The Pepperbox
November BOX BRIEFS November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break December 1st: Freshman Dance December 2nd: SAT Testing @ Eureka High School December 4th: Tigers Inc Meeting December 7th-9th: Boys Basketball AIBT
December 9th: ACT Testing @ Eureka High School December 16th: ArMack Winter Concert December 18th-21st: Finals Week December 21st: End of Semester 1 December 22nd: Staff Development, no school
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EDITORIAL STAFF Marley Tavernier-Fine Editor-in-Chief
Lilly Raschein A&E Editor
Peter Shao Editor-in-Chief
Marlie Thornburgh A&E Editor
Jacquelyn Opalach Feature Editor
Jazmine Fiedler Art Director
Chloe Stemler Feature Editor
Zara Elloway Opinion Editor
Fiona Murphy News Editor
Rachel White Online Editor
Parker Gray Sports Editor
Noah Thorwaldson Online Editor
Riley Martel-Phillips Sports Editor
REPORTERS/STAFF Jazmine Fiedler Art Director Drie Lynn Roberts Business Manager Riley Martel-Phillips Junior Business Manager
Reporters: Isaac Smith, Haley Hill, Hannah Pereira, Brandon Taylor, Jordan Viera, Jeremiah Ownbey
The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing at-cost. Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedication to keeping print media alive. Western Web
IN THE BOX Archives/Behind the Cover . . .3 Quotable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Frameable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Knight & Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Silent Flim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Insecurity & Homelessness . . . .8 Jack Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 AAI Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Memes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ragnarok/VR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sports Banners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fall Sports Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . 16 Pumpkin Spice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 . Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Kids Solve Problems . . . . . . . . . .19 Thanksgiving Survival . . . . . . . 20 College Apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Natural Disasters . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Internet Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Subs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Chiv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be directed towards its editors. Opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Arcata High School.
Advisor Danielle WittenLehman
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Back in the 90’s, Humboldt and the surrounding areas were hit with a 6.9 magnitude earthquake, causing houses to come down and causing $15 million dollars in damage.
BEHIND THE COVER
The creative process behind making the cover of the Pepperbox.
Quotable. “I’m just a dopey guy who hangs out by the peanut M&M’s” -History teacher Doug Johnson to his AP Government class during a discussion on social awkwardness
“I never would have thought of this as an issue, but apparently, high schoolers don’t want to buy juggling balls.” -Senior Benjamin Moore, on the decline of his sales
“It’s a classic, meaning it’s old, but was never any good.” -Science teacher Earl Peters talking to AP Bio about an old lab
“I will personally TP your house!” -English teacher Sue Buscher to her senior Mythology class
“Haley! Grow three inches!!!” -Girls Tennis coach Sheldon Heath to #1 tennis player Haley Hill (who is five feet and a half-inch tall)
Frameable.
Condit and Kresge dressed up as Donald Trump.
Demitri Patterson subs onto the field with a high five. Karsen Coelho and Calvin Dimaggio as Calvin and Hobbes.
A train group costume rides the rails at AHS.
Ora Folden poses in Pippin band costume
Girls Soccer hosts their annual “Soccer Christmas�.
Josh Winter dressed up as Guy Fierri.
The Pepperbox | Page 6
News
Friday, November 17, 2017
Knight censured, coaches unanimously rehired Riley Martel-Phillips Sports Editor
Chloe Stemler News Editor
“W
hy are we here?” This was the question that was heard over and over again by students, teachers, and community members in the McKinleyville High multipurpose room on October 16th. So, how did we get there? How did we get to the point where a school board member was censured and the integrity of two coaches was in question? Board member Jennifer Knight claimed that Ryan Bisio and Graham Johnson had violated certain “policies and procedures” when forming last years 2016 Varsity basketball team. Coaches, who are hired for the season, must be rehired every year, and Knight’s suggestion was that both Ryan Bisio and Graham Johnson should not be Arcata High’s basketball coaches for the 2017 Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams. This motion raised concerns about her motives and a possible conflict of interest, as well as the role of the school board, and their qualifications to make personnel decisions. “A school board member’s nephew did not have the skills to make the team during tryouts a year ago and she has since tried to have the coaching staff removed,” said former Arcata High basketball coach, Bob Robertson, “This is a clear conflict of interest by a member, by any standard, and the net effect is that the school board has become embroiled in micromanaging an athletic department.” Before the October 16th meeting, the question of what had hap-
pened was still unclear, even to Bisio. “In the past three years I have coached, if there are any violations that occurred, I have not been informed of those by either the principal, the superintendent, or the athletic director. To my knowledge, I have done nothing wrong.” The students, faculty, parents, and community members raised concerns over Knight’s issues with the coaching staff. “Why do we have a board member that potentially has a conflict of interest and why are they still sitting here?” said parent, Joe Mateer, “To take that love away from the kids, that’s
To take that love away from the kids, that’s shameful and I don’t think you should be sitting in that seat. - Joe Mateer
shameful and I don’t think you should be sitting in that seat.” The day of the board meeting where the coaching positions were first discussed, Bisio was unaware that any conversations about the coaching staff would take place, or of any policies he had violated. Ryan Bisio began coaching three years ago and was welcomed into the school community. He not only has led the boys varsity basketball team to victory on numerous occasions, but helps out as a substitute teacher and with the Pacific Coast and life skills classes. Bisio is also
involved with music and the Arcata Arts Institute. Teacher Anne Bown-Crawford said at Monday night’s board meeting, “the kids really respect him.” Bown-Crawford is not alone in her convictions of Bisio’s character and his effect on the school environment.
He’s a valued member of our Arcata High community, you couldn’t find anyone better. -Lori Meadows “He’s a valued member of our Arcata High community, you couldn’t’ find anyone better,” remarked Lori Meadows, parent and special educator. When Arcata High students and players learned of Bisio and Graham’s plight, they quickly sprang into action writing and signing a petition to allow the two coaches to continue their careers at AHS. On October 16th, the room was overflowing with students coming to show their support. The JV team spoke up about their care of the coaches, “You mean the world to us,” said Nico Zambas. They also spoke out against Knight’s behavior. Students, parents, and community members were not the only people who had issue with Knight’s actions. It was also at this meeting that board member Brian Gerving moved to censure Jennifer Knight saying she did not keep her focus on all students, was not open to all ideas, and disrespected
others, board members and members of the community. In contrast, Knight views her actions as doing her best to “represent the minority” and to “maintain policies and procedures.” Graham Johnson and Ryan Bisio were unanimously rehired for the 2017 basketball season after Knight recused herself from voting. Though they will now be coaching the JV and Varsity boys basketball teams, it is fair to be concerned with the repercussions that this could have on their reputation, as we return to the question “what happened.” “I feel that I have built up enough equity in the basketball community where enough people would give me the benefit of the doubt when faceless and nameless allegations surface from a board member with an axe to grind.” said Bisio. Issues with coaches, board members, and community members can often shut out the students. However this was not the case. “This week has showcased some of the values and characteristics of the program that we hold very dear and the unity, the energy, and the connectivity of not only our basketball players but the students at this school,” Bisio said the following week, gearing up for the season, “It has really brought to light what we are trying to build and what we hope to continue to build.” As of Tuesday night’s board meeting, Jennifer Knight as been censured. The takeaways here are strong: as students came together to make sure the coaches and teachers who support us, stay in a place of support for us. Not only did this show the students’ and players’ commitment to one another, it also brought relevancy to the school board, and how their decisions affect the students at Arcata High daily.
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Pepperbox | Page 7
News
To censor to not to censor: silent film edition Marley Tavernier-Fine Editor-in-Chief
T
he silent film is an annual tradition for the ArMack Orchestra; a night to return to the the era before the talkies took over the film industry. The orchestra is almost a second thought as they sit off to the side in the “pit” and play the score that accompanies the film. It’s usually a light-hearted event where the audience munches on popcorn and other treats amid cheers, laughs, boos, and hisses in response to the movie. That scene repeated itself seven times. This year, when the performances finished, ArMack Maestra Cassandra Moulton issued a formal letter of apology. Buster Keaton’s 1927 masterpiece “The General” follows a train engineer as he attempts to save his beloved from spies. Action and stunts abound in the movie, and it has a traditional silent film format: cheesy villains, slapstick humor, and a hero who gets the girl in the end. However Keaton plays a engineer for the Confederate army, and the spies who kidnap his love interest belong to the Union. Never having seen the famous film before purchasing the score, Moulton and the orchestra were surprised to discover that the audience was meant to root for a protagonist on the side of the South. Such a plot put the audience in a position to clap and cheer when the Confederate flag was raised, and Moulton commented, “I was concerned that we were going to have some blowback from the community.” Unfortunately by that point, there was no way to get another score in time and “The General” had cost 400 non-refundable dol-
lars. The decision came down to “The General” or no silent film at all. “My main thoughts were about the experience for the orchestra,” explained Moulton, “Do we cancel the event altogether, and then this group of seniors doesn’t get a last year to do silent film.” So “The General” it was. After that first weekend, the community responded, writing letters and contacting Moulton with their concerns. Adults weren’t the only concerned parties; ArMack Concertmaster, Arcata High junior Olivia Gerving, also gave her opinion, “I thought it was good that the community responded, and I don't think that the movie choice was intentional in any way at all,” she continued, “We just kind of got a gentle reminder from people that we need to be more careful in the future.”
we played this film. We shouldn’t have played it.” During discussions with the orchestra, Moulton conveyed her thoughts and her reasoning to the students and announced in hindsight that the topics covered in the movie were too sensitive for current times. She reflected later that she should also have brought attention to the content of the film before the showings, and would have explained to the audiences that, “ In every silent film there's going to be portrayals, imagery, and ideals that are not currently PC [politically correct].” Arguments promoting the use of works like “The General” tend to focus on limiting censorship. Moulton commented that “Having conversations with people about this, specifically arts staff and history staff, everyone was really supportive and felt like no matter what I should have shown the film,” she
Toronto Film Society
Buster Keaton riding on the front of a train engine. On learning about the details in the film, Six Rivers sophomore Ian Shermer said, “I didn’t know what it was going to be about, but once I found out, I was astonished that
continued, “There was so much history in the film; it was based on a true story and real battles, and then on top of that, censoring art isn’t something that many of them
feel like is appropriate, despite the content.” A recent article from the North Coast Journal, written by Marcy Burstiner, took a similar stance on “The General.” Burstiner fully supported the decision to show the film, and said that it was ‘ridiculous’ that “Moulton felt she needed to apologize to parents of students at the two schools for choosing the movie.” In her article, she argues that the side the hero was on was a minor part of the film, and it should be used for teaching purposes. Burstiner was “grateful to Moulton for screening “The General.” Moulton mentioned that “She [Burstiner] is not related to the orchestra in any way, it was just a community member who got a hold of my letter to parents,” and then added, “I felt like her take was really interesting as well.” This issue goes beyond just one isolated incident with the silent film, and brings into question the changing views that society has about content made in the past century. Even nostalgic children’s films, like “Peter Pan,” have songs or lines in them that are seen as blatantly racist or cultural appropriation, such as the “What Makes the Red man Red” song. Similarly, Disney’s “Dumbo” has a scene with crows, one of which is named ‘Jim Crow’, who all act in ways that promote racial stereotypes. In light of recent events, like the riots that took place in Charlottesville last August, is it acceptable to show a film that glorifies the Confederate Army? Does that fact that the plot for the movie was based on a true story hold any weight here? “It's hard to weigh,” Moulton said, “Do you run it anyways, push for art, or do you not run in because you’re worried about hurting people’s feelings and being inconsiderate.”
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News
Friday, November 17, 2017
Food insecurity and homelessness Jacquelyn Opalach
“I
Feature Editor
’m always hungry. My mom tries to make sure everybody eats before we eat, but I always make sure she eats before I eat, without her knowing that I haven’t eaten yet. We go to the food bank and things. We go every time we can, once a month. It depends on what’s going on. Right now I’m facing moving because we can’t find a house or anything up here.” Aero* a student at Arcata High School, walks among our halls, sits beside us in classrooms, and it is nearly impossible to know what happens at home. It is also nearly impossible to determine exactly how many students face similar adverse situations on our campus. An estimated twenty-four percent of Humboldt’s youth lived in food insecure households in 2015, according to Feeding America, roughly one in four young people. In 2015, the homeless Point in Time count reported that there was a total of 1,319 people, including 32 children without a residence. But what does “food insecurity” actually mean? To put it simply, food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to an adequate quantity of affordable and nutritious food. Schools play a role when it comes to helping students and families with food insecurity and homelessness. The main service provided at Arcata High is free and reduced food in the morning and at lunch. Forty
percent of the students in our district qualify for such aid. A challenge the school faces is identifying the students that are eligible. Principle Dave Navarre explained, “We want to get students a free lunch. So as many kids as we can get, as many kids as can qualify - we want to get them signed up. If they don’t come forward or get the paperwork and have it filled out then we can’t help.” Youth having access to substantial food and services is not the only benefit of getting more kids identified. More “ people need to step forward. If we got more kids identified, it’s not like they will give us truckloads of money but it might get us above a threshold where we could apply for a little grant and maybe have a little bit more money to help. You try to do the best you can with what you’ve got, and that remains our goal,” stated Jack Bareilles, the district’s Grants and Evaluation’s Administrator and the foster and homeless youth mediator for the district. A big question looms. What future plans does the school have to address food insecure and homeless students? Food for People provides backpacks full of food for elementary students to bring home over the weekends, but Arcata High does not have this service because of lack of funding. There are students at Arcata High who want to help their peers in need. The Interact Club participates in Coats for Cold. But there is not club or group that focuses specifically on food
insecurity and homelessness. Last year, Mona Brown was one of a few students to try and start a club aimed to help with this issue. But the club never took off. Brown explained, “There wasn’t a lot of input or people coming to help in general. We didn’t have the manpower to do it.” However, getting a club of this nature started wasn’t the only obstacle, as food insecurity and homelessness are sensitive subjects. Brown said, “It’s hard to distinguish between homeless and people who just need help. There are kids on campus that aren’t necessarily homeless, but they definitely don’t have things that other people have. It’s hard because you need to figure out how to help people remain anonymous.” It’s probably impossible for most AHS students to comprehend the difficulties that youth struggling with this issue encounter. Aero described, “Once you’re homeless it’s harder to get back up because everybody is against you. That’s what it feels like. Nobody ever wants to help you out. I tend to be very lonely unless I’m with other people that are homeless. We can’t go do anything we want to do, we can’t have anything we want. We can’t even sleep without getting harassed. That’s not life, were supposed to be free and we can’t be free. It makes homeless people feel like they aren’t even human.” Learning about the harsh realities facing fellow classmates sheds light on their strength and courage. As Bareilles stated,
Piktochart: Jacquelyn Opalach/PEPPERBOX
Statistics on Humboldt’s youth. “I am frequently impressed by students with difficult living situations, who are still coming to school. They’re still working to go to college or have a career post high school. It’s not their fault, and it’s our duty to help them as much as we can.” Is help with this issue limited to the administration and a few dedicated students? As Bareilles stated, “In a perfect world, I wish we had apartments for them. But I guess you can ask the question, ‘Is that the schools job?’ and I think the answer is ‘No’. No, it’s not the school’s job. It’s society’s job. It’s the government’s job. It’s the community’s job.”
*This student’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.
A&E
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Pepperbox | Page 9
Angles to attend National Honor Choir Jazmine Fiedler Art Director
I
f you've ever auditioned for anything, you know it’s a struggle. Whether it’s football tryouts, a job interview, a dance team, a part in a play or the opportunity to be in a choir with some of the most dedicated singers in the country, it’s nerve racking. You practice your run, go over your resume one more time, you sing the song over and over again until it’s perfect. Last year, Madrigal Choir student Jack Angles auditioned for Regional Honor Choir in October and soon after found himself in a school van traveling down to Palo Alto. When he arrived he was asked whether or not he would like to be considered for the State Honor Choir. When an individual auditions for Regionals, they are simultaneously auditioning for State. Scores are taken out of 100% and the qualifier for State is much higher than it is for regionals. Jack replied “Yes” on his survey and a few weeks later once again found himself in a school van, this time traveling to San Jose. As Music Director of Arcata High, Cassandra Moulton explained, “State honor ensembles have been around forever.” It’s not a new system, but every year there is new talent. After overwhelming success in Regionals, State, and his National Honor Choir audition which took place last May, Jack is now preparing for his journey to Orlando, Florida to participate in a choir filled with the most talented singers aged
fifteen through nineteen. National Honor Choir takes place the week before Thanksgiving and their performances will be broadcasted on live television. As a bonus, the group is gifted a day of fun at Disney World. Other than the fun and the fame however, Moulton feels that “Whenever a musician has the opportunity to perform with others who are better than them, it forces you to make strides in your own technique.” She also brought up “making connections. It’s so much easier now with social media and the Internet, Jack might end up making friends that last a long time.”
Whenever a musician has the opportunity to perform with others who are better than them, it forces you to make strides in your own technique. - Cassandra Moulton Jack himself is very excited about Nationals, but “mostly Disney World.” When asked why he originally tried out for Regionals, he said “Well, I consider myself as having a good voice, and I thought it would be a really good experience.” He admitted that having his friend, AHS alum Philip Throssel tryout inspired him as well. Jack also admitted that when trying out he “didn't really expect much.” He just received his music and is beginning to learn it. He has concluded that although
Julie Angles
Jack pauses for a quick pic with the director of California’s State Honor Choir after a successful performance. it’s the same number of songs that he performed at Regionals and State, four or five, this time all the songs seem much longer. Jack exclaimed, “One of the songs is twenty pages long!” Jack will be traveling to Orlando with his mom, Arcata High’s own Julie Angles, an adored English teacher and the singer for Ju Ju and the Plague. Julie Angles has always adored music, and singing in particular. In high school, she performed in the choir and eventually became involved in theater. Angles recently performed as Sleeping Beauty and other roles in the musical, Disenchanted. Julie Angles would like to believe that some of her son’s musical interest comes from his background. “We have a piano in the house, there’s always music playing, and his dad and I love music!” Julie Angles exclaimed. She pointed out that
Jack “too to music, he’s been trying to imitate songs since he was two.” but that “initially it was more musical instruments. I thought he was going to be a band teacher. Singing was secondary but then he started to sing more.” Julie Angles admitted that she’s nervous about traveling so far but that she’s also excited for her son. “It will be fun for him to perform with people who take it seriously.” she commented, “I’m excited to see how he does, this little kid from Arcata in Orlando with people from all over the country.” This year, a group of seven Madrigal Choir students tried out for Regional Honor Choir. Four of them got in and will be traveling to San Mateo in a few weeks. There, they will find out whether they have made it into State. Good luck to Ora Folden, Lillianna Ensminger, Cassandra Rogers, and Ben Moore!
The Pepperbox | Page 10
A&E
Friday, November 17, 2017
AAI’s amazing artists: Marshall, Fiona Murphy
News Editor ancy Marshall is a media student in AAI and is a senior this year. She chose to study media because she greatly enjoyed her photo class last year, and the obvious path from there would be to take media. Her fa-
N Janie Mendosa
Nancy Marshall.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Marshall
One of Nancy’s floral close-ups.
vorite piece yet has been the AAI Baseline. Nancy’s favorites part about media is manipulating photos. She enjoys using Photoshop, as well. She likes design and wants to do something with design in college. Nancy draws inspiration from “weird 70s movies”, especially a movie called Fantastic Plan-
Photo courtesy of Nancy Marshall
Nancy’s use of light as a photo technique.
et. Her favorite artist is Salvador Dalí, especially a piece called Soft Self-Portrait With Grilled Bacon. While not using Dalí’s art style, she greatly admires it.
Salvador Dali
Nancy’s favorite art piece, Soft Self-Portrait with Grilled Bacon
conscious with your music” can pose a challenge. In AAI Ella loves that talented artists from different backgrounds are brought together, and that AAI does so much outreach in the community. She has gone to camps that teach song-writing, and is the public relations manager of the AAI ambassadors. Besides being a great musician, Ella can also juggle and dance. Despite the struggles and stress of junior year, Ella and her music are thriving.
Marley Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
Ella making some sweet tunes on her ukulele.
Fiona Murphy
N
igella (Ella) Baur is a very talented muNews Editor sician in the AAI music program. She plays ukulele, fiddle, and viola, as well as singing and writing her own music. For Ella, music is fun and fulfilling. She enjoys being able to interact with people through music. Her favorite music to play is her Photo courtesy of Ella Baur own compositions, but she sometimes finds that “being self Ella enjoys a musical masterpeice.
Fiona Murphy/PEPPERBOX
Ella Baur poses in Arcata High School’s hallway.
The Pepperbox | Page 11
A&E
Friday, November 17, 2017
Cziglenyi, Baur, and Sloan-Rouse Fiona Murphy
R
News Editor
Ursula Newman
Raven Cziglenyi.
Photo courtesy Raven Cziglenyi
Raven’s drawing of President Donald Trump.
aven Cziglenyi is a new visual art student in AAI. She pulls inspiration from music, which showcases a variety of emotions. She strives to show those emotions in her art. So far, Raven’s Baseline project for Art 1 has been her favorite piece. It is a representation of the idiom “the cat is out of the bag.” Overall, her favorite paintings are Monet’s water lily series and Degas’ ballerinas. Portraits pose the biggest challenge for her, especially when they are of someone she knows, because she can see every flaw. Raven is also a ballet dancer at Trillium Dance Studios and has been dancing since she was six years old. She hopes to use AAI to become a better artist, and share her art with her community. Raven’s entire family is made A mandala up of artists, even her great-grandfather who was a drawn by RaHungarian stamp artist. She is proud to be carrying on the ven for Art 1. legacy.
Fiona Murphy News Editor
E
lizabeth Sloan-Rouse is a part of AAI theater. She believes that theater allows one to express both the best and worst parts of them self. She wants to use her acting to reach out and help other people. She draws inspiration from Misty Copeland, a very famous ballerina. Elizabeth is also a ballerina like Copeland, she started dancing at an older age than most people. Elizabeth would like to grow as an actress and develop her talent while she is in AAI. She dreams of being a pediatric neurosurgeon for Doctors Without Borders because “Doctors Without Borders does what so many medical programs are afraid to do, they put so much on the line while dedicating their time to help others.” Besides being having truly remarkable goals, Elizabeth also believes she can “jump really high.” She plans on using these amazing jumps to propel herself to AAI greatness.
Fiona Murphy/PEPPERBOX
Elizabeth shows off her dramatic side during AP European History. Photo courtesy of ElizabethKlinger-Rouse
Elizabeth dances in the redwoods.
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A&E
Friday, November 17, 2017
Teenage propaganda: the art of the meme Haley Hill
world. Without this modern art form communities would crumReporter ble; self expression is key to the e are living in a success of any society. In our own community, many new age, ruled predominately students at Arcata High swiftly by teenage pro- circulate these works of art by paganda. Reality is melding actively participating in the prowith the internet, and there’s duction and trade of mimémas. no stopping it. The youths have New content is driven out, and developed their own secret lan- within a matter of days these guage that the old guard can- modern masterpieces are kicked not even begin to comprehend: to the curb as more innovative varieties arise. This revolutionmemes. Google defines the meme, or ary culture is expanding at such mimema, as “a humorous image, a rapid rate that it is impossible video, or piece of text that is cop- to escape the integration of ied and spread rapidly by inter- memes into our daily lives. As Owen Brown net users.” This barely scratches a result, the older generations “Gotta get someone that looks at you the way Elmer Keebler the surface. To our advanced make desperate attempts to stay looks at this cookie” -Owen Brown generation, the mimema signi- in power, but to no avail. We fies all the honesty and beauty are taking over the planet, one Contributing to our world in this oppressive and dreary meme at a time. domination, local senior Owen Brown designs his own handcrafted memes. You may know him from his popular Insta- Jack Murphy gram account: @Jerrythememedealer. While he is aware of the technological ineptitude of the elderly, he appreciates the of Brown’s fine work, his only efforts they have made to fit comment was an overwhelmed in. “The fact that adults know “Is he okay?” Presented with what a meme is, is comforting the same portfolio, AHS history because it’s like we’re not alone teacher Doug Johnson simply out here. They’re trying,” re- replied “I don’t have any opinmarked Brown. As members of ions on that. I don’t know what a more cutting-edge generation, to tell you. Is this what this inwe have a moral obligation to terview is really about?” These responses guide these helpless outsiders. discombobulated demonstrate the ignorance inAs Brown put it, “We’ve got to educate the children on retire- grained into the minds of the ment, and we’ve got to edu- old guard. We must educate the cate the old people on what’s elderly on the je ne sais quois of happening now; like memes. It our ground-breaking generation. It is the only way we can brings our society together.” Jack Murphy, a concerned survive. Mimemas: they are the essence of life. Get with the Google Dictionary parent, struggles to understand the strange underground cul- times-- do not underestimate The formal definition of a meme, from the interwebs. ture. When shown a variety their power.
W
Is he okay?
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Pepperbox | Page 13
A&E
is becoming a reality A review of Ragnarok VRNigella Baur Rachel White
T
Online Editor
he newest movie in the Marvel: Thor franchise, Thor: Ragnarok, is setting a whole new standard for the cinematic giant. Directed by Taika Waititi, it adds new dimensions to the Marvel cinematic universe. After gaining a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s now the franchise’s leading movie, and Marvel’s second-highest rated movie, number one being Iron Man (2008) at 94%. The movie was mind-blowingly hilarious, between Chris Hemsworth’s brilliant portrayal of Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. Their playful banter brings the film to a new light and furthers the development of both characters. The movie stuck to a steady plot, and with the feature of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and Hulk, it is by far one of Marvel’s best movies. Hulk was more of a central character in the movie than Banner was and the giant green monster added a exciting touch to the film. I would easily rate this movie a nine out of ten, which is high praise. Stan Lee is known for his cameos in all the Marvel movies, and his appearance in Thor: Ragnarok was one to remember. Rumor has it that this cameo was the only unscripted on he has filmed, and he also said that it was one of his personal favorites. Just that alone might be enough to convince a few more movie-lovers to see this film. The mixture of action and comedy makes this movie a Marvel classic; with it’s ending credit scene helping transition
from one movie to the next, it leaves us [the audience] wanting more. Thor: Ragnarok was very well directed and filmed, and only in the opening scenes did the CGI appear a little odd, and the question of how much editing they used popped into my head. The film gives a small background on history in Norse Mythology, despite only some of the details being true, so any lover’s of Buscher’s Myth class will appreciate it. Finally, this film was set up to continue in Marvel’s newest upcoming movie, Avengers: Infinity War.
Google Images
Upcoming Movies: Justice League November 17 Wonder - November 17 Star Wars: The Last Jedi - December 15 Pitch Perfect 3 - December 22
Guest Columnist
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esides the laser printouts and 3D figures being created in the MAKERS room, there is another unique aspect of technology being learned and created by a select few: Virtual reality. Virtual reality, or VR for short, is an up-and-coming, new technology that is constantly being developed and made to look more and more realistic. The idea for a screen-like, all-senses, seemingly-real experience began in the 1950s and has since been developed from a box like contraption that one could sit in, to systems such as headsets or even goggles. More than a few Arcata High students have had the chance to try out the impressive experience that is VR, but only two students are currently developing games and new realities using the fairly advanced software. Both Logan Jacobs and Donovan Young have been learning to create alternative, made-up worlds since the beginning of the semester and have both advanced in their process. Jacobs and Young use a program called Unity to create their virtual worlds. This program allows to developer to create almost anything they can think of and turn it into a panoramic view one can view from all angles, and can interact with. To generate a virtual world using the Unity software, Logan and Donovan both start with an idea for a area or landscape, and then move
on to the objects and mechanics within the landscape, with lots of mistakes and happy accidents along the way. Logan has found that, “It’s about 20% me doing what I’m trying to do and about 80% ‘Oh I accidentally did this but it looks good’.” Despite the unintended results, there are many opportunities for creation and learning in the VR world. “The few limitations is what really drew me,” Donovan commented, ”The main limitation is just imagination.” The few limitations and heightened imagination lead to the creation of worlds that look straight out of a sci-fi movie, but feel completely real. Logan has been experimenting predominantly with gravity and creating objects that have varying gravitation, while Donovan has been using new tutorials and experimenting with new objects to use. The future of VR is broad and has many possible applications, besides the obvious use of creating new, hyper-realistic games. Although Donovan wants to continue his VR development specifically in the game department, he also recognizes the other uses for VR. “If you take any panoramic picture, you can transfer it to VR and put the goggles on and it would be like you are really there,” Donovan said, “You can easily take this into the real estate business, which my dad and his friend are trying to do right now, although I think someone could also use VR medically.” Including its other uses, VR had recently been playing a part in the research development of behavioral sciences. Researchers at Stanford University have been creating techniques for studying human reaction and adjustment, all using realistic simulations with a VR headset. This kind of research can only develop further clues as to how our mind works, all while using high tech technology. And we here at AHS are lucky to use it.
FALL SPORTS: AHS TIGERS AT THE TOP
This year, the cross country running tigers were led by the ladies. Girls Varsity took first place in their league, and Boys Varsity was close behind, taking third place in theirs. They will be running their hearts out in sections this coming weekend!
Girls soccer had a roaring season this year, taking second place in league and making it to semi-finals in sections. With a lot of underclassmen joining the team, next year’s group should be even stronger, especially since they’re only losing four seniors.
Like many other girls sports this year, varsity volleyball also took second place in league. These lady tigers bump-set-spiked their way to victory, and had very strong relationships as a team.
Despite only having six cheerleaders this year, tiger cheer still brought the pep, performing at halftimes and for homecoming. They are also under new coaching this year, and are working harder then ever.
Looking bright and fierce in their new uniforms, varsity football took third in league this year, with seven wins and four losses. They made it through the first round of playoffs, and have a game this Saturday in Clear Lake. Go cheer these tigers on!
This year, soccer kicked balls hard and scored goals, getting second place in league and making it to the second round of playoffs. They also had two new coaches this year. The team will be losing ten seniors, so next year’s team will really have to step it up!
Rackets were swinging on the tennis courts this 2017, and tennis had eight wins and four losses for the season. Marlie Thornburgh won #2 singles at HDN’s, and she and Haley Hill won #1 doubles. Thornburgh and Hill went on to play sections at Golden Gate Park.
Claws were out on the green this year for girls golf, who sent four of their top players to sections: Lucia Monge, Joia Simpson, Avary Henry, and Kate Plumley. They also took second place in league. Girls golf is always ready to tee up.
Banners Courtesy of Paul Swenson
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Sports
Friday, November 17, 2017
Fall sports recap: tiger triumphs Zara Elloway
Opinion Editor rcata High School is not only known for it’s high achieving students and stellar academics, but also it’s exceptional athletic teams. As fall sports seasons are come to an end, the quality of our athletics is demonstrated by the ranking of each team. The dedication these student athletes have put toward sports since before the start of school has finally paid off. Volleyball: Arcata High’s varsity volleyball team lost to only two teams this year, Eureka High and Del Norte High, ranking them second in league. This is not unusual for Arcata High Volleyball; in the past they have either placed first or second for many years now. Senior captain Cassie Flint stated, “I am proud of how our team has persevered through the losses”. The team went to sections, but unfortunetely lost to Justin Siena (Napa). Football: In the past, the Arcata High Varsity football team has strug-
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Kali Zanotti
Cassie Flint puts the ball into play.
gled, but under new leadership from coaches Jamal Jones, Jordan Briggs, and Matt Majors, the program has made a change for the better. When asked to comment on the season so far, senior captain Anthony McQueeney said “eat SZN baby.” They have an overall record of 5-2, ranking them 5th out of 16 teams in the North Coast Section Division 5 rankings. The team won their first sections game against Elsie Allen, and travel to Clearlake this weekend for their second game. Girls Soccer: After losing three vital seniors last year, the Arcata High Girls Varsity soccer team knew it was going to be a challenge keeping their league champion title. Senior captain Faith SchneiderReuter commented, "It was difficult losing players who served not only as team leaders, but at times also a coach. The move to incorporate our newer, younger players has helped in the transition of where the Arcata girls soccer program is headed”. After an intense season, Arcata High lost to Eureka High twice, earning them a league record of 11-2 and second place in North Coast Division I league. As for sections, they lost in the semifinal round of playoffs. Boys Soccer: Arcata High’s Boys Varsity soccer also received a new coaching staff this year and was able to maintain their high ranking. The team finished second in league, behind Fortuna, with a record of 11-1-1. They are forth in the North Coast Section Division 1, behind Fortuna and two
Bay Area teams. Cheerleading: After a small turnout this football season, the Arcata High cheerleading team did the best
Kerisa Elloway
Zakiya Elloway dribbles the ball towards the goal against Eureka.
with what they had, performing a total of five halftime routines. With only six girls on the squad, performing stunts and coming up with a routine proved to be challenging. Senior captain Emily Robbins summarized the season saying, “It’s been a rebuilding year, but overall we worked with what we had and succeeded the best we could.” The cheerleading coach, Micheala Baxter has held another try-out session for basketball season with the hopes of expanding the team. Tennis: The girls tennis team lost two seniors on their ladder this year and had to get those spots filled, but nevertheless started and ended strong. The team placed third overall, with a league record of 8-4. Marlie Thornburgh and Haley Hill went on to compete in sections. Senior Captain Marlie Thornburgh commented “I’m proud of how we did this season since we had to adjust
the ladder a lot due to absences. Overall it was a fun season and I’ll miss playing on this team next year.” Golf: Arcata High School’s girls varsity golf team has shown great improvement and has done especially well this year, finishing second in their Big Five Humboldt-Del Norte league. The team was able to send four girls to sections this year, a step up from the two girls that were able to attend last year. Sophomore Avery Henry has stood out on the team this year, shooting an 88 at the NCS tournament, allowing her to advance to the division 1 Championship. Cross-Country: The Varsity Cross Country team also showed improvement from last year, with the girl’s team finishing first and the boy’s team finishing second in league. Junior Andrew Evans demonstrated his athletic abilities, receiving second place among the boys in his division. Junior Riley Martel-Phillips also proudly represented Arcata High athletics by placing first among the girls in her division. In addition, sections is this weekend.
Marlie Thornburgh/PEPPERBOX
Haley Hill hits a ball back to her opponent.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Food
The Pepperbox | Page 17
The spice of life: fall takeover Noah Thorwaldson Food Editor
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is’ the season, folks. As the cold mornings and hot afternoons blend into a singular confusion of warm and cold, Humboldt County's fall descends upon us. And with fall, comes the eggnog of Thanksgiving: pumpkin spice, an annual gift that falls upon us like winter snow. As you go about your day, you are bound to see some food item that is associated
with this super spice. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pies, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice cake, you name it. But how much pumpkin spice is too much? We here at the Pepperbox are set to find out. Our quest began as we left school during 4th period, set on finding some spiced-out goods. Me, (Noah), Drie, Zara, and Marlie took to the road and ended up at Target, the capital of everything spicy. As we walked around the aisles, taking pictures of various goods,
Noah Thorwaldson/PEPPERBOX
Pepperbox staff members, Zara and Marlie, show off the inexplicably gorgeous amount of spicy fall snacks.
Drie chimed in that it felt too awkward and weird if we were walking around just as ourselves. So what did we do? We copped some festive outfits in the Halloween section of the store.. Now dressed as a hot dog, a burger, pizza, and a donut, we advanced onwards in our pumpkin spice crusade. First, we found some tasty seasonal candles to really spice up the mood. Then, we found a bag of pumpkin spice coffee grounds to spice up your morning. Pair that with your favorite Life Cereal, with a dash of pumpkin spice, and you’re the next fall hype beast. What? You’re not a cereal person? Good thing we found pumpkin pancake mix. Or maybe you're a pumpkin bread kind of person. Well, we’ve got that covered too. As we scoured this store of spices, it is safe to say that we marked this place down as the supermarket for all your spiced needs. But what if you’re feeling more artsy? Or you need your pumpkin spice more hand crafted, or artisan? Well guess what. This supreme spice has got your back. Head down to Wildberries, the local grocery store, like we did, and you can buy yourself some savory-sweet pumpkin spice cheese. Looking for a little more variety? Safeway carries the longtime favorite Jell-O, but just a little spicy. Want to impress your significant other with some festive tasting breath? Get some pumpkin spice-flavored Crest toothpaste. Think that pumpkin spice is getting a little bit over the top?
Or that our pumpkin spice puns are too repetitive? Well you’re wrong. There can never be too much pumpkin spice. Ever.
Drie Roberts/PEPPERBOX
Noah spreads some spicy marshmellow goodness.
Noah Thorwaldson/PEPPERBOX
Marlie, Zara, and Drie sample some fall smells.
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Food
Friday, November 17, 2017
Coffee talk: exploring the world of the coffee bean Cassie Flint
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Photo Editor
common complaint heard from students is a lack of sleep causing them to have a sub-par performance at school. Whether it be procrastination, extracurriculars, or sporting events, I too suffer from a lack of sleep most days at school. My go-to solution is coffee drinks. Fortunately Arcata, and surrounding areas, provides quite a few options for early morning drinks. For the convenience of the Arcata High Student body, I, a coffee enthusiast join Chai tea enthusiast, Drie Lynn Roberts, to give reviews of coffee establishments around Arcata. For the coffee establishments are rated on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the vibes, taste, price, and location.
Mosgo's Coffee House: My first observation as I walked into Mosgo’s was how big and open the coffee house was, which is surprising because you would never guess that from the outside. It is decorated with warm colored walls and artwork for sale by local artists. I initially got a calming vibe; there was definitely a feel for studying. People were set up at tables with their laptops and studying materials ready to work. I ordered a 16oz white mocha and it was ready within exactly 5 minutes and 26 seconds of ordering, Drie ordered a 16oz. Angie’s chai tea and got it after 5 minutes and 3 seconds of waiting. When Drie was asked about her drink from Mosgo's she said, “It was too spicy for my taste, but if you like a little spice in your life, it would be perfect.” The white mocha cost $4.40 with whipped cream. The best part of the coffee drink was by far the whipped cream, it was dense yet fluffy and it tastes like heaven. The coffee drink itself was very tasty with the perfect balance between
sweetness and the coffee taste for beginner coffee drinkers, who regularly drink very sweetened coffee (me) enjoy. The chai tea beverage was a total of $4.15, not including whip cream because Drie made the grave decision of opting out of the delicious topping. Taking everything into account we rate this place a 9/10 discounting a point for the limited chai tea options.
Jitterbean: Location wise, Jitter Bean: seems to have an advantage over the rest because they have not only one location in Arcata, but two locations strategically placed for the commuter coffee consumer. A drive-through location in Giuntoli, is perfect for people who take the Giuntoli exit and the second location is on the Plaza square right next to Ultimate Yogurt. After analyzing the locations a little more I realized that the proximity to the school is a little far, for both locations, in terms of distance to the school. The Jitter Bean on the Plaza has recently been remodeled and the vibe I received was very relaxed; perhaps due to the cooler toned colors and the aesthetically pleasing exposed brick on the back wall. While you are waiting for your drink, there are stools facing a huge window that looks out towards the plaza, perfect for people watching. Just a warning though, the window goes two ways, mean-
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
White Mocha from Northtown Coffee.
ing while you are sipping on some coffee and staring out watching the passers-by, they too can see you staring at them. Hopefully this saves you some awkward eye contact, trust me, I have learned this the awkward way. Customer service is great and fast, but I did find the 16oz. White Mocha was slightly cooler in temperature and a little too sweet for my preferences, which was surprising, since I normally enjoy overly sweetened coffee. The price of this beverage was $4.65 and the time it took once I placed the order was 4 minutes and 56 seconds. From Jitter Bean Drie ordered the 16 oz.. Chai Tea at the price of $4.10 and reviewed the taste as, “Delicious and perfectly sweeten, so far my favorite”. She received her drink after 5 minutes and 32 seconds of waiting. Overall we rank this place with a 9/10 because the distance is not as close as the other coffee shops.
Ramone’s:
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
White Mocha Mosgos Coffee House.
Ramone’s is located in Wildberries Market Place near the high school which also gives off a commuter vibe. An advantage this coffee establishment has is its location because along with your coffee you can grab some breakfast on your way to school. There is also a large variety of pastries to choose from if you want, I recommend the mixed berry scone, it's berry delicious. The 16 oz. White Mocha with whip cream costs $ 4.25 and took a lon-
ger time to get once ordered. This could have been a result of the popularity of the establishment, but it was still under 6 minutes 37 seconds. The taste of the white mocha had a stronger coffee taste, but I surprisingly didn’t hate it. I actually liked it and would go there when I really needed to wake up for school. Drie got her usual sweet chai tea drink for the price of $3.85 and comments “It tastes good, but nothing really stands out for me.” A huge bonus for us was the cost of the drinks because this was the cheapest place so far and when you're strapped for cash, Ramone’s is where its at. Overall we rank this place with a 8.5/10 because we felt the time was a little slow for a high schooler on the go.
Northtown Coffee: Walking into Northtown Coffee I was surprised to see how poppin’ it was. The popularity of this establishment caused the noise level to be louder than the other coffee places, but it also contributed to the atmosphere of the place. I felt as though, there was a large presence
of college students, along with people who have migrated here for a special type of work, if you know what I mean. The white mocha tragically came without whip cream, but was my personal favorite out of all the coffee houses we went to. The price however was the highest for the 16 oz. coffee drink at the price of . Drie ordered the Dreamy Chai at the price of-- and said “Wow, this chai is dreamy,” she also added that this chai is, “ giving Jitter Bean a run for its money ”. Overall we rate North town coffee a 8.5/10. Deducting points for the pricey-ness of the drinks because as we all know, high school students aren’t really rolling in the dough.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 19
Kids solve the world’s problems On the issue of food waste: On the issue of homeless:
Lilly Raschein A & E Editor
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hose singing songs in the kindergarten classrooms around the world are the future of this planet. To see how these kids would solve the world's greatest problems I asked each kindergartner at Fieldbrook School one of three questions; How would you solve climate change? How would you solve problem of those who can't afford a home? How would you solve the issue of food waste?
On the issue of climate change:
“I'm going to Saturn,” Braden said. “”Yeah, me and Braden are going to Saturn,” Cole said. “I'm going to Saturn too,” Marina said. Three Kindergarteners Cole, Braden, and Marina have given up on the planet and all plan to go to leave earth together when global warming makes the planet unable to live on.
“Can I just draw a rainbow?” Ella Mae wanted to draw a rainbow, like all of us who want to ignore the imminent doom that will destroy our planet.
“I'm going to eat it. Look! I'm going to eat the fridge too!” When asked how to reduce food waste, Kalai said he would eat it “Can I draw you three pictures? all, and eat the fridge too. Kalai I want to go to Mars … I want to puts all of us to shame. This boy go to Pluto too! … and then my can digest a damn fridge, he can mom can go to the sun.” solve all our waste problems. Phoenix decided he is going to go to Mars, Pluto, and the Sun. Phoenix is an overachiever who will make all of us doubt our life choices when he becomes the first man to walk on Mars and Pluto.
“I’m going to draw a cat too,” Vera is going to build a spaceship and put a cat and a tree on the moon. Vera should team up with Phoenix and together they can doubly make us feel bad about ourselves.
“I'm going to feed it all to the animals!” Teavana said, I really hope those animals are hungry because 1/3 of the food in this world is wasted.
“I'm going to give them a family, because everyone needs a family. Look how sad they are because they don't have a family” Sierra said she is going to solve the homeless epidemic by giving them all a family.
“I'm going to build them a home, how do you spell homeless?” Sienna proceeds to spell “homeless” backwards when I tell her the letters. Sienna has decided she wants to build the homeless a home.
*Drawings courtesy of Kindergarteners at Fieldbook Elementary School
The Pepperbox | Page 20
Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
Thanksgiving survival guide Fiona Murphy
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News Editor
fying onslaught of familial love. If you are caught, pull the classic blanket throw-nrun.
or one week every year, we students are forcibly sent to spend time with our extended family. • Make sure you get a bed. When visiting family, you Family you’re forced to love, but will often be forced to sleep don’t really want to spend time on the cold, hard, unforgivwith; family that only seems ing floor. Claim the bed by to pinch your cheeks and talk going to bed before anyone about how tall you have gotten. else, try maybe 1:30 PM. The only consolation for these Sure, it might seem a bit exhorrors are the tables laden cessive, but trust me, misswith delicious diabetes-inducing out on family bonding is ing meals. This dreaded week is worth getting a bed. known as Thanksgiving. So when Thanksgiving rolls • Be sure to cover up any new, around, what will become of raunchy tattoos with makeyou? Will you make it through up, and wear a hat to cover the week without being disyour newly dyed hair. This owned; will you be able to avoid will help you avoid the judgthe questions about your future ment of the older relatives. and your steamy love life. Or, If the makeup doesn’t work, will you succumb to the incesshift the focus to a sibling or sant pestering of your extended, cousin by blurting out someextended, extended, extended, thing they told you in secret. extended family? This isn’t just a family dinner, this is survival of the fittest. Here are some helpful tips to help you be the one who survives the hungry games.
• When all the aunts and uncles are preparing the Thanksgiving feast, be sure not to accidentally switch the salt and sugar jars, or turn the oven off. If you do, blame a sibling or the family cat. • Try not to mention politics. But when the swirling cesspool of our government does finally arise, be sure to pull out your Powerpoint presentation, 10 page MLA formatted essay with attached sources, and the note cards you prepared. This will help ensure that everyone knows you are right. • When someone asks about your love life, faceplant into your plate. The mashed potatoes will make a very nice, soft landing, and your face will be too full to speak. If
that doesn’t work, just start screaming. • When you aunt asks what you are going to do with your future, say that you are planning to become a nomadic sheep herder in Iceland. Hopefully she will be too confused to ask anything else and you will be able to make your escape. • When your relatives are finally leaving, help them pack the car. It might seem like you are being a kind, helpful soul, but in reality the faster they pack, the sooner they leave. When they leave, you will be free of the terror that is familial interaction until the next Thanksgiving. Good luck avoiding all responsibility and forcible family bonding!
• To avoid these situations altogether, carefully drop hints to you parents that it would be a better idea to use thanksgiving to go on a tropical vacation or maybe a nice ski trip. If that doesn’t work, you could try pretending to be deathly ill. • When you first arrive, hide in the back of the car until everyone else has been welcomed. Then emerge and sneak in to avoid the terri-
Lilly Raschein/PEPPERBOX
Wait until an unsuspecting relative sees you.
Lilly Raschiein/PEPPERBOX
Suddenly toss your blanket into the air.
Lilly Raschiein/PEPPERBOX
Disappear without a trace.
Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Pepperbox | Page 21
College apps: a very accurate guide Elloway said “My best work comes out of procrastination.” A & E Editor So enjoy yourself and don’t t’s a dreadful time of year worry about it anytime soon.
Marlie Thornburgh
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for some seniors. The deadline for college applications is slowly creeping up on us, and we’re definitely feeling the stress. The quality of your essays will either make or break your chances of getting accepted, so it is important to put your best foot forward when writing these essays. So if you haven’t started or are stuck on doing them, here are some tips on how to tackle those college apps.
1: Do it last minute. There’s no point in starting soon because college admission don’t take into consideration how early or how late you turn in your application. What’s the point of starting a month before? An hour before is basically the same thing. Admission won’t care if you turn it in the last day at 11:59. When asked about why she’s doing her college apps last minute senior Zara
My best work comes out of procrastination. - Zara Elloway
2: Stretch the truth. Admission doesn’t know every aspect of your life. They will most likely not know whether or not what you say about yourself is the truth. Your volunteer hours are a little low? Make the number of hours a little longer. You joined a sports team your freshman year but quit after the first few days? Say you did it all four years and you were the team captain. I also suggest rounding your C’s and B’s to A’s. They’re basically the same thing, and you shouldn’t let letters define who you are as a student. It’s not fully lying if there’s some partial truth behind it.
design your own major.
4: Pay someone else to do it. If you lack strong writing skills, then this tip is perfect for you when it comes time to write those essays. This way you know you’ll get some great essays out of it and also get more time to enjoy your senior year and not have to worry about those stupid applications.
5: Stand out. You will be turned down if admissions finds you boring. So find different ways to not sound like every other applicant that just loves to volunteer in their free time. Everyone is unique in some sort of way. Maybe you're a bad speller. Write an essay
and don’t correct any of the words you misspelled. Maybe you don’t got the bestest grammar, don’t worry, that will sure make you memorable.
6. Be yourself. Being genuine and true to yourself is essential. You want admissions to see who you are as a person and if you’ll be a good fit for their campus. I would talk about someone you’ve been really inspired by. Someone wellknown and has done large this for the world. If you feel like you personally connect with Jeffrey Dahmer on a spiritual level, write about it. Your best you should shine through.
3: Major doesn’t matter. Say the major you declared is something more difficult like Biology or Computer Science and the chances of you admitted under that major are slim. Just put down an easier major as your first choice, and once you get admitted just switch your major. Most college students switch their majors multiple times throughout college anyways, the average being 7 times, and this way you have a better chance of getting into your dream school. So go apply for that Renaissance Studies degree and you’ll be set. If that doesn’t work, you can always
Marlie Thornburgh/PEPPERBOX
Senior Isabel Luu wondering what to write about for her essay.
The Pepperbox | Page 22
Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
Tour de toilets: ranking the comParker Gray Sports Editor
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he loo, John, restroom, bathroom, porcelain palace, powder room, water closet, toilet, and potty place. These are all synonyms for the same facility. Now in my fourth year at Arcata High I have come to realize that not all bathrooms are created equal. Some have mirrors, some have urinals, some have sinks that are easy to use. This is a guide, that will hopefully help some of you navigate one of the most important facilities on campus. For most, actually using the bathrooms at AHS to relieve yourself is a nightmare that most students wish to never have, but emergencies do occur. Most of the time the “Can I go to the bathroom?” Followed by reasking the question if you are in an English class, “May I go to the bathroom?” is just an excuse to leave class. Whether leaving class is to take that perfect bath-
Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX
The lovely FAB bathroom.
room selfie, or go chill in front of the school on the benches.
#1: Fine Arts Building This bathroom is the long sought for, mystical….single! These bathrooms are largely unknown to the mass population of AHS. They are the newest restrooms on campus. When first opening the large door, you are greeted by a surprising cleanliness that is usually not seen in public bathrooms. One con that could be potentially said about this bathroom, is that its location is far away from most classes, but to me this is just another pro. More of an excuse to stay out of Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX class, am I right! The fact that this is the newest The premium urinals in the science wing. bathroom, and that it is a single, nior Kai Narum notified me they lack the new shine, and automatically brings it to the about the FAB restrooms. They cleanliness that the top two top of the list. give an opportunity to check spot holders give. A solid choice in on the PE class to see if any if you find yourself on the west#2: Gym Lobby homies are getting their grind ward side of campus. These bathrooms have long on, and just a nice stroll to break #4: Office Hallway been a favorite of mine. They up the day. A con of these restEasy access, low traffic. Those are always kept clean, and are rooms is that there are no paper four words are the reason that the second newest bathrooms towels. This leads to having to these bathrooms have landed on campus. This facility used wipe you freshly washed hands at the number 4 spot on the list. to be number one, but was de- on your pants, because we all They offer nothing special in throned, lol last year when se- know that the air dry machines the way of a bathroom, but they are terrible at actually drying get the job done. your hands. This bathroom is a strong sec- #5: French/Science Wing ond choice if the FAB if it is in This is a combo spot holder, use, or if the FAB is locked. even though these bathrooms are on opposite corners of cam#3: Six Rivers pus, they are mirror images of Another single on campus. The each other. Speaking of mirallure of a single bathroom is ror’s I’m told that most mirror strong. They offer privacy, that pics that pop up on your snapis as close as you can get to be- chat stories are taken in the ing at your own home while French Bathrooms. One plauat school. While the Six Rivers sible explanation for this is the Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX New-ish gym lobby bathrooms bathrooms do offer this luxury, low amount of foot traffic, no
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Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
modes of Arcata High one by one
need for photobombs. They are an older style bathroom, but in my opinion this just gives them more charm. For example the urinals are huge, they go from the ground to chest high. If you wanted to, you could shoot from across the room, and still hit a bulls eye.
entered these bathrooms and have them be completely empty. These are some pretty bad bathrooms.
players and football players understand the struggle. The bathrooms don’t even have a light! The floors are concrete, and are commonly covered in dust and
dirt. This facility is in need of an update. The last improvement it received was years ago, when they finally put doors on the stalls.
Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX
Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX
#7: Locker Room
The locker room offers a place to change, and preferably not a place to use the restroom. They are very cramped, and are often in a pretty terrible condition. In #6: Front of the school When you think of school bath- the girls locker room, the stall rooms at Arcata High these doors do not properly close. The are the ones that most people one pro of these bathrooms are imagine. They are dirty, wet, the pedal step sinks. and gross. They are often out of paper towels as well. These #8: Lower Field bathrooms probably receive The worst of the worst. Most evthe most traffic. Throughout eryday students don’t encounmy years at AHS, I have never ter these bathrooms, but soccer
Parker Gray/PEPPERBOX
The pedal sinks in the locker room bathrooms, their only claim to fame.
Parker Grey disapproving of the Urinal game is weak in the bathroom in front of the school. front of the school.
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Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
Pepperbox presents: natural disasters 101 Marley Tavernier-Fine Editor-in-Chief
Hannah Pereira
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Reporter
he end is near. From the fires raging around us to the devastating storms and flooding on the Southern coasts, wherever you cast your eyes around the US, it seems like things are falling apart. Hurricane Harvey dumped 27 trillion gallons of water on Louisiana and Texas. Barely a week later, Hurricane Irma caused 5.4 million people to lose power, and 6.5 million to be evacuated, voluntarily and mandatorily. These numbers are staggering --yet living in the relative safety of Humboldt, natural disasters like those might feel very far away. Still, people always talk about when the “big one” is gonna hit. When those kind of misfortunes strike, it's important to be ready, and the internet is peppered with websites explaining how to prepare. However, those tips tend to cater to “normal people”. So, how do you get ready for the natural disaster of a lifetime as a student, especially considering the fact that AHS-ers aren’t the definition of “normal”. Well for starters, you can make a handy-dandy natural disaster survival kit. Pepperbox patented a teensyweensy “bug-out bag”, which contains key items to help you make it through any flood, fire, earthquake, hailstorm, landslide tsunami, hurricane, volcanic eruption, or blizzard that might be thrown at you. For some inspiration, here are some bug-out bags from your fel-
low Arcata High students. “First off, my teddy bear -- I can’t go anywhere without it.” Sophomore Mekaynea Solia proclaimed, “Oh, and tons of food. My J’s, and I can’t forget my Spongebob toothbrush!” She then went on to list her essentials, “My charger, extra earbuds, a mirror, hairbrush, and towel. Girl, you never know if it’s going to be hot where you are and you want to sun tan, bring a towel. And I mean water… I guess.” Senior Wyatt Coonrod would keep it simple, bringing a “Crossbow pistol. Small and concealable, but can still murk some bunnies for food.” Senior Owen Brown would pack a “water purifier, fish tackle, a radio/walkie talkie, a terabyte hard drive of memes, an axe, and brownie mix. For sure. Definitely. That’s not even a joke.” Taking a similar route, (food, weapon, and fun), junior Brian Ford said, “You probably want some uncooked hot dogs. And something to protect yourself with ironically, so...like a broadsword? Also maybe a Speedo (in case there's a flood).” Which do you think is a more useful weapon, Owen’s axe or Brian’s broadsword? Some people are opportunists, and would take the advantage of the natural disaster to make a positive change. “I would bring multiple canisters of slightly frozen fertilized human eggs,” said senior Finnley Bourne, “And I would go off into the forest and start my own utopian society, functioning under cool, rational, logic.” He continued, “I’d go to a geothermal plant and use that heat to hatch my new society.” On a slightly different track, sophomore Jocelyn Bliven said, “I would bring slightly toasted,
Locker Version: Flashlight: If Humboldt is plunged into darkness you’ll need light to do your homework and keep that GPA up! Battery-powered or hand crank radio: A natural disaster could wipe out a lot more than just AT&T; it's important to be able to communicate with the other survivors/let your BFF know what kind of animal you skinned for dinner. First Aid Kit and manual: Band-aids are only gonna get you so far, so keep this kit handy in case you need to perform open heart surgery on the fly. A Walkman: A way to finally enjoy your apocalypse playlist. You can probably find one in your parents basement before it burns down. Clean socks and underwear: Something no one should have to go without. You can also use your tighty-whities as a bandana to protect you from sunburn or keep smoke out of your lungs. Multitool: To turn off utilities, like gas leaks, water pipes, and electric workings. You’re on your way to becoming a modern-day Bob the Builder! Duct Tape: Enough said. Car Version (Everything above, plus a few larger items): Water: You won’t last long without it. Food: Non-perishable and nutritious. Wildberries may not have survived the natural disaster, so stock up now. We recommend Mac ‘N’ Cheese and a jar of Nutella. Signal flare: All the notable apocalypse heroes have one. Also, who doesn’t like some pretty lights. Rope: Could have a variety of purposes (towing, rescue, etc). You could also work on your knot-tying skills with some surviving Boy Scouts. Let's face it, this is the only time in their lives that their training will ever pay off. Fire extinguisher: Multipurpose, dry chemical type. So things don’t get too fuego.
slightly roasted, slightly salted peanuts with a dash of coconut oil. ” Jocelyn would also pack a variety of useful items. “I would bring an umbrella for that shade. I would bring a fire extinguisher
‘cause it's gonna be lit. I’ll bring an AC so it’ll stay cool,” she remarked, “And I’d bring a pencil sharpener, cause even when the world ends, you’ve gotta stay sharp.”
Friday, November 17, 2017
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 25
The Internet dilemma: how did it get this way? Peter Shao
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Editor-in-Chief
rriving at school early on a Tuesday morning, Ben Moore was anxious about his human anatomy homework. He got on his computer to do some lastminute research, and that’s when the trouble began. Clicking a link about a specific type of diet, he was surprised to find it blocked. In panic, he clicked the next link about the same content, and found that it loaded perfectly. This event was not isolated to that morning, or to that website. “There was one time when I was looking up a law for history and it wouldn’t let me in: saying that it was adult content.” recalled senior Ben Moore. Like most Arcata High students, he could easily recall many times he had encountered similar restrictions. Although it’s not always a problem, the internet filter is far from perfect. Whether students are researching, using social media, or even playing online games, all they can do is pray to the internet filter gods that their website won’t be blocked at that particular moment. This is the mystery of the district’s internet filter. In the top 25 most used news sites, the only one blocked is the Huffington Post. The Onion, a website devoted to absurd satire, is blocked despite the fact that a reader would be hard-pressed to find anything vaguely sexual or inappropriate on it. However a similar site known for much more profanity and sexual content called McSweeney’s is completely free from restriction. Even if those examples seem obscure, the inconsistency of the internet filter affects the daily lives of almost all Arcata High students. Moore noted that Snapchat was blocked, but Instagram was only
blocked some of the time, while Facebook was free to use. When it comes to understanding this issue, most students are at a loss. “I have never really thought about it, but an internet filter seems like a reasonably logical decision.” senior Finley Bourne said. His opinion is not uncommon, but it might be worth considering why the internet filter is in place and what it does to benefit us. Students aren’t the only ones struggling with the filter, even many teachers don’t understand it. “It’s something that a number of students (and staff for that matter) are unclear about,” the technology director of the Arcata High School District, Tim Oliviera, said in an email. The reason that there is an internet filter ultimately comes down to laws. In 2000, Congress enacted the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which required all schools to certify that they have internet policies. The act focused on “sexually explicit, obscene or harmful materials.” according to the website of the National Conference of State Legislature. The laws that are in place are vague, because as Oliviera said, “the wanted federal regulations to be vague enough that state and local governments could create their own [policies]. The problem is, our administration doesn’t have nearly enough manpower to go through every website on the internet. In fact, as Oliviera put it, “There just simply isn’t enough manpower in existence to monitor the whole internet.” In order to control the internet flow, the district contracts a company based in Texas called Lightspeed Systems, who employ thousands of workers to attempt sort through all of the internet. Still, that’s a task that can never be fully accomplished. Many of the inconsistencies in the filter come from the fact that
there isn’t enough time to make the many nuanced changes to the internet filter that the local community requires. This problem is magnified by the fact that Oliviera is essentially given full responsibility to monitor the internet filters for 13 school districts.” I will literally get 50 to 100 notifications from one elementary student.” lamented Oliviera. There is a committee made up of all of the administrators from the schools that are monitored the internet filter and two technical staff from each school and in place to help with that, but in instances, such as trying to unblock the Huffington Post, Oliviera has come to committee meetings asking for change every month, but not made any progress. To add to that, the regulations require schools to put forth an effort in filtering the internet, but that effort does not have to be effective or even good. The problems with the internet filter have led the majority of Arcata High to respond. With just a few taps and a phone, any student can bypass the entire filter using two
methods that are both completely allowed: cellular data or VPN. The hiccups caused by blocked websites have caused many students to give up on trying to use the school wifi normally. “I use a VPN when I’m out of data on my phone, just because I have no idea what websites will be blocked.” junior Eddie Kallen said. Although many students are annoyed with the filter, most of them are apathetic because it’s extremely easy to get around. Opposition to even the smallest parts of the filter, like social media, by people in authority does not lead to changes. For instance, on social media, Oliviera said, “I have told the committee this, but personal opinion is that it is a disservice to the students to block it because social media is not going away and pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t help.” Oliviera then continued, “I think it’s much more important to teach internet citizenship.” Despite that, when asked if he could see services like Snapchat becoming available he replied, “I don’t see that happening any time in the foreseeable future.”
Photo courtesy of our wonderful, safe intenet filter.
The blocked website, seen in its natural state.
*On November 10th, Tim Oliviera released a statement that there would be some changes the internet filter. Specifically he said that they would be lifting restrictions on the Huffington Post, the PITA website, and the Lost Coast Outpost. Even though the Lost Coast Outpost wasn’t blocked it’s good to see progress
The Pepperbox | Page 26
Feature
Friday, November 17, 2017
Subbing into the life of a substitute Hannah Pereira
Reporter s high school students, I'm sure by now we've all had our fair share of having substitute teachers. Regardless if you say the phrase “Yay, we have a sub" sarcastically or genuinely (depending on the sub and the teacher they're subbing for), we've all been there. However, have you ever thought about the flipside of that? Does that same sub think “Yay, this class" with sincerity or disappointment? To provide you with some insight as to what it's like being in that position, I interviewed a few memorable Arcata High Subs.
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I find the students at AHS tend to be the most ready and willing to work to their teacher’s lessons. - Jacob Hubler A substitute teacher’s day typically starts off with an early morning text from Michelle Camilli, the Principal’s Secretary here at Arcata High or a message from teachers who have prior arrangements with specific subs. In other instances, being a sub requires you to basically be on call throughout the day. For Carol Spencer and Jacob Hubler, this is what occurs most of the time. Although Camilli and the AHS teaching staff are dependent on these substitute teachers, they can always decline if they're not feeling not feeling up for the task. “One of
the beauties of being a sub is you can always say no and feel no remorse about it”, explains substitute Ryan Bisio. Once at school, a sub hopes that the day goes by smoothly and that students step up to help them out. It's never a boring job and all these subs expressed how much they enjoy it. Some of the pros of substitute teaching include “getting to have interesting conversations with students” and “taking part in other subjects that I wouldn't otherwise get to see if I were working [as a teacher] full time” stated Hubler. Bisio’s favorite thing about subbing is that “the job is just to get the class through the day, not as much accountability as being the teacher”. And lastly, Spencer enjoys the opportunity to meet all kinds of interesting people. Although many positives come with substitute teaching, there's some negatives too, like when a student asks you a tough math question and you have no idea what the answer is or even remotely know how to solve it, or going a little too hard in b-ball with the P.E. students and blowing out the seam on your jeans, or even simply students’ names for the life of you! Regardless of what the situation is, there's an array of difficulties that substitute teaching can throw at you. Don't let these negatives of subbing get you down though, apparently we, the students of Arcata High, make up for these struggles. All the interviewees agree that Arcata High is one of the best schools that they sub at, and only had positive things to say. For example,
Hubler’s comparison of Arcata High to the many other schools he subs at was “I sub primarily at McKinleyville, Arcata, and Eureka high schools, and I find the students at AHS tend to be the most ready and willing to work to their teacher’s lessons.” Adding to his testimony he says that “At Arcata High I regularly have students who are super involved in helping me understand how the class is normally run, and are more than able to walk me through any procedures that I wouldn't know just from the lesson plan given to me by the teacher".
[Martial arts] has been a major experience in my life, some people even view it as a spiritual endeavor. - Carol Spencer Also on the topic of comparison to other schools, according to Spencer (a past teacher at North Hollywood High School), Arcata takes the cake when stacked up against that high school, especially considering the difference in student attitude. However, when Spencer was asked about how we compare to Mack, she responded with “well that's a loaded question” accompanied by a chuckle. As for Bisio, he claims that our students are “very well-behaved” and expressed a lot of joy with subbing here. Digging deeper into these substitutes’ personal lives, I
made the connection that they each have unique hobbies/ interests, sometimes finding their way into our scene here at school. For instance, most of us know of Bisio’s success with the boys basketball program here at AHS, but how many of us are aware of his extensive musical involvement? Bisio is a songwriter, singer, musician, and even an aspiring author, and he can really capitalize on his rich music background when subbing in the FAB. Even some of his funniest moments have come from this area, “Teaching music classes and teaching people to sing can definitely have its humorous moments”, explains Bisio. As for Hubler, he is definitely trademarked by his sense of humour, overall frankness, and positive attitude. Not to mention of course his constant tango with some difficult health problems, affecting his everyday life. However, he perseveres, refusing to let these get in the way of partaking in his favorite activities- video games, hiking, reading, and researching interesting historical events (he has a passion for history). And lastly, the most interesting and unexpected fact I discovered was one pertaining to Spencer. She taught martial arts for 12 years and is a seconddegree black belt. To her, she has found that her involvement with martial arts, of 25 years, has made her who she is and claims that “[martial arts] has been a major experience in my life, some people even view it as a spiritual endeavor. It makes you more yourself, and allows you to find yourself.”
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Pepperbox | Page 27
Feature
Getting “Chiv-ed” in Humboldt Lilly Raschein A & E Editor
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hat is news? The recent years have seen a change in traditional journalism. Due to the digital age and the fact that everyone has a cell phone the age old process has been complicated. Instead of a handful of trusted printed publications circulating, there are hundreds of thousands of types of news going around, all saying that they are trusted news sources. John Chiv and his blog entitled, John Chiv Words Worth, is a news source that has grown out of this new age and begs the question: can his blog be considered news? I emailed Chiv after I had thoroughly explored his blog page. It mostly consists of news briefs, some news commentary, and a few feature stories, tagged with a catchy “Chiv’d in Humboldt.” The most obvious flaw in Chiv's blog: there is no way to trust his work. Chiv has broken multiple stories to the public before the bigger local news outlets. Stories like the Mckinleyville High School whiteboard scandal, and several jury cases he sat in on the courtroom. All these stories have one thing in common: Chiv got his information from anonymous sources or from “old fashioned shoe leather reporting,” a phrase that is quoted from an answer to a question asked in his com-
ments section. To gain their readers’ trust, many in traditional journalism try to avoid anonymous sources. It is not far fetched to imagine that journalists could use anonymous sources as a guise to promote their own thoughts. You have to question why sources remain anonymous, as well. Is it because they are providing you false information? Is it because they fear for their reputation? Could they be hurt for what they said? And what is “Old fashioned shoe leather reporting,”? Is this Chiv’s way to expose the truth, or is it more? John Chiv is one person working under the format of a blog and thus is not held to the same ethical standards as traditional printed news publications. Through our emails back and forth he asked for proof that I worked for the Pepperbox multiple times. Generally confused as to why he would be so suspicious, I emailed him a picture of my Pepperbox press pass. He provided no such credential. I interviewed him Friday at 11:55 a.m. over the phone. Chiv, as I learned, views his blog as a news source. “It doesn't matter where you host,” he told me, “It's going to be online news.” Interestingly, Chiv comes from a traditional reporting background, saying, “My first job was with the Philadelphia Daily News. When I started out it was very traditional reporting, I like that, I miss that.” Although, I could not confirm
this as he changed his name and the Philadelphia Daily News records from 30 years ago are not online. Chiv discovered that he found the nature of traditional news to be restrictive. “When you're writing full-time for a publication there are restrictions. They allow you some freedom, but it was a very rare thing.” Years later when he moved to Humboldt, he found a new opportunity to voice his opinion. Although he originally made the blog to showcase businesses around Humboldt, the blog branched into a completely new direction in 2014. “I started doing court reporting … and that's when it really actually took off,” he said “I kept the blogger format so it is reporting but it has especially become a mix of news commentary and actual reporting. I use the blogger format be-
cause it's so easy.” When I questioned him about his sources Chiv told me that, “you build up loyalty [in the community] and it is because of contacts.” Chiv also told me that based on his three million readers (his statistic) that people started to contact him with news. “You develop a relationship with your readers and they trust me … they trust me to take on news other people wouldn't.” People trust traditional news media because their audience depends on them to be factually correct, and because legally they can be held responsible. Can I hold Chiv to these standards? With journalism changing, those who wish to find correct and factual information must look into their sources deeply. Everyone with an internet connection can display news, but is it correct news?
A screenshot of John Chiv’s Twitter bio.
John Chiv screenshotted from Twitter
Across
M O S G O S S
2. The highest rated Bathroom in Arcata High. 3. What Wyatt Coonrod would do to bunnies in a survival situation. 5. The Pepperbox pick for the best coffee shop in Arcata (misspelled freebie). 7. “The capital of everything spicy” 10. Arcata High sub who is a seconddegree black belt. 13. Arcata High Volleyball’s place in League. 15. According to Donovan Young, The only limitation in VR is . 16. The proper word for meme.
Down 1. The food item in Nancy’s favorite Salvador Dalí painting. 3. A satirical website not blocked by the Arcata High web filter. 4. The worst bathroom at AHS. 6. Brian Ford’s Survival Food 8. Creative genius behind Jerry the Meme Dealer. 9. Who is going to National Honor Choir? 11. A popular news blogger in Humboldt. 12. The newest Thor Movie. 14. Misty Copeland is a famous .
See if you can find all of the answers throughout the Pepperbox!