I'm a teacher, so I'll make sure my posts are a rarity.
Election. Economy. Hurricane. Big words, every one. Scary words that hang heavy in the air and in our lives. No doubt about it, we are living in a turbulent time. A frightening time. Happy Halloween!
But that isn't the end of the message.
I'm new here, so you'll pardon me if I don't have the full history of this place. If there is anything I have learned about O'Connell, if there is anything that stands out, it is the pride and determination of everyone involved. From the School Board to the students, nobody gives up at O'Connell. We use finesse to succeed when we can, we power through when we can't, and we never throw in the towel.
And that is what I know of O'Connell. This is the school that takes the hard right on the chin and comes up swinging. We've seen hard times before and we'll see them again, but judging from the posts the students have been making here -- the belief and hope in the future, the trust in God to provide -- there isn't a doubt in my mind that nobody is giving up. O'Connell will only be stronger because of our trial-by-fire. We may sometimes be down, but we're never out.
So, thank you all for making O'Connell more than a school. Thank you for making it an idea worth believing in. Because an education is important, but high school is about so much more than math and literature. It’s about becoming who you will be, taking the first steps into adulthood, and wrestling through a difficult era of responsibility and growth.
It’s tough. But nobody quits at OCHS.
I hope you don't mind that I use the word "we" when I talk about O'Connell, but I've bought into the idea of this place and consider myself a part of it now. And I couldn't be happier.
GO BUCS!!!
-Kody Davis
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Scarbrough
Terry Scarbrough was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He moved to Houston when he was twelve and attended St. Cecilia. He moved to Galveston a year later, where he attended O'Connell Junior High. He went to high school at both O'Connell and Ball High, attending OC for three years and BHS for one during which time he played football, basketball, and tennis. He extended his education at Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M, UC Santa Barbara, and U of H. He studied journalism, occupational therapy, and then finally, history.
Mr. Scarbrough spent a great deal of time traveling. He lived in Santa Barbara for awhile and ran a business with a friend. Then back to Galveston, then to Washington D.C. where he had an internship with the House of Representatives in '98-'99. After that, he moved to Austin and back to Galveston, again. During all this he got school in, worked at a brain injury rehabilitation center, met Johnny Depp (and a few other celebrities), and finally settled into his teaching career.
Like most people, Mr. Scarbrough has considered many careers in his life. Growing up, he wanted to be a baseball player. Then he wanted to be a journalist or a lawyer. Finally, after finishing U of H, he knew he wanted to be a teacher. History was a natural choice, he liked it and knew a lot about it.
He chose to teach at O'Connell because it was his Alma Mater and he knew the students would want to learn. He started coaching tennis his first year teaching, in '02. He then started coaching football in '06.
He has been married for seven years and has a five year old daughter and one year old twins.
Mr. Scarbrough spent a great deal of time traveling. He lived in Santa Barbara for awhile and ran a business with a friend. Then back to Galveston, then to Washington D.C. where he had an internship with the House of Representatives in '98-'99. After that, he moved to Austin and back to Galveston, again. During all this he got school in, worked at a brain injury rehabilitation center, met Johnny Depp (and a few other celebrities), and finally settled into his teaching career.
Like most people, Mr. Scarbrough has considered many careers in his life. Growing up, he wanted to be a baseball player. Then he wanted to be a journalist or a lawyer. Finally, after finishing U of H, he knew he wanted to be a teacher. History was a natural choice, he liked it and knew a lot about it.
He chose to teach at O'Connell because it was his Alma Mater and he knew the students would want to learn. He started coaching tennis his first year teaching, in '02. He then started coaching football in '06.
He has been married for seven years and has a five year old daughter and one year old twins.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Movies Coming toTheaters Oct. 31
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Kevin Smith writes and directs his newest comedy for The Weinstein Co. with Zack & Miri Make a Porno, the story of two friends (Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks) who get into the amateur porn business to combat their rising debt, only to realize their underlying feelings for each other while doing so.
The Haunting of Molly Hartley
In this tale of spell binding suspense, something evil lurks just beneath the lush surfaces of teenaged girl's private school world - and it holds the rights to her very soul. Now, on the eve of her 18th birthday, Molly Hartley is about to discover the truth of just who, or rather what, it is she is destined to become.
Changeling
In 1928 Los Angeles, single mother Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) arrives home to find her son, Walter, gone. Five months later, her prayers are answered and Walter is found in Illinois. But, to Christine's horror, the boy who steps off the train is not her son. The authorities vehemently disagree with Christine's assessment, and her only ally is a clergyman (John Malkovich), who sees the case as his chance to expose the corruptness of L.A.'s police and government.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Zoo animals (Ben Stiller, Chris Rock) from New York meet others of their species for the first time after crash-landing in Africa.
First Date Dont's
1. If a guy drives he should definately pick up his date, don't be late! Being late would make a bad first impression for a first date!
2. Don't text the whole time...it's just rude and makes it seem like you are bored!
3. No farting or picking your nose.
4. Guys should hold open doors like a gentlemen, prove chivalry isn't dead.
5. Don't talk about your problems with each other because it will turn into friendship.
6. Girls, don't over do your makeup.
7. Try not to drown yourself in cologne or perfume.
8. Don't talk about your ex or call your date by your exes name!! Doing this will make it seem like you aren't over your ex and therefore shouldn't be on a date.
9. Don't have an attitute around parents, this is just an overall BAD idea.
10. Don't try and hit a "homerun," it's a first date! This will make you seem pushy and interested in only one thing.
Hope these help someone!
OC' JOURNALISM
2. Don't text the whole time...it's just rude and makes it seem like you are bored!
3. No farting or picking your nose.
4. Guys should hold open doors like a gentlemen, prove chivalry isn't dead.
5. Don't talk about your problems with each other because it will turn into friendship.
6. Girls, don't over do your makeup.
7. Try not to drown yourself in cologne or perfume.
8. Don't talk about your ex or call your date by your exes name!! Doing this will make it seem like you aren't over your ex and therefore shouldn't be on a date.
9. Don't have an attitute around parents, this is just an overall BAD idea.
10. Don't try and hit a "homerun," it's a first date! This will make you seem pushy and interested in only one thing.
Hope these help someone!
OC' JOURNALISM
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Are cell phones taking over the teenage minds?!
Cell phones seem to be something teens can't live without these days. Every time a new cell phone hits the market, even if it's just two weeks after they have bought a new one, teens will do anything to get their hands on the newest technology.
Parents of these teens can't see why their children are so obsessed with a piece of plastic made up of metal and microchips. However, they don't really see what their children see, which is that, with their phones, they can connect to the internet, do homework, and even do research with a push of a button. It's amazing what a hand-held piece of plastic can do in an instant.
The cost of a "typical" cell phone would cost around $60-$100 - a pretty good price for the brick phone - which is not a flip or the type that have a 180 degree turn. Now those could cost easily $300 and up, plus the added features that include the internet explorer, ringtones and e-mail.
Teenagers will always be on top of technology no matter what, the only question is will they be able to afford it with the prices going up as people put more and more features on the phones, we shall see what the next few years bring.
-Jackie Tovar
Parents of these teens can't see why their children are so obsessed with a piece of plastic made up of metal and microchips. However, they don't really see what their children see, which is that, with their phones, they can connect to the internet, do homework, and even do research with a push of a button. It's amazing what a hand-held piece of plastic can do in an instant.
The cost of a "typical" cell phone would cost around $60-$100 - a pretty good price for the brick phone - which is not a flip or the type that have a 180 degree turn. Now those could cost easily $300 and up, plus the added features that include the internet explorer, ringtones and e-mail.
Teenagers will always be on top of technology no matter what, the only question is will they be able to afford it with the prices going up as people put more and more features on the phones, we shall see what the next few years bring.
-Jackie Tovar
Question of the Week
Technology; Helping or Hurting us?
At some point in your life you've probably heard something along the lines of "When i was your age..." come out of your parents' mouth. When our parents were our age, they didn't own cell phones or laptops. They didn't text message or E-mail their friends. We are now known as the technoligical generation. Some four-year-olds know how to use a computer better than their own parents. So, what would happen if we took it all away? I know that when my cell phone gets taken away, I feel naked, like a piece or part of me is missing. While I think we've made great advances in technology, I also think we've become much too dependant on it. Many schools are now banning cell phones from even being on the premises or the device is taken up and you're fined. So this is what I would like to know, do you think out advances in technology help or hurt us?
--Katie Rule
At some point in your life you've probably heard something along the lines of "When i was your age..." come out of your parents' mouth. When our parents were our age, they didn't own cell phones or laptops. They didn't text message or E-mail their friends. We are now known as the technoligical generation. Some four-year-olds know how to use a computer better than their own parents. So, what would happen if we took it all away? I know that when my cell phone gets taken away, I feel naked, like a piece or part of me is missing. While I think we've made great advances in technology, I also think we've become much too dependant on it. Many schools are now banning cell phones from even being on the premises or the device is taken up and you're fined. So this is what I would like to know, do you think out advances in technology help or hurt us?
--Katie Rule
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Top 5 Hockey Players of All Time
5. Steve Yzerman
Stephen Gregory Yzerman is a retired Canadian professional hockey player who played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman led the Wings to three Stanley Cup championships 1997, 1998 and 2002. At the age of 21, he was named captain of the Red Wings and was the captain until he retired 2 decades later. Steve Yzerman retired as the longest serving captain of any team in North American major league sports history.
4. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey who played 17 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL between 1984 and 2005. He led Pittsburgh to two Stanley Cups and Canada to an Olympic gold medal and two World Cups of Hockey. He won three Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player during the season, six Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer, and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
3. Bobby Orr
Robert Gordon "Bobby" Orr is a retired hockey defenseman, and is considered to be one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He played for the NHL teams Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. As a 14-year-old he played for the Oshawa Generals in the junior league Ontario Hockey Association, competing against eighteen, nineteen and twenty year olds. NHL rules dictated that he could not join the Boston Bruins before reaching eighteen.
2. Gordie Howe
Gordon "Gordie" Howe is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada who played for the Hartford Whalers of the NHL and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the WHL. Howe won six Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and six Art Ross Trophies as the leading scorer. He was awarded the first NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He is often referred to as Mr. Hockey, and is generally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Full name: Wayne Douglas Gretzky Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. Wayne Gretzky is known for having almost 200 points in one season. He did this 4 times. He is also known because he had way more assists than goals so that means he is unselfish on the ice. That is what makes him the best Hockey player of all time.
Stephen Gregory Yzerman is a retired Canadian professional hockey player who played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman led the Wings to three Stanley Cup championships 1997, 1998 and 2002. At the age of 21, he was named captain of the Red Wings and was the captain until he retired 2 decades later. Steve Yzerman retired as the longest serving captain of any team in North American major league sports history.
4. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey who played 17 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL between 1984 and 2005. He led Pittsburgh to two Stanley Cups and Canada to an Olympic gold medal and two World Cups of Hockey. He won three Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player during the season, six Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer, and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
3. Bobby Orr
Robert Gordon "Bobby" Orr is a retired hockey defenseman, and is considered to be one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He played for the NHL teams Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. As a 14-year-old he played for the Oshawa Generals in the junior league Ontario Hockey Association, competing against eighteen, nineteen and twenty year olds. NHL rules dictated that he could not join the Boston Bruins before reaching eighteen.
2. Gordie Howe
Gordon "Gordie" Howe is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada who played for the Hartford Whalers of the NHL and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the WHL. Howe won six Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and six Art Ross Trophies as the leading scorer. He was awarded the first NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He is often referred to as Mr. Hockey, and is generally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Full name: Wayne Douglas Gretzky Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. Wayne Gretzky is known for having almost 200 points in one season. He did this 4 times. He is also known because he had way more assists than goals so that means he is unselfish on the ice. That is what makes him the best Hockey player of all time.
Football and Its Essence
Why do people watch football? If they wanted to see a noncontact sport they would watch something else, but they don’t they want to see people get hit. The essence of football is the knock the hell out of you contact from shoulder-pad to helmet. We have two hard hitters from O’Connell’s linebacker team, Corey Lee & Curtis Hightower who are going to tell you just how it feels to hit the way they do.
“I like to make my presence known to the other team, hitting is my favorite part of the game and it is the only reason that I enjoy playing the game. I’ve had more than a few concussions and I don’t mind getting a few more, I’ve had brain damage and I don’t care,” says inside linebacker Corey Lee.
“I hit the way I do because I have to, being the smallest starting linebacker on the team at 185lbs I have to establish myself somehow on the gridiron, and that’s the best way I know how to do it. I try to take examples from the other veteran hitters on the team to play the way I do,” says Hightower, the other inside linebacker and Corey Lee’s counterpart behind the line. We like to hit and we do what we do.
“I like to make my presence known to the other team, hitting is my favorite part of the game and it is the only reason that I enjoy playing the game. I’ve had more than a few concussions and I don’t mind getting a few more, I’ve had brain damage and I don’t care,” says inside linebacker Corey Lee.
“I hit the way I do because I have to, being the smallest starting linebacker on the team at 185lbs I have to establish myself somehow on the gridiron, and that’s the best way I know how to do it. I try to take examples from the other veteran hitters on the team to play the way I do,” says Hightower, the other inside linebacker and Corey Lee’s counterpart behind the line. We like to hit and we do what we do.
Is Britney Making A Comeback?
There has been lots of gossip that Britney Spears is making a comeback. Although her VMA performance wasn't so hot, she has many fans that love her music. Some people are saying she deserves a VMA do-over.
There are rumours circulating that Britney could be planning a massive come back tour. Britney is also receiving support from her record label BMG who are confident that she can restore her squeaky-clean image on the road. Britney has reportedly began training for her tour at the Millenium Dance Studios. She scheduled auditions for dancers at Millenium Dance Studio in North Hollywood, California
“Womanizer” is the first single from Spears’ upcoming studio album “Circus,” which drops on her 27th birthday, Dec. 2. "Womanizer" has had lots of airplay. She will reportedly perform “Womanizer” in December on Simon Cowell’s U.K. reality show, “The X Factor.” Fans are anticipating a big comeback from Spears after the star earned three awards, including Video of the Year, at the MTV VMAs on Sept. 7 for “Piece of Me,” a single from her 2007 album “Blackout.”
Britney has always had loyal fans. If she does at least one good performance, she will be back on top. People are estatic to get there hands on her new album.
By: Jessica Botello
There are rumours circulating that Britney could be planning a massive come back tour. Britney is also receiving support from her record label BMG who are confident that she can restore her squeaky-clean image on the road. Britney has reportedly began training for her tour at the Millenium Dance Studios. She scheduled auditions for dancers at Millenium Dance Studio in North Hollywood, California
“Womanizer” is the first single from Spears’ upcoming studio album “Circus,” which drops on her 27th birthday, Dec. 2. "Womanizer" has had lots of airplay. She will reportedly perform “Womanizer” in December on Simon Cowell’s U.K. reality show, “The X Factor.” Fans are anticipating a big comeback from Spears after the star earned three awards, including Video of the Year, at the MTV VMAs on Sept. 7 for “Piece of Me,” a single from her 2007 album “Blackout.”
Britney has always had loyal fans. If she does at least one good performance, she will be back on top. People are estatic to get there hands on her new album.
By: Jessica Botello
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hurricanes Can't Beat the Island
The 2008 hurricane season has been a very intense one, with Gustav, Eduard and Ike, one of them nearly destroyed our coastline, Galveston, which happened about a month and a half ago leaving the residents of Galveston in total shock and much disappointment. On September 8 Galvestonians found out about a possible hurricane heading to the coastline that may become a category 5,which landed as a strong category in landfall, the highest and most deadly storm in the books. In this situation many residents prepare for the possible worst while other think of it has another “storm”, however never push that so-called ‘luck’.
In order to be prepare you need a supply kit which includes a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, canned foods, change of clothes and any important papers that may be a use in case of any possible damage to homes. It’s been about twenty years since Galveston has been hit by Hurricane Alicia. This year the residents were hit by the strong winds of a category 2 but a category 3 in the surge. Which in other words this storm came with a lot of damage and a “little” left of what Galveston use to be.
In the Aftermath of the storm the island is still strong, in less than a month the city is doing the normal activities and slowly but surely going back to normal with a lot of major changes. Despite what has happen we the people are growing even closer. At the end of the day, no matter what Galveston will still be Galveston.
-Jackie Tovar
In order to be prepare you need a supply kit which includes a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, canned foods, change of clothes and any important papers that may be a use in case of any possible damage to homes. It’s been about twenty years since Galveston has been hit by Hurricane Alicia. This year the residents were hit by the strong winds of a category 2 but a category 3 in the surge. Which in other words this storm came with a lot of damage and a “little” left of what Galveston use to be.
In the Aftermath of the storm the island is still strong, in less than a month the city is doing the normal activities and slowly but surely going back to normal with a lot of major changes. Despite what has happen we the people are growing even closer. At the end of the day, no matter what Galveston will still be Galveston.
-Jackie Tovar
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Teacher Spotlight
Mr. Danesi
This weeks spotlight focus's on Mr. Danesi. While I know that Danesi isn't a teacher this year, we'd still like to honor him since he's the principal. Coach Danesi is not only an awesome principal, he's a great teacher and coach. He's laid back and believes more in the big picture than little details. When I asked him what he thought about all the changes this year, he said that he thought it was for the better of the students and faculty. I asked him what he thought about all the leniency and he quickly replied with "I don't believe it's leniency or freedom, more as it being not getting punished before committing the crime." Which when you think about it is a great policy. Coach Danesi is a great coach, teacher, principal, counselor, and all around guy. We're glad to have him as our principal this year and hope he continues as a part of our faculty.
--Katie Rule
This weeks spotlight focus's on Mr. Danesi. While I know that Danesi isn't a teacher this year, we'd still like to honor him since he's the principal. Coach Danesi is not only an awesome principal, he's a great teacher and coach. He's laid back and believes more in the big picture than little details. When I asked him what he thought about all the changes this year, he said that he thought it was for the better of the students and faculty. I asked him what he thought about all the leniency and he quickly replied with "I don't believe it's leniency or freedom, more as it being not getting punished before committing the crime." Which when you think about it is a great policy. Coach Danesi is a great coach, teacher, principal, counselor, and all around guy. We're glad to have him as our principal this year and hope he continues as a part of our faculty.
--Katie Rule
Another Election Article
Barack Obama is a terroist. John McCain is really old. These are the two basic arguements I hear most often when the two are discussed. And honestly, I'm tired of it. If you're going to talk about the election, at least be slightly informed.
Know that Barack Obama is not a terrorist. He's not even muslim. He's not from the middle east, and neither is his family. He was born in Hawaii. If he was born in the Middle East, he wouldn't be running for president, as that is illegal. Know that while he is inexperienced, he backed himself up with a veteran senator as his running mate.
Know that John McCain isn't...okay he is really old. In fact, he'll be the oldest president ever elected if, God forbid, that happens. Know that his running mate is the eptiome of inexperience, and basically retarded because she thinks that dinosaurs and people lived at the same time. Know that John McCain is far more liberal than your average Republican candidate, and that doesn't help as much as you think it would. It loses him some hardcore conservative votes, and doesn't really make any liberals come to his side.
While McCain himself isn't neccesarily a bad cantidate, his running mate choice backfired big time. The GOP expected everyone to like an attractive, female running mate, but people have been put off with her folksy attitude and inexperience.
Barack, on the other hand, isn't exactly perfect either. He's openly friends with a former "terrorist" (this was before the term "terrorist" was coined) who is now a college professor. His "history of being Muslim" doesn't go over very well in post 9-11 America. You metion Islam, and 80% of America jumps to the conclusion terrorist. Although he has tried hard not to address it, his race does come into play during the election. Although he is an electable black cantidate, I'm seriously doubting a state that still has the confederate flag in it's state flag will elect a black candidate anytime soon.
A friend of mine summed it up pretty well. "Both cantidates suck, and either of them will ruin America." Expect very little, and you'll at least be kinda' satisfied.
-Christian Grimaldo
Know that Barack Obama is not a terrorist. He's not even muslim. He's not from the middle east, and neither is his family. He was born in Hawaii. If he was born in the Middle East, he wouldn't be running for president, as that is illegal. Know that while he is inexperienced, he backed himself up with a veteran senator as his running mate.
Know that John McCain isn't...okay he is really old. In fact, he'll be the oldest president ever elected if, God forbid, that happens. Know that his running mate is the eptiome of inexperience, and basically retarded because she thinks that dinosaurs and people lived at the same time. Know that John McCain is far more liberal than your average Republican candidate, and that doesn't help as much as you think it would. It loses him some hardcore conservative votes, and doesn't really make any liberals come to his side.
While McCain himself isn't neccesarily a bad cantidate, his running mate choice backfired big time. The GOP expected everyone to like an attractive, female running mate, but people have been put off with her folksy attitude and inexperience.
Barack, on the other hand, isn't exactly perfect either. He's openly friends with a former "terrorist" (this was before the term "terrorist" was coined) who is now a college professor. His "history of being Muslim" doesn't go over very well in post 9-11 America. You metion Islam, and 80% of America jumps to the conclusion terrorist. Although he has tried hard not to address it, his race does come into play during the election. Although he is an electable black cantidate, I'm seriously doubting a state that still has the confederate flag in it's state flag will elect a black candidate anytime soon.
A friend of mine summed it up pretty well. "Both cantidates suck, and either of them will ruin America." Expect very little, and you'll at least be kinda' satisfied.
-Christian Grimaldo
Ike damages, doesn't destroy
On September 13, 2008 Galveston Island was rocked by one of the most damaging hurricanes in history. Hurricane Ike, a category two hurricane at the time, devastated much of the Southeastern Texas coastline. Since then many of our lives haven’t been the same. Almost all of us have lost something, big or small, that was valuable in its own important way. Many lost everyday things we may have taken for granted before this storm, and had to go without the most simple of things, such as power and natural gas. Everyday Galveston and the surrounding areas get closer to being back to normal, but the full recovery could take years, and the experiences will live with all of us forever.
Yet, even through all this, the piles of debris continue to get smaller and homes begin to enter the repair phases. Separately we have all suffered, but together we are resilient and can persevere through this and make Galveston a better place. It has happened before, and will, unfortunately happen again, but we have survived and that is what is important now. With school back, it feels as if things are getting back to normal already, but many of us are far from having our normal lives back. However, this may be the one thing that we can use to help us begin to get going again, especially in this, Homecoming Week. With that said we can unite under one thing: that we are Buccaneers.
Yet, even through all this, the piles of debris continue to get smaller and homes begin to enter the repair phases. Separately we have all suffered, but together we are resilient and can persevere through this and make Galveston a better place. It has happened before, and will, unfortunately happen again, but we have survived and that is what is important now. With school back, it feels as if things are getting back to normal already, but many of us are far from having our normal lives back. However, this may be the one thing that we can use to help us begin to get going again, especially in this, Homecoming Week. With that said we can unite under one thing: that we are Buccaneers.
ADVICE ANYONE?
This is the future home of THE advice column.
Any suggestions on how this should be run would be very helpful!
Please comment or post “whatever you likeeee” and we’ll go from there!
Posts and comments can remain completely confidential or can be out in the open, either way, we're here to help!
Cooperation will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
OC’ JOURNALISM :]
Any suggestions on how this should be run would be very helpful!
Please comment or post “whatever you likeeee” and we’ll go from there!
Posts and comments can remain completely confidential or can be out in the open, either way, we're here to help!
Cooperation will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
OC’ JOURNALISM :]
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dropping The Drinking Age
The minimum drinking age (21) continues to stir controversy. There has been recent proposals made to reduce or qualify the minimum legal age. Dr. Ruth Engs, professor of Applied Health Sciences in Bloomington, Indiana at Indiana University agrees with these proposals.
Quote by Dr. Ruth Engs; “I propose that the drinking age be lowered to about 18 or 19 and permit those of legal age to consume in socially controlled environment such as restaurants and official school and university functions. Currently, we prohibit 20-year-olds from sipping champagne at their own weddings! I also propose that individuals of any age be permitted to consume alcohol under the direct supervision of their parents in their own homes.”
Although the legal purchase age is 21, many people under 21 consume alcohol and too many of them do so in an irresponsible manner. This may be because young people see alcohol as a "forbidden fruit, a badge of rebellion against authority," and a symbol of adulthood. Dr. Ruth Engs says drinking is not the problem, but drinking abusively is the problem.
Quote by Dr. Ruth Engs; “Lowering the drinking age would help send the important message that drinking is, in itself, not evidence of maturity, that responsible consumption for those who choose to drink is evidence of maturity.”
However, the behavior of 18 year-olds is particularly influential on youth ages 15 - 17, as young people typically imitate the practices of those who are slightly older, rather than the practices of those who are significantly older. Therefore, if 18 year-olds can legally drink, their younger peers will drink too.
Of those who begin drinking at age 18, 16.6% are classified with alcohol dependence and 7.8% with alcohol abuse. If a person waits until age 21 before taking their first drink, these risks decrease by over 60%. The earlier a person begins using alcohol, the greater the risk of harm to the developing brain. In raising the minimum legal purchase age from 18 to 21, states observed an average 16% decrease in the rate of vandalism arrests, compared to an average 1.7% increase in states with a constant minimum legal purchase age of 18.
Some people believe if you can marry, serve in the military, vote, enter into legal contracts, and shoulder adult responsibilities at the age of 18, you should be able to legally drink alcohol at the age of 18. On the other hand, some people believe that lowering the drinking age would send out a bad message to young people and make the issues we have already with drinking worse.
By: Jessica Botello
Top 5 Most Entertaining Villains of All Time
5. Terminator-Terminator
The reason terminator is on the list is, whether it’s killing people with machine guns or stealing 18 wheelers, he is on one mission and nothing can stop him!
4. Dr. Evil- Austin Powers
Dr.Evil is hilarious and wants to take over the world with his plan “Preparation H.” If you just watch one of the Austin Powers movies you will understand how funny he is.
3. Chainsaw Guy- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The chainsaw guy cuts people’s parts and skin off and uses them for his own body parts. He has no respect for anyone or anything. This isn’t something you see everyday or even in most of the scary movies.
It doesn’t get any gorier than this!
The reason terminator is on the list is, whether it’s killing people with machine guns or stealing 18 wheelers, he is on one mission and nothing can stop him!
4. Dr. Evil- Austin Powers
Dr.Evil is hilarious and wants to take over the world with his plan “Preparation H.” If you just watch one of the Austin Powers movies you will understand how funny he is.
3. Chainsaw Guy- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The chainsaw guy cuts people’s parts and skin off and uses them for his own body parts. He has no respect for anyone or anything. This isn’t something you see everyday or even in most of the scary movies.
It doesn’t get any gorier than this!
2. Darth Vader-Star Wars
Darth Vader is the head enforcer of the Imperial army and has many action scenes, like fighting his son Luke with a light saber or flying around shooting down Jedi’s out of their planes and making them crash into the death star.
Darth Vader is the head enforcer of the Imperial army and has many action scenes, like fighting his son Luke with a light saber or flying around shooting down Jedi’s out of their planes and making them crash into the death star.
1. The Joker-The Dark Knight
The joker is a psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy. The reason he is number 1 on the list of top 5 most entertaining villains of all time is because that we can watch him, unsettled by the character's creepiness, laugh at his comic remarks, and still manage to block out thoughts of the actor's tragic death.
Softball out of the Olympics for 2012
Baseball and softball are out of the Olympics as of 2012, in a vote that surprised even longtime International Olympic Committee members. Baseball joined the Olympics in 1992 and softball in 1996. Softball has been the USA's property since it hit the Olympic calender in 1996.
American women have won all three available gold medals and their 2004 victory capped a 79-game winning streak in international play. "Millions of dreams have been shattered because of it," said Jennie Finch. "You look even at my teammates, Monica Abbott, Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran - these are first-time Olympic gold medalist. They could have three Olympic gold medals. And then you look below that, you look at the college athletes today. They could be in the Games for 2012, you are taking away those dreams. The one thing that gets you everytime is you walk in these stadiums and they say, 'The IOC took my softball dreams away.' You know, and that is like a stabb to the heart."
The U.S. is ranked number one in the world and posted a 24-1 record during the 2007 summer season. The U.S. captured four titles - the World Cup, the Pan American Games, Canada Cup, and Japan Cup, outscoring opponents 183-14. President Bush included, on his busy China schedule, a visit to the Fengtal softball venue. What he saw down the first base line, was left-handed pitcher Cat Osterman working on her wicked windmill underhand delivery. Osterman was a big part of the U.S. gold medal effort in Athens four years ago. That's when the American women went undefeated and outscored opponents 51 runs to 1. That performance, it's said, is one of the reasons why the Committee voted in secretly the next year to drop softball. Among softball lovers, there's intense lobbying to get the sport back on the program for 2016. "We're gonna come out here and be the best again," Bustos says. "We're not gonna hold back." Softball fans hope China, Canada, Venezuela, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, and Tapei do the same.
American women have won all three available gold medals and their 2004 victory capped a 79-game winning streak in international play. "Millions of dreams have been shattered because of it," said Jennie Finch. "You look even at my teammates, Monica Abbott, Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran - these are first-time Olympic gold medalist. They could have three Olympic gold medals. And then you look below that, you look at the college athletes today. They could be in the Games for 2012, you are taking away those dreams. The one thing that gets you everytime is you walk in these stadiums and they say, 'The IOC took my softball dreams away.' You know, and that is like a stabb to the heart."
The U.S. is ranked number one in the world and posted a 24-1 record during the 2007 summer season. The U.S. captured four titles - the World Cup, the Pan American Games, Canada Cup, and Japan Cup, outscoring opponents 183-14. President Bush included, on his busy China schedule, a visit to the Fengtal softball venue. What he saw down the first base line, was left-handed pitcher Cat Osterman working on her wicked windmill underhand delivery. Osterman was a big part of the U.S. gold medal effort in Athens four years ago. That's when the American women went undefeated and outscored opponents 51 runs to 1. That performance, it's said, is one of the reasons why the Committee voted in secretly the next year to drop softball. Among softball lovers, there's intense lobbying to get the sport back on the program for 2016. "We're gonna come out here and be the best again," Bustos says. "We're not gonna hold back." Softball fans hope China, Canada, Venezuela, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, and Tapei do the same.
DEEDEE don't reasearch
DEEDEE Don’t Research
Healthy food is so much better than junk food. Yeah, if you want to get fat, smell like greasy hot dogs all day, and die at the age of 22 at 5’6, 520 pounds, go for it. Eat all the junk food you want. Who wants to be fat? Nobody wants to be fat and nobody wants a fat friend. Yeah, junk food tastes good, and you feel good for the moment until you take your shirt off and look like a baby beluga with more folds than origami. You wonder why your clothes don’t fit. Everyone should eat healthy. If you eat healthy you have a good body, feel better and naturally have more energy. The best part of it all your clothes will fit. If you eat junk food, eventually you will get fat and die, you will have no friends and no one will love you.
Healthy food is so much better than junk food. Yeah, if you want to get fat, smell like greasy hot dogs all day, and die at the age of 22 at 5’6, 520 pounds, go for it. Eat all the junk food you want. Who wants to be fat? Nobody wants to be fat and nobody wants a fat friend. Yeah, junk food tastes good, and you feel good for the moment until you take your shirt off and look like a baby beluga with more folds than origami. You wonder why your clothes don’t fit. Everyone should eat healthy. If you eat healthy you have a good body, feel better and naturally have more energy. The best part of it all your clothes will fit. If you eat junk food, eventually you will get fat and die, you will have no friends and no one will love you.
COREY DONT MAKE SENSE/JUNK FOOD
Why is junk food so good? Well according to my research all teenagers love junk food. I don’t know why, but I heard that half of us teenagers skip dinner for it. I wish I could. But really, I don’t know what I would do without junk food. That’s how I start my day off. Junk food actually makes you loose weight. Why? Because it gives you power to run and jump and skip. How do you think I do it? Junk food is so powerful it gives you energy to bounce off the walls! Junk food comes before any kind of food. And you want to know why? Well I am going to tell you. You have hot chips that gives you spice then you have skittles that give you sugar. Also, you have hot dogs that make you smarter and pizza that keeps you awake and nachos that make you want to slap your mama. So, just eat junk food when you are hungry.
Rebuliding the broken
Two weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Ike, normalcy finally began to return to Galveston. One of the big start ups was the O’Connell Buccaneers’ football team. Beginning practice and playing their first district game that weekend. The lights might have been off but that didn’t stop the Buc’s from defending their shambled cityby beating Katy Faith West 24-20. With O’Connell’s homecoming on the way the Buc’s plan on re-instilling Galveston’s pride and power.
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