Bulldog Ink: MMSA students share the stories behind their tattoos

By Adrian Hopson '11

At Marine Math & Science Academy (MMSA) walking through the hallways you will find several cadets with tattoos on their arm or other body parts. Tattoos are very popular with teens. I started to wonder what the tattoos meant to them and why they got them. Tattoos are something permanent and some people feel that tattoos shouldn’t be done and some feel they should.

The first person I interviewed was Shavonda Kornegay ‘11. One of her tattoos says Family first. “To me, no one comes before your family” Kornegay said. “It shows that blood is thicker than water.” She got her tattoo last April to let her friends and others know how she feels. To her getting a tattoo doesn’t hurt, “it’s the coloring that hurts the most” Kornegay said. When asked if she regretted getting tattoos, Shavonda said “I don’t regret getting them, if a person wants a tattoo then they should get something that means something to them.” The rumor that getting tattoos is addictive is true; Shavonda has already gotten four of them.

Gregory Peters ‘11 told me that the reason he got tattoos was because he thinks they look sexy on him. One of his tattoos that has special meaning to him is his tattoo of his grandmother’s name. “I know that no matter what my grandmother is going to be there for me when I need her.” Peters said. Gregory also told me that tattoos didn’t really hurt that much. The place on your body that hurts the most to get a tattoo on is your back according to Gregory. “Tattoos are addictive to me and I do plan on getting more I just don’t know what yet.”

Mariah Coleman ‘11 got a tattoo because she wanted one and felt that since she was old enough to get one. She got her name tattooed on her arm for her first tattoo because she didn’t want to regret her first one. Mariah told me she doesn’t regret getting a tattoo because she got something that she wanted. “I feel that people should get a tattoo only if that’s what they really want to do.” When asked are tattoo addictive she told me not to her, but to some people they might be. “If I get another tattoo I want designs added to my name.”

“The reason I got tattoos is because I really like body art” Luis Telles ’11 said. Luis got religious tattoos because some of his family members passed away and he wanted to keep them in his memories. He doesn’t regret his tattoos, but he does wish he could get more and plans on doing so after high school. “Since they are so addictive I plan on getting the Marine Corp eagle globe and anchor.” To him the pain of getting a tattoo is all in your head. “When I got mine I didn’t feel the pain.” Luis feels that if people want a tattoo they should get something they really want because they never go away unless surgical removed. “I think getting a tattoo is a personal thing for people if they want them or not.”

Bulldog Tube Time: True Blood

By Neiah Williams '12

True Blood is a Romantic drama series that comes on HBO Sundays at 10/9 central. True blood is in their third season of their series. This series is very popular because during their first season they had 1.44 million viewers each week. During their second season of the series they had 12. 4 million viewers each week. The third season of true blood comes on June 13th 2010. I would give true blood a 9/10 star rating because this series just leaves you with wanting more.

The Main Characters in True Blood are Sookie Stackhouse, Bill Compton, Eric Thorman, Jason Stackhouse, Sam Merlotte, Tara Thornton, and Lafayette Reynolds. Sookie Stackhouse is a telepathic waitress who is dating a vampire. Bill Compton is a 173-year old vampire who is dating and falls in love with Sookie Stackhouse. Eric Thorman is an old and powerful vampire who really despises human life. Jason Stackhouse is Sookie’s brother who just has a lot of girl problems. Sam Merlotte is Sookie’s boss who runs a bar in Bon Temps, and whom is a shape shifter. A shape shifter is a person that can change into an animal that he or she sees before changing. Tara Thornton is Sookie’s best friend who just seem to have problems every where she goes. Lafayette Reynolds is Tara’s cousin who just wants to live life to the fullest. Sookie, Tara, Sam, and Lafayette all are friends that work together at Merlotte’s the bar that they all work at.

True Blood is a series about a telepathic waitress who lives in a small town in Louisiana called Bon Temps. Bon Temps is a town that has both humans and vampires. So “yes” a lot of creepy stuff happens there. Although a Japanese company created synthetic blood for the vampires to drink. The humans in that town feel that it’s not a good idea to put both humans and vampires together and live amongst one another. Sookie is considered to be an outcast and a “ FREAK” because she can read peoples mind. She finds herself being a normal human around Bill because she can’t read his mind. While they relationship takes off trouble seems to follow them because of what they’ve become which is a vampire dating a human.

I can honestly say that I have no favorite episode when it comes to True Blood, because I love them all. I mean I love the way all the actors portray their characters. I have no favorite character in the series, because I love them all. I love the way the make-up is put on the vampires, to make them seem dead and deadly. I love the way the characters talk with an old country voice. I think Alan Ball the Director and Creator of true blood does a fascinating job of keeping his hit series funny, enjoying, and well written.

I just can’t wait until the third season of True Blood comes on June 13, 2010. I know this season is going to turn heads. I am not really excited about waiting until June to see the third season of the series. I mean “come on” I want to see more of True Blood; I am dying in the inside for this new season. True Blood is just an addictive show to me I just can’t stop watching it makes me wanting more. I love watching True Blood, but one of my disappointments about the show is the long waiting period for the new season to start.

Kicks on Campus: Looking for the best pair of Jordans

By Ryan Hargrave '11

For over a decade the Jordan sneaker line has been setting the trend for fashionable gym shoes. You can barely walk around outside for twenty minutes without seeing a pair of Jordan’s on someone’s feet. Marine Math and Science Academy students have to wear a uniform, so you might catch a few people out of uniform wearing Jordan shoes at the risk of getting demerits.

I think the reason the Jordan shoe is so popular is because it carries on the legacy of Michael Jordan; who is arguably one of the best basketball players of all time. The shoe made its first appearance in 1984 when Michael made his deal with the Nike shoe brand. Since then the Jordan shoe has been very popular especially in young people. Michael Jordan accomplished a lot of things in his career while wearing his shoe brand.

In 1992 he released the Air Jordan VII which he wore to the 1992 Olympics to play on the U.S men’s basketball team. They featured Jordan's Olympic jersey number, 9 while all of the previous Air Jordan models that featured his jersey number had always been the number 23. That is why the Air Jordan VII is my favorite Jordan sneaker.

Henry's Humorous Viral Videos

By: Henry Garcia '12

First up on the 2nd week of Henry’ humorous videos is a video of this group of friends attempting to slide over a table. But there’s always that one kid in the group that fails hardcore in everything he attempts. Also watch closely how badly this table slams on him and you’ll even feel his pain. Click on the link and enjoy!

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3ldw


Up next is this video where this one extreme skateboarder kid thinks he’s Tony Hawk. This video is funny because this kid doesn’t fail once but twice! The first fail is when he can’t complete the trick and the 2nd fail will leave your head hurting. I bet his friends think he’s so extreme after this! Make sure your speakers are on because it’s funny in slow motion.

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3eos

Okay last video for this week has been out for quite a while but its still pretty funny and plus who doesn’t love a classic! Okay, so this video has these two dudes playing some soccer and practicing some penalty kicks. When it all goes wrong thanks to one goal post. Who knew that soccer balls were so powerful that with one shot you’d be down on the ground! Watch and be amazed.

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/24iz

Once again if you have any videos to share with me to come out on Henry’s Humorous Viral Videos be sure to send them to me at garciahenry94@yahoo.com.

Teacher's Hidden Talents Revealed

By Diana Vasquez '11

Did you ever wonder what teachers do when they don’t teach? Like what a HIDDEN TALENT? Well here are a few teachers that were not shy about telling there story.




Colonel Stewart’s secret is that he’s a brown belt in judo. He did judo for 3 years. Even though he doest go anymore I’m sure he can still judo-chop a pesky kid here and there. Here’s another secret; He went to school in Okinawa, Japan, for 7th, 8th, and 9th. He was there because his father was in the army. “It was like an American community in the middle of a Japanese community. He played four sports: football, baseball, basketball, and track.

Ms. Alday has some training in the martial arts as well. She is a red belt in tae kwon do. She started tae kwon do three years and in only two short years she became a red belt. She doesn’t use it to kick butt. “It’s a good stress reliever, keeps you healthy, and its great exercise”.

Mr. Kurlander has a few such as: he plays pool and bass. He played in a tri-state pool league. He started playing pool when he was young. “When I was little people would pick me up so I could shoot”. When he moved to Queens everyone played pool. According to Mr. K., it was what you did for fun, and it’s where you took someone for a date.

Mr. Kurlander is also a bass player. He started when he was 14 years old. He played heavy metal and in college he was the cover band for Alice In Chains. He made a few bucks off his hidden talent but nothing big. He says he was a better singer than a bass player.

Sergeant Majors hidden talent isn’t hidden. “My hidden talent is that I am good dancer." If you ever went to a school dance you would already know he likes to get down with his bad self. He found his talent in 9th grade at a school dance. “back then, we didn’t dance the way you guys dance today."

Issues in our Community: Teenage Obesity

By: Anonymous '11

Teen obesity is one of the biggest epidemics in America right now. If you are 20% over what is considered the normal weight, then you are medically obese. It is responsible for over 300,000 deaths a year. It is reported 42% of adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese. That puts 42% of America’s people 18 and younger at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. It is also noted that teens that are overweight now are more likely to be overweight as an adult. This means when they get older they are putting themselves at risk for other health problems.

Overweight children or teens just don’t have to deal with being overweight, but they also have to deal with being a social outcast. Being overweight amongst people your age that are skinny or normal weight size also give obese people low self-esteem. Having low self-esteem makes them not want to join any activities or be a part of something fun. Most likely when you are young and you’re suffering from low self-esteem, social discrimination and obesity you can fall into a depression. That causes you to stay home, watch television, play video games and gain more weight.

When Marine Math and Science Academy (MMSA) opened in the fall of 2007, not every student or cadet were able to get a JROTC uniform, they were considered “oversized” cadets. With every other cadet in their normal uniform, those teens were forced to wear a red polos and khaki pants. Now in the year of 2010 there are still cadets who have not received uniforms that others have gotten. Knowing that they cannot fit in a uniform really lowers their self-esteem and makes them feel left out. Also, during freshman year those cadets that were considered oversized were not allowed to go on trips like visits to College Fairs and the Memorial Day Parade because they didn’t have the right uniform. In addition, while other cadets were getting grades for inspection of the uniform those cadets had to sit out. Thankfully at MMSA all cadets are required to take a physical fitness test, which is some type of physical exercise.

Teen obesity is caused by unhealthy food choices and the lack of any physical activities. It is reported that 42% of America’s adolescent watch more than two hours of television a day. While food may be good for that moment, in the end you will suffer because those foods are what kill you. Tasty fast foods are very unhealthy and cause people to gain weight. MMSA students looking for a quick snack after school don’t have many healthy choices. Our neighborhood has places like McDonalds,Popeyes and Felony Franks, but these are very unhealthy food choices. Also kids who grow to be fat teens sometimes get it from how they were raised. Some students were raised by parents who also struggle with weight issues. People tend to suffer the same fate as their parents when it comes to obesity.

If you are an obese teen, there is nothing wrong with changing your ways right now. You can join sport activities and choose healthier snacks. Also while eating, when you feel you are getting full, just save the rest for later. You are not alone, there will always be someone to help and guide you to a healthier life.

Boost Up Your Self-Esteem

By: Shavonda Kornegay '11

Are you use to hearing yourself complain that your nose is too big, you wish you were taller, or you’re not cute enough? Many teenagers struggle with self-esteem. “I’m too fat, she is prettier then I am, or I wish I had bigger muscles”. Those are constant worries that teenagers struggle with each day they wake up.

Self esteem can range from how much pride people have in themselves, how worthwhile they feel, or wishing they were someone else. Statistics at KidsHealth (www.kidshealth.org) states that early teens have the lowest self-esteem. Why? Because teenagers bodies start to form and go through many changes during this time. As their body changes, their attitude about themself changes as well. This is when teens start to care about how other people see them.

Teen self esteem isn’t all about body image; it can also be about fitting in. Not being an athlete at school or the most popular girl/boy at your high school, can be a letdown to teenagers. This letdown can be accompanied with a lower sense of self worth. These feelings can be caused from problems with a friend or relationship, or eve problems at home. When you have low self esteem you often experience failure. It often creates stress, loneliness and depression, which sometimes leads to drugs and abuse

A female cadet ‘11 at Marine Math & Science Academy (MMSA) worries about her low self esteem with her body image. “Most of the time I worry about if I’m pretty enough, but I’m real conscious about my body.” Teens often compare themselves against others. “Often times I wish that I was someone else. If I can change something about myself, I would want to lose more weight and have a smaller chest size” said the cadet. A male cadet ‘11 at MMSA worries about his low self-esteem associated with fitting in. “Most times I think that I’m too shy. I would like to be more outspoken like most of the kids at my school.” He too, often has said to himself at times that he wish he was somebody else.

As we all know, low self-esteem can destroy success. So what can we do to help improve teen success? Ignore negative comments. You may often hear negativity not only from those you dislike, but from your own parents and even friends. Learn to train your brain to except the positive feedbacks of things and ignore the negative ones. Have you ever heard the term “you are what you think about most of the time”? Think highly upon yourself, set your mind to accomplishing things, and never have doubt.

Tips from Erupting Mind (www.eruptingmind.com)
Raise your self esteem everyday day
Create confidence connection in the brain
Practice
Act your way to high self esteem
Join social groups

Henry's Humorous Viral Videos

By: Henry Garcia '12

This is a weekly segment where I explore the internet looking for videos that include people doing some stupid things. This could include skateboarders crashing into walls, random things falling on someone, or just plain simple FAILS. If you see a video online that you think is funny and you want me to post it on this site send it to garciahenry94@yahoo.com

First up on the top 3 is a guy that decides to hop onto his sons skateboard hoping to show him some tricks that he might know. But as soon as he takes off it all goes down hill for him. Check it out for yourself by clicking on the link below.
http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3sh2

Okay, number 2 in this week’s top 3 is this home video of a woman trying to do a handstand flip into a pool. Unfortunately she didn’t do it fast enough and ends up with some serious back problems as soon as she gets up, if she is able to get back up after this brutal hit. Check it out for yourself and be thankful you’re not the one rolling around in pain. http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3tdn.

The last video is of this man that was interviewed down in Australia after he was attacked by a pit bull. But the funny part of the interview is when he gives the most specific details of how the dog sounded. He sounded like something out of a zombie movie. Even his wife seemed scared once the husband let out his animal side. Check out how it all happened http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3ufb.

Teenage Pregnancey in America: What you should know

By: Ivonne Arredondo '12

Most teenage high school students don’t plan to get pregnant but a lot do. Three-quarters of a million teens between the ages of 15-19 become pregnant each year. The United States has the most likely possibility of teenage girls to get pregnant in the whole world. Center for Disease control says that 1/3 of teens get pregnant before the age of 20. Out of all teen pregnancies, 82% are unintentional. This is because every time a young woman is having sex for her first time usually is when she is more likely to get pregnant. Half of the teen mothers who do end up pregnant are right after the first time she had sex.

Teen mothers account for 11% of all births in the US. For young women age 15-19, African American teens are most likely to become pregnant (134 of 1,000 women). Slightly lower rates occur among Hispanics (131 of 1,000) followed by Whites (48 of 1,000). Out of all teen pregnancies, 57% end in birth, 14% end in miscarriage, and 29% end in abortion. Only 1% of teen pregnancies result in adoption placements. The teen mothers who do end up having the child and keeping it have a harder time going back to school and being successful in finding solid employment.

Teens that become pregnant are more likely to drop out of school. But some teens do want to finish school and get there high school diploma. If a teenage mother today does want to finish school she is most likely to get her GED. However, pregnant teens are less likely to attend college than teens who do not become pregnant. Most teen mothers wait until their child is at least 5 years old for them to go back to school.

Most teenage mothers feel embarrassed and ashamed of themselves while being pregnant. They become depressed and more likely to commit suicide. They usually don’t have the support of there family and there partner ends up leaving her because he does not want to carry the weight of having a child at his age. But some teen mothers have it good by having a supported family or a supported boyfriend. Usually if the two teens are still together they end up getting married.

If any teenage young women out there need help and someone to talk to, you can always go to your parents. If you don’t have that trust and don’t feel comfortable talking to your parents you can always go with a friend or teacher, or any adult. But the most important thing is to not keep it to yourself you’re going to need help and the sooner you get help the better it would be for you and your future to be child. There are a lot of support groups in Chicago. The biggest one you could go to is called Planned Parenthood. Just remember your not alone in this fight there’s people out there want to help.

(Information and statistics were found on womensissues.about.com and www.familyfirstaid.org)

Marines at the Movies - Alice in Wonderland

By: Ryan Hargrave '11


Alice in Wonderland is a classic children’s story about a girl who gets lost in a fantasy world filled with odd talking animals and weird creatures. In this new 2010 remake 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.

The film is Rated PG for fantasy action/violence involving scary images and situations, and for a smoking caterpillar. This movie is very good for visual purposes but at times it’s hard to keep up with. Sometimes it just seems like a girl running around with a rabbit getting into crazy situations. The movie pretty much stays true to the original cartoon version except it has more of an eerie tone to it.

This is a movie I think kids and adults can both enjoy. Kids will enjoy it because all of how animated it is, and adults would like it because of the familiar storyline. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes fantasy movies. My overall rating for the movie is 3/5 stars, it’s definitely worth seeing. The only major problem was Johnny Depp’s character was supposed to be funny but to me he was just creepy. Thru most of the movie he just got Alice into outrageous mishaps but in the cartoon the “Mad Hatter” was a funny character who helped Alice. I think the movie did a good job on re-enacting the movie to match the Disney cartoon version.

Alice in Wonderland opened at number one with over $41 million in North America, setting a new record for an opening-day in March. The DVD is set to release on
June 1, 2010. Among the special features on both the DVD and Blu-ray versions is a featurette showing the differences between Burton's film and Lewis Carroll's original books.