By Alexis Patterson 

Out of all the decades to live in, the 90s holds the top spot. The 90s era had so much versatility put into the different styles that brought it alive and it still influences trends today. That era holds the best music, TV shows, movies, activities, and more. Movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s All That were very popular rom-coms that people fell in love with. They connected with them due to the realistic aspects and teen struggles. There were TV shows that also had the same effect as those movies like Boy Meets World and Dawson’s Creek.

Music-wise, artists like Eminem, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, or Snoop Dogg had a big impact on the 90s. They helped popularize Rap, hip hop, and R&B during this time making it more produced throughout the country. The fashion sense during the decade was top-tier. Men would wear the oversized vintage jackets and baggy jeans with chains, baseball caps and glasses, paired with a Nike or New Balance sneaker, while women would be more into the more fitted clothes with a pair of chunky sandals or high-top sneakers.

Technology also wasn’t a big part of that era which made it less toxic. Teens had to make genuine connections without the help of the internet or the distraction from a cell phone. There wasn’t any social media, which made it less likely for someone to browse and continue and lower their self-esteem. The way people would keep up with trends is through the many magazines that were produced at the time, they would include new clothes that stores would release, the newest song release of a music artist, or a new actress or actor that had an upcoming movie. 

By Noah Acosta

Music is a powerful tool that has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in individuals. Whether it’s a melancholy ballad that brings tears to your eyes or an upbeat dance track that makes you want to get up and move, Music has the power to influence our emotions in profound ways.

One way in which music influences emotions is through its ability to tap into our memories. Studies have shown that certain songs or melodies can trigger strong emotional responses by reminding us of specific events or people in our lives. For example, hearing a song that was playing during a special moment with a loved one can instantly transport us back to that time and evoke feelings of happiness or even sadness.

Music also has the ability to regulate our mood and emotions. Research has shown that listening to music can have a therapeutic effect on individuals, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, music therapy is a widely recognized form of treatment for various mental health conditions, as it has been shown to have a positive impact on overall well-being and emotional health.

Furthermore, music can also serve as a form of expression for individuals. Whether it’s through writing lyrics, composing melodies, or simply listening to music, individuals can use music as a way to channel and process their emotions. This can help individuals with difficult emotions such as grief, anger or loneliness, and can even serve as a form of catharsis.

In conclusion, music is a powerful tool that has the ability to influence our emotions in profound ways. Whether it’s through triggering memories, regulating mood, or serving as a form of expression, music has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in individuals. So next time you’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up, consider turning on some music and see how it can influence your emotions for the better.

By Mayli Martin

Even though Valentine’s Day is in a couple weeks, surely people are thinking about plans.  Usually there are two sides to Valentine’s Day: the loving couples that spend their day with dates and affection and the people not in a relationship thinking about what to do.  However, what if this year was different?

Love is known to be a feeling that keeps everyone going and it is needed to survive.  Even if it’s not romantic, love can be our motivation and strength to get things done and take on a new day.  When Valentine’s Day is seen as a day for couples though, many sometimes see the special holiday as a sad day reflecting on their life, but it should not be like that.  Everyone should be able to feel affection, and even though love should be spread every day, Valentine’s Day should be celebrated with everyone to make sure the whole world feels loved.  So here is some things to do on the love bug holiday:

For couples, taking a nice day with one’s significant other is always a nice time.  Planning the day to express love with gestures, kind words, flowers, etc. are always good ways to make people feel special.  However, taking the time to do a simple sign of affection is always special no matter how small.  Meaningful things are memorable, and handmade things can be very special.  Handwritten letters and cards, flowers, etc. are always nice, and even though girls are the ones to get the flowers, guys should get them too.  Everyone should feel loved on this holiday, so showing affection to both sides of the relationship is nice, getting flowers and doing fun activities like baking, dancing, and even just watching a movie! Continue reading Valentine’s Day Plans? →

By Lexie Kellner

To begin, glitter is found just about everywhere such as clothing, art, cosmetics, and more. After the University of Sao Paulo conducted research, they discovered that glitter also occupies the ocean. Over 8 million tons of glitter have been estimated to be distributed throughout the oceans. They then began observing the delayed growth of aquatic organisms. This led them to undertake proving the relationship between glitter particles obstructing biogeochemical cycles and marine animals. The researchers are trying to find a way to decrease the amount of glitter in the sea, so it stops polluting the oceans. 

Furthermore, glitter is made up of various kinds of microplastics coated in aluminum to create a reflective surface. Glitter is unable to be filtered out by systems due to its lack in size. Therefore, the glitter ends up in oceans or other bodies of water. Glitter is not decomposable due to its composition of microbeads. When aquatic animals make contact with glitter it endangers that animal due to its sharp sides and toxic material. If the concentrations of glitter continue to increase it can influence water contamination negatively. Not only does this affect organisms but also cyanobacteria. This bacteria is also known as algae which is needed by the majority of marine animals. It’s food for organisms and is needed for the water and soil cycles. After a vast amount of research was conducted, it was shown that algae grows significantly less when in contact with glitter. It stunts growth and can negatively affect the health of the algae. 

Overall, glitter has critically impacted the health and well-being of algae and marine animals. Glitter pollution needs to be stopped so microplastics don’t continue infecting the sea. The research has shown lasting effects on many organisms which can continue to increase. Our oceans should be protected from harm, but they continue to deliver destruction. Human activity shouldn’t continuously impact our ecosystems negatively.

By Nevaeh Johnson

Students spend 12 years preparing for college and what they will do as a career for the rest of their life. Schools only teach students some basic necessities that are needed before going off to college and finishing their schooling,  but they can also help by giving different opportunities to help you succeed in the future.  A lot of schools do have classes that can point children in the right direction for the career they might be considering , but many colleges will make you retake classes in their school, and the classes that you may have taken in high school to help you better prepare might not necessarily be as helpful as you thought.

High school classes are also easier than college classes since they do not elaborate and expand on the topics you need to know about for your specific field of work. High schools could have more career based classes that can give you more information and in class experiences for different jobs. On the other hand some schools, Like Tremper, give their students the privilege of signing up for youth apprenticeship. Youth apprenticeship is where high schoolers are able to go into a job that they are looking for a career in, and if they are able,  they can get a release during school in addition to even getting credits towards high school graduation. 

High school cannot prepare students for every challenge they might face, but it can teach them basics and strategies to help them figure out what to do in certain situations. I believe that certain jobs are technique and skill based. By being taught basic skills and having prior knowledge of what to do or even an idea can help a lot when situations come up that you have not been in before. In your schools there are people all around you that went into a career and experienced college like your teachers and counselors. So if you are ever confused about anything or want to know more about college and some careers you could go into, ask your counselor, they are there to help you and guide you through the process and show you the steps to get to where you want to be. So after the 12 years you spend getting ready to get further education and make a career out of it, if you ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities provided to you, high school should have been able to prepare you very well in the direction you are choosing to go. 

By Benjamin Rothove

In 2018, Ron DeSantis was elected the Governor of Florida by a margin of 30,000 votes.  Just four years later, he won reelection by 1.5 million votes.  As of November 2022, Ron DeSantis is the most popular politician in the entire country. How did this former Navy lieutenant become the most likely next President of the United States? 

Ron DeSantis was born in Florida to a middle-class family; his mother was a nurse and his father installed Nielson TV rating boxes.  DeSantis was an excellent baseball player on top of being an outstanding student, eventually serving as the captain of Yale University’s baseball team, a distinction he shares with former President George Bush. After graduating, he briefly worked as a history teacher, before attending Harvard Law School with fellow conservative Ben Shapiro. Continue reading DeSantis is DeFuture →

by Benjamin Rothove

Thomas Sowell was born at the height of the Great Depression, grew up in Harlem, and dropped out of high school.  How did he become a professor at Cornell University, write more than 45 books, and become the leading intellectual of the Conservative movement?

Thomas Sowell was born in North Carolina, but his father died before he was born and his mother was unequipped to raise him.  Sowell never knew his mother and was instead raised by his great aunt.  At a young age, Sowell and his family relocated to Harlem, New York, where he would attend school.  He excelled academically and qualified to attend a prestigious high school in the city. 

Unfortunately, his family ran into monetary issues and his home life deteriorated, forcing him to leave high school at the age of 17.  Sowell worked various jobs, at one point trying out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, until he was drafted into the Marines.  He never saw Korea because he worked as a photographer, but his time in the military shaped his future.  Continue reading Who is Thomas Sowell? →

by Jacob Puhr

Everyone yawns. In fact, while writing this sentence I yawned.  But why?  We all know that when we’re tired and bored we find ourselves yawning.  Once again, I’ve yawned while talking about why we yawn, and now I’m yawning once more.  The more I find myself yawning non-stop while writing about yawning non stop, I wonder why?  Believe it or not scientists lack a shared, definitive consensus of why we yawn.  

Instead of answers, theories are proposed as to why we yawn.  The seemingly most accepted one is that yawning regulates brain temperature.  When yawning, blood flow increases.  As this flow increases, heat is more capable of dissipating and our eyes water which releases heat.  Sleep Foundation referenced, in one article, several studies that revealed when participants placed a warm pack on their heads, they yawned more than those with a cold pack.  On top of those studies, another showed that people yawn more during summer than winter, also adding evidence to the theory we yawn in warmer environments to help cool the brain. Continue reading Why Do We Yawn?  →

By Lillian Liebke

With all that has been going on in our society and our world as a whole on top of all of the little things that go on in daily life, focusing on your mental health is one of the most important things you can do. Taking little steps throughout your daily life and slowly getting into a positive routine can really change your mindset, and it can be as easy as little self-care steps or daily affirmations. But what are some things you can do to get started on the right foot?

First, start your day off with some productive habits. Starting off your day with sunlight and a light meal starts your mind and stomach the minute that you wake up, making you more ready for the day. Also getting into habits like making your bed, showering, doing a skincare routine, and cleaning up your living area. A clean space around you leads to a more productive day. Prioritizing things you have to do throughout your day with a daily to-do list gives numerous benefits like keeping your priorities in check and being able to keep an eye on any events going on that day.  Continue reading Ways To Better Your Mental Health →

By Reese Mattner

Plastic pollution has a giant impact on marine life. Over 800 different species have been impacted by plastic being thrown into the ocean. Fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals can all be tangled in plastic or have consumed plastic. Humans are also being affected by this too. When different animals in the ocean digest plastic some of it can turn up into seafood that we eat. Therefore we are consuming plastic when we eat seafood.

Many sea turtles have been affected by plastic. Sea turtles eat plastic thinking they have eaten enough and are full, but all they have consumed is plastic. Since this happens a lot of them die from starvation. Reproduction has slowed down because of people littering on nesting beaches. Turtles will not hatch or grow because the temperature is being changed by plastic build up on beaches.  Continue reading Plastic Pollution →

By Reese Mattner

Climate change is affecting humans and animals. So many species are endangered because of climate change. Some animals that are affected include polar bears, snow leopards, giant pandas, tigers, monarch butterflies, green sea turtles, penguins and many more. Sea-level rise, increased storms are affecting sea turtles when they are nesting. Many beaches are becoming dangerous for sea turtles especially because there are certain types that are already endangered. The arctic ecosystem has been affected more than other ecosystems. 

Climate change has brought many health issues to people. Extreme weather events including, heatwaves, storms, floods, and more can affect human health. Anaplasmosis, Anthrax, Antibiotic-resistant infections, Cryptosporidiosis, Dengue these are just five examples of the many diseases that may occur. Hurricanes are getting stronger due to climate change. Stronger hurricanes can lead to destruction of coral reefs which can kill marine life. There are thousands of species that rely on coral reefs to survive. Certain temperatures cause a dry climate which can cause wildfires. Flooding can cause waterborne diseases, injuries, and chemical hazards. Oceans have also been becoming more acidic and toxic.  Continue reading Climate Change →

By Julie Jaworski

Throughout the year activities done throughout the day are highly affected by the weather, as well as the season. Some activities aren’t done until a specific holiday season, a specific temperature, or a specific day. Some examples are Christmas activities like decorating a Christmas tree, putting lights on your house, etc. These aren’t done until the Christmas season, which is basically considered the whole month of December. 

When it comes to the fall season, there are many activities to partake in! Places like Jerry Smiths, a pumpkin patch, have many activities to do. You can take a hayride, do a haunted house, a corn maze, get pumpkins, and so much more. Pumpkin patches like Jerry Smith’s are typically opened seasonally, so when it is that time of year take some time and pay a visit! Continue reading To Do List for Fall →

by Amaiya Diaz

Once a year, kids around the world dress up in a costume, go trick or treating with their friends, and go back home to sort the candy they got. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays, with people of all ages celebrating when the time comes around. October 31st is a time that people look forward to all year. But why is this day so special?

People on Halloween are able to dress up as whatever they want. Ranging from a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to a zombie, the options are endless. This means anyone participating can dress up and have fun in whatever costume they like. Some have parties, others go trick-or-treating, and there are people who stay in to watch horror films and eat snacks. When Halloween comes around, a popular activity like going to the pumpkin farm is a favorite. At a pumpkin farm, you can get cookies, drink apple cider, and sometimes there’s even haunted houses or attractions at the farm. Continue reading Halloween →

By Reese Mattner

There have been studies that contain information about how drivers misuse their vehicle. Certain kinds of self-driving cars are supposed to be used on highways only. Some owners use their self-driving car in parking lots or during bad weather conditions. All self-driving vehicles have different assisted driving options. Some cars are not meant to drive on all roads. It is common for many drivers to take part in other distracting activities behind the wheel. Self driving cars are being used wrong by owners.

Gas prices will continue to increase within the U.S. this October. California currently has the highest gas prices coming in at $6.335 per gallon. The lowest price of gas is $3.226 per gallon in Georgia. Russia produces 10% of the oil in the world. Since Russia is at war with Ukraine the U.S. has banned imports of oil through Russia. It is harder to get oil and there is a lower amount that we’re getting. Therefore the citizens of the U.S. have to pay more for gas.  Continue reading Electric Cars vs Gas Cars →

By Ollie Campbell 

You probably heard of the infamous Squishmallow plush toys. They are round, fluffy, and soft as a baby’s skin. They have hundreds of characters and designs you can collect. They are a nation-wide must-have. From children to adults, it’s very likely you know at least one person who owns or collects them. Despite the social craze surrounding the Squishmallow brand, there is a lesser known company that makes even better plushies. 

Peepy is a collector’s item produced by the revenged based company ItemLabel, which is located in Maryland. Peepy plushies are in a shape resembling a peanut. They have ears, a tail, four little nubs as their legs, eyes and a beak. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. They also have squeakers, and are probably mistaken as dog toys at first because of that. Usually the designs are based after certain animals, foods, gaming references, etc. I, myself, own a Peepy. My Peepy is the Axolotl-py (designed after the animal, the axolotl).  Each Peepy design is given a backstory for you to read before purchasing. There are also limited edition Peepy plushies for extreme fans out there. The Peepy plush usually sells for $20. Prices can vary depending on the design.  Continue reading Yippee for Peepy!: The Hype Surrounding a Small Plushie →

By Joe Mendoza

Considered one of the most influential and iconic concerts in history, Woodstock took place on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, New York, basically in the middle of a field. It was a hippie concert, filled with artists like Santana, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Janis Joplin, and had a lot of great music. Around a half a million people showed up, making it huge already, and many of the audience members slept in tents, or more commonly sleeping bags, since the original attendance was exceeded by a lot. 

Whether you like the music or you don’t, you need to recognize the amount of influence this concert had. To begin with, the “hippie” movement, who at the time embraced the anti-war message against Vietnam, was legitimized, and their actions were strengthened. The culture that fought against the “system” became more powerful, and single-handedly changed the general population’s ideas at the time, or at least in a substantial way. In 1969, when the concert took place, America was right in the middle of the Vietnam War, and opposition against the public officials who supported the war was dismissed for the most part, even though the movement already had steam behind it. It was extremely polarized in America at the time, and you either had people devoted to their country, or people opposed the war. With Woodstock, young individuals were encouraged to express themselves, whether that’s through the use of psychedelics, like LSD, or through their speaking out against the government. Continue reading Woodstock’s Effect on Modern Society →

By Josiah Finkler

Apple has recently brought out the second kind of airpods called the airpod pros which come with a lot of new cool features. The new airpods have a brand new look as well as a whole new case design for them as well. People are loving the new airpods and their new features and they are looking like a really good purchase.

For example, the new airpods have two brand new features: transparent mode, and noise-cancellation mode. Both of these modes on your new airpods allow you a lot of control when you listen to music or podcasts or other things. You can either block out everything and have a great time vibing to what you are listening to, or be able to hear the people around you as well as listening to your music. These cool new features are some of the main features that have made these airpods so popular and have become a bestseller. Continue reading Airpod Pros →

By Ian Valdez

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, Charles III is the new crowned King of England.  Now formally known as King Charles III, he was proclaimed King on September 8th, 2022, in front of the ascension council, with 200 people in attendance, the same number as the 1952 proclamation. The King now bears new responsibilities and goals in front of him, he has many plans as King and wants to be a good representation of how Royalty should be looked at. Charles is officially the oldest member of royalty to ever be crowned in the history of the British hierarchy. 

Charles III declared to uphold tradition set from the government since the 18th century and to preserve the Church of Scotland. Although Charles was proclaimed the King in front of the Ascension, he will be formally crowned king in roughly a year’s time.   Continue reading Hail to the King →

By Reese Mattner

On September 18th, 2022, Hurricane Fiona made her first hit on Puerto Rico. Turks and Caicos was hit on Tuesday with wind speeds that were way higher. After that, Hurricane Fiona was declared a category three storm. Mudslides and flooding continued in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fiona became stronger as she headed to Bermuda. She is predicted to hit there on Friday morning as a category four storm.

Hurricane Maria occurred five years ago, as a category four storm. Puerto Rico was hit very hard in 2017. More than 3,000 people were killed. It caused billions of damage, towards stores, buildings, restaurants, and homes.  Continue reading Hurricane Fiona →

by Jacob Puhr

“Keep a-pluggin’ away.

Perseverance still is king;

Time its sure reward will bring;

Work and wait unwearying,—

Keep a-pluggin’ away.”

The poem above is titled Keep A-Pluggin’ Away and was written by Paul Laurence Dunbar.  During the time of the poem’s publication, schools were segregated by race, leaving many predominantly black schools underfunded.  Among these schools was Dunbar High School, named after the poet previously mentioned.  Stanzas from Keep A-Pluggin’ Away were written on the walls of a poor, overcrowded school that at many points held over 40 students in just one classroom and lacked a lunchroom large enough to encompass the nearly 1,400 students.  The neighborhood Dunbar was centered in could be categorized as a ghetto; the city itself, Washington D.C., was segregated which resulted in a school system controlled by whites who starved Dunbar for funds it was in dire need of.  Every factor was against Dunbar prevailing, yet against every odd imaginable, Dunbar became a success story…until it wasn’t.   Continue reading Dunbar High School →

by Lillian Liebke

Everyone knows the saying “look good, feel good,” but is this actually true? Does the cleanliness of our appearance and environment affect our mental health? 

The connection between cleanliness and mental health is actually shocking, and is actually one of the major struggles of our society today. A dirty environment can lead to depression, anxiety, and motivation issues. For example, “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” did a study that found women whose homes were more cluttered or full of unfinished projects were more likely to feel fatigued and depressed. The same study also showed that women with cluttered homes had higher levels of cortisol, causing higher anxiety. Clutter and mess is also known to cause confusion, tension and irritability.  Continue reading Mental Health Effects of Cleaning   →

By Ollie Campbell 

You most likely have seen a few stray cats roaming the streets of your neighborhood. We typically don’t think much of it, but have you ever considered how to help them? The feral cat population has had many complications over the years, which is providing them a substandard lifestyle. But first, what is a “feral” cat? Feral cats are usually found outside, possibly being once domesticated. They become lost, abandoned, etc. Feral cats can also be born into the feral lifestyle. They have very little to no human interaction outside of their colonies. The number of outdoor cats has grown rapidly, which is establishing other health concerns, but why is this happening?

Thousands of feral cats give birth at high rates, especially when they are still young. Some mothers have up to three litters during their lifetime. This is damaging not only to the mother, but also to the kittens. It results in poor care for both parties, and can make the quality of life diminish. Another factor in high rates is cat colonies. Cats are natural hunters and hunt persistently, even when they have enough to eat. The colonies dominate other animals and stay on top. Feral cats can also carry harmful diseases, spreading them to other cats in the pack. Parasitic worms, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), and ringworm are amongst the many transmittable diseases.  Continue reading Controlling the Feral Cat Population →