The O'Chronicle

Top 5 Favorite Things

2009-02-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Luke DiMarco

Top 5 Favorite things
I have 5 Favorite things to do.

5. Running- I like running because it is a good feeling, taking your shirt off and just moving your legs. Running is also good for you. It helps you get in shape for whatever you do. You can lose tons of body fat if you eat right and don’t have fatty foods in your pantry while exercising regularly.

4. Hanging out with friends- I like hanging out with friends because if you’re having problems with anything you can talk to them. They’re also good because you can have fun with them and if you have a lot of chemistry with them it will be even better.

3. Playing video games- Video games are fun because they take your mind off things and can make time fly. For example, this morning I was late for school. I was in the shower and came out and saw the clock was 8:06. So I was like, “I’m just going to go in 2nd period,” so I hopped on the Xbox and time just flew by and all of sudden it was 8:45. Video games are also good because they can keep your kids off of drugs. There are also bad things about video games. They can delay your homework a whole lot. They can keep you up at night,too.

2. Playing Roller hockey- playing roller hockey in the backyard of my house with my brother is really fun. We just put on roller blades and go at it. We play with no helmets but with contact so we hit each other into the garage and the neighbor’s wood fence. Roller hockey can also have bad thing happen, too For example, I have 2 fake front teeth because my brother hit me in the mouth with his hockey stick. Roller hockey is also good because it is active and keeps you in shape.

1. Playing ice hockey- ice hockey is a ton fun, not just because you get to hit people into the boards, but because you make life long friends playing hockey. I have a few on my team right now. Ice hockey is also good because it keeps you really physically fit. Ice hockey is also good because you can play it all your life, unlike baseball because you can throw your arm out. There are always people that want to play hockey. In the North Eastern States you can go and play pickup games of hockey just in your back yard (because lakes and ponds freeze over), just like a basketball game here in Galveston.

My Top Five Favorite Five Cars

2009-02-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

My first favorite car is a Mustang; I love how fast they go and how they are shaped. In Also, who wouldn’t drive a mustang .In addition one day you might be late to school and you have to be there in five minutes so you know what to do pick up some speed.

My second favorite car is a Lamborghini .Why? Because I love the way they are shape and the speed of the car. Also they are just so cute. I don’t think I am going to add to this because I am never going to get one that suck right I

My third favorite car is a bmw why They are so cute in they come anf all kinds of colors in shapes. Like hearts shapes in also oval shapes. To me a BMW will be like my car when I feel like going to the mall.

My fourth favorite car is an Expedition. why They so big in they or so cute in they save gas. In I think that when ever I get one gas will be 10 bucks a gallon what you say about that I think that is bananas uh I think that is really bad because I willer get to go buy videos games I will always be putting gas in my car !

My fifth favorite car is a Bentley why cause I know I can’t afford it but it has a beautiful engine. And also because they smell like perfume every time you get in them in you want to know how I know well guess what I am going to tell you I had a dream that I was drive down the highway going a least 120mph I was smelling daisy in roses in just every thing in you want to.

2009-02-06T08:04:00.001-08:00

Favorite Things
There are so many things that have favorites. Like your favorite animal, your favorite drink, and your favorite food. There so many favorites. My favorite animal is a platypus. My favorite food is Chinese and Japanese foods; I especially like sushi and general tso chicken. I love to lift weights and pick up random objects. My favorite sport is baseball. I don’t know why but I like it more than all the other sports. Football is also a really fun sport, but I only like it because I only like to hit people. I don’t have a favorite flower but I like salad. I really like to sleep, but I only sleep at night I don’t like to sleep during the day. My favorite dog is a pit bull. Many people are afraid of them but they are really good dogs. My favorite car is a dodge viper but they’re really expensive. I actually think that car is more expensive then my house but they are really nice. My favorite classes are Chemistry, Theology, Journalism, Math, Lunch, then English, BCIS, and World history but not in that order. My favorite shoes are shox. My favorite under wear is Hanes. I also like man thongs but they are too expensive so I said “nah they’re too expensive”. My favorite socks are ankle socks. My favorite shirts are muscle shirts. It is really funny when people with no muscles turn muscle shirts into shirts. My favorite hair cut is a mullet. My favorite salt water fish is a red fish. My favorite fresh water fish is an Oscar. At my house I have an Oscar named Oscar. My favorite rabbit is a big rabbit. I went to the rodeo and saw a rabbit that weighed 15 pounds. He was all fluffy. I tried to order one, but my dad got mad. He said I could not get a rabbit. My favorite show is “Wheel of Fortune”. I want to be on that show. So if you read this Pat Zajak, I want to be on your show. I really don’t have a favorite teacher. I like them all. I have favorite things about all the teachers like Mrs. Fritz is so amped and hyper every morning, Father Ron is always in chill mode, Mr. Davis is always smiling and making jokes, Mrs. Hogan takes no prisoners, Mrs. T is the teacher who loves to act, Mr. Roach does not like conflict so he doesn’t argue he just says ok, and Mr. Scarbrough is the jokester he loves to have fun in class. So these are some of my favorites.

My Favorite things

2009-02-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

There are many things that we like, but we all have our most favorite thing and this is mine. My favorite thing would be a Jedi or a Dark Lord of the Sith. My favorite Jedi is Chin Dralling Jedi Master. My favorite Sith Lords are Darth Talon and Darth Nihl. Honestly, being able to swing around a light saber would be really cool, and so would manipulating the force itself. Ther are up to 7 forms of light saber combat that are used in battle, and many wepons of a jedi such as: the light saber, saber staff, double bladed saber staff, duel light sabers, the light club, thelight whip, snd the light trident. The Jedi and Sith lords could be identified by these wepons although it was said that the Sith no longer needed light sabers and used them simply to humiliate the Jedi. The Sith used t obe a race of people that inbred with Dark Jedi, but later the meaning of the word Sith changed to include others and not just directed at the race but at the old Sith philosophy. Those who followed the old ways used their malice, anger, pride, and lust for power to fuel their hatred for the Jedi. The Jedi have a very complex order with pprentices, Knights, and Masters, whereas the Sith had an extremely complex order that ultimately led to its oth destruction, which is why the Sith that we all know from the movies go under the 2 Sith rule: a master and an apprentice, no more, no less ( the Sith have a bad habit for killing off their masters to ascend themselves). The Sith and the Jedi have fought since the creation of the other, and will fight until the force is balanced by one or the other.

my fav things

2009-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Over the course of a year, there are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. But out of these four, my favorite season is summer. My favorite thing about the summer is that there is no school! During the summer, I like to tan at the beach, long board and ride my beach cruiser on the seawall, have bonfires with friends, and go on boat rides. I also have cheer camp during the summer which is fun but involves much work and usually consists of a lot of drama. Last year, Haley, Luke, James and I snuck into the pool at the San Louis Hotel but we got kicked out. It was really funny. And Haley and I also went with Luke to get some cologne but we made him mad so he drove off with out us. That was not funny! Summer is the only season that students have a break from school and get to go on vacations. The weather is generally warm, depending on your location. And, there are many parties that my friends and I go to. Summer is also a good time to make extra cash. Many of my friends had summer jobs. I wasn’t able to get one until the end of the summer though because my birthday is at the end of June. I also like the summer because there are fun activities going on at the beach like sand castle contests and the rock climbing wall. Summer is also a good time to play pranks on other friends such as chalking cars and wrapping houses. Another thing I like about the summer is that I get to wear shorts, skirts, and beach dresses.
School is out! These are the words many kids long to hear. Free from homework, tests, getting up early, or keeping up with scheduled activities, students may look forward to a summer of taking it slow, sleeping late, and hanging out with friends. Taking a break is healthy and refreshing for teens, yet relaxing can grow dull quickly. The things to do during the summer are infinite which is why the summer is my favorite season.

Obama

2009-02-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Barack Hussein Obama II became the 44th president of the United States of America on January 20th, 2009. He was born on August 4th 1961 in Honolulu, Hawii. But years prior to his presidency, Obama was the junior United States Senator in Illinois from January 3, 2005 until his resignation on November 16, 2008, following his election to the presidency. He was sworn into office on January 20, 2009 in an inaugural ceremony at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.. Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School. He worked as a community organizer, and practiced as a civil rights attorney in Chicago before serving three terms in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He also taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, Obama was elected to the Senate in November 2004. Obama delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in July 2004.

Barack Hussein Obama

2009-01-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009 was a day to be glued to your television set. Barack Hussein Obama was sworn into office. He was a very nervous, new President, saying the oath that promises to care for and protect the United States of America. While watching our new President being sworn in and, give his speech it made me realize that our world and lifestyles are changing more every day. The way we choose our decisions and way we look at things, everything is changing for the “new world” that started on this day. Out of what Obama said and promised in his speech, all I can say is that I hope and that whatever decisions he makes are for the good and well being of the people and the nation.

During the inauguration thousands were right in front of Obama, watching and hearing him making history for being the first African American President; I wish I was there to experience it. What I hope he does is really change the nation. Also, what I expect is that he changes how the Middle East is and how we handle the situation of foreign countries. Hearing about the things he will do, some classmates didn’t really agree on the President we have now. I was like this until I really listened to what he had to say, once they heard everything that he said, many changed their minds and decided to see what really happens in the four years to come, which we all hope he makes a difference.

At the end of everything I got up and went to class thinking that the world is changing and sometimes we can’t really adapt to change that quick. So in the long run things changing aren’t all that bad, we just have to get things going and go with the world, but never change as a person.
-Jackie

2009-01-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

The 44th president of the United States of America marks a major step for our growing country. Barack Obama is the first African American president in our nation’s history. Honest Abe would be proud to see the huge changes toward equality from his presidency to present times.
I expect to see changes made soon but not immediately. Obama has many plans to strengthen our country. Our President plans to reform health care, making it more affordable to all and save the average family $2500 annually. Our health care system is flawed and could really use an efficient plan of action. Obama also plans to get the economy back on track and ease the burden of taxes on the middle class. Barack also has other aims to help the country, such as getting schools up to par, becoming more energy efficient, and ending the war in Iraq tactically and responsibly. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.” (Excerpt from Barack’s Inaugural Speech)
These changes will hopefully occur soon and have an enormous positive change on our nation. Barack Obama was sworn in as President Tuesday, January 20, 2009 with Joe Biden as his right hand man, the Vice President. The inauguration is a day filled with ceremony, parades, a ball, and speeches. It is a tradition and represents the right of passage to the new head of the country. Many gather in Washington, D.C. to witness the event and performers precede the inaugural speech in which the President announces his plans. Barack Obama, his wife and First Lady, Michelle, and two daughters now preside in the White House after the two termed George Bush and his family.
Kaitlyn King

top 5 leaves

2009-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Leaves are man’s cure for stress. If you outside naked on a slip and slide with leaves around you you’re going to feel relaxed. Maple leaves are the best because they come from a maple tree. when the leaves change colors they are really good looking. Palm leaves are really big and pointy and you can poke nerds and fat chicks with them. palm trees are ususally grown in tropical places where they're really big. Pine needles are pointy and hurt alot and come off of a pine tree, which are grown in Canada where people have cabins and Tim Hortons. Elk leaves are very scientific and i wont go into it right now. Elk leaves come from the zoo and elk at the zoo are big and chubby and like dingdongs. They like people that have hats on and get their crap on. Banana leaves come from a banana tree. They are really big and come off of a banas tree and they have trees that have bananas on them. The banana trees are tasty because of the bananas

Luke DiMarco

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Some make, break, follow through, or disreguard the tradition entirely. What is it? A New Year's Resolution! Whether some vow to get fit, spend more time with loved ones, get organized, along with countless others, they all start on January 1st.
A New Year's Resolution is made to commit to or reform a habit. Studies and surveys show that the most popular resolution is to get fit and live a healthier life. Most people do not follow their commitment throughout the entire year.
In my opinion, if you want to change or start something new, it shouldn't have to start on the first day of the New Year.
Kaitlyn King

MY NEW THING

2009-01-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

WELL STARTING THIS YEAR, I AM GOING TO START TO WATCH MY EATING,BECAUSE FAT IS NOT CUTE AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE EXTRA FAT WHEN I GRADUATE. PLUS WHO WANTS TO SEE SOMEONE IN A TWO PIECE WITH FAT HANGING OVER .SO,THAT'S WHY I AM GOING TO START TO GO TO THE GYM AND GO TO SUBWAYAND TRY TO EAT ONCE A DAY .PULS MY BROTHER SAID BOYS LIKE GIRLS WHO HAVE A SIX PACK SO THYAT IS MY NEW THING : TO LOOSE WEIGHT BECAUSE I AM TOO FAT !

Turning Over a New Leaf.

2009-01-16T08:06:00.002-08:00

3, 2, 1 . . . . HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!! It’s the start of a new year and it is time to turn over a new leaf. Whether it’s finances, politics, or life changes, most people are ready for a change. With this, most American’s start off their year with New Year’s Resolutions such as:

Cutting back on expenses
With the economy the way it is, people are cutting back on expenses based on personal financial needs.

Stop drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking.

Weight loss
According to the NCHS, 66.3% of Americans are over weight. This is not including the percent of obese Americans. Since the start of the New Year, people have been hitting the gym with hopes of shedding a few inches off the waist.

Help others
After the tragic disaster of Hurricane Ike made land fall on September 12th, many Americans have vowed to lend a helping hand to their fellow Americans in need.

Quit smoking
On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Smoking is a poor habit and is exceptionally hard to break.

2009-01-16T08:06:00.001-08:00

The United States of America is turning over a new leaf with president elect Barack Obama. Mr. Obama brings eloquence, youth and a interesting personal history personal history in the White House. I don’t think there could be a better time for the generational change it heralds. It shows racial progress and promises changes in our great Nation.
The challenges that await Mr. Obama are such that no person could possibly understand because he is the first black president that we have ever had. The state of change that our country is going through is also apparent in who chose to appoint Mr. Obama, states that are seen as Republican, such as Virginia, aided him in his success. Mr. Obama’s victories in every region of the country show that voters are flexible and ready for change.
The excitement he has started suggests a capacity to inspire and reassure a worried and divided nation. His determined, efficient, and disciplined campaign suggests a capacity to manage a government beset by conundrums of incomprehensible proportions.

Turning Over Leaves

2009-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

We're turning over a new leaf. Do you like to rake? When I think "turning over a new leaf" I think raking. What do you think of? My favorite thing about raking is when I gather them in a big pile and jump in them. What is your favorite season? Mine is summer. I like it when it's hot and I like to swim. Winter is nice but it's too cold. But if you're from Texas, it's not as cold but it's still somewhat cold. Most of the time, I don't even wear a jacket. But that's probably because I'm a man. Everyone should go read Luke's, His is about leaves!
Corey Lee

"Resolve Your Resolutions"

2009-01-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Every December 31st, thousands of people decide that just because the year is changing they are going to start doing things they should have been doing all along. Most people decide to do rather generic things. Diet, exercise, stop smoking, etc. Typical. I think we should all mix it up a bit this year.
For example: My "New Years Resolution" is to stop wearing so much green. I know what you're thinking. "How does that benefit you (or anyone else for that matter) in any way?" The simple answer is, it doesn't. It's just something I've decided to do differently this year. People need to realize that you don't necessarily have to do something that benefits yourself or others (or anything at all really), just try and do something different. Little things may change your year significantly.
So this year, when you decide to go to the gym (finally), maybe also decide to do something simple. You never know what trying to use your left hand more, or changing colognes may do for you.
-Christian Grimaldo

Turning over a new leaf.

2009-01-16T07:59:00.001-08:00

On the 20th January, Barack Obama will be taking an oath on the same bible that Abraham Lincoln took his oath on. The inaugeration will be filled with salutes, parades, speeches, and a huge, over-the-top ball. In the end, it's all symbolism for the rites of passage, new begginings, and of course, change. It's the President's opportunity to give his administration's intent.
Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. Tuesday, January 20th will be the beggining of a new era. I know I will be watching, will you?

Katie Rule

A new leaf for anything!

2009-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Turning over a new leaf can help school, home and dating relationships. When i want to have things changed or altered i think of everyway possible to make the situation better. For exampla, in school if i wnat to have better grades, i don't goof around, text while doing homework and do not watch T.V during my study time. When it comes to home relationships, last year it ended terribley. I try to be a good daughter/sister, in order to have somehwat of a "relationship" with my mom. I do what i think is good enougb to gain her trust-cleaning, cooking and taking care of my sister and dogs. Dating relationships aren't my forte. When it comes to dating i wouldn't do as much as i did last year. This year, turning over a new leaf means goods things will come more than bad ones.
-Jackie Tovar

Apples to Oranges

2009-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

Are you an apple person or an orange person? I’m an apple person I like apples with salt. I’m not really big on oranges. Oranges are very acidic fruit. Oranges are not good late at night or warm. You could develop stomach ulcers. They’re ok when they’re cold and its really hot outside. Personally I would prefer salty apple slices over hot oranges. Oranges have peels and no one like to peel oranges they take too long. So apples are better than oranges plus apples come in different colors. Everybody loves colors and they like different choices. Oranges have a really distinct smell and apples smell good. When you squeeze an orange the juice gets in your eyes and it burns. So nobody likes stupid oranges.
Corey Lee

Bucs to Tors

2009-01-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

· Red and white go together better than purple and gold.
· O’Connell doesn’t need security or truant officers.
· O’Connell has more 1on 1 with teachers and coaches.
· Ball High is free to attend.
· O’Connell holds Mass once a week and has theology classes.
· Ball High has elevators and 3 floors to O’Connell’s 2.
· At O’Connell, students have to wear uniforms.
· Ball High has a gym, auditorium, and library.
· Letterman jackets are free at Ball High, but at O’Connell students have to pay for them.
· O’Connell does not have JV teams.
· Ball High has a food court and O’Connell has a single lunch line.
· Ball High has 4 lunches and O’Connell only has 1.
· Ball High has athletic classes.
· O’Connell doesn’t have a band and Ball High does.
· Ball High has an actual school store.
· Just to enter Ball High, you must have an I.D.
· O’Connell has only one Principle and one Counselor, Ball High has multiple.
· Ball High Tornadoes have their own stadiums and practice fields.
· O’Connell students do not have to take TAKS tests.
· Ball High has a wider range of electives.
· O’Connell doesn’t have Coke or Ice-Cream machines.
· Ball High doesn’t have Shelly Lumps.
· Ball High does not have a Homecoming Snake Dance or Bonfire and these two events are O’Connell traditions.

Kaitlyn King

Pepsi or Coke?

2009-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Pepsi or Coke? Which is better? Or rather, which is healthier? i have personally never heard that question answered. im here to try and answer which is healthier for the inquiring minds who would like to know.
When you compare Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke you see that both don't have any calorie content, fat, carbohydrates, or protein. however both contain sodium with Coke having the most at 40 mg and Pepsi with 35 mg. So technically, Pepsi, or Diet Pepsi, is the healthier choice, although not by much. However, both contain carbonated water, aspartame, caramel coloring, potassium benzoate, phosphoric acid, citric acid, and caffiene. They have roughly the same ingredients so the 5 mg of sodium doesn't make much of a difference when it comes down to it. The choice is, once again, left up to the consumer's taste. Once more we are left squabbling over the original question: Pepsi or Coke?

Katie Rule

Tap water vs Bottled

2009-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Although most people would prefer bottled water over tap, choosing between the two is ultimately a personal decision. You might not want to base your decision only on the taste.

Bottled water is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water in the United States. While most bottled water is okay, some brands may present threats to weak portions because they contain micro bacteria. Bottled water consumption has tripled in the past ten years, with sales reaching $4 billion annually. Yet, bottled water is required to meet standards that are different than those for tap water. Bottled water quality is regulated by the FDA, while drinking water systems follow State and U.S. EPA regulations.
Along with these health differences, but the production of these containers required more 17 million barrels of oil, not including the energy for transportation. Once the water is produced and consumed, the bottle must then be disposed of. It is recorded that more than 86 percent of plastic water bottles become garbage or litter. So you tell me, is all this really worth it?

2009-01-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

The age old argument: are boys better than girls? The argument has ranged over politices, sports, and just about everything else. For the O'Connell Buc's basketball team there is no question that the Lady Buc's are putting a new variable into this equation. the boys are going through an eight game losing streak, bringing them to 2-10 withe 1 forfeit win, the lady Buc;s are 8-6 and are writing a new chapter in history of the Athletic ability of women. This winning season shows that the girls want to push themselves and not hold back. Maybe the difference in athletic talent isnt that steep. Girls seem to be more teachable than boys and possibly more diciplined, at least from a coaching point of view. The boys play more undisciplined and as individuals, than as a disciplined unit with a common goal.

Clash of the Titans

2009-01-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

So I’m upset. Upset that the college football season is coming to an end. Upset that my Texas Longhorns had to settle for a Fiesta Bowl victory, rather than a National Championship, despite beating Oklahoma University in the Red River Rivalry game. Upset that Sam Bradford, not Colt McCoy won the Heisman trophy.
Despite my bias for The University of Texas, I am looking forward to the National Championship game. As sports fans, we get the pleasure of seeing two ridiculously talented teams face off on the biggest stage of them all. Despite any arguments from Utah fans (See? It’s not just Texas fans that are disgruntled), these are the two best teams in the nation. Week in and week out, these two teams have proven that they deserve to play in Miami on Thursday night, but in very different ways.
Oklahoma, the powerhouse of the Big-12. The strong running game and prolific passing attack. The highest scoring offense in NCAA history. The strength of schedule. Sam Bradford, a pro-style, NFL ready quarterback as a sophomore. All of these factors could easily equal a National Champion. But not if Florida has any say.
Florida, the best team in the entire SEC. Defeating two #1 teams just within their conference. The hard hitting defense. The fastest team in the nation. Tim Tebow, the greatest leader in college football history. His leadership alone makes Florida the expected National Champion.
So on Thursday night, when these two teams take the field, the game can go either way. Sam Bradford and the Sooners could come in and run up the score on the Florida defense, or Tim Tebow and his Gators could come in and control the game and dominate with their speed. We won’t know until the final seconds tick off the clock, and we crown a new National Champion, and even then, Longhorns and Utes fans still have a lot to complain about.

-Christian Grimaldo

Good or bad?

2009-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Between right and wrong, left from right, and good or bad, everything has a difference. Which is like saying how i thought 2008 would begin comparing how things were as the beginning of last year to how they are year is way more different than i would have hoped for. Last year, i was in trouble with my parents like this year. However, it was two completely different reasons why. Last year i was in trouble because i went to the beach without my parents knowing. This year i got in trouble for making my parents pay more than they were suppose to. Another thing that would be alike that is the good side of the year, which was that i went to mexico and when i wasn't grounded my parents think i do this to get their attention, but i think they just want me home during the break, which is reasonable, but not true sometimes.

Between the two years, 2008 and 2009, they both have one thing in common and it's that whatever i do i get into trouble for anything i do even if it's the little things. Also what ever that needs to be changed it never does.

-Jackie

strawberry's are!

2009-01-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Strawberry’s are the best because it goes with just about anything
Strawberry’s have this thing that will make you jump off the wall and walk on your hands.
I heard strawberries were coming to life they are going to have a band call the there roaches.
Strawberry’s are so good and you don’t even have to worry bout a mess
You can put strawberries with just about anything for a example strawberries with whip cream or strawberry with Carmel.
And you think that inst good well ,wait, to I come out with my strawberry-banana chips.
My chips are going to be so good they are going to make you holla’ fa’ a dollar.

The History of Santa Claus

2008-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

The History of Santa Claus

Santa Claus hasn't always looked like the jolly old fellow we know today. Like so many other American traditions, he's a product of the great American melting pot. But the most influential figure in the shaping of todays generous as loving Santa Claus was a real man, St. Nicholas of Myra (now Turkey), a fourth century bishop. As a champion of children and the needy, he was legendary for his kindness and generosity.

After the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, the feasting and veneration of Catholic saints were banned. People had become spoiled to their yearly visit from their gift-giving saint. So in some countries, the festivities of St. Nicholas' Day were merged with Christmas celebrations.

In Germany, he appeared as Weihnachtsmann, in England as Father Christmas, and in France, as Pèrè Noël, who left small gifts in the children's shoes.

In the areas where St. Nicholas was still portrayed as the gift-bearer, a host of other characters developed to be his assistants. Two of his most well-known helpers were Knecht Ruprecht and the Belsnickle. Depending on the local tradition, they were either attendants to St. Nicholas or gift-bears themselves, but in all cases, both were fearsome characters. It was not only their duty to reward good children but to also to reprove children who were naughty.

Knecht Ruprecht (meaning Servant Rupert) was also by other names such as Black Peter (so called because he delivered the presents down the chimney for St. Nicholas and became blackened with soot).
Immigrants to the New World brought with them their beliefs. The Scandinavians introduced gift-giving elves, the Germans brought their decorated trees, and the Irish added the ancient Gaelic custom of placing a lighted candle in the window.

In the 1600's, the Dutch presented Sinterklaas (meaning St. Nicholas) to the colonies. In their excitement, many English-speaking children. That phrase was used again in 1822 in the now-classic poem by Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," more commonly know as "The Night before Christmas." His verse gave an Arctic flavor to Santa's image when he substituted eight tiny reindeer and a sleigh for Irving's horse and wagon. It is Moore's description of Santa that we most often think of today: "He had a broad face, and a little round belly, that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly."

Up to this point, Santa's physical appearance and the color of his suit were open to individual interpretation. Then in 1863, Thomas Nast, a German immigrant, gave us a visual image of the cheerful giver that was to later become widely accepted.

When Nast was asked to illustrate Moore's charming verse for a book of children's poems, he gave us a softer, kinder Santa who was still old but appeared less stern than the ecclesiastical St. Nicholas. He dressed his elfin figure in red and endowed him with human characteristics. Most important of all, Nast gave Santa a home at the North Pole. For twenty-three years, his annual drawings in Harpers Weekly magazine allowed Americans to peek into the magical world of Santa Claus and set the stage for the shaping of today's merry gentleman.
`St. Nicholas' evolution into today's happy, larger-than-life Santa Claus is a wonderful example of the blending of countless beliefs and practices from around the world. Because goodness is his very essence, in every kindness we do, Santa will always be remembered.

Christmas Around the World

2008-12-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

As lights are put up, trees are bought, and mid-term exams are getting nearer by the day, it's time to acknowledge the upcoming holidays. Christmas is celebrated in many ways all over the world and has all different names. In Brazil, father Christmas is called Papai Noel and in France, Christmas is called Noël. Everyone has a different way of celebrating this joyous occasion with different traditions and these are just a few.
Santa Claus in Belgium is called de Kerstman or le Père Noël. Small family presents are given and put underneath the tree or in stockings. A sweet bread called "Cougnou" is served on Christmas morning and is supposed to be shaped by the baby jesus. In Hungary, children receive candies and small toys in their shoes on Dec. 6th. On Dec. 24th, children go to the movies or a relatives because baby Jesus brings them a tree and presents. Upon returning, they enjoy a festive meal and then view the tree for the first time. They share presents and then older children attend midnight mass with parents.
Latvians believe that father Christmas brings gifts on all 12 days of Christmas, starting with Christmas eve. The first Christmas tree was decorated in Latvia. The special Latvian Christmas Day meal is cooked brown peas with bacon (pork) sauce, small pies, cabbage and sausage. In Portugal, a special Christmas meal of salted dry cod-fish with boiled potatoes is eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Here in the United States, We generally celebrate Christmas on the morning of December 25th. Children wake up early to run downstairs and find beautifully wrapped presents under the tree. If you are catholic you might attend midnight mass or midnight service on Christmas eve, as do some other denominations such as Methodist, Lutheran, and Greek orthodox. Children are told that Santa Claus will come at midnight with a big, red bag of toys down through the chimney. He will arrive stylishly in a sleigh with nine flying reindeer and land on the roof. Children leave cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and sugar for his reindeer. Christmas morning breakfast consists of cinnamon rolls or some sort of coffee cake. Christmas dinners include either turkey or ham and sometimes both. Epiphany is celebrated by Catholics, as is Advent.
Christmas has many names and faces all around the world. This time of year permeates with holiday cheer and charity. Whether you're finding coal in your stocking or joyously sifting through the candies you found in your shoe, Christmas is a great celebration.

katie rule.

How we help those in need?

2008-12-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

December 25th is one of the important days of the year, besides Thanksgiving, in western civilization. This time of year family and friends come together to spend time to eat, sing and open presents, which could be an all day and night event. In America kids wake up on Christmas day running towards the Christmas tree to open and play or wear what they have received from the famous "Santa Claus" When kids thank their parents for the present and a good hot meal, after they usually play with the toys or wear the clothes they have gotten.

However, during Christmas not everyone is fortunate enough to have presents yet alone a good hot meal. Here on Galveston Island the community has volunteers that come together to help give those less fortunate a plate for families. Also school’s help children with no presents by organizing a toy drive, where they can get donations from the student, faculty and staff. This week at O’Connell High School, students were asked to bring in toys or blankets in order to receive free dress and off campus lunch.

After Hurricane Ike the island has been going back to some “normality” Fortunately, the city has not lost its Christmas spirit and the joy with the holiday coming closer. Just like every year, the city lit up the traditional Christmas tree. Many Galvestonians have decorated outside their houses and communities have lit up their streets with lights, bows and large ornaments.
Helping other people less fortunate during the holidays can bring a smile to both those you help and to you, because of the good duties you do for them. The work we do may be considered as being a Good Samaritan, just like in the bible when no one would help the hurt man only the man who covered his wounds and brought him back to health. We can be that one person that covers the wounds for the poor, with presents, food and the love of the community.

O’Connell High School is one of many schools’s that works very hard to provide clothes and other donations to help families that don’t have anything to give to their children and to get thru the winter, which brings many cold fronts and rain that is very cold. After Hurricane Ike students, faculty and staff have come together to keep the school on track, students have cafeteria duty, also they help teacher with keeping their room clean.

In this year we have seen our city get hit and almost even destroyed by the wrath of Hurricane Ike, but when the Galvestonians returned they didn’t let this defeat what they love and what they have created, they are rebuilding and building everything better. When the holidays come around the island isn’t afraid to stand up and keep doing the traditions they have always been accustomed to. So this holiday season we should all be thankful and help those in need.

-Jackie Tovar

2008-12-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

The birthday of Christ. Was our savior actually born on December 25? Looking back on Biblical records this does not appear to be true. Jesus wasn’t born on December 25. This day was chosen to win over pagan sun worshipers. The stories, songs, and myths are part of an elaborate tradition that has little to do with the Biblical account of the birth of Christ.
The word Christmas actually translates in English to Christ’s mass, the festival of Jesus’ birth. The first mention of December 25 as the feast day of the nativity (the correct name for the Birthday of Jesus) dates to 354 B.C. In ancient times December 25 was the date of the winter solstice a pagan holiday celebrating the sun god. In Rome the week preceding the solstice was the saturnalia, and orgiastic festival that was ended with gift giving an the lighting of candles, resembles a certain holiday to me.
Early Roman Christians appointed the date of December 25 and used it to win converts from paganism. The word Pagan actually means civilian. The use was that if you were not a Christian (enlisted in Christ’s army) you were a pagan. Early Christians did not see Jews as pagans because they worshiped the same God.
After the Roman Empire was split into Eastern and Western halves in 340A.D. Christians were also spread across East and West. Eastern Christians used a calendar where the solstice fell on January 6 when the birthday of Osiris was still celebrated at Alexandria, Egypt.
The most accurate account of the actual Birthday of Christ isn’t very accurate, because the New Testament gives several possible birth years, Matthew has Jesus born between 7-14 B.C. and Luke has him born before 4 B.C., and in 6A.D. After Herald the great dies, these two gospels disagree by about 10-12 years, the date is wrong and the year is a mystery. The birthday of the Son of God is a moveable feast.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just a tease. Sure the food and time off of school is great but it's just too short of a break. Thanksgiving just makes people ready for the long Christmas holiday! However spending time with family and friends during this holiday is a great relaxer before semester exams. Many people travel during Thanksgiving because airlines have great holiday deals. Thanksgiving helps to get everyone into the holiday spirit so in that way it is good.
Thanksgiving represents a great tradition and should be celebrated no matter how much of a tease it can be. During this short break, be thankful for all you have. Enjoy the time off with family and friends!

2008-11-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. The holiday prompts unity and celebration of tradition with a huge family meal. But Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Football. From the High Schools all the way up to the pros, the Day of the Turkey is looked forward to for the gridiron and helmets that are now a central part of the classic November tradition. The professional ranks that play on Thanksgiving are:
The Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas
The Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia
The Tennessee Titans @ Detroit
So when you think, “On Thanksgiving, what can I possibly do to enhance this holiday for my family and friends,” remember the one part of the tradition that you are missing.

Poor Turkeys : (

2008-11-21T08:05:00.001-08:00

I like Thanksgiving, a lot. Everyone does, I think. Well, except Indians. My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the turkey the green bean casserole and sweet potatoes. What are your favorites? Where is your favorite place to go on Turkey Day? Would you rather be with family or friends? Would you rather cook or be cooked for? Do you miss work or go anyway? Where was your first Thanksgiving? Do you remember your first Thanksgiving? Do you feel bad for all the turkeys because you know they know its coming? Aren’t you glad your not a turkey all fat and feathery, making weird noises and your name makes no sense and you popped out of an egg an you can never scratch those places that severely need to be scratched and to find a mate you have to gobble and you have a part of you called a gobbler. Is that what you want to be? Huh, huh? No? Ok, then eat more turkey put them out of there misery…….

Top 5 Things to do on Thanksgiving

2008-11-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

5. Bake some cookies
It’s always fun to bake some cookies and crank the oven up to 450 degrees. When the ding comes, you know it’s time to stuff your face with some good, homemade cookies!

4. Go ride 4-wheelers with your friends
Every time you ride a 4-wheeler it’s fun and even better with your friends. Whenever you wake up on a beautiful, cold morning and throw on your boots and jeans and riding jacket, you know it’s going to be a fun day.

3. Eat turkey and dessert
It’s been a fun tradition since the Indians and Pilgrims were around, and it’s always good to sit down and eat a nice hot turkey and drink a nice, cold glass of water

2. Go outside and play football with your friends
Whenever you round up some kids in your neighborhood and play some quality football it is always fun. There is nothing better than having some fun with your friends and family

1. Hang out with your family
Hanging out with your family is the best thing to do on Thanksgiving, because you’re not all going to be around forever and you have to cherish every moment of the time that you’re with your family.

Turkey stress? Not anymore

2008-11-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas can bring stressful situations. Here are some useful tips to relieve stress during the holidays.

- Planning weeks ahead can help with the shopping trip and less time trying to remember what you need and don't need.
- Get family members to pitch in on the decorating, invites and cooking can save you time, which can be spent with family and friends.
- Having the kids stay somewhere else while preparing the food can also be a huge weight off your shoulders.
-When preparing food you can also prepare some things before the holiday such as stuffing, green bean casserole and yams can make you schedule less full.
-Cooking can take hours to prepare so getting up extra early and putting it in the oven means less waiting, this way you can go back to sleep.
-While waiting for the turkey being cooked you can put plates, silverware and decorations.
-Once the food is all prepared it is finally time to fully relax and enjoy the much prepared and delicious food with no stress!

With these three tips i think your Thanksgiving will be less stressful than past years.

-Jackie Tovar

Best Day of the Week

2008-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Friday is the best day of the week. On Fridays we can wear spirit or free-dress to school. Either is better then uniforms! After studying every other day, you can finally relax Friday night because you have until Sunday to do homework! You don't have to be home and can stay the night out with friends or at a football game supporting the Bucs! Waking up Friday isn't as bad as the other days because you know it's the last day you have to get up early and can probably sleep in on Saturday! New movies and parties, enough said. Friday is just the best. Have fun Friday night because it will kick off your weekend! :)

DAYS OF THE WEEK

2008-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday is the Lord's Day for Christians, yet the name of Sunday has nothing to do with Christianity, but everything to do with even more ancient religions. The ancient Greeks knew that the sun was the source of life on the planet and they gave it prime importance in their thinking. When the Romans later adopted the seven day week they emphasized their respect for the sun by naming the first day of the week for it.

If sun is honored on Sunday, it follows that the Moon should be given a place of prominence on Monday. And, indeed, the word for Monday is derived from a German word.
Tuesday is not named for the number. It is named for a Norse God! The word "Tuesday", was derived from a wholly different religious tradition. Tyr or Tiw was the Norse God of War.

Was Wednesday named for weddings? Not even close. Close only counts in horseshoes. The mid-day of the week is named for the Norse God, Odin. He was also known as Woden or Wotan.

After reading this the next time you hear thunder on Thursday you will remember how this day got its name. Thor was the Norse God of Thunder.

Friday is not meant to be the day of fries, but for a Norse Goddess named Frigga.

Saturday is the only day of the week in the English language that retained its Roman character.

Favorite Animals for Everyday of the Week

2008-11-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

My favorite animals for the days of the week

Sunday – A clownfish because I saw Finding Nemo that day.

Monday – A boxer because when I get home from school I see my puppy.

Tuesday – A cat because they are very lovable.

Wednesday – Any kind of dog because I just love dogs.

Thursday – A Horse because that’s one of the days I see mine.

Friday – A Bird because I am usually flying to go somewhere that day.

Saturday – A dog because I love to see my 3 puppies.

favorite day

2008-11-12T08:57:00.001-08:00

What is your favorite day of the week? Do you like Monday? Does it matter to you what day it is? Do you even remember what day it is because usually I forget? I like Friday because it’s almost the weekend. I hate Monday because I am usually tired from a long weekend. Wednesday is also a very nice day because it’s like the halfway marker so it’s sort of convenient. Saturday is very nice too, but Sunday really stinks because your dreading Monday, so that ruins your whole day.

How I feel about the days of the week!

2008-11-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

How I feel about the days of the week!

Monday-Monday is so boring, especially when you are really sleepy from Sunday and a teacher is getting on your last nerves, complaining about why you didn’t do your home work. They try to assign you a boring 5 page essay over something you did a lot of times

Tuesday-Tuesday is a sort of day when you still are very mad bout all the home work the teacher has given you. And your parents complain about you just sitting at home not doing anything with your life. All you want to do is sit on the phone and on the computer just doing nothing.

Wednesday –Wednesday is the kind of day when you are happy. Why? Well you just found out bout the big party and you are very happy. You did all your homework and everything so you don’t have anything to worry.

Thursday –Thursday is the day it’s going by extra slow. The teachers are just nagging about random stuff and you’re just tried of hearing it.

Friday – Friday is your lucky day you don’t have anything to worry about, just partying.

Saturday- Just a day you go shopping or hang out with your boyfriend/girlfriend.

Sunday- The day you go to church come home in eat soul food and then just be bored and repeat your week all over.

2008-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

Top 5 Days of the Week

5. Wednesday
Wednesday is a good day of the week because this is mass day and all our classes are shorter and sometimes we go to GCS which makes mass even longer which means were not in school for that much longer.

4. Thursday
Thursday is a good day because it’s the day before Friday and we usually were all looking forward to Friday so everyone is happy.

2. Friday
Friday is on of the best days of the week because it is either free dress or spirit dress and everyone is excited for Friday because it’s the day before the weekend and Friday night there is usually a football game and a lot of parties going on to kick off the weekend.

1. Saturday
Saturday is the best days of the week because it’s a relaxing day and there is no school Saturday and there are usually a lot of parties on Saturday and you don’t have to worry about going to school because Sunday is coming up and you don’t have to go to school that day either and you can relax.

3. Sunday
Sunday is a good day too because all you do is relax on Sunday and have fun with your family or just hangout and do homework and watch TV. The only bad thing about Sunday is you have school the next day and Mondays just suck.

Moods Of Siblings During the Week

2008-11-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Some sibling's these days have some crazy mood sings, especially my little sister. Some days are good and others are so bad I can't even be in the same building as she is. Here are what every day can bring from my sister.

Monday:Waking up somewhat early, she wakes up groaning and throws things at me, which then leads to us getting out late for school.

After school she yells, demanding food and to be taken home. I barely get time with my friends and what my mother calls "social" life..

Tuesday:Waking up late, but easier because she got some-what of a good nights sleep, she gets ready at a faster pace. We leave 5 minutes late.

After school, she still demands her food and to get what she wants, but don't. Instead, I stay with my friends. However, when I get home, I don't hear the end of it.

Wednesday:She is either faking sick or says that I hit her the day before so I would get into trouble and not be able to hang out with my family.

This day after school she doesn't demand alot, instead she calls my dad and he deals with her.

Thursday:She is the first one up because it's almost friday and today she gets food from wherever she wants. And I HAVE to take her.

Starting at 3 pm, she calls me non-stop and yells at me for no reason. She makes up every excuse for my mom to not let me do my business.

Friday:I am the one late since it's the last day of the week. I almost get pulled off the bunk bed and I don't get a good response from my mom and especially the THING!

I dont care if she cries, she doesn't come with me and my friends! Pahahaha evil..it's worth being yelled at by her and my mom!!!!!

-Jackie Tovar

The layout of OC football

2008-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

The O’Connell Buccaneer football team’s schedule
Mondays: Conditioning, running wind sprints and pride builders, weight lifting (helmets only early end)

Tuesday: Offensive training day going over offensive formations such as the pro I, the T, and the pro Split at this point in the season if you dont know the plays, you wont play (full pads reg. time)

Wednesday: Defensive drills day going over the fumble drill devensive pass rushes and tackling drills, the goal of our defensive drills is to make at least 4 turnovers a game. (full pads reg. time)

Thursday: Defensive formations day formations such as the 4-4 split pass coverages and the 3-5-3, coverages need to be gotten and formations need to be kept or the defensive will crumble every one has a job and if that job is not done right then the unit fails (full pads reg. time)

Friday: Game preparation day going over special teams kick off kick off return punt team, and every thing else all rolled up into one pratice, you need to be mentally ready (helmets only early end)

Saturday: Game day!

Note: Game preparation days and game days are subject to change based on circumstances of leaving for games or whether they will be here

Saturday Mornings

2008-11-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday mornings in fall are the best mornings of the year. These are the only mornings I will wake up early, despite the fact that I love to sleep. It used to be for Saturday morning cartoons, but by the time I was eleven I learned the true reason Saturday mornings were created. College football. There's nothing like sitting down on the couch in front of your t.v., eating a bowl of cereal, and switching between a game from California and a game from Florida. Every Saturday, rivalries are on the line, rankings are changed, dynasties fall and upsets happen. In the era of the BCS every game counts. There's no playoffs, so your best bet of holding that crystal football at the end of the season is to go undefeated. It's amazing to think that over your bowl of cornflakes, you can see lifelong dreams end and millions of fans' hearts broken. Hmph,I think I need some more orange juice.

horoscope

2008-11-07T08:30:00.001-08:00

Aries, The Ram
March 21 - April 19

There is a major opposition between your desire to be productive and corporate. At times, you are able to take a leadership role to help move things along. Beware of well-meaning friends and colleagues trying to seduce you into unhealthy relationships or risky financial schemes. You could also embark on a new “journey” that brings passion and intellectual stimulation into your life

Taurus, The Bull
April 20 - May 20
You are often torn between a desire to spend more time with lovers, children, pets, or hobbies and fulfilling your social obligations. Committee meetings, networking activities, helping a friend in need, or spending too much time on the Internet seems to be clashing with your ability to enjoy life. Trust issues or greedy individuals seem to just add fuel to the fire. Luckily, your spouse, best friend, or business partner comes up with some ideas that can help smooth things over. You also find ways to get everyone to open their minds and to try to see things from another point of view. A sense of adventure, inclusiveness, and/or road trips help to ease the tension.

Gemini, The Twins
May 21 - June 20
Your private life and public life are not in sync. You are trying to create long-term stability and safety in your home life, but all kinds of chaos and exciting opportunities keep showing up in your professional life. At times, you have a great deal of romantic, financial, and/or professional success demanding that you figure out how to juggle all of this good stuff in a way that you do not drop the ball and miss out on something important. Work hard, work smart, and be honest with everyone involved and things should turn out okay!

Cancer, The Crab
June 21 - July 22
All forms of travel, academics, communications, philosophy, and perspectives (small town values versus global ideals) are areas of drama and personal challenge this month. Your coworkers, productivity levels, and health could suffer because of all of the drama going on. You are able to use humor, creativity, and a spouse, best friend, or business partner to help you come up with ways to smooth things over and keep everyone from going completely insane. By the end of the month, you are more than ready for the fresh start or positive new beginning happening in your life.

Leo, The Lion
July 23 - August 22
You are still battling through financial problems, however there are a number of times over this next month when you are able to work harder and smarter.. Your spouse, best friend, or business partner is upset with your parents, roommates, or housing situation. The good news is that you get to make a new beginning that brings a great deal of happiness into your life. Falling in love, starting a new hobby, creating a new masterpiece, adopting a new pet, and/or purchasing luxury items are all possibilities
Virgo, The Virgin
August 23 - September 22
You and a romantic, social, or business partner are still not getting along very well. It could be a competitor that is opposing you. You have a great deal of positive energy coming from your communications, commercial activities, and local community sector trying to help the two of you negotiate lucrative business deals, create peace agreements, and/or to discuss your feelings about each other and your commitment needs. You also have a lot of romantic, playful, fun energy helping the two of you to kiss and make up at times or to agree that you value the relationship too much to throw it away. Even though you are at odds, you have a lot of good times and good conversations together, so there should not be any major break ups or permanent damage done to the relationship. This is one of those growth experiences that none of us enjoys but we all can benefit from
Libra, The Scales
September 23 - October 22

At times, you can bring work home from the office, get your folks or roommates to help you, telecommute, or work on letting go of old childhood issues that might be causing the current drama. Those of you who are self-employed could find this is a very profitable time for you. Real estate sales, housing matters, and home improvements are also benefiting from all of your hard work and focus. You are about to have a very strong and passionate energy helping you to turn your home into a safe and stable oasis over the next few years.

Scorpio, The Scorpion
October 23 -November 21
While most of the zodiac is grumbling and struggling through some type of a major opposition, your main problem is that you are too popular and are torn between social obligations and personal pleasures. You are able to talk things through, charm everyone, make fantastic sales pitches, negotiate killer deals, and still remain just as loved and popular as when you started. Mostly, they are not too upset; they just want to know when it is their turn to get some of your time and focus. You also have a big financial opportunity towards the end of the month when you can acquire assets or create new revenue streams. Someone or something in your home is bugging you, but that is a minor reoccurring drama.

Sagittarius, The Archer
November 22 - December 21
Your home life and your professional goals are at war. Chaos at home is clashing with some tough lessons about how to handle leadership, professional goals, and public opinion. Your financial success helps to ease the stress at times and at other times, your ability to pray, meditate, reflect, and spend quiet time contemplating how to create balance between the two helps. Money and a positive attitude can heal a lot of conflict this month. You are also able to launch a new self-image or a new project that is very near and dear to your heart this month
Capricorn, The Goat
December 22 - January 19
You have some wonderful opportunities to socialize, network, and conduct business deals with friends, teams, committees, and other groups. You are also encouraged to travel, expand your horizons, learn about other cultures, and/or to work on some international business deals. There seems to be a tug of war between small town values and global awareness. Your ability to befriend all kinds of people and to be tactful and respectful seems to help smooth things over. You have a chance at an emotional or spiritual new beginning. Pluto enters Capricorn and will bring you great power and passion until January of 2024, so things should begin to start working in your favor very soon
Aquarius, The Waterbearer
January 20 - February 18
Finances are still the center of your focus, however you have plenty of opportunities to earn more, work through any self-defeating attitudes or self-destructive behaviors that might be holding you back, and to succeed at both your professional and financial goals. You are still dealing with periodic episodes when your professionalism and leadership skills are being questioned, but it does not appear to be holding you back. You have a wonderfully dynamic new beginning or fresh start in your social networking sector, so look for new friends, new clubs, or some other fun and maybe profitable new group activity towards the end of the month
Pisces, The Fish
February 19 - March 20
You and a spouse, best friend, business partner, or competitor are still disagreeing about things. There are times when the two of you are able to be open-minded and philosophical towards each other’s points of view. At other times, a friend or colleague helps to smooth things over between the two of you. Despite the partnership dramas, you get to experience a big exciting new beginning in your professional life by the end of the month

Tomorrowsedge.net

Considering Going Blonde?

2008-11-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dyeing your hair is a big time and money commitment, but if you want to make a major change, it’s an easy and fun way to go. The length of time between colorings depends largely on how quickly your hair grows, but typically, roots start to show after about three weeks and will become more noticeable about four to six weeks later. You may find that you want to touch them up every month or so. Keep in mind, though, that since you’re going blonde, it will require some pretty heavy duty chemicals that could damage your hair. Remember, it needs a chance to recuperate! Instead, consider starting out with highlights to see if you like the look. They’re less expensive and easier to maintain, which means fewer touch-ups. If you still really want a bold new look, it’s best to have it done at a salon, where they can help you find the perfect shade to match your complexion. You won’t need to dye your eyebrows to match, you always want them to be a bit darker so that they define and frame your face.

TOP 5 things girls need to start their day off

2008-11-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Road to Renewal

2008-11-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

The O'Connell Buccnears have gone 3-0 in the battle for a dstrict championship, 5-0 with every game they have played. The Buc's Winnins season has inspired new hope into it's school and community, and this saterday they strap up their helmets once again to see who will emerge as district champions. The road for the Bucs has been long and hard, but with the well-deserved win over Beaumount legacy 44-14, performance in big games is what the Buc's have been training for.

Top 5 Sweetest Cars

2008-11-04T08:36:00.001-08:00

5. Ferrari 360 Modena / Ferrari 430 Modena
The Ferrari 360 and 430 Modena is the best Ferrari of all time. It has a mid-engine ranging from 400 horsepower in the F360 to 483 hp for the F430. Car and Driver magazine tested the Ferrari F430 and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. This makes the car the second quickest Ferrari ever, behind only the Enzo which is about 5 times more money. Handling from the mid-engine supercar is nothing short of perfect. The sound from the engine is amazing.

4. Lamborghini Diablo Roadster
The Lamborghini Diablo during its production of over 10 years was almost every kid’s dream car. With doors perfected from the previous Lamborghini Countach, everybody knew you were in a Lamborghini even if they had never seen one before! It has a V-12 engine, all wheel drive, horsepower ranges of over 500+, and a removable roof to soak in all the sun.

3. McLaren F1With a 627 horsepower mid mounted engine and a top speed of over 240 mph the V12 McLaren F1 is an extremely fast and very light almost race car like. The car is made mostly of Carbon Fiber to reduce weight. No expenses were spared making the F1, costly carbon fiber, and exotic materials were used everywhere. Gold was used on the engine compartment lid because it is such a good heat deflecting material. This car looks amazing in pictures. The driver sits in the middle of the car, for the best driving experience possible. There are 2 jump seats to the right and left behind the driver.

2. Ferrari Enzo
At the time of production, the Enzo was arguably the fastest street legal car ever made. This may not be much of a daily driver due to its 1 million dollars plus price tag, compared to some of the other cars on this list, this sweet Ferrari is awesome in person, has unique doors that hinge upwards and attracts attention from miles away. With a 651 horsepower V12 engine (the engine is behind the driver’s seat), it has world class handling also. The ultimate Ferrari can only be beat by our #1 top pick.

Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is the ultimate exotic car while having the top down on that warm summer day. This was even Batman’s car in his latest movie. It has a 6.2 L V12 engine with all wheel drive and 580 horsepower. The doors open upwards in ultimate exotic car style. Lamborghinis are often posters on the walls of children growing up and this newest version from Lambo is the best yet. Everywhere you go people will want to take pics with your lamborghini. This is the ultimate sweetest car.

2008-11-04T08:34:00.001-08:00

Movies coming to theaters this week

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Hoping to return to New York via a penguin-piloted plane, the four animal friends crash land in the plains of Africa.

Role Models
Danny and Wheeler are two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad. Surrounded by annoying do-gooders, Danny struggles with his every neurotic impulse to guide Augie through the trials of becoming.

Soul Men
The two remaining members of the popular soul band, The Real Deal, from the 1970's, Floyd Henderson, now a retired businessman, and ne'er-do-well, ex-convict, Louis Hinds, take a road trip to the Apollo Theater for a musical tribute to their recently deceased front man, Marcus Hook. As they travel cross country in a series of adventures and misadventures, they air old grievances about thirty year old betrayals and learn the music's still in them.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Eight year-old Bruno is the sheltered son of a Nazi officer whose promotion takes the family from their comfortable home in Berlin to a desolate area where the lonely boy finds nothing to do and no-one to play with. Crushed by boredom and compelled by curiosity, Bruno ignores his mother’s repeated instructions not to explore the back garden and heads for the “farm” he has seen in the near distance. There he meets Shmuel, a boy his own age who lives a parallel, alien existence on the other side of a barbed wire fence. Bruno's encounter with the boy in the striped pajamas leads him from innocence to a dawning awareness of the adult world around them as his meetings with Shmuel develop into a friendship with devastating consequences.

Gardens of the Night
Leslie struggles with a hand to mouth existence on the streets of San Diego with only her childhood friend Donnie to look after her. Both of them are trying to cope with the trauma of having been abducted and held captive by two men nine years earlier. As an eight-year-old girl, Leslie was abducted through trickery by an older man Alex, and his young accomplice Frank. Leslie was held captive in their house along with an eight-year-old boy named Donnie, who believed his mentally unstable mother sold him to Alex. The children create a bond with each other, managing to escape into a fantasy world they create in their bedroom. Years later Leslie and Donnie, now seventeen years old, are living as street-kids and struggling to cope with what they suffered through, having been affected by the experience differently. Donnie’s feelings for Leslie are those of any teenager in love, however, Leslie's perception of love has been severely mutated through her relationship with Alex and her instinct is to run from Donnie. Can she not only survive this horrific experience, but be set free from its terrible shackles?

House
A troubled couple, torn over issues about their dead child and their respective careers, blow off a counseling session and, after an accident, wind up in a strange house, where they meet two other guests, as well as the two strange proprietors. As they become aware that they've fallen into an evil house where their worst fears and most private secrets are known, the four guests must fight for their sanity and their survival against the terrifying, evil Tin Man.

JCVD
Movie hero Jean-Claude Van Damme finds himself out of money, fighting for custody of his daughter and losing every good action role to Steven Seagal. In an attempt to escape, the aging star walks away from his shrinking spotlight and returns home to his native Brussels. But when he is thrown into a real-life hostage situation, everyone sees a side of Van Damme they've never seen before as he takes on the police battles the perpetrators and creates a media firestorm that captures the attention of the world.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell
After more than a decade of civil wars leading to more than 250,000 deaths and one million refugees, a group of women rose up to force peace on their shattered Liberia and propel to victory the first female head of state on the African continent.

Repo! The Genetic Opera
In the year 2056--the not so distant future--an epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants--for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men. In a world where surgery addicts are hooked on painkilling drugs and murder is sanctioned by law, a sheltered young girl searches for the cure to her own rare disease as well as information about her family’s mysterious history. After being sucked into the haunting world of GeneCo, she is unable to turn back, as all of her questions will be answered at the wildly anticipated spectacular event: The Genetic Opera.

The World Unseen
In a tightly knit community of South Asians in South Africa, the people live in limbo between the stark racial poles of apartheid. They have been able to carve out a delicate peace with the exception of Amina. She is a rebel. In fact, she owns a cafe that serves all the neighborhood social outlaws. It is the only place in town to have any fun, and of course, this infuriates the apartheid police. However, Amina is more than a match for the cops, but she does have other personal weaknesses. When she first sets eyes on Miriam, she is suddenly as shy as a schoolgirl. Miriam is married but fascinated by this unconventional woman who shows her so much attention. In time, Amina gains the courage to invite Miriam for driving lessons. Alone together in the car, the two women can only surrender to the inevitable.

Dogs

2008-11-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Corey Lee

Dogs???

What is your favorite type of dog? If you were a dog what kind of dog would you be? What kind of dog would you want to be? Why would you want to be that dog? Do you think you would have doggy friends? Do you think you would chase cats? Do you think you would pee in public?

What do you think you favorite treat would be? Would you rather have a rich owner that fed you great food and gave you no attention? Would you prefer a poor owner that gave you a lot of attention but fed you descent food once a day? Would you clean yourself or just stink? Would you bark or be a quiet dog? If you had to poop and you were stuck inside all day where would you go? If your owner beat you would you bite him? If you were stuck inside would you drink out the toilet? Do you think your dogs really like you or just put up with you because you feed him?

My favorite dog is a pit bull. I think I would be a weeny dog. I would want to be a great dane, because it’s really big. I would have a lot of doggy friends. I would not chase cats, but I would pee in public. I would love pig’s ears. I would want a rich owner so I could have good food. I would make other dogs clean me. I would bark. I would poop in the toilet. I would not drink out the toilet that’s nasty. My dog loves me.

Tips to Make Your Teachers Happy

2008-11-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Students! Do you need some tips on how to act in class? well here they are.

Don't try and talk over the teacher. It's pointless and you'll just get into trouble.

If you have to use the restroom wait until the teacher is done teaching the lesson. otherwise they wont let you go.

Do your Homework.....or you will fail. Even if you a make a bad grade it's still better than a zero. Zeroes are bad.

Don't talk to your neighbors excessivly, it gets you in trouble and the majority of the time whatever you have to tell them can wait until after class.

Last but not least, PAY ATTENTION! You must help yourself before someone can help you. If you don't pay attention...you WILL fail.

Now if you were planning on failing a class and being on the teacher's bad side then ignore these tips. However, if you are like the majority of the students in this school, then enjoy the tips!

--Katie Rule

Brands Can't Help You be "Cool"

2008-11-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

Why do teenager's go for the name brand clothes? Around the ages of 12 to 19, teens love brands such as Hollister, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale. Teens go for these types of clothes because of their texture and how they say the brand on the clothes. Also, sometimes the brands have more than clothes, such as bags, shoes and perfumes, which are essential when buying new clothes.

The brands that kids wear nowadays show "how much they have," money wise, and love to show it off. However, the clothes are not always a good price. For example, a simple shirt could cost more than a gas tank, so can a pair a jeans. In other words you could probably spend a whole month's salary on just one trip to the store.

Teenagers need to realize that having the best of the best clothes isn't everything, many think if they dont have a new shirt or jeans they will not "fit" into what society thinks is perfect or "cool" So kids, wake up and smell life! Be aware that even though you buy the lastest clothes of any brand or brand purse, society will criticize you in any way even if you try so hard, you will never be good enough for todays world.

-Jackie Tovar

Ways You Can Save On Gas

2008-11-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

You can get up to 20 percent more mileage traveling 55 mph than 70 mph.
Use cruise control and you will also recieve gas savings.
Quick starts burn gas and hard stops also cost you.
Around town, turn your air conditioning off and roll down the windows.
On the highway, open windows creates drag at speeds of 40 mph or more, so roll them up and use the air.
Added weight in your vehicle also affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk.
Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel economy.

By: Jessica Botello

The Prizefighter O'Connell

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Scarbrough

2008-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Movies Coming toTheaters Oct. 31

2008-10-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

Are cell phones taking over the teenage minds?!

2008-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

Question of the Week

2008-10-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

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

The Top 5 Hockey Players of All Time

2008-10-27T08:31:00.001-07:00

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.

Football and Its Essence

2008-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Is Britney Making A Comeback?

2008-10-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

Hurricanes Can't Beat the Island

2008-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

Teacher Spotlight

2008-10-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

Another Election Article

2008-10-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

Ike damages, doesn't destroy

2008-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

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.

ADVICE ANYONE?

2008-10-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

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 :]

Dropping The Drinking Age

2008-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

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!

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.

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

2008-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

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.

DEEDEE don't reasearch

2008-10-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

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.

COREY DONT MAKE SENSE/JUNK FOOD

2008-10-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-21T08:05:00.001-07:00

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.