Dec. 2011 | Vol. 1
Yoga: Quick tips to Live a healthier Lifestyle!
Get Naked!
Quick and Easy Holiday Recipes With Half the Fat and All the Flavor! Find out signs of eating disorders and where to go for help!
Check Out Three ‘Green Lifestyles’ The Sicilian Mafia, A Yogi’s Life, Trinitarios 1 | Page
Dr Arini,
We would like to start by thanking you for broadening our knowledge on both writing and perfecting literature pieces. It has been a great semester in which our skills have been strengthened and tested. We will surely walk away from this class with skills that will help us through a lifetime.
Already were we proven that this class has helped us tremendously, in our effort to create this magazine. Throughout this project our grammatical, creative, and team-building skills were put to test. As a final we found this to be a great, fun and challenging project.
We may have faced a few challenges but they were mostly due to the weather. We did feel there was not enough to get everything done and perfected as we would have liked, but the timing was in itself a great challenge. Otherwise, this magazine project was all around fun and gave us the liberty to make a beautiful creation of our own.
Thank you for such an incredible and inspiring semester
Amorette Becerra Emily Cordero Vanessa Patrick Assistant Editor Editor Copy Editor Art Designer Art Designer Art Designer Advertisements Advertisements Advertisements
2 | Page
4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research
9. The Om In Yoga?
13. Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe
14. The Sicilian Mafia
20. Eating Disorders
27. My Mother
32. Trinitarios
37. Sudoku
39. Horoscopes
41. Mixed Berry Trifle Recipe
3 | Page
EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
By Emily Cordero Therefore, because embryonic stem cells are easily manipulated, they have Stem cells: Cells that are highly become a favorite of scientists when adaptable, have not yet become a performing stem cell research. Shortly particular cell, and can regenerate after, scientists had become interested in themselves apprehensively. Embryonic human embryonic stem cells and the stem cell research in itself is very potential trial applications in challenging and has many problems; regenerative medicine that they could from problems within the research to provide. Because of the things they problems within its ethics (Magnus). were doing, and the effects that the Many have heard of stem cells, of the research had on the embryos, many research, and of the controversy people became concerned and angered surrounding, but many still find with the research (Solter). themselves asking exactly what stem cell research is. This highly controversial In order to perform the research of subject of research has left people with embryonic stem cells a scientist must their jaws on the ground, and scientists take stem cells from a blastocyst; this with their heads deep in thought, when usually occurs four days after an egg is the tests are done and the details are fertilized and the embryo consists of an revealed. outer layer of cells, which will soon become the placenta, and a couple of Stem cell research had become of inner cells that will become the fetus. interest in the 1950’s, but really got its The stem cells are then placed into start in the 1970’s when more sanitized culture dishes with a culture researchers had become interested in the medium (this will help the stem cell to subject. In the 1980’s, scientists had continue to live, grow, and multiply) for done a successful study on the several days. Stem cells will eventually embryonic cells of mice and had realized cover the whole culture medium inside that the mouse’s embryonic stem cells the culture dish, and then the scientist could be isolated and used as a power will be able to take them from the house for whatever type of cell they original dish and transfer them to other wanted it to be. dishes until they have a “line” of stem cells. They then can use the stem cells for many different forms of research such as finding a cure to diseases, gene repair, and making regenerative cells. This research will often be done time and time again to make sure that they have
4 | Page the most accurate findings (McRae). Therefore, it seems as if embryonic stem cell research is nothing but positive.
Unfortunately, along with these incredible break-through’s, there comes cons, consequences and controversy. In order for a scientist to do embryonic stem cell research, they must take stem cells from a human embryo. This means that an egg and a sperm that have conjoined and would grow into a baby human, is taken for research and that embryo will never be able to grow into a human adult. This alone upsets many Of course with all research done there people and they say it is very unethical. are pros and cons. Although, embryonic They claim that no life should ever have stem cell research can really help in the to be lost, and they believe that the fight to find a cure to many diseases and researchers are “playing God” and find it can be crucial in fixing birth defects that very offensive. Later on in life, people can occur in the birth of babies. The fear that with the research of embryonic research can help scientists to gain more stem cell research, a way to start cloning knowledge on subjects that before didn’t will be found and many people think that have set ways to be studied. When should never happen. researching stem cells, they can gain a better look into exactly how a disease is ‘They claim that no life should ever have going to form within a gene and what to be lost, and they believe that the they can do to prevent it, and can even researchers are “playing God”’ take out certain genes that are bound to cause problems later on in a person’s The problem with stem cell research life. Researchers are able to easily being “unethical” because they are manipulate these cells, which means harming one human life seems as if it they can study the making of and should be countered with the fact that it development of cells ranging from germ can save many human lives. It is often cells to cancer cells. In the long run this paired with that of the beliefs of means that they will be able to better abortion, that a life lost is a life lost. explain and find ways to treat potentially Once an embryo is used for stem cell harmful developing cells. Also, along research, that embryo will now only be with the health benefits to humans, stem used for research because it cannot cell research is a good way to potentially possibly become a human. The problem gain economic wealth. Although, the with justifying it, is the fact that no promise of economic wealth is only an human or embryo should have to not be expectation by government and able to exist, to save other’s lives. This scientists; it is expected to bring a great is where the controversy is most amount of economic gain (Caulfield). commonly seen, many people believe that yes, the research is unethical, but
5 | Page maybe it can be pardoned because it can the controversy of stem cell research is potentially save many people’s lives. widely diverse; it effects the Although, it is never that black and government, the people, and the ethics white, and it seems that it isn’t possible that everyone lives by in a day-to-day to take either side and feel as if one is life ("Obama Ends Stem Cell Research completely right; this leaves many Ban"). people confused on which side they should take. “Medical miracles do not
The controversy surrounding this subject happen simply by is largely debated, by both the people accident” and the government. Many claim it to be unethical, while still others believe that The problem with embryonic stem cell it is what has to happen in order to grow research is, even if the scientists were to and develop as scientists, and society as practice a more respectful way of both a whole. There is a fine line to be manipulating and contracting the stem crossed, yet no one really knows quite cells, it would not get rid of all the where to draw that line and for what controversy; people will always see it as reasons. In 2001, President Bush had unethical. There are many things being declared that he was limiting the amount done in order to protest the lack of ethics of tax payer’s money used to fund stem involved in the research. It is a case that cell research, and the researchers could seems will always have controversy and now only use the stem cell lines that will have to be fought in order to be able were made before Bush’s decision; to be performed (Robertson). which was only twenty-one. He claimed that he was protecting human lives, Embryonic stem cell research, from the because “days-old-fetuses” shouldn’t be pros, to the cons, to the controversy, it is slaughtered for research. a subject that will always be highly
regarded and will go down in history. “Days old fetuses The amount of attention given to stem shouldn’t be slaughtered cell research makes a big landmark in both the scientific and social history, and for research” someday maybe it will be something to be banned or to be widely accepted.
The problem was, researchers only used embryos that were donated to fertility clinics and were bound to be destroyed anyways. Eight years later in two- thousand-and-nine, President Obama lifted the law set be his predecessor.
Obama claimed that he was allowing tax payers’ dollars to be used in funding stem cell research freely again, because
“medical miracles do not happen simply by accident”. It just goes to show that
6 | Page
Works Cited
Caulfield, Timothy. "Stem Cell Research and Economic Promises."journal of law, medicine & ethics. (2010): n. page. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.
Gravitz, Lauren. "Stem Cell Research Grows Up." Discover Magazine. 01 June 2003: n. page. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.
Magnus, D. "Translating stem cell research: challenges at the research frontier." n. page. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. Redstone, Shari, dir. "Obama Ends Stem Cell Research Ban." CBS News Politics . CBS News: CBS, 18 June 2009. Television. Robertson, John. "Embryo stem cell research: ten years of controversy." Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. (2010): n. page. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. 7 | Page 8 | Page yoga itself. There are many poses ranging in difficulty from Down Dog (simply stretching the way a dog would, sticking its hind-quarters in the air) By Emily Cordero How would one define something that is to be done rather than said? Therefore, how is one to define “Yoga”? Yoga is something to be experienced more than to be defined, but in the most simple of words, yoga is a physical practice, a way to the Corpse Pose (yes, this is the pose of life, and a manner of breathing in in which one lays flat on their back... which are all meant to better one’s life. except as still as death, and it is by far Most people tend to assume that yoga is the hardest pose). simply a practice in which one does crazy poses that require outrageous amounts of flexbily. This is exactly what I thought up until I got a deeper look in the average life of a “yogi” (a person who practices a yogic lifestyle). Yoga is not just a practice done by many, it is a lifestyle practiced by many. (Theresa) Although, tied to this physical practice of various poses is the practice of Pranayama, or the practice of controlled No one really knows exactly where and breathing. Breathing may seem like when yoga originated but they are able second-nature to us all, but Yogis to trace it back to it’s influences such as practice a more healthy form of Brahmanism and Hinduism. breathing. They tend to show great Brahmanism is thought to be an early acknowledgment towards the astounding form of Hinduism whereas Hinduism benefits that something as non-complex itself, is a very old Religion that focuses as breathing can bring to one’s body. generally on peace and the equality of all Yogis will tie their Pranayama (or living things. Both religions originate breathing) into their Asanas (or physical from the region of India, so it can be practice), by moving with their breath assumed that yoga had got it’s start in keeping it at a steady pace and time. that very region. (Bance) They will take just as long to breath out as they do to breath in. Also, they will set time aside in their day to just practice Of course, Yoga is a physical practice in breathing. When doing so, they will use which one can become healthy and techniques such as rythms where one strong. There are many poses in the will spend four counts taking a regular practice of yoga and these are called the breath in and out, eight counts taking a Asanas; Asana is Sanskrit (an outdated deep breath in, holding their breath for language) for the physical practice of sixteen counts, breathing out for eight 9 | Page counts, and then repeating. Yogis tend the use of the word that most think of to have control over their bodies and when they think of Yoga or meditation, breathing tied together. With this, one is “Om”. Om is a mantra, or a saying that supposed to be able to achieve a sense of is repeated during Yoga or meditation. balance, calmness, and greater control. The explanation of this word is not known, but is a vibration, one that unites Along with the physical practice of Yoga all to being a single unity. It is often comes the absolute most relaxing form related to God or heaven, but it is said of yoga; Savasana. Savasana translates that the only people who understand Om to relaxation in its most simple form. are the people that are able to Often, during Savasana a person will lay successfully use the word and down flat on their back, let their muscles successfully meditate. and bodies relax completely, and close their eyes. To most this sounds to be what we all know as sleep. The beauty of Savasana though, is that one is able to completely relax without falling asleep. If you think it sounds easy, you would be greatly mistaken. Although, we all think of relaxation as the most simple of things to do, but when most people Now, all that physical stuff is great, but relax, their minds are still buzzing with when living a Yogic lifestyle shouldn’t thoughts of what they need to do or are there be ideals or an expected way to busy daydreaming. Our brain is quite the act? The answer would be both yes, and muscle! Therefore, yogis most learn to no. Although, there isn’t one specific relax this one which is oddly the hardest way a yogi should act, there are to relax. guidelines to how a self-respecting yogi will most likely act. These so-called Lastly, in order to gain self-realization, guidelines are known as the Yamas and and calm one’s brain, a yogi will the Niyamas. The Yamas are the practice meditation. This is a practice attitude one has towards others and the that is a combination of sitting (most world around them. To translate the often) still, clearing one’s mind, and a Yamas into the English language from focus and control of breath. It also their original state in Sanskrit (the includes a deeper connection with the original language Yoga was founded on) world in a more silent way. Meditation, they would be: non-violence, may sound like one of the more simple truthfulness, non-stealing, faithfulness, parts of yoga, but is actually the most and non-greed. Whereas, the Niyamas difficult to master or even begin to are how one treats oneself and the grasp. Meditation is often thought of as attitude one has towards oneself. Then, finding the absolute, inner-most peace to translate the Niyamas into the English and happiness within oneself. This language they would translate to be: practice itself is greatly influenced by purification, contentment, asceticism, the Hinduism and Buddhism religions, self-study, and devotion. A typical die- which both use meditation as a regular hard yogi who is devoted to this lifestyle practice. These religions even influence will know these, and are very likely to live upon these guidelines. (Germanson) 10 | Page rest. Then, they will stretch and begin to Now that we have the basic outline of fall into relaxation. They will lie in bed, the important parts of a yogi’s life, let’s prepare their mind and do breathing look at an outline of a typical day in the exercises or simply focus on their life of a yogi. Is it suggested that one breathing. Lastly, they will bring keeps both the Yamas and the Niyamas awareness their mind and body, taking in mind throughout the day. Although a account of how it feels. (Palkhivalast) day, of course, begins with awakening. This process of waking up in the A life of a yogi is typically calm and morning should typically take fifteen relaxed. They may hit bumps and ruts minutes. Keeping one’s eyes closed such as everyone else, but go about their they will slowly sit up into a meditative problems in different ways. Of course, pose to “activate their energy circuits”. not all yogis practice the exact same Then one will take in their thoughts and daily routine; this is simply an average take in notice as to how their body feels look at the life of an average yogi. From after all that sleep, all the while they are where it started to where a yogi’s day bringing focus and awareness to their ends, this is an average example of an breathing. Also instead of going straight average day of the average yogi. I now to something that will upset one such as leave you with the common salutation bills, they will keep their morning stress- used in yoga; Namaste. free. Works Cited Of course, when one awakens its good to Ann, Theresa. "Developing The Yoga eat; in fact, it’s good to eat three times a Lifestyle." HubPages. n.d. 78. Web. 25 day. While eating, a yogi has certain Oct. 2011 eating habits. They will bring awareness Lastly, at the end of the day sleep is on Palkhivalast, Aadil. "The Meaning of it’s way. Of course, yogis also have a "Namaste"." Yoga Journal. n.d. n. page. certain way of going about this. At least Web. 2 Nov. 2011. 11 | Page Get Happy. Get Naked. Get Happy. Get Naked. 12 | Page What You Will Need: -4 cups Vegetable and rice filling -4 Bell peppers (red or green and be sure they can stand up on their own) -4 tsp parmesan cheese How To Make: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the stem off the top of the bell peppers while keeping the pepper intact. Spoon out the seeds and pulp. Spoon in the Vegetable and rice filling until pepper is filled to top. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the bell pepper is tender. Sprinkle the top of 13 | Page h h h long, many Sicilians banded together The Sicilian to not only protect themselves but to have their own justice. These small groups or families had their own laws Mafia and believed that blood and honor meant everything. It was during this time that the mafia grew and became By Amorette Becerra very powerful. The mafia doesn’t have any symbols; they are men of intimidation not of ink (History of the Sicilian Mafia). A Mafioso is a leader of a family; he’s known to be a man of business and of honor. He fought against the oppression and protected his family Before the mafia grew in Sicily, the and would stay silent until death if small island was no stranger to needed. But eventually many of the mafiosi (meaning more than one) subjugation. It had been conquered became criminals and murderers. by the Greeks, the Romans, the The mafia had control of many Arabs, the Normans, the French and businesses. They worked with the Spaniards. Since the island had farmers, fishermen, and shop been ruled by foreign invaders for so 14 | Page keepers (History of the Sicilian The Sicilian mafia isn’t like any other Mafia). One of their main ways of mafia because it is organized and making money was by protecting very hard to track down. others. An example of that would be Provenzano, a leader, changed the if a political leader felt that their life mafia to become more high-tech; he was in danger, they would hire the still didn’t trust emails or telephone mafia to protect them and get rid of and had all of his messages written any kind of threat to them; in return with a type writer and carried by they would pay large sums of hand (History of the Sicilian Mafia). money. The mafia was involved with Also none of the other mafias have a police officers, judges, many political boss of all bosses, or even their own leaders and even the Catholic parliament type system. They aren’t Church at one point in time. all blood related, and they do let some outsiders in. They believe strongly that there is only one way into the mafia that is on your feet and only one way out is in a coffin. They also believe that family, honor, and loyalty means everything. To be a member of the mafia, one had to be initiated in a secret, catholic-style ceremony. This 15 | Page ceremony was called Omerta or oath of silence that was sealed with blood The mafia had supreme power over that was pricked from the initiates’ Sicily. Many people left the island finger and smeared on an image of a during the rise in power and went to saint. The image was then burned in America, but the mafia followed them their hands, and they would repeat there as well. While Mussolini took the following, “I will burn like this if I control of Italy, he was threatened by betray the organization.” One of the the power of the mafia; he wanted to final steps was murder to prove their destroy it. He had put many honor to the family, which included members in jail, but they were the boss and all others who were released when American troops involved. The mafia is like a came into Italy. For a while, it had dictatorship. Everyone listens to the seemed as if the mafia had boss no matter what and anyone disappeared, but by the end of World disloyal to him would be killed. War 2, the mafia was stronger and more violent than ever before. The murder rate in Sicily was higher than any other part of Italy. They made millions of dollars and dressed in suits to show their status among each other. 16 | Page was looked down upon more than all The mafia killed many people of their murders committed over the years. A weapon of choice ("History.com"). Also any one that was the shot gun. Many of the came in their way was killed. Two deaths were very violent and harsh. men were killed for trying to stop the But that was how they stayed in mafia; they were Judges Giovanni power, they needed fear from Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. The everyone. Some of the main people deaths of these two men helped to they killed were: police trigger the stop of the mafia. The commissioners, mayors, judges, government and many citizens got police colonels and generals, together to protest and stop the parliament members, and many of mafia’s control over Italy. their own people. Work cited Albanese, Jay S. Organized Crime in America (1985), Anderson Around the 1960’s, the Sicilian mafia Publishing Company. Bardsley, Marilyn John Gotti: was most famous for its involvement Clenched Fist (1998), Darkhorse Multimedia, Inc. with heroin trafficking, political Organized Crime (1963), The Macmillan Company. corruption, and military arms trafficking. They had control of "The Mafia." Best of Sicily. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct 2011. different businesses in the United 17 | Page us/investigate/organizedcrime/itali an_mafia> 18 | Page All of the excitement of the life And none of the consequences Play now! 19 | Page there. Having an eating disorder not only hurts you, but it hurts everyone around you also. About 24 million people in the United States have an eating disorder (anad.org). In this paper will be the answers to the following questions will be stated; Eating disorders What are the different types of eating By Amorette Becerra disorders, how do eating disorders affect the mind and body, is there An eating disorder is a help out there, and what are the potentially life-threatening neurotic treatments and how affective are condition. Some examples would be: they? I choose to write about this anorexia, nervosa, bulimia, or because I had a family member who obesity. It is usually seen in young suffered from anorexia and bulimia, men and women. Imagine looking in and I just want to bring more the mirror every day and seeing awareness to this growing problem. something that isn’t necessarily 20 | Page and family can be a lot to handle. Eating disorders in the United Being closer to becoming adult, States are very common, but only adolescents are pressured by the one out of every ten people receive media to look and act like the most help for their disorder (anad.org). popular celebrities. There are many Everyday individuals are being jobs and activities that want shown what they should look like, everyone to have thinner bodies. An told how they should act, and tell example would be ballet. In order to themselves that they aren’t good be a performer in ballet one would enough. Many people will go to the need hours and hours of practice, extreme to look and feel “perfect”. and also a thin but muscular body. In Men and women will starve themselves and workout hours till the point of exhaustion. In high school many teenagers feel pressured to look like a popular kid or a celebrity, this is because they think those individuals are perfect. Eating disorders are very common among young adults (Fisher). Being a teenager is hard enough, and the stress from school high-fashion modeling, they don't 21 | Page want girls or guys with curves; they want someone unimaginably skinny to model their clothes. In acting and in media jobs, many individuals who work with or for it are supposed to seem “perfect”. They have the bodies that many people strive to have. An eating disorder can be compared to an substance it all up, or they will starve addiction because they both share themselves for days. There are clinical and biological substrates numerous health issues that occur (Ho). In many cases when a person while dealing with eating disorders. experiments with an eating disorder, Some of these issues include they will repeat their action over and damage to internal organs and over, expecting a different result mental health. Depression is also each time. It can be all one thinks one of the major factors in an eating about. When one binge eats, they disorder (Fisher). stuff their faces with as much food as they can. Then they will either throw 22 | Page Anorexia is the loss of an Refeeding Syndrome, Vitamin and appetite. It is one of the many eating Mineral Deficiencies, and many others. disorders that are most common One huge effect is cancer. A person can develop cancer from engaging in any among young adults. Bulimia is a one of the eating disorders. Another serious eating disorder that occurs effect is sleeping disorders. Too much chiefly in females. It is characterized stress on the body can lead to death. by compulsive overeating followed by self-induced vomiting, laxative, or Parents of children with eating diuretic abuse and is often disorders are usually very concerned for accompanied by guilt and their child and will try to help them to get depression. Binge eating is an act of better. Sadly, many parents have no excessive or compulsive idea that their child has a disorder. consumption especially of food. Many parents with an eating disorder Obesity is a condition that is also have one and can encourage their child to have one. characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in Some organizations that help the body and that in an adult is individuals include Casapalmera, and typically indicated by a body mass Remuda ranch. They are there to help index of 30 or greater. and also have very high success rates. Many treatments include medications The effects of an eating and mental exercises. To try to fully disorder can be life-long. One can become healthy again, one would slowly suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, have to start eating full meals, and one Electrolyte Imbalances, Hypernatremia, would have to take many supplements. 23 | Page Works Cited Giorgio A., Kerri Ritchie, and Louise Balfour. "Implications Of Attachment Theory And Research For The Assessment And In conclusion, eating disorders Treatment Of Eating Disorders." Psychotherapy 48.3 (2011): 249- are one of the most dangerous 259. PsycARTICLES. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. disorders out in the world. They do not Ho, Victoria, Simone Arbour, and always cause death, but they are very Janice, M. Hambley. "Eating Disorders And Addiction: harmful. The media will always try to Comparing Eating Disorder Treatment Outcomes Among convince people that their bodies aren’t Clients With And Without Comorbid Substance Use good enough, but that doesn’t mean the Disorder." Journal Of Addictions Nursing 22.3 (2011): 130-137. people will always listen. To bring CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. awareness to this disorder, one should Martin Fisher, Marcie Schneider, contact a counselor at their school or Cynthia Pegler, Barbara Napolitano, Eating talk to a medical professional. attitudes, health-risk behaviors, self-esteem, and anxiety among adolescent females in a suburban high school, Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 24 | Page 12, Issue 5, July 1991, Pages 377-384, ISSN 1054- 139X, 10.1016/0197-0070(91)90051-M. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/a rticle/pii/019700709190051M) Keywords: Eating attitudes Self-esteem Anxiety Risk behaviors NM, NP Moller, and BA Douglas. "Eating Disorder Counsellors With Eating Disorder Histories: A Story Of Being "Normal." Eating Disorders 18.5 (2010): 377-392. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. WR, and JF Morgan. "Eating Disorders In Men: A Review Of The Literature." Journal Of Public Mental Health 9.2 (2010): 23-31. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. 25 | Page Both men and women would agree that this diet pill is gets the job DONE! 26 | Page from their place. That’s when the game began. I started gambling with two My Mother probable outcomes. I always picked the only one I ever wanted. Would my By: Vanessa Patrick mellow mother be sober as can be? I always knew when she was sober. After my years of experience, I could always Looking to my left on the road tell when my mother was sober. The home, I see a dandelion seed head, with other dreadful outcome was that my its perfect white round dome shape. I mother would fall prey to beer (her pluck it from the ground. I look at it and choice of alcohol) and be under the start thinking about how if I make a wish influence when I walked through the and blow it, it will come true. As a little door. Unfortunately I had to play this girl, I could only think of one wish: my game right before I got to the door every mother being sober for the rest of my time I walked home. life. Such a simple wish in a way, but There are 8,100,000 people in back then it was a big deal. As I made the U.S that are alcoholics. My mother my wish, I passed the last corner of my has been an alcoholic as log as I can walk, seeing my house grow bigger with remember. Seeing alcohol around every step I took, a three bedroom, two seems like a normal thin for me. Having bathroom house, with its dingy brown an alcoholic as a parent has many wood blanketing the house. Weeds negative aspects to it and only an were fighting for a place on my front occasional laugh. I remember some lawn that was filled with yellow scary times where I was afraid for my dandelions and plants filled with thorns mother’s life. My mother had a handful that fall to the ground whenever moved of friends she liked to drink with: usually 27 | Page my brother. my sister and I would go during that time, I always wanted to be with her. We would go to her friend’s with my mother. I felt like I was trying to house, and y mother would be around protect her. I would sometimes get her drinking buddies. They would be scared of what could happen to my talking and drinking. Usually, her friends mother when she would get intoxicated. would have kids as well, some around I would get scared that she would either my age. I don’t really remember how old get attacked when a guy would come up I was during specific accounts; for there and talk to her or that the police would were a lot of things happening that have come and get her. It is estimated that been lost with age. I would either by thirty percent of all Americans will be playing with the other kids, or I would be involved in an alcohol-related motor next to my mother as she was chatting vehicle accident sometime during their with her friends. They would always be lives. I have been in two car accidents around a table or sitting in chairs in a with my mother while she was under the circle. I always wondered when I was influence. I was too young to remember young why my mother would sip on her them both. In a way, I’m happy I don’t drink, talk, and then after many minutes remember them, for it doesn’t affect me. take another sip. I thought that maybe Unfortunately 6,600,000 minors in the my mother was trying to save her alcohol. I soon discovered that sipping and waiting for so many minutes helps to delay intoxication. My father would always get mad that my siblings and I would want to go with my mother. Looking at it now, I should have stayed with my father. But, United States live with an alcoholic 28 | Page mother or father. It makes me happy dead, God, please tell me my mom is that I’m not alone dealing with this. OK.” As I came to her side, I still However, it makes me sad that so many couldn’t see her breathing. I put my kids are dealing with this in their lives. hand near her nose to see f she was One of the scariest encounters I breathing. That was when my eyes had with my mother’s drinking was when started to tear up at the thought of my I thought she was dead. It was on a mother gone. Finally a wave of relief morning that I didn’t go to school. My came over me when I could feel the air other was my alarm clock in elementary coming out of her nose. I returned to my school. We lived in Kachina Village and room, got in bed, and under my pink and my father had the only vehicle in our green blanket, I wiped my tears away. family. Missing the bus or forgetting to Most of the times with my mother wake up meant a day at home. I woke were negative. Nevertheless, as time up and noticed that I had slept late. I got went on my siblings and I learned how upset, so I went t my mom’s room. This to laugh about some of the things my was the first time that I took my time mother did while under the influence. coming in I saw that she was lying She would usually fall down and that down, but for some reason I couldn’t would make my siblings and I laugh. see her chest go up and down. I got She would usually fall while walking up worried, and my breathing became a or down the stairs. I remember one time little quicker. My heart was starting to when my mother fell down because of a beat faster as I inched toward my pot hole in the road. It was Halloween mother. My head started throbbing as I night when my sister, my mother, and I inched toward my mother. I started were walking around my grandmother’s going over worse case scenarios. I kept neighborhood trick o’ treating. We were pleading in my head, “Please don’t be at a four-way stop when my sister 29 | Page (Amber) and I were waling ahead of my to protect her from people who want to mother. There was a car at one of the judge her. I may not like what she is stop signs when Amber and I got done doing to herself, but people should not crossing the four-way. That’s when judge her. I’m so thankful that I still have Amber asked me, “Where’s Mom?” we her in my life. Nowadays, not seeing my turned around and saw my mother on mother everyday gets me a little scared the ground as the light of the car because I feel something bad has passing lit her up. We started bursting happened. Letting me speak out helps out laughing as we walked toward her. with this problem I have in my life. It When we finally got to her, she was still may not be a big step, but it is a step in on the ground. She kept yelling, “Damn the right direction. I have wounds from pot hole!” Amber and I couldn’t stop these problems, but these wounds will laughing as we helped her up. heal overtime. Studies show that the offspring Knowledge is what I have from this of alcoholics have a greater chance of experience and having this will help in becoming alcoholic themselves. This the future. It will help me be a better scares me because I don’t want the mother to my children and stop the cycle cycle to repeat with me. I know that I of alcoholism. Forty percent of won’t do that to my kids because I know alcoholism is passed down through the what it is like to have an absent mother. gene pool, while the other sixty percent It hurts to say this, but I did feel at times stems from unknown circumstances. I that I wasn’t important to my mother. refuse to be part of these statistics. Having an alcoholic as a mother hurts because it seems tat I only had a mother at certain times. I really do love my mother, and I always feel that I have 30 | Page Make the world your world Make it above the influence… 31 | Page abovetheinfluence.com Trinitarios – Machete Butchers assassinated. The oppression and By: Vanessa Patrick hardship was ended but turned into Trinitarios is chaos. It caused thousands of a gang with a immigrants to flee to New York for bloody reputation the next few decades. Dominican that occupies New immigrants wanted to find work and York and New a better life. By 1990, some Jersey. The gang started in a New Dominicans got caught up in the York City state prison (Gangland, crack epidemic which led to an Full Episode). The gang spread out increased number of Dominicans to the New York streets. Their rivals filling jails, including Rikers Island include Bloods, Crips, and Latin Penitentiary. Dominicans quickly Kings. Trinitarios are known for the became the targets of more violent machetes they use on enemies: they established gangs like the Bloods, butcher them. Trinitarios are mainly Crips, and Latin Kings (Gangland, Dominican and have a Dominican Full Episode). Dominicans sadly heritage. They are considers to be were considered the minority in jails the fastest growing gang in New and were getting attacked by other York (Gangland, Full Episode). ethnic groups. The Dominican Republic is In 1990, a Dominican inmate the second largest nation in the at Rikers Island Penitentiary rebelled Caribbean (Gangland, Full Episode). against the abuse Dominicans in 1961, the Dominican Republic suffered. His name was Pedro dictator, Raphael Trujillo was 32 | Page Nunez, known as El Caballon wanted this and ran the gang from (Dyson, “3ni”). El Caballon translates prison. to the horse. He was serving an Trinitarios take much pride in eighteen year sentence for weapons their Dominican heritage. Trinity possession. He formed his own gang means the Father, Son, and Holy called the Trinitarios. Trinitarios Spirit (Gangland, Full Episode). They means Trinity (Savelli, “Trinitarios believe that they are a family and Prison Gang”). El Caballon took the must take care of ah other. Their name from colors are the leaders of the same the Dominican ones found Independence in the Movement from Haiti in the 1840s Dominican (Gangland, Full Episode). The three flag which are blue, white, and red. founding fathers of the Dominican The main color that they represent Republic were Juan Pablo Duarte, themselves is ling green, which it is Francisco Del Rosario Sanchez, and the same green in the center of the Ramon Matias Mella. Dominicans Dominican flag. had protection under the Trinitarios “3ni” is used by gang for the first time. Many Trinitarios left members to identify themselves as prison and started to recruit and members of this gang. “3ni” represent in the streets. El Caballon represents two things. The number three represents the three colors of 33 | Page the Dominican flag and the three second one doesn’t have a name but founding fathers of the Dominican represents the three colors of the Republic. “Ni” is short for Trinitarios. flag, the three founding fathers, and They use the Dominican flag “DPL”. Tattooing is not required in as the basis of their motto. Dios the gang, but members often get the Patria Libertad (DPL) is the three Dominican flag or “3ni”. words on the Dominican flag Trinitarios started to smuggle meaning God, Country and Liberty in drugs like cocaine from the (Savelli, “Trinitarios Prison Gang”). Dominican Republic as they became They use strong in numbers. Drugs are numbers of the smuggled in the United States by letters that swallowing or “boofing” them. represent “Boofing” means hiding drugs inside “DPL” to greet each other. The a body cavity (Gangland, Full numbers 41-6-12 are the code for Episode). New York and New Jersey “DPL” (Gangland, Full Episode). The are geographically very close to numbers follow the letters of the each other, which makes t easy to alphabet and are switched by one conduct drug businesses in both number. Two main hand signs states. Also, they would commit identify that they are Trinitarios. “Two assault, robberies, home invasions guns up” is the first one that and murders. Their favorite weapon represents the center of the is the machete, which they believe Dominican Republic flag. The proves that you’re real. They believe 34 | Page it takes a “real” person to cut that handles with gang members’ someone and be up so close to the personal businesses like family rival. Using machetes on rivals issues. Leaders get replaced very proved that they could compete with quickly after being imprisoned. Once other gangs and gave them a every year, all the Trinitarios from reputation. both New York and New Jersey all Trinitarios is a very structured meet for an “Universal” which means gang that has strict rules. Chapters an area-wide meeting (Gangland, hold regular meetings to collect Full Episode). New recruits get money as a precaution for members initiated with beatings, but others just who may be imprisoned and to need a good recommendation from conduct business like collecting dues gang members. All Trinitario and organizing the drug trade in that members must abide to the gang’s chapter. Chapters are organized the basic code which is called the seven same way and have to do with the points. Each point is for God, number three (Gangland, Full Respect, Love, Peace, Courage, Episode). You have three tops Nation, and Liberty. Members who positions that break down into three don’t do what they are supposed to heads for each individual chapter. do get “DP’D” ,which means The gang has a hierarchy that starts disciplined (Gangland, Full Episode). with the head, followed by the This act consists of three members secretary, treasurer, security, and who hit the DP’D member for three enforcer. They even have an advisor minutes; with the second violation, 35 | Page the punishment time is doubled to six Republic and the country greatly minutes. The third violation means influences the gang. The gang uses suspension from the Trinitarios the Dominican flag in their colors and (Gangland, Full Episode). New York signs they use. The gang was first members are usually older and more created to protect Dominicans in experienced than New Jersey prison and spilled on the streets to members. New York calls the shots be later known as a super gang. and tells New Jersey what to do. They were created to protect a race When they go to war with a rival, and now influence the East Coast by Trinitario members say a phrase of spilling into neighboring states. numbers. The numbers are 2-20-7; they say them in Spanish: “dos veinte siete”. It means to go to war (Gangland, Full Episode). It represents February 27, 1844, the day the Dominican Republic declared independence. The gang is still operating in New York and New Jersey. They have expanded to other states and countries. The gang was formed to protect the Dominicans, and this is why they represent the Dominican 36 | Page SUDOKU Difficulty: Easy Difficulty: Medium 37 | Page The 2012 Prius Hybrid Go green and look good this new year 38 | Page Horoscopes Aries March 21 – April 19 Capricorn December 22 – January 19 If you find a penny face up you will have an amazing love You will be kissed under the life. mistletoe only if you remember to wear pink polka- dots. Taurus April 20 – May 20 What is said on your Monday Aquarius January 20 – may affect your Tuesday, February 18 but it won’t on Wednesday. Your true love will find you this month so remember to smile everyday whether your Gemini May 21 – June 20 day has been good or bad. Eat sushi today it will clear up your attitude and make Pisces February 19 – march you feel at ease. 20 Do not eat ham today, if you do you will have eat burnt bacon for ten years. 39 | Page Cancer June 21 – July 22 Libra September 23 – October 22 Relax today, and let go of all your negative feelings. You Today is your lucky day you are a good person and you will find some money and your should be treated as so. best friend will have a surprise for you. Scorpio October 23 – Leo July 23 – August 22 November 21 Be nice and you will be Avoid driving in snow and rewarded with out-going and remember that green means ecstatic charisma. go, with every situation. Virgo August 23 – Sagittarius November 22 September 22 – December 21 You will be happy today Do not sneeze while eating because you saw a sign you or sitting down, if you do have been waiting for, and remember to wear a helmet good luck is coming your way. and a face mask. Also do not hold up paper as you sneeze. 40 | Page What You Will Need: -1 cup pitted cherries -1½ cups blueberries -1½ cups strawberries -¹⁄3 cup honey -½ lemon, juiced -5g agar agar flakes -2 egg yolks -2 tbsp. maple syrup -200g sheep’s milk yoghurt -250g (8 slices) your choice of fruit cake/similar -²⁄3 cup (80g) roasted chopped almonds Directions: For fruit layer: Combine 200g of each fruit, lemon juice, honey and 2 cups of filtered water in a saucepan. Simme on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Strain liquid gently through muslin cloth, retaining liquid for fruit jelly. Sprinkle agar agar flakes into liquid to dissolve, it will thicken as it cools. Fold through reserved fruit. For custard layer: Place egg yolks and maple syrup in a bowl and place over a pot of gently simmering water, whisk continuously until creamy and light. Remove and sit over a bowl of ice, whisk until cool. Lightly whisk the yogurt and fold into mixture, chill. Assemble in suitable glasses: starting with fruit jelly, then yogurt mix, a slice of cake soaked in a little syrup, than another layer of jelly and yogurt. Chill for a few hours and decorate with fresh fruits, almond slivers and mint. Serves 8. 41 | Page Pure water Perfect taste Only the purest water Every time for your growing family 42 | Page