Red&Black
Vol. 6 Issue 1 Winter 2020
Review
Cover Story
Student models share insight about the industry Nation Ford High School
1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.
Joker 2019: film shows problems with mental health system Fort Mill, SC 29715
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ABOUT THE MAGAZINE: The 6th volume of Nation Ford’s Red & Black magazine showcases feature stories, reviews and opinions. The magazine is produced by the Introduction to Journalism class.
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KINDNESS SHOULD BE COOL Everyone can benefit from being kind. by Megan Jafarace
iPHONE
Don’t bother upgrading. by Layla Washington
PUERTO RICAN IMMIGRANT
Student finds opportunity, new challenges in U.S. by Connor Brandenburg
TACO MOLINO
New restaurant offers nice dining experience, but could use some more parking. by Kristen Knauff
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AGING IN AMERICA Prolonging life may sound like a good idea ... but it’s not. by Kristen Knauff
16 JOHNS FAMILY
What’s it like at home for the big Falcon family? by Miranda Wallace
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TEEN MODELS
A look behind the camera reveals hard work and potential dangers. by Megan Jafarace
ARIANA GRANDE LIVE
06 30 22 34 Singer rocks the crowd in live performance. by Megan Jafarace
DRUM KIT
REVIEW: Great kit for the money by Jay Andriotis
SAND HOOK PROMISE Back-to-school ad is sensational and offensive. by Connor Brandenburg
LOCKDOWN
Nation Ford has too many fire drills and not enough lockdown practice. by Layla Washington
JOKER
Quality film shows problems with U.S. mental health system. by Connor Brandenburg
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Feature
Growing Up in Puerto Rico
Student recalls his childhood in Puerto Rico
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Connor Brandenburg
he roars of gunshots echo throughout the streets. The stench of tobacco mingled with drugs floods the streets near an otherwise beautiful beachfront. In Puerto Rico, the horrors of reality overshadow beauty. In the midst of this contradictory environment, Fort Mill High School senior Alejandro Dos Santos conquered the circumstances that destroyed his life. For eight years, Alejandro and his family lived in Aguada, Puerto Rico amid constant violence and widespread poverty. “We never really had a steady place to stay nor income. We basically lived a nomadic lifestyle,” said Alejandro. His family moved 23 times throughout Aguada. Most of the locations boasted beautiful beach fronts, but his lifestyle never reflected that beauty. Everywhere he moved, the same poverty-stricken lifestyle accompanied his family. “The biggest struggle of living on [Puerto Rico] was the poverty lifestyle we had to live,” Meriam Polanco, Alejandro’s mother said. In Puerto Rico, a middle class doesn’t exist due to tax rollbacks and the general debt of the country, so the people are either poor or rich, and Alejandro’s family was the former. Supermarkets were incredibly inflated, but Alejandro and his family found a way around that problem. “We had to climb trees to get fruit, breed chickens for meat, and plant our own vegetables,” said Alejandro. Most of the houses they moved into were half the size of an average classroom. Alejandro, his sister, and his mom all had to sleep in one twin-sized bed. Alejandro dressed in a uniform, and left home to go to school in 100 degree weather every day. “I would spend my d ays at school wasting away. I was pretty much self educated but was still required to go to school,” said Alejandro. “The fact that I could do simple arithmetic was mind blowing to the teachers since the students in my 6th grade class still had trouble grasping addition and subtraction.” After school, Alejandro would come home, help his mom cook, watch bootlegged anime and shows on TV that were produced in awful quality. “I really loved watching TV, but the quality was always the bare minimum,” Alejandro said. “The audio was muffled as if snow covered the speakers, and sometimes the shows weren’t even translated. One of my closest friends would bring me bootlegged anime like Tokyo Ghoul, and even though the quality was terrible, I was in love with it.” 4 w
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During the weekend, Alejandro would hang out with his more dangerous friends, which got him into trouble, he admitted. “[These friends] almost cost me my life,” Alejandro said. He felt obligated to leave this friend group to preserve some form of dignity. He said that these friends are all dead or in jail now, and he’s glad he escaped that fate. Crime flourished during Alejandro’s stay in Puerto Rico. The upward trend in crime peaked at an unimaginable homicide count of 1,116 people on an island that’s less than 300 square miles. There was no police to stop the violence because they were bribed by drug dealers, so armed gang fights and drug deals occurred frequently. Because of this environment, Alejandro, his parents, and his sister don’t miss Puerto Rico at all-- but they do miss their family. “What I do miss is my grandparents, but they won’t leave the island,” Xiomara (’23) Alejandro’s sister said. Alejandro’s mother describes her time in Puerto Rico as traumatic. She made only $3 an hour as a teacher. The economy, the crime, and the unsafe environment made the new engineering job opportunity in South Carolina an obvious decision for Sergio Dos Santos, his father-- this was too life-changing to ignore. “The first time I entered a supermarket, I wept with joy as I knew I would never go hungry again,” Alejandro said. Transitioning between Puerto Rican and American cultures sparked conflict between Alejandro and his peers. He entered seventh grade in the U.S. with the equivalent of a third grade education, so he was inevitably going to face challenges regarding perceptions of his peers. He also spoke only passable English, just enough to make friends, but he was almost immediately struck by problems with race relations. “Don’t get me wrong, I love where I live, but I did encounter quite a bit of intolerance at first. The iconic line I heard fairly often was ‘We speak American here.’ I found this to be pretty comedic seeing as they were being condescending to me and pushing me to speak English all the while sounding like illiterate buffoons,” Alejandro said. The school immediately placed him in honors classes in middle school, which forced him to catch up with his peers, and ultimately hardened his work ethic. “Now that I’m in high school, I have taken all honors and AP classes since freshman year and am currently holding a 4.4 G.P.A.,” Alejandro said. Every single effort Alejandro put into bettering himself
Art by Alejandro Dos Santos
has allowed him to choose his own future-- and an ambitious one at that. “As for my plans involving college I would be more than happy to attend Duke or Clemson University,” Alejandro said. “While I’m in college I would like to study biochemistry in the pursuit of becoming a doctor. Growing up, I have witnessed how my people have suffered with their vices of drugs and alcohol. My dream is to help these people and my country heal. I am grateful that I have been able to pursue the American dream, and university would be the peak.” Now that he’s overcome his past, his refined understanding of his native country allows him to view the Puerto Rico policy changes realistically. “So recently the US seized power from the government in an effort to restore balance to the island,” Alejandro said. “I’m a fan of this because the whole political machine prior to the takeover only benefited the corrupt politicians and the
wealthy controlling them.” Alejandro doesn’t miss Puerto Rico, but he still cares about its people. “The one thing that has stuck with me from my time in Puerto rico is determination,” Alejandro said. “Growing up, I was driven to not let myself be the product of a failed system. I legitimately put blood, sweat, and tears into becoming the person I am today. I wanted to set an example for my people that they do not need to be a victim of circumstance. “There is a great big world out there, and it is our birthright to be a part of it, so why shouldn’t we fight for it?” Red & Black w 5
Feature
Behind the Beauty Nation Ford models share insight about the industry Megan Jafarace
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lash! Heels clack against the ground...a camera clicks. Jayli Pope (23’) struts down the runway as her long, blonde hair flows and her makeup shines. Stylish models show up everywhere, from magazines to the displays in store windows, and two professional models walk the halls at Nation Ford. A model with Carolina Talent, Pope says she’ll never stop, and loves the fun and social aspect of it. “Modeling is really fun, but sometimes it can be hard,” she said. Every model has had moments of insecurity and confidence. After all, they are human too. “If the role is really me, I feel more confident,” Pope said. “It depends on how I feel that day. I feel more insecure when I’m wearing an outfit that shows a lot or if I’m in front of a lot of people.” “It’s an art, not just posing in front of a camera,” says Sam Frank (20’), a model signed with the agency John
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Casablancas. “It makes me feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. Growing up I wasn’t. I always looked at models and envied them, and then I became one, It’s like a childhood dream.” Confidence is a big part of the modeling industry. “How you feel shows in your body language and how you present yourself, even if you think it may not,” Frank said. Agents will even let models know when they don’t seem confident. “I’ve been in a room of over 50 people and I had to strut on a runway,” Pope said. “The agents said I wasn’t confident.” Although confidence is encouraged, the rejection process often makes it hard to overcome insecurity. “The selection process is specific to what you’re trying to portray,” she said. “It’ll make or break it if the model looks like the the person being played or not. They comment on your body, and it makes you want to change yourself. When you get picked it’s the greatest feeling, but when you
Jayli Pope poses for the camera in Downtown Charlotte on Jan. 18, 2017. Carolina Talent picked the outfit for the shoot.
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Feature “We sit down and talk to [models] and figure out what’s going on. We try and make sure they’re on the right path.” don’t, it really sucks.” Some models find the process easier than others. “I just try again—if I don’t get it, I’m not that hurt,” Frank said. Although models may have insecure or tough moments, the modeling agencies say they truly care about their mental health. “It’s most definitely a concern here,” Carolina Talent Agency Director Marc Soper said. “We’re not mental health specialists, but we monitor it to the best of our abilities as an agency. We look out for signs such as sudden extreme weight loss, acting out, showing up late or not at all, and not communicating through email or phone calls.” The agency takes steps to try to help models out as well. “We sit down and talk to them and figure out what’s going on,” Soper said. “We try and make sure they’re on the right path.” Mental health is also important to other agencies. “It’s absolutely a concern here,” Telemarketer/Agent at John Casablancas said. “I feel you should care about the wellness of others, and that’s something that we strive for. Models need to come talk to us if they can.” Neither Frank nor Pope go on diets, but some models do. “They can [go on diets] if they want
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to personally, but that’s not anything that we discuss with them,” Telemarketer/Agent at Johncasablancas said. Although these agencies don’t require special diets, they do care about weight and height to an extent. “Every time I go to my agency, they have to measure my weight, bust size, butt, and stomach,” Pope said. “Height really matters, they want a tall person.”
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odels love fashion— to some it’s their self expression. “I think about it a lot,” Frank said. “It’s everything to me. I felt un-confident before fashion.” “I love [fashion],” Pope said. “I love a good mom jeans and a good crop top.” Fashion is important in the modeling world as well. Before leaving to model, Pope sometimes leaves her creative and artsy room messy with clothes. “Clothes are everywhere, some are even left in a suitcase. If they want me to bring my own [clothes], I’ll have to find the right outfit and sometimes go shopping before,” she said. “They have a dress code of what you’re supposed to wear.” On the runway, Pope finishes her walk. The camera flashes stop, but her confidence still shines. She pulls off her false lashes and heads home.
Model Facts Of 85 models at the 2016 New York Fashion Week...
54%
"were told to lose weight and that they wouldn’t be able to find more jobs if they didn’t."
62%
"reported being asked by their agency or someone else in the industry to lose weight or change their shape or size ".
8 models "had been recommended plastic surgery." Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Boston Children's Hospital 2017
Above: Behind the scenes of Jayli’s Charlotte photoshoot, photographers snap pictures of her glamorous outfit. Right: Taking inspiration from the autumn weather, Sam Frank flaunts his caramel-colored corduroy jacket from Forever 21, lavaliere bow top from ASOS, and his Doc Martens. Frank enjoyed flaunting his outfit outside Nation Ford High School on Oct. 8. Red & Black w 9
Feature
The Johns Family Big family fun, morning frenzy & fond memories Miranda Wallace
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t’s 5:30 before dawn, and the alarm goes off, signaling “After practice we usually come home, shower, eat dinner the start of a busy and chaotic day. First, breakfast and do homework,” Isaiah say, recalling his nightly routine. for Jude and Monroe before they are dressed and While these siblings also have some things in common, off to school by 7:10 with Dad, who heads off to his each has their own personality. Isaiah describes Farrah, the own school by 7:30 a.m. Meanwhile Isaiah and Palmer eat youngest of the family, is described as sassy, and bossy. He their breakfast and pile into Isaiah’s car says that she yells at everyone and likes to and drive to the high school, while Mom be carried and held. “If we are raising takes Lena to the school before dropping Monroe is wild and adventurous, though loving, compassionate, he likes to hang out with the family, and he Farrah at daycare. This is a daily routine for the Johns selfless, giving children, misses Isaiah and Palmer the most when family of eight as they all work together they are at cross-country. then eventually we’re to make the mornings and nights run Jude is creative, and he loves to draw smoothly so there will be little stress. Toand come up with inventions. Lena is going to have loving, gether Jason and Jennifer Johns have six creative as well and enjoys hanging out compassionate, children. Isaiah who is age 16, Palmer 14, with friends and taking care of the youngest Lena 12, Jude 9, Monroe 7, and Farrah Farrah. selfless adults.” 4 all have something in common -- they Palmer comes up with big plans, and belong to the same big family. he’s also generous guy. Principal Jason Johns “If you want to change the world, the “I’m usually the one who gets in trouble way you do it is by influencing children,” Principal Jason because I’m the oldest,” Isaiah said. As the oldest, he has Johns says. He has a passion for being around kids -- he more responsibilities. “Usually when someone does someloves them and strongly believes that someone can change thing wrong, and no one knows who it is, our parents will the world through them. spend hours integrating everyone trying to figure out who “If we are raising loving, compassionate, selfless, giving did it,” Palmer says. “But eventually my dad will get upset children, then eventually we’re going to have loving, comand punish everyone, or someone will get upset and put the passionate selfless adults,” Mr. Johns continued. blame on themselves so no one will get in trouble.” Being in a big family has a significant advantage for “When it is one of the boys, they first lie about it before the children in the house. “It’s fun -- you’re never bored getting upset -- and if it’s one of the girls, they are usually because you have so many people to talk to,” Isaiah says. fine with the punishment.” Being the eldest of so many siblings comes with multiWhile trying to be a good role model for his siblings he ple responsibilities. For Isaiah that means babysitting his also has to be an example in the classroom. brothers and sisters when his parents go out and taking “My dad was a principal at Banks Trail Middle school them to the mall or to a friend’s house. This responsibilmy sixth grade year, but not everyone knows who he is, but ity also come with taking the blame when his siblings it’s definitely noticeable with the teachers, so if I act up they do something wrong -- because he is the oldest. He’s old will usually tell him.” enough now to help with the driving -- not only does he While a lot of parents put pressure on their kids for good drive his brother Palmer to school, he also takes him home grades Isaiah says there is little pressure on him. after cross country practice. “I’m one of the better kids,” he jokes.“There is some
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Johns Family
Jason
Jennifer
Farrah
Isaiah
Palmer
Monroe
Lenna
pressure but I’ve made good grades since middle school, so the pressure is mainly on my younger siblings.” With the holidays just around the corner the Johns family have some fun family traditions they celebrate each year. “The holidays are full,” said Mr. Johns. “I have six kids as well as my brother and my sister has five kids and we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and the 4th of July
Jude
together. We live out in the country with a big yard so there are a bunch of kids running around playing flashlight tag and having fun. “We also will cook out, my mom, wife and sister will each take turns organizing who brings what kind of dish, and will sit around the fire, it’s a bunch of fun,” he said with a smile. Red & Black w 11
& alive
95
still
A flashback to nine decades of Rebecca Tucker Davis’ life Layla Washington “I started school in the third grade at the age of 19,” said “[Roxie’s] father was very abusive.” Ms. Davis said. Mrs. Davis. “Isn’t that somethin’?” “He was mean and slapped me around, but it was the Not many people can say they lived through World War Korean War that did it to him.” II, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. William, Ms. Davis abusive husband, was prescribed In fact, not many people can say they grew up in segregatwith Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, ed schools, or that they were in Martin and due to there not being any mediLuther King, Jr.’s famous Bus Boycott cines that catered to these illnesses he march in 1955. But Rebecca Tucker Davis “I’ve seen [a lot of] became an alcoholic and drank heavily can. She was born in 1924. on the weekends. things growin up “It’s hard [being 95 years old] but “Even though my Auntie said you you’re thankful and just take it,” said shouldn’t fall in love with someone that people would who’s sick, I couldn’t help it,” exMrs. Davis. “I just leave it up to God.” Despite the daily routine of getting up never believe a child plained Mrs. Davis in the middle of the night due to some Back in the 1940s, especially in would’ve seen.” arthritis, hearing trouble, and blindness in Mississippi, times were tough due to the left eye, Mrs. Davis makes each year the racism African Americans faced - Rebecca Tucker Davis her best by simply breathing. on a daily basis. Not only was walking Growing up life was troubling for down the street in peace difficult, but Davis, especially since both of her parents so was getting an education. After died by the time she was 5, forcing her to lose her home. growing up in poverty, Mrs. Davis was forced to work When she was orphaned, her Aunt Celia took her into her up until the age of 19, where she first started school in household. the third grade. “She had kids of her own, and times were tough,” said “I left [Mississippi] at 19-years-old when I came to Mrs. Davis. “I’ve seen [a lot of] things growin’ up that peoToledo.” Mrs. Davis said. ple would never believe a child would’ve seen.” After moving to Toledo, Mrs. Davis started to re-esMrs. Davis had her first child at the age of 16. She gave tablish her life with her 3-year-old daughter by starting birth to a beautiful baby girl by the name of Roxie Davis school for the first time in the 3rd grade, and then and protected her from all the dangers that were to come in leaving school with 7-8 years worth of education so she the 1940s., including her father. could focus on getting an apartment. 12 w Red & Black
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While in their late 70’s Rebecca Tucker Davis and her husband, Mr. Davis sit for a portrait in Toledo, Ohio.
Rebecca Tucker (lower left corner) and her daughter, Roxie Davis (center) alongside her grandchildren all reunite at her house.
“She went back to get her high school who, due to natural reasons, died while she education,” Roxie said. “She went to night was in her early 70s. school and got “I’m proud and thankful for my grandher diploma.” ma,’’ said Denice Lewis,Roxies daughter, Mrs. Davis landed “Even after she her first solid job retired she still took in Toledo Ohio at care of me and my “Even after she retired Ohio Bell (which brothers and sisters is now known as when my mom left she still took care of me AT&T). us.” and my brothers and Ms. Davis marAlthough it’s a ried 4 times, and reblessing living for 95 sisters...” tired in her 50s after years, it’s somewhat - Denice Lewis working at Ohio Bell a curse with having for over 30 years. to watch people “She stayed around you die and because she was slowly wither away. tired of working for the man and wanted As your memory slowly starts to to retire early,” Roxie explained. “So she deteriorate so does your body, and along the retired in her 50s.” way some people start to regret certain parts After divorcing her first husband, Wilof their lives. But not Mrs.Davis. liam, Mrs. Davis married Joe Bill (who “Read the newspaper, watch the news became Roxies adopted father). Ms. Davis everyday,’’ said Ms. Davis. “Live your life soon married her third husband, Harold, until you can’t anymore, then live it again and her fourth husband was Mr. Davis when you retire.”
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Opinion
Longer Life Should scientists try to help people beat old age so we can live longer lives?
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Kristen Knauff
ith scientists beginning to conduct experiments on animals attempting to find ways to expand the human lifespan, the longevity of the human lifespan has become a concern to some as humans attempt to find ways to live longer. People have fantasized about living forever for a long time, and the idea seems nice at first. Some might jump at the chance to live longer, but as much as people will want to live longer, it might not be a good decision for the world. There could be many severe consequences to people living longer. “Would so many healthy old people make it much harder for younger ones to get jobs?” A Smithsonian magazine article brought up. If older people are dying much later, there will be less job openings assuming birth rates stay the same as they are now. Everything would become more expensive due to scarcity and people would not have much money. Assuming birth rates stay the same in this scenario, populations around the world would explode. People’s lifetimes being expanded means that the children who are born have longer to wait for jobs and possibly resources until the previous generations die off, which could be catastrophic. Right now there are about 4 million children being born
each year, and if death rates go down and the birth rate doesn’t, the world won’t have enough resources for everyone. “With mortality put off for decades, would people feel less motivated to have children?” If you are living much longer lives and there are already issues with younger people not having jobs, people might not want to have kids. This could help population counts, but then the idea of raising a family and having a happy marriage would be unheard of. ith all these ethical concerns, there is still the question of whether or not scientists will even manage to pull off this feat. Scientists have done experiments regarding blood transfusions, targeting cells, and by improving the immune system. However, these experiments have not proven much yet because they have not been tested on humans. “It might seem obvious that healthier organs and body systems naturally lead to longer life spans. But this idea still needs to be verified by future studies,” a medical expert said in a CurioCity interview. here is no way to know if or when scientists will be able to expand our lifetimes, but it doesn’t seem like an ethical idea. It is better to just be content with the life span you already have than to keep wanting more.
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Would so many healthy old people make it much harder for younger ones to get jobs?”
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Should science & tech help people live longer? Why or why not?
Yes
, but only so the elderly don’t have to suffer. Ryan Nguyen (‘21)
Yes
, but to help sick people find a cure for their sickness and continue living a healthy life. Zaria Drakeford (‘21)
Yes no Ansley Archuleta (‘21)
and , because having a long life is full of experiences, but will science help older people have a happy, out-ofbed life? by Khonnie Kounbandith Red & Black w
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Opinion
Kind is the new Cool Experts give insight on effects of kind vs. ugly words Megan Jafarace
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experts say those ugly words can imne mean comment, two pact people for years. frowns. Another mean Negative words may even turn into comment, more frowns bullying. “Bullying victims may exand a tear. One compliperience anxiety, depression, or other ment, two smiles. Two mental health disorders,” Boone said. compliments, big grins. From one perEven though bullying can often times son to another, the smiles spread—all make the bully feel powerful, Guidbecause one person spoke kindly. ance Counselor Megan Keller said, In “Words have the power to tear down the end it will only hurt both the bully or build up relationships,” said Nation and victim. Ford Psychologist Pegto Boone, gy Boone. Although “Words have the power According the same disorders positive words have to tear down or build displayed in victims great effects, negative and more are shown comments unfortuup relationships,” said in bullies. If bullies nately do the opposite. That very reason is Nation Ford Psychologist process the effects of their behavior why kindness should Peggy Boone. Although on others, they may be considered cool. Although not positive words have great experience increased psychological distress, everyone realizes effects, negative comments according to Boone. it — words positive Problems can occur or negative — have unfortunately do in adulthood as well, long-lasting effects. the opposite.” including breaking Negative words can the law and engaging increase activity in the in substance abuse. Students, teachers, fear center of the brain and have been and parents should choose their words shown to increase stress hormones. carefully. “People may internalize negative Cyberbullying isn’t any different, words and feel unworthy or engage in experts say. negative self-talk,” Boone said. And
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Victims may feel anxious/depressed because they do not feel as though they have control over the situation, Boone said. They may experience low self-esteem or feel humiliated depending on what was posted. All of this evidence suggests that ugly words affect society negatively, no matter if you’re the bully or the victim, so why not flip the story? Kind words are just as powerful, only with the opposite effect. Positive words make us want to do better and make good choices—such as being kinder. They make us feel good and improve our
“When I am kind to people I always feel joy,” When you give someone a gift, you are full of positive thoughts. It feels good to help someone else in a world where there’s a lot of pain.” self-esteem, Boone said. Much like negative words, positive words also have long-term impacts. “If you affirm someone and speak kindly to them, it will motivate them to become the things you say,” said Keller. Those words are going to fill their mind with positive things. For example, if you tell someone that their music is good—it may inspire them to write more music and work harder. Positive words also impact the initiator. “When I am kind to people I always feel joy,” said Keller. “When you give someone a gift, you are full of positive thoughts. It feels good to help someone else in a world where there’s a lot of pain.” “If you are positive towards someone, they’ll be positive back.” One kind word may even inspire someone else to pass it on. It’s contagious and in your power to use words for good.
By Megan Jafarace
One toddler is given 8 treats
She's asked to give a puppet a treat she found (A) Degree of happiness: 5.58
She's asked to give the puppet a treat of her own (B) Happiness nearly doubled
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Analysis of variance Chart showing the difference between happiness levels
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5.58 5 0
a
b
20% of students aged 12-18 expirienced bullying. (School Crime Supplement)
"Youth who report both being bullied and bullying others have the highest rates of negative mental health outcomes, including..." (cdc.gov)
anxiety
thinking about
depression
suicide
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Opinion
Would you feel prepared if shots were fired? A rise in school shootings, and a fall in preparation Layla Washington
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dures due to infrequent practice. “May I have your attention please? We are “I wouldn’t feel prepared for a school currently moving into a Lock-Down situashooting because [Nation Ford has] only tion. Please do not panic and listen closely practiced one school lock to this announcement and down drill, and that was after your teacher.” the school was threatened n 2018 there were “[Nation Ford has] this year,” said Junior Layla two school shootings in Elementary only practiced one Haliq. In S.C. it is required for schools, four in all civilians with a group E middle schools, and school lockdown and (educational) occupancy to 18 in highschools, accordthat was after the perform monthly fire and ing to Education Week; drills but it is in 2019 there have been a school was threatened evacuation not required for schools to total of 45 school shootthis year” enforce the practice of school ings (including colleges) in lockdown down procedures which someone has been or active shooter drills. This injured or died, according law needs to change due to the rise in school to an Oct. 18 report from CNN. Out of all shootings, and the lack of school fires happenof these 69 school shootings over, 41 people ing on a yearly basis. have died. The closest school shootings near According to the National Fire Protection Nation Ford took place at Butler High School Agency, the last fire with 10 or more deaths in Charlotte N.C. on Oct. 29, 2019 and at within any U.S. school took place in 1958, the University of Charlotte N.C., which took yet Fort Mill Schools are required to practice place on April 30, 2019. fire drills at least nine times every school year. As teens grow up and go to public or private schools the majority of them can say that Nation Ford Highschool has yet to have had any major fires. their school practiced school lockdowns, but “A minor fire occurred in the chemistry lab teens in the Fort Mill School District can’t say seven years ago”, according to Ernest Poag, that they remember school lockdown proce-
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the administrator in charge of the schools safety, security, drills, and lockdowns, “[The students and administrators] didn’t have to evacuate,.” However, at least two actual lockdowns took place, one in which an arrest was made when a man dressed in deer hunting gear was found roaming around the football field holding a crossbow on December 1st 2015. This is a major problem judging by how our most recent lockdown, although it was a soft lockdown, happened 2 years ago after someone was shot at the peach stand near the school. Last year the school held a total of two lockdown drills (one each semester), and zero active shooter drills. “[Active shooter drills] wouldn’t help students, and typically happen during class which interrupts class time,’’explained Mr. Poag. “[Instead of evacuating for active shooter drills] staying in place is better, and it takes time to inform law enforcement when our drills will take place.” Although the practice of active shooter drills and school lockdowns interrupt class time, they could easily determine weaknesses in the procedure. A simple way to eradicate this excuse would be to eradicate FLEX on days we practice school lockdowns or active shooter drills. One could argue that the practice of an active shooter drill could put the shooter at an advantage if the shooter was a student, but that’s not always the case. Shooters such as the ones at Stoneman Douglas High or at Sandy Hook Elementary were not students enrolled in the school, furthermore, it’s better to be prepared when danger comes. The main reason as to why the FMSD does not practice active shooter drills or school lockdown drills is mainly because it’s optional. Nation Ford is doing the bare minimum to prepare us for school shootings, and that bare minimum could result in the injury or death of students unprepared for a school shooting or an unexpected school lockdown. Students need to practice required school lockdowns and active shooter drills because school is not a safe place anymore.
School Shootings over the past 4 years Including Colleges BY: LAYLA WASHINGTON VICTIMS
2019 In 2019 a total of 45 school shootings took place in the U.S. More than 80 fell victim.
2018
VICTIMS
In 2018 a total of 24 school shootings took place in the US. More than 70 people fell victim
2017
VICTIMS
In 2017 a total of 10 school shootings took place in the US. More than 40 people fell victim.
2016
VICTIMS
In 2016 a total of 15 school shootings took place in the US. More than 30 people fell victim.
There have been over 180 school shootings in the past 10 years, and a total of 356 victims . This is 57 times as many school shootings as the other industrialized nations combined. wikipedia.org
Nation Ford is doing the bare minimum to prepare us for school shootings, and that bare minimum could result in the injury or death of students unprepared for a school shooting... Red & Black w 19
Opinion
Armed Guards In School
Guns make students anxious Miranda Wallace
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n July 26, 1764, a schoolmaster and nine school children were killed and two others were wounded at the Providence of Pennsylvania colony. This act of violence became the first school shooting to occur in the U.S. In 2019 there were school shootings. As a solution, some people propose armed guards patrolling the schools neutralize school violence. That, however, is not a good idea. More attention to students’ emotional needs is a better solution. While it’s true that these armed guards can take out a shooter faster, armed guards would also make students nervous – they would likely feel anxious and might rethink coming to school. Many students are not aware that at Nation Ford, the Resource Officer Dave Prescott. To help students deal with paranoia, teachers could regularly check in on students as well as direct them to the school counselors if they need help. Although it may be more time consuming to check in on students regularly, the end result will be worth the effort and time because students will feel more open to talk with someone at the school who listens to them. In the end, these factors can all help to prevent school shootings and keep armed guards out of the schools.
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS IN THE U.S. by Miranda Wallace
87% OF THE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS WERE BECAUSE OF BULLYING
53.9% of school shooters are white, while 96% of these shooters are males More than 187,000 students have been exposed t o gun violence at school
64.5% of school shooters have a target(s) in mind
Black students make up about 16.6% of school population, as well as experience 34.1% of school shootings
NUMBER OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS FROM 2009 TO 2019
STATES
THE FACTS SHOOTINGS IN SUBURBAN AREAS TEND TO HAVE MORE CASUALTIES SHOOTINGS IN RURAL AREAS TEND TO HAPPEN AT WHITEMAJORITY SCHOOLS
77% OF ACTIVE SHOOTERS SPEND A WEEK OR LONGER PLANNING THEIR ATTACK
www.cnn.com
www.fbi.gov
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Opinion
School Shooting Charity Releases Harmful Ad Connor Brandenburg
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hen directors like Quentin Tarantino release films, the extreme violence is expected and fits within the director’s style. However, when a charity organization releases two violent videos that are emotionally jarring for viewers, publishing these advertisements is simply manipulative and alarmist. On Sept. 19, the organization known as Sandy Hook Promise, a charity striving to end school shootings and harm to children, released their second advertisement called “Back to School.” This advertisement displays a noticeable increase in violence compared to their first advertisement, “Evan,” which chronicles a romance between two students. During the relationship, a student in the background named Evan isolates from his classmates, even using obscenities against people who try to sit with him. In the finale he enters a gym with an automatic rifle and begins firing at other students. The screen cuts to black, and text appears, saying “look for the signs.” Due to the lack of specificity, Sandy Hook Promise’s point seems to be that introversion and lashing out are signs of a potential school shooter. The ad acts as if these signs made it obvious that the student would be a school shooter, but it just made an unrealistic portrayal of one.. Placing the blame on a certain groups of people (introverts people lash out in this case), only further misinforms people on school shootings and creates a stereotype. The “Back to School” video begins as a normal advertisement, instructing parents to buy school supplies. But halfway in, the video turns horrific when a school shooting occurs in the background. The children still talk about back-to-school essentials, but it’s presented
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in a satirical manner in which the “supplies” are tools children can use in a school shooting to help them survive. The finale remains equally horrific, depicting the potential death of a child hiding in a bathroom stall. The advertisement is suited for adults and older teenagers--the intense violence makes this evident. Because of the target audience is adults, the quote “school shootings are preventable if you know the signs” seems to blame parents and school employees for being unaware of signs potential shootings. Once again, Promise is blaming a certain group of people for school shootings. What are the effects of this strategy? Parents will become more paranoid, and if something does happen to a child, this ad promotes the idea of adults taking the blame for it because they should’ve known “the signs.” However, the reality is parents cannot keep track of everything going on in their child’s life, let alone everything going on in their school. Promise seems to be assuming that parents are simply ignorant to the idea of shootings, but, like a majority of Promise’s messages, the idea is oversimplified, and, ironically, produces ignorance. After they released “Back to School,” according to the website Adage, Sandy Hook Promise’s website saw a 500 percent increase in visits. Ironically, the brutal violence Promise seeks to eliminate only made the ad more successful. Promise tweeted the ad, placing a caption that said “survive the school year.” Such a lack of subtlety shows that Promise knew the intensity of the ad would inspire useful controversy Sandy Hook Promise and their procedures have good intentions: to protect children around the world -- mentally and physically, but their ad presentation exemplifies a flippancy that may inspire a school shooter stereotype and fear mongering.
Sandy Hook Promise Foundation doesn’t meet 5 Standards for Charity Accountability Standard 4 (Compensated Board Members) Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board’s chair or treasurer. SHPF does not meet this Standard because: Three members out of the nine member board of directors (33%) are directly and indirectly compensated, two as paid staff and one indirectly compensated as the spouse of a staff member. Standard 14 (Budget) Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration. SHPF does not meet this Standard Did not identify total projected administrative expenses. Standard 16 (Annual Report) Have an annual report available to all, on request, that include required financial and other information. Standard 17 (Web Site Disclosures) SHPF does not meet this Standard Standard 18 (Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy) SHPF does not meet this Standard
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Review
Is this iPhone my phone? Newest Apple product doesn’t quite cut it
I
Layla Washington
t’s 5 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2019, and anticipation in Bluetooth connection, Spam calls, visual voicemail, glass screen, and the transfer of IOS data, you might the air fills the subtle autumn silence as people want to rethink purchasing these latest phones. prepare to stand in a long and brutal line for What does stand out is the 11’s almost waterproof the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or the iPhone 11 glass design and slender look allowing them to fit just Pro Max. Bundled in coats and jackets in front about anywhere, however choosing of Apple’s stores, people glass as their go-to design makes the stand impatiently waiting for what What does stand out phone prone to cracks and scratches. I have come to realize was a big is the 11’s almost The iPhone 11 has problems with disappointment. facial recognition when it comes This year, it turns out, Apple waterproof glass to family members such as parents focused on the picture instead of design and slender or siblings being able to unlock the product, leaving those who expectphone, given that relatives often have look allowing them ed a difference between the 11 and a resemblance to your head, nose, the $749 XR at a loss for words. to fit just about and eye shapes they can easily unlock The only noticeable change Apple anywhere, however your phone. In addition, the iPhone made with the 11 is the camera 11s are having major problems with quality and amount of built-in phochoosing glass as their their Wifi and Bluetooth connections, to lenses, the $699 iPhone 11 is built go-to design makes completely forgetting certain connecwith a dual-lens camera system that tions and forcing you to log in to Wifi the phone prone to allows people to zoom-in 13x more and Bluetooth connections multiple than the iPhone XR. The $999 iPcracks and scratches. times. The biggest issue with connecthone 11 Pro has a triple photo lens ing to Wifi is that it automatically and telephoto lens, and lastly, the $1,099 iPhone 11 Pro Max has the same features as the cuts off your mobile data, and then when you leave the range of the Wifi, you have to manually turn your 11 Pro except its camera frame is wider. Camera, cammobile data back on, and there is no button to fix this era, camera!! With people already irritated since the issue. Everybody’s got issues, everything’s got issues, extraction of the home button and earbud jack, Apple but not every teenager has an optional $699, $999, or has made a major mistake by just focusing on the $1,099, it’s your choice, but trust me, the iPhone 11 is superb camera quality of the 11’s. With bugs, customers would like fixed like the face recognition, Wifi, and not worth it.
Rating 2.5 / 5
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NEW FEATURES ON THE IPHONE 11 1
CAMERA
2
NIGHT MODE
3
IMPROVED PROCESSING POWER
4
IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE
5
IMPROVED DISPLAY
6
"SLOFIES"
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Review
Restaurant offers enjoyable experience
T
by Kristen Knauff
he previously empty space in the bustling Kingsley subdivision has finally been filled by the new Mexican restaurant, Taco Molino. The Kingsley subdivision has a large variety of restaurants, including Brixx pizza, Napa, Smashburger, and even a smoothie bar, Clean Juice. A new mexican restaurant such as Taco Molino will add to the diversity offered in this busy area. The interior of the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing. When you walk into the dining area, a sign hangs above the kitchen area that can be changed daily. It caught my eye, and I personally thought it was a nice touch to the decor. The dim lighting gave the building a calm, relaxed feel. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any music playing, but they might not have a sound system yet, since they are a fairly new establishment. Taco Molino does not take reservations for parties under eight people, but it wasn’t too much of a problem for our party of six, as we visited on a Wednesday night, and it was not too busy. We were seated in less than 10 min-
utes. They also served most of our food fairly quickly, but my mother’s meal was not served until after everyone else at our table was already finished with their meals. Thankfully, though, they reimbursed us for her meal and apologized for the inconvenience. The menu has a nice variety of food, but it was kind of hard to figure out what each meal really was because some of the names were in Spanish, but that’s regular for a Mexican restaurant. It was kind of confusing because they didn’t really have an explanation in English, besides the ingredients. They served us two bowls of tortilla chips with two different types of salsa, and they were some of the best chips I’ve had in awhile. They offered two varieties of the salsa: spicy and mild. I personally enjoyed the spicy salsa more but it tasted almost identical to the mild. I am not normally a person who enjoys spicy food, so I ordered a chicken taco, thinking it would be just a regular taco, which normally isn’t spicy, but boy was I wrong. When I first bit into the taco, I was shocked at how
If you are planning on dining at Taco Molino, you might want to leave the house a little earlier...
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Outside of Taco Molino, photo courtesy of Taco Molino spicy it was. I couldn’t finish both of them because of how hot they were. They weren’t necessarily bad, I just don’t have a high tolerance for spicy foods. My three younger siblings all ordered cheese quesadillas, and they all thought they were delicious. If you are planning on dining at Taco Molino, you should leave the house a little earlier then you would for any other restaurant, because the parking situation in Kingsley is crazy. The subdivision is always extremely busy, because of the many restaurants and the limited parking space. The subdivision has not expanded their parking lot in a long time, and there needs to be more parking space added to accommodate the many businesses and restaurants that keep popping up. Overall, Taco Molino is a fine establishment, they just need to work out some kinks in their service. Something also needs to be done about the parking situation, because it is getting out of hand. It shouldn’t take 10-20 minutes just to scour the parking lots for a parking space. Their prices are very affordable and the meals are well done.
Photo courtesy of Taco Molino
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R eview
Ludwig Maple Rocker Snare Piccolo snare a must have for any drummer Jay Andriotis
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hen it comes to a great sounding gig, the snare drum should always be the highlight of any great kit. When drummers think about a great sounding snare, they instantly think of brands like DW, Yamaha, and Ludwig. My favorite sounding snare would have to be the Ludwig 3-by-13 Maple Rocker Piccolo Snare. This 13-by-3 inch short stack of sound can really pack a punch for such a small snare. Since it has a smaller head with the short height, it sounds very tight. Along with the proper tuning, this drum sounds like a million bucks. It has a mid to high, punchy, and weighty tone. Used with moongels, the overtones can be controlled bringing out a vibrant attack with solid mid-tones with a hint of the higher tones and reverb. It features a 4-ply maple shell with two 13 inch 8 lug hoops. It has a throw-off for your snares, but I find this system is too small and can be difficult to engage or disengage the snares especially on a fast moving live performance. If it had a thow off similar to the DW
MAG Throw Off or something other than a small lever, that would better suit the drum. I would recommend replacing the stock drum heads because they are not the greatest sounding heads in the world. For the top side, I would recommend the Remo Pinstripe, Evans Hybrid, or Evans Coated Head. on the bottom, I suggest using the Remo Hazy Snare Side or the Evans Genera Resonant. It comes with a 13 inch, 12 wire strand of snares but I would suggest using the PureSound 13 inch, 16 wire twisted snares. Nonetheless, the 12 wire strands produce a nice, raspy sound. Overall, this is a great sounding snare. All the features are great. The drum heads are not the greatest but will work. They can easily be replaced for a small cost of $15 and 15 minutes. The only thing that I say could use improvement is the throw off system. If it had a throw off system like the DW MAG Throw Off, this would easily earn five stars. The 4-ply maple gives it an unbeatable sound that is anything that you could ask for in a snare drum.
The 13-by-3 inch short stack of sound can really pack a punch.
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Ludwig Maple Rocker Snare in action at a rehearsal. Photo by Jay Andriotis
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Review
Singing Through Tears Ariana Grande gives an outstanding, emotional performance in Pittsburgh
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Megan Jafarace
n a dark arena, the only light falls in her voice. Her performance is one that lets from planets pictured on a huge you hear the world through her pain. Notes screen. After hours of waiting, red high or low, her voice never failed to amaze lights flash. The tune of Ariana the crowd. “Sorry that I’m up and down a Grande’s hit song—”God is a womlot, yuh, sorry that I think I’m not enough,” an” rings out over the crowd. she sang in “Needy”—a heartfelt song from The award-winning musician is unstoppaher most recent album ‘Thank U, Next’. ble. She hit the road for her ‘Sweetener tour’ She never seemed to lose energy—singin March 2019, performing in 102 locations. ing her heart out and dancing alongside her On June 12 she performed in backup dancers. The special Pittsburgh, Pa. – a significant Her performance is one effects were gorgeous—from place, the hometown of her planets, to sparkles, rainbows, ex-boyfriend – Mac Miller. that lets you hear the to rain—they created a reAfter his passing last year, laxed, and sometimes intergaher heartbreak was audible – world through her pain. lactic atmosphere. She even tearing up during her intro, Notes high or low, her danced around a pink car ‘An Angel Cried’ and not even with the word “Pittsburgh” speaking his name in her hit voice never failed to written on it for her glamorsingle – ‘Thank U, Next.’ ous chart-topper—‘7 rings.’ amaze the crowd. Despite this, her perforHer energy seemed to transfer mance was phenomenal. A into fans, too. “I see it, I like strong voice and screaming fans filled the it, I want it, I got it, SING,” she encouraged PPG Paints arena that night. The 5-foot fans during ‘7 rings.’ And without a doubt, singer danced around the stage in high heels, the crowd sang. singing loud all while planets and special When the room went black, Grande left effects displayed on the screen behind her. and fans screamed—they were afraid her The chart-topping singer’s “Thank U, performance was over. Though after a few Next” and “Sweetener” albums are outstandminutes, she came back for her hit single – ing, but they’re even better live. Her talent“Thank U, Next” – with purple lights and ed voice was loud and strong—a pleasant pride flags. sound. And even though she wasn’t able to sing Her music focuses on important topics and Mac’s name, her fans did it for her. Grande’s displays raw emotion, at times she was even performance was one that cannot be forgoton the verge of tears. Although not everyone ten – she truly made June 12 a night had front row seats, her emotions were heard to remember.
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“I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it, SING,” she encouraged fans during ‘7 rings.’ And without a doubt, the crowd sang.
Dancing around a pink car with “Pittsburgh” scribbled on it, Grande performed her hit single “7 rings” in a stadium full of screaming fans.
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Review Review
Joker Review Critics CriticsShoot shootDown downA Good good film Film Connor Brandenburg
C
oming out of the Venice Film Festival winning the most prestigious award, the Golden Lion, Todd Philips’ film centered around the origin of the Batman villain known as Joker has received an onslaught of criticism. In particular, the criticism targeted how irresponsible the production team was in making a film centered around such a violent character. The demographic that critics and journalists were worried about were “incels.” Incels, or “involuntary celibates” are people who can’t find a sexual partner and are generally social outcasts, and because of this, they blame society as a whole for their shortcomings. Joker is centered around a man outcast by society with debilitating mental health issues, and as the film progresses, he attempts to deliver vengeance on society, so the parallels between the film and incels is apparent. This concept is reckless on paper, so journalists and critics began writing articles on the dangers of releasing “Joker”, but without having seen the film. When analyzing the morality of a film, the execution of the film-making is paramount, which is exemplified in films like Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” where the main character is presented as a mentally unwell individual. The visuals, the editing, the musical score -- every facet of film-making contributes to a film’s core interpretation. In “Joker”, Arthur Fleck hooking his fingers around
his lips to craft a forced smile in the opening shot expresses the core interpretation that he’s mentally unwell. Arthur tries to help himself by visiting his therapist throughout the film, and in his first visit, it’s revealed that he is on eight different medications. His therapist asks why he’s on such an insane amount, and he replies, “I just don’t want to feel bad anymore.” The therapist failing to help Arthur stands as a microcosm for the institution of mental health care and how more care and energy needs to be fueled into such an important practice. Through this message, Arthur’s story represents a cautionary tale on how the institution of mental health care fails people on a day-to-day basis. Such an interpretation is only possible through watching the entire film, and journalists entitling “Joker” as a dangerous film without before its release strips the film of any political importance in the worldwide consensus. “Joker” is an untamed, memorable film about how society fails people and crafts violent, reprehensible monsters, and what’s ironic is that journalists and their inflammatory articles had a chance of inciting mass shootings in theaters across the world. In claiming that the character of Joker could inspire violence, the journalists themselves installed ideas and concepts into the very people they were scared about -- they had their concrete interpretations before they even saw the film.
When analyzing “When analyzing the morality morality of the ofaa film,the the execution execution film, of of the thefilmmaking filmmakingis is paramount. paramount”
Verdict: 4/5 Red&&Black Black 3232wwRed 32
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Review
Kylie Jenner Makeup Review Candy K lipstick gives lips a bold new look Miranda Wallace
Personally, I like the color and the volume that the lipstick brought and it was good quality for the price you pay per lipstick.
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hen many young girls and women wake up in the morning, they usually start their day by putting on make-up. A large number of beauty gurus have made a name for themselves in the makeup industry, including James Charles, Tatiana Westbrook, and Jeffree Star. These beauty stars have launched their own makeup line at some point in their career, but the most well known beauty influencer is Kylie Jenner. Kylie Jenner is the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner family and has risen to the top with her makeup collection. I had a chance to try one of her lip kits. The prices for her kits range from $18 to about $30 per kit, and can be ordered from the Kylie Cosmetics website or picked up at Ulta. The first product that I tried was the Candy K matte lipstick. When you first apply the lipstick it dries very quickly, so you have to be quick when you apply it. After the lipstick dries it, owns up to its name of smudge proof and doesn’t smear or come off while doing your regular activities. Personally, I like the color and the volume that the lipstick brought and it was good quality for the price you pay per lipstick.
Rated 5/5
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Red&Black 2019-2020 Staff Editor-in-Chief Connor Brandenburg
Opinion Editor Miranda Wallace
Review Editor Jay Andriotis
Design Editor Layla Washington
Feature Editors Megan Jafarace & Kristen Knauff ***
Adviser Beth Swann
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Photo by Layla Washington 36 w Red & Black
Red&Black Nation Ford High School
1400 A.O. Jones Blvd,
Fort Mill, SC 29715