RED BLACK JANUARY
(240) - 740 - 6950
EDITORS IN CHIEF
Lou Phillips-Anderson
Madison Riggs
STAFF WRITERS/DESIGNERS
Declan Ritchotte
Gabriella Rivas
Joshua Chhoeun
Kelin Santos Castellanos
Kevin Perez Gonzalez
Lou Phillips-Anderson
Madison Riggs
Maxwell Eaton
Porter Wooden
FACULTY ADVISOR
Brett Harwood
SK8BOARDING SK8BOARDING
by Gabriella E. Rivas
Skateboarding is basically riding on a short wooden board that has mounted small wheels which can be used for teleportation like to school and work or just for fun. Making it a form of recreation and sports, giving its popularity among teens, adults, and kids which can be seen on skate parks and social media.
Skateboarding has been around since 1940/50s as a way for surfers to have fun while the waves are flat.
FACTS
The first person to create a skateboard was Alf Jeson. He first created and sold a skateboard that had steel wheels, at his called The Bun Board in Hermosa Beach, in California in the start of 1957
First ever Woman to skateboard was Patti Mcgee. She was the first ever woman to become a professional skateboarder & the first woman to be included in the Skateboarding hall of fame. she has won the first national skateboarding championship in 1964. She unfortunately passed away at the age of 79 cause of stroke.
Lizzie Armanto was an American professional skateboarder & the first woman to ever complete a full pipe loop.
INTERVIEW
College student Izzy Gross has given tips & on how she started skateboarding. She stated that the first time she ever skated was back in the days of middle school, “I was 12 skating around the tennis court with my friends!”
“I stopped skating after covid hit and got back into it winter of 2023 because of my older sister, the freedom you have when you skate really inspires me and makes me a better skater!”
TIPS
Her biggest tips on skateboarding, you have to wear GEAR!!! Get knee/ elbow pads because it's better safe than sorry. Another tip is Don’t focus on tricks focus on balancing and positioning Take your time learning
SKATEBOARDING MOVIES
Mid90s, which was directed by Jonah Hill, made in 2018. Mid90’s is about a 13 year old boy named Stevie, in the 1990s of Los Angeles, who spends his summer navigating between a troubled home and his new crew of friends that he met at a skate shop.
Street Dreams, directed by Chris Zamoscianyk, made in 2009. Street Dreams is about Derrick Cabrera dreaming about becoming a professional skater, but his parents and classmates couldn’t understand why or how Derrick is very passionate about something they think has no future.
Happy New Year! New year, new me... and a new Generation. That’s right, there’s a new generation in town. Meet Generation Beta. This article will review Generation Beta, Gen Alpha, and Gen Z in our school system.
Meet Generation Beta
Generation Beta is the new generation that will be born between 2025 to 2039. Some have even started to call this generation the AI generation as they were born during the outburst of new AI tools like Chat GPT, Claude, Gemini, CoPilot, and Llama AI. Not even to mention the threat that AI has been opposing to school systems since the release of Chat GPT in 2022 as many students have been relying on Chat GPT to support their grade
What is ... A Generation?
What defines a generation? Is it when you are born in your family or when you are born? There is no defined answer but we can define what to consider as a generation in a time or era of music or lifestyle. Now let us take a look at some generations;
Gen X born in 1965-1980 was also known as the “Baby Bust” generation because the birth rates declined after 1964. Gen X had to experience the rise of divorced parents and the rise of singleparent households.
Gen Y (more commonly known as Millennials) are born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Y got the Name Millennials because they were the first generation to reach adulthood in the new Millennium. Millennials are also known for their rise in birth rates beating the baby boomers.
Gen Z (also known as the igen) 19972009. Gen Z experienced a lot by dealing with the great recession of 2007-2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gen Z grew up in the era of the iPhone where technological advancement increased as well.
Gen Alpha (also known as Mini Millennials), Born between 2010 and 2025, hasn't experienced much compared to the other generations. However, the oldest Gen Alpha members experienced the COVID-19 pandemic at an early age, which caused some developmental issues.
MIRCO GENS?!
The term Mirco-Gens is used to describe people in different parts of Generations. Xilennials are young Gen Xers or old Millennials who experienced the same thing at a year's difference. Another Mirco-Gen is Zalpha, with young Gen Zers and old Gen Alpha people who again experienced the same things at a year’s difference.
that's all Folks
Honestly, Generational debates like “Who is the best Generation?” and no one can agree on anything because each generation has its respective ups and downs and now, with the new generation in town, we can only wonder what the future holds for the people. And with that being said, this is the end. Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this. Watch out for the next article and the next generation.
Sources: Global news.ca, Forbes.com, Scoop.Uppworthy.com, www.parents.com, Britannica.com Gen X, britannica.com millennial, britannica.com Gen Z, britannica.com Gen Alpha
VIDEO GAME ADAPTATIONS
by Madison Riggs
As Video Games have progressed over time, so has the ability to expand the world and stories game creators build. In recent years, T.V. adaptations games have become increasingly popular, as they allow the game to gain more traction, revenue, and for the story to be told to those unable to access the original. Some of the biggest challenges with adapting games, is balancing both the die-hard fanatics hopes for an adaptation, and making the story understandable for the newcomers who’ve never played.
The Last of Us
In 2023, HBO Max released the first season of The Last of Us (TLOU), based off of the hit game. The Last of Us, originally released in 2013, quickly became a hit, selling over 1.3 million copies within its first week of being out. The game follows the story of Joel, a smuggler who lost his daughter on outbreak night, and is now surviving in a 20 year post-apocalyptic world. The outbreak was due to a deadly fungus, cordyceps, which turns people into aggressive zombie-like creatures. The game follows Joel and Ellie’s (a young girl immune to the fungus, whom Joel is tasked to smuggle across country in attempt for a cure) journey as well as their bond which ultimately forms. When the show adaptation was first announced, people were skeptical. Unlike other adapted games, the story within the game was extremely flushed out. This led fans to question what changes a television series may bring, and if those changes were necessary at all. However, similar to the original game, when TLOU was released it was a smash hit. Fans watched as their favorite characters backstories were explored more in depth, and those unable to originally play, were now able to experience the story for themselves. Less than two weeks after the premiere, The Last of Us was renewed for a season 2, based on the second game The Last of Us Part II, set to release in April this year.
Minecraft
Minecraft. The simple, blocky, 3D sandbox game that became the best selling video game of all time. Released by Mojang, in 2011, Minecraft has gone on to define a generation of gaming. In Minecraft, there is no goal. Players are free to mine, craft, hunt, build, forge, and more, with no story driving their actions. While over time, certain achievements have become popular signs of progress in the game (Such as defeating the Ender-Dragon, or finding diamonds) generally, Minecraft has no pressing quests. With both creative and survival mode options, as well as public modding opportunities, it’s easy to see why Minecraft became as popular as it did. Due to the lack of overarching narrative however, it is equally as easy to see why no one attempted to adapt it into anything more.
However, fans were proved wrong when the trailer for A Minecraft Movie was released. The movie is set to release on April 4th of this year. Starring Jack Black, as the character of Steve (the original base skin within the game), A Minecraft Movie has gotten mixed reviews based on its trailer. Thankfully, the creators made the choice to keep the block-like appearance of the world, meaning much of the movie relies on CGI rather than on location filming. Based on the current trailers, it appears the main antagonists are the monsters’ players are typically faced with within the game. Many fans have expressed worry at the lack of plot within the trailer itself, claiming that it isn’t being taken seriously enough. On the flip side, others have argued that the movie can’t take itself too seriously, as it is paying respects to the original lighthearted game. Regardless of your personal standpoint, A Minecraft Movie has generated buzz around it, and time will tell whether the adaptation is successful.
Fallout
Fallout is a 1997 role playing game set in a post nuclear apocalyptic world. Fallout follows the story of Vault Dweller, a human residing in the nuclear vaults built by Vault Tec (a large capitalist tech company) after an atomic war. The game gained popularity because of the vivid environment, retro futuristic aesthetic and morally ambiguous player missions. It’s intentional dark, satirical humor keeps the game lighthearted, while still commenting on the state of the world.
In 2024, Amazon Prime video released the first season of Fallout. The plot of the show does not follow the story of any of the games, instead viewers were given a new story that is congruent with the lore of the games. Many were extremely pleased with this choice, as they felt like it added new depth without being repetitive. The first season was a huge success, with many fans regarding Fallout as one of the best video game adaptations to date. A notable element of Fallout since the beginning, has been its timelessness. It is a game that comments and jokes on the dangers of society, capitalism, and war while still engaging players. Despite the plot being original, the show executed these elements extremely well, keeping the satirical quips, and irony laced within the universe. Many claimed the show came out at the perfect time, calling attention to the still ever present threats in the world today. The second season of Fallout is set to air sometime in 2025 though the exact release date is unknown. Currently, filming has been halted due to the wildfires in Southern California.
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Five Nights At Freddy’s is a horror franchise which gained popularity in the late 2000s. While the game wasn’t a smash hit right off the bat, the creepy retro nature of the game caused cult following over the years. Due to it’s heavy fandom nature, FNAF wasn’t as quickly made into a movie, but when the movie was announced many fans were excited to see what was going to come out of it. The movie of FNAF follows the same story as the games, with the main character in the movie being Mike Schmidt, the security guard players play as. FNAF takes place in a Chuck E Cheese like establishment, called Freddy Faszbear’s Pizza. After tragedy strikes the establishment, it is abandoned leaving haunted animatronics roaming its halls. Mike is hired to keep an eye on the place. While the movie digs more into the lore of FNAF the general elements are the same, with the movie featuring the iconic scenes and animatronics from the original games.
Unfortunately the film wasn’t received as successfully as hoped. While praise was given for the easter eggs placed within the film, it was clear you had to be familiar with the franchise to find humor within the film. Many bashed the PG-13 rating, claiming they would have liked to see a more brutal rendition of the game. The movie was most likely made lighter an attempt to build the audience able to view it. While FNAF is a scary game, similarly to the movie it is regarded as lighter, jumpscare horror rather than actual gore factor. Some could argue the movie paid its respects in that regard. Regardless of reception, FNAF 2 was approved and is set to release December 5 2025.
UntilDawn
Until Dawn is a 2015 horror game that has often been described as a playable slasher film. A narrative based game, utilizing the butterfly effect system (a system in which a player's choice directly affects the ending of the game) Until Dawn is a widely popular game for horror lovers. The story follows two sisters who are declared missing in the forest and town of Blackwood Mountain. A year later, a group of teenagers featuring the sisters' older brother Josh (played by Rami Malek) decide to revisit the town for a retreat. As the night progresses various mysterious and evil events begin to take place. The player not only plays through these events but is also tasked with searching for clues regarding missing people and the cabin towns past. Fans were excited for the adaptation upon its first announcement, but a recent trailer has led many to doubt, as the movie seems to keep hardly any of the original elements of the game. Many fans criticized the lack of the original monsters from the games within the movies, as well as none of the original characters. The movie is set to release in Apri, so time will ultimately tell if the movie is going to be well received.
New Year New Me?
by Madison Riggs
As we enter into the New Year, it isn't uncommon for people to take this time to reflect on the one previous. Needless to say, 2024 was a crazy year for all of us. With crazy political conflicts, a tense election, multiple wars in various countries, devastating hurricanes, Taylor swift making waves with her tour, a total eclipse of the sun, and many other notable events, it's easy to say this year was packed. However, despite everything going on in the world, one thing remains consistent. That little gem of hope, the idea of a possible fresh start: New Years. As we enter the new year, many will find themselves with new goals and mindsets in place. New Year's Resolutions have been a topic of conversation literally up to 4,000 years ago. Historians have traced resolutions back to ancient Babylon. During that time, many of them were more religious based but personal goals were still present.. While the idea has traveled through time, for some they have become more tradition than goals they will actually follow through one, however for others resolutions are not something to be taken lightly.
“I believe in New Year's Resolutions because they give me something to work towards.” Says Sidney Walter ‘27. Like many, Sidney’s resolutions are simple goals for oneself during the year. “This year I want to focus more on school and attendance. Last year my goal was to try something out of my comfort zone and I did.” Others, like Olivia Bourne ‘25 believe that while resolutions are fun, setting goals in general is a healthy habit to keep. “I believe in them, but I also think if you have a goal you can do it at any time. I believe in goals more than specific resolutions.” Many have echoed this sentiment, with cynical jokes about how New Years is simply a concept we as people have devised, and it doesn't mark an actual change. While others often encourage in Holiday spirit, there is something to be said about the time in which New Year's falls. The Babylonians celebrated New Year’s in late March, during the time of the spring equinox. This is the ancient marking of the new year, as spring brought new life and harvest. In modern day, people have commented on the silliness of celebrating New Year’s in the middle of winter, when there is no shift in season, and the transition seems minimal. The historical reason for this traces back to ancient Rome, with Roman leader Numa revising the calendar, shifting New Years to the middle of winter instead of spring.
Regardless of where you stand, Resolutions can be a fun way to set a goal for an upcoming year. Miles Riggs ‘25 mentions the value of being able to look back on previous years goals. “ I think it’s a good way to set goals and if you write them then at the end of the year you can look back and see how you’ve grown or changed” Truly, that is what the idea is all about, reflection. Asking yourself, what did I do and how can I do differently?
CHANGEYOURLIFETODAY
by Maxwell Eaton
Developing a consistent routine can lead to you crushing your goals and feeling an increased confidence level. If you develop a consistent routine you will feel like you have more control over your life and your stress and anxiety will be reduced
All this sounds amazing but obviously creating and sticking to a routine is easier said than done, so how can you start to build an ideal routine for yourself?
One of the best ways to start is by trying to add one thing to your routine and then adding more tasks over time If you try all of a sudden to follow a new routine with a lot of new tasks you will become overwhelmed and stressed because you are forcing yourself to make a large change that you may not be ready for, instead it is best to ease your way into a new routine.
For example, if you want to get in shape, you can start by doing 25 push ups a day, after a week of doing so you can do 2 minutes of jumping rope, and then you can keep adding something new every week until you have your ideal plan set
Along with an increased level of confidence and less stress and anxiety there are many additional benefits of following a routine. Improvement in mental health can, people who follow a routine are less likely to suffer from depression and mood disorders.
People who have consistent exercise and sleep routines are less likely to get sick. Following a routine leads to an increase in productivity because you will be more likely to use your time efficiently. Lastly, the discipline that you gain from following a routine is a useful trait to have in life.
Daily journaling and reflection (you will understand your emotions better and boost your memory)
Cold showers (Increases alertness, enhances your mood, improves skin and hair health, and boosts immunity)
Exercising (Improves your health and energy levels)
Healthy eating (leads to better physical health, increases energy and leads to better moods)
Reading (Improved knowledge, improves concentration, reduces stress)
Consistent sleep (enhances memory,increases focus, reduces stress)
Socializing (improves mental health and reduces stress)
Setting clear goals (keeps you disciplined)
Spending time in nature (lowers stress, improves mood, enhances cognitive function)
SEWFAR SEWGOOD
by Lou Phillips-Andeson
Needlework skills are being passed down to younger generations who are making it their own.
Needlework is a hobby many young people are picking up for fun and practicality. Like many traditional skills, needlework and fiber arts are finding a revival in the new generation. “I think youth are becoming so interested in crafts like needlework because it is very therapeutic to use your hands to create a physical project,” Junior and crocheter Nora Moffatt told me. “It's so satisfying to know that you made something yourself.”
Knitting and crochet are some of the most popular needlecrafts, and though both take some effort to learn, the adoption of a few basic skills can open up a world of possibilities; there are more than 114,000 beginner patterns on the popular fiber arts website Ravelry and, with a little practice, one can make virtually anything out simple yarn.
These skills are not just an outlet for creativity however; they can be used to make and mend clothes that people can actually wear. By the mid 20th century people became used to most of their clothes being ready made, however, basic knowledge of textile construction and repair is an important skill. “My Grandmother used to make full size lace tablecloths,” said teacher Ms. Silverberg. But “it will be a long time before I get to that level” as she put it, because she is only starting to learn how to crochet as an adult. Even things like learning how to darn socks are often not taught to children anymore. Many people assume that those kinds of skills are just not useful in our current modern age.
But the seemingly limitless supply of fast fashion on the market today can not replace the utility of a simple needle and thread. Clothing and other textiles sold today are often of very poor quality and need mending to continue to be worn; doing very simple repairs can keep cloths out of the landfill, and save you a pretty penny. The items of clothing one buys today are often already very cheap -- but this comes at the expense of durable fabrics and properly reinforced seams.
So, despite Northwood offering no “Functional Fine Arts & Crafts” class -- a course offered at other MCPS high schools like Blair -- many Northwood students still take an interest in the fiber arts.
For those who worry about a loss of traditional skills and the potential for a generation that does not know what do do with their clothes other than throwing them away, this resurgence in fabric crafting should provide readers some welcome optimism. The question now is whether this trend will continue. My bet, to which I have dedicated a significant portion of my life, is that it will, and with this article I aim to prove it.
Quaddemic SPREAD THE PREVENT
byJoshuaChhoeun
Well Gladiators, we’ve officially stepped into 2025, and unfortunately, we aren’t off to a great start. You might’ve heard about the recent “Quad-demic,” which is a blend of the prefix “quad” meaning four, and “pandemic,” which is the spread of a disease affecting countries, continents, or the entire Earth. As the compound word would entail, there are four major viruses you should worry about, and we’ll go over the symptoms, how it spreads, and how to prevent it from spreading further
Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations
Make handwashing a habit
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow, or a tissue when sneezing or coughing
Stay home when sick
Avoid touching your face
Wear a face mask
Inform others about the dangers or the virus, and how to prevent it!
PC: Adobe Stock
Starting off with the most common of the four, Norovirus. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and vomiting. It spreads through direct contact with someone who has already been infected, consuming contaminated food or water, and touching contaminated surfaces. There’s a pretty high chance that you’ve already contracted the virus before you entered high school! According to the CDC, it affects about 10% of Maryland’s population annually.
Secondly, and the one you may have heard of already, Influenza, or better known as the Flu. You’re probably familiar with it, but if you need a little refresher, the flu is a seasonal respiratory virus circulating globally every year, causing fevers, headaches, sore throats, and body aches. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, caused by an infected person sneezing, or coughing (please cover these with your elbow and not your hands!) The Maryland Department of Health reported 124 outbreaks of the flu from 2023-2024.
Third, is one that you may be pretty familiar with, which is COVID-19. It originates from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerging in late 2019. Its transmission rates skyrocketed, leading to a global pandemic that affected us all. Similarly to the flu, the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, and aerosols from people that have already been infected. It can also be contracted through touching a contaminated surface. Though it isn’t nearly as common as it was in the past, COVID-19 is still a lasting problem today. During 20232024, the Maryland Department of Health reported a little over 1,300 COVID-19 outbreaks.
Finally, the one you may not know as much about, is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV. RSV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the lungs and breathing passages. Those at the highest risk are infants, and older adults. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezes, and coughs. Direct contact with the virus, such as kissing someone with RSV, can also lead to infection. The Maryland Department of Health reported 68 outbreaks from 2023-2024, which is not very high, but you should still exercise a lot of caution.
OHIOPREVAILS NEWCFPLAYOUT UNDER
by Declan Ritchotte
This year college football has been more exciting than ever. With one of the closest Heisman races we've seen in a while, to the brand new 12 team College Football Playoff layout, college football has been heartbreak for some, and triumph for others.
Since 2014 the College Football Playoffs has had four teams chosen by a selection committee After years of controversy and heartbreak, from great teams not being selected, the NCAA and CFP changed the format to twelve teams. The twelve teams are now the 5 conference champions ranked highest, as well the next seven highest ranked teams. The eight teams seeded No. 5-12 will play in a first round with the higher seeds hosting the lower seeds.
As of now all games have been played except the national championship Four of the eight play-in teams were in the semi-finals, beating out the top 4 teams in the country. Notre Dame and Ohio State have moved on to the National Championship with Notre Dame beating out the likes of Georgia and Penn State. Ohio State beat out number one ranked Oregon and number five ranked Texas in their journey to the Championship.
Notre Dame is labeled the underdog with the Buckeyes being 8.5 point favorites If Notre Dame are to win, it would be their first National Title in 36 years with Ohio State's last title in 2014.
Monday, January 20th, The Ohio Buckeyes beat Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football National Championship. Ohio celebrates their ninth national championship and are the first to win under the new playoff design.
Commanders Back to Winning Ways
by Declan Ritchotte
Now onto the NFL playoffs The wildcard games have all been played with the Texans, Ravens, and Bills winning in the AFC and the Rams, Commanders, and Eagles winning in the NFC The Lions, who earned their bye week from a stellar 15-2 record are set to play the Commanders, who after 19 years won their first playoff game. The Eagles played the Rams with the Eagles being strong favorites. The winner of these two games will play in the NFC Championship.
In the AFC, the Chiefs hosted the Texans, and the Bills hosted the Ravens The Chiefs are heavy favorites right now and are expected to be in the Super Bowl again The Bills vs Ravens is expected to be one of the closest games of the year. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are both MVP candidates. Jackson is ranked second in total quarterback ratings and Allen is first by just 0.3.
Commanders Win
For the first time since 1991, the Washington commanders are playing in the NFC Championship. After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, Washington made the trip to Detroit, taking down the top seed Lions. Jayden Daniels threw for 299 yards and had a 71% pass completion. The Commanders, with the help of the defense, who forced a fumble and had 4 interceptions, including a pick six, won 45-31. Now set to play the Eagles, Sunday, January 26th, 3:00 pm
Ravens Fall Short
The Ravens made the trip up to Buffalo this past
Sunday losing 27-25. Exactly as it was predicted it was one of the best games of the season Lamar Jackson throwing over 250 yard while Allen only threw for 127 they both however had two touchdowns The Bills will play the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, Sunday, January 26th, 5:30 pm.
Fun Stops in Philly
The Commanders made the two hour commute up to Philadelphia in the NFC Championship. The Eagles won 55-23. Washington had 4 turnovers. In the AFC the Josh Allen and the Bills lose to the Chiefs, again. The Chiefs will defend their title to attempt a 3-peat in the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl will be Chiefs vs Eagles on Sunday, February 9th, 6:30 pm. Eagles vs Chiefs, Hurts vs Mahomes, refs vs refs. The Chiefs will be defending their title reaching for a third in a row while the Eagles are chasing their second.
towards a group, or get supporters behind a politician, fearmongering is very dangerous Fearmongering is exploiting feelings of fear by using exaggerated rumors of impending danger. Increasing in use by politicians, mass media, advertisements, and even psychological warfare, the spreading of fake news and fearmongering is getting more and more dangerous.
Fearmongering was very famous in the 1950’s and 1960’s for things like the Red Scare, Atomic Scares, and political ads The Red Scare was a paranoia about communism in the US government Senators accused others in the government of communist ideals and used the fear of the people to propel themselves to light or higher roles in the government. Lyndon B. Johnson also was very famous in his use of fearmongering when he first aired his political ad, Daisy. In the ad a nuclear weapon explodes and Johnson says, "These are the stakes! To make a world in which all of God's children can live, or to go into the dark We must either love each other, or we must die " Due to the fears of nuclear fallout at the time, people feared the consequences of electing the “wrong” president.
These tactics are still used today in politics and even in our most recent election. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both used fear saying that the other, if elected, would ruin the country. This tactic has been used since democracy was formed To make matters worse news outlets and social media use very similar tactics
An attractive headline is what makes a good article great. Something that invokes a spike of emotions, specifically fear or anger, is proven to get readers to actually read the article. New outlets know this and increasingly use fear and anger to get readers to read. Many people fall right into the trap
Titles like, “Covid Vaccine Deadly?” or Clorox ads showing millions and millions of germs on almost every surface. There are obviously germs on most everything but it is very enhanced to put fear into people to buy the cleaning products. The title “Covid Vaccine Deadly?”, is just plain fake news. A man in Nebraska died, having no correlation to Covid, it was just his recency to getting the vaccine, weeks ago
Whether it's in the news, products, or politics, fearmongering is everywhere. When you read the news, or listen to the politics do your research and don't fall for the fake and fearmongered news.