EEP QUARTERLY WINTER 2005

Our fall began with the director attending a parent meeting at The Mirman School in the Valley on Thursday evening, September 30th. He, along with other school representatives from the Brentwood Consortium, Exeter and Andover boarding schools, discussed alternatives in education with the very enthusiastic parent attendees who are looking at the next step for their gifted children. Thanks to our very gracious host Mr. John West, Headmaster. We look forward to see some Provie Mirman-ites next summer.

On Sunday October 3rd The PEEP hosted the annual Fall Welcome Meeting for the new EEP freshman parents in San Marino. This year the special guest was gifted education advocate, philanthropist and author Dr. Jan Davidson. Dr. Davison held an informal Q&A session and was an absolute delight. After the fine dining, socializing and discussion we were pleased to have Dr. Davidson autograph copies of, " Our Brightest Young Minds", available in book stores now. A fabulous warm fall evening with PEEPsters and a famous guest made this quite a memorable affair.

October 12th and 14th we saw the Great EEPAuction sponsored by EEPC Lounge Manager Chris H. (Elder). Among his duties, Chris collects all items left out over-night to protect them against theft and to remind EEPsters to pick-up after themselves. The modest fee (25 cents) he uses to buy pizza for the gang; items left over a quarter unclaimed, along with donated items from the office and the EEPC are auctioned off to the highest bidder. The collected bread Chris uses for, guess what, Pizza for all!

The University Honors Program and Honors Club hosted the annual Fall Preview Dinner on Wednesday evening October 13th. This year's special guest speaker was Dr. Jan Lever from Sociology who entertained the crowd with a witty and intellectual discourse. Honors Club leaders Paisley K. and Winny S. helped organize the event along with other EEPster members. Dr. Beamer, the University Honors Faculty Director, was very gracious in singling out the EEP as an important part of the Honors Program and we thank Honors for all the great classes and the great dinner to boot!

Dr. Bowman from Political Science and an EEP recommended Pre-Law faculty advisor hosted a special meeting for all students interested in attending law school in the future, on October 22nd Friday from 12:00 to 2:00. Dr. Bowman discussed the Pre-Law Society and strategies for planning on grad school application processes. There is more in Announcements for Pre-Law EEPsters

Due to the suspension of this year's University Haunted Union event, the EEPC and PEEP stepped right to the plate and hit a couple of dingers to far right! The Eriksson family hosted an EEP Halloween Fright Weekend October 30th through 31st at their Brea home. A front yard caravel and horror maze delighted the neighborhood kids and the frighteningly scar-i-astic EEPsters who attended seemed happy to be scared! The EEPC hosted the annual EEP Fright Night sleepover in the campus Lounge on Friday October 30th. Horrific movies, multiple treats and Halloween weirdness was plentiful. Nearly three dozen EEPsters attended one or both events; a holiday to remember, often late into the night with screams of terror we're sure!

November 1st, Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 Prof. Ann Bingham-Newman again invited the EEP to attend a class for her graduate students in education. These students are current or soon-to-be teachers and they wanted to learn more about giftedness and how to help those "special" students in their classrooms. Among the student presenters were Theresa C., Jennifer C., Alex C., Kim C., Amanda J., Moe L., Pam L., Herbert L., Sonia L., Myle O. (Elder), Stephanie S and Jackson V. (Elder). We had a spirited discussion and received a nice thank you note from the good doctor the next week. As Sheriff Dillion would say, "Anything to help ma'me J

Thursday, November 18th the EEPC Tutor Chair Rex C. (Elder) sponsored a Tutor Workshop for all current and prospective EEP Tutors from 2:30-4:00 pm in the Library. Dr. Masuda, Director of the Tutoring Center, conducted the 1.5-hour workshop and we thank him for his expert training of our EEPC staff. More in Announcements.

Winter 2005 EEP QUARTERLY EVENTS

The EEP Catalina attendees, EEPC and EEP office hosted a Catalina 5 Get-Well and Thanks for Surviving/ Thanksgiving party on Wednesday November 24th 12:30-2:30 pm. During Group Meetings some of those who went to Catalina asked if their $15 "talking fee" deposits could instead be contributed to a party for the kids who were in the accident. The Catalina 5 showed tremendous courage in light of the unexpected trauma of an auto accident and the EEPsters wanted them to know they cared plus, since they missed the Catalina Group Dinner, this was a food-pay-back! Well wishes and a continued recovery to all.

December 9th Thursday the University Honors Club under the leadership of a gaggle of EEPsters hosted the quarterly Post-Finals Luncheon, Admin 313, 12-2pm. A tradition for the EEP and the Honors Club this quarterly rite combines what EEPsters really value, no more finals and pizza!

We closed out the busy Fall quarter with three final December events, first the 22nd biannual Search forExceptional Academic Achievement (SEAA) Talent Search/ WPCT Testing on Sunday December 5th. We were surprised at closing out test admission at a high for Winter of 330 gifted young students and since it was a cold rainy day the PEEP had a full house of test-taker parents at their Test Reception buffet and Q&A session, 1:00-2:30 pm. The Test Administrators Herbert L. (EEPC President) and Samantha H. (EEPC Secretary) worked closely with EEP staff and Elder Advisor Jesse H. to make this technically-challenging event come out smooth as a new satin sheet! Also thanks to our PEEP Manager Pam L. (EEPC Social Chair), Lobby Manager Jonathan R. (Elder) and Lead Greeter Paisley K. along with all the EEPsters who Proctor, Assistant Proctor and do the real dirty work. Thanks!

Second, the WPC test day is also the day of the biannual PEEP General Meeting, from 10:00am to 11:30pm in the KH Lecture Hall II right before the Test Reception. We were happy to see more than 40 PEEPs come out on such a blistery day to discuss the EEP and the EEPsters. The EEP director was busily answering questions and explaining recent program policy changes while also noting the availability of various EEP/Education/Teenager related articles he collected. The EEPC Board members also attended to thank the PEEPs for their support and to discuss their future student activities and student support plans.

The third and final December event was the EEPC newest tradition the Winter Cabin Trip, December 13-15, at Big Bear Resort. The happy band of snow-bound EEPsters took off on a luxury tour bus complete with professional driver, VCR screens and on-board lavatory. They headed to the Grey Squirrel Resort for a couple of days of Holiday fun, skiing and general relaxation. Thank you to EEPC Social Chairs Amanda J. and Pam L. for their work in organizing and EEP alumni Joe Viola and Geoffrey Lancaster for their chaperoning duties. The cabins are fully furnished and quite lavish for the likes of these teens. Wow, now that's a classy snow trip. We are pleased to announce our newest addition to the EEP office staff Mr. Martell Bateman. Martell is a work- study student who seems a natural fit in our program. A gifted student from Berkeley, he is a first year freshman living on campus and one who enjoys heading to the kitchen after work in the office to play Magic cards with the EEPsters. Martell's hours vary quarterly but feel free to drop by to say "hi" if you haven't yet met him. Martell will work approx 10-15 hours per week.

The annual PEEP Fundraising Drive is underway and this year we have the highest goal yet. We plan on raising $26,250 for a number of Lounge and equipment refurbishment projects including a whole new EEP Student Computer Lab. Please check out the notice mailed during the Holiday break and respond as soon as possible. If you would like to take a Lounge tour to view the need first hand, please contact the EEP office or just drop by and walk around! Thank you ahead of time for what we know will be another successful fundraiser. For you former private school attendees just 10% of your tuition savings will go a long way to help your EEP and it's tax deductible.

Also, one of the PEEPsters, an eBay retailer, is offering the services of her company, www.i-soldit.com/ to sell any donated item on ebay with all proceeds donated to the EEP. The Chemel Family (Jennifer) headed up by PEEP Mom Helene is making this very generous offer and you may contact them directly at 818-701-0789 Monday through Saturday 10-7 pm. We can hardly wait to clean up the garage and help the EEP at the same time. If you got it, sell it through iSold It.com and do it for the EEP!

We will soon have the new OMNI lock system installed on the EEP Lounge doors to further ensure the safety of the EEPsters and their campus home. The OMNI lock will automatically open the Lounge Monday through Thursday at 6:30 am and lock at 6:00 pm. Friday the lock will open at 8:00 am and lock at 2:30 pm. EEPsters should be aware of these Lounge hours and the EEP policies on Lounge use so they do not either lock their belongings or themselves in the Lounge after school hours.

The EEPC and the EEP office are proceeding with our plans to begin to offer, through Jostens Rings(c), an EEP Class Ring. After hearing from a majority of EEPsters at Group Meetings that they wanted class rings we have contact Jostens and are working on a system to provide an opportunity for EEPsters to purchase a unique EEP- style ring after completing their 4th year of study in the Program. The rings will have an EEP logo, designed by April E. (EEPC Yearbook Chair) and the insignia of the student's major and year of CSLA graduation. We plan on being able to have the cashiers office accept a small deposit quarterly through an EEPster's years of attendance so that the cost of the ring is not absorbed at one time right before graduation! We will send more data through e-mail communiqués and at Group Meetings soon but to get an idea of what the rings may look like and, of course, the cost, visit www.Jostens.com OR email a note to Samantha (EEPC Vice President) or Amanda and Pam (EEPC Social Chairs) at www.eepclub@calstatela.edu.

The PEEP/EEF (Early Entrance Foundation) has a new Scrip Program for EEP fundraising efforts. In brief, as soon as you sign up for the program the EEP will automatically receive a small donation monthly with each of your purchases from select stores like Ralph's, Vons, Albertson's etc. Go to the site dhay16301@sbcglobal.net with questions about signing up.

Lisa Sakamoto, EEP Student Counselor had a number of recent family traumas including the death of her father-in-law and serious illness of her father. We wish Lisa well in her time of grief and we understand that she was in need of rescheduling many EEPsters for their quarterly visit. If an EEPster Regular missed last quarter's meeting please try to find an open time in Winter05. Students should check their Individual Meeting Schedules carefully. In cases where your students must make a change in her/his schedule or if you would like to schedule a parent meeting with her please email: lisie@jps.net or to Erika at eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu

We encourage all EEP students interested in law school admission after the EEP to join the Pre-Law Society. Fall meetings were held every other Friday and Winter meetings may be obtained by emailting EEP-recommended faculty advisor Dr. Scott Bowman at: sbowman@calstatela.edu

Winter Leadership classes will begin January 6th for all EEPsters who registered in this campus sponsored seminar series designed to better train our university, program and future world leaders. Info about the Leadership program is available at Group Meetings.

The EEPC continues its service to students by providing 2004 Snacks for 1984 prices, every Thursday in the Lounge. Soda's at 50¢ and Chips at 25¢ and, three times a quarter, pizza at a buck a slice. Elders and EEPC Officers eat and drink free, subsidized/provided by your EEPC!

The Tutor Workshop sponsored by the EEPC Academic Chair will soon be held for a second time in Winter with this training seminar to be announced at Group Meetings and through e-mail. If you are interested in working as an EEPC Tutor you must participate in this training so be sure to contact Rex at kirexhana@hotmail.com to provide your availability for Winter 2005.EEPC's Tutor Program will continue under the leadership of Academic Chair Rex C. If you are in need of tutoring OR interested in serving as an EEP Tutor, please contact Rex ASAP. Fliers posted in the lounge.

EEP alumni Stephen Kovananth and Daniel Rollins who were wed this summer to, respectively, Jennifer Ann Hackwith (Stephen) and Mariah Jean Ready (Daniel) have also just announced that both their lives will be soon enhanced with the birth of babies! EEP generation II will be here on planet Earth very soon! Daniel and Mariah and Stephen and Jennifer have informed the EEP that the are due and will announce births of these two new super-genius children very soon. Congratulations EEP grand-babies.

Yearbook 2004 is for sale now! Please contact the EEPC at eepclub@calstatela.edu (or call 323-3435488 and leave a message) for April or Catherine with a note requesting a pre-sale copy or you may send to the EEP office eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu and they will forward directly to the Yearbook Chairs. More info available at Group Meetings, Yearbook pre-sale cost will be $25 for all books ordered during Winter Quarter, thereafter costs will be $35 each. Send an email NOW.

Remember that all registration and student data access will soon be accessed through the GET system. For questions and info please visit www.get.calstatela.edu or call 323-343 7GET (7438).

Student News

• Harry Budisidharta (Univ. Colorado Law) who wrote on 12-13-04 with Seasons Greetings from Colorado <.i> Gia Jennifer Cho (JD) from New York back in L.A to get involved in politics on 10-13-04 for an office visit
• Pankit Doshi (JD) wrote in September 2004 with a copy of a recent article featuring him from Newsweek 2003 that noted his distinction as the youngest to attend and graduate from Loyola Law, at 19 and 22 yrs plus his winning the title of Mr. India USA competition in July 2000. Pankit passed the bar in July and works in entertainment law. He is always willing to speak with EEPsters. Email at Group Meetings
• Richard Jones (BA) for an office visit on 10-21-04 now working as a field manager for a contracting company and part-owner in a top accounting firm in Pasadena is planning on his own start-up construction company by 2007
• Verena Firpo (2003, BS) dropped in to report she is back taking classes in preparation for her attendance in 2005 in pharmacy school for the doctorate. She also reports that her brother Daniel Firpo (2003, BS) is currently earning his masters in CS at USC and plans to continue his PhD at Claremont Graduate University in 2007
• Adam Fraser (UCLA Law) sent a note on 10-08-04 telling us that he will graduate this Spring with a JD and Masters of Public Policy en route to a job in management consulting with McKinsey and Company. He has offered to advise EEPsters by writing adam.fraser@gmail.com
• Vanessa Sheldon (PhD) wrote to us in September 2004 regarding finishing her dissertation and seeking Music Prof work back home in Southern California. We know a great place for a new EEPster to teach!
• We heard through the alum network that Rebekah Viola (2000, BA) has been accepted to Georgetown Law School for Fall 2005 and Jacob Lister (1997, BA) has been accepted to George Washington Law School, Fall 2005
• James Walker (MS) was featured in the CSLA publication Cea Crest Quarterly for his departmental achievements in hydrology and his future work in environmental consulting.
• Sherry Wasef M.S, M.P.H. (George Washington Med) wrote in to say "hi" and "Merry Christmas" from the cold confines of Washington D.C
• Tim Weisbrod (1990) wrote in from Maryland with greetings and queries about the new PEEP sponsored database site. We look forward to hearing more from Tim soon
• Leana Wen (Univ. Washington @ St Louis Med) was featured in The New Physician (October 2003) participating in R&R as a cultural-arts dancer to relieve the stress of her 4th year med school duties.
• Jeffrey Wu (USC Law) dropped by to say hi and to check up on his brother Justin Wu (Elder) in early October 2004

• Priscilla B., Alezandra B., Joyce H., Tiffany K., Samantha L., Ronald M., Chad P., Andrew P., Winny S., Frank S. and Lei Z
• Allison M. (Frosh) was featured n the Chinese Paper Sing Tao Daily in a front page headliner story on September 9-23-04, Page B-2
• Joshua C. (Elder, EEPC Technology Chair) was certified as a CISCO Systems expert
• Leslie C. (Soph.) reports she has, "performed as a soloist with an orchestra". We await more details soon
• Jesse H. (Elder) has been appointed to a research position with Dr Ellwanger, Psychology Department.
• David N. (Elder) has gained early acceptance to the # 9 med school in the nation, University of Iowa. Congratulations David!
• Andre P. (Elder) Won The Biology Fellowship Emeritus Faculty Award
• Andrew P. (Junior, EEPC Treasurer) has published two articles focused on physics in conjunction with Dr. Carmichael, UC Irvine.
• Jonathan R. (Elder) has presented an original paper, "Efficient Real-Time Parallel Signal Processing." at the Information Systems New Generation Conference at UNLV
• Charissa S. (Junior) was appointed the Recording Secretary for Psi Chi National Honors Society in Psychology
• Andrew J. (Junior) has pledged to Beta Gamma Sigma
• Jackie L-Z (Junior) has pledged to Beta Gamma Sigma
• Neshan S. was inducted to Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Honors Society
• Adekunbi W. (Junior) reports she presented a paper at the Society for Neuroscience Conference.

• Stephanie S. (Frosh) own a $500 scholarship from her former school's alumni association. School name unknown at this time...
• Myle O. (Elder, EEPC Technology Chair) was elected President of the ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) and the Program Festival Coordinator for the College of ECS&T.
• Sarah S. (Junior) was hired in costume design for, as she reports, "the RHPS House Manager for the East West Players". Details forthcoming we hope
• Joanne L. (Junior) has pledged for Beta Gamma Sigma
• Winny S. has been appointed to an off-campus research position in organizational psychology, marketing specialties
• Amanda M. (Soph.) reports she is a SCURR participant and we can only imagine this is good!
• Danielle B. (Soph.) was inducted to Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Honors Society
• Lei Z. (Elder) has pledged to Tan Beta Pi and was named a Frito-Lay/PepsiCo Leadership Center intern

EEP QUARTERLY REMINDERS

We will alert EEPsters of changes @ Group Meetings, the Big Board and/or through mass e-mail. Remember, Advisement Slips will be due by 3:00 p.m. on January 26th

Fall 2004 EEF/PEEP Fundraiser. This year we hope to raise $26,000 to support the EEPsters by replacing worn and used Lounge equipment and furniture including an upgrade to the now five-year old (and much used) Student Computer Lab. Fundraising notices are in the mail now and remember that Donations to the EEF are tax-deductible. The PEEP's new Early Entrance Foundation (EEF) and the PEEP (Parents of EEP) are looking for all parent assistance and parent involvement. Email Ned Fenton njfenton@msn.com.

EEP Class Rings through Jostens available soon. Visit www.jostens to see samples and call or write to EEPC Vice President Samantha/ Social Chair Amanda at eepclub@calstatela.edu OR 323-343-5488 to get more info

EEPC Tutor Training is now mandatory for all hired Tutors. All Tutoring info contact Academic Chair Rex C. at kirexhana@hotmail.com.

EEP Yearbook 2004-2005 pre-sales are available NOWfor only $25. Call or Write to the Yearbook Chairs April E. and Catherine T. eepclub@calstatela.edu OR 323-343-5488 to get more info

OMNI Locks installed soon for security and safety. Elders will be given an access code, all Regular EEPster must adhere to new EEP/Lounge policies including hours of operation (M-TR 6:30am-6pm; Friday 8am-2pm) and campus guests policies

E-bay retailer PEEPster will help you donate items to be sold via E-Bay with proceeds to the EEP. Contact http://www.i-soldit.com/

Provisional EEP Applicant interviews will begin soon so the Director's availability will be, unfortunately, limited so contact Erika eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu for meeting appointments as soon as needed

Remember to use Lounge Resources

• Student Information Binder (campus policies, alum contact e-mails etc.)
• Course Evaluation binders (faculty ratings and course evaluations written by EEPsters)
• Group Meeting binder (new opportunities, event info, sign-ups, policy changes, ???? events etc.)
• Hanging Wall File (campus forms and information on clubs, scholarships, campus phone directory, Honors classes etc)
• Cubby Shelf Unit (interesting magazines, old schedules, class materials, weird EEP stuff, spare umbrella's etc)

We have subscribed to the U.S News and World Best Graduate Schools service. Please visit the site http://www.usnews.com/usnews/usinfo/popunder1.htm user name is rmaddox@calstatela.edu and the password is RMStern8. This is a valuable site with lots of cool data; of course, the best grad school is really dependent on the individual student so use the guide wisely.

CSULA EEP Important Dates

NEWS & NOTICES

It was great to see so many PEEPs out on the cold rainy-ness of the WPCT test day. I am enjoying these biannual PEEP General Meetings and hope to increase attendance for the next one on April 17th. I also like to be able to share those teen-related news articles with you so if you missed a copy of one or another just contact the office, we can make more copies. Perhaps you would be able to send me ideas to make these PEEP General Meetings even better!

I am equally happy to see so much involvement in the PEEP and EEF support groups. From the e-bay retailer donation effort to the alumni database project to the script program, it is all very encouraging and I thank you all! These efforts will pay huge dividends as the EEP continues to grow and prosper in helping your students. All parents are encouraged to participate as much as possible and we always want to hear new and exciting ideas and suggestions.

Along with the new EEP Lounge policies that will keep us in compliance with University codes and LAUSD regulations involving high school age student populations, they will also keep the EEPsters even more safe and sound while on campus. Remember, that we all want them home in the evenings (barring required classes) and weekends for normalcy and family support. We also must control who enters the Lounge and why, so make sure your student follows all rules regarding EEP Lounge visitors and hours of operation.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to the continued strong leadership and just as strong work ethic displayed by this years' EEPC Officers and Chairs. They are amazing young people who really make the EEP better through their involvement. I know you will continue to support them as they work to be better leaders and citizens.

Cheers to the generous PEEP and EEPster Santa's who filled my tree with gifts. Of special note was the laptop I received to keep me busy and productive while sitting amongst the EEPsters in the living room! You are all too kind to me and I appreciate all the Holiday gifts, most especially the hand-made treats! I am lucky to be around such wonderful students and parents J

Cheers to the EEPsters who volunteer for the most mundane of WPCT test day labours! Most showed up early on a Sunday before Finals and worked very hard to make the event a success. Many EEPsters also volunteerto help us every day and we try to get them as involved as possible in such altruism! I am always impressed anew with each generation of EEPsters and this year is no exception. They are gems among teenagers

Jeers to those who abuse the EEP Student Copy machineby making excessive copies. As the students know, when the allotted number of copies is used-up the machine is turned off for the remainder of the quarter. Each EEPster is allotted 20 copies per quarter and can always request additional copy usage privileges for approved academic work.

Jeers to the hoarders who make the consistent supply of soda's and treats in the Lounge impossible. When there is food and drink provided n the Lounge we want EEPsters to partake in a civil and polite manner which naturally excludes stuffing pockets and back-packs with sodas and opening a soda just because it's there (we find lots of 1/2consumed soda laying around). Discuss appropriate rules of etiquette, social behavior and manners with your student if you suspect he/she is a hoarder!

Jeers to those who take a pen or pencil (etc) even though they have a backpack full of said instruments. We stock school supplies for EEPsters use when needed but it is not the EEP's responsibility to provide each student with personal school supplies. Jeers also to those who purposefully break the springs in the staplers, string together 100 paperclips, tie together rubber bands and otherwise waste resources. Don't act your age, act yourintellect please

Should any parent want to discuss their child's performance or if there are any questions or concerns please call the office to schedule a meeting. You may also feel free to call or e-mail me. Have a great quarter! RSM

DITCHING CLASS: A SURVIVOR'S TALE
By Anonymous

If you can't be a good example, you'll just have to be a terrible warning."

     Hello, my name is _________ and I ditched class. I'm an EEPster. Maybe a graduated EEPster. Or maybe I don't exist and Rich wrote this as a caution to you all. Believe whatever you want. But what's important is that you read my story.
      Once upon a time, I was the model EEP student. I was dedicated to my academics, I always did my homework, and I never missed a class period. I was well liked, and it seemed as if everything was going perfectly for me. And at school, it was.
      At home, however, I was being subjected to intense pressure on the part of my parents. It seemed as if nothing I could do would ever please them. At first, I tried to gain their respect, do even better in my classes than I had been doing. When that failed, I began to burn out. I started paying less attention in class, to study ever less. It became almost a game, seeing how much I could get away with.
      Needless to say, my grades began to lag a bit. It wasn't until I began to miss large tracts of class at a time that anyone really took notice however. When that happened though, people, by which I mean my parents, noticed. For the first time ever, I brought home 2 D's. Never before had I received a grade less than B in any class, at Cal State LA or earlier. My parents chalked it up to pure laziness on my part, and so did I. None of us realized that the problem ran deeper.
      For the next 2 quarters or so, I seemed to have gotten my life back on track. However, as I still believed that my parents were impossible to please, I soon reverted to old habits. I began missing classes again. I was crashing and burning again, and this time it was much, much worse. My professors didn't know who I was when I showed up to take the midterms, and weren't particularly surprised when I wasn't at some of the midterms. A faculty member finally alerted Rich to this, but I kept refusing to face the problem head on. It wasn't until several months later that Rich met with my parents to discuss this.
      Those several intervening months were undoubtedly the worst days of my life. Racked by guilt, I lost all interest in anything academic. I was disinterested in my hobbies as well, though I kept up the pretense of interest in order to avert suspicion that all was not well. I couldn't focus on anything. I was more irritable than I had been, getting in frequent arguments with my parents. One night, after a particularly bitter exchange, I even ran away from home. I stayed the night in the EEP room. My parents found me the next morning, but I still wasn't ready to face the truth.
      This wasn't the worst of it. As I had lost interest in my work and my hobbies, so too did I lose interest in life itself. I was seriously contemplating suicide. While I was running away from home, I was debating with myself the merits of simply throwing myself over the bridge.
      Thankfully, Rich intervened before it was too late. With his help, the help of my wonderful parents, and many therapy sessions, I managed to resolve most of my problems. I was able to focus once again, and continued with my academic career.
      What does this have to do with you? This is largely directed towards people who ditch class chronically. You know exactly who you are. Ditching class is quite literally hazardous to your health. As a survivor, I can tell you that it's not worth it. Once you begin to ditch classes, you usually start to do very badly in your classes. This makes you question the worth of attending further classes, so you ditch even more. It is a downward spiral of despair, and I want people to know exactly what's at the bottom of it.
      You don't need to know who I am. Maybe Rich made up this whole story. Maybe I'm an alumnus/ alumna. Maybe I'm an agglomerate of many, many different EEPsters. Maybe I'm still a student who you see every day. But the important thing is that you know what happened to me. And maybe, just maybe, reading this can keep it from happening to you.

The Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game: Internet vice or electronic virtue?
by Andrew P.

      In the world of infomercials and strip-mining, school shootings and gay-bashing, Michael Jackson and sneakers with little blinking lights in the heel, there is an abundance of societal-scapegoats, an unending number of places we could point the finger of blame. Children of the world have always been the focus of what is going wrong with civilization, so the burden of accountability most commonly falls upon our youth's influences. Children have always had an affinity for the electron guns that illuminate their faces, and judgmental parents have had an affinity to scrutinize these screens. Many labeled television as socially detrimental, and damaging to children everywhere. It is no different with computers. Parents see their children wasting time chatting with friends online and see evils in technology. Pornography and virtual predators do not greatly improve these damaging views of the Internet.
      As the new century brings forth technologies unforeseen faster than ever before it is impossible to reach 20 without being unfamiliar with some gadget of the day, there is simply too much advancement for society to accommodate technology as much as it could in past generations. With such a saturation of new scientific capability the public cannot fall back upon the comforts of familiarity as it could neigh up to half a century ago. You could once have refuted the importance of the automobile, or have doubted the practicality of the computer, but now there is no denying the Internet. Technology may indeed be the root of vice in our children; it affords children greater power than ever before, but endows no greater ability to handle the responsibilities.
      Technology's latest and greatest manifestation in the homes and on the minds of children today is in gaming. As small as a 2-bit pong cartridge in your digital wristwatch to as large as EverQuest, a virtual fantasy realm backed by the multi-billion dollar Sony Empire, boasting a player base some 500,000 strong. Everywhere from cell-phones to laptops, key chains to palm-pilots, electronic gaming has infiltrated society. Many of these games have been around for decades, but only in the last few years have such games as EverQuest been spawned, games so demanding of, and costly for players. The particular type of game I refer to is the Massive- Multiplayer-Online-Role-Playing-Game, or the MMORPG for short. In these games an upwardly unbounded number of players assume the roles of unique in-game characters, and interact in a dynamic virtual world.
      There are many of these games now; World of Warcraft, Phantasy Star Online, Project Entropia, or Ultima Online to name a few, each offering slightly different variations on the same mold. In one fantasy time period or another, you run around a massive digital world, killing monsters, finding treasures, and interacting in innumerable ways with an incredibly weird assortment of digital creations. The truly remarkable thing about these games is, there is no end to the madness. You can play indefinitely and never run out of things to do. Returning to the shining example of EverQuest, one can quickly see how these games can be deemed detrimental, even hazardous to the players. Shawn Woolley was one such player of EverQuest, he become consumed by it, overwhelmed by its fantastical realism. He became so involved and attached to this imaginary realm that when his game character died, he took his own life.
      Jay Parker, a chemical dependency counselor and co-founder of Internet/Computer Addiction Services Inc. states that players of these games with particularly addictive personalities can become neurochemically dependant upon the games, even psychotically so. Parker blames the creators of the game, accusing that "The manufacturer of EverQuest purposely made it in such a way that it is more intriguing to the addict." He further deemed that "It could have been created in a less addictive way, but that would [have been] the difference between powdered cocaine and crack cocaine."
      Extreme cases such as Shawn's should not be taken out of context however. Among the millions of MMORPG of gamers across the globe, there are perhaps a handful of truly dangerous cases. The more common maladies of nerdiness expressed by the players, who flock by the thousand to gaming conventions and new game releases, are merely a paradigm shift from older non-physical fancies of fantasy. If they could not be pixilated by pixels these players would long ago have become intoxicated with Star Trek, or Dungeons and Dragons. Points of fact, these online games convey the intricacies of a dynamic economy, the subtleties of a hierarchical self-governing body, or the nuances of social cooperation to the players. These are virtues unbeknownst to those who spend their free time learning to speak Klingon, or at the least should be considered useful skills that can help in the efforts to turn the nerds of today into the productive citizens of tomorrow.

Albums
by Bobby B.

      I've been listening to three albums recently. One is very new; the others were recorded before I was born. Interpol's newest album is a triumph in overcoming the so-called sophomore-slump. I also, happen to think that the album answers their critics perfectly. Yes, the Joy Division influence is still there, but they certainly aren't simply clones. Unlike the previous album, where pointing out the influences (some Chameleons here, and Smiths over there) was most of the fun, the thrill isn't in hearing a new band sounding like your favorite older bands but in simply hearing a great new album. They are, indeed, still deeply rooted in the Post-Punk of the late 70s/ early 80s, but everyone has to be influenced by someone.
      This album takes those influences, slows down the tempo, strips away the artifice, and the end result is something significantly more soulful than 2002's Turn on the Bright Lights. Whereas many of the songs on that album came off as either insincere or angry, the songs on Antics are more searching and critical. The album is well worth it for fans of the first album. Even if you didn't like the first album, listen to this one and see if it changes your mind.
      David Bowie's album Lodger was recorded in 1979. It is the last in a series of albums that were later dubbed "The Berlin Trilogy," although this one was, in fact, recorded in France just outside of Paris. The album is extremely experimental, featuring pop music provocateur Brian Eno on all the tracks. The previous two albums recorded with ambient music pioneer Brian Eno deliberately avoided applying traditional structure to the abstract lyrics and atonal sounds. Lodger proved immensely influential on the New- Wave acts that were, by then, just emerging. There is, admittedly, some very strange stuff on the album. The relative sense of ease on the first song, "Fantastic Voyage," is immediately shattered by the disturbing rhythms of "African Night Flight." It's a very rewarding album that may take a few listens to fully appreciate. The first time I heard the album, I thought, "There's no order to these songs." It sounded like jazz to my ears. Indeed, some of the music sounded improvised on the spot, or at least put together from sounds that no sane man would put in one pop song. Pieces of the album sound like Talking Heads, Roxy Music, and Brian Eno's solo albums, but the whole could not have been created by anyone but David Bowie.
      The last album I've heard a lot of lately was recorded in 1960/1 and released in 1968. It is a collection of premier Jazz-soloist Eric Dolphy's recordings for the Candid record label called, aptly enough, Candid Dolphy. Dolphy plays three different instruments on the album (Alto-sax, flute, and bass- clarinet) with groups led by three big names in jazz (Charles Mingus, Booker Little, and Abbey Lincoln). I personally prefer the sessions with Mingus, particularly the firt song on the album "Reincarnation of a Love Bird." It features a brilliant flute solo by Dolphy, weaving around a typical Mingus rhythm. Eric Dolphy was a diabetic, and met a tragic death on tour in Germany at the age of 36. Eric Dolphy was a huge influence on Cal State LA's own James Newton, conductor of the Luckman Jazz Orchestra. The LJO will be performing their own tribute to the music of Eric Dolphy sometime in January.

THINGS EVERY GUY AND EVERY GIRL should know about their Hair
by Andrew P.

      First of all, as with any other aspect of cosmetics, there are myths and oldwives tales to debunk. Below are a series of common hair care questions, and their respective answers. Towards the end of the article you can find a few miscellaneous hair care tips.

      Out with the bad: I've heard that cutting my hair will make it grow faster/thicker/ longer afterward. Is there any truth behind this? This myth came from observing the growth of male facial hair. The more they shaved, the thicker and faster it grew in. The misconception is that the shaving causes this. It's called puberty folks. Their facial hair is going to be growing in faster and thicker anyway; they are just shaving more and more because that is what it takes to be clean-shaven. Cutting your hair only makes it shorter. That's it. It will not affect the growth rate of your hair at all, and it cannot determine the length that your hair will grow to. Maximum hair length is predetermined by the cross-sectional shape and width of the hair shaft. Your genes are the only factor in hair growth, and there is nothing we can do about it. Yet.
      I have dandruff, will shampoos like Head and Shoulders help? First of all, you do not have dandruff. Dandruff is a clinical malady, for which doctors prescribe serious medication. The dandruff shampoo industry has made billions convincing Americans that they have dandruff. Dandruff is like a gray or yellow oily powder that clumps together in little balls, not white flakes. If you want to get rid of the flakes, perhaps Head and Shoulders will help, perhaps not. Your scalp is skin like any other skin, and dead skin always flakes off. 90% of indoor dust is from dead skin cells. Your scalp will naturally do the same thing. The key difference is the quantity. If the flakes are in abundance you'll notice, otherwise the buildup will be small enough that you can wash it away in your regular showering before it accumulates to a notable quantity. How you'd control how quickly you 'flake' is really a case-by-case question. To each his own solution, just keep your head clean, don't wash you hair so often your scalp dries of its natural oils, and find a shampoo that works for you.
      Will expensive salon formula shampoo products work better than those at my grocers? The short answer is yes. But before you run off and spend a fortune buying everything your stylist offers, you should know a few things. First of all, many industries try to pass off products identical to cheaper brands at massively inflated prices. You cannot assume a more expensive thing is good, while a less expensive thing is bad. I personally advocate Suave even though it's among the cheapest brands available. All that matters are the ingredients, which differ surprisingly little. All shampoos share the same set of ingredient types. You'll find filler; almost always water, which dilutes everything else to the appropriate level (although there are alternatives to water, they do nothing besides increase the price). Then there is the fluff, which covers the aroma, hue, and other superficial qualities of the shampoo. Some of these ingredients don't physically do anything, but psychologically create associations in your mind. If 'aloe'or 'honey'are listed as ingredients, they are added so that if you read the ingredients list you associate the shampoo with aloe or honey, when in fact claiming there is aloe or honey in a shampoo is no different than calling a ketchup 'rich'or 'creamy', its all absolutely meaningless hype. Stabilizers and Preservatives are also found in every shampoo that is not truly organic, and by truly organic I mean you watched someone mash up the herbs in front of you, because anything coming out of a bottle is inorganic. Mostly one shampoo is as good as another in regards to stabilizers and preservatives, so long as you don't find algae growing in the bottle, or everything has congealed and separate like old milk, then the stabilizers and preservatives work. The last and most important ingredient is what's called the Surfactant. Surfactants are what make the shampoo 'wetter than water'as big business so loves to say. These additives change the surface tension of the liquid so it will froth better, so it takes less turbulence to make it lather. Another major misconception is that you need tons of bubbles to get clean, as induced by the mantra of 'lather, rinse, repeat'. Lathering does not affect or reflect the effectiveness of the shampoo at all; it's all just another load of marketing hooey. In fact, surfactants that induce more lathering are actually adversely harmful to your hair, but most every shampoo now uses them. When looking for a shampoo, surfactants are the only universal good or bad. While some people may need 'moisturizing' other's will need 'cleansing', it all depends how oily your hair naturally is, but this is not the case with surfactants. There are only two key names to remember; avoid any shampoo that uses ammonium laurel sulfate, and jump at the hard to find shampoos that use sodium laureth sulfate, and in the absence of both the surfactant won't make much difference either way.
    How can I know if my hair is healthy? I hate to break it to you, but your hair is never healthy... its dead. The cells that hair is composed of have been long dead by the time you can see them anyway. The follicle of each hair, that is the 'root'that lies under the outer layer of skin is alive however, and does have a measurable level of health. These follicles don't have too many degrees of health however, typically they are either fine, damaged, or the hair fell out. Follicles only need nutrients and care, and here are a few ways you can fulfill these needs.

• Follicles need biotin and zinc, which are relatively easy to get. Take an inexpensive daily multi-vitamin such as the tasty Flintstones chewables. Unless you have a clinical vitamin deficiency then anything beyond a Flintstones is superfluous. Your body only requires so many vitamins each day and will simply discharge the excess. You can't put fifteen gallons in a ten-gallon tank.
• Get a good brush or comb without metal ridges or sharp plastic. If it was cheaply made by pouring the materials into a mold, then there will be seams or ridged on it which will damage your hair. I suggest a bristle brush, which is essentially just very tough fibers, called boar-bristles, because about a century ago they used the stiff hair of North American boars. Once you have this brush, its important you put it somewhere clean and leave it there, which brings us to our next point.
• Every stroke you make with your brush damages your hair. The most effective, and least damaging way to detangle your hair, as I personally know, is on a regular basis, especially right after your hair becomes dry following a shower, to sit down and detangle with your bare hands or for some hair types a good comb (see above about cheap plastic molds). This doesn't mean tearing or ripping, or otherwise going medieval on your hair, merely a gentle separation. You'll figure it out after a few tries. The only times you really need your brush is for styling, and when you do so, brush the absolute minimum you can get away with.
• When the style calls for tying the hair back there are a few standards for the tie. It needs to be made with a non-abrasive, and preferably undyed (not necessarily uncolored) material, should not be any more complicated than it needs to be, and shouldn't have anything hair can snag on. Anything with exposed metal on it is a bad idea, as is anything with beads or separate parts. The most utilitarian ties are unobtrusive monochromatic bands with one continuous strip of fabric wrapped around something elastic, not logistically unlike a small scrunchie.
• Not only do the ties matter, but how you tie them as well. Refrain from tying back your hair tightly. Constricting your hair in a any band that is flush against your head is really foolish; because it will not only stress your hair and scalp, but also will typically give you very distasteful forehead wrinkles, dryness, or acne (depending on some properties of your skin). Let the tie start a ways away from the scalp, it stills holds the hair where it needs to be, but wont strain it. Similarly, don't stress your hair with tight braids, hats, or so forth.