The Phantom Voice
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THE phantom Menace
Contrasting sharply with our previous issue's theme of benevolence, our writers have set out to channel their stereotypical, angst-ridden teen selves. For most, this was no difficult task, for that is exactly what we are: angst-ridden teens. Ladies and gentlemen: Our Rant Issue
Parker Schug For many years, cigarettes have been a problem plaguing society. Not only was the tobacco in cigarettes damaging to smokers bodies, but it was also bad for the environment, and harmful to non-smokers breathing in 2nd hand smoke. When the invention of electronic cigarettes came about, it provided hope for those seeking a solution to this toxic phenomenon. However, these electronic cigarettes are causing more damage than relief. This device developed to minimize the dangers of smoking has been corrupting generations of youth, with chemicals even more toxic than those in regular cigarettes. Back in 2003, the first E-Cigarette was invented. This small battery powered device allowed smokers to get the nicotine they are addicted to without the harmful effects of tobacco, and was meant to put an end of second-hand smoke. As opposed to having to light a cigarette, these electronic cigarettes would heat liquid to the point of vaporizing, which the user can inhale in order to get the nicotine fix they craved. While electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they do contain many harmful chemicals such as propylene, glycol, and glycerin. In addition, these e-cigarettes contain very small particles that can be inhaled into lungs, as well as metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead. Another ingredient in e-cigarettes that is not only damaging on the human body, but also damaging to society is flavorings. In order to make the vapor produced by these electronic cigarettes more appealing, flavors are added, such as bubble gum, fruity flavors, and mint. As great as these flavors may seem to e-cigarette users, they are more damaging than good. Most flavorings contain dangerous chemicals the most damaging of which being diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung disease. But the greatest problem with these flavorings is that they are appealing to an entirely different age group than cigarettes are, youth. Currently, more high school students are using e-cigarettes than adults. These devices are particularly dangerous for youth because their brains are quickly developing until the age of 25. Each time a new skill, or craft is learned, our brain creates synapses between brain cells. Being that addiction is a learned behavior, teens and youth are at a higher risk for getting addicted to nicotine since their brains are created synapses at quicker rates. Additionally, it is more likely for people who get addicted to nicotine young, to get addicted to other drugs later in life. So not only are e-cigarettes not helping the problem of stopping nicotine addiction, but they are causing greater problems, such as introducing younger generations to drugs. The initial idea behind e-cigarettes was that they would put an end to cigarette addiction. However, as time has gone on, they have become more and more popular among non-smokers. The harmful chemicals in these electronic cigarettes can cause long-term damage on the human body, and other ingredients, such as flavorings, are targeting e-cigarettes towards youth. If this new device continues to grow popular, there is a possibility that generations to come will have other drug problems and increased addiction. Unless you hope to see your children and grandchildren living in an age of addiction, the use of electronic cigarettes needs to controlled, just as the high cigarette smoking rates were years ago. https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/ https://www.vaporfi.com/learn/e-cigarettes-types.html https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247147.php
1 Comment
Nikolai Dolan
I feel as if almost everyone is just so unoriginal lately. And I blame social media. Originality pushes us into the future I believe. Just about everyone has social media so we are all viewing the same content everyday. At this point there is absolutely nothing new and exciting to even motivate me to open instagram because everyone is the same trying to be like everyone else. Social media in a way is ruining the creativity of us all. I've noticed there's a trend that involves being very simple and having a very specific way of displaying yourself on social media. In a way it seems perfect but in reality it's boring. More people need to do their own thing and express their own personality rather than doing what an app is telling them to do. I almost feel programmed to be that way because it's what people like and that's just facts. It's also our own fault that we are like this because us humans are the ones who power these social media apps, we are the ones who created the stereotype basic and soon we are gonna have to fix it. Julia Johnson Let me quickly just ask you for a minute of your time. Imagine. You are walking in the hallway of your high school, on your way to your favorite class on a beautiful sunshiny day. Then all of a sudden, happening in a shocking rage, appears: The Walkers. Nothing annoys me more in this world than people who don’t know how to walk in the hallway. I’ve compiled The Walkers down into 4 categories.
Mr. Meade, Mr. Salino, and Mr. Prince The Phantoms conquered a daunting menace when they challenged the MTA and LIRR to defy them entrance to Astoria. Hope was renewed in spite of the MTA striking back at our desire to see our chosen film The Last Jedi. Their denial of December 15th as a travel date did not deter these driven rebels. Plotting in October, following a class trip to Sayville to see Blade Runner 2049, the students of History Through Film and Cinema sought a venue for their escape from the home of the Phantoms. When our tractor beam set itself upon the structure of the Museum of the Moving Image, we knew then the plans could be saved. The plan: see the new installment of Star Wars and visit a remarkable museum, one which housed a galactic amount of memorabilia. The setback of the destruction of the plan for opening day was diverted into a flank attack of epic proportions for the following week, the one before our much needed rest from the challenges tasked to us in the land of the Phantoms. On December 21st we set out. The near Hoth-like cold of the day did not delay our departure. The huddled masses of film students, with some additional rebellious art students of Jedi Master Salino, converged, focused, and traveled with light speed to our distant destination. A destination that seemed world’s away… the “City” - Long Island City. A city on the outer rim of the galactic economic center of Manhattan. No greater bustling port-like area of the roughest rogues and scoundrels. No worse sort of clientele is to be found. The Astorians are well known and feared for their ability to hide before they hit and run with your cash for their expensive saloons of sights and sounds: The Kaufman Theater and the Museum of the Moving Image. Escorted by the Jedi Masters of Prince, Meade,Salino and Curran, the neophytes, acolytes, and enchanted true believers arrived on time, making the Astoria run in Kessel-type fashion. Skipping from the LIRR we jettisoned into the caverns of Jamaica for the E to the R, not the ER. Emerging, about a half hour later, from the nether world, we hit the streets of Astoria. We stayed on target. Around the corner of goal was acquired: the UA Kaufman Theater. The scene was set, or location reached, popcorn purchased, snacks consumed, and we headed to our seats. The smooth trip met the sights and sounds of the latest installment of the greatest film franchise ever produced by mankind - Star Wars: The Last Jedi. With bewildering questions in our minds, we left the theater some time later. Debate and dialogue distracted our attention from the quick walk to the Museum of the Moving Image. Leaving a place far far away and a long time ago, we entered a place celebrating the near past of multiple universes, from the Dark Crystal to Donkey Kong to Bladerunner. Sets and sounds, muppets and cartoons, Don Corleone’s teeth and Jake LaMotta’s gloves (used by Robert de Niro) met us at the museum. The wonders of film were on full display. Teetering on the verge of exhaustion, we all hit various refueling stations before reversing course for the return to Sayville. Jostling through the throngs of masses we found the key leg home. An express from Jamaica stopping at Oakdale and then Sayville presented itself in a timely fashion. In my experience, there is no such thing as luck, but we had luck with us that day. Swiftly we journeyed home. Fun was had by all. We did. We did not not. There was no try. Once home, we settled in for the beginning of a new day. Rayan Alam The Golden State Warriors compete in the NBA as the league’s Western Conference Pacific Division. The Warriors play their home games at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. In 1946, they were known as the Philadelphia Warriors and would play their home games in Philadelphia. In 1962, the Philadelphia Warriors got relocated to San Francisco Bay Area and were renamed San Francisco Warriors. In 1971, the team changed its name from San Francisco Warriors to Golden State Warriors because Golden State is California’s State nickname. The reason why I strongly dislike the Golden State Warriors is because the team always thinks that they are better than all of the other teams in the NBA and they always win especially during the NBA Playoffs. Last season(2016-2017), the Warriors had a playoff record of 16-1 and moved on to win the Championship game and became the 2017 NBA Champions. They have reached the NBA Finals 3 times in a row and now the NBA Finals is starting to get a little bit boring because in my opinion I don’t think anyone wants watch the same teams in a Championship game. In the current NBA season(2017-2018), the Golden State Warriors claim the best record in the NBA(37-9) so they are probably going to make the Playoffs like they do almost every season. By Joseph Salaway
Everyone argues. It is a fact. We argue about where to go to lunch, our political views, about whether we are in the right or wrong in situations, and basically everything imaginable. But not a lot of people listen. You go on the TV and find a debate on CNN where two politicians are constantly interrupting each other without actually listening to their concerns. Obviously in politics you want to stress why you believe your side is right but if you do not listen to the other side you cannot address their concerns. However, it is not just politics. It can be deciding where to get food with friends. There are just some people that try to speak over everyone else to get their ideas through. Or when you are telling a story and get interrupted by someone else to say something that kind of has to do with the story but is really just their own story that they are too excited to tell to wait. It doesn’t just show that they have no patience. It shows how rude they are. If people listen more, they may learn things that they did not know before. This is why people should look at themselves and think about whether or not they listen enough. Nike with their Just Do It attitude and aesthetically pleasing athletic wear has created a clothing empire. I myself love Nike merchandise, my closet full of their brand from workout pants to half zips to sneakers. But in all seriousness, as consumers we must take a step back and ask ourselves if we’re paying too much. And the answer is yes. Why are we burning holes in our wallets for a silly top with a bold check mark running across the chest? Nike is seen as “cool” clothing, and the problem is that they know it. What makes Nike so special that they can price their merchandise at $100+ whether it be a simple Tee for the gym, or a pair of black yoga pants? Does their fabric have superpowers I don’t know about? Raising their prices make them seem as if they are selling a “premium product” when in reality all what they are selling is fashionable workout clothing, cut from the same fabric such as Under Armour, Ideology, etc. Most importantly, Nike spends on average around $30 on production for their sneakers, yet they set the retail prices at minimum, $100. The only difference between Nike and other workout brands is that other companies don't let their arrogance control their price marketing decisions. Their quality of clothing is just as good as anyone else's. Nike is playing a game with us, seeing how far they can push till we finally decide to turn away and revive Under Armour again. Nike lower your prices, just do it already! Average amount of Nike sneaker production is $30,while retail price is set at $100+.
Casey Curran The Saint Ursula Center Convent located on middle road in Blue Point is looking to sell the 8.2 acre land to Seafield, which is an alcohol and drug rehab center. Many are opposed to the idea, including myself because it would be located in a quiet residential area, with an elementary school down the road. Yes there are addicts in Blue Point, but its like that in every town. There are better places for Seafield to be located. It shouldn't be put in such a small town. Seafield would have long lasting effects on our community. I support what they do with helping to combat the war on drugs, but they need better placement and location. What also gets me angry is when people from out of town who don't live in Bayport Blue Point say Seafield should be put at Saint Ursula's. They wouldn't be affected by it at all, so they aren't thinking about what it would be like to live down the street from it. The rehab center would bring in tons of traffic on Blue Point Avenue, with people visiting the center and also for patients who are getting checked in. Blue Point Elementary School is also located on Blue Point Avenue with little kids crossing the street. With the rehab center being put there it would cause to much traffic. Blue Point residents aren't against what Seafield does, we are against the location of the potential site. The rehab center would also decrease the cost of houses in Blue Point. People would buy their houses for a lot, but lose money because the rehab center would bring the prices down. People are saying that Blue Points residents are slamming the door on people who need help. It would be different if they wanted to put it into a bigger and busier town. Seafield should find another place besides quiet Blue Point. Take it into consideration. Imagine buying a house and across the street and there is a quiet convent, but then years later changing it into rehab center that isn't needed in a town so quiet and small like Blue Point. There is a serious problem with drugs all over long island, and seafield is helping out those people who have a drug problem, but Seafield needs to find a better location that isn't Blue Point. By Sean Mains
On January 6, 2018 the Raider Nation celebrated the return of former coach Jon Gruden. Owner of the team, Mark Davis, started the press conference off with a bang stating to the Oakland fans “This is a big effing deal”. Gruden has had many opportunities to return to coaching since he left the field for the booth on Monday Night Football. But he says that the time is right and he has been studying and preparing himself to make a return to the head coaching position in the NFL. His contract is a king's ransom of a 10 year, $100 million which makes him one of the most expensive men in the league. Many are now questioning is he worth this price? Will he be able to turn this regressed Oakland squad into the successful team they have had potential for? Possibly revenge against Brady and Belichick after the infamous tuck rule game which lost them the AFC championship and Gruden’s Job? I believe so. Gruden’s strength in leadership will help these men get back on their feet. Many players that have played for him say that his dedication and time he puts in makes the players want to in for him. Since 2008 Jon Gruden has evolved an organization called the Fired Coaches Association where he was able to let fired coaches from the NFL study the league and prepare for their return and it is his time. He is an offensive minded coach and has always been known for working well with quarterbacks. The coordinators are set in place with former Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olsen stepping in which gives Carr a more comfortable background since he was there for Carr’s rookie year. With all the potential the Raiders have on the offensive ball Gruden sees an opportunity to help them out and put them on the right track. Gruden also signed Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther. His aggressive play calling with the bengals in the past inspired Gruden to go after him. Although the Raiders are missing some key position players in the secondary, that is where the free agency and the draft will solve. Derek Carr’s regression from the 2016 season to the 2017 season was a shock but should be an easy fix with Gruden helping him step by step to advance his capability and to get his swagger back. He is a very firm and blunt talker when it comes to the practice field but Derek should be able to take the criticism and learn from it. Carr is a phenomenal player with solid coach that has many weapons to play with on the offensive side of the ball. Raider Nation is ready to see chucky back in action and to bring them back to their glorious reputation of winning football. Julianna Castilletti Shopping is already hard enough, the last thing you need is to get stuck behind someone who is walking 2 miles per hour in the mall. The mall is crazy to the point people just want to get what they need and get out as soon as possible. Then there are some people that take their sweet time walking around dozing off. The worst thing is when you’re in the mall for one specific thing and to only shop in one store and you get held up by slow walkers. The same rules that are required for driving on the roads should also be required for walking in the mall to increase the speed of the crowd and keep the flow moving so there is less funstration. Imagine going to the mall to return one thing and then all of a sudden getting backed up by people just generally taking their sweet time and walking slow. This happens 95% of the time I am in the mall and I just think seriously let's walk a little slower! There are some people in which it doesn't phase them but it has been my biggest pet peeve and even other people say it's ridiculous. Especially on a nice day when you have to go all the way to Smith Haven just to do a few returns or grab a few things the last thing you wanna do is get stuck walking in and out of crowds, that's the last thing people want to do. For instance my own mom is a slow walker and everytime we are walking in the mall or in a parking lot she is miles behind me and it feels like years by the time she catches up to me. Personally people walking slow especially in the mall, drives me CRAZY!!! |
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