bay magazine summer 2011

Into the Wild

baymagazine

summer11

a magazine written for and by the bay area youth

PHOTO OURTESY OF: M83,MOGWAI, SIGUR ROS

2 SUMMER2011 BAYMAGAZINE.ORG

ADS

bayADVERTISE WITH US!

Ads are significant in funding for this free publication, so help us out and distribute an ad for your business around the south bay!

Interested?

CONTACT US [email protected]

Interested in joining the Bay Magazine team?

Visit to http://www.baymagazine.org/apply for more information!

baymagazine

summer 2011CONTENTS

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

5 6 GREEN:NUCLEAR ENERGY

9

READ:HUMAN JUNGLE

11 LISTENINSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

13

EATGO/TRAVEL

14

FEATURE:INTO THE WILD

22THINK

23

WATCH:HARRY POTTER

23 WEAR

REVIEW: BAI TONG

FEATURE:THE TRENDIEST OF THE BAY AREAP

HOTO COURTESY OF: KEVIN LIN

3BAYMAGAZINE.ORG SUMMER2011

follow us on TWITTER @ twitter.com/baymagazine

bay

foundermanaging editoreditorial director

business and PR directorlayout editor

social media directorweb editor

photo editoreat/listen editorgo/travel editor

green editorread/watch editor

wear editorcopy editor

editorial

business

public relations

layout

social media

photography

T.T. TuKevin LinSophie KangTiffany HuSonika SinghChristy ChenCharlotte JonesAnthony SutardjaBriana ZimmersMia TaperKevin LinShreya IndukuriJacqueline GuSamantha DonatEdward DongAditi AshokAlejandra OrtizAnshu SiripurapuBrian BentonIsha KawatraMonica CaiNicole DalalSunli KimVivian LeTranZara SheikhAshley TangRaghav BhardwajAllison BrunoAllison TohCatherine LinHelen CarefootSasan SaadatSophie MattsonYash ChitneniMegan KaoPriyanka ArunkumarAmanda OlsonSayumi HasegawaSally KimCody CaiAustin YuRamiz SheikhCharles StotzLaura YauZohar Liebermensch

baymagazine

PHOTO OURTESY OF: AUSTIN YU


STAFF

Into the Wild

baymagazine

summer11

a magazine written for and by the bay area youth

Cover photos courtesy of: Austin Yu

Editor’s Thoughts

It’s finally summer. Yes, we’ve made it past the school year, doomsday rapture, and May rains so now it’s finally on to the endless sun saturated days of summer. But don’t give

yourself a pat on the back too easily. Take this summer as an opportunity to get out there, get out into the wild. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should bust out your hiking boots (though you’re certainly welcome to do that too), just take the extra step to do something a little bit wild. Listen to a new folksy sound, read something that makes you a tad uncomfortable, or buy something zany from the flea market—anything to make this summer more memorable and more spontaneous than the last.

—Sophie KangEditorial Director

PHOTO COURTESY OF: SOPHIE KANG


EDITOR’S THOUGHTS


GREEN

“The crises in Japan have, I think, revealed that the technology underlying nuclear power plants may be more dangerous than people think.”

The Fukushima disaster

Ben Chan(Bellarmine College Preparatory)

Jack Takahashi(Lynbrook High)

Is Nuclear Energy Safe?

“No energy source is without fault, and all we can do is make those sources of energy as safe and efficient as possible.”

Heather Sabel(Saratoga High)

Since the devastating earthquake of 9.0 magnitude in Japan, the world has been shaken. eople around the world fear the negative effects of nuclear power plant construction. Proponents and apponents of nuclear energy are working to keep developing nuclear technology and finding a safer alternative, respectively. Others believe that there is a middle ground that can balance safety while continuing the development of alternative technology.

by EDWARD DONG

Jack Takahashi (Lynbrook High): “During its worst moments, the damaged reactor didn’t emit enough radiation to cause a measurable increase in cancer risk. There was no real danger at Fukushima other than the hydrogen explosions.”

“In the case of a major reactor meltdown, as in Chernobyl, the consequences would be devastating.”

Keegan Mendoca(Lynbrook High)

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern coast of Japan. The pumps in the Fukushima nuclear plant lost their electricity, and the back-up diesel generators kicked in to maintain the circulation of water to cool the reactor. But when the subsequent tsunami struck, the diesel generators failed as well.

Hydrogen gas explosions led to the release of steam and radia-tion. In response, the Japanese government began to evacuate residents living within a 10 kilometer radius. What can we learn from the Fukushima crisis?


GREEN

The success of nuclear energy in America depends on our attitude. As the Fukushima crisis revealed, the ultimate damage of a nuclear disaster falls upon the people. Therefore, it is the people’s responsibility to set safety standards and to ascertain that facilities operate in accordance to those standards. We cannot afford to indulge in ignorance.

Moreover, not every disaster can be predicted. If we choose to pursue nuclear power, we must prepare ourselves to accept all consequences—no matter how unlikely they appear to us today.

Nuclear power in the Bay AreaThe Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant began operating in 1985. Like the

Fukushima power plant, Diablo Canyon is equipped with back-up diesel generators. However, the Diablo Canyon plant sits 85 feet above sea level so the probability of a tsunami disabling the diesel generators is extremely low.

On the other hand, the Diablo Canyon plant was only designed to withstand a 7.5 magnitude quake. The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7-7.9. The tremor in Japan measured 9.0. Is nuclear energy inherently dangerous? Should the government support it?

“I strongly support the construction of more nuclear power plants in Califor-nia. If the United States does not uti-lize new nuclear technology to power its infrastructure, we will be stuck with soon-ending, polluting fossil fuels.”

Jack Takahashi(Lynbrook High)

“Probably in 30 years we will be relying on power sources that we don't even know about yet. Wind energy and solar energy, in my opinion, are the best options because they are renewable, infinite, and best of all, clean.”

Nuclear energy tomorrow

Heather Sabel(Saratoga High)

“I believe that there has to be some way to more safely and efficiently utilize nuclear power than the methods currently employed. It can be safe.”

Ben Chan(Bellarmine College Prepatory)

“Although I am a proponent of using nu-clear energy to get power, I believe that the government should put less empha-sis on nuclear energy and instead put more money and effort into promoting the much cleaner solar energy.”

Amol Aggarwal(Saratoga High)


Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, love taking hikes and exploring nature, or simply interested in learning more about conservation efforts in the Bay Area to preserve diversity, you might find it worth your time to check out some of these wildlife preserves! Maybe you could even squeeze in a few volunteer hours!

Año Nuevo State Park1 New Years Creek Road Pescadero, CA 94060 Located 55 miles south of San Francisco, Año Nuevo was first discovered by Spanish maritime explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in 1603; fortunately, the point remains much as it was when Vizcaino first spotted it, undeveloped and isolated. Año Nuevo is the site of the largest breeding colony for the northern elephant seal, which breed upon the beach during the winter season from December through March. Throughout the summer, people visit to observe the on the beaches through a permit system, and watching these magnificent creatures has drawn much interest in the past 19 years. Año Nuevo also contains native dunes, coastal terrace plant habitats, and a diversity of inland plant habitats. When you visit, you may spot the steelhead trout, coho salmon, a rare San Francisco garter snake, or a red-legged frog; the park is absolutely abounding with so many diverse animals! Consider visiting Año Nuevo to really experience nature untouched by mankind.

Don Edwards S. F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge 9500 Thornton Ave Newark, CA 94560

Named in honor of the Congressman’s efforts to protect San Francisco Bay wetlands, the Don Edwards S.F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge includes 30,000 acres of salt ponds, open bay, salt marshes, and pool habitants throughout the south San Francisco Bay. As the salt marshes were converted to commercial salt ponds in early 20th century, Edwards sought the protection of the remaining 15% of the marshes not altered by commercial interests. The refuge provides shelter for over 280 species of birds each year during the spring and fall migration seasons. In addition, the refuge is home to endangered species such as the California clapper rail bird and the salt marsh harvest mouse. You can visit the Environmental Education Center, go

Bay Area Wildlife Refugesby NICOLE DALAL

GREEN

PHOTO OURTESY OF: AUSTIN YU


Japan Tsunami. Haiti Earthquake. Hurricane Katrina. 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami.Do all of these natural disasters have a correlation to global

warming? How?These past 11 years have been some of the “hottest” years in the

world in terms of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Mankind is responsible for this with our rapidly increasing carbon footprint.

Because of general global warming, ice sheets have been melting rapidly. When this ice melts, the earth’s crust bounces back up again and that triggers earthquakes, which trigger submarine landslides that can cause tsunamis. NASA’s experiments show that glacial earthquakes can generate far more powerful tsunamis than undersea earthquakes with similar magnitude.

In Japan’s case, inexorable movement of the Pacific tectonic plate caused the earthquake as the tectonic plate thrust underneath Japan. The Pacific plate is moving at a rate of about four inches per year, but in some places it becomes stuck. When the plates move again from their “struck” state, a destructive earthquake like the one Japan is the result.

Ultimately, climate change and global warming are not solely responsible for the natural disasters we’ve seen in the past few years. But, if we continue to deplete our resources without alternative forms of clean energy, these natural disasters are just warnings for the grand calamities yet to come. Our wonderful Bay Area is a danger zone for a future earthquake so let’s do what we can to prevent that from happening--even the little things like carpooling, being conscious of our energy use, and recycling make a difference!

» a natural disasterby SHREYA INDUKURI

GREEN


LISTEN

Many of you have probably heard of the band Explosions in the Sky, the Texan instrumental band that rose to prominence after recording the soundtrack for the popular show, “Friday Night Lights.” For the

uninitiated, their songs can each be summed up as mini-symphonies with rock instrumentation. The appeal here lies in the minimalism. A song can begin with a lilting electric guitar melody and incrementally build up to a percussive wall of sound. The lack of vocals is never a problem – in fact, it makes you soak in the more minute details; the reverberation of the guitar, the ring of the cymbal and the stately drum beat. Their music has a soothing nature which is perfect for late night studying.

Scottish band Mogwai’s dynamic contrast is startling. “Like Herod,” from their first album, Young Team, opens with a menacing bass line that just barely shimmers on the surface and allows unease to creep in. Yet the sudden cathartic explosion of sound always comes as a brilliantly deployed surprise. Mogwai is one of the mainstays of the post-rock scene, the favorite instrumental band of many instrumental bands. Although some of their newer songs have occasionally included vocals, their pure, older work, particularly their 1995 debut, is still their best output. Their heavy use of distortion and drones creates an ambient sound that is otherworldly.

If songs by Explosions in the Sky are mini-symphonies, then these are the real deal. The average length of the band Godspeed You Black Emperor’s monumental compositions is around 21.5 minutes with a few “movements” within each one. This Canadian band mixes strings, guitar, brass and more with eerie drones to create compositions that feel as if they’re being improvised. Muddled crescendos and sampled public announcements are strewn throughout the mix. The whole effect creates a despair which is arresting and evocative – but don’t let the “despair” part put you off. Their music is an emotional roller-coaster but a very compelling one.

Other bands which aren’t quite instrumental but can nearly be classified as such are bands like Sigur Rós and M83, where the vocals are just part of the sonic texture and not the main focus. In Sigur Rós, the vocals are sung in unintelligible lyrics, serving to create the ethereal atmosphere that is so unique to the band. M83 uses synthesizers to create lush soundscapes which completely immerse the listener in their dreamy vibe. Overall, all of this music is fundamentally different from what’s on the charts today, yet all of it is hugely rewarding and worth a shot.

Despite there being a great deal of fantastic instrumental music out there, it is often neglected by teenagers. Here are some bands that are worth your time:

Instrumental Bandsby PARTHIV MOHAN

PHOTOS OURTESY OF: M83,MOGWAI, SIGUR ROS


LISTEN

for performance purposes or just at home for fun. “At home I always have someone to play with if I want to jam or just play with other people,” Molly said. “And it’s always good to have someone else to play with if you [need help] with something specific.”

One of Molly’s largest musical accomplishments with her family was releasing their recent album, Introducing the Tuttles. The Tuttles worked on the album, which is available for purchase at http://www.jacktuttle.com, all throughout last summer so it could be sold when they played at the Strawberry Festival. “[The CD] went really well,” Molly said. “I wrote one of the songs, and then we used songs from Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, other [folk and bluegrass musicians] and some traditional songs.”

Next, Molly would like to record a solo album, showcasing some of the handful of original songs she has written over the years. Molly says she has written about ten songs that she really enjoys playing, but has dozens more that are incomplete or have been pushed aside. “[When I’m writing a song], I start out usually on guitar, just by playing chords, and then I’ll come up with a melody just by humming along and start singing random words that

Bluegrass/Folk MusicianMolly Tuttlefeature:

by BRIAN BENTON

pop into my head,” she said. “Sometimes it’ll take a long time, or sometimes I can write [a song] in five minutes.”

Writing bluegrass music is especially difficult, as it involves a strict set of lyrical and structural rules. Although the songs may sound like the popular folk music of bands like Mumford and Sons or the Avett Brothers at first listen, a song must follow a set of guidelines to be considered actual bluegrass. “[Bluegrass and folk] are definitely rooted with some of the same [themes], but bluegrass has very set guidelines for what it can be,” Molly said. “It’s usually a five piece band with fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass, and the songs will go break, verse, chorus and then an instrumental break. It’s very specific.”

Molly enjoys listening to all types of music, but when it comes to playing and singing, bluegrass is at the top of her list. Her dedication to the genre is clear, as shown by her daily practice sessions.

As Molly’s high school years come to an end, she hopes music can remain in her life.

“I want to go to Berklee School of Music, which is a music college [in Boston] and I’m hoping to be a professional musician,” she said with a smile.

When Molly Tuttle sings, it is unlike any other 17-year-old voice most have ever heard. Usually paired

with layers of guitar or banjo, Tuttle’s words are smooth and sweet, yet still incredibly mature. Her notes oscillate between high and low in a way that is almost indescribable, but amazingly appealing and intriguing. Molly says her biggest singing influence is Gillian Welch, a Grammy award-winning bluegrass singer-songwriter from Nashville, and it shows; Molly is 25 years younger than her idol, but their voices sound almost alike - and that’s a good thing.

Molly’s introduction to playing music began at age eight, when her father brought home a guitar for her to try playing. She added singing to her résumé soon after, first experimenting with simple harmonies as back up for the band she played in at the time, and working her way to full songs. Now, Molly also plays the banjo, mandolin and harmonica.

“I started just on guitar, [because] I kind of wanted to learn,” Molly said. “It took a while to get into [music]. I never really disliked it, but at first, it was kind of a struggle to learn new songs.”

That initial struggle was soon left behind, and music has been Molly’s passion ever since. She began performing traditional bluegrass music in concert at the age of ten with her family (her father is primarily a fiddler and teaches music, and her two younger brothers play mandolin and guitar), and since then, has seen her audiences grow from just a handful of local fans to groups in the thousands. “Our biggest show was the Strawberry Music Festival [which was] this fall in Yosemite, and a few years ago I got to play the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco,” Molly said. “[My favorite show] was probably Strawberry, because it was really fun to go backstage and meet all the amazing musicians. Playing onstage was amazing, too.”

Molly is now trying to schedule more solo shows, and would like to establish herself as a solo singer-songwriter. Even with this new-found individualism though, Molly still loves playing with her father and brothers, both

PHOTO COURTESY OF: MOLLY TUTTLE


READ

No matter how old or “ outdated” literature seems to be, all classic novels resonate with us because the troubles the protagonists deal with still exist in our modern-day society.

Even with the highest modes of technology we enjoy today, especially on the Internet, we fearlessly exhibit parts of our inner “ jungle” and wilderness, the cruelty we suppress off the screen because it’ s unacceptable to have a face to it in society.

Beloved (Toni Morrison)Beloved, by Toni Morrison, explores the pain and the disappearance of moral

boundaries in the quest of righteousness and human dignity. The gruesomeness the novel exhibits comes with purpose, and the novel highlights the extent of the wrongs slavery has stamped on an entire people by showing how actions we today would consider as “evil” become a demonstration of love.

The novel explores the story of the Other, the supposedly uncivilized, and brings to light the truth that “definitions [belong] to the definers–not the defined.” As Herman Hesse wisely reflected, “ One can only hate what one hates within himself.”

Often disregarding the accepted conventions of grammar as a polite middle finger to literary fathers and the masculine influence on language in general, Morrison’ s feminine, poetic language delivers a powerful emotional impact on the reader. A relatively easy read, Beloved will indeed become a greatly appreciated book to place on your shelf!

Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad)Not even a full 72 pages, Heart of Darkness is an incredibly dense book

that essentially criticizes the imperialistic mindset of the Europeans and their inhuman cruelty in their treatment of the “savage” natives. Anyone smell hypocrisy?

Through the tortured account of Marlow’ s quest to find Kurt, an ivory trader who has somehow captivated the natives of a certain region in the heart of the Congolese jungles, Conrad delivers piercing, psychological insights on the monstrosity that exists in all men, even those who are considered a part of civilized society. Every page and paragraph is a jungle in itself, often in the form of obsessively observant stream-of-consciousness. It’ s a difficult read, but at the end of the struggle the pain is all worth the beauty of the message!

The Jungle (Upton Sinclair)Chicago is still in its early stages, when the city was most focused on the

meat industry. Sinclair follows the story of a poor Lithuanian immigrant family who comes to America in hopes of a brighter future. Instead, the members encounter the jungle within civilization. They discover how poverty can cripple and break a family, and how cruel people can become in order to take advantage of society’ s system. All this working-class drama occurs in the disgusting meat factories and the surrounding tenements and slums.

Clearly, technology is not the only definition of civilization. The things we all do for money, right?

Human Jungleby SUNLI KIM

PHOTO OURTESY OF: WWW.FREE-PHOTOS.BIZ

by ISHA LAST NAME

I used to think reading poetry was a waste of time. Instead of splurging three hours on the impenetrable passages of Shakespeare or Wordsworth, I could finish my chores and study for chemistry. I could save enough time to help at the Math Club fundraiser. I could even start college applications, search for internship opportunities,

or read two more chapters of Life of Pi. Two summers ago, however, one poem upended my entire list of priorities. On a sultry day in July, I found

myself with extra time on my hands, so I biked to the library and picked up a copy of New and Selected Poems—a poetry collection by Mary Oliver. Without much thought, I flipped through the pages. I came upon a poem titled

“The Summer Day,” and these words caught my eye: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I tried to fabricate a respectable response. Get into a prestigious college? Become a doctor? Raise my GPA? Every teenager in the Bay Area recognizes the importance of such aspirations. But suddenly, those goals grew

lackluster. “One wild and precious life.” My pulse quickened with a vague sense of discovery, even though I had not yet contrived a response worthy of the question.

I began to read the poem for inspiration. A grasshopper “who is eating sugar out of my hand…who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.” A voice in the back of my mind suggested that I shut the book and

search for some SAT preparation instead. “What’s the point?” the voice asked. “Who cares about the grasshopper? What you need to worry about is getting into Harvard.”

But I continued to read. “I don’t know exactly what a prayer is,” the poem said. “I do know how to pay attention…how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.” I looked out the large library window. The

landscape appeared different. Somewhere in the leaves and in the clouds I noticed a rare beauty that I had not seen before. The sky waxed bluer and calmer. For a moment, I observed the world.

“Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?” The dusty tomes of test preparation, from which I had once derived so much satisfaction, seemed less important. Why had I sped through each day, from classes to activities and

meetings, without ever pausing to look around? I decided then that I needed to begin appreciating life right away. I also learned to appreciate poetry. The natural world, which has inspired the work of so many poets, is something to

which we can still relate. Like good novels, poetry has revealed to me new perspectives, new facets into the richness of life. Despite the constricting pressure of high school, I still find time to explore the world through poetry. It is

amazing what a few lines can do. That afternoon, when I left the library, I smelled the evening air for the first time. I gazed toward the western sky and listened to the woodland concert of crickets and frogs. There was so much to

observe and to experience.Since then, I’ve discovered several ways to keep reading poetry throughout the year. Former poet laureate Billy

Collins understood the unrelenting pace of teenage life when he compiled Poetry 180 for high school students. He suggests reading just one poem a day. When I first borrowed the book from the public library, I did not know whether

or not I had the time. But in ensuing weeks, I found that the two minutes I spent daily were more than worthwhile. After I finished the anthology, I made a list of memorable poets and continued to read their work.

After a hectic school year, summertime is just around the corner again. When I get the chance, I’ll push aside the chemistry and let poetry inspire me instead. Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your wild and precious summer?

poetryby EDWARD DONG


READ

had a wide variety of Thai delicacies to sample, ranging from the Pad Ma Kuer, a dish with sauteed eggplant, chicken and bell peppers to the Pad King, a mouth watering ensemble of garlic, onion, ginger, pepper and mushroom. However, after examining the menu for several minutes, I finally selected my dinner. For appetizer I sampled the chicken satay, a staple of Thai restaurants, that consists of skewered grilled chicken served with a delicious peanut sauce. The chicken was tender and excellently flavored and the sauce complimented it perfectly. Needless to say, the appetizer left me eager to sample the rest of Bai Tong’s delights.

For the main course I decided to sample two dishes, the Pad “J” an entree of sautéed eggplant and green beans, and the Panang Curry with tofu along with white rice. To my delight, neither dish disappointed me. Arriving in beautiful white-and-blue porcelain dishes, the food was cooked to perfection. The eggplant and beans in the Pad J had a lovely texture and the house special sauce they were drenched in was tangy with a hint of spice that made for an excellent dish.

The Panang Tofu was exquisite, the coconut milk gave the dish a little sweetness that gelled perfectly with the host of Thai seasoning.

After savoring my dinner I rejoiced at the fact that I had found such a jewel so close to home. My family and I come to Bai Tong on a regular basis now and are never disappointed. On Friday nights and weekends, getting a seat can be difficult but for lunch and on most weekends the service is reasonably quick and very friendly. If you are in search of a delicious Thai restaurant in the Bay Area, look no further.


EAT

bai tongby Anshu Siripurapu

PHOTOS OURTESY OF: WWW.PENELOPESLOOM.COM & PEI KETRON

restaurant review:

Although often criticized for its lack of excitement and compared to the bustling downtown of Los Gatos, the downtown area of Saratoga holds one

unique charm, Bai Tong. Nestled between a small salon and jeweler, Bai Tong surprised me with its excellent food and is, in my mind one of the finest Thai restaurants in the South Bay Area.

The restaurant’s facade is deceptively simple, a small neon sign greets customer and informs that the restaurant is indeed open for business. Once inside, the establishment is tiny with a single room that can seat only twenty patrons at a time. Still, the ambiance is charming with unique Thai decoration and music playing in the background. The two servers are extremely friendly and add their own warmth to the already inviting atmosphere. Although small, the restaurant does not lack for cleanliness or elegance and the eating experience is exemplary.

On my first encounter with Bai Tong, I stopped by during lunch with a friend and we both sampled their lunch combination: Thai Rolls, Tom Kha soup and Pad Thai with Chicken. The rolls were delicious but even more impressive was the soup, a delectable concoction of coconut milk with tofu, lemon grass, mushrooms and other delicacies. When the Pad Thai arrived it also outshone the same dish at other Thai establishments, the traditional rice noodles bore their customary sweetness and were complimented by the crushed peanuts sprinkled on top. Although slightly on the expensive side, the bill was $12, the quality of the food more than made up for the expense. After such a satisfying lunch, I made a resolution to return for dinner, which I did a few days after.

Flipping through the menu it was evident that Bai Tong


EAT

Situated in a small building off San Antonio Road in Los Altos lies a quaint breakfast spot. Sure, it may be small, but don’ t let the size throw you off. Once you enter, your nose is greeted with

warm, delicious smells of breakfast foods. The walls are decorated with pictures of the restaurant’s history ranging from the drawings of young patrons to the celebrities that have passed through. The restaurant is always well-lit with both natural and artificial light. The waiters and waitresses are patient and prompt. When you look at the menu, you’ll see popular items such as the Dutch Baby, Apple Pancake and Bacon Pancakes. What’s this place exactly? It’s the Original Pancake House!

The Original Pancake House is a family-owned restaurant established in 1953. In the beginnings of the Original Pancake House, the founders even had housewives sending in their own homemade recipes to the restaurant! In the Bay Area, they have locations in Los Altos, San Jose and Fremont. Even though the restaurant is now in its third family generation of ownership, this doesn’t mean the food has lost any of its original quality. The breakfast food at the Original

Pancake House is truly unique; you won’t find any of these delectable meals anywhere else. Where else would you find Hawaiian Pancakes: “fresh buttermilk pancakes filled with crushed pineapple and lightly dusted with powdered sugar served with whipped butter and hot tropical syrup?” Aside from their originals, maybe you’d be interested in trying their nationally acclaimed Dutch Baby: an oven baked pancake served with powdered sugar, lemon and whipped butter. And you really can’ t miss out on their Bacon Pancakes: buttermilk pancakes stuffed with bacon bits and served with the warmest, tastiest syrup around the Bay Area. Not into pancakes? Totally fine, because the Original Pancake House also serves several different types of waffles, omelettes, cereals, crepes and fruits.

Come on over to one of their three Bay Area locations, support a family-owned business and enjoy the most amazing breakfast food you’ll ever receive! You’ll be satisfied, guaranteed. For more information, check out their website at http://originalpancakehouse.com or visit one of the Bay Area locations listed below.

Breakfast SpotsDelicious bites for the early risers

1366 South De Anza Blvd.San Jose, California

2306 Almaden Rd., Suite 150San Jose, California

420 South San Antonio RoadLos Altos, California

39222 Fremont Blvd.Fremont, California

» » »

by Anshu Siripurapu

»

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: AUSTIN YU


GO/TRAVEL

PHOTOS OURTESY OF: BRiAN bENTON


GO/TRAVEL

One Saturday each month, the Palo Alto High School theater parking lot is taken over by a sea of umbrella-covered booths and a swarm of shoppers. Some are pulling bright red wagons and others are weighed down with cloth shopping bags. Many people pass by the scene without paying much

attention to the ruckus that is taking place, but those who decide to stop are almost always glad that they did.

Flea markets like this one are like garage sales taken to the extreme. Dozens of people join together to sell everything from vintage clothing and homemade crafts to old computer parts and antique chairs, while hundreds more come to look around and buy some of the myriad goods.

With just one hundred vendors, the Palo Alto Flea Market is fairly small but has a treasure trove of great finds. The market has a tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere and boasts a surprisingly high ratio of quality books, records, and vintage clothing, to overpriced junk which is held on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prices are extremely low, so there is nothing to lose for buying an obscure item.

One of the best booths to check out has miniature bicycles crafted out of metal coat hangers and other recycled scraps. The bikes are a bit expensive—starting at $20—but are as unique a gift as you can find.

Elsewhere throughout the Bay Area there are numerous other flea markets, most of which also take place on Saturdays and offer a different selection of specialties and oddities that can only be found at that individual location.

One of the biggest and most popular is the De Anza Flea Market, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market is huge, boasting over 700 vendors and thousands of shoppers each month. Booths feature everything from handmade animal themed beanies to vintage movie posters and even old film cells.

Two of the vendors are Loren and Liz Olk, who make “recycled and upcycled” license plate art that consists of sliced up license plates mounted on old planks of plywood to spell words.

On the other side of the stadium-sized market is Steven DeCarlo’s stall, one of a handful of booths that focuses on selling action figures, Lego pieces, and Hot Wheels toy cars. DeCarlo’s booth stands out among the rest though because of its huge collection of pieces, especially its tiny Lego figurines that are neatly lined up like soldiers in glass cases, as well as its dedication to vintage and specialty pieces.

A young boy and his mother approach the booth, and DeCarlo instantly walks over to share a bit of knowledge on the car the boy is interested in. DeCarlo enthusiastically tells the boy that cars like the one he is holding have not been made for about eight years now, and that it’s only available in a few stores. For the boy, the car may just be a new toy to play with, but for DeCarlo, it’s a way to share his love of figurines and collectibles with the world.

“I’ve been coming [to the market] for as long as I can remember,” DeCarlo said. “I always encourage people to come [to my stall] often because what I’m selling is always changing.”

DeCarlo’s toy booth is right next to a garage sale-esque booth with a hodge-podge of video games, $5 shirts and pants and backpacks, among other things and directly across from a couple selling “reggae wear and novelties,” who are playing “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley from a pair of black speakers. A few spaces down is a vendor with about 100 golf clubs for sale for about $10 each, who is next to a man selling handmade Mexican pottery and another who focuses on baseball hats and belts.

This wide array of vendors is what makes the De Anza Flea Market worth a visit. And of course, for hungry shoppers the market also includes a food court stocked with hot dogs, lemonade, teriyaki bowls, shave ice, and churros.

A trip to a flea market does not always end with a closet full of new clothes or a new book to read, but it does usually leave you with a smile on your face and the feeling of a day well spent.Parts of this article are adapted from a story that first appeared in the Palo Alto High School Campanile in 2011.

No fleas, but sure to please!Flea Markets

by BRIAN BENTON

camp c

ounse

lor

Youth LI

FEGU

ARD

GO/TRAVEL


Have you ever found yourself sitting around on a weekend night with nothing to do, and you desperately need to conquer your boredom? Next time you have the urge to spice up your life, look at this list. Whether it’s a night on your own or in a group, you’ll be entertained for those otherwise boring weekend evenings.

There are several bike trails running up and down California. Just enter “bike trails” into Google and you’ll discover various paths along beaches and rivers that will get you in touch with your earthy side. There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind on your face and absorbing in the sights on a bicycle. Bring some friends along and make it a group trip or ride solo and enjoy the independent time. The trails running through the Baylands near Palo Alto are often uncrowded and great places to go for anyone in need of getting away from the noise of traffic and the constant buzzing of electronics.

Going to the movies is fun but checking out a drive-in theater is a whole different experience. With the sky above you and a cute guy or girl next to you, you’re bound to enjoy it! Or take a large group of friends and meet up before to stock up on snack foods. Regardless of the number of people, it will be a memorable night.

(650) 367-1906http://www.malibugrandprix.com/site/Redwood/index.htmlWell, how’s this for exciting – a night of go-karting! Malibu Grand-Prix is a great place to go as they also have a great arcade. You can race against your friends or improve your own maneuvering skills. It’s a surefire way to have fun on a Saturday night.

Whether it’s at the park or the beach, channel your inner-pyromaniac and have a bonfire with your friends. Just grab a few logs along with lighter fluid and matches and you’re ready to go. There are many places in Santa Cruz that permit them; just make sure to call in advance! Don’t forget the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for the perfect s’mores.

There are plenty of organizations that need volunteers all day. Volunteering can be a great way to discover things about yourself. Knowing you are helping and making a difference in your community is satisfying. If you are looking for an especially adventurous volunteering experience, try helping out at a needle exchange program in your area. It will be an eye-opening experience that you will always remember.

There are so many different things to do and to see at Pier 39: Shopping, dining, attractions, live music and street performers, just to name a few! Check out the magic shop or have a sourdough bowl of clam chowder…the possibilities are endless. Caltrain and BART both lead to San Francisco, find out which works better for you on their websites and take a day or night trip.

(650)965-9800http://laserquest.com/Locations/USALocations.aspx?cntr=Mountain%20ViewIf you have watched one too many thrillers and want to put your gun wielding to the test, entice your buddies to play a game of laser tag where everyone wears infrared-sensitive targets and no one is safe. LaserQuest in Mountain View has overnighters every month for those groups of friends who want to be entertained till 6 am.

There are so many talented artists and bands touring the Bay Area this summer; go onto Ticketmaster.com and see what is coming to your town. Some of these artists include Iron and Wine, Adele, Bruno Mars, Death Cab for Cutie, Florence and the Machine, Rihanna, and Matt and Kim to name a few. There is something for everyone so make sure not to miss out!

If you’re a devoted golfer, it’s never a bad idea to perfect that swing, and if you’ve never been on a real course in your life, don’t sweat it. Mini golf is for everyone. It’s fun on a sunny day and gorgeous on those warm summer nights when the lights of the miniature golf course illuminate the game.

Is your bland and lifeless wall leaving you tired and uninspired? Don’t just sit there, do something! Get a huge sheet of pa-per, a handful of friends, and start painting. This can get messy, so make sure to wear dispensable clothing. By having your friends write personal messages, draw unique doodles or even a mural, you’ll have a wall ready to entertain your mind on a melancholy, lonely night. (P.S. If you can paint on your wall, do it!)

SATURDAY NIGHTS

by ALEJANDRA ORTIZ

12

345

678

910

camp c

ounse

lor

Youth LI

FEGU

ARD

Voluntee

r

Remember the days when summer meant lacing up your hiking boots and going off to wilderness camp? Or maybe you were the intellectual type, and your summers involved putting on a lab coat and heading off to science camp. A lot of us were campers in our youth,

and contrary to popular belief, we can have the same type of summer as teenagers too. A popular summer activity for teenagers is working as a camp counselor, which not only provides monetary stipends or volunteer hours, but also lets us reclaim a bit of our forgotten youth. Check out these Bay Area camps with counselor opportunities for teenagers, and be prepared to have an amazing summer.

Walden WestLocated in the Saratoga Hills, Walden West provides all the fun of an outdoor camp at a convenient distance for kids ages 6-12. A typical day in the life of a camper involves hiking in the morning and various activities in the afternoon such as archery, swimming, friendship bracelet making and much more. Counselors are assigned to a group, and are responsible for supervising and participating in camp sponsored activities. Walden West is a day camp, but for older campers and counselors, there is an overnight stay on the final day. Walden West has three unique programs: Summer Camp, Wild Things, and Core Crew. The Wild Things group consists of 4 and 5 year olds, and Core Crew volunteers assist with the rock climbing wall and high ropes course. If you want to kick back and have a good time out in the wilderness, Walden West is the camp for you.

Website: http://www.sccoe.k12.ca.us/waldenwest/Positions: Summer Camp Volunteer, School Year VolunteerTimings: Full-day, can volunteer for 1 week in each program.

Youth Science InstituteYouth Science Institute (YSI) is the go-to camp for aspiring young scientists aged 4-12. A day in the life of a camper involves hiking, conducting experiments, making creations from natural and recycled materials, and examining wildlife. Employees help with supervising groups and assist instructors with projects and activities, such as arts and crafts and hikes. YSI locations are in Vasona and Alum Rock parks. If you want to work with curious, highly motivated children, YSI is the place to go.

Website: http://www.ysi-ca.org/index.htmlPositions: Summer Camp AideTimings: Full-day, three week minimum

Camp GalileoCamp Galileo provides an opportunity for children to engage in hands-on art, science and outdoor activities. Camps are located throughout the Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, and San Francisco Area, proving for easy access to a phenomenal summer. Counselors have the opportunity to work with a group leader and a paid summer intern would assist with various tasks around the camp. The hands on nature of Camp Galileo combined with camp traditions makes for a fantastic summer job.

Website: http://www.galileo-learning.com/Positions: Summer InternTimings: Full-day, 6-8 weeks

Summer Camps

GO/TRAVEL


Summer Campsby ADITI ASHOK


GO/TRAVEL

BIG BASIN CAMPING

Imagine sleeping outdoors under a brilliant clear sky glittering with a million stars. Picture toasting a marshmallow to perfection over a roaring bonfire – expanding so it puffs like a giant pillow, golden brown with a gooey center that blends perfectly with the chocolate and graham crackers. Visualize

several days without electronics, a proper bathroom and distractions from school or work. Summer has arrived and there’s no better way to start it than with a camping trip!

Only 40 minutes from Saratoga Village, Big Basin Redwoods State Park features an ideal and traditional camping experience. With 146 family campsites in four separate campgrounds and over 80 miles of hiking trails, complete with wildlife and waterfalls, first-timers are sure to be astounded.

Even before arrival upon the campgrounds, the lush majestic redwood trees tower overhead and emit a musky, yet sweet smell similar to rain into the crisp clean air devoid of pollution or car exhaust. I was completely enraptured by the solemn silence absent of car horns and motors, of whirring computers, of the piercing ringtone of a telephone.

The hiking trails range from easy half-mile hikes, such as the Redwood Loop Trail which features the tallest tree and the two thickest trees in the entire park, to demanding 10-mile hikes, such as Skyline to the Sea and Sunset Trails. Although both provide a sense of accomplishment, the Skyline to the Sea Trail holds much promise.

Last summer, my friends and I decided to brave the soreness of the Skyline to the Sea trail that would have plagued even the most serious hikers, and it was indeed worth it. The trail leads to the heart of the park, arriving at Berry Creek Falls, a magnificent 70-foot waterfall. It winds through all the habitats of Big Basin park and is situated next to a small creek the majority of the way. While bruises and aches covered my body, the injuries soon faded, leaving behind only a pride of achievement, of conquering the 5-6 hour trail.

However, I found the small things the most amazing. The hard, cold ground scattered with rocks and holes made the night almost unbearable; the lack of a comfortable bed forced me to appreciate the luxuries of home. While Big Basin does house clean bathrooms and showers, living in a forest for several days seriously challenged our basic survival instincts.

Possibly the biggest hurdle to overcome was cooking without a stove. It required, first of all, a fire. We experimented with different methods, keeping in mind that fires need oxygen (essential when stacking wood), and lighted the tinder to get it started. Although we ran out of fuel earlier than expected, the satisfaction of taming the outdoors made the taste of sausages and kabobs a million times better.

Spending time in nature is eye-opening. The fundamental skills, such as budgeting the amount of food per day, are tested; the colossal force of nature humbles us, acting as a reminder of our small part in the world ; and the reflection time calls for personal contemplation. Better yet are the bonds developed while hiking, telling ghost stories at night and struggling to set up the tent. Whether it’s with family or friends, the quality time together is sure to develop into lifelong memories.

An extraordinary camping experience by VIVIAN LETRAN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: AUSTIN YU


GO/TRAVEL

SURVIVOR TIPS 101As someone fortunate enough to have lived a pretty sheltered lifestyle, it’s hard for me to imagine being stranded on an island with nothing. I’ve gone camping and I’ve spent a good amount of time outside, but all of my outdoor trips included luxuries like cozy cabins and plenty of food. To get a feel for stranded life, I watched a few episodes of Survivorman, a show on the Discovery Channel that follows expert Les Stroud as he tries to survive for seven days stranded in the middle of nowhere. The show helped me put together a list of tips for your stranded experience that I hope will be at least mildly helpful.

by MONICA CAI

BECOME FAMOUSWhile your main objective is to survive, you also want to have a cool adventure that will get you on the news, Facebook, Twitter or a blog. The goal is to get a Lifetime film made about you! So anytime you go on a vacation, choose a spot near a dense jungle, a scorching desert or some other extreme type of environment to ensure it will make a great movie!

BE PREPAREDAlways bring a video camera with fully charged batteries wherever you go. That way, even if you don’t get the Lifetime movie, you’ll get a sick documentary or a YouTube video with a few million views.

BRING THE DRAMAOnce you’re stranded, be as dramatic as possible. When filming, do not aim for perfection – the shakiness of your shots will actually add to the appeal of your story. Try to take as many risks as you can so you’ll have a great story to tell when you get home. If you don’t, maybe they’ll find your body and you’ll end up on Wikipedia.

BE REALISTICLife on a remote island may sound amazing. You get the beach, the sun and the amazing weather… but don’t be fooled. An island is like Selena Gomez – she looks amazing but then you realize she is dating Justin Bieber and you’re like what?

LOOK THE PARTTie a bandana around your head or just rip off a part of your shirt and use it as a bandana. Bandanas always make you look like you’re really roughing it (or they make you look like a pirate). As for the rest of your outfit, wear as much clothing as possible. I don’t care if it’s hot or if you have an eight pack, you need them. They protect you from all of the bugs out there, and you’ll definitely need them at night when temperatures can drop dramatically. Clothing can also be used as bandages for your battle wounds or for the cut you got from tripping over a rock.

PROTECTIONGet your mind out of the gutter; I mean physical protection. Make a shelter. Mother Nature hates people on stranded islands and always decides to give them a nice little storm. Also, try to start a fire to keep warm. The smoke will double as a signal for those looking for you. Hopefully people are looking for you.

BE BRAVEThrow away your embarrassment and shame. I guarantee you’ll have to get naked to bathe in a stream. There’s no one around to judge you, but you might want to turn off the video camera for that part.

EAT SOMETHINGForget about your appetite. You’re going to have to resort to eating bugs and other gross animals. Ew. Why are you even on this island? However, the ocean does provide fish as a great option for dinner. However, you need fairly good hand-eye coordination to spear one of those babies, so if you can’t catch a ball… I’m sorry.

CHILLAfter a while, life on the island will start to get to you and when it gets dark, you’ll think all of the animals are out to get you. You’ll start hearing strange noises and seeing things when there’s actually nothing there. Just take a deep breath… nothing is out to get you. Chill out bro.

DON’T PUSH ITWhen you finally get off of the island, don’t pull a Tom Cruise and go crazy on a talk show or pull a Charlie Sheen and start talking about how your experience on the island gave you tiger blood. Be humble, honest and happy and the American public will love you. Fame can be fleeting though, so don’t make the mistake of starring on a trashy reality show or trying to start a music career. We really don’t need another Rebecca Black.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: AUSTIN YU

AUGUST

JUNE

JULY


GO/TRAVEL

San Mateo County FairThe fair’s in town! One of the largest in California, the San Mateo fair features live music, carnival games, fair food, petting zoos, and even trapeze acts.

06~20 1918, 1910~12North Beach FestivalTake part in San Francisco tradition for the 57th year in the city's very own Little Italy. Expect music, food, and street painting.

World Music DayCelebrate diversity and culture in the Bay Area through music on Father’s day! Genres of music range from jazz to Celtic. 3:00pm to 7:30pm, Downtown Palo Alto.

Harmony FestivalFeeling outdoorsy and eclectic?

Pile some tents and friends for a camping weekend of

diverse and progressive music. Harmony also features a yoga/healing sanctuary, eco village,

and a nighttime party with fire performances Santa Rosa,

Sonoma County.

06/22~07/03Dine Downtown San JoseFood lovers head to San Jose

downtown to sample the prix fixe menus, promotions and samples

at various resteraunts while enjoying the summer night

04Pier 39 July 4th CelebrationHead to the city for a spectacular fireworks celebration, some ocean air, and dancing to live music.

Obon Festival SanThe largest event held at San Jose’s Japantown, come eat delicious vendor foods, play addictive booth games, and support Asian American culture.

09~10Brave New Voices SF Whether you are a writer or a spectator, look forward to the biggest youth slam poetry competitions in the US. Don’t be afraid to sign up for the many brilliant workshops throughout the week or simply watch. Trust me, the intensity and heart of these young poets will blow you away.

19~23

05~26 12~14 13, 14

Los Altos Friday Outdoor Movie Nights

Pack your foldable chairs, pillows, and sleeping bags for some open air movie watching in Los Altos Downtown! Movies start at 8:30 sharp so come early, grab a bite to eat or pack a picnic for refreshing entertainment.

Outside LandsA ridiculously good lineup (think Muse, the Shins, the Roots), hipsters abound, and lots of food = an unforgettable weekend in the city. Held in Golden Gate Park, this is a musical festival you just can’t miss.

Nihonmachi Street Fair

Celebrate Asian and Pacific culture in San Francisco's Japantown. Also features Taiko and Polynesian dancing performances.

San Jose Jazz FestivalSit back, relax, and become

cultured at this annual festival, held by the San Jose Jazz Society. It take place in downtown San

Jose and feature over 1,000 artists

13, 14

SEPTEMBER

10, 11 17, 18SquareCrow's Ball

The SquareCrow’s Ball, held in Kelly Park, a historical street of downtown San Jose,

promises a warm late summer night full of pie, fun, and of course, square dancing. Chances

are, you read that simple phrase of square dancing and mentally rolled your eyes a bit. Well, take a small leap of faith and trust us

when we say that square dancing actually can be fun. At only ten dollars and two canned

foods as admissions, the SquareCrow’s Ball will teach you simple dance routines on night to remember.

August 20Ghirardelli Square

Chocolate Festival SFChocolate. Pastries. Ice cream eating contests. Desert samples. Doesn’t need much convincing does it?

Kite FestivalYou’re never too young for flying bits of colored paper into the wind. Bring your own kites or simply come watch the acrobatic kite tricks of world champions at Little Marina Green Park in SF.

Dragon Boat Festival Cheer on the 100+ teams of colorful and intense dragonboaters from around the U.S. at Treasure Island in SF.

17, 18

Summer Events by SOPHIE KANG


THINK

The year was 1848. Although the famine is most infamously severe in Ireland, the rest of Europe suffered economic and political disquiet that would, combined with a growing socialist and democratic sentiment, ultimately lead to many failed

revolutions. Most of Europe had just begun to recover from a potato blight, grain shortage, drought and famine, in addition to the economic downturns that tailed such poor harvests. From 1845 to 1847 European monarchs looked on nervously as numerous food riots erupted internationally. And then, in 1848, Prussia, France and Austria erupted into democratic revolutions – only to fail and come under the rule of monarchies until World War I.

Now, in 2011, the world watches in amazement as suddenly, corrupt regimes that have been in place for forty years crumble, plagued by civil war. In nations that have been persistently perpetuated as enemies of the West, such widespread attention on the identical aspirations of Arab youth to any other young, idealistic people is certainly a positive change. The Western media tends to exaggerate the extent of Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism in the Middle East, when most of the actual propaganda and anti-Western feeling probably comes from the regimes themselves. Today we are witnessing a massive movement that has surprised and excited historians for its similarities to the revolutions of 1848. Like those 19th century European citizens, the Arab people finally broke under the skyrocketing food prices and dwindling job opportunities. Recent studies have verified the direct correlation between hunger and revolution. But really – college graduates who had to work at fruit stands to stay alive? Revolution was not impossible. Although we cannot predict what precisely will happen in the future, we can use the past as a guide to what we can usher in or prevent. Obviously, the Middle Eastern rulers missed this lesson.

As the rebels succeed in Tunis and Cairo and we send our “limited military aid” to Libya (we are now technically at war with three countries!), an even greater question looms for the victors and the world at large. What now? We must keep in mind that although many of the movements have been moving towards democracy, not all explicitly state such a government as their goal. All people want is to enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve – human rights, higher wages, lower food prices, better opportunities for college-educated youth and security. But who knows if this will all be decided upon under a democratic government?

For instance, Prussia’s college students and idealists gathered at the Frankfurt assembly to discuss democratic and socialist possibilities. But they talked too much and for too long; in the end, no change came about. Prussia resisted the assembly, and eventually it was ruled under the Machiavellian principles of the “Blood and Iron” chancellor, Otto von Bismarck.

But Bismarck was smart; he realized that in order to keep the people away from other ideologies, such as socialism, he needed to make concessions. Prussia was the first European nation to enact social security, health insurance and accident insurance for its citizens. Bismarck proposed a plebiscite to the people and the second Reichstag was popularly elected. By reducing tariffs significantly, it raised enough money to industrialize, enact property taxes and then use the tax money for public education. Bismarck’s brilliant military tactics brought France and Austria to their knees. Romanticism heavily inspired nationalism. What nationalist would be unhappy to live as a Prussian in such times?

The Jasmine Revolution and the ensuing revolts in numerous other Middle Eastern areas will one day become a chapter in every history book, perhaps dull and not relatable for future students. But the undeniable connectedness of this Middle Eastern movement and that of every other developing and developed nation of the world certainly says something; who knows what will become of all these nations in the next year? The future is basically a bolded, fat question mark. But we can and should look to our past for guidance for the future – what worked and what didn’t?

by SUNLI KIM

SEPTEMBER

by SOPHIE KANG

PHOTO COURTESY OF: WWW.CLKER.COM

The Middle easTern Crisis

I was five years old when I first picked up a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Six years and many books later, I was crushed to discover the lack of a Hogwarts-embossed envelope in my mailbox.

There were no owls in my chimney, no half-giant ready to break my door down, no cat with jeweled-spectacle markings around its eyes waiting at my doorstep. Needless to say, my eleventh birthday was a tragedy.

Despite this setback, my love for Harry Potter has only grown in the four years since. I know I speak not only for myself but also for the entire self-dubbed “Harry Potter generation” when I say that had J.K. Rowling not written these books, I honestly would not be the same person I am today. I might have ended up a soul-sucking dementor whose diet consisted of the hopes and dreams of unborn children. I might even have hated reading.

Why do we continually proclaim that we are the “Harry Potter generation”? After all, we aren’t even a real “generation” in the original sense of the word – some, like me, were barely older than toddlers when they read the first book; others were already late teens. While the series has proven itself able to speak to anyone of any age, we were the ones who stayed up to ungodly hours of the morning absorbed in the world of Hogwarts; whose yearnings for teenage rebellion echoed true with Harry’s; who learned the power of friendship and loyalty in our own quests to maturity. We are the Harry Potter generation because we literally grew up with him – while he was angsting over girls, we had similar problems too; while he was made a scapegoat by Umbridge and Fudge, we thought of correspondingly oppressive characters in our own lives as well.

It has become almost a form of therapy, to absorb ourselves into the pages of this world we so wish to be a part of. How often do we hope that perhaps if we simply willed it hard enough, we would ooze into the book by sheer osmosis and find ourselves part of it? How often do we wish we were best friends with someone as loyal as Harry, as brilliant as Hermione or as loopy as Luna? The characters are so tangible, so flawed and human


WATCH

by JACQUELINE GU

enter the magical world of

and wonderfully ambiguous, and I pity the people who say “It’s just a fantasy book series, what’s so great about it?” because they have empty chest cavities.. These characters are real, the situations are real; this series taught us so much about how it is to be human.

The trailer for Part 1 of the Deathly Hallows advertises it as “The motion picture event of a generation.” It wasn’t lying, unlike 99% of other advertising. Harry Potter is the cultural event of a generation. It’s a source of common ground for nearly everyone of our age group; no matter where I go or who I meet, there is no question that I’ll run into someone as avidly infatuated as I am. I probably already spend at least 60% of certain classes arguing with my friends over the merits of Snape’s appeal (which, by the way, there is a great deal of), our favorite guilty-pleasure fanfics (what? I know you read it too), which Hallow we prefer, and more.

There’s a post circulating on Tumblr saying that life after July 15th will have lost all meaning, but I (surprisingly) disagree. Even though July 15th supposedly signifies the official end of the series, even though I am dreading it probably more than I would dread a year in Azkaban, even though I’ll be crying by the opening credits (oh wait… I already was for Part 1), it will never truly be over. Harry’s door will always be open, because the series will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.

Once upon a time, highly-anticipated midnight premieres were held for records or movies – but not books. Then J.K. Rowling came along and, with just one novel that acted as a catalyst for fandom fervor unrivaled by anything we had seen before (except perhaps Twilight, but it’s well known that Twilight fangirls should be institutionalized), transformed a generation of youths into believers. As long as the Potterverse continues to debate and wonder what could have been, it will never be officially over. So despite the fact that I’ll have to bring my weight in tissues to the midnight premiere of the final installment, I rest assured knowing that Harry Potter will never be gone as long as there remain fans who are loyal to him – and there is no doubt that there always will be.

PHOTO OURTESY OF: JAAP BUITENDIJK & WARNER BRO. STUDIOS

HarryPotter


WATCH

I was a freshman in high school when I watched my first John Hughes film, which meant for an astonishing 14 years, I had never experienced a real teenage movie. The hits of our generation include movies like

Mean Girls and A Cinderella Story, but let’s face it, they don’t even begin to match up to John Hughes’ masterpieces. My personal favorites are Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club. Both feature stellar casts and find a way to include meaningful life lessons among all of the typical teenage drama and craziness.

The Breakfast Club is perhaps Hughes’ most well-known film. It has become an iconic hit among people of all ages, and has even been viewed in schools for its directness in dealing with high school stereotypes. The film’s premise is simple: five high school students from different cliques are stuck doing detention together on a Saturday. The students describe themselves as an athlete, a basket case, a princess, a brain and a criminal. At the end of the day, the five students emerge as The Breakfast Club with newly forged friendships. The film is 100% real and nothing seems overdone or trite at all. All the nuances of awkwardness, boredom and discomfort are there without the superficial gloss that teenage movies have today. When I first watched it, I thought it was a beautifully simple movie, unlike any I’d ever seen. Instead of being told that the students are changing their opinions of each other, we get to watch it happen, as each student is transformed and yet stays the same. All that really happens is that every character reveals things about himself or herself, opening up to the rest of the gang; sorry, no car chases or crazy ax murderers. By showing who they really are, they manage to destroy the stereotypes they were labeled with. Although the movie was filmed in the 1980’s, its value is timeless its lesson that

Filmmaker Extraordinare:

John Hughes

appearance rarely defines a person can still be applied today.Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a typical feel-good teen movie about a

teenage boy who takes a day off of school to go out and live life. We watch Ferris Bueller lie and scheme his way out of every problem that he is confronted with. Somehow he manages to smile and laugh through every obstacle he comes across, turning what could have been a dramatic film into a comedy with sly and witty comments. The day Ferris spends is the perfect day that every teenager dreams of. Of course, the movie isn’t only about cutting school and doing crazy things; it encourages teenagers to step out of the box and take a chance. Ferris Bueller knows how to truly live life, and after watching the film, you’ll want to go out and do everything that you’ve ever wanted to. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is inspirational, and John Hughes demonstrates his uncanny ability of portraying teenage life in an outrageous yet completely understandable way. It opens your eyes and makes you realize all the possibilities life presents, perfectly capturing the carefree essence of being a teenager. I wholeheartedly believe you’re not a real teenager until you watch one of John Hughes’ films. I have a senior friend who I forced to watch Ferris Bueller’s, insisting he couldn’t go to college without seeing it. John Hughes’ films simply define being a teenager. Although the world around us is always moving and always changing, teenagers stay the same. We remain rebellious, mischievous, bored and lost, no matter which decade we live in. Hughes understood that, and with his movies, spoke directly to the adolescents of the 1980’s and to generations to come. I don’t think there’s anyone today who can make a movie like quite he could, and although Hughes passed away last year, his films will continue to entertain and inspire, no matter which generation.

by MONICA CAI

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY OF: WWW.MOVIESCREENSHOTS.BLOGSPOT.COM


WEAR

Cassandra Kent (10)Henry M. Gunn High School

Cardigan,ANTHROPOLOGIE

Long sleeve v-neck,GAP BODY

Sandals, HAIGHT STREET BOUTIQUE

STYLE GUIDE: “I love to incorporate pastels and muted colors in my style to bring a spring feeling that I love, and I always want to be comfortable. A way to express yourself is through clothing, and that's exactly what I try to do.” ‒Cassandra

Summer Staple:

CLOTH SHORTS

STYLE GUIDE: “My style varies a lot, from being relatively normal to painfully eccentric. Right now, I’m leaning more towards easy to wear, grandma-like, almost androgynous pieces.” ‒Anna

Anna Huang (11)Cupertino High School

Blazer,GOODWILL

Denim shirt,MOM’S CLOSET

Flats, GAP

Summer Staple:DENIM SHIRTS

Jeans, URBANOUTFITTERS

Bow, MOM’S CLOSET

Too Cool for SchoolThe trendiest kids of the Bay show off their unique styles

PHOTO OURTESY OF: SAMANTHA DONAT & LAURA YAU


WEAR

Niva Bigler (12)The Harker School

STYLE GUIDE: “Confidence is everything, no matter your style. If you have it, you could make turtle necks and a clogs the next big thing.” ‒Sherry

Grey necklace,JC PENNEY

Summer Staple:LAVENDER BLOUSE

STYLE GUIDE: “My style is a combination of comfortable chic and hipster clothing worn with an array of jewelry. My daily outfits illustrate my personality, but the goal is to comfortably reflect a classy and presentable look.” ‒Niva

Blue necklace,FOREVER 21

Shirt, MACY’S

Belt, PACSUN

Shorts, FOREVER 21

Sandals, FLOJOS

Sherry Roohi (10)Monta Vista High School

Sweater,THRIFT STORE

Scarf, DIY

Tights, FOREVER 21

Flats, THRIFT STORE

Summer Staple:

OFF-THE-SHOULDER CROP

TOPS OR OVERSIZE SILK

BUTTON DOWNS

Too Cool for School

PHOTO COURTESY OF: SHERRI ROOHI & NIVA BIGLER

Daniel Armitano (11)Palo Alto High School

Blazer, EMPIRE VINTAGE CLOTHING

Boots, ZAPPOS

Summer Staple: LEATHER SANDALS FROM BARCELONA

STYLE GUIDE: “I don’t really know how to describe my style.” ‒Daniel

Necklace, DIY

Pants,WASTELAND

Ivan Lee (11)Saratoga High School

Black shirt, THE HUNDREDS

Shoes, VANS

Summer

Staple:

THE SNAPBACK HAT


WEAR

STYLE GUIDE: “My style is very similar to my older brother’s. I would say it’s pretty laid back.” ‒Ivan

G-shock watch, MACY’S

KHAKI SHORTS, LEVIS

Snapback hat, THE HUNDREDS

Long sleeve striped shirt, AMERICAN APPAREL

PHOTO OURTESY OF: SASAN SADAAT & DANIEL ARMITANO

Dennis Xing (10)Lynbrook High School

STYLE GUIDE: “I just try to stay as classy as I can be.” ‒Marc

Grey necklace,JC PENNEY

Summer Staple:DENIM BY SUPREME AND LEVIS AND H&M SHORTS

STYLE GUIDE: “I like to consider my style to be pretty clean; nothing too flashy and fancy, but also nothing too bland. In general, I tend to stray away from the typical “hype” brands and am always looking for anything fresh, comfortable, and nice-looking.” ‒Dennis

Blue necklace,FOREVER 21

Windbreaker, H&M

Black v-neck shirt, MOSSIMO SUPPLY CO.

Shoes, ERA VANS

Marc Armitano (09)Palo Alto High School

Tortoise shell sunglasses,EMPIRE VINTAGE CLOTHING

Shirt, EMPIREVINTAGE CLOTHING

Corduroy pants, SPANISH

Combat boots, BED-OSTU

Summer Staple:GRAY CORDUROY AMERICAN APPAREL SHORT SHORTS


WEAR

PHOTO COURTESY OF: DANIEL ARMITANO & AUSTIN YU

Jeans, LEVIS 511

Jake Zats (09)Lynbrook High School

Flannel, FOURSTAR CLOTHING

Shoes, VANS OTW COLLECTION

Summer Staple:LOTS OF T-SHIRTS, SHORTS,

SUNGLASSES AND HATS

STYLE GUIDE: “I like to blend together different sorts of styles. I am also some what “rugged”—I don’t wear “nice” clothing. I do like nice jeans though. But what I like the most is just a regular t-shirt and shorts. I do love shoes, and when it comes down to it, I like skate shoes with kind of a vintage, 60s look, or any unique style.” ‒Jake

Belt, VANS

Jeans, INSIGHT JEANS

Emily Hayflick (12)Castilleja School

Cardigan, NORDSTROM

Bag, TARGET


WEAR

STYLE GUIDE: “I love to layer—I really like to figure out all the different combinations I can come up with for pieces. Because of this, I end up mixing a lot of patterns and textures together. I also like to get clothes from a mixture of used.vintage and new clothing stores.” ‒Emily

Belt, CROSSROADS TRADING CO.

Tights, SOCKSDREAMS

Tank top, AMERICAN EAGLE

Shirt, LRG

PHOTO OURTESY OF: EMILY HAYFLICK & AUSTIN YU

Printed skirt, NORDSTROM

Romper,X-GENERATION

Necklace, THE DISCOVERY SHOP

Socks, SOCKS DREAMS

Boots, THE DISCOVERY SHOP

Summer

Staple:RED SALT-WATER

SANDALS

Hat, DC

Socks, VANS

Summer Staple:LOTS OF T-SHIRTS, SHORTS,

SUNGLASSES AND HATS


SUBMIT

SubmitWould you like your chance to be featured in Bay Magazine? Send us photos, short stories, poems, artwork, anything! If it can be printed in a publication, then it is welcome! To submit, either mail us at:

P.O. Box 35667Monte Sereno, CA 95030

or email us at:[email protected]

For more information, visit our website, www.baymagazine.org!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ACROSS 41 base's opposite 23 "knock it off" or "get it on" e.g.11 12 1 poke at 44 tube pasta 24 none too swift13 14 15 4 PC graphics format 49 Crassus defeated him 28 word with slip or slide

16 17 18 7 one-person performance 50 ___ center (community facility) 30 Sirius, e.g.19 20 21 22 23 24 11 mesazoic ___ 51 matching 31 movie theatre (old term)25 26 27 28 12 bully feeling 52 half a sch. Year (abbr) 35 room opener29 30 31 32 13 news reporter (old term) 53 "I ___ you one" 37 member of the familia33 34 35 15 otherwise DOWN 38 cartoonist Addams, short for Charles

36 37 38 16 museum (abbr) 1 Super ___ (old game console) 40 soap ___ (shower buildup)39 40 17 packed away, food wise 2 class with crayons 41 donkey

41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 19 High-fives 3 long-nosed fish 42 tax preparer, for short49 50 22 Iris cover 4 caviar, essentialy 43 words before and after "what" (2 words)51 52 53 25 friends 5 chart shape 45 hole in one

26 dogs Doc. 6 lost soul 46 Pizarro's gold

27 Spanish card game 7 "stainless" metal 47 just out or fresh

29 "___ little teapot" (2 words) 8 olive product 48 freezer cubes

30 adrenaline producer 9 ___ Gatos, CA

32 cozy lodging 10 the loneliest number

33 pro ___ (political) 12 human excreting canal

34 "cat on a hot ___ roof" 14 hell-raisers

35 "I can only ___ much" (2 words) 18 head; Fr.

36 foes of Carthage 19 rod at a roast

38 space debris, rocks 20 less convincing

39 "my lips ___ sealed" 21 "remember the ___" (cry of 1836)

40 HBO rival 22 U.S. swimming star Janet

Thatcher Hess [email protected] 3-21-11

Walking in Mexico by Vivian Hsu







































































































Crossword Puzzle by Thatcher

WANT TO JOIN THE BAY MAGAZINE TEAM?VISIT WWW.BAYMAGAZINE.ORG/APPLY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

WANT TO TALK TO US? EMAIL: [email protected]

WWW.BAYMAGAZINE.ORGWWW.TWITTER.COM/BAYMAGAZINE

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BAYMAGAZINE

© 2011 BAY AREA YOUTH MAGAZINE

bay magazine summer 2011

Documents

bay areaphoto courtesy

south bay

bay magazine team

nuclear energy9read

bay area youthphoto

contact us

nuclear power plants

energy source