Author: adviser

  • Not So Fast R.Kelly!

    In the more recent updates of the captivating R.Kelly news, it seems like Kelly finally got what was coming to him as he turned himself into the Chicago Police Department after being charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The charges involve four alleged victims with at least three being children older than 13 but younger than 17. The alleged assaults occurred between May 26, 1998 and Jan. 31, 2010. At a press conference held on Friday, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said that aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a class 2 felony. R.Kelly was reported to face up to 70 years in prison.

    Justice couldn’t strike Kelly fast enough as his bail was posted on February 25, 2019 at a whopping $1,000,000. Ironic enough, Kelly was released on bail. Valencia Love, a fan who is an apparent friend of the singer, posted Kelly’s bail and did an exclusive interview with Fox32’s Tia Ewing. Love’s day job is at a Chicago childcare facility and she has said that she does not support pedophilia.

    “Let him have his chance in court to prove if he’s innocent or guilty. As a friend if he says he’s innocent, I can only believe that he is innocent,” said Love.

    Personally, I cannot believe that a woman who works with children can support a person with the history of R.Kelly. Imagine, if that was your daughter in the grasp of R.Kelly’s molestation. What has the world come to?

    In lighter news, R.Kelly was also arrested and brought to court for not paying $161,000 for child support according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago. Ha! What a bum. I hope he gets locked up forever.

  • Microsoft Welcomes Minority Students!

    Microsoft Welcomes Minority Students!

    Polytechnic High School was cordially invited to attend Microsoft’s annual Minority student day.
    This is the second year it is held in Southern California, but worldwide has been an event for 29 years.
    According to Microsoft’s Diversity and Inclusion Blog, 4.1% of workers are African American, 1.8% are Latino or Hispanic, and .5% are Indigenous.

    Caucasians are the majority, 55% of workers, meaning that there is a need for diversity in the technology field.
    Microsoft aims to have a more inclusive image, accepting people of all backgrounds to be successful within their company.
    In attempt to raise the number of minorities, this day hopes to inspire our generation to work within the fields of technology and business management.

    Based on how dependent humans are on technology, there will be an increase in the number of people that need to work in technologically related majors.

    The event exposed students to new technology systems, such as the HoloLens software that mixes virtual reality with the real world.
    These mixed reality systems are the foundation for future architect, engineers, and even surgeons.
    Lauren Reynolds, a senior at Poly, said, “ It was interesting to see how much technology can benefit our future in multiple aspects. It allows us to access information more conveniently by technically being hands-free.”

    Overall, there are many opportunities to benefit all students of color by being able to intern for Microsoft in college.
    The MACH program allows college students to have a head start in getting a job with the company while still being a full time student.
    Even if students are not interesting in pursuing a career in coding, the company promotes those interested in business, marketing, and even engineering to apply to the program.

  • BACK-TO-BACK FOR POLY LDT AT REDONDO

    From March 9-8 2019, Poly boys and girls Long Distance Track competed at the Redondo Nike Relays at Redondo High School. A total of 24 runners participated in the long distance events which entered high schools state wide ranging from Great Oak to private schools such as Chadwick High School. Three events took place for long distance track across the varsity and Fros/Soph levels, the distance medley race, 4x800m, and 3200m run. Triumphant event, Poly Long Distance Track win back-to-back events both days.
    Starting with boys varsity, out of the 8 runners entered into the 3200m (2 miles), William Frankenfeld and Ronan McMahon-Staggs place both in the top 10 with William coming in, in first and Ronan swooping in at 6th. Both premier runners set a personal record with William at 9:12 and Ronan at 9:18. All 8 runners averaged a spontaneous time of 11:18.
    Girls varsity on the other hand too had a show out as 2 varsity LDT runners, Ailene Rios and Olivia Boyce ran the 3200m as well. Ailene placed 14th running and 12:15 and Olivia Boyce placing 33rd running a 13:00. Although there where only two varsity poly girls running in the 3200m, they pushed through coming out on top. This was the only events girls LDT track ran at this event, so major kudos to the two runners!
    Boys Frosh/Soph also too had a good turnout as 7 runners where entered with 3 of them racing a sub-11 minute 3200m. Jay Jumar with 10:55, Bryan Gutierrez with 11:00, and Nathan Jimenez racing 11:06. All 7 runners who raced the 3200m Fros/Soph made a personal record with all times averaging out to be 11:01.
    As the 3200s ended, the rush fo the 4x800s began and DMR began. Varsity boys, ran 4x800s with a total time of 8:42 placing 16th overall. Fros/Soph replicated the performance running a total time of 9:33 placing 17th overall. The Distance Medley races where replicated the same as both levels placed 20th, varsity running 11:32 and fros/soph running 12:31.
    Although the second day the tides changed as LDT’s premiere runner William Frankenfeld ran the 1600m (1 mile), in 4:22, this according to LDT coaching staff made the cut for Arcadia Invitational. This invitational invites the best of the best of each Track and Field event from across the state.
    As LDT’s premiere runner William Frankenfeld ran the 1600m (1 mile), in 4:22, this according to LDT coaching staff made the cut for Arcadia Invitational. This invitational invites the best of the best of each Track and Field event from across the state.
    With the Redondo Relays coming to an end, this marks the start of the Moore League season which starts at the Compton/Jordan meet on March 13th.

  • Depression is complicated, really compicated

    Depression is a major depressive/mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, act and the way you think. Depression is caused by a number of reasons such as the loss of a loved one or physical health problems.

    It’s estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In which 3.1 million people are between the ages of 12 and 17. The amount of young people diagnosed with depression has been rising over the years and only a small percent of them are getting help.

    Depression is a battle that at least 16.2 million of Americans have experienced with. And if you think that only “lonely” teenagers suffer from a depressive episode consider famous celebrities that have once felt depressive like Kristen Bell, Jim Carrey, Ellen Degeneres, Lady Gaga, along Michael Phelps and many more.

    If you are are worried that someone you love or a “friend” is suffering from depression, be aware that symptoms like being sad during the day, lacking concentration, losing interest in favorite activities, feeling guilty, fatigue, having suicidal thoughts, seeing a change in appetite and weight, as well as a constant pain for no reason are red flags of this disorder.

    Since there is no guide on how to deal with depression because every struggle is different, one should seek advice from a health professional, try therapy and alternative plans like exercise, meditation or mindfulness strategies.

  • College Courses for High School Students

    High school students taking college courses has become increasingly popular in the last few years as many high schools have been offering free opportunities to attend classes.

    Taking colleges classes as a high school student prepares students for actual college classes and it looks really good on resumes.
    Now, you may be thinking, “Why would a high school student want to add one more class to their already full schedule? And a rigorous class at that?”

    Well, there happens to be many benefits to taking college classes while also being a student in high school, despite how absurd in may sound when you’re already extremely busy.

    For beginners, a lot of these classes are open for all students regardless of financial situation, ethnicity, or gender.
    The classes offered are usually paid for by the school district so you don’t have to have to come up with money to pay for them.
    This saves you tons of money for later on when you’re in college.

    Classes that you can take now for free in high school will cost thousands of dollars later on in college.
    Another reason to take college classes as a high school student is that they prepare students for actual classes and real life settings.
    High school students already have super busy schedules with sports, clubs, volunteering, and assignments due.
    While adding an extra commitment may seem crazy, students will essentially be learning life long lessons such as time management skills, strong work ethic, critical thinking, and maturity.

    Being in a college class seems intimidating but it’s not as bad as it seems.
    You are most likely in class surrounded by people who have the same interests as you.
    Senior Tywanna Mosely, 17, also attends an Intro to Business course at LBCC.

    “I would definitely recommend that high school students take college classes. It’s a good learning experience and you also get used to the college atmosphere. It’s also cool talking to the older students,” Mosely explained when asked about her opinion about college classes.
    Miss Sylvia Womack is a specialist in the college and career center.
    Womack often meets a lot of students who take college classes through the school’s dual enrollment program that allows students to take classes for free and LBCC while still being enrolled as a high school student.
    “I would recommend that students who are confident that they can do well in a college course take college classes as a high school student. Otherwise, if they think that they won’t do that well, I wouldn’t recommend it. Students tend to forget that these classes are actual college courses and they can affect your chances of getting into the universities or colleges that you want,” Womack stated.
    Although the classes seem intimidating at first, the benefits are numerous.
    The opportunity to mature in a different environment, meet new people and teachers, and prepare yourself for your future are just some of them.

    If you know that you’ll have a high chance of getting the grade you want, think about taking college classes!
    Talk to your counselors to see if dual enrollment is good for you!

  • Trackrabbits Bring Home Another Victory

    The Trackrabbits brought home another victory against the Jordan Panthers and the Compton Colts on March 13th at Long Beach Jordan High School. Although, the meet had many altercations, the Trackrabbits dominated on all levels, both boys and girls. The varsity boys were even given the opportunity to jog a 4 x 100m race due to Jordan disqualifying themselves with a false start.
    The girls varsity ran for themselves due to the lack of runners coming from the other two teams. Queen Okoh, Shandria Martin, and Zamaella Mallet ran their hardest against each other in the 400m race.
    They continued their Moore League victory streak at the California Relays on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16. At the meet Poly entered with 80 athletes and of those 80, more than half the team achieved a new PR or personal record, a medal, or in the case of the 4 x 400m race, broke a record in Long Beach history.
    Overall, Long Beach Poly took 2nd for the boys and 4th for the girls in the California Relays Invitational. The team scored high against our Moore League competitors. From the district, Millikan, Wilson, and Lakewood participated in this meet. The track meet itself brought over 50 schools to Long Beach Wilson for both the Friday and Saturday.
    The team altogether has done an amazing job so far this season. The long distance and sprint teams for the boys have overruled the Moore League conference schools in the season.
    The girls on the other hand have created a constant stamina for themselves and are striving to improve their running skills for sprint team, as well as the distance team.
    So far, a rivalry has sprung up against the boys short distance team against the Wilson Bruins and for the girls long distance team the Bruins have become a hassle.
    As far as the field events, shotput, discus, and high jump have been successful for both the girls and boys. In the Jordan and Compton meet, shot put dominated by taking 1st place in boys varsity, 3rd on boys varsity, and 1st on frosoph. For the girls, JV and Varsity, the Jackrabbits take 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on both levels.
    For the jumpers, Poly takes 1st and 2nd for the boys and 2nd for the girls.
    Jumps Coach Chucky said, “There will be a time when the Jackrabbits will improve and stay consist, this only the beginning.”
    Coach Chucky has been with Poly for many years and also has a reputation for coaching long jump at Cerritos College and taking Zhane Smith, a Poly alum, to the state championships two years ago.

  • The Best Cartoon Ever.

    Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the greatest cartoons of all time. Avatar has great consistency and strong storytelling. It paints a vivid picture of how a good cartoon should be.

    Most cartoons are very random and have no formula. But Avatar has a consistent story that keeps the watcher at the edge of their seat and leaves them wanting to watch more. It is a timeless piece in history that will never be forgotten. Nickelodeon has received so much praise for  this show and even had a remake called the Legend of Korra that also has great ratings.

    This cartoon has many of the characteristics of anime, it’s emotional, and it has great dialogue. It even won the Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Animation for one of the final episodes – “Lake Laogai” – which featured an incredible fight scene between Azula and Zuko.

    Avatar also makes me wish that those different tribes and elements were implemented in the real world. Like, honestly bending fire is so sick! You can make food and fly with firebending. Firebending can also conduct lightning which is super beast. My favorite element would have to be water because it’s very resourceful. For an example, characters in the show can get water from sweating and from the moisture in the air. They can also bloodbend to control people’s movements. Earthbending is an ok skill, but not as exciting. Characters can build houses and bend metal. With airbending, you can basically fly and do other stuff like that.

    While the original Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon series ended in 2008, Netflix has announced a live action version that is beginning production this year, but there is not yet a release date.

  • This Is Innocence

    More people are hopping on the Michael Jackson hate train since the premiere of the Sundance documentary Leaving Neverland.

    The film follows the alleged victims Wade Robson and James Safechunk as they go over in detail the experience and trauma they endured in their relations with Michael Jackson. Now, reports of Michael Jackson sexually abusing children is not a new claim, in fact Robson was the first witness in Jackson’s 2005 trial.

    I’m not going to tell anyone what to think, or in any way try to discredit the film’s work, how can I when I never seen it. All I’m offering is my own personal opinion and how the facts that are presented to me support that.

    I’ve been hearing Michael’s name come up a lot more often now ever since that R Kelly miniseries. Now, I’ve defended Jackson numerous times and will continue to do so until someone can give me any substantial evidence.

    R Kelly has had so much evidence put against him for decades and is barely getting any consequences this year, while Michael’s entire reputation and career was tarnished after just hear say. And to this day no significant  evidence has been found to support the idea of Michael Jackson being a child molester. Headlines had before claimed to have actual proof, such as last year’s “Child Pornography Found in Jackson Home” which turned out to be a book of art containing 1 page of a shirtless boy brushing his teeth. People of course only remember the headline, not the actual story.

    Another questionable aspect is the fact that most alleged victims never really pushed to go to court and opted rather to settle out of court. If I were a parent and my child was sexually assaulted, I would rather have justice than money in the bank. These men are coming out now to tell their story and I’m not saying that you shouldn’t hear them out, I fully intend to as soon as the film is made available.

    Just to be completely clear, I’m in no way, shape, or form trying to call all the real victims of sexual assault liars, if you experience something please report it, the world deserves to hear your story, and if it ever comes out that Michael Jackson was in fact a child molester, it will be a hard pill to swallow, but I will admit my wrong.

  • Go For Gold

    With graduation vastly approaching, seniors and their parents are starting to plan out their celebrations. It might even feel as if some parents are more excited than their student.

    The pressure to meet your parents expectations is, I assume a life-long struggle. I am not yet prepared for the anxiety I will receive walking across the stage, and the confusion on my family’s faces when wondering why my cap and gown is green.

    My aunt Marie attended Poly, so naturally I had to as well. There is a framed photo of my family hero glued onto my grandmother’s wall, it’s there that she taunts me, smiling in her pure gold cap and gown. I’ve stared at that picture my whole life, waiting for mine to be glued up next to it.

    This of course will not happen, since receiving a gold cap and gown is not easy. It’s a way to praise the perfect attendance, 4.0, cookie cutter scholars, while the the rest of us normal folk rock the standard green. Don’t get me wrong, those students do deserve it. They’ve given their all and sacrificed a lot to be on top, but you know what’s a great reward for that? Going to your dream university and having a successful career. I mean, that’s what they do it for, not to make a fashion statement.

    If we are all scholars and champions, then maybe the school should start treating us all like that. Instead of promoting elitism, can’t we all just celebrate together, so my dad won’t be ashamed of me? Don’t set me up for failure, that’s what college is for.

  • Anti-Vax Ignore All The Facts

    A very vocal and very ignorant minority of people keep spouting their stupid beliefs, spreading both misinformation and diseases, diseases that we have had vaccines to protect against for as long as 100 years.

    Measles is a respiratory infection that weakens your immune system and causes a total-body skin rash. Polio causes flu-like symptoms and potentially paralysis, which could be fatal. Cholera causes severe diarrhea, which often leads to severe dehydration and possibly death. Most people would agree that having to deal with these diseases would suck and would do anything they can to prevent themselves or their families from catching . That’s why most sane people get vaccinated and get their kids vaccinated.

    The fact that thousands of parents around the world willfully choose not to save their kids from now easily preventable, life-threatening diseases both astounds and absolutely disgusts me. A totally false, totally harmful misconception we hear from people arguing against vaccines is that they cause autism, which is just plain wrong on so many levels. First of all, this claim stems from one outdated study that’s been proven inaccurate dozens of times, so no one should be basing any beliefs off of it. Second, almost any parent would say they love their children unconditionally, and their health and well-being is the top priority. If that’s truly the case, it is unfathomable to me that some parents would rather risk their kids catching a life-threatening, nearly extinct disease than have them be born with autism; some parents really believe autism is worse than death, and that is seriously jacked up. Babies born with autism (not that vaccines cause autism, but let’s just say they do) can easily grow up to live healthy, successful lives. Babies who aren’t vaccinated and die within a year of whooping cough cannot grow up to live healthy, successful lives.

    Other opponents of vaccines (it’s absurd that they exist in the first place) think vaccines are made just for profits and refuse to give money to greedy, evil Big Pharma. In actuality, a 2015 statistic of the top 20 highest-earning products for pharma companies does not list any vaccines–they don’t make a lot of money. Even if they did, anyone refusing to protect their children against potentially fatal diseases just because of their principles is a lunatic and not fit to raise a child.

    The only sane, relatively reasonable argument against vaccines is that they’re too expensive. It’s understandable to want to avoid any unnecessary spending, but if you just compare the cost of a vaccine to the cost of treating its associated disease (along with the threats to health it could bring), the vaccine becomes well worth the cost. For reference, a whooping cough vaccine costs about $100, while treating it can cost over $10,000, as well as your life.

    If people just stopped clinging to the first bit of information they hear and if they stopped unquestionably believing whatever they’re told and just did a little bit more research, we could reduce the insanely high number of babies dying of diseases we’ve been vaccinating against for decades.

  • A Social Virus

    I personally think social media is a virus to our mental health. It is a magnet for us to compare our lives to others instead of focusing on our own. We idolize celebrities and influencers for living extravagantly, literally wasting money because they can. I am tired of the constant hype for new fashion trends and sales plastered on my feed. It’s like we never get a break to enjoy the current season before the next is shoved down our throats by ads for new makeup palettes, shoes, and clothing.

    Majority of us look at our phones as soon as we get up to see what happened while we were sleeping. A lot of the time using social media for an excessive amount of time can cause us to have a lower self esteem, decrease the amount of time for self improvement, disrupt our sleeping patterns, and cut us off from socializing in person.

    Instead of living in a materialistic society, always worried about the next big thing, we should just use social media as a way to connect with people and send a positive message. Lets bring eachother up and use platforms to educate ourselves on what is going on in the world around us.

  • Shop With Friends

    Shop With Friends

    Like every year, a plethora of high schoolers emerge with their own personal clothing brands. Here to set himself apart from the rest is senior Dakota Song, creator of the upcoming streetwear brand, Shop With Friends.

    “Before, I used to overthink and complicate the concepts surrounding my past clothing brands. Shop With Friends presents itself naturally as it represents my personal creative outlet. It’s hard to put a definition of what Shop With Friends means, since I want to avoid putting restrictions on the brands potential and what it can be,” said Song when defining what his brand means to him. Song already has reputable experience in the streetwear industry as he’s worked with other local streetwear brands, being a photographer and media outputter as well as videographer. Song also trained as a creative director while being an intern.

    “My brand is going to feature the essentialized hoodie and everyday T-shirt. Shop With Friends is definitely out-there in terms of color and style, so you have to be comfortable with dressing it,” said Song. Shop With Friends showcases bright and vivid color ways that’s going to revolutionize the way people think of dark and obscure winter clothing.

    From genuine heat press to multi-stitched embroidery, Shop With Friends proves that high school streetwear brands can still exhibit quality. For more information and updates, follow the brand via Instagram @shopwfriends.