Julia's portfolio 2018

julia’s portfolio 2018

essay Coming into my first year of newspaper as an editor was daunting. Rather than being a member of the staff among my peers who I had worked with in the year before, I was supposed to be designing my own page.

Adjusting to the leadership was challenging for me. Telling people what to do when I felt like I had no clue what I was doing myself was difficult. Working with others is something I am still improving upon, however, I do feel like I have gotten better. One thing I need to work on while working with others is being blatant—yet still polite. Being a leader comes with great responsibility when it comes to making sure everything gets done. Having control over how everything is put together and what goes into the newspaper is very nice, nevertheless, it is completely up to me to make sure that everything gets done. It was difficult for me to decide how I wanted things to be a lot of the time, and I found myself asking for help with just about everything I did. Adjusting to the position of decision-making is something I am still getting used to. I do not think that being an editor really affected my relationship with my peers. I do not think my leadership style is uptight at all, and I would say it is more relaxed.

As I continue to be an editor, I am sure it will develop more. As mentioned before, I need to be more decisive and direct with what I want for my page.

The year started off generally simple—there was nothing that I

was not use to—until it came to Production Week. InDesign was completely foreign to me, and I had also never worked with PhotoShop. I quickly became familiar with the basic controls of InDesign, and started to layout pages.

Without Adamson, I would have been—and still would be—completely lost. Knowing how to use InDesign is a skill that is useful for the future in laying out stuff, and it just generally gives me a good background for future work.

The thing I struggle most with is by far time management. I am a very thorough person and take a long time to do just about anything in my life. The hard deadlines in newspaper continue to remind me each month that it is an awful idea to wait until the last few days to get my work done.

Managing my time is a skill that I need to continue to develop. In the future, I need to continue to work on time management and hope I will get better with it.

Being an editor reinforced the importance of ethics in journalism. When editing articles, it is important to make sure that the information not only comes from a credible source but also is not plagiarizing what that source said. Telling the truth, and both sides of it, is also very important because journalism should be about allowing the reader to be informed about all angles of an argument, not about making a person believe one specific argument.

Newspaper has been the most stressful class I have taken; how-

ever there is still more I could have done. I hope I was important to the staff this semester. There were a few times in which I stayed after school to work on my page, and I made sure I could be at every Production Day. I only missed one delivery due to the fact that I was in Chicago. To expand on how I could have done more, I only wrote five articles this semester. It really was not a lot of work, but honestly, I do not think I could have handled any more than that. Sticking through this semester was a challenge for me.

This semester was much more mentally taxing than I could have ever imagined. Between family issues, having a rigorous schedule, and being an editor, I had a lot on my plate. I was definitely in over my head starting off being the editor of Spotlight with three pages.

Once I switched to the Health page and only had one page to edit, a bit of the stress was relieved. My greatest weaknesses are time manage and laying out the page. I hope my layout skills will continue to improve as the year progresses. As for time management, I just need to hold myself accountable for all the time that I procrastinate. I also need to get better at interviews and photography. I will get better at people by making myself do it more and not try to avoid it. I know I have improved since the beginning of the year. With photography, I need to go out and take more photos.

In the upcoming semester, I hope to do more for the paper as far as writing and photography.

of mate fri

SITTING in a pile of clothes being sent to goodwill, Karli Miller, a senior, contemplates consumerism. 4MAJA PEIRCE

“I don’t really care. I’m a competitive shooter so if you look me up there’s a lot of stuff about that. But that’s all good.”

Victor C ordova, sophomore

“It’s a search engine, so I am used to it because I grew up with it but it is still weird when you Google your name and you find a picture of yourself from when you were 9nine” Skylar Ayers, junior

4LOGAN MCDADE

3EMMA BAUER

Eavesdropping technology steals online privacy

By Julia Knies

P health editor

RIVACY online is

a growing concern nowadays.

Many worry about what information websites keep and what they do with it.

While companies must disclose what they know and keep about users, according to a 2017 Deloitte study of two thousand people in the U.S., 91 percent of people do not read the legal terms and conditions.

“When you get on the internet, privacy is not a thing. The data that is put into the internet is going to be kept and used either against you or for your benefit,” said Joey Bower, a junior.

Facebook, among other services, has been accused of privacy issues. One issue was that they were not fully disclosing all of the information they were collecting. They have had to amend their terms of service many times.

“It is part of their terms of service that you agree to, so they are within their rights to [keep

information],” said Bower.

Tech giants, such as Google, collect and sell information about their consumers. This is one of the ways companies gain knowledge of their users.

They collect data such as users’ names, birthdays, recent purchases, what websites they visit, and other information.

“Predominantly, they sell it to companies that do analytics and determine advertising trends.

The primary use of that information is determining how better to sell their things because, as much as we do it, we do not really understand very well how advertising works on people,” said Brian Jesse, a computer technology teacher.

With lives revolving around technology, a person sees more and more ads per day, but they may not be very effective. With the collected information, companies are searching for a way to develop more impactful, cost effective advertisements.

“Other than just basic food and lifestyle appeal, they are tracking purchases and trying to build a

buyer profile and seeing what kind of things you look for and what you buy, and then fill you with advertising for that type of product and products from those markets,” said Jesse.

The use of tracking technology, such as cookies, makes it possible for that buyer profile to be built. Cookies are not programs, but text that the browser stores on the computer. User’s can turn off cookies on their browsers, but some prefer to leave them on to have a more tailored buying experience.

“The government should have the power to record our personal data as we are the people who choose to live in this country, so we have to give up some things,” said Jacob Kennedy, a junior.

Advertising for companies has become more productive with the rise of social media. Now companies use social media influencers to market their products, which advertises to a targeted market. Using someone with a large following to market products works the same way as celebrities advertising products.

My most significant work from this semester was the Technology article for In Depth. This piece was from December’s issue. I decided to sign up to write this article because I was slightly familiar with the topic, but I still had a lot to learn. I have found that I enjoy writing articles about topics that I am not very familiar with because then I have more to learn about it and less of a bias. At first, I had no clue what I should begin with while both researching and writing the article.

After interviewing two students—one of which was beyond well versed in the topic— I had an idea about

It makes people think that they have to have the product to be more like the person they look up to.

Recently, there was a scandal involving a service called BetterHelp. Many YouTubers promoted this website that claimed to give professional but affordable counseling. However, in October 2018, YouTubers such as PewDiePie and KEEMSTAR called out the service to be questionable. Though it has been removed now, the website previously disclosed that it does not “guarantee the verification of the credentials of any Counselor.”

As for technology listening in on conversations, many sources say, while it may have the power to do so, it is highly unlikely because of the sheer amount of information listening in on every single person would produce is too much to go through thoroughly. Despite this, others say that it is happening. With products such as Google Home and Alexa, people are possibly just welcoming technology listening in to their homes.

how I wanted the article to go. I wrote most of the article fairly easily, however, I was short about a hundred words. It was difficult coming up with the last small details to include. Much like the other articles I wrote this semester, I waited until the last few days before it was due to write it, but I still finished it. I was worried that the article would not be what Maja was going for, but it turned out to be good. There was not much that she edited, and she did not change anything major.

I like how the article covers a broad range of subjects that all fall under the same category

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ing tremendous courage. Courage to stand up to your leadership, to push for unpopular things on Capitol Hill, like Campaign Finance Reform or Spending Reform; things that needed to be done, but weren’t very popular. The courage to pursue them, nonetheless, that’s what I learned from him,” said said Flake.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS THE NEWS October 19, 2018 ● 3 Not only was McCain a political giant, a “maverick”, a prisoner of war, and a Senator, he also promised the people his honesty, even in the toughest cases. school and places of work are off lim- For

By Connor Green staff writer instance, during his 2000 politiits. In addition, there are several Purge can assassinate ENIOR Assassins, Days, where cal players campaign, he made any a pivother team, not comment, just the onesregarding they were the a game played by otal assigned. state’s right to choose whether high school seniors, Besidesor being fun, is a financialflag. has taken the not to flythere the Confederate incentive Ultimately, to play. Each is required school by storm histeam conscience got the to pay anbest entry fee, and which used to since it was first introduced. of him, he is later redacted award prizes the winners.

This year, With water guns as weapons, the to statement, citing how wrong the winner and swimwear as protection, hewill feltreceive it really$2000, was. the runner up $1250, third place $750, fourth the game pits teams of two “He showed that he didn’t $500, andjust fifthhave $250.aAtloyalty the beginning of against each other. to his politithe competition, Cactus Shadows hadto a his “It is pretty fun, I get to cal party, he had a loyalty little overcountry 300 participants. connect with a lot of people in general,” said Molly “Honestly, the money was a big reason from school that I have never Scaccia, a sophomore. to play,” saidThough Hertzell.McCain “It’s 2000was dollars, talked to before,” said Nick not a ya know?”native Arizonan, due to his Nielsen, a senior who is playNot everyone a fan.

With he two car to ing the game this year.Jeff Flake father’sisNaval career, moved crashes since the start of the game, The goal of the game simArizonaisSenator Arizona in 1981, and became the Senior Assassins is starting to spark conple: eliminate all other players and Senator in 1983. He lived there troversy in Cave Creek. In addition, stube the last one standing. Students until his final days with his wife, dents at Franklin High School in Boston, can choose a partner, but they are Cindy McCain.

Massachusetts, called the game ‘hypoassigned which other teams they must McCain received many medcritical’ after the recent mass shootings. assassinate. Participants use water als, including the Silver Star, the Additionally, they believe that, “students guns to eliminate opponents, and these Bronze Star, the Distinguished could find a new way or game to have “kills” must be videotaped to count.

Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, fun at the end of the year.”

It takes motivation and skill to stay in and the Purple Heart; and of “I’ve never seen more than kids with the game. For Derek Hertzell, the senior course he fought for the United floaties and such, so I don’t really have with the most elimination, the fun of States in Vietnam. a problem with it,” said Luke Scott, the the game is what got him involved. “I the sudden opening in Film and TV With teacher. just wanted to play with my friends,” the Senate, Republicans are Hanoi, Vietnam.

Then, he was In Hopkinton, Massachusetts, onenow said Hertzell. fearing a possible released back into the hands of case turned criminal when a Democratic student To make the game more competimajority.

Consideringcrimithe fact the U.S. government after was mistaken for a gun-wielding tive, there are things that can make a endurthat inside Jeff Flake will not be runing torture and interrogation nal,for creeping a resident’s garage. player “off limits.”

For example, wearningthese for re-election, this leaves five years. By 1981, he entered It’s cases like that cause people to a RUNNING FOR SHELTER, Morgan Mullenmeister, a senior, chases Noah Steward, a senior, down the side- ing beach wear, such as floaties or toor fillcall in it the upcoming elecpolitical world and wentdislike on to theseat game unethical. goggles, makes the a player unkillable.

Also, walk in order to eliminate him from the game. 4 KASSIDY WHEELER tion in November, 2018. However, serve three decades in Congress, McCain’s seat, will not be perincluded six terms in the 8 ●which December 21, 2018 manently filled until 2020. In Senate. the meantime, Jon Kyl, a former “I think that he served our Arizona Senator, has stepped up country valiantly. He did a lot to fill the late Senator McCain’s for military families and vetervacant position. ans. I know he is very popular a large part of North America over altering ecosystems, making them

By Julia Knies Governing Board spotlight editor 20,000 years ago, according to NASA. more susceptible to fire.

Forum In November, two seats “Enough data has been accumu“It’s becoming hotter and hotWith a surge of super storms across the planet, will be open on the CCUSD lated over the past fifty to a hunter quicker and earlier in the year, concerns for climate change are increasing.

Governing Board. IB students dred years to say, with pretty good and it’s staying cold for less time, People are becoming more aware of the effects hosted a forum on October evidence, that humans have caused therefore the plants are dying. and causes of human-induced climate change.

11 in the Lecture Hall, where the climate to get warmer, so [global It’s easier for things to burn,” said The average summer temperature will be ten the three candidates running — Scott Brown, Beth Hatcher warming] is not controversial in the Emma Pedersen, a sophomore. degrees hotter by 2100, according to Climate and Mike Smith — answered scientific community. It is only conClimate change is the umbrella Central, a nonprofit group. The daily temperature questions and spoke about troversial politically,” said Reisener. that covers global warming, year-round is predicted to increase three to five why they chose to run for Another aspect of climate change oceans warming and rising, and degrees by 2050, and,in Phoenix alone, the numoffice. A video of the debate is available at www.ccusd93.org. is the Greenhouse Effect, which is other global phenomena.

A lot of ber of days above 100 degrees are expected to when gases—for example, carbon this change can be credited to the jump from 121 days in the year 2000 to 147 days UN Climate Change dioxide and methane—trap the sun’s burning of fossil fuels, according in 2050.

Report heat, causing the planet to warm to NASA. Global warming on the “Our whole environment and everything in it In October, the United Nations “The overall gases in the environother hand refers to the upward is all out of whack and off, so the things that are released a report that included updated statistics on the state ment due to the Greenhouse Effect, temperature trend across earth happening are because of it,” said Lola Draper, a of climate change. According Lola Draper it’s just affecting everything, all over since the early twentieth century, junior. to the new report, by 2030 a junior the globe, like in Antarctica and the and people’s opinions tend to vary The 2017 fire season in California was one of the the planet could be at risk ice caps and all of that,” said Draper. on whether or not it is real. most destructive yet, with three major wildfires of extreme drought, floods, wildfires, and food shortage Some ways to slow down human“They go hand in hand, with causing a lot of damage. There were also four hurif changes are not made induced climate change include using global warming comes climate ricanes in 2017—which is the most that there have worldwide. renewable energy sources—such as change,” said Pedersen. been in a long time.

CCUSD Teachers wind and solar power, switching to Since 1880, the average global “We’re getting these super hurricanes full of Recieve Grants energy efficient appliances, and contemperature has risen about moisture because the oceans are warmer and the After raising money from serving water. Simple changes in 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees atmosphere is warmer. Warmer gas holds more Rock the District, the Cave home can be made such as switching Fahrenheit). Such a minuscule water, so we get these heavy hurricanes that move Creek Unified Education light bulbs to LEDs instead of incanchange in temperature does not very slowly and drop tons of rain causing floodFoundation (CCUEF) awarded descents, carpooling, and unplugging seem like it would have such a ing,” said Jennifer Reisener, a chemistry teacher. over $17,000 in awards to 19 teachers from across the appliances or electronics that are not large effect on the planet, but just The increase in wildfires could be the result of district. Foundation members in use. a five degree temperature drop temperatures rising, which effects the moisture delivered the checks in person globally resulted in ice covering levels in soil. It can also be from climate change to surprised teachers. without him,” said Jeff Flake, an Arizona senator who served with McCain for the past six years.

Following his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, McCain became a naval aviator after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1958. Nearly ten years later, McCain’s plane was shot down while flying over

reflection #2

Teachers run for office

The splash that seniors enjoy

“

After the recent Red for Ed movement, many teachers across the state were inspired to take action for their community.

S

Greatest value, courage. You don’t make it through five years as a prisoner of war without having tremendous courage.

By Julia Knies spotlight editor

This was my first article of the semester, and I did not think I would be able to write it due to my lack of knowledge of politics. I had to do a lot of research before I wrote it. Marsh was my English teacher last year, so it was nice easing into the year with interviewing someone I know. After a lot of research, I was able to write the article and it turned out well. I am proud of it because I thought it would be a disaster.

Climate change is standing on thin ice across the world NEWS BRIEFS

This was the first opinion piece I wrote this semester. I chose the topic because I just wrote an article about climate change the previous month and am very concerned about the state of our planet. I thought that it would be easier for me to express my opinion. Writing it was difficult because I am so used to writing in a strictly informative way and did not add a lot of opinion, however, I like how it turned out.

ning for Arizona state legislature.

Marsh is Arizona’s 2016 Teacher of the Year and is running for a seat in the state senate. One of her original inspirations for running was when a student asked if Arizona students were worth less than other students because Arizona students are funded less.

“I realized I have to run, or I won’t be able to look my students in the eyes. I realized I would lose more sleep by not running than by running,” said Marsh.

Additionally, the CCUSD governing board elections are coming up and a teacher is running for a position on the board. Involving themselves in their community, the IB seniors have decided to host a debate between the three candidates running for two slots.

“I think it’s a great thing [that teachers are running] because they know, like, they’ve been there inside of the classroom. So, they know what needs to be done, and they know how it can be done. So I think it’s a really good thing for teachers to run for the governing board,” said Ozaki.

As for a teacher winning, many Democrats are guessing that voters will side with educators rather than Republicans. The Democrats only need to pick up two more seats in the Senate to flip it. “[If two more Democrats are elected,] everyone down at the capitol will have to work together, they will not have an option… It will be a game changer for Arizona because they will have to compromise and negotiate,” said Marsh.

If Marsh wins, she plans to continue teaching, and have the teacher with whom she did her stuTHE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS dent teaching with come in for her while the legisOPINION lature is in session.

Election day takes place on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and voting can be done at any local polling place.

Christmas should not be commercialized

“

The overall gases in the environment due to the Greenhouse Effect, it’s affecting everything all over the globe.

Inspired by the Red for Ed movement, an influx of teachers have stepped up in Arizona to run for a variety of offices, with the goal of making significant changes in how Arizona fund.

The National Education Association stated that the average Arizona teacher makes around $47,000 annually compared to the national average of around $58,000. This makes Arizona the 49th worst state in the nation for high school teacher pay and 50th worst state for elementary teacher salaries. In addition, it is one of the only states that gives tax money to non-public schools.

“For as much as [teachers] work, and all the stuff they have to deal with, helping kids out and everything...They should be getting paid more,” said Halle Abadi, a senior.

In 2008, funding was cut across all platforms due to the recession. Since then, it has continued to decrease. According to the U.S. Department of Education, it is estimated that funds will continue to be cut since there is an increase in students.

Because of the low schooling budget and lack of resources, educators and supports organized the Red for Ed movement. The six day walkout in April resulted in a 20 percent increase in teacher pay in Arizona over three years, though educators originally requested a higher increase in budget.

“It’s one of those things where everybody has to be on the same page, and so once they had the opportunity to [walkout], they seized it, and I admire teachers for doing it,” said Gabe Ozaki, a senior.

Inspired by the Red for Ed movement, many teachers like Christine Marsh, a Cactus Shadows English teacher, have decided to take the political approach. According to the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, more than 40 past or current education professionals are run-

Christmas is a really big family holiday, and what started as a religious holiday has been taken over by commercialization. The arrival of Christmas items in stores seems to be growing earlier and earlier as the years go by. Instead of being a time to focus on the real meaning of Christmas, it has become a time to spend a lot of money.

Decorations used to be put out after Thanksgiving, but now many businesses are putting them up even before Halloween. It seems to go from Halloween straight to Christmas, with no mention of Thanksgiving in between unless it is Black Friday or Cyber Monday related.

Rather than focusing on the season itself and the celebration of it, people are more worried about what to buy as gifts. Christmas has been drowned in a competitive present-buying frenzy. Parents go crazy about getting their child the perfect gift. The competition of who will get this person the best gift, who will get their kids everything they ask for, and who got the greatest deals on games and new technology like, new phones and video game consoles.

The holiday had become more about money than anything else. The focus has changed entirely to what you will buy. There is commercial after commercial with new items to get him or her the newest toys companies are selling. It is never about spending time with family.

According to Investopedia, the average adult estimates that they will spend at least between $885- $1,000 on Christmas presents each year, if not more. Christmas is the greatest time of year for retail. The more people buy, the more money they make.

In addition to spending money on gifts, people go all out on decorating the outside and insides of their homes. This has also become a competition, where many families may feel forced to spend money on decorations just to keep up with their neighbors.

All of this focus on money creates stress. What should be a time to spend with family, has become anxiety-producing. This needs to change. Instead of people worrying about the perfect gift, people need to sit down for a second and take a look at what Christmas truly means to them. Is it really about spending money? Or is it about something bigger?

This Christmas, maybe we should all take a moment to reflect. After all, just because retailers have decided Christmas is all about money doesn’t mean we have to agree.

Makenna French

As soon as I saw the slug for this article on the board, I knew I wanted to write the article. Climate change is something I am very Christmas has been passionate about, so doing the research was drowned in a competitive not too difficult. I enjoyed writing this article present-buying frenzy. Parents and learned a lot about the view of climate go crazy about getting their change in the scientific community and politichild the cal world. Writing the article was easy forperfect megift. because I was well informed about the topic.

PURCHASING POWER Jacob Biggs shops for Christmas presents at Target. In his cart he has over $100 worth of products. Unfortunately, he still has to purchase more gifts for family members. 4LOGAN MCDADE

Where is the water?

This year is the 21st year of Arizona’s long-term drought. If Arizona does not step up its game with water preservation, there will be dire consequences. Water conservation is necessary and important for people to still be able to live in Arizona.

The importance of water in AZ With 40 percent of Arizona’s water coming from Lake Mead, a drop in the lake’s elevation will have detrimental effects on Arizona and the surrounding states. Now only 38 percent full, cuts will eventually have to be made if the elevation keeps dropping.

A federal shortage declaration will be put into play if Lake Mead’s elevation drops below 1,075 feet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

However, the elevation was already at 1,079 feet at the end of August this year. While the levels fluctuate frequently, it is predicted that the elevation will permanently be below 1,075 feet as soon as May 2019.

Though the population has

staff writer

OPINION

Water is an essential component to life on Earth, and it is necessary to contribute to saving as much water as possible.

increased, the amount of water Arizona uses per year is about the same as it was over half a century ago. This is because of developing technology in infrastructure and water conservation. As the population continues to grow and climate change has a larger effect on the planet, water conservation will become more important, especially in Arizona.

How the state planned Governor Doug Ducey proposed a plan to preserve Lake Mead; however, this plan has not been followed through. The plan is to complete a drought contingency plan to leave more water in the Colorado River to conserve the water level of Lake Mead. Putting together a water-cutback plan is a complicated task, but it is necessary.

Arizona needs to do better According to a scorecard by the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a nonprofit organization focused on the

sustainable use of water, Arizona received a B+ on water efficiency and conservation. While better than most of the other states in the country, there are still two states that received a higher grade than Arizona: California and Texas. With those two states having the highest populations in the U.S. but also the highest grades on the scorecard, they both clearly put a lot into their water conservation efforts.

The scorecard outlined many different points of water conservation efforts, such as shower and toilet water consumption regulations. Both Arizona and Texas were commended for their drought plan requirements, but Texas had a slightly more detailed one, putting it slightly ahead. As of 2012, two big differences between what California and Texas have that Arizona does not are water consumption regulation for toilets and urinals and volumetric billing. Volumetric billing is billing based on how much water a customer has used instead of a flat rate.

Implementing these changes would not only give Arizona a higher grade on the scorecard, but it would also be beneficial to everyone who lives in the state.

How people can help There is no clear-cut solution to the water issue, nevertheless, efforts can be made to slow the use of water.

Starting with an improved water cutback and drought contingency plan is likely the best way to go.

Efforts made in Arizona to use less water include building less pools, decreasing the amount of grass lawns, and using more energy efficient appliances. A few ways Arizona residents can help conserve water are by embracing the natural desert plants and running sprinklers and drip systems at night so that there is less evaporation.

While Arizona has made very valid and beneficial attempts to conserve water, more has to be done if people still want the state to be inhabitable.

Julia Knies health editor

As the population continues to grow and climate change has a larger effect on the planet, water conservation will become more important, especially in Arizona.

tear sheets

september 14 ● September 28, 2018

New faces join faculty

Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Les Neipert

What is your favorite part of teaching?

Being able to touch the lives of my students and inspire them Previous experience?

Six months teaching, former air traffic controller College?

National University and Wayland Baptist University Favorite ice cream?

Cookies and cream Classes taught?

PLC

Alexis Huss What is your favorite part of teaching?

I love my kiddos,they seriously brighten my day.

Previous experience?

I’m a first year teacher.

College?

Nicholls State University Favorite ice cream?

Mint chocolate chip Classes taught?

Special Education English

Saving School Spirit

Brian Jesse What is your favorite part of teaching?

Hanging out with young people with all their different interests and passions Previous experience?

I taught in high schools starting last fall, and was a private tutor for adults from 2012 to 2016.

College?

NAU, CCC, and ASU, Favorite ice cream?

Blueberry

The school mascot, Floyd the Falcon, has the task of hyping up the crowd at sporting events.

Classes taught?

Ecomonics, programming with JavaScpript, and AP Computer Science

Noemie Neipert What is your favorite part of teaching?

Being able to inspire my students to learn French and about the world Previous experience?

Yes, two years College?

Azusa Pacific University Favorite ice cream?

FLOYD THE FALCON

Pistachio

Classes taught?

French

showing off his moves at a football game 4

John Trenton

LOGAN MCDADE

What is your favorite part of teaching?

When things “click” for a student; the “a ha!” moment Previous experience?

By Mia Brito

Yes, six years College?

University of Wyoming, Middle Tennessee State University, Arizona State University, and University of Pittsburg Favorite ice cream?

Mango gelato Classes taught?

French 5/6, 7/8, AP, and IB

Lan Guo

What is your favorite part of teaching?

When my students are learning Chinese in my classroom Previous experience?

This is my 17th year teaching College?

I went to college in China Favorite ice cream?

Rocky Road Classes taught?

Chinese 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6

Beth Udisky

What is your favorite part of teaching?

I love building connections and supporting students.

Previous experience?

I have been in social work for about 15 years and school counseling for 12 years.

College?

Indiana University, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University Favorite ice cream?

Rocky Road Classes taught?

I am the school social worker and the student Assistance Program Coordinator

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

September 28, 2018 ● 15

SPOTLIGHT

By Morgan Reimer lifestyle editor

8 Things You Didn’t know About Swetter 1 Principal Swetter

is a Libra, and was born on October 1st.

2 He is a huge Star Wars fan

and still has collectable items to this day.

3 He has two older sisters,

a teacher and an architect who live in Ohio.

4 One of his favorite parts

of his day is greeting students by the gate.

5 He and his wife love and care for four rescue dogs.

6 If he could master any skill, he would be an expert woodworker like his grandfather, who was a master furniture/ wood maker.

7 Mr. Swetter roles up to school in his dodge challenger,

which represents change in his opinion. It is very different from the previous trucks he has owned, and is a symbol of his new role in the school.

8 A lot of his inspirations come from “the underdogs,” in his life

when people achieve goals they never thought they could.

3 Morgan Reimer

Don’t ‘Swett’ It Jim Swetter has taken on the leadership of Cactus Shadows

Returning for his eighth year at Cactus Shadows, newly appointed Interim Principal Jim Swetter is preparing for a full year of students, academics, and adjusting to his new role as the head of campus.

“I have been assigned as the principal for the entire year, and then a decision will be made about [who will be] the full time principal. So, this year gives me an opportunity to implement some of my ideas, some of my plans,” said Swetter.

Previously, Swetter was the Dean of students, Athletic director, and a history teacher.

“There’s a lot of new learning. It’s just kind of overseeing those two roles, and having the added responsibility of being in charge of the whole school instead of just athletics,” said Swetter.

Largest class ever With this year’s freshman class being the biggest ever, with over 580 students, Swetter tackles the problem of student to staff ratios and short and long term goals of how to make technology a more profound goal.

“If I had my way, teachers would be making more money and class sizes would be smaller. I think that’s best for all parties involved. Unfortunately, that’s one of the things that goes along with the budget. I want to increase technology. I want to try to provide teachers with as many resources as they can, that they would like to use to teach the classes,” said Swetter.

Swetter has been interacting and learning with students through various ways. Whether through sports or academics, becoming principal was a step up from a single factor of the school day, to taking care of the entire school. With Dr. Stephen Bebee as a mentor, Swetter became fully aware of what he was taking on.

“I knew that this was in my goals to become a principal. Dr. Bebee was really great with trying to help me and kind of giving me activities that, ‘If you’re a principal how would you think about this,’ or what would you do in this situation, and kind of leading me down that path,” said Swetter.

New ideas and old When it comes down to it, Swetter is prepared to use his past knowledge of how the school ran, and create new ideas to improve future functions. An area Swetter hopes to fix is the locks and sinks in the bathroom, and further school technologies.

“Because Mr. Swetter’s been here for so long, I know that he’s not going to do anything that wouldn’t be right for the school,” said Rachel Matheson, a senior.

“So far, he’s done a really great job. I’m very optimistic for what he’s going to be doing in the future.”

Being constantly around students, Swetter hopes to grow and learn along with them, in a news aspect and space.

“I think Swetter will do a good job because he’s been here forever, he’s been the athletic director, he’s really good with students academically, so he’s kind of covered all bases,” said Lauren Garrison, a senior.

Overall, Swetter continues to work to keep the school up and running, and providing the mind set and attitude for the future Falcons.

football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball game.

He or she can also be found at pep assemblies, hyping up the crowd.

“Floyd represents everything Cactus Shadows should be,” said Jad Bazzi, one of two seniors who assist the mascot.

Just like the sports teams the mascot cheers for, Floyd has weekly practices. In addition to Bazzi, Michael Tracy also works as a mascot assistant. He and Bazzi plan to have Floyd celebrate school spirit all year long.

“It’s a passion at this point,” said Tracy.

Some of their main responsibilities include protecting Floyd, helping with costume changes, and being the voice of Floyd.

“Like a pet, you have to make sure [the mascot] gets food and water, and that [he or she] is still breathing,” said Tracy.

According to Bazzi and Tracy, the body part of the suit is manageable, but the head can get quite heavy. It’s critical that Floyd has several breaks throughout the games to rest and stay hydrated. ”Being in a mascot suit can be hard work and it’s not uncommon for Floyd to take breaks due to hot temperatures,” said Bazzi.

After each game or pep rally, Floyd’s suit is taken by the athletics department to be cleaned, as it can get quite smelly.

C staff writer

ACTUS Shadows welcomed its newest Floyd the Falcon mascot, who remains a mystery to the public eye. Sworn to anonymity, only a few people know the true identity of this game-time entertainer.

Floyd the Falcon has been a school tradition since the high school began over thirty years ago. The word mascot comes from the french term “mascotte,” which roughly translates to “lucky charm.” Today, it is the job of a mascot to exaggerate the moves of the cheer team, and be as entertaining as possible.

Auditions for this year’s Floyd the Falcon were held the third week of the school year.

Judges included: Tandehl Collentine, the athletic director; Aaron Pettinato, the Dean; Cameron Bender, a math teacher, and special guest judge, Pettinato’s sister. Pettinato’s sister was chosen as a guest judge because of her prior experience as a school mascot.

Specifically, the judges were looking for “someone who showed school spirit and had a lot of enthusiasm,” said Collentine.

Not only does Floyd need to have tons of school spirit, he or she also needs to be dedicated to the work of being the school mascot.

Being Floyd consists of going to almost every

16 ● September 28, 2018

By Annie Sogaard

T creeker editor

HE Rebel Lounge was

completely packed and sold out on September 1, a Saturday night; an impressive feat for the small Minnesotan punk rock band Remo Drive. This summer tour was done to commemorate the band’s recent signing with Epitaph records, and the re-release of their debut album, ironically titled Greatest Hits.

Eric and Stephen Paulson, brothers, formed the band in 2013, aiming their music at primarily “older emo kids who listen to Title Fight.”

The tension and anticipation all throughout the crowded venue was nearly palpable waiting for the headliners. However, the two opening bands, Beach Bunny and Field Medic, did a more than good job at keeping it at bay.

Beach Bunny opens Beach Bunny was up to bat first, testing the waters of the Phoenix crowd for their first time. Lead vocalist and guitarist Lili Trifilio made sure the energy was high, using her powerfully punk, but all the same soothing vocals, to make the crowd dance along with her. Call Me Baby, a more somber choice made

by Trifilio, had the entire crowd swaying along with her. In between songs, an audience member shouted to “play Sports,” one of their most

popular songs. The band teased the crowd, by playing a couple notes and chords and asking, “Wait, this one? You want us to play this one?”

As soon as it started, the whole room was jumping. Before they exited the stage, Beach Bunny thanked Phoenix for giving them the “best show ever.”

Field medic finds folk Field Medic was almost polar opposite, but gathered equal, if not more, amount of hype. The oneman-band consists of just Kevin Patrick Sullivan, his folk-style vocals, his acoustic guitar, and most importantly, his giant smile. And mustache.

His music was not exactly what you would expect for the second opener for Remo Drive, being far more relaxing and country. He had the crowd laughing and singing along as he sang cutely about cocaine and strippers, and back to swaying back and forth engulfed in the very emo feelings he intended the crowd to have during uuu, a beautifully written love song. He was visibly delighted and in awe at the crowds response to him, also prompting him to thank the concert goers for the best experience so far on tour.

For such a (self-proclaimed) “small emo-punk band”, Remo Drive gave quite the large performance.

Wasting no time, they were met with applause walking on stage and immediately drowned it out with

Events Around Town Fri. September 28 at 7 p.m.

the opening guitar riffs to a new song off their upcoming album, set to be released this December. It had more of an upbeat, summery sound, like the 3 songs off their EP “Blue Ribbon”, but drew out the same amount of hype from the dedicated fans.

The crowd was jumping and moshing the entire time, and with songs like Blue Ribbon and Art School being played back to back, the atmosphere in the venue was kept light but all the same incredibly stimulating.

Remo Drive is often pegged as an “emo-revival band”, a title the members themselves don’t necessarily shy away from, but instead consistently put out music that both perfectly fits the criteria and expands it a bit. All the songs off both Greatest Hits and the Blue Ribbon were played and thoroughly moshed to, and when the lights came on and the band left the stage, the crowd was literally cheering for more.

After the longest five minutes of anyone’s life, Erik Paulson returned to stage holding and acoustic guitar and grinning. “We don’t really have any encore songs prepared,” said Paulson, “but do you guys know a song called ‘Lovesick Blues?’” He quickly, but less than smoothly transitioned into playing the song we all know and love: “The Yodeling Kid’s Song”- the most unexpected but fitting way to close the show.

By Riley James

ARIZONA STATE FAIR October 5 through 28 Held annually since 1946, the Fair returns for its 72nd year. It is at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, and tickets start at $20.

DRAKE AND MIGOS Mon. October 8 at 7 p.m.

Sat. October 13 to 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Back for another year, the Arizona Taco Festival is bringing the best tacos around to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Tickets start at $12.

instrument of choice.

4ANNIE SOGAARD

Slender Man invades cinemas

staff writer

Kids doing covers of pop song favorites live at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix. Tickets start at $35.

STEPHEN PAULSON , bassist of Remo Drive, plucking away at his

The Riley Report

KIDS BOP LIVE!

ARIZONA TACO FESTIVAL

at lunch. 4 MIAH THIRION

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

You Can’t Spell Remo without ‘Emo’

A concert featuring the two rap artists sat the Gila River Arena in Glendale. Tickets start at $64.

JIM SWETTER patrolling the cafeteria

desi

Slender Man, the popular horror character who originated from an internet meme, was finally adapted to the big screen… and it was horrible. This was such a disappointment to so many who had been caught up in the whole Slender Man hype.

The character of Slender Man was created in 2009 on a website called “SomethingAwful” in response to a contest where applicants were to Photoshop something out of the ordinary, and add it to an old photograph along with a mysterious caption attached to the photo giving a brief description of what the picture meant.

As soon as the picture was uploaded, people became obsessed with the idea of Slender Man and they started to use the character in stories of their own. These are called “Creepypastas,” which are short horror stories from the internet.

The character attracted a large audience and developed a sort-of “cult” following.

After years of the Slender Man’s popularity, a very tragic event occurred. On May 31st, 2014 two 12 year old girls named Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser took their best friend, Payton Leutner, into the woods of Waukesha, Wisconsin and stabbed her 19 times. The victim survived and the perpetrators were taken into custody. This event would be known as “The Slender Man Stabbing,” because the girls claimed that Slender Man himself told the girls to commit the crime.

The Slender Man character’s popularity completely dropped after this event and put a bad name on the fictional monster.

Now, Sony Pictures has decided to bank off the character and make a movie with his name attached just for a cheap cash grab. The film had nothing to do with the mythos of Slender Man and fans were very disappointed.

In the movie, four high school girls randomly decide to summon a scary being called Slender Man for no apparent reason. Somehow, they manage to summon this creature,

who ends up haunting them each in different ways.

Director Sylvian White, who was basically a no name coming onto the project, brings nothing new to the horror genre. This feels like another generic scary movie that has already been done 1,000 times. The only “star,” if you want to call her that, in the movie is Joey King from The Conjuring and most recently Netflix’s The Kissing Booth.

The acting is bland and it felt like the actors wanted to finish this movie as quickly as they could and get their paycheck.

One of the few things I enjoyed about the movie was the music, done by Ramin Djawadi and Brandon Campbell. It definitely brings a darker tone to the film.

When Slender Man is near, bells are ringing, which sent chills down my spine.

WREN played by Joey Sadly, Sony Pictures’ Slender Man King 4SONY PICTURES was the final nail in the coffin for the character. Originally an interesting character, I’d have to say that Slender Man is now officially dead.

Three stars out of ten

14 ● October 19, 2018

New birds in the Nest

Spotlight

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Events Around Town VERTUCCIO FARMS CORN MAZE AND FALL FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT

Get your scare on

Humans of Cactus Shadows

“It’s kind of cool because we all have that one little thing in common, we all know what we’re doing just enough to work well together. The class is really fun, and I feel like the most theater I’ve ever learned is just through that class and being with those people because we’re all on the same page rather than just kids trying to get an arts credit.”

T

Vertuccio Farms is hosting a time filled with fall activities and food.

HIS year, Cactus Shadows recruited eight new Nest leaders, whose job is to rile up the crowds at games.

“I think we need Nest leaders because, without them, people would just be doing their own thing, different chants would arise,” said Taj Nadesan, a Nest leader. “I think Nest leaders are a great way to keep everyone organized and unified.”

This group of all seniors use chants and dance moves to excite the crowd.

Their job is also to stop chants that target the opposing team in a negative way, and to show school spirit by dressing up for the themes of the games.

“At first, I was like, oh wow. Eight nest leaders?” said Tandehl Collentine, Athletic Director. “But I can really see the impact already. They are able to split up, making sure that three of them are here at the volleyball game, and three of them are here at the football game.”.

Having eight Nest leaders available can also help if not all leaders can make it to a game. If some of the Nest leaders cannot attend a game, there can still be a decent amount there.

Strong Nest leaders are able to get the crowd pumped up, which helps create momentum for the home team. People who are interested in becoming a Nest leader should be outgoing and have no fear of crowds. They also should be a positive role model.

“I've been at the football games and other events since I was a freshman, and I really thought what they were doing was so cool, said Nadesan. “I always love to entertain people, make people happy, make people laugh, and I just thought becoming one was the best way to do so and just be one of the faces and the school and it’s spirited.”

One of the challenges with having eight Nest leaders is communication. It is difficult to keep all eight Nest leaders doing the same thing at the same time because they are located at different spots in the gym. To help with this, they have to practice the cheers and staying in sync.

“When there [are only] are two people, it is like, ‘Okay, go,’ at the same time, but when there are eight people, we had to learn cues and we still have to know when to all go at the same time,” said Haylee Hewitt, a Nest leader.

Hewitt explained how communication problems at the first football game led to confusion.

For example, four Nest Taj Nadesan leaders started one cheer Nest leader at one end of the bleachers, then the other four, located at another end of the bleachers, started another.

Another issue was that non-Nest leaders were physically joining the group to help cheer, which made it even more difficult for the real Nest leaders to communicate.

Tickets are $10 at 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212

K arli Kinsey a junior

(480) 882-1482

14TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL November 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Well, I’ve been doing band since I was 11, and it’s always just been so appealing to me. The people in band have a sort of energy that I can connect with, we’re all each other’s ‘band family.’

School events like football games are always so much fun, it’s our job to get people excited about the game and provide entertainment. I think it’s one of the most underrated positions at school, it’s so fun to get people excited and to do something you really enjoy at the same time.”

More than 100 vendors; with all things local to Arizona

Free admission in the Margaret T. Hance Park located at 67 West Culver Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003.

TWENTY ONE PILOTS Fri. November 9 at 7 p.m.

“First things first, I’m moving out of Arizona. I can’t stand this place.

There’s nothing much to do, and it’s 115 degrees everyday. My goal is to move to Portland, Oregon, and the goal there is to either go to the University of Portland or Oregon State University for four years.”

Tickets start at $110 on SeatGeek.

The show is at the Talking Stick Resort Arena located at 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Dallas Overfield a senior

(602) 379-7800

POLAR EXPRESS November 9 through January 5

4 BLAKE DORAME

The Polar Express is a one hour train journey to the north pole with hot chocolate and snacks.

By Riley James

MAC AND CHEESE FESTIVAL

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to talk about some classic horror films.

Horror movies have been around as early as 1896, with Georges Méliès’ Le manoir du diable—also known as The Haunted Castle or The House of the Devil—being the first ever recorded horror film. Horror movies have come such a long way since then.

The 1930s and ’40s brought us Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Invisible Man, known collectively as the “Godfathers of Horror.” Horror would be nowhere today without these iconic films; they are some of the most inspiring works of art in all cinematic history.

The 1950s, also known as the silver age of horror, popularized science fiction horror and monster movies. For example, Godzilla, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Blob, Invaders from Mars, The Thing From Another

Tickets are $15. Tasting and drinks sold separately. Located at 7134 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 666-5545

SAM GOULET, a Nest leader, hyping up the crowd at the first pep rally of the year. 4 LOGAN MCDADE

As the spooky season nears, people want to go do something that puts them in a Halloween mood. 13th Floor Haunted House is a great way to get scared and have a fun time with friends.

The 13th Floor changes its attractions every year. The two themes going on this year are The Possession and In the Shadows.

Before the attractions start, workers take pictures of the guests and offer a card to see them at the very end.

The Possession, which is the first attraction, is really creepy. It is very dark at some points, and at other points there are bright

TAKING A BREAK from chasing people around with his chain saw, the clown hangs out with guests. 4 ANNIE SOGAARD lights flashing at a rapid pace, making it difficult to see which way to go.

At almost every corner, there were actors waiting to jump out and scare. They were dressed in what seemed to be blood covered, dressy types clothes. Some of them

wouldn’t even make any noise, just breathe in very close proximity to the guests, while others would scream at the top of their lungs.

Since it was so hard to see at the beginning, the only things that could be heard were other people going through the attraction, screaming. About halfway through the first attraction, there are a lot of tight spaces. It is not recommended for someone who has claustrophobia, and personally, it was not a fun thing to experience. This haunted house is not just a straight hallway that guests walk down the whole time.

There are turns at every corner, and sometimes, it is hard to even see which way to turn.

The line to the next attraction, though only about a five minute wait, allowed a break for the eyes and the heart to calm down after the first haunted house. Then, they open the door and In the Shadows begins.

In the Shadows was probably one of the coolest haunted house themes ever. It took place as the zombie apocalypse. There are broken cars and airplanes everywhere along with police cars, sirens, and red and blue lights. There are zombies left and right, just remember not to get in biting distance. The coolest part about this attraction was that it looks so realistic. Though no one knows what would happen if there actually was a zombie apocalypse, in my opinion, this gives a pretty solid idea as to what it would be like to walk through one.

Located on Bell Road, general admission is $30 online and $38 at the door and the whole experience lasts around a 38-40 minute. This haunted house is on the pricey side, but if you really want to be scared, it is worth the price of admission.. It is a lot of fun, and a really cool experience. 13th Floor is definitely a highly recommended place.

Preparing for Halloween: the history of horror

(800) 843-8724

The Mac and Cheese festival includes mac and cheese dishes from different restaurants.

staff writer

The Riley Report:

Tickets are $35-55 at 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ 86046

Sat. November 17 and Sun. November 18th

By Makenna French

Ema Cartin a sophomore

Twenty One Pilots comes back to the valley for an almost sold out show for their Bandito Tour.

Buy tickets sooner rather than later.

...I always love to entertain people, like make people happy, make people laugh and I just thought becoming one was the best way to do so and just be one of the faces and the school and it’s spirit.”

October 19, 2018 ● 15

Makenna French recommends the 13th Floor for anyone who wants to be scared and has money to spend.

Everyday from now to November 4

By Jo Breese staff writer

igns

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

staff writer

16 ● October 19, 2018

World. The 1960s brought us classics like, The Birds and Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock, as well as George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead. Films such as Rosemary's Baby, and Dracula: Prince of Darkness are some honorable mentions.

The 1970s was a comeback for horror, and had numerous classics such as The Exorcist, The Omen, Jaws, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Carrie, Phantasm, The Wickerman, Alien, and, of course, John Carpenter’s Halloween—the movie that started my personal favorite horror film sub genre: slasher films. A typical slasher film would consist of a group of people in a confined area, with a killer on the loose and usually a female lead who is the last person to survive and defeat the killer. These movies dominated the 1980s and brought the world more iconic movie characters such as Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Chucky.

Other films worth mentioning are Stanley

SPOTLIGHT

Kubrick’s The Shining, The Evil Dead, and the best horror film of all time, Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn. In the ’90s, slashers were going out of style, that is until Wes Craven’s SCREAM was released in December of 1996. This movie was intended to “parody” slasher films, but all it did was revive them.

The Blair Witch Project came out in 1999 and was the most successful independent film at the time. Many movies tried to copy its foundfootage style, but none were as good. In 2003, Freddy vs. Jason was released and was a huge box office success. This film proved that crossover movies could work.Crossovers are everywhere now, especially with superheros, thanks to Freddy vs. Jason.

Saw was released in 2004 and brought a new genre to light.

Torture movies were quite popular throughout the 2000s, and there were Saw movies being released every year from 2004 to 2010 including last year’s Jigsaw.

The torture genre quickly went out of style, and another genre was on the rise, Supernatural horror. Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Conjuring, The Babadook, and Sinister are some popular movies that have come out in the last few years and have been extremely successful, pumping out sequel after sequel.

Currently, Slasher films are again on the rise, and paying homage to ’80s movies is the trend.

With last year’s IT being the highest grossing horror film, the genre has continued to evolve.

With so many excellent horror films, it can be hard to choose where to begin. To help you prepare for Halloween, I’ve listed my top five here: 1. Night of The Living Dead 2. Halloween 3. Scream 4. Trick r’ Treat 5. Cabin in the woods Happy viewing.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Life beyond the classroom Teachers’ lives outside of school consist of more than just grading papers. Take a look at what some of the teachers around Cactus Shadows do in their spare time.

ANDREW CUPO makes his way up the wall at AZ on the Rocks, an indoor rock climbing facility with courses for beginner to advanced climbers.

By Raven Ramirez

T staff writer

EACHERS are more than just educators who come to school and teach, they are actual people who do fascinating things outside of school.

Fishing in Alaska

Russell Del Grosso, a calculus and precalculus teacher, spends every summer commercial fishing for salmon in Alaska.

Del Grosso owns and operates his own commercial fishing business.“Fishing is a really great break from teaching, said Del Grosso said.

Del Grosso has been commercial fishing for 35 years. “[I’ve been fishing] longer than I have been teaching,” said Del Grosso.

Originally, Del Grosso got a degree in math and a certificate in teaching, intending to start his teaching career. But the lure of fishing called, so he put it off.

“I actually got into teaching from fishing, because the price went down in salmon,”

said Del Grosso.

He also fishes frequently at Bartlett Lake and spends a lot of time with his family outside of school.

Climbing the Rocks Andrew Cupo, Drama teacher, spends two to three days every week rock climbing.“[I go climbing] usually Tuesday or Thursday or, if I miss a day, I try to go over the weekend,” said Cupo.

He started about six years ago. “I went with a friend and had a blast. It’s a nice way to relieve stress after a long day, and it’s good exercise,” he said.

The fact that it is indoors is also a bonus, because he can go during the summer, when it is too hot to be outside.

“Rock climbing is pretty easy to learn,” he said. “It’s both a mental and a physical puzzle, because it takes agility and strength to be able to do it.”

He also likes to watch all different kinds of movies. Cupo tries to see two to three movies a week. “I am obsessed with going

to the movies,” said Cupo.

Finding meteors Robert Reisener, a geology and physics teacher, is fascinated by rocks, and has actually found a meteor in Arizona. “It was noteworthy because it was observed falling, and it was only the second one in Arizona in 100 years,” said Reisener.

He has a fascination with outer space, which compels him to search for rocks that don’t belong here on Earth. Finding them is like looking for “extraterrestrial needles in a terrestrial haystack.” Meteors are the “holy grail and most elusive of rocks,” said Reisener. “When you find something that doesn’t belong in the location where you find it, then it increases the odds that it is from outer space.”

Reisener found his first meteor in high school in the midwest on a farm, and has not stopped looking for them since.

Reisener also likes to hike and work on projects that fall under the scientific umbrella with his friends outside of school.

AUTOMATIC BELAY TOOLS allow Cupo de-stress and focus on climbing without the worries of falling 4 BLAKE DORAME

october

november

Health

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

November 20, 2018 ● 5

Energy drink first to add creatine

B

By Lauryn Stornelli

With more caffeine than three cups of coffee and its watersoluble super creatine, Bang is invading the lives of those looking for a quick caffeine fix and a way to improve focus.

creeker editor

ang energy drinks are finding their place in the daily routines of people all around the nation, but not without some backlash. The big concern of the drink that seems to be going straight over the average consumer’s head is the question of what actually is in the drink and why is it so much stronger than most energy drinks.

In 2012, CEO of VPX, Jack Owoc wished to introduce a new wave of energy drinks to the public eye that would promote human health, rather than destroy it.

“Bang contains my patented creatine-amino acid peptide which is the world’s only waterstable creatine,” explained Owoc.

super creatine

KEAGAN NEFF

has hopped on board with this new preworkout drink.

4EMMA BAUER

Creatine is a supplement that is meant to help muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or highintensity exercise. This means that the energy spike that a person experiences solely relies on the amount of physical activity that they pursue.

“I like just drinking it before the gym because it’s really good for pre-workout, but I wouldn’t drink it if I wasn’t planning on exercising,” said Brooke Barrett, a senior.

However, the creatine that is in Bang is known as “super creatine,” an ingredient named, patented, and virtually invented by Owoc. It separates itself from regular creatine because it is the world’s only soluble creatine.

Though, the difference between the two goes deeper than that.

Studies on creatine have shown it can increase your mental function as well as athletic. Super creatine differs from the norm, because it has a fatty acid chain that makes it easier to cross the blood brain barrier.

The blood brain barrier, which is semipermeable, allows certain materials through to the brain but blocks others. While regular creatine can enhance athletic performance, it tends to cut off before having effects on the brain.

focus

“The focus of the super creatine is not for muscle function, but for cognition. By combining this form of creatine with caffeine, it works synergistically for mental focus," said Owoc.

Essentially, Owoc is paving a way for anyone who is struggling with low counts of energy, whether that’s cognitive or physical, leaving room for high demand in a non-competitive market.

The benefits of regular creatine are offered to more than just athletes at the cost of consuming a drink with various flavors and almost immediate results.

“I would take creatine pills and have to wait a whole hour before I could work out and this is just right away, I can just drink it,” Derek Hertzell, a senior.

Hertzell, who averagely drinks three Bangs a week, is not the only one who consumes this drink regularly. The drinks can be spotted lurking around the campus, especially in recent weeks.

the good and the bad

It is arguable whether or not a person should be ingesting such a large amount of caffeine and creatine.

According to a review published by GreenEyedGuide, an average adult should not be consuming more than 400mg of caffeine in one day and no more than 200mg in one sitting, all while Bang has a total of 300mg in one can. Another concern is the warning label on the can that says the drink is not intended for consumers under 18.

Recently, there was a lawsuit on VPX Sports for false advertisement, which boiled down to the drinks having an insignificant amount of branched-chain amino acids and CoQ10 compared to what the company was boasting. Both of those ingredients are supposed to increase athletic performance.

as easy as... the crust

the filling

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 1/2 cup of flour

In a food processor, pulse dry ingredients briefly.

1/2 of a teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of sugar 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into thin 1x1 inch squares.

Add butter, pulse till mixture looks like coarse meal.

Add up to two tablespoons ice cold water until dough just holds together.

Wrap in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate until firm. When ready, roll out for use.

Ingredients:

Directions:

10 McIntosh apples

Peel, core and slice apples into 1/16ths

1 Cup of white sugar 1 Cup of brown sugar 2 Tbsp cinnamon 1 Cup of all purpose flour

Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl and then add to sliced apples.

Mix well Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and let stand an hour before serving.

desi BAKE until golden brown at 350 degrees. 4LUCAS DUFRESNE

TOP WITH BUTTER. When the pie is ready for its top, place some butter pats on first.4LUCAS DUFRESNE

Health

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

December 21, 2018 ● 5

4 LOGAN MCDADE

Sleep deprivation at its finest Only about 15 percent of teenagers get over eight and a half hours of sleep on school nights. Sleep deprivation affects decision making skills, causes memory loss, and overall negatively impacts health.

By Avianna Hoppes sports editor

MANY TEENAGERS ACROSS THE

country wake up at 6:00 in the morning in order to get to school on time—just so they can sleep through all their classes. Every day, students get yelled at by their teachers for sleeping in class, then they go home and get yelled at by their parents for sleeping too much. The truth is, according to recent studies, they are probably not getting enough sleep.

Due to the amount of homework and after-school activities, as well as early start times, students on average get about six to seven hours of sleep, despite the fact that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes public understanding of sleep disorders. Lack of sleep makes it harder for students to focus well in school and they often do not have enough energy to get through the day. The

National Sleep Foundation also mentioned sleep deprivation causes memory loss, affects decision-making skills, and can increase anxiety and depression.

Too little sleep “I get about four or five hours of sleep each night, which is why I am tired at school. The amount of homework combined with morning practice makes it hard to get enough sleep,” said Rachel Hill, a sophomore.

Parents often do not sympathize with their teens and tell them to just go to bed earlier, but there is evidence that suggests it is not that easy. Circadian rhythms dictate that a teenager’s body is

“

I get about four or five hours of sleep each night, which is why I am tired at school.

R achael Hill a sophomore

DOZING OFF IN CLASS, Jaylen Mosley, a junior, attempts to work on his math review packet. 4ETHAN PENINGTON

wired to have a later sleeping schedule than adults. Their brains produce melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in sleep, later at night than younger children and adults.

“Most teenagers don’t get sleepy until about 10:30. Their circadian clock doesn’t match with the school start time,” said Lori Dahne, school counselor.

No time for naps Students do not always have time to take a nap after school either—due to after school clubs and sports, as well as many hours of homework. Students must choose between good grades and getting enough sleep.

“I have so much homework when I already have so much happening after school.

Sometimes school belongs at school and home belongs at home, “ said Eden Cislo, a junior.

One way to resolve problem could be starting the school day later. The school’s start time is early because the district does not have enough busses to start the elementary and high schools at the same times, but young kids children tend to fall asleep earlier than teenagers do. By switching the bus schedules and school starts times, both groups of kids would be able to get enough sleep at night.

“

They should absolutely be required, because statistics have proved that they prevent catastrophic illnesses,”

Linda Killingback, school nurse.

By Evan Myers

I

staff writer

N the beginning of the 20th century, young children died regularly from diseases like whooping cough and smallpox. Vaccinations were invented to protect children from these diseases and are required by school districts before letting students enter the school. However, there are families who choose not to vaccinate their children for a variety of reasons.

Vaccinations protect people against serious and potentially deadly diseases, including smallpox, chicken pox, measles, and influenza. They can save children’s lives, and the ingredients in vaccines—though dangerous in large quantities—are safe in the amount used.

“Vaccinations are good for preventing illnesses and the spread of illnesses to other people,” said Kolten Sauber, a sophomore.

Despite the effectiveness of vaccines, some parents do not vaccinate their children. For many years, there was believed to be a connection between vaccinations and autism, which created fear that the shots were harmful. This report was later disproved, and there is no legitimate connection between the shots and autism. However, the belief still exists.

According to a poll by vaccines. gov, 70 percent of people say that vaccines are important to protect children, 63 percent fear that their

Pins and Needles Many people fear vaccines despite the record of saving lives and easing misery child will experience serious side effects, 57 percent say they have concerns about autism, and 78 percent believe children get too many shots.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that vaccines can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects, such as lifethreatening allergic reactions, but only in a small percentage of people. The threat is much larger for children who get one of the diseases like whooping cough or pertussis.

“They could be bad for you if you are allergic to any of the thing put in the vaccination,” said Connor Anthony, a sophomore.

While the majority of children in the United States do get vaccinations, according to a CDC report released earlier this year, the number of children not receiving vaccinations has quadrupled since 2001.

Students who do not receive vaccinations pose health risks for other kids, which is why school districts require vaccinations.

“They should absolutely be required, because statistics have proved that they prevent catastrophic illnesses,” said Linda Killingback, the school nurse. She also emphasized that there is no scientific link between autism and vaccinations and that most of the sources that say this are biased.

Killingback believes more should be done to educate people about vaccines, and to get rid of the rumor that they are related to autism.

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Teachers run for office After the recent Red for Ed movement, many teachers across the state were inspired to take action for their community.

By Julia Knies

ning for Arizona state legislature.

Marsh is Arizona’s 2016 Teacher of the Year and is running for a seat in the state senate. One of Inspired by the Red for Ed movement, an influx her original inspirations for running was when a of teachers have stepped up in Arizona to run for a student asked if Arizona students were worth less variety of offices, with the goal of making signifithan other students because Arizona students are cant changes in how Arizona fund. funded less.

The National Education Association stated THE CACTUS SHADOWS “I realizedPRESS I haveTHE to NEWS run, or I won’t be able to that the average Arizona teacher makes around look my students in the eyes. I realized I would $47,000 annually compared to the national averlose more sleep by not running than by running,” age of around $58,000. This makes Arizona the said Marsh.

49th worst state in the nation for high school Additionally, the CCUSD governing board electeacher pay and 50th worst state for elementary tions are coming up and a teacher is running for teacher salaries. In addition, it is one of the only a position on the board. Involving themselves in states that gives tax money to non-public schools. their community, the IB seniors have decided to “For as much as [teachers] work, and all the stuff host a debate between the three candidates runthey have to deal with, helping kids out and everyning for two slots. thing...They should be getting paid more,” said “I think it’s a great thing [that teachers are runHalle Abadi, a senior. ning] because they know, like, they’ve been there In 2008, funding was cut across all platforms inside of the classroom. So, they know what needs due to the recession. Since then, it has continued to be done, and they know how it can be done. So I to decrease. According to the U.S. Department of think it’s a really good thing for teachers to run for Education, it is estimated that funds will continue the governing board,” said Ozaki. to be cut since there is an increase in students.

As for a teacher winning, many Democrats Because of the low schooling budget and lack of are guessing that voters will side with educators resources, educators and supports organized the rather than Republicans. The Democrats only Red for Ed movement. The six day walkout in April need to pick up two more seats in the Senate to resulted in a 20 percent increase in teacher pay in flip it.

Arizona over three years, though educators origi“[If two more Democrats are elected,] everynally requested a higher increase in budget. one down at the capitol will have to work together, “It’s one of those things where everybody has they will not have an option… It will be a game to be on the same page, and so once they had changer for Arizona because they will have to the opportunity to [walkout], they seized it, and compromise and negotiate,” said Marsh.

I admire teachers for doing it,” said Gabe Ozaki, If Marsh wins, she plans to continue teaching, a senior. and have the teacher with whom she did her stuInspired by the Red for Ed movement, many dent teaching with come in for her while the legisteachers like Christine Marsh, a Cactus Shadows lature is in session.

English teacher, have decided to take the political Election day takes place on Tuesday, November approach. According to the Arizona Democratic 6, 2018, and voting can be done at any local pollLegislative Campaign Committee, more than 40 ing place. past or current education professionals are runspotlight editor

september

Octobe

The splash that seniors en

By Connor Green

S staff writer

ENIOR Assassins, a game played by high school seniors, has taken the school by storm since it was first introduced.

With water guns as weapons, and swimwear as protection, the game pits teams of two against each other.

“It is pretty fun, I get to connect with a lot of people from school that I have never talked to before,” said Nick Nielsen, a senior who is playing the game this year.

The goal of the game is simple: eliminate all other players and be the last one standing. Students can choose a partner, but they are assigned which other teams they must assassinate. Participants use water guns to eliminate opponents, and these “kills” must be videotaped to count.

It takes motivation and skill to stay in the game. For Derek Hertzell, the senior with the most elimination, the fun of the game is what got him involved. “I just wanted to play with my friends,” said Hertzell.

To make the game more competitive, there are things that can make a player “off limits.” For example, wearRUNNING FOR SHELTER, Morgan Mullenmeister, a senior, chases Noah Steward, a senior, down the side- ing beach wear, such as floaties or goggles, makes a player unkillable. Also, walk in order to eliminate him from the game. 4 KASSIDY WHEELER

school and places of work its. In addition, there are s Days, where players can ass other team, not just the on assigned.

Besides being fun, there incentive to play. Each team to pay an entry fee, whic award prizes to the winne the winner will receive $20 ner up $1250, third place $500, and fifth $250. At the the competition, Cactus Sh little over 300 participants.

“Honestly, the money was to play,” said Hertzell. “It’s ya know?”

Not everyone is a fan. W crashes since the start o Senior Assassins is starting troversy in Cave Creek. In a dents at Franklin High Scho Massachusetts, called the critical’ after the recent ma Additionally, they believe th could find a new way or g fun at the end of the year.”

“I’ve never seen more th floaties and such, so I don a problem with it,” said Lu Film and TV teacher.

In Hopkinton, Massach case turned criminal whe was mistaken for a gun-wi nal, creeping inside a resid It’s cases like these that cau dislike the game or call it un

october

Climate change is standing on thin ice across the world NEWS BRIEF

By Julia Knies spotlight editor

With a surge of super storms across the planet, concerns for climate change are increasing.

People are becoming more aware of the effects and causes of human-induced climate change.

The average summer temperature will be ten degrees hotter by 2100, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit group. The daily temperature year-round is predicted to increase three to five degrees by 2050, and,in Phoenix alone, the number of days above 100 degrees are expected to jump from 121 days in the year 2000 to 147 days in 2050.

“Our whole environment and everything in it is all out of whack and off, so the things that are happening are because of it,” said Lola Draper, a junior.

The 2017 fire season in California was one of the most destructive yet, with three major wildfires causing a lot of damage. There were also four hurricanes in 2017—which is the most that there have been in a long time.

“We’re getting these super hurricanes full of moisture because the oceans are warmer and the atmosphere is warmer. Warmer gas holds more water, so we get these heavy hurricanes that move very slowly and drop tons of rain causing flooding,” said Jennifer Reisener, a chemistry teacher.

The increase in wildfires could be the result of temperatures rising, which effects the moisture levels in soil. It can also be from climate change

altering ecosystems, making them more susceptible to fire.

“It’s becoming hotter and hotter quicker and earlier in the year, and it’s staying cold for less time, therefore the plants are dying.

It’s easier for things to burn,” said Emma Pedersen, a sophomore.

Climate change is the umbrella that covers global warming, oceans warming and rising, and other global phenomena. A lot of this change can be credited to the burning of fossil fuels, according to NASA. Global warming on the other hand refers to the upward temperature trend across earth since the early twentieth century, and people’s opinions tend to vary on whether or not it is real.

“They go hand in hand, with global warming comes climate change,” said Pedersen.

Since 1880, the average global temperature has risen about 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Such a minuscule change in temperature does not seem like it would have such a large effect on the planet, but just a five degree temperature drop globally resulted in ice covering

“

The overall gases in the environment due to the Greenhouse Effect, it’s affecting everything all over the globe.

Lola Draper a junior

a large part of North America over 20,000 years ago, according to NASA. “Enough data has been accumulated over the past fifty to a hundred years to say, with pretty good evidence, that humans have caused the climate to get warmer, so [global warming] is not controversial in the scientific community. It is only controversial politically,” said Reisener.

Another aspect of climate change is the Greenhouse Effect, which is when gases—for example, carbon dioxide and methane—trap the sun’s heat, causing the planet to warm “The overall gases in the environment due to the Greenhouse Effect, it’s just affecting everything, all over the globe, like in Antarctica and the ice caps and all of that,” said Draper.

Some ways to slow down humaninduced climate change include using renewable energy sources—such as wind and solar power, switching to energy efficient appliances, and conserving water. Simple changes in home can be made such as switching light bulbs to LEDs instead of incandescents, carpooling, and unplugging appliances or electronics that are not in use.

Governing B Forum

In November, tw will be open on t Governing Board hosted a forum o 11 in the Lecture the three candid — Scott Brown, B and Mike Smith questions and sp why they chose office. A video of available at www

UN Climate C Report

In October, the U released a repor updated statistic of climate chang to the new repor the planet could of extreme drou wildfires, and foo if changes are no worldwide.

CCUSD Teac Recieve Gran

After raising mon Rock the District Creek Unified Ed Foundation (CC over $17,000 in 19 teachers from district. Foundati delivered the ch to surprised teac

Retailers cashing in onWhere short-lived is the water? trends

PURCHASING POWER Jacob Biggs shops for Christmas presents at Target. In his cart he has over $100 worth of products. Unfortunately, he still has to purchase more gifts for family members. 4LOGAN MCDADE

This year is the 21st year of Arizona’s long-term drought. If Arizona does not step up its game with water preservation, there will be dire consequences. Water conservation is necessary and important for people to still be able to live in Arizona.

“

The importance of water in AZ

With 40 percent of Arizona’s water People are coming from Lake Mead, a drop in lake’s elevation will have dettrying tothe keep rimental effects on Arizona and the surrounding states. Now only up wit the 38 percent full, cuts will eventually have to be made if the ever changing elevation keeps dropping.

A it federal styles and is shortage declaration will be put into play if Lake Mead’s elevation drops below 1,075 feet, accordhurting ingthe to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

However, the elevation was already enviroment. at 1,079 feet at the end of August this

K arli Miller year. While the levels fluctuate frea senior quently, it is predicted that the elevation will permanently be below 1,075 feet as soon as May 2019.

Though the population has

bigger?

This Christmas, maybe we should all take a moment to reflect. After and relevant, with most H&M and Forever 2 Sotelo all,By justMax because retailers have decided Christmas is all about money video editor doesn’t mean we have to agree. ting new shipments of clothes almost ever

“We get shipments all the time, usua It seems as though clothing retail stores or two,” said Lauren Sinani, a senior and are constantly getting new styles, and OPINION Tilly’s. trends are coming and going faster than Water is an essential component to lifeofon Earth, and it isFast fashion is different from seasonal ever thanks to the power social media. retailers only produce new clothes to go Fast fashion retailers suchwater as H&M, necessary to contribute to saving as much as possible. four different seasons of the year.

Zara, and Forever 21 must constantly Implementing these changes increased, the amount of water sustainable use of receive water, Arizona shipments of clothes in anwould Fashion brands who only do season not only give Arizona a higher grade Arizona uses per year is about the received a B+ on water efficiency to the scorecard, remain but trendy on it would alsobecoming less and less common, as the fas same as it was over half a century and conservation. While effort better be beneficial to everyone who lives inhas been proven to bring more profit. A ago. This is because of developing than most of the other states in the the state. technology in infrastructure and country, there are still two states Julia Knies the fast-fashion business model, Zara fo water conservation. As the poputhat received a higher grade than Ortega became the fifth richest person i health editor lation continues to grow and cliArizona: California and Texas. With How people can help mate change has a larger effect on those two states having the highThere is no clear-cut solution to2014, fashion brand H&M reported $20.2 b As the the planet, water conservation will est populations in the U.S. but also the water issue, nevertheless, efforts “[Advertisers] try to make the ads loo population become more important, especially the highest grades on the scorecard, can be made to slow the use of water. as possible so people feel like ‘if I we in Arizona. they both clearly put a lot into their Starting with an improved water cutcontinues lar line of clothing, I’m gonna be g water conservation efforts. back and drought contingency plan is to grow The scorecard outlined many diflikely the best way to go.

How the state planned Louiseand Rochford, marketing teache ferent points of water conservaEfforts made in Arizona to use less Governor Doug Ducey proposed climate change Many fashion brands use ad tion efforts, such as shower and water include building less pools, a plan to preserve Lake Mead; howhas aniques largerthat make customers, esp toilet water consumption regudecreasing the amount of grass ever, this plan has not been followed lations. Both Arizona and Texas lawns, and using more energy effithrough. The plan is to complete a effecters, on feel the like they need to buy were commended for their drought cient appliances. A few ways Arizona drought contingency plan to leave They exploit their vulnerabilitie planet, water plan requirements, but Texas had a residents can help conserve water more water in the Colorado River to their advantage, acting almo slightly more detailed one, putting are by embracing the natural desert to conserve the water level of Lake conservation it slightly ahead. As of 2012, two big plants and running sprinklers and Mead. Putting together a water-cutpressuring them to buy the la willpeer become differences between what California drip systems at night so that there is back plan is a complicated task, but it the hottest brands in order to fit in more and Texas have that Arizona does not less evaporation. is necessary.

“Some of the trends I see, I feel lik are water consumption regulation While Arizona has made very valid important, for toilets and urinals and volumetand beneficial attempts to conserve Arizona needs to do better tionable as to why they’d be tren especially in ric billing. Volumetric billing is billwater, more has to be done if people According to a scorecard by the Molina, a senior and a PacSun emp ing based on how much water a cusstill want the state to be inhabitable.

Alliance for Water Efficiency, a nonArizona.

The business model of a 52 se tomer has used instead of a flat rate. profit organization focused on the not come without some unintended Producing so many fashion items in a yea 26 billion pounds of textile waste ending However, there have been some eff global fashion waste. H&M, Nike have signed up for th Circular initiative, which grams to keep clothes in u of materials that are e friendly.

november

december

SITTING in a pile of clothes being sent to goodwill, Karli Miller, a senior, contemplates consumerism. 4MAJA PEIRCE

Eavesdropping technology steals online privacy

By Julia Knies

P health editor

RIVACY online is

a growing concern nowadays.

Many worry about what information websites keep and what they do with it.

While companies must disclose what they know and keep about users, according to a 2017 Deloitte study of two thousand people in the U.S., 91 percent of people do not read the legal terms and conditions.

“When you get on the internet, privacy is not a thing. The data that is put into the internet is going to be kept and used either against you or for your benefit,” said Joey Bower, a junior.

Facebook, among other services, has been accused of privacy issues. One issue was that they were not fully disclosing all of the information they were collecting. They have had to amend their terms of service many times.

“It is part of their terms of service that you agree to, so they are within their rights to [keep

information],” said Bower.

Tech giants, such as Google, collect and sell information about their consumers. This is one of the ways companies gain knowledge of their users.

They collect data such as users’ names, birthdays, recent purchases, what websites they visit, and other information.

“Predominantly, they sell it to companies that do analytics and determine advertising trends.

The primary use of that information is determining how better to sell their things because, as much as we do it, we do not really understand very well how advertising works on people,” said Brian Jesse, a computer technology teacher.

With lives revolving around technology, a person sees more and more ads per day, but they may not be very effective. With the collected information, companies are searching for a way to develop more impactful, cost effective advertisements.

“Other than just basic food and lifestyle appeal, they are tracking purchases and trying to build a

buyer profile and seeing what kind of things you look for and what you buy, and then fill you with advertising for that type of product and products from those markets,” said Jesse.

The use of tracking technology, such as cookies, makes it possible for that buyer profile to be built. Cookies are not programs, but text that the browser stores on the computer. User’s can turn off cookies on their browsers, but some prefer to leave them on to have a more tailored buying experience.

“The government should have the power to record our personal data as we are the people who choose to live in this country, so we have to give up some things,” said Jacob Kennedy, a junior.

Advertising for companies has become more productive with the rise of social media. Now companies use social media influencers to market their products, which advertises to a targeted market. Using someone with a large following to market products works the same way as celebrities advertising products.

It makes people think that they have to have the product to be more like the person they look up to.

Recently, there was a scandal involving a service called BetterHelp. Many YouTubers promoted this website that claimed to give professional but affordable counseling. However, in October 2018, YouTubers such as PewDiePie and KEEMSTAR called out the service to be questionable. Though it has been removed now, the website previously disclosed that it does not “guarantee the verification of the credentials of any Counselor.”

As for technology listening in on conversations, many sources say, while it may have the power to do so, it is highly unlikely because of the sheer amount of information listening in on every single person would produce is too much to go through thoroughly. Despite this, others say that it is happening. With products such as Google Home and Alexa, people are possibly just welcoming technology listening in to their homes.

Privacy Protection

The internet is a scary with websites and pro can invade your priva some helpful tips to ke information safe.

1 Use DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a search en not store your search histor It has a browser extension t your data from sketchy web

2 Use Two-Factor Au

Two-factor authentication a of security that requires not and password, from but also personal that assures that p It is a great way to keep you protected and safe from ha

3 Use Adblock

Adblocks are, as the name s to block ads. A person can g on Google Chrome by going extension store and searchi doesn’t matter which adblo

4Use VPNs

VPNs are used to hide or ch IP address from websites so track where you are. The Go Extension store offers VPN