Support the troops

Support the troops from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

We WiII Remember You

W-e WiII Remember You from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

Kelsey and Danielle present a memorial video to all of the WWII veterans of Shelby County in honor of the upcoming 65th anniversary of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day on May 8th. This video includes two very special interviews with Don Norgaard and Russ Adams.

Autism

Autism from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

Students With Jobs

Untitled from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

This is our video on teenagers with after school jobs, and how it affecst their school lives. Enjoy!

Toilet Paper? Say WHAT?!

After hearing the announcement about the Toilet Paper last week, I’m sure many of you were very confused. You were probably thinking something somewhere along the lines of, “Read the toilet paper? Huh? There’s nothing on it!” Well, worry no more Toilet Paper-readers; I’m here to tell you what all this “business” is about.

Every couple of weeks, or actually about once a month, we are assigned a blog story, which is pretty much just a miscellaneous blog, for those of you who have experienced one of Mr. Bruns’s classes. For those of you that haven’t, it’s pretty much just a paper that’s about a page long, giving your opinions or a recap of something. Anyways, because none of you ever read these stories that we put an enormous amount of effort into, Danielle and Kelsey came up with the idea of creating the Toilet Paper.

The first editions of the Toilet Paper came out last week, and they were updated with four new ones this week. There has been a lot of talk about the paper, some positive talk, and some negative talk. One of the things that student’s were confused by was the MLIA’s on the side bar. MLIA stands for My Life is Average, and it is a lot less depressing than the also popular FML’s. I really enjoy the MLIA’s, and think they are quite hilarious to read while you’re doing your business.

Some of the positive feedback we have received is basically the same. When asked if they liked the Toilet Paper, Bailey McGrath said, “Yeah, I like it! Especially the MLIA’s.” Amanda Petersen stated, “I don’t really notice it...” and Ben Reinig said, “I haven’t really paid much attention to it, but when I was talking to someone about it, nothing good was really said.”

In my opinion, I think the thoughts about the Toilet Paper are split into two categories: Girls=Positive and Boys=Negative. I think the girls appreciate it more because they spend A LOT more time in the bathroom than boys, and boys just like to get in and get out of there. I also think boys don’t like it as much just because they aren’t really concerned with social issues like girls are.

That pretty much “wraps” it up for me. (Pun definitely intended) If any of you have any comments or feedback on the Toilet Paper, or things you would like to see added to it, feel free to contact either Mrs. Daniels, Mr. Bruns, or any other School News members. Or just feel free to visit the News Blog and comment!

Sleep

Sleep from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

Facebook vs Myspace

Facebook or myspace? Which one is better? Personally I have accounts for both. There are good features for both so it’s hard for me to choose.
I think Facebook is better if you want to stay in touch with friends and keep up with the latest gossip. It is a very social website. It allows your voice to be heard and your opinions put out there. You may comment people on their thoughts and quotes and even make it noticed that you like it. Facebook also makes it very easy to find old classmate that you haven’t seen in forever and to stay close to family members that live out of town. Not only do people get on to communicate with friends and catch up but a lot of people play games on there. Games such as the popular Farmville, Happy Aquarium, and Super City, all in which people can connect to other players and help each other on with the games.
Myspace on the other hand has great qualities too. Myspace allows people to be more creative. On myspace, you can customize everything from the background of your page or adding your favorite songs. Myspace is also known for discovering a lot of talented people such as music artists, Colby Callait, Soulja Boy, Lily Allen and Sean Kingston. It allows people to discover new bands and keep up with their favorite artists. Another thing that is nice on myspace is on the status you can post your mood. It doesn’t sound like a big deal but it’s nice to let people know how you are feeling.
There are some big down falls for these websites though. For Facebook some include things like not being as creative and being able to customize your profile. Uploading your pictures on Facebook can be a pain too if you do not have the right software. If your software isn’t up to date it makes you upload only five pictures at a time (Which takes forever!). Another thing that can be a problem on Facebook is that even if you keep your page private, it’s still very easy for strangers to access your information.
Some disadvantages for myspace include things such as problems with pedophiles, spam issues and there have been many reports on cyber bullying. They has been many cases in which teens get picked on so much by their peers online that they go as far as committing suicide.
So which one would you rather. The very social Facebook or the unique creative myspace? Feel free to tell share your opinions and even stories. =]
-Sierra

Haiti Relief Concert

Haiti Earthquake from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

Hansen Brothers Coffee Shop put on a concert to raise money for Haiti Relief. Two bands performed, Sistamattix and What Dwells Within. Hansen Brothers raised several hundred dollars for earthquake victims. Danielle and Kelsey bring you a video with several performances and interviews.

Cruelty: It's What's For Breakfast?

Ask a vegan "why" and you could receive many potential answers. One may give you facts: For instance, most vegans ban eggs because of how they are retreived-- chickens live on farms with bad conditions, and their day and night cycles are forced unnaturally to double their production. Another might tell you it is part of their religious beliefs. You may get abstract answers about souls and 'happy food', or, my least favorite, one may answer that being vegan is a trend. But at the root of all of these reasons is a general belief that the comsumption of animal or animal byproducts is somehow unethical.

I've grown up in smalltown Harlan for most of my life. My stepfather and brother hunt every animal around and kill rabbits if they get into the garden. I am surrounded completely by friends and family who eat meat. There are deer heads and stuffed turkeys strewn about my family room. When I decided two years ago to become a vegetarian, it was a struggle; my family had no problem mentioning their distaste of it, I found it to be an inconvenience if I wasn't cooking for myself, and, to be honest, part of me still wanted the meat. For 16 years, I had eaten animal almost daily, and my body was addicted. Since that first decision, I have fluctuated many times between vegetarian, vegan, and what my little sister calls "human eating" (not to say that I eat humans but, rather, I eat as a normal human being would.) When I went on my trip to Argentina, many of my group members and my leader were from the east coast, and they noted that I was an "apologetic vegetarian," which I explained through my Iowan homelife mentioned above.

This time, though, things are different. I have been eating vegan since January 4, 2010 with thorough dedication and I do not see myself ever going back to "human eating" again. The differences? I believe in solid morals that keep me obligated, I got past the two-week want-to-eat-everything-I-crave phase, and now my tastes have changed according to what I eat.

I am asked a lot if eating vegan is difficult, but with desire, it is not! I get all of the nutrients that I need either through vitamin pills or more preferably by the food that I eat (I eat much healthier than pretty much anyone I know.) My stomach doesn't feel like it needs such large portions of food, and I only eat when I'm hungry, rather than for emotional reasons. I did lose about seven pounds during the first month, but the weight loss has stopped at a healthy number. These days, one can substitute just about any ingredient for a vegan one, and there are whole restaurants, recipe books, and grocery stores supporting the lifestyle. In the photos are a few examples of things I can't eat and their vegan replacements: milk exchanged for soy milk (rice, almond and coconut milk also available), butter for dairyless margarine, meat for a black bean burger (soy and veggie also available, as a well as a tofu version of about every type of meat), and pancake breakfast exchanged for an organic cereal with some protein I need.

Though one can make at least one order on any menu vegan, it's more enjoyable for me to go to new restaurants or grocery stores in the city. My favorites are McFoster's Kind Cafe and Whole Foods Market in Omaha, both of which specializing in organic and vegan food. It is no coincidence that these vendors and consumers are also the ones cutting down on environmentally-harming excess packaging. I enjoy giving my support to companies who are out to improve the condition of the world.

I would never press my beliefs on anyone, but I would definitely encourage anyone who is interested to try veganism. It is something you have to go into seriously to be successful, but the rewards can be incredible. Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian or vegan? Know someone who is? Leave your comments about the issue here!

What Do You See?

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you look at yourself and think 'I'm so perfect and skinny!' Or, do you stand there wondering what you could do to get rid of those flabby love handles? This is what an average teenager would be thinking. They rarely think they are what are known to be as 'perfect.' 1 in every 200 women will develop an eating disorder related to anorexia nervosa. Nearly half of all Americans know someone with an eating disorder. But, very few know just how serious these disorders can be.
Anorexia Nervosa can best be described as the obsession to be thin. The disorder usually starts out with a simple diet for sports, weight issues, or it is sometimes even triggered by a negative comment from a peer. Sometimes it escalates because the individual likes the feeling of being in control. Anorexia over time will eventually lead to dizziness, fainting, dry skin and hair, stunted growth, heart problems, loss of menstrual periods, and sometimes in the worst cases, death. Most people think that only women and teenagers are anorexic. This however, is not true. In fact, 15% of people with anorexia are males. Most of us whether we realize it or not, know a girl that struggles with an eating disorder.
Why do people develop eating disorders? You can blame a lot of it on the media. TV Shows like 'Americas Next Top Model' make young girls think that in order to be pretty, they have to be skinny. The 'ideal appearance' of a woman’s body is supported by advertising, magazines, television, internet, and mass media. These pressures increase the chances for people to develop and eating disorder. Once someone gains an eating disorder, they begin to feel depressed and alone. Where do they turn for support? Not to family, not to friends, but to the internet. Teens feeling alone sometimes have nowhere else to turn except to the internet, where they find blogs and sites on anorexia. On these websites they are not only encouraged to continue with their destructive behavior, but are even given tips on how to take it to the next level. As they progress with their disorder, they develop issues dealing with depression, loneliness, and isolation.
As stated before, anorexia can sometimes lead to death. This recently happened with one of America's most beloved stars, Brittany Murphy. Brittany struggled with anorexia for a number of years, and it is thought to be one of the main reasons for her death. She passed at the young age of 32. She is not the only young celebrity to suffer from this disorder. Many other stars suffer from anorexia, such as, Nichole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlee Simpson, and Mary Kate Olsen. All people that young children look up to as role models. People that are suppose to be looked upon as positive influences.
So, no matter who you are, you can’t just trust the media. Anorexia is a serious disease that needs to be fixed right away. Don’t ignore the signs. If you think you know someone who has an eating disorder, contact an adult, or someone you trust right away.

Attention: Intervention!

Attention: Intervention! from Chad Bruns on Vimeo.

The Harlan Tribune recently wrote an article on the increasing drug problem in Harlan, but what do the students think about all of this? Kelsey and Danielle interview Mr. Wagner and the general student population on whether this article was sensationalized or completely true. What do you think?

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

What is it about Christmas that stirs up in people the spirit of giving? In this holiday bustle, it is important to remember those who are not fortunate enough to afford toys for their children, or even a decent holiday meal. Salvation Army’s goal is to reach out internationally to brothers and sisters who need assistance at any time of year. Though their message and organization is Christian Bible-based, volunteers and recipients from all over the world are of any belief.
Everyone has seen a kind old man, a mother and her kids, or the local STUCO group standing outside of a store with the famous bell and red kettle. This is one of Salvation Army’s biggest fundraisers during the holiday season, and this group makes it so easy for anyone to participate.
When I decided last November that I wanted to bell ring, it took a simple five minutes on the internet to sign up. Any of these sights: ringbells.org, salvationarmyusa.org for Iowan stores, or ringomaha.com, if you would like to ring bells in Nebraska, easily guide you through a quick sign-up; choose a date, a store and time, and the website will send you a confirmation email. If you ever decide to cancel or switch dates, simply go back onto the site, sign in to your account, and change your ringing dates!
Last year, I decided to ring outside of the Scheel’s at the Jordan Creek Mall on the day after Thanksgiving, since my family Thanksgiving is in Des Moines. I rang from 10 AM to 12 PM, dressed very warmly, and sang the whole time. The stand with the kettle was right there waiting at 10, the bell with it, and when I was done, I was able to leave it there without needing to wait for the next potential volunteer. The setting was great-- the area is nice and about 50 percent of people on average donated something to the bucket. Almost everyone had a smile or holiday greeting or compliment for me in return (I sang Christmas songs the whole time-- I could only think of about 6 songs that I knew all the words to and wanted to sing.)
This year, I decided to first sign up on the identical time, location, and date, and have signed up for many more in both Des Moines and Omaha. The feeling one gets from volunteering their time for an organization such as this is irreplaceable. As a teenager, I do not have a lot of money to donate, but my time is just as valuable. As corny as it sounds, singing “Let It Snow” in front of a sports goods store made some people’s days, and the money that I earned, which will go to new shelters, food, or clothing for those in need made some other people’s days. And that is a very great gift indeed.
So! I encourage you to join in. Volunteer for just one day or many-- any contribution is appreciated. If you do not have the time, donate some money on the Salvation Army website. Smile at those who look like they are having a bad day. Though Christmas stirs up the feeling of giving, helping out can warm hearts at any time of the year.

Generation Disrespex by Joe Schmitz

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches I would like to point out the lack of thanks in most kids today. The majority of children; from elementary school, to even college students; have a large disregard for the things they are given. I have seen first hand how kids take everything for granted. They have this inexplicable feeling of entitlement. They feel everything needs to be handed to them, thats what their parents teach them and thats what they are used to. Parents today bathe their children with trinkets and other unnecessary items because if they don’t they have to deal with whining. Parents ruin their children by giving everything thing they want and little of what they need. Children today need a better feeling for respect. Most of them have no respect for their elders. They say what they want, and do what they want; if not, they throw a tantrum. Parents spoil their children and smother to the point where the kids believe they just have a right to everything. By always telling children that every little mistake you make is okay, you condone the consensus that no mater what you do, you’ll get another chance. If kids are allowed to repeat their mistakes or wrongs without reprimand it babies them into a sense of naive disrespect. Adults leave no punishment to their young when they disrespect other, so it carries on to when they are older. They keep doing what they want and completely ignoring the fact that what they do and say are out of line. If more parents would step and bring consequences upon their children when they are disrespectful, I believe, that todays generation would be much harder working and caring. Parents are there to ensure their children grow up to be respectful productive citizens, not to be their friends.