THE North Thurston High School

RAMPAGEJanuary 7, 2011 Issue 306

A December to Remember While the new year is kicking off, we look back with a collage of spirit week, and the holiday assembly of 2010.

Wishing Well

North Thurston students make a wishing well for the Ronald McDonald House in Mr. McCracken’s wood working club. The well is holding donations to help the kids who live there. Robby C, Tessa C, Daniel P, Alex C and Amanda E worked together to complete the project before winter break. (Not all in photo.) 2 NEWS

Here we are and here we BE THE UMPH come The timeless epidemic is upon us again. Infecting only students of the senior persuasion, potential homes for the dreaded Coach Brown has high hopes for this year’s senioritis include but are not limited to girls, boys, Asians, Native team saying that the dynamic of the team as a whole Americans, whites, intellectuals, religious angels, neomaxi- is amazing. On and off the court these guys work zoomdweebies, etc., etc. Not all have senioritis, but those who do, hard to keep their positions. There will be standout have it BAD. The catch phrase du jour, du semaine, du semestre— ―whatever‖—heard in classrooms and everyday conversation, be- players this year but each contributes coming to- comes the default answer to what one would like for breakfast, for gether as a key opening the door to their dreams. lunch, for the cure for AIDS and every other world issue. The old- Coach wants his team to be as good as they possibly est walking amongst the others in the halls, in stark contrast to the can be and go out and play hard. The team can ac- model citizens they’ve always been, are now clad in sweatpants with telltale signs of yesterday’s Nutella sandwich streaked across complish more because of its great chemistry. the thighs, and the SpaghettiOs from last week… and those ramen They have been chosen as the best the school noodles that hardened overnight on the sleeve of a jersey into proud has to offer. Men molded into champions and each badges of apathy to be displayed for all the world to witness as a one of their careers has brought them here. They testament to his or her utter and total disinterest in school and in throw on purple and white and represent the school. life… Unfortunately, treatments for this grotesque metaphorical To the student body they are the horns of the ram. parasite are either illegal, morally questionable, not allowed at It’s been too long since the court experienced the school or come only when pomp and circumstance reverberates off dunks, the dribbles, and the action. Rivals will come the walls of that pavilion of freedom’s commencement, none too to face us… they will try to defeat us… but we will soon. So since we can’t skip classes and take chances (by the way, be victorious. no, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, the average teenager’s defini- tion of fun will land one in detention, not a state of ―It happens naturally euphoric awesomeness), what like chicken pox, or Winter Ball in the world does a person do to stay alive until graduation? diarrhea.‖ How do we combat the deadly affliction, inevita- --the urban dictionary Date: Saturday, January 8, 2010 ble for most, and affective to Time: 8:30PM – 11:00PM all? The answer is, wait for it… We can’t. What we can do though is embrace every moment. Theme: A New Year’s Winter Night Spend more time with our families and best friends. Join clubs; $15 per couple with ASB involve ourselves in a community that will soon be lost in the haze Tickets: $20 per couple without of nostalgia. But don’t get lost in the noise. One such senior, when asked about her thoughts on the - North Thurston High School subject (Leah P) stated, ―Meh. I’ve had it my whole life. As long as Students Only. I don’t get anything lower than a C, I’m good!‖ Rules: - Students need a signed Quote from a parent, regarding high school as an erstwhile paramour: ―Once it’s done, it’s done forever.‖ dance contract in order to pur- chase tickets.

FEATURES 3 The History Of Get a Room! Reeses Peanut Butter By: Maria Friedrich

Just as sports are disruptive in the halls, so is tonsil Cups hockey. We’ve all been there. Couples in the corner, smooching by the lockers. But where is the line drawn? Is a hug too much? By Sidonie Clark A peck on the cheek? On Familyeducation.com, a poll of 2791 people voting on school public displays of affection (PDA) rules Reese’s: the delicious and rich chocolate candy were split as follows: 57% said no rules, 39% said no kissing, with a peanut butter filling, was first manufactured in the 2% said no hand holding, and 1% said no hugging. Public displays of affection are always a very contro- 1920s. Harry Burnett Reese is the inventor of Reese’s; he was a dairy employee who worked for Milton S. Her- Type Meaning shey, founder of the Hershey’s chocolate corporation.

Kiss on the hand Adoration Mr. Reese was inspired by Mr. Hershey and started his own chocolate business. The peanut butter Cheek kiss Friendship cups were introduced and sold in mass amounts in as- Lips Love sortments of boxed chocolates in the mid 1930s. In 1939 the Reese’s were sold for a penny a piece. The peanut Kiss on the nose Goofy butter cups hit stores and vending machines in 1957 and also gained popularity in the US. Forehead kiss Friendship In 1963 Hershey purchased Mr. Reese’s company Neck Kiss Lust for 23.5 million dollars. Reese’s Pieces was introduced to the UK in 2004 then made many stores and outlets versial subject. While some people may think a cheek kiss is around the world. alright, others may want to push it further with French kissing. So what are the different meanings behind these not so incon- spicuous displays? In a mixed grade class, a few people told their own opinions: Senior Miranda W. says ―It’s great if you love each other, but save the intense stuff for later. There is an appropriate time and place for everything, and school is not a place to make out.‖ An anonymous senior said ―It’s disgusting! It makes me cringe every time I see it. I get it, but geez, be nice and save everyone from wanting to puke.‖ Sophomore Breanna J. thinks ―A little peck or so is ok, but not a full on make-out session. Another anonymous student said ―It’s sick! People need to leave that at home or not do it at all.‖ Serena M., sophomore, says ―I think that if two people really love each other and are respectful then it doesn’t bother me. However, when they are simply overcome by lust it is dis- gusting and abhorrent, and I would tell them to get a room.‖ Is a friendship kiss any more appropriate than a quick loving smooch? Because each teacher, student, and staff mem- ber has a different opinion, we may never come to an agreement on where the line is drawn.

4 Gender Stereotypes and Conformity By Nikki R.

How many boys have never cried? Does it mean that Below there is an excerpt from a study that shows some statistics those who have cried are ―wimps‖ or ―fags‖? No answer? Just about harassment against gender nonconformity, titled: “Gender- because stereotypically ―boys don’t cry‖ or that guys are ―tough‖ Nonconforming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: or ―strong‖ doesn’t mean that everyone of the male sex fits that School Victimization and Young Adult Psychosocial Adjustment.” description. From: www.nnaapc.org What about the girls? How many are truly ―weak,‖ ―passive,‖ or ―needy‖? The truth is that no one ever completely fits these stereotypes that our society has carved into our skulls. “In a recent study, gender-nonconforming youth reported that Most people who don’t try to conform to these stereotypes are school was the location of their first experience of physical victimi- harassed, taunted, and even assaulted by people who are insecure zation more than any other context (e.g., home or community; about their own gender image or place in their clique. D’Augelli et al., 2006). Another recent study found that nearly two thirds of gender-nonconforming youth report verbal harassment and Stereotypically, what makes a girl? Usually girls are nearly one third report physical harassment at school (Kosciw et al., thought of as thin, passive, and weak with long hair, wearing 2008). Within the category of gender-nonconforming youth, trans- dresses and jewelry. And the guys? They are thought of as tough, gender young people are perhaps most at risk for experiencing vic- strong people with short hair, and t-shirts, who show no emotion. timization at school. Sausa (2005) found that 96% of transgender participants experienced physical harassment and 83% experienced These descriptions show some of the fairly common verbal harassment at school… young people report hearing more stereotypes in our everyday lives, but the reality is both girls and negative remarks about gender nonconformity toward boys (53.8%) guys cry, have long or short hair, and can be strong or tough. than girls (39.4%; Kosciw et al., 2008).” This article barely scratches the surface on this tremendous problem of generalization of genders, which has plagued our society since its beginning. There are many more stereotypes and expectations that have pressured generations over the years into a mold that we don’t fit. It’s time to stand up against this problem and say no to stereotypes that are illogical and we as a diverse people cannot concur with.

Radio Worthy Everyone has heard a song before it starts replaying on the radio over and over again. It’s nice to listen to songs believe will be played on the radio in no time. All these songs have before the radio takes hold and overhypes them. There are really good potential to be smash hits in the next few weeks. Hope some songs that are starting to get popular quickly that haven’t you enjoy these songs because you know once the radio starts playing been overplayed yet. I can guarantee that these songs are going these we won’t hear the end of it. to be engraved into your mind in no time. I’ve listened to a lot of songs and told my friends countless times that it would play Monster Kanye West, Jay Z, ,Rick Ross, Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj on the radio and time and time again I’m right. So remember Runaway- Kanye West feat. Pusha T the names of these songs and maybe listen Down on me- Jeremih, 50 cent to some because it’s a good feeling knowing Moment 4 life- Nikki Minaj feat. Drake you were into a popular song weeks before Fall for your type- Jamie Foxx feat. Drake anyone else was. If you’re looking for a new track with hard rhymes and a good beat then By Dontis Lee Monster is the song for you. With the col- laboration of hard hitting rappers it’s a smash hit. Runaway by Kanye has an eerie feel and smooth rhythm that makes sepa- rates itself from the rest. Down on Me has a sexier beat and more for use of the party scene. Moment 4 Life is an amazing song and is destined to be a smash hit. If you like Young Moneys music then this song is for you. Nikki and Drake kill the beat and prove that they are a lethal duet. Fall for Your Type has been like a child to me. I’ve heard the song from a mixtape a long time ago and thought to myself this could be a hit. The original version is just Drake but in the official version Jamie Foxx sings it with Drake having a rap part. This song is very mellow tune and I 5 RAMS in Action look to students to increase safety awareness

be- gins during the week of January 10, 2011. It starts with a driving safety poster contest for the student population. The deadline for poster contest is Janu- ary 19. The winner will be given an NTHS sweat- shirt, t-shirt, hat, and 10 RAM bucks. Next is the Click It and Ticket It Program to start January 24, coordinated with the help of the Thurston County Target Zero Program Manager, Lacey Police, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). These agencies will assist the club members at the beginning of the day checking students as they drive onto campus to see if they are wearing their seatbelt. If the student is in compliance they will receive an NTHS Traffic Ticket. This ticket will be deposited in a box in the Commons area. Later in the day a name will be Every institution needs its protectors, its guardian drawn for a $124 gift certificate from the angels, its champions of safety. For North Thurston WTSC. The amount of the gift is the same amount High School, these labels fall under the alias RAMS in a driver would pay for violating the seatbelt law. Action. In addition to being a school club, and all that As you can see, we have reason to be ex- entails, this group of determined students coordinates all cited about this opportunity to help our students safety related events, including the Annual Safety Sum- better understand the seriousness of wearing seat- mit program during which all district high schools gather belts. We want this to be be a positive experience to discuss safety on campus, participate in safety work- and also get shops, and share time in how to make the community a our students better place to live. to know all RAMS in Action does not shy away from donat- about the ing enormous quantities of money and energy to good WTSC.‖ causes such as Seattle Children’s Hospital here in Lacey. The club donated over $300 that was used to purchase a TV and DVD player for parents to use in the waiting area while their children are undergoing treatment. Par- ticipating in a school-wide program, the club adopted a local family and met all their needs during the holiday season. The day before Winter Break, to keep safety in the minds of their fellow students, RAMS in Action set up a safety table in the Commons and encouraged stu- dents to discuss safety and wellbeing in every aspect, including driving. Now the RAMS in Action club has selected January 24, 2011, for Safety Day. This entire process 6 Unhealthy and Unhealthier McDonald’s Wendy's

So it’s pretty much an established fact that McDonalds is the place to go when fast food places such as Wendy’s are unhealthy right? you’re on the run or just plain bored and Seriously if you have any doubts just keep reading. First of all after analyzing the menu one finds that the tired and don’t want to cook. It’s also the chili of all things is one of the healthiest things on the place that people eat often. Some people menu. Come on…chili? When someone thinks of might think it’s ok to eat it, but they don’t health foods the last thing one thinks about is chili. know the health concerns. Especially chili (a small by the way) that has way Like other people I am just as much over a third of the recommended sodium (salt) intake guilty of eating McDonald’s as they are. Not per day. To rub salt in the wound (pun definitely in- tended) the eater doesn’t even feel that full after- only is it fried there’s many oils harmful to wards. ―Hey, can I add a large fry to this?‖ Because your body. It’s not just about weight, though let’s face it, who doesn’t get fries when eating fast it is a factor. The oils doesn’t digest well in food? Just tack on about 500 more calories and the your body, if it digests at all. We store the total sodium intake shoots up to being almost 3/4th of fat that we’ve eaten in our butts, thighs, the daily intake of sodium. Hope you had a good stomachs, oh and arteries. Arteries? Yes ar- breakfast. We just assume that the consumer will be smart and get a water (ha! Not likely). teries, not only do you run the factor of be- Just to bash the menu some more let’s check ing overweight and digesting food that isn’t out that delicious burger: The Baconater Double. good for your body, your risk of a heart at- Anyone who puts this thing in their stomach better be tack is increased. planning on having a salad for dinner and little to no snacks throughout the day. That’s about all one can eat without going over the calorie intake for the day and the sodium intake (has about 950 calories and Food Item Amount of Calories Calories about 87% of the daily sodium intake). Once again, Sodium from Fat this isn’t including the fries and drink. Big Mac 1040mg 260g 540g Also that the consumer won’t feel the full weight of the food and will be snacking an hour after consumption. Fact established that Wendy’s is defi- nitely unhealthy. Don’t get me started on the un- Angus Deluxe 1700mg 350g 750g cleanliness of the fast-food joint. From dirt on the table-tops to burger-wrappers lying about, imagine what the kitchen must look like. Bring it McDonalds! Medium French 270mg 170g 380g You have some competition on the block! Fries Menu item Sodium Calories Calories from fat

Chili (small) 875mg 200g 54g Strawberry Tri- 170mg 120g 120g ple Think Shake Fries (large) 377mg 443g 173g The Baconater 1830mg 980g 560g (double) Chicken McNug- 400mg 100g 190g Chicken Nug- 509mg 251g 156g gets (4 piece) gets (5pc.) Frosty shake 260mg 440g 99g (16 fl oz.) 7

The Madden Brothers: My The life of an “Army Brat” By: Taylor Cook Inspiration By Sidonie Clark There are many families that Joelice Ryan Rueben Madden and Benjamin are in the Military Levi Madden are twin brothers who sing in the band here at North Good Charlotte. Joel is the lead singer and Benji is Thurston High School. Our sol- the backup singer and guitarist. They both were born in Waldorf Maryland in 1979. When they were 16 diers sacrifice time with their individ- their father left them and they haven’t seen him since. They have lead a rough childhood since then. ual families and their lives for our country. I know a Most of Good Charlotte’s older songs are written by Joel and Benji about their early experi- lot about being an army brat, because my dad is in the Army. His job causes us to move often; moving can be ences and their father. For instance, in the song ―Emotionless,‖ it good and also bad at the same time. Leaving friends says ―It's been a behind is hard, but you get to meet new people and experience new things. long hard road without you by my One of the difficult things of being an army brat is having your family member get deployed, side. Why weren't you there all the watching your family member board on to a plane and nights that we disappear into the sky, not knowing if they will be safe cried? You broke or not. You do often get to talk to them when they are my mother's heart; deployed which is good, thanks to the technology of- fered today. When deployed, they do get R & R (Rest you broke your children for life. and Relaxation) which is when they can come home It's not ok, but for a certain amount of time and you can see them. we're all right.‖ One advantage about being in the Army is that The song talks about when the father left the broth- we all have an immediate support system. For in- ers, their other siblings, and their mother. stance, the Army often has big ―reunions‖ for the mili- tary families the day the soldiers come home, and it’s I have so much respect for them and their really cool. When soldiers come home from being de- deep meaningful ployed, it’s an amazing feeling to everyone to see their lyrics; they have loved one again. I remember one time watching the soldiers get off the plane; they all lined up, and I re- touched many hearts of people member seeing so many American flags, and they around the entire played a few Military songs, and then everyone was world. Joel and reunited. Seeing all the hugging, kissing, and tears of Benji are grand joy was exciting. It felt like we were safe and every- thing would be okay. All of the half-empty hearts were men and live an amazing life now full again. as rock stars in Our school offers a program to assist military their band Good students moving to our school. Check into the coun- Charlotte. The seling center for details. band has a new album out called Cardiology with great new songs. Listen to them and see what you think. Status Shuffle Sacrifice your money for Last Sacrifice! By: Sharon Gingrich Did you just like your own status? Seriously, that’s The current trend seems to be finales. The Harry Potter movie series is ending, the TV show Lost had its like calling your cell phone from your house phone to finale before the summer, Survivor just had a season finale, talk to yourself. and now the Vampire Academy series is over. Granted if it dragged on any longer, it would become the next House of the Night series with eight books and still going. If Barbie is so popular, why do you *Spoiler alert for those who haven’t read the previ- ous books and plan too* Rose is accused of murdering the have to buy her friends? Moroi Queen (don’t make me explain the factions in this book; read the book or wiki it). What’s worse is that it actu- Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died. ally seems like she’s guilty. To add to her troubles, Dimitri is back. Why is it a problem when your significant other Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no- comes back from the ―dead‖? Well, when comes back from the ―dead‖ to find that their love has another boyfriend, you body wants to die. can see where the issues come up, right? So for multiple reasons on top of that, Rose is now shunned by Dimitri and The only reason people get lost in thought is be- her boyfriend, Adrian, is a little miffed to say the least. cause it’s unfamiliar territory. This is the sixth and final book in the Vampire Academy series and wow was it a good way to end the year. If you die in an elevator, be sure to press the Up but- From the explosive beginning to the spirit-filled ending, ton. Rose races across America to clear her name. Filled with action and romance with plenty of plot twists that’ll keep Everyone has photographic memory; some just the reader rooted in place, unable to put the book down, don’t have the film. this is definitely a buy-in-hardcover kind of book.