler

Keeping up with the Reduchintalas

By Zoe Burger and Yash Gupta
Copy Editor and Sports Editor

ACCENT

October 2, 2012

The Renduchintalas, already one of the most famous families on the Northwood High School social scene, have a new family member in high school. Who is this mystery girl? How does this affect the family dynamic? What drama will unfold? And, most importantly, what does this mean for us, the hopelessly devoted viewers? This and more to come on this season of...Keeping up with the Renduchintalas. I have to deal with them more, which is not a very fun thing to do, said junior Vikram Renduchintala. Tara Renduchintala, a freshman, joins Math Department Chair Mrs. Renduchintala and her son Vikram on the Northwood campus, bringing a new dimension to this increasingly complex drama. You know what? They both have different personalities. Completely different personalities! I enjoy Vikrams personality in terms of his questions, and how he sometimes comes up with very good solutions and I like the aspect of that. Tara is a very supportive daughter, and they are both my kids so they are both equally special, said Mrs. Renduchintala. 2012 marks the second time that Vikram has had his mother for a teacher in high school, in addition to Advisement. For all of you who have never had a class with Vikram and Mrs. Renduchintala in the same room, you may wonder what happens

NoRTHwoods fAMous fAMily: The newest addition to the Reduchintala family at Northwood High School, Tara Reduchintala experiences school life unique from the average freshmans.
concerning the family dynamic. Sometimes my mom gives me the silent treatment when shes mad at me, said Vikram. She will purposely ignore my questions and will answer other questions first and then in the end come to me. One time my mom was giving a lesson and I didnt really like it so after class I sent her a text saying that she had blown the lesson. Taras new life at Northwood is different from the average freshmans, solely because she is related to one of the faculty. Although this does not mean that she gets special treatment, Tara has already had her fair share of weird experiences. On the first day of TA, since Mr. Wondra is in the math department, he would ask everyone their names and when he got to me he said Oh, Hi Tara! because I had met him previously. And all my friends are like How does he know you? said Tara. Incidents like these sometimes make Tara want to be identified apart from the rest of her family members. I want to be my own person, said Tara. Some people would adamantly dislike having their parent as a teacher, but it can have its benefits. The best part is that I dont have to worry about consequences of making fun of the teacher, but the worst part is that were always the medium of communication between our mom and the other students, said Vikram. In addition to bonding at school, the Renduchintala family also has a love for soccer. Soccer is a major focus in family life, and Tara plays for

Param Shah The Northwood Howler

the Varsity team at Northwood. The family watches the English Premier League and cheers for their favorite teams, especially Manchester United. Although there are many benefits and burdens of having her children at school, Mrs. Renduchintala believes that the good aspects outweigh the bad. The worst part is carrying their backpacks, lunches, soccer bags, and projects. But [by being with them at school] I can understand what teenagers like and connect with them better, said Mrs. Renduchintala.

Hidden Treasure: Alta Coffee

Meh-nchies
By megan nazareno
Editor-in-Chief

CoZy CoffEE sHoP: The small coffee house offers a variety of delicious drinks and shows off a homey interior and decorations.
By Jaime macDonalD
Staff Writer

Jaime macDonalD The Northwood Howler

In Orange County, where every street corner has a Yogurtland or Pinkberry, its easy for lesser-known frozen yogurt places to get lost in this dairy craze. So I sought out the newly opened Menchies Frozen Yogurt in Culver Plaza in search of something out of the ordinary. Upon entering Menchies, Im greeted by the classic pink-and-green interior that all frozen yogurt places seem to have. Its the usual layout of self-serve yogurt and sorbet with addon toppings. The price per ounce is similar to other yogurt places at 39 per ounce. Menchies further follows the trend with cute flavor-themed characters on its cups and spoons. Most of the flavors were familiar,

fRo-yo fuN: This new frozen yogurt store offers self-serve yogurt and sorbet with optional waffle bowls.
such as cookies and cream and peanut butter cup. However, there were other flavors Ive never seen before either, including angel food cake and white peach tea. The yogurt was light and refreshing, but not remarkably exceptional. Despite the many similarities with other frozen yogurt places, what sets Menchies apart is the option to

flickr.com

have a waffle bowl for an extra $1. Its an idea that every ice cream parlor has used, but this is the first time Ive seen the concept applied to frozen yogurt. While Menchies draws customers in with its convenient location and waffle bowl option, it still stands as yet another fro-yo place following the SoCal trend.

The ever-popular Starbucks and Peets Coffee are great for getting those midday blends of creamy, spiced and whipped beverages. However, when looking for your next caffeine boost or delicious sugary sip, try something new, Northwood. Check out Alta Coffee Warehouse and Restaurant located in Newport Beach. This coffee house does not have a huge sign of an emerald mermaid that one can spot miles away. In fact, this hole-in-the-wall eatery is classified as a little difficult to spot the first time as it is located on a narrow street. However, if you findyourself at the point of giving up when looking for it dont. Listen to your GPS systems and keep your eyes peeled. Alta Coffee house is the one with the homey interior and the shrubbery spilling over the pots set outside. The menu ranges from fantastic breakfast items to specialty sandwiches toof

coursethe refreshments. The one item that must not be overlooked is the Chai drink which is served either hot or blended into a chilled heaven. The phrase tastes like Christmas in a cup definitely applies. It was the first item I ever tasted here, and it immediately captured my attention, setting Alta apart from the hundreds of food places in the area. Perhaps the best characteristic of Alta Warehouse and Restaurant is itsprime location by the beach. Whether heading out to the waves or driving back from a fun day, you can make a quick stop, or sit down, to enjoy something different than what we have at our fingertips in our neighborhood centers. So make it a goal to go outside your coffee comfort zone! Head down to Alta Coffee Warehouse and Restaurant (506 31st Street Newport Beach, CA 92663) to get an amazing drink or meal and snap an Instagram picture or two. I guarantee that everyone will find something they love on the menu.

The newest trend: shifting to thrifting

By chriStine lee anD tiffany tSai
Staff Writers

Whether you want to find vintage pieces for your new autumn closet or shop for inexpensive items, thrift stores can be an easy shopping alternative. Items sold may range vastly depending on each store, but the search is easily half the fun. Thrift stores are interesting in that you never know what youre going to find, said senior Crystal Hsieh. Some thrift stores are run by charitable organizations which donate all profits directly to their cause. Local charitable thrift stores include Lauras House, Goodwill, and American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. Other thrift stores buy and sell gently-used clothing. This is a budgetfriendly and resourceful alternative for shoppers who enjoy updating their closets frequently. In addition, this recycling method gives people

AMERiCAN CANCER soCiETy disCoVERy sHoP: This thrift store is located at 2600 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar.
an opportunity to give away their unwanted items and purchase new goods at a reduced cost. Thrift stores can help to develop a distinctive and unique style. People often search for vintage pieces that may not be found in mainstream stores. My most unique find was a light blue suit I found in Ventura on my first thrifting experience, said senior

yelp.com

Austin Arca. It was a custom tailored suit and fit me perfectly. Ive worn it to banquets and formals. You can never expect what to find while thrifting. If you dig long enough, something special may be hidden in there for you too. Lauras House is located at 23635 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest. The nearest Goodwill is located at 23740 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest.

The Northwood Howler

Wallflower has room to bloom

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

October 2, 2012

Compiled By: Brittney Kuo

By Christina Ko
News Editor

Its armed with a reputation as a best-selling young adult novel and a near-perfect cast, but fuzzy storytelling hinders The Perks of Being a Wallflower from achieving its full potential as a movie, especially for those who have not read the author-turned-director Stephen Chboskys popular comingof-age novel. Charlie (Logan Lerman) is

rocktober
By Jennifer yu
Online Editor-in-Chief

the films eponymous wallflower, an almost painfully shy boy who has been further alienated from mainstream teen culture by his best and onlyfriends suicide. Its now time for Charlie to start high school, and he is scared, as he writes to an imaginary and unnamed friend. Gradually, Charlie escapes his social isolation with a supportive English teacher (Paul Rudd) and a welcoming gang of seniors who embrace their nonconformity. The closest to Charlie in this gang are

the eccentric Patrick (Ezra Miller) and his pretty stepsister Sam (Emma Watson), for whom Charlie instantly falls for. They seem vibrant and outgoing, but possess their own set of problems. Patrick is engaged in a closeted and emotionally abusive gay relationship with the school quarterback, and Sam struggles with low self-esteem from being molested as a child. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is peppered with great moments of comedy, jealousy-

inducing scenes of friendship, heartwarming moments of teenage love and poignant scenes of emotional confusion. Lerman aptly carries the leading role, which is an especially surprising and impressive feat for a young actor most known for his role in the tween action movie Percy Jackson. His performance is so spot-on that its hard to believe that he is actually not at all like Charlie in real life. Millers portrayal of Patrick is also flawless. Watson delivers a solid performanceand an excellent

American accentbut she lacks the innate spark, the impression as if she were actually the character, that the other two leading actors possess. As great as the acting and the general storyline is, when the viewer struggles alongside Charlie to differentiate reality from his many hallucinations, the films impact is lessened. For fans of the novel, the movie adaptation is likely to be a hit, but for others, it may have fallen short of being a fresh and insightful study of growing up.

By Jennifer parK
Staff Writer

Dont miss: fall TVs finest

There is one option for students who wish to alleviate the stress that builds up from school: TV shows. Here are some of the top shows of this fall that students might find to their likingwithout having to scroll through hundreds of channels. Beauty and the Beast (Thursdays on CW): A slight twist from the original story, Beauty and the Beast features a smart female detective whose life is forever altered after a mysterious, monster-like being saves her from being murdered along with her parents. The mystery deepens as she finds the fingerprints of a supposedly dead doctor, who actually has been alive and in hiding for the past 10 years. Join in as CW makes a comeback with this romantic mystery on Thursday, Oct. 11. NCIS (Tuesdays on CBS): NCIS is the primary law enforcement organization of America, investigating felonies that involve the Marine Corps and Navy personnel. Voted in the Harris Poll as Americas favorite television show last year, this police drama series is making a comeback for its 10th season this fall that viewers wont want to miss. The Big Bang Theory (Thursdays on CBS): Created by the writer and producer of Two and A Half Men, The Big Bang Theory has returned for a sixth season. Four young and very intelligent male scientists meet their challenge when Penny, an attractive

Filled with heavy guitar riffs, thumping bass lines and soaring vocals, these songs are there for you to rock your heart out for the month of Rocktober. While punk has been long dead, enjoy these substitutes in the meantime. Weve mixed in some awesome female-led bands for some additional girl power.

X-Tra special: Be sure to catch the highly-anticipated U.S. spinoff of The X Factor on TV screens this fall.
girl from next door, drops in one day and shows them what life is like outside a laboratory. Tune in to CBS this fall to ease your stress with laughter, while unconsciously learning some AP Physics vocabulary. The X Factor (Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox): This popular British reality show started in 2004 and has been in the spotlight ever since, spawning hits from across the pond with its quirky to jaw-dropping to emotionallytouching performances. The show promises an hour full of exciting entertainment, especially with a judging platform that consists of Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and the newest additions: Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

www.digitalspy.co.uk

steven horng Northwood Howler

October 2, 2012

CENTERSPREAD

October 2, 2012

Orange County Great Park

www.ocgp.org
By Angeline Nguyen, Staff Writer The best place to relax in the sun with friends and family is the Orange County Great Park. Known for its award-winning design plan and exciting hot air balloon rides, the Great Park is perfect for munching on organic goodies and listening to awesome concerts. The best place to find home-grown produce and delicious food is the Farmers Market, open Sunday afternoons. Besides sampling free fruit, people of all ages can enjoy the crafts made by local artisans and delicacies from food trucks such as Crepes Bonaparte, a delicious crepe specialty truck, and Chomp Chomp Nation, an exotic Singaporean-serving truck. The Great Parks 1,347 acres makes it a perfect venue for large outdoor concerts. Previously held concerts include the Vans Warped Tour, featuring bands such as We the Kings and All Time Low, and the Flights and Sounds Summer Festival, five weeks of non-stop music from all genres. The twinkling stars and fresh air are a definite plus when enjoying a night immersed in music. Currently, park coordinators are teaming up with Goldenvoice, the promoter behind the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, to schedule future music festivals. In addition to the current Great Park Carousel, Farm and Food Lab, and Farmers Market, the park will include a golf course, botanical garden and wildlife corridor once construction is complete. Although the Great Park will not be finished for another 30 to 40 years, its current attractions make it worth the visit.

Irvine Fine Arts Center

www.irvinefinearts.org
By Megan Nazareno, Editor-in-Chief The term art holds countless meanings, from ceramics to photography to the culinary arts. For anyone with any degree of interest in art, the Irvine Fine Arts Center offers hundreds of classes, various equipment, and exciting events that cater to virtually any definition of art. Classes cover an array of art mediums and are normally once a week. Some popular classes for teenagers include Digital Photography and Painting. More exotic workshops are Chinese Brush Painting, Jewelry Design and Creation and Introduction to Mosaics. The Center also offers other opportunities that require less time commitment. Open Studio offers staff assistance and the necessary equipment for photography, ceramics, jewelry and printmaking. Art lovers can also look forward to the Centers annual Holiday Faire, held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 this year. With over 150 vendors, guests can buy uniquely handmade pieces. Proceeds will go to the local arts community. Throughout the year, the Center hosts several exhibitions. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 21, a group exhibition called Artists Tales will feature three artists and their imaginative take on different genres of literature. With its creative environment, friendly instruction and ample equipment, the Irvine Fine Arts Center is a treasure trove for both art amateurs and masters alike.

Photo by Emaan Baqai

Photo by Nicole Wu

By Brittney Kuo, A & E Editor Nestled in the heart of Irvines business district, the Irvine Museum is a quiet little haven where art enthusiasts can spend a peaceful afternoon among paintings that celebrate the natural beauty of our home state. Specializing in early California Impressionism, the museum rotates exhibits every three to four months and hosts a friendly staff that is passionate and knowledgeable about the art featured. Its current exhibit Autumns Glory, Winters Grace presents California in a different light, leaving behind the summery atmosphere that the state is typically known for and capturing the new spirit of the colder seasons in their paintings. If youre looking for a relaxing way to spend the day with your friends, a visit to the museum followed by a quick bite to eat at a local restaurant is highly recommended! A trip here will not dent the wallet either, as admission is only $5 for adults while children, students and seniors are admitted free. On the second Wednesday of every month, admission is free for everybody. The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Irvine Museum
www.irvinemuseum.org

EXPLORING THE BUBBLE

Layout by Sooyun Choi, Centerspread Editor
Photo by Sooyun Choi

Tanaka Farms
www.tanakafarms.com

Photo: Brittney Kuo

By Jenny Lee, Accent Editor Its about time that students took a step back from their computers and cellphones to take in some fresh air. What better place to do so, than in Irvines very own source of quality produce: Tanaka Farms? Visitors are offered many different types of tours throughout the year at the farm. The strawberry tours go from March to June and watermelon tours from July to August. Harvest tours also just ended in August. These tours allow visitors to pick fresh vegetables such as kale, snap peas, and carrots while being guided through the trail of various crops all over the farm. Coming soon are the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees event fit for the upcoming seasons. Apart from the many tours available, Tanaka Farms produce stand is open seven days a week all year, selling produce grown through organic farming and harvested daily for extra freshness. However, the fruits and vegetables available will vary throughout each respective growing seasons to guarantee quality and taste. Currently in season are delicious strawberries, cantaloupes and watermelons. An extra sweet option offered now is chocolate dipped strawberries. When struggling to find something new to do, visit Tanaka Farms for an interesting and informative tour or a simple visit to pick up healthy and sweet treats. Either way, enjoy the experience of trying something fresh and new!

Photo by Brittney Kuo

Pure Light Candle Studio

www.purelightcelebrations.com

Old Town Irvine

By Emaan Baqai, Layout Editor If youre searching for a little classic culture and vintage eats amidst the modernity of our city, Old Town Irvine is the place to go! Located on Sand Canyon Avenue just past the 5 freeway, this seemingly tiny portion of Irvine encompasses much of its history. Upon arriving, my friends and I headed to Knowlwoods to grab a bite to eat. However, more enticing than the diner style grub was the decor. The wood paneling and display automobiles made me nostalgic; signatures on the walls spoke of the age long ago when all Irvinians would head to the joint to gobble down a couple of the worlds best hamburgers after soccer games on Saturday afternoons. After a plate of hearty chicken tenders, we walked around the aging La Quinta Inn and read about Irvine history starting from World War IIapparently, Irvine used to be the number one producers of lima beans in the world! Many of the shops in the area had run out of business, but strolling through the 1960s style buildings and gas lamps was an adventure of its own. Old Town Irvine is definitely for anyone who enjoys areas off the beaten path!
Photo by Emaan Baqai

By Christina Ko, News Editor You can eat, shop, watch movies...and also make candles at the Irvine Spectrum. At Pure Light Candle Studio, customers, even the artistically challenged, can easily create candles in just a few hours. Customers are led through the process upon arrivalpicking the candle mold, color of the wax, fragrance and optional decorations. The candles are relatively simple to make. All the customer has to do is chop up the slabs of wax and lay out the arrangement of decorations. An employee will then melt the wax with hot water and place the decorations on the candle. The fragrance and wax pieces are included in the price of the mold, and optional decorations range from ten cents to fifteen dollars. The cooling process may take anywhere from two to four hours, but a dry-in-one-hour option is available for $5. Decorating options are plentiful. There are 35 sizes and shapes of moldssquares, hearts, pyramids, ellipses, hearts, flowersand embellishments like wax shapes, beads, Venetian glass hearts, sparklers, note and photo holders and smaller candles shaped like flowers and comic book characters like Hello Kitty that can be placed on top of the base mold. However, some may find it difficult to find decorations they like, as many of the ones at the store have a distinctly homestyle, arts-and-crafts feel. Also, the prices of the embellishments can add up to not-so-wallet-friendly prices. The ones shown to the right are $32 and $40. Though, all in all, Pure Light is worth checking out, whether it is for a short break from shopping, an opportunity for family bonding or a creative low-key date.

Photo by Sooyun Choi

Disney: glass slipper Competition: a no-win situation or poison apple?

By brandon CHoi
Junk Editor

October 2, 2012

VIEWPOINT
What did you get? How did you do? As a fellow Timberwolf you have inevitably heard these or some variation of these phrases some time in your high school career. Sometimes it seems as if the only thing that drives our academic pursuit is competition and our desire to perform better than our peers. Competition may lead us to study longer and produce marginally higher test scores, but is it really worth it? At an academically rigorous school like Northwood, classes are difficult enough as it is. Combine AP classes with sports, music, and other extra curricular activities and the result is an abundance of overly stressed students. Once these students begin comparing themselves to one another, the result is a loselose situation. Competition is not only stressful, but also unfair and illogical. Northwood prides itself in its diverse body of students who excel in activities ranging from piano to football to even calculus. Yet, diversity also means that students will differ in their strengths and weaknesses. Each student is unique in his or her own skill set; comparing one student to another is like comparing peanut butter to jelly. But not all competition is bad. In fact, competition can drive a student to study more, possibly resulting in better grades. The important factor is not whether students compete with each other, but how this competition affects their academic performance

People sometimes go overboard with the bragging and make others feel bad but competition can also make people work harder too. Denny Lee, 9

niCole Wu Northwood Howler

I think that such competition is good because it drives people to do better academically but sometimes at the cost of relationships with friends. Reba Chawla, 10

niCole Wu Northwood Howler

DISNEY LOVE: Senior Jay Gopal channels his inner Minnie Mouse.
By KaTie Haines
Staff Writer

ParaM sHaH Northwood Howler

When I was 5 years old, I wanted nothing more than to be Cinderella for Halloween. Donning a tiara and blue dress, I cleaned the house for a week after getting my costume. So why exactly did my little five-yearold self decide to act as a maid? Because Disney said so. For generations, Disney classics have made their mark on our shared cultural history, becoming indispensable parts of childhoods everywhere. Adults recall their favorite Disney movie and show it to their children, who then show it to their children in an endless chain of Disney promotion. Their whimsical nature and grand fairytale endings make these classics alluring to kids and to parents who want their kids to experience the magic of Disney just as they did in their own youth. But hidden behind Disney classics faade of harmless happiness and glorified morals are the subliminal advertisements of inappropriate valuesparticularly in Disney princess moviesthat unsuspectingly encourage children to act in misguided ways. And the question arises: should these messages discourage parents from screening Disney classics? Take the 1991 Disney movie Beauty and the Beast for instance. Belle is locked in a tower by an apparent monster. After Belle refuses to dine with her captor, the Beast yells at her, refusing to feed her until she dines with him. Yet despite his abusive behavior, Belle still ends up falling in love with him. What message does this send to young girls? If a man abuses you, its okay to return to him because he may change. And the message this sends to young boys? Its all right to act abusive towards a girl because

she will find it in her heart to forgive you. The very attitudes we try to discourage are instead encouraged by the widely-viewed Disney classics. Its just surprising because I never used to view Disney like that before, said junior Kaley Bolger. But the sexist attitudes towards women arent the only troubling morals Disney teaches. In almost every Disney movie, the two characters fall in love instantly, without ever truly meeting. And just like that, they are ready to give up everything for each other. Take Ariel from The Little Mermaid, for example. She gives up her voice in a heartbeat for a Prince she barely knows. The selfless nature of the love at first sight idea may be romantic, but the willingness to compromise anything for a person after such a short period of knowing them is an unrealistic attitude. Dont get the wrong idea here; in no way am I trying to come off as a Disney conspiracy theorist, because I grew up treasuring Disney classics too. Im just trying to shed light on the implications of Disney favorites that are not widely addressed. In fact, if parents use these situations to show their children unacceptable behavior, Disney classics could actually teach children to negatively identify these behaviors. I obviously cant keep my daughter from watching Disney, but I would talk to her about it and ask her what she thinks is going on, said Northwood teacher Bryan Hoang. Though it is concerning that these sexist ideals are so effortlessly introduced into the moldable minds of children, it would be impossible to erase Disney classics from the lives of children. And if parents reinforce good morals and discourage their children from completely idolizing characters like the Disney princesses, there is no reason a little kid shouldnt be able to enjoy a Disney classic.

I dont think that people should become too stressed about it and go crazy trying to out-compete people. Alex Burger, 11 and self-confidence. Obsessing over how your grades compare to another students leads to unnecessary stress. Northwood provides an environment where students are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. In fact, that is what high school is all about. Success arrives at different times and in different forms, so obsessively measuring your own success against others

niCole Wu Northwood Howler

I feel that it is overall negative as it can kind of degrade a persons spirit. Faris Taher, 12

niCole Wu Northwood Howler

will most likely lead to unwarranted disappointment and frustration. Although it is important to perform well in school, the caliber for success is not measured by a letter grade or a grade point average, but by an individuals effort and perseverance. So next time a friend asks what you got on that test, dont be afraid to answer. You tried your best, and that is what counts.

Thoughts on Northwoods dress code

be appropriate. One Northwood senior said she sensed a tense environment around campus because of the worry of getting dress coded. The increase of students being sent to the office leads to serious questions. Is targeting students for minor dress code infractions justifiable for creating this stressed learning environment? Shouldnt there be a detention penalty first and then a Saturday school? Administrators must address the dress code issue immediately. There must be specific, objective guidelines for students posted in a visible area for reference. Northwood faculty should remember that body image is a delicate subject for many teenagers, and that the dress code may have consequences for their selfconfidence. The dress code, when clarified and clearly explained to the student body, will do great things for our learning environment. Until then, it seems like no one will know what is truly acceptable to wear to school.
Junk Editor brandon CHoi BusinEss ManagErs dennis KiM TiM sHieH staff writErs TiffanY Tsai JaiMe MaCdonald franCesCa riCaPiTo CHris sun angeline nguYen Jennifer ParK elaine lu CHrisTine lee Karina lee KaTie Haines photographErs WesleY CHen JosH naTHan

FOREVER CONFUSED: Northwood sophomore Jenn Banko tries to figure out which items in her closet are and arent school appropriate.
By JaiMe MaCdonald
Staff Writer

ParaM sHaH Northwood Howler

How short is too short? The Northwood dress code has been weighing on the minds of students even more than usual this year, and students of all ages, girls especially, are facing the consequences. The purpose behind the dress code is to create an appropriate school setting and reduce distractions caused by obscene, discriminatory

or suggestive clothing. Undoubtedly, the dress code helps the school create a productive learning environment. Problems arise when students are dress coded for wearing what theyve always worn. The planner outlines what the dress code entails, but does not specify how long shorts must be or what exact types of tank tops are allowed. The lack of clarification causes students to get sent into the office for coming to school in an outfit they thought would
photo pagE Editor niCole Wu graphiCs Editor sTeven Horng aCCEnt Editor JennY lee CEntErsprEad Editor sooYun CHoi viEwpoint Editor sonali seTH nEws Editors CHrisTina Ko aleena KaraMallY a&E Editor briTTneY Kuo sports Editor YasH guPTa

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

nhshowlerads@gmail.com

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

Editor-in-ChiEf Megan nazareno Managing Editor Monsoon Pabrai thE howlEr onlinE Editor Jennifer Yu advisEr TiM Horrigan Copy Editors CHrisTine Yang zoe burger layout Editor eMaan baqai photo Editor ParaM sHaH

Psycho Pabrai: College essays? No, thank you

By Monsoon Pabrai
Managing Editor

Cupcake wars: Sprinkles vs. Caseys

VIEWPOINT

October 2, 2012

Lately, I have been as irritable as a 5-year-old having a temper tantrum for not getting a Snickers bar. Why? College essays are as annoying as ants in my skin-tight pants. The topics aggravate me constantly, and the overwhelming amount of them drives me insane. My life has lost all sense of balance and order. College apps shouldnt occupy an entire semester of my last year of high school. Why cant admission officers just see that I am the perfect person for their school? Colleges ask all sorts of ridiculous questions, like how high school life will help me in the future. How am I supposed to know? Excuse me if I dont have the life experience of a 75-year-old war advocator and if I cant understand at the mere age of 16 why Debate is so great, aside from the fact that I can own people in a beautiful classy manner that makes me feel like a superstar diva. Essay prompts ask why we want to attend their schools and pursue higher education, and what experiences shaped our aspirations. Essay after essay asking about my personal life. Its like college admission officers are these creepy stalkers prying into our personal lives. Hello privacy anyone?

FIGHT TO THE FINISH: A brutal battle ensues between Sprinkles and Caseys. Lives will be lost. Icing will be bled. Which bakery shall prevail?

ParaM sHaH Northwood Howler

Its mid-afternoon, and after a long day at school you simply want to sit down, relax, and enjoy a cupcake to melt all your troubles away. But then the neverending topic of debate arises: Sprinkles or Caseys? But have no fear, The Howler is here to address both sides of this dessert dilemma.

Sprinkles!
By aleena KaraMallY
Staff Writer

Each year on my birthday, I come home to a little brown cardboard box with the word Sprinkles scribbled on top and a Happy Birthday note from my best friend. Its become a tradition and my favorite birthday present every year because Sprinkles is just so delicious that other cupcakes pale in comparison. Part of the reason Sprinkles has become a phenomenon in Southern California and nationwide is because of the Sprinkles brand. Waiting in line for three hours for a cupcake in Beverly Hills, trying Sprinkles new ice cream, or whispering the secret Facebook code word for a free cupcake in Newport Beach adds to the exclusivity of Sprinkles, especially since Sprinkles has a large following of celebrities, including Katie Holmes,

Oprah Winfrey, and Blake Lively, who have publicly proclaimed their love for the sugary pieces of Heaven. Sprinkles customers enjoy the high-end, posh culture associated with true gourmet cupcakes. Even the names of the cupcakes sound better than Caseys cupcake names. Sprinkles took a classic vanilla cupcake and made it Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, while Caseys came up with the somewhat cheesy Vivacious Vanilla. And lastly, the most obvious difference: Sprinkles cupcakes taste so much better. Its not possible to accurately describe how incredible it is to bite into a warm, freshly iced red velvet cupcake topped with sweet, silky cream cheese icing. Simply put, from the elegant fondant dots to the sophisticated cupcake names and posh celebrity fan club, Sprinkles is just classier than Caseys. And I bet youre craving a Sprinkles cupcake right now.

Caseys!
By KaTie Haines
Staff Writer

A walk into Caseys immediately entices, with the mouth-watering cupcakes on display through the window of this pink bakery. From the moment I enter, the cute decor and delectable desserts immediately signal to me that I have undoubtedly reached cupcake heaven. When faced with the Sprinkles vs. Caseys dilemma, the answer is clear: Caseys all the way. There is no doubt that Sprinkles is a close contender, but Caseys simply offers something that Sprinkles does not: atmosphere. Upon entering Sprinkles, customers find themselves crammed together shoulder-to-shoulder with other demanding Sprinkles fans. Whats more is the fact that once they finally obtain their long-awaited cupcake,

Sprinkles customers have no place to sit and enjoy it. Sure, there are a few outdoor tables to eat at, but what happens when winter hits and the weather gets bad? Caseys, on the other hand, has a welcoming environment worth waiting in. Customers feel more at ease and less claustrophobic when waiting in line for Caseys equally-delicious tasting cupcakes. Plus, they can sit inside and devour their dessert within the adorably pink walls of this bakery. And, lets be honest. Does anyone really eat the signature dot that tops off a Sprinkles cupcake? The milk chocolate Caseys emblem that tops off a Caseys cupcake is far more appetizing and edible than a fondant dot is. The popular food network show Cupcake Wars seems to agree that Caseys cupcakes are delicious and visually appealing, as Caseys was crowned the winner of the shows Walk of Fame episode in 2011.

So, does Sprinkles or Caseys take the cake? Well leave the final verdict to you.

ParaM sHaH Northwood Howler

SWAMPED IN ESSAYS: Monsoon drowns in essay drafts as she writes about her experiences in high school to send to colleges around the country.
Why do these colleges want us to write such unrealistic and ridiculous essays anyways? Well, perhaps its because they force us to accept the fact that we are growing up. Maybe these essays will let me step beyond the barriers of saturation reports and anchors and write about myself for once. And after dozens of essay drafts forcing me to reflect on what I really want to do with my life, not only have the colleges learned more about me, but I think I have too. Even though these essays are piling up and making me go crazy, I have to admit, Ive learned more about myself, where I came from, and why I am leaving for college in such great shape. Thank you random universities and colleges for creating such ...interesting... topics. You have truly challenged me as an individual, a writer, and an independent young adult ready to leave the confines of high school and embrace college. In 11 months, anyways.

Read this or be banished to the shadow realm

you want to influence the world you live in, keep reading. Heres what we have to say: The upcoming elections matter; not only to your parents, your teachers, or your favorite grandma who bakes you the best cookies in the world. No. These upcoming elections matter just as much to adults as high school students like yourself. So, you underclassmen might be rolling your eyes, thinking to yourself, I cant vote. But dont turn the page just yet, because our message applies to you, too. And as for you seniors, this article is really for you, so listen up. Politics isnt something that should come with the negative baggage that many associate with the term. If your parents are anything like ours, the mention of the word is almost taboo, because they either dont care or arent knowledgeable enough about the subject to be interested. Rather than focusing on politics in terms of notoriously corrupt politicians that you have no control over or the complex tax codes that become more indecipherable every year, it is empowering to know that what you believe ultimately dictates what our representatives say and do in Congress. For those of you from more politically involved families, try not to feel pressured to blindly believe what your parents support for no reason. Just because they have always voted one way, doesnt mean that their opinions apply to you. Youre a teenager, one with independent thoughts and idea many of which may differ from your parents simply because you are at different stages in life. From being an athlete, to a musician, to a member of ASB, what bonds all of us together is the fact that were students. For us, education directly applies to our daily lives and should therefore be a major factor in what we support. We have the power to shape what our government decides, and we shouldnt waste it especially on what we feel passionately about, including highly controversial social issues like gay marriage, abortion and human rights. In addition, dont vote solely based on political parties. Although you may not know the difference between Democrats and Republicans, your stance on, say, the amount of money youre going to be paying for college tuition, is probably much more concrete. Make your decisions

ParaM sHaH Northwood Howler

MARVELOUS MANUAL: The Voter Information Guide is the informed citizens one-stop shop for all voting needs this November.
By TiM sHieH and zoe burger
Business Manager and Copy Editor

All right, maybe the consequences wont be so severe if you choose to skip over this article, but if

based on those kinds of issues that directly affect you rather than subjecting yourself to a bumper sticker advertisement. Lastly, please, please get off your couch and show up to the polls on election day. The only way to ensure true democracy is by participating in it. The reason politics today seems so abstract and confusing, is the fact that it is. Its easy to get entangled in the I approve this message, false accusations from both sides, and the money-driven nature of the activity today. But if we stay focused on what impacts us in the real world, we can make a change by voicing our thoughts. Complaining about the government and its policies wont change it; only voters can. When you cast your vote at that ballot box, it may seem just like a click of a button or a swipe of a pen to you, but that seemingly insignificant movement has the power to change Americas future for the next four years. Were not saying that you all have to aspire to be the next Barack Obama, but being a responsible citizen and voting is something that anybody, and all of us, should be doing.

10

October 2, 2012

Its time to shine Aint no Mt. Sac high enough

SPORTS

The Northwood Howler

IcoNIc SwIMMer: Michael Phelps, 18-time gold medalist, is an example of pure greatness and the rewards of hard work.
By Michael chang
Contributing Writer

gaMeSPoT.coM

Lets close our eyes and imagine that perfect race. You did it; you won. The team won. You punch the air, still unable to believe what just happened. Finally, after all that hard work, after all the dreaming, you broke the record; you won the race. You look around and see the shock and disbelief on your opponents faces. How did you their faces seem to say. The lights are flashing, the crowd is roaring: you drink in the moment. You feel the cool breeze in your hair and hear your teammates yells of triumph. I am so proud of you, your coach says. You smoked the field out there! You did it. It is the happiest moment of your life. Nothing feels better than this moment. Take it back to the beginning of the race. Youre up next. How do you feel? Youre nervous, but excited. This is it. You know this will be good. Youve dreamed about it all year. Ev-

erything came down to this. In the end, its about who wants it more. You know youve worked harder than anybody else. You deserve it more than anyone, because you worked the hardest, you trained the longest, you want it the most. Youre going to attack it. No mercy. You hear the starter Take it back a few months. Its hot. Your head is pounding, and you cant get enough air to catch your breath. And you still have another hour of training. Why am I here? you think desperately. Your muscles are screaming. But you know that, however much it hurts right now, its going to hurt a million times worse if you dont get your goal. You cant let that happen. Youre tough. You have to push through. Take it back to the present. Its now the beginning of a new year. Youve set high goals for yourself. Youll have to challenge yourself like never before to reach them. But you know youll get it. Youve been there; youve seen how it will all happen. You open your eyes. You got this.

WeSleY chen The Northwood Howler

ruNNINg to SucceSS: The Northwood Girls Cross Country Team has started the season off succesfully, and hopes to continue its success in the future at the Mt. SAC Invitational in mid-October.
By Jennifer Yu
Online Editor-in-Chief

Ranked as high as third in CIF-SS Division III and eighth in state, the girls varsity cross country team is poised to continue its legacy as it gears up for the Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Cross Country Invitational on Oct 19. With a team comprised of new blood and experienced veterans, Northwoods runners have been posting impressive results in what seems to be another solid season. We have an outstanding team this year, perhaps our best ever, said head coach Charles Gates. Leading the team are junior Bethan Knights, whose breakout sophomore years success has carried over to

blistering times this season, and senior Marisa Purcell, the veteran multiple school record holder. Senior Lee Lazar, junior Anjali Dixit, sophomore Natsuki Eguchi, sophomore Grace Hsieh and freshman standout Ashley Larson round out the elite squad of seven. The varsity team has notched back-to-back championships at the Lowell Invitational in San Francisco and the Bell-Jeff Invitational in Los Angeles, successfully defending its title. The team also swept in the age divisions at the season-opening Laguna Hills Invitational in early September. Although cross country will compete in its first league cluster race of the season and the highly competitive OC Championships prior to Mt. SAC, the Mt. SAC Invitational is one

of the most popular cross country races in the nation, largely due to its infamously hilly and challenging course. The Northwood team, however, seems unfazed and ready to conquer; it will be competing in the Sweepstakes race, which features the top 10 teams in each division. Such success could foreshadow the chances of winning the league or CIF. We run hills every Friday all summer and are well prepared to confront the challenge Mt. SAC presents, said Gates. Our goal is to win the race and win CIF, but it will take a lot of hard work and determination to achieve that goal. We are so excited to see the season unfold and see what we have in store for us, said Lazar.

An ace hits an ace

NBA: let the amazing begin

FANtAStIc PhAM: Chloe Pham, the number one ranked girls varsity player, is leading the tennis team to a successful season. Pham, concentrates while preparing to return a serve.
Copy Editor

ParaM Shah The Northwood Howler

FIerce coMPetItorS: Kobe Bryant and Lebron James look to lead their respective teams to an NBA Championship in this season.
By TiM Shieh
Business Manager

BliTZSPorTSneTWork.coM

By Zoe Burger

The fall sports season is here, and the epic girls varsity tennis team is back in action. Both JV and varsity have started their season strong and are excited to continue their stellar play. The Howler was able to sit down with junior Chloe Pham, the number one ranked girls varsity player at Northwood. Zoe Burger: How long have you been playing tennis for and how do you train? Chloe Pham: I have been playing tennis for about six years now. A typical training day for me would be conditioning for an hour and then actually playing tennis for two or more hours. For conditioning, I do sprints or long-distance running, and leg and

arm workouts. ZB: Do you play tennis outside of school? CP: I play tournaments about every other weekend during the school year. Tournaments are very competitive because California is probably the most competitive state in the nation for tennis. The draws are always very big and its always a tremendous win for me whenever I win a tournament. ZB: How does it feel being a nationally ranked tennis player? CP: I feel very proud of myself for being nationally ranked because tennis is a very common sport in America. I always strive to be better and be ranked higher, and Im starting to feel that all my hard work is paying off! ZB: Do you have a role model or

someone that has really helped you in your tennis career? CP: My role model is Roger Federer because he is such a humble athlete and hes a genuine person that I really look up to. My dad has really helped me in my tennis career. Hes out there everyday in the hot sun just feeding me balls and pushing me, so I give props to my dad for leading me to this position that Im in today. ZB: What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you at a match? CP: So I was playing a match, and then this random Asian lady just walked into the courts while my opponent and I were hitting. It was really awkward and she was picking up the balls and throwing them to us. With Pham leading the way, the team, currently 8-3, is sure to have a successful rest of the season.

The sports world is looking bright. The National Football League and Major League Baseball seasons are producing countless headlines on Sports Center and new records are made at every game as freakish athletes make their gamewinning touchdowns and home runs. But wait, you say, there seems to be something missing. Indeed, after a summer-long hiatus, the National Basketball Association will be making a comeback of its own on Oct. 30. Excitement is already bubbling regarding this off-seasons blockbuster trades and signings. In particular, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired three-time defensive player of the year, Dwight Howard, and two-time Most Valuable Player, Steve Nash, to play with five-time champion, Kobe Bryant. After re-signing and pursuing key

reserves, the Lakers are looking to put their second round exits in the playoffs behind them and go for a 17th banner in Staples Center. The defending world champion, Miami Heat, also bolstered their chances of repeating by adding the all-time leader in made three-point field goals, Ray Allen, to the team. The Dallas Mavericks lost big this summer, as the newly established Brooklyn Nets re-signed all-star point guard Deron Williams to a long-term contract, while trading for former Atlanta Hawk, Joe Johnson. With existing rivalries intensifying and new ones sprouting up, it will be difficult not to keep your eyes stuck to the TV screen every evening. So get ready for those inspiring Where Amazing Happens ads, Northwood, the NBA is coming back. Heres to Kobe getting his sixth ring and Lebron James choking again in crunch time!

The Northwood Howler

Top 10 Halloween costumes

By Sonali Seth
Viewpoint Editor

BRANDONS BASURA

October 2, 2012

11

Umms...
By elaine lu
Staff Writer

and a million screaming teenage girls following your every move. 9. All Ears. Find pictures, sculptures, or (god forbid) actual specimens of human ears and pin them all over your body. Youre guaranteed to attract some attention, even if its just some weird stares. 8. Third Wheel. Label two friends as Wheel One and Wheel Two, so you can be the third. As an added bonus, this costume doubles as a tricycle. 7. Mini Mouse. Take a fresh look at an old classic: instead of the overused mouse ear headband and red polka dots, just dress like a really, really small mouse. 6. Lady Gaga. Sure, you could just slap on the meat from your refrigerator and call it a day. But instead, dress like a baby girl and say gaga whenever people address you. Itll be sure to confuse them. 5. Red Handed. Dress in all normal clothes, but dip your hand in red paint. And when your fellow trickor-treaters ask you where your costume is, you can say, Whoops, I forgot it. You caught me red-handed. 4. Gangnam Style. Now, theres no way your costume will ever be as cool as PSY. But with some stylish pink shorts, orange suspenders, round sunglasses, and irresistible swag, you could come pretty close. 3. Mummy. Avoid a toilet paper-covered disaster by instead dressing like your mummy: some mom jeans, an apron and a general confusion about text language and kids these days should do the trick. 2. One Direction. This group costume doesnt even need preparation. Whenever someone asks you what your costume is, have you and your friends point in one direction in silent unison before he or she walks away. Warning: costume may cause social outcasting. 1. Timberwolf. Show some school pride this Halloween with the only Northwood-endorsed Halloween costume.* Just print out the Insanity Wolf meme, stick it on yourself, and carry some timberwood. Maybe you can even earn a little extra credit from your math teacher for your school spirit.
*Disclaimer: Northwood does not endorse this Halloween costume.

10. Justin Beaver. All you need is a raccoon hat (yes, Davy Crockett style), some too-tight skinny jeans,

The Chronicles of Lion Rocktee: Girls and double lives dont go well together
By anonymouS
???

...continued from last issue... Please dont recognize me. Im Lion Rocktee. Ill swim 50 IMs if she doesnt recognize me. Wait how did you get that? asks the girl who I ran into on the way out of math as she sees me pick up my Olympic swim cap with my old name, Ryan Lochte, written across it. I. Uhm. I stumble, at a loss for words. My first class and its already going badly. So I might slip again, let it in now and then, that dont mean anything, Im still good. I hum Hannah Montanas inspirational lyrics under my breath. I got this.

How do you make up an excuse when youre a 28-year-old Olympian and one of the most famous swimmers in America and the girl you like, who thinks youre just a regular Timberwolf, sees your Team USA swim cap in your backpack? She looks at me with questioning green eyes. Wow, shes even hotter than I thought. Act cool, act cool. I, uh, met Ryan Lochte. He liked my swag so he asked me to model for his brand, but I said Im not really into that. You know, Ive got better stuff to do. I flip my golden hair. Smooth. Most of the time girls dont care what I say as long as I flip my hair after. Please, Bieber has nothing on me. He must have confused you

with someone else then, replied the girl, the corners of her mouth curling into a sarcastic grin. What? Did she really just say that? Shes not impressed. Shes not giving me that look that all the other girls give me. She actually listened to what I said? Wait...what did I just say? Stunned, I stutter, Uh, well then...Im Lion Rocktee. Rachel. Nice to meet you, Lochte. Oh, I mean Rocktee. Hey, I have to head out to swim try-outs soon. The team needs some new swimmers. You should come and try out, too. Swim team?!? I take notice of her strong shoulders, tan skin, and graceful swimmers body. I cant go

there, Ill be attacked by fans. But. Shes so hot. Ill be there if you watch. I need some TLC to get me pumped up during the time trials, I say while leaning against the door frame and casually flexing my biceps. Bet she cant resist these babies. Get ready for the swoon. She scoffed, Cool. Whatever. Just walk past the theater and through the white gates. The aquatic center is right across the parking lot. The last time I freaked, I just kept looking down, st-st-stuttered when you asked me what Im thinking bout. The next time we hang out, I will redeem myself, I cant wait. To see you again. To be continued...

Umm...in New Jersey, its illegal to buy ice cream after 6 p.m. without a doctor's note. Umm...snails can sleep for up to three years. Umm...month doesn't rhyme with another word. Umm...a fear of Friday the 13th is known as Paraskevidekatriaphobia, Friggatriskaidekaphobia, or Triskaidekaphobia. Umm...a monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana. Umm...all porcupines float in water. Umm...Sherlock Holmes never said, "Elementary, my dear Watson." Umm...the average person is about a quarter of an inch taller at night. Umm...Paul Hunn holds the record for the loudest burp, which was 118.1 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw. Umm...like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different. Umm...no piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times. Umm...the average person swallows about a quart of snot every day. Umm...a Quebec farmer once found a frog inside a hailstone. Umm...the longest one-syllable word in the English language is "screeched." Umm...the katydid bug hears through holes in its hind legs. Umm...every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie. Umm...a crocodile cannot stick its tongue out. Umm...human thighbones are stronger than concrete. Umm...Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around. Umm...each year, there are more than 40,000 toilet-related injuries in the United States. Umm...odontophobia is the fear of teeth. Umm... the Neanderthals brain was bigger than yours is. Umm... the sound of E.T. walking was made by someone squishing her hands in jelly. Umm...stressed is desserts spelled backwards. Umm...cats can hear ultrasound.