Sean Diggins
Staff Writer

The 82nd, 2009, Oscars awards will be shown on ABC March 7, 2010, hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The nominees were anounced February 2 with Avatar and The Hurt Locker receiving 9 nominations, but I still don’t expect it to be a sweep by either of them.

The Nominees for Best Picture are: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, A Serious Man, Up, and Up in the Air.

The Hurt Locker is genuinely the best film of the year and on top of that it is direct by James Cameron’s ex-wife. This could either hurt or help her, but I believe the voters will be ready for a change from Cameron being seen as the king of film. And, really, the only other competition for best picture would be Up in the Air, considering Avatar wasn’t a movie; it was a ride. What puts The Hurt Locker above Up in the Air is its realistic portrayal of the Military, not Hollywood’s Generic message of the military being a terrible institution.

The Nominees for Best Actor are: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), Colin Firth (A Single Man), Morgan Freeman (Invictus), Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), and George Clooney (Up in the Air).

Best Actor is really just a two-man race between Jeff Bridges and George Clooney. These awards are just as political as they are about who actually did a performed better. So, Seeing as Jeff Bridges has been nominated 4 times but never won and George Clooney has won once before for Syriana, I predict Jeff Bridges to win for his performance in Crazy Heart.

The Nominees for Best Supporting Actor are: Matt Damon (Invictus), Woody Harrelson (The Messenger), Christopher Plummer (The Last Station), Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds).

Christoph Waltz was able to play a serious character in a very comedic movie. This presents quite a challenge and he pulls it off seamlessly.

The Nominees for Best Actress are: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Helen Mirren (The Last Station), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire), and Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

Gabourey Sidibe Is going to win this one because this is her first nomination and she puts on the performance of an abused pregnant teenager in movie about addiction and self strength. There really is no competition for this award when an actress plays a role of such confliction.

The nominees for Best Supporting Actress are: Penélope Cruz (Nine), Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Mo’Nique (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire)

Again this is the first nomination for Monique and she plays a very corrupted and misunderstood character. Therefore, she really has no competition for this award.

The nominees for Best Director are: James Cameron (Avatar), Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds), Lee Daniels (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire), and Jason Reitman (Up in the Air).

All of the directing aspects of Avatar were top notch whether or not the actual movie was very good. James Cameron spent 15 years working on this film and all of the photography and character placement in every scene is great, therefore James Cameron will win this one.

Madame Elizabeth
Resident Astrologist

Aquarius: January 21-
February 19
Guess what? It’s your birthday! Happy birthday! But don’t get to happy yet, your future looks glum. Prepare for stormy circumstances. Your birthday won’t be all sunshine and daisies this year. Remember to always look both ways before crossing the street and don’t let black cats cross your path. You don’t want to attract any more bad luck on your “happy” day.

Pisces: February 20-
March 20
Really, when was the last time you saw the sun? Yes, I know you’re busy playing Modern Warfare 2, but leaving the Xbox 360 alone to rest for a couple of hours to socialize with some real physical people won’t kill you. There’s a world outside your four bedroom walls. People actually have conversations about real things, not where the next battle is taking palce. You only live once. It’s time to get a life.

Aries: March 21-April 20
February is your month! Everything is going right for you! Your love life is sparkling, your grades are skyrocketing and your family is actually on your side for once! Oh, and all those messy problems you’ve been trying to deal with for the past couple months now are quickly disapating. Take a deep breath and live. Take advantage of these circumstances because they might not last long, and be sure to treasure every moment. Tomorrow is always full of suprises.

Taurus: April 21-May 21
Wow, talk about a Chatty Cathy. This month is all about friends, you just can’t seem to make time for anything else. Have you noticed your 61 percent in one of your classes yet? Or how about your growing phone bill your parents are just about to unveil? Chill out on socialization and focus on your schoolwork unless you want to be the oldest person in history to graduate from A-TECH.

Gemini: May 22-June 21
You care too much about other people, but you have to remember that not everybody is as nice and caring as you are. Actually most people wouldn’t even help an old lady cross the street. People are taking advantage of you and you need to take a stand! Don’t let poeple walk all over you. Remember, right now, you’re your first priority and those that can hang on to the ladder your climbing will be at the top when you arrive. Learn to say, “No!” and your life will improve exponentially.

Cancer: June 22-July 22
Looks like love is in the air and that special someone feels exactly the same way about you. Yeah, you know that cute little face they make at you? That, my friend, is flirting. Believe it or not, so take some initiative already! Don’t be afraid to tell them how you feel because the way your luck is going, they’ll tell you exactly what you want to hear. Also, prepare yourself to be bombarded with Valentine’s Day gifts, grams, and cards. This will be a holiday to mark down in history in the calender of your life. February will bring the best memories of your high school career.

Leo: July 23-August 22
Holy cow! Your temper is exploding this month and you need to manage your anger just a little better unless you really want to lose some friends this month. Friends are a dime a dozen. The best friends are the ones that will stick with you through thick and thin but, the way you’re going, you won’t get the hint until late in the month. Who knows—maybe you’ll have a chance to salvage what you’ve lost due to your temper.

Virgo: August 23-
September 21
You’re feeling artsy and creative this month and don’t let this phase pass without producing some meaningful works of art. Write a story, paint a picture, or take some interesting photos. Your works of art will be received with awe and praise, so take advantage and let your artsy side out. You don’t even have to complete your art by yourself. Try finding a friend who feels as creative as you. It could be a group project that gives you a release on your stressful life.

Libra: September 22-
October 22
You know that thing you always wanted to do, but were too scared to try? February is your month for adventure! Ever wanted to sky dive? Do it! How about taking up dance classes? Do that too! Time to step out of your boring routine and do what you really want. Don’t sit back and watch every one around you doing things you can only imagine trying in your dreams. It’s your month to shine and don’t let anyone steal your spotlight. Your have a chance to reach to new heights that maybe no one has been able to accomplish. And maybe it’s not a physical activity, but go for it.

Scorpio: October 23-
November 21
You need some sleep. You’ve been getting sick a lot lately, but all you’ve been wanting to do is get out of the house and satisfy your need for adventure. I’m afraid that won’t be best for your health. Stay in bed and drink some tea. You can have an adventure right in your home, you just need to get creative. Maybe while your sitting at home healing you should consider changing your diet. Those bad food choices are only making your immune system weaker and you may never be able to get that dream adventure. If you really want your adventure book filled, take care of yourself.

Sagittarius: November 22-December 21
Money, money, money is the only thing on your mind this month. You’ve got a really good business plan you want to put into action, but it’ll take some hard work. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. All your hard work will pay off and you’ll be rolling in cash. Then maybe you can afford to take out your Valentine to a real dinner instead of the cheap McDonald’s dinner.

Capricorn: December 22-January 20
Everybody is rooting for you this month! Whatever it is you want to do, your friends are behind you 100 percent, and so is your family. Maybe it’s your dream to be on TV. Don’t be afraid because of your lack of experience. Everyone has to start some where. You’re sure to succeed with so many people backing you up. Forget about fear and go for your goals!

Dear Dr. Hiz and Her,

My boyfriend and I have been dating for two months. I feel as if he might be getting too clingy. He needs to talk to me 24/7, tells me that I’m the only girl he ever wants to be with, and anytime I tell him I am slightly unhappy he gets upset and clings to me even more. I can’t take on the responsibility of being someone’s “everything.” I also don’t want to tear his heart to shreds. What do I do?

Sincerely, Unclingy Girlfriend

Dear Unclingy,

If you feel as if you need space from your boyfriend, just tell him that. Just say that you need time for yourself. There is nothing wrong with being completely honest. He needs to know that you’re not into the whole clingy thing. If you don’t tell him, things are just going to get worse and worse until the point where you will have no other choice but to break up with him.

Sincerely, Dr. Her

Dear Unclingy,

You are obviously an unappreciative girlfriend. Do you realize that tons of people wish they had a boyfriend or girlfriend who cares about them enough to want to talk to them all the time and truly want to be with them forever? Apparently you do not realize that. This guy should wise up and dump you. He’ll wake up and see this someday—soon, hopefully, because he’ll be sick of your constant unhappiness—and you’ll be left wishing you had appreciated him while you had the chance.

Sincerely, Dr. Hiz

Dear Dr. Hiz and Her,

I get so much homework every night. Even on weekends. I know I go to a hard school so this is expected, but my friends always go places together and I can never go because of my ever-growing amount of work. I have to tell them I can’t go every time they invite me out. I’m starting to feel bad about it. I’m worried that they’ll think I’m blowing them off because I don’t like them, even though that’s not the reason at all. I really do want to spend time with them. How do I find balance between school and friends in order to breathe life back into my social life?

Sincerely, Socially Deprived

Dear Deprived,

It’s good to know that you’re working hard on your schoolwork, but you need a break. You should set aside at least one day per week to spend with your friends. Do anything you have to for that one day of social freedom, even if it means doubling up on school work one of the days of the week. As for your friends thinking that you blowing them off, just tell them that your working on school work. If they are your true friends they will understand that your school comes before going out with them. If you want to complete your schoolwork and be with your friends at the same time, why not start a study club? It’s a good way to study and do work while also socializing with your friends.
Sincerely, Dr. Her

Dear Lame,

Schoolwork? You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re a kid! A young adult! This is your time to have fun! School doesn’t matter. You go to a hard school…so? Tons of people go to hard schools. You’re nothing special. You should stop doing homework altogether, I think. Fail your classes if you must. No one cares to be completely honest. Hang out with your friends more and do what you want. This is probably better for you because you won’t be stressed about work. Live in the now and don’t be this lame. Seriously. It’s depressing to even read about your current life.

Sincerely, Dr. Hiz

Austin Prado
Guest Writer

When was the last morning you walked out of the house, forgetting to shave, and robbed of your morning cup of joe? More importantly, when was the last time your cell phone helped solve these mid-morning crises? And no, I’m not talking about pointing you toward the nearest barbershop or coffee house. I mean, when was the last time your phone actually shaved your face or brewed you coffee?

Drum roll please. Introducing the Pomegranate Phone, a revolutionary new smartphone that contains not only the essentials of today’s smartphones (Internet access, email, GPS, music player, camera, and video) but comes with its own interesting set of extras. The Pomegranate Phone comes equipped with a wide screen projector, an instant global voice translator, a coffee brewer, electric shaver, and harmonica – just your typical add-ons. Indeed, it puts more technology in the palm of our hand than we ever thought possible.

Sounds nifty, eh? Unfortunately, the Pomegranate Phone doesn’t appeal to everyone. A-TECH sophomore, Daniel Henry, had this to say about the cutting-edge device “I have a shaving razor, and a projector. I don’t see a point in purchasing an all-inclusive device when I could get better quality by using the tools by themselves.”

Henry makes a valid point, but other A-Tech students disagree. A-TECH junior, Kevin Desoto, made a brilliant statement concerning the phone’s functionality, pointing out that the phone would be “great for dudes and bearded ladies,” additionally asserting that “those circus chicks have got to shave!”

A-TECH sophomore, Ronobir Mookherjee, was similarly impressed by the Pomegranate Phone. Mookherjee remarked that “If I could, I’d invest in the phone company’s stock. It’s that good!”

So… how much is it? When and where can I buy one? Will I find any facial hair in my morning coffee? All wonderful questions, but unfortunately, the cliché about something being “too good to be true” is all too applicable in this situation. While browsing the Pomegranate Phone’s Web site, when one clicks on the “release date” link, you realize that the phone is nothing but fiction as you are redirected to Nova Scotia’s tourism site.

Yes that’s right – Nova Scotia. That’s the dinky little southeastern Canadian province with the second smallest population of all the Canadian provinces. Apparently Nova Scotia is as lonely as Tiger Woods is going to be (once his affair is confirmed), because the province spent $300,000 on the Pomegranate Phone’s viral ad campaign just to get people to come visit the place. And considering the phone/tourism Web site has had over 1,100,000 visits from 201 countries/territories since its launch, I’d say it was a success.

So although you can’t yet get everything you want in one device, fret not, because thankfully Nova Scotia can give you everything you want in one place. Fishing, mining, foresting – what more could you ask for?

Raybin Dockery
Staff Writer

Imagine driving your car in heavy traffic when you hear the oh-so familiar buzz or beep of your cell phone to let you know you’ve received another text message. It’s probably your best friend wanting to go to a movie or your mom wanting you to pick up some items from the grocery store.

Traffic is finally moving faster and you decide to pick up the cell-phone and send a quick text that should take just a few seconds. While you’re finishing your text message, the car in front of you stops immediately and you crash into them.

You’ve just been in a really bad car accident and by law you are at fault since you hit the driver from behind. This whole situation could have been prevented if you had focused on the road and waited to answer your text.

Avoiding text messages while you’re driving can reduce your chances of a car accident. According to a CNN article, “Driving while texting — do you know the cost?”, four states are trying to ban texting while driving and 17 states, including the District of Columbia, have banned all young drivers from using their cell phones.

A-TECH senior, Amber Bennett, agrees with the lawmakers, stating, “Driving is very dangerous and anyone could get easily distracted, especially teens; I think teens should be banned from texting because teen drivers are more likely to get killed and should focus on the road.”

Many parents are also trying to prevent their teens from texting while driving through new technology that controls teen cell-phone use. TXtBlocker and TASER International are two companies that allow parents to program their teen’s cell phones so that incoming and outgoing texts and calls are disabled while the teen is driving. Parents can also be alerted if their teen is speeding or in a speeding vehicle.

Teens across the nation truly need to consider turning off their cell-phones completely while driving because, according to the National Teen Driving Statistics, drivers between the ages of 15-20 accounted for 12.9 percent of all the drivers involved in fatal car crashes. A recent report from AAA, estimates the cost of crashes involving 15-17 year-olds to be $34 billion in 2009.

Driving is a serious privilege and should not be taken lightly. The next time any teen driver in the U.S. considers to text and drive should consider the cost of his or her life. To learn more information on texting while driving visit the website www.KeeptheDrive.com

Natasha Sushenko
Copy Editor

It’s February. Exams seem long past, and Christmas and New Years’ Day are ancient history. Spring is so close we can almost taste it, and the groundhog is out and didn’t see his shadow. What does this mean? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, rearing its ugly head for all to see.

February 14 comes once every year and it’s always an eventful time. A-TECH’s hallways are decorated with pink and red posters, advertising events like Data Match and sales of carnations and roses delivered anonymously to your Valentine. Couples seem to stand closer together, smiling and giggling, and the affection in the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

That is, however, if you have a Valentine. Otherwise, the holiday may seem less bright and loving.

So you tried to get a Valentine. Maybe you had a secret crush who didn’t even know you existed. You had been planning the perfect way to ask them on a perfect date since November. But as soon as you approached them and put on your spectacle of an invitation, they awkwardly told you they had plans with someone else.

Maybe you participated in National Honor Society’s Data Match fundraiser. After paying two dollars for the results, you opened it up and it revealed you were 68% similar to an acquaintance of yours since freshman year. After being egged on by your friends, you timidly decided to ask them straight-out, only to be shot down by them saying they ‘just don’t like you that way.’

Just because you were denied once—or several times—doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your Valentine’s Day. And it certainly doesn’t give you an excuse to mope, grumble, complain about your friends in relationships, or bring everyone else’s mood down because of your misfortune.

Buck up! There are plenty of ways to spend your Sunday without a date and without sitting at home, weeping about how no one loves you. If you have friends and if they are also without dates, make a plan to go out to the mall or a movie that day. A good movie suggestion would be the movie Valentine’s Day. Seeing people have a good Valentine’s Day with their sweethearts should hopefully distract from the crippling pain that rejection created in your heart.

Don’t forget that there’s always a new day and a new event being held. If you couldn’t enjoy Valentine’s Day the way you’re supposed to, there’s always the Sadies dance later in February. If you’re a girl, there’s another chance to be accepted. However, if you’re a boy, you don’t have to worry about any rejection, except for the pain of not being asked at all. Don’t feel hurt if that happens, because remember that there are more boys than girls at A-TECH, so some people have to be left out.

If nothing’s going well for you, it’s okay. You don’t have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in high school. The four Valentine’s Days during your time at A-TECH don’t have to be spent the way they’re intended to be, with a Valentine. You tried and you failed, probably multiple times. It’s probably time to give up on this one.

Brianna Vargas
Editor in Chief

It’s time for me to come clean, I have a problem. I’m addicted to texting.

Every moment of my day I spend attached to my phone. At night, I even fall asleep texting. The only time I’m separated from my cell phone is when I shower. Still, when I here the ping of a new message I rush my showing time so I can respond to the all-important text.

I’m not completely sure what makes texting so unbelievably addicting. Maybe it’s the instant nonstop connection with a person anywhere, any time. You can do your homework, read, watch TV and even work and never have to end a conversation. Texting eliminates good byes. I never have to tell my boyfriend or my best friend I’ll talk to them later. I can keep talking to them as if they were with me the whole day.

Although I love my cell phone an all its wonders, I can see it’s starting to become a problem. My job restricts cell phone use when on the clock. Still, I sneak my cell phone now and then but recently I’ve gotten a verbal warning for my excessive texting. One more warning and I’ll be written up or possibly suspended.

Work isn’t the own problem, though, school is much worse. Every class period I half- listen to what my teachers are talking about because my texts are so much more important. But my grades are starting to slip because of my OCD. My parents have threatened to take my phone away if I don’t pay more attention. I really need help.

It’s not that easy, though, ignoring a text message. The moment my phone vibrates in my hand or my pocket my heart starts racing. Its like Christmas time. You’ve been anxiously awaiting to open your sealed gift and now the moment has arrived. Even if the text is just a simple “Hi,” I’m never disappointed. My fingers cant move fast enough to reply. It makes it almost impossible to do anything but text.

I know I must give my social life a rest. I am going to join some help group like AA but for texters. I don’t want people knowing I have a problem so maybe if I’m around people I don’t know my social status will remain at its ultimate high.

Stanley Blake
Staff Writer

It’s that time of the year when love is in the air, everyone is frantically trying to find that “special someone” to share this day, solely dedicated to sharing love for each other.

Valentine’s Day, this year, is on Sunday, February 14. Two days prior a romantic-comedy movie, respectfully named Valentine’s Day, is speculated to be an instant hit.

An array of all-star cast members come together to show a day in the life of love. The movie tells of the interweaving stories of Los Angeles residents over the course of one Valentine’s Day.

Veteran filmmaker Gary Marshall, who is confident this movie will be a success since it has so many top-notch actors, produces the movie.

Some of the key actors starring in this movie are Jessica Alba (“Fantastic Four”), Kathy Bates (“Misery”), Jessica Biel (“I Know Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”), Jamie Foxx (“Ray”), Bradley Cooper (“The Hangover”), Academy Award Winner Julia Roberts (“Erin Brockovich”), Anne Hathaway (“Rachel Getting Married”), Emma Roberts (“Hotel for Dogs”), Jennifer Garner (“Juno”), Eric Dane, Queen Latifah (“Taxi”) Patrick Dempsey from “Greys Anatomy”, Topher Grace (“Spider-Man 3”), Shirley Maclaine (“Terms of Endearment”), Ashton Kutcher (“What Happens In Vegas”), Taylor Lautner (“Twilight: New Moon”), and award winning recording artist Taylor Swift.

This amazing star-studded cast has high expectations for its first week opening. Having so many high-profile actors, shouldn’t that cost a lot of money? Warner Bros. will probably have to come out of pocket to pay these guys. Will the movie live up to the hype? Go check it out; it releases Friday, February 12th, 2010.

Vanida Visessung
Staff Writer

Although there are nine scheduled shuttle missions to space before the end of 2010, President Barack Obama plans to cut budget funds given to NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, resulting in to a possible cancelation of missions and space exploration. NASA, whicht plans to take humans to the moon once again, has been waiting upon Obama’s first State of the Union, which will attddress the budget issue given to NASA.

Originally, the space agency has planned to accomplish goals made for the Vision of Space Exploration, including the intention of completing the International Space Station by the end of 2010, but is currently unknown to whether it will be completed upon the wait of Congress’ decision to give NASA the budget or not. There has been no official announcement on Obama’s perspective, but insiders and space analysts are positive that Obama will likely give little budget increases that barely supports NASA’s nine full missions and additional space research.

The NASA committee has requested for $3 billion increase to their budget annually for the next couple years to continue the development of Ares I, a space shuttle currently being built, and space shuttle missions; recently, Obama gave a merely $1 billion contributed to NASA’s 2010 $18.69 billion budget.

A-TECH sophomore Arianna Hobbs says, “It’s unfair that NASA should suffer and that all the plans they had are now pushed back.”
Because of Obama’s plans to cut budget funds that were requested by NASA, the dream many citizens have—which is to go into space—is very unclear and unsure as of now.

“That’s such a disappointment because we were one step closer to going in to space but I’m sure we’ll be in space by the next decade,” says Hobbs.

Although NASA waits upon Congress’ final decision regarding their budget increases, preparation and improvement are underway regardless of the judgment.

Matthew Fioti
Staff Writer

In 2005, Terri Schiavo made national news when her husband disconnected her from life support after she spent fifteen years in a vegetative state. It was a decision he battled with Schiavo’s parents as well as the court, fighting to respect Schiavo’s wish to die if she should enter such a state.

The Schiavo case was an example of assisted suicide, also called euthanasia. The debate on whether euthanasia should be made legal is constant. While claims that euthanasia degrades the value of life or that it can be used by doctors to control health care fees, the benefits of making assisted and voluntary euthanasia legal are numerous.

The U.S. Constitution grants American citizens the right to their own freedom of life and the ability for one to decide their right to death is included in this right.

In Vacco v. Quill, the American Civil Liberties Union stated that “the right of a competent, terminally ill person to avoid excruciating pain and embrace a timely and dignified death bears the sanction of history and is implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.” This liberty allows a person to take their own security into account.

Merril Matthews, Jr., Ph.D., director of the Center of Health Policy Studies, also rejected the claims that health care would be compromised with allowing physician-assisted suicide.

“It would be hard to make a case that there is a financial imperative compelling us to adopt physician-assisted suicide in an effort to save money so that others could benefit,” he wrote in his piece, “Would Physician-Assisted Suicide Save the Healthcare System Money?” from a collectin on the topic, Physician Assisted Suicide: Expanding the Debate.

The right-to-life argument is based on the fact that accepting euthanasia would “replace the equality-of-human-life ethic,” says Wesley Smith, J.D., of the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force.

“When a competent patient decides to forgo all further life-sustaining treatment then the patient, either explicitly or implicitly,” says Dan Brock, Ph.D., “commonly decides that the best life possible for him or her with treatment is of sufficiently poor quality that it is worse than no further life at all.”

With the benefits that assisted euthanasia allows for the American ideals of liberty, assisted euthanasia should become more socially accepted, and legal.