Operation Clean Up

It has come to our attention that the litter & trash left in the cafeteria is getting ridiculous. During my frees I constantly see the lunch ladies cleaning up after YOUR trash. The milk cartons, cereal containers, napkins, etc. that YOU left behind. Yes, it is their job to wipe the tables down so WE will have a clean place to do our work & eat but it isn't part of their job to clean up after students. Everyone should be responsible enough at this age to clean up after themselves. There are trash cans located throughout the cafeteria, it isn't difficult to walk 5 yards and throw your own garbage out.

This also goes for the rest of the school. Having food in the staircases is not only dangerous but disgusting. Who wants to accidentally trip over a pear or slip on spilled milk? With all the food on the floor also comes the pests. In October, two roaches were found on the third floor. There was a roach smashed on a wall near the bathroom and the other was stepped on not so far away. Both were left where they died for everyone to see. Keep in mind that these aren't those tiny roaches that no one notices. No, these roaches were huge in size and full of squishy disgusting guts that ooze out when squished.

That's not even the end of it. Earlier in the school year there was a half eaten pear found in the main staircase (I don't exactly remember what floor). A couple days later the same pear was also found on the first floor of the same staircase.

We are young adults that are grown enough to tell right from wrong. I know that all you litter-ers out there are well aware that it is wrong to leave your left over food and containers all over the cafeteria. If you take the time to look at the green pillars in our cafeteria, you will come to realize that there's a sign there asking all students to clean up after themselves. There's no excuse for leaving a mess behind when we all clearly know that we should not AND there are signs to remind us.
                                     

So if you recognize the trash left of these tables because you were the one that left it there, remember to clean up your mess the next time you have lunch. 

(Photos taken on 11/8/12)

Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share. Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.  

Read More

Is it over?

It has been a while since the most recent volleyball game.
Many had came to our volleyball games and it was highly appreciated. The Baruch Volleyball Team never had many supporters cheering because we do not home games and it becomes a hassle for those who actually did want to come and support at other schools. However, many of these supporters came through and our team was thankful. Thankful to know that someone acknowledges our wins and our lost.
With every lost, I would feel a pain inside. I take loses and wins pretty seriously, and that is why I feel pain with every lost. I also take every win seriously and this makes me too hyper. Though with every lost, someone on the team would come up to me and say "Cheer up Peony! We will do better next time!" The positivity of the team was extraordinary and it made me think even more positively. My coach told me that playing games are not only because of winning, but try to have fun and find pleasure in playing the sports that you love. I have learned a lot from him and it will stay with me forever; whether it was him enlightening me about life or teaching me how to be a better volleyball player.  
But is the volleyball season really over? Technically, it may be over on the PSAL board but you can play volleyball anywhere, anytime and play with the people you love.
This Friday may mark the end of our PSAL games and it may be the last time that the team can all sit together, with our coaches and have fun. But I know that this is not the end.
I truly wish that the Volleyball season can continue, not only because I personally love this sport, not only because I enjoy the school's spirit, and not only because it is great to win, but because I was lucky enough to have amazing team members.Though this may be slightly unrealistic, I know that I had enjoyed my time and I have made amazing memories.
It's not over until it's officially over, so for now, I'll say: I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON!

Peony Cheng
(Senior)
Writer for Sports

Read More

Weather /Election /Thanksgiving

Hey guys! Do you guys enjoy this snowy weather? Because I know I do. This weather reminds me of the song "Let it Snow" by Dean Martin. It's a classic Christmas song. I'm sure most of you guys know it. This type of weather is perfect for hot chocolate with a book in bed, don't you think? I love this weather. I hope that the snow piles up really high so we won't have to go to school tomorrow. Just kidding, school is fun and educational. This year has been disastrous so far. We've encountered a hurricane that resulted in a blackout in the lower east side, and now a huge snowstorm. I wonder what's next.

Other than all these natural disasters, guess what? Obama won the election of 2012! I'm not sure what your views are, but congratulations to Obama! I hope he does great things for our country in the next four years.

Oh and it's almost Thanksgiving! Are you guys excited? I know I am. Thanksgiving is a time to eat, eat, and eat for my family. What do you guys do other than eat? Do you guys play games or do you guys just stay on the computer all day? If so, you should bond with your family! Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and to appreciate everything you have. The most important part of my life is my family. They mean the most to me.

Anyways, 

I hope you all stay warm and safe in this freezing weather!

- Lin Yang, Entertainment

Read More

Basketball

Basketball season is just around the corner! Try outs are on the 29th of October and I cannot wait! It’s something that I look forward to all year long; the games, the excitement, the fans, the chants, and everything that follows in a game. Being on the basketball team had made me develop as a person, a leader, and a role model. I have never regretted joining the team; in matter of fact, it has been the best choice I have ever made. Making new friends and just playing a sport that we all love. Bonding with each other inside and outside of school and just leaving the stress off for a few hours. Nothing to worry about, just basketball and I love it. Not only was I able to play a sport I love, meeting new people that became family, it was a great way to stay healthy and fit. I lost 20 pounds in 2 months!!!!!!!! Its great, during the season I eat healthy and stay healthy. During games, that intense feeling you get when it is crunch time and the scores are so close... it just gives me the butterflies, nervous feeling like playing the first game. Those are the feelings I love. The feelings like I am part of a team that I thought I wouldn't be able to make it in. I'm counting down the days until try outs, until our start of the season, until our first game.

Kathy Chiam
(Senior)
Writer for Sports

Read More

Wreck It Ralph Review

Wreck It Ralph is a gamer type movie, where the plot is based on what happens in an arcade once it closes.  The games come alive and interact with each other in the Gamer Central, which to many is known as an outlet.  Wreck-It-Ralph (the protagonist and the voice being done by John C. Reilly) wants to be as loved as his game's hero Fix it Felix Jr. so he goes game hopping to win a metal and show that bad guys can be heroes too.  On his quest, he meets a girl named Vanellope, who is considered just a glitch and can never leave her game, they soon become very close friends and Ralph tries his hardest to help Vanellope achieve her dreams too.

This movie was such a cute movie, the voice acting was really good and fit each character well.  Like the voice of Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) really fit her because she seemed to have like an innocence yet boyishness to her and Silverman was really able to capture Vanellope's personality.  All the actors did a very good job of voicing their characters, but I didn't really like Jane Lynch in the movie.  Her voice just seemed out of place in the movie.  Overall this movie was really cute and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a lighthearted and well made movie.  The graphics were amazing and the movie went by fast, it didn't feel like a two hour movie.  

- Brittany Waldren 

Read More

Basketball Try-outs/practice - Boys & Girls

BOYS

The boys first started out with some light stretching individually and then a light jog around the perimeter of the gymnasium for ten laps. 

[Images]

After then, they move on to some arm stretches and more leg stretches - with 16 seconds each. James Davis of the senior class lead these stretches and he took turns with the rest of the group to count sixteen seconds per each stretch. 

[Images]

After the warm up, the boys went on to practice some lay-ups. Starting with some right hand lay-ups then moved on to left hand lay-ups. These were lead by the seniors including, Peter Lok, Jeremy Nadel and others with some help from juniors like Brian Chu and William Yu. It might seem easy, but it can become very complicated with the boys circulating and several balls bouncing at the same time. 

[Images]

Next, they practiced some jump shots. 

[Images] 

Following the jump shot are handles, which is basically dribbling with one hand after the next hand. 

[Images]

Defense drills came next including defense stances- sliding along the perimeter of the line. 

[Images]

Horseshoe shots were next. They slowly distant themselves away from the hoop as they took turns taking shots.

[Images] 

Subsequently are practice games! It can be pretty intense, boys against boys divided into teams of shirts and skins. 

[Images/Videos]

By Kristy M. (12)

Images and videos will be uploaded ASAP - Please be patient!

Read More

Definition of Team

Well, it has been a while since I've posted and I just felt inspired to write. First off, I hope everyone is doing well after being hit by Hurricane Sandy. Sandy is the first hurricane I’ve experienced and honestly, I didn't expect it to be this bad. (I don’t consider last year’s hurricane tropical storm Irene a hurricane.) Over 8 million people lost power and many homes were destructed. My heart goes out to those that have been affected by this natural disaster and I pray that all the destruction will be attended as soon as possible.

I don’t really know what my main point of this post is, but let’s see where this goes. Over the summer, I joined a church volleyball team and not only did I get stronger physically, but I also grew a lot mentally. Being a part of this team made me realize that team means family. You look out for one another, you all share the same passion for a particular sport, and you advance with one another.

In the gym, we practiced and practiced. There was little to no room for socializing. We had to make the best of our time to quench that thirst to play. That’s the sole reason why we joined in the first place. That family bond in the team only came with it as a bonus. At the end of the day, it wasn't skill that mattered. It was enjoying the moment with the team. I don’t know where I’m headed at this point, but I’m gonna keep on writing.

One day after practice, I was walking back to church with my team. I sat down at the table lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't figure out why this team was so successful compared to my school team. I knew it wasn't only because this team excelled in skills and had many wonderful coaches. I started to think about how family-like this team felt. The insiders, the teasing, all of the fun everyone had—it was so obvious that one didn't even need eyes to see it. The fact that this team didn't lack in communication was also a plus. Communication is essential to anything that involves 2 or more people.

So why couldn't my school team be just as successful? I’m sure the fault doesn't just lie in the fact that every year, skilled players leave the team as seniors. I've actually learned quite a lot from my evaluation on my season.

•         No matter how angry or frustrated you may be from a loss, you don’t ever have the right to take it out on your teammates. They’re a part of the team and they wanted the win as much as you did.
•         However, if you are on a team but you aren't willingly devoting yourself to the sport, you should really escort yourself out. No one forces you to stay and it’s not doing any party any good. You might not feel the need to improve, but your teammates might. It isn't fair to your teammates that are working hard every day just to get better.
•         Talk. Your team is just about as good as done if there’s no communication. Trust me on that one.
•         Encourage your teammates when they need that spiritual and mental boost. It helps more than you think it does.
•         A team is only as strong as its weakest player.
•         Accept your teammates and learn to bond with them. You’ll be playing with them for a while, so you might as well maintain a good relationship with them. Don’t pounce on every one of their flaws. Either work at it or accept it.

By Yei Ling M. 

**Personal note from writer: I originally began this post wanting to talk about how any team is a family but I ended up noting the mistakes my school team made. This is such a bad post but I didn't regret writing this.

Read More

Yellow Rat Bastard

Hey kids, this is a new one, I’m going to talk about my favorite place to go clothes shopping.
Now I think you’re all wonder, oscar goes clothes shopping? Well I don’t, I just couldn’t find
better phrasing for it. Clothes buying, purchasing clothes, I don’t know, and I don’t care. So
listen up, you kids see me around the building, in shirts with many different designs. Here,
I threw some in a gif I made shortly, amazing what technology can do. Yellow Rat Bastards
located at 483 Broadway, somewhere in Soho… Yeah I’ve been there, nice place, too many
people if you ask me. Any who, I go there whenever I feel I want something new, something
nice. And I don’t only get shirts, I’ve gotten jeans too and my newest jacket. The black one with
the popped collar. Yeah, popped collars are in, I’m making them. And this store is well adjusted
to my tastes, a lot of black. And that’s all I’ll wear. Really, it’s not a goth thing or whatever, I
just find it suitable and its easier for me. Either way, the stores mainly a shirt place, they have
tons and you’re bound to find something you like. Funny sayings, cartoons, bands, logos, ladies,
neighbor hoods, and more. So I’d go on down there, take your time though, I’m not rushing
you. And there’s my review on Yellow Rat Bastard, enjoy, and until my next post.

-Oscar O.  -(Originally submitted on Nov. 1)

Read More

Avenged Sevenfold

Hello boys and girls, me again with another band holding a different genre that previously spoken. This is Avenged Sevenfold, one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever! They are more recent I believe, not entirely sure. I know a lot of they're songs and albums, but little of the band. I know there are five members... that's about it. But they are great, the music differs from album to album, but still heavy metal all the same. It's a lot of dark music I guess? To me it doesn't seem dark, it's very up lifting, loud, yell, gets you pumped! Everything a heavy metal band should! Now i don't know about you younger generations, listening to your country, and pop, and hip hop, although hip hop is very good, I like it too. Point being, not enough kids listen to rock bands, so pick up your headphones and turn up that volume! The only way to listen to heavy metal is loudly! And I'm pretty sure i should warn about language, think its in my job description. Oh well, still don't think we should care about that stuff. Here are some of my favorites, A Little Piece of Heaven, Nightmare, Burn It Down, Beast and the Harlot, Afterlife, Almost Easy, Bat Country, Lost, Flash of the Blade, Natural Born Killer, Not Ready to Die, and Scream, and more. A Little Piece of Heaven is probably my favorite, its got a music video, all though that i would watch with caution, if i wasn't me. So go listen to this and look up other rock bands, rocks not dying anytime soon. And until next time, I'll see you in the halls.

By: Oscar O. (Delayed - Originally submitted on Oct 25)

Read More

DELAYED POST - Blue Devil’s Love for Candy

Sorry about this delay, but this post is written by Jia Wei on Halloween~ 

Blue Devil’s Love for Candy

Legend says that a blue light emits from the windows of Baruch College Campus High School

every midnight. The blue light results from the wandering of the blue devil in the hallways of the school.

Legend also says that the blue devil only exits and wanders outside of the school once a year, which is

on night of Halloween. On that very special night, the blue devil goes treat o’ treating as well, but the

candy he loves is different from the candies we , humans, love, like Kit-Kat, Twix, Skittles, etc. The blue

devil’s favorite one and only candy are kids and teenagers.

Invisible to the human eye, humans can only see the creepy shadow of the blue devil and sense

an intense drop of temperature if happening to be near the blue devil. Anyways, the blue devil looks in

to the eyes of children, and he is able to access a child’s past and sins, because children who are naughty

taste especially delicious. He drags the naughty children to hell and makes chicken noodle soup out of

them; he feeds his pet dog remaining bones. Even if you are a Baruch student, the devil will still make

soup out of you. Happy Halloween!

By Jia Wei O. (12)

Read More