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February, 2014
Privacy on the internet By Megan Carroll Reporter
So far, social networking is a big part of 2014. Students at TJ are affected by the internet, but some may not realize that there are consequences of using the web inappropriately. There are different social media sites that allow people to express themselves on the web. The media not only lets people connect with one another, but discover different entertainment. “Some people get harassed on Facebook and Twitter over the dumbest things,” said sophomore
Sam Holz. “A lot of us are always on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It is something we all look forward to, from the start of the day, to the last sight before we go to bed.” It is easy for people to share their thoughts,
feelings and information to the world, but they do not have to know everyone who views your information. Specifically teens, do not realize that posting on the internet requires some responsibility. Not only will it affect you, but them. It will al-
By Ikran Ahmed Reporter Music is a big part of students lives here at TJ. Whether it is in a classroom, in the halls, or at lunch. Some teens believe that music helps them concentrate in some classes, others think it could be a huge distraction. When students have their earphones in, teachers think they are
not paying attention in class. It is been proven in an article by Van Thompson that people who listen to music during work have a higher productivity than those who do not. In an education article by Demand Media, “Does Listening To Music While Doing Homework Affect Your Grade In School?,” students who listen to music recall information more efficiently while
they are learning. It is the boost from music that improves moods and gives motivation when they need to learn. Among the students who are struggling in their studies, listening to music might relieve stress and encourage students to keep on studying. “I listen to music with my headphones in when I study,” said junior Jordan Ault. “It’s easier for me to stay concentrated.” A University of Phoenix study advises that listening to music with lyrics could be a distraction. Students who listen to music with lyrics may have difficulty in concentrating and may struggle to recall the information they learned. When reading or writing, trying to process musical lyrics and trying to process
ways follow them due to the fact that it will always be on the internet. When applying any valuable feed to online network, people are risking the chance of experiencing cyber abuse. They can also risk the chance of some people cyber-
Volume 89, Issue 5 stalking. Cyberstalking is a crime in which the attacker harasses a victim using electronic communication. They rely upon the “invisible” advantage of the internet to allow them to stalk someone without being accused or found. It is known as one of the most dangerous out of the three kinds of harassment on the Internet. The more that young people know about the dangerous effects, the better. It could possibly save them a trip of bad experience. “They don’t expect the worse to happen to them, they think the consequences aren’t very bad, that they won’t get in trouble,” said Holz.
Ear full of education
Photo by Kelsi Thurman; Nicholas Mitchell listening to music featuring Erika Woodruff.
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Photo by Kelsi Thurman; Sophie Thron jams out to German tunes.
words in a text book at the same time could make studying a challenge. You may be familiar with the “Mozart Effect”. It is a belief that listening to classical music could improve the intelligence of oneself. Even though Instrumental music cannot
make you smarter, it is relaxing and less distracting than music with lyrics. So the next time you are in class listening to music, experiment! Which music helps you concentrate more? And if the teacher questions your intentions, blame it on science!
Saint Valentine’s Day
By Isabella Moore Copy Editor February 14th; Saint Valentine’s Day or as we call it, Valentine’s Day. The day to show special someone how much they mean to you. That special someone could be your brother, sister, best friend, significant other, or even your dog. At TJ, Student Council comes up with an idea every year to set the mood and get everyone in spirit for Valentine’s Day. “We are planning to do “Crush for a crush” again this year,” said Payton Werts, the president of the Student Council. “A “Crush for a crush” is when someone buys a Crush can of pop and they are able to send it to their crush during second period on Valentines Day.” Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and people are still trying to set up dates and prepare for the romantic day. You might notice that if
M r. TJ ! Kennedy Lundberg and Samantha Kaczmarek are hosting 2014s Mr. TJ! On Feburary 21, you can sign up in The Beehive during lunch. It is held like a Miss America pagent. 3 rounds: Talent Competition Questionnaire “A Minute To Win It”
you walk into your nearest Walmart or Target, all the shelves are filled with candy, flowers, and gifts. The United States is not the only country that celebrates this romantic holiday. Valentine’s Day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Valentine’s Day can mean different things to different people. The way you feel about this day depends on a lot of things: if you are single, if
you are in a relationship, where you live, maybe even your religion. “I don’t like Valentine’s Day because I think it’s materialistic,” said senior Kelsi Thurman. “Why designate one day to show your “love” for someone when you have 365 days a year?” February may be the month of romance but, it is only celebrated on one day. One day where you spend money on someone that you love or not...
By Eric Garringer Reporter Seeing your future sounds promising, but it is never that simple. Psychics, horoscopes, and fortune cookies all have a place in this area. While most people disregard these as simple novelties, there is one tool that seems to be used more than any other, Tarot cards. Tarot cards have been around since fourteenth century Italy and are often seen at fairs, festivals, and parties. More often than not, if someone has Tarot Cards out, there is a crowd waiting for their reading to be done. While there is no rule against Tarot Cards in schools, there are people who do disagree with them being allowed in, or used in, an educational institution.
These cards are protected along with other items that could be considered religious. They are ‘protected’ in the sense that students cannot be asked or told to get rid of them as long as they do not become a distraction to other students and are not used in any harmful
Getting fit at Planet Fitness
ning, massages, tons of workout gear, and you can bring one guest. But thats the premium membership, which is actually $20 a month. But some By Angela Gardner members only want to Reporter use the workout gear. Science teacher, David On December 31st, Kaeding says, “for my 2013 a new gym; Planet family, I pay for two $20 Fitness, opened in the memberships, and for Mall of the Buffs. Many myself a $10 one. I was students here at TJ are already a member at a taking advantage of this fitness center in Treynor, opportunity. IA, but Planet Fitness Sophomore, Faith Baris easier. It’s about one nard is one of them. third of the cost and it's “I see a lot of other TJ on my way home” kids there. I think they The Mall of The Bluffs is come because it's new, there’s a lot of equipment, under new management, so businesses will be and it's a great ‘judgement free’ environment.” opening all around the mall, and Planet Fitness She goes on later to say is just the beginning. It that memberships are might even make the only $10 a month. mall your new favorite Planet fitness has 24 hangout spot all over hour access. Some of again. the features are; tan-
What’s in your future? way. The same is said for Bible, crosses, and religious attire. Jon Katzenstein, a senior at TJ says, “There’s nothing wrong with them, it’s just a fun thing to do.” Katzenstein has had Tarot readings and goes on to say, “it’s weird how I always pull the Death
Photo of some of the cards used in Tarot card readings.
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card.” The Death card signifies drastic change, nothing harmful or hurtful. While these cards can be dismissed as a parlor trick, or hailed as a way to look into the future, it has become clear they are not going anywhere, anytime soon.
Year of the selfie By Alejandro Vieyra Reporter
If students are ever on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc, they know that selfies are displayed in numerous places. These photos are so popular that in the year 2013 “selfie” was named the word of the year, and this trend may continue in 2014. Everyone is in the year of the selfie. This year, it is estimated that photos will reach up to 1 trillion, due to the selfie explosion that took place in 2013. In fact there are “Selfie Olympics” that are happening right now. People from all over the world are taking selfies in the most unique way possible and posting them on
social media. Many teens’ opinions on selfies vary, and their standpoints are critical because they are the majority of the people that post most of these commonly taken self-portraits. “I think the selfie phenomenon is simply a passing fad. It can also be slightly on the vain side as well,” said senior Jackson Newman. “Some of them are hilarious, but many are very pointless and just a little bit ridiculous. Facebook is full of these. I think the whole thing got so popular because it appeals to our materialistic view of society and Selfie of Alejandro Vieyra, FT: Hannah-Grace Northam of ourselves.”
Adults often witness and do not take part in the trends that teens often go through, and because their opinions are vastly different, it is interesting to see why and how their views compare to teenagers. “I don’t particularly care for it,” said Coach Mark Puev. “It’s just another way of self identification.” Whether it is overachieving, or overkill, selfies could be a large chunk of the photos taken in 2014. Along with ‘SWAG,’ ‘YOLO,’ and the ever-present question, ‘Do you even lift, bro?’. These trends will possibly stick with us this coming year. Let us hope ‘twerking’ does not live to see 2015.
years. Being a 4th generation Council Bluffs resident, and attending Saint Albert High School, he has a lot of knowledge about the city and what needs to be done to make it better. “I want to make the neighborhoods of Council Bluffs feel better about their community,” said Walsh about the perception in the city. The new role makes
Walsh a busy man, taking time for many members of the community and media. And in his short term so far, he’s already being compared to former Mayor, and TJ grad, Tom Hanafan. “Former Mayor Hanafan was a strong figure throughout the district, and he was well connected. And now I have a chance to put a stamp on city government.”
Council Bluffs’ new Mayor has plans for schools By Kelsi Thurman Editor-In-Chief
On January 15, new mayor, Matt Walsh visited TJ journalism students and talked about his future plans for the city of Council Bluffs. He has plans for revitalization, redevelopment, and restructuring. “Thomas Jefferson has the some of the brightest students in the district,” Walsh said. “Businesses locate by schools that have good educational value. When businesses and schools work hand in hand, it helps the city grow. Schools are vitally important.” Our district’s Strategic Planning Committee sets up our schools’ mission and lays out a plan of action towards accomplishing goals. This is an important tool for setting priorities, strengthening operations, and making sure everyone is working together. “Me and Superintendent
(Martha) Bruckner have had an increased working relationship over the years,” he said. “Back in the 90s, what started as the Kids and Company morphed into the CBCSD foundation. I, being one of the founders of Kids
and Company, find that working with the school district administrative team benefits both sides.” Walsh plans on recertifying levees, redeveloping the appearance of West Broadway, and hiring new city staff in the future. Walsh has been a City Council member for 18
Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh talks about the school and the community.
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Don’t be board By Hannah-Grace Northam Reporter
Skateboarding is a non-traditional sport that many teens and even adults enjoy. It is an action sport that came to exist in the late 1940s or 1950s when surfers in California wanted something to surf when the waves were flat. “I first started skating when I was little because it was something fun that I enjoyed,” said senior Jake Gibson. “Though I stopped eventually and began to skate again my freshman year. I learned to skate with my two brothers. It wasn’t scary, but I’ve had some good falls.” People may also skate as a way to get away from school, work, or to be alone and be themselves.
“I first started skating when I was fourteen. I just needed to get away, find ways I could escape, and clear my head. I taught myself, it's really the best way to learn and you find your own style,” said sophomore Jennifer Madison. Some people express
By Trystan Brock Expressionist Miley Cyrus is a modern day Janis Joplin. Younger people may say, who is the latter? While older people will say, how dare you make such a dashed comparison as that! I understand, just hear me out. The topic of Cyrus is becoming monotonous, but only from a disparaging lens, the mainstream media
is not discussing Cyrus’ “vulgarity” from a feminist perspective. For the younger crowd, Janis Joplin was a female psychedelic rock singersongwriter from 1962 to 1970 when her career was cut short due to a drug overdose. Throughout those eight revolutionary years Janis redefined what it meant to be a woman in the music industry. By taking charge
their styles through their boards, such as how the board is designed, and become “attached” to their boards. “My board is my best friend I don't know what I’d do without it. My board has been with me through thick and thin, I don’t think I would stop skating ever,” said Madison.
Skateboards can cost anywhere from $50 to $160 at shops like All Out and Wake N’ Skate. When boards are expensive, it is important to take care of them so that people do not have to waste money on a new board. “Well I skate pretty much everyday so I’m constantly breaking
Photo of different types of skate boards.
boards.,” said senior Jonathan Yopp. “I buy a new one at least once a month, if not more, and they cost about $60 just for the board. I buy new wheels and bearings every couple months and thats another $5060 for both. All together I probably spend at least $1,000 or more each year on equipment, and that’s not taking into account for shoes and traveling.” Skateboarding has been shaped throughout the years so much that there are now different boarding techniques. For example, longboarding is a variant of skateboarding, it just involves using a longer board which has more stability. Other variants of skateboarding such are swing boarding, trampboarding, and snowboarding.
Miley Cyrus; new Janis Joplin of her music and image, she was a model for feminism. Criticized by the mainstream media, Janis was viewed as an eccentric. This disposition is expressed in an interview whilst Joplin visited her hometown; wherein the interviewer kept asking about her life during high school and why she was so different. Janis Joplin was oppressed by the media; the same media
that 50 years later came to change their mind with her being inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Now, the resemblance might not be quite clear just yet, but it will become apparent soon. Miley is not like Janis in terms of music, by no means does she perform like the queen of psychedelic soul. However, as a poster child for females in the
music industry Cyrus and Joplin are synonymous. The spotlight on Miley began with her eccentric haircut, an act which outside the norms of her traditional background.
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