THE LONG-VIEW
@LHSLongView
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Friday 12.19.2014
if help
you
Volume 78 Issue 3
201 E. Tomlinson Longview, TX
DRAMA, PAGE 7
MODELS , PAGE 20
.com
VISIT US ON
@lobo_now
FOLLOW US ON
you
could
me,
would
?
No Home for the Holidays Inside look at homelessness near us and how you can help
Andrew Rivera // THE LONG-VIEW
pages 10-11
NEWS-BRIEF
PAGE 2
Friday, 12.19.2014
INSIDE the VIEW NEWS 2 5 OPINIONS
FEATURE 7 10 SPOTLIGHT
LIFESTYLE 14 15 SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT 18
Student WiFi Update Daniel Bally news editor The Student Wi-Fi was officially released on Dec. 17. Students must visit http://www.lisd. org/BYOD to accept the user agreement before attempting to join the network. The student Wi-Fi’s release has been stalled due to technical difficulties and various upgrades to the system in order for a smooth performance. “In anticipation of allowing student-owned devices onto the district network for the current school year, an additional 100 [megabytes] of Internet service was ordered in March for a planned July 1 completion and turn-up,” Director of Technology Bryan Pitts said. “However, [there were] delays in the carrier’s fiber infrastructure build out to our data center, so the job was not completed until [Dec. 8].” The district Technology Department incorporated the additional bandwidth into the district network [on Dec. 8] and had various tests run on the new circuit for the rest of that week.
d the World n u Aro Afghanistan - US and NATO forces mark end of Afghan combat mission with the ceremonial flag lowering after 13 years of conflict.
USA - On Nov. 24, a group of hackers called “The Guardians of Peace” stole files and private e-mails from Sony and released the information to public media.
China - China recently surpassed the USA and became the largest economical power in the world.
Information gathered from usatoday.com
Interact to Host ‘Winteract’ Dance Nikolas Olson staff writer The Interact Club will host a dance at the Maude Cobb Convention Center on January 10, 2014. Admission for “Winteract” costs $15. A wristband can be purchased from any member of the Interact Club and will be needed for entry into the dance. The club will use the proceeds to purchase new flags to be used for running during the 2015-2016 Lobo football season. “There’s been a void in Longview ever since the Black Light Parties stopped,” senior Interact President Tucker Monsour said. “The goal of Winteract is to fill that void and hopefully provide a similar, but different, experience.” Members of the club will be involved in ticket sales as well as volunteering for the event. “Hopefully, most [members] will be dancing,” Monsour said. “But some
Seasonal Symphony The choir and orchestra performed at First Methodist United Church on Monday night James Babbitt // THE LONG-VIEW
Choir, Orchestra Host Christmas Concert James Babbitt staff writer
Flag Men Junior Michael Hanson runs at a football game Meaghan McNamara // THE LONG-VIEW
members will be helping with any task from checking wristbands to DJ-ing the event.”
The choir and orchestra performed their annual Christmas concert at First Methodist Church on Dec. 15. The choir performed three songs together with the orchestra: “And The Glory”, “For To Us a Child Is Born”, and the “Hallelujah” chorus. “The reason that we did orchestra and choir is because it enhances the experience. The strings and the
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
voices mix well,” choir teacher Jason McPherson said. “I feel all the hard work rehearsals, and time in class payed off, and thats when it shows is in the concert.” The choir also performed a cappella “Deck The Halls”, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “What Child Is This”, and “Stars I Shall Find”. “It was really good,” Junior Jaylon Jackson said, “all the hard work and effort that we put into it payed off, and it really showed.”
NEWS
PAGE 3
Friday, 12.19.2014
In the Holiday Spirit
Clubs support local causes
LONG-VIEW THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 Volume 78 Issue 2
Estrella Gonzales staff writer
Adviser
Sasha Cantu
Christmas is the time of year to not only receive presents, but to give back to a cause that’s much greater than oneself. Clubs all around school are organizing events and fundraisers to support the community. Z Club participated with the Partners in Prevention and Local Women’s Shelter Giving of Gifts on Monday Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mardel’s parking lot. This gave people a chance to drop off needed items such as toiletries and clothes. The girls also made care packages for Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. The packages consisted of toiletries as well. “I am so proud of the girls,” Z Club sponsor Kassi Madden said, “it is so refreshing to see young girls that can take time to care about others more than they do themselves and constantly look for new ways to serve.” Student Council member senior Heidy Soto is chairman for the Energy and Environment Committee. The group collected used water bottles with the caps to create a Christmas Tree that is displayed in the College and Career Center. All water bottles were collected in Mr. Hanzik’s room. “So in order to get the student body more involved to make a green environment in our community,” Soto said, “we asked them to bring water bottles in order for us to put them together into a Christmas tree to participate and encourage them to recycle.”
Editor-in-Chief Hannah Brown
Editorial Staff Hannah Kempkes - Web, Copy, & Advertising Editor Claire Earnest- Managing, News, & Sports Editor Andrew Rivera - Entertainment Editor Abby Jester - Opinions Editor Emily Araiza - Opinions Editor
Staff Writers
Daniel Bally Victoria Weaver Nikolas Olson James Babbitt Estrella Gonzales
FINAL TOUCH Senior Heidy Soto finishes up the Student Council water bottle Christmas tree Odyssey Jones // THE LONG-VIEW
Canned Food Drive Collections Z Club collected and donated 574 cans to the annual canned food drive at Maude Cobb Convention Center Nov. 2425. Students from various clubs participated the food drive.
Z-Club // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW
Fundraisers on Campus POINSETTAS Viewettes
THE
PORK JERKY Technology Student Association (TSA)
CHOCOLATE JROTC F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
The Long-View is printed by Champion Printing. The LongView is a free publication distributed each month during the school year. The opinions expressed in The Long-View are those of The Long-View staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LISD administration or staff. The LongView welcomes comments on school related issues. Names will be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit letters before publication. The Long-View is self-supported by advertising sales sold by newspaper students. Ads in The Long-View are $6 per column inch, with discounts for large ads. For more information, contact The Long-View Adviser Sasha Cantu at (903) 663-7181, or email at scantu@lisd.org.
Letters to the Editor The Long-View encourages you to submit us letters. It should be no more than 300 words. Include your full name and email or phone number (email and phone number will not be published). We reserve the right to edit for space, spelling, grammar, and libelous statements. Send your letters by email to scantu@ lisd.org or mail them to The Long-View, 201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605.
NEWS
PAGE 4
Friday, 12.19.2014
Lobos on Parade Students march in Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 in streets of downtown Longview Nikolas Olson staff writer Since 1979, the city of Longview has hosted an annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade was held on Dec. 4 through the downtown streets. Participants included members of the Longview High School Band, Cheerleaders, JROTC and Viewettes. An estimated 40,000 people attended the Christmas parade. “I enjoy being in the parade every year because it brings so much joy to the people of Longview when they see the Lobo Band marching,” senior drum major Imani Perry said. “Every year the experience is more special and cherished.” The JROTC Cadets led the parade with the presenting of the colors. “I think it went really well. The cadets had a good time,” senior Cadet Captain Chase Floyd said. “It was the best I’ve seen them in a while
Jayla Nix // THE LONG-VIEW
DECEMBER
considering this year we have a lot of new people. I liked being in the front.” The Lobo Cheerleaders rode a float through the parade and showed off their school spirit to the town. “[It] was a fun experience, spending time with my cheer buddies,” junior Cheerleader Cyan Winn said. “It’s a blessing to have an opportunity like this.” The Viewettes also took part in the festivities and shared similar experiences in the parade. “It was bittersweet because it was the last one [for me],” Senior Viewette Lieutenant Carmen Webb said. “But it was fun seeing the little kids and the smiles on their faces.”
Holiday Cheer LHS cheerleaders participate in local Christmas parade Odyssey Jones // THE LONG-VIEW
Fresh
Response
“It was amazing and fun. It went by quick but it was a great time. Many people told me it was going to be strict, but it was relaxed.” -Freshman Cadet Private First Class Rosemary Rodriguez
Mood Music Junior Gustavo Corrales plays the marching tuba at the annual Christmas parade Odyssey Jones // THE LONG-VIEW
All in Line Luciano Perez, Ashaunti Blake, Aurora Ruacho and Kianna Shead represent JROTC at the annual Christmas parade Odyssey Jones // THE LONG-VIEW
JANUARY
20 25 1 6 19 24 31 Christmas Break Begins
Christmas Day
-New Years Day -Freedom and Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) Essay Deadline
Beginning of Second Semester
Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) Day
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
SAT Testing
Talent Show Mickey Melton Auditorium
OPINIONS Friday, 12.19.2014
PAGE 5
Clubs Without Recognition
Cartoon by Abby Jester
Breakdown of little-known clubs around campus something new and you actually liked it. High school is the could be missing out on so much you never knew you could do. We all know about well-known clubs on campus, such as time to take initiative and make yourself try new things to find Colleges also appreciate students who widen their level the Viewettes, Interact, and Z-Club, but there are other clubs out what interests you most. If you never try new things, you of participation in extracurricular activities as opposed that receive little to no recognition. to discovering and following Assassin’s Creed, Anime, and Chess through with only one thing. clubs are just a few of these many Especially freshmen and “You get to go to tournaments and win trophies and medals. It’s organizations. Knowing the clubs sophomores could try out many [also] great for critical thinking and once you know how to play, it becomes very fun, especially when you play against friends. I that other students are involved new clubs. Consistency is good, became friends with all the chess players and I encourage other in, and maybe even involving so if you find something you people to join the chess club.” yourself in a few of them, would truly enjoy, do participate and -Chess Club, junior Ecstasy Moore give the school more of a united, stick with it, but don’t be afraid STAFF EDITORIAL
community atmosphere. In addition to making yourself aware of events at your school, by joining a few new activities you may find yourself enjoying these clubs and making new friends that connect more with your interests than the people you currently associate with. Just because you feel comfortable in your lifestyle now doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t branch out and try something new. Think back to all the times your mom made you try
“[This club is] basically for any fan of Assassin’s Creed that has played it and just really enjoys it. The deal is to go and have fun playing [the game] and discuss the story, their favorite character, or the comics. It’s pretty social. I made a lot of new friends [and] I met a lot of new people I didn’t know and actually like.” -Assassin’s Creed Club, senior Danny Rodriquez “It’s basically a place where a lot of people, teens, that enjoy watching Anime and playing Anime-based games like to come together and just hang out with each other and discuss things [dealing] with Anime.” -Anime Club, senior Christopher Manns
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
to further expand your comfort zone. You might find something you enjoy even more. Students should make an effort to involve themselves in the activities and interests present on campus. By becoming more aware of lesser-known clubs, we as a school would be more connected physically and socially. Everyone wants to be recognized and to simply have their turn in the spotlight, and everyone deserves to be.
OPINIONS
PAGE 6
Friday, 12.19.2014
The Spirit of Christmas
What does Christmas mean to you?
Students’ personal holiday meanings
3.6%
Food
Abby Jester & Emily Araiza opinions editors
The Reason for the Season “[Christmas means] celebrating with my family that I haven’t seen in a long time and receiving gifts. At my house, we have fun, we eat and we play games. The only thing I don’t like about [celebrating at my house] is cleaning up afterwards.” -Shamya Espy, 9 “Christmas to me means happiness, enjoyment, everybody joins together as a unit and celebrates it, and [everyone] lives happily ever after.” -Oscar Catalan, 12 “It’s my father’s birthday and it’s Jesus’ birthday. It’s just a good time to spend with all family. I wake up early and then we all open presents when my mom comes.” -Daylon Rayson, 11
Religion, family, overplayed Christmas songs and no school. That’s what Christmas is all about, right? In today’s day and age, not everyone has this attitude, and Christmas has become just another opportunity to get new clothes, or the new video game they’ve been pestering their parents for. Some people celebrate a holiday other than Christmas, such as Hanukkah while some simply celebrate the two weeks of no school that comes with the holiday. Everyone has their own opinion of what Christmas means. For some, it’s getting their two front teeth or a hippopotamus, celebrating the birth of Jesus or just getting out of school. Some just spend time with family while feasting on a homemade dinner. Really, it’s up to you.
Other 11.3%
Presents
12.8%
Religion 55.9%
16.4%
Family
How to Beat the Holiday Blues Staff offers solution on how to stay positive during season of cheer Victoria Weaver staff writer
you’re not alone. There are always people around who love you and will support you during Most people are happy when these dreadfully cheerful times. the holidays roll around, full Next, make an effort in of festive merriment and joy. interacting with activities However, others have trouble and holiday festivities going staying positive due to typical on around you. You may not annoyances, such as overplayed enjoy it at first but surrounding Christmas songs that most yourself with people you love people still enjoy hearing and while doing it might make all shopping for others’ gifts that the difference. Maybe even try they only pretend to like to helping with the decorating or make you feel better about your participating in the baking that gift-giving skills. This makes it seems to always be going on hard to participate. around this time. If you’re one of these scrooge As cheesy as it sounds people, then have no fear, this little things like that could list will help you survive the be the perfect remedy for hassle of the holidays. when you’re down in the First step is to remember Christmas dumps.
Three Step Solution
1. 2. 3.
GIVE BACK : Usually when we fall into these depressed
moods, we tend to splurge on ourselves to fill the gap, but you may find giving to others a better solution for your holiday blues.
ENGAGE: Again, putting yourself out there and into the holiday
spirit might just do the trick. Don’t force yourself of course, but take it little at a time and slowly ease into it.
B REATHE : Relax. Give yourself time to breathe and remember it’s just a holiday.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
FEATURE Friday, 12.19.2014
Look Homeward Angel Kills
PAGE 7
Theatre department takes on drama
Nikolas Olson staff writer The spotlight beats down on their faces, and a sense of melancholy rushes over the audience. Laughs and musical numbers are out for the season while a more serious and dramatic production is held. The theatre department performed “Look Homeward Angel”, a drama, on Nov. 20, 21, and 23. “We did it to learn character. The students went way beyond what I expected,” director Pam Mercer-McWilliams said. “It’s a very in-depth story, and the students handled it really well.” Freshman Max Kelt
ON HIS DEATHBED Ben Gant (sophomore Sid Montano) lays dying surrounded by his mother Eliza Gant (senior Simone Macklin), his lover Fatty Pert (senior Chandler Parks) and Dr. Maguire (sophomore Alex Lammers) Logan Test // THE LONG-VIEW
Dissecting the Drama
played one of the lead roles, teenage dreamer Eugene Gant. “The show went great. It was a little difficult considering the very little amount of time that we had to put the show together, but we were definitely able to do it,” Kelt said. “All three shows were awesome.” Other actors shared their insights on the production and how it differed from school performances in the past. “The play helped me grow a lot. It was the first drama I’ve ever done,” sophomore Alex Lammers said. “It was just a really fun experience.” For cast member junior Nathan Williams, the play was a new opportunity in a few ways. “We put the show together in four weeks and it was a very dramatic play which I don’t have a lot of experience in,” Williams said. “It was also the first main part I have received and I had to commit to it a little more.”
Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW
“It was a really awesome experience. We had a bunch of really awesome actors. The play helped us grow as a family.” -Mercedes Williams, 11 DOWN AND OUT Members of the Gant family and more watch as Dr. Maguire (sophomore Alex Lammers) passes out drunk
“[The play] was very entertaining and it helped mature the cast. I liked spotlighting for [the play], and I got to watch the show too.” -Jared Fried, 9
Logan Test // THE LONG-VIEW
TREE TIME Freshman Max Kelt sits in his backyard and writes in the beginning of the play Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
SHARING SMILES Junior Mercedes Williams and junior Logan Test act Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW
SMOOCH junior Emily Araiza and freshman Max Kelt kiss onstage Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW
FEATURE
PAGE 8
Friday, 12.19.2014
Up in the Club
A look at what goes on in new organizations on campus Estrella Gonzales staff writer
UNICEF Club
The UNICEF club is a brand new addition to the long list of clubs available to students. UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Its purpose is to promote awareness about global issues involving children and to raise funds to send to UNICEF. Juniors Siddharth Kortikere, Meredith Novy, Uwa Ihionkhan and Trevor O’Connor are the founding members of the new club.
Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW
of pop culture and into schools. Clubs like Animanga and KPOP are becoming more common, and now a new branch off the clubs exists: Assassin’s Creed. The new Assassin’s Creed club was started by seniors Rowdy Dunlap and Danny Rodriguez. The club started off as just two friends Technology has been evolving with a love for the video game, but in a rapid pace. Every day new it grew into a group of kids that all inventions for needs and wants are share the same common interest. created. A new club has sprung out “We were in French class talking
Assassin’s Creed
Chess Checkmate Chess Club members freshman Althea Beck and sophomore Garrett Flowers practice John T. Smith // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW
The Chess Club has been an all time favorite in any high school genre film and now, thanks to English teacher John Smith, Chess is a new school tradition. “As a LHS alumni from
about how much we like Assassin’s Creed and we just started talking about how we should have a club about,” Dunlap said. “At first we were just joking but the more we got into it.” Assassin’s Creed club meets every Friday after school from 4:05 to 5:00pm. Members of the group play the latest installments of the series including Assassin’s Creed Rogue and discuss Assassin’s Creed lore.
“I wanted to make people at our school aware of what’s going around the world outside of Longview,” Kortikere said. “Making the UNICEF club really gets people involved and active in helping towards that.” UNICEF is an United Nations program headquartered in New York City. The program assists women and children in developing countries. Donations will help fund basic needs such as health care, vaccines and education. Meetings are held twice a month in the lower library on Mondays. The club even had a table at Food Fest to help raise money and awareness. The group has a variety of events in the mix to get students involved. “[In meetings we] mostly plan for future events and brainstorm ideas of what we could do for fundraisers or how we can we raise awareness in our school,” O’Connor said. “ I think helping for such a good cause attracts a lot of people.”
IN THE ZONE Members of the Animanga Club and Assassin’s Creed Club play games at their holiday party
the graduating class of 1987,” Smith said “I wanted to give something back to the current student body of my high school alma mater.” Smith started the Chess club in the 2013-2014 school year. Chess club meets in room 123B in the Global Hall every Thursday after school between 4:05 to 5:30. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join. A membership isn’t required.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
Estrella Gonzales // THE LONG-VIEW
FEATURE
PAGE 9
Friday, 12.19.2014
A Holiday Separation A look into celebrating winter season with divorced parents Emily Araiza opinions editor Three moms, two Christmases, but one big happy family. With divorced parents, junior Jenna Luennsman’s Christmas is a little different than the stereotypical family gathering. “[My parents] have been divorced for eight years,” Luennsman said. “I celebrate Christmas with my mom on Christmas Eve, then that night I go to my dad’s because my sister has Down’s Syndrome and she still believes in Santa so I stay there so I can be there with her Christmas morning.” Luennsman lives with her mom and her mom’s partner for a week, and then goes to her dad’s for a week. Her sister, 21 with down syndrome, lives with her dad. “She understands because she’ll ask me what I did at my mom’s when I come back to my dad’s,” Luennsman said. “It makes it better, like if I’m stressed with all the craziness of the holidays she’s always in a good mood and makes mine better instantly.” Luennsman’s parents have been divorced for half her life, so the majority of her life she has celebrated two Christmases. “Every year on Christmas Eve I would get to open one present when the street lights came on and one year I fell asleep before they came on,” Luennsman
said. “I woke up in the middle of the night and opened all my presents and tried to hide them and I said the dog ate them all.” Luennsman’s family’s traditions have changed slightly with the addition of her mom’s girlfriend, but no major changes. “It’s not too much different, I just get twice the gifts,” Luennsman said. “Our traditions have changed a little bit but that’s normal to me when you bring new people into your family.” Freshman Marian Frith has a very busy Christmas schedule. Her parents have been divorced for nine years, and she celebrates two very different kinds of Christmases. “On my mom’s side we don’t celebrate Christmas church wise, but we do have family over, we play games together, and of course there’s food,” Frith said. “Next we go to our dad’s [where] we celebrate Christmas more for what most people know and celebrate it for, when Christ was born.” Though there is an absence of religious spirit at one house, Emily Araiza // THE LONG-VIEW
there are the similarities of family, gifts, joy, and good food at all the Christmas celebrations in Frith’s family. “It’s very different from the way I remember it being when I was younger,” Frith said. “We only had one Christmas to go to, it wasn’t as crazy, we didn’t have to drive everywhere, we stayed home, and now there’s so many people in one house because both of my parents remarried, so that means more family joined with ours.” Frith has up to three Christmas celebrations in one day, spending hours in the car to celebrate the Christmas cheer with family. “I can handle our big family and all the drama that comes with all of us getting together,” Frith said. “I love my family, but what I do miss from the old ways would have to be not driving for hours. I miss that because now we have to drive forever to get to our dad’s and we always miss part of Christmas with them.” Despite the long drives, Frith’s Christmases are full to the brim with good tidings from all of her kin. “I love whenever all of the family comes down and we hang out, play games and tell family stories,” Frith said. “That doesn’t happen a lot so it’s nice whenever we get a chance to.” Emily Araiza // THE LONG-VIEW
More Than a Man of Science Chemistry teacher enjoys hunting James Babbitt staff writer
WILD MAN Chemistry teacher Todd Craig hunts after school James Babbitt // THE LONG-VIEW
Todd Craig is a man of science at school, but, at home, he’s a man of nature. Chemistry teacher Craig was raised on game food all his life and is an avid hunter. “I’ve eaten gain meat since, I can’t even remember when,” Craig said. “I absolutely love it.” Craig prefers to hunt in October. “[October is] just before all the gun hunters start, because once the gun hunters start duck season, all the deer
go into deeper cover,” Craig said, “so it is easier to hunt in October than it is any other time of the year, and plus it is not as cold yet.” Craig cooks and kills both wild game, including turkey, hogs, duck, deer and squirrel, and as well as cattle. “If I shoot wild game, like a hog I will just take it home and hang it up on a rack, skin it, quarter it up,make some sausage, some jerky, cut a roast up,” Craig said. “If its a cow that we raise or a hog we raise on our property then we will send it to a guy thats a friend of ours, and he has a smoker and he smokes the meat and cuts it up.” While some people just don’t like it, Craig loves food that he hunts and raises.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
“The meat that you eat at a store has very little flavor in it, and thats why people that eat game, that usually eat store meat, won’t like game because it has too much flavor.” Craig said, “I was raised on game animals, and I love the taste of game. My kids love deer meat, they would have it over anything in the world.” According to Craig, hunting is increasingly rare. “Only five percent of people in Texas actually hunt, and the bad thing is that five years ago it was seven percent, so in five years it [has] dropped down,” Craig said. “But a lot of these shows like Duck Dynasty and all those shows have got people duck hunting again, so that’s good.”
SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 10
SPOTLIGHT
Friday, 12.19.2014
g in
p l e H
e th
PAGE 11
Friday, 12.19.2014
Nationwide issue affects our students Hannah Brown editor-in-chief
1 in 30 American children is homeless 75 students in the district are affected and identified 2 students at school are officially labeled AND MORE
How can YOU help?
you into homelessness.” In the district, 75 students are labeled as homeless while two are identified here at school. However, there is a large gray area, according to Special Populations Advisor Melanie Hudson. “A lot of these kids that are homeless, [but] they don’t want anybody to know. Unfortunately, a lot of the places that some of our students live in, they’re just a dump. We might consider them not a home, but they do,” Hudson said. “We have lots of kids in what we consider to be harsh living conditions, and I’m sure we have a lot of kids on campus without electricity, and no running water, no heat when it’s really cold.” Being homeless does not only mean that a child lives out on the street. To be labeled as homeless, students
While some of our students have no heating, electricity, or even a place to call their own during this joyous season, you’re staying warm by the fire, exchanging gifts with loved ones. Not only that, but the amount of homeless children has increased in recent years. One out of every 30 kids in the U.S. is homeless, and these numbers are only increasing. But the issue hits close to home, and anyone can be affected. “Probably the biggest thing is the diversity of homeless. When you think of a homeless person you usually think of men, probably not women and kids and sometimes we have almost as many women and kids in our shelter as men. Otherwise you usually think of a 55 year old alcoholic - they’re the minority must share a now,” Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Executive home with another Director Eric Burger said. “And so you have family due to lack of a whole mixture of people -- all sizes, ages, housing backgrounds, some or economic who just lost jobs, some One illness, one family hardship, live in a who have had medical motel, hotel, trailer park, problem, one death in problems. [It’s] not like or camping ground due to the family, and boom, it used to be. People are lack of alternatives, live in that leads you into in a lot tighter situation. a shelter, be abandoned in a homelessness. You have a lot more hospital, be awaiting foster single moms, you have -Hiway 80 Rescue care placement, sleep in a a lot more people not Mission Executive location not designed for working full time jobs living accommodations, live Director Eric Burger but a couple of part time in cars, parks, public spaces, jobs and they actually abandoned buildings, or make it on that but one similar settings, or be a little hiccup, one illness, one family problem, migratory child. one death in the family, and boom, that leads “Homeless doesn’t mean [they] don’t have
“
”
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
a place [to live],” Associate Principal Melanie to help those in need is to simply be nice and Pondant said. “You don’t have your permanent humble, especially because homelessness and residence. You just move from house to house to similar situations are hard to identify. house, and this friend’s parents get tired of you “You really can’t identify [the homeless kids or not even that or you don’t want to be there.” because they] certainly are not going to let According to psychiatrist Dr. Jonathon C. anyone know. Students being more humble Lockhart homelessness and being more nice can expose children to people [would help] These kids may not to unstable and because there are kids that eat again until they inconsistent living come to school with the come to school the next environments, which same clothes on everyday can lead to more because [that’s] all they’ve day. For some of these difficulties. got,” Hudson said. “I kids, the holiday break “[Homelessness] guarantee you there are is a long time.” makes [children] more kids on this campus that -Special Populations vulnerable to abuse, and make fun of them. [But Advisor Melanie Hudson. the lack of a consistent these kids] want and predictable home what everybody is associated with else has, so anxiety,” Lockhart people just said. “Homeless children are often more likely need to be kind to all students to struggle in school, and often receive less because they just don’t know frequent medical care.” the kid’s life.” To aid homeless students, the district There’s a new way provides six articles of clothing, free lunches, to help on campus, and school supplies. Lobo’s Closet, “A lot of kids come to school, located just [and] it’s their safe past the haven,” Hudson said.
“
”
Ho me les s “They come here and it’s warm, there’s food, some of these kids may not eat again after lunch until they come to school the next day. For some of these kids, the holiday break is a long time.” According to Hudson, one of the best ways
E TH // x Ni
IEW -V G N LO
D UE 12 N I NT GE O C N PA O
yla Ja
FEATURE
PAGE 12
Friday, 12.19.2014
Helping the Homeless, cont. from page11 discipline center in room 213, Tenth Grade Academic Advisor Tyra Jones’ office. Lobo’s Closet is a place for students to get clothes and other special items if they are in any kind of situation. “What we do here with our Lobos is we have students maybe in a situation where they’re unable to have uniforms or they’re here on campus and something happens. Maybe they end up messing up their pants or shirt or rip something,” Jones said. “Well, instead of having them call home or be embarrassed by their situation, they’re able to come in here and I can try to fit them in everything that I have.” On an average day, at least three to five students visit Lobo’s Closet where they can discreetly handle their situations. “I’ve had some students come to where they just didn’t have it for whatever situation that’s
going on outside of school,” Jones said. “They don’t have uniform tops or bottoms, so I’m able to give them what they need to be able to fit in successfully and not having to worry about that burden and focus on their education and not having to worry about am I going to be in trouble.” Lobo’s Closet was created this year and is run purely on donations of new and gently-used clothing and more provisions from parents, teachers, students, and the Parent Teacher Organization. “We started off with one pair of pants and two shirts,” Jones said. “Right now, we’re looking at 200 items, but it’s still needing.” Lobo’s Closet still lacks many items. Jones requests donations of uniform clothing in larger sizes, longer clothing, shoes, socks, belts, jackets,
personal care items, underwear, hangers, or whatever else can be brought. “I’ve had several large students come asking, ‘do you have a shirt a I can wear?’ So I say, ‘yes let’s look,’” Jones said. “I hate to say I don’t have that because I don’t have something for them to wear. That’s been the hardest thing. I’ve had to say ‘I’m sorry baby. I don’t have anything for you.’ That breaks my heart.” When Jones does have the items to give to the students in need, she has been able to find students who benefit from the simple gifts like a winter coat. “I happened to see [a student] and I just asked, ‘It’s cold outside, and you have a very thin jacket. Do you have a heavier jacket?’ and at first they were like ‘I’m fine, I’m not cold’, and I said, ‘Come with me, come to my office, I think
Taking Inventory Advisor Tyra Jones stands beside Lobo’s Closet Hannah Brown // THE LONG-VIEW
I might have something you might like,’” Jones said. “I was able to fit them with a hoodie, and they were like ‘Thank you, I just don’t have one. My mother lost her job, so I don’t have one’ and I just said ‘Well I just noticed it’s extremely cold outside and my concern is that you’re warm.’” This holiday season, consider
John T. Smith // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
giving a meaningful gift to someone who really needs it. “Last year I got like eight scarves and I love every one of them and I’m a scarf wearer, but let’s just say each one costs ten dollars,” Pondant said. “So I have all of these and someone has nothing to eat and no Christmas presents. Let’s do something more.”
FEATURE Friday, 12.19.2014
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 13
LIFESTYLE
PAGE 14
Unique Ways to Celebrate Abby Jester opinions editor 1. HOLIDAY CARDS Find some general holiday wishes cards and go around and put them at doorsteps. You never know who could stand to know that someone cares. 2. GO CAROLING Whether you’re with family, friends, or by yourself, you can always learn a few holiday songs to spread the holiday spirit. 3. MAKE A BIG DINNER FOR SOMEONE WHO COULD USE IT Maybe it’s a friend and their family, maybe it’s your own family, or maybe it’s someone you see often who is all alone, it’s not too hard to find easy-to-make recipes to make a delightful dinner to give to them. 4. RANDOM GIFT-GIVING You don’t have to get too crazy, but simply go buy one or a few affordable gifts, wrap them up real nice, and give them to someone who looks like they might need a little extra holiday spirit. 5. VOLUNTEER The holidays are a time for giving, so what better thing to give than your service. You don’t have to spend your whole day, but you could easily dedicate a few hours to help out an animal shelter, nursing home, or Santa at the mall. 6. FIND A FOUNDATION Whether you search online or you’re asked at a register, donate a dollar or two to a foundation who needs a little extra help. No, it doesn’t take much time, but the feeling you’ll get from helping out will be awesome and last a long time. 7. MOVIE NIGHT Gather up a few classics, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Story, make some delicious hot chocolate and popcorn, and watch them. 8. UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS Anyone can go buy ugly Christmas sweaters, but it would be much more special to go grab a ton of glitter and fluffy Christmas-themed clothing decorations and make your own with your friends. When you wear them out in public and strut your stuff, they will definitely catch people’s eyes.
Friday, 12.19.2014
Finding Pin-spiration Staff finds artsy gift ideas for holidays on social media site Pedi in a Jar
Chocolate Candy Canes
Estrella Gonzales staff writer
DIY Lip Balm
pinterest.com pinterest.com
What you need: Pint sized Mason Jar Nail polish (any color will do) Nail Polish Remover (travel Size) Foot cream or a scrub Pumice stone Nail Brush Nail Clippers Toe Separator Just fit all of these in the jar and you can add different color ribbons and tie them around the jar. And now you have a Pedicure in a Jar.
What you need: 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 teaspoons of shortening Unwrapped candy canes Sprinkles Melt chocolate chips and shortening together in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until melted. Dip candy canes in chocolate. Let candy canes rest on wax paper for two minutes then cover in sprinkles or other item of choice. Chocolate will harden completely in about 10 minutes.
pinterest.com
What you need: 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil Few drops of strawberry flavored oil Lipstick shavings (any color) Place the pellets and sunflower oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on low to medium heat and then stir with a metal spoon. Use a pipette to put a few drops of strawberry oil. Start adding lipstick shavings and stir. Then use the pipette to transfer lip balm to little jars or container that you will use.
Which Classic Christmas Character Are You? d? (4) like col (3) YES e b y a Do you M se (2) side plea n I ) 1 ( as? o N Christm 4) e t i h UH!!! ( aw D t ) n 3 a ( w e (2) Sur Do you fferent i d n i I’m 4) No (1) stmas? AAAS ( i r Y h ) 3 C ( s o son rd t rong rea k for wa W o ) o l 2 ( u l! o choo Do y (1) No s g u b as? m Bah hu hristm 4) C t u o b eather ( ta w r a e p h e T t ) i ly (3 favor h e fami s your i T t ) a 2 ( h s t W h e gif (1) T d o o f e h T (4) Stewart corate? e a d h t r u a o y (3) M u ch d o t show h g i How m L ) 2 ( ) A tree None (1
1 2 3 4 5
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
Nikolas Olson staff writer
Quiz Results 5-8 Santa Claus Christmas is alright. You’re only in this for one day a year anyway.
9-12 Elf
Christmas means hard work and making toys. At least you get candy!
13-16 Reindeer
Christmas means looking fancy and flying around the world. Too cool.
17-20 Snowman
You are the emodiment of Christmas. Seriously, you’re even made of snow.
SPORTS
PAGE 15
Friday, 12.19.2014
Football Season Nicholas Olson sports writer After an 8-2 season and a wild first round playoff win over Lufkin, the football team’s winning streak came to an end in a loss to Mansfield Lake Ridge in the second round of playoffs on November 22 at Tyler’s Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. “Our kids had to overcome a lot of obstacles, injuries, and off the field issues,” head coach John King said. “We started 0-2 playing some very tough teams but we battled back and won a district title for the 10th time in 11 years. It was great to see them overcome obstacles and be victorious.” Players including senior quarterback Dezmond Chumley shared King’s appreciation of the season’s success. “It was a great opportunity to be able to experience Longview Lobo football,” Chumley said, “and it was fun while it lasted.”
Neville 19-13
Odessy Jones // THE LONG-VIEW
Sasha Cantu // THE LONG-VIEW
Key to Keeping Warm
texarkana 38-20
Coya Dyer // THE LONG-VIEW
Meaghan McNamara
Riding a 4 game winning streak, Longview traveled to Texarkana to take on Texas High, a team sharing Longview’s 4-2 record. Longview’s running game dominated with junior running back Tylan Miller rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. The Lobos cruised past the Tigers for a 38-20 victory.
Claire Earnest managing, sports editor “[During winter] I wear an undershirt, my uniform shirt, and then also my gold hoodie. I also wear winter gloves made specifically for golfers and earmuffs.”
“Last year during Regionals, it was cold, windy and rainy, so we had on lots of layers and hand warmers in our pockets and gloves. Coach Palmer drove around to each of us to give us hot chocolate to keep warm.” Jordan Houser
Longview traveled to Tyler’s Rose Stadium to face the Lufkin Panthers on Nov. 14. Early in the regular season, the Panthers defeated the Lobos 44-14. In the first round of the playoffs, Lufkin took a 28-7 lead at halftime, but Longview surged back in the second half to tie the game at 35. Senior quarterback Dezmond Chumley amassed 4 touchdowns and completed a two-point conversion to Jordan Wyatt to seal the 43-42 victory.
Lufkin 43-42
After an 0-2 start to the season, Longview faced Neville in the “Battle of the Border” game in Shreveport, Louisiana’s Independence Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. With Longview holding a 19-0 lead at halftime, Neville scored two touchdowns at the beginning of the third quarter. Although the offense was quiet in the second half, Longview’s defense helped them edge the Tigers 19-13.
Golfers reveal what protects them against winter weather
Wrap Up
Michael Palmer
Mya Patterson
Helpful Hints 1. Bring an extra layer, just in case 2. Keep warm drinks in insulated bottles 3. Tuck the ends of scarfs in so they don’t get in the way 4. Schedule your playing time when the sun is at the highest
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
Kickin’ it with Perez Kicker Andres Perez gives his opinion on football program Andres Perez guest writer To most high school football players, the idea of attending a college and playing the sport they love is a dream come true. From the moment they step onto the field as freshman players to the recruiting process during their last season, these individuals mature from teenagers to young men. For some of these recruits, it’s about geography: they either want to remain close to home or get as far away as possible, depending on their situation. For other recruits, it’s all about joining a football program who will give them a chance to get an education when they cannot afford one. And for others, it’s a calculated decision based on what program gives them the best opportunity to go pro when all is said and done. No one thinks to base their decision of where to play on whether a football program will actually be around by the time he’s done playing for that school. Unfortunately for members of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football team, there is no longer going to be a program following the this years season. School president Ray Watts met with players and staff members on December 2nd to tell them that the football program was being cancelled. The UAB football jerseys will be hung in the equipment room and will never be used again. This is the first time that a major college football program has shut down since Pacific University shut down their football program for economic reasons in 1995.
Kickin’ it continued page16
SPORTS
PAGE 16
Friday, 12.19.2014
Athletes Arising from Middle School Kickin’ it High school sports benefit from middle school program The middle school program has students from Foster, Judson and Forest Park practicing with the high school coaches from swim, tennis, soccer and golf. The program has proven to be successful for these sports. The students go to the high school complexes and practice with the coaches every morning. Swim Head Coach Daniel Gonzales has taken the extra step by also having select swimmers practice alongside the high school team. “[The program] has given me varsity athletes that are ready to go as freshmen, in the sense that they will practice with the high school kids in the afternoons,” Gonzales said, “and they see how we do our equipment, how we train, and how we do our drills.” The middle school program prepares the kids not only to swim, but shows them what to expect as part of the high school swim program. “They learn all the basics, but most importantly what they learn is about being on the team,” Gonzales said, “about how to behave at the facilities, how to behave as an athlete, [and] how to behave in the locker rooms. That’s what they get out of that middle school program.”
continued
Claire Earnest managing, sports editor
Swim
Simone Macklin// THE LONG-VIEW
Tennis
& Soccer
Two coaches discuss the impact of middle school programs
Claire Earnest// THE LONG-VIEW
“The program has allowed us to have a full team” “I get to know the kid, and the kid gets to know me” “It makes for a good relationship and that helps the kids” -Head Coach Issac Anders
“It has allowed us to have kind of a screening process” “60 [or] 70 percent [of the middle school kids] want to play in high school” “We’re aware of grade issues, behavioral circumstances, and just how good they are” -Head Boys Coach James Wright
Jordan Houser// THE LONG-VIEW
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
UAB produced a 16-page strategic planning report that projected the university would need to invest at least another $49 million over the next five years to keep their football team competitive. Ray Watts says this wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted but the numbers are the numbers. But apparently, he didn’t believe the kids or those within the Birmingham area were worth fighting for. Reporters grilled Watts on what this really is all about and when the decision was made. Between 2010 and 2013, UAB reported no annual debt service on athletics facilities. That’s virtually unheard of in Division 1 sports. UAB ranks in the middle of its peers for annual financial operating deficits when factoring in subsidies, yet only UAB has so far decided to cut football. A college football program is all about investing in the athletes and in the community. It’s all about forging an alliance with individuals that would like nothing more than to see football exist on a grand platform for the school and the local citizenry. After all, a thriving football program builds up the economic climate of local regions. However, Watts didn’t have the vision. Instead, he was blinded by the almighty dollar and caved in at the first sign of financial distress. Have you ever lost a family member? Well to the UAB players, they just lost 105 of them. Football creates a brotherly bond in and out the locker room. These athletes spend most of their time doing football-related activities, and now their whole lives are going to change. Some will never play another down of football, while others will have to find another football program that will pay for their education. The decision of shutting down UAB’s football program has proven to be much more than just numbers; it will affect the athletes, university, and most importantly the community who never failed to support them.
SPORTS
PAGE 17
Friday, 12.19.2014
www.bracesbysbw.com 3006 H.G. Mosley Pkwy. - Longview TX 75605 Phone: (903) 753-2151
Proud Supporter of Lobo Journalism F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 18
A New Generation Youtuber writes for young audiences Andrew Rivera entertainment editor My entire life, I have never enjoyed books. I find them uninteresting and long. This is the opposite with Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown Up. There are colorful pictures with very nice design edits, as well as funny stories inside. This book is a self help book, in that author, Grace Helbig, talks about personal stories and experiences in order to help us, but her stories are filled with her witty humor. Another nice aspect is that this is not a book you read from cover to cover. You can look at the table of contents and find a chapter you think will help you, or you could just open the book to a random page and go from there. The book is also filled with weird acronyms to help you. For example, in the chapter “How to Interview for a Job” she gives the acronym “WORK POOT” which stands for “Want Organize Research Klean, Prep, Original, On Time, Talk Back”. Grace Helbig is a new type of author that peaks my interest in books. While she can be very humorous in the book, there are times when she talks about serious matters in her life. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think that any young teenager with a sense of humor will like it too.
housingworks.org
Friday, 12.19.2014
Not So Shady
Abby Jester opinion editor
Eminem’s new album proves vulgar, disappointing Shady XV was not shady enough. The lyrics needed to be shady. The meanings of the songs needed to be shady. Basically, this whole album needed to be more shady. Having listened to Eminem before, I naturally was expecting colorful language and crude song meanings, but some songs, such as “Vegas” by Bad Meets Evil featuring Eminem, and Royce Da 5’9” from Disc One and “Fight Music” by D12 from Disc Two were laced with disgusting and offensive statements. My favorite song on the whole album was “Twisted” featuring Skylar Grey and Yelawolf. Not only did it have a great beat and meaningful, relatable lyrics, but Eminem actually sang. Maybe that doesn’t come as a surprise to some who may have heard songs he sings in, but I never knew what he was capable of until I heard this one. Another great song was “Bane” by D12. I was not a fan of most of the lyrics, however, I loved the meaning behind the song (about the villain Bane from Batman: The Dark Knight Rises), as well as the beat accompanying it. Other catchy tracks with creative and memorable lyrics include “Psychopath Killer” by Slaughterhouse featuring Eminem and Yelawolf, “Die Alone” featuring Kobe, “Guts Over Fear” featuring Sia, and “Fine Line”, all from disc one, as well as the older songs
“Lose Yourself” and “P.I.M.P.” by 50 Cent from the second disc. I wasn’t a fan of the rest of this album. Most tracks, such as “Y’all Ready Know” by Slaughterhouse and “Right For Me,” sounded like typical rap songs; nothing original or special about them. There were also many that just made no sense to me, like “ShadyXV.” If a rap song is a good one, it tells a story, not just strings random words that sound cool together. I understand that it’s creative and nice to have other artists featured on your album, but I don’t understand why you would create a whole second disc just to include tracks that aren’t even performed by you and bring back songs from years ago, such as “In Da Club” by 50 Cent, that people have more than likely forgotten about for a reason. I wouldn’t listen to this album again. I wish I hadn’t heard it at all. Opinions of this album are based more on whether or not you find graphic disgust and vulgarity enjoyable as opposed to genre preference, and I suppose I am just not one who can tolerate.
Remembering Looking back on gems The Classics of Game Boy Advance I remember when I got my first handheld gaming device for Christmas and being ecstatic to play all the best games anytime I wanted on my Game Boy Advance. My ultimate favorites were pretty much anything Pokémon and Sonic Advanced 3. Pokémon has three generations of games for the Game Boy, and I have a favorite game from each of the generations. Though it wasn’t the ‘original’
wikipedia.com F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
mtv.com
Hannah Kempke s web editor
game, Pokémon Yellow was a fun remake of Red and Blue with an added feature of a Pikachu as a starter pokémon. Also, like Ash in the animated series, Pikachu follows you around as you travel from town to town. Pokémon Crystal was my favorite from the second generation, with Suicune as the legendary pokémon. Sonic Advanced 3 was definitely the most solid of three Sonic Advanced games, with all the main characters available to play, including Amy and Cream. The boss fights after each ‘act’ were the best, and the dual character mode, where you could control and switch off between two characters was great and fun to play. The different special moves you could execute with different pairs was fun to try out and explore.
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 19
Friday, 12.19.2014
Coming Out On Top Editor earns opportunity to meet ANTM finalist Andrew Rivera entertainment editor To be honest, when I was a child, America’s Next Top Model was my guilty pleasure. I remember watching Cycles (seasons) 3 and 4 in my bedroom and loving every minute of it. The series just finished Cycle 21, and the finale frustrated me to say the least. On Dec. 5, at the America’s Next Top Model finale episode premier, I got the honor to meet one of the finalists of the show, Will Jardell, because he is roommates with a friend of mine. Standing at six foot five inches, I have never felt shorter in
comparison. While his height is intimidating, he is a very sweet and humble person. At the finale party I attended, there was a line of fans wanting a picture, and he took a picture with every single fan who wanted one. It is nice to see a high fashion model who does not have a massive ego. In the finale, we started out with four models, but ended with only one. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire episode because my anxiety gets to me. At the party, every single time one of the judges said something positive about Will, the entire room decided that it was alright to scream as loud as possible and miss whatever the
next person was saying. I refuse to spoil the finale because spoilers are against my religion, but I will say that I do not personally agree with the choice the judges made. I will leave it at that. If you have not seen this show, I recommend it because it’s very interesting watching these models go on this journey. The show is full of drama and amazing modeling that occasionally will leave you with your jaw open. The show gives the audience a nice insight as to what models have to deal with and how it is not all rainbows and butterflies. With that said, go watch the show, and then come talk to me about it so I can rant about it to someone.
christoricolado.wordpress.com
Forever Iconic
AC/DC’s new album Rock or Bust proves that classic rock is here to stay seem a little repetitive but looking back on previous AC/DC albums proved that it’s just their style. What I loved most about this album is that the band hasn’t left their roots. The guitar riffs, sounds and lyrics all stay true to the classic rock way. It’s amazing to me, especially since we’re in the age of technology and pop rules the world currently. I loved the feeling of being transported to the 70’s, back to the days where Led Zeppelin dominated the stage and The Who could be heard blasting from every car radio. Those are the kind of things you can’t see or hear anymore. This album captured everything classic rock symbolizes and more importantly captured my attention. Though they’re much older than they were when they first started making music, I think AC/DC will continue rocking out for years to come, and hopefully, put out acdc.com another amazing album.
Victoria Weaver staff editor This year has seen many new music genres come to the forefront of the scene, but classic rock seems to always get lost in that mix and has been forgotten more often than not. Sadly, some of these classic rock bands have stopped making music or changed their sound, however, AC/DC’s Rock or Bust is a clear example of real, classic rock at its finest. I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t heard a classic rock album released since a few years ago or because I have an undying love of rock ‘n’ roll in general, but this album had me singing along at the top of my lungs within days. The first two opening tracks sound a bit too similar for my liking, but I couldn’t find much else wrong with it. Sometimes the lyrics did F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 20
Friday, 12.19.2014
Classically Christmas Holiday cartoon films to keep spirit alive this season Andrew Rivera entertainment editor
A Charlie Brown Christmas Who could forget this one? If you have not seen this film, please put down this tabloid newspaper, go find the movie, watch it, love it, and then come back to me. Even though the film came out in 1965, it is still relevant today with a message that can apply to today’s kids. The entire message of what the true meaning of the holiday is something that we still question today. Characters like Snoopy, Lucy and Schroeder all obsess over presents, decorations and a Christmas pageant, rather than understand that Christmas is about spending time with your friends and family and being grateful for what you have. In the film, Charlie Brown is truly saddened and depressed by his friends being materialistic and superficial and not knowing what the true meaning of Christmas is,
clipartpanda.com
so when his friends give him the challenge of picking out a Christmas tree, he picks probably the saddest little Christmas tree I have ever seen. The tree only has a few branches, stands about two feet tall, and cannot even bear the weight of one measly ornament. This tree ultimately helps everyone realize that it is not about how big or fancy your tree is, or how many presents you get, it’s about being with each other and loving every minute of it. While the movie does display Christian beliefs, if you are not a Christian, it does not mean you should not watch it. Regardless of the religious tone in the film, it is still a quality movie that kids and adults can enjoy together, and hopefully understand that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts.
Can’t “ wait until I
get to show my kids this classic!
”
tutsking.com
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
imdb.com
This film is probably in my top five favorite Christmas movies of all time. I have always had a love for this film due to the hilarity of it, and the fact that the story kept me interested because I had no idea what was going to happen next. The story is that Grandma had to leave on Christmas Eve in order to go get her medication for Alzheimer’s that she forgot take. Ironic, I know. On her way out of the house, Santa’s reindeer could smell the food Grandma was holding and got so excited, the reindeer trampled over her. Santa brings Grandma back to the North Pole for treatment, and keeps her there for a year because she now has amnesia. Interestingly enough, Santa did know the identity of Grandma until her grandson, Jake, F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
sent an e-mail to him, but shouldn’t Santa know who everyone is? Food for thought. The next year, Santa decides to not do Christmas because he believes that there is no feeling in the holiday anymore, and that people are like Lucy, Snoopy, and Schroeder in that they only look at the materialistic side of Christmas. Anywho, one of Santa’s elves takes Jake to the North Pole to see his Grandma, and then he meets Santa, who is different than he expected. The story hits another bump in the road when money ridden cousin Mel tries to sell Grandma’s shop for her own profit. Nothing makes me more angry than cousin Mel. The film is amazing because I think it is extremely funny, the story plot is great, and the film reiterates the theme that Christmas is about being with friends and family who care about you, not the presents that do not have the capability of feeling.