Issue 3 by The Current

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Thomas A. Edison High School

Joel DeSante

One-on-One with Intern John from the Kane Show Thomas Edison High School • Volume 52• Issue 3• 5801 Franconia Road • Alexandria, VA 22310 • February 26, 2016

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what’s inside NEWS:

School fights (3) Graduation changes (3) Enviromental club (4) Seniors voting for the first time (4) VDOT changes Franconia Road (6) Edison Erudite(7)

FEATURES: The Current Car (9) Odyssey of the Mind (9) Paper towel dispensers (10) Intern John and the Kane Show (11-13)

OPINIONS: Gun control (14) Cultural appropriation (15) Think before you type (16) Staff Editorial (17)

SPORTS: Spring sports preview (18) Girls basketball (19) Column As I See ‘Em (19) Winter sports review (20-21)

ARTS: Once on This Island (22) Netflix preview (23) Hot or Not? (24) February 2016| The Current | 2

The Current is a student-edited publication serving the Thomas A. Edison High School community. The Current Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Justin Askenazy Managing Editor Ryan Pinkney News Editor Emily Jarmin Opinions Editor Jessica Cruz Features Editor Judy Beauvais Sports Editor Will Dobson

Online Editor Ryan Pinkney Arts Editor Talia Carter Arts Director Joel DeSante Business Manager Judy Beauvais Copy Chief Will Dobson Adviser Carl Irvin

Staff Writers & Photographers Camryn Anderson

Ben Davenport

Joel DeSante

Jillian Brooks

Lexy Thomas

Bailey Thompson

Katie Burkett

Salman Ashraf Zemi Jacob

Eles Jones

The Current is the official newspaper of Thomas A. Edison High School published quarterly by the journalism staff. It serves as a vehicle for student expression and is an open forum of issues of interest and concern to the school community. Year-long subscriptions are available for $20. Subscription forms may be ordered via email at edisoncurrent@gmail.com. Subscription forms may also be picked up in room C-215. The staff is deeply committed to a code of journalistic ethics that demands the exercise of accuracy, good judgment, and impartiality. The content of The Current is determined by the editorial board. Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the staff of The Current, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors or staff members. Signed editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors. The Current solicits advertising, but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate. Letters to the Editor may be submitted to edisoncurrent@gmail.com or anonymously outside of Room C-215. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. With any general questions regarding The Current, please email edisoncurrent@gmail.com

Letter from the Editor: Despite Mother Nature’s repeated objections, The Current’s third issue is finally here! In this edition, we sat down with local celebrity Intern John from the Kane Show to get some insider info on what makes the radio show so popular. Look for his insight into

what it’s like to work with Kane. Also this issue, learn about the upcoming changes to graduation and how Edison’s winter athletes fared in their respective seasons. Happy reading! Justin Askenazy Editor in Chief, The Current

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Fights around school are nothing to worry about

School security ensures that school fights do not pose a major threat to school safety

Ben Davenport staff writer

ive fights involving Edison students occurred within the two weeks prior to Christmas break. The majority of fights happened between underclassmenm, said Sherman Deck, the school’s head of safety and security. Deck said, “All the fights start because of rumors. Nobody actually wants to fight another student. It is all he said/she said rumors.” While a recurring theme of fights might sound alarming, Deck said these fights are “just a coincidence.” Deck said he believes the fights are nothing to worry about

and students should not be concerned about the potential for more. According to the Fairfax County Public Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook, a student involved in a fight may receive anywhere from an alternative instructional assignment to a 10-day suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. In addition to disciplinary consequences, students who participate in fights could be charged with assault. In Virginia, the crimes of assault and battery may be charged as felonies, depending on the circumstances. “If students understood the laws, they probably would not do the things they do,” said Deck.

Safety and Security Assistant Kari Kraus said these fights that have occurred are not a future worry for the security staff. “I feel Edison is a pretty safe school.” “I do not think kids in high school, especially freshmen, have a legitimate reason to actually fight. All it is going to do is get you in trouble,” said senior Lauren Arias. There may not be a way to ultimately stop fights, but FCPS has programs set up to help prevent them. One of these programs, run by Systems of Support teacher Scot Edmonds is called “Restorative Justice.” In this program, Edmonds brings together those involved in the fight for a conference.

“It has worked really well in the past to help restore the peace and allow for the students to take accountability,” said Edmonds. Edmonds said the conference is divided into three major parts. First, the students explain what happened and what they were thinking. Second, they establish who was involved and how they were harmed. Lastly, they debate what needs to be done in order to make the situation right. At the end of the conference the students are asked to make an agreement usually based on a mutual understanding. Depending on the severity of the situation, some instances may require administration involvement.

Graduation changes for senior class Fairfax County creates county-wide policy that all students wear one color at graduation

raduation will be different for seniors this year. As of Oct. 2015, Fairfax County Public Schools requires all students graduating to wear the same color gown. This decision was made by Superintendent Karen Garza. Graduation coordinator Heather Brueggen said, “The Superintendent of Fairfax County Schools made the decision that different colors differentiate between genders and that that is not appropriate.” Brueggen announced the change to the seniors during the senior meeting that took place on Jan. 13. Brueggen said, “When I announced the change, students were upset.

They were mostly asking why that decision was made and that it’s not fair.” Senior Elsa Girardo is not an advocate for the color change. Girardo said, “I know that they don’t want to single out people who question their gender, but they can still ask people what color they prefer. The colors don’t have to be biological, it can just be preference.” While some students are upset about the decision, senior Gemma Spicka-Proffit is happy that Fairfax County adopted this policy. “I like the change. I think they have changed for the better because it will be more accepting to students who are questioning their gender. I think this is a step in the right direction.” said Spicka-Proffit. “I feel like people are upset

initially when they hear about it,” said Spicka-Proffit,“because people like tradition, but they can definitely get over it. I think once graduation comes, everyone is going to be so happy just to be there and to be graduating that it’s not even going to cross their mind that they’re all wearing the same color and that it’s different from before.” Brueggen said, “At the end of the day everybody is still going to graduate; everybody is still going to walk across the stage no matter what color you wear.” Overall, Spicka-Proffit is pleased that Fairfax County has made this change. Spicka-Proffit said, “I think this will be good. It can help people become familiar with the real world where you’re expected to treat everyone the

same. It can help people become more accepting that we are all one and that you don’t need to separate people out just because of their gender.” Contributed byMegan Grondine

Emily Jarmin news editor

Edison alumni Daniel Hirschhorn and Megan Grondine pose for a picture after their ceremony. The class of 2015 is the last class to wear two different colors at graduation.

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Edison students plant new club

Camryn Anderson staff writer

dison High School’s new environmental club held their first meeting on Dec. 8, 2015. The club was founded by junior Daniel Misgana to put an end to environmental abuse and to protect our planet. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) website, pollution is something introduced into the environment that harmfully disrupts it. Edison’s new environmental club was created in order to put an end to this. “I saw an important issue that wasn’t being addressed, and I addressed it,” said Misgana. In order for the club to be formed, he had to draft a constitution and find a sponsor.

English teacher Juliet Amann was able to support the club. Environmental Club meetings take place every other Tuesday after school in room C-209. Their first meeting sparked interest in students throughout Edison. Junior Desiree Johnson, who is a club member, said, “We discuss environmental problems and ways we can reduce our footprint.” Johnson said her favorite thing about the club is helping to spread awareness about different problems that the environment is facing. Misgana said that he wanted to make up for the time he wasted in his freshman and sophomore years and that is another reason why he was inspired to create the club. He made a commitment to improve himself and his

community. “Starting the Environmental Club here at Edison represents the beginning of a new mindset in students: active involvement in both our local and global community,” said Misgana. The club is planning several projects at the moment and they hope to partner with other volunteer-based clubs at Edison. Furthermore, club members have an idea to start a project in which a vegetable garden would be built at Edison. The club strives to better the environment but also give students the opportunity to gain service learning hours. The club has an idea for members to volunteer at Earth Sangha’s non-native plant nursery in Springfield in exchange for service hours.

Courtesy of TAEEnvironment Twitter

Students create Environmental Club in hopes of bettering the community

The enviromental club creates a logo for their new club. This logo was designed by the club president

Daniel Misgana. Misgana said he is very passionate about this club, and he said that we can expect longevity. “We’re not going to be a club that exists today and is gone tomorrow. Who knows, maybe we’ll start a revolution,” said Misgana.

Ready or not, here comes responsibility The class of 2016 has the right to vote during the presidential election

Emily Jarmin news editor

eniors have the ability to vote this year in the presidential elections taking place on Nov. 6, 2016. Some students may even take part in the primary elections which will be held on March 1, 2016. The primary election is an election that will narrow down the candidates from both parties for the presidential election. The thought of the senior class voting for the next president is shocking to some students, such as senior Siera Johnson. “There is no way kids in my grade are ready to vote. They just are not mature enough. People do not have any idea about the candidates or what they believe in,” said

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Johnson. Senior Anthony Glad has faith that his class is responsible enough to vote in this year’s election. Glad said, “Even if we don’t know enough about politics right now, I think the majority of my class is mature enough to go research it and find out how they should be voting.” “I watch the debates and look at news sites to gain more information about the candidates,” said Glad. In preparation for the upcoming election, senior Sarah Weinstein has made an effort to learn more about

the candidates and what they believe. Weinstein said, “I have watched a couple of the GOP debates but never fully through. I feel vaguely informed but I would not consider myself ready to vote. If we had to vote right now I would not feel ready because I need to do more e nt research.” a eS lD Joe Weinstein has studied the candidates in order to gain her own perspective. Weinstein said, “People have grown up with their parents only knowing one side and they adopted that idea simply because it is what their parents believe and what they grew up knowing. I think for the most part I do have my

own political views. I think I am more conservative than my mom.” “I really do not have an idea on who I am going to vote for,” said Johnson. “Different news channels say different things for the candidates so it is hard to know which one is right for us.” After the Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina primaries that have taken place in the last month, the clear front-runners are Donald Trump for the Republican paty and Hiliary Clinton for the Democratic party. Weinstein explained, “I feel that school can put more emphasis on students voting. The school can’t make seniors go vote, but they can make sure that everyone is eligible to vote.”

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VDOT attempts to make Franconia Road safer Driving lanes along Franconia Road have been adjusted to be more bicycle friendly Joel DeSante staff writer

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Joel DeSante

he Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) projects that a $435,000 repaving initiative (part of a $6.4 million contract) will benefit pedestrians and cyclists on Franconia Road. On Oct. 28, 2014, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the county’s first Bicycle Master Plan. The plan provides guidance on establishing and promoting bicycling as a means of transportation in the county. “In some cases the sidewalks on Franconia Road are immediately adjacent to the curbs, and this means that before the bike lanes, traffic was only a couple of feet away from pedestrians on the sidewalk,” said VDOT Northern Virginia Communications Manager Jennifer McCord. “This makes walking uncomfortable, particularly in the rain when the spray from traffic encroaches on pedestrians,” said McCord. The new bike lanes added 3.5 feet of buffering to the road and will keep pedestrians safer in the event that somebody accidentally steps off the curb. Edison High School is on one of the busiest stretches of the road where the new bike lanes have been installed, said McCord. Freshman Grace Nuneviller said, “I don’t ride a bike, so I don’t care much, but I wouldn’t trust them [the new bike lanes] with my life.” Franconia Road had to undergo a “lane diet” proposed at a June 15, 2015 meeting hosted at Edison High

The Franconia Road bike lanes sit empty while cars do not hesitate to drive through them. VDOT began a $435,000 Bicycle Master Plan to create a safe place for bicyclists to ride. School. According to the VDOT Powerpoint about the Franconia road project, “A lane diet is generally described as narrowing travel lanes

from a roadway and utilizing the space for other uses and travel modes”. According to the VDOT website, Franconia Road originally consisted of

five lanes, all of which were 12 feet in width. With the lane diet in place, two 3.5 foot wide bike lanes were added. The outer two lanes closest to the curb were brought down to a

width of 11 feet. The inner two lanes closest te an to the center lane eS D el were shrunk to a Jo width of 10.5 feet. Finally, the center turning lane was decreased to a width of 10 feet.

Drivers might notice ruts in the new road in some areas. McCord said “part of the repaving process is eradicating the striping, and in this case the process in some locations ended up being deeper than intended due to new equipment being used by the contractor where the depth was performed manually.” VDOT is looking at options for potentially repairing these areas. VDOT has no “concrete forecast” on the number of bikers expected to use the bike lanes, according to McCord. “Sometimes the first bike lanes in an area are lightly used until they connect to a larger network. Once the plan is fully implemented, there will be many more opportunities for cyclists to travel in dedicated facilities along Franconia Road and many other parts of the county,” McCord said.

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Edison’s Erudite preps to publish Ryan Pinkney managing editor

Ryan

Pink

rudite is a literary magazine that compiles short stories, poems and artwork from student authors at Edison. Erudite is published yearly by student editors. English teacher Ryan Nelson is the adviser of the magazine. He has been the adviser for three years. Nelson said the main purpose of Erudite is to “provide a form for students to publish their literature and art.” Nelson teaches the creative writing elective which is one of the main contributors to the literary magazine each year. Creative writing is one of the many electives offered at Edison in the English department. According to the FCPS website, the creative writing class gives students more opportunities to explore writing beyond the standard English courses. The class experiments with different forms of writing and emphasizes poetry, short stories and plays. The

Ryan Pinkey

Erudite is published in magazine form and distributed to the students around the school. Above is the 20132014 edition (left) and the 2014-2015 edition (right) . students develop and hone mini stories since I was little can use to create and convey their skills as a writer by learn- so I thought it would be an their message. The informal ing and applying advanced interesting class.” style is something not found writing skills. Price, through being a part in formal English writing. Junior Kaalie Price is curof the class, was able to be This year, Erudite is being rently enrolled in the creative published in last year’s Erupublished differently than writing class. She said she dite. She said that the students it has before. According decided to take the class were required to write several to Nelson, Erudite will be because “I have liked writing short stories of their own and, publishing more frequently in after giving their permission, what are called fanzines, mini the stories were published in booklets with one hundred Erudite. word stories in them. Nelson Price said, “I like writing said this should hopefully inbecause it is a way for me to crease the amount of students express my creativity.” the Erudite will reach but Nelson said, “It is importposes a challenge in that the ant for students to have an stories have to be exactly one opportunity to express their hundred words. This requires creative writing outside of a more editing and it can be formal English class.” Nelson hard to make them exactly one said that there is a big differhundred, said Nelson. ence in the way he approaches The full Erudite magazine teaching English classes than is scheduled to be published his creative writing class. The in late April, but the fanzines difference between the classes will be out long before then. is that students get to experiPrice said she plans to have ment with informal sentence another short story published structures, like fragments. in the April magazine and is Above is the center spread photo form the 2014-2015 edition. It This structure is allowed excited for her fellow students shows an abstract city sky-line wrapped around a globe. because it is a tool the author to see it. 7 | The Current| February 2016

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features

The Current Car

The Current features senior Sophia Chbarat’s ride to school

your car’ or ‘your car [is] so nice’ I’m like ‘I’m Hip’,” said Chbarat. Chbarat worked hard for her dream car .“I made the decision to work when I got older and raise all the money to buy my own car,” said Chbarat. Her hard work helped her dream car become reality.

Sophia Chbarat

Virginia license plates are usually a collection of letters and numbers but, then there are those few cars that have unique license plates. “I picked ‘I’m Hip’ because it’s a saying. I always say it in conversations and in texts when I know what's up, and plus when people say ‘I like

car and what it means to her. Said Chbarat. “What I’m most proud of [about] my car is I bought it on my own and it's in really good condition and it [the drive] is smooth.” The value of Chbarat’s car rose past just being a sports car; the car marked a personal milestone for her.

Contributed

Judy Beauvais features editor ost people have a dream car and for some, it has become a reality. Meet the orange and black striped 2006 Mustang V6 owned by senior Sophia Chbarat. “I got my car in mid-March of 2015,” said Chbarat. The car provides a feeling of satisfaction for Chbarat. “I love my car because of how it’s powerful and I feel like the coolest person when I drive it. It brings this confidence that I get when I drive it,” said Chbarat. The luxury of the car and the popping colors draw the most attention. “Most adults think my car is a sweet ride and kids love my car,” said Chbarat. However, not everyone is a fan of the sweet ride. “Old people hate my car and think it’s so annoying and loud,” said Chbarat. Chbarat takes pride in her

Senior Sophia Chbarat car.

poses with her car in the

Shell

gas lot.

Chbarat

shows off the colors and the model of the

Edison embarks on a new Odyssey Jillian Brooks staff writer dyssey of the Mind is a program that provides creative problem solving opportunities to students, and this year, Thomas Edison High School will have their first ever Odyssey of the Mind team. Wendy Kaynor, the mother of freshman Ben Kaynor, is the coach of the team. “I think it is a great program and it is good for other kids,” she said. The members of the team are freshmen Ben Kaynor, Patrick Brown and Julian Bown. Ben Kaynor and Brown have been participating in Odyssey for 10 years and Bown for seven.

Bown said his favorite part about Odyssey is “seeing how all of your ideas come together and work or fail in the end.” “I like the things that seem silly but turn out to be an essential plot point,” said Ben Kaynor. Odyssey of the Mind provides five problems for teams to choose from and the team has to provide a creative solution to the problem. Ben Kaynor said that part of the reason he enjoys Odyssey is

he likes being creative. Wendy Kaynor said that Odyssey allows kids to do “almost whatever they want,” as long as they follow the rules given to them. Coaches and parents can see their s ge kids “try ma I e gl new things” oo G by and go in a d e ut new direction ib tr n if their ideas do Co not work, said Wendy Kaynor. Ben Kaynor says that Odyssey is still fun after 10 years because every year, it is a “new problem with a new solution,” and that it is “fun.”

Wendy Kaynor said she believes that Odyssey is an under-promoted program in schools. She said, “Not everyone is an athlete. Odyssey can be centered to any skill level and everyone walks away feeling good.” Wendy Kaynor also said that the Edison PTA had never heard of it but “these kids have a chance to go to states.” Wendy Kaynor encourages everyone to be more involved, but “kids have more things to do as they get older and apparently Odyssey is the thing they’re willing to cut.” She said she would like more teams at Edison but she would not be in charge of the expansion. 9 | The Current| February 2016

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Broken dispensers hang students out to dry

dison is occupied every day with roughly 2,294 students and over 200 staff members. Aside from daily classes, there are dozens of clubs, sports and activities that take place in the many rooms and halls of the school. With the considerable usage the building gets, the school is bound to suffer from wear and tear. Many of these wear and tear items get cleaned, fixed and replaced without much awareness from or effect on the general student body, but there are some that have a major effect on students’ daily routines. One of the most well known and recurring dysfunctions at Edison is the paper towel dispensers. In almost every bathroom, on a weekly basis, the dispensers get snapped open, making the whole roll of paper towels visible and accessible. It occurs all over the school, February 2016| The Current | 10

making it appear easier to get a paper towel, but truthfully only making it that much harder. The most undesirable side effect of the broken dispensers is the awkwardness created from handing the ejected or detached roll of paper towels to someone else in the bathroom. The last thing, at least for the majority of the male gender, anyone wants to do is have one more interaction with someone else in the bathroom. There are other consequences from broken paper towel dispensers. Without a functioning dispenser, it is easy to waste more paper towels than are needed. Junior Alex Duffy said sometimes, when he goes to get a paper towel from a broken dispenser, the outcome is a very long and unmanageable piece of paper towel. Duffy said, “It makes me feel wasteful.” It is not uncommon to find roughhousing and vandalism in the bathrooms, which is

the primary cause of broken dispensers. “They think they are playing around,” said junior Ashenafi Ashenafi. The paper towel dispenser crisis has not gone unaddressed by the school custodians and staff. The custodians and maintenance staff, as the dispensers break, routinely repair them, but the problem continues to impact students. Senior Emily Wylie, who said a broken dispenser can have an effect on her daily routine, said, “It’s frustrating and gives invaluable amount of services to the school.” “Paper towel dispensers increase the ease of which you can dry your hands,” said junior Kaalie Price. Students note that it is important to keep dispensers in good condition because life would be really different without them. Freshman William Wolfe said,“It is important to keep the dispenser nice so you don’t have to dry your hands on your pants.”

Ryan Pinkney

Ryan Pinkney managing editor

features

The Current sits down with the

Kane Show’s Intern John

Joel Desante

“We are all real. We all have our different flaws and we don’t try to hide it” 11 | The Current| February 2016

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iHeart the Kane Show Justin Askenazy editor-in-chief

“I

Ryan Pinkney managing editor

t’s Kane from the Kane show!” Every morning Peter Kane goes on air from 99.5 f.m, partnered with “iHeart Radio”, and entertains the public, all on his very own show, “The Kane Show.” The familiar voice of Peter Kane reaches out to his audience. Every weekday morning, listeners tune in for the show. It all started nine years ago after Kane had left his programming position at a radio station in Tampa, Florida to come work in the Washington D.C. area for radio station WIHT. Once there, he was given the opportunity to start his very own morning show

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Talia Carter arts editor

and the “Kane Show” was born. Kane was originally the only host but that changed as slowly the cast grew into the size that it is today. There are currently four hosts on the show; the three co-host positions are filled by Jay Thomas (Intern John), Danni Starr and Rose. Kane, Danni and Rose all were unable to comment. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Intern John, when he was 17 years old, worked an intern-

ship at a radio station. This is where his radio career began. After slowly working his way up the totem pole, John received an offer to work as an intern on the Kane Show. Jay Thomas’ stage name, Intern John, originated because, originally, he was the

features One-on-One interview with Kane Show co-host Intern John

Joel Desante

actual intern. All the co-hosts participate in the live shows every morning, but behind the scenes, Intern John does a lot to keep the show going every day. Besides “making everybody laugh,” Intern John said he does a lot of work for the “Kane Show:” running the website and preparing, daily,

for the next day’s show. According to CISION, a communications and PR company, Hot 99.5 is the third most popular radio station in D.C metro area. Intern John said he knows that their show is popular, and he said that is because “we are all real. We all have our different flaws and we don’t try to hide it...We are relatable.” Intern John also said that Kane is really the one that makes the show popular. Kane has been airing for over nine years, and has gained a

large fan base. “It’s Kane’s party; we are just invited to it,” said Intern John. Intern John has been working in the radio business for nine years and though the show is popular, he says he still has to work really hard. He said that he would not have gotten to where he is today without buckling down and doing all the hard jobs that no one else wanted to do. Intern John said, “It’s not glamorous in the beginning, and it’s not glamorous now, but just like anything in life, you got to make your own way... but in the long run, it all works out. Right now, I get paid to talk!”

13 | The Current| February 2016

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Control the gun crisis, America

nce America accepted the death of 20 school children, I knew the country was headed down the wrong road. From events like Sandy Hook to San Bernardino, there are way too many mass shootings in the U.S. It is not a topic that can keep on being ignored. One week it is a trending topic on Twitter, next week everyone has forgotten about it. I see it everywhere I go. From my Facebook and Twitter friends, to Republican politicians, they always have the same argument: “People kill people, not guns,” or “You are taking away our constitutional rights.” These people never want to bring about change. Instead, they insist on keeping the gun regulations the way they are. It is ridiculous that we are expected to just sit around and do nothing while thousands of Americans die every year. It is a serious problem that needs to be addressed and it starts with looking at the National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA has started to become so conservative even its own followers do not agree with what they have to say. In a recent Gallup Poll, it was stated 55 percent of Americans want stricter gun laws. Another poll was done that showed 85 percent of gun owners support universal background checks and 74 percent of NRA members also support these checks. If 74 percent of NRA members support universal background checks and the NRA is strictly opposed to such actions, NRA’s motivation for continuing to push for no background checks does not add up. The NRA wants February 2016| The Current | 14

to make it so everyone in the U.S. can own a gun no matter what. They constantly insist on making sure people who are on the No-Fly-List can still get weapons. It is absurd thinking and quite frankly, radical. How can Americans stand behind an organization that will not push for universal background checks, and is not against stopping terrorists from acquiring weapons? They are not helping reduce the fear in America; instead, they are sparking it. They want everyone to have guns. They want drunk college students to have guns on campus. They want a gun store at every shopping mall. This is their way of

making sure everyone in the country buys a gun. I see no reason why they want every American to be armed with a gun when in 2014, 33,599 people were killed by guns in the U.S., and 10,945 of them were homicide related. That puts the U.S. at a rate of 3.43 gun homicides per 100,000 people. According to Humanosphere. org, when comparing gun homicide rates to the rest of the world, the U.S. is right up there with nations like Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq. Their constant argument against allowing the CDC to do research is that they insist it violates the Second Amend-

thinking, and it may never change. They also try their best to hide information from the public. The NRA does not want people to know the truth behind gun statistics. The NRA showed this aspect of their agenda when Obama asked the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to investigate what causes gun deaths, and the NRA fought hard against them. They lobbied so hard that Congress denied CDC the funding to do such research. They purposely hide critical information from being available to the public while they continue on their campaign of

ment to the Constitution. Interpret it however you want to, but I interpret the amendment as the right for a well-regulated militia to bear arms. It does not state that every American citizen has the right to own weapons. Even if people believe otherwise, America should strive to prevent violence, not promote it. With the rising numbers of violence and mass killings happening, I just do not understand why people keep on insisting we have less strict gun laws. Our founding fathers certainly did not have the intention of allowing the public to have assault weapons when writing

Ben Davenport

Ben Davenport staff writer

our constitution. Being a high school student and seeing all the rising number of school-based shootings hits home. Back in Oct. 2015, there were already 45 school shootings. 45 is 45 too many. How are these criminals getting hands on these weapons? Maybe we could figure that information out easier if the NRA did not deny funding to the CDC. It troubles me the amount of violence I witness all the time on the news and yet organizations like the NRA refuse to admit guilt or change their ways. Students should not live in fear of walking into school one day to be victim of the next Columbine or Sandy Hook. As a nation, we never see eye to eye on gun rights and how to interpret the Second Amendment, but we can at least take measures to prevent these actions from happening. I am not saying we should ever take away blame from the offender, but we should not let instances like this continue to happen without some sort of change. There are thousands of opinions out there, but as we move forward as a country, we cannot truly believe continuing to have less strict gun laws is beneficial to our prosperity. We need to find a way to not only prevent school shootings and random acts of terror from occurring, but prevent gun violence from spreading all across the U.S. We can no longer live in a world where we fear going to school to end up in the next mass shooting. We need to get together and prevent groups like the NRA from trying to tear America apart. Whether you like it or not, we need gun control to help push for a better America.

opinions

Jessica Cruz opinions editor

ultural appropriation happens when a person expresses a culture that is not their own without any criticism while the people from the actual culture are judged for practicing their culture. The appropriation of cultures is constantly seen in our society, especially in the celebrity world. People such as Katy Perry and Pharrell have been seen wearing corn rows and Native American headwear. Some could say that they are just sharing cultures, but the line between appreciation and appropriation is very thin. Having celebrities appropriate cultures unfortunately has a bigger effect on society than people would like to believe. If people see celebrities wearing outfits that are

culture-specific as fashion statements, it suddenly becomes okay. It is not okay to normalize the stealing of culture. Stealing might be viewed as a harsh word to use, but it is what is actually happening. America has claimed for so long to be a country of acceptance, but what are we really proving by letting some people express themselves with cultures that don’t belong to them? Celebrities are not the only people who appropriate culture. It is a common thing among everyone and most people who appropriate cultures are not aware of the bigger picture. When someone buys an outfit with African designs at Urban Outfitters, they are not thinking about the culture behind the outfit.

People do not realize the extent to which others are discouraged from practicing their own culture when they are taught to be ashamed of it. Appropriation is commonly found in costumes. It is a common theme to use a culture as a joke on Halloween night. The costumes vary from sexy Native Americans to tacos with sombreros. “ I think it’s quite serious because once you start taking people’s culture, you start to erase the importance of its meaning,” said junior Delina Isaac. Cultural appropriation is wrong because it contributes to the constant oppression of people who are different. It is unfair for someone to watch their culture being put to shame simply because of ignorance. It is important to be aware of how oppression

Lexy Thomas

Cultural appropriation: worthy of attention

Juniors Akwasi Agyekum and Emani Ankrah wear a traditional west african shirt. This shirt is known as Dashiki and originiated in Ghana. plays a role in our society and to find solutions to it. We have to make the line between appreciation and appropriation clearer by informing ourselves and others about other cultures.

Attention Edison 2016 Graduates Want to be with your Edison friends one last time before summer? Don’t miss the 2016 Edison All Night Graduation Party

June 15, 2016

www.EdisonANGP.com Registration is now open $45 Early-bird Price good until May 1 Each attendee will receive a graduation memento, gift cards valued at $40 and opportunity to win prizes valued $5 - $300 Hypnotist Show, Casino, Bingo, Guessing Games, Caricatures, Tattoos, Inflatables, Swimming, Diving for dollars, Money Machine, All-You-Can-Eat Cafe 15 | The Current| February 2016

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Think before you type Talia Carter arts editor

e have become a society based on what “I” think. “I” think One Direction was better with Zayn. “I” think Donald Trump has the personality of rice pudding. “I” think cat videos support the exploitation of animals, and “I” think what “you” think is wrong. Try it out yourself. Open a video on YouTube. Any video will work. Let’s say you are looking at Adele’s latest music video. Scroll down to the comment section and start to read. “OMG I’m crying.” “Voice goals.” “Adele is awful and she probably hates America.” Click on that last comment and watch the war begin. Dozens of people will feel the need to share their opinion on Adele’s relationship with America. Even more people will start to comment on the original poster as a person. “You probably hate America.” “You’re probably a grumpy old man who still lives in your mom’s basement and plays with My Little Pony to feel alive.” “@#$% $%^& &#%@ and your mom too!” How did we get from Adele to this guy’s mom? One word: over-sharing. Since the dawn of social February 2016| The Current | 16

media, we have felt the need to share every single aspect of our lives with the world. This has caused people to often say what is on their mind without reflecting on what kind of repercussions there may be. Those who choose to actively insert their ongoing thoughts online are faced with questionable situations every so often. The current generation has become plagued with the idea that the internet can shield them from any sort of consequence their actions may bring. How many times have we seen or heard about something someone said on Twitter that made people’s blood boil? Why has the internet become a platform where people feel the need to express their opinion on whatever topic they please? Some might argue that we

have our freedom of speech. While that is true, I’m pretty sure our founding fathers did not grant us freedom of speech to speak words that would cause problems and tear people apart. We should use our powers of speech for good, not for the wrong reasons. I do not think everyone always realizes how much influence we have on the internet. We have this amazing ability, but an enormous responsibility that goes along with it. What we need to learn as a society is that sometimes, the best thing we can do is to just walk away from the chaos. There is no point to put yourself into an argument that does not directly involve you. Once in awhile, you have to let people be idiots. Let them have their own opinions

and move on. Usually, this person’s comments have no affect on you. The saying “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words cannot hurt me” really comes into play here. Whatever this person is saying is just a bunch of characters on a screen, so why should this arranged pattern of letters offend you? I am not against having opinions. In fact, opinions are one of the things about us that make us unique. What I disagree with is the fact that people have become accustomed to posting anything they feel like saying. At the same time, we need to stop reacting to things that are going to stir up trouble. When something gets shared on the internet, the user needs to think to himself, ‘how will other people react to this?’. If someone really feels that strongly about a topic, they should not just post it on the internet and expect things to get better. They need to go out and do something about it. Venting their feelings on the internet will do nothing to help their cause. A computer should not be used as a wall to hide behind. More people need to face the world and stand up for what they believe in. After all, actions really do speak louder than 140 characters. Recreation

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Ryan Pinkney

opinions

STAFF EDITORIAL

Is a single-color solution the right one?

Contributed by Norma Cruz

ith the recent news that all graduates in Fairfax County Public Schools would have to wear the same color gowns at graduation, FCPS continues its enforcement of its new transgender non-discrimination policy. While it is important that we treat everyone fairly and respectfully, this decision poses two questions: is forcing a one-color strategy the best way to do so, and why has FCPS not communicated their new policy to the public? First, it is necessary to acknowledge that FCPS is doing the right thing by respecting the rights and feelings of those who are transgender or gender-neutral. Everyone should feel comfortable at any school event and updating policy to ensure that is the case is a step in the right direction. But, when does a rule change go too far? Those who dislike the use of two gown colors are still in the minority of students. By mandating a single-color graduation, Superintendent Karen Garza is imposing the will of the minority on the majority, an idea contrary to the essential

Students from the Class of 2015 are seated at graduation. According to a new FCPS policy, all graduates will now wear the same color caps and gowns. principles of democracy. graduate has the freedom to While no one argues that the wear whichever color they relationship between Garza prefer rather than being told and FCPS students is demwhich one. Many boys and ocratic, the students should girls would likely welcome at least have a say in an issue the flexibility and freedom of that so closely affects them. expression this plan provides, Let the majority rule. while also remaining respectIn the meantime, let us ful of those who are transgenpropose a solution that offers der. the best of both worlds. TraMoreover, a freer color seditionally, schools that use two lection process could even be gown colors have one color for associated with transgender guys and one for girls. awareness- allowing students However, this does not to have a happier and more have to be the case. Students accepting viewpoint of transcan still vote for two (or even gender people. three) colors and then choose The second problem with which color to wear for the FCPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; announcement is the ceremony. This way, each

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lack of publicity. For such an important change in policy, one would think the county would be more upfront with its students and parents. Instead, mumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the word, with no official news release or email sent out about the decision. Granted, the seniors were informed in their winter meeting, but what about everyone else? Are they supposed to wait until they pick up their caps and gowns to find out? Perhaps FCPS is afraid of the backlash they might get from the public. The uproar last year when the new non-discrimination policy took effect would be enough to give the school system pause. However, graduation is an event that affects every student, parent and staff member in the county; the people deserve to be informed, no matter their response. Now that FCPS has set a goal of increasing respect and acceptance of transgender people, it should not shy away from promoting that fact. Ultimately, an effort to acheive true equality can only occur when everyone knows what their leaders decide.

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February 2016| The Current | 18

by:

ith winter sports coming to an end, spring sports make their way onto the scene. With many sports, including baseball, track, boys soccer and girls lacrosse coming off regional appearances, they look to meet, or improve, their levels of success from last season. The varsity baseball team, led by senior captains Ben Davenport and Deon Smith-Bernardez and junior captain Cameron Hall, looks to come out strong again after losing in the first round of the regional tournament last season. Smith-Bernardez said, “Considering how many seniors we lost, it may take a few games for the team to get in sync, but after that I expect a pretty good season.” Smith-Bernardez elaborated by stating, “I’m hoping we will get further than last year.” The team is fairly young, as many players graduated last year, so Smith-Bernardez said, “I’m looking for our six returning varsity players to step up and carry the team this year.” On the other diamond, the softball team does not expect to have any recruiting issues. According to senior captain Emily Ajello, “We are going to have a huge team, and a lot of good development.” Ajello also stated that she is “hoping for a conference championship,” as well as a chance to play in regionals. In terms of individual performance, Ajello looks to seniors Monica Freitag and Katherine Bernal to make some plays this season. The outdoor track team is coming off a strong season

last year in which several people reached regionals. Junior Jhonie Geffa said that “there is a great chance that we will win districts this year in both boys and girls. There also looks to be a good chance for us in regionals.” The track team is relatively young, according to Geffa, but he said that “the underclassmen are doing great.” Geffa believes that sophomore Yared Mekonnen, junior Gregory Lucas-Roscoe, and senior Moses Kamara are all in a position to make a big impact this season. All this adds up to a strong season for the outdoor track team. On the court, the girls tennis team looks to improve team play. Junior Bella Malave said, “some of our goals are to work harder, get stronger, and work better as a team so that we can win more matches.” Malave said that she expects to “have our returning players take the lead in guiding the underclassmen so that they can adapt to the team and have a great season.” The boys tennis team will be trying to improve team motivation and push themselves to be the best they can, said junior Matthew Phuong. Said Phuong, “My goal as a team would be to improve team motivational skills as a way to push the team to be better.” Phuong stated that he is “expecting some of the sophomores to make a big impact.” This is because he “saw that they were really into the sport last year, and [he] thinks that some of them could make a big difference this year.” The boys lacrosse team, led in part by senior Eric Beinhart, has lofty expectations for the varsity squad this season. Beinhart said, “My expectations for this season are to

Contributed

Will Dobson sports editor

Sarah Weinstein

Spring sports step up to the plate

Junior Cameron hall prepares to deliver a pitch in a home game during the 2015 varsity baseball season. The baseball team looks to returning varsity players to make a big impact for the team this season. have fun with my teammates, compete for a conference championship, and pass down knowledge to the youngsters on the team.” Beinhart continued, saying, “I’m expecting big things from Evan Kerkhoff, who’s shown that he loves the game, and also plays at a very high level. We also have a group of sophomores who are very promising.” On the pitch for the ladies, the girls soccer team looks to “build off the momentum that [they] ended with last season,” said junior Shelby Rogers. Rogers added to that saying, “we have a great new coach who seems to be excited about the season, as well as a lot of returning players, which will make it easier to build a strong team.” Rogers believes that “all of the returning players will step up to ensure that we have a great season, and new players should add to what we already have.” Rogers also believes that the team can make it past the first round of the district tournament where they lost to Thomas Jefferson

last year. The boys soccer team, coming off of a strong season in which they made it to the regional semifinals, looks to build upon last year’s successes and come out even stronger this year. Junior Dagmawi Shimeles said, “the team’s goal this year is to continue to improve, win a district title, and make a deep run into the regional and state tournaments.” Shimeles also stated that “the team as a whole needs to step up to start the season off right and get to having a winning mentality early.” The girls lacrosse team is prepping for another strong season, coming off a regional appearance. Junior Johana Melendez believes that “we are going to have a great season, and go further than last year,” when they lost in the first round of regionals. Melendez states that “everyone will step up this season. We need everyone to bring their best to every practice and game in order to succeed.”

sports

Lady Eagles look to play for state title Girls basketball strives for postseason success

Alex Marasco guest writer

has gone 10-0 in their last ten games and have two five-game winning streaks in their last eleven games. The team, following their successful season in which the team competed for the state

Contributed

by:

Tori Hester

dison’s very own Girls varsity basketball team is now in the final stretch of their season as they currently hold a record of 18-2. The team

Senior Megan Hendrick, who has committed to the University of Massachussetts Lowell, drives to the hoop in a game against Wakefield High School. Hendrick is confident about the team’s ability to perform in the postseason.

title, is averaging more than 50 points a game while only allowing an average of 40 points a game. In the past five games the team won with a large margin scoring over 20 more points than their opponent. Senior Megan Hendrick and senior Jada Graves both play guard for the varsity team. Both Hendrick and Graves have committed to playing college basketball. Hendrick will play with the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks and Graves will play with the Elon University Phoenix. The team has been working hard and setting high goals for the rest of their season. Graves said that one of the team’s goals is “to be the

hardest working team in the state.” Hendrick and Graves said that the team is driving itself to being able to compete, again this year, for the state title. Hendrick said that the team has “the highest expectations moving forward.” Graves said the team is successful “because we’ve been together for a while and we worked really - Jada Graves hard.” Megan also considered their “game by game” strategy as they “focus on everything leading up to our goals to be successful.” Hendrick and Graves said they are both optimistic and confident about the rest of season.

“[We want] to be the hardest working team in the state.”

Column as I see ‘em Will Dobson sports editor

ith Spring Training underway in the MLB, the first large policy change has taken place. Miami Marlins’ Manager Don Mattingly, who coincedentaly had one of the greatest mustaches in baseball during his playing days, has just instituted a rule against facial hair. A similar rule has taken place in the Marlins’ organization before, when Joe Girardi was Manager until 2006. The

policy was retired for ten years, but has been revived for the 2016 season. Beards have become an increasingly inportatnt part of baseball in my opinion, as they provide immense amounts of viewing pleasure. While the growing (pun intended) trend of facial landscaping

in the MLB has maintained a steady trend in the past couple years, there are still several MLB clubs that are strongly opposed to it, most notably the New York Yankees. In another, less important, twist of fate, Joe Girardi is now the Yankees manager. This new policy, I am sure, comes as a suprise to several players on the team who previously had beards.

In an interview with USA Today, Miami’s manager Don Mattingly said, “Guys will whine. Some guys like it, some guys won’t. As long as we’re consistent, I think it’s not that big of a deal.” Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, in an interview with USA Today, stated, “I think people should have the type of facial hair they like.” So, clearly there are a variety of opinions in the grooming side of the MLB, but policy is policy even if the manager who made this certain rule had a pretty great ‘stache back in the day. 19 | The Current| February 2016

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Ben Davenport staff writer

Tori Hester by:

Contributed rasdorf

Contributed

unior Rachel King was the only person on the gymnastics team, but performed extremely well this season. She has been a part of the team since she was a freshman, and will be a part of the team again next year. King was able to qualify for regionals following a solid conference performance. King said that her favorite part about gymnastics is learning new skills every year. Being only a junior, King looks to continue her success as a senior next year.

Traci

nce again, the girls basketball team had another fantastic season. They finished the regular season with an 18-2 record, followed by beating Wakefield 65-53 to win their third straight Conference 13 championship. However, their season is not over yet, as they look to take home their fourth straight region championship. Senior Megan Hendrick said, “We are going to play game by game and focus on everything leading up to our goals to be successful.” After making it to states the past three seasons, it has always been the team’s goal to get back there. Hendrick said the team holds themselves to high expectations, as their ultimate goal is to win the state championship in March.

by:

Contributed

by:

Tori Hester

ven through a tough season, boys basketball found themselves making their second straight regional appearance despite an 11-13 record. Guided by their four seniors, the boys team finished third in conference play before beating Stuart on Feb. 20, 72-65, to punch their ticket to regionals. The team’s 7-5 conference record may have been below expectations, but senior Austin McMinn said, “by winning Saturday’s game, we reached our goal of making it to regionals.” McMinn is excited about the future of the team,, as he expressed his favorite moment from the season was seeing freshman Nathan Hester step up and score 23 against Hayfield en route to their win.

February 2016| The Current | 20

sports

Contributed

Sarah Weinstein

Contributed

Jon Esteva

ed by head coach Ivan Chirinos, both boys and girls indoor track teams performed very well at both the conference and regional level. The boys team secured the Conference 13 title while also finishing as runners up at regionals. On the girls side, they finished second in conference and fourth in regionals. Senior Moses Kamara was named most outstanding athlete for Conference 13 and won the 55 meter dash. Junior Mario Henriques da Silva said he really enjoyed the season. Henriques da Silva said he especially liked “the races in the postseason because of the competitive atmosphere.” The track team looks to continue their success following regionals at the state level on Feb. 26-27 at Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia.

he Edison Eagles’ Swim and Dive team had a successful season as they sent five swimmers and two divers to state competition. The divers, junior Marina Endahl and sophomore Ana Hiltajczuk, finished sixth and ninth, respectively. Edison sent both boys and girls to state competition. In their conference meets, the girls finished 3-3 and boys 1-5. Junior Kim Leong Srun said, “this was the best season of my high school swimming career.” The coaching staff, other than the dive coach, was new. Head coach Jeff McCormick was the assistant coach last year. There was also a new assistant swim coach, Amanda Mitnitsky. Srun said he really enjoyed the coaching staff and felt they helped lead to a successful season.

Contributed

by Isaac

Ponce

eing an individual sport, the team aspect of wrestling may often be overlooked, but definitely not at Edison. Junior Isaac Ponce said, “I have known these people on the team ever since freshman year. They are like a family to me.” This team unity showed in the Conference 13 championship, where the team finished second. Besides doing well as a team at conference, three wrestlers went on to compete at the state level. Junior Robert Garnett, senior Ben Wyma and junior Zaki Mohsin all competed at states. Mohsin won the state title for the 160-pound level, Wyma placed third at the 106-pound level and Garnett finished fifth in the 132-pound level.

21 | The Current| February 2016

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This is why Edison drama tells the story The theater department prepares for the spring musical “Once on this Island” Talia Carter arts editor

February 2016| The Current | 22

contributed by

Katie Kolo

Photo

contributed by

Katie Kolo

even when the actors are not singing. Senior Daniel Berry has played in the pit orchestra for the past three years. He said, “Pit orchestra is always so fun to play alongside the performers. I have a lot of good memories with the other people there.” “Once on this Island” is also giving opportunities for students who have never performed as principal roles before. Junior Alena Smith is playing the leading lady, Ti Moune. This is her first time as a lead at Edison. She said, “I think the most challenging The cast’s first rehearsal was on Feb. 17. They prepared by taking roll and thing for me is learning my passing out scripts. character and adding somevery spontaneous.” few brass instruments in the thing unique about her to the The music for this show pit orchestra. The pit mainly musical.” keeps a consistent caribbean consists of percussion and The cast and crew have to theme with very syncopatwoodwind instruments. The follow a very routine rehearsed rhythms. There are no orchestra is also constantly al schedule. They stay after stringed instruments and very playing throughout the show school everyday until either five o’clock, five-thirty, or six o’clock to learn music, blocking and dancing. Students sometimes even come on Saturdays to come practice for the show. Junior Halle Kaufax said, “It’s definitely very intensive, but you need a lot of your time to put in work to make your show great. Everyone is going to get to know each other well throughout the process.” Many of the cast members say they are very excited to do this production. Robinson said, “It’s going to be a great show. The cast is extremely strong. I’d have to say that this crew is ready to rock and roll. I think all of the leads and all The cast learns the dance for the closing number, “Why We Tell the Story”. of the ensemble members are “Once on this Island” will be performed on April 21, 22 and 23. going to bring a lot to it.” Photo

here is an island where rivers run deep through the Edison auditorium. The theater department prepares to tell the love story between a grande homme and a peasant girl. “Once on this Island” is a musical that is loosely based on the stories of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”. The story takes place on an island in the Antilles (Haiti) where a young peasant girl named Ti Moune is saved from a thunderstorm by the gods of water, earth, love and death. As she grows up, she asks the gods to give her the reason why they spared her life from the storm. The gods then send her on a journey to learn about love and how it can overcome death. Unlike musicals the theater department has produced in the past, this show is originally written as a one act which means there is no intermission between the first and second half. The running time for the show is only about 90 minutes compared to other shows that can be up to two and a half hours long. The length of the production is not the only difference this year. The actors are expected to use their dancing skills more heavily in this show. Almost every number is very showy. The cast has to sing whilst doing their dances. Choir director Anna Robinson said, “This show has a lot of energy. It’s very upbeat. It’s

Interviews

contributed by staff writers

Katie Burkett

and

Bailey Thompson

arts

Coming soon to Jessica Cruz opinions editor

spinoff of ABC’s Full House is premiering on Netflix soon. For those who have no knowledge of Full House, the show revolves around newly widowed father Danny Tanner and his daughters DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. Danny Tanner has to raise his daughters with the help of his brother-inlaw, Jesse Katsopolis and best friend, Joey Gladstone. The show exhibits the many challenges that the men have to face when raising three girls and the challenges that the girls face as they grow up. Full House lasted 8 seasons, with the last season airing in 1995. After more than 20 years the series spin off is finally going to premiere. Fuller House will depict DJ Tanner’s life as a widowed mother of three boys, much like her father she leans on her family for support in order to raise her sons. The spin off will be released on February 26.

eason one of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt follows the story of Kimmy Schmidt’s exploration of the outside world after being trapped underground with a cult for 15 years. Kimmy’s naivete and kindness often puts her at a disadvantage because she has not had enough experience in the real world to be able to survive on her own, but somehow she makes it by. She befriends Titus Andromedon, an aspiring actor who becomes her roommate, and finds a job as a nanny for millionaire Jacqueline Voorhees. Kimmy overcomes many obstacles when caring for Xanthippe, Jacqueline’s stepdaughter and Tanner, Jacqueline’s son. Apart from having to learn to care for herself, Kimmy finds herself developing romantic relationships and having to face the man who kidnapped her when she was young. The show’s second season will premiere on April 15.

arvel’s Daredevil shows Matt Murdock fighting crime as both a lawyer and a hero, despite of the fact that he’s blind. His blindness heightens all of his other senses and allows him to be more aware of his surroundings and able to fight. Murdock is joined by his friend and partner, Foggy Nelson. In season one, their first client was Karen Page, a woman who was wanted dead by a mysterious person because of information she knows. During season one the audience is exposed to Matt’s past and how he becomes Daredevil. Murdock has to face villain Kingpin, along with many other challenges. Season 2 will bring new characters, such as Elektra, that will most likely unravel other stories within the series. It will premiere on March 18.

23 | The Current| February 2016

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Talia knows best: what’s hot and what’s not Talia Carter arts editor

Kendall and Kylie

lthough Zayn’s separation from One Direction caused controversy for the band’s fans, Zayn might have shown that it was for the best with his new single, “Pillow Talk”. The song has been number one on the Billboard top 100. Malik has also released another song, “It’s You.”

Pillow Talk

endall and Kylie Jenner’s application, “Kendall & Kylie” has been downloaded over 1.75 million times so far. The girls seem to be following in their sister’s footsteps. Kim’s app has been download around 42 million times.

Kung Fu Panda 3

Dance Moms

Glitter Beards

he fashion trend “glitter beards” can br seen on differnet social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Not only is this trend completely ridiculous, but it is also completely unnecesary. Just imagine the glitter from that person’s facial hair getting on their hands, clothes, eyes, etc. Why waste so much time trying to look so fabuously ugly?

ifetime’s reality telvision show, “Dance Moms,” follows Abby Lee Miller and her dance team. Miller’s crazy attitude towards the girls on her dance team and their moms is what gets the show views, but it only highlights her insanity. She faces several lawsuits against her because of how she treats the children and is involved in other legal issues because of her finances.

Meghan Trainor

M D

reamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda 3” has grossed over $290 million since it opened in theaters. The popularity of the film is not only common between children, but also between adults.

February 2016| The Current | 24

eghan Trainor recently won a Grammy for Best New Artist, but whether she truly is the best artist is debatable. Intially, Trainor was thought to be somewhat of a spokesperson for girls and women who are plus-sized; however, she has recently said very inappropriate things about anorexia.