Download-worthy apps
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE- Phones. Pretty much every student owns one in one shape or form. A majority of these shapes or forms are in the form of a smart phone. These types of phones lets you do stuff like download apps. There are millions of apps out there, some very useful, some not so useful. Today, I am going to go over a couple of them that stand out from the rest.
The first app that caught my eye has been circulating social media for a couple weeks now, and is known by the name of “Photomath”. For those who truly have no interest in expanding their mathematical knowledge, or want to speed through their math homework, or just simply can’t get the answer, Photomath can do the trick. IOS and Windows Phone users can point their phone at a math problem, which the app will examine using the device's camera, and spit out the answer on screen. Right now, the app does not support hand-written math problems, so you'll have to focus it on problems in a math book rather than scribbles in your notebook. As of now, it is not supported by Android. However, they expect it to be on the Android market by next year. For those Android users who can’t wait, there are alternatives on google play you can find by simply searching “photomath”
Another app that I have found is known by the name of “EasyBib”. This app is especially useful in English class, when you have to use citations for everything. This app will do all the citation work for you. All you have to do is scan the bar code on the back of your book and it will create the citation for you. That citation is saved with all the other books that you’ve scanned.
This next app is more of a fun app, but more or less is still a good app. This app is known by the name of Bloons Tower Defense Battles. For those who haven’t played the famous game of bloons in your childhood, it is a game where you have to place different defenses and use strategies to stop hordes of bloons from reaching the exit of your map. On this particular app, you can battle your friends, which is proven to be a good time. To do this, all you have to do is get the app, sign in through Facebook, and challenge your friends. Junior Hugh Prentice (16) says that “I thought it was really stupid at first, but once I started playing I couldn’t stop”.
Out of the millions and millions of apps, these are just a couple that stood out from the small number I looked at. There are definitely many more out there that would be download worthy.
-Kyle Stermer (‘16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE- Phones. Pretty much every student owns one in one shape or form. A majority of these shapes or forms are in the form of a smart phone. These types of phones lets you do stuff like download apps. There are millions of apps out there, some very useful, some not so useful. Today, I am going to go over a couple of them that stand out from the rest.
The first app that caught my eye has been circulating social media for a couple weeks now, and is known by the name of “Photomath”. For those who truly have no interest in expanding their mathematical knowledge, or want to speed through their math homework, or just simply can’t get the answer, Photomath can do the trick. IOS and Windows Phone users can point their phone at a math problem, which the app will examine using the device's camera, and spit out the answer on screen. Right now, the app does not support hand-written math problems, so you'll have to focus it on problems in a math book rather than scribbles in your notebook. As of now, it is not supported by Android. However, they expect it to be on the Android market by next year. For those Android users who can’t wait, there are alternatives on google play you can find by simply searching “photomath”
Another app that I have found is known by the name of “EasyBib”. This app is especially useful in English class, when you have to use citations for everything. This app will do all the citation work for you. All you have to do is scan the bar code on the back of your book and it will create the citation for you. That citation is saved with all the other books that you’ve scanned.
This next app is more of a fun app, but more or less is still a good app. This app is known by the name of Bloons Tower Defense Battles. For those who haven’t played the famous game of bloons in your childhood, it is a game where you have to place different defenses and use strategies to stop hordes of bloons from reaching the exit of your map. On this particular app, you can battle your friends, which is proven to be a good time. To do this, all you have to do is get the app, sign in through Facebook, and challenge your friends. Junior Hugh Prentice (16) says that “I thought it was really stupid at first, but once I started playing I couldn’t stop”.
Out of the millions and millions of apps, these are just a couple that stood out from the small number I looked at. There are definitely many more out there that would be download worthy.
-Kyle Stermer (‘16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
V3-I2 Columns and Reviews
Pool party over in Real Estate’s latest album
By Hugh Prentice
The band Real Estate’s last album Days came out three years ago, in 2011, and since then the artists have been pretty low-key. But, on March 4th of this year, they released their newest studio album, Atlas.
When the album was released, it debuted as #34 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and was later recognized as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far by Pitchfork Media in August of this year. So, for an indie band out of New Jersey, the album was doing fairly well for the guys. Real Estate’s past albums have had feelings of the beach and calm pool parties, but with this album gives off a slightly more somber feeling, like the pool party was over and they were left to reflect.
The opening track “Had to Hear” starts off with a slow string of guitar chords and instantly calms the listener and the drums and vocals enter soon after to complete the intro. Skip a song after “Had to Hear” and you’re listening to “Talking Backwards,” a song that uses the vocals of Martin Courtney that sounds like a walk through Los Angeles without a care in the world. After that there is the simple, instrumental “April’s Song” with guitars that sound liquid and a simple drum line in the background. Skip another song and you are listening to “Crime” which is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. The lyrics are intelligent and the drums compliment the chords of the guitars beautifully. The 7th song on the album is a soothing song that is laced with powerful guitars and charming vocals. Skip two songs and the last song on the record, “Navigator,” is more drum and vocal centered and brings to mind the feeling of walking around the house, while listening to ambient sounds of the city.
Overall Real Estate’s latest release is a powerful album that has an almost sadder feeling than their previous works. Weirdly enough, however, it’s a good sad that provokes thoughts and introspection.
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Hugh Prentice
The band Real Estate’s last album Days came out three years ago, in 2011, and since then the artists have been pretty low-key. But, on March 4th of this year, they released their newest studio album, Atlas.
When the album was released, it debuted as #34 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and was later recognized as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far by Pitchfork Media in August of this year. So, for an indie band out of New Jersey, the album was doing fairly well for the guys. Real Estate’s past albums have had feelings of the beach and calm pool parties, but with this album gives off a slightly more somber feeling, like the pool party was over and they were left to reflect.
The opening track “Had to Hear” starts off with a slow string of guitar chords and instantly calms the listener and the drums and vocals enter soon after to complete the intro. Skip a song after “Had to Hear” and you’re listening to “Talking Backwards,” a song that uses the vocals of Martin Courtney that sounds like a walk through Los Angeles without a care in the world. After that there is the simple, instrumental “April’s Song” with guitars that sound liquid and a simple drum line in the background. Skip another song and you are listening to “Crime” which is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. The lyrics are intelligent and the drums compliment the chords of the guitars beautifully. The 7th song on the album is a soothing song that is laced with powerful guitars and charming vocals. Skip two songs and the last song on the record, “Navigator,” is more drum and vocal centered and brings to mind the feeling of walking around the house, while listening to ambient sounds of the city.
Overall Real Estate’s latest release is a powerful album that has an almost sadder feeling than their previous works. Weirdly enough, however, it’s a good sad that provokes thoughts and introspection.
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
The Maze Runner worth the price of the ticket
By Chad Campbell
The Maze Runner the movie is definitely worth the six dollars it costs to go and see it. All over the country it is drawing crowds, many of whom first fell in love with the book series.
The Maze Runner is about a boy named Thomas whose memory is completely wiped, and he can’t remember a thing when he wakes up. Thomas wakes up in some kind of a moving box that is going upward. Once he hits the top, he discovers that he is not the only one whose has had this happen to them before. The whole town of boys has all had the same thing happen to them.
Now, Thomas has to do everything he can to try and help these boys escape the Glade before the creators kill them all.
The Maze Runner movie is different in quite a few ways from the book itself. In my opinion, they left some pretty important scenes out of the movie that were in the book, such as a lot of the introductory information in which the slang would have been explained. Some people might complain about this and say that it ruined the movie, but what they don’t understand is that it had to be done if they wanted the movie to be under five hours.
Typically, movies are anywhere from one hour to two and a half hours. If they would have tried to fit all of the information from The Maze Runner book into the movie it would have been at least four hours long, and who wants to sit through a four hour long movie?
In short, you won’t be disappointed by this theater experience. Still, you should read the book first. You’ll appreciate the movie even more if you do.
-Chad Campbell (’15) is the Sports Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Chad Campbell
The Maze Runner the movie is definitely worth the six dollars it costs to go and see it. All over the country it is drawing crowds, many of whom first fell in love with the book series.
The Maze Runner is about a boy named Thomas whose memory is completely wiped, and he can’t remember a thing when he wakes up. Thomas wakes up in some kind of a moving box that is going upward. Once he hits the top, he discovers that he is not the only one whose has had this happen to them before. The whole town of boys has all had the same thing happen to them.
Now, Thomas has to do everything he can to try and help these boys escape the Glade before the creators kill them all.
The Maze Runner movie is different in quite a few ways from the book itself. In my opinion, they left some pretty important scenes out of the movie that were in the book, such as a lot of the introductory information in which the slang would have been explained. Some people might complain about this and say that it ruined the movie, but what they don’t understand is that it had to be done if they wanted the movie to be under five hours.
Typically, movies are anywhere from one hour to two and a half hours. If they would have tried to fit all of the information from The Maze Runner book into the movie it would have been at least four hours long, and who wants to sit through a four hour long movie?
In short, you won’t be disappointed by this theater experience. Still, you should read the book first. You’ll appreciate the movie even more if you do.
-Chad Campbell (’15) is the Sports Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Unknown dangers of diet pop
By Kyle Stermer
Lining the halls of Northridge are vending machines. They are filled with pop of all kinds, but all of them are the "healthier" version, which these days is believed to be diet sodas. This, however, is not true. Diet pop not only contains harmful chemicals that regular pop doesn’t have, but it doesn’t even quench your thirst. It leaves you even thirstier, therefore coming back for more and more.
Michelle Obama has worked to get laws enforced for kids to have “healthier lunches.” That includes removal of regular pop, but diet pop has been deemed acceptable. Diet soda is arguably the worst thing to drink in today’s society. There are many health problems that it is linked to, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney problems, obesity, and cell damage. The main reason why diet pop is so bad for you is because of the use of artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners trick your body into thinking something is sweet when it’s really not.
A popular artificial sweetener known by the name of “aspartame” was actually banned by the FDA twice. According to Arthur Evangelista, who is a former FDA investigator, Aspartame was actually accidentally created in a lab by a company called G. D. Searle. They then got it accepted by the FDA, but serious health issues arose and the company was under fire. It was then deemed not safe for use by scientists, who also said it led to major increases in brain tumors. It was clear at the time that aspartame was not safe for consumption, but not for long.
Then, in 1981 Searle Rumsfeld (who is a former Secretary of Defense, surprise surprise) wanted to get it re-approved. January 21st, the day after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, Searle re-applied aspartame’s approval for use by the FDA. Ronald Reagan’s FDA commissioner Arthur Hull Jr. appointed a 5-person commission to review the decision. They quickly decided in a 3-2 vote that aspartame was still not safe. Hull then decided to appoint a 6th member to the board, which created a tie in the voting, 3-3. He then decided to personally break the tie and approve aspartame for use. So he rigged the voting to favor aspartame.
Since then, aspartame has been questioned by scientists, chemists and the general public about its safety. Many studies have been completed that show aspartame is a cause for over 90 serious health problems such as cancer, leukemia, headaches, seizures, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy, according to a list of complaints submitted to the FDA by the Department of Health and Human Services April 20, 1995
Ms. Anderson, the principal of NHS, say we are required to serve diet pop only, and that she thinks "we all have bad habits when it comes to drinking pop." While I was in the office, I noticed the teacher’s lounge had a vending machine with regular pop in it. I asked her about this, and she said it was simply because they are adults.
So why does Michelle Obama want diet pop in schools? If artificial sweeteners have such a sketchy past, then why put it in schools? She cares so much about the health of our children, but then insists that schools have diet pop. Why? I attempted to send her a formal email about the issue, but I never did hear back from her. I will keep you posted when and if I do.
-Kyle Stermer (’16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Kyle Stermer
Lining the halls of Northridge are vending machines. They are filled with pop of all kinds, but all of them are the "healthier" version, which these days is believed to be diet sodas. This, however, is not true. Diet pop not only contains harmful chemicals that regular pop doesn’t have, but it doesn’t even quench your thirst. It leaves you even thirstier, therefore coming back for more and more.
Michelle Obama has worked to get laws enforced for kids to have “healthier lunches.” That includes removal of regular pop, but diet pop has been deemed acceptable. Diet soda is arguably the worst thing to drink in today’s society. There are many health problems that it is linked to, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney problems, obesity, and cell damage. The main reason why diet pop is so bad for you is because of the use of artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners trick your body into thinking something is sweet when it’s really not.
A popular artificial sweetener known by the name of “aspartame” was actually banned by the FDA twice. According to Arthur Evangelista, who is a former FDA investigator, Aspartame was actually accidentally created in a lab by a company called G. D. Searle. They then got it accepted by the FDA, but serious health issues arose and the company was under fire. It was then deemed not safe for use by scientists, who also said it led to major increases in brain tumors. It was clear at the time that aspartame was not safe for consumption, but not for long.
Then, in 1981 Searle Rumsfeld (who is a former Secretary of Defense, surprise surprise) wanted to get it re-approved. January 21st, the day after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, Searle re-applied aspartame’s approval for use by the FDA. Ronald Reagan’s FDA commissioner Arthur Hull Jr. appointed a 5-person commission to review the decision. They quickly decided in a 3-2 vote that aspartame was still not safe. Hull then decided to appoint a 6th member to the board, which created a tie in the voting, 3-3. He then decided to personally break the tie and approve aspartame for use. So he rigged the voting to favor aspartame.
Since then, aspartame has been questioned by scientists, chemists and the general public about its safety. Many studies have been completed that show aspartame is a cause for over 90 serious health problems such as cancer, leukemia, headaches, seizures, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy, according to a list of complaints submitted to the FDA by the Department of Health and Human Services April 20, 1995
Ms. Anderson, the principal of NHS, say we are required to serve diet pop only, and that she thinks "we all have bad habits when it comes to drinking pop." While I was in the office, I noticed the teacher’s lounge had a vending machine with regular pop in it. I asked her about this, and she said it was simply because they are adults.
So why does Michelle Obama want diet pop in schools? If artificial sweeteners have such a sketchy past, then why put it in schools? She cares so much about the health of our children, but then insists that schools have diet pop. Why? I attempted to send her a formal email about the issue, but I never did hear back from her. I will keep you posted when and if I do.
-Kyle Stermer (’16) is the Interactive Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Some books-turned-movies don’t disappoint
By Megan Hatfield
I hear so many people complain about the making of movies based off books, but I will say
many times the movies correlate very well. I normally enjoy reading books more than watching
the movies of them. The movies I watch based off books always seem to be my favorites, even
if they don’t completely match up with my perception of the book.
Always read the book before you watch the movie. I guarantee you have heard that before, but
my reasoning is not because the movie will ruin the book. It is because books are better if you
can use your imagination to see the story.
I watched the movie The Help and absolutely loved it. Then I felt compelled to read the book.
The movie included almost every important event and situation from the book. This was a
situation where reading the book after watching the movie did not ruin anything. I completely
enjoyed the movie and the book with no disappointments. That says a lot because I can often
be harsh when criticizing books made into movies.
Authors try to appeal to readers’ emotions, which allows them to connect the story to their own
lives. Everyone has books where the characters, plot, or theme relate to their real lives. Movies
can do this too, but in my opinion it’s always less personal. When I read Bridge to Terabithia, I
was more upset imagining the death and grieving than when I saw it in the movie. I believe this
is because when I read about tragedies or dramatic situations in book, I link it to experiences in
my real life.
Books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are filled with so many big action-filled scenes
it’s hard to fit all of it in a film. I have to say I never left disappointed after a Harry Potter movie.
I always felt the movies fit as much of the action and plot as they could from the books. As for
The Hunger Games, I was slightly disappointed after the first one, but Catching Fire was so good
that it made up for it. I applaud anyone trying to fit everything from books like these into movies.
All the parts of the book are important to the overall story which makes it hard to turn a lengthy
novel into a two hour movie.
I read the book The Lovely Bones after I watched the movie, which I am somewhat against.
After I read the book I watched the movie again, and this time I realized they left out my favorite
scene from the book. I just wanted to take the scene I had in my head and add it to where it
needed to be in the movie.
So, while movies often deliver the best part of our favorite books, the astonishing beauty behind
books will always be that they are there for you to picture for yourself, for the movie to take
shape in your mind.
-Megan Hatfield ('15) is the Photos Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Megan Hatfield
I hear so many people complain about the making of movies based off books, but I will say
many times the movies correlate very well. I normally enjoy reading books more than watching
the movies of them. The movies I watch based off books always seem to be my favorites, even
if they don’t completely match up with my perception of the book.
Always read the book before you watch the movie. I guarantee you have heard that before, but
my reasoning is not because the movie will ruin the book. It is because books are better if you
can use your imagination to see the story.
I watched the movie The Help and absolutely loved it. Then I felt compelled to read the book.
The movie included almost every important event and situation from the book. This was a
situation where reading the book after watching the movie did not ruin anything. I completely
enjoyed the movie and the book with no disappointments. That says a lot because I can often
be harsh when criticizing books made into movies.
Authors try to appeal to readers’ emotions, which allows them to connect the story to their own
lives. Everyone has books where the characters, plot, or theme relate to their real lives. Movies
can do this too, but in my opinion it’s always less personal. When I read Bridge to Terabithia, I
was more upset imagining the death and grieving than when I saw it in the movie. I believe this
is because when I read about tragedies or dramatic situations in book, I link it to experiences in
my real life.
Books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are filled with so many big action-filled scenes
it’s hard to fit all of it in a film. I have to say I never left disappointed after a Harry Potter movie.
I always felt the movies fit as much of the action and plot as they could from the books. As for
The Hunger Games, I was slightly disappointed after the first one, but Catching Fire was so good
that it made up for it. I applaud anyone trying to fit everything from books like these into movies.
All the parts of the book are important to the overall story which makes it hard to turn a lengthy
novel into a two hour movie.
I read the book The Lovely Bones after I watched the movie, which I am somewhat against.
After I read the book I watched the movie again, and this time I realized they left out my favorite
scene from the book. I just wanted to take the scene I had in my head and add it to where it
needed to be in the movie.
So, while movies often deliver the best part of our favorite books, the astonishing beauty behind
books will always be that they are there for you to picture for yourself, for the movie to take
shape in your mind.
-Megan Hatfield ('15) is the Photos Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Ask Aili
By Aili Barbee
Q: Aili, at what point in high school should I start looking at colleges?
It is a good idea to start thinking about college your freshman year. Have an idea in mind of where you might want to go to, so that you can make sure you meet the requirements (grades, appropriate classes, and extra-curricular activities) that these colleges demand. During your junior year you should start narrowing down your college search to a list of about 5-7. Also, start attending college visits, and talking to your guidance counselor to decide what you are wanting out of a college. By your senior year you should have a pretty good idea of where you want to go in order to start applying.
Q: Aili, what are some good test taking skills, and how should I deal with test anxiety?
Make sure you are taking appropriate notes and reading the chapter the night before the test to prevent pre-test anxiety. Try color-coding your notes and making flashcards for important vocabulary words, and then you should start reviewing these a few days before the test. Taking guided notes while reading a chapter, rather than just taking lecture notes, can help you memorize the information faster. The night before the test, take time to look over all of your notes, index cards, review sheets, and summaries of a chapter. If you know you will be busy the night before a test, start studying a few nights before. Make sure you are well-rested and eat a hearty breakfast so you are not falling asleep and starving during the test. During the test, make sure to take deep breathes and remember that you already know this information.
-Aili Barbee ('16) is the Jr. Print Editor-In-Chief and a Staff Writer for the Viking Vault.
By Aili Barbee
Q: Aili, at what point in high school should I start looking at colleges?
It is a good idea to start thinking about college your freshman year. Have an idea in mind of where you might want to go to, so that you can make sure you meet the requirements (grades, appropriate classes, and extra-curricular activities) that these colleges demand. During your junior year you should start narrowing down your college search to a list of about 5-7. Also, start attending college visits, and talking to your guidance counselor to decide what you are wanting out of a college. By your senior year you should have a pretty good idea of where you want to go in order to start applying.
Q: Aili, what are some good test taking skills, and how should I deal with test anxiety?
Make sure you are taking appropriate notes and reading the chapter the night before the test to prevent pre-test anxiety. Try color-coding your notes and making flashcards for important vocabulary words, and then you should start reviewing these a few days before the test. Taking guided notes while reading a chapter, rather than just taking lecture notes, can help you memorize the information faster. The night before the test, take time to look over all of your notes, index cards, review sheets, and summaries of a chapter. If you know you will be busy the night before a test, start studying a few nights before. Make sure you are well-rested and eat a hearty breakfast so you are not falling asleep and starving during the test. During the test, make sure to take deep breathes and remember that you already know this information.
-Aili Barbee ('16) is the Jr. Print Editor-In-Chief and a Staff Writer for the Viking Vault.
Fall fashion dos and don’ts
By Jamie Swickard
With the leaves falling and the colder weather coming, many begin to shift into their fall wardrobe. Before buying or pulling out your fall clothes from last year, find out what’s okay and not okay to wear for this fall!
By Jamie Swickard
With the leaves falling and the colder weather coming, many begin to shift into their fall wardrobe. Before buying or pulling out your fall clothes from last year, find out what’s okay and not okay to wear for this fall!
Do:
1) Wear an adorable scarf with your shirt or sweater. The scarf adds for a fun accessory to almost anything you wear. Whether the scarf is simple or has a unique design to it, you can never go wrong when you wear one! 2) Wear sweaters! Sweaters are super comfy and can be dressed down or up for any occasion. Many people are beginning to wear oversized sweaters with a cute pair of jeans or leggings. Hannah Young (’15) says, “Less is more this season!” 3) Try a jean jacket. The fashion trend of jean jackets are coming back in style this fall. If you plan on wearing a light color jean jacket wear some dark jeans with it along with a cute necklace or scarf! If you plan on wearing a dark jean jacket, wear light jeans with it. 4) Strut your stuff in a cute pair of colored jeans! The deep green and burgundy colored jeans are super cute and go great with the new color of the leaves and change of weather. |
Don’t:
1) Don’t wear your favorite UGG boots with shorts or even a skirt. Try to only wear UGG boots while wearing jeans or leggings! Haley Trimble (’16) says, “Ladies, don’t be seasonally confused!” 2) Mix different animal patterns in one outfit. Multiple animals may be fun to see together in the wild, but keep them separate in your wardrobe! Mix an animal print up with a fun color. 3) Don’t wear matching tracksuits. Having a lazy day is fine, but try not to have your sweatshirt and sweatpants the same material! Wear leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. |
Whether you’re going to school or going out with friends, always make sure you try new fall fashion trends, but don’t overstep your boundaries. By following the few fashion dos, you’ll be looking like you just stepped out of Glamour magazine!
-Jamie Swickard (’16) is the Jr. Editor-In-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Halloween costumes do’s and don’ts
By Megan Dalton
It’s just that time of year. Halloween is here, and it’s the same question you probably ask every year: ‘what costume should I wear?’
When you think about Halloween you think about haunted houses, caramel apples, trick-or-treat, and the only time of year you can dress up as whatever your heart desires. Be a whole new person, thing, or object you feel like! Just do yourself a favor and follow these simple tips:
By Megan Dalton
It’s just that time of year. Halloween is here, and it’s the same question you probably ask every year: ‘what costume should I wear?’
When you think about Halloween you think about haunted houses, caramel apples, trick-or-treat, and the only time of year you can dress up as whatever your heart desires. Be a whole new person, thing, or object you feel like! Just do yourself a favor and follow these simple tips:
Do:
· Dress up and enjoy the festivities no matter your age: old, young and anything in-between. · Get a friend and get great coordinating costumes that look super cool; for example, you and your pal can be eggs and bacon or, if you’re feeling crazy, you can even be salt and pepper! · Go full out and do the hair, the makeup, the clothes, accessories, everything! Completely change who you are for the night! · “Go big or go home; if you want to be it then you can be it,” Emily Dalton (’15) shares. · Be creative; look up some ‘do it yourself’ costumes. · Recreate your favorite character or cast from a show or movie. |
Don’t:
· Paint whiskers on your face and call yourself a cat; put some effort in and have a good time with it! · “Judge and or question someone’s sweet getup just cause you can’t rock it like them,” Logan Garee (’17) explains. · Dress immodestly; this is an innocent, fun holiday supposed to be filled with childish glee. · Wear something that will get you in trouble; for example, don’t bring blood, gore, or weapons when you dress up at school. |
Remember to stay safe when you are out and about during this spooky, scary night and dress to impress!
-Megan Dalton (’16) is the Jr. Sports Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
-Megan Dalton (’16) is the Jr. Sports Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
On becoming an "adult"
By Lily Chesser
So, I'm a legal adult now. That's pretty rad. I stayed out wandering through the night-businesses of Columbus about a week ago with no fear of legal repercussions. I mention this because that's pretty much the only way the rules and strictures of my life have actually changed. Everything else remains how it’s always been, which is to be expected because that's just how the world is meant to work. Every event that changes your life in one instance is either human-created or a tragic anomaly. This official adult status I have now, for instance, is completely arbitrary and considered by most to be baloney.
That being said, slowly and gradually my brain has been changing and developing, and the people of the world have been giving me more freedom and responsibility. How do I feel about all this? Uh, amazing. You know how you've felt like you've been put-down, controlled, and had your dreams and creativity squashed all your life? That's because you actually have! I've barely just begun to explore the opportunities and possibilities for the rest of my life, and this is still the best year I've had since elementary school.
If you're reading this as a frustrated freshman, however, know that I'm not in support of your revolution. Okay, being the crazy leftist I am, I actually would support that and wish you all well on your battle to wear tank tops and hats, but I do believe that you have a suffocating grip around you for a reason. As much as I hate teenager-bashing (hating on your own age group to be praised by adults as "one of the good ones" is a quick way to show the world you're an egotist and a traitor), we are a little dumb right now. When I was 14, I went home from school because I had a giant pimple on my face. So, we do still need some guidance. But these feelings that we've outgrown this kind of treatment and trying to cheat the system or rolling our eyes at the fact that you still have to use a bathroom pass are a good thing. It shows your desire for bigger things, and that's really all it takes to prepare yourself for the next stage of your life. Just a burning, itchy desire.
-Lily Chesser (’15) is the Print Copy Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Lily Chesser
So, I'm a legal adult now. That's pretty rad. I stayed out wandering through the night-businesses of Columbus about a week ago with no fear of legal repercussions. I mention this because that's pretty much the only way the rules and strictures of my life have actually changed. Everything else remains how it’s always been, which is to be expected because that's just how the world is meant to work. Every event that changes your life in one instance is either human-created or a tragic anomaly. This official adult status I have now, for instance, is completely arbitrary and considered by most to be baloney.
That being said, slowly and gradually my brain has been changing and developing, and the people of the world have been giving me more freedom and responsibility. How do I feel about all this? Uh, amazing. You know how you've felt like you've been put-down, controlled, and had your dreams and creativity squashed all your life? That's because you actually have! I've barely just begun to explore the opportunities and possibilities for the rest of my life, and this is still the best year I've had since elementary school.
If you're reading this as a frustrated freshman, however, know that I'm not in support of your revolution. Okay, being the crazy leftist I am, I actually would support that and wish you all well on your battle to wear tank tops and hats, but I do believe that you have a suffocating grip around you for a reason. As much as I hate teenager-bashing (hating on your own age group to be praised by adults as "one of the good ones" is a quick way to show the world you're an egotist and a traitor), we are a little dumb right now. When I was 14, I went home from school because I had a giant pimple on my face. So, we do still need some guidance. But these feelings that we've outgrown this kind of treatment and trying to cheat the system or rolling our eyes at the fact that you still have to use a bathroom pass are a good thing. It shows your desire for bigger things, and that's really all it takes to prepare yourself for the next stage of your life. Just a burning, itchy desire.
-Lily Chesser (’15) is the Print Copy Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Under the desk: life changes
By McKenzie Messer
My life has been on a simple straight path with no huge events that greatly affected me, so when this year started and my life started drastically changing, it was sort of a huge shock.
Senior year is supposed to be fun, exciting, and happy. While it is all these things, it's still terrifying. After 17 years of being treated like a child, you aren't necessarily ready to make adult decisions. Then senior year hits and you're expected to be an adult. Pick a major, pick a school, pick a future. If it's not bad enough that it's constantly in the back of your head, there are daily "friendly" reminders from schools wanting your "special personality that will make the culture on campus richer," aka your money. I actually counted once and I got three letters in the mail and 12 emails in one day. It's nice to have options and all, but my goodness I really would appreciate my space and having schools call my home really isn't exactly my idea of space.
My sister got married recently, which is definitely an odd feeling. She lived at home all her life, so after having a sister there for that long, it's weird not seeing her there every morning and night. The wedding itself didn't even feel real; it seemed like more of a party with a 30 minute crying session at the beginning. Honestly, I'm not even sure that I've fully registered that she's married or if I'm just really okay with it based off the lack of tears on my end.
I also turned 18 around the wedding and it feels...abnormal. It’s not necessarily weird, or scary, or exciting. It is very odd to know I can legally buy lottery tickets, go to clubs, and be tried as an adult, though. Personally, I’ve felt like I’m older than I am for awhile now so it wasn’t a huge adjustment, it’s just the knowledge of being an “adult” is slightly intimidating.
With all these changes, it feels like life is really getting it’s move on and I’m finally doing stuff. Trying to keep in mind that I’m young and should be having fun just adds more stress because I feel like I’m not living my life properly even though I’m happy. So for the remainder of high school, I’m just trying to do my thing and keep in mind that being happy is what truly matters. Since I’m leaving you, I feel like it’s only fitting to put my favorite cheesiest quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
-McKenzie Messer ('15) is the Print Editor-In-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By McKenzie Messer
My life has been on a simple straight path with no huge events that greatly affected me, so when this year started and my life started drastically changing, it was sort of a huge shock.
Senior year is supposed to be fun, exciting, and happy. While it is all these things, it's still terrifying. After 17 years of being treated like a child, you aren't necessarily ready to make adult decisions. Then senior year hits and you're expected to be an adult. Pick a major, pick a school, pick a future. If it's not bad enough that it's constantly in the back of your head, there are daily "friendly" reminders from schools wanting your "special personality that will make the culture on campus richer," aka your money. I actually counted once and I got three letters in the mail and 12 emails in one day. It's nice to have options and all, but my goodness I really would appreciate my space and having schools call my home really isn't exactly my idea of space.
My sister got married recently, which is definitely an odd feeling. She lived at home all her life, so after having a sister there for that long, it's weird not seeing her there every morning and night. The wedding itself didn't even feel real; it seemed like more of a party with a 30 minute crying session at the beginning. Honestly, I'm not even sure that I've fully registered that she's married or if I'm just really okay with it based off the lack of tears on my end.
I also turned 18 around the wedding and it feels...abnormal. It’s not necessarily weird, or scary, or exciting. It is very odd to know I can legally buy lottery tickets, go to clubs, and be tried as an adult, though. Personally, I’ve felt like I’m older than I am for awhile now so it wasn’t a huge adjustment, it’s just the knowledge of being an “adult” is slightly intimidating.
With all these changes, it feels like life is really getting it’s move on and I’m finally doing stuff. Trying to keep in mind that I’m young and should be having fun just adds more stress because I feel like I’m not living my life properly even though I’m happy. So for the remainder of high school, I’m just trying to do my thing and keep in mind that being happy is what truly matters. Since I’m leaving you, I feel like it’s only fitting to put my favorite cheesiest quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
-McKenzie Messer ('15) is the Print Editor-In-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Plenty of spooky going on around the 'Ridge
By Savannah Legg
With Halloween approaching quickly, you never know what creatures may be lurking around, even in your back yard. Although Northridge is in a small farm town, that fact may make Viking Country the perfect Halloween romping place for the undead.
Many students at Northridge not only believe in the supernatural but have experienced it as well. Nathan Hiser ('16) recollects at Hartford elementary seeing “a small light floating around in the middle of a dark room, and even hearing music randomly playing within the vacated halls late at night.”
Alexandria Elementary even had their own speculations about the supernatural slithering through their halls. Emily Wilson (’16) said she remembers “never wanting to go into the locker room because that’s where Mr. Smiley lived.” "Mr. Smiley" was thought by all the students at Alexandria to have died at the school late one night. And now, he supposedly haunts the locker room where he lives. Mitch Chesser (’17) said that he “Was never really afraid to go into the locker room, but I did avoid it whenever I could.”
Noah Anderson (16’) said “I’ve lived beside the cemetery in Croton all my life and have heard and seen some weird things around there.”
Although many of these “sightings” may be paranoid students, there have been some serious supernatural sightings in the Northridge district as well.
West of Alexandria is a school called Lanier where police have been called numerous times for reports of strange lights, and mysterious sounds, only to show up to find nothing at the scene. It is said the area was cursed by Native Americans as they were being forced painfully from their home.
The 88 year-old elementary building in Croton Ohio is also said to be haunted by spirits. Although this may seem like a lot of speculation, recently, after being shutdown in June of 2008, the elementary was toured by ghost hunters who noticed many changes in the electromagnetic fields. The difference in these fields is said to represent the level of paranormal in the room. This may seem like a joke among young, gullible students, but it is all too real. For a short period of time, ghost tours were taken in the abandoned school building to any and all ghost hunters, or any curious community members.
Whether you believe in the possibility of the supernatural, be careful this Halloween. You never know what spirits you may conjour up.
-Savannah Legg ('16) is the Jr. Photos Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Savannah Legg
With Halloween approaching quickly, you never know what creatures may be lurking around, even in your back yard. Although Northridge is in a small farm town, that fact may make Viking Country the perfect Halloween romping place for the undead.
Many students at Northridge not only believe in the supernatural but have experienced it as well. Nathan Hiser ('16) recollects at Hartford elementary seeing “a small light floating around in the middle of a dark room, and even hearing music randomly playing within the vacated halls late at night.”
Alexandria Elementary even had their own speculations about the supernatural slithering through their halls. Emily Wilson (’16) said she remembers “never wanting to go into the locker room because that’s where Mr. Smiley lived.” "Mr. Smiley" was thought by all the students at Alexandria to have died at the school late one night. And now, he supposedly haunts the locker room where he lives. Mitch Chesser (’17) said that he “Was never really afraid to go into the locker room, but I did avoid it whenever I could.”
Noah Anderson (16’) said “I’ve lived beside the cemetery in Croton all my life and have heard and seen some weird things around there.”
Although many of these “sightings” may be paranoid students, there have been some serious supernatural sightings in the Northridge district as well.
West of Alexandria is a school called Lanier where police have been called numerous times for reports of strange lights, and mysterious sounds, only to show up to find nothing at the scene. It is said the area was cursed by Native Americans as they were being forced painfully from their home.
The 88 year-old elementary building in Croton Ohio is also said to be haunted by spirits. Although this may seem like a lot of speculation, recently, after being shutdown in June of 2008, the elementary was toured by ghost hunters who noticed many changes in the electromagnetic fields. The difference in these fields is said to represent the level of paranormal in the room. This may seem like a joke among young, gullible students, but it is all too real. For a short period of time, ghost tours were taken in the abandoned school building to any and all ghost hunters, or any curious community members.
Whether you believe in the possibility of the supernatural, be careful this Halloween. You never know what spirits you may conjour up.
-Savannah Legg ('16) is the Jr. Photos Editor and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.