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Jun
7
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Posted June 7th, 2010 by landers  |
It is common knowledge that people sleep when the sun goes down and wake again when the sun rises. People are also aware that they need a certain amount of sleep to function and perform their best. Yet, hundreds of people feel deprived of sleep everyday and must drink copious amounts of coffee to keep themselves from drifting off into a doze. Why is it that these 
knowledgeable people can’t fall asleep before midnight or later? J. D. Moyer, a resident of California, thinks he has the answer. According to an article written by John D. Sutter on cnn.com, Moyer began an experiment in an attempt to discover the source of his inexplicable sleep problems. Moyer turned off all of the light-emitting technology in his house when the sun set for his experiment. He thought that perhaps the artificial light produced by his laptop and other devices was keeping him awake by fooling his brain into thinking that it was still daytime. The results of his experiment suggest that he may be on the right track. He continued his adjusted life style for a month and during that time he began to fall asleep earlier than his usual 12:00 am. Moyer claims that he felt well-rested and that his attitude improved also. Is it possible that staring at a brightly lit laptop screen before one goes to bed can prevent them from falling asleep at a decent time?
Doctors tend to agree. Some medical professionals prescribe orange sunglasses for their patients and suggest that they stop using their iPad or laptop one or two hours before they go to bed. There is also a setting that will dim the computer screen but as this was developed by an artist and not a doctor the effects of this alternative are unknown. So if you have trouble sleeping try turning off your computer an hour before you go to bed. (For more information go to :http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/05/13/sleep.gadgets.ipad/index.html)
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9:36
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Jun
2
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Posted June 2nd, 2010 by bayuzick |
Some people, like myself, don’t want to work at McDonalds or even work for somebody for that matter. The solution? Start your own business.
Becoming your own boss can, generally said, be a difficult process even when you are out of school, well qualified, and have some experience under your belt, but this does not mean it’s impossible for a teenager to do. While some older businesses or clients may look down on you because you are younger, but you will also notice some people are very interested in helping you build a strong foundation. But before you can have clients, you’ll need to accomplish a series of steps.
The first, and maybe the most important, is saving a large amount of money to build off of. Chances are you’ve heard the saying “You need money to make money.” This, in most cases, is absolutely true. Whether you are looking to sell a product or provide a service, you’ll need money for tools and supplies.
The second step is to establish your product or service. Remember, almost everything already exists, so try to be edgy and unique by putting a new spin on an old idea. This will be well worth the brainstorming in the long run.
The third step is determine your target audience. For example, you shouldn’t be trying to sell the latest gaming device to your grandpa’s friends. But in some cases your product may have a broader target audience than others.
The next step is to write up a business plan, which is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals, and an exit strategy, a method a business owner intends to use to get out of a particular investment. This will be a guideline for your future business for you to look back on if you start to lose direction. Most business fail in the first five years, so having an exit strategy early will help you end your business without losing too much.
Once these steps have been accomplished, make sure you have all the tools and supplies to push your business into the constant competition. It is finally time to execute your business plan and work towards your short and long term goals.
Keep in mind, because there is no one above you telling you when to work, how to do something, and when to stop, it is very easy to lose motivation or even work yourself too hard. Try and set reasonable hours for yourself and dedicate a room or area which you can consider your office. It is best not to let your work life consume your personal life.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” –Henry David Thoreau
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10:15
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Jun
2
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Posted June 2nd, 2010 by noble |
It’s the end of the year and everyone is getting ready for their summer plans. Summer plans always include graduation parties for the excited seniors getting ready to graduate! However, who wants to throw a grad party where everyone leaves thinking, “Wow that was pretty lame.” ? So get ready for a great high school sendoff because here are some awesome tips to throw a rocking party that everyone can enjoy!
First, planning is an important step. The first things you should decide are where, when, and how much your party is going to cost. To do this you will more than likely need to have a guest list in mind. While bigger may sound better sometimes it’s easier to throw a much better party with only your closest friends and family.
The next step is to set up the important stuff, food! You don’t have to spend a fortune on food. In fact, something like a giant taco salad table can fill everyone’s appetite for simply the cost of taco ingredients. Also, a fun way to bring your grad party to an end is a giant cake! This is where bigger is always better! You can create your own beautiful and unique cake by making layers with box cakes. All you have to do is bake as many box cakes as you want and then organize them together into your own masterpiece. You can even bake cupcakes as extra building materials. It’s pretty simple and cheap and things like frosting, food coloring, candy, and sprinkles are all you need to make it as whacky as you want!
Graduation parties are usually intended to create pleasant memories for the graduating student so why not do this creatively? First, you can lay out a giant piece of cardboard and some markers and let the guests sign it however they want throughout the night. You can do this with anything really; a shirt, a box with notes and markers, a stuffed animal, or even a pair of shoes! Also, you can keep your grad party going for years by building a time capsule to set out at the party. Once the guests fill it with memories you can bury it or keep it in a closet for as long as you want before cracking it open to remember your special night.
Throwing a great party is as simple as getting creative. A unique and memorable grad party is in reach as long as you make things fun and interesting!
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10:10
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Jun
2
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Posted June 2nd, 2010 by Janoski |
Most everyone has heard of the term social networking. But what does it mean? Social networking is the use of a website to interact with others that share the same interests. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, and to gather and share first-hand information.
Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, or politics. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them.
Social networking is very diverse. Although a person lives in the United States, they could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark or India.
While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites without a main focus are often referred to as “traditional” social networking websites and usually have open memberships. This means that anyone can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create your own network of friends and eliminate members that do not share common interests or goals.
There can be dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses, which are on the rise. The most prevalent danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists with networking out in the real world, too.
One example of a social networking site is Facebook. The average user has 130 friends. As a whole, users spend over 500 billion minutes per month on Facebook. There are over 160 million objects that people interact with (pages, groups and events) and the average user is connected to 60 pages, groups and events. More than 25 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) are shared each month. More than 70 translations are available on the site and about 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States. Over 300,000 users helped translate the site through the translations application. More than 100 million Facebook users engage with Facebook on external websites every month. There are more than 100 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices. People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice as active on Facebook than non-mobile users. There are more than 200 mobile operators in 60 countries working to deploy and promote Facebook mobile products.150 million people around the world are now actively using Facebook and almost half of them are using it every day. This includes people in every continent—even Antarctica. If Facebook were a country, it would be the eighth most populated in the world, just ahead of Japan, Russia and Nigeria. Facebook is used in more than 35 different languages and 170 countries and territories. These statistics can be found on facebook.com
All in all, Facebook users spend way too much time on the website. Instead of liking a status or commenting on pictures, a person could be taking a jog or swimming with friends. The summer should be spent getting a tan, not getting a friend request.
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9:57
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May
27
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Posted May 27th, 2010 by ecorley |
Special Olympics is an event that takes place all around the country as a way to promote the struggles people with special needs face everyday and give them a way to compete in various games. In Crawford County on May 12th Special Olympics celebrated their thirty-sixth anniversary. Special Olympics was started by Karrin Unger from Saegertown High School for her students to become athletic. First, the games started as just PENNCREST School district event and then after ten years Karrin executed it to becoming all of Crawford County and part of northern and southern counties. In Pennsylvania there are approximately 18,000 participants. 350 people came to the Crawford County fair grounds to participate in that days events.
Throughout the day children and adults with mental and physical impairments competed for blue red and yellow ribbons. The people were accompanied by hundreds of volunteers that are very patient with and caring for the individuals. The different events included TurboJav, SoftBall Throw, Meter Relays, and Wheel Chair Races. As you walked through the stadium you could really experience the excitement and dedication to the organization. If you walked out of the games you saw a stand run by a a little girl known as Calista.
Calista is a very special nine year old girl. She has won numerous pageant titles and given of her self more than most people do in a life time. To date, Calista has donated over 7,000 dollars to the Special Olympics Organization. You’re probably asking how? Little Miss Strawberry Queen has diligently given over 1,500 hours making homemade crafts and baked goods. Calista says, “My brother inspired me because he is a Special Olympics athlete and I know how much he loves to do the competitions. I would hate to see that he can’t do something he loves.” Not only will you see little Calista making crafts you’ll also see her “making dreams come true” at the meets and in the practice days.
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9:28
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May
25
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Posted May 25th, 2010 by parker |
The day all History Day participants had been working towards for months had finally arrived! Pennsylvania History Day was held May 12th-13th at Millersville University. This scenic campus located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania hosted the two day competition featuring students’ performances, papers, exhibits, documentaries, and web pages created to express historical events and ideas. There were CSHS students participating in almost every category, junior and senior division.
Ms. Thompson said, “I hope that all the CSHS students who traveled to Millersville realize what an honor it is to represent our school there. I think its a great reward for them to make the trip and be surrounded by other kids who have worked hard to be the best in the state. The time on campus and at the motel and eating out is all part of saying you guys are responsible, mature, and wonderful academic ambassadors of CSHS. I hope everyone is inspired to come back to the team next year.”
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12:43
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May
24
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Posted May 24th, 2010 by wilcox |
Every year school lets out and millions of students began their search for a summer job. This year it is recommended that you reconsider your choice of employment due to injuries. According to consumeraffairs.com the top 5 worst jobs for students include agriculture, construction and work in heights, outside helper, driver, and traveling youth crews. The website also states that every thirty seconds a young worker is injured in the work place and one teen dies every five days from a workplace injury. The number one spot for the most dangerous job is agriculture. It has accounted for forty-two percent of work-related fatalities from 1992 to 2000. Construction jobs hold the number two spot for being the most dangerous jobs for teens. The risk of death is greater than seven times the risk in other youth related jobs. 
Even though a job can teach teenagers many valuable life-skills along with responsibility and good work-habits, looking for a safe job should be first priority. When looking for a job research the job before you start working, be aware of the risks involved, and be cautious if you do start working in a hazardous situation.
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9:31
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May
20
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Posted May 20th, 2010 by Knoedler |
The primary elections in Pennsylvania occured on May 18.
In a year of more publicized elections, political television advertisements become the staple of commercial breaks. Campaign literature is circulated through the mail on a daily basis. Websites all over the Internet are home to the candidates and their ideas. Conversely, there are also websites that tend to- for a lack of a better word- “bash” a candidate’s opponent. No matter the form of media, most of those running for office are making their voice heard. Thus, with all of the campaign advertisements that are around us, are voters becoming more informed or more influenced?
Many high-profile races took place in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, May 18, and with all of the campaigning and advertising that takes place before voters head to the polls, how can they be sure what they are being told is true? S. Caldwell, a Cambridge Springs High School Senior, feels it is difficult to determine fact from fiction. “Most ads are sickeningly biased, so it can be difficult to sift facts from opinions,” he said. He personally does not feel informed or influenced by the campaign ads. T. Lobdell, a fellow CSHS Senior, feels differently, however.
“I definitely feel more influenced by political campaign ads than I feel educated,” he said. “It seems anymore they (one candidate) attack candidates unless they (the advertisement itself) are funded by independent political groups.”
Lobdell, Caldwell, and T. Sovisky, also a Spa Senior, all believe that the ads are far too negative and lack a well-balanced message of personal information and “dirt” on that candidate’s opponent. This is a reason why Lobdell chose not to vote in the May 18 primary election. “The ads did not inform me enough to make an educated vote,” he said.
It is a consensus amongst these three that too much time is spent on negative advertising and not enough time is spent informing the voters about each candidate’s positions and beliefs on the important issues. “Too much time is spent on negative ads,” said Lobdell. Caldwell concurs: “A lot of ads don’t bother to tell you whether the candidate they’re promoting is any good; rather, they tell you how bad the opposing candidate is.”
Caldwell also feels that young voters can be influenced by these slanted commercials and publications. When asked if he felt that young voters can be influenced by these ads, he replied, “Unfortunately.” Thus, Caldwell, Lobdell, and Sovisky inform themselves about the candidates before voting. But just how do they obtain their information?
“I mostly look at information from newspapers and unbiased voter info websites,” said Caldwell, a Republican. The Internet is also the place where Sovisky, a Democrat, finds his information. “I look at campaign sites,” he said. Despite not casting a ballot, Lobdell, also a Republican, used a variety of sources to learn about the candidates. “I get my info from television, the Internet, public addresses, and common talk from politically educated people,” he added.
Although the advertising has not been the cleanest during this year’s primary election, these Cambridge Springs High School voters have not been deterred from making their voices heard. But, before pressing “vote” and “confirm”, they educated themselves about the candidates and their stances on the issues. They decided to become more informed rather than more influenced.
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9:38
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May
20
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Posted May 20th, 2010 by landers |
According to the commonly known version of The Princess and the Frog, there is a kind princess who happens upon a talking frog. She humors the frog with a kiss that breaks a spell and it turns into a prince. The prince and princess marry and live happily ever after. According to Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales, however, the kind princess doesn’t even kiss the frog! She is not particularly kind either. In fact, she made a bargain with the frog and did her utmost to escape from her promise.
The deal was that the frog (who can indeed talk) would retrieve the princess’s favorite toy from the well where she dropped it and in return the princess would carry the frog to her palace, allow it to eat from her plate, and let it sleep on her bed. No kissing. But as soon as the frog returns the toy to the princess, she runs away back to her palace without the frog. She does not think that the frog can follow her on its small legs. While she and her father, the king, are dining her assumption is proven wrong because the frog appears at the door and reminds the princess of her promise. The king now knows of the bargain and demands that his daughter comply with the frogs wishes. The princess, although extremely disgusted, finally allows the frog to dine with her and eat from her plate. When the frog becomes tired, the princess is forced by her father to take it with her to her “pretty clean bed”. At this point, however, the princess has had enough and she throws the poor frog against the wall. As he falls the frog transforms into a handsome prince and the princess finally loves him in return. Now the prince and princess marry and live happily ever after. Which is the original and most accurate version of the story? Well, is it more likely that a pampered princess would kiss a frog or would she be more likely to throw it away in disgust?
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9:32
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May
20
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Posted May 20th, 2010 by Tyler |
According to a new book (released May 2010) by Elvis Presley’s doctor, George Nichopoulos, the King didn’t exactly “leave the building,” he simply left the room. For the restroom, that is.
In a new book by Doctor George Nichopolous; “The King and Doctor Nick,” Nichopoulos states that he has new beliefs on what actually caused the end result of Elvis Presley dieing in 1977. Although he was addicted to prescription drugs throughout his life, Dr. Nick now believes that something else was brewing inside Presley that led to his death, not over-prescription.
Throughout his life, Elvis Presley was afflicted with an irregular heartbeat, and this was speculated to have been brought on by physicalities from something as large as obesity, to something as simple as a weak heart. This was also connected to drug abuse by the rock n’ roller, as he was given prescriptions to painkillers and other narcotics, to tend to his declining health. But research shows that some of these drugs do cause such side effects of being “bound up.”
During the last four years of his life, Presley had overdosed twice on Demerol, the same muscle relaxant that had hooked Michael Jackson towards the end of his own life. Though he continued to tour, his health declined as his doctor continued to “over prescribe” to him. This was in speculation as well. After Elvis’ death, Nichopoulos was indicted on fourteen accounts of over prescribing in 1981. Presley was also found to have been taking other drugs, including codeine, which again has the side effect of constipation. In the last few years of his life, the King was prescribed amphetamines, barbiturates, narcotics, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, laxatives, and hormones. But why were there so many? Apparently Presley was suffering from arthritis, glaucoma, liver damage, and an enlarged colon. These were probably originally health problems, but were most likely results of drug abuse as well. But the most notable issue was this diagnosis of “megacolon,” or simply put, an enlarged colon.
This is what led Nichopoulos to believe that the final blow to Presley’s health was chronic constipation. Although Presley initially died of a heart attack, according to the original autopsy, it somehow all manages to tie together. Some of the complications of chronic constipation include an enlarged colon, which can lead to a rapid heart rate, while his heart attack was caused by an irregular beat.
So perhaps it was the issue of constipation that led to the King’s death, but in the end, it was still most likely linked to the abuse of drugs, as they all had an act in aggravating each of Presley’s conditions. As for Nichopoulos’ book, “The King and Dr. Nick: What Really Happened to Elvis and Me,” it is on sale in most retail book stores and is listed at $17.99.
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8:32
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