Issue 11: Fall 2007 Quarter - October 2007

EEP Names in the News

25 freshmen EEPsters. Welcome to the new EEPsters! All of them came to the annual Catalina Island camping event, along with many upperclassmen, to have fun and celebrate together. Catalina was filled with flag football, volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunning, "killer", miniature golf, s'mores toasting, campfire stories, lazing about, and mostly just hanging out with friends -- the making of many fond memories! Lots of pictures are scattered throughout this newsletter, or you can look at many more taken by EEPsters here. Here are all the 2007 Catalina EEPsters:

New EEP Space! Rich is still negotiating with CSULA for our new space in King Hall in 2008. All the money raised this year will go to furnishing this new space, which will likely be about four times our current space. So our needs will be many! hint, hint!

EEPC Tutors. Is your EEPster interested in being a tutor, or in need of some tutoring for a difficult course? The Tutoring Program is essential part of EEP success! Have your EEPster email EEPC Academic Chair Swapneel P. for more information.

EEP Accomplishments. More amazing EEPster accomplishments include:
     • Christine D won the Cal State L.A. Emeriti David Cameron Fisher Fellowship.
     • Akai M successfully completed an internship at UCLA's Center for Scalable and Integrated Nano Manufacturing Research.
     • Nika N was offered an internship with Greenpeace, was an Editor of CSULA's Communication department journal, Colloquy, and worked for the Theatre Arts Department on a documentary.
     • Edwin P was elected as the new President of CSULA's American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME).
     • Claire W completed an internship at Southern California Edison.

Scott, Ella and Lisa!

PEEP Volunteer Opportunities. PEEP volunteers are always needed for computer work (at home), office help (on campus), chaperoning and carpooling duty for EEPC events/activities and, as always, help for the biannual WPCT exams and PEEP general meetings. Please let EEP know if YOU can volunteer by calling 323/343-2287 or sending a note to Rich or EEP. First Opportunity: Fright Night! Is there a brave PEEP (or two) who is willing to chaperone in the EEP Lounge, from about 6pm on Friday, Oct 26th until about 9am on Saturday, Oct 27th? Bring earplugs to drown out the screams from the all-night scary videos! PEEPs are welcome to hang out (and snooze!) in the farthest-away space in Lisa's office (with its comfortable sofas!)!

CSULA University Police

Emergency Preparedness. CSULA has an extensive Multihazard Emergency Plan. The December 2005 PEEP meeting featured a guest speaker on CSULA Emergency Operations, Desiree Bumgarner ("the keyword in all emergency situations is flexibility, but knowledge of emergency skills and procedures will be invaluable to everyone.") -- click here for a summary. All parents should be sure to renew their ever-important Emergency Contact form and return it to the EEP office ASAP. Also, PEEPs will be further reassured by CSULA's medical facilities on campus, for the everyday little emergencies as well as bigger ones -- see the June newsletter for information on their medical, dental, optometry services, and more.

Goofing off on Catalina

Mock Trial Club. Is your EEPster interested in law school? Debating or acting? Then consider the Mock Trial Club! The President of CSULA's chapter of this nationally-recognized organization is EEPster David N. and the coach is EEP alumnus Mr. Mark Gordon J.D. Meetings start in October, probably Fridays 9-12, with the regional competition in February. Have your EEPster contact David by email.

ASI Associate Justice Postions. EEPster Jennifer C, Chief Justice for ASI, is looking for responsible EEPsters to get involved in ASI and apply for the position of Associate Justice. Contact Jennifer at jenhope@gmail.com.

PACK. People for Animal Care and Kindness is yet another new EEP-led club. Have your EEPster see Millie G if interested.

Reminder: PEEP Website and Yahoo Group. The PEEP website is continuously updated with tons of useful links and information, including our private Yahoo PEEP group which contains a private PEEP roster with city and emails so PEEPs can set up carpools, or just get in touch with the parents of your EEPster's friends.

EEF Financial News

2007-08 Annual Giving. The Annual Giving letters will arrive in your mailbox soon. All these donations go 100% to EEP and are 100% tax-deductible. Rich will be using the donations this year to furnish the new EEP space we expect this coming spring. If you have items to donate too, such as tables, chairs, sofas, please keep us in mind.

Flag football on Catalina

eScrip is Easy! It's simple, it raises lots of money for EEP, it's free and it needs you! Just sign up your grocery cards once (not charge cards, just grocery club cards) -- for your family or even your friends and relatives too -- and EEP gets a percentage back on all the grocery purchases all year long! If you have no charitable organization specified on your cards, the stores just keep all the money. Sign yourself up online (click here) or preferably let PEEP Donna Hay do it for you -- contact her by email (dhay16301@sbcglobal.net). Note that some cards must be renewed every fall, and we can do it for you if we have the info! This year we raised $869; we're aiming for $1000 next year -- PLEASE help us out! Freshmen parents -- please turn in your forms -- we have only 6 out of 25 so far!

ebay Donations. Don't discard, Donate! PEEP Helene Chemel will convert your unwanted collectibles into cash for EEP on ebay through her i-soldit store in Chatsworth, or you can bring them to the December PEEP meeting too. Visit the I-SoldIt website for more information.

Upcoming Events for EEP Families

Basketball on Catalina

Fall Quarter 2007 Important Dates. Dates of interest for this quarter are:
Fall quarter starts Thursday, September 20th
New Parent Welcome: Sunday, Oct 7th, 3-5 pm at The Firefly in Pasadena
Winter Quarter Tuition due Friday, October 19th - click here for form ← EARLY!
Priority registration for Winter Quarter - Monday, October 22nd ← EARLY!
Fright Night! Friday, Oct 26th 6pm-9am at EEP for non-scaredy-cats!
Veterans' Day on Monday, Nov. 12th (campus closed)
Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22nd (campus closed)
PEEP Meeting and WPCT: Sunday, Dec 2nd at 10 am and 1 pm respectively
Fall Quarter Exams: Monday, Dec 3rd - Thursday, Dec 6th
Winter Break (three weeks) - Friday, Dec. 7th - Tuesday, Jan. 1st 2008
Winter Quarter begins Wednesday, January 2nd

Join us for cocktails and appetizers at the Firefly Bistro in Pasadena on Sunday, October 7th, 3-5 pm

New Parent Welcome. The annual New Parent Welcome will be held Sunday, October 7th, 3-5 pm at the Firefly Bistro in Pasadena. Invitations were mailed out, and we hope we received your RSVP to this fun and popular event. New PEEPs -- come and meet the parents of your children's new friends; Upperclass PEEPs -- welcome the new PEEPs and find out the latest news at EEP. A huge ♥Thank-You♥ to PEEPs Laurie O'Brien and Carl Weintraub for donating the use of their restaurant for this event -- 1009 El Centro Street, South Pasadena. PEEPs are welcome to make reservations (626-441-2443 for dinner) after the party too! Check out the New Parent Welcome Menu, and remember, this is a cocktail party for parents only.

Volleyball too on Catalina

WPCT and PEEP Meeting. Put it on your calendar! The WPCT and PEEP meeting will be Sunday, December 2nd. The meeting is 10-11:30 am, followed by the 1-4:15 pm testing for prospective EEPsters. PEEP volunteers are needed to help with the PEEP General Meeting and WPC Testing, including bringing snack foods! Remember, the prospective EEPsters and their parents are always blown away by the EEPsters who are monitors and speakers -- we need your EEPster too!

Volunteer Opportunities. No better way to stay informed than to get involved! PEEP also has many volunteer positions available, such as organizing October's New Parent Welcome, newsletter-writing, PEEP website maintenance, etc -- please email PEEP Donna Hay at dhay16301@sbcglobal.net.

EEΠX Store

Yearbooks, Sweatshirts, T-shirts and More! We have it all! Just have your EEPster order one, and Rich will send home the item and a bill! With questions, email the EEP Club or call 323/343-5488 and leave a message.

• S'mores and comraderie around the Catalina campfire

  T-shirts and Sweatshirts, etc. Your EEpster has a choice of two t-shirts, and two sweatshirts, and don't forget that bodaciously amusing license plate frame (it makes a cute picture frame too!)
  • Lemonhead Sweatshirt - just $25 for this one-of-a-kind distinctive outerwear!
  • Lemonhead T-shirts - for $10 cash or check for the companion long-sleeve t-shirt.
  • EEPC t-shirt - guaranteed as unique, this t-shirt features the likeness of EEPster 2006 graduate Neshan! $10 for this limited edition t-shirt!
  • EEΠX Sweatshirts - only $20 for this black-that-goes-with-everything sweatshirt with its oh-so-cool-Greek-EEΠX-logo! Your EEPster will want to show off EEP pride!
  • License Plate Frames - a mere $5 pittance and you can playfully diss everyone ("we're better than you")! And as a special incentive, get one FREE with any order!

waiting impatiently for the group photo

• EEP smiley face Mug. It's in a bright yellow, of course! Guaranteed to make you smile every morning! Only $5.
• Rings - Calling all 4th year students and graduates! These EEP class rings have an EEP logo (pdf drawing) designed by April E. and the insignia of the student's major and year of CSULA graduation. You can get an idea of what the rings will look like at the Jostens website. The rings cost $398 for the women's and $451 for the men's (10K white or yellow gold).
• Yearbooks - The EEPC is already gearing up for the new, better-than-ever yearbook and dvd. If your EEPster has a memorable photo, be sure to submit it to the yearbook chair, Angela C., in person or by email

Upcoming CSULA Events of Interest for EEPsters and their Families

"Body Double" Exhibit. at the Luckman Gallery. Aug 25-Oct 13th. Distinctive and captivating, ranging from Surrealism to narrative photography, the photographs and videos incorporate the use of the artists own image.

Catalina dining at Big Olaf's

Science Series at Physical Sciences 158. Call Physics and Astronomy at 323-343-2100 for more information
- Wed, Oct 10th, 8pm, Milan Mijic (Physics & Astronomy): "The Modern Cosmological Paradigm: Infinite, Eternal, Evolving Universe."
- Wed, Nov 7th, 8pm, Howard Xu (Biological Sciences): "Bug and Drugs (or Lack of) to Treat Them: Multidrug Resistant Pathogens."
- Wed, Nov 28th, 8pm, Patrick Krug (Biological Sciences): "A Slug's Life--What Sea Slugs Can Tell Us About the Past and Future of Our Oceans."

Study Abroad Fair. Thur, Oct 11th, 10am-3pm. Meet with 20+ study abroad providers and learn how to earn university credit while traveling the world. Enter drawings for travel and study abroad gear. Main Walkway (between Library and King Hall) Call International Programs and Services at 323-343-3170 for more information.

Midterm Madness! Mon., Oct. 15, 5 pm at Salazar Hall Quad, Tue., Oct. 16, noon at the Main Walkway, Wed., Oct. 17, 5 pm at King Hall Walkway, and Thu., Oct. 18, noon at the Main Walkway. Your EEPster can visit the Midterm Madness booths to pick up a FREE scantron and bluebook, and nachos -- while it lasts! Also enter the raffle to win a $50 Cal State L.A. Bookstore gift certificate.

bonding at Big Olaf's

Book and Poetry Readings. Call 323-343-5001 for more information.
- Mon, Oct 15th at 6pm at the University Bookstore. Michelle Yu reads from "China Dolls" exploring the lives Chinese American women whose career, personal, and romantic goals often clash with their parents’ goals and dreams for them.
- Wed, Oct 24th, 8:30 pm at the Golden Eagle Ballroom. Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet -- her focus is on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.

Un Zapateado Chicano. Sat, Oct 20th, 8pm at the Luckman. Strongly influenced by Afro Caribbean rhythms and inspired by the syncopated sounds of Veracruz, Un Zapateado Chicano explores Gema Sandoval's Chicano voice in dance where dancers become part of the music. Call 323-343-6000 for more information or click here.

more bonding at Big Olaf's

Haunted Fortune House. Wed, Oct 24th, Noon. Does your EEPster want to know the future? Professional tarot card and palm readers, Trick or treating, and voting for a favorite group's decor and costumes. Main Walkway.

Finals Help Week! Mon., Nov. 26, 5 pm, Salazar Hall Quad, and Tue., Nov. 27, noon, Main Walkway, and Wed., Nov. 28, 5 pm, King Hall Walkway, and Thu., Nov. 29, noon, Main Walkway. Your EEPster can visit the Finals Madness booths to pick up a FREE scantron and bluebook, and snack -- while it lasts! Also enter the raffle to win a $50 Cal State L.A. Bookstore gift certificate.

For more details on these events, and new last-minute additions, check out the CSULA calendar and the Luckman calendar (you can even sign up for Luckman event emails here). EEPsters and their families might also be interested in LACHSA events -- visit the LACHSA website for details on their events at CSULA's Luckman Theatre and throughout LA.

Articles of Interest

Lazing about at Catalina

Are We Failing Our Geniuses? - TIME Magazine, August 16, 2007. Many school systems are wary of grade skipping even though research shows that it usually works well both academically and socially for gifted students--and that holding them back can lead to isolation and underachievement. Click here for complete article.

Make Your Money Last Through Retirement - BottomLine, August 1, 2007. Once you retire, if you start drawing from your investment and savings accounts in the wrong order, you greatly increase the odds that your money will run out. Click here for complete article.

How Well Do You Know Your Health Care Provider? - LA Times, July 23, 2007. Even in this digital age, most people still rely on word of mouth to pick their doctor or check up on their local hospital. With a little homework, and using the internet, consumers can get their hands on all kinds of information. Click here for complete article.

lots of Pizza at Catalina

Does Alcohol Really Help Your Heart? - BottomLine, June 1, 2007. For decades, scientists have debated whether alcohol is good for your heart. A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health proves it is. Click here for complete article.

Credit Card Traps... Even Very Savvy Consumers Can Get Caught - BottomLine, May 1, 2007. You may think you know your way through the credit card jungle -- but credit card issuers have laid new traps at every turn for unwary consumers -- six tips. Click here for complete article.

For a link to the index of dozens of articles Rich has clipped -- to learn about Harvard's new MBA 2+2 option, homework myths, the science of addiction, inside a teen's brain, MySpace safety, "crispies" and much more -- click here!

Old Favorites! A Nation Deceived - a study summarizing 50 years of research on acceleration and its effectiveness - at this website http://nationdeceived.org/download.html and TIME's "Saving The Smart Kids" - a 2001 study found that 70% of kids who skipped ahead had no regrets. MENSA Bulletin "My Son Is A High-School Dropout -- and Proud Of It."

Links of Interest, Past Issues, Contact Information