The Sweethear t Edition North High School ORacle Special edition #WeHaveIssues
Valentine's Day: A Day Of Romance or Murder?
By: Hannah McNichols Valentines day is all about chocolate, roses, and pretty cards. But how was Valentines Day started? Some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial–which probably occurred around A.D. 270 while some believe that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl– possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate Valentines Day, Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, France, and Australia. In Great Britain it started to be popularly celebrated
in the 17 century. In the middle of the 18 century, it was common for friends or lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace the letters. Americans began exchanging hand made valentines around the early 1700’s, in the early 1840’s Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass produced valentines in America. Howland, known as “Mother of Valentine,’ made creations known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentines Day cards are sent each year, making Valentines Day the second greatest card sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent on Christmas.) Women purchase about 85% of all Valentines. These days girls want the five-foot teddy bear and a wall built of roses like Kanye gave Kim, but face it ladies, were in high school, your boyfriend just wants to keep his money in his wallet.
Valentine's Day a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
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Cheyann Neades
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Valentine’s Day, February fourteenth, the day where we go empty our wallets on candy and presents that’ll barely last someone a whole week. Girls get all done up that morning, and hearts are floating above everyone’s heads. But is Valentine’s Day really worth what we imagine it to be? Here are the top five expectations and the reality of them on Valentine’s Day.
Expectation #1 Large Stuffed Animals
Expectation #2 A Bouquet
You know those huge stuffed puppies and bears you see in the wired baskets at the store? Yeah, your so called “valentine” walked right past those when he was shopping. Sorry to break it to you, but he’d rather stick with the pocket-sized toys from the dollar store. At least he tried, right?
Expectation #3 Jewelry
You’ve been eyeing those beautiful roses from Maison Des Fleurs and a bouquet of Victoria’s Secret panties. But let’s be realistic here, that’s most likely not going to happen. You might be receiving a flower or two, but don’t mind the fact that they’re starting to age already.
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You’re probably hoping to open a small box from Pandora, or even Tiffany’s if you find yourself to have good luck. You’ve been dropping tons of hints about the latest jewelry collections, in hopes of being able to show off that fifteen karat necklace. I hope you don’t mind plastic, because he had to get you some sort of hand candy when he was in a rush this morning. Don’t worry, the silver ring with a fake pink gem will compliment your nearly brown flower. At least he actually took the jewelry aspect into consideration, and it only cost him a quarter.
Expectation #4 Fancy Dinner You think to end the night he would surprise you with dinner reservations at a high class restaurant. You go all out with your outfit, makeup and hair. And when you get into the car, your mind is racing, all you can think about is where your dinner is going to take place and what other surprises he has in store for you. Next thing you know, you take a left into the McDonald’s drive-thru. I mean hey, it’s food and you’re hungry, so enjoy. It’s still technically some sort of date, take advantage of it.
Expectation #5 Chocolate The key to Valentine’s Day, all you want is to just stuff your face into a huge heart shaped box of chocolate. From the fruit filled, caramel, and double chocolate, the possibilities are endless. But since you got that gourmet meal at McDonald’s, you have to go buy yourself the candy on clearance the next day. It might be a little stale but it still satisfies your craving. Just turn on some Netflix and savor the chocolate.
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Okay, maybe you don’t have THAT high of expectations, but that’s not what it shows on your Twitter profile. Hopefully your significant other planned a little something for the day and doesn’t turn completely cheap on you. But remember, it’s the thought that counts.
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^Dear Future Boyfriend, No matter who you are, where you are, what you are doing, or who you are with. I hope you know I’m watching you. Just joking, but anyway, I am just writing you this letter to inform you on all the requirements you will need to reach by our first date.
REQUIREMENTS: 1.) Social Media: You will not be allowed to have a Twitter or Snapchat. I do not want to risk me finding you sliding into some other girl’s DMs or any girls sending you nudes. You don’t need to update anybody but me on what you’re doing and who you’re with. I’m not gonna rip all the freedom out of your hands, so you may have an Instagram, but you can only follow famous people and food accounts. 2.) Phone: I will need to know your passcode. You will need to respond to me, always. When I text you, you respond. When I call, you answer. You will not go days without talking to me because if you do go days without talking to me, you aren’t really bae. 3.) Friends: Best friends are not allowed, especially of the opposite sex. Why is she your friend? I don’t care if she was your friend first, I don’t care if you grew up with her, I don’t care if your mom loves her, I don’t care if she needs you because her boyfriend broke up with her, she can cry to your mom. I really just don’t care, I am your only friend and will be your only friend forever. 5.) Tone of Voice: You do not raise your voice at me, ever. Are you mad? Go to the next room before your make me even more angry. You don’t curse at me either, I will not tolerate raising your tone and swearing at me because if you do, you are liable to get slapped and I don’t want to get charged for domestic violence. 4.) Gifts: I don’t really expect gifts but I love roses, chocolate and make up. I usually get the java-chip frappe at Starbucks. I like Victoria Secret …but, I don’t really expect anything really. I think we really covered it all, I hope you follow these five easy requirements thoroughly. It may seem like a lot but really that’s all I ask. Please go ahead and sign your name below agreeing to these terms and conditons. I hope I didn’t freak you out, because if you’re freaked
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January is pretty much over and it’s about that time. Valentines Day. Some people love the holiday and then we have those “forever alone” type of people. I just don’t understand why people choose to be miserable and torture themselves with all this sappy stuff on Twitter or tumblr. You don’t have to be miserable on this holiday. I’m almost sure you have good friends or family that you can spend time with. Who needs a boyfriend when there’s $1.49 chicken nuggets at Burger King, 2 for $5 at Arby’s and a semi- annual sale at Victoria Secret. Girl, buy those 10 piece chicken nuggets. You’re already single so
XO, AMINAH lO THI
Don’t Be That Girl
you might as well eat what you want. Grab some fries while you’re at it. Treat yourself. Go to Arby’s and grab the 2 for $5 and eat both if you want to! You don’t have anybody to impress anyways. So...? Treat yourself. Go shopping. It’ll make you feel a little better. Retail therapy never hurts! You’re already single so you can always treat yourself for being a sexy, independent individual. I just don’t think you should mope around and be miserable. You can always find different ways to be happy. Don’t be the Negative Nancy on this holiday. I’m not trying to sound crazy but you can always buy yourself gifts and pretend like you have a
boyfriend, you know? I mean, if it makes you feel better than go for it. As long as you’re happy with what you’re doing. Be you, girl, be you! Nobody has to know, I’ll keep your secret., Moral of the story is, shut up. You are not “forever alone”. Pick yourself up and grow up! Stop crying about not having a man. You are an independent woman. Don’t be that annoying girl who keeps complaining. Make yourself happy, put on some lipstick and move on. Just remember that this holiday is only a day and the next day there will be candy on sale.
XO, AMINAH lO THI
A day for some but not for all By: Hannah Varela Valentine’s Day? Oh yeah, that lovey dovey day for couples, don’t we all just love it? February 14 is meant for dinner, flowers, and chocolates? No it’s meant for love! Your significant other shouldn’t have to spend money for you to feel the love, just know it’s there. Do you even know the average on how much money is spent on that one person? Well it’s
about 135 dollars. If you ask me, that’s a lot for nothing. On Valentine’s Day, guys spend tons on women and don’t really get any in return. In my opinion Valentine’s Day now, 2015, means nothing. Most of the time people just waste money on someone they “love.” Unless you’ve been together for years, I don’t think Valentine’s should count. Being together for years and celebrating it is way
better. You feel all the love and tough times you’ve had with your partner. You realize how much you’ve been through and get to spend one romantic day together, that’s a Valentine’s Day well spent. As a fifteen year old girl, it doesn’t matter nor affect me. I’m more worried about my grades and weight loss. Instead of spending one day with someone I think I love and won’t matter in ten years. I’d rather workout
and do homework or look into colleges. Not that I can’t take a break but when I do, I’d rather hangout with friends, gaming or watching Netflix. They all sound just as good as a Valentine’s date. I guess I’m just saying, we’re just teenagers, you haven’t even met half the people you think you’ll love. Don’t sweat spending Valentine’s alone. It won’t matter in 10 years anyways.
Q&A: Freshmen, single VS taken By: Mikayla Patterson What’s the difference between those who are single and those who are taken on Valentine’s Day? How do they celebrate the “wonderful” holiday of love? Q: What are your thoughts about Valentine’s Day? Kenzie Schnathorst: (Single) It’s alright, but I mean why have one specific day to show love to your significant other, when you could do it any day of your relationship? Anastacia Hageman: (Taken) It’s just pulling out one day of the year
for all the guys to grow up and do something with their girlfriend. I think girls would appreciate it more if their boyfriend could do that on daily basis not one day a year. Q: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Kenzie Schnathorst: Nothing, I never have plans on Valentine’s Day. Anastacia Hageman: My boyfriend and I plan to go to Outback for dinner then come back to my place and eat ice cream while watching Netflix.
Day and from whom? Kenzie Schnathorst: I like getting box of chocolates from anyone. But what I really want is for one day to spend with the person that I love and loves me. Anastacia Hageman: I like to spend quality time with my boyfriend. That’s the best gift I can ever receive.
Q: What would you change about Valentine’s Day if you could? Kenzie Schnathorst: Throw back to elementary style where everyone gets Q: What is a gift you like candy and letters from to receive on Valentine’s everyone.
Anastacia Hageman: I would change the date to a date in the summer. Q: If you had a dream date on Valentine’s Day what would you do and where would you go? Kenzie Schnathorst: I would pack a ton of blankets in the bed of a truck, parked in the middle of no where so there’s no lights with my significant other and look up at the stars. Anastacia Hageman: When it’s a nice day go out to a park that’s emptiest and have a picnic then go to my place and cuddle while watching Netflix.
Valentine'sday
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A GENTLEMAN'S View on VALENTINE'S DAY BY: MICHAEL XAYAVONG
IS VALENTINE’S DAY OVERRATED? YES. From the loving couples who have their anniversery on this day (sigh) to the arguing of couples on this day of love, Valentine’s day holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. Whether you’re single or taken, this article is for you. Yes, this is an overrated holiday, because the only thing useful on this day is the fact that every business can take your money in some way. Gentleman, here’s a helpful hint for how to survive this day.
YES: THINGS TO MAKE HER HAPPY: 1. Chocolate (Not the dollar store kind) 2. Flowers (A bouquet of the finest flowers) 3. The biggest bear alive (Those things are like $40) 4. Fine dining (Yes, McDonald’s is out of the equation) 5. But let’s face it, even if you do all these things, she’ll still want more
NO: THINGS THAT WILL UPSET HER: 1. Forgetting this day existed (even though she constantly has reminded you) 2. Forgetting about her (Dude...no, don’t) 3. Being inconsiderate (You may or may not deserve it) 4. If she doesn’t want anything (That’s a lie) 5. Try not to make her upset (She will remind you)
FOUR TYPES OF GUYS ON VALENTINE’S DAY: The single: Well there’s two types of singles, there’s the “I’m going to try to find a girl to make mine” and then there’s the “I couldn’t care less what happens on this day”, about 98% of the time, the single, stay single. The one who forgot: This is the guy who thought to himself “okay, I won’t forget” or “this can wait until later”, either way it ends up with him last minute going to buy his girl a tiny stuffed animal and a mini box of chocolates, totaling up to $2.12 at the dollar store. Congrats, you have a winner. Overly Romantic: Those are the guys who you see making out with their girlfriend’s in the middle of the hallway when you’re trying to get the class. These guys will get their girl a huge bear, big box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, jewelry… I think you get the point. The one who remembered, but does it just right: This is the guy who went, “okay, Valentine’s is tomorrow, what can I do” and the goes out and gets his girl all the things that’ll make her happy. Yes, just like the overly romantic one, but less extreme.