Falll 2013
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A free journal written by young people for young-minded people
Publisher’s Letter
Mastery It’s fun being a master “Miss Know-It-All”! It drives my family crazy! So prove me wrong, I tell them!!! It’s not to make myself feel more important…who needs that? This part of me comes out when there is a problem to solve... or a masterpeice to create. Lacking focus made me learn early how to master...mastery. It’s improved my self confidence and helped me be less self consious! On a trip back to Indiana (my home state), I visited my former neighbor and friend, Dorie, now a teacher. She is funny, full of life, witty, and smart, all rolled into one! I told her I had gotten a couple of articles from YA’s (Young Adults) who wrote about not having a favorable educational experience in school…that the national standardized methods had taken the fun out of learning. “Yes”, Dorie responded. “Back in our day (OK, roll your eyes), we had teachers that were allowed to teach…plus we had to use good old “memorization!” We had to master a subject, whatever it was. That’s what’s missing today: “Mastery.” The word stood out to me: “Mastery,” that is key to success! Inside this issue of GoodLife, writer Kayleigh Meyer got a chance to talk with Meira Blaustein, co-founder of the Woodstock Film Festival. Anyone who has met Meira knows she is a living embodiment of the word “mastery.” Running the WFF, she has mastered transforming Woodstock and the surrounding areas of Saugerties, Kingston, Rodendale, Rhinebeck into a huge film festival platform! People, creative types, film makers, actors and writers come from everywhere, attracting an incredible amount of energy and talent to this area! Not to be missed because it’s HUGE! In our features section, Eden O’Clair interviews Bunny of the band Steam Powered Giraffe! Scream! It is a totally awesome interview, and at the end Bunny also talks about school and “mastery” and how important it is! Master the fields and skills of your interests and you will find long lasting fulfillment and create harmony within yourself!
On the cover: Painted Nails. Photo by Emily Merritt, age 16
Winter issue coming next!
Deadline Nov. 9th. Send in stuff
• SUNY On-Line Learning • Architect’s space • Boxing History • Ski Jump Spectacular Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine do not reflect those of the publishers, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.
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TOC/Sponsors
TOC/Masthead Contents Interview: Meira Blaustein.............................................. p. 6 Interview: Amy Helm...................................................... p. 8 Restaurant Review: Oriole 9........................................... p. 8 Fiction........................................................................... p. 9-11 Advice: Sushi................................................................... p. 12 Environment.................................................................... p. 13 Health & Wellness.................................................... p. 14-15 Interview: Thorneater’s Will Lyttle......................... p. 16-17 Cover Story: Steam Powered Giraffe..................... p. 18-20 The Wall ..................................................................... p. 21-22 Photography.................................................................... p. 23 Sports: Bike Trails...................................................... p.24-25 Food: Make Your Own Milk ........................................ p. 26 Back-to-School Fashion................................................. p. 27 Poetry................................................................................ p. 28 Reading & Writing.......................................................... p. 30 Books / Reviews.............................................................. p. 31 Awareness / Final Words......................................... p. 32-33
thank you to our generous sponsors! GOLD Nick Alba CSP Images Joan Reynolds Marilyn Manning MountainView Studio
Silver Cathy & Sam Magarelli Pia Davis Stuart Schuenemann Murphy Realty Group Maurice & Phyllis Tischler
Join our growing list of local Sponsors by donating whatever you can to help support the kids in their creative endeavors! Look for our newsletter and contribute via check or PayPal.
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief........................................................ Cathy McNamara Art Director...............................................................Grey Ivor Morris Senior Copy Editor......................................................... Julie Schmidt Contributing Editor............................Monique Winum Martindale Associate Editor......................................................... Nancy Panuccio Technical Consultant...................................................Rachel Reimer
Sales
Marketing & Sales Director.......................................Carolyn Handel. Sales................................................................................... Marie Shultis.
Distribution: 5000 Copies. Throughout the Hudson Valley, Published by GoodLife Publishing 20 Mountainview Avenue Woodstock, NY 12498
mobile version: Goodlifeyouthjournal.com SUBMISSION INFO: GoodLife accepts work done by young people aged 10 to 20 and pays for accepted work. Deadline: Winter: Nov 9th, Spring: Feb 9th, Summer: May 9th, Fall: Aug 9th • Permission: Need a parental email if you are younger than 16 (giving permission to publish your work & receive payment.) Need address. • Topics Examples: Lifestyle, music, book & movie reviews, sports & fitness, political & environmental. • Writing strategies: Reflecting, Reporting, Explaining, Arguing, Opinion and Humor! Length 200 to 500 words Be CREATIVE and send work that you would be proud to have published. All articles must be appropriate for ages 10 to 100! Work not used is stored for another issue. Send to: Goodlifejournal@gmail.com or GoodLife Journal 20 Mountaiview Ave. Woodstock, NY 12498 Thanks, Cathy McNamara (Publisher) (845) 332-3353
Open Call for Young Photographers who want assignments! Volunteer and learn more about publishing. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 5
Interview
14th Annual
By Kayleigh A. Myer, age 16 ince the inception of the Woodstock Film Festival in 2000, the Hudson Valley, particularly Woodstock, Rosendale, Rhinebeck, Kingston, and Saugerties, has hosted screenings of high quality independent films with a very idealistic “Woodstock” vibe. Launched by filmmakers Meira Blaustein and Laurent Rejto, the Woodstock Film Festival not only aims to screen content that is diverse, artistic, prime, and full of substance both conceptually and aesthetically, but also seeks to promote local and international art of all kinds in the Hudson Valley. “The feel of the festival and the films within it are highly intelligent and thought provoking, yet each year we continue to see an environment that is enjoyably artistic and relaxing to be a part of,” says Meira Blaustien, who has maintained the vibe of the WFF’s motto “Fiercely Independent” from the very beginning. The event takes place in the Hudson Valley each autumn just at the height of the area’s world-renowned fall foliage, so attendees of the festival are not only immersed in a commendable selection of international films, but can also absorb the timeless natural beauty and culture surrounding them. Local restaurants and businesses are eager to welcome festival goers, and they often have their own stories or involvement with the Woodstock Film Festival which they are glad to share. The community always opens itself up to the varying, individualistic crowd that the festival attracts. “When you come to the festival, you have access to actors, movie makers, and industry professionals on an intimate, comfortable level.” says Meira. “There are no red carpets here, there is nothing to divide.” Are you interested in getting involved in the Woodstock Film Festival? One way to do that is to sign up as a volunteer. Youth involvement with the festival is “highly encouraged and appreciated,” says Meira. “In a sense, our volunteers run the festival, even prior to the event itself.” The festival begins its preparation months before any films are projected onto the screens. Volunteers are given the opportunity to work on setting up the festival, helping with decor at the venues, handling the ticketing at the screenings, etc. Another way to get involved is to submit your own film. Student
Approaching!
S
Photo by Jonah Martindale
Tickets for events can be bought at the box office (WFF Headquarters) or online, standby only at the venues.
Meira Blaustein Co-founder, Executive Director
filmmakers are welcome to submit shorts to the festival for consideration to be screened within the “Teen Shorts” category. According to Meira, young people that submit films are usually 15 or older, but there is not necessarily a minimum age for submitters. If you’re thinking of submitting your film to the festival next fall, Meira has this advice for you: “Think about the demographics that you are screening your film to. Make it an appealing piece that attracts the specific audience that you are aiming towards.” Meira also suggests that you “stay away from themes in your film, and instead go for making a film surrounded by familiarity. Start with yourself, something close to home for you.” You should also be conscious of what is happening in the
Film Festival Venues
Programs are also available for $2 at box office (WFF Headquarters).
Orpheum Theater in Saugerties
Woodstock Film Festival Headquarters
Upstate Films in Rhinebeck
Upstate Films in Woodstock
Mountainview Studio
Rosendale Theatre
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Interview world as the moments fly by you. The events and feelings of the current times tend to make an everlasting impact on the conceptual content of films for movie makers of all ages, and mixing a clever knack for being socially aware with a bursting sense of creativity can result in a great film project.
Upcoming Events for WFF:
Each year, the festival puts on a Career Day at Onteora High School. Many local high schools such as the Woodstock Day School, Saugerties High School, and Onteora students themselves have attended in the past, and it is a great opportunity to speak with industry professionals that are all right there in the vicinity, ready to share their stories and experiences. Career Day will take place on Friday, October 4th, and starts at 8 a.m. Contact David Epstein of Onteora High School for more information. On Wednesday, October 6th, 2013, a cofounder of Indiegogo, today’s most cutting-edge crowd funding site, will be giving a keynote speech on how to run a phenomenal campaign for your film. This event will be both inspiring and without a doubt empowering to youth and adult filmmakers and artists of all ages. This event is open to the public and is meant to be casual yet informative. Come absorb the real power of what it means to be a sufficient and financially conscious filmmaker in the industry, and introduce yourself to hard-working, creative people that do the things that you would like to!
Photo by Dane Bundschuh
A message from our writer to GL readers on Instagram:
The Woodstock Film Festival is launching a contest using Instagram’s 15 second video feature. The theme for this contest is pulled from the Woodstock Film Festival motto: “Fiercely Independent.” We are looking for contest submissions that embody the vibe of being “Fiercely Independent” from your perspective, or perhaps from the perspective of the people, objects, or feelings you may be portraying in your piece. This contest is being put out there as an entirely open minded project for you as the participant to interpret in an individualistic way. The submissions will be judged on creative use of the Instagram social media platform. To participate, tag your film submission #WFFContest13. We will comment on the winning video and ask for your email address when we award prizes. The social media coordinators of the Meira with her Operations Assistant Woodstock Film Festival Chelsea McGinty. look forward to viewing your submissions and cannot wait to get a feel of what “Fiercely Independent” concepts you live by!
Follow us on twitter at follow @Woodstkfilmfest
The 14th Annual Woodstock Film Festival will be happening from Wednesday, October 2 until Sunday, October 6th. Venues include Upstate Films of Woodstock & Rhinebeck, Mountainview Studio, The Kleinert, Rosendale Theatre, and now, for the first time, the Saugerties Orpheum. In the coming weeks, check online on the WFF website for times, prices, descriptions and titles of the events happening and films being screened this fall.
More WFF Info Online!
For more about this subject, go to http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/ www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 7
Interview
Amy Helm, Rambling On
JM: How old were you when first got serious about music? AH: I would say I was about 14 or 15. I started to sing in bands and started to make a tiny bit of money doing it and that got me more serious. I continued to play and sing in bands, but also tried other jobs; but by about age 25, 26 I was committed to being a singer. JM: How much of an impact did your father (Levon Helm) have on your interest in music? AH: My dad had a huge impact. My father was definitely one of my greatest teachers and mentors and I think that he shaped my musical interests and my commitment to pursuing that in a very strong and positive way. JM: As long as you can remember did you always want to be a musician? AH: I always did, yes! Singing was always the thing that seemed I could do easily and Jonah Martindale with Amy Helm have the most fun doing, so I always was drawn to singing as far back as I can remember. Actually, it’s always what I liked to do the most. JM: What is your favorite instrument? AH: I think drums are my favorite instrument. I like to watch drummers, but I love all instruments and I love any opportunity to hear a fantastic musician, no matter what instrument they are on.
By Jonah Martindale, age 15
JM: Were there any artists and/or musicians that you looked up to and who inspired you? AH: There definitely were. I would say that I have my list of 7 or 8 incredible, genius singers and musicians that are my heroes: Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Dolly Parton...it’s a hard list! It probably couldn’t be brought down to 8...maybe to about 20, if I really thought about it. JM: As a child were you always a fan of your dad’s music? Did you understand his importance? AH: I didn’t really understand that it was my dad’s band. I didn’t really perceive it like that when I was very little, like 5 or 6; I just thought my dad played drums in someone else’s band and I didn’t really understand the impact and importance that my father had.
JM: What is your opinion on modern music? AH: I think that there is some incredible music being made! I also think there is a lot of focus on the performance aspect of the music. It’s important for anyone who is learning to be a player or a singer to always remember to dig in and lean into the song: first honor the song and yourself instead of trying to win over an audience. *Amy continues hosting and performing magical Midnight Rambles at The Barn: Levon Helm Studios: http://www.levonhelm.com
Restaurant Review: Oriole 9
O
By Finn Doering, age 10 http://sharpfinnsoup.wordpress.com/
Photo by Dylan McNamara
riole 9 is a lively brunch and lunch spot in the Heart of Woodstock right at 17 Tinker st. I went twice in a short period of time as its the only brunch spot in town at the moment. The first time I had kids eggs “any style” I ordered them scrambled with a side of sausages. They were super simple eggs and the sausage to me was not appetizing -its real country sausage and not what I’m used to. The french toast was very delicious with a taste of cinnamon and served with fresh fruit and powdered sugar. HOWEVER, you need to
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order the adult size otherwise you won’t get the fruit...it will still be delicious though. My Mom’s omelet was goat cheese and spinach and was delicious, but in my opinion lacking some herbs for flavor. The side salad was tasty and fresh. My dad always gets the tofu hash with an egg on top because he is a vegetarian. It has a lot of flavor with the roasted peppers, mushrooms, spinach and potatoes. I also tried the Cuban press which was incredible: juicy and tender braised pork with provolone, ham and pickles…may just be my new favorite sandwich! The orange juice was fresh squeezed and from a cool machine. It was a bit tart, although I loved the pulp. It was really good. The hot chocolate was $4.50 and was delish and had a rich dark chocolate kick. We took one home and diluted it with another full cup of milk and it was STILL chocolatey! The place is jammed for brunch’ so go early. I love the entrance where people fill in the blank to “Before I Die I’d Like To………” which is on chalkboard paint so you get to read a ton of different wishes. My favorites were: “ban hydrofracking”, “travel around the world” and “go on a rollercoaster”. Great idea!
Fiction
for me? I shouldn’t dig so hard with the Q-tip or I might damage my eardrum. Do I think too much? Am I too soft spoken? Why are all my desires overthrown by my insecurities? Should I shave my legs tonight? No, I think I’ll just wear tights.”
Illustration by Elana Cohen, age 16
She suffers through the rhythms of the day. One by one collecting like cobwebs. And as each worry is satisfied, another takes its place, like waves crashing as new ones form. A never-ending cycle of pure self-sabotage. But she was one of the lucky ones. Beautiful and introspective…a rare duo of traits. She was kind and empathetic and ignorant to her own profundity. She was one of a kind without recognition of it. The best kind there is. An accidental cream of the crop.
Alone, but Happy
By Jonas Finkel, age 23
“T
he truth is, troubles never go away. From one moment to the next we will be panicked and afraid and clueless. But there is a profoundly positive aspect to keep in mind when pondering the inevitability of our own mortality. My point is, you and I could be gone at any moment. A disease. A car accident. A bomb. A lightning bolt. It makes life utterly and poetically precious. Every moment could be our last. Therefore every new moment is a miracle. So I figure, I shouldn’t waste my energy thinking of suffering and pain and death when there are so many things worth thinking about that are to die-for. Things like love and music and friends. Things like food and romance and breezy days. Things like your hopes and dreams and lots and lots of cute boys! … Right?” “I’m sorry, that was to much…I blew it didn’t I.” “My God,” She said, “This is the most elaborate pick up line I have ever heard.” There was a moment of silence as he nervously pondered what to say next. He looked at her, focusing in for the first time. Her eyes were deep and soft. Her hair cascaded down like falling rain to her bare spaghetti-strapped shoulders. She had beautiful brown freckles scattered tastefully in the corners of her face. “It actually wasn’t intended to be a pick up line. But, the fact that you are still here after my embarrassing rant does spike my interest. So…what’s your name?” “Jane,” she replied. The boy was right. She was a special girl. A complicated and thoughtful girl. A girl who’s heart was light before the inferno. Before the burden of knowledge. Before the stresses of lingering thoughts. She started clean and fresh and curious, before time gave way to her unpolished life. But now she knows. Now she’s in deep. A good twenty years of cultivating and excavating. Now only questions remain. The innocence of simple fun had been replaced by utter worry: “Am I cute enough? Will people like me? Who am I? What’s next www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 9
Fiction
I
Dreaded Leaves of Autumn
t was autumn, and I was outside raking leaves again. I absolutely despised having to rake leaves. I hated the smell of dead leaves, and the crunch they made when stepped on was absolutely unbearable. It was totally unfair. Why did I always have to do this job? Suddenly, a giant pile of leaves was dropped on top of me, snapping me out of my thoughts. Gross, wet leaves, I grimaced, shaking the leaves out of my hair. I looked around to see who had thrown the leaves at me, and I came face to face with her. Right, her, as in one of my best friends. The person who dragged me around to do all these autumnthemed activities. Unlike me, she absolutely adored fall weather and practically covered herself in the fall trending colors. She embraced the smell of leaves, and was the one who caused the crunching I hated so much. You could say she became the bane of my existence around the months of September, October and November. “What are you doing just staring at the clouds, huh?” she asked me, her arms crossed with a disapproving expression on her face. “We’re helping you rake, but if you just stand around, I’m leaving.” She stuck her tongue out in the childish way she always did, and picked up my dropped rake and shoved it into my arms. Nodding in approval, she picked up her own and started working. That’s when I remembered why she was there; she kept everyone in line. My friends who had been fooling around were now obediently raking leaves, without a single complaint coming from their mouths. She had probably smacked them with the rake to make them work this diligently. She was like a mother hen to us, which just made me wonder why she even hung out with us. She wasn’t a tomboy in the least, and didn’t play video games either, so it was strange how she fit so well into our group. Then again, she was interesting that way. And much to my annoyance, my friends persisted in calling her my “makeshift girlfriend,”
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By Mimi Ngo, age 15
Illustration by Ashley Ford
The
which I couldn’t exactly deny. She really did act like my girlfriend, minus all the romantic crap….because we didn’t like each other that way. We preferred it the way we were. Being “cheesy” wasn’t exactly on our to-do list. “You’re staring into space again,” she jabbed me with her rake and gave me a look of disapproval until I began raking again. “I know you hate raking leaves, but just get over it. You want to go back to your video games, right?” Mumbling some immature gibberish under my breath, I went back to work. We were almost done, so I needed to get it over with. Possibly to annoy me, she began stepping on the leaves in the piles, trying to make as much noise as she could. “Can you stop that?” I asked. “No, can do, chump,” she laughed, crossing her arms and sending me a challenging look. She happily stomped on more of the leaves. Soon, my so called friends began “innocently” walking over the leaves. Why did I have to be surrounded by immature idiots? But then again, they were my idiots. “I still can’t believe you can get annoyed just by crunching leaves. It’s no different from eating chips,” she sent me a questioning look, most likely analyzing me. She was into psychology and took classes on it. My friends and I were her test subjects, and she observed us like zoo animals. “I also don’t know why you hate fall so much.” “I don’t hate fall, it’s just not my favorite season,” I said, leaning on my rake. She then smirked, “But the leaves turn into a color like my auburn hair, and you like my hair color,” she nudged my side, sticking her tongue out childishly like she always did. “So you have at least one thing you like about fall.” Was it me, or was she teasing me? She kept nudging me playfully, ignoring my glare, “Oh, shut up,” I said, pushing her away playfully. Okay, maybe she was right, that was the one thing I liked about fall. “Hah, you didn’t even deny that you like her hair color. You’re get-
Fiction ting soft,” interrupted one of my friends, grinning evilly. I scoffed and ignored him, moving away to continue my work. “It’s okay to admit it; we won’t make fun of you,” the same friend said, “…that much.” All my friends started chuckling, completely ignoring my brewing annoyance. I was normally a rather lax kind of guy, almost stoic. I didn’t get angry easily, but my friends always managed to pull my strings. I never acted upon my emotions that much, and it wasn’t like I had to; my supposed “makeshift girlfriend” acted for me. Unlike me, she was rather hotheaded and easily irritated. One could say she was a moody-bipolar mess, which is ironic as she took an interest in psychology. That girl was crazy! “What are you guys implying?” she spoke up, crossing her arms. “That he has the hots for you,” answered another friend of mine, blunt as always. She just stared at them for moment, blinking, before bursting out laughing. “Hah! You think I don’t know that? No one can resist my cuteness!” she said, grinning with a full-fledged dash of smug slapped on her face.
“I looked around to see who had thrown the leaves at me, and I came face to face with her.” Did I forget to mention she was arrogant at times, and had a huge sense of pride? I rolled my eyes and turned my back to them. It was getting dark and we were nowhere close to being done. “Guys, get over this trivial crap. It’s getting dark,” I said, attempting to move some leaves that were stuck in the grass. “Oh, right,” they all muttered, remembering the reason why they were there. Ten minutes later, someone poked me in the side again. My ever so smug female friend was giving me that look, the one that said that she was right and had proven me wrong about something. I didn’t like it one bit. “What?” “Come on, you don’t need to be shy,” she said, sending off nauseatingly sweet vibes. She wasn’t actually serious; she just wanted to mess with me. When I rolled my eyes and turned away, I could feel her glare at my back. “How can you resist my cuteness?” her play acting was terrible, and she was fully aware of the fact too. “Because you’re not actually cute.” I suddenly felt the temperature drop followed by a not so soft kick in my back, causing me to fall face first into the pile of leaves. “Excuse me? You obviously are blind to cuteness, but if you have the hots for me as they said, then you have to have good taste,” she chuckled into her hand as though she was some sort of villain from a corny superhero movie. “I will spare your life for insulting me for now, but the next time you won’t be so lucky.” Suddenly she was back to her normal bubbly self, and checked her phone. “Woah, I gotta go! Gonna be late for work!” With that said, she disappeared in a flash, leaving me on the ground in a pile of the leaves I hated so much, my friends shaking their heads at me. I just needed to muster the motivation to get off the ground, out of these dreaded leaves… Dreaded leaves of autumn that I still needed to rake. Ugh. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 11
Advice
Ask Sushi
Fluffy Advice by Griffin Stewart, Brooklyn Age: 13
also the daily gossip, kind of stuff.
H
ello my fellow readers and welcome to another column of “Ask Sushi” with me, the glorious dog, Sushi. Wow! I have been through a lot these past couple of weeks. Two of my main pack members left for summer camp! Who knows for how long a year, 6 days, something along those lines. I’ve gone through hardship, depression, destruction. So many different emotions I went through, I cannot even count. But happy now that they are back. Enough about me, time to answer some... Wait, I bet you want to hear some more juicy tidbits about my life. Mmm. I could really go for some juicy tidbits, right now. Aside from the fact that they just abandoned me for camping, hicking and meeting new people, they left me here all alone with only “mom”, which was so unfair...I had something really awesome happen to me. I’ve met a new friend! Her name is, drum roll please, dum dum dum dum, MISO! A tiny version of me, but a girl and a different food name. I know your thinking perfect. And now, let’s answer some Sushi questions. Q: I really am looking forward to school starting up again, but not to all the gossip and teasing that goes on in the halls. What would Sushi’s first day back at school be like? A: Oof, alright. I guess if there was a doggie school I would be one of the smaller, defenseless dogs there. I mean, besides my glorious mane of beautifulness, I just don’t have the scary claws and all that extra unneeded muscle, and it is unneeded. I would probably be teased just a little. So, I would probably have a whole bunch of friends, but maybe not every single one would be my best friend. And in those groups of friends, they always have a little bit of teasing going on. And you know, Page 12 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
On that note, I should talk about how to handle it and not let it get to you. Well, one good way of letting it all out is having a journal, or the girl version of that, a diary. I mean, you can just write about your day, the good and the bad - seeing it both, but not dwelling on the past. Look to the future and all the great things that will happen the next day and the day after that and the day after that. It’s a good nighttime activity to end your day. Now, here’s some Sushi wisdom to you. Always have a sense of humor when going into school. Never take anything too seriously because when you take it too seriously other people can tell that you are and sometimes they are using it as an advantage against you. And if it’s kind of hard to not take things seriously, you could always imagine me in a top hat and a suit with a monocle, telling anyone teasing you a little too much, “You are an albatross man made out of popcorn and bubbles.” Something, silly like that. And that is my Sushi wisdom to you. Q: My parents always want me to exercise but I rarely do. Is exercise really necessary? A: Well, yes and no. It Sushi and Miso is good to stay fit and to work out. But you do not have to go to a gym every day and do it for an hour or more. Instead just take 15 minutes out of your day just to run or do jumping jacks or push ups. You could always ask your mom to get you a pullup bar, which is a good way to build your core body strength. I mean, how I stay fit is I run everywhere. I rarely ever walk. And I do the human equivalent of jumping jacks. I have to jump up for everything. For the couch I have to jump up. For the chair I have to jump up. For everything that’s higher than me I have to jump up. And, I play with my beaver every day and run around. And I stretch and I shake all the time, which are other things. You could get into yoga, which is the equivalent of what I do.
More Info Online!
So here’s my Sushi wisdom to you. I think you should find a happy medium between working out at a gym and not working out at all. Ask your mom to make you a workout plan for the morning or night - whatever fits your schedule. Do a little 15-minute routine every day and you’ll be fine. And add some stretching into that. And that’s my Sushi wisdom to you. Q: Our family has money problems right now and I need to get used to it. I know the saying money can’t buy me happiness, but I am not so sure about that. A: Well, a good way to get used to it, is to do what I do. Find things that don’t require any money and make the best out of it. And always have a happy attitude. For instance, I have my favorite toy, a beaver that is so fun to play with and it doesn’t cost me anything. And I always hang out with my pack members which fills my time and makes me happy. And really finding hobbies - like drawing or woodworking that you can really work on and get better at - that don’t cost a lot. And I bet you will get out of this kind of pot hole that’s made your life bumpy for a little while. So here’s my Sushi wisdom to you. Whenever you are feeling down about how you don’t have enough money to spend, think of how lucky you are. Count ten things that you really like. It could be anything. I’ll do one right now. I am thankful for chicken. I am thankful for my pack members and that they are home now. I am thankful for my beaver. I am thankful for getting my walks. I am thankful for taking great naps. I am thankful for treats. I am thankful for getting my tummy rubbed. I am thankful for playing with my ball. I am thankful for my new friend Miso and my old friend Higgins. I am thankful for the house that I live in. You see, easy. Well, readers, Sushi signing out. Peace, dogs and dogettes.
For more Sushi, go to www.goodlifeyouthjournal/ GL_Advice_Opinions_2013.html
Environment
Sea of Change By Rachel Schackne, age 20
T
he Ocean is the lifeblood of Earth. Covering more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface, it drives weather, regulates temperature, and ultimately supports living organisms. Throughout history, the ocean has been a vital source of sustenance, transport, commerce, growth, and inspiration. Yet for all of our reliance on the ocean, 95 percent of this realm remains unexplored, unseen by human eyes. The Coralreef system is one of the most important components to the ocean ecosystem. Not only has it sustained life within the ocean, it has also been a plentiful harbor of discoveries for the human species, holding breakthroughs within scientific and medical fields. Coral reefs are called the “medicine cabinets” of the 21st century. Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, heart disease, viruses, and other diseases. Some coral reef organisms produce powerful chemicals to fend off attackers, and scientists continue to research the medicinal potential of these substances. The most well-known pharmaceutical that uses chemicals from corals is AZT, a compound used to treat HIV infections. Another, Curacin A, is a leading anti-cancer drug candidate first derived from a bac-
Photo by Rachel Schackne
“Oceanography is a great field to pursue.”
terium found on Caribbean coral reefs. A further anti-cancer compound (bryostatin-1) was developed from a common coral reef species called a bryozoan, and is currently worth up to US$1 billion per year. Bamboo corals and other species of porous corals provide an important substance in orthopedic bone implants. Despite their great economic and recreational value, a range of human activities now threatens these important habitats. Many of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed or severely damaged by global climate change via ocean acidification. Once coral reefs are damaged, they are less able to support the many creatures that inhabit them. Researchers estimate that the prospect of finding a new drug in the sea, especially among coral reef species, may be 300 to 400 times more likely than isolating one from terrestrial locations. Therefore, the future of science and medicine depends upon conserving the irreplaceable coral reef ecosystems. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 13
Health & Wellness
The Monsters That Live in Your Mouth
Y
fessional cleanings remove this plaque and also any hard deposits that have formed. If plaque is left on the teeth for more than a few hours, the decay process begins.” One cause of bad breath is the coating which naturally forms on the tongue. Obviously, foods like onions and garlic sour your breath. According to dentist Richard Price, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, “The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out.” Another culprit is, of course, smoking. Quit immediately, if not sooner. Mints or mouthwash may not help mask your bad breath for a few reasons. Sugary gums and mints promote the growth of bacteria, which promotes everyone staying far away from you. A better choice is sugar-free gum.
“You can arm yourself with knowledge for the battle against bad breath” That helps to stimulate saliva flow, which is the body’s natural defense mechanism against tooth decay and halitosis. Of course, there are other simple ways to avoid halitosis, as Dr. Viglielmo mentioned, such as brushing at least twice a day with a soft brush and flossing regularly to reach what your toothbrush can’t. Visit your dentist regularly and, as with any health professional, be as honest as you can about your oral hygiene. If you don’t really floss every day, tell your dentist. You could also invest in a tongue scraper, available at most any drug store or super market, to curb the problem of bad breath. If you have nothing else, rinse with plain, un-carbonated water to help freshen the mouth. So remember: practice good oral hygiene. It helps you get rid of bad breath, giving you confidence and something to smile about.
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Illustration by Megan Stack
ou know the scenario well. It’s after lunch, everyone is digesting, and suddenly, a co-worker wants to talk. As soon as he opens his mouth, you can sense what he had for lunch…and who knows what else. Tempted to hand over a toothbrush, paste, floss, and mouthwash, you cringe and try to take it with a smile. We’ve all been taught, whether painlessly or not, the same truth: oral hygiene is really, really important (especially for your co-workers). While you can’t change your coworkers’ habits, you can arm yourself with knowledge for the battle against bad breath. Maybe kindly pass this knowledge along, next time you find yourself cringing. One of the prime causes of halitosis (or bad breath) is plaque, the sticky build-up on teeth that harbors bacteria. Many times, in people seeking treatment for this ailment, the culprit is something in the mouth, like odors released by bacteria. In a healthy mouth, there are acceptable levels of bacteria, both good and bad. But when white blood cells and cocci are present and the bad bacteria begin to overwhelm the good Among the beasties that can live in your mouth are: Spirochetes, Cocci, bacteria, problems arise. When rods and vibrios make their presWhite Blood Cells and Vibrios. ence known, a person will notice Illustration: Caleb McNamara their gums will bleed more easily and look puffy to the eye. The body sends white blood cells to come and try to fight off these bacteria. Other bacteria, such as spirochetes, contribute to the oral turmoil and possible infection. So begins the battle that only proper dental hygiene and a visit to the dentist will help you to win. So how do bacteria produce bleeding gums, bad breath, and more serious infections? Kingston Dentist Dr. Jeffrey Viglielmo explains. “Some of these bacteria cause inflammation which creates biologically active chemicals that are spread throughout the body (via) by the blood stream. Those bacteria can spread and cause trouble far and wide. The goal is to decrease their number at the source by disrupting their biofilm (plaque environment) by mechanical means (brushing/ flossing) and then flushing them away with water or a Water Pik. Pro-
By Shannon Myers, 20
Health & Wellness
Exercise!
S
By Cassandra Hastie, age 17
upposedly, we live in a free country. We, as United States citizens, have the right to say and do (with some restrictions) as we please. My question is, why don’t more people exercise their right to take care of themselves? They can do this by eating well, sleeping enough, and last but not least, exercising. Exercise is beneficial for multiple reasons. Not only does it help us feel better physically, but it helps emotionally. It is proven that exercise improves mood and raises energy (Mayo Clinic, 2011). My personal favorite benefit from exercise is the fact that it helps you sleep better. In this day and age, both teens and adults have so much on their minds that sleep can seem impossible. Having a natural way to help improve sleep is truly a gift. Exercise also lengthens your lifespan and can help prevent you from developing heart disease (Harvard School of Public Health). I’m not saying that being obsessive about exercising is healthy, but it is important to take time out of our busy lives to feel good. When I exercise, I don’t do it to fuel a desire to be a certain way, and I don’t do it to please someone else. I do it strictly for myself. It boosts my confidence because I know that I am leading a healthy lifestyle. If we want to love ourselves, we have to treat ourselves with respect and care. Even taking a nice walk on a beautiful day with your dogs is a present to your body. Keeping your mood and energy up will help you see yourself in a more positive and clear light. Another part of self-care is indulging every once in a while. What fun is life without a cone of soft-served ice cream on a hot summer night? Plus, it makes everything better! Indulging is a social activity and can put you in a great mood. I guess what I’m trying to say is that balance is really important. To feel your best and be confident, you
“Exercise also lengthens your lifespan and can help prevent you from developing heart disease” have to maintain a healthy ratio of work and play. Life can be a wonderful ride if you carefully ponder the decisions you make and make sure that you are being kind and loving to your body. Be sure to check out my blog at anewbeautiful.weebly.com, and if you are ever struggling with body image issues, don’t hesitate to email me at creatinganewbeautiful@gmail.com. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 15
Interview
The Universe of
Thorneater Comics
By Caleb McNamara, age 21
W
ill Lytle has been a major contributor to the local art scene in Woodstock, NY for the past three years. His Thorneater Publications are homemade and have caught the attention of many who find them in local businesses, such as Sunfrost or Joshua’s. Will’s unique style of drafting and storytelling is a refreshing contribution to the art of comic book creation. One of the many intriguing qualities of Will’s art is his complex, yet beautiful line work that is most captivating. The line work in his publications and gallery pieces is woven together so naturally it can remind one of the work of the late Harry Clarke (1889-1931book illustrator of the Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Anderson). I had a chance to sit down with Will and discuss the creation and popularity of his work. Me: So how did you come up with the concept and style of your comic series? Will: I always wanted to do comics in High School, but every time I tried to do it in the conventional style, like the marvel or DC storytelling style, it never really clicked. I could just never get it to work and it would just really frustrate me. I loved reading them, but could never tell a story like that - you know like panel to panel. When I moved to the city, serendipitously I moved into this girl’s apartment who had just left in a hurry and left a bunch of her stuff behind. Among the pile of books I found under the bed there was one of Adrian Tomine’s first early comics (Optic Nerve). Adrian Tomine is now a widely known comic book illustrator but his first comics he was just xeroxing and spreading them around town. They were really kind of boxy little weird stories that looked awkward and didn’t really work that well. I looked at them and they started to make sense to me even though his comics were very unconventional. They made me realize that, “Oh, there are other ways to make comics and to tell a story.” Flash forward a couple of years to a really boring job I got working a couple of days a week, just sitting running a shop. Not doing much I started doodling and then the doodles turned into groups of doodles and I kind of started forming little stories. I started thinking about how cool it would be to just do one small story instead Page 16 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
of something long and then just move on to another one. So that was what the first 20 issues were. I would just make a story fragment and then move on to a completely new short story. As I look back the next thing I might do could be more along the lines of that format. I’ve been doing longer stories recently and they’re awesome, but they’re also really taxing. I did “The Death Magic” series which is definitely my longest running, most cohesive storyline. I did another one over the fall called, “The Cold Outside of Fire” that turned into a longer narrative. Now that I look back it definitely seems like an incomplete work - I didn’t
THE FIRE AND THE CROWN
Interview
TH I RODE THE BEHEMO
really understand where I was going with it. The Death Magics seem more like a cohesive story, something I made up as I went along basically. But it’s exhausting staying with the same story and characters, making sure the plot stays together. Now I look back on those first 20 stories and it seems like I had such freedom. So, that’s pretty much the birthing story of these pieces. It took someone taking me by the shoulder and telling me “stop trying to imitate Marvel, your never going to do it, it’s not you.” So that’s how I came up with these little comic stories. I say comic because you kind of have to call them that but really they’re just short illustrated stories. I’ve come to realize that the one thing that leads an artist to find their own style is attempting to imitate another artist’s style that they admire.
drawing. It was always more important to get it out of my head than it was to worry about how I was going to do it. So that kind of set the stage for it. I used to worry that it’s not going to look that good if I’m just doing it in pen and ink, but then the part of me that always wins is the one that tells me it’s better to just get it out so that it exists instead of emphasis on how it looks. I’ve always been sort of brutally pragmatic about the media I’m using and basically whatever I’ve got, I use. With “The Death Magic” series I’ve forgone my original media, which is really just micron pens. Sometimes I feel like I’m a little too anal retentive with my line work so some of the work comes out looking a little stiff. I started thinking that if I could use a medium that’s a little more sloppy or smudgy to help my drawing loosen up a bit. Whether it’s worked or not, I’m not sure. For “The Death Magic” series I use Indian ink and a really basic nib point pen with a really sloppy nib that’s purposely kind of rough and crappy because its supposed to look sort of rugged and gross.
job. At first I wasn’t that excited about it, but then I started thinking that I could use it to manufacture these little booklets. It took a lot of trial and error at first because the printer was so old that it often made mistakes. Eventually the harsh outcome of the copied comic pages ended up adding to the overall style. In terms of distribution I started leaving them in Sunfrost where I work, and then I started moving on to coffee shops like Joshua’s and places like that and luckily people started actually browsing through them. Will is recognized for his style and talent. He has been commissioned by local businesses to do ads for Woodstock General Supply and The Paul Green Rock Academy music school. His homemade publications can be found for sale in the Golden Note Book in Woodstock. He continues to have exhibits of his large art works in local restaurants such as New World Home Cooking or Oriole 9. His artwork is an example of the unique creative freedom that allows artists to thrive in the town of Woodstock. See more of Will’s work at http://thorneater.tumblr.com/
"One thing that leads an artist to find their own style is attempting to imitate another ... that they admire."
Me: So what media do you use to create the series? Will: Well, I normally just stick to pen and ink, but I often wonder if I could get a little more imaginative with it. For me it always seemed like it was better to just create the
Me: Are the stories in your series meant to be symbolic in any way? Will: I think anything that I make is a little symbolic because you can’t create something without it being effected by the state of your mind. I’m always a proponent of the reader’s ability to take away what they want. I try to impose my sentiments in a very subtle way, so they aren’t up in your face. The one thing I don’t like in art is when the artist tries to forcefully project their idea or intentions on the viewer. I try to avoid doing that as much as possible, but there are obviously common themes and recurring symbols in all the series. Me: So how did you start getting the comics out to the public? Will: I got an old printer for free from my old www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 17
Cover Story
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Cover CoverStory Story
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Photography
Smoke Show
H
udson Valley teens are full of artistic talent! Don’t let all the facebook “selfies” fool you - these young people know how to make amazing art too! In 2008, the Center for Photography at Woodstock recognized this and created a teen photography & video educational program to help nourish those who want to explore the arts (and have some fun too!). CPW’s 4-day Teen Photography Camp, which took place this July, taught 6 teens about the technical aspects of digital SLR photography and examined how to express oneself through the medium. They learned all the basics of how to operate a camera, how to edit in Photoshop and how to be expressive in a number of different situations. Once the Canon cameras got into their hands, they became unstoppable. They were shooting and editing like pros. These images are examples of one of their photo shoots in Woodstock called “Smoke.” The campers used this scene to explore nontraditional portraiture and story-telling. Using some special effects, models, and artistic direction, they created images that are playful and poetic. Despite the fact that they all photographed the same scenes, each individual created a completely different image and truly expressed themselves through their lens. Keep an eye on CPW’s education calendar for the next Teen Camp
Amber Mensche
Cally Mansfield
Emma Buckler
Sarah Buckler
Kalena Kwiecinski
Marley Alford
in Spring 2014. Can’t wait until then? An after school video program will begin in October 2013. For those who like to get their hands dirty, CPW also offers an Alternative Process class for teens. See www.cpw.org for more information. -Elizabeth Unterman, CPW Teen Camp Instructor www.elizabethunterman.com
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 21
Artwork by Caleb McNamara
Artwork by Megan Stack
Artwork by Monty Stewart
Artwork by Hannah Corwin
the wall illustration * art *
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 22
Health
manga * photo * comics * digital * lifestyle * Satire
Drawings by Madeline Friedman, age 16 Kayla Hake, age 18 (left). I’m from MN. Steam Powered Giraffe is full of creativity and joy. They’ve helped me grow as an artist because of their impeccable ability to always impress and inspire. Visit: http://clumsykee.deviantart.com
SPG FanPhoto: Amber Haro (Spine & Rabbit below) I’m 19 years old and I live in New Mexico where I’m currently a sophomore in college. SPG is a great band and so full of musical talent and energy. They are a fantastic band and that aspect really helps them create a large, incredibly supportive fanbase http://hawiianspiderpeople. deviantart.com/art/
Steam Powered Giraffe photo by Beth Riley GeekShotphoto.com
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 23
Sports
Scenic Fall Biking Tours
F
all is just around the corner, and with it comes crisper weather and beautiful scenery. A good way to enjoy this while getting in some much needed exercise – and we all know you overdid it at the barbecues - is biking. Biking provides an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, and fun way to enjoy the scenery and shed a few calories. But, where do you start?
Christian Favata (right) of Favata’s Table Rock Tours and Bicycle shop lists the Rosendale-Kingston Loop as one of his favorites. The other for serious bikers extends to the Reservoir and is 40 mile total. Just go and ask him! Page 24 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
By Nicholas Sorice, age 16
First of all, you’re going to need a bike. There are four basic types of bicycles: the Road Bike, the Mountain Bike, the Hybrid Bike, and the Lifestyle Bike. Each bike varies in price and purpose. The most expensive bike is the Road Bike, which at it’s cheapest is around $700, but can go up to as much as $10,000. This bike is obviously only for those that are very passionate about the hobby, or have a ton of money to blow. This style of bike is meant for on-road cycling, and is a good fit for those who are already in good shape. Take this bike around the neighborhood if you live in a well-maintained area and you should have no trouble. If you’re looking to go off-roading and have some adventure, then you may want to look into purchasing a Mountain Bike. These bikes are the second most expensive of the four varieties, ranging from $200 to $3,000. They are obviously a more realistic option than the Road Bike while still being a pretty serious vehicle. Some great off-road trails are the “Rail Trails.” Rail Trails are trails that are converted from old train tracks into walking and bike trails. They are generally covered in gravel, and vary in length. A great aspect of the Rail Trails is that they are all completely free. You can find a full list of rail trails at railstotrails.org. The Hybrid Bike is a comfortable and quick ride at a low cost. If you’re looking for a good method of transportation at a low cost, the Hybrid Bike is for you. The average price for a Hybrid Bicycle is around $950, but you can find some for as low as $200. The Hybrid Bike provides an upright seat and a thin tire which allows the rider to move quickly and comfortably. While it is not quite as quick as the Road Bike, or as comfortable as the Mountain Bike, it’s ability to mix the best aspects of each has allowed the Hybrid Bike to become one of the most popular bicycles on the market.
Sports
Billy Denter (above) of Overlook Mountain Bike Shop in Woodstock.
Finally, there’s the Lifestyle Bike. This is the hipster bike. This is the bike that comes with a mustache handlebar and an ironic sailor tattoo. They feature crazy customizations and colors. If you’re looking to make a splash with your ride, then this is certainly the style for you. Plus, these bikes low price point ($700 at the most) make them perfect for your Barista’s salary and you’ll still have some dough to roll on down to that vintage record shop down the street. So, you’ve picked out the perfect Alec Hoover won 1st place in bike and mapped out your route, and the Bike Tour of the Catskills Hunter/Windham 3-day stage you’re ready to go, right? Wrong. You race (category 4 points leader). still need gear. But don’t worry, there works at Favatas TRT Bike shop isn’t too much to it. Just grab yourself a
helmet, some comfy shorts (or if you’re super dedicated, compression shorts) an under rack for your water thermos. Have fun on the trails! Featured Shops: Trtbicycles.com 1066 Route 32 Rosendale, NY #845-658-7832 Bike Rental $35 per day (depending on model) • Overlook Mountain Bikes.com 93 Tinker st. Woodstock, NY Phone: 845-679-2122 Some Cool Bikes: (High-end) Trek Domane Series 5.9 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 –Electronic Shifting = $4,929 (Affordable model) TrekWahoo: Mountain Bike = $629 others Giant $300 up, Kona $479 up, Scott $879 up. Area Bike Shops: http://oldspokeshome.tripod.com (Blues Magoos) Mike Esposito’s bike garage, Woodstock, behind Oriole 9 Restaurant • www.revolutionbicycles.webs.com/ Saugerties, NY (845) 246-1492 • http://www.bicycledepot.com (Bike rental rate $35) New Paltz, NY (845) 255-3859 • TheBicycleRack.com New Paltz, NY 845255-1770 • KingstonCyclery.com Kingston, NY 845-382-2453
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Food
The Milky Way
O
ne of the biggest arguments in the world of nutrition is which milk alternative is best. It feels like every time I look away, I come back to one of my friends saying, “Hey, have you tried this new kind of milk? Yeah, it’s made of this new kind of (insert weird kind of nut or plant you have never heard of.) Why are milk alternatives becoming such a hot commodity? Is it just a hip thing, or did it really take us this long to realize milk isn’t all its cracked up to be? Every childhood milk related memory I have is accompanied by a stomach ache: That day at the park when we had to go home because I had a stomach ache. The school nurse’s office after lunch because my stomach hurt. You wouldn’t think it was rocket science, but not one single doctor mentioned that maybe I shouldn’t be eating or drinking dairy products. God forbid I broke a bone because I hadn’t had enough milk! Really, though? Calcium? How much do we really get from the white mustache? Truth is, milk actually leads to calcium deficiency. Science backs this up. Milk has a pH of 6.4 to 6.8, making it acidic. Our bodies then release calcium from our bones to fight the acidic milk. Thus we are losing calcium.
Making Soy Milk By Pico Aulicino
① Soak soy beans in glass jar for minimum 8 hours. Soaking for more than 24 hours can result in watered down product. ② Add soaked beans to food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes. Frequently stop the machine to scrape beans from side of processor. ③ Meanwhile boil a pot of water on stove. 2 cups beans=1 quart water ④ Add beans to pot of water. Let cook for 20 minutes, stir frequently. Keep a close eye on the pot because the mixture will begin to foam. When the liquid takes on a grainy texture it is done ⑤ Next place a cheese cloth in a bowl(I used a clean bandana) Begin to poor mixture into cloth. When all of it is in lift cloth and begin to wring out liquid. (caution liquid may still be hot) ⑥ And there you have it! Soy milk is great in smoothies or breakfast cereal and so easy to make. Enjoy! Page 26 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Article by Pico Aulicino, age 16 Photography: Pico Aulicino Amy Lanou, Ph.D. and the nutrition director for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington, D.C. says, “The countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis are the ones where people drink the most milk and have the most calcium in their diets. The connection between calcium consumption and bone health is actually very weak, and the connection between dairy consumption and bone health is almost nonexistent.” If that’s not enough to make you rethink your dairy intake, did you know your milk contains expired white blood cells (also known as pus)? Our state actually has a legal limit of how many are allowed to be in milk sold on shelves. The U.S. limit allows 750 million per liter. How do they get in our milk? We feed our cows hormones because they’re not producing fast enough, which leads to the cows suffering from infections such as mastitis, which then leak into our milk. Would you like a side of milk with dead white blood cells? I would like
“Soy milk contains the highest protein and least amount of sugar.” nothing to do with that, thank you. This take on milk might seem drastic growing up in the ‘Got Milk?’ society, but there are many alternatives. When it comes to choosing my milk alternative, I consider the three variables of protein, calories, and sugars. The three choices I looked at are coconut milk original by SO Delicious, almond milk original by Silk, and plain soy milk by Silk. Out of all three, the almond milk has the lowest calories and the soy milk contains the highest protein and least amount of sugar. Using these three nutritional facts might help you narrow down your choice of alternative milks. The truth about diet is that one size doesn’t fit all. Finding what works for you and your dietary needs may take time, but be patient. The world of nutrition is doing a complete 360 and milk is just the beginning. The demand for knowledge about food is an epidemic and can leave any seeker overwhelmed. Food production has never been so complicated and we are growing farther away from the simplicity of agriculture. As the population grows, so does the demand for more food with cheaper and faster production and distribution. We can only go forward in the world of nutrition. We can discover new ways to replenish our bodies with what they need to thrive. It is time to make changes and take action. Educate yourself and prosper.
Fashion
Back To School Fashions
By Asia Gross, age 10
M
any girls worry about what to wear on the first day of school. They think to themselves, “This is a new grade. I have to dress differently this year.” They are right. This generation’s kids want to be heard and stand out. That’s why it is an exciting time to start a fresh look every year. And each year, you should get more creative with your look. The only thing I don’t recommend is makeup. Don’t hide your face--show yourself and be proud of yourself.
What are some “in” style fashions for middle school students? First off, don’t try to wear inappropriate outfits to school like some of the girls that try to be cool. Stand out. Try wearing cute shirts with either funny writing, cute pictures, your name, or your initials on them. Also try wearing mix-matched clothes that look good together. You should always have your own signature accessory that makes you unique. Mine is cute headbands. Yours could be jewelry or a certain type of T-shirt . . . anything you want. Another thing you might want to try is bringing a bag with your name on it. That will totally make you stand out. Two more things: try to wear short skirts or skinny jeans. You could also wear flats or boots to school. Another fun thing you can do is put on a fashion show with your friends and see what they are wearing for the first day of school. Try to give each other constructive criticism, too. What about elementary school students? If you are in elementary school, you should also have a signature accessory. For hair, do whatever you want that feels comfortable. Elementary students should try to wear colorful skirts or dresses. Cute pants or capris would work too. For tops, you should try flower print or animals on the front. For shoes, you could wear sneakers or Mary Janes. Always remember: Stand out, Start fresh, and Stay creative. Until next time, this is Asia helping you embrace your inner school fashion sense!
Photos taken by (and of ) Pia, Dagny and Asia
“Always remember: Stand out, Start fresh, and Stay creative.”
Top Fashion Tips
Simpler can be better Don’t be too perfect Be different who you want to be Be & reinvent yourself & a smile are your Confidence most fabulous accessories. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 27
Poetry
A Universe Far Away From Reality By: Clara Griffin A light-year A century An eternity It has no meaning for me
As clocks tick time transcends, trouble lurks round every bend eternity submits a sinister smile, perfectly content to wait awhile
Never waking up
for all that once was to disintegrate to dust, and ritualistically combust
Caught in the inferno of my nightmare Twisting and bending my mind Catapulted from one end of the universe to the other In a few seconds time as I am falling into an abyss That ends even when it begins
But then renews so again this chase ensues, in brilliant hues of red and blue —David Flecher
It consumes me
Photo by Dylan McNamara
I drift through the stars and empty space like a long forgotten sleepwalker
Tantalizing the darkest regions of my soul Appealing to my most malicious wishes Figure skating in my brain Except it never stumbles or even smiles It executes its job flawlessly with no pause No moment of pity It is ice Frozen to the core Until it will crack and become broken As the first rays of light penetrate the surface Slowly fighting for life
Light Haikus
Eliza Siegel, age 16
Panes of dirty glass Do not hide the waking world Just temper the light
And as this happens I must remain an automaton Not moving, not thinking, not existing For if I do
Heavy curtains drawn
I will be thrust into a new dimension of it
To reveal the ancient shelves
One in which I suffocate from the inside
Touched by dust and sun
Devastatingly surrounded by its force until I exist in a place where time and reality flee shaken As I watch a million galaxies flash a trillion colors toward me as I fly by In sympathy? In anger? In sorrow? That will always remain a mystery
Scarlet light ascends Cloaking all in fair mirage Fleeting, fading dawn
I will be thrust into a new dimension of it One in which I suffocate from the inside Devastatingly surrounded by its force until I exist in a place where time and reality flee shaken
In sympathy? In anger? In sorrow? That will always remain a mystery Page 28 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Glisten in majestic dusks Flicker and they’re free
Photo by Eden O’Clair
As I watch a million galaxies flash a trillion colors toward me as I fly by
Fragments of veiled light
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 29
Reading & Writing
NaNoWriMo
I
“So this November, go ahead and write a novel!” many other writing events that happen all through the year. The idea is that you write 50,0000 words, starting on 12:01 A.M. on November 1st and finishing by 11:59 P.M. on November 31st. Editing, revision, and rereading is strictly off limits. Your novel doesn’t need to meet any more guidelines than being an original novel that meets or exceeds 50,000 words. The essence of NaNoWriMo is to allow your rough draft to be, well,
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Photo by Hannah Corwin
t’s November 1st! You flip to the new page in your calendar and quickly glance down at the holidays. Daylight Saving, Thanksgiving and…er…there has to be something else...but the page remains mostly empty. You don’t have anything planned. It’s too early for snow, and too cold for spending extended amounts of time outside. So what are you going to do? If you’re like about 256,500 other writers around the world, you’ll most likely write a novel. Yes, an entire novel. This phenomenon is called National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo was founded by 21 writers in 1999, and has since become one of the main events on a writer’s agenda. The group became The Office of Letters and Light and has since founded a Young Writer’s Program for kids age 17 and under. It also organizes
By Nancy Shauffler, age 11
rough, so you have the entire thing (or, at least, a version that somewhat resembles it) written. Then, after November is over, you can refine it to your heart’s content. Those of you who are 17 years old or younger may want to check out the Young Writer’s Program, which is an opportunity to write a novel during November, except you can set your own word count goal at the beginning of the month. Nanowrimo.org requires participants on their website to be 13 or older, but if you’re below that age you can go on the Young Writer’s Program website and still participate in the November novel frenzy. NaNoWriMo isn’t just about sitting all alone writing for a month. There are other more sociable aspects of NaNoWriMo, which can be found online or in your own communities. First of all, there are the forums. NaNoWriMo forums are a safe place on the main website or on the YWP to talk about writing or pretty much anything else under the sun. There are also many other places to find NaNoWriMo on the Internet, such as Facebook, Twitter, and the Office of Letters and Light blog. In addition to that, many towns have local NaNoWriMo chapters, run by volunteers. NaNoWriMo chapters often host parties and writing events to connect you with other WriMo’s in your area. So this November, go ahead and write a novel! Find more information at nanowrimo.org or ywp.nanowrimo.org
Books
The Elting Memorial Library
T
his quaint, homey library in the heart of New Paltz may look plain on the outside, but inside awaits a world of possibility and adventure. The Elting Memorial Library offers classes, workshops, events, screenings and more. Nearly every day of the week, something fun is going on: chess on Monday, story time (it can still be fun!) on Tuesday, knitting on Wednesday, music on Thursday, and movies on Friday. The chances of being bored here are Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz slim. One of the best things about the library is that they are open everyday. So surrounding Hudson Valley. The Havilandyou can get the information you need for a Heidgerd collection has been called “the best project or borrow that book you can’t live genealogical and local history collection in without. the Mid-Hudson Valley.” Interested in history and anthropology? If you just want to kick back and take a The Elting Memorial Library archives are full break from studying, the teen’s corner beckof primary source documents and published ons. Here, you’ll find computers, magazines works about the history of New Paltz and the (including this one!) and books for teenag-
By Clara Griffin, Age 15 ers only. Better yet, the younger sibling(s) can head over to the children’s room where they are sure to lose themselves in the great collection of books, computers, comfy chairs, and special events just for them. If something you want is not in stock at the Elting Memorial, you can request items from the MidHudson Library System at www. midhudson.org. Just input the barcode from your free library card, and your request will most likely turn up in a few days for you to check out. On this website you can also check the availability of any books or media, check the status of your loans, and re-new items. Overall, everything at the Elting Memorial Library is free as long as you return it on time, making this library a place where you can educate and enjoy yourself, regardless of your age or circumstances. The Elting Memorial Library gives back to the community in so many ways, and is truly a special place.
Library Calendar Gardiner Library: 133 Farmers Turnpike Tue: 9:30-1045 & Wed: 1:30-2:30 Story, Th: 5-6 Group Guitar Th: 5-7 Teen Tech Tutors Th: 7-8:30 Knitters 845-255-1255 or gardnerlibrary.org
olivefreelibrary.org
Kingston Library: 55 Franklin St. Mon: 4-5 Bookmaking club Tues: , 10:30 Toddler Story hour Wed: 10:30 Story Hour Thur: 3:30-5 Teen Art Club Call 845-331-0507 x7 or kingstonlibrary.org
Poughkeepsie Library: 504 Haight Av.Teen Room Open: Mon/Tue2-6, W/Th 2-8 Fri/ Sat 2-5. Reading Buddy Program. 845-4549308 or poklib.org
New Paltz Elting Memorial Library: 93 Main St. : Mon 6:30 pm Chess. Wed 4:00 Knitting kids Fri 6:30-7:30 Movies call 845-255-5030 or eltinglibrary.org Olive Free Library: 4033 Rt 28 Shokan Mon: 5-6 4-H Girls,Tues: 10-11 Story Hour. Activities for children, teens call 845-657-2482 or
Phoenicia Library: 9 Ava Maria dr. Mon 3-5 Homework help, Sat: 10:30-12:00 Event programs, Sat 1-2:30 Art hour. call 845-6887811/ or phonecialibrary.org
Poughkeepsie: Adriance Memorial Library: 93 Market St. 845-485-3445 or poklib.org Rosendale Library: 264 Main st Wed evening events 7:00. sept 14 Freedom Gardner Horticulture, Oct 17 The American Crow, Nov 14 Climate Change at Mohonk. 845658-9013 or rosendalelibrary.org
Saugerties Library: 91 Washington Ave. Mon: 6:30-7:30 Lego Club, Tue & Wed 3:304:30 Teen Club (video & crafts). call 845246-4317 Ann Van Damm Stone Ridge Library: 3700 Main st. Sat: 1012 Knitters, Film Fridays call 845-687-7023 or stoneridgelibrary.org West Hurley Library: 42 Clover st. Mon: Pre-school story hour 10:30, Weds: Knitting Group 6:00-830, Movie every 4th Monday Call 845-679-6405 or westhurleylibrary.org Woodstock Library: Tue: 4:00 Story time Wed: 10:30 story time.Thur: 4:00 Lilliput Players Sat: 10:30 Family (stories/performers). Call Lesley Sawhill 845-679-2213 or email: Woodstock.org
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 31
Awareness
Depression
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eventh grade was when my depression began. Now before anyone asks, nothing triggered this. I just started feeling like crap in Seventh grade, despite my loving family, amazing friends, stable household, good grades, and basically perfect life. For a few years I didn’t validate any of it, because in my mind I was exaggerating, making up problems where there were none, being ungrateful. When I finally saw a doctor about it and decided not to lie, I realized that sometimes it just happens, maybe my brain was a little wonky, and that I wasn’t being overdramatic. There was the exhaustion, and then the sadness. The sadness had no source, no reasoning whatsoever, but it was there. It was like incredibly distracting background music, turned up a little too loud. At first I tried to get rid of it, but when I realized I couldn’t do that I turned the volume up, grabbed a blanket, and just let it surround me. I could still have happy moments, at times. I still laughed at jokes. I still smiled at things. But the sadness was still there, waiting, and it absolutely hated being ignored. Weekends with friends were life-saving. Because I couldn’t tell my blood family what I was going through, my other family, my friends, saved me. I would show them my broken heart, and they would kiss it and put band-aids on it and keep it beating until I could see them again. I held onto moments with the people I cared about and little things I would find when with them- a rock in the shape of a heart, an old rusty nail on the side of a path, little objects that I wouldn’t let anyone touch and would cling to when I felt lost. I needed help, but was too scared to ask for it. I forget how my parents found out. It may have been my sister, or it may have been that I forgot to cover up my arms with bracelets one day, but either way they sent me to group therapy. It was good to talk to the other girls, and it was good to let it out, vent a little, relax for an hour and a half every Tuesday night. But my brain was still messed up. They put me on Zoloft, with persuasion from my concerned sister, and I think it helped for a few months before my body got used to it. It stopped working, so I one day took myself off of it. If you’ve ever read about or gone through Zoloft withdrawal, you know that it’s hell.
By Kyra Lynn Helgers, age 16 By Eleventh grade, my grades dropped into the 40s and my parents grounded me. I wasn’t allowed to phone anyone, see anyone, or go online until my grades improved and my room got cleaned. Neither one happened. After a few months, my parents realized that grounding me was making it worse. I got new medication. They sat me down and asked me if I would like to try out a private school. A Sudbury school. A nonstressful, no curriculum, democratic school that lets its students choose how they spend their days, learning through everyday experiences and play. They told me I could visit the school and check it out, and I started sobbing. I didn’t see any way out before that. I’ve been going to Sudbury for around 3 months now, and it has changed my life. The doubts I had about the philosophy of the school dissolve with each 9-year old poet, each 6-year old who answers the phone, “Hello, Hudson Valley Sudbury School, how may I help you?”, with each child who knows more about friendship and morals and honesty and communication than half of the adults I know. This school, this crazy, radical, insane Artwork by Chloe Rovitz school, has saved my life. It has taught me to hold on to inspiration, to find new reasons to live every second, to be different and odd and inspirational and ferociously passionate. Every once in a while, for a few days, I get bogged down again. Depression will come back, smiling and asking, “Did you forget about me?”. But it knows better than to stay, and I know better than to let it. Because no, I didn’t forget. And I’m not cured. But I hold the chains now, the whip, whatever metaphorical leash I need to keep it down. I’m in control now. What I’ve realized is that I was never weak. Throughout those five years of not being able to do anything and wanting to give up entirely, I was not weak. I was beaten, bruised, bloody, but I was alive. I am alive. I am alive.
“I still smiled at things, but the sadness was still there.”
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Final Words
Education (Supposedly At Its Finest)
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Photo by Garland Berenzy
ecently new courses I have been taking, at the start of my first year in high school have left me feeling unsatisfied and on edge. My high school is supposed to be one of the best in the Hudson Valley region, yet why do I feel like our classes are manipulated by an all-powerful NY state curriculum, or that our classes are far from what they could ever be? I have come to realize that there are in fact very simple reasons why the education system is not meeting my expectations, and the expectations of so many others. First of all, the students and the teachers in some situations are pushed to their limit by having to teach us (and us having to learn) an incredible amount of information every week, so the subjects we would like to look at in depth, or explore further are only scratched at the surface. This must be why (partly) young people have such a difficult time choosing what they want their career to be, or what kind of college they want to go to, because during high school they could only skim over areas they thought would or could have interested them. -Secondly, the way we are taught is not to satisfy curiosity and to gain knowledge; it’s to score well on graded work. This is no secret to us students, and I believe this fact enables a sort of shut down in our minds. It takes the joy and excitement out of learning anything. Fear and detachment settles in, so many just memorize what must be known to score high grades. This knowledge takes away the part of us that will learn outside of the classroom on a topic we enjoy for fun. Finally, I believe that in one classroom all students are taught the same way, without any consideration for the fact that if one student cannot seem to grasp an idea or learns in a different style (perhaps only one new subject per day for example) they are often brushed off, or accused of not putting in the effort. Then there are the students who never get the help they need and fall behind because they are unable for some reason to ask someone for help. Unfortunately for them, the teacher will in many cases only talk about how to get higher grades,
since they want them to succeed in their class academically. But they never ask how exactly did their grade fall, or what assistance they need to actually comprehend what they are taught every day. I sincerely hope that someday, our education system will not be based on multiple choice and long response questions, but will be based on truly understanding all there is to know on a specific subject, and non-generic classes individualized for every type of thinker, so students can honestly understand what the true meaning of discovery and learning is meant to be.
One Teacher’s Response to Writer: Miss Griffin has stated with accuracy, what we educators know...the students aren’t loving learning because all of the passion has been removed. We teachers must generate all of this information, in a scripted format, and because we have so much that we must teach (and the state/federal laws dictate that to us) the pressure for both the teachers and students often erupts in a manner which is detrimental to all involved. Creativity of the teachers, the students, and an entire school system is taken away, which leads to an avalanche of information which the student is expected to regurgitate in a State approved Standardized Test (in Indiana it is called ISTEP). This often leaves the atmosphere within the classroom and the entire school (even a school system) absent of the excitement of learning. Students are never taught “mastery” of any idea, thought, subject, or interest before the teacher is required to move on to the next thing. That is why you have students today, who are in junior high, and still have not mastered multiplication and division, who have no recall ability of basic facts, and who read at below grade level. You see, back in my day I had teachers who “thought outside the box”, who were allowed to teach, who were allowed to be creative, who loved their students, and who loved to teach! LET THE TEACHERS TEACH!!!!! —Dori Myers, Terre Haute Indiana
Memories
By Shane Tart, age 20
O
ur lost ones will be remembered for all of eternity. The great things they have all done, and lives they’ve change made a positive outlook on our life. Each and every one of them is a leader and can bring people together. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families. It’s beautiful how friends and family can smile about memories passed and at the same time take care of one another. We are
By Clara Griffin, age 14
(Left) Jesse Reimer: GL Sponsor and father of Rachel Reimer, a regular contributor. (Center) Tom Alba and his brother Nick. (Right) Wojtek Grabowski.
This publication is dedicated to our friend Tom Alba and all our loved ones.
all brothers and sisters and need to be there when our friends and families need us. It’s a gift to experience life and hold it in your hands, and wrap your arms around it and remember our precious angels, their smiles and how they touched our lives and hearts.
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 33
This journal is dedicated to the memory of our friend Tom Alba