Archive: March 8, 2009 - March 14, 2009

Feeling the Heat

Students in Dr. Monsegue's cook¬ing class have been preparing themselves for the ProStarts completion that happened on March 4th and received excellent ratings. . Winning this competition could mean 500,000 dollars worth in scholarship money for DuVal's Cu¬linary Arts Program. The competi¬tion is divided into two sections; the management team and the culinary team where they are judged separately. In the culinary team they must prepare three courses in an hour and prove their knife skills in only 15 minutes. The management team is given a quiz bowl and course study testing their knowledge of culinary and kitchen facts. Be sure to congratulate the team on their accomplishments.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 8:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Say Cheese!

Students in Ms. Hunt's Intermediate and Advanced pho¬tography class crammed in a rental caravan to make a trip to Prince Georges Board of Education on March 5th. These 7 students were specifically chosen to partici¬pate in the Glen Dale-Lanham-Seabrook Park and Planning photo competition. This was created by Chairman Samuel J. Parker and the head of Park and Planning to include high school students in community development planning.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 8:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

New FOB Album "Supreme"

Fall Out Boy's new album "Folie A Deaux" may not be transcending musical tastes, but it is very satisfy¬ing for loyal FOB fans. The album is rich with base pounding riffs from Joe Trohman and Pete Wentz, the group's lead guitarist and bassist, respectively. "Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet" is a rock ballad/love song. The upbeat tempo and wildly colorful lyrics are nothing new to Fall Out Boy listeners, but to those who have never been exposed to them, the themes often go over their heads. While the band may not be fully appreciated by many, the albumn "Folie A Deaux" is supreme. "What a Catch, Donnie" takes some lyrics from other FOB songs such as "This Ain't a Scene It's a Goddam Arms Race," "Sugar We're Going Down," and "Thnks Fr th Mmrs" and created a mural of what some would call the growth of a band. The song exhibits the voice talents of lead singer Patrick Stump and the creativity of the band as a whole. This thirteen track album does not disappoint this new FOB fan and is well worth the money paid for it. While finding out what each track means on a personal level, the listener may find out what the band meant by titling the album "Folie A Deaux" too.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

"Brutha" Worth a Listen

Brutha is a new R&B group that mirrors the style and lyricism of the Jackson Five, and Boyz to Men. But apart from the dancing and on-point harmonies, Jacob, Anthony, Grady, Jared, and Cheyenne aka Poppa, have a secret weapon; they're real brothers. They really only 5 of 13 from the Harell tribe, but they take their family ties seriously. Their first single, "I Can't Hear The Mu¬sic", debuted on BET, also the host of their reality show "Brother To Brutha". Brutha's single, featuring Fabolous, is an upbeat tune about the effects of a female intrest while in a club scene. The video is equally entertaining. The brothers' 5-part harmony and hip-hop dance moves capture the attention of the audience.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Got Certification?

Teachers influence the lives of every child in America. To some, teachers are their only role models. But what does it take to become a teacher in Maryland and PG County to be exact? Teachers must take an assessment test called the Praxis to receive a teaching license. This test is required in 44 states, including Maryland. The Praxis assesses basic knowledge of teaching practices, basic language, writing and math skills and after passing you receive your Standard Professional Certification. These things may seem simple, but it's not as easy as it sounds. The tests are long, and they're specified depending on what you plan on teaching. It's not cheap either. The teachers must pay for every test they take, plus pay the fee for their certificate to be renewed every 5 years. To teach more rigorous classes such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes the teacher has to take a test for their Standard Professional Certification.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

What's the "Flush" with the Bathrooms?

Would you say that the conditions in Duval High School's bathrooms are inadequate, unkempt, or distasteful? Sanitation in the bathrooms has been a problem for a while, and, if not addressed the problem can degenerate until the facilities are destroyed or permanently locked. The blame does not fall on a specific group or person. The janitors should not be blamed if the students disregard common bathroom conduct, and students should not feel as if they must bring soap, toilet paper, or tissue from elsewhere if there is always a shortage of some sort.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

Money Tight? Try These Tips!

Our country is now go¬ing through the recession, and we might want to cut down on our expenses. There may have been times when you have purchased some¬thing that is not necessary or times you've bought things just because of its brand name or because your peers have it, so you think that, you must have it too. It might have been a brand new Nike or DC shoe that just came out in stores; you already have lots of shoes but you decide to buy the brand new one just because it just came out. That shoe will also get old just like the other shoes you bought when they first came out, won't they?

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Money Tight? Try These Tips!

Our country is now go¬ing through the recession, and we might want to cut down on our expenses. There may have been times when you have purchased some¬thing that is not necessary or times you've bought things just because of its brand name or because your peers have it, so you think that, you must have it too. It might have been a brand new Nike or DC shoe that just came out in stores; you already have lots of shoes but you decide to buy the brand new one just because it just came out. That shoe will also get old just like the other shoes you bought when they first came out, won't they?

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Let's Talk About Sex

"Virgins, condoms, pregnancy, passion, and pleasure." According to fellow Duvalians, these are the first things that come to mind when asked about sex. As we walk down the hallways it's hard to ignore the gossip. It always seems as if everyone is talking about who is a virgin, who's not, who's pregnant, and who's confused. For both girls and guys, the pressure can sometimes be intense, but deciding when it's right for you to have sex is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Each person must use his or her own judgment to decide if it's the right time-- and the right person. We aren't here to "steer you in the right direction" or "influence" you; we are here to break the taboo. So, let's talk about sex, and figure out what's really going on.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Do You Have the Right to Rock?

We have all heard on numerous occasions the voice of our principal, Mr. Miller, reminding some students to "unplug yourself." People listening to MP3 players and iPods are the target of Miller's harassment. Students who have just walked into the building to start their day get iPods taken, even before they have time to put it away. To witness the snatching causes one to feel sym­pathetic toward the student, because no one is exempt.

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Fighting Shouldn't Be a Spectator Sport

In a matter of seconds, an argument between two individuals turns into a movie scene, and the halls, a the¬ater full of viewers. School fights are the height of some students' day. Why is that though? Senior John Gladden said, "I know I'm supposed to break up a fight if I see one, but if someone swings at me by accident I will throw a punch back, so I just watch."

By Jennifer Partridge | March 10, 2009; 7:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

 

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