Veracity

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21

What book will you read next?

Get to know the perks of a filmmaker

EXCLUSIVE

CALEB CONTRERAS

Interview with YOUTUBER Franklin Li

Making new music for Austin to enjoy

NETFLIX one month free trial

$8 each month

A Word from the Writers In today’s world... lies are everywhere. On television, radio, billboards, and people. Commercials and politicians are a few of the prime culprits. Often people are tricked into buying some product that promises to help them in some way but ends up not working, even though the commercial swears up and down that it will work, “ 100 percent guaranteed.� Or they are fooled by the man in the suit on the T.V. promising to lower takes or be more environmentally- friendly. It seems impossible to be able to trust anyone these days. Here at Veracity, we hope that you can put faith in us to give you reviews about popular entertainment. We promise you to never write a false review about anything we review. We believe that you, the reader, should not have to waste your valuable time and money or something that you end up being disinterested in. Also, we plan to give you inside looks on the world of entertainment, such as upcoming artists and the inner workings of filmmaking. So, the Veracity staff hopes that you can enjoy this magazine and find it worth your while.

Isabela Contreras Alondra Martinez

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Lorena Castillo

Brenda Olea

Staff Biographies Alondra Martinez

Alondra Martinez is a freshman at LASA High school. She’s 15 years old and is

really loud when she hangs around friends. She likes to read, draw, watch anime, and listening to music. Her favorite book is Blood Promise by Richelle Mead. Her favorite color is hot pink and her favorite foods are cookies, pizza, and chocolate. Her favorite anime shows are Naruto and Ao no Exorcist. Her favorite band is Sleeping with Sirens and her favorite song is Emergency by Paramore.

Brenda Olea

Brenda Olea is a freshman at LASA High school. She’s a 14 year old girl who

enjoys sleeping, eating, going to the movies with friends, reading, and listening to music. Her favorite book series is The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Her favorite color is blue and her favorite movies are Easy A and Remember the Titans.

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We know quality entertainment.

Lorena Castillo

Lorena Castillo is a freshman at LASA High school. She’s 14 years old. She likes to read and draw, listen to music, sleeping, and being loud. Her favorite book is Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber and her favorite color is blue. Her favorite food is Arroz Amarillo con Camarones (Yellow rice with shrimp) which is a Cuban dish.

Her favorite band is Foster the People and her favorite song is Animal by Miike Snow.

Isabela Contreras

Isabela Contreras is a freshman at LASA High school. She’s 14 years old and

prefers to keep to herself and is quite a bookworm. She likes to read, sleep, watching anime and reading manga. Her favorite book is Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and her favorite color is blue. Her favorite foods are pasta and chocolate.

Her favorite anime is No. 6 and her favorite manga is Black Butler.

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Contents

Spring 2013

7 9

Road To Stardom Caleb Contreras Caleb Contreras is a rising local musician who agreed to be interviewed about his life and to share a few tips for those wanting to be where he’s at. Contreras shared a few struggles that are faced by musicians and how they relate to Veracity readers.

12 14 Top 4 Horror Shows Ever been turning through chanels in the TV and want to watch something scary? Well this list of the Top 4 Horror Shows will give you an insight of the four most famouse and viewed horror shows to watch and that will keep you entertained.

If you have any questions or comments contact us at: veracity@gmail.com

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18 20 22 24

Facts to Fiction Book worm’s Hub

Libraries are fascinating places. Each one has it’s differences and are used for different purposes.

Librarians recognize these differences and have made career decisions based on this.

Past to Present Indepth With Films

Movies have one purpose and one purpose only, to entertain us. But no one has taken the time to stop and realize that filmmaking is not just for the audience’s entertainment but it’s also a way to express yourself.

Veracity hopes to awaken that appreciation and show the readers, that filmmaking is the best of both worlds.

Top 4 Horror Shows Entertaining Youtube

Bored? Nothing better to do and you wish to entertain yourself. Luckily the world’s best entertainment is only a few keystrokes away. YouTube. It has everything from laughing babies to screaming sheep. YouTube is the ideal place for anyone with a camera to show the world what they can do.

Caleb Contreras A Rising Austin Musician

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Caleb Contreras sees the microphone at the front of the stage. The audience begins cheering. As music starts, he begins to forget the words on the way up the stage, but suddenly the lyrics are just flowing out of him as the music gets more intense. It took courage to perform, but he wasn’t afraid of doing what his heart told him to do.

“There is a rush of fear, nervousness, adrenaline, and excitement all in one. It is amazing and even addicting.” said Contreras, the rising Austin musician.

Although the experience of being on stage is exciting and nerve-wracking, it’s hard to reach the top. Contreras understands the challenges others face while going on the tough road to stardom and he can relate to most of these paths artists take to gain it.

Most people try to to get “Youtube famous,” yet they can’t because there is competition all over the web.

“We live in a world today where everything is instant, and people trying to make it in the industry today want that instant fame. Whether that be from becoming an overnight YouTube sensation, or hitting it big on those shows like The Voice,” said Contreras.

Others try to get famous by local competitions or just booking a gig, but it’s hard to get people’s attention. This way is very hard for some musicians to reach their way to the limelight.

“I plan on becoming well known through having good, fresh sounding music, and through hard work,” said Contreras. “What you have to understand about the music business is it is hard work, and once you get on top you have to work even harder than ever to stay on top.”

The rising musician already realizes that it takes determination to get to where you want to be. He also knows that audiences may say they like your song and say they’re your fans, but then you just turn into a fad. This is why he has to keep proving his worth to the loyalist of

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These are the tickets provided on Dec. ninth 2012, when he performed at the flamingo cafe in Austin, Texas.

his fans.

“It’s important for me to work on music because in anything I do I want to be the best at. So on most days I spend hours sharpening my skills with guitar, drums, piano, etc,” said Contreras.

Even though there is a lot of work going into to his dream, he is still a normal individual. Fans may not always believe that some artists are just like other people in the interior, but musicians like Contreras are.

“I read. I also love to spend time with friends when I can, and just relax,”said Contreras “I like the whole idea of having a small start or a humble beginning.”

Most people do like to spend time with friends or work on other hobbies, like creating music.These are things are activities that anyone can do. For some, music is a passion, yet people do not always express themselves with it.

“Back then it took me awhile to really get a passion for music and it wasn’t until recently that I really started to appreciate music for what it is and the power

that it has this day in age,” said Contreras.

As mentioned by Contreras, music is a powerful thing. Music is apart of everyday life for most people. This can be seen in cultures, in the media (like commercials), and everywhere else around the world. Everywhere, people can see others listening to their music while do normal, everyday, things. These people are in love with music.

“I love to watch people’s responses as they listen to the melodies and lyrics I’ve put together, and it is even greater when you see people connect to, and fall in love with your songs,” said Contreras. This is what all artists should strive for. When artists begin the journey to fame, the artist has to know what they are getting into and why they wants this career.

“Music is the avenue that I have found suitable to express myself and

I believe that one day my

music can bring change to this world.”

Artist knowing the reasons to start the musician career is good because artist will have a motive to kept their music flowing and career alive. This is so important to know. The love of music shouldn’t just be the only thing that artists have. Contreras believes that musicians have to have confidence.

“If you have a good song and you are confident in it, it makes it a lot easier to show and share with people.

Confidence is key,” said Contreras.

Caleb Contreras, Austin’s new talent, now told everyone the must haves for artists’ careers, like confidence, pathfinding, and music-loving. Contreras knows music is a powerful thing, and now he, and other artists, will fight there way to the top.

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Road to Stardom Have you ever desired to be in the limelight along with your favorite celebrities?

The road will be difficult but all the best celebrities have gone through this. You can start out selling pens like Johnny Depp or working at Dunkin’ Donuts like, but you can always reach to top.

Katy Perry

At the age of nine, Katy Perry started taking singing lessons and learned to play guitar at 13. Perry moved to Los Angeles after high school and worked for producer and songwriter, Glen Ballard. Perry has made her own documentary of her Part of Me World Tour and has won 130 awards and was the first woman and second person, following Micheal Jackson to have five songs, at once, on the Billbroad Top 100.

Usher

At the age of 14, Usher moved to Atlanta and performed on the show Star Search. Afterwards, he signed on to LaFace Records. Now, Usher has 84 awards, including 8 Grammys and has put out 7 discs.

Justin Bieber

At the age of 13, Bieber discovered on the popular website Youtube. He moved to Atlanta, where he meet Usher who signed Bieber to a contract. Since then, Beiber has won 74 award and had his own movie.

Beyonce Knowles

Knowles started the group Destiny’s Child along with Kelly Rowlan, and Michelle Willams. Destiny’s Child got their first record deal with Columbia Records. After 2005, Knowles went solo with her career. Knowles has won 185 awards.

Shakira

Rose to fame after a she performed at a local Colombian talent show where a local theatre producer saw her. That theatre producer, Monica Ariza, later told Sony Columbia Records about her latest discovery. Now, Shakira is a host of the hit TV show, The Voice.

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3 1

Steps to Fame

To begin your journey, you have to know you’re talents. Ask yourself these questions: -Are you a good actor/actress?

-Do you like to sing?

-Are a good author?

-Do you have a passion for art?

You need to verify whether you have a that you love. Have a passion for what you do or this will not be worth your time. If you're just doing it for the money, then that will be reflected on your work quality that which will be seen by your audience and that’s not a good thing.

2 3

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Here are two ways to put yourself out into the world: New & Old paths.

New path is becoming popular on the Internet. Social media is an easier, and faster, way to share things with your friends. For example, from the last page we saw that Justin Bieber got popular on the site, Youtube.

Old paths are auditions and compete early on. This may not sound appealing but it really is the most rewarding. The fact that you did all that work to climb to the top of the celebrity chain is the best for your image. Like Katy Perry, you will be an inspiration for fighting to the top.

Okay, so now we are getting to a harder part of this road, there is more competition.

This won’t be much of a problem for those of you who may choose the Old way.

There are gonna be people working in field to be better than you. This is not a Hunger Games situation, so if beat someone you can’t just stop there. Don’t be a one-hit wonder. You have to keep working at what you have already done. Your fans what to hear/see more of you.

“Facts to Fiction”

by Isabela Contreras

Have you ever wasted your time and money of a book you didn’t enjoy? To avoid this, here are some summaries of popular teen fiction books that you might find worth your time.

“FALLEN” by Lauren Kate Seventeen year old Lucinda Pierce (Luce), suspected of killing a boy, is sent to a reform school on court order. There she meets Daniel Grigori and senses that she has known him. He however, wants nothing to do with her and makes that clear.

Intrigued, Luce tries to find out who he is but encounters dangers at every turn.

Luce digs into his past reveling shocking secrets- not only about him but about herself as well.

“GRACELING” by Kristin Cashore Katsa was born with two different colored eyes and was destined to live a life of solitude. Her eyes are what mark her as a Graceling, meaning that she has a special talent. People avoid her at all costs and her uncle uses her for his own selfish greed. But when a mysterious kidnaping threatens to expose a secluded kingdom, Katsa leaves her only friends to get to the bottom of it. ✳Graceling, Fire and Bitterblue have the same setting but it is not necessary to read them in order.

“CITY OF BONES” by Cassandra Clare Clary has always thought that she was a normal teenager. That changes when her mother disappears in a strange chain of events, making her doubt everything she knows. Clary’s world is changing faster than she could imagine as she is plunged into the mysterious world of Shadowhunters, special people who kill demons.

While trying to adjust she must battle demons before they overrun the earth and save her mother before it’s too late.

Sources: This list is based on: 1) the number of sells at Barnes&Noble book store (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Best-of-2012/379003303/2) 2) Goodreads YA choice awards list (http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4902.YA_Novels_of_2012) and 3) Amazon’s most popular book list (http://www.amazon.com/best-Young-Adult-Fiction/lm/RD5TYX5CUNXBG).

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“MATCHED” by Ally Condie “The Society” makes all decisions for the citizens, including who to marry.

Seventeen-year-old Cassia has never doubted their decisions and trusts them to make the right choices for her. So when she is matched to her best friend Xander she has no doubt that this is the best thing for her. But soon she starts to doubt the Society’s decisions when she sees another boy, Ky’s, face instead of Xander’s.

Despite the taboo, she begins to fall for Ky taking a path that no one has gone down before.

“UNDER THE NEVER SKY” by Veronica Rossi In a post-apocalyptic earth, Aria has lived a privileged life as a Dweller in the Reverie, a dome that shields its inhabitants from the deadly Aether storms. She knows nothing about the outside world except that it is dangerous. This is where she must learn to survive when she is exiled from the Reverie. Things do not look well for Aria but luckily she meets Perry and while he may be a savage, he is her only chance for survival. That is if he is willing to help her at all.

“THE FAULT IN OUR STARS” by John Green Diagnosed with stage IV Thyroid cancer at age three years, 16-year-old Hazel is attending a support group for kids with cancer. There she meets Augustus Waters who takes an unexpected interest in her. In order to get closer to him, Hazel shares her favorite book with him. The two bond over the love for this book and eventually go to Amsterdam to meet the author. The trip brings many twists, turns and changes to both Hazel’s and Augustus’ life.

More by John Green....

“DIVERGENT” by Veronica Roth In a future dystopian Chicago, citizens are divided in to five factions based on a specific attribute: Candor the honest, Amity the peaceful, Abnegation the selfless and Dauntless the brave. Each year, sixteen year olds must decide for themselves which group to join. It is no different for Beatrice. She must decide whether to make her family happy or follow her own path. While struggling to fit in with her new life, conflict between factions threaten to unravel her perfect society.

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Book

Worm’s

Hub

by Isabela Contreras

picture by Bennie Contreras

The library is crowded with children and parents. Everyone is eating blue foods such as blueberry muffins, blue jellybeans, and other blue candy. This event, called Bluebonnet Breakfast, is just one of the special events that kids attending Mills Elementary can enjoy throughout the year. The Bluebonnet Breakfast is for kids and their parents who have read or listened to seven to ten of the nominated Bluebonnet books and wrote a summary. Afterward, they hold a discussion and talk about the books that they have read.

“Every year students

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In order to help with funding, the Mills Elementary library has its annual book fair.

The money made will go towards the library budget and help make up for recent budget cuts. The children have a variety of books to choose from. participate in the Bluebonnet Reading program sponsored by the Texas Library Association. We have “book clubs” with the books and I read some of the picture books to all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders so that as many students as possible are eligible to vote for their favorite Bluebonnet,” Mills Elementary librarian Jan Higgs said.

At this elementary school library, events like this are common. They appeal to the younger kids and helps to keep them engaged. This is not the case for middle and high school libraries

though. There are different features to each school library that correlates with the targeted age group. Each one also works on different skills and it meant for slightly different purposes. The librarians that work in each library also enjoy those different aspects. Budget cuts have effected their jobs in several different ways. Higgs said she prefers the elementary schools environment to the high school setting.

“Many years ago I did my student teaching in high school and quickly learned I wanted

to work with young children. I love singing and doing finger plays, nursery rhymes, movement and puppets to augment the books I’m reading. There are so many wonderful books for children these days that it’s a joy to enjoy them with students,” Higgs said.

Higgs likes the more interactive side of being an elementary school librarian.

Developing the targeted skills for an elementary school student is what she enjoys. In high school libraries students are more independent and don’t often read for fun.

“In Elementary school we are developing independent library users through library skills and encouraging reading for pleasure whereas at the high school level students are generally more involved with acquiring resources for research. They may also read for pleasure but they usually don’t come to the library on a regular basis with a class to check out books for home reading,” Higgs said.

Higgs has worked at both a high school and elementary school during her career. She enjoys the activities that come with developing the targeted skills.

Making the lessons fun but still tying them into the overall goal is an example of this.

“I try to make the library have an atmosphere like a book store so I hope they love browsing and conversing about the books they’re reading. I also try to make my lessons engaging and fun but still relevant to either increasing their independence as a library user or their love of literature,” Higgs said.

Higgs isn’t the only one who has worked at various schools during her career. Lisa Barrett, librarian at Clint Small Middle School, has worked at elementary, middle, and high schools.

“ I try to make

the library have an atmosphere like a book store -Higgs

”

The Mills library must have a range of books to satisfy kids of different ages.

pictures by Bennie Contreras This area is where Higgs teaches her lessons to the students.

But while Higgs found that she liked working at an elementary school, Barrett found middle school more to her liking.

“I have been a librarian in elementary, middle and high school libraries. I enjoy middle school the best because the students are more independent, most have figured out what genre they enjoy for entertainment reading, and are willing to try other genres recommended that are popular,” Barrett said.

With recent budget cuts, accomplishing this has been difficult. In 2011, $14.6 million dollars were cut from the Austin ISD annual budget, because of this not as books are able to be ordered, limiting collections. This reduction also led to the dissolution of the library clerk position. Since then, the library aides at Small have been even more helpful.

“The library student aides are a crucial part of maintaining the library.

Types of Literature Non-Fiction ~ Autobiography A story of a person’s life that is writen by that person.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

~ Biography A story of a person’s life that is writen by another person.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Fiction ~ Historical A fictional story that has a historical setting.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

~ Science A fictional story that is based in the impact of potentiol science that can be real of immagened.

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

~ Realistic A fictional story that is based on real life senerios or mimics a stiuation that is possible in real life. example by aslkf

~ Drama Dramas are usually written to by preformed, not read like a novel plays and movies

~ Fairy Tale These stories will usually have magic or mythical creatures.

Cinderella and Snow White

~ Poetry Written is verse form and has a rythem to it.

The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe

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They have specific tasks to perform such as: check in returned books, assist with checking out book/materials, straighten and shelve books, assist students with book selections, clean computer monitors, [and] create book reviews, signs, and bulletin boards,” Barrett said.

Mills’ library has made up for these budget cuts in a different way. Instead of relying on aides for assistants they put on fundraisers to help raise money. This money helps to make up for what the school is not able to provide.

“Many schools have come to depend on fundraising to supplement their district allocation of funds,” Higgs said. “Our school does two Scholastic book fairs each year and part of the profits are used to buy books and to supplement the literacy library. It is a huge amount of extra work for the librarian and the volunteers she/he can get to help but the students seem to look forward to book fairs as a way to supplement their summer and pleasure reading which is a great way to justify the event.”

These budget cuts, however, did not stop Small’s library from getting a makeover this past summer.

With a little bit of help, a new paint job, and new furniture, the library now

Who Gets What?

8

looks better than ever. This makeover was possible because the of the principle, Amy Taylor. She was the person who provided the funds to redecorate the library.

“The biggest change to our library is the appearance that took place this past summer which creates an overall appealing atmosphere for all that enters the library. With the principal’s support and collaboration we worked together on choosing the colors and furniture,” Barrett said.

But whether it’s middle, elementary, or high school, each librarian said they love their job. They find ways to compensate for the loss of money through volunteers and fundraising.

“My passion is helping students that have no idea where to begin to find a book that they will enjoy reading,” Barrett said. “It is a challenge that I enjoy and so rewarding when they come back in the library and ask me if I have any more books like that one.”

picture by Lisa Barrett The newly remodeled library has all new furniture and paint. The placement of the furniture is new as well, making the room more spacious.

There are many things that Austin ISD must budget for, so how do they divide up the money?

9 1- cirriculum

.5% .5% 1%

10

2- instructional leadership 3- student suport

13%

3%

5

5%

5- general addmition

7

13% 2%

4- student transportation

55%

6 4

3

7- recapture

2

8- comunitive services

7%

9- debt services

1

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6- plant matience, security

10- payment to intergovermental entities

iHeartRadio

Listen Wherever, Whenever

PAST TO PRESENT

1893-1894 “Fred Ott’s Sneeze” The first copyrigthed film.

1889 “Monkeyshines No.1”

The first motion picture ever made.

First film ever made in the shot in the USA.

1878 “The Horse in Motion”

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1895

“Workers leaving the

Lumiere Factory”

The first film made for projection.

1895

“The Execution of Mary Stuart”

The first American horror film made. It’s a 18 seconds long film about a woman being beheaded.

1896 “ The May Irwin Kiss”

The first romance film to be made. It was the most popular film of that year and was directed by Thomas Edison.

1903

“The Great Train Robbery” The first action movie ever made and it was directed by Edwin S. Porter

1927 “ The Jazz Singer”

The first Musical movie and it premiered on Oct. 6 of that year.

1928

The first Oscars occur. The movie “Wings” won “Most Outstanding Program” and the movie “Sunrise” won “Most Artistic Quality of Production”.

1939 “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone With the Wind”

Became the most popular movies to use BOTH sound and color.

1997 “Titanic”

Became the first movie to make a billion dollars.

Page 19

FIRE

IS

CATCHING

The Hunger Games :

CATCHING FIRE NOVEMBER 22, 2013

W

IN DEPTHWITH FILMS By : Brenda Olea

PLAY SCENE SELECTION LANGUAGE SELECTION BONUS FEATURES

“And... ACTION!”, screamed Michelle Jaramillo as she hit ‘Record’ on the camera. A smile spreads across her face realizing that her film is soon to become a reality. Her hard work was finally paying off.

It took Jaramillo a full month to prepare everything before she could commence filming. That whole month before she began filming was dedicated to brainstorming. Such as brainstorming what the film would be about, the climax of the film, the characters, which then lead to creating a script.

“It took me about two weeks just to develop an idea about what the film was going to be about,” said Jaramillo.

The idea that came to her was about the consequences of dealing with drugs/ and or drug dealers. Then Jaramillo plunged into character development.

Which according to her took about a week. Jaramillo expressed that you don’t just create characters, you give them a background, issues, insecurities, and everything else that no longer makes them characters but a person. Which then lead to her last brainstorm for this film. The making of the script. said Jaramillo.

“

The key to making a good script is one thing... drama. Lots and lots of drama.

”

“ Filming is a very enjoyable experience. I think that if you don’t enjoy yourself , you shouldn’t be doing it. ” - Michelle Jaramillo

Which is exactly what she did.

The main character, Erick, gets suspended from school once again and his girlfriend, Rachel, is worried about him. Erick meets up with two of his friends and they decide to throw a party where drugs should be a ‘must’ and Erick agrees to get them the drugs. Erick then contacts his dealer, Hernandez, and is told to go to ‘usual’ spot and pick up the drugs in an hour but to keep in mind that he should pay for the drugs the

next week. The week passes by and Erick doesn’t pay the drugs.

Hernandez then kidnaps Rachel and tells Erick that he has about six hours if he ever wants to hear Rachel’s voice again. Erick then tries to make the money he owes and goes off to rescue Rachel. But its too late, Hernandez has set off a bomb and Erick barely has time to get Rachel and himself out of the building. Once they’re out of the building he slowly collapses to the floor.

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Pa

22

“ The ending took me awhile to write. I didn’t really know how to end the film, but I eventually settled on using a cliff hanger,” said Jaramillo.

Once she was pleased with her script, Jaramillo asked some of her family members if they would act in her film. “ I wanted to share my newly formed passion for filming/ filmmaking,” said Jaramillo. “ I was looking forward to the filming the whole time. Its what got me through all the brainstorming. I just love filming,” said Jaramillo.

It took Jaramillo a week to film and next thing she knew , she was editing her film. “ It all went by so fast. At first I thought it was going to take forever, but once I started the progress it blew by quite fast. I guess what they say is true, time truly does fly when you’re having fun,” said Jaramillo with a big smile on her face.

Jaramillo enjoyed editing. It made her realize that her film was no longer just an idea, but a reality. And soon it wouldn’t just be something that only she could picture in her mind, but something that the whole world could see. “ I want to get real emotion out of people. I don’t want them to just watch the film, I want them to experience and feel as if they are in the film,” said Jaramillo.

to get real emo“tionI want out of people. I don’t want them to just watch the film, I want them to experience and feel as if they are in the film!

”

Page 23

the

Vampire Diaries THURS 8/7c

CW The

TV NOW

Entertaining You Tube By: Alondra Martinez

G

“ y’a ma

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Yo wa th as Sm ma Yo ins stu fro

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5

record,” Li said as he gets ready to set up and record a new video that will sooner or later end up on YouTube.

He might sometimes use his M-Audio microphone and tripod to make a video or just his camera to record a video blog. He always makes it work. Li first decide to start posting videos on YouTube by watching famous YouTubers such as BfvsGf and Ryan Higa, comedians on YouTube that record themselves making jokes and rants. With inspiration from these famous YouTube celebrities he began recording and making video blogs of himself, earning over 2,000 subscribers.

“ I feel overwhelmed with happiness knowing that people watch my videos.”

G

Photo by Franklin Li

“ ood morning guys it’s Valentines day so happy Valentine’s day to y’all. If you’re going to school and you know your crush is at school make sure she knows that. Don’t be a little shy... kitty. Ok?” Franklin Li walks to school. Soon, Li will be meeting his friends to exchange hugs and candies for Valentine’s day, but will not miss this moment to record a video blog he will upload to YouTube.

YouTube can be addicting and there are over 100,000,000 videos watched dayly. Funny videos and music videos are among the things that make it so addicting. YouTube has to have people who post videos as well and that’s how Youtube stars are born. Nigahiga, Jenna Marbles, Smosh and Swoozie, comedians who enjoy entertaining people and making them laugh, are among some of the famous YouTube stars on YouTube. Such YouTube stars inspire other people and those people inspire other people and so on. In the case of Franklin Li, a student studying at the Liberal Arts Science Academy, his inspiration comes from YouTube stars.

“Whenever I feel the lighting is right, I set down my tripod and

When Li started getting more and more subscribers he started to get more views.

“The amount of views definitely matter. The more I get, the more motivated I am,” Li said.

After began he did not stop.

“My subscribers, family and friends are big contributors as inspiration for me to keep making videos.”

Like Page 26

Photo by Franklin Li Photo by Franklin Li Photo by Franklin Li Li uses his camera, a few of the things he might use, to record a video blog for ThanksLi records his “Me and Me” video were he Li enjoys playing football in his spare time giving. duplicates himself. when he is not making a video or recording a video blog.

Recording sometimes would be a pain for Li. When he began recording a video of his titled “Me and Me” not only was the recording difficult, but the editing was difficult as well such as when he had to split the screen and put two videos on top of each other to make it appear as if there were two Lis at the same time. Li, found the end result amazing and he did not regret having made this video.

Being a YouTuber does not mean one can’t have fun doing other things besides recording videos and video blogs all the time. In the case of Li, playing basketball and football from time to time is just another thing to do to have fun besides recording. He loves recording videos as his side hobby and every time he has free time he records no matter what.

YouTube can sometimes be negative towards someones life. In case of some people they procrastinate on their homework because of YouTube, but it is a different story for Franklin.

“YouTube has made me be more expressive and open minded. It’s just a side hobby that I enjoy doing during my spare time,” he said.

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TV Horror •Shows•

Finding a good TV horro show can sometimes be a difficult thing do. This list will provide you an insight of the TOP FOUR HORROR TV SHOWS that you won’t regret

1. THE WALKING DEAD Viewers: 6.90 million Rating: 8.7 The world, has been taken over by zombies. Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who woke up from a long comma, wakes up to find himself in a hospital where the outside world has been swept by an epidemic making the dead rise and feed off of the living. Along his way to search for his loved ones, he encounters a group of survivors who he battles zombies with in order to stay alive.

3. TRUE BLOOD Viewers: 4.67 million Rating: 8.6 Ever since synthetic blood was invented, vampires have been able to live as normal citizens. The whole world is aware of them and even though humans have been removed from their diet, in Louisiana people remain apprehensive of vampires. Sookie Stackhouse(Anna Paquin) living in Bon Temps and working as a local barmaid, was cursed with the ability to hear people’s thoughts. As she is drawn to Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a handsome 173 years old man, her tolerance will be tested when she starts unraveling the mysteries surrounding his arrival to Bon Temps.

4. AMERICAN HORROR STORY ASYLUM Viewers: 2.53 million Rating: 8.6 A Church-run haven for those criminally insane, is in control of Sister Jude ( Jessica Lange), a nun who had a perturbed past. While this facility contains serial killers, Nazis, mutants, aliens and other creatures, no one can be safe and sound inside the haven’s walls.

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2. SUPERNATURAL

Viewers: 2.02 million Rating: 9.1 Evil spirits, monsters and demons are among the supernatural creatures that Dean ( Jensen Ackles) and Sam ( Jared Padalecki) Winchester had to face ever since they were young. Their father, who was desperately trying to find the evil creature who had killed his wife, taught them how to hunt every creature he had.

Sam, not wanting the life of a hunter, chose to live a normal life until one day his brother Dean came for his help when their father went missing. Sam joined forces with Dean, battling evil force along their journey to find their father.

By: Alondra Martinez

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JULY 31,2013