The Viewpoint January/February 2019

The Viewpoint

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Road Stafford, VA 22556

STUDENT NEWS Magazine MVHS VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3

January | February

Societal pressures may make diets seem like a necessity, but make sure you do all the research needed to make a healthy choice for you. Check out pages 12 and 13 for more information on some popular diets.

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Editorial

It’s not only important to keep yourself healthy, but help to keep Earth healthy too. With the new year, consider these new plastic alternatives. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or preparing dinner for your family, small changes can lessen your negative impact on the environment.

More often than not stores today still offer plastic bags. Although it may be convenient to use these, the detrimental effects of them add up. Making the switch to reusable is easier than you think. These reusable bags are offered in most stores, and they can be purchased online also. If these bags aren’t easily available to you, any tote bag can work.

Recently, the use of plastic straws has been very controversial. However, people don’t consider what effects other plastic utensils have too. Buying reusable utensil packs, which typically include a spoon, knife, fork, and straw, is a handy way to help the environment. This helps you be prepared, but it also eliminates the possibility of using dirty silverware provided at a restaurant. In addition, don’t forget the simple switch to using a reusable water bottle.

If everyone takes a small part in reducing their use of plastic, the results will be enormous.

It may not seem like much, but you can make a difference: for humans and for the other inhabitants of Earth.

e r u t a Fe e r u g i F

by Javonna Brigham

For a lot of people, swimming is a causal fun hobby for the summertime. For Georgia Johnson, it’s become part of her everyday life as a junior and a member of the swim team here at Mountain View.

From sacrifices to awards, Johnson has had a long, eventful, and rewarding swim career. She began to swim at 6 years old, and she has been ripping through the water ever since.

Johnson said, “It’s hard to constantly have to turn down many plans due to my early practices in the morning.”

Another challenge Johnson faces is having the mental toughness to get herself through a hard set or practice.

But with challenges and sacrifices comes rewards.

Early in her high school career, Johnson was titled the All-Area athlete both her freshman and sophomore years.

She considers her biggest achievements to be getting her NCAA “B” cut or Winter National qualifying time in 100 and 200 breaststroke.

Johnson plans to continue her swim career in college and hopes to attend either the University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, Virginia Tech, or University of Alabama.

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Cover Advertisement Index Briefs Advertisement New Year’s horoscopes New Year’s horoscopes Ancient civilization’s...

Spring fashion sneak...

Friend zoned Friend zoned The perfect balance

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The perfect balance Branch out and save...

Plastic alternatives Work in progress Work in progress Lazy girl beauty hacks Advertisement Procrastination quiz Procrastination quiz Light pollution Outrageous inventions Simple substitutes

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The Viewpoint JANUARY| FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME XIII ISSUE III Managing Editors Ruby Jackson Chloe Reid Extra Editor Lexi Strawder Social Media Editor Sophie Perez Copy Editor Danielle Piper Bella Roeske Photography Editor Gia Morreale Briefs Editor Selena Obregon Adviser Trisha Orndorff The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published

by Staples. Letters and art to the editorial board are welcomed and should be submitted to room 303.

Staff Writers Brody Albertson, Javonna Brigham, Matthew D’Lugos, Emilee Holmquist, Lexi Jackson, Caroline Pollock, Victoria Rogers, Aisha Santiago-Burgos, Adam Skoloda, Jules Torrice, Damien Veal

Front Cover Ruby Jackson Chloe Reid

2018 International Quill and Scroll Sweepstakes Award for Design 2014-2017 International Quill and Scroll First Place Articles 2014-2016 VHSL State Championship First Place Award

2013, 2014, 2015 Free Lance-Star Best Over All Newspaper Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Rd. Stafford, VA 22556 index u january | february 2019u the viewpoint u 03

What‘s Ne w at the Vi ew?

Rising Freshman Night kicked off at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 30. Many middle school students came to participate and experience a taste of life as a Wildcat is like.

Students were invited to join Dr. Stemple in the auditorium for a presentation. He talked about everything the school has to offer including classes, IB, athletics, and more. The students were then divided into groups for tours of the school led by National Honor Society members.

The tour leaders showed the students and their parents the academic and elective hallways, the front office, the clinic, and the information center, and the gymnasium and locker rooms. The tour ended in the cafeteria where the eighth grade students had the chance to ask high school students questions about Mountain View and high school in general. Then, they were able to visit tables that had been set up by most of Mountain View’s clubs, athletic teams, and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).

“It was a good way for rising freshman to see what Mountain View was all about,” said junior Grace Dausman.

The middle school students were also able to buy Mountain View spirit wear which consisted of t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeve shirts, hats, and bracelets. The opportunity to speak to club leaders and athletics coaches about activities and sports available at Mountain View was given to parents and rising students.

The goal for this is to help prepare future students for next August.

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Freshman Orientation By Matthew D’Lugos

t Nsiogn h n a hm okan Frespc: Eric H

DC Women’s March By Lexi Jackson

Wome n’ pc: Lex s Ma i Jac rch kso n

To protest the Trump administration and petition for women’s rights, the first Women’s March was lead

by Vanessa Wruble on Trump’s inauguration day in 2017. Women marched for equal pay in the workplace, skewed gender roles, and abortion rights. On January 19, 2019, this year’s annual march continued to fight for these same rights. Senior Angela Tran said, “The power is within the people and if we just let issues go without addressing them, especially if we have the opportunity to have a protest, they’d just get left unresolved and unnoticed.”

The 2017 march was the largest protest in US history. This year, however, around 400,000 fewer people attended. The number has dwindled since 2017 because of bad weather and anti-Semitism allegations against the leaders of the march. Some speakers included LaDonna Harris, founder, and president for Indian opportunity, Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, and celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, America Ferrara, and Madonna. Nina Turner, president of “Our Revolution”, said, “Sisters, we not gonna play around with this, things are hard, folks are suffering, but I believe in a transcendence that is bigger than any one man. I believe in a transcendence that is bigger than any one moment and if you don’t, believe me, I want you to think about the history of revolution in this country and this is what this is about, revolution.”

Snow Days By Caroline Pollock

On snowy winter mornings, parents, students, and teachers check their phones or emails for the call on whether or not there is school that day. Cancellations are determined by the Stafford County Public Schools’ weather operations center’s many staff members and community organizations who evaluate road conditions and possible hazards early in the morning before reaching the superintendent. On mornings when inclement weather is expected or is a possibility, the center opens. This center collaborates with the Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue, and schools to recommend whether county government and schools will be operational.

Every school year has “built-in snow days” which ensure students receive the minimum number of instructional hours. Should the 2018-2019 school year fall below the required instructional days or hours, the difference will be made up by converting current non-school days to school days, adding instruction time to existing days, or by adding days to the end of the year. May 27, and June 12, 17 and 18 are the days that may be converted to school days. “I love snow days, but I don’t appreciate that we get punished for them and have to go to school longer than we were supposed to,” said junior Madi Hyatt.

Since Stafford County converted January 24 and 25 from early release days to full school days, we are not currently at risk of losing any days off. In the 2017-2018 school year, schools were closed seven times and there were three 2-hour delays so we had no need to convert any days. As of February 1, we have had six cancellations and one 2-hour delay. Because of the number of instructional time needed per school year on top of the recent cancellations of school, midterms were canceled and the two half days on January 24 and 25 became full school days. If we do not have any catastrophic weather incidents we should not have to add any more school days to our calendar.

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ayPosllock D w e Snyo: Carolin B

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Aquarius

Taurus

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Apr 20 - May 20

Aquarius are very rebellious people by nature. They are not huge fans of a people in higher powers; they like to be in charge of themselves. Aquarius tend to be very spontaneous and have a carefree attitude. Take time this year to do a lot of self-reflection. You may have a strong work ethic, but take time for yourself and pause.

Taurus tend to be very mellow people, but also hard working. They enjoy being in a quiet and calm environment. As mellow as they can be, they also have a very stubborn side. This may be an easy going year, but it is time for a transformation. It is time to make a change in your everyday routine or even pick up a new habit.

Pisces

Gemini

Feb 19 - Mar 20

May 21 - June 20

Pisces tend to be extremely compassionate but can also get swamped in their emotions. Remember this year not to run away from problems; it can only make it worse. This year is the year to put yourself first. This will give you the chance to grow as a person and improve your mental health.

Geminis are often times mistaken as being very deceiving people, but they are actually passionate and sociable people.

Geminis are very open with their emotions and are quick on their feet if they find themselves in a bad situation. This year is the year of learning and expressing yourself in the best way possible.

Aries

Cancer

Mar 21 - Apr 19 Aries are bold and passionate people.

When they want something, they strive to achieve it. This is the year to show everyone what you are capable of. A lot will be going on for you this year, and it’s your time to shine. Time to be fearless and free-spirited.

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June 21 - July 22 Senior Lainey Breland, a Cancer, said, “I relate to my sign because as much as I like to take care of people and make them feel better, I can be emotional too.” Cancers are often very emotional and spontaneous. They tend to be very caring to the people they surround themselves with most. This year is the time to take back control of your life. Focus this year on being more self-reliant and fearless.

Leo

July 23 - Aug 22 Leos, being fire signs, are natural rulers.

They strive for fame and to be the center of attention. This might not always be a bad thing for Leos, as they are great at forming new relationships. This year will bring a lot of drama, but focus your attention on something else. This year is the perfect time to focus on making achievements in your work.

New Year’s Horoscopes Determine how the New Year will unfold with these horoscope predictions by Gia Morreale| Graphics By Gia Morreale Disclaimer: All horoscopes are compiled from Astrology.com and Allure.com

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sep 22 Virgos are observant and can be perfectionists. They are very committed and hardworking people. This year may start off pretty conflicting, but stay focused on your end goal. This is the year to jump out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 21 Scorpios are very determined people; they know what they want and how they want to achieve it. Scorpios are very loyal and make very deep connections with their friends. Take this year to cool out and to lessen your stress. Do not stress yourself out over little things and take time to breathe. In your free time, try to fix unresolved issues that have accumulated over the past year.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

Teacher Josi Brooks, a Capricorn, said, “I identify with most characteristics; we are sensitive, but we tend to be bad at showing it.” Capricorns are mistaken as being unemotional and cold-hearted. They are actually quite youthful and bright individuals. Capricorns are closed off and only open up to close family and friends. This year is the year for you to start fresh. Set new goals to put you on the right track.

Libra

Sagittarius

Libras are into the arts and pay attention to the details. Libras are often people pleasers and also tend to be pretty indecisive. This year is the year to focus on balancing your life. Focus on your relationships, rebuild old friendships or even start new ones.

Senior Justine Meyer, a Sagittarius, said, “I believe the characteristics of my sign fits me sometimes. I do not fully believe it controls people’s lives, but a lot of people stand by it.” Most Sagittarius are adventure seekers and are very likable amongst their peers.

This year will teach you plenty of life lessons. Focus on distancing yourself from things you may be too attached to and focus on the bigger picture.

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Nov 22 - Dec 21

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Ancient civilizations’ effect on the modern world Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon influence the way we speak, write, and go about our daily lives by Lexi Jackson | Photos by Lexi Jackson

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W

ithout the political, social, and economic contributions of ancient civilizations, our society would not be as advanced as it is today.

For example, the ancient Greek government has had a big impact on our own politics. Athens started out as a monarchy, then oligarchy, and finally made its way into a democracy.

According to Webster’s dictionary, a democracy is “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.” In Greece, there were 6,000 assembly members, all of which had to be adult male citizens. In order for a law to get passed, the votes had to be a majority, and this is what influenced the majority rule in Congress.

Without the Athenians contribution of democracy, the government today would be very different. Freshman, Rachael Spreeman, said, “The Athenian’s cycle of government and development of democracy has definitely changed the supremacy of America.”

Trial by jury also originated in Athens. Again, only adult male citizens were allowed to serve as a juror, and they were paid one day’s work.

One trial could have up to 500 jurors. In the US, we have a trial by jury system, but it’s a little different. Being a juror is considered a civic duty, and the sixth amendment states that the accused gets a trial by jury.

Michelle Stambough, history teacher, said, “A lot of ancient governments realized that one government system can’t be sustained forever.

You have to have change. You have to amend the government system. I feel like in not only the United States but in much of the western world the government system likes to stay the same, and so I think we can learn from our predecessors in a way that they acknowledge that as people change and as society changes the way that we run society must change.” The Ancient Athenians set the basis for modern law in the US. Another big society that influences the US is Ancient Rome. Their trial system is similar to trial by jury, except a prominent Roman citizen

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would try the case, interview witnesses, and have evidence accounted for. According to National Geographic’s “Traces of Ancient Rome in the Modern World,” this serves as the basis for many countries’ justice system. The decision of punishment is also left up to this citizen.

Furthermore, Ancient Rome’s system of writing is Latin. Latin became the basis for the Romance languages: French, Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan.

In addition to Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt also impacts our society. To have been able to construct the pyramids, the Egyptians were efficient in mathematics, like geometry and algebra. Egypt is famous for its mummification process and surgical procedures. In the tomb of Qar, an ancient Egyptian physician, there were surgical tools and written logs of surgeries including the removal of cysts and tumors.

Roman law couldn’t have influenced government today without the first step taking place. The first written laws were found in Babylon. It’s known as Hammurabi’s code of laws. There are more than 300 laws and were the first to emphasize physical punishment. Some famous quotes like “an eye for an eye,” and, “innocent until proven guilty” come directly from Hammurabi’s code of laws.

The East was evolving faster and separately from the western world with more efficient inventions, like the invention of paper. The invention of paper in China played a huge role in the advancement of China and world literature. Furthermore, Zheng He, the inventor of the compass, made seven naval expeditions using it. This same compass was used to explore the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Coincidentally, while trying to make a potion for immortality, the Ancient Chinese ended up making gunpowder. After the invention of gunpowder, wars and the conquering of lands were quicker and more brutal.

Ancient societies influence the way we live today. From government to science, to literature, and many more, these civilizations made contributions that impact our modern society.

SPRING FASHION

SNEAK PEAK Turn the hall into a runway by educating yourself on what is trending this spring

by Lexi Strawder photos by Lexi Strawder

CROCHET FOR DAYS

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Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson, Julie de Libran at Sonia Rykiel, and Gypsy Sport’s Rio Uribe are taking the time to do it right. These designers are embracing artisanal articles of clothing by using techniques to hand craft clothes, such as crocheting or netting. According to Elle fashion magazine, “Barneys New York Fashion Director, Marina Larroude agrees: ‘Nothing screams summer more than crochet and macramé. From Missoni to Isabel Marant, crafty fabrications were all over the runways and it will be a hit with customers come spring.’” Macrame bags, netted dresses, and crochet bags give off a beachy bohemian vibe. Rock these outfits by the sea shore, out to a Sunday brunch, or even hanging out at a friend’s house. Either way, you’ll look trendy no matter what you’re doing.

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Having deja vu? That’s because we’ve seen this trend a decade before. In spring 2009 the runway was filled with neutral colored ensembles sprinkled with a hint of animal print here and there. In 2009 Vogue described the spring fashion season as

SWEET ESCAPE

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NUDE-TRALS

If only we could escape the blistering cold weather of the Virginia winter and fast forward to the vacation trips of summer 2019. Well luckily this spring you can look like you’re going on a fabulous vacation while just walking the streets of your hometown. According to Vogue magazine, “At Chloé, Natacha Ramsay-Levi looked to the seaside of Ibiza, while Veronica Etro imagined bohemian California surfer girls, and Tory Burch found inspiration in her parents’ farflung Mediterranean holidays.” Accomplish a similar look by picking a summer destination vacation of your choice and dress accordingly to fit the style of the location. Add an edgy twist to your outfit by wearing lightweight layers, shoes that make a statement, or bold jewelry.

“DRESS SOFTLY AND CARRY A LEOPARD-SPOT PURSE.” As you can see, fashionable history tends to repeat itself. Vogue explains that the inspiration for “coffee, camel, cinnamon, and chestnut-colored clothing, [was] led by Riccardo Tisci at Burberry, who painted a portrait of Great Britannia in a diverse palette of flesh tones.” Re-introducing neutral color schemes has instituted many questions from the public as to why Riccardo Tisci is rehashing the past. Vogue speculates, “Is the return to nude colors a reflection of the politicized body? Or an austerity measure for troubled times? Maybe it’s commentary on oversharing on social media, a reflection of the ways we conceal and reveal who we are underneath our clothes?” Whatever the method behind the madness is, wearing taupe is dope. feature u january | february 2019 u the viewpoint

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Fzroiendned

Instead of being crushed by rejection, learn to value the friendzone

by Danielle Piper | Photos and Graphics by Danielle Piper

F

itting enough, the term “friendzone” was coined in “The One with the Blackout,” a 1994 episode of the popular sitcom, “F.R.I.E.N.D.S.” Since then, the term has invaded everyday vernacular through meme culture and because of its relatability. However, the fundamental problem with the friendzone is that it has devalued actually being friends.

Imagine someone being friendzoned: a person confesses their feelings and are hit with: Without context, most people would imagine a woman rejecting a man because for a long time, friendzoning has been portrayed as this sob story for “nice guys” who can’t win the girl. In real life though, the friendzone shouldn’t be considered real. It is merely a scapegoat for insecure men who believe they are entitled to “the girl,” regardless of her feelings. That analysis may seem harsh, but casting friendship, a woman’s friendship with a man in this case, in a negative light is harmful to both sexes.

Junior Beth Mowry said, “I just think [the friendzone is] something people say when they feel salty about their feelings not being reciprocated. I think it’s people trying to misplace the blame and not be willing to accept their own problems.”

In certain contexts, the word “friendzone” is a tool mainly used by men to feel better about themselves and displace the blame onto the woman for their lack of understanding. Even though they listened to a woman complain about her boyfriend or coworker, or they shared a cup of coffee or dinner together, these men are upset that she refused to be intimate with them, and proclaim they are stuck in the infamous friendzone.

In their heads, they’re completely valid. They are sad about being rejected, and they are using a popular phrase they think describes their situation because societal factors have normalized generalizations about women. These men are conditioned to think their friendship with a woman deserves some reward, that women are “impossible to understand,” as stated in an article from The Social Man, or from a BBC article, that “women lead men on for attention.”

Other societal factors condition men to want a romantic relationship with a woman more than a platonic one. One major factor is men are taught they should want sex all the time. This is reinforced by the common practice to rate the women they see in T.V. shows or movies, pass on the street, or are friends with in real life. Even if they wouldn’t want her as a romantic partner, one man insecure with his masculinity would feel the need to say he’d “still hit that,” and then eventually feel that way. A study by the American Psychological Association said, “Most boys are taught from an early age that they will suffer negative consequences for violating masculine role norms,” and, “traditional masculinity ideology encourages men to adopt an approach to sexuality that emphasizes promiscuity and other aspects of risky sexual behavior.”

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“I think we should just be friends.”

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S

econdly is how men are taught to interact with each other: they shouldn’t share their feelings or physically touch one another with their male friends and family members. This isn’t to say men’s relationships aren’t as strong as women’s, but they are different. According to the same study, masculine values cause men to have fewer close friends than women and prefer “building connection through physical activities [and] talking about external matter.” They form deep emotional connections with few men who they “view as a brother,” and romantic partners, leading to confusion in more emotionally intimate friendships. Additionally, the borderline homophobia ingrained with traditional masculinity also deters male intimacy and deep emotional connection. Though the fear of sounding gay is somehow magically avoided by a quick “no homo,” which carries the same awkwardness as friendzoning.

All these subconscious or conscious motivations for some men to seek intimate relations with every woman they know are no excuse for the blame the friendzone places on her. In all aspects, the word friendzone should be considered a positive thing because not everyone who uses the word is part of that group of men. Plenty of people, men and women alike, use the term because it’s universal.

Almost everyone has rejected someone or been rejected at one point or another, and the rejector saying “let’s be friends” lets the asker down easier, may help the rejector feel safer, or is simply all the person is looking for. But then, there is a definite difference between the friendzone and the rejection zone. The friendzone should be reserved for people who are actual friends, where the rejection zone is just saying no.

Freshman Chloe Landaur said, “Friendzone is more like if one of your close friends or just friends asks you out. I’ve had that happen to me and it wasn’t okay.” She also let in on the benefits of the friendzone. “I feel [the friendzone] could save you from something, but it also hurts the other person. [It could save you if ] somebody bad asks you out. I would say that’s more of a rejection zone.”

Junior Caroline Ford said, “I’ve had to put people in their place many times. There have been times where I didn’t really know the person and they straight up asked me out, and I just said, ‘Hey, I don’t really know you. We’re just friends.’” It’s situations like Ford’s and Landaur’s that are a rejection zone. Ford continued, “They kinda stopped talking because they were embarrassed, but it’s never me who says, ‘we can’t be friends,’ after I friendzoned them. It’s not really how I roll.”

Often times, friendzoning is difficult for both parties because of the courage needed by the asker if they are asking outright, and by the rejector out of fear of ruining a relationship.

Landaur said, “I think there’s subtle ways people can go about it, or they can be straight up and be like, ‘hey, we’re friends,’ and then it’s kind of awkward and you kind of drift away. I wouldn’t call it friendzoning, it’s just rejection.”

From the rejector’s perspective, there is a person who wasn’t looking for anything more than a friendship. They rightfully feel awkward after being asked out, and is upset their “friend’s” intentions were more than what they wanted.

Mowry shared her experience with a particularly difficult rejection:

“I felt really bad, and I couldn’t be friends with them afterwards because of it. I don’t think the word [friendzone] really described the situation because I appreciate them as a person....I legitimately wanted them as a friend; I didn’t just want to get them out of my life. I wanted them in my life, and they ruined it.”

Ford said, “I finally got out of the friendzone. I just didn’t give up. I persevered and he asked me out last week. I’ve liked him since October and I told him how I felt in December and was friendzoned until like last week. I don’t think he saw me as anything but a friend, and he’s more on the quiet side, so I think he was scared to mess up our friendship since he doesn’t have too many close friends. Where we’re at right now, I feel like if things didn’t work out, it wouldn’t end badly at all; it would probably be a mutual: ‘this didn’t work out as well as we thought it would.’ But I don’t think, I’ve never been in a relationship where something bad has turned out that way.”

The key to not being friendzoned is to not enter friendship expecting it to turn romantic. Having to remain friends shouldn’t come as a surprise if the other person already has a significant other, or expresses their lack of interest in dating. For the many guys and girls “stuck” in the friendzone, what’s so bad about staying? Being a friend, giving emotional support, seeing a movie, or just having fun together, shouldn’t be considered bad or “work.” If anything, the friendzone should be something to strive for instead of something to avoid. Romantic rejection is not synonymous with friendship, and everyone needs to understand that, especially the person being rejected.

Sophomore Cameron Murrae said, “I would rather be friends than not be in a relationship. I think [the friendzone] could be [good or bad]. Bad because it could hurt your feelings, but it’s good to be friends.” opinion u january | february 2019 u the viewpoint u 11

The

Perfect Balance Gain insight on what these four trendy diets can do to your mental and physical health by Chloe Reid and Ruby Jackson | Graphics by Chloe Reid and Ruby Jackson

Even though dieting has become a large part of today’s society, make sure you are well informed before jumping into it. Most of these diets are used for weight loss; however, it is important to acknowledge the possible side effects they can have.

Social media especially has glamorized the stigma associated with trendy new diets; do your best to avoid these pressures since most of these influences aren’t from a physician. Societal pressures as a whole, based on unfair beauty standards, have caused people to believe they need to take drastic weight loss measures.

“Dieting is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the most important thing about dieting… Just be mindful, and constantly be aware. A large part of why we have to diet is because we stopped being aware,” said business teacher Chevonda Clark.

Although these diets may seem like a perfect solution, they are usually hard to maintain, very expensive, and detrimental to your overall health.

Nurse Paula Horton said, “I think balance is the key. You hear a lot of people talk about the Keto diet or the Paleo diet, and they may work short term, but they also have medical complications. They’re not necessarily safe for everybody, and not everybody, especially as a teenager, realizes that they have an underlying medical problem that may not show up until they try one of these diets. Usually, they will work short term, but long term they won’t work because once you stop that diet, and you go back to your routine, you’re just going to put the weight back on.”

The Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, and Intermittent Fasting diets appear to be the most popular ones today. All four have benefits and consequences associated with them. By doing your research, make sure the good effects outweigh the bad effects for your own perfectly balanced lifestyle.

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Ketogenic

Mediterranean

Short for the Ketogenic diet, the Keto diet has by far been the most popular weight-loss diet recently. This low-carb, high-fat diet is favorable due to the quick results it produces.

According to HealthLine, these results are shown so quickly due to your body being put in a state of ketosis; this is when your body starts to run burn fat for energy. To participate in any variation of the Keto diet, you are required to avoid sugary foods, grains, certain fruits, unhealthy fats, some condiments, and alcohol. Foods that are Keto-friendly include meat, eggs, butter, unprocessed cheese, nuts, fatty fish, and various herbs and spices. According to HealthLine website, this particular diet can help with acne, cancer, heart disease, epilepsy, and brain injuries. However, there are several side effects. The most common side effect when starting this diet is something called the “Keto Flu.” This is a side effect of ketosis and can lead to poor energy, lack of mental function, increased hunger, and sleep issues. These quick results may not be maintainable in the long run, so be sure to consult your doctor before a decision is made.

The Mediterranean diet specifically focuses on foods and meals that originate from Mediterranean countries such as Croatia, Greece, and Italy. This is not strictly used for weight loss but rather offers the opportunity to experience a new way of eating. Foods eaten in this diet include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fats, seafood, and nuts. On the other hand, you need to avoid red meats, sugary foods, and most dairy products. While these are common restrictions associated with this diet, there is no set regimen. According to University Health News website, this diet helps with memory and slows cognitive decline. It also can help with strengthening your bones and fighting depression. In addition, according to the Everyday Health website, people from the Mediterranean area have lower rates of heart disease and cancer. This diet can help decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and can lower cholesterol as mentioned on the Everyday Health website. With lots of positives, one negative is that the switch to this culturally-based diet can be hard for some. This could be a more relaxed option in comparison to other diets.

Intermittent Fasting Intermittent Fasting refers to a specific pattern that contains cycles of eating and not eating. One cycle is the 16/8, a method that involves skipping breakfast and restricting eating periods to eight hours of the day and fasting for the other 16. This focuses more on when you eat rather than what you eat, and contributes to weight loss. According to HealthLine website, this diet protects against heart disease, cancer, and brain diseases. It also forces your body to adjust its hormone levels to make stored fat more accessible for energy. Due to the large change in your eating patterns, this diet may be unsafe if you are underweight, pregnant, breastfeeding, have previously had an eating disorder, have diabetes, have low blood pressure, or take certain medications. “People might pass out or faint if they’re not used to eating certain times of the day. If they completely change what they’re doing, then they might feel sick,” said senior Jillian Bleakley. According to a Harvard University study, this diet can lead to unhealthy eating patterns such as purging and overeating. Due to a large change in your lifestyle and increased risks, this diet is only suggested for some.

Paleolithic Inspired by a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the Paleolithic, also known as the Paleo diet, focuses on raw food items that are unprocessed. This can include nuts, berries, meat, herbs, fruits, eggs, fish, and healthy fats and oils. It is important to avoid consuming processed foods, sugars, soft drinks, grains, dairy, artificial sweeteners, margarine, vegetable oils, and trans fat. In order to see results, this diet must be upheld for at least a few months.

According to the Everyday Health website, it can prove beneficial in helping to lower blood sugar, lose weight, and control blood pressure. With a varying range of side effects, make sure to evaluate both the short-term and long-term consequences. These can include anything from fatigue and changes in mood to Vitamin D deficiency. In addition to this, an increase in meat intake can lead to heart disease and higher cholesterol levels.

As one of the more extreme diets, take into account all of the potential impacts to your health.

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ur planet’s biodiversity has been declining at a rapid rate due to unior Maya Madore said, “I think biodiversity is very important humans. We are the problem, and we have to be the solution. since different organisms have different roles that help benefit According to Merriam-Webster, biodiversity is defined as the their environment. I also think it’s very upsetting to see biodiver“biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of difsity shrinking because of human actions that can endanger various forms ferent species of plants and animals.” All living animals and plants have a of life because biodiversity benefits humans as well.” purpose in this world and are important. Every species depends on each espite the downward spiral we are in, there other for survival and sustainability. Biodiversity stabilizes the are many ways in which humans can help. The ecosystem, provides biological resources, such as mediSunrise Movement is an organization geared cine, and allows for social benefits, such as recreationtowards young people with a mission to stop clial and national parks. mate change. Members of the organization work he acronym “HIPPO,” coined by Edward closely to influence politics to make a change Wilson, stands for habitat destruction, in government to benefit the environment. invasive species, pollution, human Anyone can sign up on their website to Senior Clare Johnson said, “We often forget overpopulation, and over-harvesting. These become informed and involved. Volthat not only are there other organisms on this are the ways in which biodiversity is beunteering on your own cleaning up planet that depend on the same resources we do coming limited and much of it is because neighborhood parks and picking up litter but that we also depend on those same organof humans. It has become so bad even the is another way to help the cause on a isms for our survival. It is our responsibility General Assembly declared the United local level.

Nations’ Decade on Biodiversity from 2011 e sure to recycle and learn about to be wary of how our actions can affect these to 2020 to increase awareness on how how harmful plastic waste is. organisms.” everyone has an effect on his surrounding Another way to reduce the deenvironment. struction of biodiversity is simply to carpool ccording to the World Wildlife Foundato reduce pollution and only buy sustainable tion, 60 percent of mammals, reptiles, fish, seafood to ensure marine life remains diverse and birds have become extinct since 1970 due and healthy. Most importantly, be a role model to to the human population. This is undoing billions of years others and remain informed on how every single person of evolution that has the Earth’s biodiversity. has a duty to protect nature.

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Learn how humans are affecting our environments biodiversity every day by Bella Roeske

Putting away the plastic Minimizing your plastic use can be more aesthetically pleasing, convenient, and original than you think by Sophie Perez | graphics by Sophie Perez

Reusable water bottles It seems as though the brand names of S’well, Hydroflasks, and Nalgene have become more and more common lately, and that’s not for no reason. Reusable water bottles have come to offer a new, possibly more personal, and definitely more environmentally safe way of staying hydrated. Although reusable water bottles can be more expensive up front, they’re almost guaranteed to be more cost efficient in the long run. Not to mention that reusable water bottles come with the option to customize them. Throw on a few stickers from places you’ve visited or quotes you believe in, and make them uniquely your own.

“Instead of wasting money and buying a bunch of plastic water bottles, I use a metal bottle that I can just refill,” says senior Terrell McCoy.

Reusable bags It seems to be a household norm to have a plastic bag filled with other plastic bags.

This is understandable considering they’re convenient for use as trash bags, storage, and even taking care of the messy side of pets. However, plastic bags also hold the potential to be detrimental to the environment. These bags take up to 500 years to break down in landfills, and even then, they don’t fully degrade; they become microplastics that absorb toxins. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year, which require 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture.

A small but effective step towards helping the environment would be to replace or at least minimize your plastic bag use with reusable bags. These bags are often made of canvas material and can be found at multiple grocery stores such as Wegmans or Trader Joe’s as well as online with a simple Google search. These reusable bags often come in a variety of designs, which can be a fresh change from tan or white plastic bags.

Metal straws Ever since the “Saving the Turtles” movement was popularized, plastic straws have come to be seen in a negative light. Images of sea creatures who have unfortunately come to find themselves with plastic straws stuck up their noses have taken social media by storm. So much so that companies as big as Starbucks have taken steps towards minimizing plastic straw use with their new nitro lids. Understandably, the idea of drinking from a glass at a restaurant that has most likely been shared by multiple other people isn’t all that appealing. Thankfully, there’s an eco-friendly solution. Reusable metal straws have been on a popularity surge lately, and there’s a variety of options all over Amazon. They often come with a holder, cleaning supplies, and even other reusable utensils.

feature u janaury | february 2019 u the viewpoint u 15

Work in Progress Learn about the effects different styles by Damien Veal | Photos by Damien Veal

With so many different forms of exercise it’s easy to get lost in what to focus on and what to put aside.

Three main forms of activity are weightlifting,calisthenics, and cardio.

Weightlifting “Weightlifting makes your body work more effectively” - Leischner It can be scary trying to begin weightlifting out of fear of the weights coming down on you. Many exercises people tend to avoid are squatting, deadlifting, and bench press from the fear of the bar coming down and not going back up. But these exercises are often the ones that hold the most benefit. Instead of avoiding the exercise, get more familiar with them, and focus on proper form and high repetition to build muscle memory and a good foundation rather than attempting to lift heavy weight with improper form which can easily lead to injury. Weightlifting not only increases muscle mass but leads to an increased metabolic rate , how quickly your body burns calories, in turn making fat loss another benefit. Athletes who lift will have a decreased risk of injury because of improved strength of connective tissue, muscle and tendons, making tears and pulls less likely to occur.

Lifting weights for long periods of time (years) can lead to joint issues later on due to the heavy workload the joints are being placed under. Kristina Leischner, Strength and Body teacher at MVHS says she believes that weightlifting should be prioritized because it builds muscle, burns fat and makes your body work and do everyday tasks more efficiently.

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Tips & Tricks

1. Change workouts consistently. After about two weeks your body will adapt to the stress its being put under and the same movements will no longer be as effective.

2. If exercises are not as difficult once you’ve gained strength, shorten time in between sets and increase number of reps being completed.

3. Make sure you are resting properly, overtraining can lead to a decrease in strength 4. Start slow, don’t make any intense commitments and in turn won’t set yourself up for failure

Calystetics

These types of exercises each have their own individual benefits cardio has an array of health benefits, Lifting helps increase muscle and decrease fat and calisthenics help tone and can be completed easily.

Tyler Ferron, senior, said calisthenics should be done as a warm up for weightlifting or before introducing your body into lifting but not put over it in any way.

Jashaad Santiago-Boatwright, senior, says he puts calisthenics before any other types of workouts. “Do push ups, sit ups Calisthenics is defined as “gymnastic exercises designed to develop physical health and vigor, , everyday and you will see improveusually performed with little or no special apparatus.” ment within 4 weeks”. Boatwright said Calisthenics is the form of bodyweight training. Some common exercises for this training method are push-ups, sit-ups, and pull ups: typical movements that require no additional equipment or a gym. he doesn’t feel that compound lifts such Calisthenic movements can be added to by bearing more weight or resistance bands to help overload as deadlifts and bench press have much of an effect on the body as bodyweight the muscles being worked.

Some people believe calisthenics are the only form of exercise needed to achieve a better physique. exercises do.

Leischner said that calisthenics is great There are even entire workout plans designed around purely calisthenic movements. “A Shot Of Adrento improve range of motion and is good aline” is a website that believes in this method as well. They claim these workouts as a great way to for people who don’t have access to tone muscles and increase strength.

Some disadvantages of calisthenics are that there is trouble isolating muscles without using machin- equipment but lifting should be a priority.

So three different people prioritized a ery or weights. Eventually, unlike with weight training, there is a limit to the strength that can be built different category of exercise, where does since the main weight being beared is body weight. that put the results.

Calisthenics can be a good introductory to getting a better physique but should not be relied on Although each have their own individucompletely, calisthenics are a great way to tone muscles but is much more difficult to gain mass or al benefits ultimately weightlifting should increase muscle size when it is the only type of exercise being done. be the main priority due to the fact that it leads to a higher metabolism and increased muscle-to-fat ratio. Cardio should “Do calistetincs everyday. you will see be placed alongside weight training improvement within 4 weeks” though as it leads to improved recovery of the muscle, as well as an array of health Jashaad Santiago-Boatwright benefits from decreased heart problems to improved mental health. Calisthenics should be completed as a warm up before exercise or when you don’t have Cardio is a love-hate relationship in many cases. Some access to equipment. Calisthenics can be believe that cardio will end up causing a loss of muscle completed as home just to see even more and increase of fat, while others believe cardio is key to improvement on top of other activity dropping body fat and attaining a better physique. So being done, but completing it on its own which should be believed? won’t lead to as drastic or quick changes Well, both are accurate. Cardio can cause muscle loss as weightlifting will. and fat retention. This problem only presents itself when the body isn’t being given enough calories to burn. When not properly eating for the workload, there are no calories left to burn and the body turns to use what’s left, muscle. Eating properly is a big factor when it comes to introducing cardio into a workout. When focusing on purely cardio based workouts, the only way the way to continue seeing improvement is to up the regimen continuously due to your body adapting to the stress being placed on it. Cardio is best when placed alongside strength training because it can help muscles recover through increased blood flow. Lifting weights often targets individual muscle groups, but it lacks in proper aerobic exercise, which lowers chances for heart issues and can even help improve sleep. Cardio is packed with great health benefits not only physical but mental as well. Running supplies a better blood flow to the entire body , including the brain which causes better focus, clearer thoughts , and helps overcome small issues.

Tyler Ferron, senior, said he believes that cardio is the most important aspect of staying in shape.

“Whenever I’m well conditioned, I just feel and perform better,” said Ferron. Even when it comes to weightlifting Ferron said that the better conditioned he is the better the workout he has.

Cardio

“Whenever i’m well conditioned, i just feel better” - Ferron feature u january | february 2019 u the viewpoint u 17

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Lazy girl beauty hacks

PRESS THE SNOOZE BUTTON AND STILL GET READY ON TIME TO LOOK BRIGHT EYED AND BUSHY TAILED BY LEXI STRAWDER | PHOTOS BY LEXI STRAWDER

BRIGHTEN YOUR EYES If eyes are windows to the soul, then we should probably attempt to cover up the dark circles and bags under our eyes in the morning to appear less jaded and more upbeat.

According to Cosmopolitan magazine, “Curl your lashes for an instantly wide-awake effect.” false eye lashes tend to make your eyes appear wider and brighter, but who has all that time and patience in the morning for applying falsies while running late? Instead curling your lashes can give you the length and shape you’re looking for in false lashes. Having trouble with curing them?

Slightly heat the eyelash curler

with a blowdryer before curling your lashes to make them stay all day.

But what about those dark circles? Cosmopolitan said, “To quickly pinpoint where you need to conceal under your eyes, instead of looking straight into the mirror, tilt your chin down to reveal any dark shadows.” When you do this you are pinpointing where shadows fall on your face. From there, you can apply a concealer one to two shades lighter than your face directly and then blend out. In addition to create a bright eye look, apply white eyeliner to your waterline to appear more awake.

BRIGHTEN SKIN The blistering cold weather during the winter can leave your skin feeling overly dry and flaky. For super soft skin, moisturize in the morning by applying a face lotion that contains hydrocortisone.

According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board certified dermatologist and RealSelf. com advisor, “The 1% hydrocortisone in this medicated balm has chemical properties that go beyond moisturizing to relieve itching and heal skin. It also helps to soothe chapped lips, psoriasis, eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, seborrheic dermatitis and allergic skin reactions to cosmetics and other products.”

Regardless of dry or oily prone skin it is important to remove your makeup every night before bed to prevent acne

from forming. Even if you’ve had a long night and feel too tired to wash your face before bed, at the very minimum make sure to remove all of your makeup to prevent acne from forming.

A recommendation from Birchbox says “keep face wipes by your bed...Burt’s Bees all make awesome and easy-tocarry wipes.”

Lastly, you can brighten your skin by applying highlighter on certain features on your face that will reflect light. Simply apply a hint of highlighter in the corner of your eyes by the tear duct, on the bridge of your nose, and on your cheekbone.

If you’re feeling extra glowy, apply a hint of liquid highlighter to your liquid foundation or moisturizer.

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TAME YOUR MANE Dry shampoo is any lazy girl’s best friend.

Wake up late and didn’t have time to wash and dry your hair? Dry shampoo is the perfect temporary fix for when your hair is feeling heavy or weighed down.

According to Buzzfeed, “Apply your dry shampoo the night before. It will work itself in to your strands overnight, resulting in increased volume in the morning.”

On the other hand Winter air comes with dry cold air which means staticy flyaways for people with dryer hair. Tame these stubborn hairs by spraying a clean unused toothbrush with hairspray and brushing down your baby hairs. You can also eliminate static hair by working a dryer sheet through your hair. Frizzy hair? Swap your for normal brush for a boar bristle brush.

According to Buzzfeed, “Instead of applying anti-frizz or shine treatment, use a boar bristle brush as you’re styling and/or blow drying.”

OBTAIN LUSCIOUS LIPS If chapped lips were a crime, roughly 90 percent of the school would be convicted.

It’s important to up your lip routine game during the dry winter season, so be particular when choosing the right chapstick for you.

WebMD said, “Choose [a chapstick] high in emollients. Check the ingredient list for petrolatum, which locks in moisture, and dimethicone, which seals off cracks and splits in drying lips.” Apply early and apply often; before you apply a gloss or lipstick make sure to put on a little bit of chapstick first so that your lips don’t dry out. Birchbox also suggests to infuse your lip glosses with peppermint oil to naturally plump your lips.

Lastly to achieve plump and luscious lips, when applying a lipstick or gloss apply a light shade of a lip pencil in the center of the mouth on the lower lip and below the cupid’s bow on the upper lip.

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start

do you procrastinate?

Your teacher assigns an essay due in 3 weeks.

You:

Banish it from your brain, you don’t need to start for at least 2 weeks.

Your typical after-school schedule sounds something like:

Grab a snack then hit the books. Once homework is done then you can watch Netflix.

You have been wanting to join a school club but don’t know which one is right for you so you:

Make a plan: research this week and outline next week.

You ditch your backpack and settle in front of the TV. You’ll think about your homework after dinner.

Talk to a bunch of different club sponsors and their members and finally decide on one.

Might think about it later, or never, who knows?

Add it to your long list of things to do and hope you can get it done sometime soon.

Task Master

You are on a mission to do everything on schedule, from schoolwork to chores to hobbies. Because you refuse to put things off, you are always on top of your time and workload. No last-minute anxiety.

Kudos to you!

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u january | february 2019 u quiz

Your BFF’s birthday is next week and you want to make her a special, homemade gift.

You:

Your dad asked for your help shoveling snow off of the driveway. You:

Your mom asked you, for the fifth time today, to fold your laundry.

You:

Finally get out of bed and fold your clothes before she gets mad.

Halfway There

You don’t try to procrastinate. You often start strong and then lose momentum as you go and end up staring at a deadline unprepared. Check out the tips and beat your procrastination for good. Once you see how good it feels to finish with time to spare, you will never go back.

Haven’t even thought about what you are going to make. What’s the rush?

Already have it finished and wrapped up with a cute bow. All that is left to do is write the birthday card.

Forgot he had asked a minute later and you still haven’t done it. OOPS!

Get to it right away.

You even get a good arm workout while doing it!

Might do it after she asks you another seven times.

Later is Better

Your motto is “never do today what you can do tomorrow.” All of that procrastination probably results in late night panics and frustration. The good thing is that procrastination is a habit that is breakable! Check out the tips on how to beat procrastination and start working now (not tomorrow).

procrastination busters Take this quiz to see if you are a procrastinator and ways to break your procrastination habits by caroline pollock

Get Organized l Use a Planner l Ask for Help l Break the Habit l Get a Good Why l Break down your work into steps l Change up your environment l Reward yourself l Minimize distractions

“I write all of my work down in my agenda, and if I write it, I know it has to be done.”

-Junior Jessie Kantor

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lOrganization is a huge component in accomplishing tasks. Having a clean work area helps to keep your mind clear and focused. Clean out your desk and backpack, throw out old papers, and use folders. lWith a planner or agenda, you will always know what needs to be done and when it is due. Cross out items as you complete them. lTell your family and friends about upcoming assignments or exams to put more pressure on yourself and have people hold you accountable. lProcrastination is just a habit, which means it can be broken. Before long, you will have a new habit of getting things done on time. Don’t forget, if you mess up, try again. lGet motivated. With this motivation in mind, you will be

“In the midst of school and extracurriculars, I think the best way to avoid procrastination is to create a routine and hold yourself accountable to it. Mine involves doing my homework right when I get home and setting little deadlines for myself, like ‘finish chemistry at 6:00’ And check boxes! Separating your workload into small attainable goals both keeps you on task and makes your progress more visible!”

-Junior, Kaylee Harris

more focused and strive for progress. lDividing work into smaller amounts will make the work seem less daunting and help you aim to get it done. lChanging up your workplace can make you feel more inspired and motivated to get work done. Try doing your homework in a different room of your house or go to the library every once in a while. lDo the things you don’t want to do first and when you finish it, treat yourself. Then do something on your list that you want to do, and continue alternating to complete your tasks in a less daunting manner. lPut your phone on “Do Not Disturb” until you finish your task or you need a break to minimize distractions on your phone. l “To avoid procrastination, I take a detox from social media, so I can focus and get the things done that I need to,” said junior Kjersti Banghart.

feature u january | february 2019 u the viewpoint u 21

mLight pollution m A hundred years ago you could look up to the sky and see stars shimmering, but now because of artificial light you can only experience this in rural areas by Lexi Jackson

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Light pollution has many harmful effects on our environment, but fortunately, it’s reversible because all that’s needed is for the lights to turn off.

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky by man-made sources. Some man-made sources include traffic lights, streetlights, and outdoor lights. The three types of light pollution are glare, light trespass, and sky glow.

Glare is excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort. Many animals like raccoons and deer are killed because the glare from headlights at night blind and distort them. In addition to negatively affecting animals, glare can also cause people to experience eye strain and loss of clear vision.

Light Trespass happens when light falls where it’s not intended or needed. For instance, leaving a curtain open at night while electrical lights shine through is light trespass.

Sky glow is brightening of the night sky over areas that are inhabited. According to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), 99 percent of people in the US and the UK live under sky glow. Amber Ritenour, sophomore, said, “ With the pollution, it makes it significantly harder to observe planets and stars.”

Sky glow results in stars not being seen in areas that aren’t rural.

According to the New York Times’ “Illuminating the Effects of Light Pollution,” these different types of light can disturb our circadian rhythm or internal clock. Sophomore, Kaysea Calvert said, “ Light pollution negatively affects us and our environment in the way that our environments on Earth have adapted to a certain daylight cycle and rely on certain amounts of light at night, which can affect the environment more.” Too much light at night can harm an important hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in the center of your brain that regulates sleep cycles, boosts the immune system, and lowers cholesterol. If melatonin is damaged, it can result in sleep disorders, increased anxiety, and headaches.

Some tips to reduce the light pollution coming from your home include only using electric lights when necessary and keeping blinds closed at night to keep the light inside. Use low color temperature bulbs at 300 kilowatts or less to protect humans and the environment. Use shielded outdoor lights to direct light downwards where it’s needed and not at the sky.

In just one year, the US uses 120 terawatt-hours of energy just on outdoor light. It costs 3.3 billion dollars and releases 21 million tons of carbon dioxide. The IDA estimates that 30 percent of outdoor lighting is wasted, mostly by lights that aren’t shielded, we would have to plant 875 million trees annually to offset the carbon dioxide.

Along with affecting the environment and wildlife, human health is at risk too. Take the necessary steps to preserve the Earth and human life.

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Outrageous inventions Many quirky inventions exist in the world that may or may not be convenient at times by Javonna Brigham

HUG ME PILLOW

Many aren’t fans of sleeping alone. The invention of the “Hug Me Pillow” was designed specifically for those types of people. Now, you can cuddle up to a human-sized arm attached to a body pillow for comfort and security during your snooze sesh. “I would love to have this,” said senior Hannah Frizzell.

DINE-INK PEN CAP EATING UTENSILS Working can take up a great amount of time. Whether it’s an adult with their job, or a student with their school work. Occasionally, maintaining a healthy life with all of that work is nearly impossible. The dineink pen cap eating utensils were created. A common pen with a pull-off top has been modified and now has a fork, knife, or a spoon on top.

ROLLER BUGGY

Pushing babies around in strollers can get tiring and boring, and carrying them around all day is just out of the question. This is apparently a problem that was in need of a solution. Roller buggies are baby strollers with an attached scooter to zoom along with your child. The Roller Buggy is here to eliminate any hardships that come with pushing around a child.

PIZZA SCISSORS

Cutting your own pizza can be a hassle. Jagged lines, uneven pieces, and just an overall mess if you don’t know what you’re doing. Pizza scissors can now make slicing your pizza much easier. Want pizza squares?

Triangles? Circles? The pizza scissors have you covered. “In general, scissors seem to work really well for long, slab-type pies, and for thinner pizzas, or pizzas in small pans,” says Jim Lahey, a professional baker.

LED SLIPPERS

Waking up in the middle of night dying of thirst is a dreadful feeling.

What makes it worse is having to walk all the way downstairs in the dark with your feet freezing. LED slippers help eliminate all of those problems, minus the thirst and having to walk downstairs. Comfy slippers with an small flashlight on the toe will help you navigate your way through the dark house.

DOGBRELLA

Don’t you hate those times where you need to walk your cute pooch but it’s raining outside? You have an umbrella but you want to prevent your dog from getting that wet dog smell. A dogbrella will save your nose from that smell and your hands from having to wash the canine.

“My dog Bjorn hates being in the rain, I could really use this when I take him out,” says junior Maggie Hanse. “The dogbrella won’t help dogs who dislike stepping on wet ground, but it offers protection for dogs who object to the water falling from the sky,” says Karen London, BARK Magazine author.

ANTI-THEFT LUNCH BAGS

You may be tired of people always asking to have some of your food.

You can easily get rid of this problem by purchasing anti-theft lunch bags. These bags have stains of mold printed on them in order to look like you’re pulling a moldy sandwich from your bag. That’ll really keep the thieves away! “I like this idea. A lot of people like to steal in the locker room,” said sophomore Evan Stanfield.

feature u january | february 2019 u the viewpointu23

Simple Substitutes Small changes, like swapping healthier ingredients into your meals, is a great way to overcome the difficulties that come with starting a new diet

by Ruby Jackson and Chloe Reid | Photos by Ruby Jackson and Chloe Reid

Swapping ingredients Feeling overwhelmed by the drastic changes needed to start a new diet? Are you looking to eat healthier without making large lifestyle changes? Incorporating simple substitutions into your everyday meals can make a world of a difference.

“It depends on your body and the things you’re substituting to make yourself feel better,” said senior Maggie Sharp. Before making any large changes, consider talking to your physician about which options are best for you. In the meantime, try out these small dietary adjustments.

Next time you’re at the grocery store picking up some milk, consider buying a healthy alternative: almond milk. In comparison to cow’s milk, this option, according to Health Line, has fewer calories and saturated fats. It is also a good source of Vitamin A. This selection is vegan-friendly; however, it is not a good substitution for those with peanut allergies. If you are one of those people, soy milk is another healthy pick.

Almonds are also found in another substitute that is easy to work into your meals. According to Daily Nutrition, the switch from regular flour to the lower-carb option of almond flour is delightfully tasteful. Along with the taste, it is packed full of fibers and proteins. According to Healthy Eating, it also provides

calcium which is beneficial for lowering cholesterol and improving heart health.

Sugar is found in a lot of foods nowadays, but one way to be in control of your sugar intake is swapping sugar for Stevia. Whether it’s in your coffee or when you’re baking, according to Medical News Today, this switch can not only help with weight loss but also has fewer calories than typical sugar does.

“The most important part of a diet I would say is probably your calorie intake,” said student services teacher Bryan Zardezed.

Stevia is also especially beneficial for people who have diabetes as it has resulted in lower blood sugar levels.

Almond milk, almond flour, and Stevia are just a few of the many options available when looking to eat healthier. Other options can help to incorporate fruits and vegetables as an alternative.

“Sometimes instead of rice, my mom crushes up cauliflower, and she cooks it like it’s rice and that’s good too,” said senior Alicia Armah.

Whether you use these specific tips or not, consider the range of healthy choices at hand when deciding on ingredients for your next meal. Try the recipe below that includes some of these swaps.

Fathead pizza Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 slices Calories: 203 kcal Ingredients 170 grams pre-shredded/grated cheese (mozzarella is the best or Edam/mild cheese) 85 grams almond meal/flour 2 tablespoons cream cheese 1 egg pinch salt to taste ½ teaspoon dried rosemary/garlic or other flavorings optional your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, ground/minced beef, mushrooms, herbs, etc.

Instructions 1. Mix the shredded/grated cheese and almond flour/meal in a microwaveable bowl. Add the cream cheese. Microwave on

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HIGH for 1 minute.

2. Stir then microwave on HIGH for another 30 seconds.

3. Add the egg, salt, rosemary, and any other flavorings, mix gently.

4. Place in between two pieces of baking parchment/paper and roll into a circular pizza shape (see photos above).

Remove the top baking paper/parchment. If the mixture hardens and becomes difficult to work with, pop it back in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to soften again but not too long or you will cook the egg.

5. Make fork holes all over the pizza base to ensure it cooks evenly.

6. Slide the baking paper/parchment with the pizza base, on a baking tray (cookie tray) or pizza stone, and bake at 220C/425F for 12-15 minutes, or until brown.

7. To make the base really crispy and sturdy, flip the pizza over (onto baking paper/parchment) once the top has browned.

8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and add all the toppings you like. Make sure any meat is already cooked as this time it goes back into the oven just to heat up the toppings and melt the cheese. Bake again at 220C/425F for 5 minutes.