February / March 2014 October/November 2013
“The Race isn’t awarded to the one that is the strongest or the fastest but the one who endures the longest.” Whew! Through all the blood, sweat and tears the Mighty Rams football team finally made it to this glorious day. Our football team isn’t a perfect one but it surely is one that has grown the most since the opening of the school in the fall of 2009. On Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 the Arabia Mountain High School Varsity Football team made history for the second time during the 2013-2014 school years. The first time the class of 2014 left their mark in Ram history was when they ended their season with 7-3 record, the best that any class has had since Arabia opened. On signing day, class of 2014 left their mark yet again when we had a record nine seniors sign to their respective schools. All of the nine signees committed to D1 schools which only solidified their place in Arabia Mountain history. When the athletes announced the college they were planning to take their tal-
ents to each also shined a light on the #RamNATION squad. Each athlete stated that if it weren’t for the strong support systems from their friends, cheerleaders, Band, Band Auxiliary (Jewels and Emeralds), and family at each game, history would not have been made. This ceremony was full of laughter, achievement, and high spirits; it brought tears to many in the audience as they watched these athletes, once young boys, grow into Young men eager and ready to start their career as Division I athletes. Each athlete had a different experience and feeling about signing day. Wide Receiver, Gregory Phillips, stated, “I felt amazing and ready for a new journey and a new start.” Corner Back, Nasiir Edwards, expressed, “It’s a day that I dreamed about ever since I first put on my shoulder pads.” “I made it, I got to play division 1 football,” said corner-back Chris Daniels. According to defensive tackle, Kayton Samuels, “Day 1 to Divison 1.” Linebacker, Demetro Stephens, had this
Nasiir Edwards
Gregory Phillips
Air force Academy
Purdue University
to say: “Great experience and hands down the best feeling ever.” Overall, this was a big accomplishment for the Mighty Rams football team. These are not all the seniors that are signing to colleges, but the other seniors have yet to make a decision on the school that they choose. Wherever the other senior choose —from the staff down to the students—we are so proud of your accomplishments. Continue to make us proud and show the college coaches the reason why they gave you a scholarship to their college. Congratulations signing seniors of the class of 2014!
Christopher Daniels. West Carolina University
Kayton Samuels Syracuse University
Junior Sigalo
Johnathan Shepard-Smith
Demetro Stephens
Jonathan Slaton
Appalachian State University
Davison College
United State Army
Charleston– Southern University
Destinn Middleton Limestone University
SPORTS
p. 2
Super Bowl Outcome
Gymnastics Season
Adonis Bradford
Jessyca Willis
The super bowl is great intense game that every football fan looks forward to seeing every year. This year happened to be super bowl XLVIII, and with that being said it seems like it would be one of the greatest super bowls. The reason why is because we had the number one offense going against the number one defense. That sounds like it’s bound to be a game definitely worth watching. But the outcome was the total opposite. When Maurice was asked what he thought about the
game he said that he was basically disappointed and expected more from the Broncos. The game seemed like it would be very close and undecided. But from start to end it seemed like Broncos were just clearly unprepared. Broncos started the game terrible and didn’t improve at all throughout the whole game. It was unexpected by everyone one to see the ending outcome of the game be 43-8 with Seattle winning. No one expected a blowout though that is exactly what the game
was from beginning to end. Again, a close game was highly anticipated and many people were let down. It’s clear to say that this was one of the worst and most disappointing Super Bowls; the QB of the Broncos Peyton Manning who is one of the all -time greats could not lead his team to victory.
Mustang Life Aquantus Goodson The sixth generation Mustang marks the 50th birthday for the iconic sport coupe. The beautifully sculpted Ford Mustang is a very well respected and idolized car by many Americans. The Ford Mustang is arguably the best in its class. When you sit in a Mustang the view is perfect, the ride is smooth, and its looks fierce. What is it like to drive a mustang? Well I, Aquantus Goodson, took our very own Brandon Edwards, who happens to own a Ford Mustang, out and interviewed him. To begin the interview I asked “Why do you like Mustangs?” Brandon replied, “Mustangs are a classic car. They have been around since the 40s and maybe even earlier than that. I just like the classic look of a muscle car breed and more so a Mustang.” Brandon is not alone in his love for Mustangs. It turns out there is a high percentage of people who also
prefer the Classic Mustang over any other muscle car out there. When asked what drove him to a Mustang over any other muscle car Brandon replied, “Actually my whole Family, we all like Mustangs. My cousin does car shows and his very first car was a Mustang. My mother’s first car was a Mustang. So it just kind of came down to me.” Then I asked, So what does it feel like to be inside of a Mustang? Brandon ecstatically replied, “It’s the best! I don’t think anything else is faster than me on the parking lot.” Finishing up the interview, Brandon added that he had a Mustang GT V8. So there is more behind just having a Mustang. There is a culture, a breed, a way of life that’s behind it. The Ford Mustang creates a sense of pride. This feeling is share amongst Mustang Owners worldwide.
Gymnastics season is finally here! The Arabia Mountain Rams gymnastics are back and ready to compete and come home with a win. Last season, the Lady Rams were 3rd in the county with 79.15 points, Dunwoody in 2nd with 90.25 points and Lakeside with a victory of 99.700 points. The individual results on the uneven bars was Camille Cassar with the score of 8.45, and she came in second place. On the floor event Camille Cassar came in 5th with the score of 8.35. For the All-Around placing, Camille Cassar came in 4th place with a score of 30.75 and Donetta Heflin came in 6th place with the score of 25.20. The Lady Rams are back and have a new and fresh team ready to compete and take home the title as County Champs. Our first meet is here at Arabia, March 11, 2014 at 6. Come and support the Lady Rams as they take on the Lakeside Vikings.
STUDENT LIFE
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As many of us are aware, Black History Month was in February. This is a time of remembrance and recognition for not only African American history, but recognition for the progress of our country as a whole. This progress includes the attainment of success by all historically black colleges and universities in the United States. Here are a few little known facts about our nation’s HBCUs:
Spelman College, Howard University, and several other HBCUs were founded by whites
The first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place at Hampton University
Grambling University Coach, Eddie Robinson, was named the college football coach with the second most amount wins of all time
More than 50% of the nation’s African American public school teachers and 70% of African American dentists earned degrees at HBCUs.
Tuskegee University is the only college ever to be designated a national historic site by the U.S. Congress.
In 2001, the total economic impact of the nation’s HBCUs was $10.2 billion, which would rank 232nd on the Forbes Fortune 500 list of the United States’ largest companies.
Nine of the top ten colleges that graduate most of the African American students who go on to earn Ph.D.s are HBCUs.
Howard University's first students were white
Spelman College and Bennett College produce over half of the nation’s African American female doctorates in all science fields.
There are 103 HBCUs, located in 20 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
Anyone of any race or color is welcome to attend a HBCU
Above is Spelman College and All-Girls college located her in Atlanta, Georgia.
Above is Howard University, located in Washington, D.C.
To the left pictured is former football player Jim Brown.
During Black History Month we grew up to learn about the many influential African Americans that paved the way for us to receive the same justice and equal treatment as whites as well as an open field for blacks to participate in all sporting events. Many times in school I hear about the same influential individuals that have helped the way but I know for a fact it just wasn’t twenty selected people that opened the field for Blacks to equally play in all sporting events. When it comes to this topic, you always hear about the Hank Aaron, Wilma Rudolph, Althea Gibson, Jesse Owens, and Florence Joyner. What happened to Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Tommie Smith and John Carlos ? These individuals influential to African American rights in the field of sports and it is time for their names to be known and contributions spotlighted. Jim Brown was a lot of hope for Syracuse University. Jim Brown was an African American male that paved the way for the African Americans to win Rookie of the year and MVP in the same season. He was inducted in the College football hall of fame in 1995 and the Pro football hall of fame in 1971. He not only played football but he played basketball, ran track, and played lacrosse. What's more telling about Brown's accomplishments in 118 games and never missed a contest
during his nine-year career. He was an eight-time First-Team All-Pro selection, an eight-time NFL rushing champion, a nine-time NFL All-Star, a three time NFL MVP (1957-58, 1965) and was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Jim Brown is still alive and has since founded the Black Economic union which has established Amer-I-Can an organization dedicated to supporting at risk youth in Cleveland, Ohio and Los Angeles, California. Ernie Davis was one of the African Americans that achieved so much in so little time. He was also a part of the Syracuse University football team he led the orange to the NCAA Division I-A national football championship by dispatching the University of Texas, 23-14, in the Cotton Bowl Classic. His fame really started when he was the first black athlete to win perhaps the nation's most revered individual award, Heisman Trophy. Davis rushed for 823 yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games. He was in the first round draft of 1962 and then later was traded into the Cleveland Browns, he never got the opportunity to play in the Cleveland Browns because he was diagnosed with Leukemia and died shortly. His number was retired number 44 with Syracuse university and 45 for the Cleveland Browns. Tommie Smith and John Carlos were influential during a cultural
revolution in the 1960’s and some of the defining moments during this parTo the right ticular decade was “Black Power Salute” in the sumpictured is mer Olympics in Mexico Ernie Davis. city, Mexico. On Oct. 16, 1968, U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos (both from San Jose State University) placed first and third in the 200To the left pictured meter sprint, respectively. is Olympic medalist Australian sprinter Peter Tommy Smith and Norman finished second. John Carlos. During the ceremony all three athletes wore Olympic project for Human rights Badges which protested racial segregation in all countries. A black scarf adorned to underestimate your authenticity Smith's neck to symbolize black because they knew you before you pride. Carlos unzipped his tracksuit were 'somebody'.” These people are top to demonstrate unity with all influential people and I just felt the American blue-collar workers and need for them to be placed in the wore a beaded necklace to remem- spotlight and for others to realize ber lynched and murdered blacks. that Black history month isn’t all Smith forgot his black gloves, but just dedicated to the same people Norman suggested that Carlos share but we should look for others that his with Smith. Smith raise his left names aren’t as known and see how fist while Carlos raised his right fist, their contributions have impacted a variation of the right-fist Black the world that we live in today. Power Salute during the national anthem. A mural depicting the three protesting athletes stands to this day in Newton, Australia. “When emerging from humble beginnings, those around you tend
STUDENT LIFE
p. 4
When you wake up in the morning you should stretch and relax your mind for the day. Eeat a healthier breakfast in the morning; don’t starve yourself during your hard day of work. Try to eat healthy snacks throughout the day such as trail mix, fruits, granola, and other low sugar energy snacks. Drink plenty of water but not too much were you had to use the restroom every couple of hours. Drink milk at lunch to make your bones stronger and healthier. If you can, try to bring lunch from home so that you know what you’re eating and how many calories you take in daily. Go to bed at appropriate time so that you will not be sluggish the next day.
Dakota’s Choices For breakfast my top five favorite breakfast eats consist of plain doughnuts, pure strawberry smoothie, oatmeal, bagels, and egg McMuffin. At lunchtime I prefer subway sandwiches, salad w/low fat dressing, baked chicken, lo Mein noodles, and a small pasta dish. My dinner prepared by my personal chief consist of baked chicken or fish, baked potato, pot roast, soup w/bread, and lasagna (don’t have a late dinner, it sits on you through the night). Eating three times a day is very essential and plays a key role of your day will turn out.
Dakota’s Workout In the morning I do aerobic stretches, this gets my blood flowing and loosens my body to ready for my day. It improves your stamina by training your body to become more efficient and use less energy for the same amount of work. When you’re conditioning level improves your heart rate and breathing rate return to resting levels at an easier rate. Two sets of twenty push-ups, push-ups get my biceps and triceps pumped to look good and feel good. Two sets of thirty sit-ups and twenty-five reps on my pull-up bar, both exercises help my upper body, my core and my arms. My daily workout keeps me healthy and energized to become a healthier person with a great body.
Sleep is an important aspect to all humans. However, some students feel like they are not getting enough sleep due to school (extracircular activities and homework). Students are encouraged to join extracurricular activities and keep up with the daily demands of their classes. The average Arabia Mountain student has one hour and a half worth of homework to do each day. Therefore if you’re getting home at 8 pm from a school activity, you have homework to do till at least 9:30 pm, usually a lot longer, and then you have to eat dinner and shower. After the long nights, students then are expected to be on a bus a 7:00 am alert for school that begins at 8:00.
problems which are bad news when students may have test or quizzes the next day. Sleep deprivation also weakens your immune system, which can cause students to miss school due to sickness and you can get drivers fatigue which can lead to a very dangerous situation.
Teenagers need about 9 hours of sleep meaning that the average student would need to be asleep by 8:009:00pm. The amount of time you need to sleep increases the more amounts of days you go without the recommended hours of sleep. Due to this, students tend to fall asleep or doze off in class. Too little sleep can also cause memory
Teens also usually have irregular sleep patterns during the week. Also, on the weekends teens usually go to sleep late and wake up late. This can affect teen’s biological clock and hurt the quality of their sleep. A recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that 60% of children under the age of 18 complained of being tired during the day, according to their parents, and 15% said they fell asleep at school during the year. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), said "Over time, sleep deprivation leads to serious consequences for academic achievement, social behavior, and the health and safety of our nation's youth." House Congressional Resolution 135 encouraged schools to have start times no earlier than 8:30 in or-
der for teens to get enough sleep. Students can also help themselves in getting enough sleep. The number one way is to make sleep a priority. Another way is to make sure your room is comfortable for you to sleep in. Don’t eat, drink, or exercise within a few hours of your bedtime. Don’t leave your homework for the last minute. Try to avoid the TV, computer and telephone in the hour before you go to bed. Stick to quiet, calm activities, and you’ll find it easier to fall asleep. Try to have habitats you do before bed, so your habitat can tell your body it’s time for bed. Try keeping a diary or to-do lists, if you have your thoughts down it will allow your body to follow sleep easier. Peace of mind equates to a peaceful sleep. It is important to realize that being sleep deprived affects your school work. Essentially, allowing your body to get 9 ¼ hours of sleep to achieve at the best of your abilities.
There are so many
not here teaching or
hair that wasn’t worth
summer.
Her job is
you need to see. He is
teachers here at Arabia
helping students with
it. She has been very
easy to do but if some-
great at what he does
Mountain High school
tutorial. Ms. Rasmussen
successful
her
one is drowning she has
and loves what he does
that do things other
and Ms. Rush are the
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to save them and help
as well. He enjoys being
than work as teachers.
two teachers that I in-
in Atlanta Georgia and
them out of the water. If
a pageant coach because
They own their own
terviewed and received
also sales hair across
you would like to work
he has the opportunity
businesses, help others,
information
the country.
as a lifeguard for the
to meet new people and
or volunteer; these are
side hustles.
Another teacher that
summer you can talk to
there are many different
has a side hustle is Ms.
Ms. Rasmussen about
opportunities given to
Rasmussen. She is a
the steps to apply and
him.
get your dream job as a
just a few things to
on
their
Ms. Rush has her
name that they do other
own
than teach.
Sassy Mitchell that has
part-time
blown
Last
There
are
many
weave up
company drastically.
with
life
summer,
she
She wanted to help la-
worked
side hustles that they
dies that were spending
Pool. She enjoys her job
pageant
enjoy doing when there
income
and
McKinney is the one
packaged
Clarkston
lifeguard.
teachers here that have
on
at
guard.
lifeguards
every
Finally, if you need a coach
Mr.
STUDENT LIFE
p. 5
Nakayla Williams SkillsUSA! SkillsUSA! SkillUSA! That is all I heard my first night at Fall Leadership Conference. There was flashing lights everywhere. I could feel the music vibrating through the floor. The atmosphere invited me in and made me excited to be there and ever so glad I went to that interest meeting on that fateful day. SkillsUSA first introduced itself to me three years ago. I heard of an interest meeting over the announcements and decided to check it out. Mrs.Amy Mamane, the new broadcasting teacher, told me all about it. SkillsUSA is an organization that helps students and teachers prepare for careers in trade and other skilled professions. College is not for everyone and although I did not want to take the trade school route after high school, I was proud to be a part of a club that encouraged students to take the road less traveled. From cabin making to auto repair, SkillsUSA provided you with the necessary tools to succeed in the workforce. That September came the Fall Leadership Conference where I got to meet our state officers and I went to several different classes taught by those
officer to obtain skills when I attend college or obtain a job. The first night there was amazing. Students were screaming and dancing and just having a blast. The speaker was exceedlingly great to. I had never laughed that hard in my life. After that I knew SkillsUSA was a club I was destined to be in. After Fall Leadership came Regionals. My first year competing I was filled with nerves. I had never done anything like it before and was not prepared. I did not place but I wanted to compete again next year, so I waited. The following year I placed second and this year I placed first
in the Regional Job Interview competition. No one can understand the emotions flowing through me that day when they called my name. Just two years ago I won nothing and now I will be representing region 3 at state level as I did last year. State here I come! Over the past three years I have made many friends and memories with SkillsUSA. I even got the chance to be a part of the selection process of our new state officers. I was glad to be a part of a club that challenged students to different. Our theme is Champions at Work and I want to take that theme wherever I go. I wear the colors of red, white, gold, and blue proudly and SkillsUSA will be the new home of Arabia Mountain High. If studentswant to join. All they have to do is talk to Mrs.Mamane, the broadcasting teacher or you can sign up electronically. There is a tab on her website under SkillsUSA. The more the merrier!
Arabia Mountain High School Drama Club Timothy Eboigbe
Drama is a series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results. Drama is mainly here to entertain people and make them experience different emotions. The Arabia Mountain High school Drama club is an upcoming club run by two seniors Lorenzo Moore & Kordell Withrow. The second semester is when the club began to grow. Kordell Withrow said, “The drama club had grown exponentially because of the amount of people we reached out to.”
Some upcoming events for the Drama club are a short film called “Wrong Crowds” and music video called “Happy”. The drama club consist of at the most fifty talented students . The purpose of drama club is to give people an opportunity to express themselves. They don’t just act; the students also perform across all talents. Lorenzo Moore wanted to start the Drama Club because he loved to express myself mainly through music. He started acting a couple of years back, and he have always wanted to do something big, that not just benefit him but others as well. Since this is the first year Arabia Mountain High School had a drama club he want this year to be a tremendous year for them to take off and leave a mark on Arabia Mountain. Lorenzo said,” Hopefully when he graduates that the drama club
will still exist at Arabia Mountain. Drama Club is more than a club to these students it is like an extension of themselves. It gives them a chance to express themselves and exploit their talents. To Lorenzo Moore drama means, “...doing what you love, on the stage.” To Kordell Withrow drama means “...being with a crew that encourage each other to do their best on stage.” Break a leg, guys!
STUDENT LIFE
p. 6
Valeria Lake Prom is quickly approaching this year, and unfortunately the majority of people are far from ready. There is a boat load of useful in terms of getting ready. Since there is a little under a month or two before the BIG DAY comes, in order to be the most beautiful girl, or the most suave guy, follow these few guidelines to success. OUTFIT: For girls, a prom dress is the most important part of the night. Some will want to have one that is extremely elegant, while some desire a dress that is more subtle and some girls do not want to spend a fortune on a dress that will be worn for one night. However, no matter the decision there are endless options. To receive a free prom dress, you could go to Becca’s Closet; for more inexpensive ones you could thrift, of course go to department stores, or shop online at etsy.com, hm.com, Nordstrom.com, bloomingdales.com, etc. These places are also ideal stores for shoes and accessories. For guys, my biggest advice is to be out- of- the- box, take chances, and wear a tuxedo or suit that makes a broad statement. Don’t be traditional, especially for the senior guys. Instead of matching exactly with your date, wear colors and styles that compliment her. And if you are going solo, check out some sites that show unique tuxedo and suit styles that you could mimic for a cool look. TRANSPORTATION: The second most important factor of prom besides the outfit is the way you get there. Here are the basic ideas for a cool ride to prom:
As a junior, since this is most likely not the only prom you will attend, you probably do not have to go overboard for a nice ride. The best idea for you is to probably rent a cool and inexpensive ride that has a nice, sleek look for the night. Some good cars to look into are Mercedes Benz, Dodge Challengers, Nissan Altima Coupes, BMWs, Camaros, etc. Hopefully your parent will allow you to drive it, and you will have a nice whip!
Prom is almost a month away and the senior class keeps complaining about the fact that no information was put out until the last minute or why seniors don’t have a say in what goes into prom and what happens at this year 2014 prom. On February 6, 2014 prom tickets were announced to be $100 for students that attend Arabia Mountain High School and $60 for guest who don’t attend Arabia Mountain High School. After these prices were given to the students, the students in the senior class went frantic because they were giving no time for students to pay for prom, so next the price for the students of Arabia changed to $85 for the first three weeks and will increase after the last week. This year’s prom will be located at the beautiful Hellenic Community Center in Decatur. The theme will be surrounding on a Great Gatsby sense which is the roaring 20’s.
Also, anyone could rent a nice limo with a few friends! It happens to be a bit more inexpensive since everyone is in on it, and it may be safer because there is a more experienced driver.
As a senior, renting a luxury car is the best idea! This will allow you to look very sophisticated while turning heads along the way. Plus, for people with dates, having your own car will allow you to have time to relax without all of the other people around. DINNER: The last portion of prom is the dinner. Since prom is a special and once a year event, do not go anywhere that is generic such as Chili’s, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, or Olive Garden. Try out restaurants that are not necessarily chains, and can only be found in Atlanta, or surrounding areas. Here are some options:
The Green Ginger: Asian Fusion * Atlantic Grill Benihana’s (Although it is chain, it is very sophisticated) Kimball House * Leon’s Full Service* Iberian Pig * Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro Yard House
*These restaurants are located in Decatur, and close to the Hellenic Center where prom will be held. After all of this, you will have a great night to remember, one that you will talk about for the rest of your life!
Many seniors have been trying to figure out why they don’t want to include our say and what we have to offer in prom, but as Mr. McKinney stated, “The seniors had the opportunity to do prom last year; it’s supposed to be the junior class gift to the seniors as a going away gift, just arrive and enjoy yourself.” As seniors, when we were over prom last year we may have had committees in place that were over certain characteristics that went into prom such as food and decorations, but this year Mr. McKinney is not requesting for a committee or help from any seniors because it’s a gift from the Junior class to the Senior class which is what the senior class needs to understand and realize. Prom will be April 4, 2014 starting at 7:30 and ending at 11:00. This year at prom seniors should expect gorgeous decorations since decorators are already in place to make this night the best night of
their senior years. There will be a photo booth again, and while attending prom there will be a slide show of photos of juniors and seniors throughout the night. As juniors attending prom for the first time, it should be a good experience to remember because it’s an elegant experience that everyone should enjoy while being with their significant other and friends. Many things are anticipated to be different—for instance the food, the favors that will be given at the end of prom, the venue, and the theme. This is one day no senior should miss; it’s time to show off and show out at your last prom. Any more questions about prom please go see Mr. McKinney and Ms.Sokoloskis.
FASHION
p. 7
Meyanna Gilliam Lately women have found it very intriguing to become a part of the natural hair community. Unfortunately, women are unaware of how to begin a healthy hair journey. Here are a few important steps to have as you embrace your lovely coils, kinks, and curls. Enjoy!
Healthy Hair Become familiar with your hair type. Be aware of the haircare in order to prevent breakage during your journey. Invest in the moisturizer, conditioner, and products that your hair type responds to. Protien Treatments once a month, try to create a moisture to protien balance, to ensure long lasting healthy hair with minimum hair breakage.
Moisture!!! Try to stay away from shampoo with silicons in them. Silicons strip the strands of it’s natu-
ral oils. Also, silicons dry out the hair which means that more work will be needed than normal in order to restore the moisture. Condition your hair daily or every other day. This will help your coils look and feel moisturized. Water is the key to having a healthy journey; without water your adorable coils and kinks will be lifeless. The L.O.C. method (liquid, oil, cream) Liquid would be water. It is plentyful, essential for daily intake, and natural hair loves water. To retain moisture from water you have to use the other two components of the L.O.C. method which are oil and cream. Oil helps your curly strands hold in water molecules. Certain oils penetrate the hair shaft such as coconut oil and advocado oil. Cream locks in moisture. The purpose of the cream is to seal or lock in moisture.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Be Cool. Feel Sexy. Be You. Smile. This was on a poster behind the scenes of the greatest event of fashion that took place on February 6th, 2014. Filled with glitz and glamor the Mercedes Benz FashionWeek kicked off with a bang. Even the snow could not cool this event. It was hot, hot, hot and burned to the touch! From Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren, designers everywhere came to show off their best and brightest. What does one wear to such an occasion? When members of the fashion crowd woke on this very day to such an glorious morning, Mother Nature could not even ruin their good fortune. It started like a lamb and went out like a lion. But in words of the theater, the show must go on. People came in their trench coats and Sorel boots. Where an outfit was your calling card, it could not have been chosen lightly. Even heels were worn in this stormy weather. No amount of snow can keep a woman from her Jimmy Choos. Models everywhere strutted their stuff and worked the runway showing off designers of the highest caliber. They graced the audience with winter white and wrap around coats. Faux furs and capes were also a big thing this year. A cozy of collection of plaid sweaters and turtle necks and a mixture of neutral colors embellished these models as well. Ralph Lauren brightened up the place with prints inn leather and wool. Many A-list celebrities came out to sup0port one of the greatest events in fashion. Kendall Jenner made her debut in Marc Jacobs. Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow graced New York in black and Tyra Banks in all blue. Naya Rivera set front row in Michael Kors. Even though flashing lights took place on the runway, it was behind the scenes all the action took place. Hair, make-up, nails just mere cogs in this perfect choreographed event. These could make or break your outfit. Women even took to wearing netting to protect their make-up. Models played on their phones and even did homework to pass the time before going on stage. Hair spray and perfume will forever etched in their clothing. Even Berkeley college students were
able to help out. From handling out flyers to working with social media, they got to work with journalist and newsletters helping bring together this wondrous event. One of the students, Raquel Rivera, blogged of her experience at fashion week. “I’m blogging my activities from the Edwing D'Angelo 2014 Fall Presentation and Adolfo Sanchez AW 2014 Collection. And, I want to see if there is a new hot-shot designer — someone who just comes out of the woodwork and surprises everyone else. I know that many of today’s best designers got their start during Fashion Week and have gone on to great careers,”. With this colorful affair brought about new faces to the modeling world. This was the first year New York Fashion Week had a model in a wheel chair grace their stage. Her name is Cammie Hammer and she wanted to send a message to the fashion industry and be an inspiration to girls like her who feels fashion is more than just clothing but a way of life. Kendall Jenner, the daughter of Kris Jenner on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, made her debut and it even brought about Gigi Hadid, an 18-year old model , who got her big break. From the way the crowd reacted, she will be seen again. All three of these girls made a very great first impression on the runway. With Kendall’s beautiful built and GiGi;s grace walk down therunway, they will be unstoppable. Soon their names and faces will be on every product As this event came with a close it went out with the fire it started with. Snow coming down like a monster could not even put that fire out. I predict next year will be better than the last. New designers will present themselves and maybe Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren won’t be the only top designers with a new line.
However, lets not get to caught up on the word cream because sealants can be oils or creams. Shea butter is a great natural hair product used to add moisture into your hair.
So, with these tips here are some girls who are natural. Monique Boyd says “I use heat sometimes and I only wore weave once” “The products I use are, Coconut oil and Leave in Conditioner by African Pride.” She also loves to wear her hair down. Kenya White says “I use heat once every three months and I have been natural since birth.” Aneski Ellis says “I use heat sometimes and I have been natural since birth.” “The products I useare Carols Daughter and Shea Moisture.” “I also use cocnut oil and my favorite hairstyles to wear are Curls and perm rods.”
NaKayla Williams
FASHION & TECHNOLOGY
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Caleb Logan I was never interested in fashion. In fact, if you would’ve told me a few months ago that I would be addicted to a fashion game I would have called you a liar. But recently I came across a game that changed my entire view
on the fashion industry. Covet Fashion is an interactive fashion app that allows you to build a dream wardrobe. The game is essentially a virtual wardrobe filled with garments from designers like Rebecca Minkoff and
French Connection. The game allows players to vote on their favorite outfits from fellow “Coveters” and even purchase their favorite looks online. Games like Covet Fashion allows both casual players and those interested in the career to explore their future. Covet isn’t the only game like this. Games like Diner Dash and Sally’s Spa and Salon also allow you to explore a career. Senior Jessica White says “Sally’s Spa gave me another career option.” Since beginning to play Sally’s Spa Jessica has decided to start her own spa business one day. It’s interesting how a seemingly simple game can impact someone’s future. Students like Jessica have found a whole new path in life and even I have found a
new passion for fashion. I believe that this type of in-app career immersion is the wave of the future. Games like Covet Fashion in schools and even at job fairs to introduce new and unique career options. This new
frontier in technology is really unique and I am excited to see where it leads.
Atiya Williamson Mardi Gras is derived from the Christian religion and is actually a celebration in which people from all walks of life gather to eat many new foods, celebrate the lives of past loved ones and party before the Lent holiday. This year it falls on March 4,2014. For those who are unfamiliar, Lent is a Christian holiday that last for six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday which is the first Sunday of April. The origins of Mardi Gras dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries at French House of the Bourbons which was one of the most important ruling houses in Europe during that time. The earliest mention of Mardi Gras was in 1870 when there was detailed newspaper account of some sort of “street carnival” that had held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders, dazzling gaslight torches. and merchant selling food. These traditions have paved way to the types of modern celebratory activities that we see today around the world on Mardi Gras. New Orleans, Louisiana is synonymous with the Mardi Gras holiday in the United States but it is not the only place
that Mardi Gras is celebrated. Brazil and Italy are also popular hot spots for people to celebrate Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is called Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and attracts 70% of tourist during this time. Last year’s Carnival set a record breaking record for 2 million people to attend. Martedí Grasso also referred to as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated in Venice, Italy. This mardi gras celebration is more traditional modeled after medieval times with jousting competitions and bobbing for fruit. Like I mentioned earlier, New Orleans attracts people from all over the U.S to take part in the massive celebration. During Mardi Gras, each neighborhood is broken down into “krewes” that hosts their own parades. During the season, krewes also host balls and parties from the extravagant and ritualized to informal block party style events. Each krewe has its own personal theme with different types of food, music genres and even entertainment activities. The one thing they all have in common are music and the parades. Mardi Gras parades are so popular that some tv networks have had live
broadcast of parades in past years. Even musical artist and celebrities have been apart of mardi Gras parades because they attract so many people. Senior, Alexis Arnold, says she likes to drive down to New Orleans with her family because they make new memories with each other. I imagine that she isn’t the only one who feels this way and I can’t wait until I have a chance to experience the entity that is Mardi Gras.
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Bioshock Infinite Review
For years First Person Shooters have been the subject of critical bashing from gamers. A lot of what is criticized is the failure to innovate, lack of immersion or depth, unchanging monotonous multiplayer, boring gameplay and a short and pointless story. Despite not having multiplayer, Bioshock Infinite does not do what similar games have done. The story is immersive, the gameplay is epic and fun, and the setting is unlike any other game before it. The game is set in 1912, a period of racial tension that presents itself in the games narrative. You are Booker Dewitt and you are out to pay off a debt by delivering a girl to a group of benefactors. You start off in a lighthouse, but soon you are strapped in chair and sent miles into the sky into the games real setting: Columbia. Columbia is a floating city that is independent from the United States. In this city Christianity is the key religion here and it shows in the city folk you meet there, but believe me this game is anything but saint-like. The city was founded and run by Religious Zealot Zachary Comstock, whom the people love and adore, some in a cult like fashion. Comstock predicts your arrival and the beautiful vibrant city full of friendly people turns into an ugly racist, confederate bunch out for your head. This turns your simple task into the fight of your life as you shoot your way through the police who protect the city from those like you. As the story progresses you begin to learn the truth about the city and its inhabitants as well as the girl you came to collect, Elizabeth. While the gameplay starts as the simple shoot em up we’ve come to know and love, it gets a lot more interesting when vigors are introduced. Vigors are potions that allow you to wield strange but powerful abilities such as
by Eric Murphy
shooting fireballs from your hand, creating electric traps or sending a flock of crows to attack your enemies. These vigors are fueled by salts, potions that allow you to continue to use these powers to gain the upper hand. However, it isn’t long before you start meeting bigger tougher enemies, some of which possess the same vigors that you have. Not to mention the enemies are smart. They will try to actively avoid traps you set, flank you while you’re distracted and even take advantage of your weaknesses. The gameplay is fast and frantic, mixing vigors with gunplay, which while simple can be an intense and epic experience. This action is also assisted by Elizabeth who can open inter-dimensional portals called tears that can help you in a pinch. These tears can provide you with ammo, cover, health and even salts to keep you alive when the going gets tough, and believe me it will get tough. Elizabeth, unlike many partners in video games, always helps but is never in your way. She can take care of herself which keeps her from feeling like deadweight that you have to protect, in fact she never gets hurt during combat so you can focus on the fight ahead. You can increase your shields, health and the amount of salts you can hold by getting infusions found in random parts of the game. You can only pick one thing to upgrade, so it encourages players to ask themselves what they need. Do you want to upgrade your shields to keep from taking consistent damage? Do you want to upgrade health and stay in the fight longer? Or do you upgrade the salts you can carry so you can keep the pressure up on your foes? Columbia is also not to be ignored. It is a beautiful city, which is complimented by the
games already impressive visuals. The game looks amazing and it is easy to get lost in the floating world of Columbia. The beautiful city is a joy to look at and the game allows you to explore at your own pace. Bioshock Infinite is far from linear , having many branching paths to explore, where you can find extra loot to buy upgrades for weapons, ammo and even salts and health kits. You can also find lockpicks that allow you to access secret rooms, where you find collectibles such as voxophones (audio diaries from various characters in the game), more money, and even an infusion or two. Many times throughout the game I was distracted by separate that led me away from my objective, but rewarded me handsomely for not brashly rushing through the game. But then again why wouldn’t you, Bioshock Infinite has one the best stories I have ever experienced in video games yet. The story has you asking so many questions and answers them all for you, even some you may have thought of. And the ending is jaw dropping, you will never see the ending coming and you are never ready for it and I guarantee it will leave gamers awestruck. The characters are also a huge highlight. Characters such as the mysterious and proper Lutece twins, the intelligent Elizabeth and the rebellious Daisy Fitzroy and Booker who has a dark past that players will soon find are only some of the incredible characters you will meet in your time with Bioshock Infinite. The Dialogue is well written and the acting from the characters is spectacular.
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Talking Angela: Real or Scam? Sharidan Coleman Warnings have been spreading throughout Instagram, Twitter and a plethora of social media sites. A “child-friendly” Apple iOS app: Talking Angela is being accused of stealing the user’s (usually children’s’) names, home address and details of their school. The app is even faulted for snapping secret pictures of the user. Talking Angela is similar to the notorious interactive iOS app “Talking Tom.” The cute, blue-eyed cat responds to the users’ gestures and mimics whatever they say with a friendly French accent. She can repeat, read facial expressions and react to them (with the camera enabled). The cat can engage in robotic text chats with the user. The developer of Talking Angela declares no information neither sent nor received is shared with others. In fact, the app is innocent and is not run by hackers. Some examples of the warnings and false accusations regarding the friendly app by say something similar to this: “DO NOT download the app. It’s a hacker sitting behind a webcam, able to see you but you cannot see him. The second you tap the download button your personal information is given to the hacker!” and “Talking Angela is a trick! There is a pedophile on the other end watching you through your camera! If you zoom into her eyes you can see the background of where the child molester is. Please delete the app and share the word, please! THIS IS NOT A JOKE!”
Upcoming Movies Mikhal Dorsey 300: Rise of an Empire- Coming in March In this sequel of the movie 300, Greek general Themistokes leads his army to invade the Persian forces. T he Persian navy wants their revenge from the last battle between them.
Need for Speed- Coming in March A street racer, fresh out of prison joins a cross-county race with revenge in his mind. His ex-partner, places a bounty on the street racers head as the race begins.
Horoscopes Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 You will be working hard this month. But do not panic as it willed be filled with social events as well. Don’t get stressed out and don’t procrastinate. Your month will be whatever you make of it. Just stay positive and everything will work itsdelf out.
Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 Your energy this month will be contagious and positive. Don’t worry about the past and future but work in the now. Do what come comes naturally and be yourself. All your relationships will work out friends, family, and lovers to.
Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 Stay home this month. As much as you might be itching to go out your home needs tending to. A clean house equals a clean mind. Things may be rocky between a few friends but don’t worry, it won’t last long. That is why you should stay home, give some time for things to heal. Just pay attention to the little things.
Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 Your month will be buzzing with excitement and disarray. Expect a lot of talk from friends and family. Talk with them and have fun. You will creative solutions to their problems and you will glow closer to them everyday.
Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 You are better off this month than you think. Listen to your intuition and follow your heart as they will lead you in the right direction. Just try to keep a steady hand on your shoulder. Everything will be okay and you will be rewarded.
Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 You will have a love-hate relationship with certain things you do this month. Things you usually find entertaining might bring you boredom. But don’t worry it will set the stage for new things to come. This knowledge could be used to advance your own career and financial interests, so you may want to spend an hour or two writing down your thoughts.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 Don’t try to make a big deal out of everything this month. Your intuition, physical and intellectual energy, and insight are at an all-time high. You need to make use of your listening skills today -- things are sure to get weird if you don't. Just take it one day at a time.
Divergent- Coming in March
A teenager in the future sets out to break free from her homogenous society, that divides people based on human traits. She laves her group to join up with her rival group, where she falls for an older man.
Noah- Coming in March The Biblical Noah suffers visions from apocalyptic visions and does everything he can to protect his family from disaster and predators.
Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 You might be feeling under pressure to finally address unresolved problems in your home or family. However, don't get yourself so worked up. Take a few deep breaths and cut yourself some slack. Expect to spend most of your month talking and planning!
Sagittarius: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Don't be afraid to push yourself a little harder so you can be satisfied with a job well done this month. It is the little details that matter most. Your mind is sharp. Just relax and take your time.
Capricorn: Dec 22 - Jan 19 You will be admired and appreciated for your competence on the job. Just don’t let it go to your head. Make sUse your insights to increase your understanding of others. ure that you're not just poking along on your own, as this information must be shared soon.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier- Coming in April In this sequel Captain America struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history. Aquarius: Jan 20 - Feb 18 Social interactions are somewhat more difficult for you this month. You may just pick up on subtle signals, or they could make a huge gaffe. Work wise you feel as if you could conquer the world. You feel strong and determined. Just take that extra step and good things will come.