Voices

Seeing Newport From the Ground

My father always taught me: one door closes, another one opens. On August 23, a door closed when I lost my license for a month after an arrest for drinking and driving.

When the door slammed shut, another one flew instantly open to walking, bicycling and taking the bus around Newport. In one month I whipped myself into the best shape of my adult life, experienced my community in a whole new way, and met an astonishing assortment of sick, poor, sad, homeless, mentally disabled and working class people who were previously invisible to me.

I met Brad, who lives in a tent in the woods near Waldport and wants to meet a woman; the bus driver who likes my articles; the man who collages for a living; the mothers struggling to transport their young children; the fishermen returning from the sea; the Californian tourists I lectured to on the sanctity of Oregon’s publicly owned beaches and the obscenity of using an umbrella.

And I met the most beautiful female persona in Newport—the Yaquina Bay Bridge. We met that first morning in a thick fog that hid her gorgeous green curves. When I found myself halfway across, and looked west to the ocean, east the Bayfront, heard the sea lions and saw the boats, I knew I was in love.

And all this because of a mistake I’ll never make again and because I got out of my truck. My father was certainly right.

Health Care Reform Should Include a Public Option

Unlike America’s weak kneed “liberals,” this column will champion the logic and practicality behind socialism, uplifting it from a falsely portrayed concept and fear-inducing political smear. President Barack Obama has attempted to push through vital healthcare reform, advocating some stellar socialist ideas, but looks likely to fail. He should succeed.

For one thing, one cannot easily argue against reform. America has 46 million people without coverage, spends more than any country per capita on health care and has the highest rate of chronic illnesses (the most expensive). In a recent poll of numerous developed countries, Americans come up as the least satisfied with their care. Most countries with a more socialist health care system rank better in all of these indicators. That is why we need a total overhaul that involves a public option to allow everyone access to less expensive insurance.

Obama made mistakes pursuing his goals. He told Congress what he wanted and expected a bipartisan compromise. To me, that seems delusional. With his Democratic majority, Obama needed to lead, not direct. He could have given them his own bill or acted more decisively in general. Obama underestimated the ability of conservatives to spread false rumors. Think of “death panels,” the accusations of fascism, raising taxes to pay for abortions and worries over insurance being taken away, all ridiculous. In truth, a majority of people support Obama’s plans. A recent www.pollster.com poll showed that 62% of Americans would more likely support a plan if it included a public option. Congress needs to pass Obamacare because it’s what the people want and it is best for the country.

Class Division Must Stop

“V-I-C-T-O-R-Y, that’s our Newport battle cry!” chanted the freshmen as some seniors booed their efforts at the Homecoming Kick Off Assembly. As the seventh and eighth graders rose to take their turn at the battle cry, more obnoxious noises of discouragement erupted from the cluster of seniors at the opposing end of the bleachers.  Sitting among my peers, I felt ashamed of the ill treatment of the underclassmen. This incident illustrates a long-standing, petty division between the classes.

As seniors, we deserve to feel experienced and accomplished. We endured three years of required classes, limited electives and jumping through hoops to arrive at this point. This should not prompt such hostile disrespect toward the succeeding classes. The class of 2010 bears an especial amount of responsibility to maintain civility while two schools coalesce. I urge the seniors, my class, to overcome any superiority complex or status fixation in order to lead NHS and NPA with the spirit of Cub unity. Cease the unnecessary negative rants about sharing the West Campus and condescending remarks directed at NPA students.

Remember Dr. Seuss’ wise words, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

So, Newport, Newport (NHS and NPA alike), don’t be shy. Stand and give your battle cry. We won’t boo you this time.

We are Just Like You

As the daughter of a pastor, my decision to come out was a difficult one. First, I confided in my sister. I will never forget that night, creeping into her room at age 14, far past midnight, and whispering to her like a child would. Next, I told my parents. My mom cried at first, but from that day until this one they have epitomized support. Finally, I told a few close friends. And suddenly, the whole town knew.

To this day, I don’t really know how it happened. My initial reaction was anger. Embarrassment. Horror. I found myself, as a straight-A overachiever, in a place I had never been before: the gossip mill. Thankfully, I have received very little backlash over the last three years, save for a few mothers who have banned me from their homes. I hope they know that every hurtful word has only made me stronger. All in all, I’ve been pretty lucky. Those who matter never really minded, and I am proud of the person I’ve become.

We are students. We are politicians. We are mothers, teachers, musicians, athletes and chefs. We are dancers. We are Homecoming Queens. We are the people behind you at the stoplight. We are in the next booth over, the never desk over, the next pew over. At the end of the day, we are all people. We are just like you.

Soccer Deserves Recognition

I hear the sound of feet thundering behind me as I run down the field. I pass the ball, hit the ground, and get a mouthful of grass.
No, this isn’t football; this is soccer, the hardcore and ignored sport with no pads except a flimsy piece of plastic covering the player’s shins.

Soccer is officially the world’s preferred sport with 30 million viewers tuning into the 2006 World Cup. Thirty million people- that’s one ninth of the planet’s population. The second? The Olympics, which only four million viewers tuned into.
Then why is it that the average American seems to put it off as a second hand sport? The only answer is found in three words: football, basketball and baseball. Which one is America’s favorite sport? Most would answer football, the sport in which one finds himself floundering in the mud more often than on one’s own two feet.

Fútbol and football might share nothing more than the similarity of names and the use of a ball, both more importantly connect people. Every sport needs people to play. Here at NHS, all student athletes are on the same team. We all need to get involved and cheer for all sports, so get out there Cubs, get involved and root for those hardcore and ignored sports.

Tasty Fungi Fun

The wild that surrounds us here in the Pacific Northwest abounds with the luscious victuals from Mother Nature; learn to harness these and you will never go hungry.

As I wander through the forests which spread out into my corner of the Coast Range, I dapple myself amongst the undergrowth, searching out the wild mushroom. The heat of the late Indian summer fills me with comfort, the leaves crushing under foot like frozen snow in the golden light.

To me, sautéed chanterelle and lobster mushrooms should exist as a prerequisite for any budding chef. This issue, I bring you the secret of this classic Oregon meal.

Cantharellus cibarius (chanterelle mushrooms) are delicacies in the fungus world which mostly subsist in most coniferous forests, primarily under Douglas Fir trees.  Chanterelles are known for having more vitamin C than any other mushroom (up to 23.1 percent).

Hypomyces lactifluorum (lobster mushrooms) are technically not real mushrooms, but rather parastic ascomycetes, or an orange coloring that lives on other mushroom hosts which they turn into edible delicacies.

Basic Sautéed Mushrooms:

Start by washing your freshly picked or purchased mushrooms and cut them in half (length ways).  Chop up about a fourth of a clove of garlic and begin to brown it in a sauce pan with three tablespoons of butter.  Sprinkle oregano, salt and basil into to the pan and shortly after, mix in the mushrooms. Stirring occasionally, wait until the mushrooms are browned and serve victoriously as a side dish to any meal. They also work brilliantly as a topping to noodles.

New Age Vending

I remember, as a small child, pleading with my mother to purchase me something from the vending machine. I would offer claims such as “I need that” or “I’ll die without it,” but no combination of begging, whining, pouting (my specialty) or threatening would dissuade her—I had the perfectly good trail mix from Oceana sitting in my bag two feet away.

Vending machines still offer this attraction to me. I don’t know whether it’s the quick access, colorful displays or shiny buttons (now often touch screens) that draw me to them, but it’s no coincidence that at a recent trip to the airport, a new kind of vending machine drew my attention: one selling iPods and accompanying products. From the top row of monochromatic nanos and bright lights to the touch screen ordering pad and attached television, everything about this Mecca of music drew me in.

I will admit, the idea of iPods being offered under the same setting as a Snickers bar did alarm me. But I was returning from the Midwest, a place where I found people to be much more kind and accepting than I had expected. So I chose, rather than scoffing at this object of materialism, to revel in its allure and allow the fluorescent lights to wash over my face.

Yachats Offers More than Tourist Traps

When you arrive in Yachats, don’t be discouraged by the plethora of bed and breakfasts. It’s much more than a tourist’s trap.

The first place I arrived was The Green Salmon: fair trade organic coffee house extraordinaire. Corporate coffee, eat your heart out. If the delicious coffee doesn’t hook you, they also have comedy nights, belly dancing and more.

After venturing out into the balmy weather once again, I came across a small shop called A Jypsea Collection. Upon entering, an array of unconventional woven hats surrounded me. These quirky creations have interesting names to match. Last but not least, I stumbled upon Antique Virgin. The items for sale are charming to say the least. This shop carries items such as incense, hand crafted jewelry and, you guessed it, antiques.

Before leaving Yachats, I had to get a look at the view. I took a short walk on the dreamy Yachats 804 trail. Not only are there stunning sights, but it’s also wheelchair accessible. What more could an Oregonian who happens to be obsessed with scenery ask for?

It wasn’t until leaving town that I noticed the flags hanging on the telephone poles that read “La De Da Yachats!” I came away from the experience with a neat new bracelet and enough incense to last through my high school graduation. This Cub thoroughly enjoyed her visit to a little vacation town. LA DE DA!

Lost in Translation

A Hopeful Hello // Cheung

“I hope I will be happier than in Hong Kong,” I said with tears. When I arrived at the Seattle Airport, the only feeling was nervousness. I am going to explore the world and the U.S. for one year.

I am an exchange student from Hong Kong. After taking a 15 hour flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco, a three hour flight from San Francisco to Seattle and eight hours driving to Eugene, I felt absolutely exhausted. I met some other exchange students from different countries: Japan, Italy, Germany, Russia and Thailand. We all felt relaxed after meeting the others. During the orientation camp in Eugene, we played games in order to know more about America. I had no idea what I would face so I felt really worried.

Blue sky, America, trees, AFS staff! I am now in a foreign country for the following year. Therefore, I know I need to be more mature and independent. I am not a young girl anymore. “Hello! Momoko. Welcome to be one of our family members!” Karen, my host mom, said smiling. And I have my first smile here too. I hope I will have a wonderful life here.

A Cheerleader is Born // Moradei

Before I left Italy, everyone told me: “Clizia, we want you to be a cheerleader! Wouldn’t it be cool?”
“You’re right, it would be really cool, but how could it happen?” I replied jokingly. I didn’t even know much about cheerleading or American football.

The school counselor immediately introduced me to Kenna Johnson and a few minutes later I met Anna Herder, who is now my captain. I called the coach, Lisa Collier and the following week I was trying out with the girls of the team at 6 a.m.

Lisa saw I was a good gymnast and a possible flyer, and she accepted me at once in her five-girl team. My entry on the scene has probably been as exciting for them as for me. The first exchange student cheerleader in the history of NHS. I feel so proud of myself.

The first days have been really hard though: the girls spoke so fast! I felt so embarrassed asking them to repeat again and again, however, I feel I’m getting better.

I think I’ve found the best way to live a 100 percent American life and understand the complicated rules of American football!

Program makes Free Time Precious

The more I think about my International Baccalaureate classes, the more I think I am not ready. During the first advisor period of the year, many of the seniors told us rookies that IB is going to take over our lives! I felt ready to bolt, but I thought, “Is it really that bad? If I stay organized and focused, will it really be that hard?” This is what’s keeping me from switching my classes and giving up.

I have to tell you, even though it has only been the first week of school, it was hard. With my birthday and Homecoming coming up, I was pretty busy. Though competing in cross country is fun it takes so much time, and doing my homework on the bus is hard. All I want to do is engage in conversations. It doesn’t feel fair at times, but I know I will enjoy the benefits later on.

Spending time with family is something you will miss when you go for the IB diploma. So spend time with them now! Even if your parents are driving you nuts with their “talks,” or your siblings are “borrowing” your stuff without asking, embrace it. If I am not doing homework, I am running at a cross country meet, or away for leadership. So, the next time your sister asks you if she can talk to you, pull up a chair or scoot over on your bed and remember every moment, every word.

Slumdog Inspires Gratefulness

We live in a culture in which people would rather see a movie than read a book. Sure, you’re missing out, but at least you can find movies that aim to open your eyes wide enough to take a good look around you. They can change your perspective, maybe even your life.

Perfect example of such a movie: Slumdog Millionaire. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film runs two hours long and carries an R rating.

The movie focuses on Jamal, a young man on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? He shocks everyone by nailing each question, not based on book knowledge, but things he had coincidentally learned in his life experiences. He hopes that winning could help him find his brother, and his childhood love. But the police accuse Jamal of cheating, and try to assault him until he confesses. These brutal beatings accompany the flashbacks to Jamal’s childhood, where destitution and violence followed him everywhere as he grew up in “the slums.”

We don’t see poverty as other countries do. It’s difficult to imagine worse hardships when all we see are homeless people digging for cans or begging for change. This movie provides a small glimpse into an impoverished world, and proves how powerful hope can be when it’s all you have left.

Part romance, part action, Slumdog Millionaire displays modern poverty in a breathtaking movie that is almost guaranteed to make you grateful for what you have and question what you wouldn’t do for love.

Those Little Things

You know those little things? The ones that have the tendency to drive the most sane people mad? Those little things are, at least for me, the human equivalent of kryptonite.

Just as I grow accustomed to the oddly peaceful silence. Just as I start to enjoy the oddity. Just as my mind clears of all of the usual nonsense, a door closes. A person sneezes or shifts in their chair. A car drives by or someone starts to whisper. Just when the silence is complete and I am actually able to concentrate someone spoils it; some little noise breaks the nothingness and brings me back to reality just after I escaped it.

Quiet moments are hard to come by. Think about it: When was the last time that you spent a good amount of time in complete blissful silence? It doesn’t happen often now does it? There is always some noise when you just reach that moment.

It’s like being interrupted in the midst of a daydream. I’m on a dream vacation in a tropical paradise, about to make a plunge into a cool, deep pool of crisp water, and a blaring horn greets you instead of a splash. Or maybe I am lying in a hammock on a far away stretch of sand, my eyes close slowly as I fade into unconsciousness but I am jolted awake by a squeaking chair on the other side of the room.

Silence should just stay silent.

Give Clothes a Second Life

What do you do with that shirt you bought a couple months ago that’s got a big tear at the collar? How about the jeans with a gash in the knee? What about the formal dress you just wore once?  Make them into something else, of course! On a teen budget and in times of economic instability, money saving ideas like these become vital.

In the past high school students (typically females) learned the skill of sewing in Home Economics. Today, we don’t have such offerings. However, do not let this deter your creative and thrifty spirits, pull out those scissors and grab a needle and thread.

Many options present themselves in a decommissioned pair of pants. By cutting off the legs at a desired length, a pair of shorts is formed. A more advanced seamstress can transform pants into a skirt with only a deft hand, a few stitches and some online instructions.

I recently found a graphic tank top I’d last worn freshman year hiding in the bottom of my closet. I didn’t want to get rid of it, so I whipped out my sewing machine and quickly stitched up the bottom of the shirt, forming a simple, cute bag. This idea works for any type of shirt.

For more information and fabulously cheap ideas for DIY clothing, visit <diyfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion101/u/Clothing.htm>. And remember, giving clothes a second life includes more than just saving money; it keeps you looking classy as ever, cheaply.

Frugal Recipes for Creation

My creativity has trained me to feel guilty for utilizing things at merely their face value; I’ve learned that it is in challenging the humdrum nature of ordinary things that we become eligible to digest their entire beauties. By such a routine, I learn more everyday and my world keeps getting bigger.

Step one necessitates ridding yourself of preconceptions that all objects compartmentalize into distinct facets of your life. Doing this delegates to you a passport to an infinite universe where lines are not only colored outside of, they’re jump roped with then turned into necklaces.

A citizen of such genre sees illuminating potential in Mason jars, acrylic paints and abandoned Christmas tree lights or looks to fishing line and old magazine paper to adorn an empty canvas of a ceiling. A patron to this logic is prone to abandon the Hallmark way to tend to a need to disgorge creativity, seeing every room they walk into as an outlet.

This journey to connecting with everyday pieces of our lives through taking advantages of them in unconventional ways segues into a different and rewarding understanding of our relative importance. Too often, imaginations go without confrontation, without inspiration to be dusted off and milked for all of its sublime righteousness. Appearing this year throughout The Harbor Light, this column intends to inaugurate general curiousness of what you could do next, a series of frugal recipes for creation and an inspiration to look around.

Don’t Freak Out, Freak Dance

Stress. It sums up how any IB student currently feels. School has just started and mass amounts of homework have already begun weighing me down like a ton of bricks. IB History this, IB English that; I basically feel like my head is going to explode! And this is where music comes in—something I can always rely on, something that never fails to calm me down.

Currently I’m obsessed with A Day To Remembers’ Homesick (“If It Means A Lot to You” is on a constant loop in my mind,) and Hit The Lights’ Skip School, Start Fights (“Winding Down” is absolutely stellar;) they remind me of the better days, like stress-free summer and Warped Tour (which was beyond amazing!) making the stress slowly cease and a smile creep onto my face.

Music is the perfect fix to any “bad deal” situation, my advice? When you start to feel overwhelmed, don’t freak! Just freak dance to your favorite song.

Girl Meets Beer

I take my first gulp, and it burns as it slides down my throat, through my esophagus, and into my stomach. The sensation, the feeling, is something I can’t resist. One more gulp turns into two beers later, which leaves me unable to stand straight and my head spinning. I laugh and giggle, thinking the foolishness is the funniest thing in the world, and I drink some more. When it’s time to go home, I slide into bed without my parents noticing a thing. Finally, there is something I can get away with that makes me feel good.

My addiction to alcohol began this way. It started with an extended curfew, and turned into skipping classes to get buzzed and sometimes not even coming home. It started with a couple beers, and eventually escalated to hard liquor. My addiction to alcohol ruined many of my friendships, deteriorated my parents’ trust in me, and ruined my relationship with myself. Still to this day, I have urges to drink, but now after one year of being alcohol free, I am now able to control it, and say “no.”

In future issues of The Harbor Light, I will discuss many of the facets of alcohol addiction.

The Winterguard Way

A world full of frustration, teamwork, camaraderie, enemies, tears, exasperation and satisfaction. A world you become completely immersed in the minute you become a part of  winterguard.

Winterguard is an indoor activity that takes place during winter. Winterguard includes the art of dance with equipment such as flags, rifles and sabers. Spinning and tossing a six foot long piece of metal attached to silk while dancing causes the immense difficulty of this activity.

A new activity to the Oregon Coast, winterguard mainly originates from the East Coast. The first guard to come out of the coast, the NHS winterguard ONP, are pioneers in The Northwest Association for Performing Arts (NWAPA) and Winterguard International (WGI). Sketchy at Best will not only explore the vast winterguard world, but provide an inside look into ONP’s rehearsals and competitive season.