Opinion Opinion Editor: Jake Hamner
Street Talk
If you could create a spirit day, what would it be?
"Bring back staff day so everyone can dress up as their favorite teacher."
- Neil Kotikawatte, Senior |
"Try Day, where people actually come to school to learn something for once in their life."
- Julian Ditona, Junior |
"Inside joke day, that would be interesting wouldn't it?"
- Dulce Arteaga, Sophomore |
"Disney Day because everything about Disney is wonderful and magical and who doesn't love Disney?"
- Zuleth Araujo, Freshman |
"International Day! Represent the many cultures on your campus!"
- Ms. Mangarin, Staff |
Sippin' on Haterade: Are you a lover or hater?
"Forever Alone" meme (Internet Source)
Alina Sheikh, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2013
As soon as the Christmas trees and holiday decorations come down, stores restock their shelves with heart shaped everything. Although this day is centered around couples, it’s also a day to celebrate friendship. But why do some people dislike this “sugary day of romance”?
For many, Valentines Day is a reminder of their “loneliness” while being single, which makes this day gloomy rather than lovey-dovey. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and roses scattered around every store can be like constant reminders if you are single. Often, people can feel out of place during the day of love if they are not in a relationship.
The over commercialization that comes along with this holiday is what bothers others. Some people may feel a bit annoyed when they enter a store and are greeted by an abundance of red and pink hearts plastered on practically anything.
Valentines Day can also create a lot of pressure. For couples, it may be the pressure to define the relationship, or to prove how much you love the other with the “perfect gift”. Sometimes, people may feel they are forcing sentimentalism. As for single Pringles, it can be the pressure to be with someone else that really stresses them on this day.
Others focus on the cost of Valentines Day. We all know that most stores overprice whatever they can stamp a heart on, but for many people Valentines Day can leave behind a pricey bill.
Although this day is mainly a huge profit for stores, try and enjoy the festivity, and don’t be such a Valentines Day scrooge! It’s important to remember it’s the day of love AND friendship. It’s okay if you are not in a relationship; just celebrate with friends.
So the question remains, should we, or should we not have Valentines Day? My opinion? Make the holiday more about showing your love year-round, and try to make it less commercial.
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February 13, 2013
As soon as the Christmas trees and holiday decorations come down, stores restock their shelves with heart shaped everything. Although this day is centered around couples, it’s also a day to celebrate friendship. But why do some people dislike this “sugary day of romance”?
For many, Valentines Day is a reminder of their “loneliness” while being single, which makes this day gloomy rather than lovey-dovey. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and roses scattered around every store can be like constant reminders if you are single. Often, people can feel out of place during the day of love if they are not in a relationship.
The over commercialization that comes along with this holiday is what bothers others. Some people may feel a bit annoyed when they enter a store and are greeted by an abundance of red and pink hearts plastered on practically anything.
Valentines Day can also create a lot of pressure. For couples, it may be the pressure to define the relationship, or to prove how much you love the other with the “perfect gift”. Sometimes, people may feel they are forcing sentimentalism. As for single Pringles, it can be the pressure to be with someone else that really stresses them on this day.
Others focus on the cost of Valentines Day. We all know that most stores overprice whatever they can stamp a heart on, but for many people Valentines Day can leave behind a pricey bill.
Although this day is mainly a huge profit for stores, try and enjoy the festivity, and don’t be such a Valentines Day scrooge! It’s important to remember it’s the day of love AND friendship. It’s okay if you are not in a relationship; just celebrate with friends.
So the question remains, should we, or should we not have Valentines Day? My opinion? Make the holiday more about showing your love year-round, and try to make it less commercial.
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Dating In High School
Is it really necessary?
Kayla Daniels, Business Manager
February 13, 2013
In every high school in America they can be seen… holding hands in the hallways… giving their teary eyed good-byes in front of a classroom door (because an hour and a half is such a long time, right?) and showing all too much PDA during breaks.
Why does it seem like everyone in High School is dating? Talk to any announced couple and they’ll exclaim how Cupid’s arrow has overfilled their hearts with so called “love” for their partner. Often, it’s mostly graphic and explicit displays of physical involvement, which isn’t the same thing as love. At the same time couples who were “head over heels, for each other yesterday are broken up and dating someone else weeks (or days) later.
In our modern society, especially the high school culture, dating is regarded as a casual-recreational activity like something that can be engaged in over and over; in many cases there is no respect for what was once sacred, guarded and special…the hearts, minds and bodies (yes, even bodies) of others.
High school relationships tend to wade in the shallow side of the pool. Teens will get together because they “Like” each other (i.e., they LIKE the way that person looks, or they like how they always laugh at their dismal jokes in 4th period) soon they decide to meet up and do some activity together. Either they tend to never have a deeper relationship with the person (in terms of learning sensible things about them and who they are) or they tend to have a WAY too personal relationship with the person.
High School students in general, tend to not be mature enough for dating and real relationships. During this time of confusion, a boyfriend or girlfriend can seem like a solution to a problem. A partner may assure them in their feelings for a time, be an object of their hormonal lusts or just be somebody who they choose to spend time with outside of family and friends. This behavior can widely be accredited to the world around students. The causal dating culture is fueled by peer pressure (if you aren’t seen holding hands with someone at nutrition break you can bet a friend has someone they want you to meet by lunch). The superficial Hollywood Break- Up scene where a scantily clad starlet moves from one wealthy actor to the next, completely divorcing any type of morality and feeling from the temporary pairing can also be commonly witnessed.
Some of the grim realities of dating can been seen in statistics : almost 71% of teenagers state that their partner(s) have spread rumors about them; Of the almost half (49%) of 16-to-18 year olds who have been “seriously involved” in a relationship, 24% felt pressure to date and 14% said they would do almost anything to keep a boyfriend or girlfriend; The majority of dating teens have reported the addition of stress when entering a dating relationship, In 2009 46.0% of High school Students reported being sexually active, and 54% reported being abstinent.
High School dating is not only unnecessary but can also have the potential to be damaging to the multitudes who engage in it. Dictionary.com defines dating as “an appointment between two people to meet at a specific time”, especially a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character”. Contrary to popular belief, love is not “doing it for the first time” or flowers or heart shaped trinkets. As Author Leo Buscaglia, put it “Love is always bestowed as a gift- freely, willingly and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love. There will be a lot more time for dating and getting to know others in the future, but for now, enjoy life and learn about yourself, before you try to grow with someone else.
__________________________________________________________________________________
February 13, 2013
In every high school in America they can be seen… holding hands in the hallways… giving their teary eyed good-byes in front of a classroom door (because an hour and a half is such a long time, right?) and showing all too much PDA during breaks.
Why does it seem like everyone in High School is dating? Talk to any announced couple and they’ll exclaim how Cupid’s arrow has overfilled their hearts with so called “love” for their partner. Often, it’s mostly graphic and explicit displays of physical involvement, which isn’t the same thing as love. At the same time couples who were “head over heels, for each other yesterday are broken up and dating someone else weeks (or days) later.
In our modern society, especially the high school culture, dating is regarded as a casual-recreational activity like something that can be engaged in over and over; in many cases there is no respect for what was once sacred, guarded and special…the hearts, minds and bodies (yes, even bodies) of others.
High school relationships tend to wade in the shallow side of the pool. Teens will get together because they “Like” each other (i.e., they LIKE the way that person looks, or they like how they always laugh at their dismal jokes in 4th period) soon they decide to meet up and do some activity together. Either they tend to never have a deeper relationship with the person (in terms of learning sensible things about them and who they are) or they tend to have a WAY too personal relationship with the person.
High School students in general, tend to not be mature enough for dating and real relationships. During this time of confusion, a boyfriend or girlfriend can seem like a solution to a problem. A partner may assure them in their feelings for a time, be an object of their hormonal lusts or just be somebody who they choose to spend time with outside of family and friends. This behavior can widely be accredited to the world around students. The causal dating culture is fueled by peer pressure (if you aren’t seen holding hands with someone at nutrition break you can bet a friend has someone they want you to meet by lunch). The superficial Hollywood Break- Up scene where a scantily clad starlet moves from one wealthy actor to the next, completely divorcing any type of morality and feeling from the temporary pairing can also be commonly witnessed.
Some of the grim realities of dating can been seen in statistics : almost 71% of teenagers state that their partner(s) have spread rumors about them; Of the almost half (49%) of 16-to-18 year olds who have been “seriously involved” in a relationship, 24% felt pressure to date and 14% said they would do almost anything to keep a boyfriend or girlfriend; The majority of dating teens have reported the addition of stress when entering a dating relationship, In 2009 46.0% of High school Students reported being sexually active, and 54% reported being abstinent.
High School dating is not only unnecessary but can also have the potential to be damaging to the multitudes who engage in it. Dictionary.com defines dating as “an appointment between two people to meet at a specific time”, especially a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character”. Contrary to popular belief, love is not “doing it for the first time” or flowers or heart shaped trinkets. As Author Leo Buscaglia, put it “Love is always bestowed as a gift- freely, willingly and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love. There will be a lot more time for dating and getting to know others in the future, but for now, enjoy life and learn about yourself, before you try to grow with someone else.
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Cheerios
"healthy" eats
Standard Cheerios box (Internet Source)
Brian Vasquez, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2013
I've been eating cheerios quite frequently for the past few weeks. I mean, who wouldn’t? For any person attempting to start eating healthy, strolling through the cereal boxes at the groceries and stumbling upon the words “WHOLE GRAIN” and “HELPS REDUCE CHOLESTEROL” are nearly magnetic to the eye. And anyone who loves cereal as much as I do would find it heavenly if a cereal tasted fantastic, but was also a great contribution to one’s nutrition and “CHOLESTEROL”. That prevents future heart attacks right? This cereal might save my life!
Then a sudden question arises in my head; I ponder about it as I ingest another spoonful of those crunchy O’s into my mouth. “What if these aren’t as healthy as people think they are?” Anybody who knows anything about the truth of large corporations knows that some people would do almost anything to sell a product at the highest efficiency. What if cheerios are the same?
It turns out cheerios are made out to be less healthy that they seem.
“WHOLE GRAIN”: I see the words at least three times on the front of the box. Plus the cereals are a light brown; they have to be stuffed with whole grain right? Partially. Cheerios are not filled with pure whole grain oats, but contain flour, which if grounded down, do not offer the same health benefits as if the whole grain was pure. Cheerios act more like an unhealthy simple sugar in the body, rather than a healthy complex carbohydrate.
The next ingredient is corn starch, which not only offers very little in terms of nutrition, but is most likely coming from genetically modified sources, considering corn is one of the top three genetically modified crops grown.
Salt is the last ingredient, and with cheerios making such extremes claims such as “HELPS REDUCE CHOLESTEROL”, not much salt should be contained (salt increases blood pressure). Cheerios, however, contain 250 milligrams of sodium per cup, which is greater than double the calorie amount. The cereal is not as “heart and stroke healthy” as they claim to be.
So what’s the verdict? Cheerios are alright to eat, but are definitely not as healthy as its companies claim them to be. They are certainly a better choice than cereals like Special K, which has no whole grain at all, and contains more sugar.
In the end, the pros and cons remain, and although cheerios may be healthier and unhealthier than other foods, the claims that are made on the cereal box are nearly deceptive to consumers, and should be thought about before taking a bite.
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February 13, 2013
I've been eating cheerios quite frequently for the past few weeks. I mean, who wouldn’t? For any person attempting to start eating healthy, strolling through the cereal boxes at the groceries and stumbling upon the words “WHOLE GRAIN” and “HELPS REDUCE CHOLESTEROL” are nearly magnetic to the eye. And anyone who loves cereal as much as I do would find it heavenly if a cereal tasted fantastic, but was also a great contribution to one’s nutrition and “CHOLESTEROL”. That prevents future heart attacks right? This cereal might save my life!
Then a sudden question arises in my head; I ponder about it as I ingest another spoonful of those crunchy O’s into my mouth. “What if these aren’t as healthy as people think they are?” Anybody who knows anything about the truth of large corporations knows that some people would do almost anything to sell a product at the highest efficiency. What if cheerios are the same?
It turns out cheerios are made out to be less healthy that they seem.
“WHOLE GRAIN”: I see the words at least three times on the front of the box. Plus the cereals are a light brown; they have to be stuffed with whole grain right? Partially. Cheerios are not filled with pure whole grain oats, but contain flour, which if grounded down, do not offer the same health benefits as if the whole grain was pure. Cheerios act more like an unhealthy simple sugar in the body, rather than a healthy complex carbohydrate.
The next ingredient is corn starch, which not only offers very little in terms of nutrition, but is most likely coming from genetically modified sources, considering corn is one of the top three genetically modified crops grown.
Salt is the last ingredient, and with cheerios making such extremes claims such as “HELPS REDUCE CHOLESTEROL”, not much salt should be contained (salt increases blood pressure). Cheerios, however, contain 250 milligrams of sodium per cup, which is greater than double the calorie amount. The cereal is not as “heart and stroke healthy” as they claim to be.
So what’s the verdict? Cheerios are alright to eat, but are definitely not as healthy as its companies claim them to be. They are certainly a better choice than cereals like Special K, which has no whole grain at all, and contains more sugar.
In the end, the pros and cons remain, and although cheerios may be healthier and unhealthier than other foods, the claims that are made on the cereal box are nearly deceptive to consumers, and should be thought about before taking a bite.
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Otay Mall's Downfall
Food Pavilion at Otay Ranch Town Center (Internet Source)
Charwell Manlapid, News Editor
February 13, 2013
A tumbleweed rolls through the mall at Otay Ranch Town Center. Even if figurative, due to the lack of people and activity, there might as well be one. Compared to Westfield Plaza Bonita, the mall that shares our school’s name seems desolate. Do you ever hear anyone say: "I want to go shop. Let’s go to Otay Ranch Town Center!”? Otay mall should close its undesirable stores and replace them with stores more of an “it” factor.
Yes, the mall offers stores like Vans, Hollister, and H&M, but just enough to count on your fingers. Most important is the movie theater, which probably draws most the people. It’s super convenient for anyone in our area who wants to watch movies, and afterwards, people usually walk around the mall. But with the select stores and theater, that’s basically it.
Half the stores are places you’ve never heard of, mostly selling clothes and/ or accessories, with a random store name. You wouldn’t take a second look other than to wonder what store it even is. I would offer a rebuttal that they’re good to counter the expensive stores by offering cheap clothes, but they’re not that cheap. When passing by one, you will see employees on their phones or pretending to fold clothes out of boredom, speakers playing a top 40 song in the background, and no customers. They often replace these stores and put them with another one of its kind so why not take them out altogether. Plus, it would make room to put some stores that people would want to go to.
Another downfall to this mall is the fact that it’s outdoors. I know they can’t change that, but this architectural decision created both pros and cons. It’s great when we’re having our perfect “San Diego weather” or when you want a mall where you don’t suffocate in other people’s air. But what if it’s rainy, or blazing hot? No one wants the hassle of juggling their shopping bags and an umbrella or whining over shoes they can’t find with the hot sun making them more irritated. One night I walking around the mall where that afternoon it was raining, leaving the pavement wet, and the mall had barely any people. I thought it was about to close for the night, but all the stores had their lights on with the workers shuffling around. If this was Plaza Bonita, there would still be hundreds of people shopping even if it was wet outside and an hour until closing. Even at night, Westfield UTC, an outdoors mall, is still alive with people.
Otay mall has some “it” factors- the movie theater, stores that people actually go to. They’ve provided a small library in the food court and brought Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, but…? They should put a Forever 21, arcade, and how about even more of an “it” factor: an ice skating rink.
Overall, Otay Ranch Town Center seems dead. People would rather shop at Plaza Bonita or some other mall. I think they should expand more by putting more stores/activities. But if you enjoy the outdoors, don’t like crowded malls, and like the stores they have to offer, then it may be the place for you. Yes, I do go there sometimes, but if I had to choose a mall to shop at, I’d pick somewhere else.
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February 13, 2013
A tumbleweed rolls through the mall at Otay Ranch Town Center. Even if figurative, due to the lack of people and activity, there might as well be one. Compared to Westfield Plaza Bonita, the mall that shares our school’s name seems desolate. Do you ever hear anyone say: "I want to go shop. Let’s go to Otay Ranch Town Center!”? Otay mall should close its undesirable stores and replace them with stores more of an “it” factor.
Yes, the mall offers stores like Vans, Hollister, and H&M, but just enough to count on your fingers. Most important is the movie theater, which probably draws most the people. It’s super convenient for anyone in our area who wants to watch movies, and afterwards, people usually walk around the mall. But with the select stores and theater, that’s basically it.
Half the stores are places you’ve never heard of, mostly selling clothes and/ or accessories, with a random store name. You wouldn’t take a second look other than to wonder what store it even is. I would offer a rebuttal that they’re good to counter the expensive stores by offering cheap clothes, but they’re not that cheap. When passing by one, you will see employees on their phones or pretending to fold clothes out of boredom, speakers playing a top 40 song in the background, and no customers. They often replace these stores and put them with another one of its kind so why not take them out altogether. Plus, it would make room to put some stores that people would want to go to.
Another downfall to this mall is the fact that it’s outdoors. I know they can’t change that, but this architectural decision created both pros and cons. It’s great when we’re having our perfect “San Diego weather” or when you want a mall where you don’t suffocate in other people’s air. But what if it’s rainy, or blazing hot? No one wants the hassle of juggling their shopping bags and an umbrella or whining over shoes they can’t find with the hot sun making them more irritated. One night I walking around the mall where that afternoon it was raining, leaving the pavement wet, and the mall had barely any people. I thought it was about to close for the night, but all the stores had their lights on with the workers shuffling around. If this was Plaza Bonita, there would still be hundreds of people shopping even if it was wet outside and an hour until closing. Even at night, Westfield UTC, an outdoors mall, is still alive with people.
Otay mall has some “it” factors- the movie theater, stores that people actually go to. They’ve provided a small library in the food court and brought Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, but…? They should put a Forever 21, arcade, and how about even more of an “it” factor: an ice skating rink.
Overall, Otay Ranch Town Center seems dead. People would rather shop at Plaza Bonita or some other mall. I think they should expand more by putting more stores/activities. But if you enjoy the outdoors, don’t like crowded malls, and like the stores they have to offer, then it may be the place for you. Yes, I do go there sometimes, but if I had to choose a mall to shop at, I’d pick somewhere else.
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Youth and technology:
WHy young kids should not have iphones
(Internet Source)
Charwel Manlapid, News Editor
December 12, 2012
“Thanks Dad for my new iPhone 5!”
I automatically looked up from texting, sitting at a bench in front of the apple store, when I heard this phrase. Expecting a teenager, I saw a 10 year-old girl clutching her dad’s arm out of gratitude and excitement due to her new gadget.
Something that always lingers in my mind is why younger kids have iPhones. I understand if they have a cell phone, but is an iPhone really necessary? I don't think younger kids should have iPhones because they are pricey, a regular cell phone would suffice, and a 10 year-old doesn't need all those apps other than games.
There are a lot of costs involving an iPhone along with the standard phone bills. First it’s the iPhone itself. Second, it’s the monthly fees to pay for internet. Thirdly, especially for the younger kids, they are more likely to drop them, creating the need for another phone or its repair. Do parents really need to invest hundreds of dollars when they can easily get them a cheaper phone?
A regular cell phone would be cheaper, plus it would meet the basic needs of a phone since it can text and make calls. I’m not saying they have to get a brick infamously called the Nokia or the outdated flip phone. There are a lot of reasonable priced phones that don’t look atrocious and satisfy their needs. This is going to be one of their first phones; I think the excitement of having one will overpower the fact that they don’t have the fanciest phone. So why give them an iPhone so young?
I think the main thing that intrigues a kid about iPhones is the abundance of games it offers. Kids' hands itch to tap their fingers on the touch screen to play Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, or whatever game that they enjoy. Unlike adults and teenagers, they make use of the apps that the Apple product will have to offer like social networking and other applications. What other incentive would a 10 year old have to own an iPhone other than the thought of non stop gaming? If you want to satisfy a kid's need for portable gaming, get them a Nintendo DS.
I may be a bitter teenager who didn't get my first cell phone until after elementary school and doesn't even have an iPhone now, but my jealousy is not the only thing feeding my resentment. Hypothetically if I had one, I would still question the reason for the youth getting expensive apple products when they can get a cell phone that won't cost hundreds of dollars. Younger kids having iPhones is an example of how this generation revolves their life around technology. Society is slowly accepting this trend when 10 year-old's should be playing outside instead of worrying about the new iPhone.
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December 12, 2012
“Thanks Dad for my new iPhone 5!”
I automatically looked up from texting, sitting at a bench in front of the apple store, when I heard this phrase. Expecting a teenager, I saw a 10 year-old girl clutching her dad’s arm out of gratitude and excitement due to her new gadget.
Something that always lingers in my mind is why younger kids have iPhones. I understand if they have a cell phone, but is an iPhone really necessary? I don't think younger kids should have iPhones because they are pricey, a regular cell phone would suffice, and a 10 year-old doesn't need all those apps other than games.
There are a lot of costs involving an iPhone along with the standard phone bills. First it’s the iPhone itself. Second, it’s the monthly fees to pay for internet. Thirdly, especially for the younger kids, they are more likely to drop them, creating the need for another phone or its repair. Do parents really need to invest hundreds of dollars when they can easily get them a cheaper phone?
A regular cell phone would be cheaper, plus it would meet the basic needs of a phone since it can text and make calls. I’m not saying they have to get a brick infamously called the Nokia or the outdated flip phone. There are a lot of reasonable priced phones that don’t look atrocious and satisfy their needs. This is going to be one of their first phones; I think the excitement of having one will overpower the fact that they don’t have the fanciest phone. So why give them an iPhone so young?
I think the main thing that intrigues a kid about iPhones is the abundance of games it offers. Kids' hands itch to tap their fingers on the touch screen to play Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, or whatever game that they enjoy. Unlike adults and teenagers, they make use of the apps that the Apple product will have to offer like social networking and other applications. What other incentive would a 10 year old have to own an iPhone other than the thought of non stop gaming? If you want to satisfy a kid's need for portable gaming, get them a Nintendo DS.
I may be a bitter teenager who didn't get my first cell phone until after elementary school and doesn't even have an iPhone now, but my jealousy is not the only thing feeding my resentment. Hypothetically if I had one, I would still question the reason for the youth getting expensive apple products when they can get a cell phone that won't cost hundreds of dollars. Younger kids having iPhones is an example of how this generation revolves their life around technology. Society is slowly accepting this trend when 10 year-old's should be playing outside instead of worrying about the new iPhone.
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Senioritis
a spreading epidemic
Who needs studying? (Internet Source)
Leilani Luna, Photo Editor
December 12, 2012
It begins as a somewhat terrifying event in many people’s lives: high school. Four years of new experiences, and four years of… well, learning. Many freshmen begin clean in a sense that they aren’t aware of what to expect. However, as the years go on, an individual’s school efforts generally increase. This is because many become aware that their efforts go towards their acceptance to the college or university they would like to attend.
Then, senior year arrives, the final year. The “terror” many started off with, has become a strong excitement and anticipation for the end of their high school career. A wildfire plague commonly recognized as “senioritis”.
Senior year, as many might assume, is the ultimate year. It’s the year when decisions need to be made, last minute dues need to be paid, and moments of spontaneity taken to their fullest.
The first two months back for school as a senior are usually relaxed for the most part, and many of them enjoy the privilege of having a no sixth period. As months progress and seniors make their way into fall, these no sixth periods become useful measures of time for college related things, or the favorites: food and sleep in order to stay awake through the later work. In the midst of all of this, a few seniors begin to notice their peers infected by senioritis.
The first semester of senior year is probably the most stressful because this is when college applications need to be completed and turned in. Once applications are submitted, many seniors find it difficult to keep their motivation towards school. This is because they have the mentality that they’ve already worked for what they needed to work for.
Seniors, keep focus and end this last year on a strong note. Your continued efforts could potentially help out during freshman year of college when you’re barely getting used to the workload. If your efforts stop now then the chances that you’ll struggle when beginning college are much higher than those of a person who maintains a continuous interest in academics. It’s important to keep in mind that there are consequences that come with Senioritis; it’s not just a lack of effort freshman year of college that you should be worried about. Senioritis is much like any illness or virus; it has its symptoms and side effects. The only difference is it’s more of a hypothetical illness. Side effects include a high possibility of failing classes, the loss of an opportunity to attend a university or college, and not receiving a diploma. Keeping efforts means you’ll probably be able to push yourself out the door every morning instead of missing a class. Maybe it seems pointless to maintain efforts, but it’s like a diet. Once you break it, you’re potentially just going to tumble downhill from there.
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December 12, 2012
It begins as a somewhat terrifying event in many people’s lives: high school. Four years of new experiences, and four years of… well, learning. Many freshmen begin clean in a sense that they aren’t aware of what to expect. However, as the years go on, an individual’s school efforts generally increase. This is because many become aware that their efforts go towards their acceptance to the college or university they would like to attend.
Then, senior year arrives, the final year. The “terror” many started off with, has become a strong excitement and anticipation for the end of their high school career. A wildfire plague commonly recognized as “senioritis”.
Senior year, as many might assume, is the ultimate year. It’s the year when decisions need to be made, last minute dues need to be paid, and moments of spontaneity taken to their fullest.
The first two months back for school as a senior are usually relaxed for the most part, and many of them enjoy the privilege of having a no sixth period. As months progress and seniors make their way into fall, these no sixth periods become useful measures of time for college related things, or the favorites: food and sleep in order to stay awake through the later work. In the midst of all of this, a few seniors begin to notice their peers infected by senioritis.
The first semester of senior year is probably the most stressful because this is when college applications need to be completed and turned in. Once applications are submitted, many seniors find it difficult to keep their motivation towards school. This is because they have the mentality that they’ve already worked for what they needed to work for.
Seniors, keep focus and end this last year on a strong note. Your continued efforts could potentially help out during freshman year of college when you’re barely getting used to the workload. If your efforts stop now then the chances that you’ll struggle when beginning college are much higher than those of a person who maintains a continuous interest in academics. It’s important to keep in mind that there are consequences that come with Senioritis; it’s not just a lack of effort freshman year of college that you should be worried about. Senioritis is much like any illness or virus; it has its symptoms and side effects. The only difference is it’s more of a hypothetical illness. Side effects include a high possibility of failing classes, the loss of an opportunity to attend a university or college, and not receiving a diploma. Keeping efforts means you’ll probably be able to push yourself out the door every morning instead of missing a class. Maybe it seems pointless to maintain efforts, but it’s like a diet. Once you break it, you’re potentially just going to tumble downhill from there.
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Gift cards v. gifts
Gift Cards (Internet Source)
Alina Piedra, Opinion Editor
December 12, 2012
The night before Christmas the tree is surrounded with gift boxes piled 3 feet high. On Christmas morning kids impatiently tear the wrapping off boxes and squeal with delight at the contents of the box. That’s the way it used to be. Too often today the gifts under the tree are in flat envelopes that contain pieces of plastic.
Gift cards have become the ultimate replacement of the perfect gift. Due to our fast paced hectic society, people take the easy way out and end up buying a gift card instead of taking the time to search for a personalized present. Gift cards have transformed the affection someone feels towards another person, into a lower and less personal degree. Gift cards do not reflect the sentiment people feel during the season. If you buy a simple gift card, you are not necessarily demonstrating appreciation towards the gift receiver. You are in fact showing laziness and a lack of interest.
If you get a gift card, in some way people can view this act as if you felt that you didn’t truly want to take time to choose a gift. If you are going to give a present, it should be wholehearted.
A present taken seriously becomes more memorable. For example, if someone gave their friend a stuffed animal, it won’t be just a stuffed animal, it’s “the stuffed animal my best friend gave me”. Memorable presents are like pictures, they answer the who, what, and when; they are not like gift cards that only answer the how much. There will be no memory of you if you give a plastic card.
December 12, 2012
The night before Christmas the tree is surrounded with gift boxes piled 3 feet high. On Christmas morning kids impatiently tear the wrapping off boxes and squeal with delight at the contents of the box. That’s the way it used to be. Too often today the gifts under the tree are in flat envelopes that contain pieces of plastic.
Gift cards have become the ultimate replacement of the perfect gift. Due to our fast paced hectic society, people take the easy way out and end up buying a gift card instead of taking the time to search for a personalized present. Gift cards have transformed the affection someone feels towards another person, into a lower and less personal degree. Gift cards do not reflect the sentiment people feel during the season. If you buy a simple gift card, you are not necessarily demonstrating appreciation towards the gift receiver. You are in fact showing laziness and a lack of interest.
If you get a gift card, in some way people can view this act as if you felt that you didn’t truly want to take time to choose a gift. If you are going to give a present, it should be wholehearted.
A present taken seriously becomes more memorable. For example, if someone gave their friend a stuffed animal, it won’t be just a stuffed animal, it’s “the stuffed animal my best friend gave me”. Memorable presents are like pictures, they answer the who, what, and when; they are not like gift cards that only answer the how much. There will be no memory of you if you give a plastic card.
Besides, gift cards may leave the person with a wasted balance. If the card has a balance of $30 but the person only buys something that costs $28, the reminding $2 is wasted. Many times people try to not leave a wasted balance and try to buy the cheapest, insignificant thing they can afford with the rest of the money, as long as they finish the card’s balance. However, many stores might not have $2 dollar items, so many times the gift receiver ends up spending their own money to complete the price for another item. For people who don’t use the remainder balance, retailers end up keeping it and make millions of dollars in “free” money. That’s a waste of money for both the giver and receiver.
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Many gift card receivers are picky and may criticize the amount of money you put in the card. Many people view gift cards as a way to show off the splendor in their pockets, but why not show it off in a present that shows more thought and affection. That’s a double bonus.
If you decide to use those plastic pieces, take advantage of its efficacy. Now that things are bad economically in the US for many individuals, give a gift card for groceries, gas or clothing for your contacts that are struggling to buy the essentials.
There will always be those occasions in which you simply don’t know the person as well and rather get them a gift card. If so, get them a gift card for a restaurant, everybody loves food. But if you do know the person, the gift you choose for them should be sentimental and be more personal. Put some thought into the gift.
__________________________________________________________________________________
If you decide to use those plastic pieces, take advantage of its efficacy. Now that things are bad economically in the US for many individuals, give a gift card for groceries, gas or clothing for your contacts that are struggling to buy the essentials.
There will always be those occasions in which you simply don’t know the person as well and rather get them a gift card. If so, get them a gift card for a restaurant, everybody loves food. But if you do know the person, the gift you choose for them should be sentimental and be more personal. Put some thought into the gift.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Is christmas too comercialized?
(Internet Source)
Daejah Anderson, Managing & Copy Editor
December 12, 2012
This past October, I walked into a CVS Pharmacy ready to buy a few last minute things to get into the Halloween spirit. As I walked down the aisles the shelves were plastered with Halloween themed candy and decorations. Right next to those items were also some Christmas themed candies. I immediately thought to myself, “Christmas stuff already?”
After that I started to notice that not only was my local pharmacy decorating for Christmas in October, it was Macy’s, Target, and even more big named companies. Ornaments, ribbons, and twinkly lights are all there to promote one thing: holiday sales.
All these things made me feel that these big companies are moving too quickly into this holiday season. It’s as if they have decided to completely skip Thanksgiving just so they can make a profit on the most commercialized holiday in America. Every year, for the past 10 years holiday sales have increased by 3.5%. This year, the National Retail Federation is predicting sales to rise 4.1% from 2011, and Americans will spend nearly $586.1 billion. With these numbers rising, it’s a lot easier to forget what Christmas really means.
Christmas was not created to make a profit off of the people. There is an entire story in the features section of this newspaper that goes into detail on where the holiday originates, on the basis of Christianity. Aside from the religious origin of this holiday, it has become widely celebrated throughout America. People of all different, ethnicities, who practice different religions still, participate in Christmas decorating, shopping, gift exchanges, etc. This is because big companies are taking the holiday as an opportunity to promote the holiday, and make money. By releasing holiday themed advertisements and commercials these companies are further commercializing Christmas.
In my opinion, both these major companies and their consumers have gotten so caught up in the commercialized side of holidays, to the point where it just shows how materialistic and selfish our country really is. Although it is known as the season of giving, I feel that it is more important for Christmas to spend with the people you care about, rather than spend for the people you care about.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
December 12, 2012
This past October, I walked into a CVS Pharmacy ready to buy a few last minute things to get into the Halloween spirit. As I walked down the aisles the shelves were plastered with Halloween themed candy and decorations. Right next to those items were also some Christmas themed candies. I immediately thought to myself, “Christmas stuff already?”
After that I started to notice that not only was my local pharmacy decorating for Christmas in October, it was Macy’s, Target, and even more big named companies. Ornaments, ribbons, and twinkly lights are all there to promote one thing: holiday sales.
All these things made me feel that these big companies are moving too quickly into this holiday season. It’s as if they have decided to completely skip Thanksgiving just so they can make a profit on the most commercialized holiday in America. Every year, for the past 10 years holiday sales have increased by 3.5%. This year, the National Retail Federation is predicting sales to rise 4.1% from 2011, and Americans will spend nearly $586.1 billion. With these numbers rising, it’s a lot easier to forget what Christmas really means.
Christmas was not created to make a profit off of the people. There is an entire story in the features section of this newspaper that goes into detail on where the holiday originates, on the basis of Christianity. Aside from the religious origin of this holiday, it has become widely celebrated throughout America. People of all different, ethnicities, who practice different religions still, participate in Christmas decorating, shopping, gift exchanges, etc. This is because big companies are taking the holiday as an opportunity to promote the holiday, and make money. By releasing holiday themed advertisements and commercials these companies are further commercializing Christmas.
In my opinion, both these major companies and their consumers have gotten so caught up in the commercialized side of holidays, to the point where it just shows how materialistic and selfish our country really is. Although it is known as the season of giving, I feel that it is more important for Christmas to spend with the people you care about, rather than spend for the people you care about.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Street talk
Finish this spell: double bubble toil and trouble ...
"Double bubble toil and trouble, Eastlake needs to get on Otay's level."
- Alex Lagman, Senior |
"Double bubble toil and trouble, make AP Lit less of a trouble."
- Andrea Revilla, Junior |
"Double bubble toil and trouble, let's hope this Halloween has doubled the trouble."
- Nicole Brown, Sophomore |
"Double bubble toil and trouble, I want an In and Out double double."
- Jared Lindstrom, Freshman |
"Double bubble toil and trouble, Betty and Barney Rubble."
- Mr. McBride, Staff |
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Just read it.
Alina Piedra, Opinion Editor
October 31, 2012
The last couple of issues published by the newspaper staff have been ignored by some students and teachers. As a staff editor, I find this very disappointing. The newspaper staff expects teachers to encourage their students to read the school’s newspaper, but it’s not this way at Otay. I admit there are individuals that take the initiative and interest to skim through the newspaper, and I truly thank those individuals. But the minority isn’t good enough.
Having a school newspaper is a privilege. Printing 3000 papers each issue requires paper, ink, and money. Mr. Brosz kindly paid for four of the issues, and the newspaper staff is then responsible to fundraise to pay for the rest of the issues this school year. Not only is this wasting our money, it’s wasting our hard work. Take a look around the campus, and I guarantee there will be newspapers stacked on desks or in recycle bins, unread on the day of its publication. What a shameful way to treat the hard work of comrades.
I have noticed that in various classrooms, the stack of delivered newspapers lay on a table for about a week until someone finally shoves the newspapers in the bin. Is it too much to ask teachers to hand out the newspaper? It only takes a few minutes to do so, and the newspaper staff is indeed grateful to the ones who do hand it out.
It is more likely for students to read the paper when they directly receive it than if they have to stand up and walk across the classroom to get it. People are often embarrassed and lazy to be that one individual who has to get up.
If people actually read the newspaper, they would be more conscious of what is happening around Otay Ranch. The Ranch Review of full of information regarding school events, reminders, academic advice, and entertainment. People aren’t aware of this information because they don’t bother to grab a bunch of easy to read papers offered to them free of charge. It’s very probable that questions people have are answered in Review, so just read the paper.
We are a truly student produced paper dedicating our time to interviews, writing, editing, and laying out articles. In the same way teachers want their students to pay attention to their lessons, the Ranch Review asks our fellow Mustangs for the same consideration.
In simple words: please read our paper. In the end, the Ranch Review is and will always be written for everyone at Otay Ranch.
And of course, if any Mustangs have any recommendations or ideas to make The Ranch Review a more interesting and efficient source of information, please feel free to send in a letter.
__________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2012
The last couple of issues published by the newspaper staff have been ignored by some students and teachers. As a staff editor, I find this very disappointing. The newspaper staff expects teachers to encourage their students to read the school’s newspaper, but it’s not this way at Otay. I admit there are individuals that take the initiative and interest to skim through the newspaper, and I truly thank those individuals. But the minority isn’t good enough.
Having a school newspaper is a privilege. Printing 3000 papers each issue requires paper, ink, and money. Mr. Brosz kindly paid for four of the issues, and the newspaper staff is then responsible to fundraise to pay for the rest of the issues this school year. Not only is this wasting our money, it’s wasting our hard work. Take a look around the campus, and I guarantee there will be newspapers stacked on desks or in recycle bins, unread on the day of its publication. What a shameful way to treat the hard work of comrades.
I have noticed that in various classrooms, the stack of delivered newspapers lay on a table for about a week until someone finally shoves the newspapers in the bin. Is it too much to ask teachers to hand out the newspaper? It only takes a few minutes to do so, and the newspaper staff is indeed grateful to the ones who do hand it out.
It is more likely for students to read the paper when they directly receive it than if they have to stand up and walk across the classroom to get it. People are often embarrassed and lazy to be that one individual who has to get up.
If people actually read the newspaper, they would be more conscious of what is happening around Otay Ranch. The Ranch Review of full of information regarding school events, reminders, academic advice, and entertainment. People aren’t aware of this information because they don’t bother to grab a bunch of easy to read papers offered to them free of charge. It’s very probable that questions people have are answered in Review, so just read the paper.
We are a truly student produced paper dedicating our time to interviews, writing, editing, and laying out articles. In the same way teachers want their students to pay attention to their lessons, the Ranch Review asks our fellow Mustangs for the same consideration.
In simple words: please read our paper. In the end, the Ranch Review is and will always be written for everyone at Otay Ranch.
And of course, if any Mustangs have any recommendations or ideas to make The Ranch Review a more interesting and efficient source of information, please feel free to send in a letter.
__________________________________________________________________________________
letter to the editor
October 31, 2012
To the Editor:
As a committed reader and reporter for this paper, I was excited and proud to see the most recent issue printed last month. But once I got to the front page, I was rather disappointed in one specific article. There was nothing wrong with the Coffee Shop article by Cailin. This piece was well written, thoroughly researched, and executed in the best possible way. The issue I have holds not with the writer, but with the content.
I take up issue with one of the comments made by a participant in the show. Shervyn Sanchez gave a statement as part of his performance, saying “When I see that girl showing off the cleavage, I’m like ‘dang girl, you need Jesus’ ".
Since I didn't get to attend the Coffee Shop, there's a very good chance that the line fit well in context. But that doesn't change the offense it carries. The line was clearly not directed at any specific girl but some females in general, though it doesn’t give the speaker the right to make that judgment on anyone. What if I'm the one in that situation? The idea that someone else has the right to "correct" the way I dress is way out of line. With all due respect, wearing a v-neck top does not mean I need to be saved from my ungodly ways. If I make the decision to wear the shortest skirt in my closet and the lowest cut shirt, that doesn't make me a bad person or mean that I deserve to be treated any differently.
What if the line came from the opposite perspective? "When I see that girl with a collar up to her chin, I'm like 'dang girl, you need to show that off' ". No one would call out a modestly dressed person to start showing off what they don't want to. So the same respect should be given to me, whether I'm wearing a turtleneck or I'm "showing off the cleavage".
We're entitled to our opinions as individuals, but please refrain from judging me based on the way I choose to dress. Respect my decisions and I will gladly return the favor.
Sincerely yours,
Jasmine Vaughn
__________________________________________________________________________________
To the Editor:
As a committed reader and reporter for this paper, I was excited and proud to see the most recent issue printed last month. But once I got to the front page, I was rather disappointed in one specific article. There was nothing wrong with the Coffee Shop article by Cailin. This piece was well written, thoroughly researched, and executed in the best possible way. The issue I have holds not with the writer, but with the content.
I take up issue with one of the comments made by a participant in the show. Shervyn Sanchez gave a statement as part of his performance, saying “When I see that girl showing off the cleavage, I’m like ‘dang girl, you need Jesus’ ".
Since I didn't get to attend the Coffee Shop, there's a very good chance that the line fit well in context. But that doesn't change the offense it carries. The line was clearly not directed at any specific girl but some females in general, though it doesn’t give the speaker the right to make that judgment on anyone. What if I'm the one in that situation? The idea that someone else has the right to "correct" the way I dress is way out of line. With all due respect, wearing a v-neck top does not mean I need to be saved from my ungodly ways. If I make the decision to wear the shortest skirt in my closet and the lowest cut shirt, that doesn't make me a bad person or mean that I deserve to be treated any differently.
What if the line came from the opposite perspective? "When I see that girl with a collar up to her chin, I'm like 'dang girl, you need to show that off' ". No one would call out a modestly dressed person to start showing off what they don't want to. So the same respect should be given to me, whether I'm wearing a turtleneck or I'm "showing off the cleavage".
We're entitled to our opinions as individuals, but please refrain from judging me based on the way I choose to dress. Respect my decisions and I will gladly return the favor.
Sincerely yours,
Jasmine Vaughn
__________________________________________________________________________________
Why your vote matters
Kayla Daniels, Business Mangaer
October 31, 2012
Election Day is quickly approaching and Americans will have a chance to put their input into one of the most critical elections of our lifetime. Still, so many people will not go out to the polls and cast a ballot.
We of this generation need to understand that Voting hasn’t always been a right in this country. During the early stages of America’s development, our ancestors were discriminated against by where they were born, what their ethnicity was, their personal beliefs, their gender and their economic condition. For a long time that only left wealthy Caucasian land owning men to vote and make decisions for this country. Women have only been able to vote for the past ninety two years; their effort throughout history had failed continuously until finally in August of 1920, the nineteenth amendment was passed that gave women suffrage rights or the right to vote in this United States of America. Today, the voting poll consists of 72.8 percent women and 69.1 percent men, according to the latest census.
The vast majority of minorities in America have only had the right to vote for the past 50 years or so and everyone in-between varies. Without a doubt over the years we as a country have lost our political zeal. We have lost that excitement, interest and dedication to get out to the polls and be involved in our political process. In America, the general voter turnout rate is less than 60 percent that constantly shifts, compared to being almost 10 to 20 percent higher on a constant basis in the past 50 to 100 years.
Hilary Rodham Clinton, former first lady and present Secretary of State, once said that “Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process”.
Not having the ability to vote, excluded many people from being involved in the development and process of this nation for so long. Their voices where muffled and not allowed to be heard under the loud blistering voices of the dominant leaders, they were denied equality and justice, and that by all means, should not be taken lightly.
American Forefather Thomas Jefferson once said “The rational and peaceable instrument of reform, the suffrage of the people.”
Those words still resignate with us to this day. They still show how far we can come when we involve ourselves, when we apply ourselves, and invest our vote in this great country. They say a mind is a terrible thing to waste, well so is our vote. America is a democracy. Our legacy is one of trial and tribulations, freedom and hope, dreams and aspirations. That freedom came alive when we gained this right, when we could just have that opportunity to make our voices be heard. With that said, we should involve ourselves in the political process and want to be a part and have a say in our system, although it is a choice of our free will it is also a choice of reflection, we should remember those who came before us and fought for us, that we may have a say in our lives. People have fought, bled, protested, and died for us to be able to vote.
In this day and age, demographically 73.5 percent of White Americans vote,69.7 percent of African Americans Vote, 55.3 percent of Asian Americans Vote, and 59.9 percent of Latinos vote.
“I knew that I could vote and that that wasn’t a privilege; it was my right. Every time I tried I was shot, killed, or jailed, beaten or economically deprived.” The words of Civil Rights Activist Stokely Carmichael speak for a generation, a generation that wasn't only fighting for themselves but for the future, we as that future need to answer that call so that their strife for us will not be in vain.
This year a lot is at stake. On Election Day From our Local Government to the National government, whether you prefer incumbent President Obama or Presidential Hopeful Mitt Romney, whether or not you vote for Yes for Proposition 30 or not, whether or not you decide about Potential Mayors for the city. Remember, your voice will be heard.
__________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2012
Election Day is quickly approaching and Americans will have a chance to put their input into one of the most critical elections of our lifetime. Still, so many people will not go out to the polls and cast a ballot.
We of this generation need to understand that Voting hasn’t always been a right in this country. During the early stages of America’s development, our ancestors were discriminated against by where they were born, what their ethnicity was, their personal beliefs, their gender and their economic condition. For a long time that only left wealthy Caucasian land owning men to vote and make decisions for this country. Women have only been able to vote for the past ninety two years; their effort throughout history had failed continuously until finally in August of 1920, the nineteenth amendment was passed that gave women suffrage rights or the right to vote in this United States of America. Today, the voting poll consists of 72.8 percent women and 69.1 percent men, according to the latest census.
The vast majority of minorities in America have only had the right to vote for the past 50 years or so and everyone in-between varies. Without a doubt over the years we as a country have lost our political zeal. We have lost that excitement, interest and dedication to get out to the polls and be involved in our political process. In America, the general voter turnout rate is less than 60 percent that constantly shifts, compared to being almost 10 to 20 percent higher on a constant basis in the past 50 to 100 years.
Hilary Rodham Clinton, former first lady and present Secretary of State, once said that “Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process”.
Not having the ability to vote, excluded many people from being involved in the development and process of this nation for so long. Their voices where muffled and not allowed to be heard under the loud blistering voices of the dominant leaders, they were denied equality and justice, and that by all means, should not be taken lightly.
American Forefather Thomas Jefferson once said “The rational and peaceable instrument of reform, the suffrage of the people.”
Those words still resignate with us to this day. They still show how far we can come when we involve ourselves, when we apply ourselves, and invest our vote in this great country. They say a mind is a terrible thing to waste, well so is our vote. America is a democracy. Our legacy is one of trial and tribulations, freedom and hope, dreams and aspirations. That freedom came alive when we gained this right, when we could just have that opportunity to make our voices be heard. With that said, we should involve ourselves in the political process and want to be a part and have a say in our system, although it is a choice of our free will it is also a choice of reflection, we should remember those who came before us and fought for us, that we may have a say in our lives. People have fought, bled, protested, and died for us to be able to vote.
In this day and age, demographically 73.5 percent of White Americans vote,69.7 percent of African Americans Vote, 55.3 percent of Asian Americans Vote, and 59.9 percent of Latinos vote.
“I knew that I could vote and that that wasn’t a privilege; it was my right. Every time I tried I was shot, killed, or jailed, beaten or economically deprived.” The words of Civil Rights Activist Stokely Carmichael speak for a generation, a generation that wasn't only fighting for themselves but for the future, we as that future need to answer that call so that their strife for us will not be in vain.
This year a lot is at stake. On Election Day From our Local Government to the National government, whether you prefer incumbent President Obama or Presidential Hopeful Mitt Romney, whether or not you vote for Yes for Proposition 30 or not, whether or not you decide about Potential Mayors for the city. Remember, your voice will be heard.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Trick or Treat pranks:
how much is too much?
Alina Sheikh, Staff Reporter
October 31, 2012
It’s Halloween night, and even though you say you’re too old to go trick-or-treating this year, you gladly volunteer to take your little brother out for a stroll. You’re all dressed up, walking down the street to approach the next house for potential candy, when out of nowhere pops out a huge guy dressed up as some morph of the scariest costume you have ever seen. He chases you down the street until your lungs are ready to give out due to the combination of your horrific shrieks and panting to get away. You finally stop, and the guy pulls off his mask to reveal his hysterical laugh. So you stand there paralyzed by the “mini heart attack” you just experienced, and you finally hear your little brother’s frantic cries, because he is probably 100 times more horrified than you; just great!
As October rolls around, most thrill seekers run off to watch horror movies and endure haunted houses, simply because they enjoy a good scare. But on Halloween, most trick-or-treaters (mostly little kids) are subjected to ruthless prankers, who get all dressed up just to terrify innocent bystanders. Although Halloween is the one time a year when you can dress up and scare the heck out of people, not everyone enjoys the sudden paralyzing fear you experience when some random guy pops out and chases you down the street. From my own experience, I can tell all of you that some prankers really go all out to scare people. There is nothing scarier than when people jump out at you with chainsaws, realistic masks/costumes, and of course, fake blood. This year, remember that there’s a time and place for everything; if you love the adrenaline of getting really scared, then do it on your own time, but remember that most young trick-or-treaters on Halloween don’t enjoy being terrorized.
__________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2012
It’s Halloween night, and even though you say you’re too old to go trick-or-treating this year, you gladly volunteer to take your little brother out for a stroll. You’re all dressed up, walking down the street to approach the next house for potential candy, when out of nowhere pops out a huge guy dressed up as some morph of the scariest costume you have ever seen. He chases you down the street until your lungs are ready to give out due to the combination of your horrific shrieks and panting to get away. You finally stop, and the guy pulls off his mask to reveal his hysterical laugh. So you stand there paralyzed by the “mini heart attack” you just experienced, and you finally hear your little brother’s frantic cries, because he is probably 100 times more horrified than you; just great!
As October rolls around, most thrill seekers run off to watch horror movies and endure haunted houses, simply because they enjoy a good scare. But on Halloween, most trick-or-treaters (mostly little kids) are subjected to ruthless prankers, who get all dressed up just to terrify innocent bystanders. Although Halloween is the one time a year when you can dress up and scare the heck out of people, not everyone enjoys the sudden paralyzing fear you experience when some random guy pops out and chases you down the street. From my own experience, I can tell all of you that some prankers really go all out to scare people. There is nothing scarier than when people jump out at you with chainsaws, realistic masks/costumes, and of course, fake blood. This year, remember that there’s a time and place for everything; if you love the adrenaline of getting really scared, then do it on your own time, but remember that most young trick-or-treaters on Halloween don’t enjoy being terrorized.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Halloween costumes:
check yourself before you wreck yourself
(Internet Source)
Jasmine Vaughn, Features Editor
October 31, 2012
Running around corners and through aisles of exciting costumes, colorful packages line the walls. A little girl takes in all her options for this year's Halloween: the astronaut, the superhero, the police officer, and more. But suddenly, her parent calls her over. She's taken to a row of glittery shiny frilly things, nothing like the Batman costume she had in mind. Confused, she protests these twirly skirt choices and goes back to the cowl and cape she's decided on in the boy's section, despite her parent's concerns.
The dramatic disparity between men's and women's costumes starts at a young age and only gets worse as costumers get older. Time after time, a women's version of a costume is a translated reflection of the one made for men. Add a miniskirt, a tight, low cut top, some high heels, and suddenly it's not just a zombie, it's a "sexy" zombie. This conveys a message that for a woman to wear the same costume as a man, it's required that she be objectified and overly sexualized in the process.
But to be clear, there is nothing wrong with women choosing the "sexy zombie" costume, or any other revealing costume. The choice is hers and hers alone for what she decides to wear. There should be no shame in dressing up in a skirt and heels or anything else. It's not about the judgment of others; it's about the personal choice of wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
The problem with women's costumes is that the revealing option is presented as the only option. Sure, girls are free to buy the guy's version of what they're looking for, but that's missing the point. As a woman, I should not be forced to shop in the men's section to find a costume that actually keeps me from freezing my butt off. The fact is that women's options have been restricted and reduced to the sexy side of costumes. Many costumes not only objectify women's bodies, but literally transform them into objects like take-out boxes or cheeseburgers. The fact that there is a sexy cheeseburger costume on the market makes a statement about our culture.
The real significance in all of this is to realize how marketing like this subordinates women and should not be considered acceptable behavior. But women aren't the only group subjected to this discrimination year after year.
Another popular trend in Halloween costumes is causing its own set of problems. Inappropriate cultural and stereotypical costumes hit the stores annually, and few people seem to realize that these are seriously offensive. Kimonos, mariachi suits, and feathered headdresses are examples of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by a different cultural group, which isn't inherently negative. It takes a turn for the worse however, when dominant cultures adopt the elements of a minority in a way that belittles that culture.
Costumes that reduce an entire group of people to a caricature are just not acceptable. The public service campaign launched by students at Ohio University last year sums it up as "We're a culture, not a costume: This is not who I am, and this is not okay." The campaign compares the stereotypical costumes to dressing in blackface, and makes it clear that a line needs to be drawn.
"The more we look at people as caricatures, the harder it is to operate as democracy," said Jelani Cobb, a professor of Africana studies at Rutgers University. "What underlies this kind of costuming is the belief that these people aren't quite equal to what we are or aren't as American as we are, or that you as a person who's not a member of that group should be able to dictate how painful the stereotype should be."
Disguising yourself and becoming something else for a night can be a heck of a time. But it’s important to consider the implications of the costume you have on and the factors behind your choice in costume. Feeling good about how great you look and being considerate of others are a sure fire way to guarantee you have a scary good Halloween.
__________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2012
Running around corners and through aisles of exciting costumes, colorful packages line the walls. A little girl takes in all her options for this year's Halloween: the astronaut, the superhero, the police officer, and more. But suddenly, her parent calls her over. She's taken to a row of glittery shiny frilly things, nothing like the Batman costume she had in mind. Confused, she protests these twirly skirt choices and goes back to the cowl and cape she's decided on in the boy's section, despite her parent's concerns.
The dramatic disparity between men's and women's costumes starts at a young age and only gets worse as costumers get older. Time after time, a women's version of a costume is a translated reflection of the one made for men. Add a miniskirt, a tight, low cut top, some high heels, and suddenly it's not just a zombie, it's a "sexy" zombie. This conveys a message that for a woman to wear the same costume as a man, it's required that she be objectified and overly sexualized in the process.
But to be clear, there is nothing wrong with women choosing the "sexy zombie" costume, or any other revealing costume. The choice is hers and hers alone for what she decides to wear. There should be no shame in dressing up in a skirt and heels or anything else. It's not about the judgment of others; it's about the personal choice of wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
The problem with women's costumes is that the revealing option is presented as the only option. Sure, girls are free to buy the guy's version of what they're looking for, but that's missing the point. As a woman, I should not be forced to shop in the men's section to find a costume that actually keeps me from freezing my butt off. The fact is that women's options have been restricted and reduced to the sexy side of costumes. Many costumes not only objectify women's bodies, but literally transform them into objects like take-out boxes or cheeseburgers. The fact that there is a sexy cheeseburger costume on the market makes a statement about our culture.
The real significance in all of this is to realize how marketing like this subordinates women and should not be considered acceptable behavior. But women aren't the only group subjected to this discrimination year after year.
Another popular trend in Halloween costumes is causing its own set of problems. Inappropriate cultural and stereotypical costumes hit the stores annually, and few people seem to realize that these are seriously offensive. Kimonos, mariachi suits, and feathered headdresses are examples of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by a different cultural group, which isn't inherently negative. It takes a turn for the worse however, when dominant cultures adopt the elements of a minority in a way that belittles that culture.
Costumes that reduce an entire group of people to a caricature are just not acceptable. The public service campaign launched by students at Ohio University last year sums it up as "We're a culture, not a costume: This is not who I am, and this is not okay." The campaign compares the stereotypical costumes to dressing in blackface, and makes it clear that a line needs to be drawn.
"The more we look at people as caricatures, the harder it is to operate as democracy," said Jelani Cobb, a professor of Africana studies at Rutgers University. "What underlies this kind of costuming is the belief that these people aren't quite equal to what we are or aren't as American as we are, or that you as a person who's not a member of that group should be able to dictate how painful the stereotype should be."
Disguising yourself and becoming something else for a night can be a heck of a time. But it’s important to consider the implications of the costume you have on and the factors behind your choice in costume. Feeling good about how great you look and being considerate of others are a sure fire way to guarantee you have a scary good Halloween.
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Letter to the editor
October 31, 2012
To the Editor:
We’ve all felt the push of insufferable assignments that a teacher designs to maximize learning. While I appreciate their efforts, I feel that such efforts that only provide one sole method of completing an assignment are inadequate for self-directed learning and can indeed be detrimental.
In a class, we are supposed to develop a work ethic that suits us and helps us work and learn the best, to prepare us for the workforce or for college. However, some teachers thwart this by requiring rigid, inflexible methods for completing their assignments.
I appreciate the time and effort the staff puts into their jobs and am greatly indebted to so many of them. I also understand the need for teachers to be able to grade quickly and easily.
I also am cognizant that teachers need to develop “templates” for students to work with new concepts they may have never seen before. Teachers that have done this in the past, however, have allowed flexibility as the skill develops and allowed us to move away from the technique so it can better suit the student.
I consider here the assignments my teachers have required me to do. I have no problem taking notes from the book, (after all, I can’t highlight) nor do I have an issue learning vocabulary for a test, completing a worksheet to summarize a lesson or analyze a book. Typically, assignments are reasonable to what were learning and fit its purpose like a glove.
However, when many “open ended” assignments, especially those ripe for a student’s own personal work habits, must be done in a certain way, it leaves me no time to properly absorb the material.
Rather, I’ll just complete the assignment and be fine with what I learned, typically, much less than if I did it my own way. Notes and vocabulary are not new concepts and thus do not require a teacher to propose a template or method for students to do it.
Prepare a guideline for new students that need help adapting the course, but this rigidity across the board for all students results in assignments taking twice as long with half the typical retention. I (and many others) have been learning vocabulary since first grade and taking notes out of a text since the fourth. I’ve developed habits and techniques that, here, cannot be used at all.
To provide an example, in my AP US History course, we were given three outlining techniques, and allowed to select from the one that worked for us. I appreciated the teacher’s flexibility and learned more in less time with one particular method over the other two.
I hope teachers reading this will consider their assignments in this light and modify them to better suit their students and allow them to take advantage of the flexibility of a classroom and better practice the techniques they may have accumulated. While not everyone may have these techniques, we shouldn’t stifle the ones already created.
Sincerely yours,
Armando Leon
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To the Editor:
We’ve all felt the push of insufferable assignments that a teacher designs to maximize learning. While I appreciate their efforts, I feel that such efforts that only provide one sole method of completing an assignment are inadequate for self-directed learning and can indeed be detrimental.
In a class, we are supposed to develop a work ethic that suits us and helps us work and learn the best, to prepare us for the workforce or for college. However, some teachers thwart this by requiring rigid, inflexible methods for completing their assignments.
I appreciate the time and effort the staff puts into their jobs and am greatly indebted to so many of them. I also understand the need for teachers to be able to grade quickly and easily.
I also am cognizant that teachers need to develop “templates” for students to work with new concepts they may have never seen before. Teachers that have done this in the past, however, have allowed flexibility as the skill develops and allowed us to move away from the technique so it can better suit the student.
I consider here the assignments my teachers have required me to do. I have no problem taking notes from the book, (after all, I can’t highlight) nor do I have an issue learning vocabulary for a test, completing a worksheet to summarize a lesson or analyze a book. Typically, assignments are reasonable to what were learning and fit its purpose like a glove.
However, when many “open ended” assignments, especially those ripe for a student’s own personal work habits, must be done in a certain way, it leaves me no time to properly absorb the material.
Rather, I’ll just complete the assignment and be fine with what I learned, typically, much less than if I did it my own way. Notes and vocabulary are not new concepts and thus do not require a teacher to propose a template or method for students to do it.
Prepare a guideline for new students that need help adapting the course, but this rigidity across the board for all students results in assignments taking twice as long with half the typical retention. I (and many others) have been learning vocabulary since first grade and taking notes out of a text since the fourth. I’ve developed habits and techniques that, here, cannot be used at all.
To provide an example, in my AP US History course, we were given three outlining techniques, and allowed to select from the one that worked for us. I appreciated the teacher’s flexibility and learned more in less time with one particular method over the other two.
I hope teachers reading this will consider their assignments in this light and modify them to better suit their students and allow them to take advantage of the flexibility of a classroom and better practice the techniques they may have accumulated. While not everyone may have these techniques, we shouldn’t stifle the ones already created.
Sincerely yours,
Armando Leon
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Why should you vote?
Charwel Manlapid, News Editor
October 31, 2012
Many people question why they need to vote. They ask themselves, "One vote doesn't make a difference." Or, "The majority will vote for the best president." or "Who even cares." But what isn’t understood is that voting is an essential process that Americans should participate in. Our democracy thrives on our political participation and is a way we can tell the government what policies we want in operation.
Americans should vote because our thoughts can be put into action; you really can't complain about the government if you're not imputing your thoughts. Lots of policies affect teenagers, and it's your constitutional republic- make it work.
The idea of voting is that you get to "vote" on what policies you do and don't want to be facilitated in our country. If your voice is not heard, how do you expect the things you want to be carried out in America? This leads to the idea that you really can't complain about our government, no matter how corrupt it may be. Therefore, you should input your stance on a proposition. If you aren’t represented in what you want in the government, how do you expect them to know what you feel?
Those in the Class of 2013 who will be 18 by the election date and registered, are going to be new voters. But a lot of young people who have newly gotten the right vote (and the youth in general) aren’t taking the opportunity to participate. According to statistics in the 2000 election, 36% of 18-29 year-olds voted. In 2008, it was 46%. Young people should vote because they have a lot to gain and lose in the election since they will live with consequences longer than anyone else. Most election policies impact the youth directly such as education and employment. It’s your future that’s going to be affected; why not do something about it?
It's our country and constitutional republic. It's our healthcare, highways, money, jobs, and neighborhoods. We live in a democracy allowing us to represent ourselves and change our lifestyles with policies that we want. Not every country lives in a democracy and has the opportunity to vote. One day you may wake up and not have the same rights.
So why should people vote? Simply because you have the right to and so your voice can be heard.
__________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2012
Many people question why they need to vote. They ask themselves, "One vote doesn't make a difference." Or, "The majority will vote for the best president." or "Who even cares." But what isn’t understood is that voting is an essential process that Americans should participate in. Our democracy thrives on our political participation and is a way we can tell the government what policies we want in operation.
Americans should vote because our thoughts can be put into action; you really can't complain about the government if you're not imputing your thoughts. Lots of policies affect teenagers, and it's your constitutional republic- make it work.
The idea of voting is that you get to "vote" on what policies you do and don't want to be facilitated in our country. If your voice is not heard, how do you expect the things you want to be carried out in America? This leads to the idea that you really can't complain about our government, no matter how corrupt it may be. Therefore, you should input your stance on a proposition. If you aren’t represented in what you want in the government, how do you expect them to know what you feel?
Those in the Class of 2013 who will be 18 by the election date and registered, are going to be new voters. But a lot of young people who have newly gotten the right vote (and the youth in general) aren’t taking the opportunity to participate. According to statistics in the 2000 election, 36% of 18-29 year-olds voted. In 2008, it was 46%. Young people should vote because they have a lot to gain and lose in the election since they will live with consequences longer than anyone else. Most election policies impact the youth directly such as education and employment. It’s your future that’s going to be affected; why not do something about it?
It's our country and constitutional republic. It's our healthcare, highways, money, jobs, and neighborhoods. We live in a democracy allowing us to represent ourselves and change our lifestyles with policies that we want. Not every country lives in a democracy and has the opportunity to vote. One day you may wake up and not have the same rights.
So why should people vote? Simply because you have the right to and so your voice can be heard.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Senior Lawn Overreactions
Jasmine Vaughn, Features Editor
September 19, 2012
There are a lot of meaningful traditions at Otay Ranch High, and the senior class has always been the strongest upholders. The pride and joy of the Class of 2013 happens to be their senior lawn: that sacred ground of upperclassman. However, the recurring controversy surrounding the lawn has popped up again this year. The issue of underclassman students stepping on senior turf is alarming to seniors, and the backlash has risen against these trespassers, especially freshman.
Many students, most of them being seniors, believe that senior privileges should be more heavily enforced, with consequences put in place for disobedient underclassmen. Some have instituted their own form of consequence, with methods of intimidation and threats. I believe that while there's some improvement to be desired of a few rebel frosh, there's also a substantial percentage of the senior class that needs to check themselves before they wreck themselves.
As a junior, I don't make such a pointed effort to bypass the lawn, but I do go to some length not to hang out on it. I want my first time to be special, with people I care about celebrating this new found experience with me. I knew better as a freshman than to go in, innocent and unprotected. Sure, I can understand how it must feel when certain younger students with bad intentions begin to encroach on the turf. But this still doesn't give seniors the right to lash out in the ways that some of them do. Many underclassmen have shown so little interest in the lawn, it’s really rather surprising the controversy is still so heavily present.
"It's really not a big deal to me, and that's not going to change when I'm a senior," said Ian Perrett, a junior. This does not seem to be an uncommon attitude among the junior class.
With so much conflict and drama about this lawn, it's important to look at what we're fighting over here. As much as I respect the senior lawn, at its core, it amounts to little more than dirt and a few benches. There are so many more impressive ways to symbolize senior pride. Most of the class of 2013 realizes this, and they tend to be decent and human about it. But the fanatics really need to take it down a notch. Freshmen already have enough to worry about in high school, and seniors breathing down their neck about the patch of grass that they own isn't going to help them any.
Of course, it's not as if Class of 2013 and Class of 2016 are about to have a full-on "sharks vs. jets" brawl. It's really only small fractions of both groups that are at war here. But things would be so much better if both sides could just contemplate their actions and change for the benefit the overall student body. The point is that some senior privileges need to stay sacred: they've done their time, and they've earned it. Incoming students should realize that, and respect it to a degree. What seniors haven't earned is the right to harass the frosh. New freshmen are just getting used to the idea, and despite their mistakes, seniors need to consider taking a chill pill before the next time they go nuclear over their sweet little lawn.
__________________________________________________________________________________
September 19, 2012
There are a lot of meaningful traditions at Otay Ranch High, and the senior class has always been the strongest upholders. The pride and joy of the Class of 2013 happens to be their senior lawn: that sacred ground of upperclassman. However, the recurring controversy surrounding the lawn has popped up again this year. The issue of underclassman students stepping on senior turf is alarming to seniors, and the backlash has risen against these trespassers, especially freshman.
Many students, most of them being seniors, believe that senior privileges should be more heavily enforced, with consequences put in place for disobedient underclassmen. Some have instituted their own form of consequence, with methods of intimidation and threats. I believe that while there's some improvement to be desired of a few rebel frosh, there's also a substantial percentage of the senior class that needs to check themselves before they wreck themselves.
As a junior, I don't make such a pointed effort to bypass the lawn, but I do go to some length not to hang out on it. I want my first time to be special, with people I care about celebrating this new found experience with me. I knew better as a freshman than to go in, innocent and unprotected. Sure, I can understand how it must feel when certain younger students with bad intentions begin to encroach on the turf. But this still doesn't give seniors the right to lash out in the ways that some of them do. Many underclassmen have shown so little interest in the lawn, it’s really rather surprising the controversy is still so heavily present.
"It's really not a big deal to me, and that's not going to change when I'm a senior," said Ian Perrett, a junior. This does not seem to be an uncommon attitude among the junior class.
With so much conflict and drama about this lawn, it's important to look at what we're fighting over here. As much as I respect the senior lawn, at its core, it amounts to little more than dirt and a few benches. There are so many more impressive ways to symbolize senior pride. Most of the class of 2013 realizes this, and they tend to be decent and human about it. But the fanatics really need to take it down a notch. Freshmen already have enough to worry about in high school, and seniors breathing down their neck about the patch of grass that they own isn't going to help them any.
Of course, it's not as if Class of 2013 and Class of 2016 are about to have a full-on "sharks vs. jets" brawl. It's really only small fractions of both groups that are at war here. But things would be so much better if both sides could just contemplate their actions and change for the benefit the overall student body. The point is that some senior privileges need to stay sacred: they've done their time, and they've earned it. Incoming students should realize that, and respect it to a degree. What seniors haven't earned is the right to harass the frosh. New freshmen are just getting used to the idea, and despite their mistakes, seniors need to consider taking a chill pill before the next time they go nuclear over their sweet little lawn.
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Think Before You Speak
Kayla Daniels, Business Manager
September 17, 2012
Walk down any hallway in a school and you’ll hear more than a few F-Bombs and creative uses of the N-Word. People just do not speak like they used to. This generation, without a doubt, has become subject to a “speech slump,” stuck in a multitude of “likes”, “umm’s” and “uhh” type of vernacular.
Nothing can be more irritating than hearing sentences filled with curse words and slurs. Besides being offensive, this type of language is just not acceptable. Cursing should not be the standard from which we speak. We should be able to have a decent conversation with someone without sounding like sailors. When I do come across these situations, they make me wonder to myself, ‘do they speak like that at home?’ Most of us have been taught the latter when it comes to this type of speaking, so why do it in secret and better yet, at all?
Another element of this “speech slump” is gossip. We’ve all done it one time or another. However, some of us do gossip on a daily basis and take it too far. Sometimes we gossip because we’re jealous of someone. But when you’re gossiping maliciously, it’s time to stop. We need to realize that gossip not only hurt others, but it can also hurt you as well. When you put yourself in that position, there is never a positive outcome.
Again, the days of the Art of Conversation are over. I’m sure William Shakespeare would be rolling in his grave by now if he could hear the latest episode of “The Real World” or “Jersey Shore”. Words pose a lot of power; what you say and how you say it makes a big difference in our society, and we need to take the initiative to make sure our speech doesn’t put us in a spot that we’d frankly rather not be in. We can get our point across without sounding crude or offending someone.
Youth nowadays needs to step back and look at the way they talk and realize that people make first impressions not only from how they look and act, but also how they speak as well. We need to realize that this type of speech won’t get us very far in life when we go out for that job interview, or go on that blind date. Would we rather blend in in a world of “likes” and “huhs” or be the one that shines and shows off his or her intelligence, realness, and respectfulness? We need to take that first step towards thinking before we speak. Otherwise, who will?
__________________________________________________________________________________
September 17, 2012
Walk down any hallway in a school and you’ll hear more than a few F-Bombs and creative uses of the N-Word. People just do not speak like they used to. This generation, without a doubt, has become subject to a “speech slump,” stuck in a multitude of “likes”, “umm’s” and “uhh” type of vernacular.
Nothing can be more irritating than hearing sentences filled with curse words and slurs. Besides being offensive, this type of language is just not acceptable. Cursing should not be the standard from which we speak. We should be able to have a decent conversation with someone without sounding like sailors. When I do come across these situations, they make me wonder to myself, ‘do they speak like that at home?’ Most of us have been taught the latter when it comes to this type of speaking, so why do it in secret and better yet, at all?
Another element of this “speech slump” is gossip. We’ve all done it one time or another. However, some of us do gossip on a daily basis and take it too far. Sometimes we gossip because we’re jealous of someone. But when you’re gossiping maliciously, it’s time to stop. We need to realize that gossip not only hurt others, but it can also hurt you as well. When you put yourself in that position, there is never a positive outcome.
Again, the days of the Art of Conversation are over. I’m sure William Shakespeare would be rolling in his grave by now if he could hear the latest episode of “The Real World” or “Jersey Shore”. Words pose a lot of power; what you say and how you say it makes a big difference in our society, and we need to take the initiative to make sure our speech doesn’t put us in a spot that we’d frankly rather not be in. We can get our point across without sounding crude or offending someone.
Youth nowadays needs to step back and look at the way they talk and realize that people make first impressions not only from how they look and act, but also how they speak as well. We need to realize that this type of speech won’t get us very far in life when we go out for that job interview, or go on that blind date. Would we rather blend in in a world of “likes” and “huhs” or be the one that shines and shows off his or her intelligence, realness, and respectfulness? We need to take that first step towards thinking before we speak. Otherwise, who will?
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Reality T.V.
via articleswave.com
Rafael Espinosa, Sports Editor
September 19, 2012
In the year 2012 we have access to countless television channels, all with varying types of genres, ranging from politics to celebrities. Recently, “reality” T.V. has become more popular and numerous over the years.
I for one can’t stand reality T.V. shows like the “Jersey Shore” and “Real House Wives of Jersey”. Shows like this reward people with no skill, talent, intelligence or charm, with money and fame. Once the show is cancelled or they become too old for it they will most likely become jobless and go broke. As I watch these “celebrities” fight each other over some stupid rumor or comment the other said, I have so much trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that they are on television. Their arguments are so faulty and invalid that I can feel my IQ dropping by merely listening to them talk.
Not to mention, these shows give Americans and people affiliated with the shows a bad reputation. A person that knows nothing about Italians might think all Italians are “quitos” and “quitas” from watching the “Jersey Shore”. These shows are also broadcasted around the world, meaning other cultures are watching and making their own inference on American society. They may think Americans drink, have sex, tan, and fight all day.
These shows also set bad role models for younger kids that may be watching. They’ll come to understand life is always a party and you don’t have to work hard to make money. They may even want to star in those shows in the future when they start looking for a new cast. This will just create more untalented “celebrities” that will accomplish nothing in life besides killing their liver.
Reality T.V. is, unfortunately, a massive part of America’s society. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games. Reality T.V. is essentially a part of a much bigger problem.
According to kidshealth.org, children who consistently spend more than four hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. Other problems like kids showing increasing amounts of violent acts and these shows encouraging racial stereotypes and risky behaviors have also shown in various studies regarding television.
I know that these problems are not always the fault of television and reality TV, but it’s hard to deny that television doesn’t have any negative effects on humans.
If it’s anything on television I feel that should be cancelled as soon as possible it is reality TV shows. I can’t wait for that day to come.
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September 19, 2012
In the year 2012 we have access to countless television channels, all with varying types of genres, ranging from politics to celebrities. Recently, “reality” T.V. has become more popular and numerous over the years.
I for one can’t stand reality T.V. shows like the “Jersey Shore” and “Real House Wives of Jersey”. Shows like this reward people with no skill, talent, intelligence or charm, with money and fame. Once the show is cancelled or they become too old for it they will most likely become jobless and go broke. As I watch these “celebrities” fight each other over some stupid rumor or comment the other said, I have so much trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that they are on television. Their arguments are so faulty and invalid that I can feel my IQ dropping by merely listening to them talk.
Not to mention, these shows give Americans and people affiliated with the shows a bad reputation. A person that knows nothing about Italians might think all Italians are “quitos” and “quitas” from watching the “Jersey Shore”. These shows are also broadcasted around the world, meaning other cultures are watching and making their own inference on American society. They may think Americans drink, have sex, tan, and fight all day.
These shows also set bad role models for younger kids that may be watching. They’ll come to understand life is always a party and you don’t have to work hard to make money. They may even want to star in those shows in the future when they start looking for a new cast. This will just create more untalented “celebrities” that will accomplish nothing in life besides killing their liver.
Reality T.V. is, unfortunately, a massive part of America’s society. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games. Reality T.V. is essentially a part of a much bigger problem.
According to kidshealth.org, children who consistently spend more than four hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. Other problems like kids showing increasing amounts of violent acts and these shows encouraging racial stereotypes and risky behaviors have also shown in various studies regarding television.
I know that these problems are not always the fault of television and reality TV, but it’s hard to deny that television doesn’t have any negative effects on humans.
If it’s anything on television I feel that should be cancelled as soon as possible it is reality TV shows. I can’t wait for that day to come.
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Spirit Days
Alina Sheikh, Staff Reporter
September 19, 2012
“Go Big Blue!” These three words usually evoke a strong sense of school spirit here at the Ranch. Many students enjoy taking part in spirit days. However, while most students have a great enthusiasm for these spirit events, many times it is hard to dress up accordingly. When I hear about spirit weeks, I think to myself, ‘Great, let’s see what I can pull together to dress up,’ but sometimes the spirit days are not always easy to follow. For example, Safari and Tourist day didn’t have as many students that participated because it is difficult to find the appropriate clothes and accessories. Otay Ranch should try to plan new spirit days that more students can join. These new spirit days should be easier to follow, so students won’t have to go out and buy new clothes just to dress up. If you ask around, most students will tell you they didn’t dress up for a certain spirit day, because it was simply too difficult to find the right clothes to go with it.
I propose that Otay Ranch should implement new spirit days to the year to achieve more student participation and spirit. Some fun examples for spirit days could be character/celebrity day, mix- match day, the original pajama day, crazy hair day, or baby day. With new spirit days that are easier to join and dress up for, the Ranch will soon have a whole school full of spirited Mustangs.
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September 19, 2012
“Go Big Blue!” These three words usually evoke a strong sense of school spirit here at the Ranch. Many students enjoy taking part in spirit days. However, while most students have a great enthusiasm for these spirit events, many times it is hard to dress up accordingly. When I hear about spirit weeks, I think to myself, ‘Great, let’s see what I can pull together to dress up,’ but sometimes the spirit days are not always easy to follow. For example, Safari and Tourist day didn’t have as many students that participated because it is difficult to find the appropriate clothes and accessories. Otay Ranch should try to plan new spirit days that more students can join. These new spirit days should be easier to follow, so students won’t have to go out and buy new clothes just to dress up. If you ask around, most students will tell you they didn’t dress up for a certain spirit day, because it was simply too difficult to find the right clothes to go with it.
I propose that Otay Ranch should implement new spirit days to the year to achieve more student participation and spirit. Some fun examples for spirit days could be character/celebrity day, mix- match day, the original pajama day, crazy hair day, or baby day. With new spirit days that are easier to join and dress up for, the Ranch will soon have a whole school full of spirited Mustangs.
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