WRITTEN BY JACOB A LOPEZ
March Madness is rolling around the corner as the bracket for Selection Sunday was unveiled on March 12. March Madness is a NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament which is one of the most anticipated events in all of sports. March Madness is a single-elimination tournament (if you lose once you’re out) with 68 different college men’s basketball teams that play seven rounds for the U.S. national championship. Before March Madness begins, teams are selected and bracketed at an event named Selection Sunday. The 32 Division 1 conferences are automatic qualifiers regardless of their performance during the season as long as they won their conference post-season tournament. The other 36 teams that are selected are not automatic qualifiers and have to be invited to the tournament. On Selection Sunday, the teams are ranked by seeds 1 - 68, which is based on the team’s performance in the regular season and conference tournament. After Selection Sunday, the “First Four” or the opening round of March Madness is played, where four teams are eliminated, hence the name. The 64 teams left are split into four regions of 16, which are ranked by 1 - 16 seeds. To reward the better and higher ranked teams, first round match ups pitt the top team vs the bottom team and continue to the next highest vs. the next lowest. This makes sure the championship game is balanced. After the First Four and first and second round games, the next important rounds are the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Sweet 16 is the nickname for the regional semifinal round of March Madness. Teams that have made Sweet 16 previously won the round of 32 or the second round. Winners who triumph in the Sweet 16 sweep move on to the Elite 8. Elite 8 is the regional final round and winners of this matchup reach the Final Four. The Final Four is one of the most important rounds of March Madness as the final four teams compete to see who advances to the final round to decide the winner of the National Championship. March Madness is a season of upsets, triumphs, and excitement. The teams who partake in this tournament experience joy and pain with some who have triumphant wins or devastating losses. March Madness will inspire this joy and pain as the tournament progresses for players and spectators. We can’t wait to see which teams earn their titles and which teams surprise everyone with an upset. WRITTEN BY DANA BARBEE AND MELINA DE LA CRUZ
Did you know that on March 12th of 2023, the Girl Scouts organization turned 111 years old? Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, Girls Scouts has helped to inspire young girls to pursue leadership skills with ambition and confidence now for over a century. The organization was initially inspired by Juliette’s friend, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who had founded the Boy Scouts earlier that year. Seeing the inspiring effect it had on the boys who joined scouting, Juliette decided that girls deserved a space like this as well. The first-ever Girl Scout troop only consisted of 18 girls yet made a huge difference. Today, Girl Scouts are most well-known for selling cookies. That being said, most people don’t know that this activity is pursued with the intention of teaching girls valuable life skills. Before the start of cookie season, troops decide where and how many cookies they want to sell. By setting goals, troops plan out trips they want to take, badges they want to earn, and organizations they wish to support. Along with learning to be financially responsible during cookie season, the girls also have the opportunity to earn certain awards based on leadership and service to their community. The various awards are called the Bronze Award, Silver Award, and Gold Award, which is the highest honor for a Girl Scout to earn. Girls also work towards earning badges to put on their uniforms. Earning these badges teaches them lifelong skills such as responsibility, friendship, and resourcefulness. Juliette Gordon Low (also commonly known by her nickname, Daisy) imagined a community where all girls could come together and embrace their unique strengths and passions. Girl Scouts today still follow the same values as the very first Girl Scout troop in 1912. Values like connecting with their communities, getting outdoors, challenging themselves, and finding ways to make the world a better place are all things that have lasted through the 111 years of girl scouting. Juliette Gordon Low’s ambition has and will continue to inspire generations of girls, giving them new levels of confidence and friendships to last their whole life. WRITTEN BY MELINA DE LA CRUZ
1,500 years ago St Patrick passed away on March 17th and the Irish who followed him created the holiday of St Patrick's Day to honor his memory. He was a patron Saint of Ireland and its National apostle. He was a slave from Wales who returned to Ireland and helped bring Christianity to the people after escaping. He is most well known for having explained the Holy Trinity using the Shamrock (a three-leafed clover) that is now known as The Legend of Saint Patrick. St Patrick's Day as we know it is celebrated with beer, parades, and the color green. The first celebration where a parade took place was not in Ireland but in America. On March 17th, 1601 a Spanish colony in Florida was organized by Ricardo Artur. A century later Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York in 1772 to honor St Patrick. Over the following years, Saint Patrick's Day became a way to honor Irish soldiers' heritage. One big tradition in America is the annual dying of the Chicago River green. This started in 1962 when workers in the city used dye to trace illegal sewage discards but realized it was a fun way to celebrate the holiday. That same year in 1962 they released 100 lbs of green vegetable dye into the river. Because of the environmental damage, they now only use 40 lbs of dye and the river only stays green for hours instead of a week. One of the most popular icons for the holiday is the leprechaun. The original name for the small creature was lobaircin which meant small-bodied fellow. The belief in leprechauns comes from the Celtic belief in fairies. Many folktales include leprechauns as cranky souls responsible for the mending of shoes of other fairies. Leprechauns are known for their tricky and mischievous behavior in trying to protect their gold. They also have their own holiday, May 13th, but are celebrated mostly on St Patrick's Day. WRITTEN BY ZACHARY BUENAVENTURA
In a world with countless animals that range in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, there was always one in particular that always stood out to me. It was one animal that just captured everything a young boy could adore in a creature, that animal was the giant panda. Native to China, these black and white bears are the most adorable animals that make great models for stuffed animals. They are incredibly witty and can’t help but be the center of attention when it comes to super fun and playful animals. But, what makes these animals so cool? First, Pandas are known for their playful personalities. They have been seen doing everything from rolling down hills to playing with toys. Their antics have captured the attention of animal lovers all over the world, and have even aided in the growth of tourism in China. In addition to rolling around and playing with toys, they also frequently climb trees (despite their large size). Pandas can run at rates of up to 20 miles per hour, even though they may appear to be passive animals. One of the ways that a panda's “coolness” is showcased, albeit through an animated movie, was the 2008 animated film ‘Kung Fu Panda’. This movie was one of the staple films of my childhood, and looking back, so were all of the Kung Fu Panda trilogy. They had profound narrative themes that teach many valuable life virtues and morals, such as persistence and embracing your own unique qualities and strengths. This movie is a testament to the appeal of pandas and their quirky characteristics. From their distinct appearance, to their playful nature and cultural significance, pandas truly are some of the coolest animals around. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of pandas is their ability to bring people together. Pandas have a way of capturing the hearts and minds of people all over the world, as seen in their popularity as a symbol of peace in China. Pandas are frequently associated with the yin-yang symbol, representing the balance and harmony of opposing forces in the universe, which is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy. This is due to pandas' distinctive black-and-white coloration, which mirrors the contrasting elements of the yin-yang symbol. Pandas are clearly more than just cute and cuddly animals. They are also fascinating, one-of-a-kind, and inspiring creatures who deserve our respect and admiration. Whether you're a fan of conservation, animal behavior, or just cute things in general, pandas are one of the most extraordinary animals ever. They are unironically “dope”. WRITTEN BY NATHANIEL TKACH
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and history of African Americans. It is celebrated in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and even locally here in California. In California Black History Month is celebrated with many events such as, Los Angeles Black History Month Festival, and The Black History Parade and Festival in Pasadena California. The Los Angeles Black History Month Festival is on February 19th, In the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles and The Pasadena Parade and Festival is on the 18th in Robinson Park Recreation Center. They’re both celebrations of African-American culture, history, and achievements. There will be floats, dancers, bands, and vendors representing various aspects of African-American culture. The day will be full of music and laughter, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate and learn. Both The Los Angeles Black History Month Festival and The 2023 Black History Parade and Festival will be incredible experiences. The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History began to organize the celebration of the accomplishments of African Americans. Woodson chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of former president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the U.S. government officially recognized Black History Month. Since then, the celebration has grown in popularity and has become an important part of many school curriculums. During Black History Month, many communities host events and activities to honor African American culture and history. These events include lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, and concerts. Schools often use the month to educate students about the history and achievements of African Americans. Black History Month is also an opportunity for everyone to learn about the history of African Americans and to recognize the role they have played in shaping the United States. It is a time to appreciate the courage and resilience of African Americans and to recognize the struggles they have faced throughout history. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans, recognize their struggles, and to learn more about their history. It is also a time to appreciate the role African Americans have played in shaping our nation and to reflect on how far we have come in achieving racial equality. WRITTEN BY: MELINA DE LA CRUZ AND BREANNA RAMIREZ
While most think that Valentine’s Day is a holiday created by greeting card companies, there is much more history and depth to it. Valentine's Day was originally a celebration in the 8th century for Saint Valentine. In the 15th century it later changed to a romantic love associated holiday. Valentine's day comes from both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes different saints either named Valentine or Valentinus. Most legends say that Valentine was a priest who was discovered performing marriages for young lovers in secret and was therefore ordered to be beheaded. Other legends say that Valentine was imprisoned when he sent the first “valentine” to his lover. There is no one story that tells the truth of the start of the day of love. Valentine’s Day became popular during the Middle Ages. In France and England it was believed that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season. This added to the idea that Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. As for how the theory of the holiday being created by a greeting card company, in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Every year 145 million Valentine's Day cards and flowers are handed out with love. The day is usually spent on private dates with either a significant other or friends. Valentine's Day at VAAS was filled with lots of love and joy. Valentine’s day grams were passed out to students in their sixth period by the Senior Leadership class. The grams included greeting cards, an artificial rose, a teddy bear keychain, and (for seniors only) a graduation tassel. We hope you had a happy Valentine’s Day! WRITTEN BY MELINA DE LA CRUZ AND ANGELINA HERNANDEZ
Christmas is described by some as the most wonderful time of the year. With gift exchanges, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. The celebration of Christ’s birth was brought to the United States in the 19th century but has a history that came long before there was a biblical meaning to the day. In most of Europe, the end of December was a perfect time for celebration. In Rome they celebrated Saturnalia. This was a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. Saturnalia celebrated the practice of offering gifts or sacrifices to the gods during the winter farming season. The Romans originally celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. For many Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. It became more of a popular holiday when Americans re-invented it from a carnival-like holiday into a day of familial celebration. “It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival.”- History.com American families in the early 1800s began to adapt to Christmas and take customs from other holidays around the world, like Saturnalia’s tradition of decorating trees, sending holiday cards and gift-giving. Charles Dickens 1843 masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, was said to have been what reinvented Christmas as we know it today. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around A. D. 280. He was known to give away all of his inheritance to helping the poor and sick leading him to be known as the protector of children and sailors. As for modern day Christmas, it is now one of the most top ranking national holidays in America. It is celebrated by about 2 billion people around the world and generates over 942 Billion US dollars in 2022. WRITTEN BY ANGELINA BESHARA AND BREANNA RAMIREZ
We all know the holidays Christmas and Hanukkah, but did you know there's a third one? It’s called Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a holiday dedicated to celebrating African-American culture with family and communities from December 26 to January 1. The holiday concludes with a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. The 7 days of Kwanzaa represents Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). The week-long celebration may include songs, dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large feast on December 31, called a Karamu. Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga in the 1960’s. The holiday was created for African Americans to have the opportunity to connect with their African roots and strengthen their bonds in a time of racial unrest. Maulana Karenga created a way of uniting and empowering the African American community in the aftermath of the deadly Watts Rebellion. Part of the celebration is the lighting of candles on the Kinara. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. Therefore, there is one black candle. The candle represents the people or unity, and gets placed in the center of the Kinara. Three red and three green candles. These are the mishumaa saba (the seven k) and they represent the Seven Principles that are also represented by the seven days of the holiday. Kwanzaa is a day of having loved ones around. We all have differences , but one thing we all can agree on is celebrating special days with special people. WRITTEN BY ZACHARY BUENAVENTURA, RIELLE CHLOE CANLAS, AND JILL LUNA
While some people see graffiti as a form of art and a way to express oneself, others see it as vandalism within a community. Graffiti is frequently associated with gangs and crime, and many cities have enacted laws and ordinances to combat it. Graffiti is considered a criminal offense in some cases and can result in fines or even imprisonment. Graffiti is considered a form of property damage and can lower property values, which is one of the main arguments against it. Graffiti can also be considered an eyesore and a sign of urban decay. Graffiti supporters, on the other hand, argue that it can be used to bring color and life to weak and run-down areas, as well as be used as a form of political or social commentary. There is a theory that poses the idea of graffiti linking to the idea that the public's perception of safety and neighborhood values are adversely affected by vandalism such as graffiti. This idea is known as The Broken Window Theory. The Broken Window Theory is a criminological concept that claims visible signs of crime, disorder, and neglect in a community can lead to an increase in more serious crime. In 1982, social scientists James Q. Wilson and George Kelling proposed the theory, which has been used to explain the problem of graffiti and its relationship to crime. The basic idea behind the Broken Window Theory is that visible signs of the disorder, such as broken windows, graffiti, and litter, send a message to criminals and potential offenders that the area is not being closely monitored and that criminal activity will go unpunished. As a result, crime and disorder may increase as residents become more fearful and less likely to report crimes. In response to the graffiti problem, many cities have implemented policies and programs aimed at reducing graffiti and improving the overall appearance of the community. Such as Graffiti hotlines and public education and awareness campaigns. However, these policies and programs can have negative consequences, particularly for graffiti artists. Some argue, for example, that criminalizing graffiti is censorship that stifles free expression and creativity. Furthermore, some argue that graffiti abatement programs and ordinances are costly and that these resources would be better spent on more serious crimes. The controversial background of graffiti stems from its association with vandalism and crime, and the debate over its value as art. While some people view graffiti as a destructive force, others see it as a form of self-expression and an important cultural phenomenon. As the world continues to evolve, the perception of graffiti will continue to shift and evolve. Click "Read More" to view the research sources referenced. WRITTEN BY DANA BARBEE
Hanukkah, sometimes spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish holiday. It always falls on the 25th day of the month Kislev, on the Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew calendar is based on the Lunar year, so the days that Hanukkah is celebrated vary each year on the Gregorian calendar. This past year, Hanukkah started on the evening of December 18th and ended on the 26th, overlapping with Christmas and the beginning of Kwanzaa. Though Hanukkah is celebrated as a modern holiday, it actually dates all the way back to the years 175 - 164 B.C. At the time, the Greek Hellenistic (“meaning to speak Greek or identify with the Greeks” -The History Channel) King, Antiochus IV Epiphanes had power over the Syrian Empire. With his leadership, he forced the ideals of Greek religion onto his citizens as he believed those to be superior. He forced these beliefs on the Jews, especially those in the Jewish capital of Jerusalem. In 167 B.C., King Antiochus IV captured Jerusalem and destroyed its most sacred temple. They tore down its structures, sacrificed a pig on the altar of Zeus (which goes against Kosher and Jewish ideals), and burned Jewish texts. The historical “miracle” that established the Hanukkah tradition follows the story of what happened when the Maccabees discovered the temple in ruins. The menorah in the center of the temple had almost entirely run out of oil used to light it. Without the oil, they could not light the menorah and would be left in darkness for multiple days. The amount of oil left would supposedly only last about a day. The miracle that Jews celebrate on the week of Hanukkah is that this oil supposedly lasted eight days, long enough for more oil to be made which prevented them from ever running out of oil. This miracle is traditionally celebrated with sufganiyot (jelly donuts), latkes (potato pancakes), and the lighting of the Hanukkah candles on the Hanukkiah (a candle holder much like a menorah). These traditions are to symbolize the miracle of the oil. Lighting the candles on the hanukkiah symbolizes that the Jews were still able to light their menorah with the small amount of oil they had left. Often, menorahs and hanukkiahs are mistaken to be the same thing. Hanukkiahs have nine candle holders, one of which is the shamash, or helper candle which is used to light the other eight only on the nights of Hanukkah. Menorahs, on the other hand, are candelabras used to count the days of the week. All Hanukkiahs are Menorahs, but not all Menorahs are Hanukkiahs. Eating foods that are cooked with oil and lighting the Hanukkah candles are the primary, most well-known traditions of the holiday. That being said, families have integrated gift exchanging into these Hanukkah traditions. This tradition does not relate to the history of Hanukkah, it is solely based on the decision of the family as to how they want to celebrate the miracle. Lastly, one of the most popular games played during Hanukkah is dreidel. A dreidel is a spinning top that has four sides on it, each with a different Hebrew letter (nun, gimmel, hay, shin). These letters stand for the phrase, “A Great Miracle Happened There.” However, in Israel, their dreidels have the letter “pay” instead of “shin” translating to the complete phrase, “A Great Miracle Happened Here.” There is a game associated with dreidel that many people participate in, in which each letter has a different meaning in relation to the game. To take a turn, you spin your dreidel and whichever letter it lands on, dictates how much gelt (chocolate coins) you take out of the pile. If you land on gimmel, you get the whole bag. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the Jews defeating the Greeks and having enough oil after the war to light the menorah. In essence, Hanukkah is a holiday to celebrate miracles and light. |
AuthorDana Barbee Archives
May 2023
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