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February 29, 2012
Hannah Milks, Student Life Editor
For a lot of people the words retard or retarded is a part of their daily vocabulary. You use it to jokingly insult your friends, but what you don’t realize is how hurtful the word can be. The “R” word was originally meant to be a diagnosis “mental retardation” or “mentally retarded”. These were medical terms with a specific clinical meaning, but now “retard” and “retarded” have become part of daily vocabulary for many people. Today people use it as slang, “retard” and “retarded” as synonyms for “dumb” or “stupid”, by people without disabilities, to people without disabilities. This usage of the “R” word only reinforces painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities being less valued members of humanity.
You might hear someone say, “That is so retarded” or “Don’t be such a retard.” This usage of the r-word can apply to anyone or anything, and is not specific to someone with a disability. But, even when the r-word is not said to harm someone with a disability, it is hurtful. Because of this, Special Olympics and the greater disability community prefers to “focus on people and their gifts and accomplishments, and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes. As language has evolved, Special Olympics has updated its official terminology to use standard, people-first language that is more acceptable to our athletes.”
On a side note, remember when student council was selling those suckers? The profits all went to Polar Bear Plunge, one of Special Olympics biggest supporters.
Still not convinced your usage of the “R” word is hurtful? Read some of things special Olympics athletes have to say.
“What’s wrong with “retard”? I can only tell you what it means to me and people like me when we hear it. It means that the rest of you are excluding us from your group. We are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be. We are something outside the “in” group. We are someone that is not your kind. I want you to know that it hurts to be left out here, alone.” – Joseph Franklin Stephens, Special Olympics Virginia athlete and Global Messenger
“The word retard is considered hate speech because it offends people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the people that care for and support them. It alienates and excludes them. It also emphasizes the negative stereotypes surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the common belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be segregated, hidden away from society, which, in my opinion, is really old fashioned.” – Karleigh Jones, Special Olympics New Zealand athlete
“When you say the “R” word it makes people feel bad and it hurts my feelings and I don’t want to hear you guys say it. Instead, you can call me a leader, a hero, or a human being, but please don’t call me the “R” word.” – Dony Knight, Special Olympics Oregon athlete
“It hurts and scares me when I am the only person with intellectual disabilities on the bus and young people start making “retard” jokes or references. Please put yourself on that bus and fill the bus with people who are different from you. Imagine that they start making jokes using a term that describes you. It hurts and it is scary.” – Joseph Franklin Stephens, Special Olympics Virginia athlete and Global Messenger
It also hurts family members that are close to someone with special needs.
“I don’t think you understand how much you hurt others when you hate. And maybe you don’t realize that you hate. But that’s what it is; your pre-emptive dismissal of them [people with intellectual disabilities], your dehumanization of them, your mockery of them, it’s nothing but another form of hate. It’s more hateful than racism, more hateful than sexism, more hateful than anything.” – Soeren Palumbo, student, advocate, brother to a sister with an intellectual disability.
Even the star of the popular TV show Scrubs has something to say.
“It is wrong to pain people with your language. Especially, when you have already been made aware of your oral transgression’s impact. Make no mistake about it: WORDS DO HURT! And when you pepper your speak with “retard” and “retarded,” you are spreading hurt.” – John C. McGinley, actor and star of the hit TV show “Scrubs”
The “R” word is actually hurtful. Whether you realize it or mean it, it still affects many people. Watch what you say Legends; you never know who is listening. For more information you can go to http://www.r-word.org/ and http://www.specialolympics.org/ .
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February 29, 2012
Jacob Taber, Sports Editor
Everyone has heard of this man. Some 9th graders at LJHS have been able to get very familiar with Shakespeare and different pieces of literature from him during the 2nd semester. There is more to know about him besides the plays he wrote though. William Shakespeare revolutionized literature and theater, and without him, those two areas would not be where they are today, without the man’s groundbreaking pieces of literature that he had written way back in the 1600’s.
William had a great influence on theatre and literature from his time all the way up to this day. Plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and many others have expanded topics and possibilities in literature forever. For example, before Romeo and Juliet was written, romances were not considered to be topics of tragedy in literature, but after Shakespeare wrote the famous play, it was a success, therefore presenting a new and fresh take in literature. The play was also introduced “love at first sight”. Even though it may be difficult to read, many students have experienced the wisdom of Shakespeare’s work. He has made many plays from comedies to tragedies and many other topics.
Back in the day, grammar and pronunciation were not standard. Shakespeare himself shaped modern English in the way he used language. Also, many other authors have found inspiration from Shakespeare’s works that were absolutely unheard of during his time. William created over a thousand words, more than any other person in his day. You would be surprised to know what common words he invented then, that are used so much today. For these reasons, Shakespeare has influenced a wider use of characterization, plot, and genre in literature and theatre.
Many famous books, including Twilight, Hunger Games, and even the movies that you have seen, would not have been there without Shakespeare. He helped shape and further advance English literature. If Shakespeare hadn’t lived, who knows what our world would be like today…
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February 29, 2012
Amanda Kovac, Photo Editor
Music talent such as OkGo, an alternative rock band, does not come along very often. The nation was astounded with Here It Goes Again, a music video performed entirely on treadmills. Just weeks ago, on February 4, 2011, OkGo uploaded a new musical phenomenon called Needing/Getting. The video promotes the Chevy Sonic and was premiered on Super Bowl Sunday. Around LJH many students recognize the talent of OkGo.
The band formed in 1998. Since then they have created three studio albums title OK Go, Oh No, Of The Blue Colour of The Sky. Their unique style of music and quirky videos make for a very big splash in the music industry.
Hannah Bisges, a freshman, told me that she’d first started listening to them after seeing Here it Goes. “Then last year in band class I heard It Too Shall Pass and loved them again.” The videos are outstanding and always entertaining. The members of OkGo have now worked with a Rube Goldberg, treadmills, paint, a marching band, and many others, providing lots of entertainment. When asked what her favorite part about the band was Amber Davis replied, “My favorite part about them would be how they have different voices and their videos are really entertaining.” Well said, Amber.
The band won a Grammy Award for the music video for Here It Goes Again in 2007. The most amazing part about what they do is that they shoot the whole video in one take. Amazing right? Since their start in 1998, OkGo has astonished people all over the nation, and hopefully in the future it will continue.
It is strongly advised that you check out their youtube channel and their website at http://okgo.net/. If you like their music you can find your favorites and many more on iTunes. You never know, one of your next big ideas could come from an OkGo music video.
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February 28, 2012
Olivia Brown, Creative Corner Editor
Remember Valentine’s Day, when love was in the air? Well, it still is! Love is always in the air. Don’t let Valentine’s Day be the only day you surprise your loved one with a gift. Whether you’ve been married sixty years or met sixty seconds ago, tomorrow could be your last so pamper the one you love like it was their last day on earth.
Starfish mate for life, when snorkelers come by and pick one up, they usually don’t know that its partner is nearby and will be looking for it exactly where you picked it up. Starfish are dying everywhere because tourists throw them around. The ocean is a big place; if the starfish can’t find each other and are separated for too long, they will die, some say of a broken heart. Don’t be someone’s Valentine, be their starfish. Love someone eternally, die without them, become soul mates, exceed the expectations of an average relationship.
So you know you need to keep your relationship spicy and upbeat, but how to make your ordinary extraordinary can be tricky business. There are teenagers everywhere in relationships! They all have their own unique ways of keeping their significant other constantly on their toes.
Jacob McGowan and his girlfriend have been dating for a solid 2 months and I’m sure she never gets bored!
“I do a lot of things to annoy her and that make her laugh!” said Jacob, ” Like tickle her, make weird faces, dance, and sing for her. Just like messing around and stuff like being goofy!”
Maddie Hurst has a unique way of keeping her relationship of 6 months always on the edge.
“I flirt with other guys without actually flirting with them. I talk to friends who are guys and laugh, I make it seem like I talk to guys a lot and bring up conversations I’ve had with them. Then he can’t break up with me for going too far. So, I follow that up with saying ‘I think sweatshirts look good on you babe’ and like hold his hand or something. I always let him know that I love him and he means a lot to me, which makes him trust me again,” said Maddie.
Josh Crawford and his girlfriend have been dating for just over a month and he already knows just how to make her smile.
Josh said. “Its all the little things that count, like kisses on the cheek and occasional romantic letters telling her how special she is. Things like late night phone calls when she says she can’t sleep and staying up with her till she tells me whats on her mind. One time, her mom and I picked her up from the airport and she felt really sick so after she threw up, I let her come sleep with her head on my chest while I rubbed her hair because I know she loves that and would do the same for me.”
Whether you make silly faces or make them jealous, love is a special thing and its out there for everyone, no matter how young or how old, how sick or how healthy, how rich or how poor. Fall hard in love and get your heart broken, and then do it over and over again till you get it right. Make moments so unforgetable, that you can’t forget even when you want to. Laugh so incredibly hard that your stomach hurts and you start to cry. Then cry your heart out on your pillow or on someone’s shoulder. Cry yourself to sleep one-too-many times till you never have to spend another night alone. Always leave an empty space in your bed just in case they do come back, and love someone so much that you hate them. Make everyday filled with emotions and crying and laughter, make everyday Valentine’s Day.
Photo Credit: Google Images
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February 28, 2012
Sydney Perkins, Da Bomb Dot Com Editor
It may be February but many people already cannot wait for the summer Olympics to begin. The opening ceremony will be July 12 and, as of this year, it is will be held in London, England. The big question this year however is if London will be able to top the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The summer Olympics however is not to be confused with the winter Olympics. There are many differences when it comes to what sports are played. Some of the most anticipated summer sports would be basketball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, and the track and field events.
When asked which Olympics summer/winter she enjoyed more, Trystan Brown states that she loved the Winter Olympics because “I like all of unique sports they do that we don’t do every day like bob sledding and ice skating!” she added by saying “I am also really looking forward to the summer Olympics though because of the gymnastics. Because I’m a dancer and it’s the closest thing to dance and I like watching all the cool flips and stuff!”
Coleman Howard also had something to say about what his favorite summer Olympic sport was “Basketball because I’ve played it my whole life” when asked the same question Gretchen Ohlhausen stated “Definitely tennis because I love the sport and I think it’s so cool to see all of the professionals play for their country!”
Not everyone likes the same sports and I think that’s what makes the Olympics so special. You get to see some sports you normally wouldn’t get to see. Plus you get to see people from all around the world compete. There’s no doubt this year’s Olympics will be something you wouldn’t want to miss.
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February 28, 2012
Amanda Kovac, Photo Editor
With parent teacher conferences out of the way spring break is the next big event. Whether you’re going on vacation with friends or family, or just chilling at home, spring break is something all students are looking forward to. With a total of nine days off school, students will have a lot of time for fun on their well-deserved break. But if you don’t have anything to do here are some ideas.
A classic spring break activity is going to the movies. Movies such as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and Thousand Words come out just in time for spring break. The Hunger Games, a much awaited movie, comes out Friday March 23, two days before spring break is over. What a great way to end it!
If you’ve still got some friends in town why not go to a restaurant and have lunch or dinner. Maybe just go to cafe, order some cappuccinos, and have a nice chat. There’s nothing better than just hanging out with friends, but when your own houses get boring what happens? You go someplace else to chat. What better place than a restaurant or cafe.
If coffee and cream isn’t your thing then maybe you could convince you’re parents to let you have a few friends over for a party. Nothing to wild, maybe just ordering a pizza, watching movies, playing video games, ect. Fun, right?
With the way the weather has been this winter it wouldn’t be surprising if the weather was gorgeous over spring break. A great thing to do is go on a bike ride, or a long walk. If you have little sibling you could go run around outside with them. Be active and just have fun.
There are lots of things to do over break, and these are just a few. If you’re going on vacation have fun and be safe, and if you’re at home try not to be too bored. The countdown starts now.
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February 28, 2012
Grace George, Advertisement/News Editor
With just a few short months of school left, the sports available to play have become limited. As the winter season slowly winds down, the spring sports are the next ones on the list. The only sports left to play for the 2011-2012 school year are track, women’s soccer, baseball, men’s tennis, and men’s golf. Here’s a closer look at some of the spring sports.
Track: With their first practice being Monday, the 27th, Liberty Track and Field hopes to have a fun filled season full of wins. Led by Pam Koch and Andy Schneider, the team has a bright future ahead of them. McKenzie Still, a sophomore at Liberty High says, “My favorite part of the season last year was that I just got to work out every day and be with my friends. The meets were also fun because of the adrenaline I got before I ran.” Lauren Holm plans to return to the track this year and adds in, “I’m so excited for this season. I think if we work hard we will be great.”
Women’s Soccer: The women’s varsity soccer team finished last year with an impressive 28-3 record while JV finished 7-7. The past two years Liberty Girls’ Soccer has been back to back state champions. In the 2010-2011 championship game Shea Groom had an unbelievable goal winning the game in the last second. Delaney Kiely, a senior at Liberty says, “Being a back to back state champion is a wonderful feeling and I’m extremely proud to be a part of the Liberty soccer program. It’s going to be a different year with different players but I expect nothing but another state title. Nothing has changed, and we know what it takes to be the best.” Ashley Sharp, a junior at Liberty adds in, “My heart was racing the last ten seconds and when Shea scored it, was kind of a delay in reaction. Like, did she really just score that?! We charged the field freaking out and couldn’t believe what just happened.”
Men’s Tennis: Starting Monday, February 27th the Liberty Men’s Tennis team will start their practice and try outs. When asked about what has changed from the Liberty High school team last year to this year, Mr. Smith, the Liberty North coach replies, “The team will still be good but it will be different. They lost some good players like Jake Ohlhausen so the team will be young. The players won’t have as much varsity experience but they should be fine.” Hays Hall, a junior at Liberty adds in, “I’ve seen the guys play and it’s a lot of fun to watch. I hope it’s as entertaining this year as it was last.”
Baseball: After taking second at state last year the Liberty Baseball team is determined to come out on top. Losing eight varsity seniors, the roster will be filled with new names and faces but the boys think they can do it. Nathan Volkmann, a junior at Liberty says, “We have potential to go far this year and I hope we can make it to state. We just need to take it one game at a time.” Taylor Harmon, a senior at Liberty says, “Last year was fun but this year will be better. With hard work and focus we will be able to do anything!” Nathan Winfrey, a junior at Liberty High school also adds in, “After seeing how close we were to winning it all last year I’m sure we’ll do great this year. We will have lots of new faces and I’m excited to see how we do.”
Men’s Golf: Led by Coach Forrest Bertoldie the men’s golf team plan’s on having a great season. After taking first at districts and second at sections last year the boys prepare for another great year. Allie Holyfield, a junior at Liberty and a fan of men’s golf says, “Some people think golf is boring but it’s really not. Once you go to a golf match you get really into it and it’s a lot of fun!”
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February 28, 2012
Jacob Taber, Sports Editor
Tim Tebow, meet your successor. Jeremy Lin. He doesn’t play football though. He plays basketball.
Lin grew up in California, where he led his high school team to a 32-1 record and a state title. He was also named first team all-state his senior season. After finishing high school, with a 4.2 GPA, Jeremy decided to take his talents to Harvard.
During college, Lin was named to an All- Ivy League Second Team once and an All-Ivy League First Team twice. During that time, Harvard broke many school records and has had much success when Lin was there.
Lin was undrafted going into the NBA, bouncing around with some teams, but lasted with the Golden State Warriors the longest. Finally, Lin found his way to New York. He played a little bit at the start of 2012, but then got sent down to the D-league. After earning his first triple-double there, he was recalled back the Knicks roster. After playing 55 minutes in the Knicks first 23 games, Lin got his chance with a struggling New York team.
After that, the Lin show took off. He earned nicknames such as; all we do is Lin, Linsanity, a Lin Lin situation, and so on. He has had a load of help, with injured point guards, to his team struggling, he has been one of the luckiest men in the NBA. With J.R. Smith, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, all joining in on the action, you can only wonder if the past struggles of dropping three of the last five are a sign that the Lin show will come an end. One thing is for sure, the Linsanity must go on.
His story is great, and Jeremy is a good person himself. Giving life to a team in desperation, all you can do is watch the Linsanity of the New York Knicks. The Knicks together have made big strides, and there are many more to be made. How will the post All-Star Knicks look? It could be very Linsane.
Photo Credit: Google
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February 28, 2012
Madi Hayter, Photo Editor
Many mourned the tragedy of losing one of the music industry’s biggest stars, Whitney Houston. Houston died Saturday, February 11th, the cause is still undetermined. Her funeral aired throughout the day on February 18th, as many devoted fans watched, as Houston’s body was laid to rest. “Houston, 48, was found dead in the bathtub of her suite at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammys bash at the Beverly Hills, California hotel. Speculation has grown over the cause of her death, which has not been determined pending the outcome of toxicology tests that could take weeks.” - CNN
The funeral was shown on TV February 18th. Millions of online and TV viewers watched the funeral that took place in her hometown Newark, New Jersey. Whitney now lays next to her father in Westfield Cemetery. Many tributes to Whitney were performed. At the Grammy’s Jennifer Hudson performed. On February 14th, for Glee’s Valentine’s episode, Mercedes performed “I Will Always Love You,” reflecting her feelings for Sam, as well as a tribute for Whitney Houston. Many others on the internet, and such have been made in loving memory of her.
Whitney was a very spiritual person throughout her life, in fact that is how she got her start in music. Whitney grew up singing in her hometown church and that led to her music career and then her acting career. Whitney is one who struggled with substance abuse and never really felt worthy of the fame and glory she had achieved.
Whitney Houston was such inspirational icon to many. Her mark on the world will continue to live on with her lively spirit.
Rest in peace. 1963-2012.
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February 21, 2012
Stephanie Boan, Opinion Editor
Heart disease affects everyone; it’s the leading cause of death for women in America. It makes up a third of women’s death currently. America is trying to raise awareness. We need to do so because this disease is a type of “silent killer”. Most women that have heart disease don’t know it until they form an irregular heartbeat. Sometimes, even then, it’s too late and they have a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to check with your doctor frequently.
Women’s heart disease is a bit more concerning than men’s. Men’s symptoms are also different than women’s. The main complaint when discovering heart disease is pressure on the chest. Of course the symptoms vary from person to person. If you’re under 65, but have a family history of heart disease, it’s especially important to get checked for it.
Signs of heart disease are not very distinct, such as neck, shoulder, upper back, or abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, sweating , lightheadedness or dizziness, and unusual fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, make sure you have a healthy lifestyle, and exercise frequently. If you have any possibility of having heart disease you should see a doctor.
There are cures out there for heart disease, such as medication, but you can stop heart disease in its tracks by living a healthy lifestyle through frequent exercise, at least 30-60 minutes a day, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bad habits such as smoking or drinking, and staying away from cholesterol, salt, and saturated fat. Live life to its fullest and raise awareness LJHS!
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