JagWire | Volume 12 | Issue 5 | Feb. 24, 2012 by JagWire

J ag W i re { { A Limited forum for student expression

Emerald Ridge High School

12405 184th St E Puyallup, WA 98374 february 24, 2012 Volume XII Issue V

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volume xii issue v February 24, 2012

In Brief New education bills Groundhog Day

The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog day is a German tradition that states that six more weeks of winter follows when the sun comes out on Candlemas (wicken holiday) and Punxsutawney Phil (our famous groundhog) sees its shadow. This year he saw his shadow, so prepare for more winter.

test dates

Colleges look for your SATs and ACTs scores so sign up today on Collegeboard.org. All tests will be held here for the following days. SAT: Mar. 10, May 5 and June 2. ACT: April 14 and June 9. HSPE is coming up this March 13-15 for reading and writing from 7:40 a.m.-10:20 a.m. Seniors and juniors who have passed the HSPE have late start those mornings.

Winter Formal

The winter formal on Feb. 11 was a huge hit. 299 tickets were sold. “It was off the hook,” said senior Lauren Toulou.“It was upbeat and wild!” The room was full of colorful lights and wall to wall people. Much fun was had so don’t miss out on other ERHS dances, and be sure to buy your ticket for the upcoming dances. { Josie Ruiz - Reporter }

he Washington State Legislature has proposed many new laws since its session started in January, many of those having to deal with education. The bills propose changes like making driver’s education a class in schools and new programs for students with illnesses. However, the majority of these bills have been debated for many sessions, meaning a decision should be near. There might soon be laws that could open job training programs to high school students. One important bill is House Bill 1025, which would open new schools for focusing attention on students gifted in certain subjects. The bill also states that it will “modify provisions related to Traffic Safety Courses,” among a long list of other small

changes. This includes schools being offered reimbursement if they offer a driver’s education course. Other elements of the bill include new programs regarding how schools handle violence and threats, and programs to deal with asthmatic students. House Bill 1064 currently attempting to become law is about truancy, or unexcused absences. The bill would allow schools to file petitions about students claiming violation of the truancy law after seven unexcused absences in a moth or ten total in one school year. This petition could be aimed at the child or the parent, whoever the school feels is responsible for the truancy. Another big topic of discussion is the Supreme Court ruling that requires states to amply fund public education. Due to this,

House Bill 2533 was proposed. “[The bill] merely says we need to pull out the K-12 section of our budget … and pass it separately and before the rest of the omnibus operating budget,” said Puyallup Representative and republican Bruce Dammeir in an interview by the Olympian. Senate Joint Resolution 8212 is currently being discussed as well. If passed, this resolution would eliminate the office of superintendent of public education. Starting from the next election the office would no longer be able to vote on a superintendent and no one would take the position when the current superintendent left office. { Levi Dodd - Reporter }

Washington gay marriage S

urrounded by supporters of the With nearly 121,000 registered voter bill, on Monday Feb. 13, the eve of signatures by June 6, the referendum Valentine’s Day, same-sex marriage could potentially freeze the law until voting was officially legalized in Washington in November. By failing Referendum State with the approval of Governor 73, the same-sex marriage bill will also Christine Gregoire. be repealed. The stakes for same-sex in Gay Rights’ activists in Washington now Washington State marraige have never have a major victory under their belts. been higher. “This is a great opportunity to grow and If the required number of signatures isn’t to understand attained by June that we just hose in opposition of the 6, then the law want to have the will be enacted same rights as new legislation have already and sameanyone else,” filed eferendum sex couples said senior Bre can marry as Soliz, president planned. of GASP. On Feb. 1, the Washington State Senate Changes will not be put into affect relayed the same-sex marriage bill to the immediately. The proposed bill will House of Representatives with a vote of not take effect until 90 days after Gov. 28-21. The bill was well-received, and Gregoire’s approval. eventually approved with a 55-43 vote. Those in opposition of the the new With rapidity, Democratic Gov. legislation have already filed Referendum Gregoire, who has notably been a 73, which contains the exact same text as supporter of gay rights, signed the bill. the past same-sex marriage bill. Coincidentally, this legislation was

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73...”

passed on the same day as New Jersey’s senate approval of its same-sex marriage bill, and came directly after California’s the Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage was lifted. Now the democratic-majority state can add its name on to the list of six other states and Washington D.C. that allow same-sex marriage. Those who remember 1998 are surprised by the progression and success of 2012 same-sex bill. “There is a constant push to the left,” said art teacher Jami Malyon. “The roots [of marriage] are in conservatism ... I thought it would take a long time.” The battle for, and against, same-sex marriage was catalyzed with the state’s vindication of the Defense of Marriage Act of 1998, which reserved marriage in this state for one man and one woman. { Amaya Adams - Features Editor/ Edboard }

Social Host Law

he United States laws said that it is unlawful to sell, give, or supply liquor to anyone younger than 21. Recently however Washington changed its stance on minors abusing alcohol. The newly formed Social Host Law is supposed to put a stop to under aged drinking in Washington. With the new law, the “social host,” meaning the person or persons who either supplied the liquor, or own the property on which the party was held, can be slapped with a fine of up to 5,000 dollars, and a year in prison. “I think [the law] is stupid,” said junior Jake Torgerson. “It’s

our choice. We’re the ones who should get fined.” The reality of the matter is that this law is felt to be long overdue. Lately, the stories of parties with under aged people have been all over the news. “It’s [the parents’] house, so they should know what’s going on,” said senior Annie Guthrie. “So it’s kind of on them.” For many people our age, drinking is a social activity. It is something done at parties, after homecoming or football games, and is not meant as something harmful. For some it is also seen as a right of passage. In the days of our parents’

youth, the consequences of underage drinking at a party were not as big of a deal. Now, with this new Social Host Law, it’s the parents or guardians who are at fault for the mistakes of their children, whether they know it is happening or not. “I’ve known about situations as my role as principal where parents have known about or furnished alcohol,” said principal Brian Lowney. “Although, that is clearly the exception.” { Sydney Dawn - Opinion Editor }

volume xiI issue V February 24, 2012

Weird news A New York prison inmate was recently convicted for filing false tax returns for $890 million dollars. His sentence of two years has been lengthened up to five years for each of the 11 counts, along with a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. The Chicago Tribune published a story covering a student who “went without a cell phone for 90 days.” Apparently this experiment was “filled with anxiety”. A brothel in Nevada recently held a fundraiser for Republican Ron Paul’s bid for the presidency. They cite his openness to states rights as the reason. The fundraiser was held on Feb. 4. A kitten in Florida was born this month with a condition known as diprosopus: having two faces. Apparently when one of the kitten chews the other kitten will chew as well, and they will meow simultaneously. On Feb 2, a 15.5 pound baby boy was born in China. The boy set the world record for heaviest baby. Both the mother and baby boy Chun-chun are currently during fine. { Levi Dodd - Reporter }

Poetry out loud

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Dead Poet’s Society is participating in the seventh national poetry recition contest

he school’s first poetry club has inscribed a mark, showing The club meets on Mondays in English and Social Studies teacher that poetry can survive in a high school scene. Dead Poet’s Rachel Park’s room. Parks is the advisor who started the club, and Society is participating in the seventh national poetry encourages others to learn about poetry. recitation contest, seen on the posters around school labeled “Poetry “We would like to get an open mike started so students can share Out Loud.” their poetry or free verse,” said Parks. “I’m looking forward to Dead Poet’s Society just started this year, and it’s been off to a growing our membership next year. I hope the open mike will inspire rocky start. It has been a small club this year. students to get involved.” “We need to get out to people that likes poetry. Find more people Parks said that a good poem captures an image or an emotion of our kind to join,” said sophomore in the moment and makes one think, and Serena Fulton. “We are an endangered e re emotional teenagers poets write about the struggles that we species.” continue to face today. Fulton, who started writing poetry in being emotional teenagers “Being able to concisely express your sixth grade, said that the club has helped ideas and emotions is a very powerful e happen to know how to showcase her poetry. tool,” said Parks. “You are able to “I write poetry and I like to be around express our feelings through communicate needs and interact more people like me. Birds of a feather flock effectively with others.” different outlets together,” said Fulton. “[We’re] emotional The school wide event to qualify for sophomore erena ulton the Poetry Out Loud contest was on teenagers being emotional teenagers. We happen to know how to express our feeling Jan. 26, with junior Virginia Van Keuren through different outlets.” attending regionals. Van Keuren received an Honorable Mention Junior Chloe Caldwell has always loved poetry, which is why she with the recitation of “Much Madness is Divinest Sense” by Emily joined the club. Dickinson and “For the young who want to” by Marge Piercy. “I like that it can be both a visual and verbal way of expressing yourself,” said Caldwell. “It can be formed or have no form, but you { Virginia Van Keuren - Copy Editor/EdBoard } can make poetry whatever you want it to be.” A member of the Dead Poets Society, senior Brendin Pierce, said his poems came from the songs that he used to write. “Poetry is words written in beauty’s true form,” said Pierce.

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Jag girls dance to the top O

n Saturday, Jan. 28, our very own dance team competed at Bonney Lake High School, and received a trophy for its first place performance for its pom routine featuring the dancers dressed as barbie dolls with their bleached blonde hair and their shimmering pink dresses, dancing to the one and only “Barbie girl.” In more recent dance news, on Saturday Feb. 11 the dancers competed at Kentridge High School and ranked third with its pom routine. With these recent wins,

the dance team has built up confidence in the competitions to come. “Oh yeah, we feel more confident because we have more choreography in our hip-hop routine,” said senior dancer Nicole Seth. “We’ve also done our routine at competition, so I feel more confident about it.” At the last event, the dancers also won an award for sportsmanship for its theatrical performances at Kentridge. Upcoming events for the team include

districts, and possibly the state competition depending on qualifications at districts. The dancers hope to qualify at district so they can compete at state and hopefully place with both of its routines. The next event is another competition at Capital High school, so head out there Saturday Feb. 25 to support our lady jag dance crew. { Ryan Miller - Reporter }

{ Photos by Claire Benson }

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volume XII issue V February 24, 2012

Staff

Student disrespect

Editor-in-Chief...........................................................Quinn Sanderson Features Editor/Ed Board.................................................Amaya Adams Copy Editor/Ed Board.............................................Virginia Van Keuren News Editor.....................................................................Claire Benson Athletics Editor..................................................................Kelsey Lyon Opinion Editor.................................................................Sydney Dawn Arts & Entertainment Editor.......................................Candace Swenson Sound Off Editor.................................................................Sarah Allen Beat Designer................................................................... Ryan Chavez Reporters.......................................................................Grace Amsden ...........................................................................................Levi Dodd ....................................................................................Doug Mayovsky ..........................................................................................Ryan Miller .....................................................................................Erica Reynolds .....................................................................................Krista Riccardi ............................................................................................Josie Ruiz .............................................................................................Asha Taft Adviser.............................................................................Kevin Smyth The Very Fine Print Editorial Mission As a limited forum, JagWire exercises student expression rights under the jurisdiction of the Puyallup School District. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues effecting our readership. We will publish an engaging newsmagazine which will entice, excite, and engage. Letters Policy JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted. Letters should be limited to 300 words and will be published as space is available. All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity. We will not publish material that may substaintially disrupt the school process. Letter to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School or emailing them to jagwire Advertising Mission JagWire publication staff accepts advertisements for most products and services available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards. Ads identifying students as atheletes by photo or text will not be accepted (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1). The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements, and/or positions of the staff of JagWire, student body, faculty, administration, or school board. Corrections JagWire staff values accuracy in every aspect of our publication. We wish to correct the errors that we do make and extend an apology for any inconvenience to our readership. If you believe that we have made an error, please contact us at: erhs.jagwire@gmail.com.

Front Cover Photo Cover illustration by Quinn Sanderson. Focus illustrations and photography by Virginia Van Keuren and Quinn Sanderson

Reporter reacts to brazen displays of misbehavior in the classroom

ack talk, sass, dirty looks and cussing are just some examples of student disrespect to teachers. We’ve all witnessed some form of it. This can happen in any grade, but becomes especially severe in intermediate school years. My parents, both teachers, have seen that teachers aren’t as respected like they used to be. Society is valuing respect less nowadays, and many kids feel no remorse to talk back to adults. Teachers want to spend class teaching, not wasting time with misbehavior. “I would love to teach each student individually in the way that most interests him or her, but I can’t do that for 150 students,” said English teacher Rachel Parks. “Each student’s choices make a difference.” However, not all forms of disrespect are verbal. I especially believe that texting (constantly) during a lesson is disrespectful. There is a time and place for texting outside of class: passing period, lunch, or any free time. “A student texting in class is frustrating because I know that the student isn’t listening to directions and will later be asking questions about what I’ve already explained,” said biology teacher Leslie Miller. In one of my classes, a student wasn’t ready to let go of their phone, even after warnings from the teacher.

The student argued back, claiming it was their item that they paid for and the teacher had no right to take it for the rest of the period. Yes, the phone belongs to the student, but the student’s attention belongs to the teacher. Getting away with using it wasn’t an option. “The scary part is that some students now even know they are being rude and continue doing it,” said geometry teacher Eric Paul. “Very few students are brave enough to tell another student to act their age and behave due to some kind of retaliation.” Senior Jessi Johnson has also witnessed disrespect. One of the students was talking during a test, and obviously, the teacher asked them to stop. But, the student asked the teacher to stop talking. After asking multiple times to go to the office, the student did, slamming the door. “It was so disrespectful,” Johnson said. “I was mad because she’s my favorite teacher.” Just think. If all students respected our teachers and focused on learning, grades would be higher, time wouldn’t be wasted, and the classroom environment would be a more pleasant place to be. { Grace Amsden - Reporter }

Cookie boycott Controversy with the Girl Scouts over letting transgenders to join causes a cookie boycott

irl Scouts of Colorado is now welcoming transgender girls. After 7-year-old Bobby Montoya from Colorado who identifies herself as a girl was rejected because she has “boy parts.”The Girl Scout worker that rejected Montoya said, “It doesn’t matter how he looks, he has boy parts, he can’t be in Girl Scouts.” Ultimately the worker was unfamiliar with the group’s policies and on October 27 Montoya was welcomed into the Girl Scouts. Now the organization wants to support other transgender girls’ families. Girl Scouts are obviously just trying to defuse the situation because if it becomes a huge deal many mothers of young girls will feel this is not a good organization for their development.The Girl Scouts of Colorado did not go on camera but they said, ”Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization if a child identifies as a girl.” Basically if a boy believes and dresses like a girl and parents say “This is my daughter” then they are allowed to join. This seems perfectly acceptable. Of course generations of loyal scouts have to find

a reason to hate and segregate people. A 17-yearold girl named Taylor from Ventura, California has been a loyal scout her entire life. However, since this Colorado group decided to allow transgenders into the organization, she called for a national boycott from the beloved cookies, thus enraging other scouts who feel the same way. No more Thin-mints, Peanut butter Do-Si-Dos and so on. But to heck with that. Lets start a ‘buycott’ and support this equality. Girl scouts are supposed to be loving, caring and accepting. They are supposed to build up girl’s self esteem and make them mature women. All I see is members segregating girls because they are different. Someone that is transgendered shouldn’t be kept out of Girl Scouts.Just because someone was born a boy but feels like a girl, shouldn’t matter. Insensitivity at it’s greatest? All girls should be accepted whether they are mentally or physically a girl. { Josie Ruiz - Reporter }

volume xii issue v February 24, 2012

In Brief Boys Swim

Boys swim has recently came to an end with the team very close it to making state. “I want to go make it to state next year,” said junior Lucas Swanson. He made districts for the 50 yard freestyle. He ended up being .3 seconds away from going to state. { Ryan Chavez - Reporter }

Bowling

The Emerald Ridge Bowling Team took its season by storm this year. The regular season ended on Jan. 17, and the girls finished with a 12-0 record, taking the first place position in the SPSL league tournament. “It has been a lot of fun watching the girls compete in the matches this year,” said Coach Alan McCormack. The Bowling team conquered the W.C.D. III, taking home first place and qualifying for the State championships. For the past three years, the Bowling team has taken the first place trophy, but this year the team came in close second. “I really wouldn’t change anything [about this season],” said Tham. “If anything, I wish it lasted longer.” { Sydney Dawn - Opinion Editor }

Boys Basketball

The boys’ team has made a lot of improvements this year. Despite not making play offs they still ended the season with a nine to eleven record. Coach Connie is sad that star players couldn’t see the play offs, but all in all said the team was “scrappy” and “hard working” { Krista Riccardi - Reporter }

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Basketball goes to state

his season, the girls’ basketball teams showed a lot of growth and commitment. Jordanne Laky, sophomore and Junior Varsity captain, is a swinger, playing on both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. “[This year] everyone has really improved individually and as a team,” Laky said. Alyse Almond, also a sophomore, Junior Varsity captain and swinger believes this season was a lot of fun and loves all the girls on the team. “I’m really proud of our team and we have a lot of hard workers” Almond says. Varsity coach GC Hillburn believes that this year has been very successful for his players. “We have been successful because of our

team’s selflessness, no one cares who scores the most points, they just want to win and so we do whatever necessary to do so.” said Hillburn. One of the senior Varsity captains, Stephanie Riley, believes hard work was the key to success. “I think we worked really hard at practice, harder than any other team. We always say that practice is harder than the games.” said Riley. From all this hard work, Riley believes that ERHS will do well at districts. “I think we have a good chance, we have beaten the teams we have to play before. Also, if we win the first two games, we get to go to state.” { Sarah Allen - Reporter }

Headed to Copenhagen Senior Robert Abbott scouted to play Lacrosse overseas

enior Robert Abbott, like most young boys, was raised to be an athlete. He started off playing the typical sports- football, wrestling and baseballbut when the opportunity arose to try something new, Abbott couldn’t say no. “One of my football coaches thought I would like [lacrosse] because I’m fast,” Abbott said. “So I tried it.” Dictionary.com defines lacrosse as a contact sport played with netted sticks made to catch, carry and throw a small rubber ball. In a game, two 10-player teams compete to send the ball into the opponent’s goal. “It’s fast paced and combines a lot of other sports, [such as] basketball, hockey and soccer,” Abbott said. Abbot started playing lacrosse in sixth grade and slowly dropped other activities to dedicate

{ Photos courtesy of Robert Abbott }

himself to the sport. So far he has played for a total of four teams- Puyallup Panthers, South Sound Stars, Seattle Stars and West Coast Stars- in the past seven years. Although he plays year-round for elite teams, Abbot wishes Emerald Ridge had its own lacrosse team so more people could appreciate his passion. “I wish [ERHS had a team] because it would be better known, but I don’t think there would be enough interest to fill a team,” Abbott said. “It’s not a big deal, but I wish I could play for ER.” Because of his incredible skills, Abbott made the All-State team last year. He also holds the state record for the most ground balls in a season and game and most records for the Puyallup Panthers, including most points and goals in a season. Lacrosse has given Abbott opportunities to travel all around the country and even the world. This summer, he will be traveling to Europe to compete in the Copenhagen Cup. He is going with 25 of the best high school seniors and college players in the country. “I’m excited to go to Europe,” Abbot said. “I’m just glad we’re not going to Canada.” Next year, Abbott will be playing lacrosse at Benedictine University in Illinois. BU doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, but he has received several smaller scholarships that will help him pay for school. He encourages anyone interested in lacrosse to look for scholarships specifically for players. “Try and get into [lacrosse] as early as you can because there are a lot of scholarships available for lacrosse players,” Abbott said. With hopes to get a degree in kinesiology, Abbott still hasn’t given up his dreams of a career in lacross. { Quinn Sanderson - Editor-in-Chief }

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volume xiI issue V February 24, 2012

Danica Crosby : BMX

Danica Crosby beats all in Bicycle Motor Cross Racing

he practically lives on the race track, and rides regardless of risks such as breaking bones, having concussions, or suffering crashes. Sophomore Danica Crosby is a BMX racer. BMX racing, “bicycle motor cross,” is the sport of racing on a bicycle on tracks, dirt courses, with various jumps. Riders race against people, categorized by age and skill level, on a track. Crosby has raced since she was nine, mainly at the River Valley BMX track in Sumner. “My first experience was scary. I crashed a few times, but in the end it got easier and became fun,” Crosby said. Crosby claims that BMX racing is different from other sports because you don’t necessarily have a coach, and the racer decides how long to practice and what to work on. Crosby chooses to work on her speed, strength, and jumps. Also, riders have the option of being a team racer or an individual. “I like being a team racer because of all the support and the group,” Crosby said.

Setting the beam high

his school year’s gymnastics team is really shining through. With four girls continuing to compete, the girls are really looking forward to state. Elizabeth Clemons, Abby Newby, CaroLyne Schmidt, and Shannon Cribbin will be competing. One of the team’s greatest strengths is in its teamwork. This year everyone is getting along very well, making the team even more successful. “With the district meet going well, our Emerald Ridge gymnastics team scored a record high score of 175.425 taking 3rd place,” said coach Christine Rowan, “We are so proud of our gymnasts and their hard work.” The only weakness the team may have is letting their nerves get to them before they compete, but with hard work and focus they continue to pull through. They would all agree that going to state as a team was their biggest goal. Everyone on the team continues to grow as an individual and teammate. “I would say that every member on the team plays a vital role because everyone is good at their certain events,” said sophomore Shannon Cribbin. “And it comes together and makes for a really amazing team.”

Crosby practices everyday and takes part in races nearly every weekend. She has participated in over 1,000 races, traveling from California to Oklahoma. Crosby enjoys BMX because it is fun, and everyone feels like family. “We’re family because of the way it brings us together, how supportive everyone is. They can literally be outside family,” Crosby said. One thing to know about BMX is that it’s dangerous - one mistake or bad move can result in an injury, like hitting an obstacle, losing control, falling, or even hitting people. Crosby has had three concussions, broken her collar bone, hurt her tailbone, back, neck and knee among many other injuries. “It’s worth it, because you can get hurt in anything. You just get up as fast as you can,” Crosby said. There’s no doubt that Crosby has many accomplishments in her BMX experience. She has won many times, being first in state six years in a row and among top 10 in the nation twice. Crosby has over 100 trophies. “It’s a lot harder than you think,” Crosby said. “People expect it just to be riding a bike when it’s a lot more.” { Grace Amsden - Reporter }

{ Photos courtesy of Danica Crosby }

Four outstanding wrestlers Jennifer Anderson Senior 1st place

Cayle Williams Sophomore

Katie Bond Senior

Amani Hampton Senior

8th place

4th place

6th place

“Being there was really exciting. I didn’t think I’d make it that far. I surprised myself, I beat people I hadn’t before.”

“My main encouragement are my coaches. They keep me motivated because they know I can do it.”

“I was really “I felt pretty nervous. I’d confident going never really been in. I just didn’t in front of that want to lose, but many people for I ended up going wrestling, and 6-0.” I kind of regret not going in as good as I have before.”

{ Claire Benson - News Editor } { By Reporters Erica Reynolds and Doug Mavoysky }

volume xiI issue V February 24, 2012

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Everyday addictions 38% of students admit to being addicted to social networks

24% of students

admit to being addicted to video games

26% of students

admit to being addicted to caffeine

44% of students admit to being addicted to their cell phones

Percentages out of 266 students surveyed Compiled by Ryan Chavez - Beat Editor

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The danger of video games

volume xIi issue V February 24, 2012

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Two addiction survivors:

Two addicted teens:

unior Cleia Kim noticed that when playing video games for three hours on school days and ten hours on the weekends video games tend to bleed into reality. “Because I constantly played, when someone hit me I thought I was going to lose points. Or if I died or fainted I would come back to to life,” said Kim. Kim remembers being addicted to role-playing games such as MapleStory and the Kingdom of Hearts a couple years ago when she had more free time to play. Afterward, she took time out to be active when she got bored with the game. “[Video Games are] good sometimes, but it’s good to do other important things like homework because you are not going to gain anything in life playing video games,” said Kim.

“ { Branden Wilson } Junior

I was [addicted] at once, but I solved the issue,” said junior Branden Wilson. “Well, I was addicted to World of Warcraft for two to three months, but then I stopped paying the $9.99 per month.” Starting around seven to eight years ago, Wilson would play five hours on school nights and eight hours on weekends. Wilson is skilled at video games and loves the competition, participating in gaming tournaments with his team. Wilson realized he had to stop playing when his grades slipped. However, Wilson didn’t realize he was addicted until afterwards when he stepped back from the game. “It’s just one of those things. Once you realize a month or two has gone by, you can’t get that back,” said Wilson. “It’s too late to do anything.”

Caffeine creates health risks H

ollee Gossett is a junior that admits to needing coffee. The addiction started with a small cup every day when she was 15. Now, it has progressed into twenty-eight 16oz coffee cups every week. She spends 50 dollars a month on coffee and when there is none in her system, she gets caffeine headaches. Gossett is never seen without her coffee. “The effects of the coffee won’t affect my love for it!” said Gossett.

{ Cleia Kim } Junior { Hollee Gossett } Junior

unior Daniel Wiley started his addiction in seventh grade because of persuasive advertising. “The commercials were cool, especially the monster commercials,” said Wiley. He used to drink six to seven cans a day, adding up to about 50 a week. Wiley does admit that he spends way too much money on energy drinks. “I spent over a 100 dollars a month on energy drinks, which is not good,” Wiley said. Wiley still has energy drinks every now and then, but the caffeine doesn’t affect him anymore, so he lowered his consumption.

Side-effects:

ompulsive video gamers beware. Video games can lead to social isolation, when one loses track of time preoccupied with the computer because one “needed” to be online. Soon after, everything outside of video games, such as schooling, is forgotten and avoided. Video games create euphoric feelings followed by spending a disproportionate amount of money, often exhausted by guilt and denial of being “addicted.” If video game addiction is not stopped, then physical consequences appear, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful arm condition caused by a pinched nerve in one’s wrist. Other signs are migraines, backaches and sleep disturbances, according to a CRC Health Group sponsored website.

Side-effects:

ossett and Wiley love caffeine, but when love becomes need and need becomes can’t live without, the obsession turns into an addiction. Like any addiction, there are horrible side effects that can and will hurt you and, more importantly, your body. The common side effects of caffeine are jitters, yellow teeth and stunt growth. Sleep is also effected majorly by caffeine intake. Overloading on caffeine can cause insomnia, which makes it hard for you to fall asleep. Another moderate effect is anxiety. Anxiety can make you feel very irritable and upset usually because of withdrawls from caffeine or too much of it in your system. Now all of these effects are manageable, but the worse is yet to come. The caffeine doesn’t just mess with your height, teeth and sleep, it also affects your digestional system. If too much caffeine gets in your system it can destroy the lining and eventually cause ulcers, or sores.

{ Krista Riccardi - Repoter }

Habitual status updates

{ Virginia Van Keuren - Copy Editor/EdBoard }

Two addicted teens:

Constant communication Two addicted teens:

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{ Marissa Modestowicz } Sophomore

I’m not addicted to my phone but I couldn’t live without it,” said sophomore Marissa Modestowicz. Modestowicz spends more time on her phone than not. If it weren’t for internet access and unlimited everything on her iPhone 4, she probably wouldn’t be glued to it. Marissa lets her friends use her phone to do whatever they’d like. “I use my phone to take pictures, make videos, use Twitter, watch videos on YouTube, to text, FaceTime, play games and make phone calls,” said Modestowicz. Abiding by her teachers rules, Modestowicz spends the most time on her phone after school hours and at home. Though she makes an exception when it is nearing the end of the period one can almost aways find her using an app or sending a message.

“ { Austin Manifold } Junior

Yes, I would say that I am addicted to my phone,” said junior Austin Manifold. Unlike Modestowicz, Manifold spends the most time on his phone while he’s at school because while the teachers are talking he can get away with it. Unlike Modestowicz, Manifold doesn’t let his friends use his phone whatsoever. “I get really freaked out when people look at my phone and go through things,” said Manifold. Having the iPhone with internet access allows Manifold to basically do whatever he wants with his phone whenever he wants. If he didn’t have internet on his phone he wouldn’t be able to check his Twitter or Facebook whenever he wanted to. He uses his phone for basically everything.

{ Claire Benson - News Editor }

Side-effects:

here are an increasing number of clinics treating cell phone addicts much as they would an alcohol or drug addiction. Recently, phones have been looked to as a companion or something of comfort. Whether it’s on your pillow when you sleep or next to you when you eat, several teens have their cell phones attached to their hip. Almost half of teens in the United States say their social life would end or be worsened without their cell phone, and nearly six out of 10 credit their mobile device for improving their life, according to a national survey from CTIA and Harris Interactive. Also, a recent poll on hubpages.com shows that 89% of the voters believe that texting can become addictive. Scientists and psychologists are continuing to debate whether cell phones cause health risks. Focusing on a single screen for too long may cause vision problems, just as staring at a computer screen has been proven to cause problems. “The cell phones are also cancer causing monsters,” addictiontreatments.com said. “The radiations and microwaves of cell phones affect the human body. It affects the brain, heart, kidney, and hearing sense.” While in a group setting almost every teen is in contact with their phone in some way. It has become sociably acceptable to be on one’s phone and not be giving full attention to those around.

{ Nick Coy } Junior

ctober of last year, junior Nick Coy made an account with Twitter. Coy’s habit of “tweeting” posts has became an addiction. “On a good day, I say [that I post] about 10-15 [tweets]; on a bad day I say 8,” says Coy. Teenagers like Coy socialize online just to kill time, see what others are up to or simply because they’re “bored and there is nothing to do.” Rather than going out of the house to find things to do, some teens just stay home and chat online with friends or let the world know what they’re doing. “[I go online] when I get bored just to pass time,” says Nick Coy.

enior Mykle Lewis started her addiction with Facebook and Twitter about a year and a half ago. Posting “tweets” and status updates became a habit. “On an average I post about 20 tweets a day. On Facebook I post a status once a day,” said Lewis. People commonly create Facebook or Twitter accounts as a social popularity standard. If all of one’s friends have a Twitter or Facebook, then that person insists on getting one just to be “part of the crowd.” For Lewis it’s a different story. “It’s nice to be able see what people are talking about in their life that you don’t see anymore. It’s nice to see how their doing; if their doing good or not,” Lewis said.

Side-effects:

{ Mykle Lewis } Senior

ocial networking can be a highly adaptable addiction; mainly to teenagers. But some of us don’t realize how bad it can actually be. Many psychological factors, health issues and daily life issues can be caused by social networking. From an interview on CNN, Scott Frank, lead researcher on the social networking study, talks about these effects. “[Teenagers] are spending really an excessive amount of time online,” Frank said. “By doing so, teenagers are contributing to ‘high-tech peer pressure’.” Social networking has common effects to many teenagers based on the study of this addiction Frank is researching. The results show that the more teenagers spend social networking, the higher chances they are likely to do drugs, binge drink and involve themselves in sexual activity. An addition to Frank’s study, he found that teens without a father and have parents with low education are the ones who tend to be more likely to engage in the addiction of social networking. { Candace Swenson - Arts and Entertainment Editor }

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The danger of video games

volume xIi issue V February 24, 2012

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Two addiction survivors:

Two addicted teens:

“ { Branden Wilson } Junior

Caffeine creates health risks H

{ Cleia Kim } Junior { Hollee Gossett } Junior

Side-effects:

{ Krista Riccardi - Repoter }

Habitual status updates

{ Virginia Van Keuren - Copy Editor/EdBoard }

Two addicted teens:

Constant communication Two addicted teens:

“

{ Marissa Modestowicz } Sophomore

“ { Austin Manifold } Junior

{ Claire Benson - News Editor }

Side-effects:

{ Nick Coy } Junior

Side-effects:

{ Mykle Lewis } Senior

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volume xIi issue V February 24, 2012

volume xii issue v february 24, 2012

{

Ferry Does

Derby

free verse, free soul.

oller Derby might not be as common as football or baseball, but it is becoming more and more popular. There are even games played at Key Arena in Seattle. Our very own science teacher, Jackie Ferry dabbles in derby. It is a tradition in roller derby for each player to receive a nickname. Her nickname is “Bunny”; a play off of “Little Bunny Foo Foo.” “Roller derby names are kind of like your alter ego,” said Ferry. Ferry practices with her team once a week, on Sundays, where they do drills to practice falls and skate footwork. They typically split the team in half and compete against each other. Some team members put in extra time outside of practice to perfect their skating skills. “We spend time at open skate sessions at our neighborhood roller rinks to get skate time in and to practice weaving in and out of people,” Ferry said. “Being able to move quickly on our feet and just using our skate muscles basically.”

The game is played by two teams of five; with the Jammer being the only person able to score, it is the other four players’ duty to stop the opposing team’s Jammer. The object of the game is for the Jammer to lap the other team to earn points. “The game is actually quite complicated, trying to explain it. Basically there are five girls on each team that are skating for a period [of] up to two minutes called a Jam,” Ferry said. Ferry’s friends and family were skeptical when she first grew an interest in roller derby. However, now that she has joined a team, her support system has grown. “I think she’s kind of brave to do it,” Kaitlyn Tarr, a senior in Ferry’s advisory said. “I’m glad that she found a sport she enjoys.” Time and practice isn’t all that goes into Roller Derby. There are a lot of tactics, skill and guts that something this tough takes. It is a sport known to empower women. { Kelsey Lyon - Athletics Editor }

Danilo Baladad

nspired by the works of the greats like Biggie Smalls, Big Sean, J. Cole, and Tupac, junior Danilo Baladad is a well-known student around Emerald Ridge High School for his song writing and spoken word. “Don’t you really hate it when a lot of people say they the greatest and claim they be the realest but honestly be the fakest,” said Danilo Baladad (from Martin Luther King, Jr. performance). “[Rap] just isn’t real to me anymore. It’s about money, girls and alcohol,” said Baladad. “It’s too repetitive, too simple. I would change today’s rap.” Baladad was born in Killeen, TX. A year later he moved to Norwalk, CA. At the age of 11, he moved to Spanaway, WA. and then Puyallup, WA. the following year, where he has remained since. At the age of 14, Baladad knew he could write with meaning behind his words. Sitting in an English class doing a poetry unit, he developed a passion for writing. His mom, L e o n o r a Baladad, is one of his greatest supporters and knows he’s artistic. She’s the one who has influenced Baladad the most. “I told him to be anything

he wants to be, as long as he does everything to the best of his abilities,” said Leonora Baladad. In school, Baladad’s peers acknowledge multiple aspects of his character. “My reputation is different depending on the person. Some say I’m the quiet kid. Others say I’m the loud obnoxious kid,” said Baladad. Baladad has enriched lyrics that go into all of songs. “He spits gold bars,” said senior Jeremy Burke, a friend of Baladad’s. Baladad knows there are going to be people who don’t agree with his writing style but he doesn’t let the things people say get him down. “I don’t know [if people talk about me]. No one’s ever told me but I’m sure,” said Baladad. “I don’t let stuff like that get to me though. I’ve never been big on influence [from peers].” Baladad’s first performance this year was in the MLK production. Watching the previous years’ performance inspired him in a way nothing else could. “I wanted to put my own thoughts in there about the things I saw around school and the people I saw and the experiences I’ve had,” said Baladad. At the first audition for MLK, there were five other acts that Baladad went up against. His whole body was shaking and he could barely stand up. “Being in front of a crowd is nerve-wracking, but you slowly work yourself into performing and go out there and do it,” said Baladad. Baladad looks at writing as a way to express himself. True feelings. Real stress. Raw emotions.

{ Asha Taft - JagWire }

“Writing is the easy part. To get everything to flow is the hard part,” said Baladad. Baladad wants to be successful with his life. Not to dream it. To achieve it. Ever since the MLK performance Baladad gained knowledge about being on stage and what it feels like to be an entertainer to hundreds of people. He’s a selfmotivated person that challenges his strengths as a performer with his lyrics. { Asha Taft - Reporter }

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Pho Thai P volume xiI issue V February 24, 2012

Two reporters try out this growing Vietnamese trend

alking into the Pho Thai restaurant close to the movie theaters and Safeway plaza, I was reminded of this restaurant Ayethena in the Ross plaza area. I really liked the setup of the restaurant. It seemed homey and friendly. After looking at the simple menu, I ordered a barbecue sandwich and a Pho Thai steak soup. Compared to other restaurants, they bring the food lightning fast. Picking up my soup spoon, I was expecting to put the noodles in my mouth, but the noodles were so stringy they kept falling off the spoon. I loved the way the broth and steak tasted, but the noodles had no flavor. I think they’re just there as a filler! Looking around the restaurant I felt comfortable. In a way I felt like an idiot just having to pick up my noodles with { Erica Reynolds } a fork and slurping up my flavorful broth, I knew I was a newbie to Pho food, but I was trying not to look like it. I took a bite into the barbecue sandwich and Ratings it tasted so good it was mouth-watering. The chicken had vegetables on the side to give it a little bit of healthiness. Noodles: To add to the already delicious taste of barbecue chicken sandwich taste, I was curious how plum sauce tasted, so I Ambience: squeezed some of that onto the chicken. It just overflowed in flavor. At the end of my meal, to sum it all up, I would have to Service: say I was pleased with the friendly and welcoming place, and taste of food, and I cannot wait to go back.

ho Tai, a small Vietnamese restaurant off of Meridian near Ivar’s, had little to offer. As I entered the store and chose a table to sit at, I was handed a menu filled with food that I never heard of and had no clue how to pronounce. The atmosphere was not very much different than any other restaurant here, especially with music such as Rascal Flatts and Katy Perry playing overhead. Luckily, on the menu, there was an English translation of each item, as well as a brief description. So we knew what we were ordering. My partner and I shortly decided to share a small bowl of steak pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and a barbecue chicken sandwich on Vietnamese French bread. One plus to Pho Tai was the exceptionally fast service. The { Sarah Allen } waiter was constantly checking in on our table, and was over to get our order as soon as we were ready. Very shortly after ordering, a plate piled high with bean sprouts, basil, lime wedges and jalapeno arrived. I assumed, and hoped, that you were not supposed to just eat this plain, but then by looking at the customer next to me, I learned that you put these foods into your soup. Following that, our “small” bowl (probably enough to feed my whole family) of pho containing steak pieces, rice noodles, cilantro, onions and broth was brought to our table. Accompanying the pho was the barbecue chicken sandwich. This small loaf of what was supposed to be Vietnamese French bread looked and tasted like just any typical bread stuffed full with barbecue chicken, sliced cucumber, onion, jalapenos and carrots. The food didn’t have a strong scent, Ratings or taste. I found both items bland and lacking flavor allaround. The lime that was squeezed into the soup helped minimally and after the taste of that went away I was left Noodles: with warm lightly seasoned water, rather than broth. The sandwich was nothing special and I felt like it wasn’t any Ambience: different then subway or fast food restaurant quality. The service at Pho Tai was great, but the food needed some Service: work. Overall, Vietnamese pho is not a meal I would like to have again.

Art show draws a crowd The annual art show put on by art teacher Jami Malyon was a success with hundreds of votes submitted and five student winners

he Emerald Ridge art department once again pulled off a successful art show. Over 200 participants contributed to this year’s collection of student art. The art included sketches, pottery of many forms, paintings and sculptures. The show was put together by art teacher Jami Malyon and the art department. It was timed differently than past shows; all of the previous shows were held at the end of the year, while this one was held from Jan. 25 - 26 in between semesters. This made the show more quickly known to students, but limited contribution from certain classes. Also missing from the show was the popular “senior table,” a specific spot for senior art. “It wasn’t the biggest show we ever ran,” said Malyon, “But I always invite new people into this to show whenever I can.” The majority of the art put foreword was from the ER art classes, as it was mandatory that everyone in those classes submit their two best pieces from this year. The students then decided from there if they wanted to keep the pieces, donate them to the art department, or even sell them to more enthusiastic art lovers who come for the show. Pieces sold this year included a mask, a tile piece, and a possible sale of a zoo mug.

New types of art were featured in this year’s show. The hanging cubes, featuring a different picture on each side, was a new idea created for this show. Also put up were new watercolor style paintings usually depicting nature. Next to these new ideas were long time favorites, like the Zoo Mugs (mugs shaped to look like some kind of animal), and stencil art. Students voted on their favorite works, and each year there have been some kind of prize (whether it be cash or something else) for the top three favorite pieces. Joining the winner circle this year were junior Dani Kaes in first with a giant squid zoo mug, senior Stephanie Riley with a Minnie Mouse mask and a three way tie for 3rd. Hundreds of votes were submitted by students, faculty and community members. { Doug Mayovsky - Reporter }

“It wasn’t the biggest show we ever ran, but I always invite new people into this show whenever I can.”

- Jami Maylon

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volume xii issue V february 24, 2012

All Photos by Amaya Adams

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volume xIi issue V February 24, 2012

36 days until Spring Break Better get working on those portfolios seniors!

Disturbed- I have always liked Disturbed; they flow really well together. I prefer when they sing the songs that they write, not covers of songs already made. New Found Glory- I did not like New Found Glory at all. The lead singer’s voice is annoying. The only positive was the guitar. Mashwork Orange- This group is really creative and unique. I would like to hear an original song from them; I think it would be better than their cover songs. Glee- I hate Glee’s renditions of songs. In my mind, it ruins perfectly enjoyable songs. I understand the concept of Glee, but I don’t think these songs are the right execution. It is like high school musical all over Kelsey again.

Sound Off

Disturbed- I believe this band is musically enhanced. Disturbed seems to do an efficient job of covering oldies like Shou. There’s a rough sound in the lead singers voice that helps pull the songs together. New Found Glory- A punk band that’s like Bowling for Soup. I have a soft spot for their popular cover, “Kiss Me.” New Found Glory has a nice and smoother way of doing its cover songs. Mashwork Orange- This band covers two songs at a time. They cover the songs Hold it Against Me and I Love Rock and Roll. The combination of the male and female singers clash.

Glee- This group covers everything from pop to hip-hop to country. I believe Glee’s voices really shine during a pop song. I don’t listen to it nor do I watch the television show but I believe they have talent.

Cover Bands

Disturbed- Disturbed needs to learn one thing before gaining my full appreciation: grunting into the microphone doesn’t make you “hardcore”; it makes you creepy, and me incredibly uncomfortable.

Disturbed- I thought that the few covers they did stayed true enough to the old song to maintain its feel, but added just enough oomph to make them their own.

New Found Glory- New Found Glory’s “Kiss Me” makes me want to grab my hairbrush microphone and sing along. Their cliche rock tunes and whiny vocals inspire me to be lame too!

New Found Glory- The covers were okay, but the band itself sounds identical to every pop rock band from 2001 that everyone forgot after their one hit wonders.

Mashwork OrangeMashwork Orange, with its dance-worthy pop mixes, reminds me of one of my worse childhood memories. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Adultz Bop. Glee- It grinds my gears when I hear Glee covering classics like Journey and Michael Jackson. They should stick with their stereotypical teenage hits and leave the classics be.

Quinn

Asha

Doug

Mashwork Orange- The sound they produce may have been good in a studio, before the vocals were added and without the constant sound editing. The instrumentals were at least okay though.

Glee- Pop is not really my preferred music of choice, but the covers Glee did were good enough. They maintained the feel of the original song, but the new vocals added a little more flavor with the mixture of voices. I wouldn't say they are a good group, but they weren’t terrible.

The Beat - Feb/March

Giving you the lowdown on the South Sound

Footlose in Auditorium @7

Footlose in Auditorium @7 27

26 Spring Sports start

Footlose in Auditorium @7

Community Service fair

6 Album release: Kaiser Chiefs

11 Daylight Savings time begins

HSPE

First day of spring

15 HSPE

10 SAT test

17 St. Patricks day

Senior Write Night 20

3 Footlose in Auditorium @7

Movie Release: John Carter

2 Footlose in Auditorium @7

Choral andOrchestra Concert

{ Artist Credit - Jacob Mclean }