Which means only the very elite of schools’ teams can place, advancing to state, giving our school a slim chance to nab a prized spot.

Oh wait! We DID NOT even have a team compete. Forget about competing, we didn’t even have a team AT ALL.

Well, for the past TWO YEARS we haven’t had a team. It’s quite embarrassing to be the hospitable hosts of such a prestigious academic showcase, and yet have no one to compete.

This makes me wonder “Why aren’t more people eager to be involved in the most honorable academic event in America?” Is it because we don’t have any students capable enough or intellectuall enough to compete? Is it because we don’t have the adequate tools to compete with other schools? NO! It’s because the emphasis on education has diminished and been left to rot in the shadows of other things.

However, after speaking to a reliable source, my preconceived notations of Aca-Dec have been earth shakingly shattered and in the ashes are left my new discoveries of this wonderful academic opportunity. Unlike UIL Academics, which focuses on one specific event like math or social studies, Aca-Dec gives the competitor a chance to excel at a wider range of subjects. This gives students multiple opportunities to finally get that ‘earning-a-gold-star-from-the-teacher’ feeling and achieve academic success.

Academic Decathlon’s preceeding reputation of having several academically inclined students, all hovered over tests in the library, furiously scribbling away, doesn’t help to ward off any negative connotations. On the team of nine, the top three are referred to as the “A” students, with GPA’ s of 3.75-4.0, the next three, “B” students, with GPA’s of 3.74-3.0 and the final three, the”C” students, with GPA’s of 2.99 or less, according to Aca-Dec standards.

Aca-Dec provides an opportunity to give students something to be a part of and in a social environment like high school, being part of a group is vital to surviving. Aca-Dec helps to bridge the transition from ‘big dog’ status in middle school to ‘scanty fish’ status freshman year in high school. Students don’t necessarily have to be the valedictorian or prodigy to be able to excel in Aca-Dec.

Not only does Aca-Dec help to expand factual knowledge, but it also helps to form helpful habits that will allow someone to thrive in the ever changing jungle of the real world. There should be a stronger push to get students involved in such programs that help to facilitate the growth of our factual knowledge.

More importantly students need to pry their eyes away from Twitter, or watching the latest video of the laughing baby and invest themselves into soemthing that will not only potentially earn them scholarship money, but will also give them building blocks for the foundations for the rest of their life.

It’s no wonder America lags behind in education compared to other countries. We live in a country where more emphasis is placed on the adoration and aspiration of becoming the next Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul, and less on scholarly studies. Students have been brainwashed and spoon fed everything, and so when they are defenestrated* from the protective shelter of a school system into the real world, most shrivel up and fail.

(*defenestration:v; the act of throwing someone or something out of a window)

Students fail to see the long term benefits that programs like UIL Academics and Academic Decathlon offer. We live in a world where instant gratification is a best friend and it’s about crossing the finish line rather than the journey it to took to get there.

Related story: Kay Hopes to Build Aca-Dec

The House of Representatives’ controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate’s Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) have been going on in Congress for months and the purpose of these bills is to make it harder for sites — especially those located outside the US— to sell or distribute pirated copyrighted material such as movies and music as well as physical goods such as counterfeit purses and watches. These illegal acts have been a recurring problem throughout America for a while now because the Internet is worldwide. We are able to shop online and download free music from websites that are not necessarily ‘American’.

Since Wednesday, Jan. 18, certain websites were blocked, leaving many Internet companies outraged and millions of protesters expressing their freedom of speech and access to the Internet.

The censorship affects everyone, but especially teenagers because we are constantly on the Internet. Many people use the Internet worldwide and even though there are countries like Cuba where the internet is censored. With our phones we are able to access the Internet with a simple touch.

Right now, the 21st century is known for an unrestrained amount of technology and Internet use. We  receive most of our information on the Internet and I was angry when I found out the government would try to censor the Internet because it is not justified. And the government might go to extremes  by cutting off other different sites which I use more regularly. I pay for my Internet so I am authorized to browse any cites, and buy anything online of my liking.

However, I do agree that the government should try to do something to help prevent illegal merchandise being sold. It is unfair that some people go buy CD’s doing what is right, while others just receive free songs on the Internet. This goes with the socialist theory that if you do not have enough money, you can get what you want for free.

However, the common fact of life is that everyone needs to work hard in order to receive what they want. Songs and most of the illegal things that are being sold are not necessities of life like food or water, so if you cannot afford these luxuries, try something called self-restraint.  The new laws accomplished nothing but facilitating anger in the American people. Instead, the governement needs to find other ways of preventing illegal acts, rather than banning sites in order to make a change.

Once again we showed the world we were resilient. We proved that nothing could keep us down and that we would fight to avenge the 2,403 dead and the 1,178 injured. We would win and we would bring our boys home in all due haste.

In the end we did win and we did bring our boys home, but it was a long hard road. Today, I find that some of my classmates do not know that today is the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. This should be a day we remember and we should remember it like we would a friend’s birthday or your own birthday.

We should remember this day not just because many lost their lives but also because the veterans who served and those who lost their lives in WWII deserve to be remembered.

Most guys would agree that they would do anything just to see that bright vibrant smile. Though it’s not as easy as it sounds to coax a grin out of a girl than others. The easiest way to catch a quick glimpse of her pearly whites would be to crack a joke or to tease her. And of course it wouldn’t be a bad idea to drop her a lovely compliment or two it’s sure to get her blushing and light on her feet.

Though to make a girl really smile at you, you  have to prove that you are trust worthy, dependable and light-hearted. Pay attention to the things that she likes, treat her with great respect, and show her that you are truly interested in spending as much time with her as possible. By using some of these techniques not only are you capable of getting her to smile, but you will also win the key to her heart.

Though since at times it could be difficult to get that one special girl to return a smile, here are 10 ways to bring out that pretty smile upon her face.

• If you care about her.. SHOW her!!
• Hangout with her whenever you acquire any free-time.
• Recognize the small things, they usually mean the most.
• Remember her birthday and get her something, even if it’s simple. All that matters is that it came from you.
• Look her in her eyes and smile.
• Treat her the same around your friends just as you would if you two we’re alone.
• Actually listen to the things that she has to say.
• Write her notes or call just to check on her.
• Hold her hand at any moment even if its just for a second.
• Tell her that she is beautiful.

• Kill fridge odor- Wouldn’t you rather smell coffee than two week old leftovers? Place a bowl of fresh unused coffee grounds inside and leave in for a day or two. This odor-killing trick works for practically anything and it’s inexpensive.
• Get shiny hair-  Coffee is often recommended as a simple, natural treatment to make hair extra-glossy. Brew up an extra-strong pot, let it cool and apply it to your dry, clean hair. Leave it on for at least twenty minutes and then rinse. Keep it up once a week or so for best results.
• Erase smells of hands- Garlic, cilantro, and onions all smell good in the kitchen but outside the kitchen and you have a major problem. Get rid of the smell by rubbing a handful of used coffee grounds on your hands for two minutes and them rinsing with warm water.
• Exfoliate skin- Make your own coffee-based scrub by combining a tablespoon of coffee grounds with half a tablespoon of olive oil and, optionally, a drop of your favorite essential oil.
• Reduce fireplace mess- Wait until the embers are cool, sprinkle damp coffee grounds all over the ashes , let them sit for about 15 minutes and then scoop out the whole mess into a metal ash can. The coffee grounds cling to the ashes, so they don’t spew dust nearly as much as they would otherwise.

Chocolate Snowball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 bag of confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

A quick and easy side dish recipe that could satisfy your family and be the center of attention at the dinner table due to its creamy baked deliciousness, topped with a sweet pecan topping is a nicely made Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients Include:

• 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of melted butter

Topping:

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of flour
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 1 cup of chopped up pecans

Serving size feeds 6 to 8 people

Preparations:

Combine first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.

Last night, I attended the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn, along with the other three movies starting at 4 p.m.. It was a really long process honestly, but we had like 30 minute breaks in between each movie. We were also free to come and go as we pleased, so it was a very relaxed atmosphere.

There wasn’t any drama about people taking other people’s seats during the marathon because as everyone in the world knows,  Twilight fans are the best. Every time Edward or Jacob came out on the screen for the first time in each film, the girls would go crazy. They would squeal, yell, or whistle.

It was obvious that boys are outnumbered, however, one boy decided to get back. The first time the audience saw Alice Cullen in Eclipse, one boy yelled “Whooo, Alice!” It was a funny moment.

So after we watched all three previous movies, took our potty breaks, and refilled our drinks, it was time for Breaking Dawn.

I was really excited for this movie. It had been awhile since a Twilight movie came out, and I was starting to feel a void. I’m kidding, but I was excited to see it.

There was a problem with screen, but they fixed it in a matter of minutes. Then the previews started!  Most of the previews were disappointing to me except for the new Snow White movie (also starring Kristen Stewart) and the new tear-jerker The Vow. Finally after having so many butterflies and extensive amount of screaming, Breaking Dawn began.

I’m not going to tell you what happens in the movie. This isn’t a spoiler!

Just know that it follows pretty closely to the book. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I found myself smiling through most of with how the lovely setting and the humorous jokes told at the reception.

The honeymoon scene had to be toned down to maintain the PG-13 rating, but those scenes won’t let you down.

And the child-birthing scene, it’s graphic. It’s not nasty or anything, but there is blood. A lot. My friend’s mom and I all enjoyed the movie and are eagerly anticipating the next one. However, I have talked to a lot of people who weren’t happy with it.

They have said things like “it’s really far-fetched” or “too unbelievable.” Um, hello? The whole series has been about vampires and werewolves and you’re deciding this now? Whatever, negative Nancy.

I think anyone who has been a fan of the series all along will enjoy this movie. Anyone might find themselves get a little restless toward the end because things get kind of scary. The most important thing to remember is just to enjoy yourself while watching it.

And don’t leave after the movie is over. Stay for the credits because there is a little surprise for everyone!

Mint Hot Chocolate

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of chilled heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of Dutch process cocoa powder
• 4 cups milk
• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup of peppermint chopped and crushed

Directions:

1. In a bowl, beat the cream and 1 tablespoon of sugar until it becomes a soft texture. Cover the whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. In a small, saucepan, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and the cocoa powder. Gradually whisk in the milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
3. Divide the hot chocolate among warmed mugs. Top each with a dollop of the whipped cream and sprinkle the crushed peppermint on top and serve immediately.

Middle-aged citizens rush to a doctor whenever they so much as hear of someone of their generation passing. While getting a checkup may help your doctor tell you what you already knew – your cholesterol is too high or other rather normal problems that plague the middle aged body – it won’t prevent your number from being called.

Even our government is obsessed with our health. According to the Washington post 25 state are considering bills aimed at targeting obesity.

Did you know on average states tax candy at a higher rate than groceries? It doesn’t stop there. Congress has actually bills regarding obesity including the Federal Overly Obese Law. It will matter very little in the end whether you were a whopping 500 or a mere 100 pounds.

There are always products vowing to shrink your body fat and leave you healthier and extend your life. If it is your time to die, will it really matter how much body fat you trimmed, how many healthy snacks you ate or how many times you visited your doctor?

As a culture, we are too focused on being healthy and living as long as possible. No one is ever too young (or old for that matter) to kick the bucket. So live life to the fullest while being safe and not breaking the law and tell the ones you love you love them. We never know how long we will be on this Earth.