Saturday, January 24, 2015 - Volume 1, Issue 2 - San Diego, CA - NathaNews.weebly.com
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN DISNEYLAND
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Left: Robotics Team Bacon Bots pose with their trophy at the FIRST® Tech Competition. Right: Their robot with the awards they’ve won. PHOTOS BY SHEILA AZEKA / MCS PARENT
BACON BOTs BLAZE To victory Emilia Cook STAFF WRITER Maranatha Christian High School's very own Robotics Team, the “Bacon Bots,” sizzled the competition in the FIRST® Tech Challenge event in Linda Vista on December 6th, the first of three qualifying tournaments. The event was hosted by FIRST®, an organization that supports youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). FIRST® is an acronym that means "For Inspiration and Recognition
of Science and Technology.” The thirty-one participating teams, mostly from San Diego, competed to qualify for the San Diego Regional Championships to be held in February. The Bacon Bots won or tied all six matches, and went on to the semi-finals of the tournament in second place. The Bacon Bots ended up winning against the first ranked team. In addition to the robot matches, the team won the Judges’ “Think Award” for their engineering notebook: a document which shows their season so far and how
the team gets to where they are. This is a huge achievement for the team. Out of all the teams there, Bacon Bots was one of the smallest teams, with only four members. The Bacon Bots team consists of Alex Azeka as lead Engineer and Fabricator, Alex Rogge as the Lead Programmer, Travis Knufman as the Driving Coach and Assistant Programmer, and Emilia Cook as the Lead Outreach and Head of the Engineering Notebook, mentored by MCS parent Mrs. Sheila Azeka. Our Maranatha Robotics Team is working hard preparing for the San Diego Regional Championships in February. Until then, they will be going to other qualifying competitions to win more awards.
ASB BEHIND THE SCENES
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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9 TYPES OF TEST-TAKERS
EAGLES SOAR IN SOCCER Antonio Partida EDITOR This year has been a year of change at MCS in many ways, most notably in the area of sports. MCS teams have been performing tremendously better this year than they have in a long time, and
boys' soccer has been no exception. With a 6-4 record so far, the Eagles are ranked 6th in Division IV and currently hold the best record of any team in their league. And they haven't stopped improving yet.
See Boys’ Soccer on pg 7
Sophomore Matt Schumacher dribbles the ball downfield during the January 7th Calvin game. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAREY SCHUMACHER / MCS PARENT
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NEWS
JANUARY 24, 2015
HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS (PARTY) STAFF WRITER Maranatha's first ever Holly Jolly Christmas Party was a huge success! It was a great way to end the semester and all of stressful finals. The party kicked off Friday, December 19th. The gym was decked out with Christmas trees and decorations, dessert tables with hot chocolate, photo areas, and of course a DJ table playing the tunes. All the students came looking festive, dressed in their holiday best. Before they could enter the room, they had to sing a Christmas song. When they completed their task, they were
able to enter the winter wo nd er land . Once insid e, everyone was singing and dancing. People took pictures to capture memories, and laughed all night long. Not only did the students have fun, but so did our very own teachers. Mr. Ryan Jackson got up on stage and attempted to sing a duet with Sophomore James Palmer to "Love is an Open Door" from Disney's Frozen. That sure got everybody laughing! Overall, the jolly cheer was spread throughout the room, and the first Christmas party turned out to be the first of many that Maranatha students will look forward to for many more years to come!
Junior Jake Bronson shows Mr. Ryan Jackson and Sophomore James Palmer the lyrics to their chosen duet song. PHOTO BY JESSICA XU / ’NATHA NEWS
SPANISH-SINGING STUDENTS Jessica Xu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mrs. Sullivan’s Spanish 2 class went Christmas caroling in several MCS classrooms on December 12th. It’s been a couple of years since a Spanish class at MCS went Christmas caroling, according to Mrs. Sullivan. “I like the fact that we are able to celebrate, worship the Lord together, and remember the true meaning of Christmas in a fun environment,” Mrs. Sullivan said. The class chose two songs to sing in Spanish: “¿María Sabías Qué? (Mary, Did You Know?)” and “Noche de Paz (Silent Night)”. The twelve sophomores memorized
and practiced the songs together, and received a final grade for their efforts. Although it was raining that day, the students visited five classrooms around the campus as well as the front office. Afterward, the heart-warmed administration rewarded the hardworking students with chocolate chip cookies. Sophomore Anna Corey exclaimed, “I loved it. I think it was a great opportunity for our Spanish 2 class to come together and just really celebrate the birth of Jesus. Amen!” For the students, Christmas caroling was a great way to celebrate Christmas and practice Spanish all at once, and it certainly is an experience the students will remember in years to come.
Mrs. Sullivan’s Spanish 2 class sing their hearts out for Ms. Pena’s Biology class. PHOTO BY MRS. SULLIVAN / MCS SPANISH TEACHER
Fa-La-La-La Fundraiser Antonio Partida
DRAWING BY JESSICA XU / ’NATHA NEWS
Anna Corey
been in effect for several years at his old school, and has met with great success. This year has been a year of On December 6th, all athletes firsts for MCS. We've tried new participated in either unloading or things, made changes, and delivering the trees, with a watched our school grow into generally positive response. Many something great. Not surprisingly, people remarked on how it was we've tried somegreat to be able to On top of thing new this year deliver each tree to with our Athletics its family, especially everything else, fundraiser as well. the Christmas Tree because many of the Every athlete trees were donated Fundraiser is the participated in the to military families. holiday gift that Christmas Tree On top of keeps on giving. Fundraiser, where everything else, the each person sold Christmas Tree Christmas trees or Fundraiser is the garlands to help support the sports holiday gift that keeps on giving. that they play. Not only did so many families Like so many of the new get blessed with a Christmas Tree additions here, the Christmas Tree this year, but all the proceeds went Fundraiser, or at least its use here directly to Athletics, which means at MCS, is the brainchild of Steve that our sports might end up with a Whitley, our new Athletic little Christmas present of their Director. It is something that has own as well. EDITOR
JANUARY 24, 2015
NEWS
’NATHA NEWS
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SAVING LIVES: RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT MCHS Jessica Xu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MCS high school students, parents, and staff made thirty-four donations of blood at the National Honors Society’s Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 9th. At three lives per donation, the donations have the potential of saving over one hundred lives. According to the National Honors Society, the donations the students, parents, and staff made this year equaled the same amount of donations that there
were last year. Keep up the good “...because others faced work. Thanks so “We can't wait for next year, as their fears and donated much!” MCS is hoping to The president blood, I got a second beat our record and of the National bring in even more Honors Society chance at life.” donations,” said and the chair of - Elizabeth Collins, Morgan Wurtzler this year’s blood NHS President & Cancer and Alexia Heyl, drive was Senior Survivor the National Elizabeth Collins, Honors Society a cancer survivor Public Relation Officers. “Every who received many blood transfusions individual who donated saved three lives which saved her life. and each of you should be very proud. “Organizing the blood drive gives me
a chance to give back to the community that helped save my life,” shared Elizabeth. “Without the seven blood transfusions and the ten platelet transfusions I received I wouldn't be here today, but because others faced their fears and donated blood, I got a second chance at life. For that I am so grateful, and that is why I am so passionate about people giving blood!” According to Elizabeth, there will be another blood drive this school year, on March 27th, 2015, which also marks Elizabeth’s 11th year free from cancer.
Students talk with NHS President Elizabeth Collins at the blood drive sign up booth. P HOTO
Senior Jack Coles donates blood at the blood drive on December 9th. PHOTO PROVIDED BY
BY AMY RABUN / ’NATHA NEWS
MORGAN WURTZLER
HOUR OF CODE: “GIVING IT A TRY” Melody Hwangbo STAFF WRITER Every MCS student from K-12 joined millions of students worldwide during the Hour of Code in the week of December 8th to December 12th. Hour of Code, recognized as “the largest learning event in history”, is a project that intends to raise awareness about what programming is by instructing individuals in the basics of computer programming through simple, entertaining games. It was started in the United States by Code.org, a non-profit organization that works to show that everybody can code,
not just tech-savvy geeks. The MCS high school students participated in the Hour of Code during their lunchtimes. Each grade level was designated a separate day to participate. When the lunchtime bells rang throughout the halls in Maranatha, the students trickled into the science room with lunches and iPads in hand for the Hour of Code. Greeted by Mrs. York at the door, each took a seat at a table. After a quick explanation from Mrs. York about what to do, everyone picked a method to practice programming, and the Hour of Code began. Many students found it to be quite fun, as the games varied in kind, some
even incorporating the widely popular Angry Birds and Frozen. "It's just really an opportunity for those who don't have a chance to try programming to see what it’s like. I've had kids say ‘I thought this would be boring, but it's so much fun!’ And that's what it's
all about – giving it a try." says Mrs. York, when asked what Hour of Code meant to her. Everyone could probably agree that it was indeed a fun educational activity, and it exceeded many people’s expectations.
Sophomore Rachel Hadley learns to code her own version of the popular Flappy Bird game during the Hour of Code. PHOTO BY JESSICA XU / ’NATHA NEWS
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NEWS
JANUARY 24, 2015
A DELIGHTFUL DAY AT DISNEY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ TRIP TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH Melody Hwangbo STAFF WRITER It was a slightly chilly morning on the 14th of November, and most Maranatha students were rushing to their classes. But not the international students. They were wearing warm clothes, not
uniforms, and had a backpacks full of wallets and snacks instead of books. In fact, they were not going to their classes at all. They were going to Disneyland. After all the international students were informed of the meeting times during the day, the whole crowd boarded the bus, and once they had a word of prayer, the bus hit the road to Disneyland. After over an hour and half of eating, chatting, and nodding off, the international students finally arrived at Disneyland, and as soon as the group
photo was taken, everyone split up into groups for the rides. When everyone met at the lunchtime meeting point, it was obvious that everyone had had lots of fun -- some were soaked from head to toe, and others had several shopping bags in hand, or dolls in their arms. A few had gone around buying food such as churros (which were simply marvelous), dole pineapple ice cream, and even a giant turkey leg or two. After a delicious lunch, everyone went their way again, some heading over
to California Adventure while others stayed in Disneyland. Shopping commenced once more for most of the girls as well as for some of the boys, and more than 6 hours later, when all the international students gathered one by one in front of the Disneyland gate lugging shopping bags, everyone was exhausted. The bus was silent on the trip back home for the international students, with many fast asleep, as they departed from the land of dreams and fantasy, heading back towards reality.
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ART BY JESSICA XU / ’NATHA NEWS
International students and the MCS teacher chaperones gather for a group photo upon arriving at Disneyland. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MRS. RODGERS /MCS INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR
PA I N T I N G PA R K I N G P L A C E S Allison Fan STAFF WRITER On November 15, 2014, seniors gathered at school to paint their parking spaces. They were armed with paint, paintbrushes, and their ideas. From 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, students worked hard on their
parking spots. "It was fun to have my friends there and hang out and paint together,” said Stephanie Sheng. In her parking spot, she painted silhouettes of a boy and girl holding hands with a heart in between them. Overall, the results were great. When other students
came to school the following Monday, they found around 22 parking spaces decorated with different designs. Some had drawings, others were just one color. Each student made their spot unique. Together the painted parking spaces make an interesting landscape at MCS.
A few of the unique parking spaces the seniors painted. PHOTOS BY JESSICA XU / ’NATHA NEWS
ART BY CHRISTINA CHAIBAN / ‘NATHA NEWS
JANUARY 24, 2015
FEATURE
ASBehind the Scenes
ASB Vice President Jake Bronson speaks to the ASB members during one of their bi-weekly lunch meetings. PHOTO BY AMY RABUN / ’NATHA NEWS
Antonio Partida EDITOR Something's changing here at MCS. You can feel it in the ground, in the air, in the very fabric of how we live our lives as members of this student body. Spearheading this fantastic new movement is the high school ASB. As student leaders, the ASB has taken to heart the message of 1 Timothy 4:12: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” The MCHS ASB has taken on a new role, not only in the physical leadership of the school, but to provide spiritual examples, leadership, and counseling for the rest of the student body. In fact, each and every student here at MCHS is prayed for by name by an ASB member every day. Part of the ASB’s new direction is an increased emphasis on school spirit. Through projects like adding Christmas decorations to the school, creating fun lunchtime games and new events like the Holly Jolly Christmas Party, the ASB has hoped to bolster
student morale and increase school spirit overall. When asked to comment on the new direction that the ASB has taken recently, ASB Vice President Jake Bronson had this to say: "ASB is excited to serve the student body in new and improved
ways this year. With the Christmas decorations as well as with taking time to pray for the students, ASB is putting the student body first." Yet while many components of the ASB have experienced radical revisions this year this year, there are many aspects that must by necessity remain the same. ASB functions much the same as it always has and likely always will. It is in its base essence a committee, and as such features an Executive Council of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, who oversee many of the big-picture decisions for the student body. Furthermore, ASB is divided up into several smaller committees, such as the Worship Team, Chapel Committee, Pep Rally Committee, and Video Crew. Such division helps delegate work so that no one member has to bear an overwhelming burden. In short, this year's ASB is an amazing blend of the old and the new, of tradition and spontaneity, of organization and lightheartedness. The ASB is, like everything else in life, changing. But, as many believe, it's a change for the better.
’NATHA NEWS
TEN THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
MR. PRATT
Amy Rabun STAFF WRITER Mr. Pratt is one of the newest additions to the MCHS faculty. We know that he teaches quite a few English classes here at MCHS, and is also an assistant coach for our girls’ basketball team, but did you know he can speak Hindi? Here’s ten facts about Mr. Pratt you surely haven’t heard before. 1.
ASB members study the Bible at their retreat during the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend. PHOTO BY AUBRIE ROCHA
He agrees with Billboard Magazine that the best album of 2014 was 1989 by Taylor Swift. 2. He studied abroad in New Delhi, India, for six months and learned how to speak Hindi. 3. If he could spend one day doing anything (without money being a limit), he would go out to eat and run in Hawaii. 4. His favorite part about teaching is spending time with his students. 5. The worst thing that ever happened while he was teaching was when his students, over a few weeks, made a hole in the wall. 6. When he was a high school senior, he was ranked in the top 50 in the nation in Lincoln-Douglas debate. 7. While he was at Harvard, he was on the club level swimming team and he was most successful at backstroke. 8. The funniest thing he has experienced through being an assistant coach in basketball at MCS high school was Lauren moon walking across the court. 9. He loves coffee and his current favorite is French Roast by Peet's Coffee. 10. When he was an undergrad, he joined the club level ski team, where he learned how to ski slalom. PHOTO BY AMY RABUN
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FEATURE
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO BY AMY RABUN / ’NATHA NEWS
Rachel Hadley STAFF WRITER Ryan Park, a freshman at MCHS, is known for his talent of playing the violin, a hobby that he began at the age of four. Unable to remember exactly why he started, Ryan was told by his parents that he just liked how it sounded and began to play. Currently, he is now in his seventh year of being a part of the San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS).
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RYAN PARK
The SDYS is an organization committed to the excellence of its students both musically and personally through rigorous, but inspiring musical training experiences. The region's leading youth music program has grown to six -hundred students belonging to eleven different orchestral and wind ensembles with advanced, intermediate, and introductory levels. Through the SDYS, Ryan has been able to meet more musicians, learn more orchestral music, and in turn become a better violinist. However, it is not the only reason for his success. Ryan is taught by Michael Tseitlin and Pasha Tseitlin, the father and son who he admires very much. Along with their coaching, Ryan tries to practice everyday. His practices tend to range between thirty minutes to two hours depending on his mood. But Ryan humbly acknowledges where his success ultimately comes from: God. "God gave me a talent, and I knew I had a talent when my teachers, parents, and friends all told me. God definitely gave me a talent which I could succeed." A talent that he has certainly put to good use. Ryan has competed in many competitions throughout his violin playing years. The yearly competitions include the MTAC,VOCE, Goodlin, and orchestra competition. While competing, he has acquired first or second place in
JANUARY 24, 2015
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RYAN PARK
most of them. His favorite first place came in a competition where he played a solo with the orchestra in front of three hundred people, an experience that he says was super scary. Like many people, Ryan always got nervous before going on stage, but he always found a way to calm himself down. Ryan would tell himself to play for God and play so that He would be able enjoy the music that he was playing. This allowed him to play more freely and emotionally. Unfortunately, Ryan hasn't been able to compete for the past two years due to his inflamed wrists. However, that hasn't stopped him from playing other sports and enjoying his free time. He likes watching Major League Baseball, spending time with his nonschool friends, and playing baseball and
soccer. He even knows how to play multiple instruments other than the violin! Ryan taught himself on the flute and knows a bit on the viola. He also has played the piano for three years, and his mom will occasionally accompany him on it while he plays the violin. Although unsure of his future career goals, and if he will continue to play the violin after high school, it is safe to say that he has had a very successful ten years and counting as a violinist. Academically, his goal is to get into a UC school or good private school. Stanford and UCLA are his dream schools, but God hasn't revealed His future plan for Ryan yet. With his future lying in God's hands, Ryan sits and waits for God's perfect plan to unfold.
HIDDEN HEROES: OUR FANTASTIC FACILITIES Andrew Hong STAFF WRITER Every morning at 7:00 AM, Maranatha Christian Schools students can be easily found in front of school, getting dropped off by parents. They greet the staff at the gate and go to their classes where their teachers are waiting. At MCS, many people, such as teachers, parents, and administrators provide support for students. However, there are hidden heroes that help students to have better and
more convenient school life. If you look carefully, you might see them once in a while... They are our own facilities workers. Facilities are a big part of school service -- they work hard to keep MCS in the best possible condition. There are several things that they are integral to. One of the most important things they do is prepare for school events, such as chapel. Facilities help to set up the stage, seats, and many electronic devices. Their efforts to make those chapels successful mean a lot. Also, they clean the school
and take care of the trash bins. If a facility malfunction is encountered, they take quick steps to ensure the most comfortable learning experience. At MCS, our facilities workers are friendly to students. They love to support Maranatha Christian School. They have been doing marvelous work for people in the school. So sometimes, it is a good idea to show some respect for them. How about saying one word to hidden heroes: "Thanks," or maybe even two words: "Thank You".
Some MCS facilities staff taking down the stage used for the weekly high school Chapel. PHOTO BY AMY RABUN / ’NATHA NEWS
JANUARY 24, 2015
’NATHA NEWS 7
SPORTS
Boys Soccer
Continued from page 1
Recently, the Eagles celebrated a big win over Calvin high school, a game that they took with a final score of 2-1. But that's not the important part. The important part is that, only a few weeks before, MCS had lost to Calvin 2-0. Games like that show improvement in teams, no matter what sport. It is a universal sign of growth for a team. And it is a sign
that portends even more to come. This year, MCS is growing. Football is growing, volleyball is growing, and soccer is most definitely growing. This growth can only be attributed to one thing: athletes giving their all, putting it all on the line, win or lose, for Jesus Christ. After all, God demands our best effort in all things. Why not give it to Him?
Ocean Soccer Standings
*Note: (not league records) MCS had the best record of any team in the Ocean League.
San Diego Division 4 Soccer Standings
Maranatha boys’ soccer players at the Calvin game on January 7th. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAREY SCHUMACHER / MCS PARENT
(Statistics from maxpreps.com)
Girls Soccer: EYES ON THE GOAL Anna Corey STAFF WRITER The Maranatha Lady Eagles have just begun their winter soccer season! Each girl showed up on the first day of practice with big smiles and eager hearts, ready to play. From the beginning, Mr. Tena, their coach of three years, worked hard to get the ladies in shape. He trained them to read the ball and the player, and taught them new skills that could be applied to the games. The girls practice with dedication 5 days a week, improving each day. They work on shooting, accuracy, agility, and so much more. They often look forward to the fun team bonding
exercises that assistant coach Ms. Tena facilitates at the end of practices. One of these exercises involved the girls working together to carry a girl across the length of the soccer field. Small exercises like that really show the girls that soccer is about having fun and being a part of a team. Each week there are one or two games against different schools. Before each game the Eagles come together in word of prayer, lifting up their game to God. They say their chant, "1-2-3 ALL THINGS!" as a promise that they will play their best for Him. ’Natha News wishes the Lady Eagles good luck as they continue on through their season! "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart." (Colossians 3:23)
Senior Sheylyn Kyllo and Sophomore Anna Corey work together to steal the ball and go for the goal. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM MCCORMICK / MCS PARENT
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SPORTS
JANUARY 24, 2015
Girls’ Basketball: EXPERIENCING CHANGE Rachel Hadley
components to achieve success. Coach Jackson has also been preaching twenty-three “Not only is change possible; characteristics of great players to it's as vital as breathing,” said his team. Although he has only Sister Sunday in the girls covered about a third of them, each basketball movie, The Mighty one has equal importance. Macs. A movie about a small, allAs hustling is a major point of girls university with previously no emphasis for this team, so is successful basketball team or having a very strong defense. coach, that found themselves While watching this team play winning the National defense, you may have noticed Championship. another change that occurred this The change of new leadership year: new uniforms. has also been seen here at MCS in The team is very thankful to girls' basketball. have received brand new uniforms. There is a brand new coaching The classic Boston Celtics looking staff led by head coach and design sports a curved Director of "Maranatha" B i b l i c a l on the front of “Not only is change S t u d i e s , the shirts, and possible; it's as Nathaniel the curved last Jackson, who name of the vital as breathing.” had taken over player on the -Sister Sunday, during the back. Also, the latter part of The Mighty Macs waistband on last season. the shorts His assistant coaches are his wife, includes a big, flashy "M". Lauren Jackson, and one of the Complimenting the uniforms high school English teachers, are new shoes. Many players are Kevin Pratt. Also, high school wearing the Nike Hyperdunks or Math and Government teacher, another model of Nike shoes, with David Navarette, has been assisting white or navy blue Nike socks with workout sessions during depending on the location of the practice. game. For practices, the team does Several games remain for this weight lifting and strength training year's girls varsity basketball team sessions in the weight room, goes that has been adapting to change. into the gym to practice both This season has had its ups and offensive and defensive drills, and downs, but as the league games also watches some footage from began January 20th, the new previous games. The coaches leaders and their principles have demand that practices are harder prepared the girls for the than games, and that their team is challenging weeks ahead. How very conditioned. Playing tough they apply these changes is yet to and being focused are also key be seen. STAFF WRITER
Girls’ basketball team practices after school. PHOTO BY AMY RABUN / ’NATHA NEWS
Senior Metro Henning jukes out a player at the Classical game on January 12. PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN WURTZLER
Boys’ Basketball: MOVING FORWARD Joseph Kim and Andrew Hong STAFF WRITERS This year our Maranatha Eagle basketball players are having a great season, and are aiming to compete in the playoffs! As of January 14th, they have a 10-8 record and keep moving forward towards their goal. The players are working hard every day and their blood, sweat, and efforts are bringing them up to a higher level. Surrounded by the sound of basketball shoes and bouncing balls, ‘Natha News reporter Joseph Kim was able to interview one basketball player, who chose to remain anonymous. “Our goal of this season is to get lots of points and play in a playoff game,” said the basketball player. When asked who they think the major
player is who leads the whole team, he responded, “Metro (Demetrius Henning; athlete of the year 13-14). He is the point guard and one of the captains of our team. He is not the player who has the most scores, but he always passes so others can have a chance to shoot and score. He is a good leader.” The basketball players think they’re doing well this season, but the eagles are constantly striving for physical improvement. “We always need to keep getting better,” he says. This player displayed the teamwork that the Eagles are working on and the leadership they have found this year. There are several big games coming up for our basketball team. Be enthusiastic and go support our Eagles! Our players' sweat and hustle will be rewarded by results and also by you, the fans. Go Eagles, and Go Big Blue!
Maranatha “Blue Crew” cheers on the boys’ basketball team. PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN WURTZLER
JANUARY 24, 2015
OPINION
Some APPlicable Advice… Caleb Leasure STAFF WRITER
’NATHA NEWS
Hey guys, it’s Caleb again with this issue’s app review. In this issue I’m talking about an app I have used for a long time on my iPhone, as well as another app that you’ll find very
interesting. As I mentioned last time, I will review apps that will help you in life as well as games. Be sure to send in apps you want me to review at calebdleasure@gmail.com.
Viggle
Penultimate
Cost: Free Type: Entertainment/Rewards If you like: Getting cool stuff, Prizes, TV, Music Rating: 8 out of 10
Cost: Free Type: Free (except for Joint Script Pen, $70) If you like: Drawing, Visualization Rating: 7 out of 10
Viggle is an app that gets you rewards just for watching TV and music. You can just sign in and get a point for every minute that it's on that channel and that show. For example, now when I watch Arrow for three hours straight, I can get rewarded for it! It runs on a schedule that lets you know when something’s on and what channel it’s on, so even if you don't want to earn any points, you can still use it for the schedule. You can redeem those points you’ve earned for things like a Keurig 2.0, Xbox 1, Samsung Galaxy, soda machine, or almost anything else! Just make sure you get your parents’ permission to give the app your address, number, and stuff like that, otherwise when a new phone suddenly shows up at your door addressed for you, they’re bound to ask questions. Here's another tip on using this app: If your mom or dad is a stay at home parent and they have an iPad, set the main Viggle account on their iPad. That way, when your parents are home they can watch what they want and get points on it, and when you and your siblings
For those of you who knew me before I came to Maranatha, you know I like to write -- not just write, but write small books. It's fun, it allows you to let your creative juices flow, and it relieves stress. I bought Penultimate because it allows you to draw what you want and get an idea of what you'd like to write about. Unfortunately, it barely works. Not because it doesn't work, period, I mean like if you draw something on there with your finger, it is not going to work. You cant draw a realistic spaceship to save your life (yes, one of my stories involved a spaceship). The only way you can really draw things is if you have a seventy dollar Joint Script Pen. It does have some good things about it, though. If you’re are a football coach, you can quickly draw rough sketches of plays and maneuvers and stuff like that. Plus, if you’re really skilled at fingerpainting (like prodigy level) then you can make this app work. I sometimes use it to do rough Geometry equations on, like addition, subtraction, and division, instead of wasting paper to do
are home you can watch what you want and get points on it too. You can also send Viggle points to your friends and family. Too broke to afford a birthday present for a friend? Send ‘em points. Been a horrible boyfriend/girlfriend? Send ‘em points. Pretty much whenever you want to be cheap, you can send them points. The only thing bad about Viggle is that it takes a while to get points, but that's understandable considering how expensive some of the prizes are. Also, it doesn't work when you watch shows on Netflix; the show has to be on the schedule to get points. But other than that it's great, so go get it and start earning points!
it. But if you just want to draw, then I recommend getting the Joint Script pen, for birthday or something. Penultimate is a decent app, you just have to buy some stuff if you want to really draw. So if you’re a student in any math class, you’re a football coach, or you just have a Joint Script Pen lying around, then Penultimate is great for you. But if you’re an art student, then stick to pencil and paper (or oil and canvas, for those of you advanced art people) . If you have an idea for an app or just want to tell me how I did, email me at calebdleasure@gmail.com or come find me around campus.
BOTH WAYS / by Christina Chaiban / ’NATHA NEWS
MAKE-UP TEST
HEART BEATS
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CORN DOG
10 ’NATHA NEWS
OPINION
JANUARY 24, 2015
THE NINE TYPES OF TEST-TAKERS Jessica Xu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mid-terms, finals, and tests in general are often invoke a whole lot of stress. We all deal with that stress differently, and that manifests during the test in our behavior. Here are nine common (or, maybe not so common, depending on how observant you are) types of test-takers:
1. The Noise Maker
5. The Know-It-All
This person shifts in her chair every few seconds. She cracks her knuckles, knees, and back. She flips the pages back and forth. She shakes her legs, breathes heavily, and her jewelry clinks together and hits the table. She drops her pencil and it sounds like a meteor crashing into earth, and she presses so hard when she writes, you wonder if she’s trying to murder the paper.
This person knows the textbook inside and out. It seems like he started studying for this test in the summer. He confidently fills out the test and turns it in after fifteen minutes or so, and smugly strides back to his seat as the rest of the class (who are still on the front page of a six page test) gives him death glares.
2. The Perplexing Interrogator This person keeps getting up to ask the teacher questions. The whole class whips around and strains to make out the words, but all you can hear is: “Mumble mumble mumble…ohh!! That makes sense now. Thank you!” Is she getting some sort of help? Should I be asking this question? Was there a trick question I didn’t catch?
3. The Nearly Departed This person coughs, sneezes, and chokes, somehow all at the same time. He probably spends more time blowing his nose than actually taking the test. The smell of his cherry eucalyptus cough drop pervades through the room and it seems that at any moment he’s going to sputter up a gallon of blood.
4. The Nervous Nellie This person comes into class in a mess, his open backpack hanging from his elbow, his books and papers spilling all over his table and floor in a dramatic explosion. He’s looking around frantically during the test, gnawing his pencil into shreds, and flipping through the test desperately looking for a question he can answer, while dissolving into a puddle of sweat.
ART BY CHRISTINA CHAIBAN / ’NATHA NEWS
6. The Whisperer This person is always mumbling questions during the test – AND his answers! He’s always sitting right behind you or next to you, and you get so distracted that you spend the majority of the test time suppressing the rising fury inside of you. The worst of it is when his answer is different than yours.
7. The Last Minute Crammer This person cherishes every single second before the test. He is usually found before class mumbling some key phrase or concept over and over again and grunting intermittently. But when he begins the test, he’s so stressed and overwhelmed that he has forgotten what class he is in. He probably even misspelled his name.
8. The Puppy-Doodling Quitter This person takes one look at the front page, sighs, and accepts her complete defeat. She spends the rest of the time doodling poodles on her paper, hoping her poodle doodles will get some partial credit.
9. The Observer This person spends more time observing and noting the different types of test taker personas around her than actually taking the test. She’s so distracted that she almost skipped a whole page. Do any of these test-taking personas seem a little familiar to you? Which kind of testtaker do you think you’re most like?
Devotional Devotional Anna Corey STAFF WRITER As high schoolers, we often get overwhelmed and stressed with all of the h o m e wo r k , t e s t s a n d everything else that goes on in each of our individual lives. Sometimes it may seem like the walls are about to come crashing down, right? Thankfully, God is waiting for you to hand all that stress over to Him. Not only is He willing, but He desires for you to come to Him with your struggles. It can be any time of day, for any amount of time: 5 seconds or 5 hours, morning or night. God has unlimited time and is ready at any given moment to hear your concerns and bless you by lifting the burden from your shoulders. All it takes is a little prayer that says something like this: "Dear God, I'm really going through some tough stuff right now, and I need your help. Will you please guide me through my times of need? Thank you for always being ready for me when I call out to you. Amen." God will always hear your prayers, and He gives you this promise: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (Jeremiah 31:25)
Editor-in-chief: Jessica Xu Editor: Antonio Partida Advisor: Joelle Schwartz ’Natha News is the MCHS student newspaper and published by the Newspaper Club. Opinions expressed are that of the writers and are not necessarily that of the newspaper club or school administration. The 'Natha News staff welcomes feedback from the MCS community. Email: NathaNews.mcs@gmail.com Website: NathaNews.weebly.com