GoodToKnow
STUFF YOU WANT & NEED TO KNOW
Stressing over finals?
Here's some ways to get your mind away from finals
By: Angelique Zaragoza
May 22, 2018
It’s coming to the end of the semester. You know what that means, Finals. Every student dreads finals, but if you think about it it’s not that bad. Finals is about everything you’ve learned. All you have to do is study! It may be hard to remember everything from the beginning of the semester, but if you study you’ll be fine!
Need tips on studying for your final? Study in a quiet place where you can focus. Put some instrumentals on to sooth your mind. Take notes on each subject. Really take notes on the subjects that you struggle with the most. Don’t cheat your notes and do your notes effortlessly. The effort you put in studying will show with the results of your finals.
After you’re done taking notes annotate them. It’s important to make sure you annotate your notes in a way you understand. Really annotate your notes especially on the sections that you struggle on. Studies show that annotating notes makes it easier for you to remember things during a test. Annotating notes is an interaction with what you’re annotating which also makes it imprinted in your mind.
Stressing about finals? Go take a walk, put your phone down and enjoy nature. Do something to get your mind off of finals for a bit, it really helps. Don’t stress too much over finals. When you’re stressed about finals and tired of studying go take a walk, jog, read a book, play with your pet, or simply just take a nap. It’s not good to be stressing way too much over something.
Another thing to do when you’re stressing about finals is exercise or doing any physical activity. Doing physical activity can take stress off of your mind. Physical activity can have a beneficial impact on student learning and academic performance. Studies show that brain functions were improved by physical activity. Doing some physical activity is very beneficial.
Music is another way to avoid stress for a little while. Music is a “get away” for most people. During an interview Julien said that “music really calms me down.” You can even listen to music as you’re studying. It will relax your brain and you’ll be able to concentrate more.
After doing one of these, go back to studying. It’s good to take breaks in between studying to relax. You can even take a quick nap! Anything to relax your mind and get your mind off of finals. Take this advice when you’re stressing over something whether it’s finals or other things, it helps.
Epic Games might just have created one of the most viral yet addicting game ever know to the human race. Fortnite was released July 25, 2017 and is already gone viral worldwide. Fortnite is an action packed game where you can play solo, duos and squads with the main goal to get a “Victory Royale”. The game starts off with 100 players skydiving off a bus into different areas of the map trying to get the best weapons to even have a chance to achieve a Victory Royale. The hype was so real that mostly everyone tries it.
Fortnite is a well known game here at Él Capitán High School with many active players. Carlos Quintero a Junior here at Él Capitán High School is currently level 77! “Fortnite is an amazing game and I recommended it to everyone who is willing to have a fun time.” when asked about the game. “The most insane part of the game is when there is only a couple of people left and your heart starts racing because you know you are close to getting that Victory Royale.”says Julian Perez Junior here at Él Capitán High School who is currently level 45 said, “Fortnite is one of the most addicting game i've ever played.” He then added, “The only thing I hate about the game are the players that decide to camp until it's them and the last player and decide to pop up getting their first and final kill and winning the game.”
Fortnite in general is an amazing game with very high quality graphics which make the game smoother and easier to play. Fortnite is available on iPhone (6s and up), Playstation, XBox and PC. Fortnite is a fun addicting game and everyone should give it a try because you never know you may like it.
Got Games?
Is It Worth Your Money?
Name Brands VS Generic Brands
By:BrookLynn Davis
January 31, 2018
Do you believe that name brands are better (in general) than generic brands? Think about this for a second. This statement is false. Name branded sunglasses are made in the same exact factory with the same exact materials as generic sunglasses. The only difference with name brands is that they have a name on them. They aren't any better in quality. They have a name put on them, than they are sent to their company's stores and have a high price put on them. Looks also tie into name brands. People also like name brands for their looks because of designs and other cool marks. Of course, some name brand clothing items have better looks and designs than generic brands. It all depends on the company, their product, their creation process, their effort, etc. A whole Nike outfit is just the same as generic leggings, jackets, tennis shoes and more.
Shoes are made with the same materials most of the time, name brands just have a name stitched onto them and perhaps a design or more added to them. Usually people will automatically assume that they are better in quality because they products are from a world famous company and most people own something from them or likes them. Popularity really has nothing to do with quality. Although, most companies get their popularity from quality, others get their fame from advertising, commercials, celebrity endorsement, designs, etc. Thrasher is a nice example, though there are many other examples as well. Thrasher is just a normal shirt with the name "Thrasher" on it and maybe a pentagram or some design or symbol. Tyler Kayser, a Freshman from ECHS says he, in opinion, thinks name brands are better than generic brands "because they usually have better ingredients." They might have designs and maybe more materials than some products or generic brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have "better" ingredients.
Nike is a very popular brand, but do you know how it's made? Indonesia has one of the biggest Nike factories in the world. The work, living, and health conditions are horrible. The sewage is right outside their door, literally. The houses are incredibly small and they only eat about 2 meals a day. Pretty much the same meals as well. The working conditions are bad as well. They have low wage and very long hours. They get paid anywhere from seven to seventy-seven cents per shoe, while costumers are paying hundreds of dollars for them.
Some name brand sunglasses are being made in the same factories as generic brands with the same exact materials. Although some people know of this, they still choose name brands over generic brands for looks and popularity. Even though people can get a pair of sunglasses for a few dollars, they still chose to pay up to $50 because of looks and popularity, etc. What do you think of name brands now since you've had the background and the facts about them?
Beep! Beep!
Transportation to School
By: Hope Vang
November 17, 2017
Bus, car, bike, or walk, all students get to school someway, somehow. So, how do you get to school?
Students travel to school in many different ways. Most students at El Capitan ride the school bus. Many are brought by their guardians, some drive themselves here, and a few walk, bike, or carpool. There are also many different feelings about getting to school.
Those who walk or bike have to deal with difficulties. Walking to El Capitan High School can be a real struggle. One major thing students have to deal with is the weather. One day it may be hot and the next can be freezing cold. People who walk agree it can be a real drag. However, there are plenty of other ways students get to school.
Getting to school for students can either be challenging or so simple they don’t even think about it. Most students who get dropped off and picked up say, “It’s simple since I have my parents drop me off and pick me up,” explains Kevin Fernandez, and many others have the same response. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though, many students have to deal with the excessive traffic. Students who make an effort to wake up a bit earlier still report that traffic affects the time they arrive to school. It is no different after school, trying to get through the stampede of cars, but what can you do: they’re all trying to do the same thing. Those who drive themselves to school have to deal with the same problem as adults driving students. Most who drive suggest having the school control the traffic or let them use the other parking lot. They even suggest making another parking lot.
Would you believe that a little more than half of the students at school take the bus? Many, many, many complain about the time, the seats, the rush . . . everything. Almost all students who ride the bus say that it is difficult because:
-
“The buses don’t get to school on time.”
-
“There aren’t any seats left or it’s hard to find a seat because people are rude or just don’t want to share a seat.”
-
“It’s always stuffed or packed.”
-
“Getting to and onto the bus is tiring and hard.”
-
“People cut the line to get onto the bus and the bus driver does nothing about it.”
-
“There aren’t enough buses or bus stops.”
-
"Students in buses won't scoot over. For each stop there should be 2 buses because a lot of students take buses."
-
"More buses because some buses get really packed and have to three seat for a long time if you live far."
-
"Having a bus on late start Wednesday come later. Its unfair that students who have a ride get to sleep in and other students have to wake up at the same time because of the transportation."
-
"Have certain buses driver for the school that you know will come and work for the school as the bus driver."
-
"Is say have the bus in the mornings come early but wait some time to leave because sometimes you run late and it would be great if you knew you had a chance of getting on the bus. Also after school it would be great f there was another bus around 7 or 7:30 for later activities or sports that happen at those times."
-
"1. Please get another bus for the area where most El Capitan students are from. 2. Maybe the people from my area need to go to another school, I live in the El capitan district but the school is far from my home. Both my parents work during our school hours and no one will be home, so if I were to miss the bus..I have no choice but to walk.(which is like a 2 hour walk, depending)."
-
"A way for the bus to be better is if the bus drivers set up a new and proper way for the students to forms lines and not to push and shove."
-
"More buses." (multiple respondents)
There are many difficulties and students always have many suggestions to make these hardships less difficult. Many suggest to get more buses, make more bus stops, or have rules for the buses. Well, there are bus procedures and there is something you probably didn’t know about the buses.
Students, bus procedures can be found on the MUHSD website. Students can find answers to questions by going onto the website and finding the information under the transportation tab.
Mr.Shaw was able to provide information related to school bus transportation such as whether the school was going to get new buses, what is the biggest struggle regarding school transportation is, and how students can help.
First of all, the school doesn’t deal with the buses, the district does. The district evaluates the unique needs from each school. Something they look for is, “which school has more bus riders,” says Mr.Shaw. The district does want a reduction in late students, but the process takes a couple years to change the buses and how many the district has.
Many students may not know this, but there were four or five buses purchased this year. However, those buses were bought for decommission (withdrawal) of the other buses. Simply put, buses were purchased to replace older, broken buses. Another important thing that is difficult to find for buses are bus drivers. To find bus drivers, the citizens who are willing to drive the bus must be trained. Training takes months and is very extensive. Bus drivers must be safe for the students to be safe. Not only are bus drivers important, but so are students.
Students can help in many ways. If students have any complaints, Mr.Shaw suggests that they “write what the needs are in a constructive manner.” He also suggests to “always be patient, behave properly, and be safe.” Another thing students can do if they have any complaints is to go to the district meetings. The district gets together before the school year starts, and students can share their thoughts there. School board meeting dates can also be found on the MUHSD website.
Most students who go to El Capitan High School deal with the struggles of getting to school. But, students do get to school, and that is what is important. Whether it is early, on time, or occasionally, a little late, students get to school and are educated.
Students walking to the buses right after school gets out.
What topic do both Logic and 13 Reasons Why have in common?
Is suicide a topic that needs to be discussed more?
By: Aliyah Moreno-Aguirre
12/11/2017
“It feels like my life ain’t mine”(Logic, "1-800"). Many kids struggle with problems whether it is at home or at school. Suicide is something that many people think of as a topic that isn’t supposed to be talked about because they are nervous that it will encourage suicide but and will lead to bring prevention. When Netflix came out with their series 13 Reasons Why some public schools sent out letters to parents telling them about the show, and advising that they shouldn’t allow their kids to watch it. The reason the show was produced was for awareness. Suicide is something that media says is a difficult topic and what people are doing to help is good by making everything now in the media involved in providing prevention is very important.
13 Reasons Why has caused a lot of controversy because in the show they portray that suicide is based on the idea that someone is to blame. Others may interpret suicide as being selfish,13 Reasons Why shows that the reason the main character committed suicide was from the bullying, and other traumatic however,some believe that experiences they disregard the guidelines on safe and responsible reporting on suicide prevention. “We know Hannah dies by suicide. It is the premise of the story and revealed at the beginning, as the rest of the show depends on it. The show could have been effective and impactful without the graphic, detailed portrayal of Hannah’s suicide, which is a direct violation of research conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and other suicide prevention organizations”. When they found “risk of additional suicides increases when the story explicitly describes the suicide method, uses dramatic/graphic headlines or images and repeated/extensive coverage sensationalizes or glamorizes a death.” There is also no example of help-seeking during the whole show.
Suicide is a very serious issue that needs to be talked more about because the annual age-adjusted suicide rate is 13.26 per 100,000 individuals. On average, there are about 121 suicides per day and about 50% of all suicides are caused by firearms. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Each year about 45,000 Americans die by suicide.
It is certainly understandable that talking about suicide, which is such a sensitive and emotional topic, can worry people. However, responsible discussion about suicide may help people to understand that if they are having these feelings,there are places to go for help, which can prevent at least some people from ending their lives. Although still surrounded by controversy, it takes courage for those like Logic, Alessia Cara, Khalid, and the producers of the Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why because they are spreading awareness of suicide and more people are realizing they aren’t alone and that we want them to be alive.
When Logic and Alessia Cara and featuring Khalid released the song, “1-800,” the National Suicide Hotline received about a 50% increase in calls. They got even more attention when they performed the song at the 2017 VMA’s, where they also included suicide survivors up on the stage with them. There was such much emotion that the survivors were crying while listening to the strong and powerful message that Logic was expressing in his monumental speech after the performance.
If you (or you suspect someone else) is considering self-harm in any form, please seek help through a trusted counselor, adult, or prevention organization.
Man vs Woman
Gender Stereotypes
By: Hope Vang
12/13/2017
At a young age boys and girls are told about gender stereotypes. You see it in elementary schools and so on. Little girls and boys play separately and are taught to live in this crazy world differently. Most of them start their favorite color with blue, usually for boys, and pink, usually for girls. Do you believe in stereotypes such as that?
Do you believe gender stereotypes are valid/true?
Adults, elders, and kids live knowing about gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are expectations or beliefs that are based on your gender. They have been here for what seems like forever. Societies, ethnic groups, and cultures have gender expectations too. There is a wide range of gender stereotypes. From the way you have to look to your role in the future or your family. All women, men, boys, and girls have stereotypes. Everyone is affected in different ways and believe differently about whether we should there should be something done about gender stereotypes or not. Everyone has the choice to believe whether stereotypes are true.
Do you think something should be done to eliminate gender stereotypes?
Most people, based on responses from the survey, don’t believe that stereotypes are true. Others say that some are and some aren’t and a few say they are true. Mr. Bogard, a teacher from El Cap, states that he believes that gender stereotypes aren’t true and explains why saying, “Time has proven that both genders are capable and have important roles to play.” Mr. Mike Davenport, another teacher here, says that some stereotypes are true and some aren’t explaining, “Some people adhere to or live by the stereotypes that have been in place for centuries, others do not. It's up to each individual's personal choice so I'm thankful that we live in a free country that allows us to choose how to act.”
Nathalia Munoz-Guzman believes that gender stereotypes are true because “...they just are so frequently brought up in any conversation for both female and male.” Just like Mr. Davenport says, everyone has their own choice to believe in gender stereotypes or not. Another thing to think about is why do gender stereotypes remain in society?
Do you think gender stereotypes are a detriment to society?
Students from El Capitan give their opinion of why they think gender stereotypes still remain in society. A female sophomore at El Cap explains, “We have built a base already where certain things are separated or expected from each gender. These expectations have been around for so long so it’s nearly impossible to have it changed. From what I have witnessed, more so the elderly have been completely opposed to the elimination of gender equality. At the pace that things are changing today, there is a possibility that this can change.” Stereotypes have been around for a long time. There could be multiple reasons as to why they are still here, such as the elderly. Other reasons could be “because people aren’t being taught that these stereotypes aren’t okay,” like what Noel De Melo, a sophomore male at El Cap, says.
Gender stereotypes are something that are always around. They affect people in multiple different ways. These stereotypes can cause bad effects. Studies have shown that there is an importance of addressing gender stereotypes while kids are still young. Boys can change into risk-takers with unhealthy behaviors that include things such as fighting or smoking. Girls may start to feel a psychologically burdensome.
Jessie Mendez-Cruz says, “[Gender stereotypes] destroy the way people communicate with each other. Eventually, we are going to hate each other so much that we never want to be with one another. We could change all of that if we just brought it to people’s attention.”
To change how gender stereotypes affect people, a student from El Cap suggests that “we should try our best to bring individualism to the forefront. Everyone should be able to prove who they are based on their characteristics, not who people say their gender consists of.” Don’t let gender stereotypes restrict you from doing what you want. Break the boundaries and let the world know that students, teachers, and admin don’t live up to certain things.
Take note from Noel de Melo who says, “People shouldn’t have to live up to certain expectations just because of their gender. These stereotypes are detrimental and make people think they are limited to what society tells them they are based on their gender, which is stupid.”
Summer Activities
By: Emily Pelayo & Osvaldo Moreno
The hot sunny days are right around the corner. SUMMER! Along with the new season, comes summer vacation and loads of boredom. There are numerous of activities to do to stay busy and occupied as the days pass. For those who may have a budget, there are still many occupations to do such as making a pinata.
To do this you will need a balloon (whatever size you want the pinata to be) + newspaper + flour+water+tissue paper (to decorate it as you want) + a spoon + bowl. First start by blowing up the balloon to you desired pinata size. You next going to grab your bowl and pour in some flour and water and mix in a half and half ratio. You are then going to cut the newspaper into small strips or pieces and dip it in the flour and water and place it on top of the balloon. You going to layer one layer let it slightly dry and then apply a second layer. You can add as many layers as you want to depend on how sturdy you want your pinata to be. You can let it dry overnight and left hand so that the bottom of the pinata doesn't become flat. Once it's been drying cut a circle and pop the balloon remove the extra balloon and insert candy and then tape it once you're done. Once you are done with the base of the pinata you can decorate as you want. This is just one of the many occupations you can do to keep you busy.
Another easy activity is making slime. There are endless ways to make slime but the most common way is by using glue borax water , a bowl a mixing utensil and food coloring of your choice. There are many measurements and ratios depending on how much slime you want to make however you can eyeball it. You can start but pouring glue into your bowl and putting a dime-sized drop of water and a teaspoon of borax mixing that then pouring it into the bowl with glue. You want to start mixing and adding more little by little and the slime should start forming. Once you reach your desired consistency you can then add a drop of coloring to turn your slime colorful.
Another great and exciting event you can do over summer vacation is the Madera drive in. This interesting event happens on E LINCOLN AVE. MADERA, CA 93638 and the doors open at 7:05 PM but the first show starts at dusk. The general admission for this event is $9.00 but kids ages two to eleven only pay $4.00. So if you want something relaxing and interesting this summer head out to Madera and enjoy a nice movie in your own comfort zone.
Santa Cruz boardwalk host movies on the beach every Wednesday night every summer. Although the ride to Santa Cruz might be a long drive it's a free event! The unlimited ride wristbands are only 14.95 if you bring an empty Pepsi can along the way. It is recommended arriving an hour early to avoid the hectic traffic and to get the perfect spot to lay on. There are many snacks you can purchase such as kettle corn hotdogs and much more so be sure to have some extra cash on you. You can find the movie schedule at https://beachboardwalk.com/Movies.
In fact, Merced also has there very own movies at the park for free. For more information, you can go to https://www.co.merced.ca.us/1578/Movies-in-the-Park
Your Light at the End of the Tunnel - Success
Educational Pressures and How Students Deal with Them
By Rachel Livinal
November 14, 2017
In a survey sent out to El Capitan asking if students feel pressured to do well in school, an overwhelming 91.6% said yes. Out of those students, 85.6% rated the effect this stress has on their everyday life as a 3, 4, or 5, with a five of unbearable, at 19%. High school sets up trouble for kids with all kinds of pressure every day, whether it originates from their family, school, themselves, the future, or friends. And with the ever-growing rates of college tuitions, that uneasy pang grows as the pool of applicants rise for scholarships or even just acceptance into dream schools.
Nervous breakdowns, panic attacks, burnouts, and depression are only some of the symptoms students face as a result of educational pressure. Sometimes, it may just feel like there is no end to the inevitable assignments and responsibilities every teen must undertake on the daily. But where do these emotions begin? School is extremely difficult; every student is expected to manage their time as wisely as possible, get all work done inside and outside of school, do a certain amount of extracurriculars, and still be able to deal with the effects of being a teenager and human being with flaws and bumps in the road.
Another main factor of this stress may be coming from the ones closest to them: their family. 63.4% of students at El Capitan said that family is a part of the pressure they feel to be exceptional in school. Many could feel their only way into college is through a big scholarship because their family simply cannot afford otherwise or they do not desire the burden of debt. The expense of tuition has grown exceedingly over the last 50 years. According to Time magazine, in 1960, a one-year tuition at Bates College cost $2,016 ($16,400 for this decade). Now, a one-year tuition at Bates costs $64,500; that’s about three times the amount as it was back then. But, the good news is that sparking a college's’ interests may not be as hard as the colleges have conveyed it to be. The Washington Post says many colleges look for a more focused area in something an individual student finds interesting rather than attempting a load of random activities and classes that they may or may not use in their future career. Many colleges are also increasingly not requiring SAT or ACT scores, but a meaningful personal essay instead. Spreading yourself thin with AP European History when you’re far more interested in Biology may not be the only option anymore.
When you find yourself drowning in the mass of activities that seem to never stop, it may seem easy to think no one else feels the way you do, but some feel that overwhelming sinking feeling all the time. In China, many students have even resorted to ending their lives because of it. According to the South China Morning Post, kids can have up to twelve hour school days and three to four hours of homework every night. A study from 79 students in China presented that 93% of suicides happened after arguments with other peers, teachers, or parents, and two-thirds of them occurred in the second half of the school year, typically around exam time. Can we all remember the CST? Back in grade school, those schools who reached the top percentile and their goal received a celebration. In China, students are ranked within their school, as well as with other schools which gives a heavy weight over each student’s head for the final exams at the end of the year; their lives and reputations literally depend on it. A study of 2,191 Chinese students from tandfonline showed 73% of students were physically punished by parents for giving “lax academic effort”, 63% were afraid of punishment by teachers, and over ⅓ of these students experienced psychosomatic symptoms at least once a week.
When all time is being consumed through school, many relationships may fall behind. Students may feel that being in competition with peers is important, but they must remember to give themselves the credit they deserve. Just because your best friend may have an “A” in Chemistry, doesn’t mean you have to have an “A” if you’re not even interested in science. Pamf.org says for individuals to set goals that pertain to them, not ones that are set by societal norms or competition with friends.
Even though it may seem as though there is no way out of the hole of education, there is. Madeline Xiong, a sophomore here, says, “ I complete my tasks (by finishing as many assignments as I can) and take some time to myself to play my piano. It's relaxing, especially when I reach that liberating moment where I get a certain technique correct without any hiccups.” Some others suggested listening to music, reading a book to escape reality, or exercising; anything that creates some sort of break, even just for a little while. According to pamf.org, the main key to dealing with pressure is time management; don’t procrastinate! If you know you’ll be out of school for a day, ask your teachers what you’ll be missing. Do homework that needs to be done the night before a sports game.
Believe it or not, a lot of how you feel can be relieved with a positive attitude and self-acceptance. Take it from Nylah Hassaan, another sophomore here when she says her key to success is to simply tell herself she can do it. Anabelle Crouch, another student at El Cap says, “ I breathe, take a step back, and focus on my work.” Some other students here have admitted to using unhealthy
coping methods to deal with the pressure, but there are resources to help right here on campus. Ms. Nichols, our school psychologist, can be reached through email cnichols@muhsd.org, and she advises students to visit the Sierra Vista counseling services in room B101 as well. If you’re drowning in a puddle of self-doubt, spreading yourself thin with too many activities, or doing what you believe may not be the most enjoyable for you but is for others, there is always a way out. At the end of the day, it’s your life, and you can decide how to live it, not anyone else. Do what you find fulfilling, not what someone else considers to be successful and remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Traveling 101
By: Andrew Felix
December 8, 2017
Traveling soon?
How often is it you find yourself on a different site and your foreign interactions aren't the greatest? It happens to the best of us but it can be avoided by a bit of preparation. A student at ECHS reports
“In my country, there is plenty to do, before I moved to America one of my favorite places to go to was a water park in Vera Cruz. I have seen that the life here is more pricey, the dollar here will get you more things down in Mexico. When my family would visit from other locations one of the favorite places was Aquatique Inbursa. My country, like other countries, has some issues but is very beautiful and many parts are recommended to visit for people from all around the world.”
When traveling one must keep in mind a few things that most probably overlook. You are entering a new land, new rules, new lifestyle and in fact different bacterias. The different ways of life call for different circumstances and those traveling aren't always immune to new things. Not only that but planes are bacteria thriving environments constant washing of the hands is recommended especially before a plane meal which has been known to be yucky! Food is totally different in the air, taste buds go all out of whack, saltly is untestable as well as sugar, however, it is said the infamous tomato juice is a “hit” in the air because it becomes sweeter. Not to mention the cramped seats and uncomfortable yet creative sleeping positions. It's all worth it, right?
Roaming the streets of foreign land we often find ourselves in some confusing predicaments. That candy apple you see through the window is practically crying your name, except you can't read the price nor can you ask the clerk the price (he doesn't speak your language). It may be rare for a local to not speak English for it is the third most common language in the world. On the rare occasion, you need to make your best effort to pronounce the basic words of their language just to make it through your trip; you ought to be prepared. Lucky for you a few life-saving websites are out. Google Translate is best, Worldlingo is excellent and will allow you to type multiple paragraphs or sentences you care to learn.
Great ideas for phrases to know!
-
How much is this?
-
Where is the nearest restroom?
-
Hello, I am (your name) from (your country).
-
Please/Thank you
-
Have a nice day/Goodbye
-
I will have the (food order)
If language is not your main concern; you must remember that there is a different money system. The currency is much different from your own and this could either be really good or really bad. Depending on the economy of the country is the value of the coin. If you were to go to Mexico and spend a USD in Mexico you can get 19.7MXN Pesos worth of coins. This is not good for them, if they were to come to the U.S. they would need a lot more of their currency to afford a USD. There are plenty of countries where the USD dominates such as; Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and even China. Europe is a very commonly visited continent worldwide. Interestingly enough The euro's value was $1.19 on September 16, 2017. Meaning one euro could purchase 19 additional cents of valuables and other items. This is more than the $1.05 it could buy on January 6, 2017. Still, this is not great compared to 2014 when it could buy $1.37.
All of this means that your dollar can get you further in the European Union in 2017 than it could back in 2014. The time for this luxury is limited and European trips will only begin to become more expensive with their economy rising. All kinds of research would be a pain to be able to figure out currencies and how much you will lose or gain from spending in a different country. A few websites that could easily convert your money to other currencies are Oanda , Travelex is also a very good traveling guide website for directing new goers. For those of you who like to hoard a few pennies, I have the thing for you. There is a handy website Trivago; this site compares all the hotel rooms and gives you the cheapest prices. Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Virgin America are all U.S based and have some of the cheapest prices. Safe traveling with you all!
Have Patience
What you need to know about babysitting
By: Angelica Lepe
12/6/2017
Freshman, Michelle Lopez , babysits kids that are the ages 0-12 months to 5-7 years old. She usually babysits her siblings and other family members. Even though she doesn't really get paid, she likes to babysit and she thinks that you shouldn't get paid anything anyways. She usually babysits 3-4 times a week on both weekdays and weekends, and when she is babysitting: “I feed them first. Take them out to the park by the house. I make sure they help me clean. Take a nap . Feed them again. Take them out to a soccer routine we have. Go home and finish homework. Then their parents come and get them or sometimes they stay with me. My siblings just shower and go to bed.” Michelle's advice for other babysitting teens - or those considering it - is to “just try to have a routine and make sure that when you don't take care of the kids, they don't mess up your routine. Also be prepared for any accidents and make sure you let their parents know that they got hurt by doing certain things.” She has also considered wanting to start her own babysitting business or to work with children when she is older.
The siblings, other family members and her parents co-workers' kids who sophomore, Dulce Morfin, watches are between 3-7 years old. She sometimes enjoys babysitting, and she usually babysits four or more hours at a time. On average, she gets paid $5 per hour, which is what she believes a babysitter should earn. Whether she babysits on weekends or weekdays, this is what she does when she babysits: “Since normally the kids I babysit have been 3-5 year olds, they aren't difficult to take care of since they know some stuff already. I would just pay attention to what they love doing, what they like and don't like to eat so next time I would know to either give that snack to the child or not. Also, know how to have patience, mostly because they are young kids which means they don't quite know exactly how to act maturely yet.” On average she babysits 3-4 times a week and she would want to start a babysitting/childcare business, but she isn’t sure yet. She continues her advice: “PATIENCE! Mostly for younglings, they might be tougher to babysit, but, you always have to have patience. Try to find a way to have fun with the kids, while you could also have fun at the same time. Don't stress yourself out if it's your first time, if you only babysit one kid, it's only a couple of hours anyways.”
Senior, Payton McDaniel, babysits kids that are infants all the way up to preteens. They are usually siblings or other family members. She works 3-4 times a week on weekdays and weekends and even babysits overnight, and on average she gets paid $5 per hour; however, she believes that you should get paid $5-10 per hour. Her typical routine consists of “Bathe, feed, watch movies/TV, games, bed.” Although she really enjoys babysitting, she doesn't want to start her own babysitting/childcare business. Some advice she would give to people who want to start babysitting is to “Actually spend time with the kids and don't ignore them or yell at them. Be patient with with the kids, especially the younger ones.”
Jayden Guerrero, a senior, babysits kids ranging from infants to preteens. They are other family members , family friends, her parents' co-workers' or her teacher/former teachers' kids. She really enjoys babysitting. On average she babysits 3-4 times a week for four or more hours at a time (on both weekends and weekdays). Jayden reports being paid $5-10 per hour on average; although she believes that you should get paid $10-20 per hour. She says, “I also have dance parties with them, or little "karaoke" sessions to get them tired out before I put them down for a nap or just because we're in the mood to dance.” Jayden has considered starting a childcare business or working with children in some kind of career. Her advice for others considering babysitting or working with children? “Patience is key, no matter what the ages of the kids are.”
If you were going to start your own babysitting service or daycare this is how much you would be getting paid: According to the Care.com website in 2017 Babysitter Surveyed the average babysitting rate in 2016 was $13.97 per hour. For a teenager to babysit they get paid either $8 an hour, but some people think that teenagers should get paid $5 and hour just to babysit. And in 2017 they are getting paid $13.50 an hour on average. Respondents also reported that it is hard for people to find the right babysitter, so normally they either ask their older kids or they ask other family members.
"We're stars and we're beautiful"
Song Review and Look Into Body-Shaming & How to End It
By: Christina Rhaburn
December 18, 2017
"Scars to Your Beautiful" is a song about self acceptance and body positivity. Alessia Cara’s song "Scars to Your Beautiful" has reached the Top 10 on US Billboard Hot 100. Alessia Cara explained in an interview about the song saying, "Basically, that song is about body image. It's directed at women, but I think men can relate to it as well.” She continues by saying, “ It's just a song about these things that certain women go through on a daily basis in order to feel loved or in order to love themselves. I think that's
such a thing that goes on in today's world”.
She isn’t wrong body shaming is one of the big topics in this society.
What is body shaming?
Body shaming involves criticizing yourself or others because of weight, shape or appearance. Messages from social media and from each other often imply that “we should want to change and fit the ideal of a perfect body.”
Many constantly see magazines offering tips on how to “lose weight or appear thinner or hiding your imperfections”; body shaming is everywhere, especially on social media platforms. The media has pushed unrealistic pictures of how females should look. This includes movies, television, stores, music videos and even on magazines. The owner of Abercrombie and Fitch refused to make clothes for plus size people because he didn’t want overweight people wearing his brand. The Ceo, Mike Jeffries, didn’t want his definition of ugly people which to him were overweight people. Abercrombie doesn't list women’s XL or XXL on the size chart. Moreover, the largest women’s pants that they made were a size 10. In 2014, he got fired because of what he said, and their sells rate had went down because people didn’t support someone who had a mindset like that.
Once again, body shaming is also in music videos. Women are objectified in music videos, especially in hip hop, rap, and sometimes pop culture. Popular hits like Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” many people may find insulting to another person’s body type which isn’t taken lightly.
What are the effects of body shaming?
A history of being teased based on size or weight can contribute to eating disorders such as: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and/or binge-eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat, particularly starving themselves from the nutrition their body needs. 0.9% of American women suffer from anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is another serious eating disorder; people with bulimia eat large amounts of food and then purge, trying to get rid of extra calories in an unhealthy way. For example, someone with bulimia may force vomiting or take laxatives to rid their body of all the nutrition it needs. 1.5% of American women suffer from bulimia nervosa. Binge eating is consuming large amounts of food while feeling unable to stop and at loss of control. It often leads to weight gain or obesity. Men and women who suffer from binge eating disorder may struggle with emotions of disgust, guilt, depression and anxiety. 2.8% of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder. Body shaming compresses the self esteem and confidence of a human being.
How can we stop body shaming?
You can start by spreading positivity; tell other people how great they look. The media has given the ability for people to spread more hate than they’d would’ve in person. The best thing to do is to completely ignore the haters. The majority of the time, they’re just doing it to get a reaction out of you or make themselves feel better. Another piece of advice is to practice self love. Look in the mirror and love the person you are because “WE ARE ALL STARS AND WE'RE BEAUTIFUL”~ Alessia Cara. Let's put an end to body shaming and spread the love!
ATTACHED!
Our Connection to Mobile Devices
By: Brooklynn Davis
12/18/2017
Not only do new generations have strong connections to their phones, but older generations are getting that same connection. Cell phones have upgraded tremendously over the years which sparks a mother-child connection with a person and their phone. Technology has upgraded to the point that messages from one point of the world, to the other opposite side of the world can get to each other in less than 3 seconds. Games and new social media apps are becoming fun and addicting, making it hard and nearly impossible for teens and many other age groups to stay off their phone. Even during class time, people check their phone at least once, unless they have it zipped away somewhere.
iPhones in particular, have some of the best upgrades and amazing camera quality. People are in love with the camera quality and how it only gets better and better as new IPhones come out. Waterproof phones and earbuds are out as well and only getting better which drives people crazy. People feel closer to their phones because they do everything on them and rely on them for pretty much everything.
The first phone ever invented was in 1876, by Alexander Graham Bell and Antonio Meucci. The first telephone call was on March 10, 1876. The first telephone call was by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant named Thomas Watson. The first words spoken were “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” At first people thought the telephone was nothing more than a toy, but soon they all started to install and get their very own telephones into their homes, businesses and even ships had phones.
From the very first telephone that only let you call at one hour at a time, to the Apple iPhone's we have today that have unlimited calling time, addicting apps, security, trackers, safety, help, fun, social media, health apps and much more, you can definitely say that phones have changed drastically over the years. From phones with a cup that you hear and speak in, to phones that you dial the number by turning the wheel to the number, to flip phones to high tech touch screens, there will be much more improvement in the future. Not only has phones changed, but the people and the technology has too. Can you say that everything changes over time? In 1946, Swedish police began to use their own mobile phones. The phone was connected to the car and ran on it’s battery. The bad thing is, after six calls, the car’s battery would die out. This phone that the Swedish police used was similar to a two-way radio, but some differences were that the phone worked via a connection to the telephone’s network along with, of course, the car’s battery.
The 3rd generation’s phone that was only invented a few years ago, was the first ever phone to allow multitasking. They were used for more than just conversation. Music while texting or multiple apps that ran at once. They can receive notifications from every single app including the message and emails apps all at one time. While they do this, they can also keep track of the wifi and data and memory. The iPhones today can be tracked by other IPhones if lost. Unlike an Android, you cannot hack into the phone and reset it completely on just the home screen. Apple iPhone’s lock you out and require passwords and fingerprints. The only bad thing is, iPhones cost a lot more than Apple IPhones, but they do run fast and have very good camera quality which seems to be everyone’s favorite pro about the Apple iPhone.
Problems with the IPhone can be easily fixed as well. Another student named Sean Wakefield, a Sophomore at ECHS (El Capitan High School), says they like Android because “it’s not overpriced. It’s customizable. It’s all Google so it’s pretty easy to use.” Android is cheaper and they can be customized and everything on Android does run off of Google. Jason Chavez who is a teacher/staff at ECHS states his opinion saying “Simply put, Apple is just a one company phone. Android is like a Frankenstein phone…a lot of pieces from different places.” His argument is anti-Android because Androids are “Frankenstein phone” with their different parts from different places. Now, whether this is true or not, clearly iPhone is a preferable and better phone according to Mr.Chavez. iPhones are faster, have better camera quality and you can even have fun with the phone cases. Not only is the interior fun, but you can freely decorate the exterior as well. While you can decorate Android phone, the iPhone has a variety of cases while Androids do not and most people have to decorate their Android with stickers and other artsy objects.
Elizabeth Wright, a Junior student from El Capitan High states “I think Apple is better because it has good camera quality. It doesn’t lag as much and it’s a nice phone to have. You never really have problems with is like you would do with Android.” iPhones do in fact run fast and do not lag as the Android does.
