Senioritis On the Rise

We all know that one senior who seems to have completely given up and that person could be you or me.  He or she may use the excuse "I've already been accepted so why try anymore?" or "I just want to get out of here."  But is senioritis really a viable excuse for the overall slacking off of the senior class?  I understand that we are all eager to step into the next chapter of our lives, but don't overlook the rest of this chapter that closes your high school years.  There is still much to look forward to and accomplish.  There are sporting events where we are called to root on our classmates as eagles, not a buckeye, redhawk, or bearcat.  Graduation will surely come sooner that we think and when it does, we won't have a chance to paint up with the flock, fight for that GPA, or attend dances.  Throughout the years we have all been chanting "YOLO," right?  So why not now take that infamous saying and live it out.  You only go to high school once, so live it out while you can.  High school is a critical time in our lives that we won't ever get back, so sit back, enjoy the ride, and don't let senioritis take over.

Face Tattoos

Although I believe in freedom of expression, I don't quite understand the reasoning behind face tattoos. If it's part of your culture...sure go ahead; that's totally different. But if not, I just wonder why. Why?
First of all tattoos hurt. Can you imagine somebody scratching as hard as they can? Now imagine that times four on your face. Not only does it hurt, you can't even see it without a mirror. And I mean come on, they look ridiculous. Especially if it doesn't mean anything to you. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against tattoos, but I just can't see the point of a tattoo on your face. Just remember before you decide what and where you want a tattoo: they don't wash off the next day and they are fifty times more painful then the ones you got as a little kid . It's your body so make sure you hink carefully before you choose what you want for yout future.

-Jessica Mertens

Survival Guide for a Bad Haircut

The unfortunate reality is that you will most likely experience a bad hair cut at least once in your life. Now, I know from personal experience that, at first, it can be devastating, but fear not victims of bad hair cuts, there is hope for us all. Eventually, the shock of seeing yourself will wear off, after a few tears, calls to mom, and the usual comfort remedies. The best thing you can do to start off with is simply washing your hair: let all the stress and anger rinse off and try to remember..It's hair..It grows back. At the time, I did not even come close to following the advice I just supplied and collasped in an utter meltdown. Anyway, the next step you should take is a tad higher on the effort level and does require some work. Before I let you in on my bad-haircut-saving secret, you must know that what I am about to share is classified information, and I encourage you all the thank me after you're done readings my words of wisdom. I like bacon. The key to fixing a haircut mishap is this:

Step One: Locate Ms. Deblasio. (this is vital and she can be found in room B21 most of the time)

Step Two ("optional"): Bring her Mio as a thank you token for what she is about to do for you.

Step Three: Open her storage closet.(the one on the left)

Step Four: Take out her secret weapon: The Blow Dryer. (you may have to dig through a few things, brush off several stale pretzels, not a big deal)

Step Five: Take a seat while Ms. Deblasio takes out her spin brush. (secret weapon number two)

Step Six: Let her work her magic.

Step Seven: Take a moment of silence..or two (her work can be quite breath taking) and enjoy your new and improved look.

The bottom line is when in doubt of your hairstyle, take a stroll down the B Hallway and pop into Ms. Deblasio's room. Not only will she fix your hair, but she will brighten the rest of your day!

~Caroline

Favorite Books

           I'm interested to know... what's everyone's favorite books? Or what are your favorite series'? And what makes you like those series'? I think I tend to like books in which I enjoy relating to, or putting myself in the main character's situation. For example, my favorite series'  are Harry Potter, Twilight, Percy Jackson, and Eragon; I would love to be a wizard, vampire, demigod, or dragonrider.
           Harry Potter was fun to read because of all of his adventures and what he accomplished throughout growing up. I'd like to be in his situation because I like being under pressure, and of course having hi capabilites would be quite enjoyable.
           Twilight is probably my most favorite. All of the relationships in it; family, friends, and couples, were all nice to follow, and I believe they teach you some about real life relationships and how to treat people you're close to. Also, the awesomeness of vampires and their capabilities just make me wish I could be one. Being a werewolf would be interesting as well... but you wouldn't have the ability to live forever.
           Percy Jackson being part god just seems like it would be the coolest thing ever. I mean who wouldn't love to control elements or be able to control other people's emotions or reactions? You could get away with so much fun with this. This is why I loved reading about all of his adventures with other demigods like him; if I could choose to be anyone from a book or fantasy, I'd be a demigod.
           Eragon was probably the series I got most hooked on. I think I read each of those books in a day or so. I was obsessed with the relationship between him (a dragon rider) and Arya (an elf princess). I was constantly hoping they would get together at some point but in the end I was so disappointed when they couldn't be together because he had to leave to raise baby dragons. (Sorry if I spoiled it). Anyways, I'd enjoy being able to ride a dragon, and influence the elements like he can. I enjoyed this series a lot although the end disappointed me.
           Leave comments and let me know what everyone's favorite books are. Thanks (:


          












         

Anarchic Writing

You Have All These Rules, And You Think They'll Save You.

I Only Have One Rule.

Then That's the Rule You'll Have to Break.

     It is pretty clear that good grammar is incredibly important. We've all been taught about the Oxford comma, passive/active voice, proper semi-colon use, etc. Grammar aids comprehension, and makes a writers words come out clean and clear. Improper grammar, even when spoken, can infuriate even the kindest heart. Look at any web forum or online discussion and the moment someone uses the wrong "there," five people are poised to jump down there throats. Did you catch that? Now your mad at me. Catch that one? Pretty mad, right? You shouldn't like it. You understand I meant "their," and "you're," so you're not really confused. These errors should be corrected, since they may compound into bad habits. Everyone's heard the "Let's eat Grandpa!" and "Let's eat, Grandpa!" example. Now, not all situations are quite so serious, but any hinderance to a papers comprehension may affect the readers understanding.

     Lets take a U-Turn here. Proper grammar and mechanics are undeniably important to research papers, schoolwork, and any formal piece in general. But, don't limit yourself. My favorite author, Cormac McCarthy (The Road, Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men) does not use quotation marks or apostrophes. His dialogue is blank and flows with the description, the only indiaction that someone is talking is a tab and a "he said." It makes everything more dark and silent, a tone throughout most of his novels. By not following this simple rule, McCarthy enhanced the experience of reading his novels, and helped me understand his writing. McCarthy knows he is breaking a rule, and he knows just what rules they are, which is partly why is allowed to.

     Another famous rule-breaker is E. E. Cummings, often stylized e.e. cummings. Poetry itself could be described as a bit more lawless than its prose counterpart, but there is still a typical structure, and grammar is often followed. Often in the same poem, Cummings would switch between "properness" and lack thereof, capitalizing properly, and leaving everything lowercase.

     Writing should often be described as art, and if all painters were Baroque artists, the artistry behind painting would suffer. Follow the rules, at school and in conversation. But don't be afraid to be a little rebellious. Introduce a little anarchy.

Exam Stress

Right about this time every year students return from holiday break in a frenzie to study for upcoming exams.  Exams count for a large portion of our grades which makes the stress they induce understandable.  In my high school career I have taken 9 huge exams and each and every one of those tests made me want to cry.  I cried not because I didn't understand what I was doing but because I had simply too much to do.  With the change to quarter exams the new exam week has gotten even more stressful.  Now I have studying and new homework to focus on.  All of it simply becomes too much so in order to not break down I do a couple things.  First, I take a stetp back and put all my work into piles.  Then one by one I get through the piles and after that I do a tribal dance, but not really.  After the piles are gone I lay down on my couch and watch some trash television so I don't have to think about anything.  When the test comes I simply say YOLO and destroy the test.  Most the time the test destroys me but hey, at least I tried.  Studying is something that will be around until my schooling is over but no matter what I will hate quarter exam studying more than anything.  After this week is over I will be a ray of sunshine but until then I am tired and angry.  Hopefully all of your exams go well!!!

Margaret Gearhart

Dear World

I just hope you know that written letters are great, especially when handwritten.  They are personal and intimate.  They express thoughts and feelings purely and clearly without the use of silly emoticaons... Unless, of course, you like silly emoticons  :P but hey, when you write a letter no one can tell you what to do.  No one is expecting anything from you specifically so you can do whatever you want.  I have been writing letters so much recently, some of which I have absolutely no intention of sending, but I still write them because it releases energy in a positive, creative way.
I just hope you know that writing letters is a relaxing way to learn how to write well.  Even if you don't start as an amazing, stupendous writer, you'll naturally get better.  It is also a realistic way of learnig how to write.  Some people have troubles organizing their thoughts when writing essays and most people don't want to sit around and write essays all the time just to get better.  If you write letters you can learn to convey your thoughts so that they flow in a more natural way.
I just hope you know that I love writing letters and I think more people should write them...  Silly emoticon <3

Sincerely,
~autumn smith~

Connecticut: The Rebuilding

On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza killed 20 students and six adults during a school shooting. Today, on January 3, 2013, the students of Sandy Hook Elementary are returning to school. Everyone in their little town of Newtown helped refurbish an old school just seven miles away from the old Sandy Hook Elementary. Volunteers helped paint, gather new furniture, and raise the bathroom floors to accomodate for the younger students. Police are standing outside the new building keeping away reporters. The consideration of not just those volunteers and the police force, but for everyone in the United States, is enough to bring a tear to your eye. A mother of an 8 year old student said, "I'm not worried about her going back, the fear kind of kicks back in a little bit, but we're very excited for her and we got to see many, many kids today. The atmosphere was very cheerful" (USA Today). We can only hope the city of Newtown the best of luck and keep them in our prayers while they rebuild their city back up.