Photos of the Week

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."  
-Albert Einstein

“New Year, new Me”

Every time the ball drops and a new year begins, some people make it a point to make their new year’s resolution. The goals can range anywhere from taking care of themselves to taking care of others. When most people make these resolutions, they plan on keeping them throughout the whole year. However, they often find themselves letting the goals slip as the year progresses.

We spoke to Chad Hensley, English I teacher at South Doyle High School, about the New Year’s topic. When asked about his resolution from last year, he said, “I didn’t really have one.” He went on to say that he doesn’t really do very well with New Year’s resolutions, because they last all year and they are hard to keep up with. However, he did say that he gives things up for Lent and he does better with that. He said, “Telling God that I am going to give something up provides motivation to stick with it.”

We then moved on to the topic of this year’s resolution. He responded that he wants to exercise more.  He wanted to walk or hike so many miles a day, but now he just does six to eight miles on the weekend. “I gave up a couple bad things,” adds Hensley.  He plans to keep up his resolution throughout the whole year.  Hensley said “getting’ fat,” inspired him to exercise this year. “I went to Germany over the summer and ever sense I’ve been packing on the pounds,” said Hensley.  “20 pounds to be exact,” he added.

We then asked Junior Kenzie Long about her resolutions, and she had completely different answers. Last year, her resolution was to stop drinking soda. She said, “I kept up with it for the most part, and I only drink them every once in a while.” We asked her if this year’s resolution was influenced by last year’s, and her response was yes. “My resolution for this year is to lose weight.” Since she stopped drinking soda last year, she wants to go a little farther this year.

Emily Taylor, freshman, also has a New Year’s Resolution for 2014.  She wants to score well on her solo this season.  She has been working on her solo since November. Emily’s inspiration for her resolution is the fact that she gets the privilege to dance.  She also added, “Alex Warner is my inspiration and role model in life.”

New year’s resolutions can definitely be hard to keep up with .The people we asked either did not have one to keep up with, or they stuck with it until the end. When asked about their resolutions for this year, they had high hopes of keeping up with them.  Why make a resolution if you don’t have enough motivation to keep it?  I think that if you have the right motives you can accomplish anything.

Ashlee Holtzclaw & Alex Warner 

Ask Lucy & Lauren

Dear Lauren, 

     Should I graduate early next year?

                                    Sincerely,

                                         Anxious Junior

Dear Anxious Junior,

         Every high school student has probably asked them selves this question. I know I have at least. I think that if you do not have any early college plans then you should stay in school, because if you are out of school for that long I feel that you will never want to go back. Also, I don’t think any senior should miss their last semester. It’s kind of like a right of passage to me, but in all honesty this is completely your decision.

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                        Lauren

Dear Lauren,

         What do I do when someone is bullying me?

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                        Scared Sam

Dear Scared Sam,

         First things first is you have to tell an adult. If that doesn’t work then you should confront this person about how it is affecting you. If they still don’t take you seriously, and they keep bullying you just move on and forget about them. They will get bored and move to someone new if you just ignore them.

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                        Lauren

Amityville Horror

Trystan Hurst

         Can you imagine being newlywed and finding your dream house for an affordable price? Pack your bags and move right in but there’s a catch. Would you still move in if you knew their own son murdered the previous owners in their own cold blood? Amityville Horror released into theaters in 1979 brought about a new fear to newlyweds, finding their new house full of the souls of their previous owners.

         Newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz move them and her three kids into a lavish home on the lake which is surprisingly affordable for the family. Of course the reason for the low price is because of the gruesome murders of the previous family done by their lunatic son. Slowly George changes and Kathy begins to notice how uptight and distant he is. The family starts to realize that there is an evil presence in the house and its got its eyes set on George. Will the family make it out…alive? 

         In the 2005 remake, starring Ryan Reynolds follows the same story line just of course adding a few things. The original film didn’t reveal much about the Lutz’ daughter, but she becomes present in the remake becoming acquainted with an imaginary friend. The forming of an imaginary friend isn’t necessarily uncommon for a child in that time but eventually it became more of an issue when bad things begin to happen involving this “friend.” Just like the original, the evil presence targets George Lutz and makes him crazy and murderous.

         I will always stick to original horror films, but this film remake does stick very closely to the original storyline.  The family not only has to deal with the evil presence in their house but also a family member succumbing to a paranormal entity. If you’re interested in either of these films, the original is definitely recommended because it is more realistic and scary. 

Superbowl Headlines

Superbowl Story

            As we head into Superbowl XLVIII, many headlines have already developed. Richard Sherman has definitely put himself at the center of attention with his interview heard around the world. ESPN analysts have begun debating if Denver’s high-powered offense will overcome Seattle’s grueling defense. Last but not least, who will win it all?

            Colin Kaepernick dropped back in the pocket, and scanned the field. Nothing to the left, nothing up the middle, but WR Michael Crabtree was making his way up the sideline and QB Kaepernick saw the opportunity to score the game-winning touchdown. He threw the ball, and the defense stopped to watch if their hopes of reaching the Superbowl would be reached or crushed. Crabtree jumped for the ball, and Seahawks CB Richard Sherman jumped a millisecond later, and deflected the ball as another Seahawk defender intercepted the pass. This was the play of the game, and Richard Sherman was the hero. The Seahawks came out on offense and kneeled the ball to secure the win. The confetti was beginning to come down as ESPN reporter Erin Andrews rushed onto the field to interview Richard Sherman. The response she received from Sherman was not expected.

            “I’m the best corner in the game! When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you gonna get. Don’t you ever talk about me. [...] Don’t you open your mouth about the best or I’m gonna shut it for you real quick.”

            What else could be expected from a well-known talker on the field?

            The Denver Broncos cruised past the New England Patriots with a 26-16 victory. QB Peyton Manning led his offense with his arm as he passed for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns. The performance hushed the talks of questioning Manning’s ability to win playoff games, at least until next week.

            The only obstacle left for the Broncos is the Seattle Seahawks, who might have the best defense in the league. Seattle is 8^th in rushing yard allowed per game, 6^th in passing yards allowed per game, and 6^th in total yards allowed per game. The numbers are intimidating, but if any offense will dominate Seattle’s defense, it would be the Broncos. Obviously, any team Peyton ^Manning is on makes them a threat, but when weapons are placed around the future Hall-of-Famer, Manning is deadly.

            People are already making calls to hotels in Vegas to book their rooms in preparation for betting on the winning team. I don’t plan on making any bets, but if I were to place a bet, I would have to go with the Broncos. Seattle’s defense will be a challenge for Denver, but I think Peyton Manning will make adjustments and put his team in the best position to win. Plus, it is hard to root for any team that is going against Manning, as he is a legend in Tennessee.