U.S. Skins falls short page 3
Balance bracelets: Do they work?
page 7
The Northridge
r e t r o Re p
Track meet held at school page 8
http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com/news/ Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
March 28, 2011 • Volume 8, Issue 6
in brief Teacher retires
Waves of unrest
Egyptian revolution sparks fear, worry
anu pandit editor-in-chief The waves of fear and destruction radiating from Egypt’s violent revolution can be felt close by. Omar Elsoukkary, freshman, was born in Alexandria, Egypt. “We moved to the United States when I was two months old. My parents lived there for 40 years, and it hurts them to see their home country being torn apart,” he said. Protests in Egypt began on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The people of Egypt, inspired by previous revolts in Tunisia, began to protest rising poverty, unemployment and the governing methods of former president Hosni Mubarak, according to the Huffington Post. Elsoukkary said that the crisis and confusion in Egypt worries his parents. “My grandpa is still there, in the middle of it, and he turns 87 next month. We sent him airplane tickets, so that he could come here,” he said. He said that although the violence is far
away, he has still been affected by it. “My grandpa got hit by some shrapnel in his leg while he was in Cairo and went to the hospital. He got out about two weeks ago,” he said. “My parents talk about the fighting every day. My older sister, Aya, is in college, and my mom calls her all the time to update her on anything that happens.” Andrew Maxey, assistant principal, said that he empathizes with people affected by the revolution. “I have mixed feelings about the violence that’s going on there right now. Violence is never a positive thing, but sometimes revolution is not possible without circumstances that include violence. Because there is a prospect for change for the better, it gives me hope for better circumstances for the Egyptian people,” he said. Maxey said that the revolution could affect Egyptian students in multiple ways. “The violence has to have an unsettling psychological impact. There are obviously other possible effects, such as a reduced opportunity to visit in the near future, or possible harm to a loved one in Egypt,” he said.
Earthquake, tsunami devastate Japan kate davis opinion/entertainment editor
Andrew Lattner, junior, knows a lot about the radiation problems that arose from this natural disaster. A tsunami with wave heights up to 10 “The radiation was caused by failures in the meters struck Japan on March 11, the Friday safe guards put in place at the nuclear plants. before spring break. The tsunami was caused The containment units have been breached by a nine mega thrust earthquake. that release irradiated water and steam into Carrie Nguyen, junior, has Japanese the surrounding area, which can eventually background, and has friends with family in contaminate the areas and the ground water, Japan. which can lead to For the first few days we were “I was worried. I radiation poisoning very worried, but now we are have a friend who and diseases like confident they will recover lives in a city near Leukemia,” he said. quickly. Sendai, and we Bill Nguyen, have not heard from sophomore and brother ~ Carrie Nguyen, junior her,” Nguyen said. of Carrie Nguyen, has She said what happened in Sendai was very heard some of the “controversial” side of the emotional for many people. It is unbelievable event. He said he was sad for the people who how quickly a tsunami can destroy a whole had to endure this catastrophe. town. “I was very worried about it, but I know “Also, I work at Kobe with many Japanese some people who think Japan deserved it,” who have family in Japan. For the first few he said. days we were very worried, but now we are He said that some people from the United confident they will recover quickly. However, States are still spiteful towards Japan for the radiation scares me,” Carriesaid. what happened at Pearl Harbor, where we Nick Pappas, junior, went on a Sister lost at least 2000 civilians. However, later City’s trip to Japan during the summer of during the war we bombed Hiroshima, which 2010. While there, he met people who were caused them to lose many more civilians. at risk of being affected by the destruction He said this natural disaster has caused caused by the tsunami and are at risk of chaos and destroyed the area where the being affected by the radiation leaking from tsunami hit and has killed many. the Fukushima nuclear plant. “I do not think they deserved that. People “The people I stayed with are okay, as are should get over [Pearl Harbor],” Bill said. the girls who visited Tuscaloosa. The biggest of their worries is the radiation,” Pappas said. SEE STORY ON PAGE 2, PAGE 7
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The violence and scope of the protests escalated until Friday, Feb. 11, when Mubarak stepped down from power and left Cairo, continued the Huffington Post. Elsoukkary said that he and parents feel that Egypt is safer without Mubarak in power. “My parents are really against [Mubarak]. The day he stepped down, they threw a party at my cousin’s house,” he said. “They think Egypt’s safer now than it has ever been and will only get safer as the government stabilizes.” Nick Motz, sophomore, said that he supports U.S. involvement in the revolution to an extent. “I think that it’s good that we supported the eradication of Mubarak, but we don’t need to stick around and guide the formation of their government. It will only lead to another Iraq,” he said. Elsoukkary said that some countries could benefit from the Egyptian Revolution. “The revolutionary spirit is going to spread, and already has started spreading to neighboring countries. Some countries need to change their government, but some are just fine the way they are,” he said.
snap shot
kate davis opinion/entertainment editor
Carol McDougal, chemistry teacher, is retiring on March 31, 2011. McDougal said she has taught 36 years. “[I worked] four years at the university. I worked 32 years [in the school system], at Central West and Northridge,” she said. McDougal said that she is leaving because her husband and mother are ill. “I will miss it. I enjoyed being with the kids, and doing chemistry, labs, and such,” McDougal said. Sara Shuttuck, junior, said she will miss McDougal. “She is a very good teacher. Also, I really enjoy chemistry,” Sara Shattuck, junior, said. Marilyn Stephens, AP chemistry teacher, said she is sad that McDougal is leaving. “I will miss her terribly. Not only have we taught together for many years, but we also worked on our masters together. We have been friends for a long time,” Stephens said.
Prom held April 9 foster beck sports editor
The junior/senior prom is on April 9. Kelbi Schreiber, junior, said the Prom committee is selling tickets and having a car wash to get ready. The theme is Midnight Masquerade. “I’m so excited for prom and to get to hang out with my friends,” Schreiber said.
Five students receive National Merit finalist kate davis opinion/entertainment editor
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photo by susan newell
NEW NURSE: Jennifer Knox, nurse, sits at her computer. Knox began working at our school several weeks ago. She attended Lawson State Community College where she received her degree in nursing. “I wanted to become a nurse after taking care of my grandmother,” Knox said.
Five National Merit Finalists were named on Feb. 12. Grace Tant, senior, is one that earned this achievement. “I am really honored to achieve this. My family was thrilled,” Tant, senior, said. Dr. Espy, principal, said he is pleased with these students for accomplishing this. “These are not the best students in the state. These are the best of the best in the state. I am extremely proud of each of these students and honored to work with them each day. Our teachers have challenged them to achieve at the highest level, and they have responded. Only about one out of six Alabama high schools have at least one National Merit Finalist. Anondo Banerjee, national merit finalist, said he didn’t score as high as his brother… “But it is a good feeling.” Hamilton Cook, Owen Oneal, and Tarif Haque were also announced as Semi-Finalists in December and met the necessities to go forward to be finalists.
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opinion
the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
our thoughts
artwork by trent clanton
Clubs, community give to disaster victims
I
n the wake of a period of trauma, our school and community has banded together and given with open hearts. The Northridge Reporter would like to commend those in our school and community for their generosity towards the devastated people of Japan, who have suffered through an earthquake, tsunami, and possible impending nuclear meltdown. The entire country of Japan is reeling from the successive string of blows. People returned to their towns to find their homes, workplaces and families washed away. Most survivors subsist on scant food and water rations. Many are dependent on foreign aid. The Key Club organized a shoe drive collecting over 675 pairs of shoes. Following the disasters, the shoes were quickly sent to drop-off locations to be sent to Japan. Also, the SGA began collecting donations in the cafeteria. Within our community, the Tuscaloosa Sister Cities Commission has been active in providing relief for our sister city, Narashino. On their website, a large banner urges site visitors to send donations to their relief fund. They are also involved in sending supplies. Emails of gratitude from Japanese aid recipients crowd the area below the banner. These selfless contributions show that there is no shortage of giving within our area, as well as a collective hope for a brighter future and quick recovery for Japan. The racket has kept me Dear Editor from being able to copy my Our community has a proud reputation of generosity neighbor’s answers on countless towards those in need, whether they are close by or far As I sit here dictating this letter occasions. away. Let us continue to demonstrate that reputation in the to my personal assistant, I can’t As I lounge in my heated future. help but heartily agree swimming pool,
your thoughts
Rezone
Draw lines to exclude those not needed
SEE STORY ON PAGE 1, PAGE 7
staff opinion
agree (15) disagree (0) neutral (0)
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Editor-in-Chief: Entertainment Editor: Feature Editor: Opinion Editor: News Editor: Sports Editor: Business Manager: Photographers: Copy Editor: Infographics Editor: Art Editor:
Anu Pandit* Kate Davis Anu Pandit* Kate Davis Trent Clanton* Foster Beck Anu Pandit Kate Davis, Trent Clanton*, Anu Pandit*, Foster Beck Anu Pandit*, Trent Clanton* Trent Clanton* Trent Clanton* Adviser: Susan Newell*
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Find us on the web at http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com/news/ Become a fan of The Northridge Reporter on facebook Advertising and Subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter Staff at (205) 759-3734 ext. 235 or snewell@tusc.k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to The Northridge Reporter. Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. All letters must be submitted to Mrs. Newell in room 109. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. Tuscaloosa City Board Policy: It is the official policy of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age or creed, be excluded for participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.
with my fellow uppermiddle classmate, Jared Lotfi. I wish to keep these vaunted halls of learning as full of knowledge as I possibly can. If that means keeping out some ignorant riffraff, then so be it. Why should I have to listen to this cacophony of “burr BURRs,” “WAKA FLOCKA FLAMEs” and “GUCCIs?”
I can’t help but think that the school should be redrawn, so that all the sagging masses can go to schools where I don’t attend. Of course, this new rezoning wouldn’t apply banerjee to either Jared or me, even though we both live in areas where we
can choose to go to either city or county schools because we’re needed. The rezoning would only apply to students who this school can do without, like National Merit Finalist Grace Tant, or KeAris Hicks, our freshmen point guard; or next year’s yearbook editor Nick Pappas; or Bo Scarborough, who is an integral part of our athletic department. Our school would probably not even notice their absence.
Effusively, Anondo Banerjee
Soap but no water
Junior’s encounter with automatic sinks leaves him with a hand full of soap and tardy trent clanton news editor
I guess I have a tendency to squirt soap in my hands before I turn the water on when I wash my hands. Now some people may say, “Okay, that’s perfectly normal,” but I will think twice next time. After lunch, I usually use the boy’s bathroom next to the lunchroom. It was a perfectly normal day as I continued my routine. I ate lunch, and then before going back to class, I made the common detour to do my business. Well, I turned around to wash my hands. Not thinking anything of it, I pumped on the soap dispenser three or four times, like I usually do. I waved my hand under the automatic sink faucet to turn it on, but nothing came out! This has happened before, I thought. I’ll just use the other faucet. It always works! I waved my hand under the other faucet. Nothing. So, here I stood, in the bathroom holding a giant wad of soap in my hand that I simply could not wash off because there was no water. About a minute ticked off the clock. I needed to get back to class. I was forced to leave the bathroom,
after a few more futile efforts to get water flowing from the sink, and walk down the hallway to the only other unlocked bathroom, the one at the very front of the school. There I went, with my lunchbox in one hand, and in the other (which I was holding cupped and very oddly positioned), a glob of soap that would start to drip all over the floor if I didn’t hurry. Speed-walking, I rushed through the school, when I was abruptly halted by the hall-patrolling Stallworth. “Where are you headed?” Ms. Stallworth asked. I replied. I had to tell the whole story, clanton about how the sink didn’t work, and why I was walking around the school with soap on my hand. She let me go, and I finally got to the bathroom in the front of the school. I washed my hands off in there and made it back to class late. After this, I think I’ll start to squirt the soap in my hands after I turn the water on. Most people don’t pay attention to the order they do simple things like washing their hands. I never did, either, until now. Watch out for those automatic sinks because you never know when they’ll decide to stop working.
entertainment
the northridge reporter march 28 , 2011
Cassie from the first generation of Skins UK
What did you do for spring break?
Chris, Sid and Maxxie from the first generation of Skins UK photo by jules annan
photo by lela london
beach family visit home other
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39 17 18 26
= 5 students poll out of 100
compiled by kate davis
MTV’s Skins lets down UK Skins fan Classic horror becomes fantasy I hate that they changed the original kate davis opinion/entertainment editor
The astounding TV program, Skins, has graced me with its presence on the national TV channel, MTV. I have mixed feelings about the American portrayal of the United Kingdom’s (UK) television show. Disappointment is my main emotion. The MTV portrayal of the show focuses more on sex, drugs and partying as a plot line for the characters. In the UK version, those topics, being factors in the show, are not the main storyline. Sex and drugs make the characters realistic and make the show more pragmatic. The whole manner of the show has been changed in the MTV version. My favorite part of UK’s Skins is the language. The British accents somehow add life and charm to the show.
characters. The way that the new characters are portrayed changes the way I feel about them. In the UK version, I care about the characters. In the MTV version, I want something bad to happen to them. My favorite character in Skins is Cassie from the first generation of the UK version. MTV has changed Cassie to Cadie. Cadie is gross and insane. UK’s Cassie, however, is a sweet charming girl who has an eating disorder. The American show also upsets many parents. They believe Skins is a bad influence on their children. Yes, the show does exhibit inappropriate behavior, but the events on Skins are things that do actually happen to teenagers in our generation; however, exaggerated they might be on the show.
Observers either love or hate Weezy
One Lil Wayne fan is Ashlin Shuttlesworth, sophomore. “He’s not just an idiot rapper. He has a college degree in English Literature. It’s Lil Wayne, or Weezy, is a rapper with a true he used to smoke weed, yes, but he quit. following of fans, among them President And that picture of him and Birdman kissing Obama, who said during a speech, “….I’ve was Photo-shopped,” got a little Nas and a little Lil Shuttlesworth said. Wayne on my IPod.” Shuttlesworth said Weezy also has haters, she likes him for his among them Jason Parker, beats, sense of humor, freshman, and Nick Motz, and his songs with sophomore. good messages. “The time when he was of “I first heard ‘A my importance was when he LilWayne photo by rj shaughnessy mili,’ and I still like it to was rotting in prison. He gets a this day. My favorite song by him is ‘Popular lot of money when there are other artists out feat. Lil Twist.’ I love the beat, and I love Lil there who put thought into their music, and Twist as well.” Lil Wayne only spends five minutes on all his However, she said there are songs by him songs. I have never heard a song I like [by that she doesn’t like. Weezy],” Parker said. “I don’t like ‘I’m Single.’ It is slow and Motz said he used to like him. depressing.” “I first heard ‘9mm feat Akon,’ and I Jarell Thigpen, freshman, said he is also liked it back then but not anymore. I dislike a fan, loving Weezy’s strong lyrics, fashion his style, and I do not really care for rap. and free styling. He sucks at guitar, but thinks he doesn’t. I “The only thing I don’t like about him is hate his cult-like following and his less then his jail time,” Thigpen said. catchy cigarette-scarred voice,” Motz said. james roberts staff writer
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destiny stewart staff writer No longer are the creatures known as vampires turning into bats. Instead they are guarding their Strogoi (Vampire Academy), protecting their human lovers and escorts (House of Night, Twilight and The Night World) and hiding from the millions of fans that stalk them [Twilight Saga actors]. What is it about these bloodsucking, soulless yet sensitive creatures that draw people in? Lizzie Perkins, senior, said she’s attracted to vampire novels because “there’s always a lot of adventure” in them. Perkins said she thinks writers have stopped portraying [vampires] as crazy bloodsucking creatures “so they can get more readers and to make it more interesting.” Chris Monroe said he likes “the superpowers.” “I like the evilness, but I also like the traditional, killing machine,” he said. With Stephanie Meyer’s beloved Twilight Saga resting in peace, fans of the series are wondering what to reads next.
Since 2005, when Twilight first came out, there has been an increase in vampire stories. Some of the top vampire series are Richelle Mead’s The Vampire Academy, P.C. and Kristen Cast’s House of Night, L.J Smith’s The Night World and, of course, the most infamous love triangle, Twilight. Crystal Rawls, senior, said that after Twilight she wanted to compare authors. “Vampires are interesting because they are immortal,” she said. Rawls said she doesn’t think vampires are scary at all. “They go to high school like Twilight us, they have actual problems, and they show sympathy. To tell you the truth, high school ‘mean girls’ are scarier than vampires,” she said. Haley Clements, sophomore, said she doesn’t like vampire stories at all. She said they’re “stupid and unrealistic.” “There is mainly just romance, so it’s not scary. They never want to kill,” she said. Tracy Watson, English teacher, said she was attracted to the “romance and personality” of the characters.
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feature
the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
artwork by trent clanton
Internet merges into lifestyles of users maia wade staff writer
U
pon waking each morning, Me’Shelle Jones, sophomore, logs on to her Facebook account. She then gets ready for school, and, when finished, logs on once again, continuing to check her profile on her bus ride to school. She only logs off once she arrives at the school entrance. “I would feel incomplete [without the Internet],” she said. “It’s like a part of my life, and I couldn’t see my life without it.” Now more than ever, people are using the Internet and websites like Facebook as a method of communication. In some cases, people have developed what could be seen as addictions. Elise Tucker, sophomore, said she has
heard several stories about neglect resulting from excessive Internet use. One story Tucker said she knew of, published by Reuters, detailed the death of a Chinese man following a threeday, non-stop period of playing online games. “It’s absolutely possible [to be addicted],” Tucker said. “There’s just so much stuff on there [online], so many possibilities that it can just suck up all your time, and get you hooked.” Qawnicia Travis, senior, said she spends most of her free time online. “Facebook, I love it,” she said. “I use [the Internet] to communicate with my friends. I don’t know, it’s just fun - entertainment, blogs.” Travis’ offline life consists of “TV... Internet,” she said, laughing. “I couldn’t picture life without the Internet.”
Winona McKnight, sophomore, said she spends about six hours online on weekdays, and closer to ten on weekends. She said she takes occasional trips to the movie theatre, but otherwise the Internet is how she passes the time. “You have access to everything [on the Internet] – things you would never know about otherwise,” she said. Elizabeth Tiley, guidance counselor, said she has not personally witnessed anyone with an addiction to Internet use. “I believe addictions are real. I believe anybody can be addicted to something when they don’t set up proper boundaries and realize the possibility of overuse and abuse,” Tiley said. “I think it [social networking] could end up substituting for real relationships.” Despite the possible issues, social
networking is often seen as something positive. Nick Motz, sophomore, said he has used Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace for two and a half years. “It’s a way to catch up with friends without school,” he said. Tiley said she had seen cases when social networks had helped provide relief for students who were going through difficult times. “I’ve talked to kids who were concerned about some of their friends’ statuses, and this eventually led to them receiving help,” she said. Tiley said that the harm or usefulness of the Internet and social networking tools depends on how they are used. “I think it can be a very positive form of communication when used correctly,” she said.
artwork by trent clanton
Disturbi
In a cyber world, we game, we shop, we liv
feature
the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
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iPod, iPhone craze ‘just a trend’ Use can be almost constant laine elliot staff writer ince 2001 when iPods were first launched, 250 million have been sold and since their release in 2007, 6.4 million iPhones have been sold around the world. Sellers Elkins, sophomore, said he has both an iPod and an iPhone, but he could live without them. Anna Poist, junior, has the latest phone, the iPhone 4. “It had some problems at first, like it was supposed to have a bullet-proof screen, but it broke when I dropped it,” she said. Steve Jobs, Apple founder and CEO, worked out the bugs of the iPhone 4, and it has now become the fastest selling phone to date. “[The phone] got fixed though and now it’s amazing,” Poist said. Alex Smith, sophomore, said she listens to all kinds of music on her iPhone.
S
“I’m obsessed; I listen to music all the time except for when I’m at school,” Smith said. She said listening to iPods in school would help students focus on their work, especially because kids are always talking in her classes, and it’s hard to concentrate. “I don’t think listening to iPods in school would help, but it wouldn’t hurt either,” Elkins said. Some students said the new iPhone craze is just a fad and that it will pass. “I got my iPhone two years after it came out because I thought it was cool. I didn’t really do it for the trend,” Smith said. Vyt Puzinaskaus, sophomore, has an iPod but doesn’t have an iPhone. “I don’t think iPod addiction is really a problem, but iPhone addiction seems to be getting worse,” he said. “I see people on their iPhones constantly, it’s like they have no contact with the real world.”
artwork by trent clanton
XBOX addiction suppresses social activities artwork by trent clanton
New games can cause obsession employee. He said the cycle begins when a new game comes out like Call of Duty: Black Ops. The game he Xbox, a gaming console invented in 2001, is played for nights on end. Hard core players barely take a break from their console. has become a craze with some students. “They realize they like the game. It is their Vaughn Vellion, sophomore, said that his mentality that keeps them inside,” Buy said. longest consecutive period of playing Xbox was The game then becomes outdated and people 16 hours. disconnect themselves from this state of “Yesterday [Feb. 22] I played from 4 until 11,” obsession. Veillon said. However the Veillon said sometimes game is still Xbox becomes a person’s played “because social outlet. it is fun, and you “Xbox becomes a can p’wn noobs,” ‘social’ network. [It is] a Wilson said. new social experience,” When it seems Veillon said. like the players ~ Andy Ray, freshman Morgan Wilson, are finally getting sophomore, said that their social lives back, a new game comes out and although Xbox use can become addictive, he and causes a frenzy. his friends are not “obsessed.” Andy Ray, freshman, said he has faced some of “You can play Xbox and still have a life,” the negative impacts of playing the Xbox. Wilson said. “Xbox ruins lives. It took away my social life. He said there are noticeable “signs” that mark I used to have dates, now I no longer do,” Ray, an Xbox addict. said. “When you skip school or do not hang out with Jack Aured, sophomore, said he plays when he your friends to play Xbox, I think you are getting is bored. a wee bit addicted,” Wilson said. “I play because I do not have anything better to The enthusiasm from game to game goes through do,” Aured said. a cycle according to Vincent Buy, GameStop kate davis opinion/ entertainment editor
T
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Xbox ruins lives. It took away my social life. I used to have dates, now I no longer do.
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ing Obsessions
ve. But do we know where to draw the line?
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news
the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
Would you join JROTC? Yes
10 = 10 students
No
50
compiled by kate davis
New Air Force JROTC program, classes to be introduced trent clanton news editor
A new series of JROTC courses is in the works to be introduced in two years and will be focusing on the Air Force. Richard Nowell, arts and crafts teacher, said it would bring a lot to the school. “It will bring in two new instructors. One will probably be a military commissioned officer and the other an enlisted personnel. It will also introduce new classes we have never had before,” Nowell said. Nowell said there would be a variety of courses that ROTC students could take. “First, students would have a physical fitness class and then other classes like aviation history, world geography, astronomy, and leadership classes to teach students how to be successful leaders in the community, the school and the world,” he said.
LaBarron Collins, junior, said he thought the program was a good idea. “I think it would be great, and it would help teach students here leadership,” Collins said. However, the program won’t be able to be introduced until two years from now. “We are going to get the application together in March, and with funding and everything, we’re hoping to have it in two years. With good financial backing, though, we may be able to have it in just one,” Nowell said. Senior Josh Edgar said it wouldn’t even affect him. “I think it’s good that Northridge is getting a JROTC program, but I don’t like that it is the Air Force. But it’s okay, though, because I’m a senior, and I’ll be gone before we get it here,” Edgar said. The school will have to undergo some changes before starting the program.
Frank M. Cauthen, Jr. attorney at law phone (205)349-4101 fax (205)349-4189 fcauthen@bellsouth.net
601 Greensboro Avenue Alston Place, Suite 1-A Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
“We will have to use at least two classrooms and set aside an area of the school to store the equipment that they drill and practice with. The school will pay half of the salary of the two instructors, and the other half will come from the military, which will also supply the uniforms and the books. We will also need a minimum requirement of onehundred students, in any grade, to enroll in it,” Nowell said. Central High already has an Army JROTC program, and Bryant is applying for a marine program. When Northridge starts its program, it will be the only Air Force JROTC program in the city. “I believe there are only six Air Force programs in the state, and they are very elite,” Nowell said. “We hope we can get it because there aren’t many programs like this in Alabama. We would be very elite.”
photo by brandi bailey
A nurse draws blood on Friday, March 25 at the blood drive.
Blood drive helps jah’meka baxter staff writer The SGA sponsored a blood drive on March 25 in the auditorium. Students and teachers were able to donate blood to the American Red Cross who will give the blood to people with various health issues. The SGA, who has been preparing the blood drive for others, has also been donating their blood as well. Elli Cowles, senior, said she gave her blood to save the lives of people who need it. “I give blood because it saves 3-5 lives, and it makes me feel like I have accomplished something,” Cowles said. Tariq Azam, junior, said the blood drive is important to him. “I feel like the blood drive is one of the best things we can do at Northridge,” Azam said.
news
the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
Balancing Act
7
Tuscaloosa’s Sister City Balance bracelets claim to improve health Narashino, Japan feels affects of earthquakes, blackouts leaving them feeling restored. However, there is no hard scientific evidence that they work. A commercial flashes on TV, Chris Edwards, sophomore, said bragging about a small rubber he doesn’t believe the effects of the bracelet. The salesman rambles bracelets are real. on about how when worn, it “I don’t really think they work. will improve your balance. The It’s a psychological thing, it’s all salesman tries to pull down on a in your mind [whether you feel the bystander’s arms and tries to make benefits or not],” Edwards said. him lose his balance, one time with Alfreda White, mathematics the bracelet and one without it. teacher, said she heard that the The commercial wristbands didn’t really shows the man’s improve health. balance is greatly “I’ve never used balance improved when bracelets, but I don’t wearing the think they [do what the bracelet. companies say they do]. S o m e I heard about a study on viewers of this them that proved that they commercial think didn’t work. I don’t think to themselves: I something as small as a really believe that bracelet could influence may work! your balance. It’s too easy,” Other viewers White said. disapprove, saying On the other hand, some there is no scientific people, like Andrews, say way that the content that the bracelets do have of the commercial an affect on them. is true. Denton Bowling, photo by kate davis iRenew and Sara Shuttuck wears history teacher, said a Power Balance, a balance bracelet. student told him about the companies balance bracelets. that manufacture “I heard about them balance bracelets, have started through Charles Williams [senior], a nationwide trend with the and I would recommend them to wristbands, which are endorsed by people,” Bowling said. many professional athletes. Bowling said he knew someone Emily Andrews, junior, heard else that also thinks the wristbands about the bracelets from her increase ability. brother. “[Football] Coach Smith “I definitely believe in them. I believes in them, too, and [Smith’s] could stand on a pole 3 million a genius,” he said. feet in the air and just stand there,” Balance bracelets also come Andrews said. “I would not fall.” at a hefty price: $15 or higher, The bracelets are made of a depending on the seller. rubber silicone wristband with two Elizabeth Monk, freshman, said holographic stickers on each side. she thought they cost too much. The manufacturing companies claim “I wouldn’t recommend them that these stickers possess a magnetic to someone. Save your money,” capability that is able to positively Monk said. adjust the flow of the body’s natural Walton, art teacher, said the energy, based on a scientific theory wristbands were too expensive to that has not yet been proven. not actually work. When wearing the wristbands, “They’re a $15 nothing,” she said. the companies claim, this energy Lawsuits were filed against the adjustment gives the wearer iRenew company by customers improved balance, mentality, and some professional athletes endurance and physical ability, because they made false claims
about their product without releasing scientific information about how they actually work. iRenew said they had no real scientific evidence to support their advertising campaigns and claims about the bracelets increasing balance, ability and energy. Walton said she could see that the company would get sued. “A lot of sports players endorsed them, but they weren’t getting results,” she said. Some people, like Edwards, say they think “it is the customer’s fault in the first place for buying it.” Monk said she didn’t know why people would want to sue iRenew just because their product didn’t work. “It’s kind of stupid to sue someone like that. It’s not like the product hurts you,” she said. The roar for the benefits of balance bracelets has died down. However, they still remain a dominant fashion trend among teens and athletes. Some people still believe the wristbands work. Monk said the bracelets do give people benefits. “I really do think they work,” Monk said.
Do you think balance bracelets work?
trent clanton news editor
Yes
No 5
65 = 10 students compiled by kate davis
Student delegation expresses concern jah’meka baxter staff writer
tsunami occurred. “I was shocked and devastated because I didn’t hear from them The Tuscaloosa Sister Cities for a while,” Jones said. Commission gave students the Jones said she recieved a sign a opportunity to visit Narashino, relief after checking her messages Japan during the summer of 2010. on the Internet. On March 11, less than a year “I was relieved when the host after their trip, an 8.9 magnitude family emailed me that they were earthquake hit Japan. A tsunami fine,” she said. followed L i s a I was really worried about that swept Keyes, the everyone that I met...It is through director frightening that this could m a n y of the happen. t o w n s Tuscaloosa killing S i s t e r ~ Beth Lindly, senior thousands C i t i e s of people. Everyday we hear about Commission, has set up a disaster a rising number of those that are relief fund that will be sent to missing and injured. Narashino, Japan as aid to help The town of Narashino, which improve the situation there. has been Tuscaloosa’s sister city “I received calls from residents for 25 years, has been affected by who wanted to help those in the aftermath of the earthquake and Narashino,” she said. tsunami. There have been rolling The other students who went on blackouts throughout the town, the Sister Cities trip to Narashino and they have experienced some are Nick Pappas and Callen of the aftershocks of the quake. Burns. Beth Lindly, a senior who visited Narashino on the sister city trip in SEE STORY ON PAGE 1, PAGE 2 2010, expressed concern about the situation that affected Narashino. “I was really worried about Those that would like everyone that I met and the places that I went,” Lindly said. to make a donation “It’s frightening to think that can send money to this could happen,” she said. any of the Cadence Chelsea Shepard, a senior who Banks, or they can send also went to Narashino, said she checks directly to the was shocked by the impact of the disaster that occured in Japan. Tuscaloosa Sister Cities “I think its devastating, some Commission Narashino people will have to start their lives Disaster Assistance over again,” Shepard said. Fund at 1305 Shanquella Jones, a senior, who Greensboro Avenue, also went to Narashino, said she became worried about her host Tuscaloosa, Alabama family and the friends she had 35401. made after the earthquake and
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Osaka, Japan, March 20, 2011/WNCNews/ – The number of people who have been confirmed dead or listed as missing in Japan have reached 20,000 people on Saturday (March 19, 2011), eight days after the earthquake and devastating tsunami hit Japan. But there is fear that the death toll is much higher.
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the northridge reporter march 28, 2011
quite well to the adverse conditions. More than anything else they just wanted to play the game itself, and so their attitudes remained positive throughout this ordeal,” Miroff said. The girls soccer team was scheduled to play against Pelham on Thursday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. The game was canceled and rescheduled to be played at Sokol at the same time. “The field-conditions were far below the level of the home field, and it negatively affected the level of play for all teams involved,” Miroff said. Miroff said he hopes the field gets repaired soon, and that they find the culprit.
sports 8
photo by: Elizabeth Prewitt
Hayes came in first in the 4x800 Meter Relay. The next track meet will be Thursday, March 24. Napre’a Penn, freshman, said that she’s a little nervous about the next track meet. “I’m excited because it’s in Tuscaloosa, and my family can come see me,” she said.
artwork by carrie nguyen
Field destruction demoralizes athletes foster beck sports editor The football/soccer field was vandalized by someone driving their truck around the field and into hurdles on March 10. Lauren Curtner-Smith, freshman, said that it is demoralizing that someone would do that. “We won’t be able to have any home games for awhile,” Curtner-Smith said. Serge Miroff, soccer sponsor, said that the crew has been working on the field for the past two weeks, and it should be ready to play on by the next home game on March 31 against Bessemer City. “Our players responded
Jay Hill, senior passes
the baton off to Landon
Church, sophomore
during the track meet at Bryant.
“It was a home meet, so it was even better that we came in first,” Sparks said. Abby Hayes, sophomore, was in the Distance Medal Relay, 4x800 Meter Relay and 4x1600. “It was a lot of fun to host a meet, and I can’t wait until the next one,” Hayes said.
Track team victorious; family supports foster beck sports editor
The boys and girls track teams had a home meet on Saturday, March 19 from 9:30-5:30. Jeff Sparks, track coach, said that both the boys and girls won.
March 28, 2011 · Volume 8, Issue 6 · Northridge High School ·Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
The Northridge
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Repor ter
Tim Davis, senior, serves the ball during tennis practice.
photo by: beth allaway