Wolverine back in action

Most of us are familiar with the X-men trilogies and, X-men Origins Wolverine was released this spring with a banging impulse in theaters. This movie reveals Wolverine’s tragic past and things we never knew. The whole plot of the movie follows Wolverine’s mutant life and his mission to seek revenge against Victor Creed, who killed his girlfriend. This mission ultimately led him to undergo the Weapon X program which is his transformation from a mutant to being indestructible.

This movie helped answer many questions that X-men movie fans had. Many people wondered, “how did Wolverine even get those claws?” And what was Wolverines life like growing up?

This movie is a must see for all. For those that have seen previous X-men movies and ever for those who haven’t seen any X-men movies. This was my first X-men movie and I greatly enjoyed it. The price of admission was well worth the 2 hour screen time.

This movie is action packed and will have you hanging off the edge of your chair the whole movie. This is a family friendly movie and great for all ages. The movie has everything you could want in a movie romance, comedy, and plenty of action.

Summer TV 2009

Between the many rainy days and sweltering heat, many summer days will be devoted to kicking back and watching TV. Watching TV is a great way to relax and one of the most common activities in teenagers during summer. The average teen (ages 12-17) spends about 103 hours watching TV a month, according to the LA Times.

Although many of the hit series have concluded another season, there are plenty of entertaining shows to tune into this summer. Coming this June one of HBO’s hottest series Entourage will be premiering after a 7 month break.

Project Runway is now back for their sixth season. This season the show has a new location, New York City. After the show lost unnecessary air time due to a lawsuit, the producers are taking the show to the next level.

If reality shows don’t sound so appealing, then the MTV Movie Awards may be a better choice. Though many may say the MTV Movie Awards have been played out, millions still tune in each year to see the many A-listers, see who takes home what awards, and see what the host has to offer.

Sports fan? For those sports fans this June the NBA finals will offer exciting match ups. Millions will tune in to watch the show down between Kobe and LeBron.

Hot Vacation Spots

We have made it through yet another school year and now it’s time to welcome the summer. Many will be preparing for college and others will be working on finding a summer job, but it’s important to find time to enjoy yourself.
The most common way to kick back and relax is at the beach. Now while the beach may not seem to exciting, try going to a beach resort. Beach resorts are an exclusive way to treat yourself to a relaxing day by the beach without the worry of finding a spot to lay down, a clean location, or somewhere with shade.
If leaving the state sounds like a better idea, New York is a great destination. New York is the kind of place where you can find something that appeals to everyone. New York offers an abundant amount of museums, numerous tours, Broadway shows, and an opportunity to shop everywhere you turn. Some of the most popular sites to visit while in New York are the Statue of Liberty, Time Square, The Empire State Building, and Central Park. An easy way to see it all is to take part in some of the many tours offered.
A major advantage to living in Florida is the options Orlando has for you. With choices like Disney World, Downtown Disney, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Wet’ n Wild, good shopping, and much more.

Breaking Bad Habits

Day by day wither you realize it or not you fall into a routine creating many habits. These habits make you the person you are wither good or bad. The only issue is learning to take control of these habits, because if you can take notice in your habits then there is chance you can change them.

Some common bad habits include smoking, biting nails, procrastinating, cracking knuckles, and smacking gum. These habits become a part of everyday life and often go unnoticed. The good news is there are ways to break these bad habits.

The first step to breaking a bad habit is become aware of the habit and the negative effects it has. Once able to admit to having a bad habit take a step back and look at all the side effects of this habit. When dealing with a bad habit those around you suffer just as much as you.

After becoming aware of a bad habit, it takes commitment to follow through with the change. A decision must be made that no matter what it takes you will fight to end this bad habit.

Perseverance and a clear focus can help make the change less stressful. Its important to stay focused on breaking that one habit. It takes a lot of time and effort in breaking a habit so its best to focus on one habitat time.

Breaking a bad habit isn’t impossible and with the help from friends and family can be controlled.

Getting Out Early

In high school, you have the option to graduate early your junior year. This applies to all students who have all their credits. While this choice may have you miss your senior year, there are many reasons this is a good option.

If you’re really certain about your future goals and have a plan already made, graduating early is a good choice. Some students become eager to graduate and start their college life. By completing all the necessary credits, you are open to leave early and begin college life.

Fortunately, graduating early still allows students to attend senior prom and other senior activities. Graduating early earns yourself a head start on your life, but you still are able to experience all that a student would if still in school. The only difference is you’re no longer bothered by homework, tests, and waking up early.

Leaving high school offers more time to get a job and start saving up money for college classes. The issue with being in high school is juggling so many tasks leaves students no time to hold a job and get good hours. So all the extra time that wouldn’t normally be spent in high school can go towards working.

Don’t Play with Clippers

On his very first day of freshman year Sean Chinn was getting ready to begin his next four years of High School. Just as any other freshman, Chinn was dressing to impress. That morning Chinn woke up and wanted to make sure his hair looked its best, so he reached for some clippers.

Standing in the bathroom leaning over the sink, Chinn eased the clippers across his forehead lining up his hair. While he brushed the clippers across his face, down the hall Chinn’s mother called. Chinn was startled and as he turned his head to answer his mother he dropped his arm taking off half his right eyebrow.

“I was left upset and speechless,” said Chinn.

Chinn knew there was no way he would be seen with half an eyebrow so he started experimenting. Chinn had attempted drawing on the other half of his eyebrow using eyeliner. The only problem with this was Chinn had P.E first block. After running Chinn would find the sweat took off all his eyeliner.

It was difficult few weeks for Chinn. He found people would stare at his eyebrows while talking to him. Others poked fun at his discolored eyebrows.

This was a lesson learned not to stress the first day of High School and not to play with clippers.

Now That's What I Call Country Review

You may have heard of the album Now That's What I Call Music, but on Aug. 26, millions of people were able to purchase Now That's What I Call Country. The album gives a country twist compared to the normal Now albums, which primarily feature hip-hop and pop music. With the country version, listeners can get a taste of 20 chart-topping hits.

The album features artists such as Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and many more. This collection of chart-topping hits makes it easy and convenient to hear the songs loved by many. Why buy twenty CD's for each artist when, on average, you'll probably like about 4 songs on each album? It's simply easier to buy Now That's What I Call Country, which has already collected the hottest songs of today.

Just a quick glance at the back of the album will grab your attention since it consists of great artists. The best part about the album is the fact that it features recent songs. Not too long ago, Julianne Hough came out with the song, "That Song In My Head," and surprisingly, it can be found on the CD.

This album does a great job at displaying a variety of slow songs and upbeat songs. Listeners can go from "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood, a fast beat song, to the slow melody of "Alyssa Lies" by Jason Michael Carroll.

Now That's What I Call Country is highly recommended. Even those who may think they don't like country, will change their mind.

Purity Rings

Purity rings, also known as chastity or promise rings, are worn by tens of thousands of young American teens who have pledged to remain virgins until marriage. Originating in the 1990s, among Christian groups, the rings are often engraved with sayings such as "True Love Waits" and "One Life, One Love."

Purity rings are becoming a popular accessory among celebrities and high school teens. Many teens are no longer afraid to express their beliefs because of the good impression celebrities have been making by wearing purity rings themselves. Celebrities, such as The Jonas Brothers, Jordan Sparks, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus, have all made the pledge and are not shy about the matter.
Many teens find the rings to be a good idea.

"I think purity rings are a good idea because teenagers are too young to be having sex," said junior Sara McLean.

The rings are a symbol of commitment, similar to wedding rings, and a constant reminder to stick with said promise. According to MSNBC, since the purity ring was introduced about 18 years ago, it has increased to become more popular.

"Everyone has their own way of living life and if that's the choice they make to wear a purity ring, then so be it,” said junior Camila Pires. “But they should stick to it.”

Just Another Crush

Born in Miami and at the young age of 17, David Archuleta is already a well known name. Archuleta was the American Idol runner-up in 2007, and since then, has been working on a new album. Recently, he has released his new single, "Crush," from his upcoming debut album and since then it has already toped the charts.

During the first week of its release "Crush" dominated the Billboard chart, "Hot Digital Songs." It was the number one song. It sold over 166,000 downloads. "Crush" also debuted at #2 on the "Hot 100 Singles" chart late in August.
Archuleta looks up to artists like Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield, and Michael Jackson. He tries to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe. His new single is about him and girl who are good friends, yet he has a secret crush on the girl. In the song he wonders if she has the same feelings for him and if they could be more than just friends.

My favorite part of the song is when Archuleta says, "Do you ever think, when you're all alone all, that we can be where this thing can go? Am I crazy or falling in love? Is it real or just another crush?"
“Crush” is a beautiful song and many teens can relate to the struggle of having a crush on one of their friends. I'm looking forward to the release of Archuleta's album and if the rest of the songs are like “Crush”, it will be a very successful album.

Damn She Hit That Fence Hard

One of the funniest experiences to ever happen to Tori Keating involved a baseball, fence, and a guy. In her spare time, Tori usually can be found playing with the boys. This day was no different.
Tori was playing catch wit her friend Brett at Westwind Park. As Brett threw the ball he realized he had overthrown the baseball, but Tori was still going for it. With the fence off in the distance Tori ran full force. Within seconds Tori was in inches of the fence and she made the decision to jump for the ball. She leaped into the air reaching over the fence and caught the ball. Her landing wasn’t so pretty. Tori did a nose dive right down into the fence hitting her head on a sharp piece.
Brett figured Tori was joking and did nothing to help. As Tori removed her hand from her head she realized she was bleeding. This sight made Brett light headed. Even though the injury didn’t lead to the hospital it did cause some pain.

Cheer Life

The 2008-2009 Piper varsity cheerleaders are ready to compete. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Coral Springs High, the girls will compete against many other schools. The girls have been working on their routine for weeks. They even devoted most of their Winter Break practicing routines Mon-Sat.

Head captain, Danielle Dennis, a junior, has been putting a lot of hard work into the team. Gathering the girls for practice and making sure each girl knows the cheers is part of her job.

“We had Winter Break to learn the new routine and we’re competing [on] Jan. 10,” said Dennis.

She also mentioned that “she feels confident for districts [on Jan. 31] with more practice time.”
The cheerleaders at Piper High work hard and put in long hours for their team. It isn’t as easy as many people may think. There are a few requirements before someone could even be a cheerleader. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. They must have decent jumps, as in toe touch and hurky.
A toe touch is when you jump up stretching your legs to what looks like a split while touching your toes. A hurky is when you jump stretching one leg straight forward, and having the other leg bent behind you.
Competitions aren’t the only thing cheerleaders worry about. They also have to memorize cheers for the football and basketball games.

A Chain Reaction

April 20, 1999; 13 students were shot and killed at Columbine High School. That day, 22 more were injured. This is known as America's worst school shooting. Rachel Joy Scott was the first student shot and killed. Rachel's story caught the attention of millions because she had one simple goal; to touch millions of people's hearts.
Rachel promoted kindness and believed that the kindness of one person could start a chain reaction. After Rachel's death, her father started an organization called "Rachel's Challenge." Speakers are going across America spreading the story of Rachel Joy Scott and hoping people accept her challenge to be kind and start a chain reaction.
Here at Piper High, many students accepted Rachel's Challenge after listening to her story. Students signed the Rachel’s Challenge banner, but that isn't enough. We need to kick off this program with an activity all the students can participate in and benefit from.
A “Trust Fall” is the best idea. A Trust Fall is basically an activity to increase the trust in fellow peers and yourself. A student can write down, an apology, a thank you, or even a simple kind statement on a piece of paper. After writing it down the student is instructed to get up on a table where they will read what they wrote in front of their fellow classmates. In front of the table will be a group of students with their arms locked ready to catch their friend as they turn around and put all their trust in those around them.
This is a fun activity that should start the acts of kindness throughout the entire school. To make sure every student gets the chance to participate, there will be numerous booths across the courtyard. The Trust Fall is fun, easy, and a great way to promote kindness.