Desert Illustrated February Issue

DESERT DESERT ILLUSTRATED ILLUSTRATED More Than Just a Teacher

Love On The Brain

Looking through the Lense

Table of Contents 1-2: Love on the Brain 3-4: The Man Behind the Massacre 5-6: More Than Just a Teacher 7-8: Looking Through the Lens 9-10: It's a Numbers Game 11-12: The Fun Can Await When The Score Determines Your Faith 13-14: Just One More Try 15:Every Four Years 16: Love is In the Air 17-18: Young Love? Are You Blind?

19: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not 20: How To: Recover From A Broken Heart

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LOVE ON THE BRAIN D O E S

T H E H E A R T R E A L L Y W H A T I T W A N T S ?

B Y

A R I A N N A

W A N T

L E U E R

I believe there are different types of love; you

The feeling just takes over, sometimes it seems

know the love from family or friends that everyone

uncontrollable, maybe even a bit messy. There are

should be surrounded by, but how do you define

guaranteed ups and downs because everyone is

the differences between the feeling of this type of

imperfect. In fact, being perfect is just a perception,

love and a love that is so profound, the kind that

and everyone’s perception is different. So, finding

makes you want to lose everything and run away

the right person is not about finding the perfect

with it?

person, it’s more about finding the person that can

It’s the butterflies in your stomach, the way

get through the rough patches with you. The one

your heart begins to rapidly pulse, the moment your

that sticks around, not because you expect them to,

palms instantaneously start to sweat, or when your

but because they choose you. I guess we do not

legs begin to quake at the sight of that special

necessarily choose the person we fall in love with,

someone.

but somehow your paths crossed and for a moment

Personally, experiencing the feeling sounds awful, but supposedly that’s what happens when people find love. They think the best out of the

it seems like the world stops spinning. Then in that very moment, they seemingly become your world.

It’s crazy, right; how someone can become so

worst in hopes that it could be something special.

significant and close so quick that they are thought

They overlook the flaws and view one as perfect.

to be the other half you’ve been missing? How can

Though, what I don’t understand is how

one person have the capability of being someone

someone can interpret the feeling as love. How

else’s other half, when they should be a whole

does one automatically just know when it’s the

themselves? Self love should be at the top of

“right” person? How come the feeling is so

everyone's priority list because how can a stable

indescribable to those that have actually felt it?

relationship form when you have not even lived up

What is it about the feeling that influences them to

to your own highest potential? Categorizing

instantly get their hopes up?

yourself as a half is degrading. Don’t consider yourself to be any less of a whole.

"We do not physically feel with our hearts" Admiring someone so fondly could happen in a

Therefore, I do not find it convincing that love

heartbeat. After all, the chemically transmitted

can conquer all. It takes a lot of effort, time, and

feeling is unavoidable; however, how does one go

energy. It takes a part of you away. Sometimes you

from a love so deep to the conviction that it was

completely lose yourself in the process of trying to

never really love in the first place?

love someone else.

The idea is simple. It is all in the head.

Love changes people and as time progresses

Psychologically, your perception changes into

they evolve. Experiences within a person’s life

thinking that love is just not real. One of the worst

shapes who they are. Occurrences mold their

drugs is love. It becomes addictive. It consumes you.

perceptions of what was compared to what is. These

It clouds your judgement. It allows you to feel

are inevitable things. Nobody can stop someone

without logical thinking. It’s not that you are unable

from growing into who they are destined to become.

to fight against love, rather you can not fight against

Nor is it your job to be someone’s destiny. It might

the chemicals in your brain. The heart doesn’t ever

have been fate that brought two people together, but

tell you what it needs or wants, the brain determines

anything can break if it is not strong enough to

that.

withstand the impact. In the end, it makes me

We do not physically feel with our hearts, we

wonder if you can ever truly get to know someone.

feel with the dopamine and neurotransmitters that

Can you entirely know them well enough to say that

are sent to the brain, in which produces a stimulating

it is in fact love?

response. It could be explained as an adrenaline rush like the moment you scored big in a championship game. The body is primed for excitement. So, if the so called love is leading you towards a genuinely happy and healthy relationship then go for it. Enjoy it while it lasts because who’s to say love lasts forever?

In order for love to be a forever thing, there needs to be an unconditional amount to provide.

Regardless of the faults in someone, you have to continuously cherish them forever.

FEBRUARY ISSUE

THE MAN BEHIND THE MASSACRE The power hungry truth behind the heartbreaking crime

By Kyle Muna and Julian Romo

Most people think of love when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

Yet, on February 14, 1929, seven men were murdered in cold blood. Alphonse Gabrielle Capone, also known as Scarface, is one of the most well-known mobsters not just of his time… but ever.

He was the first mobster to be widely involved with the media outlets as well as having interviews with reporters. He paved the way for following mob leaders. He accumulated over $100 million through bootlegging or illegal alcohol trafficking. In today’s money that would be over $1.3 billion, making him one of the most successful mobsters to exist.

As for Al Capone, he was a businessman and the co-founder of the Chicago Outfit also known as the “Chicago Mafia” or “Chicago Mob.” He was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 17, 1899. While he showed much promise as a student, he struggled to follow the strict rules of his Catholic school. At the age of 14, he got expelled from school for hitting a female teacher across the face. He worked a few jobs around the city at known mobster affiliated buildings. At the time, Al Capone was being influenced by a fellow gangster known as Johnny Torio, whom he came to regard as a mentor. Al Capone's nickname, Scarface, came about when he inadvertently insulted a woman who was working the door at a Brooklyn nightclub. He was then slashed by her brother, Frank Gallucio, leaving wounds on his face creating a scar.

Al Capone took over the mob known as the “Five Points Gang” after Johnny Torrio was shot by a rival mob outfit and later sentenced to nine months in jail. While Johnny Torrio laid the

Famous photo of Al Capone aka Scareface.

groundwork for illegal alcohol trafficking, Al Capone was far more successful at it. Capone quickly took over all of Chicago’s bootlegging (illegal alcohol trafficking) when rival mobs were slowly dismantled by him.

FEBRUARY ISSUE

For instance, Al Capone enlisted Yale and other mobsters to “take care of Dion O’Bannion,” a rival gang leader, in his flower shop. Followed by the one and only, St Valentine’s Day Massacre which occurred on February 14, 1929. Seven members of the rival gang led by Bug’s Morang were lined up and gunned down by the mobsters disguised themselves in police uniforms. Even though Al Capone was in Miami at the time of the shooting, it’s widely speculated that he was the mastermind behind it all. After the fact, Bug went into hiding and at one point into police protection in fear that he was next.

Al Capone met his demise when he started to believe he was above the law. He became reckless.

He was arrested in late 1929 for possession of a firearm and sentenced to one year; however, he was released after only nine months for “good behavior” but many believe the judge and officers were simply paid off. On October 18, 1931, Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for three counts of tax evasion as well as conspiracy to violate the prohibition. When he was released in 1939, he was notified that he had a 12year-old daughter. He decided to retire from the mob and moved to his mansion in Florida where his family resided. The notorious Scarface died of a heart attack at the age of 48 in 1947.

Capone was notorious for being one of the biggest mobsters in history. His legacy will be carried on for centuries.

Photos from the Mob Museum St. Valentine's Day Massacre exhibit located in downtown Las Vegas.

More Than Just a Teacher

By Evelyn Garcia

Mrs. Strekow and her lovely family of four.

Everyday students wanders from

Having grown up in a strict

Thanks to that decision Strekow

class to class waiting for the last bell

household had a positive effect on

found herself taking on a new

to ring so they can go home . Taking

her. Everything was always

adventure and learned how to do

endless notes from a text book

organized and planned out. As a

things on her own. She had to go

practically does no use. The

matter of fact, Strekow gained very

outside of her comfort zone and

information doesn't stick. It's not

keen time management skills that are

discover the world around her.

often that students come across

still very useful to this day.

someone who makes them take a step

Being the youngest of seven

“I think that was probably the best decision my dad made because I had

back and understand the material

meant there was a lot to live up to.

to grow up, ” Strekow expressed,

they have at hand; however, Mrs.

Strekow was under a lot of pressure

“When I left home I was scared. I

Kehaulani Strekow-Feldman is that

as considering she was the first to

was excited but very nervous because

teacher- and she doesn’t only teach

take a different path from

I didn’t have anybody to go to.”

math.

her siblings as she went to school out

Growing up Strekow was the

During her first year of college

of state. Her parents even started their

Strekow was extremely homesick

youngest of seven children. She grew

own food service business to help her

and called everyday which reflected

up on the windward side, Kahalu'u,

fout through college.

on how she truly missed her family.

HI on Oahu. Her father was a police

Strekow got into three schools:

Leaving home is a scary experience

officer and her mother was a

UH, USC, and Loyola Marymount.

for anyone. As Strekow came from

homemaker. Being the child of a

Upon receiving her one of her

such a tight knit family, it was a

police officer, she lived in a very

acceptance letters, her father threw

tough adjustment. She truly had to

strict household.

away the acceptance to UH and told

learn how to figure things out on her

her she was not allowed to stay

own, in which had a life long impact

home.

on her, and how she handles things

“In my household if you didn’t tell my parents by Wednesday what you’re going do for the weekend, the weekend was theirs,” said Strekow.

today.

“Even though it was hard that first

Being able to see the light bulb

Strekow always found herself always

year, I am who I am because of it,”

having her hand up to tutor other

flick on for students is something

said Strekow, “When things were

students in school and always wanted

Strekow looks forward to every day.

rough for me, I knew I had to pick

to help others. To this day she is

myself up. I can make it through

always trying to find a way to help

(math) because I was able to explain

anything now because I made it

her students understand the material

it to them a different way that maybe

through when things were rough at a

in ways that work for them.

somebody else didn’t and finally it

younger age.”

When shining a light on teaching,

“When I really think that kids are

“I really like seeing kids get it

clicks," said Strekow.

When teaching, Strekow thinks

screwing up I don’t sugar coat it,”

Strekow believes certain people were

said Strekow, “I’m to the point, ‘here

about her two children in the back of

born to be teachers. Simply, one

is what we need to do lets do it to get

her mind for inspiration. Her kids

cannot just "take a class" or "lecture"

it done.’”

influence her to best teacher she can

on how to be a teacher. Wanting to

Not only does she take pride in

be whether it be about math or simply

help others (students) grow from the

teaching math, but she will always

being there for her students when

ground up is something that can't be

make sure her students walk out her

times in need.

learned from aa textbook.

class room understanding it.

"Don’t be scared to challenge yourself. If you fumble, just pick yourself up and put one foot in front of the other because there is only one direction you can go which is forward"

Strekow treats her students as her

finding another way to solve a problem, she

own kids and only wants to see the best

will do it. She goes out of her way to help all

from them, to see them grow.

of her students to make sure they get the

“I want to be caring, I want to motivate, I want to help in anyway that

material in and out.

A lot of students will never get the

I possibly can, I want to comfort those

opportunity to meet a teacher like Strekow.

who are hurting,” Strekow quoted, “I

She is without a doubt the kind of teacher

want somebody to do that for my kids,

that will always pop into your mind well into

I want to be someone that my kids

adulthood. She makes an tremendous impact

would love to have in the classroom.”

even if you fail to catch it in the moment.

Mrs. Strekow always pulls a one hundred and ten percent when teaching.

She strived to get where she is today, and she continues to teach the life lessons she learned when she was younger to help guide her students.

She is the teacher that goes the extra mile to not only help you with classwork but help with anything else you need, to fully make sure that you are okay. She is more than just a math teacher, she is a parent that watches over you at school when you’re not home.

Mrs. Strekow is a truly inspiring person, she is caring, selfless, and works so hard to try to get the best our of every one of her students. She wants to see all of them succeed even if that means taking a few steps back and

Mrs. Strekow helping out a student with their homework.

LOOKING THROUGH THE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY YET AGAIN MAKES AN IMPACT ON A STUDENT

BY ABBEY STEINMAN

A few snapshots of Alex Maria's trip to Peru.

Camera on.

Photo focused.

Button clicked.

Within seconds an image is taken, and it’s simply acknowledged for what it's worth. For Senior Alex Maria, an image isn’t just about how the perfect lighting is. It’s about how an image can be taken to its full potential, to display a profound and meaningful story. Maria aspires to capture a moment in time.

Maria's love for photography began when he was a freshman.

He chose the elective, and quickly he fell in love with the program.

With the class igniting his passion, Maria took upon himself to take things up a notch and saved enough money to buy his first camera, a Canon T5i. Whether it was a school project or a photo shoot, he took an immense amount of photos daily and made sure each one came out crisp and eye-pleasing.

“Taking photography helped me gain a creative eye, so now I look at the whole world differently. I’m always on the hunt to find something visually aesthetic. After taking the class for almost four years, I can also say it's given me a lot of inspiration to always be a better photographer,” stated Maria.

When traveling to Peru over winter break, Maria took the opportunity to take his photography skills to the next level. When he traveled to Cuzco and explored what was left of the Inca tribe, his camera was by his side. During his trip, the moments Maria captured were none other than breathtaking. Each photo looked as if it were a stock image for National Geographic.

Alex Maria, the photographer himself.

Maria's stunning images from Peru.

Whether it was from a bird's eye

acknowledged and praised. That's

Even though he can be hard on

view or worm's eye view, each image

when he knew his work meant

himself sometimes, Maria realized

was encased with multiple scenarios of

something to other people.

photography was his outlet. He has

Peruvian life. For every image Maria

Although, self-doubt is always

spent over a couple of hours to a

documented, he used EOA (elements of

present. Maria puts heavy weight

couple of weeks editing endless

art) and POD (principles of design) to

on his shoulders to have each

images. Maria isn’t scared to take

enhance the unseemingly beauty of the

shoot be better than the last. At

risks that set him apart from the rest

village.

certain times, this pressure is

of the crowd. He strives to not only

what makes him begin to be

be a better photographer, but he

inconsistent with his work.

strives to be someone who can

Pushing forth behind the setting of a photo, Maria believes an image tells more than what it's worth. For Maria,

“My goal is to eventually stop

leave an inspiration or a mark on

documenting through imagery rather

being so self judgmental because

than words is of the utmost importance

I’ll snapshot or edit something,

to him because he's cognitive of the fact

fall in love with it at the moment,

document the world through my

that visuals can stimulate emotions that

but then I’ll look back at it the

eyes all by a single click of a

resonate differently with each person.

next morning and rethink the

button. It sounds easy, but to

whole thing. I’ll start to slowly

capture the moment, you gotta

couple of reasons. I wanna create my

hate it just because I think I

understand what the story is that

style and follow that much more

could’ve done better. I believe

you strive to tell,” Maria ended off.

instead. I have no interest in following

that I’m progressing every single

anyone's exact line of work. People

day, so I end up ‘over’

need to be aware of other things other

progressing,” stated Maria.

“I don’t follow a specific style for a

people.

“I’m able to express myself and

than what's going on in their city,” Maria expressed.

Maria found his passion- his story.

Maria understood right from the beginning that photography takes time, patience and skill. The importance of taking photos allowed him to express himself and his view of life. Life was no longer dull for him; Maria proceeded to venture out and focus his camera lens on something that the average person wouldn't notice. He felt fulfilled when his images were

Maria's image from birds eye view.

1

By Eli Calandra

Goal To Win

State Championship

7

Coll e alum ge from ni 2019 Josh Sharman

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Campbell Holt Jacob Kieffer, our junior ace pitcher, is competitive and ready to win. He can throw

2

his fastball up to 87 mph and follows up the heater, with a deceiving curveball.

The Pitcher & The Catcher

Dylan Dirig is a brick wall behind home

University of Southern California/ Santa Barbra Community College Aaron Roberts University of California Berkeley

Parker Schmidt University of Oregon DJ Jefferson University of Southern California/ Philadelphia Phillies Tyler Montoya Northwest Florida State College

plate. He can control the whole game from

Zac Czerniawski

behind his mask and throw base stealing

Pima Community

runners out before you can blink an eye.

College

4 2

College CollegeCommited Commited Seniors Ready to lead the team Colby Smith

Varsity Varsity

Level Underclass men

Colby is a standout player. He is a 5 tool athlete, who can compete with the best in the country. He can

throw and hit hard, run fast, play

above average defense, and lead the team with his excellent

understanding of the sport. Needless to say, he is more than ready to lead the team at shortstop.

Jordan Metzger

℅ 2022

After being called up to the

varsity team in the fall, Jordan

Colton Zobrist

Colton plays with intensity. He is a passionate

player who will do anything to win. Together, him

is expected to be a big part of

Desert Oasis’ baseball team this year.

and Colby are a perfect match to lead the team this

3 spring.

Eli Calandra

℅ 2022

Called up to varsity in fall, he is a projectable pitcher in the program and has big shoes to fill next year for the following seasons.

Jack Buening

℅ 2023

A homeschool recruit with a very bright future. Currently a backup catcher, Buening will have no problem competing this season.

Tyler Kennedy

℅ 2023

Called up to varsity during his freshman year, Kennedy is looking to make a name for himself this season.

Palo Verde Almost knocked DO out of the state championship last year.

Basic

Have become elite over the years, and is now a great competitor towards DO.

Bishop Gorman

3

Always recruiting and getting better and better prospects.

Colby Smith

Shortstop- Senior- Committed to CSN Jacob Walsh

First Baseman- Junior- USA Baseball and Perfect Game #1 Ranked First Baseman in the state of Nevada

Noah Geeser Second Baseman- Senior- Uncommitted

Didn't make it to boot camp? No worries here are some alternatives to help you pass!

Get yourself a practice book: You can purchase books online or in stores that come with a abundance of practice problems and studying tips. You can purchase them on Amazon for a fresh copy, but if you want to save money then Thriftbooks is the way to go.

The Fun Can Wait When the Score Determines Your Faith

By Kylie Grullon

Look up study session videos: You can go on Youtube and look up videos that help you study for a certain subject. A great channel for ACT prep is SupertutorTV. There are endless videos about each subject with tips, tricks, and methods to help you the highest score.

Make your own study group:

When in doubt get together with your friends and help each other out, they might know things you don't. Ideas bounce off of one another. It also doesn't hurt to have an extra hand to help study.

Being in high school we all know about standardized tests: they make or break us. It's a journey that can lead us to failure or success. Junior year is when the game is on and The ACT awaits.

Being a junior is the toughest year for students as they take more rigorous classes and take on the ACT. Junior year opens students' eyes for their future as they must start thinking about what college they desire to attend to, what scholarships they need to achieve, etc. Facing the fear, stress, and pressure fills students with the anxiety of what is yet to come; however, through the use of homework, tutoring, and boot camps, students now have the opportunity to succeed for the better.

Regardless of all the hard work, a student pursues such as achieving well in high academic courses, extracurricular activities, standardized tests- the ACT so to speak- is what determines a student's success. The value of this four-hour test has more importance than all the 4,410 hours we spend in school.

Depending on what score you get, the stress of getting your desired score will feel as if the test wasn’t a burden. You’ll be able to get into your dream college, and you’ll be able to qualify for the Nevadas Millennium Scholarship.

Students mostly always underestimate the power of this exam as they believe it’s based on the knowledge they learned previously. In other words, they can just wing it. Although the test claims to be standardized for all students, it has tricks up its sleeve.

The ACT doesn’t test your previous knowledge. You study for the exam itself.

Keep in mind, you can take the ACT as many

When the opportunity to take the boot camp

times as you please. There are boot camps set

comes around again, you mustn't miss your

throughout the year depending on what date you

chance. Your score can improve by an x amount

aspire to end.

of points. Even if it increases by only two points,

To help reach your desired score, the ACT

it may be the only two points you need for your

boot camp is a great option. Even though it’s a

dream score. Being at school for an entire

dreadful week full of practice upon practice, it’s

weekend isn’t an ideal way to spend your

worth it. It’s a three-day course, about 22 hours

weekend, but one weekend spent on studying is

of your life learning the tips and tricks to get

something that should be considered.

around this test.

Although, it isn't as bad as it sounds. The

Although the camp is quite pricey, it’s worth the money. Improvement can be hard to seek

instructors come from around the country. Their

when you're not in the right state of mind or

job is to know how to defeat these standardized

environment; however, it doesn’t mean you

tests and help students get the highest score

shouldn’t slack off. The ACT is a test that's

possible. They’re also not only there to guide

timed crucially, so it’s best to retain as much

you through your practice exams, but they have

information as you can to prosper. Some advice

helpful tips preparing for college and any

before you take off studying, remember to skip a

financial benefits. They also have extra

question when you don’t know it, remember

information on receiving scholarships too.

your math formulas, and know the rules of

The ACT is that it is not necessarily based on what you learn in class, but more based on direct common sense, finding answers within the passages, and knowledge that you have gained throughout your high school years. They test your skills in thinking and writing as well. Don't overlook the question but try to think simply.

At the boot camp, you basically take endless practice exams and learn from your mistakes.

You get to keep a practice test, a score guide, and a complete study guide booklet filled with beneficial tips.

As for someone who has been to the boot camp recently, I will for sure recommend it for anyone who is struggling to get a better score.

The improvement in my scores was clear to see.

The first day I sadly got a 14, but after much studying and practice, my second score was a 22.

Yeah, sure, it's nearly passing, but I do know one thing. I can qualify for the Millenium Scholarship now.

punctuation!

Just One More Tr T In the last couple of years, “canceling” people on Twitter and other various platforms has become kind of popular. The art of canceling stems from when an influencer or someone with an influencer says something offensive, which causes many of their followers to lose interest and stand against them. This is what is known as “cancel culture.” Although the adoption of cancel culture is fairly new, it doesn't seem to have the effects everyone might have hoped for...

At the beginning of 2018, popular Youtuber, Logan Paul, released a video on his channel (that ended up being deleted immediately) in which he filmed himself with a body of a deceased person who had committed suicide in Aokigahara, a Japanese forest. Paul is a daily vlogger, gearing his content towards an audience of young kids with titles such as: “REAL GHOST CAUGHT ON CAMERA *not clickbait*” and “THIS CUP NEVER SPILLS (IMPOSSIBLE CHALLENGE).”

When the suicide forest video, entitled “We found a dead body in the Japanese Suicide Forest…” uploaded, the video began like all his others. Bright colors filled the

DD!!

LLEE EELL NNCC CCAA

screen as Paul joked around with his friends. To the children who watch him, this wouldn’t have been out of the ordinary.

This is what makes the video far more gruesome.

Millions of children look up to Logan Paul as their role model, and as they admire him insensitively handling a serious topic has serious effects. While Paul filmed the deceased, he made over-exaggerated faces of

being shocked while he was seen laughing and

goofing off with his friends. This video has taught his younger and impressionable audience that this type of behavior is acceptable despite how disrespectful it was.

Although many people freaked out about the

incident tweeting things like: “The Logan Paul

situation has me speechless,” (@helen_a15), and “Ok wtf, youtube has to delete logan’s channel at this point. Are you gonna let this dude film a dead body and show it to his 6 million kid fanbase ???” (@TheJoeLeon).

ry! ry!

Does cancel culture actually inspire change, or are second chances a better way to go about creating a difference?

Long story short, Logan Paul got away with it If cancel culture worked like it was intended to, Logan Paul would be a faint memory from the past.. He’d be barely remembered. Though, that is not the case. Currently, in 2020, Paul has 20.1 million subscribers which happen to be an increase from the 15.6 million he had when he released the controversial video.

This is the rundown of “Cancel Culture,” where people publicly announce disapproval over

Popular social media star, James Charles, is a perfect example of this. Six months ago fellow internet personality, Tati Westbrook, released a video alleging that James Charles was a bad business partner and sexual predator. For those few days, James Charles was subject to countless hate comments and unfollows - losing over 3 million subscribers in total. However, he then went on to release his side of the story, exposing Tati Westbrook for lying. Almost instantly, the millions who had turned his back on him came flocking back, eager to resubscribe to their favorite (now uncancelled) beauty guru.

a specific person’s actions before moving on with

Cancel culture already doesn’t affect those who have been

their lives. While some celebs kiss their careers

canceled, but it's become extremely sensationalized, making it a

goodbye because of their actions, a good number

complete Arguably two of the most well-known youtube

of them aren’t even affected. These influencers

personalities, Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star capitalized on this

don’t learn from their mistakes because they don’t

by releasing a series of eyeshadow palettes. With names such as:

have to, they still have loads of support.

“Mini-Controversy” and “Conspiracy,” it’s hard to ignore the

Oftentimes, they’ll continue to make the same

obvious reference made within the collection

mistakes they originally got “canceled” or called

While Dawson and Star’s collection was positively received, fellow

out for.

Youtuber, Jaclyn Hill, was not so lucky when her lipstick collection

. . . .

S E Y YIK

dropped. Many of the lipsticks contained hair and fragments of metal in them. She was canceled for responding to complaints in a petty manner and not really addressing the situation at all.

To make matters worse, the Youtuber then proceeded to wear a Halloween costume making fun of her own cancellation. The dress, which had “Cancelled” written all over it, sparked even more controversy. She was flagrantly announcing that she didn’t feel bad about her actions and that being “canceled” is having no effect on her now.

Because of the mindsets that surround it, Cancel Culture has become more counterproductive than anything else. The goal is to make the world a better place by pushing out the bad people; however, it just creates an environment where problems are never solved. Those who are canceled often don’t learn from their mistakes and repeat their behavior to gain attention.

Would giving second chances be more effective? Allowing people to learn from their mistakes and grow would seem to encourage people to be better. That’s not to say that people who are extremely hateful deserve to keep their job and continue living as if nothing has changed, as that would be just as ineffective. Nonetheless, moving towards a culture of growth and improvement would be a step in a better direction.

Every Four Years History Behind Leap Years By: Staesha Tadeo-Corpuz

Having an actual birthday once every four years sounds weird. Think about it, how do they celebrate their birthdays every year if they don’t even have that day? Are they supposed to celebrate their birthdays on February 28th or March 1st? As a matter of fact, there are actually a number of students who have been born on February 29th of a leap year.

To sophomore Adam Webster, having his birthday on the 29th of February is special to him. Webster had more positive things to say about his birthday.

“I only get a birthday every four years, so when it actually The concept of a leap year is strange and confusing to comes around, it’s special to me,” Webster said. “Most people a number of people, which is why it gets disregarded and

would think that I feel robbed of not having it every year, but

ignored a lot. As a matter of fact, it’s weird in a way that

really, it’s something I really like and it makes it another

you get more time to run around and do whatever your

unique thing about me.”

heart desires.

When a leap year occurs we gain an extra day in

Sophomore Sophia Verabian was also born on February 29th. There were several pros and cons for her about having

February, so instead of only 28 there are 29 days. The

her birthday on February 29th, she was overall split between

reasoning for this is simple. Occasionally, the earth takes

the two. Although being split between pros and cons, she does

roughly around 365 and close to 6 hours to fully rotate the

like to mess around with the fact that she has a birthday every

sun. The extra day makes up for those extra hours. Not

four years.

having the extra day can cause us to lose six hours off of

“It’s unique to me, because I can choose when to celebrate

the calendar in one year. Do the math, and in ten years we

my birthday. Usually, it’s on March 1st and I do celebrate it

would’ve lost 2 days and 12 hours.

every year,” Verabian said. “I do feel robbed of my birthday.

The leap year isn’t necessarily chosen by a special

This year, it’s actually a real birthday so I feel it’s more

person, it’s supposed to occur every four years. In the year special, but it is funny to mess around and tell people I’m of 2016, if you weren’t paying attention, the calendar actually had 29 days in February. Fast forward four years later, then in 2020, there are 29 days once again. The calendar that contains the extra day was created by Julius Caesar, and it was created a long time ago when he and others decided that the calendar they were already using didn’t match up with the seasons. Although his calendar worked, it still wasn’t perfect, and it could’ve been done better. Soon after, it got swapped out with the Gregorian Calendar, made by Pope Gregory. Gregorys calendar fit better to the seasons of the year than Caesars’ one did.

The unnatural thing about leap years is the fact that there are people who are born on February 29th.

turning four.”

FEBRUAURY 2020 ISSUE

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

BY JAZMYNE-RAYNE COMPEHOS

Do you dread Valentines Day? The one day of the year where people shamelessly display their affection for someone? Celebrated annually on February 14th, this day has been around for longer than you’d imagine. It originated as a western Christian feast day honoring one of the two early saints named Valentinus. Valentine’s Day is recognized as a significant

Fun Facts: Valentine's Day is the second largest card giving day of the year, just before christmas.

cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and endless

Every year, more than 36 million heart-shaped

love in many religions around the world.

boxes of chocolates are sold across the country.

It is normal for a person who does not have a special someone to spend with on this day to feel isolated and perhaps even angry. In elementary school, Valentine's day was nothing more than an excuse to eat a sickening amount of candy. Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day is not just to be celebrated by couples. The day is celebrated to express

The average person is expected to spend $221.34 on Valentine's day.

As far as the spending battle between the sexes, 62% of men expect to spend for a loved one, versus

love to anyone we are close to; therefore, one can celebrate Valentine's day with friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone who makes a difference in their life with their affection and support.

only 45% of women who say the same who plan to buy a gift.

Take the opportunity of Valentines day to express love and gratitude to all of the people you love. Here are some tips to truly make your Valentine's Day special:

Tip #1- Treat Yourself Go out and get something special for yourself that you'll enjoy.

Think about all of your blessings that you have in life.

How do DO teachers spend their Valentines Day? "I spend time with my kids and get them little presents."

Tip #2- Spend time with friends and family

-Mrs. Borsack

This holiday isn't the day you spend time by yourself. Go out

"I come home with flowers on the ground, and then I go out to

with family and friends that love you dearly and make more

dinner with my boyfriend." -Ms. Sonia

memories with those who you love. You don't need to sit

"My wife and I get a baby sitter, so we can go out to dinner."

around and mop about not having a significant other when

Mr. Pulliam

theres other people who love you.

Tip #3- Share the love Volunteer at a shelter, church, or even a soup kitchen. You can even make a small care package to distribute in those in need in your commute home. It doesn't matter how you show your love, it just shows how much you care.

"My husband and I wait until next week to go out, so we don’t deal with crowds." -Mrs. Hoover but this year she’s having surgery "I celebrate it with my husband at home with our 4 puppies."

-Mrs. Hellar

Young Love?

Are You Blind?

MADISON SANT

In a perfect world, you meet your soulmate in highschool and stay together for the rest of your lives. It's a teenager's dream to have a highschool sweetheart.

Unfortunately, that's not the case. Relationships end and people move on, so let go of your everlasting wish.

People crave affection and attention... teenagers especially. Everyone enjoys the feeling of being taken care of and having someone to love. What happens when your relationship isn’t as happy as it once was?

Society gives an unideal definition of a relationship.

For the most part, not all relationships take a lot of work, nor they are similar to Noah and Allie’s from The Notebook.

Love can be one sided and can often take a toll on one’s mental health. Humans rely on each other for physical and mental connections, and sometimes in the end people can rely too much or too little. Relationships consist of trust and communication. When those two key items aren’t there, it’s gonna become toxic.

Teenagers “love” is different than adult “love.” Teens are so easily influenced and vulnerable to the idea of being loved.

Young love is innocent and filled with hope. People argue that love isn’t real in high school and that the breakups you go through aren’t as serious as it seems.. You can be 15 when your first boyfriend breaks up with you for another girl. You can either get over it or dread it for an x amount of times. This ends up ruining your perception of love.

In today's gen, toxic relationships can easily be defined as liking someone's instagrams post or looking at someone in a “flirty” way. It’s pretty easy for someone to say they’re in a toxic relationship, but what really defines what toxic is? It’s not the social media likes or the weird looks. It consists of uncontrollable jealousy, cheating, lying, and isolation. Toxic relationships aren’t defined as having a rough period of your relationships or arguing for quite a bit. If your partner is failing to make you happy and always defines themself as a victim: its toxic. For example ,imagine you and your partner had a fight. They said something overboard that made you extremely upset, and then when you tell them how upset it made you, your partner proceeds to blame you for what they said.

Personally, confrontation is something I hate;

As for me, my healing time was rather a

however, it became important because when I looked

little quick. Over the course of those four

in the mirror, I realized I was not the happiest I could

months that I was in my relationship, I learned

be. It started with sitting him down and telling him

how to live without him and I was able to come

how I felt, I got overly emotional and I became very

to terms with what was going on rather quickly.

anxious. He understood in the moment and he

My mom and I’s relationship got better, and I

apologized. His apology was rather insincere

took up painting. I was able to make new

considering he was barely listening to me talk. I

friends, and I met people I will cherish for the

thought he truly understood my feelings, but he was

rest of my life. Take the time to heal and use the

too caught up in himself to worry about me. I repeated this step many times throughout those months, these things take time. Don’t think that bam it’s all over because no, it isn’t. People don’t change and that’s what us humans fail to realize.

After the “talk,” if you still feel a sense of loneliness and self doubt, further steps need to be taken. It’s okay to stay for longer to try and rekindle it again. You don’t have to feel the need to take the bigger step and leave. It’s harder than most people think, it's a huge deal to get up and leave someone you’re in love with. The best thing you can do is get a second opinion from someone you trust. The most important people in your life like your parents or close friends are certainly people you can talk to. You can If you feel that it’s time for the relationship to end, then go with your gut and end it. When I started to understand and grasp that this was really affecting me, I distanced myself and took time to process the way things were going. Thankfully, he ended it before I could, but it was a major eye opener for me. I was able to get back in touch with myself. I was able to crawl out of a deep dark hole the toxic relationship put me in.

time as a learning experience. Everything happens for a reason and know that your time will come to prosper once again. I assure you, ending a toxic relationship is by all means worth it. You’ll be free once again.

Sometimes in relationships people can lose themselves, and they change. Couples tend to act like each other and pick up their behaviors. Once you’re broken up, it’s an opportunity to feel like yourself again and search for the person you were before the relationship. Take time for yourself and do the things you enjoy. Reconnect with old friends or take up a new hobby. Cherish the time you have after a relationship to heal.

The healing process is none other than a breath of fresh air, but of course I am still young,

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not Every year, you build up Valentine's Day in your head like it's going to be this beyond romantic day filled with moments that are parallel to the ones in the movies. Then every year, you're sorely disappointed... Yet, no matter how many times you're bitterly underwhelmed by the reality of Valentine's Day, you'll still think this year is going to be the year where things are different. News flash, things have most likely remained the same.

EXPECTATIONS

Your crush will finally work up the courage to tell you how much they like you by sending you one of those cute Valentines Day during class.

REALITY

The only thing you will be getting this Valentine's day is a chocolate heart box from your mom…

You and all your best friends will celebrate Valentines Day together.

You'll have endless activites such as baking and decorating cookies, lisenting to music, watching movies etc.

It's practically Galentines instead.

You're the only one who is single in your friend group, and you end up staying at home cuddling with your stuffed animals as you watching "Titanic" or "She's All That."

You think that your crush will make a grand gesture. Something along the lines of them stand on the top of the table sining their love confession, like in the film "10 Things I Hate About You."

Your crush stands there blissfully oblivious of your feelings towards them . If anything, they probably don't know you exist... .

This is what we normally think of when Valentine's Day rolls around and it comes to be either what we thought or not at all what we expected. Although Valentines day can be fun and special most of the time it is for people in a relationship.

Those of us who are not are on the flip side where Valentine's Day isn't that special to us it is it is more or less just a day that passes that we barely notice.

Songs for a

Songs for a

broken heart

sweet heart

-Valentines Sux by The Frights - Somebody to Love by Queen -Tainted Love by Soft Cell -Crying by Roy Orbison -Die For You by The Weekend -When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

-Love Come Down by Evelyn "Champagne" King -Dreaming of You by Selena -Because of You by Ne-yo -Sweather Weather by The Neighborhood -Happy Together by The Turtles

-

HOW TO: RECOVER FROM A BROKEN HEART

By Aliah Alvarez

Whether it's been a couple of months or possibly a year or two, coming out of a relationship is heart wrenching. We begin to feel broken inside and that this dreadful feeling will not cease to go away. Yet, the thing that everyone forgets about is that time heals everything. Everyone should take time to think and come to terms with their emotions. Eating a pint of ice cream, listening to breakup songs, and watching romcoms can help ease your pain; however, these aren’t the only solutions. Here’s how to recover from a broken heart Get Back into the Groove of Things with the Ones You Love After a relationship, you’re probably in a funk. You’ve spent x amount of time with that person, and now that it stopped, it’s weird to get back into the swing of things. Go back to spending time with your friends and family. Going through a breakup all on your own is not a good thing to do. Nothing is better than being around uplifting and supportive friends and family.

Especially those who have been through the exact same thing as you; they can give you great advice with how to cope.

Let all the emotions out

It's not the best idea to keep all your emotions bottled up. It’s especially important to not let them get in the way of your own growth. Crying takes a lot of weight off your chest right away because it’s your body’s method of any kind of stress. It makes you feel better in a way- not happy, but you’ll for sure much better than you did before. When in doubt, go to your best friend. This is the time to depend on your bestfriend for being there for you. This is what best friends are for: a shoulder to cry on when you need them the most.

A Fresh Start After ending things, it might be hard to be independent from that person. If something crazy, extravagant, or surprises that occured to happen, they would usually be the first person you'd want to tell. Not only that, but for them to be the helping hand. Though, the best thing to do is stay away. By having a fresh start from no longer being in contact with that person, you’ll feel cleanse and grow from it. There’s no need to stay reminiscent of them if you’re trying to get over them.

Eat Your Heart Out Feast! Devour as much food as you please, but don’t pursue it to where you have an unhealthy diet and bad habits.

Food will make you feel comforted and release satisfaction.

It’ll also make you feel nourished. Eating can help take your mind off of things. It takes up some of that empty space you feel inside. So, this means go out to your favorite restaurant with your friends or family and enjoy your time there while eating your favorite meal! Treat yourself! This is after all about you recovering from a broken heart.

Coming out of a relationship will never be easy. Everyone needs time to feel their emotions through. In the end, you'll realize it didn’t work out for a reason. Soon you’ll find happiness away from that person and begin to see beauty in the world. You’re only learning from these experiences, so enjoy the time you’re having to become a better version of yourself.