April 13, 2007 Vol. 35 Issue 12
Editorial: Serious talks should be in person
By Michaela Myer, sr.
For the Editorial Board
In the world today, technology has had many advances resulting
in many different forms of communication. Today, one can either text, email,
or leave comments on other’s personal web sites. But is this better
than a face-to-face conversation?
As an editorial board, we feel that communicating through technology should
not replace all face-to-face conversation. If it is an important situation,
one should always confront the issue in person.
For example, relationships are being carried out online more often. Many
people are maintaining relationships over the Internet instead of by being
around the other person.
Cartoon by Bethany Wolverton
It is a lot easier to meet people online simply because it
is usually easier to express one’s feelings if they do not face the
person directly. For example, if someone likes another person it would be
easier to express
their true feelings online in case of rejection. However, where will the
line be drawn? Will people share their wedding vows online?
Another form of communication that has become more common is texting on cell
phones. Many people use texting to see how someone is feeling or to have
a conversation when actually talking on the phone is not an option.
However, how do people determine what conversations are acceptable to have
through texting and what conversations should happen in person?
We feel that such things as asking someone out or breaking up with someone
over text messages is not acceptable.
Also, sarcasm and facial expressions are hard to decipher, so students should
be careful what they text. Actual feelings can be really hard to pick up
on when words have no feelings.
As one can see, technology has come a long way, but is that always a good
thing? Technology is great, but we need to use it wisely.
Some conversations are allowable to have over texting, email, or web site
comments, but some conversations need to happen the old-fashioned way, face-to-face.
MySpace allows creativity
(Pro)
By Hilary Bartlett, sr.
Guest Writer
MySpace is a popular social networking site that allows members
to create and personalize their own profiles by adding images, backgrounds,
music, games, quizzes and videos, unlike Facebook users who are not given
any personalizing options.
Many web sites have created pre-made templates including buttons, layouts,
backgrounds, and icons ready to go for a MySpace profile. This has helped
many people to get creative and let their personality shine on their blogs
and profiles without the hassle of asking a friend for help.
Big companies, recording artists, and non-profit organizations
have created their own MySpace pages to market their products or services
to the wide
range of users. Most teens turn to music as a relaxation technique while
chatting with friends, MySpace benefits nicely from this passion because
of the many independent bands that promote free MP3s.
I love having a personal page that allows me to post pictures of my friends
and I, and choose a song and layout that suits my personality, which is one
reason I would rather have a MySpace. I sign on to MySpace daily to keep
in touch with old friends from previous schools and to communicate with my
current friends. Many people argue that Facebook has better privacy settings,
however MySpace also has settings that allows a site to be private depending
on the user.
Although some use MySpace for negative ends, students can still enjoy themselves
on the site as long as they are careful.
Enjoy Facebook
safely (Con)
By Katie Hauser, sr.
Editor-in-Chief
Personal spaces have been gaining popularity among several
age groups of Americans. These sites give people place to connect with
friends. Personal spaces have a place for users to write about their lives,
as well as a public spot for comments or discussion, messaging similar
to e-mail, groups for those with similar interests, and other special items,
such as NCAA Basketball Pools.
Students do need to make sure to take precautions on any site. Facebook
allows them to set their profile to private so that only people the user
has designated as friends can see it. Once that has been done, students
can enjoy their time online safely.
I love having a Facebook, but I do not have a MySpace. All
my friends are on Facebook, and I do not have the time to keep up with
two sites. MySpace
allows for more personal sites, but I like the fact that every site has
the same layout on Facebook; it makes everything easy to locate. Plus,
I never have to fight distracting backgrounds when reading someone’s
page or listen to music I do not like.
The main reason I got a Facebook was because one of my friends went to
Japan and Facebook has allowed us to keep in touch. I can talk to my friends
that live somewhere else and also keep up with those here.
I get on Facebook daily to read the news feed about what groups people
have joined, what pictures they have posted, and most especially, to see
if anyone’s relationship status has changed.
MySpace may be similar, but I am in love with my Facebook and could not
imagine using any other site.
Review: Wii gets players
involved
By Dustin Corban, sr.
Graphics Editor
Excitement has been building in the world of “gamers”.
The Nitendo Wii is a great addition for any person who enjoys video games
because it adds a new twist to the gaming world.
Not only will the consumers enjoy playing the latest games, but they will
also enjoy moving their bodies with the games.
The new controllers allow the player to use real-life actions to play the
games. Some of the games allow the player to see what they would see if they
were the actual game character.
Using the two hand-held controllers, the actions the player makes imitate
the movements of the player that the character actually makes. The Wii has
been highly recognized as one of the only gaming systems that makes the “gamer” actually
move, a feature that really adds to the gaming experience.
Another unique feature about this console is its ability to play the older
games. These include games from the Nitendo, Super Nitendo, Sega, and others.
Wii points are available to buy at almost any electronic store. These points
can be used to buy these older console games at the Wii shopping channel.
Some of these consoles need a different controller than the one that comes
with it. This is called a classic controller.
Overall, the Wii system is one of the healthiest video games that a person
can play. Along with the movements of the system, the console also reminds
the player that it is okay to take a break every once in a while.
The Wii also has Internet capability. The console also comes with the Weather
Channel, News Channel, and the Wii Channel.
Myspace,
Facebook become new
trend in social online networking
Information gathered from Wikipedia
Social networking services, such as MySpace and Facebook, allow
users to create a profile for themselves. Users can upload a picture of themselves
and can often be “friends” with other users. In most social networking
services, both users must confirm that they are friends before they are linked.
Social networks usually have privacy controls that allow the user to choose
who can view their profile or contact them, etc. Some major social networks
have additional features, such as the ability to create groups that share
common interests or affiliations, upload videos, and hold discussions in
forums.
Do you use MySpace or Facebook?
Why or why not?
 |
 |
Kellee Frederick, sr., “Yes,
I use it because it helps me to keep up with my out of town friends
and their lives.”
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Amber Ysusi, jr., “Yes,
I use them because every once in a while I enjoy having creepy old
men looking at my picture.”
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 |
 |
Eric Maxon, so., “I
do not use either Facebook or MySpace because I do not have a computer.”
|
Taylor Leeling,
fr., “No, I do not use either of them. I have better
things to do than talk on a computer.”
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Prism Glynn, Student Teacher, “I love using MySpace! I do not know why, it is just addictive.” |
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