Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Testing, Testing… Standardized Testing

Ms. Delaney Thomas

I stumbled into the crowded classroom as twenty pairs of judgmental eyes watched me attempt to juggle my coffee, car keys, backpack, and #2 pencils. I was late. Again. I took my assigned seat, which happened to be next to my best friend Katrina who, as always, looked calm, organized and put together. She had been studying for weeks. I on the other hand, had spent the previous night desperately trying to read the entire SAT study guide cover to cover.IMG_0100

Katrina and I are both good students. We both try hard in school, get almost straight A’s and we both have the same GPA. There’s one thing that sets Katrina and me apart however. She’s good with tests. She aces every one of them but, let’s just say test taking is not my forte.  I can’t help it. I study hard and do well in class, but when it comes time to take a test, my mind goes blank. It feels nearly impossible to keep my focus for even a short period of time. I understand the material, but I’m just not a test person. I start daydreaming and I can’t seem to sit still for more than half an hour.

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Volume 3, Issue 1

Moody Foodie

Mr. Eli Spencer

Food, air and water: these are three vital components of life. Despite their importance to humankind, they are less and less available in their pure and natural forms.  Why is this the case?  Because in the name of profit and mass production, we (the modern industrial world) have taken these necessary elements of our existence and altered them. The same companies that have corrupted the nature of the food we eat have also corrupted how we think about the food we eat: the first via mass production; the second, via mass media.

Equally important to ask, what are we doing to our food, and how our these changes affecting us? Food, like so many things, can have positive or negative effects on us depending on the choices we make surrounding it.

However, to make good choices, we need good information. Unfortunately, it seems that the average American consumer gets most of their information about food from advertising.  The companies who generate that advertising don’t necessarily care about our health, just our money — and getting us to spend it on their products.

This article will provide you with well researched data on food from valid, credible sources. It’s purpose is to help you be a more informed consumer, a better eater, and, ultimately, a healthy human being in better control of your moods.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

Earthbound Trading

Ms. Anna Steeley

 

Burlington, Vermont-October 23, 2014-“Earthbound Trading,” a gift shop located on Church Street draws a unique type of diversity into the mix of the second whitest state in the US.

Although, it is a trade store it is also a chain store. There over 100 “Earthbound Trading,” shops in the United States.

The merchandise comes from all over the world. The clothing and jewelry mostly from India and Indonesia; this takes up half of the store here in Burlington. Also other countries that are highly displayed in this store are Peru and China, of course.

Two employees were recently interviewed of what they liked best of working at this trade store. Both of them could agree that the other people of whom they also work with are very friendly, the atmosphere was great, and that there was no manager to tell them what to do. The workers said they didn’t know much about the different countries where the gifts were made. But, they did know where they were made and how. For example, the rain sticks that are sold at this store are made of cactus. Another item is the salt lamps they are made in China from Himalayan rock. The salt lamps are one of the most popular items in the entire store.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

Devil’s Due

Ms. Anna Steeley

Why can’t horror movies be like they use to? When you’re sitting there with your popcorn in the dark, and you suddenly become so terrified you jump, and then the popcorn spills all over the floor? Horror and thriller movies are just not the same anymore; they all derive identical plots over and over again. Here’s a suggestion for movie directors and producers, stop making bad horror films! They all have the same boring set up! The couple with or without kids move into the new house, and either the house is haunted or the child or wife is haunted, and strange things occur in the house. There are like a gazillion movies just like this for example, “Insidious,” “The Conjuring,” “Sinister,” “Paranormal Activity,” “Evil Dead,” and now “Devils Due.” This plot is getting old!

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

Gravity, the Journey

Sig. Filippo Piva

MV5BNjE5MzYwMzYxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTk4MTk0OQ@@._V1_SY1006_CR25,0,630,1006_AL_Consider the journey as the most important thing to take during a movie.

There are films that are motionless, static, which don’t move the imagination, don’t move anything, don’t change who you are.

Gravity is exactly the opposite. A very personal journey is accomplished in this film, an incredibly intimate and absurd journey. You look at the Earth from miles away and nobody tells us what’s there. It is something that lasts indefinitely, something suspended for two hours.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

Dress Code: Student Approved

Ms. Delaney Thomas

CVU faculty shared dress code guidelines with students Friday morning during advisory. These somewhat vague guidelines advise students to wear clothing that “sufficiently covers the body” and does not endorse drugs, alcohol, weapons or display inappropriate words or pictures. Clothing that “disrupts or substantially detracts from the educational process” is not allowed.

It happens every year. When temperatures rise during the late spring or during an unusual Indian summer, the short shorts and plunging necklines become a popular choice of attire among students, and every year CVU is reminded of the school’s dress code. While many schools enforce a strict dress code, CVU’s “guidelines for appropriate student dress” appeal to both students and faculty due its fairly reasonable and vague suggestions.

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Go Po

Mr. Bijan Motia

BURLINGTON, VT- All Burlington police officers will start to wear body cameras on their uniforms. Considering recent events such as the murder of Michael Brown by a Ferguson, Missouri, this is a rather appealing idea.

In Ferguson, an altercation between an officer and an African-American teenager has caused ruptures between the police and African-American citizens around the country. Having film evidence on what happened would clear up much speculation on what actually happened.

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Volume 3, Issue 1

Advisory and Proud

Ms. Anna Steeley

Hinesburg-Champlain Valley Union High School- It’s November that time for the annual Advisory Pride Emblem Contest.

CVU has been doing this for eight years. On average 80 advisories compete in this contest. This year the teachers on the panel for judging were, Carol Fox, Lora Crabtree, Seth Emerson, Lindsey Lynaugh, and Justin Chapman.

Some of the categories change throughout the years for example, two years ago there was a “Pretty Darn Clever,” award created by Debbie Seaton.  The winners receive a complimentary breakfast. Last year they got bagels from Coves, but this year it was from somewhere else.

The Pride Emblem Contest was created by Chris Hood. Originally it was not designed for advisory, but for the school to portray unity and spirit in a creative way.

The criterion for the contest is that the emblem must represent CVU and everyone in that advisory; it must show what is important to that advisory. And having a theme for the emblem is always a good way to go.

The key to winning according to Dave Trevithick, the freshman Fairbanks science teacher is…

“Not just having an idea but having a great idea,” replies Mr. Trevithick. His advisory has won a few awards over the years including the “Pretty Darn Clever Award,” for this unique emblem called “Fear the Beard.” Mr. Trevithick’s advisory also won a “Judges Award,” for his emblem, “Album Covers.”

Although, Mr. Trevithick’s advisory kicked butt in this contest, Robin Fawcett’s advisory has won a few times as well. Their emblem theme was, “Pirates of Talents.” The emblem displayed the advisory members- each showing their talents whether it be drawing, playing a sport, dancing, etc. In a giant painted pirate ship. It was colorful and original no wonder it won the “Most Creative,” award.

However, this year there were ten winners. For the “Most Creative Award,” Sue Frederick, Justin Chapman, and Dave Richardson’s advisories won. The “Judge’s Award,” went to Robin Fawcett, Anna Coupertherwait, and Katherine Riley’s advisories. Chris Smith, Higgins/Wood, and Seth Jensen’s advisory’s won for “Most School Spirit.” And lastly, Dickinson/LaChance won the “Most Improved Award.”

The winning advisories are treated to a healthy balanced breakfast of bagels, juice, and fruit.

 

Volume 3, Issue 1

Wi-Fi Changes Buzz Around CVU

Mr. Jake Dawson

Hinesburg–Champlain Valley Union High School needs its internet. For many reasons, the change to the amount of networks and the quality of service have had students and faculty talking since the first day of school.

The largest and most notable change to the schools systems would be the removal of CSSUNET and CVUPublic with the addition of CVUStudent. CSSUNET had a lot of problems, the major one of which is the fact that this network was shared with all the schools in the CSSU. This caused a lack of security and overuse of the network with different faculty giving the password to students.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

iPhone 6: Worth the Buy?

Mr. Elliott Mitchell

In 2010, I got the “new, up-and-coming phone,” the iPhone 4. It lasted me much longer than expected – a whole four years. When the iPhone 6 came out in September, 2014, I knew I was due for an upgrade. There was a lot of hype for the release of the new iPhone, and I wanted to be a part of it.

I ended up pre-ordering the regular sized iPhone 6 (not the iPhone 6 plus) and got it in the mail the day it came out. I anxiously opened the box, not knowing what to expect, and I must say I was quite impressed at the first glance. It is very thin and light, and I got the gold one which has a nice and smooth look to it. Talking about appearance, the iPhone 6 earned a big check in my book.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

A Maze-like Plot

Mr. Landon Carpenter

I had seen several advertisements and trailers for one of the more recent of films, Maze Runner. I was greatly intrigued by its previews and was very interested in watching the film. This past weekend I finally made the decision to go it watch it with some of my friends. I had a lot of hopes that this movie would be very entertaining and nonetheless it was. Continue reading →

Volume 3, Issue 1

SBL at CVU: It’s (Supposed to Be) Good for You!

Mr. Charlie Maitland

Imagine it’s the beginning of a new unit in your hardest class. After a few classes, the first quiz is given. Unfortunately, you haven’t had enough time to learn the new material, so you do poorly on the quiz. This bad grade will chase you through the entire unit as the rest of your cumulative work is averaged together. No matter how hard you try, or how much you improve, you’ll never be happy with your final grade, because it has been destroyed by the first quiz. Continue reading →

Volume 3, Issue 1

Wind Power: A Nuisance or A Reminder

Mr. Samuel Wilkins

Hinesburg — I recently went for a hike in the beautiful state of Vermont. After 3 grueling hours, I finally reached the top. The view was magnificent: giant mountains and deep valleys with Lake Champlain in the background.  As I scanned the skyline, I began to notice small white hairlike structures coming out of the ground in some places. They were wind turbines. They did not bother me, it didn’t disrupt my view, and it most definitely didn’t ruin the amazing Vermont landscape. Continue reading →

Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Standardized Tests ≠ Intelligence

Ms. Jackie Samuelson

Every high school student dreads waking up on that one Saturday morning knowing they are about to sit in a chair for four hours and take a test. A test that only measures a small portion of what makes education meaningful. The repetitive speeches before every section make for a great bedtime story, not to mention the proctor also looks like they could use a nap. The room is full of tired and negative vibes, and that does not make for a good testing environment. Continue reading →

Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Redhawk Cafe: Why Complain?

Mr. Charlie Maitland

“There are no more cookies! There’s no more bacon! Why are they taking away everything good in the world?”

These are typical outcries of displeasure from CVU students at lunch. The CVU cafeteria has undergone some menu changes this year. In addition to the lack of cookies and bacon, taco tuesday has also seen its last days, whether you like it or not. Snack options have also been limited to those marketed as “healthy”. Many CVU students complain about these changes, but it’s tough to give them sympathy.

Students are under no pressure to buy food from the school cafeteria. The only thing that stops most students from bringing lunch from home is their own motivation. The school isn’t like a movie theater or sports stadium that doesn’t allow bringing your own food and drink. If you are not satisfied with the school’s lunch, I would suggest bringing your own.

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Hard Hitters

Mr. Bijan Motia

A recent barrage of domestic violence cases in the NFL has raised questions about the character of NFL players in general. With more recent cases like Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Greg Hardy making news headlines, it has become more common for NFL players to be viewed as “thugs.”
Whether someone is an NFL player or not, domestic violence is bound to happen. Domestic violence has been linked to football because of the sport’s violent tendencies. This has been proven by a recent study by Adrian Raine, a neuro criminologist at the University of Pennsylvania, who stated “Domestic Violence accounts for 48 percent of arrests for violent crimes among NFL players, compared to an estimated 21 percent nationally (Morris).”

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

The Objects of Film

By, Anna Steeley

In every movie there is “The Reward,” where the hero takes a possession of the treasure, and the reward is almost always a woman. Women are used as complete objects in the film industry, and heterosexual males have complete power over them. So, how can we make women become subjects and not objects?

In Hollywood today, sexualizing women starts at a young age. According to Emma Gray of The Huffington Post, 31.6 % of women in films are dressed provocatively. Most of these sexualized girls are between the ages of 13 and 20. When it comes to nudity, Nancy Hellmich of USA Today states in her article- Film Study: Men Talk and Women Show Skin, “…female characters were more likely to wear sexy, provocative clothing than men (26% vs. 5%) or to appear partially naked (24% vs. 8%).”

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Grappling with Stereotypes

Mr. Cooper Bolduc

Every sport comes with its own set of stereotypes.   For example, according to ESPN 77% of NBA players are black — which might lead to the stereotypes that all African Americans can play basketball, or you have to be black to play in the NBA.

Even wrestling has a stereotype: it is a “gay” sport and everyone who competes in wrestling enjoys touching men. However, in reality wrestling is one of the original Olympic sports.  In fact, it was at the first Olympic games in ancient Greece. It is an honorable sport that consists of seeing which man is superior with no help from special equipment, just strength, speed, and technique.

In wrestling opponents grapple with each other, but men are not the only ones who wrestle.  Females wrestle as well they are not as common but they exist. Female wrestlers are rare to say the least, but when any wrestler steps onto the mat, they intend to beat their opponent — not to do anything weird.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

A Need for Speed?

Mr. Jack Austin

There is something about going 38 in a 35 that many teens can’t seem to handle. The “need for speed” feeling pulses through many teens veins, especially with boys.

While speeding may get one somewhere faster, it can be dangerous, especially for teens. Among those who die due to fatal car crashes, 39% of them are males between the age of 15-20, all of whom were speeding, according to the NHTSA.

Simply put: speeding is more dangerous than driving the speed limit.  It is the third leading contributor in car accidents, only to fall after distracted and impaired driving. 33% of all fatal car crashes involve speeding.

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Volume 3, Issue 1

Ballet and Body-image: Finding Balance

Ms. Jackie Samuelson

Stepping onto a scale. That one step will determine the future, whether it will be filled with applauding audiences and shining lights, or it will sit in the audience watching the dream that never happened.  When those thoughts start to go through a young girl’s head, it is only downhill from there. All they can think about is how imperfect they have become. They shut themselves down.

Ballerinas move in perfect unison, and all look the same. Skin and bones. Distinct collar bones and ribs can be seen through a leotard. To a ballerina, that reflects beauty, not the curves. When one develops an eating disorder, curves are all they see in the mirror. The strive to have the perfect body image can mentally ruin a person.

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Climate Change: A Scary Future

Mr. Kyle Abrahams

VERMONT– As September begins to come to a close and Fall is in full swing, temperatures should be dropping, to the cool brisk days associated with Autumn. Yet, students are still wearing shorts and T-shirts, as the high for today is 72 degrees.

Which brings us to the question of climate change and our planet’s issue with rising temperatures. In reality it really isn’t a question. Global warming, or climate change to be more accurate, is a real thing, and those who choose to disagree are simply in denial.

According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the temperature in the U.S. has increased by two degrees in the last 50 years. According to Do Something, an organization dedicated to the awareness of climate change, a change of only two degrees may not seem drastic. However, a change of this magnitude can have an enormous impact on our planet.

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Uncategorized, Volume 3, Issue 1

Wi-Fi Changes Buzz Around CVU

By, Jake Dawson

Hinesburg–Champlain Valley Union High School needs its internet for many IMG_0083reasons. Since the first day of school, students and faculty have been talking about changes to the amount of networks and the quality of service.

The largest and most notable change to the schools systems would be the removal of CSSUNET and CVUPublic with the addition of CVUStudent. CSSUNET had a lot of problems, the major one of which is the fact that this network was shared with all the schools in the CSSU. This caused a lack of security and overuse of the network with different faculty giving the password to students.

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Opinion & Review, Volume 3, Issue 1

Pumpkin Sp-ISIS

By, Lily Schmoker

It’s that time of the year again. The conquest of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The supposedly sensational Starbucks solution is sweeping the nation, as it does every fall. The warm drink demands a presence beyond its 12-20 oz. boundaries of 10% recycled paper. It’s just an overpriced cup of flavored syrups. What is it, then, that makes the steamy beverage so unnecessarily authoritative?

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is particularly dominating among the teenage girl population (yes, that may be an incredible over assumption of the young adult female constituency; my apologies to those of the x chromosome-bearing community who do not partake in this particular autumn infatuation). Visions of rich orange lava, fluffy white cream, and light brown dust dance in the heads of those who await the release of this femme fatale into Starbucks stores around the country – or world, for that matter.

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The Lectern, Volume 3, Issue 1

Welcome to the New CVC

Mr. Justin Chapman

Nobody’s perfect.

Cliche, for sure — but that’s the thing about cliches: there’s usually a little truth lurking in there,  especially when that nobody is your high school’s “paper.”  Never mind that we all have different versions of perfection, or that perfection is sometimes a moving target; if you don’t take the risk to create something, you are never going to approach perfection.

One cool thing about perfection, at least linguistically, is that it derives from the Latin infinitive, perficere, which means “to complete” or “to bring to full development”.  That takes a little bit of the pressure off, doesn’t it?  By its original definition, we can all strive for perfection.

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