Switch to popular vote for presidential elections
November 27, 2012
Salma Mahmoud
Skyline High School
Before the recent election, I heard too many adults say that they wouldn’t be hitting the polls since they believe their vote “doesn’t really matter.” However, that is only true on a national basis. On a state basis, the popular vote does essentially mean the electoral vote. Though many might appreciate this system, I believe that the idea of “winner-takes-all” is simply unfair.
For example, though the state of Washington has voted for Democrats in past elections, there are still Republicans living here. Why do their votes essentially “not matter?” Is it fair to let the voices of a smaller population be drowned out by the popular opinion? The same goes for Democrats living in a historically red state. Shouldn’t their votes go toward something?
How to shop for presents
November 27, 2012
Jacob Brunette
Skyline High School
Ahh, the holidays, the time of year meant for happiness, love and peace on earth. The time of year most spent fighting with crowds and hating your fellow human beings.
Everyone has experienced the feeling of cold hatred that slips into your soul as you watch someone else take the last Transformer on the rack, or as you spend 30 minutes in line behind the lady who doesn’t seem to understand that you need $50 to buy the $50 item. The easiest way to avoid this is to shop online or in November, but if you insist on braving the mall, then read on.
1. Plan your shopping times carefully. Everyone tries to get to the mall early, but nobody thinks to go at 2 on a Thursday afternoon.
The Hot List
November 27, 2012
Samantha Garrard
Issaquah High School
Music: “Red,” by Taylor Swift
‘Red’
Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated album, “Red,” debuted Oct. 22. Her album features chart-topping hits such as “We Will Never Ever Get Back Together” and “Red.” The country star also dove into a dub step-like rhythm with her song “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Like in any of her past albums, Swift continues to bash, praise and reminisce about her past romances, a feature that resonates with many fans. CNN gave the album a solid B+, and Swift continues to be consistent.
Movie: “Breaking Dawn: Part 2”
‘Breaking Dawn: Part 2′
On Nov. 16, Team Jacob and Team Edward united in theaters to watch the end to the Twilight Trilogy, “Breaking Dawn: Part 2.” The movie features an attractive cast including Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson and Ashley Greene. The final movie has an estimated budget of $131.5 million, a cost that will hopefully diminish with ticket sales as fans rush to the theaters to see how the romance concludes.
Yum-E Yogurt
Hotspot: Yum-e Yogurt & Espresso Bar
Downtown Issaquah is now officially part of the frozen yogurt craze. Yum-e Yogurt & Espresso Bar is next to Confetti Cupcakes on Front Street. The restaurant features a cool atmosphere complete with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a fireplace. Yum-e Yogurt & Espresso Bar will be a hangout spot for all ages, especially for high school students needing a new lunch spot during school. Check it out!
Teen Talk
November 27, 2012
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Eastside Catholic High School
“Sweet potato pie.”
Julia Hormuth, senior
Viva Italia! Skyline student learns American culture
October 23, 2012
Sampurna Basu
Skyline High School
Pietro Lodovichi Skyline High School
Pietro Lodovichi is Skyline High School’s newest exchange student from Pisa, Italy.
“I chose this program because I wanted to see another culture and open my mind. And since I’ve been here, I have learnt a lot,” Pietro said.
“The schools are completely different: American school is very easy compared to Italian ones,” he said. “Teachers don’t care about students wearing shorts, or pants, flip-flops or shoes. In Italy, long pants are required in school as a sign of respect.”
He also said Americans are very friendly and the culture is different.
Liberty student details differences between Sweden, United States
October 23, 2012
Veronica Austin
Liberty High School
Helena Frestadius Liberty High School
When asked what she misses most about Sweden, exchange student Helena Frestadius lists a deluge of delicacies — “my mom’s food,” she said, elaborating. “She makes meatballs, and she used to make these cinnamon rolls.”
Another longing? “Chocolate!”
Despite our comparatively bland food offerings, Helena has enjoyed her time in the United States thus far.
“You have everything in Target and Costco,” she said, surprised. “Everything is big here.”
Eastside Catholic High School’s Judy Tu hails from Taiwan
October 23, 2012
Shreya Tewari
Eastside Catholic High School
Judy Tu Eastside Catholic High School
There are some students at Eastside Catholic High School who have been a part of the community for a while, but have unique backgrounds, sometimes even foreign ones.
One such student is senior Judy Tu. Judy grew up in Taiwan and came to America two years ago. She is an incredibly hardworking and sincere student and positive person to be around.
She adds a lot to the Eastside community and the senior class, and it is hard to believe she wasn’t born here.
Issaquah High School hosts Norwegian student
October 23, 2012
Sophie Mittelstaedt Issaquah High School
Vetle Oscar Grønsleth Solheim Issaquah High School
Issaquah High School is host to a new student who has come all the way from Gullhaug, Norway.
Sophomore Vetle Oscar Grønsleth Solheim came nearly 5,000 miles to study and learn in Issaquah for the year. One would think that it is a difficult transition, but Solheim didn’t have much trouble.
“My first couple of days in Washington weren’t too hard,” Solheim said. “I know the language all right, and people are so kind, so it wasn’t a problem to make friends.”
So far, Solheim has thoroughly enjoyed his stay in Issaquah, and feels lucky to have experienced the last hints of summer.
Watch for signs, get help to prevent teen suicide
October 23, 2012
Lee Xie
Skyline High School
Teen suicide is the second leading cause of death in youths ages 15-25.
Suicide rates among youths have increased, and the death of these promising individuals have afflicted communities all across the nation in every demographic, leaving family and friends to mourn.
Locally, we have also lost many bright, young lives.
In Sammamish, The Christian Knudsen Life Fund was established in remembrance of 14-year-old Christian Knudsen, who took his own life this summer. It works “to help youth pastors, youth counselors and those in youth support positions to be well-prepared to truly help the lost children and families crying out for help in this situation, before it is too late.” Donations can be made at Key Bank branches or sent to 777 108th Ave. N.E., No. 1800, Bellevue, WA 98004.
How to get good grades
October 23, 2012
Nitin Shyamkumar Skyline High School
It’s the time of the year when class ranks are announced, and with class ranks come a flurry of questions.
If you’re an underclassman, maybe you’re wondering what the “trick” is to getting good grades. Or, maybe you’re a fellow senior and you’re wondering (1) how you could have improved your class rank, (2) why an article like this is necessary or (3) how you managed to get class rank X.
