Rogue
Volume XII, Issue V
ASBrief: Kip & Ellie Share their State of the Union
by Ellie Carter and Kip Parowski
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been doing our best to fulfill our ASB duties – meeting with Ms. Bare, running assemblies, muddling through Friday announcements while Mr. Preskenis tries to distract us – but we’re still hungry for more. Here’s our mid-year update to fill everyone in on what we’ve got coming up. Leadership’s got a stellar lineup of events scheduled in the next few months. We’ve started working on the logistics of prom, which will be held at the Ashland Springs Hotel in mid-April this year to accommodate a slightly nutty sports schedule; ASB presidents Kip and Ellie the AHS Talent Show, usually held in December, is now being pushed to March. We’re also changing some old events and adding others – starting with a new take on the annual Jack Frost festival. Held in February, the event raises money for sick children in the Doernbecher pediatric ward, in honor of Helman student Jack Dorr. Thanks to the help and organization of Jack’s mom Trish, it will now be a dodgeball tournament at the middle school with multiple brackets and prizes. High school teams of 5 and 6 are encouraged to com-
pete! Leadership has often hosted a Battle of the Bands competition, along with facilitating open mics – instead, this year we’re hoping to schedule an outdoor event to feature the many students who are musical. Whether this manifests as a multipleday music festival event, or a single outdoor event on a summer evening, leadership intends for it to be a celebration. We’ve been really pleased with how the Community curriculum has taken shape this year and how passionate the leadership students have been about developing it. To have it functioning as photo by Lily Annen smoothly as it is, with the curriculum being brand new, is kind of amazing. One of the best things about the new curriculum, other than being student-based, is its unique ability to be molded – and going into the new semester leadership plans to keep the same system. We know how lucky we are to work with such an accommodating administration and passionate leadership class. In many ways, leadership has gotten more involved at the high school than ever before; we’re grateful to be a part of it, and excited for this home stretch.
A Videogame For Change by Taylor Kelly-McMahon and Will Burgess
Imagine an interactive game where your actions The game, Battle for Humanity, is geared towards matter, and everything you do has an impact on getting teens and young adults involved with the the world. A game where young adults become a world around them. “The game is like Pokémon part of a team, go on missions, and become real life Go meets Instagram, but for social change,” said heroes to save the world. A game that could change Murrey. The missions are all about giving back to the world. Although this sounds a lot like the plot your community. The first missions are simple of a dystopian YA novel set 50 years in the future, and straight forward, like leaving a nice mesthe game is real, and it is going through its first sage for someone who you think needs a smile on beta test. The name of the game is Battle for Hu- their face. As you continue, the missions become manity, and it was created by AHS graduate Jessica more difficult like creating a food drive, or raising Murrey. money for an organization. Once you finish a misMurrey graduated in sion, you upload a picture 2006. She has wanted to of yourself to the app to help people from a young show that you completed age, so when Murrey got the mission. Every misher diploma she went sion you complete and upstraight to traveling the load to the app earns you world and helping those in points and rankings so need. During her 4 years that the more you do, and at AHS, she participated the harder the mission, in a local program that the more points you get. dealt with drug addiction The app also allows you and rehabilitation called to see where other people Jessica Murrey, creator of Battle For Humanity Southern Oregon Meth are making impacts on photo by Taylor Kelly-McMahon Project. Murrey also worked the world and collaborate with other programs, like the Child Abuse Net- with them. Ashland’s freshman wellness classes work and Sexual Assault Response Team. She even were granted the opportunity to test the beta when worked with local news station KOBI5. Through it drops. But you can also be a part of it by signthese experiences, Murrey knew she was ment to ing up on the Battle for Humanity website to be a help others, especially youth. “They have the most Beta tester. The app is a great way to get involved open minds, and it’s the perfect time to present in your community, and a great way to support an them with this knowledge,” she said. AHS graduate.
News February 2, 2018
In This Edition: P2. Early Senior Projects P3. Rowing P3. Cool Electives P4. Endangered Species P5. Effects of Breaks P6/7. Avoiding Winter Slump P8. Net Neutrality P8. ASD Bonds P9. Tax Reform P10. Club Switches P11. Books to Read P11. Book Review P12. 90s’ Fashion
Early Senior Projects Rogue News is featuring some of the most interesting senior projects so far. Early senior projects took place on January 10th.
see page 2
Rogue Rowing Emigrant Lake-based Rogue Rowing program wins USRowing Club of The Year out of 1,300 clubs across the nation, validating the Southern Oregon rowing community.
see page 3
“But What If We’re Wrong?”
Ellie Carter gives a review of the New York Times Bestseller “But What If We’re Wrong?” by Chuck Klosterman.
see page 8
90s’ Fashion is Back The 90’s are back and grungier than ever! The people who thought neon clothing, turtlenecks, flannels, overalls and high ponytails were out of style were proven wrong this year.
see back page
STUDENT FEATURES
While a majority of the senior projects will be presented in the Spring, some Seniors have opted to present early, and did so on January 10. For most seniors, the project requirement due dates are spread out over the year, but early presenters had to have them all in by early January. by Jackson McRae, Jade Bromely, Taylor Kelly-McMahon
Anna Ehlers
Max Longshore
Abbey Ash
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Early Senior Projects
Anna Ehlers geared her senior project toward her projected computer science major. She developed and programmed her own video game from scratch. She worked on her first game for 13 months, using Gamemaker Studio, eventually scrapping it to move onto different ideas. Ehlers then began working on a new game as a group senior project with her friends, each member planning to contribute a part towards it, including art, story, and programming. Unfortunately, this version of the game was abandoned five months in, as the group dynamic didn’t work for all
of them. “This game was my ‘first draft’,” said Ehlers in regards to this group version of it. After the disbanding of the group, Ehlers took the project up on her own, and began work on her adventure game using Visionaire Studio. Game development took 9 months to make with 126 hours invested into it. Anna’s mentor was the person leading the game design class she takes in Medford, and has assisted her in the game making process. This, combined with her Game Design peers feedback has led to a well-polished new game.
Max Longshore produced four remixes for his senior project using a digital audio workstation called Ableton Live 9, a program which allows him to make music from his computer. The songs he remixed included The Nawf by Rich the Kid, All Gold Everything by Trinidad James, Errybody by Yo Gotti, and Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness which he combined with a verse by Gucchi Mane. Regarding his song choices Longshore said, “It’s a lot of the way it felt and sounded but also it’s all about fitment. If I’m producing a song and the vocals are too fast or too
slow it make it a lot more challenging… it is about sound but it’s also how it lines up with what you’re making.” The production time for all the songs combined was at least 75 hours. Since each piece has different complications and challenges, the production time for each song varied. Longshore plans to go to music school in Portland after he graduates, so his senior project was very much aligned with his career path (as many senior projects are) and served as practice for the future
For her senior project, Abbey Ash spent 320 days on a Rotary Youth Exchange to Kan’onji City in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island in Japan. One of the reasons Ash was interested her hobby postcrossing. Postcrossing is an online project that allows you to send and receive post cards from around the world. Each postcard she sends and receives gives her more knowledge about another country. For Ash, going to Japan and experiencing a new culture first hand was a step up from just reading about a place someone sent through the mail. Another reason that Ash
wanted to visit Japan was her love for the ocean. In order to raise the funds she needed for her exchange, Ash created a GofundMe. The money went toward covering airfare, visa application fees, etc. The town she stayed in was about the size of Ashland. Ash stayed with five different host families and attended a strict Japanese school. Her time spent in Japan is being featured in a documentary about how American schools are different than schools in foreign countries. Ash hopes to go live in Japan in the future.
COMMUNITY & WORLD
Nothing Boat Praise for Rogue Rowing by Uma McGuire
This year, Rogue Rowing was awarded 2017 Club of The Year by USRowing out of more than 1,300 clubs across the country. USRowing is the national governing board for rowing in the United States and serves to promote the sport on all levels including representing teams at the national level. The award recognizes outstanding efforts put forth by a club in improving rowing opportunities, increasing membership and involving the local community. Rogue Rowing is based at Emigrant Lake and is the program responsible for the organization and success of the Ashland, St. Mary’s, South and North Medford Schools’ rowing teams as well as the other Rogue Rowing members. This recognition from the rowing community brings increased respect and credibility to the fast growing club as well as highlights the work of the teams at AHS.
It is thanks to the Rogue Rowing program that the high schools in the valley, including AHS, have the ability to row. Because the sport isn’t funded by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), all funds for the sport are provided by the participants themselves. While the official rowing season is in the spring, for those involved, it is a year long training season on and off the lake. Rogue Rowing has grown from their first year in 1999 and has now amassed 50 high school members and increased adult membership by about 50% in the past few years. The AHS enrollment has been growing accordingly and rowers have started to compete at the national level. The USRowing award only validates the program and schools involved and will continue to attract people to the expanding club. “We’re proud of the accomplishment and hope that more people consider coming to see what we’re all about and what we offer every individual,” Executive Director Rick Brown said. It is one of the program’s
goals that it can be a mainstream sport at every school in the Rogue Valley. Brown is at the center of the club and its success. Before becoming the Executive Director at Rogue Rowing, formerly the Ashland Rowing Club, Brown was Executive Director of the Three Rivers Rowing Association in Pittsburgh for 9 years. Compared to the Pittsburgh club, the main difference is the size of the organization due to the population in the valley. Despite the size, Rogue Rowing’s impact is amplified throughout the valley, “We’re a very focused organization and have been able to really dedicate ourselves to what we want to do and to do it well,” Brown comments. Part of that impact is the creation of the Adaptive Rowing program, which allows people with men-
tal and physical disabilities to sweep and scull row with the help of modified equipment and additional coaching. However, the Rogue Rowing’s attention to diversity and inclusion does not stop there. They’ve started a competitive rowing program at SOU, changed the name to Rogue Rowing to reflect their open doors, and has provided scholarships and transportation for those who cannot afford or are unable to otherwise participate. “We’ve made it more than obvious that we’re here to serve our community,” says Brown. AHS’s rowing team will be traveling to Shasta Lake for training this Spring break, with their ultimate goal being qualifying for US Nationals through the Northwest Regionals Championships in May.
We’ve made it obvious we’re here to serve our community.
Hidden Gems: Cool Electives by Jade Bromley
With the start of second semester, it won’t be surprising to see the counseling office full of students anxious to change up their schedule. Only a rare few think they have the perfect schedule, but for the rest of us it’s finding a class last minute from the ever-changing wheel of electives. We all know the obvious ones: Art, woodshop, foods, but we also have some pretty cool elective opportunities that might be lesser known.
Stained Glass
If you’ve seen a movie about high-schoolers from the 80s there was probably a student who took Wood Shop. It’s a classic elective, quite practical, and our school has it. But did you know that we also have a Stained Glass and Wood Working class? It’s a really fun class and has a bit more of a creative element. You’ll learn how to make interesting imagery with stained glass all while getting a similar hands on experience to carpentry (P.S. You make a really cool lamp. I still have mine).
Rogue News
Interior Design
There are a lot of unique career oriented opportunities available to AHS students, but one of the most unique is Interior Design. This class introduces students to an industry we are rarely exposed to and allows students to gain skills that they could apply to a career later in life. Interior design also offers a practical application of an artistic eye and could be the perfect choice for a creative person.
Photography
Rogue News is the on-campus newspaper, you might have heard of it? We do this – write articles about what’s going on in the world and our community. Personally, I love it, but you do need to have certain capabilities to succeed in Rouge News. We want students with stellar writing skills, exceptional design capabilities, or fantastic photographic sense. If that sounds like you then come on down and get ready to feel like a real reporter, except you don’t get paid.
If your camera is the most important feature of your phone and you spend endless amounts of time to get that perfect shot – the one that makes you Instagram famous – then you might enjoy learning the ins and outs of digital photography. Digital Photography gives students a chance to develop their eye, understand how to use lighting and composition as well as become comfortable using a digital camera. Learn how to take stunning pictures that have nothing to do with luck.
3D Design
World Cultures and World Religions
Artistic expressions varies from person to person. Of course there’s the traditional drawing and painting or Art I, but AHS also has a variety of alternative art classes like the new class, 3D Design. 3D Design offers a more tactile art experience, giving students the chance to explore sculpture and its effect on the human senses. It’s definitely something to get your hands into.
There are also quite a few semester electives that expand the realm of social studies. If you liked world history, you might enjoy World Cultures or World Religions. These classes offer students a glimpse into the world of anthropology and sociology, 2 subjects rarely addressed in regular classes, but truly fascinating.
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EDITORIAL
Endangered Animals by Kamala Aryeff
All across the globe, climate change has been negatively impacting numerous endangered animal species. Humans continue to fail their responsibility of keeping our earth clean and alive, and these beloved animals are dying off at unprecedented rates. The effect that we as humans have on the climate is incomprehensible, with little to no blame falling on the natural course of nature. The most endangered animal as of January 2018 is the Northern Right Whale. Hunted to near extinction, this creature has fallen to a mere 450 whales throughout the entirety of the Atlantic Ocean. Global warming has not helped in contributing, as warming ocean waters, particularly in the Gulf of Maine where the whales often feed, have caused krill—the tiny, shrimp-like creatures which right whales eat—to disperse and become more difficult for the whales to find. The Amur Leopard, the world rarest cat, have quickly begun to disappear, with only 40 remaining in Russia’s far-east. No more than 60 of the swamp dwelling Javon Rhinoceros exist in Asia, bringing even more attention to the diversity of animal extinction. Disease and illegal hunting is wiping out Western Lowland Gorillas, a gentle giant native to West Africa. These examples of innocent, endangered and beautifully vital species are just the beginning of the effects climate change is having on our planet. Survival of any kind based on environment, and the cost of the luxury of pollution is brought into light. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We are already seeing its effects with rising seas, catastrophic wildfires and water shortages. These changes are not only having a dramatic impact on diverse ecosystems but also on the wildlife that call these places home. Some ways that you as an individual can help with climate change are being more energy efficient, choosing renewable power, eating wisely, trimming your waste, letting polluters pay, flying less, getting informed, greening your commuting, and supporting and donating to certain climate change affiliated organizations. If we don’t act on climate change now, this list is just the tip of the iceberg of what we can expect in years to come. Future generations shouldn’t just see these animals in history books- we owe it to them to protect these creatures and their habitats.
Bees are amazing. They are a species critical to the success and beauty of ecosystems around the world.
Although the future of our little pollinator friends is looking grim, there is some good news. It was reported that in the first quarter of 2017 the number of colonies affected by Colony Collapse Disorder dropped 27% when compared to the same quarter in 2016.
The wide range of ways in by Daniel Noonan which bees positively impact the world cannot be understated. Unfortunately, bees (like other pollinators such as bats and birds) are under threat because of continued and widespread use of pesticides and insecticides, many of which kill these pollinators. Bees are responsible for pollinating one third of everything that humans eat. It isn’t just food. Around one sixth of all flowering species worldwide are pollinated by bees. Bees are, in short, incredible.
According to the IUCN Global Species Program, the net worth of annual bee pollination is around 170 billion U.S. dollars.
Beekeepers across the United States lost 44 percent of their honey bee colonies during the period spanning April 2015 to April 2016, according to the Bee Informed Partnership in collaboration with the Apiary Inspectors of America.
Just because the recorded cases of Colony Collapse Disorder have decreased, it is important to remember that if pesticide use does not halt, then bees will go extinct. The Citizens of the U.S. will have to pollinate by hand or live without many of the culinary pleasures we enjoy today.
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All About Bee
The chemical companies Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, Dow, DuPont and Monsanto have essentially denied all claims that their products are harmful to the environment despite the overwhelming evidence that the chemical industry is responsible for the bee die-out.
Biologists have found more than 150 different chemical residues in bee pollen, a deadly “pesticide cocktail” according to University of California is apiculturist Eric Mussen. This cocktail likely the primary destroyer of bee populations in the U.S. Colony Collapse Disorder, is a phenomenon that causes bees to abandon their hives.
art by Lily Valenta
INSIDE AHS
Tough Break by Dylan Kistler
All quotations are from Ashland High School students interviewed in January, 2018, who collectively agreed to remain anonymous. Over break, students go home… “I’m going to Italy” “My family from California’s driving up” “I’m going on an outdoor retreat” “I can’t wait”
A student looks down at their desk and doesn’t share their outlook on break. They don’t want to douse the mood when their teacher asks what everyone did for their two weeks off. The student might dread losing the certainty of school lunches, the schedule that regulates their depression, or a place to stay away from an unsafe home. Currently, an unspoken assumption persists: this student will remain silent. Students and teachers of all backgrounds should strive to be aware that youth in our community endure a wide range of experiences when they leave campus and face long stretches of time at home. It’s possible to embrace one’s own excitement while empathizing with the realities that live unspoken among the AHS student body.
“Without rhythm, depression gets worse. Having to sit at home… with my home life… gives me nothing for company but my depression.”
“Last break, I was dreading going home. When I walked home and saw the lights were on, I left and walked around... until around 3 AM. This was the first night of a long two week break. You come back and hear: how did everyone’s break go. I can say it really sucks having to be ashamed about having spent your whole break looking for couches to sleep on. It sucks comparing abuse at home to expensive vacations.”
“Abusive situations make me worry about my sister.” “I see my friend’s depression get the worst over breaks.”
So many friends of mine don’t know if their parents will be there during break. “I have diagnosed anxiety and PTSD from childhood trauma. I can’t leave the house alone… school is a place for me to go. On break there’s nowhere.”
Ashland is full of privilege. Not having that privilege can make you feel invisible.
art by anonymous artists and interview contributors
“You go home and don’t know if you have a place to sleep. You definitely don’t have food wandering around at night. As soon as you get back, teachers call you out as lazy or incompetent for not completing a poster and researching a book.”
“To those who go on vacations or group retreats or even just stay with their family and are worry-free over break… put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Think about how shitty it can feel… be happy with your experience and how lucky you are without bragging. There are more kids at this school who are really, actually struggling than you think.”
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Best Ways to Wallow by Eliza Strong
A
lthough the winter months can provide opportunity for adventure, when the sun’s been out of sight for months, it often just feels best to snuggle in and spend a day doing nothing. The Rogue News has provided a guide for taking a day of indulgence that will make you feel somewhat productive.
“You should try to do as much as you can in the time that you have... but some days it’s best to just be a puddle.” ‒ Zaida LaRose
Mood Boosting TV Shows The Great British Bake Off – The friendliest competition on TV. It will lift your spirits with
creative cake designs, baby animals and adorable accents.
The Good Place – An interesting commentary on human nature
that also keeps you laughing.
Planet Earth – Expands your view of the beautiful world, calms and inspires awe; expect both laughter and tears.
Brain Games – Stretches your cognitive abilities while allowing
you to get some physical rest.
The Crown – Teaches you about the history of the Royal Family
and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Make Something
Bake – Many treats require only simple ingredients that you’ll
already have around, and you can gift your friends with your de- licious creations.
Draw – Even simple doodles will help you to express
yourself.
Knit – The rhythmic motion of knitting helps calm the brain and a
handmade hat is the perfect addition to any outfit.
Write – Lazy days allow lots of time to think, and the ideas
you have might surprise you!
Collage - Make a beautiful keepsake to display photos of friends and family. Relieve stress and create something beautiful.
Activities to Get Your Brain Working Puzzles – They are addictive and satisfying, and produce a feeling
of accomplishment.
Sudoku – The classic brain game challenges you and helps you
pass the time. Here's one to get you started.
Solitaire – Provides entertainment for when you’re feeling anti-
social. Don't hesitate to bring your deck to a local coffee shop. – Helps you relax and get lost in another world. No matter who you are you'll find something you enjoy.
Read
Meditation - Checking in with your mind will help you manage stress and engage with the present.
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This is a real Sudoku!
Moments to Manifest by Marcus Mullen
D
uring the winter it’s easy to fall into a pattern, and while “wallowing” isn’t always a bad thing, changing up any routine is a good idea. Whether your winter routine consists of intense devotion to school, sports or binge watching, changing some part of your routine is always good, especially during the winter when bad moods run rampant. Trying a new activity is one of the best ways to develop a diverse routine, especially when the new activity requires exercise. According to the US National Library of Medicine, seasonal depression may be linked to the low amount physical activity engaged in during the winter, so by maintaining a high level of athletic activity, you may just ward off the winter blues. Here are some suggestions for winter activities around the valley that will pull you out of the winter slump.
Hiking: If you would rather not spend as much money as it takes to ski for a day, hiking and snowshoeing are both viable and cheap alternatives. Around Ashland there are many trails that can lift you up and out of the fog, including Bandersnatch, Jubjub and Alice in Wonderland. If getting out into the snow is important to you, Crater Lake has enough snow to snowshoe this year. While it is an hour and a half drive, it’s certainly worth the effort.
Skiing/Snowboarding: While this winter season has been a bust so far for Mt. Ashland, on normal years, skiing and snowboarding are great physically demanding activities that will also help you get outside to enjoy the snow. On Mt. Ashland, you can have a fun day skiing for $78 ($49 day pass, $29 rentals). While Mt. Ashland has received enough snow to open, the weather doesn’t look promising in terms of snow sports. All we can do is hope for more snow throughout the winter to get you outside and moving.
Rock Climbing/Rock Gym: Rock climbing at Rogue Rock Gym in Medford is a fun athletic activity during the winter. Like ice skating, climbing is a fun and relatively cheap activity that will get you out of your winter slump. Many Ashland students already take advantage of the opportunity to climb; Ashland high school even has a climbing club that allows club members to get a discounted rock gym membership. Otherwise, to climb without a membership for just a day, it will cost 20$ including rentals.
Sledding: Sledding is a classic winter-exclusive activity, never failing to provide a fun, energizing activity for slow-starting Saturday mornings. Around Ashland there are multiple fun places to sled, most notably Mt. Ashland, where you can sled alongside skiers and snowboarders as long as you stay out of their way. Around Mt. Ashland there are other high-altitude destinations that are just as good for sledding.
Ice Skating: The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink is open! Ice skating, while requiring more skill than snowshoeing or hiking, is one of the best winter-exclusive activities in Ashland. Skating at the Ashland Ice Rink is a fun group activity, and it only costs $6.50 to rent skates and get on the ice. The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink will be open until February 19th. 7
COMMUNITY & WORLD
Net Neutrality by Lara Rivera
In the United States, the internet is on the brink of a major change. As of December 24, 2017 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the repeal of net neutrality protections. Under net neutrality, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have to treat all internet traffic the same and give all internet users equal access to online services. Some ISPs advocated for the repeal of net neutrality in order to increase revenues by charging more for faster services and access to particularly popular sites. However, internet providers are not the only ones who could use the repeal of net neutrality in disagreeable ways. Some major companies support net neutrality, as Google and Netflix have historically, because it allows them to be more accessible and therefore grow their consumer base. Others, such as Amazon, are fond of the repeal. In the first week of this December, Amazon streamers encountered a nasty surprise when they found out that YouTube might be blocked from Amazon devices in January of 2018. The net neutrality rollback could also become a major issue for small businesses who rely on the internet to expand their business. If websites are not popular enough or do not have enough money to pay internet providers to keep them running at the same speed as they do with net neutrality, they will most likely be forced to shut down. Internet providers could penalize customers for accessing certain
search engines or websites. Once net neutrality is removed from the hands of the FCC, ISPs won’t be held to any impartiality under the law and customer protection regarding the internet as we know it today would come to an end, unless congress votes to maintain Title II. Title II is one of seven sections of the Communications Act of 1934 which allows the FCC to regulate wire and radio providers. Title II (which as of 2015 c o n tains net neutrality regulations) has served as a means to keep the internet out of the hands of big corporations. Nevertheless, Chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai, argues that there were several layers of consumer protection even before the 2015 changes. During a coordination meeting with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Pai commented that “instead of saddling the Internet with heavyhanded regulations, we will work together to take targeted action against bad actors,” supporting his earlier belief regarding the vote that reclassified the internet as a com-
The ASD Bond
mon carrier telecommunications service and subjecting it to stricter regulations. Without net neutrality regulations, all consumers will have for protection is the promise that internet providers will not block or disrupt content online – but that promise is likely to be broken. For example, in 2015, AT&T faced a lawsuit of $100 million because of their “Maximum Bit Rate” policy w h i c h reduced d a t a speeds from unlimited plans after a certain amount of data was used. Pai’s plan is to have the ISPs publicly disclose what websites and search engines they would be disrupting, thereby giving the public the choice to either keep their internet providers or switch. Unfortunately, there are still various areas in the United States that don’t have access to more than one ISP, therefore many citizens will have to accept any restrictions their available ISP offers. There are still at least 100 million Americans that have no more than one internet provider to choose from
Your chance to weigh in on a new school by Simon DiRienzo, Alex Franklin, Henry Cook For the first time since 2006, the Ashland School District (ASD) is discussing the renewal of a district-wide bond. The bond is used to aid the district in making major physical repairs, changes, and additions to the schools in Ashland. In the past, the bond has paid for the rebuild of Bellview Elementary and the new building at
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AMS. A small percentage of everyone’s property taxes - about 12.5% - is allocated to the developing bond because the state doesn’t provide any money for these types of projects. This Spring, the bond committee will be proposing a plan and budget to the school board. After that, in November of 2018, the public will vote on the proposed
changes by ballot and the bond will either pass or be denied. Rogue News has developed a survey regarding the bond in hopes of providing the commitee with student opinion. When the survey closes on February 16th, the Rogue News class will relay the survey responses to the commitee.
in their area, therefore eliminating the option to switch (or stay) with an internet provider. Christopher Mitchell from the Community Broadband Networks Initiative states that “the FCC stepping back means that the biggest providers can engage in predatory behavior.” He supports his claim by explaining that competition without any rules becomes more aggressive and “a market with no rules doesn’t work.” Customers of internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon may have to pay extra fees to be able to stream Netflix, YouTube or Hulu, along with the monthly subscription. Additionally, ISPs would have the ability to throttle or block packets of information. AHS graduate and Activision Blizzard consultant, Jordan Hirsh, gives a hypothetical scenario: “you have an Xbox One, you use Charter as your ISP. Charter has a deal with Sony so your access to Xbox Live is throttled or blocked, so you have to either switch to a new ISP or buy a PlayStation for online gaming.” However, there is still hope to reverse the FCC and Pai’s vote as long as all members of Congress vote for the Congressional Review Act to overrule FCC’s net neutrality decisions. Fight for Future, a pronet neutrality activist group, claims that net neutrality has more public support than ever, and that continued pressure on representatives in Congress is the best chance at reversing the FCC’s vote and saving net neutrality.
COMMUNITY & WORLD
Tax On, Tax Off
How Tax Reform Affects Young People by Bella Mannray and Nicole Mullen Of all the stresses of adulthood, one of the most anxiety inducing milestones is beginning to pay taxes. The GOP Tax Plan has created a wave of buzzwords and frightening economic statements that have left most young Americans overwhelmed with its meaning. Whether you are a self-proclaimed tax expert, or just getting by on the information you learn in Senior Seminar Economics, you should have a basic understanding of the Tax Plan to comprehend how it affects you. First and foremost, the healthcare mandate is repealed by the Tax Plan,
substantially weakening Obamacare. Repealing the mandate that requires all Americans to have healthcare will result in an estimated 4 million fewer people insured, and the numbers will rise to 13 million by 2027, according to the Congressional Budget Office. In basic terms, this means that if you don’t want healthcare, you don’t have to pay a penalty for not having it. However, in the case of a medical emergency, healthcare costs quickly become exorbitant and overwhelming. The debt accompanying a medical emergency can be crippling and lead
to bankruptcy. In addition, the coming exodus from the healthcare market will likely cause premiums – the amount of money paid for an insurance policy – to rise for all Americans by about 10% in the next decade. Noting the major consequences of the individual healthcare mandate, almost all deductions that Americans feared would be cut in the new tax bill stayed. Work opportunity tax credits which incentivizes certain employers to hire certain groups of young people like young military veterans is still law, as are student loan deductions. The
most noticeable changes to the tax code that affect young people are the elimination of the bike to work deduction, the moving deduction, which allows costs associated with moving to be exempt from taxation, and the tax preparation deduction, which allows the cost of tax preparation services to be exempt from taxation. This assessment of the new Tax Plan provides a brief overview of some of the many measures that will affect young Americans in higher education and the working force.
Taxes for the College Bound
by Nicole Mullen
Filing taxes has always been a complicated endeavor and is one of the least anticipated responsibilities of adulthood. Gabe Young, a former AHS graduate and current senior at Indiana University, admits that filing taxes can be “a pretty painful process,” but he also strongly believes that taxes are essential for a well-functioning country. Young added, “There are many confusing things in adulthood. Taxes are just one of them.” For college-bound students or students finishing higher education, the recent tax overhaul was a complicated and frankly nerve-racking event. The House version of the GOP Bill would have drastically reduced student education deductions that currently save students thousands of dollars. The bill sent shockwaves through college campuses around the country and would have been “devastating for the academic community and people trying to get a graduate degree,” according to Young, who is currently majoring in music and hopes to start a master’s degree in the fall. The tax bill means that Young and many other students pursuing higher education had to reevaluate their plans for the future. Luckily, the final reconciled version of the tax bill preserved many essential
education deductions including the tuition waivers for graduate students, non-taxable employer tuition assistance, and the student loan tuition interest deduction. Yet, the taxman still exists. One of the most unpredictable and large changes in the GOP tax bill is the elimination of the individual healthcare mandate. This means that the tax penalty for not having insurance is eliminated, which could cause health insurance costs to increase substantially for young people. This increase in premium cost is worrisome for college students, most who are already saddled with thousands of dollars in educational debt. Describing the tax bill, Young says the changes that were made are “frustrating in how they affect me, but also how they affect other people.” The “redistribution of wealth” the tax bill will cause, the nearly 1.5 trillion estimated addition to the deficit, and the “secretive” process by which the bill was constructed all are irksome to Young and many college students across the country. Even so, taxes are an essential right-of-passage for adulthood, so come November, Young, along with millions of other Americans, will be filing his taxes once again.
He is glad that many of the student deductions remained in place.
Worried about healthcare premiums rising.
Gabe is frustrated with how the GOP passed their tax plan so secretively and is worried about how the tax reform will redestribute wealth. Along with those concerns, the fact that 1.5 trillion will be added to the deficit unsettles him.
Taxes for the Working Bound
by Ayla Prusko
“Even as a young single person working a fulltime job that would have easily sustained a couple or small family 50 years ago, I find myself struggling to stay afloat,” said Evan Mouledoux, a recent AHS graduate who is working instead of going to college. The GOP promises that the new tax plan will help those like Evan, but is this really true? Let’s take a moment to step into the life of a recent high school graduate and see. This is the life of Emily Johnson, our hypothetical AHS graduate. She works a minimum wage job as a receptionist at a local hotel for 40 hours a week and makes a total of $20,280 before taxes. In 2017, she paid $3,042 in federal taxes and $1,825 in state taxes. She then had to pay $8,688 in rent and $2,440 for the minimum car insurance. She’s still under her parent’s health insurance plan until she’s 26, which saves her some expense. At the end of the day she has $4,285 to spend on gas, food, emergencies, and other expenses. Seems like a lot, especially because high school students feel rich whenever they have $100 in their bank account. In reality, this is barely enough to get by when the average person spends $250 a month on food and $134 a month on gas. That’s another $4,608 spent. She is left with absolutely nothing for emergencies.
So how much money will the new tax plan actually add to her life? Well, with the tax rates changing from 15% to 12%, she should have an extra $608 in her wallet. Unfortunately, in the state of Oregon, a new gas tax is being put in place this year that will cost consumers an extra 4 cents per gallon. While that number may seem small, it adds up quickly, taking away some of that extra money that was given to her by the federal tax cuts. So, does the new tax plan really help out Emily and working people like her? Yes, but not very much. That extra $600 is enough to cover the rest of the expenses of food and gas and maybe one car accident for the year. While the amount of extra money she gets will increase as she continues to work and get raises, by the time she earns enough for it to make a big difference, the tax rates will go back to what they were in 2017 and she will have to pay 15% in federal income taxes again in 2025. By this time, she will also have to start thinking about medical insurance and expenses that go along with that. In any case, it appears that the new tax plan does not help the working class as much as people hoped it would.
She is happy because at the moment Emily got a 3% tax decrease but she knows it will revert later
Has an extra $600 in her pocket due to the tax bracket change to 12% from 15%. Emily may need to walk or bike to her job as a receptionist more due to increased gas prices
art by Jade Bromley
9
Rogue news challenged 3 people from 3 different clubs to spend a day in a new club (preferably a little change from what they are used to). They then wrote their experiences in a creatively opinionated paragraph.
The Club Crawl
Magic to Drama
Music to D&D
Interact to Photography
When I was in 6th grade, I was in the school play. I had fun acting, but I never ended up having time to be in another play. Since then, I have always missed acting. So, when I was asked to come review the drama club, I was very intrigued to see how different it was from middle school. While I only went for one day, what I saw made me more interested, and even made me consider joining. The environment was very inclusive. Even if someone isn’t interested in acting, they would try to involve that person in other ways. There are many more ways to participate than just acting. You can write one or multiple acts, which you can then perform. To be active in the show, you can do costume design, tech, lighting, dancing, singing, or be in the band. The club does more than just put on shows, they also work to better the community. They mentioned that a group is going to perform for a senior center here in Ashland. All around it seemed like a very fun and interesting club, and I hope more people end up joining. If I had time, I definitely think I would.
When I went to Dungeons and Dragons club, my initial reaction was “Oh dear, what are you people doing? Why is this a thing? Who are you people, and how on earth did I get here?” I couldn’t even play the game because to me it’s just too ridiculous. I would just sit there at an empty desk, eat my lunch and watch people pretend to be elves and other weird creatures. I ended up only going because I had a friend who really loved to play. I just sat on my phone and tried to avoid everyone. I took a minute, looked around and I realized you have to be a pretty imaginative person to even find the game interesting. I saw that everyone playing was just so into it and was having a good time. It was fascinating to find these people actually enjoy what they’re doing. I guess Dungeons and Dragons is just not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat.
I love photography. For me personally, it’s very fun and calming, and I love how you can go out on adventures, look at nature and the beautiful scenery, and capture it all in a photo. I was in photography class with Mr. Prusko, so I already knew how to use the camera, take pictures, and use Photoshop, but it was fun trying photography club for a day and seeing all of the experienced photographers. I was intimidated when I first walked in, seeing all of the people who knew how to use cameras, but everyone there was nice and welcoming, which helped me. I loved how they talked about photography and photos and why they liked it. It was very inspiring. Also, it opened my mind up a little more on how other people take photos, why they take photos, and how passionate people are about their work. A lot of photographers have their own style they use when taking photos. I won’t be able to fit photography club in my schedule, but I enjoyed my one day and I would recommend it to anyone who has a passion for photography and wants to share their photos with
by Kellen Rice
10
by Winter Mountain
by Anonymous
INSIDE AHS
Books to Read in 2018 by Gemma Coster
The Name of the Wind
The Shadow of the Wind
The Glass Castle
The first book in a high fantasy trilogy, this tale is a childhood narrative of young man, Kvothe, who becomes one of the most prominent wizards his world has ever seen. Through adventures and misfortunes, Kvothe recalls his life as an orphan and his audacious endeavor to become a student at a renowned school of magic. Kvothe, now an innkeeper in a remote village, is persuaded by Chronicler to reveal the truth swirling among the many rumors that have built him up to be a legendary figure.
Set in 1945 Barcelona, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the novel unravels through the eyes of a young boy, Daniel Sempere. He is introduced to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his father, a place where rare books line shelves from floor to ceiling, farther than the eye can see. Drawn to “The Shadow of the Wind”, Daniel sets forth to find other works by the enigmatic author, Julian Carax. Through his journey of dark secrets and deep shadows, he discovers a mysterious stranger who is systematically burning all of Carax’s novels.
Jeannette Walls provides a poignant life story of her childhood growing up with her alcoholic father, irresponsible mother, and three siblings. Her adolescence consisted of moving from place to place, with no real home, security, or consistent education. It is a story of a girl with an erratic family who dreamed of a glass castle, but instead received broken promises. Originally published as a book in 2005, it was adapted into a movie in 2017.
the sun and her flowers
Six of Crows
When Breath Becomes air
Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, has been offered the impossible heist of a lifetime: break into the infamous Ice Court, retrieve a hostage, and collect his reward. Along the way, he recruits a mastermind crew of outcasts who will need to learn to work together before attempting the impossible. If Kaz and his crew succeeds, he will receive an abundance of riches, but if they fail, their lives will be lost.
When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply moving, thoughtfully intelligent memoir of a young neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi, who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. At age thirty-six, he grapples with his own mortality, reflecting on his journey to becoming a medical student and the legacy he would leave with his wife and daughter.
by Patrick Rothfuss
by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur’s second collection of poetry, “the sun and her flowers” follows her New York Times Bestseller, “milk and honey”. It is a journey of finding love and celebrating life through the unity of family. Accompanied by Kaur’s illustrations, it is divided into five sections: wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming.
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
by Leigh Bardugo
by Jeannette Walls
by Paul Kalanithi
“But What If We’re Wrong?” A Book Review review by Ellie Carter
photo by Kip Parowski
H
ow much does pop culture reflect the history of the times? What art will last forever? How do you even determine what art has lasting merit, and why do I believe so strongly that my favorite art will be the things that stand the test of time? These are some of the questions that swirl around in my head around awards season, when Oscar/Grammy/Golden Globe nominations somehow manage to make me both enraged and elated. I know it’s an impossible task awards shows must attempt – creating a very short list of the media that represents the best of 2018 – and even when I think they massively fail, I’m appreciative of the effort. In the same way that we look back on previous awards winners from the past, gifting a film (or TV show or album) an award of such high esteem is the equivalent of saying it should stand
the test of time. If someone in the future wants to re- an argument for “Roseanne” being the definitive TV ally understand 2018, critics say they should be lis- show of the 90s, an examination of the cultural sigtening to “24K Magic” and watching “Get Out”/”The nificance of the internet phenomenon “The Dress”, Post”/”The Shape of Water.” At least in theory. and interviews with everyone from popular scientist This pursuit of characterizing the present, while Neil deGrasse Tyson to “Boyhood” director Richard we’re still living it, is the heart of my absolute favorLinklater. Klosterman’s ability to make ite nonfiction book “But What If We’re debates and arguments flow from one Wrong?” Chuck Klosterman, seasoned piece of pop culture to another borders music/sports essayist and author of on intimidating; the book would come [The book’s] ten books, tries his absolute hardacross as a pretentious name-drop of execution is est to examine the cultural capital of every culturally relevant thing in the our current era and determine what engaging and past 20 years, had Klosterman not writpeople in the future will view as the accessible for ten it with the sincerity and intellectual “best” or “most definitive” author, that a kid would have. Yes, anyone with a playfulness pop group, sports star, TV series, etc. the thesis of the novel is still an attempt This is Klosterman’s working mo- slight curiosity in to predict the present’s interpretation tive and the backbone of the “novel” in the future, but its execution is enthat feels more like a loosely-strung nearly anything. gaging and accessible for anyone with group of essays; however, Klosterman a slight curiosity in nearly anything. quickly realizes that the idea of comIronically, “But What If We’re plete and utter wrongness about our Wrong?” made it on the “New York Times” bestseller era is directly tied to his pursuit. Many of the things list, which one could argue does the same thing for we believe have merit will disappear with the times books as the Oscars does for movies. If people looked (as football will, Klosterman argues vehemently) and back at Klosterman’s novel and searched for what it many of the things that will survive to be classics of said about our current culture, the thread would be our times are currently unknown, or perhaps worse, obvious – now is a time where we are fascinated with known and dismissed as nothing noteworthy. meta-analysis, and how many layers deep you can go. From that not-so-simple concept, the novel rock- Klosterman would have to laugh. ets off in every direction imaginable. There’s a discussion of why our understanding of gravity is infantile, 11
90s’ Comeback in Modern Fashion by Lily Valenta and Emily Henkel
Fashion trends move in a cyclical pattern, reusing ideas and styles from previous years. In the past decade there has been an increased recurrence of 70s, 80s and 90s fashion. 90s fashion trends are incredibly apparent in today’s fashion industry, characterized by flannel shirts, denim-on-denim outfits, “mom” jeans, and minimalistic looks. Stores like H&M and Forever 21 accommodate the repopularized 90s trend among youth and even highfashion brands are incorporating 90s style on the catwalks. Grunge, goth, casual chic and preppy styles emerged in the 90s, each with their own unique characteristics. A style that was popular among both men and women was the grunge look, which consisted of ripped jeans, flannel shirts, band t-shirts, combat boots or Birkenstocks, and acid-washed denim. Black trench coats, black hoodies, velvet blazers, shaggy black hair and tight pants were commonly attributed to the goth look. In contrast with both grunge and goth fashion, there was preppy and casual chic clothing. Preppy style was distinguished by khaki pants, Oxfords, navy blue blazers, cardigans, ballet flats, boat shoes, and turtle necks. The preppy look was common among both male and female youth. The casual chic look gained mainstream appeal in the 90s with spaghettistrap tops, dark jeans and athletic clothes. Nearly all of these styles are prevalent in popular fashion today. Trends seem to rotate every 20 to 30 years, which could explain why today’s style is so heavily influenced by the 90s. Our consumer culture heavily influences how fast we go through various trends, so hop on the 90s train while you can.