- Henderson Libraries` Digital Collections

- Henderson Libraries` Digital Collections

December 2006
4
volume 13
fresh moves!
Youth dance group gives holiday classic a funky twist
class!
by, for and about the high school students of Clark County
December 2006
Vol.13, Issue 4
Founders
David Phillips • Paul Aizley • Sari Aizley
Board of Directors
President: Tom Warden,
Vice President, Community & Government Relations,
Howard Hughes Corporation
President-elect: Chris Ferrari, Deputy Director of
Government and Public Affairs, R&R Partners
Vice President: Marydean Martin,
Owner, Marydean & Associates
Treasurer: Michele Johnson,
President/CEO, Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Secretary: Sari Aizley, Publisher, Aizley Publications
Past President: Dr. Paul Aizley,
contents!
01
by, for and about the high school students of Clark County
furry friends in need! pets returned c
to shelters after the holidays 06
c
Professor of Mathematics, UNLV
Founding President: Barbara Buckley, Esq.
Nevada State Assemblywoman;
Executive Director, Clark County Legal Services
Mark Brown, President, YourBuyer, Inc.
Cindy Creighton, Executive Director,
Nevada Subcontractors Association
Kathleen Frosini, Director, Career and Technical
Education, Clark County School District
Paul Henry, Esq., President, Henry and Associates
Judy Jenner, Spanish Content Manager, Vegas.com
Denise Karpelenia, Coordinator 6-12 English
Language Arts, Clark County School District
Catherine Levy, Gov. and Public Affairs, R&R Partners
David Phillips, Photo Supervisor, CSI,
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Susan Sawyer, Guidance Counselor, Sierra Vista HS
Patrick Smith, Account Executive,
The Rogich Communications Group
Dr. Carrol Steedman, Director of Credit Programs,
UNLV Division of Educational Outreach
Myrna Williams, Clark County Commissioner
14
opinion! knowledge disappears
as teens choose technology
over literature
¡un día de silencio!
la nueva ley en Pahrump 25
Honorary Board
Shelley Berkley, U.S. Congresswoman
Jan Biggerstaff, former member,
Nevada Board of Education
Thalia Dondero, Board of Regents,
Nevada System of Higher Education
Mark Fine, Developer, CLASS! Past President
Robert Forbuss, Strategic Alliances, LLC
Mary Hausch, Asst. Professor of Journalism,
23 wired! on-line gaming –
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Gary Steven Markewich, M.D.
Julie Pippenger, Executive Director,
the latest addiction
Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
Sarah Ralston
Judi Steele, President & CPO,
Clark County Public Education Foundation
Patricia Wright
Elaine Wynn
Staff
Maureen McDonough, Executive Director
Lina Hernández, Diganos Editor
Ariel Gove, Advertising Director
Mary Phillips, Administrative Coordinator
Stephanie Espinoza, Editor
Jessica Fryman, Staff Writer
Jennifer Polito, Community Relations Director
Jennifer Campeau, Advertising Assistant
Media Services
David Phillips, Cover Photography
TenWestCreative.com, Graphic Design
Student Correspondents
Amanda Adams, Las Vegas HS
Alicia Cooper, Clark HS
Greg DaLuz, Odyssey HS
Miranda DaLuz, Odyssey HS
Pedro De Leon, PAL Intern, Las Vegas HS
Jaime Garcia, Western HS
Anupa Gewali, Green Valley HS
Whitney James, Liberty HS
Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
Farah Minwalla, Palo Verde HS
Rikki Mitchell, Faith Lutheran HS
Brianna Rizzo, Arbor View HS
Kayla-Jo Rosoff, Sierra Vista HS
Asia Sapp, Liberty HS
Kaice Scarborough, Centennial HS
Danielle Sloan, Green Valley HS
Gregan Wingert, Las Vegas HS
class!
Publications
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451025
Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025
Phone: (702) 895-1504
Fax: (702) 895-1505
Campus Services Building, Room 226
[email protected]
Submissions and Letters E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.classmag.com
CLASS! is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the United
Way of Southern Nevada. The opinions expressed herein are the views of
the student writers who submit their work. CLASS!, its board of directors,
its donors and advertisers, and the Clark County School District do not
necessarily agree with these views. Submissions considered for
publication are checked for plagiarism through Turnitin.com.
Submissions may be edited for style, content and space restrictions.
college!
how crucial are the SATs? 28
opinion!
entertainment!
body&soul!
artspace!
diganos!
wired!
sports!
instyle!
class!
10
11
14
16
19
23
24
25
schoolzone!
college!
career center!
scholarships!
26
28
29
31
on the cover…
Meadows School student Taylor Manney
swirls through Clara’s Christmas dream in the
Arabian Dance scene of IDEA’s ‘Nutcracker Remix,’
a contemporary staging of Tchaikovsky’s holiday
classic, performed by the local youth dance troupe.
02
magazine would like to thank our distinguished donors Alan Molasky • Altadis USA • Altria Corporate Services, Inc. • American Medical Response • American Pacific Corporation •
Amy Ayoub • Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation • Angel Park Golf Club • Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley • Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani • Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto and Vic Koivisto • AT&T • B&E Auto Auction •
Bank of America, George Smith • BankWest of Nevada • Barbara and Harlon Unruh • Barbara Molasky • Barrick Gold of North America • Betsy Rhodes • Bloomingdale’s • Bob and Aydie Unger • Bouchon • Boyd Gaming • Brad
Friedmutter & Linda Fresh • Caesars Entertainment • Canepa Riedy Rubino & Lattie • Charles Silvestri • Chief Justice Nancy Becker • Citibank (Nevada), N.A. • Clark County Commission • Clark County Public Education Foundation •
Clark County School District • Claudine Williams • Coach • Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Colours, Inc • Commissioner Myrna Williams • Commissioner Rory Reid • Community College of Southern Nevada • Congresswoman Shelley
Berkley • Corrigan Management Investments • Cox Communications • D’Lights • David Phillips Photographers • DeLuca Liquor & Wine, Ltd/Nevada Wine Agents • Diamond Resorts International • Diane Fearon, Bank West • Dillards
• Doggie Oasis • Dominic P. Gentile, Ltd. • Dr. Carrol Steedman • Dr. Paul Aizley & Sari Aizley • Edward Doumani • Elaine & Steve Wynn • English Garden Florist • Envelopes of Nevada • Estwin Corporation, Irwin Kishner • Ethel M
• Eureka Casino, Mesquite • Excalibur Hotel • Faiss Foley Warren • Fertitta Enterprises • Fitzgeralds • Flora Mason • Flower Peddler • Four Seasons Hotel • Frank Visconti • Friends of Chip Maxfield • Galleria Mall • GC Wallace •
Geoff Schumacher • Gilbert and Edythe Katz Yarchever • Governor Kenny Guinn • Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors • Greenspun Family Foundation • Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. • Harrie’s Bagelmania • Hispanic Broadcasting
Company • House of Blues • Howard Hughes Corporation • HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. • IGT • Jerry and Yvonne Gordon • Jerry Johnson • Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman • Jill Meredith • Jim Severson • Joe and Kim Rolston • John A.
Ritter, Focus Property Group • Jones Vargas • Joyce Mack • Judge Michael Cherry • Judi Steele • JulieAnn’s Bakery • Karen Galatz and Jon Wellinghoff • Kelly Shook • Kincaid's Flower Korner • Kitty Rodman • KLAS TV-8 • Kolesar
& Leatham, CHTD • Krispy Kreme • Kummer, Kaempfer, Bonner, Renshaw & Ferrario • KVBC Channel 3 • Las Vegas Sun • Latin Chamber of Commerce • Lionel Sawyer & Collins • Marie Callender’s Restaurant • Marie Ray, M.R.
Whitsett, Inc. • Mark and Gloria Fine • Marnell Corrao • Mary Kay • Marydean Martin • Mayor Oscar Goodman • MGM/ MIRAGE • Michael E. Minden Jewelers • Mike Smith • Naomi Arin • Neiman Marcus • Nevada Arts Council •
Nevada Department of Education • Nevada First Bank • Nevada Mining Association • Nevada Power Company • Nevada State Bank • Nevada Subcontractors Association • Nevada System of Higher Education • Nevada Title
Company • O’Reilly Law Group • Orleans Hotel • Palms Casino Resort • Paperdoll Boutique Stationery • Paradise Development • Pat Rubin • Patsy Welding • Paul Steelman Design Group • Pauline Goldmann • Peccole Nevada •
Polo Ralph Lauren • Pulte Homes/Del Webb • Pursiano Law Group • R&R Partners • Regent Thalia Dondero • Republic Services • Richard & Andrea Goeglein • Richard & Patty Wright • Rita Abbey and Robert Belliveau • Robert C.
Maddox & Associates • Ron Tiberti • Roy Purcell • Saks 5th Avenue • Samuel Schaul • Sarah Ralston • Scholastic Inc. • Schreck Brignone • NV Senator Barbara Cegavske • NV Senator Bob Coffin & Mary Hausch • Senator Harry
Reid • Sierra Health Serives • Sonja and Michael Saltman • Southwest Gas Corp. • Southwest Printers • Spa at Lakeside • Spago • Sprint • SR Construction • Station Casinos • Sue and Paul Lowden • Sunbelt Communications •
Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center • Susan Houston • Susan Sawyer, Kelly Sawyer and Andrew Doran • SW Regional Council of Carpenters • Tanya & Roni Amid • Tapestries and More • Task Force for the Fund for a Healthy Nevada •
Thom Reilly • Tiger Lily Flowers • Tower of Jewels • Trattoria Del Lupo • Tropicana Resort & Casino • U.S. Bank • Ulf Buchholz, Photographer • University of Nevada, Las Vegas • University of Nevada, Reno • UNLV Boyd School of
Law • UNLV Performing Arts Center • Venetian Foundation • Venetian Hotel • Wal-Mart Store No. 2050 • Walter Moore • Walters Group • Wells Fargo • Whittemore Family Trust • William and Lynn Weidner • Wynn Resorts
02
Fresh ‘IDEA’
by Gregan Wingert, Las Vegas HS
Taking the stage Dec. 2 and 3 at the Summerlin
Performing Arts Center, the students of the International
Dance Education Academy Pas de Deux Youth Company
found an interesting way to represent the holidays
through dance – by taking the traditional “Nutcracker”
ballet and jazzing it up.
The “Nutcracker Remix” is appropriately titled, considering the different elements
that are incorporated into the original ballet. Skeletons and ghouls replace soldiers
and mice, and candy-makers fill in for the cooks. There is a Queen of Ghouls instead
of a Mouse King, and it is not a Sugar Plum Fairy, but rather a Sugar Plum Cherry.
“I think the most difficult part was taking a traditional
ballet and mixing it up,” says Kayla Aimable, a freshman
at Las Vegas Academy who performed in the “Remix.”
She adds that many people have seen the mice in the traditional version, so in the
“Remix,” the ghouls make it cooler.
Even more creative than the characters is the combination of dance styles, including
jazz, hip hop and tap, along with ballet. The mix of music features some original
pieces created by classical composer Pytor Tchaikovsky. However, to go along with
the show’s jazzy feel, music by artists such as Duke Ellington modernize the classic.
However, even with all the innovation, “it is basically the same story as the original,”
says Carole Sampson, artistic director and headmistress for IDEA.
The “Remix” performance follows the same plot with some familiar characters, such
as Clara, Drosselmeyer the clockmaker and the Nutcracker himself. The story
involves Clara being swept away into a magical dream world, where she must help
Drosselmeyer’s nephew, who was transformed into holiday Nutcracker soldier. The
only way he can change back is to defeat the Queen of Ghouls, who is responsible
for casting the spell on him, and to be loved by a girl regardless of his physical
appearance — which is quite a task for a nutcracker.
There are two main acts, and within them, different scenes. The opening act has a
holiday party scene, complete with falling snowflakes. With five different sets and
more than 20 different costume changes, the performance is truly visual.
“Costumes just bring out your dancing,” Aimable says.
Over the span of seven weeks leading up to the December performances, the 32
performers in the “Nutcracker Remix” rehearsed every Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
The age of the performers ranged from 8 to 17 years old, not including a couple of
professionals who joined the show to inspire the students to dance their best.
“It’s been stressful, but we really pulled it together, and I think it’s a really good
show,” says Taylor Manney, an eighth grader at Meadows Middle School, who
performed in the “Remix.”
Though there was no time for friends, birthday parties or anything else on Saturdays
during rehearsals, Manney and Aimable both admit that dancing in the “Nutcracker”
was a fun experience and well worth it.
Top: Clara’s mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, brings dolls to life at Clara’s Christmas party. Clown
dolls portrayed by Valentina Sytcheya, Kenny Guinn MS (left) and Michael Norsworthy, a guest artist
with the IDEA troupe (right).
Center: Clara’s friends dance to holiday beats. The friends are played by (back row l-r) Alyssa Magno,
KO Knudson MS and Samantha Itchon, Alexander Dawson MS; (front row l-r) Delaney Otjes, Sig
Rogich MS; Gail Manipon Sig Rogich MS; and Megan Parks, Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr HS.
Bottom: Candymakers in the Land of Sweets: (back row l-r) Krystina Kinney, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
School; Annabel Gordon, Meadows School; Aaron Sampson, Meadows School; Alyssa Magno, KO
Knudson MS; Erianne Kennell, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School; Delaney Otjes, Sig Rogich MS; (front
row l-r) Kayla Aimable, LVA and Brittainy Terry, LVA.
“I live to dance and I dance to live,” says Manney, who
aspires to seek a professional career in dance.
Throughout the course of learning the dances, each student had his or her part, but
all the students had to know ballet.
“It’s the ABC of dance,” says Sampson. She continues that when it comes to
learning how to dance, you have to learn ballet before anything else. And once you
know it, other dances such as tap and jazz come easier.
remixes holiday favorite
03
It takes a great deal of discipline and commitment, says
Sampson, whose favorite aspect about this
performance is the dancers and seeing how much they
have progressed.
Some of her students who were part of the Nevada Ballet
Theatre have already danced the original version of the holiday
classic, but about half have not. Sampson hopes her students
will learn the choreography and the meaning of hard work, but
she also hopes they will take with them an overall education
from the experience.
“What I like about these kids is we are one big happy family.
They all know that it is a team effort, and even though a few
have their solo parts, no one tries to be the diva. They know the
only diva here is me,” says Sampson.
And her students agree with just how close the dancers
are to each other and to Sampson.
“We love her to death,” says
Aimable. “She has so much
wisdom and she is helping
us make our dreams
come true.”
Aimable and Manney both hold
Sampson in the highest respect. They
describe her as a second mom and say
they don’t know what they’d do without her.
Sampson was born and raised in South Africa,
and was part of the Royal Academy of Dance.
She has danced professionally around the world,
including in cities such as Paris, France. She
has owned several dance studios across Africa
and was one of the first dancers from South
Africa to perform on the Las Vegas Strip in
the show “Jubilee.”
In September 2003, Sampson opened the
International Dance Education Academy.
Because Sampson is from South Africa
and has been dancing around the world,
she took that perspective in the meaning
of “international” when naming her studio.
Thus, the studio has become a place
where students of any background work
together to study dance and create
diversified performance art. A branch of
the studio developed into the non-profit
program, the IDEA Pas de Deux Youth Company,
bringing the beauty of dance and the experience of
creative expression to young people in Las Vegas.
Sampson says she decided to teach dance
because “I always wanted to be
connected with dance, and what
better way than with children.” !
The Land of the Sugar Plum Cherry:
Clockwise from top: Taylor Manney, Meadows
HS; Allison Jacks, Palo Verde HS; Elsa Iwai,
Palo Verde HS; Gabrielle Petsone, Palo Verde HS;
and Kayla Aimable, LVA.
04
Homeless for the Holidays
c
cDasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen and even
by Kayla-Jo Rosoff, Sierra Vista HS
Comet and Cupid are all animals that come
to mind during the holiday season. But those
countless animals that end up back at shelters
after the holidays are over are much more
difficult to think about.
c
Yes, the present that was so cute and cuddly in one’s arms on Christmas
morning soon becomes a bore and a pain to take care of for too many new
pet owners. Now, in the blink of an eye, a pet that was simply looking for
love and a good home has fallen victim to a widespread epidemic.
Fifty percent of all pets given away as holiday presents end up given away again –
to the pound.
Even more disturbing is the fact that the number of pets abandoned at shelters spikes
after the release of TV shows and movies featuring adorable puppies or kittens.
For example, within six months of the release of Disney’s ‘101 Dalmatians,’ the
rescue rate of the canines with a multitude of spots increased by 25 percent –
which doubled with the movie’s sequel, some years later.
Jamie Hollis of Dewey Animal Shelter has seen many animals given back both
during and after the holiday season, including many Dalmatians.
Her advice to someone who wants to give the gift of a furry companion is,
“Include the person beforehand; let them know what you want to get them
because it may not always work out.”
Though they are unable to screen candidates for adoption, Hollis and her coworkers at
shelters across the valley are able to keep strict rules about the return policy
of their pets. If the animal is not returned within a 14-day period, a family or individual
will be unable to receive a full refund, and instead the pet can only be exchanged.
Along with the Dewey and Lied shelters, the Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to
Animals shares the load when hundreds of unwanted animals are returned during
the gift-giving season.
Doug Duke, Nevada SPCA executive director, wants only that the animals up for
adoption “stay adopted and be treated with love and kindness.” However, unlike
a shelter, the SPCA is able to screen everyone who is considering adoption at
their organization.
Though Duke and Hollis’ dedication to those who cannot speak for themselves is
tireless, it still remains a fact that most kittens and puppies born in Las Vegas and
other metropolitan cities across the U.S. do not reach their second birthdays. Of even
further concern to many is the fact that, simply due to behavior problems, puppies as
young as seven months old can end up in shelters, only to be later euthanized.
Shell Stacey, a senior at Las Vegas Academy, has gone many holiday seasons minus
a pet. Though a lover of cats and birds, she still understands the dangers the
creatures face come December and January. “I would love a pet for Christmas, but I
know the statistics they face and would definitely take that into consideration if I or
someone I knew wanted to get me a pet,” she says.
No matter what holiday is being celebrated, it is this emotional time of year that causes
many to think with their hearts instead of their heads. But that is exactly why bringing a
pet into the picture is not the best idea. Because it is a crazy time of year, the holiday
season is simply not the time to introduce a new, living thing into the family.
c
c
photo above: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Gift pets abandoned at alarming rate
“During this time of the year, it is common for people to capitalize on the flow of emotions
and make spur of the moment decisions,” according to The Dalmatian Club of
America.
Adding to the already heightened emotions is the multitude of activities and chores
the season piles on. Unable to receive the full attention and love they deserve, pets
become left in the dark. With the tasks of running around buying presents, baking
cookies and making the house look presentable during the holidays, new pet owners
pay little attention to the new addition to the family.
Deciding to never adopt a pet, however, is not a good option either, as in Southern
Nevada alone more than 25,000 pets are euthanized, often because they’ve never
been found a home.
Brianna Padilla, a senior at Sierra Vista High School, recognizes the importance of
an animal’s adoption. Through her job at Valley Animal Hospital, Padilla has seen
her share of animals put to sleep.
“It is heartbreaking to watch these animals be put to sleep,” she says. “This
is why I encourage people to adopt at other times during the year when it
is more quiet and relaxed, and someone can devote their full attention to
the animal.”
Though Padilla's message is preached continually in various media, each year
thousands upon thousands of creatures will continue to be adopted and given away
within just weeks of the last sight of Santa’s sleigh.
When considering buying a pet for oneself or someone else, people should wait for
the right time and do as much research as possible. Books, educational videos and
even magazine subscriptions can allow anyone to narrow down the search for the
right kind of pet so that when the next holiday season rolls around, the animals will
already be living in stable and loving homes with their new owners !
05
Homework
hotline
available for students in need
Though tonight’s pile of confusing homework may
seem like a looming threat, students no longer need
to fear. There’s actually a helpful homework
resource they can use for free, and it’s only a
phone call away.
by Rikki Mitchell, Faith Lutheran HS
Would you use the homework hotline?
“If I was really
stumped, then sure
I would call them!”
The homework hotline is a service that provides academic assistance to
students, particularly in math.
Alexis Mlynarek,
Faith Lutheran senior
The hotline will be running from Sept. 11, 2006 to June 28, 2007.
Students can call in their homework questions between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.,
Monday through Thursday.
Teachers and student workers are the ones who answer questions called into
the hotline. They can offer assistance in any subject at any grade level.
Not only can you call in with your questions, but some questions will also be
answered live on the homework hotline television show. This show airs from 45 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays on Cox Communications channel 111 at
home and channel 7 EBS closed-circuit television at after-school Safekey sites.
The hotline is completely free of charge, and is sponsored through a
partnership with the Clark County School District, Vegas PBS, Cox
Communications and Nevada Power.
“I think it’s a great idea to have [the homework hotline] because it gives the
students another place to go. A lot of the students don’t come to me for
help because they might be intimidated,” says Faith Lutheran pre-calculus
teacher Gretchen Hagge.
If you or someone you know would like to become part of the staff that
answers calls on the hotline, you can schedule an interview by calling the
School-Community Partnership Program at 799-6560. Applicants must have
at least a 3.0 GPA, be in grades 11 or 12, have good telephone skills and
be positive role models for their schools. Applicants must also bring a recent
high school transcript and one letter of recommendation to the interview.
The hours are 3:15-5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
“I like working for the hotline because I’m able to help a lot of students,
and we get so many different questions everyday. The students are very
appreciative for the help we offer,” says Sig Rogich Middle School teacher
Margi Zimmerman. “We don’t have very many student helpers this year, but
it varies. We should be getting more soon.”
So if you have a question, call the homework hotline
at 799-5111 to get real help for difficult assignments !
Homework hotline
799-5111
“Yes I would call the hotline because it would
be helpful and easy, plus they don’t know
who I am so I don’t feel dumb because I
don’t know the answer.”
Cameron Tripp, Faith Lutheran junior
“I do call the hotline, actually.
I’ve done it twice.”
Ian Volner, Faith Lutheran senior
“Yes I would call them. They can
help me if I can’t do it myself.”
Jackie Guedry, Faith Lutheran junior
“Yes, they know what they’re doing
and they can teach me.”
Mike Beal, Faith Lutheran junior
“Honestly, I’d rather call or e-mail my
teacher because I trust
my teachers.”
Andrew Morse, Faith Lutheran sophomore
“No, I’d just call my teacher because
I feel more comfortable because the
hotline workers might have a different
kind of teaching method.”
Henry Liu, Faith Lutheran sophomore
“No, I would rather just call my friend
who’s in the class.” Jessi Carter, Faith Lutheran junior
“No, I’d rather go to the teacher
because I feel more comfortable
talking to them.”
Kristi Bustos, Faith Lutheran junior
06
From schoolbooks
to stroller
Teen tells what it's like to be pregnant in school
by Desiree Montalvo, Green Valley HS
Among talk radio and teenage TV dramas, there’s one
common theme that seems to exist the most prominently:
the transgression of students’ morals.
In such an environment, Green Valley High School senior Shayna Chavez says accidents
can happen. Three months after her 17th birthday, Chavez became pregnant.
Before Chavez was even aware of her pregnancy, she says her mother knew.
Dr. Nancy Long, Chavez’s mother, is an obstetrician/gynecologist, and will be
delivering her daughter’s baby.
“When I first told her I was pregnant, she said she
already had an idea of what was to come,” says Chavez.
Chavez’s mother is helping financially with the child, but her father is no longer
involved in her life. Chavez says he couldn’t handle the fact that she was pregnant.
“He went ballistic,” she explains. “He didn’t want this to happen to me right now.
He hasn’t shown any sign of helping me, and he doesn’t want to help me. So I
just decided to block him out of my life.”
Medical professionals say that most times, teens struggle to find the support they
need to have a child.
“Most of the time, teens don’t have very supportive families, so they can suffer
serious psychological problems,” says St. Rose Hospital Charge Nurse Janis Inholt.
According to Inholt, having a baby as young as 17 poses serious health risks for the
mother and the child. Inholt says that the mother is at risk for having a low
birthweight baby, and she’s also twice as likely to die of pregnancy complications.
Inholt also adds that as long as the teenager takes the pregnancy seriously and
leads a healthy lifestyle, she should be fine.
In a survey of 60 Green Valley High School students, grades nine through 12, 70
percent of students thought that their peers were aware of the health risks
associated with teens giving birth.
Chavez decided to have her child because she says she doesn’t believe in abortion
or adoption.
“I decided to keep him because I don’t think I could give him up for adoption,”
says Chavez. “I just feel it’s my responsibility to take care of him, mainly because
I got myself into this situation.”
Senior Amanda Kesjaral agrees with Chavez’s decision.
“People may look down on girls who get pregnant because they don’t have any
morals,” says Kesjaral. “I have respect for girls who decide to have the baby.”
Although Chavez says she’s slightly nervous about giving birth, she believes her
biggest obstacle is the one she’s facing right now: continuing her education.
“Being pregnant at a conservative school is really frustrating,” she explains.
“People look at me and they’ll look down and just stare. I don’t care what other
people think or if they’re staring at me, but they need to get over it.”
Health teacher Erin Hill says, regardless of age, pregnancy is a process that humans
are amazed with.
“When I was pregnant with my son, I’d be standing at my door and kids would just
stare,” says Hill. “I don’t think it’s a feeling of isolation, but students are just
curious.”
GVHS students agree. Eighty-six percent of students surveyed are comfortable going
to school with someone who is pregnant, and 74 percent believe teen pregnancy is
less accepted at GVHS than at other schools in the district.
“Because of our location and our reputation, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make
our own standards, and our morals are tough live up to,” says junior Sierra
Rankow.
Rankow also believes that teenagers at GVHS judge pregnant teens because it’s out
of the social norm.
“We never get past the girl as being
‘pregnant’ and maybe think of the
situation,” she says.
Vice Principal Vivian Jackson says that there are no rules informing students that
they can’t come to school if they’re pregnant, but it would be wise to inform
administration for safety reasons.
“As a school, we work with the student and we work with the family,” says Jackson.
“Every student, no matter what condition they’re in, should feel welcome here.”
Hill also says that while she doesn’t believe that a girl intends to become pregnant
as a teenager, she doesn’t think that becoming pregnant is an accident. It’s a
choice.
“We all get in a car that has seatbelts,” Hill explains. “If the car crashes and
you’re injured, it’s not an accident that you didn’t put your seatbelt on, it’s a
conscious choice.”
Hill says that this logic also applies to teen pregnancy.
“The act of sexual intercourse itself is not an accident,” she says. “If you make the
choice, then you need to be aware that consequences can happen. Abstinence is
the only foolproof method to prevent pregnancy.”
07
This teen mom from California often feels
overwhelmed with the demands of being a high
school student and a parent at the same time.
photo: Mindy Schauer MCT Campus/Orange County Register
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, this “choice”
significantly affects a girl’s future.
Only 41 percent of teenagers who have children before 18 go on to graduate from
high school, and teenage mothers are more likely to live in poverty.
Also, a child is 50 percent more likely to repeat a grade in school, perform poorly on
standardized tests and drop out before finishing high school.
Eighty-three percent of GVHS students believe that when a girl’s body starts to show
that she’s pregnant, she should continue going to school.
“Girls who are pregnant at GVHS should be allowed to come to school,” says junior
Roz Flores. “They probably are dealing with a lot. Education gives them a chance
to succeed.”
Medical professionals agree.
“As long as the teenager is physically able to handle walking around school,
then she can continue going without posing any risks to herself or the child,”
says Inholt.
“Pregnancy is more than what you would think it is,” she says. “You go from
[being] a high school student to [being] an adult, and in the process I missed
college, freedom and time with my friends.”
Like Chavez, Reynolds had to make many quick decisions.
“My father was pressuring me to get an abortion because of the perceptions
associated with being a single mother,” she explains. “So I married the father of
the child right out of high school. It didn’t last and now I’m a single mom again.”
She continues, “It wasn’t like we just had a new puppy that you could give away.
We had to grow up fast and we really struggled financially. ”
Chavez says that her life has continued to be relatively normal. She gets up, goes
to school, goes home and picks up her sisters from school almost every day.
“I pretty much just rest and eat the whole day,” says Chavez. “If there’s something
going on, it’s usually a doctor’s appointment or something.”
She says her experience has enabled her to give advice to teens.
“Try not to get yourself into a bad situation.
Chavez plans to continue school after the birth of her baby and hopes to move to
Washington to go to photography school.
“My boyfriend’s mom lives up there, so hopefully
we’ll move up there after the baby is born,” she says.
Until then, Chavez has the support of her friends.
“At first, they were nervous for me, but they were also really happy. They don’t
treat me any differently,” says Chavez.
Sophomore Olivia Scott says Chavez is lucky for having this support.
“The majority of students would shun
girls who become pregnant,” says Scott. “I
think we should learn to accept everyone
and not judge someone based on their
personal decisions.”
Senior Julian Rhodes also believes that judging someone is wrong.
“To view teenage pregnancies in school as inappropriate is simply ignorant,”
Rhodes says. “Teenage pregnancy should not result in being outcast from society.”
*Callie Reynolds, a former GVHS student, also became pregnant during her senior
year of high school. Reynolds says she thought she was capable of handling a child.
You never know what’s going to happen,” she says.
For teens in the same situation, she believes they should make the best of
the circumstance.
“Hang in there and do what’s best for you and your family,” she says. “Most
importantly, do what’s best for yourself.” !
*Name has been changed
opinion!
08
Are we already experiencing
a ‘brave new world?
have your say · tell it like it is · get it off your chest · make some noise
Are we already experiencing
a ‘
brave new world?’
“Technology keeps us from
reading and learning”
by Asia Mayfield, Meadows HS
“I’m never really disconnected from technology.
I’m either at home IM-ing [instant messaging] someone,
or I’m texting someone on my cell phone or looking at
my MySpace page. If it comes down to doing homework
or doing something online, I’ll almost always choose to
do something online,” says Cathy Han, a Meadows
School junior.
It isn’t news that students procrastinate when
they have homework. The difference is the way in
which they choose to do it.
Years ago a student wishing to avoid a particularly long and nasty assignment could
occupy his time by going for a bike ride, reading a book or perhaps catching a show
or two on television. The activities were healthy and freed their minds, making it
easier to go back to their work later.
Now, however, the ways in which a student chooses to amuse himself are so
engrossing that it becomes hard to stop and pull himself away. Just when you’re
ready to log off AOL Instant Messenger, someone ‘IMs’ you with the latest gossip —
and you can’t miss that, right?
Or perhaps you’re preparing to start on that English essay, but your MySpace gets a
new friend request. So you have to go look at her page, accept her and send her a
comment. Before you know it, the English essay is long forgotten.
“Hey, there… I’m finding your book to be quite absorbing.”
The distractions of technology affect more than one’s homework grade. Studies show
that SAT scores are the lowest they have ever been. According to CollegeBoard.com,
the average critical reading score was only 503 out of 800 points possible, with
math scores falling to 518 out of 800 points possible. And the new writing section
that everyone’s talking about? The average score is only 497.
A possible reason for these low scores may be the fact that the most reading these
students do involves something like the following:
“
Omg, did u ctht? It was like sooooooooooo crzy. O,
g2g. ttyl!”
It’s hard to be able to define ‘impetus’ or ‘derelict’ when students are no longer
reading books for pleasure, but instead finding amusement through technology.
Almost every student would rather watch a video on YouTube.com than watch the
news; they’d rather read a teen magazine than an actual book.
A junior who wishes to remain anonymous says, “I don’t think I need to read books
to survive in today’s world. Nobody does it because no one needs to. I got an A in
English without having to read a single book because of sparknotes.com. I don’t
need books anymore. I’m not missing out on anything that important.”
At the rate we’re going, the classics of Mark
Twain and William Shakespeare will be long
forgotten, replaced by the latest 21st century
authors — P aris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
The social critic Niel Postman says, in regard to the George Orwell classic ‘1984’
and Adolus Huxley’s ‘Brave New World,’ “What Orwell feared were those who would
ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book,
for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”
Maybe we’re closer to a ‘brave new world’ than we think !
what’s hot and what’s not in the world of books, film, music and nightlife
Vegas band rises to great heights
By Cash Colligan, Liberty HS
Growing up, brothers Brian and Jeremy Lee knew they were destined to live a life
that millions have only dreamed of. With the additions of Patrick Martens and
Joey Resley, they formed the local rock band, Ashbury, in April 2005. With two
EPs (early production CDs) and a brand new CD, titled Complacency, their
success continues to grow toward that dream.
“I love everything about music!” says
Brian. “It carries me and gives me this
unexplainable energy, which is why I
never stop doing it.”
Ashbury pulled in the top votes
and took off for the east coast.
In December of 2005, the band opened
for Panic! At the Disco. Ever since that
opportunity was given them, they have
been striving for greater achievements.
No one could have predicted the
success in store for their future.
Liberty High School’s own student council had the opportunity to hear Ashbury on Aug.
12 during their yearly retreat at Mt. Charleston.
Earlier this year, a contest generated by Jon Bon Jovi, titled ‘Opening Act,’ gave Las
Vegas bands the chance to send their songs to local radio station Mix 94.1. Votes were
submitted by listeners for the top band to open for Bon Jovi at the MGM Grand in front
of more than 10,000 people.
Five finalist bands were chosen and had their song played — one band per day — on
the popular radio talk show, ‘Mark and Mercedes in the Morning.’ Listeners of the
station were able to call in or go online to vote for their favorite song/artist once all five
songs had been played. It was Ashbury’s musical proclivity that got them the most
votes and the opening act.
But that wasn’t the end of it. A national contest was held with other big-city winners
across the country. This time the winner would open for Bon Jovi yet another time —
but for more than 80,000 people at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Once again,
Meg & Dia worth a listen
by Lauren Clark, Eldorado HS
Meg & Dia, a local band from Salt Lake City, Utah,
released their first official album, Something Real, in
August. This CD proves that these two young girls have
what it takes to make it big.
Early this year, Meg & Dia were signed by
Doghouse Records, and their first full-length
album came out Aug. 8. Critics acclaimed
it, yet the band is still relatively unknown.
Meg & Dia, the band, started when
sisters Meg and Dia Frampton received a
guitar and a karaoke machine for
Christmas when they were in eighth and
sixth grades, respectively. They started
their first band later that year. Soon, the
adolescents had a few songs written
about love, heartache and literature.
Their musical aspirations were put on
hold when Meg went off to college, but
when Dia joined her sister at college,
they started their band up once again.
They found Nick Price and Kenji Chan
to join them as their drummer and
fellow guitarist, and quickly began
09
entertainment!
entertainment!
Vegas band on the rise
Meg & Dia release first album
Aguilera’s mature style
The Rapture’s
Pieces of the People We Love
playing shows in Utah, Nevada and
anywhere they could get a gig.
In no time, they had developed a good,
young fan base, though some of the fans
dislike the changes the band has gone
through with different members, and
prefer Meg & Dia without the boys.
“I personally liked Meg & Dia before
Kenji and Nick joined the band,” says
teen fan Jess Nelson. “I liked it when
Meg & Dia would sit on stage with their
acoustic guitars and two microphones
and spill their heart to the crowd.”
Many fans don’t mind the changes,
however, and plan to follow the band
regardless of how it evolves.
“I love Meg & Dia no matter what,”
says Carly Clark. “I love their old stuff
“I was trembling with anxiety,” says Jeremy. “Imagine 80,000 people screaming so loud
the stage is shaking. The people went on for miles — well, at least it seemed that way.”
“There’s so much energy in that band,” says Liberty Student Body President Patrick
Marshall. “I knew half of the songs from hearing them just once live.”
The song that started it all for them, ‘A Fire’s Ablaze,’ is now in the regular radio
rotation at Mix 94.1 and was also voted the number one song on Mix Most Requested
— over big acts such as Fall Out Boy, Jack Johnson and John Mayer.
On Sept. 3, Ashbury made their national television debut when they performed
on the Jerry Lewis MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Telethon in front of millions
of viewers.
“It’s amazing how far they’ve gone,” says Alex DeLeon, lead singer of local rock group,
The Cab. “They truly deserve everything they’ve become.”
As far as record deals are concerned, the band remains mute, but can assure us there
are plans for their future. According to the band, dreams can become realities when you
set your mind to making the dreams come true. Ashbury states, “We’ve only just begun.”
Pick up a copy of Ashbury’s Complacency, as well as the rest of their merchandise, at
www.myspace.com/ashburyrock.com !
and I love their new stuff. I understand
completely why they’ve changed. How
many people would pass up a good
electric band for an acoustic band?”
Clark may be right, though it is not just
their guitar style that makes Meg & Dia’s
album shine.
Something Real is filled with emotions.
It is full of heartbreak, love, caring and
everything in between.
From the song ‘Indiana,’ which is based
off a book, to ‘Nineteen Stars,’ which is
about love, this CD has it all. With their
high-pitched singing and songs you can
rock out to, Meg & Dia have it going on.
“I think this is the best CD of the year,”
says Erica Lynn Stuckey. “I can’t wait
until they play a show. I’ve supported
these girls since the beginning. I’ve only
missed two shows in Las Vegas and that
was because I had tests the next day.”
“From what I’ve heard of them, they sound
really good,” says Ashley Norwalt. “They
have such a good vibe. I love the fact that
they won’t ever change their image just to
become famous. They are so cute.”
Meg & Dia have been featured on such
TV stations as Fuse and MTV2. Though
they have yet to obtain worldwide fame,
they say that popularity isn’t what they
want the most.
“I don’t have any detailed plans for our
band,” Meg says, as quoted from the
Web site NIPP (http://www.nipp.com/
artists/ detail/meg-and-dia).
“I could say that my goals are to make ‘X’
amount of money, or sell ‘Y’ amount of
records or reach ‘Z’ amount of fans,” she
adds. “Sure, those things are important
and vital to the continuation of our
careers, but the main goal here is to
make really good, moving music that
affects peoples’ lives in a positive way.” !
entertainment!
10
!entertainment!entertainment!entertainment!entertainment!
Aguilera’s latest album
reveals a more mature style
by Sara Salayich, Coronado HS
A contemporary take on old-school rhythm and blues, Christina
Aguilera’s latest double album, Back to Basics, has the public
talking about her again. Compared to her last album, Stripped, her
August release of Back to Basics takes on a different kind of sound that
strays away from her traditional pop and branches out into the realm of R&B.
When interviewed for Seventeen magazine, Christina explained the sudden
change in the style of her music.
“My grandmother and I used to go to record stores in Pittsburgh and flip
through old records. I completely connected with the music. There’s so much
pain behind it and so much emotion conveyed in it,” Aguilera said.
Many fans were not only shocked at the change in her music, but also at the
change in her style. The risqué and provocative lyrics and clothing that Aguilera
used to be known for have morphed into a classy and sophisticated style, which
she attributes to growing up.
But don’t be fooled by her new appearance and music. Aguilera is still the same
ambitious, sensual woman as before — just in a whole new way. She wants the
world to know that nothing can hold her back. At the age of 26 (as of Dec.
18), she is finally calling all the shots in her career and her life !
The Rapture’s Pieces of the People We Love
not quite so lovable
by Danielle Sloan, Green Valley HS
There’s a reason why disco is no longer in and that’s
because, frankly, it wasn’t any good. In the Raptures’
sophomore album, Pieces of the People We Love, it truly
proves how sophomoric it is. The Rapture has managed
to take any rock that had once been in their music and
throw it to the curb.
Many praise the album as being one that
hipsters can now dance to. Yeah,
I suppose so. If hipsters are into ‘funky’
disco music.
One might call this
catchy, but I’d call
it a headache.
I agree that it is a very
danceable album…
for 50-year-olds.
Many critics claim that ‘The Devil’ is the
song that stands out on this album.
Don’t jump onto the bandwagon so
suddenly. This song proves to be just as
much funk-jazz-dance-techno nonsense
as the previous ones. The only difference
is that there are actually some evident
guitar riffs — a nice little surprise. But
those only come after girly screaming
and heavy breathing, probably intended
as a sexual innuendo.
Pieces is filled with techno dance beats,
cowbells, saxophones and Luke Jenner’s
abnormally high-pitched voice. On their
follow-up to Echoes, The Rapture —
with the help of Bloc Party producer
Paul Epworth and UK remix guru and
producer Ewan Pearson — has managed
the extraordinary.
They’ve made an album
that’s not only
completely different
from their first, but
also completely worse.
If ‘House of Jealous Lovers’ is what drew
you into The Rapture, then this album is
surely what will draw you out.
The album starts off with ‘Don Gon Do
It,’ a song that first sounds Ratatatesque, but then transforms into an ’80s
dance song that came from Thomas
Dolby’s computer. It fuses together loads
of clapping, rhythmic synth and
nonsense lyrics such as “High...high as
the sky/ Low...low as it goes/Purple
dragons fly into your eyes/Milkshake
shimmy cry and cry and cry.”
Their new single, ‘Get Myself Into It,’
sounds like it belongs in a ’70s skating
rink — which is actually the theme for
the music video. So it seems that the
band is at least aware of this. This song
also contains philosophical lyrics sure to
blow one’s mind: “Gonna get myself into
it/ Why not help me do it?” Hard drums
are evident as well as a magnitude of
bass, saxophone and a synth that
sounds like a child’s toy. The repetitive
lyrics are sure to get stuck in your head.
‘Whoo! Alright-Yeah...Uh Huh’ is a fairly
explanatory song title. It’s such an
intellectual, enlightening title that it had
to be shortened to ‘W.A.Y.U.H.’
This, too, fits into the ridiculous category
given above.
So I have concluded from intensive
hours of listening, thinking and reading,
that the only song worth listening to on
Pieces is ‘Calling Me,’ one of the two
songs on the album produced by Gnarls
Barkley’s Danger Mouse.
It is filled with a scratchy synth, guitar
riffs, raw drums and some finally toneddown vocals. The song has a definite
resemblance to the mini-LP Mirror’s ‘Olio.’
In ‘Calling Me,’ there’s even whispering —
most likely due to the almost never-ending
high-pitched bellowing that seems to
consume this record.
The album ends with ‘Live in Sunshine,’
which ditches the disco-tech sound
and moves into a sort of inspirational
hippie sound.
I think The Rapture
may be a little behind;
let’s say three decades
behind.
Expect to be hearing this album
(excluding ‘Live in Sunshine’) in dance
clubs filled with pink walls, fluffy
couches and disco balls. If those once
existed, hopefully they no longer do
!
entertainment!
!entertainment!entertainment!entertainment!entertainment! 11
12
body&soul!
1000 extra calories
teen talk
students waking up to the
effects of energy drinks
health for mind, body and spirit!
1000 extra calories teentalk
by Anupa Gewali, Green Valley HS
with Doctor George
“On the third day of Christmas, my true love
gave to me: three French hens, two
turtledoves, and 1,000 extra calories.”
That’s the familiar tune that many will be
singing post Winter Break 2006. When
the holidays come around, it’s definitely
hard to resist that extra helping of
candied yams, latkes or eggnog.
According to the National Institutes of
Health, Americans who are already
overweight tend to gain an additional five
pounds over the holiday season.
“Kids should enjoy what they eat,
considering it’s the holidays. Sometimes
it’s alright to eat a lot, but you have to
control it and not make it a habit,” says
CHS junior Karuna Narang.
“You can’t deprive yourself totally
of it because then one day you
might just explode and eat a
bunch of junk food, and that, in
the end, will be worse.”
Clark County School District Director of
Food Services Karen Vogel attributes most
holiday weight gain to both the sudden
sedentary lifestyle adopted by kids, and
also to frequent holiday get-togethers.
can do before the holiday season is
obvious. Rather than try to lose weight,
try to prevent weight gain by eating
smaller portions.
“If I’m at a holiday dinner, I eat about
the same amount as I usually do,” says
Green Valley High School junior
Stephanie Serhan. “But there is more
variety. I usually have small portions of
different kinds of food.”
teen talk for today’s teens
But According to Vogel, once
one overindulges, resurfacing
can take willpower.
by fax to 895-1505. Here is this month’s Q and A with Dr. George:
According to MealsMatter.org, the most
important thing that a concerned eater
“There are people who do a very good
job throughout the year of eating in
moderation, and then once they start
overeating, it’s hard mentally to get back
into their old routine,” says Vogel.
“It depends on how much self discipline
you have.”
holidays can be more obvious than and
not as demanding as one may think.
“I try to make sure I do some kind of
exercise,” says Ashley Artmann, GVHS
junior. “My family always goes skiing and
I definitely do some hardcore shopping.” !
Ever wonder just how many calories are in that holiday treat?
NUTRITION FACTS
Get answers to your health questions each month in the Teen Talk health column, sponsored
by Southern Hills Hospital. Dr. Constantine George, specializing in adolescent health, gives
you advice on everything from acne to asthma. Send your confidential questions by e-mail to
[email protected], by U.S. mail to CLASS!, UNLV, Box 451025, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025, or
Q. I’m interested in trying out for a sport in the spring. What can
Substitutions are available for the holiday
food lover. According to a health
professional from Quaker Oatmeal,
“[Teenagers] have more free time on their simply doing things like topping an apple
pie with fat free frozen yogurt instead of
hands, and they aren’t as active as
pecan pie, substituting baked potatoes
usual. They tend to just sit around the
for candied yams and eating white turkey
house. And when they sit around, they
tend to eat,” says Vogel. “Also, there are meat instead of dark can save many
future hours on the treadmill.
a lot more parties where the food is
usually much more elaborate, richer and Although it can be a stressful time,
higher in calories.”
exercising and keeping healthy during the
Along with the abundance of food comes
the abundance of family and related
stress. According to Vogel, this can play
a part in the battle of the holiday bulge.
Dr. Constantine George is a Las Vegas native.
He went to medical school at the University of
Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, Nevada
and finished his schooling in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. George enjoys working out and reading.
I do to start getting in shape now?
Dr. G: Regardless of what sport you are going for, you should always stay
active and fit year round. You need to come up with a basic exercise regimen that
you can stick with and do on a weekly basis. This will help you stay fit. And when
your sports season hits, depending on what sport you are participating in, you can
fine-tune your workout regimen to that sport.
Q. Is it possible to overdose on everyday pain medication like
Tylenol and Motrin?
Dr. G: Yes, and this has been in the news lately. Although these
medications are sold over the counter, many people do not read the instructions on
appropriate dosing and they do end up overdosing, which can lead to death.
Always ask your parents to read the dosing instructions with you so that you are
sure you are taking the right amount. If you are still confused, you can always call
your doctor’s office.
Q. If my grandparents on both sides have a disease like
diabetes, does that mean I’m going to get it too?
Dr. G: It does not necessarily mean that you are going to get it, but it does
show that you come from two families with diabetes and you are likely to have
other risk factors for diabetes as well. The important thing to do is to have yearly
physicals with your doctor so that if you do have risk factors for diseases like
diabetes, you and your doctor can talk about them and do something to prevent
those risks factors from turning into an actual disease.
Q. Do I need to wear sunscreen in the wintertime?
Dr. G: You should wear sunscreen year round. Even though the temperature
Calories
Fat Calories
Total fat
Carbs
Protein
Apple Pie
552
230
25.6g
72.9g
2.4g
changes, you are still exposed to the rays of the sun, which can be harmful to your
Christmas Pudding
344
165
18.4g
43.6g
3.9g
skin if you do not protect it with sunscreen and also minimize your sun exposure.
Eggnog
335
187
20.9g
19.4g
7.3g
Q. Why do people take vitamins? Is that something I really need
Holiday Creamed Corn
330
247
27.5g
21.6g
3.9g
to stay healthy?
Latkes (Potato Cakes)
319
18
2g
67.3g
9.8g
Dr. G: As a teen, if your diet is well balanced and includes foods from all of
Roast Goose
784
465
51.7g
16.2g
60.3g
Sweet Potatoes
with Marshmallows
419
123
13.7g
59.6g
5.6g
Source: Forbes.com
the major food groups, your body is probably getting all of the vitamins and
minerals that it needs, so there is no need to supplement by taking over the counter
vitamins and minerals !
body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!
13
students waking up
body&soul!
to the effects of energy drinks
by Asia Sapp, Liberty HS
the caffeine
rush…
Just what are teens drinking
to stay awake and get that
caffeine rush?
Asia Sapp polled 100 random
Liberty High School students
on the subject of energy drinks.
These are the results:
Top 5 Energy Drinks
1) Monster
2) Rockstar
3) Red Bull
4) Full Throttle
photo: Laure Morton/Seattle Times – MCT Campus
It is no surprise that the popularity of energy drinks Energy drinks are stimulants, while alcohol is
with young adults today is rapidly increasing. Teens
everywhere can be spotted walking down the
street or arriving to school with a Red Bull or
Monster in hand. But what’s so special about these
drinks and why do teens use them?
Names like Red-Bull, Rockstar, Venom, Adrenaline
Rush and Monster attract teens looking for a quick
boost of energy. Geared toward people under 30,
energy drinks are in fact instant pick-me-ups. They
contain around the same amount of caffeine as a strong
cup of coffee and over twice the amount of caffeine as
an average soda.
According to Simmons Research, 31 percent of teens
drink energy drinks regularly. This 31 percent
represents 7.6 million teens, which is an increase of 3
million teens in the last three years.
Liz Applegate, a sports nutritionist at University of
California at Davis, tells CCN.com, “These cans of
energy drinks have some enticing, very sexy-sounding
claims – that they lift you up, that they give you more
energy. Frankly, they’re nothing much more than
caffeine in a can with a lot of sugar.”
Recently, students in both high school and college have
developed a new interest in energy drinks. More and
more teens are even starting to experiment with mixing
energy drinks and alcohol. Teens believe that adding
energy drinks will prolong the alcohol’s buzz, when in
fact that is not the truth.
considered a depressant. The stimulation from the
energy drink masks the intoxication, causing the
consumer to believe that they aren’t drunk and then
leaving them with all the negative effects of being
impaired once the energy drink’s effects fade.
5) Sobe
Percentage of Students that
favored each energy drink
These geniuses are actually getting drunk, skipping the
buzz and going straight to the vomiting and passing
out. Sounds fun, right?
It seems that energy drinks are essentially not harmful,
but there are misleading claims as to the effects they
have on your body.
Yes, they pump you up and energize you, but one person
should never have too much of anything. Energy drinks
can tremendously boost the heart rate and blood pressure.
n Monster 27% n Red Bull 17% n Rockstar 21%
n Other 14% (includes Sobe and Full Throttle)
n Did Not Drink Energy Drinks 21%
(maybe even two bites) to eat and see if you feel a
little bit better. And try to cut down on the Snickers
Many people use the drinks as an easy way out of
bars. Sugar is not the only thing that can give you
sleep, but these so-called “energy” drinks dehydrate the
energy, and it’s definitely not the healthiest.
body, which ends up taking away the body’s energy
Pick up a fruit on the way out the door. American
after a time – the exact opposite of what they’re
Institute for Cancer Research Senior Science Advisor
advertised to do.
Dr. Ritva Butrum says via www.aicr.org, “Research
These drinks were once targeted toward sports players
suggests that consuming more vegetables and fruits
and fitness fanatics. Soon, however, these people
will help people restore their energy balance at the
realized what they were consuming. No athlete would
same time as reducing their cancer risk.”
drink two cans of soda right before a game or an
exercise session. But as the sports industry got smarter, You’ve really got to start weighing the outcomes
–energy, health and a lowered risk of cancer, or energy,
so did the major energy drink companies. Now they
dehydration, high blood pressure and a boosted heart
target the young and naïve.
rate. Fruit isn’t something that can really harm you.
So, when you need that boost of energy, think twice
The same can’t quite be said about an energy drink.
about how you’re going to get it. The biggest (and most
misused) alternative is actually FOOD. Grab a bite
Think about it !
14
artspace!
Exhibit your artistic talents in words and
pictures. E-mail your work to
[email protected], and be sure to
include your name, your school, and a
description of your artistic medium
your space to express your vision in art and poetry
between
the lines
the
telegram
by Elizabeth Christman, Coronado HS
by Max Siebler, Coronado HS
I got there late and their eyes bled red
everything worth saying left unsaid
but you caught me coming down the steps
and I ran and waved and jumped and leapt
so you smiled and waved with your hat
and said before Christmas you’d be back
arms out the window, we’re touching your hand
and running with the cars for as long as we can
“You’ll come running back again someday?”
Chain link fence blocks
a clear view
he looked like
a telegram from god
And I showed up later with my coat in my arm
waiting for everyone the crowd was gonna storm
but slow coming in with black on the car
and we all knew what it was for
so we sat on the benches and waited to be crushed
but we still hoped the ending wouldn’t be rushed
and they came back one by one
falling to pieces as they went down the steps
but I never saw him get off the train
Between the sensations,
hatred brews.
frontliners
by Justin Najar, Green Valley HS
Between the squares beauty is
gently displayed.
Nervous sweat dances down a
ballerina’s cheek.
Between the music,
she glows confidently.
Ignorance closes insight
for closed-off minds
Naïveté fogs honesty, truth,
and love
Between the lines these
ideals leak.
A grin of a smile,
A chuckle of a laugh,
life radiated
love triumphed
at least
in the middle
of the message
a baby blueblood
changes the world
wrote: try peace
A glimmer of hope,
All bear in common
I went back and saw them “All Aboard!” again
the whistles and their ropes had been replaced since then
and I thought I saw the same people before
come back in boxes and pieces and stains on the floor
so when I said goodbye with everyone I didn’t wait
I turned around, laughed at the freight
and I’ll be back when they come back
when the bodies get switched and the crates get stacked
and more will die so you won’t die in vain
scratching
the empyrean
while the sun rose
he made
the earth
look like
christ(mas) mo(u)rning
That between the lines lay a
deeper meaning.
Look not at the lines
But between them.
stop
engines
of freedom
by Elizabeth Christman, Coronado HS
stars in
the gutter
by Jenny Qi, Silverado HS
We all live in the gutter,
And sometimes all we see
is a world of desolation —
yellowed newspapers,
torn grocery bags,
and crinkly gum wrappers floating
in the muck
But some of us shall not despair;
Engines roar, an effort for freedom
Long distances already make
them free.
Flags flutter freely, floating in
the breeze,
Searching separately to symbolize
all good.
Good battles evil in the stars
and stripes.
Freedom fighting oppression with
curled horns bashing.
Listen in silence: the flowing wind,
there’s hope in the murky waters
Rustling of a simple symbol.
of our lonely home.
Blowing freedom to its proper place
Some of us keep dreaming
Steady on its axis, tilted there by
engines rumbling noisily.
as we look up at the stars.
breathe
by Diana Fung, Durango HS
Soon to be seen
death can’t be redeemed
Towards the light I see a star
I almost can’t see that far
artspace!
!artspace!artspace!artspace!artspace!artspace! 15
Living.
Breathing.
And if only for a moment.
Waiting for the time.
For stars like us to shine.
Until then, it is only the glares from headlights.
Creating a world of expectation.
Sometimes falling into damnation.
Breathe.
Just to live.
pavo cristatus
Sue Ann Yap, Clark HS
by Freddie Franco, Desert Pines HS junior
above and right: untitled
the arsonist
halloweenies
photoshop still life
by Alice Savell, Mojave HS
Alerta de mascotas abandonadas
Nueva ley en Pahrump
Día Mundial para
la Prevención del Sida
PAL: una mano amiga
17
entérate de las noticias nacionales y locales en español
Sin hogar para las fiestas
Las mascotas están siendo abandonadas a un nivel alarmante
por Kayla-Jo Rosoff, Sierra Vista HS
Muchos estudiantes tienen mascotas, especialmente perros y gatos. Muchas de esas mascotas todavía siguen con
nosotros, pero muchos otros se han ido a un mundo mejor. ¿Y quiénes no viven las fiestas navideñas con sus lindas
mascotas? ¡Todos lo hacemos! Pero algo muy difícil de pensar es en todos esos animalitos que terminan en los
refugios al final de las fiestas.
El 50 por ciento de los
animalitos que se dan como
regalos en Navidad terminan
siendo regalados una vez más
– pero a una perrera.
siglas en inglés) también pueden
corroborar la alarmante devolución de
mascotas en la temporada navideña.
Estos meses se pueden convertir en un
total caos y no es conveniente traer un
nuevo miembro a la familia.
Doug Duke, el director ejecutivo de
SPCA, quiere que los animales
adoptados “se queden en sus hogares y
sean tratados con amor y cariño.” Sin
embargo, la SPCA sí tiene la habilidad
de guardar la información de las familias
e individuos que están pensando en
adoptar a una mascota.
Además de las emociones, llega también
una cantidad inmensa de cosas que
hacer en la casa. Las mascotas
usualmente no reciben el amor que
necesitan porque los dueños están
ocupados comprando los regalos,
cocinando y limpiando la casa.
A pesar de toda la ayuda que presta las
personas como Duke y Hollis, es un
Algo más perturbador todavía es el
hecho que la mayoría de perritos y
número de mascotas abandonadas en los gatitos que nacen en Las Vegas o en
refugios que aumenta después del
otras metrópolis en los Estados Unidos,
estreno de una película o un show de
no alcanzan a cumplir su segundo año
televisión donde aparecen animales.
de vida. Y otro problema aún más grande
es que, por problemas de
Por ejemplo, seis meses después del
comportamiento, muchos cachorros
estreno de la película de Disney “101
de hasta siete meses pueden terminar
Dálmatas,” el rescate de estos perros se
en refugios, para que después les
incrementó un 25 por ciento – que se
inyecten eutanasia.
duplicó con la segunda película unos
años después.
Shell Stacey, estudiante de Las Vegas
Academy, ha pasado muchas
navidades sin que le regalen
una mascota. A pesar de
que adora a los gatos y a
las aves, ella entiende que
estos animales corren
Su consejo para muchas personas que
muchos riesgos sobretodo
están planeando regarle un animalito a
en diciembre y enero y
otras personas es, “dile a la persona
además, su cuidado es
antes de tiempo; Déjales saber lo que
una responsabilidad
tienes planeado porque muchas veces las
muy grande.
cosas no salen bien.”
“Me encantaría que me regalaran
Aunque ellos no pueden tener
una mascota para Navidad, pero sé
información de quienes adoptaron a un
que estos animalitos corren peligro y
animal, Hollis y sus compañeros de
son cosas me gustaría que la gente
trabajo, tienen reglas estrictas en varios
tomara en cuenta si yo fuese una
refugios en la ciudad acerca de la
devolución de una mascota. Si el animal mascota,” dice ella.
Jaime Hollis, encargada del refugio para
animales Dewey Animal Shelter, ha visto
muchas mascotas entrar al refugio
durante y después de las fiestas
navideñas.
no es devuelto en un período de 14 días,
la familia o el individuo no podrá recibir
toda la suma de dinero, y en vez, solo
podrá cambiarlo por otro animal.
Además de los refugios Dewey y Lied, la
Sociedad para la Prevención de la
Crueldad de Animales (SPCA, por sus
No importa qué fiesta se celebre, es
un tiempo emocional para muchos y
la gente debería pensar con el
corazón y no con la cabeza.
Pero es por eso que no es
bueno hablar de mascotas
durante este tiempo.
Pero tomar la decisión de no adoptar a
una mascota tampoco es buena idea.
Solo en el sur de Nevada más de
25,000 mascotas son inyectadas con
eutanasia, usualmente porque no
encuentran un hogar donde vivir.
Brianna Padilla, estudiante de Sierra
Vista High School, reconoce la
importancia de adoptar a un animal. A
través de su trabajo en el hospital de
animales Valley Animal Hospital, Padilla
ha visto cómo los animales mueren.
“Es demasiado duro ver cómo
mueren,” dice ella. “Por eso es
que yo motivo a la gente a
adoptar animales durante una
época del año más tranquila
para que le dediquen todo el
tiempo que necesitan.”
Cuando consideres comprar una mascota
para ti o para alguien más, hazlo en un
tiempo apropiado. Lee acerca del cuidado
de estos animales para no cometer errores
después. Existen libros, videos
educacionales y revistas que
pueden ayudarte a encontrar
las claves perfectas para
que esa mascota
reciba el mejor
cuidado y
mucho
amor.
!
© www.pupfinder.com
Sí, ese perrito o gatito lindo y tierno que
se cargó en la mañana de Navidad ahora
es un dolor y un encarte para muchos
dueños. Ahora, en un abrir y cerrar de
ojos, un animalito que simplemente
estaba buscando amor y un hogar seguro
se ha convertido en una víctima más de
esta epidemia.
18
Primero libros, luego pañales
Jóvenes mujeres cuentan qué es estar embarazada en la escuela
Por Desiree Montalvo, Green Valley HS
En los programas de televisión que ven
los jóvenes siempre hay un tema
demasiado común: el quebrantamiento
de la moral de los estudiantes.
En un ambiente como ése, Shayna Chávez,
estudiante de la preparatoria Green Valley dice
que pueden ocurrir accidentes. Tres meses
después de que cumplió sus 17 años, Chávez
quedó en embarazo.
Antes de que ella misma supiera, ella dice que su mamá lo presentía. La
doctora Nancy Long, la madre de Chávez, es una ginecóloga y estará a
cargo del parto de su hija.
“Cuando le dije por primera vez, ella me dijo que
ya se lo imaginaba,” dijo Chávez.
Su madre la ayudará económicamente con el bebé, pero el padre de la criatura ya no
hace parte de su vida. Chávez comentó que el no pudo aceptar que ella estaba en
embarazo.
“Cuando quedé embarazada con mi hijo, yo me paraba en la puerta de la casa y los
niños se me quedaban mirando,” dice Hill. “No creo que sea un sentimiento de
aislamiento. Es solo que los estudiantes son muy curiosos.”
“Se puso como un loco,” ella explica. “El no quería que esto
pasara ahora. No ha mostrado ninguna señal de que me
quiere ayudar, entonces decidí borrarlo de mi vida.”
Los estudiantes de Green Valley también están de acuerdo. Ochenta y seis por ciento
de los encuestados dijeron que no les importa que alguien más en su escuela esté en
embarazo, y 74 por ciento cree que el embarazo es menos aceptado en Green Valley
que en otras escuelas del distrito.
Profesionales médicos dicen que muchos jóvenes luchan por conseguir cualquier tipo
de apoyo.
“Por nuestra localidad y nuestra reputación, nosotros mismos hemos hecho nuestras
propias reglas y nuestro propio código,” dice Sierra Rankow, estudiante.
“Muchos veces ni siquiera los jóvenes tienen el apoyo de sus familias, de ahí
pueden desarrollar problemas psicológicos,” dice una enferma, Manis Inholt,
del Hospital St. Rose.
La vicerrectora de la escuela, Vivian Jackson, dice que no hay ninguna regla que le
impida a las estudiantes embarazadas asistir a sus clases, pero sería una buena idea
hablar con la administración para su seguridad.
Según Inholt, tener un bebé a los 17 pueden causar riesgos en la salud para la madre
y para la criatura. Inholt dice que la madre podría sufrir el riesgo de traer al mundo a
un bebé prematuro y que también, está dos veces más propensa a morir por
complicaciones en el embarazo. Inholt también añade que si la joven lleva un buen
embarazo y lo toma en serio, los riesgos se minimizan.
“Nosotros trabajamos con los estudiantes y con la familia,” dice Jackson. “Cada
estudiante, independientemente de su situación, debe sentirse bienvenido aquí.”
En una encuesta hecha a 60 estudiantes de la preparatoria Green Valley, el 70 por
ciento piensa que sus compañeros saben de los daños que un embarazo mal llevado le
puede dar a la salud.
“Todos nos montamos en carros que tienen cinturones de
seguridad,” Hill explica. “Si ocurre un accidente y sales
herido, tú tomaste la decisión de no ponértelo.”
Chávez decidió tener el bebé porque dice que ella no cree ni en el aborto ni en
la adopción.
Hill dice que esta teoría también aplica al embarazo.
“Quiero tenerlo porque no creo que sea capaz de darlo en
adopción,” dice ella. “Siento que es mi responsabilidad
cuidarlo porque fui yo la que cometí un error.”
Otra estudiante, Amanda Kesjaral, está de acuerdo con la decisión de Chávez.
Hill dice que ella no cree que las jóvenes quieren quedar en embarazo, pero tampoco
cree que es un accidente. Es una opción.
“Tener relaciones sexuales no es un accidente,” dice ella. “Si tomas esa decisión,
entonces necesitas saber que existen consecuencias. La abstinencia es la única manera
cien por ciento segura para no quedar en embarazo.”
De acuerdo con la Campaña Nacional para Prevenir el Embarazo entre Jóvenes, esta
“opción” puede afectar en gran parte al futuro de una adolescente.
“La gente tiende a mirar mal a las chicas que están
embarazadas porque piensan que no tienen moral,” dice
Kesjaral. “Yo en cambio admiro y respeto aquellas que
deciden tenerlos.”
En la preparatoria Green Valley, 83 por ciento de los estudiantes creen que las
adolescentes deben continuar con su educación.
Aunque Chávez también comenta que está! un poco nerviosa por el parto, dice que
ahora su obstáculo más grande es el mismo que vive todos los días: seguir con su
educación.
“El embarazo es más grande de lo que tú piensas,” dice una
estudiante que no quiso dar su identidad. “Primero tu eres
un estudiante y de repente un adulto. Mientras tanto, pierdes
libertad, la universidad y tiempo para pasar con tus
amigos.”
“Estar en embarazo en una escuela conservadora es muy frustrante,” ella explica. “La
gente me mira y se quedan perplejos. No me importa lo que piensen de mí, ya me
olvidaré de ellos.”
La profesora de salud, Erin Hill, dice que, no importa la edad, el embarazo es un
proceso que nos sorprende a todos.
Otros estudiantes también opinan al respecto.
Chávez dice que su experiencia le ha ayudado para darle consejo a otros jóvenes.
Chávez planea seguir con su educación después de que su bebé nazca y espera irse a
vivir a Washington para estudiar fotografía !
19
Un día de Silencio: estudiantes indignados por
nueva ley en Pahrump
Una ordenanza anti-inmigrante
por Lina Hernández, editora de Díganos
Se veía venir pero nadie hizo nada. Ahora, lo que
empezó en un pequeño pueblo como Pahrump puede
llegar hasta ciudades en crecimiento como Las Vegas,
Norte de Las Vegas y Henderson.
La ordenanza ‘English Language and
Patriot Reaffirmation’ fue aceptada el
pasado 14 de noviembre en Pahrump,
Nevada con un voto de 3-2 a favor.
Básicamente, la ordenanza declara que el
idioma oficial de todos los documentos
públicos es el inglés.
Muchos critican que esta ley
gradualmente impedirá a los inmigrantes
a hablar cualquier otro idioma que no
sea inglés. La ordenanza también
pretendía impedir exhibir una bandera
extranjera en público pero después de
comentarios de la comunidad, esta idea
cambió. Ahora, la ordenanza propone
que la bandera americana deberá estar
siempre sobre la bandera extranjera para
poder exhibirla.
El pasado 28 de noviembre, los
estudiantes de varias organizaciones de
la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas se
reunieron en “un día de silencio” para
criticar la nueva ordenanza en Pahrump.
Se veían estudiantes caminando hacia
sus clases con cinta adhesiva en sus
bocas. Ya en la tarde se reunieron afuera
de la unión estudiantil para opinar. Todos
los discursos fueron en diferentes
idiomas y pudieron hablar de lo que
significaba la ley para ellos.
En la edición del 27 de noviembre del
periódico universitario “The Rebel Yell,”
se publicaron las opiniones de varios
estudiantes, entre ellas la siguiente.
“Lo más importante que queremos
comunicar es que los Estados Unidos
photos courtesy of Shaun Bruscher/The Rebel Yell/UNLV
quiere convertirse en un país de ‘solo
inglés’ dentro de un mundo
multicultural,” dijo estudiante de UNLV
Evelyn Flores, también representante de la
organización MEChA. “Nuestro sistema
está mal y tenemos que arreglarlo,”
dijo Flores.
MEChA y otras organizaciones están en
contra de la ordenanza ya que dicen que
discrimina la cultura de las personas !
Una vez más, PAL demuestra su lado humanitario
por Pedro De León, Las Vegas HS
Si se le pregunta a un señor o a una señora que tengan
más de 30 años qué piensan de los jóvenes de hoy, de
seguro van a empezar con todo lo negativo.
Otro lugar donde estuvieron ayudando los estudiantes de PAL fue ‘Kids to Kids,’
Déjenme decirles que sí hay jóvenes en la comunidad que les importa ayudar a los
“Es un sentimiento maravilloso,” dice otra estudiante Cristina
López, quien ayudó a limpiar y organizar las cajas y libros en
este lugar. “Fue muy importante para mí ayudar a esta
organización.”
que más lo necesitan. En la preparatoria Las Vegas High School existe un programa
que se llama PAL, ‘Partnership at Las Vegas.’ Este programa es una asociación de
estudiantes que ejercen una práctica educativa en sus últimos dos años de escuela.
donde la gente da donaciones de libros que ya no necesitan. Los miembros de esta
organización, usualmente de bajos ingresos, tienen la oportunidad de ir a la escuela
con estos libros.
El pasado martes, 21 de noviembre, más de 150 estudiantes de PAL fueron a
prestar su ayuda a más de 20 diferentes organizaciones en un día que le llamaron El
Día del Servicio Comunitario (Community Service Day). Organizaciones como ‘Pueblo
de Oportunidades,’ ‘El Centro para Ciegos,’ ‘Proyecto Shero,’ ‘El Centro para la
Prevención de Violaciones,’ ‘Niños a Niños,’ ‘El Centro para la Prevención del
Suicidio,’ entre otros fueron hogar para estos estudiantes. (Opportunity Village, Blind
Este ‘Día del Servicio Comunitario’ fue organizado por tres estudiantes de PAL:
Amanda McLean, Jerry Ramírez y Jimmy Huff. No fue fácil pero hicieron un buen
trabajo. Cuando se le preguntó a Mr. Bray, unos de los maestros de PAL, qué pensó
del resultado de este día, él respondió:
Center, Project Shero, Rape Crisis Center, Kids to Kids, Suicide Prevention Center).
“¡Fue increíble! Todos los estudiantes tuvieron un buen espíritu
para ayudar.”
Una de las estudiantes, Gabriela Sotano, estuvo en el Centro para Ciegos de Nevada
El programa PAL logró más de lo que querían. Ayudaron a mucha gente y todas las
donde envolvieron regalos y canastas con latas de comida. En este centro ‘The Blind
organizaciones no paraban de agradecerles.
Center,’ se ayuda a la gente ciega, les dan de comer y hacen muchas actividades
productivas con ellos.
Esta es una muestra más que los jóvenes si pensamos en las necesidades de
los demás y hacemos algo para ayudar. PAL demostró que le dedicamos tiempo
“Me dio felicidad saber que los estaba ayudando,” dice Sotano.
a la comunidad !
¿Tienes algo que decir acerca de alguno de los artículos?
Quizás tienes una historia que comentarnos acerca
de algún evento o entidad positiva en nuestra comunidad. Entonces escríbenos a nuestro correo electrónico:
[email protected] o por correo regular a:
Lina Hernández, CLASS! UNLV Box 451025, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025
¡Anímate y publica tus opiniones!
gramática o restricciones en el espacio.
Artículos en nuestra posesión pueden ser editados a base de estilo periodístico,
!
20
¡La RISA
Día Mundial para la Prevención del Sida es SALUD!
1ero de diciembre: fecha para conmemorar
Políticos y religiosos
Por Lina Hernández, editora del Díganos
El párroco se estaba retirando después de
25 años a cargo de la parroquia y los
feligreses decidieron ofrecer una cena de
despedida en su honor.
El primero de
diciembre de cada año
se conmemora una
fecha demasiado
importante para todos
donde se recuerdan los que
se han ido y aquellos que
sufren de esta terrible
enfermedad. Se trata de la
pandemia del virus del VIH
conocido como el Sida. Cada
primero de diciembre se
conmemora el día mundial
para la prevención del Sida.
Se escogió a un destacado político local,
miembro de la parroquia, para dar un
pequeño discurso durante la cena. Pero se
retrasó y el sacerdote decidió entonces decir
unas breves palabras mientras esperaban
al político.
“Obtuve mi primera impresión sobre esta
parroquia en la primera confesión que debí
escuchar. Pensé que había sido destinado a
un lugar terrible. La primera persona que
entró a mi confesionario me dijo que había
robado un televisor y que, al ser detenido
por la policía, casi había matado al oficial.
Había robado dinero a sus padres, sustraído
mercancía de su sitio de trabajo, había
tenido un romance con la esposa de su jefe
y tomaba estupefacientes. Yo estaba
anonadado... Pero a medida que pasaban
los días, me di cuenta que la gente de esta
parroquia no era nada así y que ciertamente
había venido a una comunidad llena de
gente buena y amable.
Es importante considerar que 15
millones de niños son huérfanos a causa
de que esta terrible enfermedad. De
acuerdo con fuentes de Internet, más 30
millones de personas han muerto y más
38 millones de personas vive
actualmente con Sida. Esta es la
catástrofe humana más grande la historia
con 14,000 personas infectadas al día, y
8,000 muertes diarias mundialmente.
Este problema está acabando con
la población de muchos países,
sobretodo los más pobres y
subdesarrollados. Pero más que el virus,
la indiferencia y la ignorancia son los
factores que están acabando con la vida
de miles de personas. Durante todo el
mes de diciembre, conmemoremos todos
una fecha tan importante para la
humanidad y aportemos un granito
de arena a la causa.
Justo cuando el sacerdote terminaba sus
palabras, el político entró al salón,
disculpándose por la tardanza.
Inmediatamente comenzó su presentación y
el discurso en honor del párroco saliente.
“Nunca olvidaré el primer día que
el Padre llegó a nuestra parroquia,” dijo el
político. “De hecho, tuve el honor de ser el
primero en confesarme con él.”
Entre militares
Se encuentra la tropa descansando, el
sargento decide hacer una prueba a los
soldados y pregunta:
- ¿Cuánto es 4 x 8?
Agenda Comunitaria
Este es uno de los eventos representativos para el Día Mundial para la Prevención del Sida celebrado cada
primero de diciembre. En el Condado de Clark por ejemplo, tenemos 5,690 personas que viven con el
virus, representado por las banderitas blancas.
Eventos para diciembre
Cuerpos... al natural
Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo
Evento: ‘Cuerpos... La Exhibición.’
Día(s): abierto todos los días.
Hora: 10 a.m. a 10 p.m. Lugar: 3801 S. Las
A mediados del mes
de diciembre,
competidores de
Rodeo expondrán sus
talentos. Este evento
estará localizado en
el centro Thomas &
Mack dentro de la Universidad de Nevada,
Las Vegas. Llame al (702) 895-3761 para
más información.
La Noche Espectacular de Luces de
Ethel M Chocolate
Empezando noviembre hasta principios del
mes de enero, usted podrá ir a una
exhibición de luces en la fábrica de
chocolates Ethel M. Llame al (702) 4332500 para más información.
El soldado Gómez responde con voz
fuerte y clara:
Vegas Boulevard. En el Hotel y Casino Tropicana.
Teléfono: (702) 739-2411. Precios: $24 admisión
general, $22 personas mayores de 60 años, $21
para los residentes de Nevada y $16 para los
niños entre los 4 y los 16 años.
Amantes de la noche
Evento: ‘Murciélagos: Campeones de la
Noche.’
Día(s): todos los días. Hora: 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. Lugar:
700 Twin Lakes Drive, En el Museo del Estado de
Nevada. Teléfono: (702) 486-5205.
Precios: $4 admisión general y $3 para mayores de
60 años y gratis para niños menores de 17 años.
Un poco de diversión
Evento: ‘Después de comer, tome.’
Día(s): abierto todos los días.
Hora: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. Lugar: 3377 Las Vegas
Blvd., dentro del Hotel y Casino
The Venetian. Teléfono: (702) 866-6813.
- ¡48 mi sargento!
El sargento responde:
- ¡Así me gusta! ¡Bruto pero enérgico!
No te quedes sentado en tu casa sin hacer nada
y aprovecha los eventos que nuestra ciudad
tiene programados para tí.
Conciertos y Exhibiciones de Arte
Artista: The Beach Boys
Exhibición:
Día(s): diciembre 25 del 2006
Hora: 8:00 p.m. Lugar: Hotel y Casino Luxor
‘Celebrando la Vida,’ por
miembros de la tercera edad.
Precio: $55 – $93.50
Lugar: 400 E. Stewart. En el Edificio
Municipal (City Hall) en el segundo piso.
Teléfono: (702) 229-4674.
Artista: Black Eyed Peas
Día(s): diciembre 29 del 2006
Hora: 8:00 p.m. Lugar: Mandalay Bay Resort
Precio: $49.25 – $133.25
Exhibición:
‘No más Carros Deportivos,’
cerámica por Yo Fukui.
Lugar: 500 Grand Central Pkwy. En el Centro
Gubernamental del Condado de Clark.
Teléfono: (702) 455-8239..
Exhibición:
‘El Peso de la Luz’ y ‘Reemplazo’
cuadros de Liza Ryans.
Lugar: 1217 S. Main St. En el museo G-C
Arts. Teléfono: (702) 452-2200.
21
wired!
world of warcraft
the hot spot for gadget freaks, gamers and tech-heads
t
f
a
r
c
r
a
W
f
o
d
Worl
ens’lives
te
er
ov
ng
ki
ta
ng
mi
ga
ne
Onli
by Monique Fincher, Sierra Vista HS
When he was only 8 years old, Howard Zumbrunnen
started on his path to an online gaming addiction,
just as many children and teenagers are today.
It was about two years ago when Zumbrunnen came across the “World of Warcraft,”
a now-popular online game. It wasn’t long before he was addicted.
“I used to play 10-14 hours a day. I even skipped meals! I remember once a friend
and I played for 22 hours straight! We had to stop though because my friend
started hallucinating,” says Zumbrunnen.
Several “World of Warcraft” players have even gone so far as to pass out while
playing the game. There has been one death attributed to this game as well.
A young girl who went by the online name of “Snowly” had played the game for
several continuous days with very little rest and eventually exhausted her body. The
game was such an important part of her life that her family held an online funeral
for her a week after her death.
Events like this have led people to call the game “World of Warcrack,” suggesting
that it is just as dangerous as the drug crack cocaine.
“Online gaming is digital crack period, but ‘World of Warcraft’ takes it to a whole
new level,” says sophomore Paul Jang, who has played the game and knows some
people he considers addicted to it.
An estimated 2.6 million out of a growing 6.5 million players are addicted. Some
psychologists believe that games such as “World of Warcraft” should come with
warning labels, and that players are not entirely at fault for the addiction. The
doctors claim that, just like laboratory rats coming back for food, players go back for
the thrill the game provides.
Today, breaking the addiction has become easier, now that the potential problems
associated with games are more well-known. In China, there are even laws that set
limits on gameplay. And many addicted players are beginning to see how the game
is taking over their lives and causing a loss of friends.
“I used to play [World of Warcraft] no matter what, but this year I want to spend
more time with friends and get out of the cycle. I’ll still play when I have nothing
better to do, but I’m not so much addicted anymore,” says Zumbrunnen.
As the game is attracting national concern, it’s also hitting close to home with
friends and family.
While the game may be intended for fun, even the creators themselves are warning
players to take everything in moderation. The game is amusing, but it should not
keep you from meals, social events and rest.
“I think the game is like MySpace,” says sophomore Nicholas Dumon who feels his
friends spend too much time online. “I don’t get to see my friends that much
anymore. It’s rare.”
Keep in mind that online games are still only games, and there is a life that exists
outside of them. “World of Warcraft” is by far one of the most amusing games
played online, but don’t let it be the reason you’re missing out on the real world !
22
sports!
Snowboarding in a heaven of ice
on the field, on the track and on the court
Snowboarding in a heaven of ice
by Farah Minwalla, Palo Verde HS
Who could have foreseen that an uncommon sport debuting at the
1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan would one day morph into the
fastest-growing sport in the world?
Snowboarding was once regarded as a sport that only the rebels and poorly-dressed The resort is additionally offering a $20
‘Get Better’ lessons for those who have only
members of society associated with. Nowadays, major household name companies
such as Baby Gap and American Express are using snowboarders as marketing tools. snowboarded or skied once.
Furthermore, snowboarding has skyrocketed into an $800 million-a-year industry. This
might not seem so significant when you consider the fact that more than 6 million people
participate in snowboarding, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.
Today, the main manufacturer of snowboards and snowboard clothing and gear is
Burton Snowboards, which was established by Jake Burton Carpenter in the late
1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s, competitions and events such as the
boardercross and halfpipe started to develop into global fixations.
“Brian Head is bigger than
most of the mountains in
Nevada, and it’s closer to
where I live. They have a lot
of runs down the mountain
too,” says David Lee, student
at Centennial High School.
If Brian Head doesn’t float your boat, then my
second suggestion would be to jump into the
car for a shorter drive out to the Las Vegas Ski
& Snowboard Resort, most commonly known
While interested locals are eager to pursue this trendy sport, many are still unsure where as Lee Canyon.
to begin. With so little snow in Las Vegas, many teens wonder, “Where are the closest
Located on Mount Charleston -- only 45
snowboarding opportunities?” and “What do they have to offer to
minutes away from Las Vegas -- the Lee Canyon
resort was scheduled to open on Nov. 23 for
first-time snowboarders and skiers?”
the 2006-2007 winter season. Warm weather
The answer to the first question is simple; it just depends on how far students are
conditions, however, delayed the opening.
willing to travel to reach a resort.
For rookie snowboarders there’s a new magic
My first suggestion would be to pack up the suitcases and embark on a journey to
carpet on the beginner slope, which makes it easier to learn the tricks of the
Brian Head Resort in Brian Head, Utah where many Nevadans can be found on
trade. Other improvements include extra jumps, rails and features for all different
weekends during the fall and winter.
ability levels.
Then at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City, Utah, the American men’s
snowboarding team claimed gold in the halfpipe event. Since then, the popularity of
snowboarding has risen tremendously.
Those who wince at the thought of driving for extended periods of time don’t have to
worry about the way to this resort. With a distance of 210 miles between Brian
Head and Las Vegas, the commute is only about three hours long.
“One of the region’s first resorts to embrace
snowboarding, the Resort is a free rider’s playground, with 400+ annual
inches of light Utah powder, spectacular red rock scenery, affordable lift ticket and
season pass prices and plentiful free riding areas,” states Brian Head’s Web site,
www.brianhead.com.
Ever since snowboarding originated in the United States in the 1960s, the sport that
combined skateboarding, skiing and surfing aspects all in one has had American society
hooked.Most of us have heard all about snowboarding. Now is the moment to actually
experience its thrills, as it continues to carve its own unique path through history.
For more information about Brian Head Resort call 435-677-2035 or visit
www.brianhead.com.
For more information about Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort call 702-645-2754
or visit www.skilasvegas.com !
23
shop ’til you drop!
fashion news · what’s cool and trendy · who’s wearing what
shop’til you drop!
In today’s world, finding stylish clothes
doesn’t have to be a challenge
by Miranda DaLuz, Odyssey HS
Great clothing draws attention. That’s part of what makes fashion fun. Fashion
is so much fun, but these days brands are making it so hard for people to look
fashionable without paying a hefty sum or sacrificing their own unique style.
Yet there are tricks to get around that.
It’s not right when one store charges $80 for
six items and another store charges $500 for five.
To get more pounds with your pennies, make sure
you keep a good eye on the price tags.
It’s a bit ridiculous how much stores these days overcharge. One of the best ways to
make them stop is simply to shop somewhere else. Once a store loses customers,
they don’t have much of a choice but to drop their prices.
If you want to go out and look as hot as you possibly can, don’t worry about buying
only what maxes out your credit card. Instead, stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Old
Navy, TJ Maxx and many more have given us the option of fabulous, inexpensive
clothes. They know that most people have a budget, so they offer a lower-priced
alternative while still staying up-to-date on the latest trends.
One store I can personally attest to is Ross. I have
shopped there many times and witnessed not only
their good service, but also their extremely low
prices. Ross has such a huge selection of everything
that every time we go there, we walk out with way
more than we had planned.
The best thing about it is that the clothes are cute! Now how often does that
happen? You can find clothes there to match any style that are price-appropriate and
good-looking.
Fashion is fun for all ages and sizes. But sometimes people can get discouraged if
they can’t find their size. Stores like Torrid, Catherine’s, Lane Bryant and Eddie
Bauer are wonderful plus-size stores. And if you still can’t find a store that matches
your style, you could always turn to shopping online.
Online stores, including eBay.com, have tons of clothing. They make it really easy to
find what you’re looking for.
In fact, it might be a good idea to look for outfits
online first, as stores can let you know what they
have in stock so you don’t have to spend money
on gas as well as expensive clothing.
The fact that there are so many different styles out there gives everyone the
opportunity to dress to match their personality. You can be punk, preppy, poetic,
eccentric, bright, chic, girly, classy, elegant and many more if you take the time to
look for what you want instead of giving in to the name brands that everybody else
considers in style !
David Eulitt/mctcampus.com
teenage buying power
• According to a study by Teenage Research Unlimited, U.S.
teens between 12 and 19 years old spent more than $169
billion in 2004, compared to $122 billion in 1999.
• With the added amount of how much their parents spend
on them, teens influenced more than $450 billion in
spending in 2004.
• Thirty-three percent of teens’ weekly earnings goes to clothes,
according to a 2003 study by Coinstar, Coinstar Teens Talk
Poll: Teens Report on Money, Spending and Buying.
schoolzone!
24
Center for Academic
Enrichment and Outreach
what’s happening on campuses around the valley
Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach
UNLV program helps teens from graduation to college and beyond
by Jennifer Polito, Class! correspondent
Do you have to take the SATs, but need a tutor?
Are you planning on attending college and want
to apply for financial aid or scholarships? Maybe
you are stuck on a
major and need more information about future
career options. UNLV’s Center for Academic
Enrichment and Outreach exists to help
students with all their academic needs.
Located on East Tropicana in Las Vegas, the Center has been around since 1978 and
has helped over 11,000 Clark County students graduate. A variety of services and
programs are available for high school and college students at no cost if they’re eligible.
One of the programs offered at The Center is Student Support Services; they
specialize in financial aid opportunities, assistance in completing and submitting
applications, and test-taking strategies to improve your grades. Counselors on staff
explain your major to you and help you choose the classes you need to graduate.
Through Student Support Services, you can also develop leadership skills and learn
about the kinds of resources available to you in the community.
Tutoring in all subjects is available at the Center, UNLV and libraries around Clark
County. Tutoring helps develop a positive outlook and attitude toward learning,
studying and test-taking. Through tutoring, students also develop a better
understanding of the subject matter and their confidence increase. To become a tutor
you must maintain an A or B in the subject, meet with a tutoring counselor and go
through orientation and training. The Center has over 580 tutors and instructors.
The Center even offers a mentoring program where mentors are provided to schools
so that students can learn to develop positive relationships with adults they respect.
Mentors do everything from organizing student groups and speaking at College Day
to acting as chaperones on field trips.
The Center works closely with UNLV to serve 24,000 students through programs
such as GEAR UP, whose goal is to increase the number of low-income students
entering college. GEAR UP targets middle and high schools and provides educational
awareness to the students and community.
Dr. Rebecca Mills, the Vice President of Student Life at UNLV spoke about the
impoverished background of some students and about the fact that they could be the
first members of their family to attend college.
“GEAR UP helps to create the bridge, create the dream,” Mills says. “The program is
a very real manifestation that was a dream.”
For those who want the chance to work with students that have faced similar
circumstances, there are also many employment opportunities available through
the Center.
Andon Asari works as a Program Assistant for the Center. Asari graduated from
Western High School in 2006. The Center visited Western and spoke to students
interested in college. Asari, with the help from The Center, went from struggling in
his classes to graduating with a 3.1 and a Millennium scholarship recipient.
“I guarantee without this program I wouldn’t be at UNLV," Asari says with a smile.
“The people at the Center motivate you. I am a first generation college applicant."
UNLV students Elizabeth Ruiz and Rocio Rodriguez both went through the Center’s
UPWARD BOUND program and now work as employees at the Center where they
help other students get to college.
“My parents are very proud of me,” says Rodriguez.
And parents can get involved through the Center as well. Oftentimes, parents are
not informed about the changes in education and curriculum that their children
experience and might need assistance with. Parents Educational Program provides
Left: Fremont Middle School students enter the Thomas & Mack Center as part of the Center’s UNLV
College Tour. About 35 students arrived by bus on Nov. 20, 2006. The college tour helped children get a
chance to see college life and experience what it would be like to attend a university. At the Thomas & Mack
they later sat in the stands were Rebel fans sit and received a firsthand look at where the Rebels play
Above, right: Alana Haderly Admissions Recruiter for UNLV directs students to get in lines outside the
Thomas & Mack.
25
schoolzone!
!schoolzone!schoolzone!schoolzone!schoolzone!schoolzone!
parents with tips on helping their children through school, and possibly furthering
their own education. This allows parents to help plan and support their child’s future.
College tends to be one of the first steps toward that future, and thus the
Center also offers college tours to help students prepare for the admission process.
One middle school or high school is chosen about once a month to take a
tour of UNLV and learn what college life is really like. The day begins at 9 a.m.
and students proceed to tour the entire campus, from classrooms to the dining
commons and even the Thomas & Mack where they get to sit in the stands like
true Rebel fans.
Camden Burts, a hearing-impaired eighth grader at Fremont Middle School
experienced the tour with his translator.
“Wow, am I happy I was picked to come here today,”
Burts says during his lunch break at the UNLV
Dining Commons.
Though many students have never heard of the Center, it is a resource they can use
throughout high school to help them become successful in all areas of life.
“The Center is one hallmark of UNLV,” says Dr. David Ashley, president of UNLV.
“[It] is central to what we need to be doing in the future.”
The Center continues to help students believe in
themselves and fulfill their dreams of attending and
graduating college.
For more information, contact the Center at (702) 730-6191 or visit
http://caeo.unlv.edu. The Center is located at 1455 E. Tropicana, Suite #300 Las
Vegas, NV 89119 !
Top right: Elizabeth Ruiz, an employee at the Center and freshman at UNLV majoring in Criminal Justice,
hands out souvenirs to students after an all-day tour of UNLV’s campus.
Bottom right: Fremont Middle School students Shelby Graham (left) and Whitney Hibbard (right) eat at
the dining commons -- one stop on the college tour at UNLV. Diane Zagorski, Assistant Director for
Educational Talent Search for The Center, describes to them how UNLV students live on campus.
Students of the Month
December 2006
Arbor View High School
Natice Locke
John Callahan
Natice Larisa Locke is one student who can
maintain straight A’s in school as well as participate
in the community. Currently a freshman taking
Honors classes and Journalism, Locke is also
a member of the Arbor View High School
Marching Band.
With a full schedule at Arbor View, John Callahan’s
classes consist of AP and Honors in addition to
Journalism and Photography.
Outside of school, Locke has volunteered over 85
hours of community service and also dedicates time
to one of her favorite activities: dancing.
“I love to dance. I’ve been dancing since I was
four,” says Locke.
Locke has put on shows at the West Las Vegas Art
Center, the Rio Hotel and even performed for the
Government Awards held in Las Vegas.
Natice
JWohen Hui
For the future, Locke has already received a
scholarship program to Washington, D.C. and hopes
to study chemical engineering at Georgia Tech.
We’re customers too
“I’m usually at school for 10 hours a day,”
says Callahan.
He works with his father in a photography
business, developing skills that will not only help
him as assistant photo editor of Arbor View’s
student newspaper, but also allow him to run a
photo club at school.
Callahan is a member of the marching band, which
he considers “one big family,” and an athlete on the
Varsity Cross-Country and Track teams. Part of the
Letterman’s Club, Callahan volunteers his free time
to the community along with other athletes.
As far as after graduation, John plans on
“aiming high for college courses.”
career center!
26
pursuing fashion as a career
unusual jobs to think about
Your last best friend on earth
resumés · career advice · tips and techniques for landing that dream job
sewing its way into people’s hearts
fashion is attractive to every gender
Fashion has always been considered mainstream, yet recently with the release of
motion picture darlings the likes of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and television ratings
winners such as ‘Ugly Betty,’ fashion has never been more forward.
sponsored by:
A lover of the fashion world since she learned about it in college, Reuel knows
that the right teacher can do wonders in influencing a student’s love, or hate,
for fashion.
“When my mother taught me how to sew, I hated it, and then as soon as I was
Furthering its notoriety, Tyra Bank’s ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and Heidi Klum’s
shown the same lessons in college by a teacher so passionate about what she was
‘Project Runway’ have more and more audiences tuning into their programs each week. teaching, I became hooked,” she says.
Whether these entertainment staples are pushing another model across the catwalk,
Reuel feels that Wright clearly shares this enthusiasm, even as one of only three
turning an ugly assistant into a glamazon princess or simply showing how to mix a
boys in all of her fashion classes.
Gucci top with Armani pants, their topic is of high interest to millions of viewers.
Not really one to “think about it too much,” Wright believes that in this day and age,
A junior at Centennial high school, Brandon Wright has been captivated by this
the lines between who is into fashion and who is not have become blurred.
world ever since he first began to draw.
“In today’s society, girls and boys talk about the same things, so I don’t feel it has
“Now that I think about it, fashion and I date back so long ago,” he
to be only a woman’s hobby,” Wright says.
says. “Truly though, I believe I became hooked when I saw ‘101
Dalmatians’ and Cruella De Vil came on the screen.”
Wright, who is considering whether or not to pursue fashion as a career, is currently
taking Fashion as one of his high school courses. Taught by Jasmine Reuel, first-year
students like Wright learn to sew and construct their designs, as well as how to use
any basic tools a designer uses.
“My second-year students most definitely have more freedom with their designs,
but the class is still fun for a first year,” says Reuel. “Right now alone we are
working on pajama tops and bottoms, and by the end of the year the class will
have to use recyclables to create an outfit.”
Still, as much as Wright accepts that fashion can be for everyone, Reuel alone
knows just how difficult it is to get males interested in her class.
“Brandon is so unlike many of his male peers who think fashion is not cool enough.
He is even more into it than some of my female pupils,” says Reuel.
Whether he’s learning more about patterns or creating grand designs for costumes
and outfits, Wright has figured out his niche in life.
“Fashion works so well for me because it is about dressing and
creating for others, not just myself,” he says !
unusual jobs to think about
CCSD Job Bank
When we think of work, we usually think
of the same old jobs at the grocery store or the fast
food restaurant. Why not be an entrepreneur and work
for yourself? Here are some unusual part-time jobs
that you can do while you’re still in school.
change the wipers right then will result in tons of business. There are only a few
different ways to install them and it only takes about five minutes.
Flower Bed Consultant
Most homes have shrubs and flowers along the foundation. Some also have a
layer of mulch or bark along the foundation. Others have ivy or just dirt. Even
though they like the flowers and shrubs, most homeowners don’t like to take the
Internet Tutor
time to weed the flowerbeds every spring. Here’s a job you can do with nothing
As Internet usage grows, more and more adults in the 60+ age group are signing
up and logging on. The problem is they don’t always know much about computers,
and even less about surfing the net. Sometimes they just need a little help. To get
started, post flyers on the bulletin boards
at grocery stores and churches and send
them to the presidents of civic groups
such as Rotary and the local woman’s
club. Once you’ve helped a few people,
word of mouth will be your best
advertisement.
Beth Balbierz/MCT Campus
Windshield Wiper Service
In the early spring, drivers begin to
notice that they needed to replace the
windshield wipers on their cars and
trucks. But they’d only notice it when it
was snowing or raining. The majority of
cars and trucks use either 16-, 18-, or
22-inch wipers. A visit to the auto parts
store for a small inventory and a finger
on a few doorbells with an offer to
but a rake, a hoe, a small hand trowel and some trash bags.
Grill Cleaner
You know what gas grills look like after a couple of seasons of cooking and no
cleaning. They’re dirty, but aren’t really that hard to clean. All you’ll need is a
small wire brush, some rags, a sponge and some spray oven cleaner (the kind you
don’t need rubber gloves to use). Just scrape, spray, wipe and collect your money.
As an added service, you could also sell and hook up a full propane gas tank.
Newspaper Delivery
Delivering newspapers isn’t just for little kids anymore. If you look around your
community, you’ll find adults who are delivering papers and making good money.
In addition to good pay, the hours are fantastic. Papers are either delivered early in
the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re still in school, chances are you can
fit a paper route into your schedule.
For more information about kicking off your career plans,
talk to your school’s career counselor or call the CCSD
Career and Technical Education office at 799-8462.
From “Job Jargon, The School-to-Work Newsletter,” published by Southern School Media, Bowling Green, KY.
Your
last
best
friend
on
earth
Death isn’t easy to think about, but there’s comfort in knowing there’s
a profession dedicated to helping you go out in style
The scariest thing that has ever happened to James Foster while
working with the deceased was when one of the bodies he was
moving let out its last breath. Hearing a distinct groan from the
corpse surprised Foster, who began to have doubts as to whether or
not that body was really dead.
When thinking of a career, embalmer is probably not the first thing that comes to
mind – nor the first job considered to be gratifying. But to James Foster, an embalmer
at the Palm Downtown Mortuary & Cemetery, “it is a really rewarding job.”
Embalming is a subject most teens only learn about in the movies. It is the process
of temporally preserving a body by slowing down decomposition in order for the
body to be displayed during a funeral.
The embalming process requires permission from the deceased person’s family.
Once permission is obtained, the deceased is laid on a table. The body is then
cleaned and relieved of rigor mortis (stiffness). Certain facial features like the mouth
and eyelids are secured and facial hair is removed if necessary.
An artery of the body is then injected with a formaldehyde mixture as the blood is
drained out from a vein. After the arties are filled, the embalmer proceeds to other
areas of the body. The final stages of preparation include dressing the body and hair
and applying makeup to the face and hands.
A typical person who has died from natural causes takes about one and a half hours
to embalm and prepare for viewing, but once Foster had to spend six hours on a
body that had been through an accident.
The biggest misconception that Foster encounters is when people believe that
embalmers remove a person’s organs. It is, in fact, the Coroner’s Office that takes
out a body’s organs, whereas embalmers put the parts back in.
“A very passionate group of people do this,” says Foster, who started out as a
removal person and has been practicing embalming since 2001.
One might wonder just how these people decide to become embalmers. But Foster
says, “I was kind of always interested.”
Passion is not all you need to become an embalmer in the state of
Nevada. According to Nevada’s Revised Statutes Chapter 642 the requirements
to become an embalmer are that a person should:
1. Have attained the age of 18 years.
2. Be of good moral character.
3. Be a high school graduate and have completed two academic years of instruction by
taking 60 semester or 90 quarter hours at an accredited college or university.
(Credits earned at an embalming college or school of mortuary science do not fulfill this requirement).
4. Have completed 12 full months of instruction in an embalming college or school of
mortuary science that is accredited by the International Conference of Funeral Service
Examining Boards and approved by the Board, and have not less than one year’s practical
experience under the supervision of an embalmer licensed in the State of Nevada.
5. Have actually embalmed at least 50 bodies under the supervision of a licensed embalmer
prior to the date of application.
6. Present to the Board affidavits of at least two reputable residents of the county in which
the applicant proposes to engage in the practice of an embalmer to the effect that the
applicant is of good moral character.
He continues that in this type of job you will work more behind the scenes
and people will shy away from you at first when they find out you are an
embalmer, but eventually they come around.
career center!
!career center!career center!career center!career center!career center! 27
Foster adds that an average embalmer can expect to make about $14.50 an hour,
fresh out of school.
“I think it is a really rewarding job and you are filling a
niche in society,” says Foster.
There are good feelings one can experience while being an embalmer as well.
Helping people through the loss of a loved one can be a fulfilling experience, and
when Foster, who takes great pride in his work, hears peoples’ comments about how
nice their loved one looked during the funeral, it brings him satisfaction !
college!
28
those looming SATs
for for
all hallow’s
eve
treats and
helping
youtricks
prepare
the next step
Those looming SATs
by Farah Minwalla, Palo Verde HS
Is the biggest test of your life really as important as they say?
The SAT should not be discontinued, but the level to
which colleges have placed the importance of this test is
simply ridiculous. There should be more considered
“The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the
In the book, “The Case Against the SAT,” authors James when admitting a person to an Ivy League school than a
critical thinking skills you’ll need for
GPA and SAT score. A student can score a perfect
Crouse and Dale Trusheim show that “SAT scores
academic success in college.”
differentiate people not only by income but also by their 2400, but be a serial killer. (Maybe they’ve become one
because of all that studying, but that’s beside the point).
First of all, academic success cannot be measured by the parents’ role in the economic system.”
SAT. But also, more and more pressure has been put upon
Volunteer work and personal statements/essays say
They go on to say that the median score of the children
students to perform exceedingly well on a biased test.
leaps and bounds more than numbers. The SAT can
of professionals “are higher than that of children of blue
only prove a person’s academic success to a certain
Now that the test had a makeover in March of 2005
collar workers.”
point. Being a successful college student does not
with a new writing section and an essay portion, is this
This
leads
to
another
argument
that
people
of
include just being smart. A person who only relies on
aptitude test harder than before? According to College
Caucasian
descent
perform
higher
on
the
SAT
than
brains and not street smarts will only get so far in life.
Board, “The new SAT will be different, not necessarily
African
Americans
and
Latinos.
This
may
be
true,
but
harder. The test will still measure skills gained through
It is a hard-working student who will reach the top of
the real matter that needs to be addressed is how
activities and learning in and out of school.”
the success ladder, not solely due to their SAT score,
minorities can score higher and balance the playing
but because of their perseverance !
Thus, does an SAT score predict success in college and
field for all college-bound students.
in life? Absolutely not.
Remember, I CAN is 100 times more
Since wealthy families are more apt to send their
Yes, a college-bound student should be able to analyze
children to SAT prep centers, is the SAT only beneficial important than IQ.
literature and solve for basic algebra and geometry, but
to the affluent? It depends who one is talking to.
the material covered in the SAT is only a reflection of
Most individuals agree at least that no matter who one
what one has learned. The education one receives in a
Obviously, earning potential isn’t hurt by average SAT
happens to be, an intelligent person will score high on
Nevada public school is dramatically different than the
scores when you consider what all these well-to-do
this test. However, there are different kinds of intelligence
education embodied throughout a California public
celebrities got on their tests. Source: Time.com
and the test cannot possibly measure them all.
school, for example.
Score
Profession
Celebrity
The following statement issued by the College Board
is a lie:
neighborhoods automatically set up for failure? These
questions have provoked many to believe that the SAT
is a biased aptitude test.
How celebrities scored
If different students and states around the U.S. are put
upon dissimilar pedestals, then are students
disadvantaged because they live in Nevada? Since
Nevada has a history of teacher shortages, are pre-SATtakers being robbed of the education that they need to
perform well on this test?
If the SAT really is a measurement of what one has
learned, then are students in underprivileged
“The SAT is a medium of measuring what a person
learns within their education, but it doesn’t measure
who a person is and who they can become,” says
Canyon Springs High School student Diamond Graham.
Amy Tan
Author
1100s
Stephen King
Author
1300s
My issue with the SAT is that it has put college-bound
students on an illogical platform and makes colleges
look at a four-digit number more than at who the
person is behind that number.
George W. Bush President
1206
Meredith Viera
Talk show host
1300s
Al Gore
Vice President
1355
Ben Stein
Game Show Host
1573
Scott McNealy
CEO of Sun Microsystems 1420
Paul Wellstone
J. Lo
Senator
Actress and Singer
Combined 800
‘Nail Polish’
(as she told the New York Post)
Scholarships!
make the most of your college future
December Scholarship Directory
Gen. Arnold Education Grant
Information about instructions, procedures and your eligibility is available on our Home Page by clicking on the ‘Education’
link and then ‘Arnold Grants.’ The application itself is also available online in the same location. Applications will be
accepted between Nov. 1, 2006 and March 9, 2007.
Dorothy Harris Scholarship (National)
Contact: www.womenssportsfoundation.org/funding
Amount: 3 - $1,500
Deadline: Dec. 29
Requirements: Applicant must be a female senior who is an American citizen or legal resident and will attend an accredited
postgraduate institution during the 2007-2008 school year. Two letters of recommendations are required, and applicant must
also need tuition expenses to qualify.
Amount: Offering up to $10,000
Deadline: Dec. 31
Requirements: Senior students who are enrolled or planning to participate in an accredited college or university program
during the fall of 2007. 2.5 GPA, a 50- to 200-word (max) essay on who has had the greatest impact on your life, and a 50to 200-word (max) essay on what you hope to achieve in your personal and professional life after completing college.
• Continue looking for school choices
based on what is important to you
• Apply for your Personal Identification
Number (PIN) online at
www.pin.ed.gov so you can apply
for Federal Student Aid
Attend financial aid workshops with
your parents or guardians
Win $5, 000 — No Essay Required
Contact: www.fastweb.com
If you are a JUNIOR:
If you are a SENIOR:
All-Ink.com College Scholarship Program (National)
Contact: http://www.all-ink.com/scholarship.html
Now’s the time to
start thinking about
college! Here are a
few things you can
do for the month
of December:
Scholarships!
29
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Dec. 31
Requirements: Available to current students over 15 years of age who have completed a FastWeb search. Applicants must
also be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. They will earn one entry into the contest for every
friend that they refer to FastWeb using the required form online.
Information provided by
www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning
‘Take me away’ Scholarship (National)
Contact: http://www.takemeaway.com
Amount: 1 - $5000, 1 - $3,500, 1 - $1,500 and 6 - $500
Deadline: Feb. 28
Requirements: For women 18 years old and older who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in a four-year U.S. college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Selection of applicants is based on scholastic merit and the quality of answers to online essay questions.
Call Me Mister Teacher Recruitment Program
The Call Me Mister Program at Clemson University is currently looking for black male seniors who are interested in going to college out of state for free. Due to a
shortage of African American male teachers, particularly among South Carolina’s lowest performing schools, the program targets future black male teachers and will
send them to colleges and universities for four years, FREE. Interested males can read the program’s mission statement and list of colleges and universities on its Web
site, and have their parents fill out the application.
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/index.htm
For more information on how to plan for your future, how to choose a college and how to get financial aid, log onto the
Clark County School District’s Guidance Counseling website at http://ccsd.net/cpd/guidance_counseling.
SUMMER’07
PROGRAMS
AT UNLV
Taking summer courses now
can shorten the time it takes you
to get a university degree.
UNLV has a large summer program
with more than 16,500 students
taking courses – and hundreds of
courses are offered! In addition
to the basics such as Math, English,
Communications, Computer
Science, History and Political
Science, you can choose classes
in Golf, Self-Defense, Aerobics
or Weight Training.
Some frequently asked
questions about attending
UNLV in the summer:
I am a high school student
in Clark County, Can I take
courses at UNLV this summer?
Yes! Talk to your school counselor.
If you have a junior standing in high school
and good grades, you are probably eligible.
You may also call UNLV’s Early Studies Program
at 895-3177.
Do I have to apply for admission to UNLV?
No, you do not have to be admitted to UNLV to
take a course in the summer. But you must have
access to the student registration system and that
requires some paperwork. Talk to your school
counselor or call UNLV Early Studies, 895-3177
How will UNLV summer courses help me?
UNLV is a fully accredited university and most
other colleges will accept work done at UNLV
– provided your grades are satisfactory. The
university that grants your degree will
determine if the UNLV courses can transfer.
Summer Term I: May 14 – June 1
Summer Term II: June 4 – July 6
Summer Term III: July 9 – August 10
UNLV IS YOUR
UNIVERSITY
WE ARE READY TO WELCOME YOU AS A STUDENT
For up-to-date information visit our web-site at summerterm.unlv.edu