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VOLUME 47 ISSUE 3

I am g k t Let mrateeful for yyou to h eenristh I Ipurnodeirstandhwelp yanedteevoersvathovie Always ms h i be t e aitlilstgroovthgertttohhvi han towge e ll veerist hre I wan kf Iiltl bohvw isitiollvgtehievllvreoegrotrvg u t t Help evto b hisIlwgeerllIIgoweevt eeohtIrteiowsgtovgoseoevitilsttelloeg Hug so er rri t ilovwilel tlglgrlgletigiletlIhlIttwigwhlel tggoee ivlleiw gieslrwl iiglel g Please off me yve Iniw set isI w iw w gissoiw r l h I i l e g l e h h o t I v Smile a r a tno riltl istherIitlhehtwiIswiotsrIivotwIIiilwl ill he r wrs I I w LBoevgeood toned ibllegt aoInvtweeorevttteehroowvvtIvihelielitvsrlehrlgeitiltghrsloeiItgvsht e I wI

distractions from improving your life

Portage Northern High School 1000 Idaho Ave, Portage 49024

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our inspirations for goodness

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www.portagenorthernlight.com

the

s te d ai t o fr s f editor in chief

Cortney Chow

chief designer Ben Lewis

website editor Megna Joshi

social media manager Lyndsey Case

feature editor

Allison Mckenzie

letter from the editor PNHS, In this edition, the staff placed a heavy emphasis on being a better person and exactly what being a “good person” meant. Although there was chaos and loss in the year of 2016, we cannot let those events define what our future will hold. We must constantly strive to be better people because a positive outlook reminds us of how grateful we are for what we have. However, it is what you do with your appreciation and privelleges that will truly make a difference. This season, I encourage you to give back to their friends, family, and community. Sometimes, it is a minute act of kindness that will make someone’s day, or an extensive fundrasier that will leave a lasting impact in the city. No matter what you choose to do, be sure that the kindness comes from the heart. Remember, goodness and generosity come in immesureable forms, so whatever you choose to do will be sure to make at least one person smile.

I hope that you readers enjoy the holiday with family and friends because it is the season to set aside time for the things we value most in life. So, go ahead, build that snowfort you’ve always dreamed of since you were a child or bake cookies with relatives you only see once a year. When you’re out celebrating the holidays, please keep warm, and more importantly, spread kindness whenever you can.

Happy Holidays,

Cortney Chow, Editor-in-Chief

news editor

policies at the nl

Meredith Ablao

opinion editor

Abby Sebber

spotlight editor Lexi Gavlas

sports editor

Cater Landis

entertainment editor Lily Antor

copy editor

Megan Rinock

copy editor Lexi Kava

The Northern Light in print and online is the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced by PNHS journalism students. The Northern Light has been established as a designated public forum for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may -and should- coach and discuss content during the writing process, but ultimately decisions are left up to the editorial leadership board.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of the Northern Light is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete responsibility for the content of the publication.

As a Michigan Interscholastic Press Association member publication, the Northern Light adheres to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Photos, art, and other such visuals are either original projects created by the Northern, designated for Fair Use, or part of the public domain. In rare instances, we may use other media with the owner’s express written permission.

s ta f f w r i t e r s Demi Jensen Lexi Doll Sal DelVecchio Deidre Crowell Mackenzie Brey Issra Said Keegan Tenney

@northern_ light_news

pnlight2016

photographer Cameron Schaefer

@pnlight

2 CUT PAGE

December 16, 2016

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contents spotlight mr olsen news blood drive feature a night at the mission feature fast fashion opinion lets talk about opinion dont patronize sports winter preview sports mvp of the month entertainment environmental movie reviews

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12 15 16

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4 SPOTLIGHT December 16, 2016

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Staff Spotlight: Mr. Olsen keegan tenney (10) || staff writer Q: Does being a teacher affect your personal life?

A: I make a concious effort to leave school at school, and when I am home to bring 100% attention to my family. I try to leave my grading at school, but there is the occasional day I have to take it home.

Q: You and your wife welcomed a baby boy over the summer.

How does that impact you?

A: I t impacts me in a thousand different ways. As far as school goes, I am still 100% devoted to my students, but I am 110% devoted to my son. It helps me with time management.

Q: What subjects do you teach? Which is your favorite and why?

A: I teach Chem and Physics for freshmen and juniors, and Chem 3 for seniors. Basically every flavor of Chem and Physics you can get. I like teaching both Chemistry and Physics. Physics because I like making students see something they have seen a thousand times in a completely new way. Chemistry because I think it is amazing how through only atoms and bonds we can live.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

A: W orking on my house. I also like camping and backpacking in the summer.

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: Sharks Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: 6 years Q: What are your professional goals?

A: I would like to be a principal one day. I want to teach for a while though.

Q: What is one thing students might not know about you?

A: T hey do not know I really enjoy backpacking and the outdoors.

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December 28, 2016

SPOTLIGHT 5

Help: Give back this holiday season meredith ablao (11) || news editor

Imagine using only 5 gallons of water for one day. Using it to wash dishes, drink, bathe, and help plants grow, all over a 24 hour period. Pretty gruesome, right? According to www.elca.org/hunger the average American uses 502 gallons of water for that same amount of time. The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) World Hunger movement deepens the knowledge of people in hunger across the country and how to help while sitting on the couch this holiday season.

Nearly 800 million people are hungry worldwide. 1 out of 10 people can’t even access food or water they need to live happy and healthy lives. The ELCA World Hunger movement is positioned to positively help and heal these communities.

From providing health clinics, water wells, animal husbandry, to just pure advocacy, anyone can help whether you are a member of the church or not. This conversation is about human lives, many of whom may not make a wage of $1.25 in one days work.

Wondering how to get involved? Fortunately, money isn’t required: you can learn, advocate, and lead. It could be as simple as that. Make people aware of what is happening to people across the globe. Type in “ELCA World Hunger” on the web browser and find the tab “Ways to Give;” it provides a list of numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses.

Online giving is simple and safe. If one has money and time to give, there is a program called “Good Gifts.” This program provides information about husbandry of chickens, bees, goats, and pigs. These animals are sent to areas in poverty where they can be used as food and clothing. Additionally, people who husband these animals can start a business a n d make money at the market and pro- vide comfort to local families.

The prices range between $10 to $50 and 90% of the funds go to the cause, while 10% goes to administration and fundraising to keep the party in shape. So leave a legacy this holiday season, and give back to people in need.

1 billion people live in extreme poverty on less than $1.25 per day.

That’s 14.5% of the world’s population.

795 million people around the world – that’s 1 in 10 – can’t access the food they need to live active, healthy lives.

The number of people living in chronic hunger worldwide has fallen 17 percent since the early 1990s

Other resources: OBAMA’S LEGACY With many successes and few downfalls, Obama prepares to close out his second term. deidre crowell (11) || staff writer

W

ith his supporters longing for a third term and his opposers eager for January, Barack Obama ends a presidency focused on changing the healthcare system and promoting progressive values. Obama is admired for his relatable personality and making his mark as the first black president of the United States. According to CNN/ORC polls, he ends his presidency with a climbing approval rating postelection.

After eight years in office, Obama has been most widely known for implementing the Affordable Care Act, which is intended to grant insurance to those who were previously unable to have healthcare coverage.

Although controversial, his focus on healthcare did reduce the number of uninsured adults in America from 18% in 2013 to just over 12% in 2016. Prior to that, he focused his first term on foreign policy and addressed issues in the Middle East, seeking to gain stability. He withdrew millions of troops and will be remembered for his slightly isolationist approach throughout his presidency.

6 NEWS December 16, 2016

Barack Obama listens contemplatively at a summit on gun violence at the White House on January 28th, 2013. Photo taken by Pete Souza and provided for educational use by whitehouse.gov.

As American citizens transition into the idea that Donald Trump will take office in January, many are nervous for what changes he might make to reverse Obama’s efforts. Pledging to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act among a multitude of other promises, many are worried they may wind up uninsured and the last 8 years of progress will have been all for nothing. However, it is important to remember the United States’ democracy is not designed to allow for a dictatorship and that Trump has already indicated that he intends to keep the parts of the Obama legacy that benefit the American people and work to replace or repair the

parts that do not.

Overall, Obama has accomplished several of his goals.

Fact-checking giant Politifact’s measure of Obama’s campaign promises, the “Obameter,” indicates that he has kept 45% of his promises and did not keep just 23%.

Leaving office, his words about Trump, in line with his positive nature, are, “He is pragmatic. . .and that can serve him well as long as he has got good people around him and he has a good sense of direction.” If the departing President can look forward with hope, the rest of the nation can as well.

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Senate hosts blood drive, contributes to saving lives Komalpreet Kaur (9) || J1 staff writer

ern and the Senate adviser, explained that the purpose behind the blood drive is to give local hospitals a supply of blood to treat the patients who need the transfusions. “Michigan Blood is a great organization to donate to because all of the blood stays in our local community,” she said.

“Donating blood is the gift that keeps on giving.” Just one pint of blood can save up to 3 people.

Senate president Wes Hyames leads by example and donates blood. Photo by PN Senate.

The student Senate showed their dedication to the community once again as they hosted their semiannual Michigan Blood Drive on Friday, December 9.

Kellie Pittman, a social studies teacher here at North-

Donating blood is a relatively easy process and took most students and staff under 30 minutes. Most donors shared Pittman’s sentiment that this is a very small amount of time to sacrifice to give such a great gift.

Chemistry and Physics teacher Justin Olsen said, “I make sure to donate blood as much as possible. It is a small thing I can do that makes a big difference for someone else.”

Michigan Blood makes sure to check donors’ hydration and iron levels as well as blood pressure before donating, but some students still felt the efects afterward. “I did the blood drive today for the 3rd year in a row and this is the first time I have ever

gotten sick from it, but I am happy I am saving someone’s life each time,” said Mackenzie Derhammer (12).

It takes the Senate three weeks before the event to plan and prepare for it to take place smoothly. They do not put in these efforts just once a year either, they do an additional blood drive as well in March.

Much of the planning has to do with completing some research and fulfilling requirements for Michigan Blood. The preparation also includes obtaining resources the school needs to properly care for those who have donated. Typically, the student Senators make sure students don’t get sick or faint and that they take care of themselves before and after donating.

This year’s blood drive has caused positive change in some of the school’s teachers and student’ feelings regarding blood donation. After donating, several students and teachers said that they overcame their fear of needles and decided to give blood this year and many plan to do so once again in March. This was the case with Pittman as well, who led by an example that will be easy for even more students to follow in March.

Interact Club spreads holiday cheer one Gabbie Byers (10) || J1 staff writer

With Christmas time coming around, presents are on the minds of many children. Many parents love the special day getting to see their children grin from ear to ear on Christmas morning, but for other parents, this time of the year is one of their biggest nightmares when their children wake up to no presents under the tree.

Interact Club paired with the Portage Rotary Club to sponsor 10 families through the Portage Community Center. In total, 31 individuals were served. The funding came from Lunches for Lives, which raised $1500, and the Rotary Club, which donated $1000. Rotary Club and School Board member Joanne Wilson and

Interact adviser Brian Hill accompanied the team to Kohls, where they picked out items the families wanted and needed, such as clothing, kitchen items, shoes, toys. Wilson got an added surprise after the shopping trip: “we received a 20% discount and Kohl’s cash, so we were able to adopt 4 more people!” she said. She also donated the wrapping paper and delivered the presents on December 15.

25 Interact Club members gathered to wrap the presents on December 7. Wrapper Elena Aleman (10) shared how much she loved being able to do this for the families and described the experience as a eye opener: “as most people are putting iphones on their

at a time

wish list, the family I wrapped for picked put pots and pans.” Aleman feels that more people should join in and help out. She said, “it reallys shows how much we have to be grateful for.”

Hill highlighted how many PNHS students helped make this possible even if they didn’t shop or wrap.

“It starts off with the students who sacrifice their lunch money at Lunches for Lives for someone who they have no idea who it is, we don’t know who the 31 people getting the gifts are and they don’t know who we are. The entire times it’s anonymous. We are all helping out people in hopes that they have a better Christmas, and the feeling is amazing.”

L to R: Lydia Willhite (12) directs Jimmy Calhoun (10) at the Lunches for Lives fundraiser that funded the gift initiative; Rawan Alsaedi (9) and Snigda Narisetty (9) use teamwork to perfectly tape a package; Lizzy Verduzco (11) tries to squish a child-size snowsuit into a box for wrapping. All photos courtesy of Brian Hill.

portagenorthernlight.com

December 16, 2016

NEWS 7

another place called home: Gospel Mission’s empowering people

cortney chow (12) | editor-in-chief

Claudia Melchiorre

Q: How long have you been homeless?

A: A little over a month because I’ve been here since November 1st. My goal is to be out of here by March or sooner.

Q: What was it like on your first day at the shelter?

A: The first night was enlightening, safe, comfortable, and clean. And all the rumors you hear all over the place, don’t say it until you actually experience it.

Q: What advice would you give others who are struggling with your same situation?

A: You never thought it could happen to you. And it did. I always used to say, and I used to pass by here a lot when I was working, I’ll never be in that position. And one day, I didn’t listen to an intuition and I wound up here. If you don’t want to be in this position, take care of yourself.

As I walk into the Women’s Shelter at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, there are children running in every direction and people in haste to eat dinner. However, the loud noises and the commotion do not faze a woman sitting with her friend. When she agreed to participate in the interview, I was not ready for the empowering experience Claudia Melchiorre would give me.

Lawrence Gogins

I noticed a beautiful family a few tables into the cafeteria. There was a little boy with brunette hair and an innocent face, and a little girl with blond hair and a wide smile. Even in their situation, they were elated whenever they were around their father, Lawrence.

Q: When did you first arrive at the gospel?

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Q: What is the hardest part about being homeless?

A: There’s days I want not to be here. There’s days I’ve cried. I’m taking it everyday one at a time. There are people that won’t come in here. They’re out in the street, they’re under bridges, they’re behind buildings. They don’t want to pay attention to rules to be in here, and they’re suffering.

Q: So a positive outlook must be important to you?

A: I have to have that [positive outlook], or I could be a statistic, and I don’t wish to be that. It’s not my time. Once in a while, it’s very challenging. I’m not rushing, and I’m mostly going to put my steps in order and just be careful.

Q: Are there any suggestions or improvements you’d like to see from this center?

A: We can always use donations, we can always use volunteers. The women need a lot of motivational speaking, and people coming in about experience.

Sometimes there’s no heat here, and sometimes the heating system is nuts. It’s an old building so we always need funding to make things better. I don’t qualify for certain funding, so I have to take care of my stuff myself. There’s that struggle. There’s a lot of funding with folks with kids and disabled and I’m neither one.

After the interview, she lined up for dinner and told me that some people stay by choice, but she wants to get out. Sometimes, people judge the homeless too quickly, but if we take the time to know their stories, you’ll be inspired by people like Claudia.

A: I just came on November 25th, so I haven’t been here too long.

A: Of course. Without a positive mindset, you’ll go crazy.

Q: How do you cope with your living situation and what do you and your family do?

A: My daughter goes to school at 8 in the morning, so we go over to the ministry of the community dropin center. Then, we take her to the bus stop. At 9:30 we’ll go to my brother’s until 11:30. Them I take my son to school at 12. Afterward, I go to my brother’s again until 3:30, and then we stay at the drop-in until 4:15 to pick up the kids from the bus loop. At that time, we come in and eat until 6:30. Then I go back to my brother’s or do something until 8:30, which is when I am allowed back in.”

Q: What’s the hardest part about being homeless?

A: Having no where to go and nowhere to call your own. Having nowhere to lay your head in the nighttime and not being with my family in the nighttime.

Q: What has the gospel center done for you?

A: They don’t provide me with everything, but they give me a place to lay my head when it’s really cold outside in the nighttime. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.

Q: Where would you like to see yourself in a year’s time?

A: I’d like to see myself in my own place and the first step to doing that was going to the gospel center.

Q: So, is a positive mindset important to you?

Q: You must have a really strong mentality to be positive throughout this experience.

A: If I’m not strong, my children won’t be. I want to do everything I can to raise them.

Q: Prior to the gospel center, what did you do?

A: I was a cook. My job was pretty much closing the doors and it set me back. I’m not gonna be a setback for long.

It seems like Lawrence is starting to find different jobs to make money for his family. I can see him achieving his dream of getting his own place because of his will to keep pushing himself. It was touching to see a father do so much for his children, and I hope that they find a place soon.

December 16, 2016

COVER STORY

8

cortney chow| (12)| editor-in-chief

portagenorthernlight.com

December 16, 2016

INFOGRAPHIC

9

Doing Good Being Good

“I try to make as many other people as happy as I can.”

-Eve Bradley (9)

The experiences and people that can motivate you to do good this holiday season

Good People mackenzie brey (11) || staff writer Everyone wants to be a good person. From trying new activities to meeting new people and volunteering in the community, we all try to do things that will help others. Though we all try our best, it comes natural to some. These kinds of people exude happiness and project kindness onto everyone they meet. They are hard to come by, but at Portage Northern, they can be found in abundance.

First, we have Colin Gilmour (10). This quiet but kind sophomore is more than just your average nice guy... he makes an impression on everyone he meets. His passion for photography, music, and travel, transfers into his passion for authenticity with others. “I try to have a positive outlook on everything. I also don’t make judgements before I meet someone, but form my own opinion instead. Everyone is great!” says Gilmour.

Another outstanding person is Wes Hyames (12). Yes, he is the school president, a soccer star, and just an all around cool guy, but he is also so much more. He reveals his “secret” to being a good person is that “I’m just always smiling and in a good mood.” Sometimes, all you need is a smiling face on a bad day, so thanks to Wes, we all know where to find one.

Lastly, we have Ms. Nott, the sweetest person we all know and love. She is so sweet in fact that when asked what makes her so nice she said, ”I am happy that you nominated me, but all of my colleagues are so nice too that I don’t get why you chose me.” If that doesn’t speak to her own selflessness, then who knows what will. In the end, most of the people that roam the halls of Portage Northern are some of the kindest, but when it comes to Colin Gilmour, Wes Hyames, and Ms. Nott, recognition is deserved.

The Northern Light surveyed over 100 Portage Northern students online, asking them to rank the most important traits to being a good person. Unsurprisingly, students ranked “show love” as the most important trait to possess to be a good person. There are many good people here at PN, so the Northern Light also asked students what THEY do to be good people.

The Northern Light surveyed Portage Northern students online, asking them to rank the most important traits to being a good person. Unsurprisingly, students ranked “show love” as the most

10 INFOGRAPHIC December 16, 2016

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The Good Life lily antor (11) || entertainment editor “I think I have a good life. Pop Tarts are great and I can eat them, I have a roof over my head and clothes to wear,” explained Oscar Trombley (9), “Some people don’t have Pop Tarts, houses, clothes, or food. I have all that plus more things that I can be grateful for.” While not everyone defines the quality of their life by access to Pop Tarts, one thing is clear - life is, or at least can be, good!

What exactly defines the qualities this ‘good life’ possesses? Many people have a difficult time answering what exactly makes life good. A study done by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development through the Pew Research center examined what defined a “good life” using data. The results from the study revealed that a wholesome life is impacted by multiple factors, such as income/ wealth, health status, civic engagement, education/skills, a balance between life and work, housing, social connections, and subjective well-being. All these fac-

tors play a part in compromising one’s ability to live a good life. “I get to come to school, I earn good grades, and I am able to play tennis. All these things make my life good,” stated Jonathan Leasure (11), “of course life isn’t always good. A few things in my life right now aren’t great, but I think everyone has that in some way.”

When asked if helping others contributed to maintaining a good life, almost every student interviewed said that it does in some manner. The concept of good karma has been around for quite some time, and therefore it cannot be disregarded when examining the goodness of one’s life. “You got to keep in mind that other people have it worse than you do. You never know what a simple positive act can do for a person - brightening someone’s day is pretty much always worth it,” said Sarah Headapohl (10), “By being a good person, you may even solve some of your own problems along the way while living the good life.” So maybe the ‘good life’ justs comes to those who are being good people.

Distractions From Being A Good Person allison mckenzie (11) || feature editor “Internally there is just so much stress and sometimes that stress gets to your brain and you just snap,” says Nirvisha Singh (11). Stress, like many other factors, is a barrier for high schoolers that keeps them back from achieving their best self.

Trying to be the person that you really want to become is very difficult, especially when there are several factors that hold you back.

How do you see your best self? “I’d want to be someone that everyone can look up to and be an inspiration for someone else’s life,” says Alexis Nazarians (11). It is quite difficult to become this ideal person due to several external factors such as drama with friends and stress. “The people I’m friends with hold me back a lot.

They’ve always been there for me, but they bring a lot of drama into my life,” says Nazarians. It’s truly difficult to consistently please others and please yourself at the same time. When asked how Nazarians copes with her distractions, she said, “ A lot of the time I try and distance myself from my friends for awhile or I go on runs with my dog to clear my head.”

“I try to be kind to people.”

Tanmay Arora (9)

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Trying to distance yourself from these distractions is an effective way to try and become the version of yourself that you aspire to be. Not only does it clear the mind, but it allows for you to focus on the important factors in life rather than the distractions that hold you back. “Social media holds me back due to all of the peer pressure,” says Trevor Sickles (10). Instead of becoming the person that you want to be, you succumb to others ideas of what you should be. This is dangerous because some lose sight of who they truly want to become. “ I guess I could set aside time for myself in order to become the person I aspire to be,” says Sickles. Setting aside time to truly find yourself will enhance the outcome of becoming the person you aspire to be.

Overall, becoming the best version that you can be is not that hard to do. Sometimes it takes some time to yourself or even a run with your dog to truly find yourself in order to become the person you aspire to be.

“I try to help people out as much as possible to become a good person.”

“I try to be there for people when no one is.”

Eli Caranci (10)

Ella Bischof (11)

December 16, 2016 INFOGRAPHIC

11

Student Mohammad Hasher (12) models for the CTG modelling agnecy. Much of the clothing he models are from fast fashion brands, such as Macys. “Modeling is fun and all, but I do try to stay away from fast fashion and not support the industry,” he said.

f a s t FASHION

BRANDS to avoid:

1. Zara 2. Forever 21 3. Adidas 4. Gap 5. Victoria Secret

issra said (11) || staff writer

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ast fashion is at the frontline of ready-to-wear fashion. Investopedia explains, “fast fashion” as the term used to refer to the fashion industry’s concept of accelerating production processes in order to get new trends on the market as quickly and cheaply as possible. There are approximately 52 “micro-seasons” that fast fashion corporations create for. This pressures the industry to mass produce self-destructible and chemically-induced products for the purpose of cost savings and staying on trend for consumers. “The concept behind fast fashion is selfish on the side of the industry,” said Mohammad Hasher (12), who is involved in modeling.

Every year, the average American disposes of over 68 lbs of textiles (according to the EPA Office of Solid Waste). Have you ever noticed the clothes from some

of your favorite stores form holes after just a few months of wear? This is because the industry manufactures clothing to self-destruct quickly. Therefore, consumers continue to buy more of the brands’ clothing to replace the damaged items. “The whole point of fast fashion is to buy on trend and then only wear the item two or three times,” said Lauren Michelli (11), a fashion enthusiast.

The damaged clothing is often thrown away rather than recycled, which contributes to already existing landfills. Retailers also add to waste by throwing away the clothing that does not sell in the market. According to Greenpeace, the harmful chemicals found in some clothing leach into our soil and groundwater, creating long term consequences for the environment. This can easily be avoided by recycling or innovating our used

clothing. “At my house we don’t throw away clothes,” said Micah Graff (9). If a clothing item of his tears, he “[sews] it back up.” Recycling is just one way to steer clear from the fast fashion industry.

“I think we can be more conscious about what we’re buying,” said Hasher. There are various companies that are sensible in regards to the environment that can be substitutes to common fast fashion chains.

These brands include, but are not limited to, JollyChic, Alternative Apparel, and Everlane. Thrift-shopping is also always an option to shopping mindfully in addition to discovering attractive deals. Next time you shop, try to avoid fast fashion brands, or even visit your local thrift store.

Excessive emmissions of artificial light damaging Earth cameron schaefer (12) || photographer As Mufasa described to young Simba in The Lion King, “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.” Likewise, light is constantly illuminating our very own kingdom, planet Earth, home to human beings and all other living species. A major problem we are facing in the twenty-first century is that an unnecessary amount of light is polluting the atmosphere and negatively impacting the way we carry out our day-to-day lives. This problem is known as light pollution.

of plants and animals being impacted, but those of humans are as well. Exposure to artificial light in the night poses a threat to the circadian rhythms that each individual human possesses. In simple terms, a circadian rhythm is the body’s sleep system that regulates homeostasis.

Melatonin, a hormone in our bodies, is naturally produced during the circadian rhythm at night. Melatonin serves many purposes in the body such as boosting the immune system, inducing sleep and allowing our bodies to generally remain healthy. When too much exposure to light happens before falling asleep or in the middle of the night for different reasons, the production of Melatonin is suppressed.

According to the International DarkSky Association (IDA), light pollution is defined as the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light, a side effect of industrial civilization.

When businesses started staying All in all, the 24/7 demand for light by open past 9:00 p.m., circa 1960’s, a today’s society has lead to the expansion significant number of people began of emmitted artificial light, hence the staying out later into the evening, reason light pollution exists. However, eventually leading to society’s deeven though this reigns true, there is still mand for 27/7 light. Since this sociopportunity for change to occur. There etal change first prevailed, the levels are many ways that artificial light can of light pollution have expanded, rebe slowly eliminated from our environsulting in detrimental consequences ment. A good place to start is to simply such as environmental and human Two photographs of the exact same neighborhood night sky before and during the Northeast blackout of 2003, which lead to a minimize the amount of light you are disruption. Both plants and animals loss of electricity in at least eight states in the Northeast and Midwest, are displayed. Photo by Todd Carlson. emitting from your home and encourare reliant on the day and night, dark age your family members to also do so.

Kyba, a German research scientist, “the introduction of artificial and light cycles, but because the time of light is lasting much longer light probably represents the most drastic change human beings Remember, use light where you need it and in the amount that is than it ever used to, plants and animals are having a much harder have made to their environment.” Not only are the everyday cycles necessary. time executing their everyday processes. As said by Christopher

12 FEATURE December 16, 2016

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Across Cultures

Blending Nepali and American cultural traditions is easier and more fulfilling than I ever would have thought. megna joshi (12) || web editor

When I was a little kid, I always thought it would be hard for me to celebrate two cultures at once. Having a family that is from Nepal but living in America, I had to learn to adapt to two different cultures at the same time. Now that I am older, I definitely appreciate growing up with two divergent cultures because I feel like I can live two different lives simultaneously. I also feel like I can connect with many different people from all over the world. I think it is extremely important for kids who come from a unique culture to learn about it and celebrate the customs and holidays that come with that culture.

For me, learning about holidays and celebrating them every year really connected me to my extended family in Nepal. A holiday that I personally love to celebrate is Diwali. Diwali for me means lots of music, food, dancing, and just an overall fun time.

It is celebrated in multiple countries, but it’s biggest in India. What Diwali actually means is light over darkness or good over evil and the lights and candles symbolize this. Every year my family and I light candles and put them all over our house because Diwali is the festival of lights. We also get together with all of our friends and family and

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celebrate the Hindu new year because both Diwali October and it is a week long. My whole family and the Hindu New Year are around the same gets together and give each other presents. We time. Every year my community gets together also eat lots of different kinds of foods. One of and puts on a ‘Diwali dance’ to celebrate. It is my favorite foods that we eat is called “momos.” something I have participated in for over eight Momos are like the Nepali version of dumplings years and I love going to it every year. and they are super fun to make and really This recent year I brought my friend, Sarah delicious. I love Dashain and even though it is not Gonda (12), to experience it with me. Gonda as widely celebrated in Kalamazoo, I still love to says, “I love being able to experience make the most of it every single year. new cultures and learn more about different religious traditions.

My family and I also love celebrating Seeing all the cute little kids Thanksgiving and Christmas every in traditional clothes was so year. Even though it is not traditional fun and it was great for me to my parents’ culture, we love to to dress up too.” I have learn and create our own versions of been lucky enough to have each American holiday. We always put friends that want to learn up a Christmas tree and try to cook a about my culture and I have traditional Thanksgiving meal. We make brought many of them to turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin different Diwali celebrations pie. It took a couple Thanksgivings to get all over Kalamazoo. There is it right, but now we know how to cook always a huge Diwali festival a good and traditional meal. All these Sarah Gonda at Loy Norrix High School the holidays combined makes me feel like I (12) also last day of Diwali. Everyone can connect to many different cultures and accompanied me to the LN is allowed to attend and it is a I am really lucky to be exposed to so many This year, great and cheap way to learn Diwali Festival. different holidays and customs in my life.

“I liked meeting I brought about Diwali.

Just like other people, I am learning about new people Abby Rothe and learning Something that is native to my different customs and cultures outside (12) with me the different to a Diwali own Nepali culture is a holiday my own. It opens up many new doors culture!” she Festival at called Dashain.

Dashain is really and everyone should try if they have the said.

Loy Norrix similar to Christmas but it is in opportunity.

HS.

December 16, 2016

FEATURE 13

Over the years, there has been many debates off all kinds on the topic of animal testing and whether or not it’s a moral and humane thing to do. Environmentalists and animals lovers have protested, petitioned, and fought to make their point clear: that testing on animals is wrong and should be stopped immediately.

While I do believe some experimentation, such as cosmetic testing, is wrong, using animals for medical testing has lead to many life-saving breakthroughs and should be continued as long as it is conducted in humane ways. Animal testing truly is our only option because it has saved thousands of lives already, benefits animals themselves and there is currently no other way to do successful medical testing

of a disease limited by animal research. In the United States alone, more than 2 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and over 225,000 people died from the disease in 2002 alone (AALAS Foundation). Research using dogs led scientists to create and improve insulin, which has saved thousands of diabetics lives and reduced recovery time.

research Additionally, medical animal testing has benefitted animals In 1978 a disease spread through the dog done on animals themselves. population killing hundreds of dogs. Using research prior on cats, scientists were able to narrow has helped people done it down to a disease called Parvovirus and were able to make a vaccine to cure the dogs (AALAS control and destroy Foundation).

Animal testing can result in pain The research done on animals over the years or death of animals, but it can also save their has helped people control and destroy multiple multiple lives and humans too. illnesses such as Polio. According to the AALAS foundation, “In the late 1940s, polio crippled and illnesses. killed thousands of people around the world every year. Polio reached a peak in the United States in 1952, with over 21,000 paralytic cases. After a vaccine was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, polio was brought under control and practically eliminated as a public health problem in industrialized countries.” Animal research led us to the vaccine that saved thousands of people and eliminated polio in major countries in the world. Diabetes is also an example

Although animal testing seems cruel, and in some cases such as cosmetic testing it surely is, hundreds of life saving medical discoveries have been made using animal experiments. Until a safe, ethical alternative is discovered, animal testing for medical purposes is necessary-- if unpleasant-- reality.

lexi kava(11)|| copy editor

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cortney chow(12)|| editor-in-chief

The sound of a pen hits the researcher’s clipboard and the animal is placed back into the testing group. In this group, the rabbits are bleeding from the eyes, peeling from the skin, and waiting for death.

Companies easily justify this as a means of keeping humans safe from their products, but is this the right approach? I think not.

methods. Alternatives include: using human cell and tissue cultures, computerized patient-drug databases, and more.

Killing animals and giving them dangerous drugs is simply inhumane, thus, the question of morality surfaces for discussion.As Jillian Bowe (11) says, “The conflict with testing on animals seems to be that we as humans put ourselves above animals and above all other life. If we don’t trust it to be tested on humans, testing on animals is a blatant disrespect to all other life besides our own.” Hence, it’s not acceptable for humans to take advantage of living things, and if we continually degrade other living creatures, when will we stop?

killing animals and giving them dangerous drugs is simply Before you pick up another product, be sure to see if it is cruinhuamne. elty free. Animal testing is complete abuse on all levels and if a

This way of testing products is inhumane and often inaccurate. The FDA reports that, “92 percent of drugs approved for testing in humans fail to receive approval for human use.” If only 8 percent of the drugs make the cut, it’s not worth slaughtering animals when the conclusion is most likely a failure. Furthermore, humans and animals differ in biological makeup, therefore, it’s not plausible to use rabbits-- or any animal-- if they cannot reflect human effects from a product. Gabby Coleman (12) states, “The negatives are that it doesn’t make any sense to test products that are made for humans on animals. That would be like me testing different crayons, that I plan to eventually use on lined paper, on cardboard. It’s not the same thing, so what good can come of it?” Like Coleman, there needs to be other outlets for testing if we cannot find results. Because of the progression in technology, the phase of animal testing must come to an end in order to shed light on more effective

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company needs real results, they should formulate another method.

According to PETA, 100 million animals are killed in US laboratories each year.

Do you want to contribute to that rising number?

December 16, 2016

OPINION14

Wage Gap deidre crowell (11) || staff writter

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ver the the past few years, the gender wage gap has become a prevalent social issue.

Taking a look at the raw numbers, feminist activists claim that women’s earning 77 cents on the dollar men earn is outright discrimination.

Although injustice certainly does exist in some instances, it is important that those who listen to claims from political groups who want votes look at how such statements are worded as well as the bigger picture.

The raw wage gap continues to be used in misleading ways In 2012, Barack Obama’s campaign ad claim that “women (are) paid 77 cents on the dollar for doing the same work as men,” was rated “Mostly False” by fact-checking giant PolitiFact. However, his 2014 claim during the State of the Union address that women “still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns,” was rated “Mostly True.” The difference between these two statements is subtle but important to decipher. The president’s first statement is false in that, when women work the same job as men, the wage gap narrows greatly. When looking at the entire population, however, women, on average, make a lower income than men.

According to a study by CONSAD Research Corporation, the main reason for this figure is that women are more likely than men to seek part-time work and leave the labor force in order to care for their families. Additionally, they tend to favor jobs with sufficient benefits over high pay. Therefore, their net salary is lower because they often provide the healthcare and other insurance for their families.

When taking these factors into account, the study found that the wage gap narrows to about 93 cents to the dollar. Although difficult to measure, a cause for the remaining 7% is likely a result of women’s tendencies to be reluctant to ask for raises and negotiate pay.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on gender, race, color, religion or national origin. As a result of this, a woman who feels she earns unfair wages has a legal basis for her claim and should take legal action instead of waving a sign. If women were openly allowed to accept a salary 30% lower than men, why wouldn’t companies cut expenses and hire only women? In 2009, the Department of Labor deputy assistant secretary stated that “the raw wage gap continues to be used in misleading ways to advance public policy agendas without fully explaining the reasons behind the gap,” and it “should not be used to justify corrective action.”

Fortunately, laws are in place which prohibit workplace discrimination. Those who believe they are victims of discrimination need to be heard. If someone finds an example of an instance that contradicts the law, it can be taken to court. Prejudice should be handled on a case-to-case basis, and claiming the existence of institutional prejudice causes an unnecessary divide between the genders and prevents the nation from focusing on actual issues.

portagenorthernlight.com

Let’s Talk About...

Minimalism cortney chow (12) || editor in chief

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n an affluent city like Portage, many people are not aware of the privileges and items they have. Popularity for materialism far outweighs minimalism, but the preferred lifestyle of materialism produces wasted food and clothing in landfills. This is especially prominent in our society when America’s slogan is “Buy!” instead of “Save!” I know that having certain items pertains to a specific social status, but is flaunting money and constantly buying new items the right direction?

Let’s start with the definition of minimalism. According to theminimalist.com, “minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom.” It’s doesn’t mean owning possessions is inherently wrong; it’s just taking away the value of those objects so you can focus on what’s important in your life. Makinzie Polley (9) said that being a minimalist “helps me focus more on

For me, it helps me focus more on more important stuff like school and grades and studies more important stuff like school, grades, and studies. It has also helped me in sports.” Thus, this lifestyle helps with the educational aspect because students will start to shift their focus away from their personal devices to activities and the classroom. Furthermore, placing less meaning into objects equates to less money spending. Nathan Curl (10) responded, “You can spend your money on better things other than $700 phones and shoes.” By learning to spend less, you can invest your money on things you actually need.

However, people can define their happiness with their ability to afford nicer things. Because this society is so driven to consume, success is measured by luxurious items and brands, such as Apple, Coach, Burberry, and more. Although this means that more money will be spent, the benefits include “entertainment and feeling like you have more value,” said Hunter Smith (9).

Respect megan rinock (11) || illustrator

T

he 1950’s. Not exactly the years we’d like to live in (and not just because of the lack of wifi and smartphones). Back then, life was pretty simple. People got along for the most part, and when they did disagree, their rivalry wouldn’t last very long. Nowadays, people judge each other too harshly on their clothing, hairstyles, and beliefs.

Simply put, people of all ages are bullying each other. The 2016 election amplified this and put people all over America -and PN students- at each other’s throats.

Regardless of your political views this is the place where we are all Huskies The recent election has set off a chain of bullying around PNHS, and has been so bad that Principal Jim French had to make an announcement over this subject. “Regardless of your political views and the manner in which these views are translated outside of school, this is the place where we are all Huskies,” said French in a recent announcement regarding the elections. “A place where our views can be shared, our thoughts can be challenged and above all a safe place where we don’t judge nor do we try and push one's thoughts and beliefs onto others. Hearing that students might be chastising others based on the color of skin or their political view is something that I cannot and will not tolerate.”

Fights and disagreements are a common part of being human. Not everybody will have the same opinion over something as another. “I think it’s important to respect other people’s opinions because sometimes during life’s occurrences, you will have a boss whose opinion you may not agree with but you kinda have to accept that, otherwise you’ll lose your job,” said Alex Stemaly (11). This is very true in a lot of work places. With people differing in politics and other various topics, it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring these topics for conversations with coworkers or bosses.

The world is never going to agree completely. After all, we’re only human. So what’s the point of getting mad over something we know we can’t change?

If someone else has a different opinion, what good does it do anyone to argue with the other person? It would be better to go do something worth their time than to waste it arguing with someone else who has a different opinion. Everyone has better things to do. In the words of our principal Mr. French, “Support one another, encourage one another, and be willing to listen and not judge, and above all take pride in being a Huskie!”

Although there are many takes on materialism and minimalism, we need to reevaluate the items in our lives before we place a significant value on them. Once we put the most important values in our lives in front of our view, we’ll place more meaning in our lives and less meaning in objects. Instead of wasting money on things that are temporary, invest it toward your objectives. I encourage everyone this holiday to give back and to expect nothing in return because it’s a practice we must learn to shift from materialism to minimalism.

December 16, 2016

OPINION15

Kind hearted or patronizing ?

Don’t blur blur the line lyndsey case (12) || social media manager

A new video pops up on your facebook feed: a 17 year old boy with down syndrome on a high school football team was given a ‘chance’ to score a touchdown at the final game of the season. You immediately comment “aww how great the coach let him play!” on the video and share it. Rewind and imagine you see this same scenario on your facebook feed, except, it was a 17 year old high school quarterback without down syndrome. Would you still have the same response? What makes the first boy different than the second? After having a mother whose profession is a special education teachers and often working in her classroom, it is hard for me not to find examples of blatant patronizing of teenagers and adults with special needs.

Often, when we see someone with down syndrome, our immediate reaction is some sort of pity look, some type of thoughts about how inspiring it is to live that life or ‘ oh how cute, ’ not understanding that you just demoralized a 45 year old grown man. Of course, it is not our fault that we have grown into a society where the issue of special needs individuals is an uncomfortable topic and issue to address.

Still, many people don’t know basic ideas and facts about special needs. For example, there is a spectrum of autism (different types), characteristics, and severity; somebody is just not ‘autistic,’ they are on the spectrum for autism.

Though it is hard to admit, we think that by asking an individual with special needs to a dance or on a date needs to be documented and filmed, that we are doing a common good to society and deserve praise. Why do we receive the feeling that we just did charity work when we are nice to someone with special needs? Just be a nice person to everyone.

One student in particular who stands out in the ASD room is Alex Tsapyak (10). He is a leader; he always knows what’s going on,” said Pawlicki. “I get to do the class announcements,” Tsapyak said. “I also work at Celebratin Cinema, my favorite class is Foods and Nutrition, and I really like to ski. I’m just like anybody else.”

As a whole, we need to have a greater understanding for those with special needs and disabilities. There is no need to pity someone’s life, not knowing their challenges and outlook on life. A simple and easy way to prevent yourself from patronizing people is just to be kind and courteous to everyone.

A teacher says...

16 OPINION October 28, 2016

A poll posted on the NL Twitter surveyed 35 students on whether or not they found a video of a special education student being allowed by both teams to score was heartwarming or not.

51% Emily Francis, Special Education teacher I think school staff need ways on how to role model interacting with students who are different, giving staff the tools they need so they can teach students how to create real true friendships with all kinds of people.

A student voice...

After working with individuals of all ages with special needs, I found out that they would like to be treated the same, just another member of society. In a video posted by Buzzfeed, one woman with Down Syndrome stated, “don’t pity me, I am proud of who I am and wouldn’t change.”

Eileen Pawlicki, a teacher in the KRESA ASD room on the third floor, said that the difference between being kind and patronizing is something they have talked about. “It’s a hard balance in some of the other classes,” she said. “We have found that students are more likely to be patronizing when we’re there, but when we’re not, they are more likely to form friendships and interact with our students.”

Twitter Poll

Alex Tsapyak (10) “You should treat everyone approriately.

Everybody is equal and should be treated the same.”

said they did find the video heartwarming

49%

said they did not find the video heartwarming

Considering that his coaches put him in late in the 4th quarter when the team was already too far ahead to lose, and it is obvious that the other team was instructed not to play defense and let the student score, this shows just how easy it is to blur the line between a kind action - letting him play in the game like any other student - and a patronizing one, giving him special treatment and “doing a good deed,” especially considering that he likely knew he was unguarded.

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Fab Freshmen

carter landis (11) | sports editor

Michigan State basketball relying on youngsters for success this season After the loss of senior leadership players like Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes, Michigan State basketball turns their attention to the young guns to steer the ship to success this year. So far, so good, as all four freshmen look promising. A deep tournament run lies heavily on the development of these four.

Miles Bridges A high flying 5 star recruit from Flint, Michigan, Bridges is the most athletic player to come through MSU. Through the first 8 games of the season, Bridges is averaging close to 17 points and 9 rebounds per game, along with a few eye popping dunks. The Spartans need Bridges to be spectacular this year if they want to make a run to the Final Four.

Josh Langford Langford, a 5 star prospect and state champion at Madison Academy in Alabama, committed to the Spartans in June of 2015. A knockdown shooter and pestering defender, Langford looks ready to be a great player for MSU in the future. He’s been bothered by a hamstring injury through the first month of the year, but once it’s healed, he’ll be ready to break out.

cassius winston Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2016, 4 star point guard Cassius Winston may be a freshman, but runs an offense like he’s a fifth year senior. His stellar passing ability wowed Tom Izzo enough to pull him away from committing to Michigan. Splitting time with incumbent point guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr, Winston has shown he’s ready to take over the team once it’s his turn.

nick ward 4 star center Nick Ward from Ohio may only be 6’9 weighing a hefty 241 pounds, but he plays like he’s much bigger. Ward has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 11,9 points and 6.1 rebounds off the bench, shooting 62% from the field. Ward has proven he should be the starting center for the Spartans for years to come.

Photos coutesy of: Miles Bridges on Twitter, Detroit Free Press (Langford) Cassius Winston on Twitter, MLive (Ward)

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December 16, 2016 SPORTS

17

Huskie Sports A Winter Preview

MEN’s SWIMMING

MEN’s BASKETBALL

Hot off of a successful women’s season, coach Jim Long is ready to extend that Huskie dominance to the men’s season. With having a team of only approximately 13 boys on it these swimmers need to work as hard as they possibly can in order to do well. “We don’t have a lot of people on our team this year, so that makes meets and winning a little harder.

But we have a very talented team this year and I have no doubt that we will do well this season,” said Darren Connelly (10). Some swimmers, like Spencer Brown (12) have great things to say about the program, “Being apart of the team has given me a strong work ethic. we have to give 100 percent in practice or else somebody else will take our spot. It’s a very competitive but rewarding environment. It’s also not easy getting up at 5 in the morning almost every school day”.

The boys are determined to have a great season this winter. Having lost 6 seniors after last season, there is bit of discomfort going into this year, but there is also a lot of excitement for new beginnings and fresh starts. “I feel good about the upcoming season though. Just because we are a young team doesn't mean we can use that as an excuse,” said coach Ron Jaeck. With their coaches support this team is more determined than ever to have an amazing season. This year’s team is a young team with just a small amount of seniors, but they still believe they will be able to get a conference title and Portage Northern will be a force to be reckoned with.

alexis doll (10) || staff writer

salvador delvecchio (10) || staff writer

MEN’s HOCKEY salvador delvecchio (10) || staff writer

The Portage Northern Huskies Hockey team is coming off a disappointing year in which they went 9-13 while going 4-6 in the SMAC Conference West during the regular season. The team started the season last year with a eight game losing streak but rallied together and finished the second half of the season with an impressive 9-5 record, showing that there is still much more to come from this Huskie squad.

Currently, the huskies are already a game into the season, sitting at (0-2) after losing to Rockford in a blowout, 8-0 and losing to crosstown rival Portage Central 6-4.

Sports like hockey don’t get a lot of attention at Northern so we highly suggest that you get out there and support our Huskies as they fight on the ice!

MEN’s WRESTLING alexis doll (10) || staff writer

The Huskies are coming off a very successful year on the mat with three wrestlers placing at states and beating out crosstown rival Portage Central for the SMAC title. Two of the three state placers are returning to the mat, Cam Pietrzykowski (11) and Matthew Heaps (12). Both look to continue their impressive careers and help the Huskies keep on winning. “Our captains for this season are Matthew Heaps, Cam Pietrzykowski, and Brandon Kerr,” says Furlong. It is the first time in over fifteen years that the Huskies have had three wrestlers place at states. Coach Furlong holds his wrestlers to high expectations. “The goals for the season are to be a contender for the conference title, send 7 guys to the individual state finals, and make it to the team regional finals,” says Furlong. The Huskies hope to make a deeper run this year and hopefully defend and retain the SMAC title once again. Superfans, get out and support our wrestlers!

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Photography by Cameron Schaefer. Visit www.portagenorthernlight.com for the stories behind all of these photos.

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December 16, 2016

SPORTS 19

MVP OF THE MONTH: LINUS MALLET, ALPINE SKI TEAM lyndsey case || social media manager

Though the Alpine Ski Team

is not the most popular high school sporting event to attend (given that standing in below zero weather is not the most ideal way to spend a Wednesday night), the team includes both outstanding Northern and Central students that brave the weather to compete at Bittersweet and Timber Ridge in competitive skiing. Linus Mallett (10) has been skiing for fourteen years and racing for twelve, having been influenced by his father. “He made me ski when I was two, and ever since then I’ve loved it,” says Mallett. Last season, Mallett fell during the regional competition, causing him to be disqualified. This season he hopes to place in states with a high rank and finish the season with consistency. “I was able to adapt to the new format that is high school racing rather well, so that was probably my greatest accomplishment last year,” stated Mallett, who had just joined the team his freshman year. Unlike other winter sports offered at Northern, the Alpine Ski Team is both Northern and Central students combined, competing as one team. “It is quite fun to get to talk to students from another school, and I have friends from Central, but if Central beats us in anything sports related, I don't hear anything else for the rest of the week,” adds Mallett. Depending on the location of his future college, he hopes to Pictured at left, pursue competitive skiing intercollegiately as well. “They [colleges] Linus competes normally sign skiers from Europe to come to their schools, so that is for the Alpine Ski very hard competition,” stated Mallett. Fortunately he will have not Team last year as a only this season, but two more after it to earn his spot. freshman. He looks

forward to improving even more over his sophomore season.

Photos courtesy of the Mallet family.

FUN FACTS: -Where do you want to go to college?

-What is your favorite food?

I’m not sure yet, but the BYU Marriott School of Management is rather good and is in a great location in Utah. Ultimately I will follow my dad’s advice as he is my role model for success in life.

Burrito from Panchero’s with the tofu included

-What do you want to do (career wise or college wise)?

-Hobbies other than skiing?

I would love to own a business like an anesthesiology or dental clinic, where I could just own the business itself and not have to do actual medical work. I think that would be pretty fun and I know it could be a very successful career path.

Mountain biking, soccer, breaking my dad’s snowblower on accident, skateboarding

-What is your favorite part of winter?

-Any other fun facts?

I get to teach skiing at Bittersweet in the winter, which is my only source of income, so probably that. Or not having to mow the lawn. Both are very fun.

I once ordered $300 of Webkinz stuffed animals using my mom’s credit card when I was younger on accident

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December 16, 2016 ENTERTAINMENT

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Java Jive:

coffee is (not so) obviously worth it

keegan tenney (10) ||staff writer

Signature Drink: Iced Macchiato Price Of Medium:

$3.79

Dunkin Donuts Tim Hortons

Signature Drink: Caramel Frappuccino

Signature Drink: Iced Mocha Latte

Price Of Medium:

Price Of Medium:

$4.45

$3.29

Starbucks

Coffee is essential. How can someone wake up early for five days, attend school for 8 hours each of those days, and manage to stay awake without the help of coffee? Impossible. Numerous students come in every morning with the largest-sized coffee you can get, from anywhere and everywhere. It is known that coffee is not cheap, but is it too much?

Considering the somewhat high prices on coffee, have you ever considered all of the other things you can buy? If you purchase a cup of coffee everyday for a week, you could spend from $15$40. With $15 or more, you can buy gas for your car, a few meals, or something more important than gas or a pile of calories. Obsessions with coffee - and caffeine- are common and therefore there is no judgement. When a couple people were asked if they had to spend money on something other than coffee, what would they buy, it almost seemed offensive. “I would buy and plan my funeral because I couldn’t survive without caffeine,” said Sarah Headapohl (10.) Although the addicting substance is popular on and off campus, this all comes back to the cost of coffee and all of the better alternate spending choices there are. “If I had saved all the money I had spent on coffee, I’d use it to travel around the world,” says one of Northern’s own

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teachers, Kellie Pittman. Some coffee shops are much the Black Owl Cafe, and the very popular Fourth more expensive than others, but eventually, all of that Coast Cafe. Different opinions on coffee are obviously money will add up to a very large sum. expected, or else these high ranked coffee places wouldn’t have the business that they do. Everyone is going to like different coffee, and some may not even This school is infected with this “Caffeine Fever,” like it at all, and it’s 100% judgement-free here at PN. whether you believe it or not. Where really should you be going for coffee? Waterstreet is a very common choice, although it isn’t regularly visited Another strong opinion is that we should have due to the high a coffee shop here in school, like Central does.

The idea itself is quite resourceful, because students and teachers can get coffee whenever they need to during the day. As long as the coffee is good, who can complain? It’s easy, irls) G close, and it should be made affordable. With re o m il G more (The the amount of people that would purchase - Lorelai Gil coffee, the price doesn’t need to be very high in order to still get a lot of money. It’s definitely prices. something the school should consider investing in.

Starbucks is obviously high on the charts, along with Tim Hortons. For everyone, but “I need coffee in an IV,” states Lorelai Gilmore especially high school students, the mall is a popular from The Gilmore Girls. The reliance Northern has on place to go, where the coffee company Gloria Jeans coffee is huge.

Without it, there would be a lot more seems to always have a line. “Gloria Jeans is the best students sleeping in class than we already have. It’s coffee brand to get,” adds Headapohl. Although, important to lower the prices of coffee, even if it were some disagree. “Gloria Jeans is like a coffee flavored slight, and adding a coffee shop in school would be milkshake with too much whipped cream,” stated helpful, and much appreciated by the coffee lovers in Pittman further in the discussion. Downtown, as well our school. as Portage, has many great shops such as Caffe Casa,

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P A S

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Holiday Shopping

Abby Seeber (12) || Opinion Editor Do you remember Pass the Plate with Brenda Song? I do. I remember that she would always say “Go shop at your local markets!” (Brenda Song Voice.) “You never know what you might find!”

Well, Brenda Song, seeing as though I was nine years old when you told me that, I didn’t listen.

I was somewhat annoyed to be perfectly honest, because I couldn’t drive or even ride my bike to a farmers market whenever I wanted something.

But, now that I am a mature adult member of society I want to pass the...local stores with you.

My first expert recommendation goes to the love of my life, T.J. Maxx. You can find absolutely anything that you need here: socks, phone chargers, necklaces, shoes, plates, blenders, dog shampoo, and Christmas Decorations (available starting in September through mid-January.) A person could easily spend hours in T.J. Maxx. But, the best part?

Everything is super cheap. The name brands you love are available for sometimes more than 60% off of the original price! WOAH.

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P L A T E

Next, I would not have good pathos if I were to neglect Charming Charlie. Yeah, that cute little purse store at Crossroads Mall. It is incredibly reasonable prices, and a great place to find a gift for your gal pal or your mom or… people that like purses. If you find a bag that you like, but not crazy about the color, take a quick walk around the store and you can find it in mauve rather than orange!

I would also like to remind you that the dollar store exists. It is a great place to buy bulk for a secret santa gift exchange, presents for your pets to open around the holidays, and a plethora of coloring books that your little brother and your best friends would love to receive. Dollar Stores are great places to buy “things,” that you can put together to make a present: such as popsicle sticks, glitter glue, construction paper, etc. Don’t undermine the value of a homemade gift! Everyone loves that personal touch.

Thanks for passing the-shopping the local storeswith me, next week, we will talk about how corn is a grain, not a vegetable. In the meantime, I hope you have found inspiration in some form or another to shop your gift list!

Just three of the stores that are the perfect place to buy your stocking stuffers! Licensed for reuse by Google Images.

Stream it up

Abby Seeber (12) || Opinion Editor

Underrated movies available on streaming platforms.

Ruthless People

Available on Amazon Instant Video Bette Midler. Danny Devito. This deliciously jocular flick was made in 1986, and is criminally underrated. A man hates his wife and sets up a plot to kill her (oh 1980’s, you goof.) But, when she is kidnapped by a duo of hilarious con artists, he is overjoyed. This hilarious plot is beyond worth the metaphorical price of admission.

Nine to Five

Available on Netflix While we are talking about the 80’s, we cannot forget the Best Revenge Movie of all time. Nine to Five is set in an office building where three women are constantly belittled and objectified by their sexist boss. The ladies join forces in an attempt to take him down. If nothing else. Watch it for Dolly Parton: the closest thing we have to Queen Elizabeth.

What about Bob?

Available on Amazon Instant Video I love this Movie. Young Bill Murray, “Bob,” has a rare case of…. every single phobia...ever. Bob starts to have a breakdown because he is unable to reach his new psycho-therapist who is on a family vacation. Bob tracks down the family and joins them. If you’re a fan of underrated comedy and sarcasm, you will eat it up.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the kind of movie that warms your heart and breaks it at the same time.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Available on Netflix

Fair warning: You cannot be distracted by your phone or your cat or your cross stitch during this movie. You need to pay attention.

Every little detail is answered. This cinematic masterpiece is the story of love gone wrong. A couple both decide on their own accord to undergo a procedure that erases all memories of their partner. Without giving away the whole story, I will just say that this movie is a prime example that if you’re meant to be together, you will always find each other.

Big Eyes

This cinematic masterpiece is the story of love gone wrong.

Available on Netflix I flipped my lid when I saw that Big Eyes was on Netflix. This true story is beautifully told and incredibly intriguing. The premise is of a young mother that takes her daughter and leaves her husband.

She is left with nothing and tries to sell her artwork and paintings in order support herself and her daughter. The protagonist, played by Amy Adams, ultimately falls in love with a man that claims her artwork as his own. Prepare for a movie in which you will laugh, cry, and fall in love with the bizarre.

Amelie

Available on Netflix This is such a visually interesting and unique movie. Set in Paris, an innocent Amelie tries to bring Justice to the world around her, in her own way. “The dazzling movie is a visual feast and an emotional story about romance, shyness, colorful vigilantism, and connecting with the smallest pieces and pleasures of the world around us in ways that add up to something wonderful.” says Allison Keene

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Licensed for reuse by Flikr.

The movie, Big Eyes, directed by Tim Burton is a visually entrancing treasure is that will never go out of style.

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Consumer-awareness documentaries

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Racing Extinction Forks Over Knives Hammering the audience with piles of vital information regarding the dietary health of our planet, director Lee Fulkerson produces Forks Over Knives “to serve as a wake-up call to all who see it to get their eating-habits act together,” according to reviewer Malin L. Jacobs. For as long as history can date back, animal meat has been included in our everyday diets but has proven to be harmful to human health, as shown by the work of nutritionists Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Fulkerson follows three patients throughout the documentary, one with breast cancer, one who has less than a year to live due to heart problems, and one with dangerously high cholesterol.

With few options left to bring their health back up, they switch to a vegetarian diet and results show tremendously positive change. If you are interested in learning more about the importance of a plant-based diet or you are simply intrigued by dietary health, I recommend viewing Forks Over Knives.

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Food, Inc. Generally speaking, we walk up and down the aisles of the grocery store having little to no knowledge about the way in which the food we are purchasing to consume was produced. Food, Inc., produced

by Robert Kenner and Eric Schlosser, conveys a powerful message to its audience about the deadly risks we are taking when we put processed food into our bodies and how the operations of the American food industry have been hidden from consumers for years with consent from the USDA and FDA. Big name corporations who are controlling our food supply have become experts at putting profit at the top of their to-do lists, leaving consumer health and the safety of our environment to crumble to bits.

Food, Inc. is an eye-opening film that allows you the opportunity to start bettering both your personal health and the health of our planet.

According to a scientific analysis illustrated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the annual extinction rate of all living species on Earth (an estimated 100 million) ranges from 0.01 to 0.1%, which means that there are between 10,000 to 100,000 species becoming extinct each year. This shocking truth is explored in Racing Extinction, directed by Louie Psihoyos and produced by Fisher Stevens and Olivia Ahnemann.

All members of the Racing Extinction crew travel across the globe for a closer look at the international wildlife trade, which is killing and threatening the lives of creatures that have been thriving on this planet for millions of years. However, they are not the only ones aiding extinction. The worldwide oil and gas companies hide their tactics so the whole world is blind to what is really leading to an unhealthy environment for species to live in. From the loss of habitats to being slaughtered for consumer purposes, these creatures are crying out for our help. If you are a lover of the environment and want to know more about extinction, I highly suggest viewing Racing Extinction.

Waste Land Addicted to Plastic The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is home to a massive amount of marine debris, mostly that of plastics, which are posing a great threat to marine wildlife in the North Pacific Ocean.

Director of Addicted to Plastic Ian Connacher explores how today’s society has become dependent on plastic in more ways than we know. Plastic is in nearly everything we use, ranging from the clothing we wear to the cars we drive.

Unfortunately for us, plastic cannot be decomposed for thousands of years. Connacher visits many places in the world, first the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, to show exactly how plastic is negatively affecting organisms in and out of the ocean. He found that nurdles, which are small plastic beads, take up the water nearly ten times more than the organic food supply for marine wildlife and are eaten by many organisms in the ocean, eventually leading to death. In the words of Connacher, “It is time to rethink our relationship to synthetic materials.”

Jardim Gramacho in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is the largest, most foul-smelling landfill site in South America. It is also home to about 3,000 pickers, known as catadores. These people spend nearly every waking minute picking and separating recyclables that can be sold to commercial recycling companies. In Waste Land, directors Lucy Walker and João Jardim share the work that Brazilian artist and photographer Vik Muniz did with the catadores of Jardim Gramacho. The director’s depiction of their situation is very uplifting and optimistic, which has the potential to confuse many viewers with the knowledge of what a landfill is and how harmful they are to the environment. Although the catadores are consuming the edible food found in this massive dumpster, Muniz finds a way to intervene and take action towards preventing their exploitation. Waste Land most importantly discusses ways in which health can be restored to the lives of the catadores and the future of their country.

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