The Hoofbeat for November, 2012 by Owen High

The

H ofbeat

November 2012

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Charles D. Owen High School 99 Lake Eden Rd. Black Mountain, NC 28711

Listen. Learn. Speak. Vol. 113 Number 2

n: e w O t a e c n e l work l r o e f c d e x r E hono rinicpal , Teachers

n Owen’s “I think Mrs. Turner is an awewed dow lo s t o n s that ha t u b , some prinicpal because she n e o ati hav g for educ eg Turner as in M d l n a reaches out to the student body fu ip t c u prin ey w ave c e states h asour and their work. Rook P th y f and cares what we think.” o th o lf a im r ls nh teacher T honors fo be County Schoo More tha d re e u n lt r u a c e ti -Britnee Roland, 10 ll r com ve a bers. key, ho n, and ha ner was voted Bun er of the Year. io s staff mem acher Dawn Roo s e c re ur ch the ells English te jobs, even during acher of the Year, T n Agricultural Tea to compete for W e n io ir T e o g e o ls th R f g o t o l a o n il s r excelled ounty Sch and letter ted Weste . Turner w ncombe C and Pasour was vo rther competition ortfolio of writing hich she was u B d te o “Mrs. Rookey is such a wonderv w fu r, ap to create e year, for r, but was North of the Yea rner, there will be l d th a e f e ip o n c r l e in il r h ful person, and her classes are a P ey and Tu this, she w g for regional teac mpetition this ye o For Rook of the Year. To do n c ti r e always interesting,” p the cipal key is com t have fur -Carson McCorvey, 11 Fargo Prin t from others. Roo ed. Pasour will no en iew er said. combe v n n r . r u 1 u te B 0 T n 0 e i ” , 2 e s th r endorsem t ee r in in a lifetim e first principal a ted to accomand her p of the Yea und once observed ricultural Teacher ro a ttemp e e was th m o c Ag rner has a en, but sh onors u h w T f , O o n t e a d l w Carolina in a these k ents. princip ing am. At O “I feel like er second year as high school progr pleased many stud northodox teach “[Mr. Pasour is] an amazing h u s e r a in v e enter ugh h hich h d n w ro a t, Turner is ollege, an innovati teacher, and I’m proud to th k n s r e e a e d m e eY her arly C e reinforc ses finger acher of th e will duck under u e e T h s have learned from such an s a r, e County E ls through positiv a tl ti mm , sh goa attain her re talking tions. To teach gra to a y le e inpirational teacher.” b a th plish her s e a s Rookey w at students becau t about her frustra of the d u ro -David Burroughs, 10 p g a y h in r c ve ad of yell r a quick d, and I’m current student of e h s li p style. Inste eet Mr. Tumnus fo m m very acco y Adams, Narnia to mous writers. dership is ool,” junior Sydne a le e th d n f fa la sch year, his puppets o t into the am. Last our schoo r u e g p k y ro li e l p e th A fe F n “I Owen’s tio ’s F f Pasour, ith Owen ch dedica o u w n k m o r ti o w c o w u h d str his d third faculty an . e through is year, under the in ome. They also ha tl ti is h in c a aid Rookey s sour was able to att in competition. Th re competitions to pePa tles ti e ave mo c g FFA com h la p in d t n iz s a r n a y fi g tr y r e o ed man in Fores ounty by ps were th team earn to win first place ncombe c ht in his worksho u B in le . n s b a io g m FFA was anthemu ers around the reg achers that he tau ar. ing chrys h te n c Ye e a in e hool, he te Th w th s . f e c lp re o pla o he s at the sc cultu acher u e T lp e re h u t s lt Pasour als orkshops on horti u ju e doesn’t ion Agric w teaching stern Reg ulture teachers. H Fisher said. e d n W a s s a n o im titi dh agric Nina nominate out other ricultural teacher ones who e’s always helping g a ” , n “H the regio teachers in re u lt u ic helps agr

or Ferr y By Conn -Chief r-In Co Edito

In this Issue... (Opinion 2-6)

Should school be year round?

(Features 7-14)

Fighting at Owen

(Arts 15-19)

Learn to make your own gifts

(Sports 20-24)

Season wrap-ups

Opinion

Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.

The

November 2012

Should year-round schedules be adopted? The Controversy: Traditional school schedules call for two month vacations for both students and staff. Some educators believe that this schedule, created for farm children to help their parents with the crops, is outdated. Proponents of year-round school advocate that shorter vacations throughout the school year are beneficial to learning.

POINT By Connor Ferry Co Editor-In-Chief

schools should be year round as well. Year-round schooling gives students longer breaks, which result in students not feeling as burnt out or overworked. The breaks give students time off from the pressures of aca-

Twenty-first century students all know how terrible it would be to have school in the summer. The spread of disease, unbearable heat in the poorly ventilated schools, and only 50 percent of students coming to class. Plus, with demics. school in session, who would work the fields? Students will also be able to have more Those were the initial reasons behind stu- vacations because year-round schooling is dents having the summer off. The school structured so that students can have seasonal system that is in place has not been labeled breaks. defunct because nostalgic school boards and The majority of students who attend yearparents do not understand what year round round schools believe that they have more balschooling can do. anced schedules than the students who have Most year-round schools have rotations traditional schooling. called tracks. A track is when a group of stuYear-round schooling is already being pracdents have 45 days of school and, then, a three- ticed. There are 2.3 million students attending week break. The track system is immensely year round schools according to the National beneficial to students as well as the school. Association for Year-Round Education, which The track system allows for a fraction of the is a dramatic increase from 1987, when there student body to use the classrooms at any giv- were only 360,000 students. en time. Fewer teachStudents will also require ers are needed because “To make sudents less review time as they go of fewer students in one class to another truly prepared for from the school at one time, because they will not have a which saves school sys- life after high school, 90-day period without acatems millions. schools should be year- demics. This allows teachers The track means to spend more time teaching that teachers are being round as well. " the students what they will paid year round, but it need to know and reviewing also means that the schools can have smaller with students in class. campuses because there are less students on The United States has fallen to thirty-seccampus. Education Week magazine reports ond in math proficiency and seventeenth in that school systems save more money by reading in the world, according to the 2009 having smaller campuses than by employing Programme for International Student Assessteachers for only nine months of the year. ment . Structural changes must be made to the The schools in every district are not just educational system to improve the rankings. trying to prepare students for college, but for President Obama has said that he would the “real world,” what comes after high school. like students to be in school longer. Both school Not many jobs in the real world give workers schedules have the same number of days, but three months off to collect their thoughts and year-round schools lend themselves to less have fun. burnout. The conventional jobs schools are preparYear-round schooling is a good way for stuing students for are year round. To make students to learn, and it’s growing steadily. Parents, dents truly prepared for life after high school, students and school boards should look into it.

the summer, don’t coincide wih the year-round schedule. Sports, sumBy Lucy O’Brien mer camps, trips, and Staff writer even some volunteering opportunities are Modern schools use a traditional schedule designed to fit with the for a reason. The traditional schedule is effectraditional schedule. tive, and activities are based around it. The maSummer provides a jority of public schools use this schedule with long period of time to long summer and winter breaks, and it is what relax and recuperate from the stressful school kids are used to. The year-long schedule, with year. It gives kids a chance to just be kids. With multiple short breaks throughout the year, isn’t periodic breaks during the school year, students beneficial for students or teachers. will be using them to catch up on homework. When students are in year-round school, This can be useful, but it never lets them truly they are separated into tracks, with the start- relax. ing and ending dates of breaks staggered. This Many children and teenagers are involved in means friends are often put into different tracks summer camps and sports, which go on durand don’t have breaks at the same time. Teach- ing the long breaks traditional schools have. It ers with children are also frequently on differ- would also rob young adults of the chance to ent track schedules, which makes it hard to find do programs like a summer abroad or mission childcare or be with their kids over the break. It’s trips, which are not only amazing experiences also difficult for teachers but good for college ad“Summer is a much missions too. to pack up their classrooms and then have to needed Summer is a break where set them back up three much-needed break weeks later. Patricia Mc- pressured teenagers can where pressured teenCraken, a former student relax and get ready for agers can relax and get of a year-round school, ready for the next year. says that the breaks were the next year .” Summer is meant for disruptive to her learnreading a book, traveling. Getting involved in classes was difficult for ing, socializing, zoning out, and ultimately havher and her classmates because as soon as they ing the ability to just be a kid. Relaxation and got into school, they were out of it again. summer break are what keep students from Jobs are also a big problem for students and burning out. teachers in year-round school. Many teachers Studies from Hoftsra University’s School of get summer jobs to supplement their income, Education have shown that year-round schoolbut they don’t have that opportunity if they only ing doesn’t actually help children retain knowlget three weeks off every nine weeks. It makes edge. A large part of the argument for a yearit virtually impossible for them to add to their round schedule is that having shorter breaks at modest income, and teachers would struggle shorter intervals allows the student to absorb because of it. the material more efficiently, rather than forgetStudents can’t get summer jobs either. Even if ting it over the summer. Traditional and yearthey were able to find a job for only three weeks round school students score about the same on at a time, they would never be able to compete standardized tests, and the year-round schedule with students that have months off for summer. has yet to show any substantial benefit. Some students rely on that income to help pay Changing to year-round schools would for college, a car, insurance, and gas. be unnecessary and overcomplicated. Public Activities outside of school, especially over schools should stay on a traditional schedule.

COUNTERPOINT

Point/Counterpointisameansofdebatinganissue.Theopinionsexpressedarenotnecessarilytheopinionsofthestudentswritingthem.

The

Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.

November 2012

Bullying among teens continues to take toll

to look at the issue, researchers surveyed 524,054 students in grades three through 12 at 1,593 schools over the last two years to get a better picture of bullying. They found that 17 Bullying is defined as harassment, physical percent of students reported on anonymous harm, repeated demeaning speech and efforts to ostracize another person. Bullying is active questionnaires that they were being bullied two to three times a month or more. Of those and is done with the intention of bringing anbullied, nearly 40 percent of the girls and 45 other person down. Bullying includes behaviors that focus on making someone else feel percent of boys said it had been going on in inadequate, or focus on belittling someone some form—verbally, physically or electronically—for more than a year. else. “Kids voices are so imAlmost every student portant for us as adults to has been bullied during his “17 percent of stu- hear,” said study co-author or her life. Victims of abuse can be anyone, includ- dents reported on Susan Limber, a professor ing the school jock or the anonymous ques- at the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life at nerd. Any sort of bullying, however, takes its toll on its tionaires that they Clemson University. In recent years, a series victim. Bullying isn’t just in were being bullied movies or books; it’s a very two or three times a of bullying-related suicides in the United States evident and real part of our and across the globe have society, and lack of sensitiv- month or more." drawn attention to the ity is the cause. connection between bulRecently, the media lying and suicide. Though too many adults shone attention on the suicide of Amanda still see bullying as just part of being a kid, it is Todd. Amanda Todd, a fifteen- year old girl a serious problem that leads to many negative from Canada, committed suicide due to coneffects for victims, including suicide. stant harassment over the course of three According the Center for Disease Control, years. ABC News reported that “the signs were “Suicide is the third leading cause of death all there.” So, how much is too much and what among young people, resulting in about does it take to crumble the walls of a young 4,400 deaths per year. For every suicide teenager’s life? among young people, there are at least 100 Linda Carroll from MSNBC said, “Far from suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high being isolated events, bullying is frighteningly school students have considered suicide, commonplace across the country.” According to a Clemson University study and almost seven percent have attempted it.” released in 2010, the largest survey of its kind

Editorial Cartoon

Opinion

By Meara Cunningham Staff writer

STAFF EDITORIAL

The

Hoofbeat

Statistics reported by ABC News claim, “nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying.”

Connor Ferry and Sarah Gilmour, Editors-in-Chief Adrienne Holliﬁeld, Faculty Adviser Jessie Woodward, Assistant Editor Caitlyn Page, Photography Editor Lauren Nalley, Ad Manager Listen. Gisselle Villegas- Acosta and Yasemine Akduman, Learn. Business Managers

Speak.

Amanda Todd was not the first person in this world to commit suicide due to bullying. Raising sensitivity among students at school and greatly reducing cyber bullying can put a dent in teen suicide.

The Hoofbeat is published by the staff at Charles D. Owen High School, 99 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711. (Telephone 828-669-3852) We welcome letters to the editor, free-lance articles, and suggestions. The paper is printed by The Star, Shelby, North Carolina. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration or the faculty. Signed columns, except for point/counterpoint, are solely the Staff writers: Mikayla Atwood, Logan Ballew, Kailanne opinion of the writer. We reserve the right to edit letBurleson, Meara Cunningham, Rush Dittbrender, Laine ters to the editor for space and content considerations. Everly, Emma Farr, Jocelyn Franks, Makenzie Furman, The Hoofbeat is a public forum for students to express Hannah King, Meaghan Mascitelli, Chris McHone, Cas- their opinions and is a member of JEA, NSPA, SIPA, sidy Moseley, Aubrey Meyers, Luke Rathbone, Allison and NCSMA. See our online newspaper at the following Weber Web site: www.hoofbeatonline.net

Opinion

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November 2012

Barbie dolls promote unrealistic view of beauty COMMENTARY By Aubrey Meyers Staff writer The true definition of beauty is vanishing due to unrealistic portrayals being fueled by the media. According to Medical Daily, reasearchers did a survey on about 60 young girls, ages six through nine, where they showed the girls a Barbie doll dressed in a “sexy,” revealing outfit, while the other Barbie wore a cute, modest outfit. The researchers asked the girls different questions such as which doll portrayed how the girls wish they looked, which doll would they rather play with and which doll looked like it would be more popular. Sadly, most of these young girls chose the sexy doll. It’s so terrible that girls as young as six-year olds are worried about being popular and even more, they believe being sexy leads to being popular. Young

girls should be raised with the mindset that beauty comes in all sizes, shapes, colors and heights. When young girls play with Barbie dolls every day, they study how perfect the the doll is, which could possibly lead them to think that’s how they’re supposed to look. They might evaluate themselves, as compared to the doll even at such a young age. Why doesn’t the media advertise women in a more realistically beautiful way? When teenage girls go to the grocery store, those sexy, perfect models on the cover of the magazines remind them that they aren’t perfect enough. They’re too fat, too skinny, too pale, or any of the thousands of lies that society feeds to the mind of a teenage girl. Does no one realize how much time and editing has been put into that one picture? These perfect models aren’t so perfect after all. The New York Times reported that an online petition, started by Julia Bluhm, caused the editors of Seventeen magazine to realize it was time to “celebrate every kind of beauty.” The magazine will now print out one natural, unedited spread a month. This change will show girls that beauty should be celebrated no matter how different it might appear. Online websites or blogs that reveal

pictures of girls with their friends, family, or even a picture posted of them alone may cause girls to become mannequin-like pros due to the fact that they are seeing those pictures of themselves over and over. Girls begin to notice what angles flatter their figures, which lighting makes them look more attractive and pick out tiny things that they don’t like about themselves. Over-analyzing is very common with websites like Facebook because that photo is always open for analysis. This is a habit that occurs almost every day for some girls, unfortunately. Many girls are so wrapped up in what people think of them that they begin to forget who they really are. Once a girl loses confidence in herself, her whole personality and self-image is corrupted. What makes someone truly beautiful is her personality, respect and empathy for others and the vibes that person gives off. Who is to say looks are all that matter? A pretty face is nothing if it is accompanied by an ugly heart. Females’ perception of true beauty has been corrupted. Society has been feeding us lies and false objects of beau-

photo illustration Aubrey Meyers

ty. Most girls don’t even look at themselves through their own eyes; instead, they use the judgment of how others see them. Every girl should believe she is beautiful. and shouldn’t feel pressure to look like a sex-object.

Increasing lack of respect disturbing trend for students COMMENTARY By Allison Weber Staff writer With a severe lack of respect between students and teachers, most students and adult staff are beginning to wonder, where is the love? Disrespect is gaining epidemic proportions; it’s not only a problem but a disturbance as well. Many teachers are appalled at the number of students that have dropped their manners over the summer. “There has definitely been an in-

creased number of cases involving dis- devoted to helping students respect towards students, teachers, and recognize and respect others’ other peers,” biology teacher Michael beliefs without sharing them. They provide exercises like Beaver said. According to the NCWise Data Man- Mix It Up Day, where students ager Debbie Taylor, last year 25 percent get to know each other better and also learn of students were “Disrespect is respect while given referrals gaining epidemic prodoing so. for disrespect. Accepting This year that portions; it’s not only the fact that no number has risen a problem but a disturtwo people are to 27 percent of the same is one bance as well " disciplinary reof the few sugferrals for disregestions Teaching Tolerspect. ance makes to create a more respectful, Disrespect can come in many different peaceful environment. forms: verbal, physical and even emo“Tolerance is harmony in difference,” tional. This disrespect can be directed the Southern Poverty Law Center broat other students or towards teachers. chure said. Teaching Tolerance is an organization

photo illustration by Connor Ferry

Using the methods of Teaching Tolerance can help create a schoolwide change if students participate in sharing their values and stories with not only their friends, but also other peers.

The

Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.

November 2012

Opinion

Technology threatens to replace real interaction COMMENTARY By Laine Everly Staff writer As technology evolves, people evolve as well. A new iPhone released, a Facebook upgrade—both take one step further towards changing the mentality of society. As technology becomes more complex, it changes humans in subtle ways. People have become accustomed to using texting and Facebook messaging to deal with personal dilemmas and serious situations. Younger generations have been particularly affected by this affinity for technology over human interaction. Teens alienate themselves from society by immersing themselves in the secluded world of electronic communication. A common argument against this is that avid texters or facebookers are perfectly sociable—they talk to plenty of

people by texting and online messaging; ently than originally intended, dependant however, this argument remains invalid on the current mood of the receiver. Arguments, for example, are taken to a because with electronic communication, human interaction is eliminated from the whole new level of complexity. It is much more difficult to solve an issue when the equation. Texting is not truly interacting with an- argument is perceived differently on either side and messages are shortened in many other person. cases. RelaAs junior “People replace tangible inter- tionships, too, Jessie Chaplain said, “It’s better action with electronic communi- are beginning to stray into to text someone because it’s less cation, the result being that they a more techawkward.” know the generated persona nolog y-or iented phase. Texting may rather than an actual being.” People realso allow peoplace tangible ple to have more interaction control over who with electronic communication, the result they talk to. “It’s helpful in some situations, and being that they know the generated persometimes you just don’t want to talk to sona rather than an actual being. The messages that young people are people,” freshman Regan Daniels said. Yes, it can be a quick and convenient becoming accustomed to are short, conway to tell your buddy “hey,” but texting is tain many abbreviations, and do not really not as efficient as it may seem. When peo- communicate much in the way of ideas or ple read a text, they may perceive it differ- feelings. This stunted form of communica-

“The best present I was ever given has to be a 2003, blue GT Mustang.” Michael Chavis, sophomore

“The best gift I was ever given was my first softball glove.” Shelby Robinson, senior

“The best present that I have ever recieved is my girlfriend’s love for me. Nothing can beat that.” Daniel Delatorre, senior

Question of the Month Compiled by Kailanne Burleson Staff writer

What is the best present someone has ever given you?

tion is becoming the norm for a whole generation. Friendly conversation is not the only victim of the rise of technology. What once was an important tradition of sit down meals has now turned to things such as TV dinners. Fewer families take the time now to talk with each other and share their thoughts or just the trivial parts of their day. Even travel has been transformed by extended electronic communication. When visiting a new area, people are too immersed in communicating with people back home to truly get to experience new things. Basically, they end up taking their lives with them wherever they go, therefore, never having to take a step out of their comfort zone. This leads to an increase in introversion and self absorption in society. As people try to communicate with one another, it is vital that they recognize that “lol” is not, by any means, considered an effective form of communication.

“The best gift I ever received was my cool truck. It’s not even fourwheel drive, but it gets all the ladies.” Tate Gardner, senior

“The best present someone has ever gotten me was my senior trip. I get to go to the Dominican Republic.” Allyssa Hensley, senior

“The best pesent someone has ever given me was my evil demon bird named Marley.” Brooke Mundy, freshman

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Opinion

November 2012

Victims of Hurricane Sandy need help weeks later By Hannah King Staff writer Hurricane Sandy left states up North in a state of terror when it struck at the end of October with its wide range of 2,000 miles. This super storm was rare and unexpected. New Jersey and New York were left in ruins. with reports of over 50 deaths in New York and 14 in New Jersey. Power outages, flooding in streets and New York’s main subways, school closings, and fires were some of the few outcomes of this hurricane. Over 4.8 million people remained without power, heat, and hot water in 15 states and the District of Columbia, as of November 15, according to CNN. The worst affected states with power outages are New Jersey with 1,514,147 people; Pennsylvania with 526,934 people; and Connecticut with 352,286 people. In New York City there are still 120,000 without power and about 40,000 have no

homes to go to. Gas shortages and public transit outages are making it hard to get around. People are coming from all over the nation to help restore the damage that was done. The Red Cross spread out over 8,500 workers from North Carolina to Rhode Island, with the majority in New York and New Jersey. People are in need of blankets to stay warm, food to eat, and places to stay. The Nor’easter, bringing cold air and snow to places without power or sources of heat, made conditions worse. Even though the hurricane is over with, the victims of Sandy still need help. Donations of money and supplies are sorely needed and can be made to The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Both organizations already have a presence in places where the storm hit the hardest. Web sites students can go to to get more information about how they can help include www.helpthechildren.org, www.wishuponaherofoundation.org and www.redcross.org/hurricanesandy.

Anita Hardy receives free food in Redhook, Brooklyn, New York, where she has been living without electricity since Hurricane Sandy, on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The temperatures have been below freezing and she can’t leave because her parents live nearby and don’t want to leave. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

In the News Compiled by Logan Ballew Staff writer

Marching band gains recognition

The Marching Band won first place at the US Bands Southern States Championships competition in the 3A Open Division. The band won the following captions: Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, Best Music and Best Effects and Visual.

FFA places in competition

Montana Bartlett, Jesse Dorr, Tyler Pasour, and Ben Thomas, members of the FFA senior team, won first place in the Western Region Competition. Montana Bartlett was awarded second high individual. The junior team, consisting of Jessica Teft, Katie Tipton, Kassidy Bowman, Marissa Spillers, Dori Harcharik, and John Nix, also won First Place. John placed high individual in the junior class.

Science Olympiad team forming

Science Olympiad started up Tuesday, November 13, in a meeting with science teacher Kris Moore. The group will meet every other Monday. Students who are interested in joining the team should see Moore in 228.

JROTC unveils Founding Father portrait

The JROTC unveiled a portrait of George Washington, which is now placed in the JROTC room. Colonel Richard McConoughey got the picture for free from Mount Vernon, Washington’s home place,. In return, JROTC members had to do a ceremony of unveiling the portrait, which was held Friday, November 16, from 7:45-7:55 in the theater. Christian Holcombe gave an eight-minute speech about the portrait.

Actors go to theater convention

The drama club competed in the North Carolina Theatre Conferance one-act play competition. Their show, Black Comedy, won the award for Excellence in Set Design. Juniors Anna Kate Hall and Dylan Bougis won awards in Excellence in Acting, and freshman Chloe Munn won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction. Their next major event will be the spring musical, Annie Get Your Gun.

Calculus Club raises $2,533 for Eblen charity

The Calculus Club, sponsored by Tony Sapp, raised the most money for charity ever in its history. Their original goal was $2,088. They surpassed that by $445.

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November 2012

Features

Victims of violence often commit violent acts By Kirsten Briscoe Staff writer

An increasing number of students are experiencing both violence and bullying at school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2009-2010 school year, 85 percent of public schools nationwide reported one or more incidents of violence, theft or other crimes, translating to about 40 crimes per 1,000 students enrolled. In a school of approximately 850 students, such as Owen, that would be an average of 34 incidents in a year. The Web site Keep Schools Safe says students fight for many reasons: being insulted or disrespected, ongoing arguments or grudges, spreading rumors, being unable to control anger, bystanders encouraging the fight, arguments over girlfriends or boyfriends, or wanting to keep a reputation.

In addition, certain students are more likely to fight. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that some students are at risk for being involved in violence. Behaviors that put students at risk are a history of being abused; being involved

photo illustration by Connor Ferry

with drugs, alcohol or tobacco; having a low commitment to school and academics; having a poorly functioning family; and living in poverty. Bullying is another form of school violence. Fifty-six percent of students

have felt some bullying at school, with the most common reason for bullying being the student’s appearance or body size. Two out of five teens report that they are bullied because of the way they look. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth report being verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation. A victim of bullying is twice as likely to take his or her own life. Often students don’t report bullying because they think teachers and staff cannot do anything about it. Students who are being bullied should report incidents of bullying to adults. Fortunately, conflict resolution methods can help resolve student conflicts if they are reported. Students who are being bullied or who fear either that they will strike out or that they will be victims of violence should go to a teacher, counselor, or other school adult for help.

Volunteer opportunities abound in local area Compiled by Kailanne Burleson Staff writer Volunteering is more possible during the holiday season, when the spirit of giving is in the air. Manna Food Bank, a popular foundation, provides up to 9,000 meals each day. They collect goods for distribution to people who need them. They are committed to fighting hunger in Western North Carolina. Volunteer opportunities exist in their warehouses (cleaning, sorting, labeling, and packing food), and working with fundraisers, including the Blue Jean Ball and the Ingles Giving Tree. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is seeking volunteers for their “A Winter’s Tale” Celebration, on December 4 and 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Volunteers will help with food sales, crafts, and games. Call the nature centers at 298-5600 ext. 305 for more information. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has much need for volunteers for fundraisers and events. All prospective volunteers must first fill out an application and attend the volunteer orientation. Lists of possible ongoing volunteer activities include bathing and

walking animals, playing fetch, and socializing with animals. A list of options are on their Web site http://www.bwar.org or call 828-505-3440. Heifer International is a unique nonprofit organization that is motivated to end hunger. People donate by “purchasing” animals, or shares of animals to be given to people in poverty. Those people raise the animal, benefit from the milk, eggs, meat, honey, or wool, and then donate offspring of the animals to others, also in poverty. Enabling communities to provide food and income for themselves is Heifer’s plan for helping whole communities rather than just individuals. People can donate money for animals and they can organize fundraisers for the group. Participate in the work this organization does by going to their Web site at www.heifer.org. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has a volunteer program where the community works together and builds safe and affordable houses for families in need. Volunteers age 16 and older are welcome to work with them in many areas including new home construction, deconstruction, home repair, and the ReStore. The volunteer application and waivers are available on their Web site www.ashevillehabitat.org.

Hands on AshevilleBuncombe is the volunteer organization for the United Way charities. There are opportunities with over 150 nonprofits in Asheville and Buncombe County.. Volunteer for a couple of hours or commit to something on a regular basis. Apply for the youth waiver for all people under age 18. Applications and the waiver are on their Web site www. handsonasheville.org. The new NC State Veteran’s Home, in Black Mountain, is looking for either group or individual volunteers. Activities that photo courtesy of Brother Wolf volunteers are needed for Brother Wolf is a no-kill animal shelter in Asheville. Peoare building, planting, and ple can volunteer there or choose to adopt or foster the maintaining raised garrescued animals. dens/flower beds, spending games such as horseshoes or Wheel of Fortime with veterans (playing checkers, readtune with groups, and bringing pets to visit. ing, pushing wheelchairs outside for walks), The volunteer coordinator is Amanda Orr. performing (music, dance, dramatic readCall 257-6800 for more information. ing), assisting with arts and crafts, playing

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November 2012

Discovering family roots Their point of view: enlightening experience Brazilian tells differences By Gisselle Villegas Staff writer

emine visited relatives in Turkey twice. She went when she was three and returned again two years ago when she was fifteen. Turkey is the country for origin of senior “Turkey is absolutely beautiful. When Yasemine Akduman and freshman Melisa I went last summer I didn’t want to come Akduman. back,” Yasemine says. These sisters are the only students in the During her stay she visited four regions entire school that are part Turkish. which included Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, “I feel lucky to be part of a culture that no and Alanya. one else is part of,” Yasemine said. “There has been a misconception. Turkey Turkey is located in the southwestern part isn’t poor, or out in the middle of nowhere, of Asia, between Greece and Syria. It borders and war isn’t always occurring. It’s actually the Black Sea and very modern “I feel lucky to be part of a and wealthy is surrounded by the Aegean Sea culture that no one else is part with high fashand the Medition like the of.” teranean Sea. streets of New -Yasmine Akduman The sisters York,” Yasare half Turkish. emine said. Their father, Hakan Akudam, is from Turkey The sisters’ parents are making plans to and their mother, Susan Akudam, is from move back to Turkey to be closer to their New Jersey. grandparents as soon as Melisa finishes colTheir dad was born and raised in Turkey, lege or maybe even high school. speaking Turkish and practicing Muslim tra“I’m excited about moving to Turkey but ditions. He lived there until he was 18 and worried at the same time. It would mean I then moved to New York City where he met would have to adjust to a different culture, his wife, Susan, in 1990. starting off with learning Turkish,” Melisa “Even though we have two different cul- said. tures at home, we’ve blended into the U.S Yasemine actually wants to earn her busitradition. We practice Christianity and cel- ness degree and move to Turkey to spend ebrate Christmas,” Melisa says. the rest of her life. She said she would like to Yasemine knows some basic words in open some businesses of her own, scattered Turkish such as, welcome, hello, yes, and no. throughout the cities there. She knows it’ll To say “Hello, how are you?” you would say, be hard to adjust, but she says she knows she “Merhaba nasılsın?” instead. On the other can do it. hand Melisa doesn’t know any Turkish at all. “I’m personally very proud of my culture,” Melisa hasn’t visited Turkey yet, but Yas- Yasemine said, and her sister agreed.

By Carol Taha Guest writer My name is Carol, and I’m an exchange student from Londrina, Brazil. It’s a medium-sized city compared to other cities in Brazil and has approximately 500 thousand inhabitants. Everything here is really different from my home country. One thing that is really different is the school. In Brazil, school starts at 7:20 a.m and finishes at photo courtesy of Carol Taha 1:00 p.m. We have six classes a day and each one lasts for Carol Taha relaxes in her Brazilian soccer jersey. She has come 45 minutes. We have to take from Londrina, Brazil, to spend the year in North Carolina. all subjects (we can’t choose by semester) and every day is a different class. we’re 18. It’s such a huge difference. Another thing that’s different is that the stuOne other interesting fact is the difference dents don’t change classes but the teachers do. between the food here and in my home counOne thing that I really like here is that try. We usually eat healthier food and have schools really encourage us to play sports, more variety of fruits. A common meal in and that’s really a big deal here. In Brazil if the Brazilian lifestyle is eating meat, rice and you want to play a sport, you have to join a beans during the week, and we have big barclub. becues because of our variety of meats. This experience has been really good for I’m so thankful for everyone that I already me. One of the reasons that I decided to do met here, especially my host family, but peomy exchange is that I can spend some time ple treat me really well and they’re really nice with myself. Knowing myself better really to me. It makes me feel at home. shows me the value of my family, friends and I’ve only been here for three months, but my country. I already love it. I hope this year doesn’t pass What I really love here is that people can too fast because I want to enjoy every single drive when they’re 16, which is really good moment while I’m here, and I still have a lot because in Brazil we can only drive when to learn and to experience.

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November 2012

Features

Graduation Projects can be cool, creative Compiled by Emma Farr Staff writer

Dawn Becker

Kyle Werthelm Project: Dark room photography Dark room photography involves using chemicals, on a blank piece of photographic paper and producing a quality image. Kyle wanted to do this for Graduation Project because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an old fashioned way of doing photos, and he wanted to learn the film photography process. The obstacles of this project is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time consuming and difficult. Inspiration: Wanted to have a skill that will last a lifetime Mentor: Jason Clemmons Hours: 22

photo courtesy of Joy Arrowood

Project: Sign Language Learning to communicate by the signs and hand movements of American Sign Language. Dawn has always thought sign language was a unique way to speak to someone and has always wanted to try and learn it. The obstacles of this project are memorization and going really fast in a constant motion with your hands to try and keep up with what is being said. Inspiration: Wanted to have a way to communicate with deaf people Mentor: Penny Greene Hours: 11

Joy Arrowood

Project: Aerial Silks Aerial Silks is where people perform acrobatics while suspended by a special fabric. Joy has always found the circus interesting, but particularly how they move with the fabric in the air. For aerial silks, the obstacles are that you need a lot of arm strength and the individual can be injured easily. Inspiration: Wanted to try it Mentor: Samantha Bird Hours: 13

photo courtesy of Dawn Becker

Luke Donnelly

photo courtesy of Kyle Werthelm

Tamara Groce Project: Kick Boxing Tamara has always wanted to learn about self defense for herself for the future. It is different than other graduation projects. The obstacles are learning the structure of kick boxing and having the right degree of physical fitness. Inspiration: Wanted to learn boxing for fun Mentor: Megan and Kim Hthrea Hours: 9

Project: Rock climbing Rock Climbing, which is a new sport for Luke, one he considers an exciting experience. The downfalls are that rock climbing can very expensive with all the equipment, and there are a lot of injuries possible with climbing. Inspiration: Wanted to explore something new Mentor: Stewart Cowles Hours: 16

Brittany Morrow

Project: Mason Jar Preservation (Canning) Canning involves learning to cut the fruit, put it in the jar, make the syrup, and seal with a waterbath method. Brittany thinks canning is exciting to learn and feels that she will be prepared for the future with this skill. Canning is time consuming and the canning process must be done before the fruit goes bad. If not sealed right, the jar could burst. Inspiration: Wanted to be prepared for the future Mentor: Virginia Morrow Hours: 30

Features

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November 2012

photo by Connor Ferry

The DECA Club participated in the school improvement plan by decorating the girl’s bathroom across from Ruth Wilson-Philip’s room with splatter paint and hand prints.

Clubs take over bathroom makeover By Meaghan Mascitelli Staff writer

photo by Dalton Nickerson

The boys bathroom has gold toilet seats.

As a part of Principal Meg Turner’s school improvement plan, school clubs have teamed up to help clean up and give the bathrooms a new look. The results of a survey given out showed that the lack of cleanliness in student bathrooms was the biggest area of concern to students. Different school clubs such as DECA, Friends For Change, FFA, and Student Council have adopted some different bathrooms to retouch and improve. Last year, student council redid the bathrooms in the cafeteria. The designs included yellow walls with purple spirals for the girls and golden toilet seats for the boy’s bathroom as well a sign that reads “Warhorses” in graffiti. Both bathrooms also received hooks to hang backpacks and purses.

“I think the golden toilet seats in the bathroom are awesome,” junior Jiovanni Rodriguez said. Not all of the bathrooms have been claimed for redecoration though. “I hope that other clubs will see us doing this and want to adopt a bathroom too,” Turner said. Ruth Phillips is the sponsor for DECA, whose members are redesigning the bathroom in the business hall, using a throw paint design with hand prints on the walls. Dennis Duffey, a sponsor for the Friends For Change Club and ELS teacher, has the bathroom in front of Spanish teacher Miguel Verdu’s classoom. The members have already painted it maroon and white and plan to put in a full length mirrior. Nina Fisher is a sponsor for the FFA, and has the bathrooms in the basement. The FFA students have formed a committee within the FFA to paint the bathrooms.

The students will be painting the girl’s bathroom with agricultural scenes in pink. They also plan to work on the boy’s bathroom in the future. “I like the fact that we’re improving our school,” senior Ilze Zageris said. Some of the new improvements in the bathrooms include repainting, getting rid of graffiti, installing full length mirrors, new toilet seats, new toilets, smoke detectors, and new lighting fixtures. “I think it’s good that we’re finally remodeling the bathrooms,” sophomore Becca Jones said. Although some students think these improvements are good, others don’t agree with everything being done. Sophomore Tiffany James said, “Some of the designs on the walls are a little overboard.” Either way, the bathrooms are on their way to being personalized, nicer, and cleaner.

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November 2012

Features

THE HOOFBEAT DASHBOARD WHAT IS YOUR WEEK? Average time spent per week for owen students

Compiled By Caitlyn Page Staff writer Graphics by Max Alford Staff writer

Days of school left:

113

Favorite Festive Drink

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT?

Teen trend to post fights on YouTube Attention, celebrity, popularity cited as reasons why

By Chris McHone Staff writer

High school fights seem to be the new trend for Youtube. Search for “high school fights” on Youtube and about 234,000 results come up. What is the reason for so many videos? “It brings them [kids] a kind of instantaneous celebrity or popularity,” said concerned parent Deana Albrecht, in a repot for Channel 33 T.V. Sometimes there isn’t even a reason for the teens to be fighting. For instance, one video description says, “Me and friends bored, so we were fighting.” “Anything that’s gonna make them more popular or anything that’s going to create a situation where they can be a hit on Youtube is going to be a draw for kids. And, that’s really dangerous,” family therapist Melody Brooke said to Amber Fisher of 33TV. A growing problem with teenagers is this trend of recording fights and uploading them to Youtube. Experts say that this can have a longterm effect if the teens are fighting to become famous. “They lose their perspective, they lose their values, they lose

Fighting

their sense of what’s really important in life, which is why that conversation with your child is so important,” Brooke said. The conversation Brooke is referring to is a talk between parent and child about violence, and why it isn’t OK. Just because some kids are doing it, doesn’t mean that others have to as well. Some people are under the impression that the growing use of social media will only make this trend worse. Teen CONTACT’s Missy Walls says social media is partly to blame. “The social media’s become such a part of their life, that anyway they can have a YouTube sensation or more hits on their Facebook, then that makes them feel good about themselves, even if it’s something negative,” Walls said. Most of the views on the fighting videos are from other teens. Junior Megan Powell said “because they think it’s entertaining,” and junior Glory VanOver said “watching people get hurt is funny.” “The problem,” Walls said, “is that so many have already seen it, and then that gives them an idea and they’ll repost something else. So, I think when it becomes viral, it’s hard to stop that.” Kids fight with each other for attention, popularity, or just to be a Youtube sensation.

According the the statistics from last year, the majority of all ﬁghts involved ninth graders, followed by tenth graders. The least common ﬁghts involved eleventh and twelfth graders.

Youth V Interpersonal intentional use threatened o person or aga that results in resulting in in harm, maldev

g at Owen

Violence: (Definition) violence is defined as "the e of physical force or power, or actual, against another ainst a group or community n or has a high likelihood of njury, death, psychological velopment, or deprivation".

The Bystander Effect:

Witnesses in crowds reluctant to report violence By Jocelyn Franks Staff writer

Students walk leisurely down the hall when, all of a sudden, they see several of their peers yelling and running past them. A fight has broken out, and everyone has gathered around to watch. Though just standing and watching may seem like a harmless act, it can effect both the mood and actions of those involved in the fight, as well as the crowd around them. This phenomenon is known as the bystander effect. According to Psychology Today, he bystander effect occurs when the presence of people, such as peers, prevents an individual in the crowd from intervening in an emergency situation. The bystander effect causes “diffusion of responsibility.” According to this concept, the greater the number of people present, the less likely someone from the outside will act or intervene. Studies have shown that those in a crowd tend to assume that someone else has done something, or eventually will do something, to help. This often

From August to November this year, there have been 3 ﬁghts. By this time last year, there were 8 ﬁghts.

leads to escalation of the conflict, and in most cases, unnecessary violence. There are several situations in which victims are being beaten, injured, or even raped in the presence of peers who fail to call for help. “If you’re not doing anything, you’re encouraging them to fight more,” junior Thomas McElwee said. Another common behavior for the bystander is that most people choose not to be the one in the crowd behaving differently. If no one else is intervening or reporting it, the majority of people view it as being socially unacceptable and refuse to take action. Failure to aid those clearly in need of assistance of any kind falls under the category of neglecting Good Samaritan laws. A Good Samaritan gives aid to injured strangers who are in need on a voluntary basis. This failure to assist creates a dangerous situation in which it is socially acceptable to refuse to help. Not only could this situation lead to unnecessary injuries, it could result in guilt for the bystander. It only takes one person standing up for what is right to prevent this.

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November 2012

Common words, phrases have interesting origins By Logan Ballew Staff writer

Kings Highway was defined by the English legal system as a “highway robbery.” Because this interfered with freedom of Stories like “The Three Little Pigs” and movement, which was a given right, it commonly heard sayings have interesting was viewed as a serious crime. According to the Bonomo Turkish Tafhistories behind them. Teachers give students deadlines for fy Web site, Turkish Taffy was originally invented 1912 by the projects, particularly Graduation Project. Most “The word [dead- Herman Herer in New York. Herstudents don’t know the hisoriginated in man emigrated tory of the word “deadline.” line] According to The Brown- 1864 during the Civil from Austria were was an apprenielocks Web site, the word War in prison camps." he tice in making originated in 1864 durcandy as a young ing the Civil War, in prisman. Strangely on camps. The prisoners enough, Turkish were warned that if they crossed the line, usually seventeen feet Taffy is not a Turkish receipe, nor is it outside of the inner stockade of the actual taffy. In 1902 Herman started marketing camp, they would be shot and killed. The Phrase Finder site states that in candy to businesses and manufacturers. the eighteenth century, encounters with One day, while making a batch of marshhighwaymen on the road were fairly mallow candy, he accidentally added too common. The phrase heard on T.V. to- much egg white, but to his benefit, he day “Stand and Deliver” was associ- discovered something interesting. Afated with these highwaymen, mean- ter much experimenting, he had created ing stop and give up your money. Turkish Taffy. Brownielocks also states that North Any robbery that took place on the

Carolina’s known for its square dancing reputation in Maggie Valley. Here the term “shindig” came from rookies who swung their feet wildly, ending up digging into their partner’s shin. Sailors referring to the damage to the stern of their boat brought by strong winds and storms created the word “pooped.” By the end of the storm, they would call the stern “pooped” because by the end they would be lucky if their boat was still standing. Sailors used the term “being pooped at their ship.” Brownielocks also gives the origins of the phrase “riding the gravy train” or “being on the gravy train,” it refers to anyone who takes a job that doesn’t require much work but still pays a lot. The phrase came from gravy itself, which is an automatic by-product of a cooked roast, no worked involved.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Christmas traditions differ in England, France By Kirsten Briscoe Staff writer The typical Christmas traditions in the U.S. are to have a tree and open presents on Christmas Day. For other countries such as England, and France, traditions are somewhat different. In England Christmas involves mummering, which began in 596 A.D, when people called mummers put on a mask and acted out Christmas plays. The English gift giver is called Father Christmas. He wears a long green and red robe and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve, but the gifts are opened later that afternoon. In England the day after Christmas is called “ Boxing Day” because boys used to go around collect-

ing money in clay boxes. When the boxes were full they broke them open. Paris, France, “The City of Love,” has a few more difference traditions than those of the U.S and U.K.

Holding a puppet show on Christmas Eve is very common and later at midnight, people attend church for the traditional Christmas mass. After mass they have a late Christmas Eve dinner, called Le Reveillon. Menus for this occasion change according to region, but usually consist of dishes containing turkey, capon, goose, chicken, and boudin blanc (white sausage). Children wait for Pere Noel (Santa Claus) and leave their shoes out in front of the fireplace, hoping presents will fill them by morning. The tree is hung with nuts and candy. Children also believe in Pere Fouehtard who hands out spankings for anyone who has been naughty.

photos courtesy of Flickr Creative commons

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November 2012

Arts

By Rush Dittbrender Staff writer

Comic Strip

Futuristic novel envisions life in technological society By Laine Everly Staff writer Some 300 some years from now in the city of London and all around the world, is a society entirely different from our own. This world is encompassed in Void. In this riveting sci-fi novel, Hexes (people with the ability to control the Net and who have a special bond with technology) are prosecuted and legally exterminated by a secret branch of the government called the CPS. The setting is in the late 2300’s, an age is one of technology and computerized lifestyles. The standards in this society creates

a vast distance between upper and lower classes. Those fortunate enough to find themselves in the Heights, the towering buildings of the city, look down upon the Ganglands: the level of the poor and less fortunate. However, in the Heights and the desolate Ganglands alike, the Hex gene does not discriminate, and no one – no matter his or her popularity – is safe from the CPS. Raven, an undiscovered and powerful young Hex, is determined to remain invisible to the government. Her brother Wraith, however, has other plans for government extermination of Hexes. In order to take on the tyrannical government, the two must team up with un-

“The two must team up with unlikely allies and pool their resources. If they fail, it will not just be the doom of the Hexes, but society as a whole."

likely allies and pool their resources. If they fail, it will not just be the doom of the Hexes, but society as a whole. The depth of some of the characters envisioned in the novel benefits the story in that the variety of characters allows for the reader to develop strong empathy with them. This book appeals to a range of interests, with diverse characters, an intertwining plot and different points of view all leading towards one main goal. Beneath a relatively straightforward story line, the events that unfold offer many chances to consider morality and the infinite possibilities of innovation and new technology. The appeal of this novel lies predominately in the consistent suspense and attachment to the characters. Raven captures the reader’s attention. This book is a must read for sci-fi enthusiasts or anyone with an appreciation of futuristic action novels.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

The

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16 Arts

December-January Event Calendar

SUNDAY

MONDAY

All Dates Are Subject to Change Always Check Online for: *Cancellations *Ticket Prices *Age Limits and Times 2

Drum Circle @ The White Horse 2 p.m.

Contra Dancing @ The Grey Eagle Arena 8 p.m.

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

The Orange Peel @ 101 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville 28801 www.theorangepeel.net The Grey Eagle @ 180 Clingman Avenue, Asheville 28801 www.thegreyeagle.com 4

Eric Hutchinson @ The Orange Peel All ages 7:30 p.m.

Morrissey @ The Orange Peel All ages 8 p.m

Willie Nelson @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Holly Jolly Christmas @ Downtown Black Mountain 5-9 p.m.

Sum 41 @ The Orange Peel All ages 8 p.m.

Start of Chanukah Christmas Parade @ Downtown Black Mountain

13 The Santa Land

21 “Rediscovering

Christmas Poems @ Black Mountain Center of Arts 12 p.m.

Irish Jam & Open Mic Halestorm @ Night @ The Orange Peel All ages 7:30 p.m. The White Horse 6:30 p.m.

New Years Eve

Diaries @ Asheville Community Theatre Dec 13- 16 The Nut Cracker @ Flat Rock Playhouse

From Nov 29-Dec 22

Start Of Kwanzaa

Christmas

No School

New Years

Clutch @ The Orange Peel 18+ 8 p.m. No School

No School

Contra Dancing @ The Grey Eagle 8 p.m.

Christmas” @ Black Mountain Center of Arts 7:30 p.m.

1st day of

No School

@ Warren Wilson College 8 p.m.

End Of Kwanzaa

Warren Haynes Christmas Jam @ U.S. Cellular Center

3 Contra Dancing

No School

FRIDAY

Human Rights Day Contra Dancing @ The Grey Eagle 8 p.m.

Christmas Eve

WEDNESDAY

Compiled by Jessie Woodward Staff writer

End Of Chanukah

November 2012

The Machine @ The Orange Peel 18+ 9 p.m.

End of 2nd Grading Period

The

November 2012

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Arts

Web sites provide entertainment, laughs By Chris McHone Staff writer

Stumbleupon

Stumbleupon.com Stumbleupon is a website made for “stumbling.” The user signs up for free and indicates areas of interest, such as traveling or sports. When the stumbleupon icon is clicked, it brings up pictures, videos, and other websites that have to do with the user’s areas of interest.

Virtual Piano

Virtualpiano.net Ever wanted to play the piano but didn’t know how? Well Virtual Piano lets the user play without any knowledge of the piano. Just go to the website and start pressing keys and playing notes. If a person wants to play actual songs, the site has a list of songs the user can pick from. A link to their Facebook page enables the user to choose from more songs.

Reddit.com This social news site is used by a variety of people, ranging from angry atheists, to

people just looking for a laugh, to people wanting to argue about politics. Users go to the website and browse or create their own links or pictures about anything they want. Others up vote or down vote something, or they can comment on how they feel. Reddit is a lot like Digg, but since their comment system actually works, unlike Digg’s, there are more intelligent conversations and less arguing over the Internet. Also, the information is organized into “subreddits,” which are categories of things specific to what the subreddit is talking about.

Attack of the cute

Attackofthecute.com This website pretty much explains itself in the name. It is loaded with pictures of all kinds of cute animals, ranging from little kittens dressed up in Halloween costumes to turtles crawling into the ocean. The user can browse through the popular section, or versus, where they match two pictures together and people choose which is cuter. Another way to view pictures is the section called random.

Ted Talks

Ted.com Ted Talks are recorded segments where interesting people give talks. These talks

photo illustration by Connor Ferry

can be anything from famous singers talking about neurology to experts on the science of lying and much more. Any Internet user can go on this site and watch video clips that range in time from one minute to over fiftenn minutes. These clips are organized by subject matter and by views.

Spotify

Spotify.com Spotify is an Internet radio web site. It allows you to listen to thousands of artists for free. Spotify also connects with Facebook and shows users’ friends what they are listening to.

From hobbits to Navy Seals, season movies have action By Kevin McDaniel Staff writer The holiday season always promises plenty of new movies with possible Emmy nominations and this December is no different. The Hobbit Lord of the Rings trilogy director, Peter Jackson, will again have his hands in constructing films about Middle Earth. His latest will be three movies based on J.J.R. Tolkein’s book The Hobbit where Bilbo Baggins first acquires the ring. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will release on December 14. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second movie in the trilogy, will release on December 13, 2013, and the final movie, The Hobbit: There and Back Again is scheduled to release July 18, 2014.

Zero Dark Thirty Zero Dark Thirty is a controversial film based on the operation by the Navy’s SEAL Team Six to hunt down and eventually kill the most wanted man on Earth, Osama Bin Laden. It will release December 19. Jack Reacher Tom Cruise stars in the rogue cop film Jack Reacher. Child Lee wrote the novel, One Shot, which will be on the silver screen on December 21. Reacher investigates a shooting that killed five random people in public. Django Unchained Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, and Jonah Hill all star in the anticipated film, Django Unchained, about a former slave, Django (played by Foxx), and his journey to save his wife from her remorseless

plantation owner, Calvin Candie (played by DiCaprio). It will be directed by Quentin Tarantino who directed Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill volumes. Les Misérables Les Misérables is a movie based on the French novel by Victor Hugo that includes actors like Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Amanda Seyfried. Les Misérables is the world’s longest-running musical and has been seen by over 60 million people. The musical takes place early in the French Revolution.

photos courtesy of Flickr Creative

Django Unchained, described by critics as a Western, will come out on Christmas Day in all major theaters and Les Misérables will be released on the same day.

Arts

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November 2012

Recipes brighten holidays Compiled by Emma Farr Staff writer

Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes (Recipe provided by www.allrecipes.com)

Chocolate Mint Cookies (Recipe provided by www.allrecipes.com)

Original Recipe makes 24 cupcakes

Original recipe makes three dozen Ingredients: 3/4-cup butter 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons of water 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon of salt 36 chocolate mint wafer candies Directions: 1. In a large pan, over low heat, cook butter, sugar and water until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until partially melted. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes to cool off slightly. 2. At high speed, beat in eggs, one at a time into chocolate mixture. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients, beating until blended. Chill dough about one hour. 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 4. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet about two inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes. While cookies are baking, unwrap mints and divide each in half. When cookies are brought out of the oven, put 1/2 mint on top of each cookie. Let the mint sit for up to five minutes until melted. Then spread the mint on top of the cookie. Eat and enjoy! Recipe submitted by Susan Black

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger 1 cup butter (room temperature) 1 cup white sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree Directions: 1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners. Whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, cloves, and crystallized ginger in a bowl; set aside. 2. Beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the roomtemperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla and pumpkin puree with the last egg. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. Recipe submitted by OVIEDOGIRL

photo by Isiah Rush Dittbender

Best gifts homemade Rush Dittbrender Staff writer Paperclip earrings: Materials -Two paper clips -String -Hot Glue or Liquid Stitch (Liquid stitch works best) -Earring hooks Step 1: Unbend all the rounded parts of the paperclip until put into a round-edge triangle. Glue the ends together and let sit until dried. Step 2: Wind the string around the paperclip in any fashion you want. Feel free to experiment.

photo from Flickr Creative Commons

photo from allrecpes.com

Or if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feeling crafty you can always find cheap, yet thoughtful gifts

photo by

Rush Dittbender

at a local dollar store or handmade craft shop. For more excellent ideas for doit-yourself crafts and gifts go to www. the36thavenue.com/25-handmade-giftsunder-5.

The

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November 2012

Arts

Bl az er

Hot fashions make for cool winter looks Clothes:

Make up:

Jackets: Pea coats, blazers, pullovers are good for a light jacket in the winter time.

Pull Over

Bottoms: Tight and skinny pants are the new trend. Leggings of all colors always look the best.

Mascara: Long full alert lashes always pop to catch the attention more.

Leggings

Pull Over Uggs

Toms

Moccasins

Scarves: They’re lightweight to go around the neck and can make any shirt pop. Shoes: Uggs and low heel boots seem to be the shoes of the winter season. Moccasin booties and fringe boots create a Native American look. Earrings: Bright and dangling earrings are always in and always have a way of completing any outﬁt.

Leather Boots

Accessories:

Blush: A light pink on the upper cheek to give a better deﬁnition to the cheek bones.

Knitted Scarf

Lace

Tops: Baggie, bedazzled, and lace are always good picks when looking for the right shirt.

Sparkly Designed Scarf

Bedazzled

Eyeliner: Thin line a cat eye shape. Black looks the best with color.

Dangling Earrings

High Heels

Colorful Earrings

Bulk Wrist Watch photos by Jessie Woodwrd, Makenzie Furman, Caitlyn Page

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20 Sports

November 2012

Fall sports wrap up season successes, failures By Hannah Box and Morgan Dale Staff writers

Cross Country

The cross-country team finished its season placing eighth out of twenty-one teams at the regional meet in Morganton. Overall the girls team placed second in their conference, second only to Hendersonville, and the boys team placed fourth. Top runners for the girls team include seniors Ashley Devan and Hannah Nihart, and juniors Morgan Dale and Whitney Montgomery. “As an individual I think it went really well. I met my goal of 21: 30,” Ashley said. She also said that the team had good chemistry throughout the season. Coach Katharine Dost would like to see more girls out running next year. Top runners for the boys team include senior Mitchell Karriker and junior N o a h Vaden. “I definitely think that we improved over the season,” Noah said. Mitchell said that although they did not make it to state, “it was the road to that point that made our team.”

Ashley Devan

Girls Tennis

The girls tennis team ended their season with a record of three wins and five losses in conference and four wins and five losses overall. Three of the girls qualified for regionals this year. Sophomore Katie Craig and senior Sarah Margaret Christy made it to the second round at regionals, for doubles, and senior Faith Pugh qualified and played in the first round for singles. The team welcomed new coach Kelsey Hyatt this season. Sarah Margaret said, “I really liked her. She’s really young and brought new energy to the team.”

Football

The boys were able to go to the second round of playoffs this year. In the first round of state playoffs they beat Draughn 35-6. They played Madison in the second round, who earlier in the season beat them 14-7. In this game, they also lost with a score of 14-7. Last year the team only went to the first round playoffs. Their record this year was 6-7. Junior Grant Dickerson said, “This was a building year for the future of Owen football.”

Caleb Chandler

Boys Soccer

The boys soccer team ended their season with a historic record of 19-2-0, beating their tough rival Hendersonville twice this year. They were undefeated in conference, which made them number one in the Western Highlands Conference. The team achieved the status number one in state and kept it for five consecutive weeks. The top goal scorers were junior Matt Brouwer with 15 goals and junior Caleb Ford with 13 goals. Against other teams they had 13 total shutouts. The team also participated in the first ever Sourwood C o m munity Shield, which raised over $1,800 for the Special Olympics Soccer Team. The boys lost in the first round of playoffs to NewtonConover with a score of 1-0. Coach Tate MacQueen said, “We are proud of our accomplishments but our season ended prematurely.”

Volleyball

The girls volleyball team wrapped up their season with a win at Thomas Jefferson. The team’s overall record was three wins and 21 losses. Seniors and captains, Lauren Moore and Karlie Fiore said that they are sorry to be leaving the team. “It’s really sad because I am going to miss everybody so much. It has been great bonding with all of the girls over the years. They are like my sisters,” Lauren said. Both seniors were important leaders for the team and Karlie gave credit to the rest of the team. “I am very thankful for all of the girls and coaches who made it special, I wish there was another season to look forward to.”

Krysta Przestrzelski

Matthew Brouwer

Girls Golf

The team placed fourth in conference and ninth place in regional, with a record of 34-36. Team members included juniors Jessie Hamlin, Kelly Willet, Shelby Decker, Amy Bogan, and freshman Jasmine Bumgarner. All four juniors placed in the top twenty in conference. Jessie won a spot to go to state in a sudden death play off in regional with two other players. Jessie placed fifty-first out of the 78 girls competing in state. “For the conditions and the length of the course I did pretty good, “ she said. She shot two 105s in the two 18 holes. The girls golf team has gone to state every year since this program was started 14 years ago. Shelby said, “It was a good learning opportunity to teach us what we have to do next.” photos by Isiah Rush Dittbrender

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Movie heros create new interest in archery By Lauren Nalley Staff writer

gon Middle School in Raleigh, according to The Washington Post, have even added archery classes to their curriculum. They Basketball? Soccer? No, thanks, said claim that it gives kids that aren’t as physically gifted as others a chance to feel acteenagers across the country. This past year many teens have cepted into the world of sports. When Brady Ellison, Jake Kaminski, switched their interests from glittery nail polish and summer camps to getting and Jacob Wukie brought home the silver medal for the United States, and Italy down in the dirt at archery camps. brought home Some teenag“They claim that it gives the gold in the ers learned about Summer archery from The kids that aren’t as physically 2012 Olympics, it Hunger Games, the blockbuster hit gifted as others a chance to caused an arthat was released feel accepted in to the world chery outbreak worldwide. Many last summer about of sports.” adults have expea teenager who rienced a growhunts with a bow ing interest in and arrow to help keep her family alive, but it was the Dis- archery as well. The movie The Avengers combines ney movie Brave, about a young princess named Merida that wants to prove her most of the Marvel heroes in a fight to independence while using a bow, that has save the world. One of the characters is Hawkeye, an intimidating archer, who gotten the younger children involved. Some schools in Wake County and Li- uses his skills with a bow to save the

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

world. Millions of adults have seen the movie and because of their children being interested, they gave it a try. Archery camps throughout the nation have seen

kids and adults, ranging from the age of five to in their sixties, all interested in the same thing: exposing themselves to nature and learning something new.

Differences in brain chemistry promote risk taking By Luke Rathbone Staff writer Dilated eyes, accelerated heartbeat, heavy breathing and a general sense of recklessness are all symptoms of extreme sports. Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian daredevil, is a prime example of an extreme athlete. Traveling up to the stratosphere in a one-man balloon, he engaged in a freefall for four minutes and 19 seconds, from 25 miles above the earth. Being the first human to break the sound barrier without a vehicle, he released his parachute, landing on his feet when he reached the ground. More sports that are as dangerous as base-jumping and freefalling are bungee jumping, cliff-jumping, and any jumping off of heights. Why do people like Felix Baumgartner take such risks? Time magazine cites research that concludes that the neurotransmitter dopamine in the reason why. Dopamine is the feel good chemical in

the brain, and every time a person participates in an extreme activity, his or her brain releases the chemical. A report in The Journal of Neuroscience states that some people have more dopamine in their blood and they are more likely to engage in risky behavior. In some way, risk takers are addict. They have less dopamine inhibitors, and, therefore, get a bigger rush than other people, which causes them to seek out more risks to take. Freshman Colby Whitaker doesn’t think the risk is worth it. “We don’t [need people like Felix] because it’s a completely pointless waste of money,” he said. Colby knows what he would want to try if he were to do any extreme things. “I would want to skydive,” Colby said. “It would be fun. I just don’t want to die.” Sophomore Josué Hernandez thinks otherwise. He thinks that creativity requires a certain amount of risk-taking. “Without them [people like Felix

Baumgartner] there would be no science, math, literature, arts, or history,” Josué said. “People try to live in the safe zone, and when people are just in the safe zone, they wouldn’t go anywhere, and there would be no Tony Hawk or Shawn White.” Professor Marvin Zuckerman, of the University of Delaware, created a sensation seeking scale, to measure a person’s need for risky behavior. Results of the test divide people into categories based on how much risk they need to take to make themselves happy. Walking over Niagara Falls on a tightrope or jumping over countless cars and photo by Flickr Creative Commons buses on a motorcycle are actions of people on the high Felix Baumgartner before his record breaking jump end of that scale. where he dove from the edge of the stratosphere.

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MRSA outbreak demands attention by athletes By Cassidy Moseley Staff writer

Recent reports of MRSA outbreaks in Buncombe County have caused alarm in the community. MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a bacterial infection, much is harder to treat than most staph infections because it has become resistant to most common antibiotics. It has become a problem in many counties, such as Buncombe, Mecklenburg, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Northampton, Cumberland, Robeson, and Duplin. “The number of documented cases at OHS and all of Buncombe County Schools have decreased in the past couple of years,” school nurse Sharon Raines said. Web MD says Staph often gets into the body through a cut or open wound. Touching an infected person’s skin, towels, bandages, razors or other objects with the bacteria on it can contract the infection. People with weak immune systems are most

susceptible to the disease. This kind of MRSA is usually associated with people in hospitals, specifically in the ICU. The number of people who get MRSA while in the ICU is on the rise. “We are, as a society, much more more susceptible to germs and disease, to illness, to bacteria than we’ve ever been,” Principal Meg Turner said. Community-Associated MRSA (CAMRSA) shows up in healthy people who haven’t even been in a hospital. It is common with people who live in close quarters, for example, athletes, military units, and prison inmates. CAMRSA also affects mostly young people. The CA-MRSA symptoms include boils, which are often red, swollen and painful, or have pus or other drainage. At first they look like a spider bite or bumps. This commonly occurs in cuts, abrasions and areas of skin covered by hair. “I’ve been working in schools for 26 years and have only ever encountered one case,” Turner said. As of 2007, there were about 880,000 cases of MRSA each year. Nineteen-Thousand people

dying from it in 2007. The CDC emphasizes cleanliness as a big factor in keeping from getting this disease. “Prevention starts with diligence in personal hygiene and not sharing personal items such as razors, towels, clothing, etc.,” Raines said. Athletes should also shower immediately after every practice, shower before using hot tubs, and wash and dry uniforms after every use. Also, report all possible infections to the coach as soon as possible will also prevent infection, This can mean taking players out of the sport if the cut can’t photo couresty of Flickr Creative Commons be completely covered at all times MRSA bacteria attacks a cell under a microscope. while playing. Sports that are at a higher risk of off. MRSA include wrestling, football, and rugby, “Our custodians here at OHS do an excelhigh-physical-contact sports. lent job in disinfecting the athletic areas of our The treatment of MRSA can be difficult, be- school,” Raines said, “but it takes everyone docause the infection is adapting to the most coming their part including students, every class monly used antibiotics, thus not being killed and every day.”

New NCSHAA ‘mercy rule’ creates some controversy By Sarah Gilmour Co-Editor-In-Chief

the Assistant Commissioner of Sports at the NCHSAA, the rule was instituted because “an administrator asked that the Board consider implementing this rule beOver the summer, the North Carolina cause the scores in some cases were very High School Athletic Association (NCHhigh and some teams were being beaten SAA) adopted a new rule for high school badly.” soccer that sparked controversy across Soccer coach David Fiest recognizes the state. This new rule has been given the their efname “the mercy rule.” “Fiest believes this rule forts but This “mercy rule” redoes not quires the game to stop will hurt high school soccer a g r e e after the first half has programs in the long run with their been played if the goal methods. differential reaches nine. and will prevent weaker pro“I If that happens before grams from improving, a view t h i n k the first half, the game they had will not resume after half shared by players as well." good intime. If the goal different e nt i on s tial reaches nine at any behind point after the first half, the game will be it, but I don’t think they really thought out cut short immediately. things in terms of humility and the future This rule raises questions about sportsof soccer programs in the state of North manship and humility in high school socCarolina,” Fiest said. cer. Is it better to play the whole game but Fiest is not only concerned about the lose by more than nine, or is it more hupotential for humiliation under this new miliating to not even finish play? rule but also what it means for programs According to Carolyn Shannonhouse,

that are developing. “It’s taking away from building a program,” Fiest said. “The more touches you get on the ball in a game-like situation, the better you will be.” If the game is cut off after the goal differential reaches nine, the players will lose that exposure to playing in game-like situations. This goes for both the weaker teams and the stronger teams. According to Fiest, coaches at Owen and other schools will put in the second string players if the team is winning by a substantial amount. If the game is cut off, the weaker team will not have a chance to develop their skills and the second string players on the stronger team will not get a chance to play in a game. Fiest believes this rule will hurt high school soccer programs in the long run and will prevent weaker programs from improving, a view shared by players as well. “I think it ruins teams because weaker teams will probably never finish a game all season,” varsity soccer player Christina McIntosh said. Not everyone views the rule in a nega-

“Nine-Goal Rule: If a goal differential of nine is reached by halftime or at any time in the second half, the game shall be terminated” -NCSHAA Soccer Handbook tive light. “It’s really good because it promotes good sportsmanship. It keeps incredible schools from slamming more than nine goals against bad teams,” varsity soccer player Trey Clayton said. The rule was instituted for the 20122013 school year, and games have already been cut off in accordance with the rule, but the effects will only become clear after it has been in place for longer. The NCHSAA does not track scores, so it is unclear how often this rule has been utilized. Fiest said, “I hope there are enough coaches and people around to fight against the mercy rule.”

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Students of the Issue Lucas Rumney

Imani Stewart

By Caitlyn Page Staff writer

Senior Lucas Rumney, is math team leader, vice president of the Calculus Club, and not to mention, a computer whiz. Some of Lucas’s hobbies are poetry, gaming, guitar, saxophone, and musical composition. Lucas likes to spend his time with the game development club, which he started at Owen. He also attends meetings with the North Carolina Linux users group. Now he is a member of the Asheville First RoboticTeam, Ashe-Bots. Lucas has hundreds of volunteer hours at the Kiwanis Thrift Shop and Black Mountain Digital Media. As for friends, he likes to play games; video and role playing games, such as dungeons and dragons. He also likes to develop games with friends.

Senior Imani Stewart is well known by her friends as the “track star,” the girl who “dresses nice,” and the girl who has one of the “best personalities.” Imani’s favorite things to do are work at Ingles, hang out with her friends and family, and run. “Running is one of my passions and I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t able to run,” Imani said. “She is one of the nicest and friendliest girls at this school,” senior Lea Chinikaylo said. Imani works hard to make good grades in school so that next year she will be able to go to a college somewhere in North Carolina.

photo by Max Alford

The students of the issue are seniors Lucas Rumney, left, and Imani Stewart, right.