THE CONNECTION VOLUME 2|ISSUE 7|MAY 2015
Small step for NASA Giant leap for Wildcats
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CONTENTS Photo by: Abbie Paysse
STUDENT LIFE 12 Summer Fashion
Some of the unique styles worn at school
14 4 Years in 4 Words
What do seniors have to say about their high school experience?
ON THE COVER
11
Students build table for astronauts
15 Humans of Cy Woods
Student portraits and interviews collected in the halls of this school
Photo by: Kauriana Kendall
OPINION 5 Thank You Notes
Inspired by Jimmy Fallon
6 Personality in a Bag How students express themselves through their backpacks
FEATURES 7 Mani-Cam
Inspired by E!’s Red Carpet Mani Cam
Teen job opportunities over the summer of 2015
Tribute to class 2015 newspaper staffers
20 Classic Reviews Music, movies, and books everyone should remember
23 Summer Fun
DIY water park for your backyard
Meet Allyson Wooten Photo provided by: Phil Darnell
Students build table for astronauts
17 Making Some Summer Cash
18 Seniors Done it Write
10 Paper Napkin
11 Tech Project to Blast into Space
Social, talkative, and bubbly versus shy, quiet, and thoughtful
ENTERTAINMENT
Photo provided by: Lars Plougmann
7 Rant in 212 Words
16 Extroverts VS Introverts
Cover by: Kauriana Kendall
STAFF
acting editor-in-chief KAURIANA K. STAFF REPORTERS ASHLYNN BROWN GAGE HENRY MIREYA LOPEZ MATTHEW RAMOS LEAH TORREZ
ADVISER
ABIGAIL PAYSSE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Fellow Wildcats,
EDITORIAL POLICY The Crimson Connection is published seven times a year and distributed free by the Cy Woods Journalism Department. The Editorial Board consists of two editors. The Board determines the stances of editorials, as well as the content of the newsmagazine. Letters or comments are welcome and should be sent to room 1866 at the school address. To be printed by the school newspaper, the letter or comments must be signed and legible. The editor reserves the right to edit letters. The opinion of the staff does not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty of this school or this district. Make your voice heard. The Crimson Connection staff wants to know your questions, concerns or comments. If you would like to contribute to the next issue of The Crimson Connection, please contact us at: abigail.paysse@cfisd.net Cypress Woods High School 13550 Woods Spillane Blvd. Cypress, TX 77429
With EOCs and AP testing over and finals coming up, everyone is feeling a little tired. Or a lot tired. But the year is almost over! So sit back in the sun and work on your tan while we give you some laughs about internet slang and summer heat. Check out some of the unique fashion at the school, then read about how a select few of our own Wildcats will get to see their work launched up into outer space. We even have a couple of oldies to remind you of the good ‘ole days at the end. As the last issue of the year, we wish you an easy couple of weeks, as few finals as possible and an extra awesome summer vacation. See you all next year! I hope you enjoy the issue, and remember to check out our website, thecrimsonconnection.com for additional content. Sincerely,
Kauriana Kendall Acting Editor-in-Chief
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ThankYou Notes (Inspired by Jimmy Fallon)
LEAH TORREZ
STAFF REPORTER
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All illustrations by: Laura Barbe
OPINION
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
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PERSONALITY IN A BAG How students express themselves through their backpacks ASHLEY PELTON
SOCIAL COORDINATOR
Bethany Wehring with her memory filled bag. Photo by: Ashley Pelton
“I got my backpack at JC Penny’s it shows I like black way too much, I have an attachment to it I don’t like getting rid of them. I’ve had it since last year and I don’t think I’ll get rid of it any time soon.” -Bethany Wehring (10)
Connor Kirpatrick shows off her original bag.
“You can tell if somebody is artistic if they decorate it or if they care about it by how old it is or how sporty or girly they are. I show who I am through mine. I got my backpack online plain, and I drew all over it in metallic sharpies to show what fandoms and music I listen to.”
Jake Mclimans shows off his classic backpack Photo by: Ashley Pelton
Hunter Collums shows off her fangirl bag. Photo by: Ashley Pelton
“I like to stick to the classics, because they’re plain but still in style. My backpack shows I am semi-plain, but if you look deep I’m pretty interesting.” -Jake Mclimans (12)
“Backpacks say what you like and how you act. If you’re outgoing you’ll have a colorful loud backpack if you’re shy you’ll have a toned down one. It’s great that you can show your hobbies and interest through them. Don’t be afraid to show your colors.” -Hunter Collums (10)
Sujean Shin shows off her quirky cartoon inspired bag.
George Strong shows his Longhorn school spirit with his bag.
“My backpack is of the character Catbug from Bravest Warriors, It shows that I’m a little bit geeky but in a good way.”
“My bag shows I’m a die-hard Longhorn fan. It lets me show what I like and who I am.” -George Strong (9)
-Sujean Shin (9)
-Connor Kirkpatrick (10)
Photos by: Ashley Pelton
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WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
OPINION
NAILS ON PARADE LEAH TORREZ
Wildcats show off their Nail Art
STAFF REPORTER
GLINDA
Sophomore Valarie Campos’ “witch nails” as her mother describes could only belong to Glinda, the good witch. Nails done at Vintage Nails & Spa.
DRAGON LADY
PRIDE
SCARLET WITCH
Sophomore Cami Ter Haar achieved these Dragon Lady nails with a makeup sponge for the gradiant and nail glue to keep on the spikey studs.
Sophomore Bethany Werhing spent two hours of her night dotting her nails with tooth picks to get the perfect rainbow to represent
Sophomore Hanna Garcias’ nails are fierce and could kill a man; hence the name Scarlet Witch from Marvels Age of Ultron. Nails done at Vintage Nails & Spa.
All photos by: Abbie Paysse
RANT
T
IN
LEAH TORREZ
STAFF REPORTER
To the special snowflakes of the world: I need you to stay at least 20 feet away from me at all times. For those of you not fluent in the language of the internet, special snowflakes are people who put themselves on a pedestal for being different. Please, just chill. People don’t ignore you because you’re different; they ignore you because you’re annoying. Regardless of what High School Musical says, the status quo is
OPINION
212
WORDS
perfectly fine. Summer is close and I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m one of those people who wears all black in 95 degree weather, so if I’m outside for more than an hour I will die of heat stroke. My summer is usually hiding in my room for days, and when I do leave the house I will be swarmed by mosquitos and piles of June bugs will be everywhere. Summer also means I’m just closer to distant family
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members asking what I want to be. Like, no, stop trying to force adulthood on me thank you very much. I’m barely 16. I don’t want to think about what I’m doing for the rest of my life; my biggest problem right now is resisting the urge to cry when my alarm goes off every morning. C
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Can you explain what type of pageant it is? It is a pageant based on a girl’s confidence, poise, ect. They really just want to find the best girls to represent the Harris County Fair in a positive light at different events.
WHERE: Fort Worth stock show ON HER PLATE: Between raising prize-winning animals and competing in art competitions, Wooten is more than just a beauty queen.
What did you receive for winning? I received a sash that constantly falls off my shoulder along with a crown that is too big for my head, but I also received a title I’ll never forget.
Who helped you the most? My mom helped me All I really did to keep my cool through prepare was watch Ms. it all. Congeniality the night before to get pumped What was your up. favorite part of competing? What motivated you I made so many the most? new relationships It just really seemed and gained so much like a neat experience confidence. that not everyone would get, so I jumped at the What was your opportunity. least favorite part of competing? What other things Being my very first have you competed time ever trying in? a pageant, I was surprised I’ve also competed extremely in stockshows with and overwhelmed. my cattle, including much in the CFISD Livestock How Show where I actually total did it cost to won grand champion compete? steer freshman year. It really wasn’t too I’ve competed in art pricey; entry fee was competitions, and this just around $50, and I year I was lucky enough just used a nice outfit I to have my work receive already owned and did special merit and sent to my makeup and hair the Houston Livestock myself. Show and Rodeo. How did you prepare?
THE PAPER NAPKIN INTERVIEW
Dishing with
Do you plan on doing any more pageants?
We talk pageants, preparation and poise with Alison Wooten, a Harris County Fair princess [and grand champion steer winner] LEAH TORREZ
STAFF REPORTER
As much as I’ve enjoyed the pageant, I’m not so sure I will try more. The amount of time you have to put in is tremendous, and it’s difficult to balance with school, my livestock and art career. But all cards are still out on the table and it’s still up to debate if I am willing to try out again.
What’s the last thing you scribbled on a napkin? I don’t really scribble on napkins. Any last words? Never be afraid to take a chance when you get one because, sink or swim, you gotta give it a whirl. C
Photo by: Maddie Wier
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WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
FEATURE
TECH PROJECT TO BLAST INTO SPACE Students Build Table for Astronauts
T
GAGE HENRY
PHOTOGRAPHER
Two years in a row Industrial Tech has won the first place state award for both the quantity of their projects and the quality, besting their second place finish the two years prior. For the past two years a group of five students worked on constructing a table built out of aluminum to be sent off to the International Space Station. Upon arrival the table will be bolted to the floor of the space station, and set as the focal point of socialization, meals and communication for the astronauts on board. Since construction of the table began two years ago, many of the original members participating on it have graduated, but in the past year the project has continued as a priority. Junior Lilith England is the machinist on this project and has been involved in Industrial Tech for three years. “The table is really [meant] to have all the astronauts from America, Canada, Japan and Russia that are in the Space Station come together,” England said. “NASA asked us to make the table something different, so we decided to make it green. Almost everything in the station right now is white, so it should bring some color and feel like something new. It’s almost like remodeling a house.” The rest of the staff are drafters, meaning they use special software to convert the engineers’ designs to technical drawings and plans. Junior Daniel Hines has been a part of Industrial Tech as a drafter since his
FEATURE
Daniel Hines, Lilith England, Kyile Otto, Ian Kapp, Kieffer Christ, Jay Isabell All Photos by: Nirma Khwaja
Everyone who worked on the table got to sign the bottom. Photo by: Nirma Khwaja
freshman year. “As the table is being constructed, we drafters get in contact with NASA and have them view many parts of it to see if it meets their certain criteria,” Hines said. “If it doesn’t meet their standards we make improvements until it does. This table is going to be something great and I can’t wait to see it launch this winter.” This December, the completed table is expected to launch in a reusable space craft called a Dragon Capsule inside a Space X-9 space shuttle. Until the launch, half of the table is held at a secure undisclosed location here on campus while the other half is being held on campus at Clear Creek near the NASA Space Center in League City, Texas. C
Members of the staff around the table during the signing. Photo by: Nirma Khwaja
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
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1.
Mya Clark, sophomore Photo by: Mia Lopez
2.
La’Ta’Jah Robertson, junior Photo by: Kauriana Kendall
3. Bethany Wehring, sophomore Photo by: Leah Torrez
Summer Fashion
Page design by: Kauriana Kendall
Some of the unique styles worn at school
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Clark considers her style very ecclectic and simply chooses pieces she likes to put together. Robertson enjoys the “rock girl” look and likes the fact that she dresses differently than others. Wehring goes for “grungy-emo with a dash of scene kid,” and put this outfit together by choosing clothes randomly in the dark. Newstrom mixes “casual and formal wear by tying together shorts and a dress shirt.” Many of his outfits are inspired by “Frat Culture.” Boden likes to be “comfortable and cute” and always wears heels and dresses. She has only worn heels to school “since middle school.”
4.
Drew Newstrom, senior Photo by: Matthew Ramos
5. Sarah Boden, junior Photo by: Ashlynn Brown
Group Message
Cypress Woods Seniors
Hey, Seniors! How would you describe your 4 years of high school in 4 words?
MIA LOPEZ
STAFF REPORTER
All Photos by: Mia Lopez
Emalee Dean It wasn’t always awesome. Lyndsie Mock Difficult but very rewarding.
Lauryn Barnett I’m glad it’s over.
Baylie Sundbeck No pain, no gain.
Natasha Solanki Thank god I’m graduating.
Edgar Acosta What? There was homework?
Robby Loving Netflix led to procrastination.
Erienne Hoskin A life changing experience.
Details
HUMANS OF CY WOODS Student portraits and interviews collected in the halls of this school
Photo by: Maya Clark Photo by: Dua Abidi
What’s your biggest struggle in life right now? “Coming to the realization that I have problems coping with anxiety and constantly being angry and frustrated and unhappy with myself…I know that now I have to change and it’s upsetting but motivating at the same time.” Valery, sophomore
Photo by: Josh Lamance
“I don’t wear shoes because I don’t want to wear shoes, I like to be comfortable and feel the earth on my feet.” John Schoeller, senior
“Doing what it takes to make it in life is not easy. You have to work for everything and sometimes it can get really hard but as long as you have hope and faith things can become easier as you go along.” Patrick, sophomore
Photo by: Maddy Britt Photo by: Gabby Merrem
What’s your biggest struggle in life right now? “I have General Anxiety Disorder. This causes me to have attacks to where I’m physically unable to move and I never know when they’re coming.”
STUDENT LIFE
“My biggest accomplishment in life would be, for once actually having my mom accept me. Before, for the longest time my mom pretty much just disregarded me. She never really wanted me. But finally for once my mom took me in and she told me she loved me after the longest amount of time.”
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
Photo by: Gabrielle Welch
“I want to be a real estate developer, so I’ve got my mind set on that. My mother and my father they did real estate, both [did] very well in it and they peaked my interest into it.”
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EXTROVERT
vs INTROVERT
Social, talkative and bubbly versus shy, quiet and thoughtful
NOOR AHMAND
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Layout by: Mia Lopez
What makes you an extrovert?
What makes you an introvert?
Honestly, I think it’s just who I am and what I am involved in. From the beginning, when I was two years old, I started cheering and ever since then, I would cheer on and off the court. It made me comfortable to talk to people. I want to be in Broadway so I love preforming. I like being the person that makes everyone laugh. I like being the class clown, I just think I’m not funny and more loud or obnoxious but it makes people laugh.
I prefer to spend time by myself or with a couple of close friends rather than a big group of people that I don’t know very well. Mainly because I’m very bad at small talk.
Extrovert: Sophomore Cami Beardmore Photo By: Noor Ahmad
What are some misconceptions you think introverts would find in you?
I would definitely rather have everything planned out. Surprises are not my thing. I just feel a lot more comfortable when I can prepare and when I know what I’m doing.
Would you rather have a spontaneous trip or have everything planned?
What’s your favorite part about being an extrovert? I love that I am always confident. The more I talk to someone, the more comfortable I feel and the more confident I get. I guess that I feel like some people are scared to talk to me sometimes, and it’s definitely hard to try to take my personality down a notch and conceal my actual personality. Whenever I’m having a bad day, and other extroverts are being loud, I get annoyed but then I think, “Oh wait, that’s me like all the time” but otherwise I’m pretty loud.
Introvert: Freshman Audrey Bahr Photo Provided By: Audrey Bahr
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What’s your favorite part about being an introvert? I like that I’m able to function by myself. Silence doesn’t bother me like it does a lot of people. What’s your least favorite part about being an introvert? My least favorite part is how bad I am at small talk...I wish I was better at that.
Extrovert: Sophomore Cami Beardmore Photo Provided By: Cami Beardmore
What if you’re both introvert and extrovert? What is an ambivert? An ambivert is someone who holds a balance of both introvert and extrovert qualities. Ambiverts enjoy social settings but also cherish alone time. You’re good with talking an ear off or simply being able to sit down and listen. Ambiverts tend to be great observers and can balance out an introvert or extrovert friend. C
What’s your least favorite part about being an extrovert? I feel like all introverts are all smarter than me because they probably pay more attention in class, so they learn more.
That I’m quiet and don’t like talking. I do talk, and I like talking to people. It just takes energy and I save it for people I know and like. I’m not antisocial or shy. Would you rather have a spontaneous trip or have everything planned?
I would think introverts would find me loud and annoying, I mean I find myself annoying. They probably really don’t like me.
Oh, definitely spontaneous. I love to just arrive and then figure out what I’m going to do then. I love going places where I don’t know anyone and just like introducing myself and getting to know them.
What are some misconceptions you think extroverts would find in you?
Introvert: Freshman Audrey Bahr Photo By: Noor Ahmad
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
STUDENT LIFE
MAKING SOME SUMMER CASH Jobs for teens in the summer of 2015
MATTHEW RAMOS
STAFF REPORTER Tired of making Monopoly money? Here are some job opportunities for Cypress area students over the summer of 2015. Chipotle on Spring Cypress Currently taking applications Starting Salary $7.75/hr
Randal’s on Barker Cypress and 290 Currently taking applications Starting Salary $7.55/hr
Nike @ Houston Premium Outlets Accepting applications starting May 21st Starting Salary $8.15/hr
Cinemark on Skinner Road Accepting applications starting May 15th Starting Salary $7.75/hr
HEB on barker Cypress and 290 Accepting applications starting June 5 Starting Salary $7.55/hr
Hurley @ Houston Premium Outlets Accepting applications starting May 25th Starting Salary $7.75/hr
Cracker Barrel Currently taking applications Starting Salary $4.35/hr with tips
Pacsun @ Houston Premium Outlets Currently taking applications Starting Salary $7.75/hr
#5
Use helpfinder.com/cypress to find jobs mowing lawns and babysitting (For Babysitting jobs you must be CPR certified) Wages are set on user profile by hourly and lot size for lawns.
T
FELICIA HERNANDEZ
Worst Hashtags Why the unnecesary hashtaging needs to stop
#MCM/WCW: Well this one is kind of a no brainer; if he is your boyfriend/girlfriend then I would say it is safe to say he/she is obviously your man crush. Is it trying to prove a point by posting a picture of him/her every Monday expressing your picture perfect relationship in a whole novel length caption?
CONTRIBUTING WIRTER
The hash tag, formerly known as a pound sign until a few years ago. It is used to label a social media post in addition to the caption. So really the hash tag is just redundant and another way to make social media way more complicated than it is meant to be.
STUDENT LIFE
Photo by flickr user Nick Ares (aresauburn)
#blessed: So maybe you are a very lucky person but it is a little much to say hash tag blessed every time your mom brings you Chick-Fil-A. Let’s just save talking about our “blessing” for places other than social media if your biggest blessing involves fast food.
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
#nofilter: I don’t even know what the point of this one is. I feel like it is a way of saying all my other pictures have filters and this is a rare occasion. #selfie: I am well aware that a picture of the person who is taking the picture using the front facing camera is very commonly referred to as a “selfie.” #artsy: A picture of a sun set or of your latte swirled all cool with the Valencia filter slapped on does not promote you to being an “artsy” instagrammer. You’re not a professional photographer with an iPhone.
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Dear Byria, You’re the type of girl with serious model status, but more amazing role model status. Your smile could change the world and your will to make this world a better place for those who need it. Stay the amazing, confident and breathtaking girl you are. Love, Mia Lopez P.S. It feels like opening day. Colin!! Dude. It’s actually here. We’ve known each other for three years, and now you’re graduating. Remember J1? Because I don’t...geez. Maybe three years doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s almost as long as I’ve ever lived in a single house. Anyway, while we have known each other that long, I wouldn’t have really considered you an actual friend until the end of last year, and we’ve gotten closer and closer as this year has progressed. Now I’m not sure what I’m going to do without your sports updates, constant excitement, awesome dancing and hand-numbing high-fives. You’re definitely one of the best friends I’ve ever had. And one of the few people I’m going to miss after graduation. I’ve loved hanging out with you and getting to know you better this year, and I know you’ll go off to do great things in college then become even cooler than Craig Ackerman for some other high schooler to idolize. Wish you luck! Miss you already, Kauriana He wambo? She wambo? He she wambo? Its 1st grade Jack! Although I only got the pleasure of meeting you this year we have grown closer than your belt line and the cuffs of your shorts (yes that was a chubbies reference). You devil you, with your silky brown hair, over use of dress shirts for leisure wear and your being switched at birth with a Kennedy all make you the best vice presidential candidate for when Abbie chooses to run in 2032. You’re a scarf dude and “if you only have on time for me to use on a Thursday I’ll jump” then I’m sure you’ll do just fine in college. All jokes aside you are a stand-up guy and it has been my honor to serve alongside you on this year’s newspaper staff. -Matthew Ramos Noemi, Every day for the whole school year I’ve sat right next to you, there wasn’t ever much conversation going on, but when there was you always seemed to have something funny to say and make me laugh. You’re a great and exciting person to be around and I hope you continue to put smiles on people’s faces and good luck in your years to come! -Gage Henry
SENIORS done it WRITE David: My first impression of you was wow this guy is really cool. And then I talked to you for more than a few minutes and realized you are a giant nerd (with an amazing ear for music), which made you even cooler. Once you get passed the annoying dad jokes (yes DAD jokes) and teasing it’s not hard to see that you’re so much of a gentleman it’s almost nauseating. Sure you mess with people all the time, but underneath it all you’re just a very large softie who appreciates Kanye for the masterpiece he is. I hope the people you meet at Tech will love you as much as we do. I’ll miss you, Dad. -Leah
Kelli, you’re a great girl and you always keep a smile on my face. When I first met you, you were really sweet and joyful. I remember a conversation we had about our personal lives and we were so much alike. You’re always there for me anytime I need you and you’re a true friend. You’re a hard worker and I’ve seen you grow a lot this year. Good luck in college girly I’ll miss you. Ashlynn
Emma, Emma, Emma thank you so much for being the only person (other than Mrs. Paysse) to make sure I was working very hard in newspaper. You have been a great friend and mentor to me and I knew that no matter how silly my question, you were there to answer it. You have an amazing personality and a never failing smile that’s contagious. Your energy and determination were the driving forces of our newspaper. Your work ethic was second to none on staff as all of my layouts were “created by Emma Fritz.” Thank you once again for enabling me to be a great reporter and carry on your legacy as a Wildcat journalist. -Matthew Ramos Abbie: I knew no one when I went to camp and I was honestly terrified I wouldn’t make friends. I’m not particularly a social butterfly as you know, so I was surprised I made a friend like you so fast. You kind of showed me the way and made me feel comfortable on the staff, and you were always pushing me to step out of my comfort zone (even though I fought you pretty hard on that part). It’s going to be hard to find a replacement roomie for the future newspaper trips, and I’m really sad to see you go but I’m looking forward to seeing your beautiful face on ESPN in a few years. –Leah (P.S. I promise I’ll add more colors to my wardrobe.) Brad, I really enjoyed that bubble bath you made me in Austin and I’ll make sure that Matthew and I carry “Bigfoot” on next year as long as you quit sniffing Splenda Sugar at dinner. You were a great Business Manager and a great friend. I wish you luck for the years ahead. I know you’ll do great! -Gage Henry
Dear Ashley, Your ridiculous yet extremely entertaining sarcastic exchanges with Jack could only be pulled off by a theater girl like yourself. One who is beautiful, funny and out of this world passionate. Who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and start something life changing. Keep carrying your heart of gold and your fiery red hair to show the world what you’re made of. Love, Mia Lopez
Shannon, I remember when I first met you my first year on staff. We would always talk about newspaper. You guided me and helped me through everything. I just really want to say thank you for helping me open up. I really came out of my shell this past two years all thanks to you. You’re such a bright girl and a great leader. I’m sad that you’re leaving this year but I know you’re going to achieve bigger and greater things. Good luck in college. Ashlynn
Hi Rebecca! Shockingly, this is not the first draft I’m writing for this. This is significantly shortened. You can go ahead and take that as a compliment because I had so much to write to you that I couldn’t fit it in my allotted space. Basically, since I have to put my myriad of thoughts into less than 200 words, I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you so well this year. I’ve loved gossiping with you about everything typical girl, as well as our more morbid conversations, and I’m grateful for all the advice you’ve given me about everything from my writing to that stupid scanner I can’t seem to figure out. Have fun with your fancy group and awesome job in your cool apartment dorm next year. With love, Kauriana
Photo provided by: Darkday
MIA LOPEZ
STAFF REPORTER
Photo provided by:
KAURIANA KENDALL
ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Photo provided by: Gord Fynes
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Billie Holiday
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If you find yourself in a new romance or breaking off a love affair, the emotions feel raw and you want to find an artist to listen to. If the modern sound on the radio is not hitting that spot then look no further than Billie Holiday, she knows your pain. This is the type of jazz that sets the mood for a broken heart or a budding relationship. Billie Holiday’s deep, smooth, hearty voice can give you pleasure in either situation. With romantic songs like “The Very Thought of You” or “There Them Eyes,” not only does the sound allow you to travel back to the 1930s, but reminds you of that special someone. The lyrics show personal connections with Holiday’s life that also give listeners a taste of history in songs like “Strange Fruit,” that describes the lynching of African Americans in the 1940s, or “God Bless the Child,” that shows how economic
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News of the World: Queen
Music
ClassicReviews struggles can damage a person’s life. Her songs like “Good Morning Heartache” or “Stormy Weather” can be ideal for a bad break-up. If you simply want a reminder of how fun life can be, listen to “Tain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do.” Billie Holiday’s voice was a change in the world during the 1930s when African American, especially females, music was not produced very often. Holiday’s voice was heard and loved and still loved to this day. A recommended search for Billie Holiday’s songs would be in iTunes albums Billie Holiday’s Greatest Hits, The Diva Series: Billie Holiday or Lady Day: The best of Billie Holiday. C
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The 1977 album, News of the World, by Queen contains the two hit songs “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” It is almost impossible to describe an overall feel of the album, since it ranges from full-on rock songs (“Sheer Heart Attack”) to softer, quieter tunes (“My Melancholy Blues”). There are mild techno reverberations in a few of the songs, showing the beginnings of computer generated music (“Sheer Heart Attack” and “Get Down, Make Love”). Being the non-traditional band Queen is, they also added maracas and a cowbell to the song “Who Needs You.” There is a sound everyone can enjoy. Besides the sound, the lyrics also change their messages throughout the album. Songs like “Spread Your Wings” inspire the listener
to rise above what others think you can do to pursue your dreams while “All Dead, All Dead” tells a depressing tale about a deceased lover. Then when “Get Down, Make Love” comes on, it has a completely materialistic message about lust and worldly satisfaction. The main comparison that can be made about most of these songs is that they are relatable. The feelings the band expresses in songs like “Fight From the Inside” about overcoming being seen as nothing by others to “Who Needs You” and “It’s Late” with views on different relationships can be understood by the listener and taken to heart. After rocking out, then chilling out from the beginning to the end of this album, it’s hard not to feel pumped up and excited about life. C
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Photo provided by: Johan Oomen
Titanic
KAURIANA KENDALL
ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Photo provided by: Mia Lopez
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Princess Mononoke
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This animated movie is another visionary piece from creator Hayao Miyazaki that tells a story of courage despite all the odds stacked against Ashitaka and his life at stake. Once there was a time when man and beast were one and in peace and now an ongoing war rages between the two. Now infected by the hatred of the boar Ashitaka
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The 1997 movie Titanic, by James Cameron, is told by Rose Bukater (Kate Winslet), a survivor of the R.M.S. Titanic. Rose recounts her tale of falling in love with a poor boy, Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), and deciding she doesn’t care about the riches her current love interest will supply and wants to be with Jack. Their third day together is April 15, 1912. The day the “Unsinkable Ship” sank. While the acting in Titanic is not the best, it exceeded the expectation of the time. The issue is not the acting ability (though Winslet does switch between English and American accents, that can be attributed to her want to fit into Jack’s world), but the words they are told to say. Specifically, saying each other’s names several more times than necessary in multiple scenes. Rose tells her story 84 years after the sinking, when she was 100 years old. So she was 16 or 17 while on the boat. This means teenage “love,” born out of Jack’s physical attraction to Rose and Rose’s dislike for the person her family wants her to be with. Forbidden because of his social status. Three days before disaster strikes. This sounds familiar. A bit Romeo and
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Juliet-esque? How many Romeo roles does DiCaprio have to play? A different setting, no suicide and it’s the same story. Both of them adore rash, inane actions for “love.” The best scenes are the sinking. While this sounds morbid, the special effects are impressive for even modern movies, clearly showing the details of the ship going down. There is crashing and hysteria, contrasting soft music and peaceful acceptance. Titanic brings viewers on board to watch death become imminent and different reactions people have to such a situation. This movie brings attention to the tragedy the sinking of the Titanic was, and makes it difficult to joke about the 1500 lives lost due to several causes the movie displays, with little gore, so queasier viewers can handle it. The sinking scenes help connect one to the entire catastrophe, causing more devastation over the suffering and making the whole story more personal. C
Movies
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MIA LOPEZ
STAFF REPORTER
must find a cure for the infection in his arm. On his journey he meets memorizing characters important to helping him find the cure that will save his life. During his quest he meets a girl named San who was raised by wolves and must prevent her and the other forest gods from going to war with the humans. C
Photo provided by: Mia Lopez
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It’s Kind of a Funny Story
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We go to a competitive school that has caused more than some of us to completely doubt ourselves. Or maybe some of us have that an unrequited love, or maybe we just want to be able to live freely enough with no worries or regrets. Teenager Craig Gilner knows exactly what we’re going through and what we have yet to experience. The constant cycling in his head, the tentacles that invade his life, or the tiny soldiers that pull at his stomach which cause Craig to throw up his food , The little things that cause us to lose ourselves in a midst of obsessing about the future. Craig is driven so far by all of this he decides he’s going to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, but instead he checks himself into a mental hospital
MIA LOPEZ
Books
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STAFF REPORTER
where things get interesting. The author Ned Vizzini gives the reader insight not only into the mind of a teen, but those who struggle with depression. Yet this book does not give you the chance to be sad, but allows you to take a walk in Craig’s shoes through the witty relatable humor present throughout the book. It’s Kind Of a Funny Story is an instant classic that reminds you to laugh when you can, and don’t take life too seriously. you can, and don’t take life too seriously. C
Photo provided by: Mia Lopez
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Bridge to Terabithia Review
Photo provided by: Kauriana Kendall
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Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson, published in 1977, depicts the story of a young boy and girl, Jesse and Leslie, in fifth grade. These children, with opposite home lives as well as personalities, build a “magic” kingdom called Terabithia. Their world gives Jesse a home away from his less than ideal home and the creative relationship brings the reader back to a time when life was simpler; when most of the biggest challenges were make-believe. Though the book is under 100 pages, the characters are developed carefully, allowing the reader to feel and relate to the young emotions. Besides their own friendship, each relationship the two have with other characters is given the perfect amount of thought. Several peers and family members have meaningful stories to progress the
KAURIANA KENDALL
ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
development and passion of the tale. Jesse and Leslie are placed on different levels of the social ladder in multiple ways, including their speech. Too many books have characters from opposite backgrounds who speak the same way. Paterson makes it known that Leslie does not belong based on not only her boyish clothes, but her lack of country slang everyone in the town uses. Overall, Bridge to Terabithia is a children’s novel waiting to be read by all ages. Paterson manages to maintain no plot other than these kids’ daily lives, and still hooks you, forces you to keep turning pages and urges you to tears. Bridge to Terabithia is recommendable to anyone looking for a break from the average loveatfirstsightconflictandbreakup-happilyeverafter story we’ve read over and over again. C
SUMMER FUN
DIY water park for your backyard ASHLYNN BROWN
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STAFF REPORTER
In the summer we all get bored and want to go out to do stuff with friends. Waterparks are the best way to cool down during the summer but some are overpriced. So why not build your own using something you probably already have in your home. I will show you how you can achieve this.
Water balloon piñata The water balloon piñata was not hard at all. It was one of the easiest things to do. All you need is one pack of balloons and somewhere to hang it, e.g., a pipe or just a stick. Balloons 1.29 each (Walmart).
Water slide The water slide isn’t hard to build. All you do is take the tarp, tape up the side and use baby wash to make it slippery. You could buy a water slide or you could make your own. $4.97-9.99 Balloons in a bucket ready throw Photo provided by: Steve Wilhelm (Flickr)
Sprinklers Making the sprinklers is very easy. You can use your own sprinklers or you could make your own by using a recycled soda bottle and taping the water hose to it. Bottles are less than $3 (WalMart)
A little kid playing in the sprinklers Photo provided by: Austin Kirk (Flickr)
A man having fun on a home made slip and slide Photo provided by: Gordon Tarpley (Flickr)
Summer bucket list 1) road trip
4) camping
2) Movie Night
5)Pool party
3) Family game Night
6)concert
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7) Sleepover on the beach 8)party hard
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