Volume 5 Issue 2 Editorial Opinion - Page 2October 2014

According to www.procon.org, 97% of 12-17 year olds in 2008 played video games and 10 of the top 20 contained some form of violence. Many people have claimed that these types of games contribute to vio-lence in real life. They have been blamed for domestic abuse, shootings and an increase in bullying. Does playing these games necessarily make one more vio-lent or is it all just speculation?

Let’s start of with the games rating. Not the rat-ing of how good the game is, but the ESRB rating. ESRB stands for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. They are who decides what age group should play a certain game and the reasons behind them. Many games that contain extensive violence such as Call of Duty, Gears of War or Halo are rated M (ma-ture), meaning you must be either 18+ years old or have a parent or guardian purchase it for you. Based off of personal experience and outside input I have come to the conclusion that a decent portion of the people that play these games are below the age of 18.

BY IAN BOEHM-WALSTON

With New Reboots of Popular Gaming Series on the Way, The Question Remains:

Do Video Games Contribute to Violence?If games cause such violence in today’s youth, why are parents willingly buying these games for their children? These games receive ratings for specific reasons, so if vid-eo games do make for violent and unruly children shouldn’t we blame the parents rather than pointing fingers at the developers of the games?

Violence seems to be a common theme in many video games these days, but blaming them for real world acts is a little far-fetched. Video games are a form of entertainment just like music and movies. Similar to vid-eo games, many movies also contain violence. If animated people killing others in a fake

universe causes violent acts than wouldn’t real actors portraying the same violence be more effective on people? Rather than pinning it on video games in particular, the blame should be put on the entertainment industry as a whole. Books and movies both have the same themes as video games, yet they take zero blame. It looks to me like people are just looking for a scapegoat

instead of accepting the idea that so-ciety and today’s youth are changing with the times whether it’s for good or for worse.

It seems as if people are pointing fingers at an easy target rather than actually trying to find a source for the acts that are occurring. Sure you can say video games or their “controver-sial” content are the cause for these acts, but who is that really helping? No one is going to quit playing those games and corporations aren’t going to quit making them because a group of people think it is corruptive, so why bother pushing for it?

Destiny, a Sci-fi first person shooter game debuted with major promotions including tie-ins with Taco Bell and other major brands. Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Perhaps the most successful video game franchise in history, Call of Duty is back with Advanced Warfare - a military-styled first person shoot-er game hitting stores next week. Wal-Mart just announced they would start selling the game at 12:01 a.m. November 3rd. Photo Courtesy of Google Images.

While video games have ratings, do buyers really care? Photo Courtesy of Oregonlive.com

Volume 5 Issue 2 World News - Page 3October 2014

The protest in Hong Kong started out with students that held a peaceful sit in demanding democracy, and

Hong Kong Rises In Protest Over Chinese Rule

“We are not seeking revolution. We just want democracy.”

BY VICTORIA GALINDO

escalated to 200,000 people joining the cause.

Hong Kong used to be a part of the Unit-ed Kingdom, until Britain gave it back to China in 1997. From that came the “One country, two systems” ruling. That meant Hong Kong got to keep some of its free-doms, which included the freedom of speech and freedom of as-sembly. It also said Hong Kong could keep its established system, despite the practice of socialism in mainland China, and could have some type of democracy. Now Chinese and Hong Kong government officials are now saying the protest are illegal despite the “One country, two systems” ruling.

Protesters are upset with China’s ruling Commu-nist Party’s decision to let a committee with mostly Beijing loyalist choose who can run as a candidate for the Chief Executive role in the 2017 election. Pro- democracy protesters want the right to nominate and directly elect the Chief Executive, the head of the Hong Kong government. They also want the current Chief Executive, Leung Chun-Ying, to resign, which he stated he will not do.

The sit-in began on Sept. 22, 2014 and escalated when police sprayed unarmed students with tear gas and pepper spray in an attempt to disperse the

crowds. The police’s response was seen as an overreaction to many, which lead to thousands of people to join the rallies and block major areas, in-cluding Hong Kong’s financial district.

Most of the protest has been peaceful, but on Saturday and Sunday dozens of people were injured at a protest site in Mong Kok. Just last week about 120 males

and 40 females have been injured due to scuffles with pro-government protesters. Students and protesters accuse police of failing to protect them from people who are against the protest, and broke off previous plans to talk to government officials because of the violence.

Current Chief Executive, Leung Chun-Ying, has given the protesters the deadline of Oct. 6 to disperse to allow people to go to school and work. Protesters didn’t leave, but unblocked some roads and let people through passageways to get into work buildings.

The protesters do not plan on leaving any time soon and want to remain as peaceful as possible. Joshua Wang, leader of the Hong Kong Federation of Stu-dents, stated “We hope there will be no violence. It

would be unfortunate if this movement ended with bloodshed and violence.”

The Hong Kong govern-ment and pro-democracy protesters have now agreed to start formal talks, in which protesters will be treated equal to the gov-ernment officials.

A Chinese protester rallies others while being arrested in Hong Kong for disturbing the peace. Photo Courtesy of Time.com

Young Hong Kong residents have lead rallies against the authoritarian rule being imposed over the former British col-ony by the central government in Beijing. Here a protester uses his cell phone light to join with thousands of others. Photo Courtesy of NBCNews.com

Hong Kong citizens are pushing for their own ability to select their local lead-ership rather than have it chosen for them. Photo Courtesy of Prospectmaga-zine.co.uk.

Volume 5 Issue 2 Section Title - Page 3October 2014

Show Clear Falls Your Spirit!BY KALEY NOWICKI

One of the most looked forward to events of the school year is Homecoming. There is just something magical about getting asked to the dance or being on the homecoming court. Even if you don’t have a date or aren’t nominated as queen there is still something during homecoming week for you to enjoy. The pa-rade, carnival, and especially the dress up days cater to everyones interest. Here are the exciting homecoming themes for this year:Monday: Kick off homecoming week (boots and

Texas attire)Tuesday: Twin TuesdayWednesday: Destination day - each grade dresses

like they are on vacation to a different place. Freshmen - Hawaii (tropical shirts, khakis, etc.)

Your Homecoming Theme Week GuideSophomore - New Orleans (Mardi Gras attire) Juniors - Africa (Safari attire or dress like an ani-

mal) Seniors - Hollywood (dress as a celebrity)Thursday: Throwback Thursday - each grade is as-

signed a decade. Freshmen - 60’s Sophomores - 70’s Juniors - 80’s Seniors - 90’sFriday: Spirit Day (CFHS attire)The Student Council has done a great job com-

ing up with creative dress up days. Everyone should choose to participate in these days leading up to homecoming to show their school spirit and support for this event.

The Clear Falls Knights Debate team have kicked off their season and are looking to continue their successful start. At the season-opening contest at Elkins High School, Juniors Melanie Gaden and Douglas Fletcher (center and far left above) advanced to elimination rounds in Domestic Extemp and Lincoln-Douglas Debate respectively. Gaden also medaled in Student Congress, earning points towards TFA State qualification. Photo courtesy of Mr. Cosenza.

A tradition unlike any other, Homecoming mums will soon be on display in the halls of Clear Falls. Photo courtesy of yourhoustonnews.comKnights DB8 Starts

Season With Success

Volume 5 Issue 2 Section Title - Page 4October 2014

Confessions of a Homecoming

No-ShowBY HEATHER MENEfEE

Homecoming is one of any high school’s biggest events, definitely if it’s your last homecoming! Se-niors try to take advantage of their last year of school and appreciate every school event, but what about the people that have never been to a big school even, but what about the people that have never been to a big school event like homecoming?

I know what you’re thinking , “Who doesnt go to homecoming?” You’d be surprised to hear that a lot of people don’t show up, me being included.

Some people don’t go to homecoming, because they don’t have a date, they think they’re too cool, they have other plans, or maybe they just aren’t in to events like that. I don’t go just because I’d rather do other things like go to the movies, hangout with friends and family, or go on a small roadtrip.

The football game is where the school ‘celebrates’ homecoming, but there is also a dance. Everyone can agree that only the freshmen go to the dance, but it isn’t a rule. I personally don’t go to the dance, mainly because of this reason but I also don’t find dances as fun.

Instead of going to homecoming, I like to just have a little kickback with my friends, watch movies, and play some games. Last year instead of going to home-coming, me and some friends planned a small road trip to Galveston.

There’s many things to do other than go to a foot-ball game and dance, since some people would rather not go. Is it wrong that others do not go to home-coming? I’d say no, but I’m sure homecoming can be a blast!

On Friday, the 24th of October, the Clear Falls Mighty Knights JROTC led a coalition of schools on an overnight relay race to honor our nation’s veterans and donate funds to an excellent cause. This monu-mental event, prepared for and hosted by the Clear Falls JROTC, is the CCISD Veterans’ Relay.

Executed over a ten hour period, teams composed of cadets from all over CCISD- teams from Clear Brook and Clear Springs banding together with our own Knights- ran throughout the night and into the next morning in order to secure funding for a nation-al organization known as Team Red White and Blue, a group which works to ensure that veterans can suc-cessfully make the difficult transition from soldier to civilian. Team RWB chapters organize opportunities for veterans to connect with the community through physical and social activity- for example, they hosted a 9/11 run earlier in the year- and allow the citizens of the area to get in touch with the men and women to whom they owe their freedom.

The Houston regional Chapter Leader, Gil Marti-nez, paid a visit to the cadets during the relay in order to thank them for their participation as well. Upon arriving, he stated not only his gratefulness for young adults like the Clear Falls JROTC, but also that he was “shocked” that high school students were willing to take on the challenge of an overnight relay, also saying that his positive beliefs for the future of our nation were reinforced by the experience.

The relay, as a matter of fact, was no small chal-lenge- cadets faced medical complications, painfully low temperatures, and the largest challenge of all: the allure of sleep. However, even as some cadets slowly dropped off throughout the night, others rose to take their place, and ran their miles with steadfast tenacity, driven forwards by an indomitable spirit of love for country and respect for those who made their actions possible. As the sun rose over Hometown Heroes park the next day, it found no less than seven teams of

cadets who, together, ran 397 miles and raised hun-dreds of dollars for Team RWB. Most remarkably, however, each and every one of those cadets, when asked by JROTC instructors if they were going to run it again next year, replied with a resounding “Yes!”

It’s commitment and patriotism that drives these cadets to do what they do. They know they accom-plished a goal which most, in their lives, cannot say they have. They ran the race with pride, and came out on the other side of the relay with the knowledge that they contributed to a noble cause and assisted with

Clear Falls JROTC Bands With Brothers For Charity

the reimplementation of veterans into our commu-nity. It’s obvious that the Falls JROTC has made a great accomplishment, that they have truly made an impact for many veterans with their contributions, and for that they should be applauded. However, we as Americans must never forget why and who those cadets ran for. We must never forget the source of our freedom, and as Veterans’ Day draws closer, we must not forget those who give us the ability to prac-tice our rights.

BY CONNOR THOMPSON

Volume 5 Issue 2 Pop Culture - Page 5October 2014

One of the biggest franchise of all time hit everyone by surprise when they announced that Star Wars: Ep-isode VII had begun filming. Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I think I can speak for others when I say: Please don’t ruin Star Wars, J.J. Abrams.

With everyone’s worries and concerns about the new director and writer, J.J. Abrams, he gives the fans some relief when he reveals that Episode VII will feature casting from previous Star Wars movies, along with some new ones.

Episode VII will be a continuation of the saga set thirty years after the latest movie, Star Wars: Episode VI- The Return of the Jedi. That being said, it would make sense for the cast to come back looking older for the newer movie.

Older cast such as, Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), will be back for the new movie.

Although Abrams lets us get a view of the casting, he still hasn’t revealed the actual plot of Episode VII, but he does let us know that Obi-Wan Kenobi will most likely not be in the newest movie.

Sadly, Sir Alec Guiness, the actor that once played Obi-Wan, passed away August 2000. The only way of bringing back Obi-Wan is using a CG model or getting Ewan MacGregor to play the role.

We may not have much information on the movie now, but the movie comes out until December 18, 2015. Star Wars fans everywhere are anxious to get more information on Episode VII and further Star Wars franchise. Nervous and anxious are the main feelings for the upcoming movie, and all we can do is leave it to the mysterious J.J. Abrams!

Star Wars SuspicionsNew Episode VII Worries fanBY HEATHER MENEfEE

Jeffrey Jacob “J.J.” Abrams, the new director and writ-er for the newest episode of Star Wars, poses with his award. Harrison Ford, the original actor for Han Solo, is depicted on the bottom. Photo Credit by MCT Campus.

The curtains open up to a pair of Siamese twins, a large, opaque woman with a beard, and a handsome white young male with disfigured hands. This is just a bit of what American Horror Story fans get to see every Wednes-day night since the premiere, which aired on October. 8. This new sea-son has captivated the audience with their new, unique and twisted theme, Freak show.

The hit series includes many talented actors and actresses who have had backgrounds in working with blockbusters, and Oscar winning films and shows. Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, and Sarah Paulson are amongst some of the main char-acters that have starred in the show since season one. The series has had a major success outbreak and a lot of critical reception.

Freak Show ExcitesNew AHS Season on fXBY VIVIAN QUINTERO

One of the things from show that causes the audi-ence to be so intrigued is that many of the characters are based on real life people who have had the same experiences. A lot of the people, who also make up the cast, are real life “freaks” who have rare conditions making them a catch to the eye, thus helping create the alluring, and weird theme in American Horror Story.

Recently, Time Magazine stated a positive review that helped the shows ratings and popu-larity.” The show is a different, twisted sensation that is scary and epic and has left the mark as one of the scariest shows on televi-sion.”

Since the airing, the show has begun to really stand out to me and has lived up to the expecta-tions of wanting you to be at the edge of your seat. It keeps me waiting for what is going to happen next…

The characters themselves are full of scary surprises and secrets that have caused many twists and turns through out the show, and yet this is only the beginning. This new, creative and obscure series

of episodes is definitely one to see.

Twisty, played by John Carroll Lynch, creeps out the viewers as he stares into the camera on the top. Evan Peters, who plays Jimmy Darling “Lob-ster Hands”, poses for an award show on the bottom.

Volume 5 Issue 2 Pop Culture - Page 6October 2014

Laika’s New AdditionThe Boxtrolls is ReleasedBY AMBER fELICIANO

The company Laika, who also created the highly enjoyed stop-motion movies Coraline and ParaNor-man, came out with The Boxtrolls on Sep-tember 26. The plot of the movie is based on the children’s novel Here Be Monsters by Alan Snow. The movie was about a species named the Boxtrolls, who are thought to be doing malicious things to the citizens of Cheesebridge. Something pecu-liar happens when the boxtrolls find an orphan named Eggs, played by Isaac Hempstead-Wright and take care of him. The Boxtrolls is a mov-ie for audiences of all ages, including chil-dren and adults.

I was extremely ex-cited for this movie, as I loved their stop-mo-tion movies that came out beforehand. See-ing the trailer that shows representation of gay and lesbian cou-ples made me especially excited for the movie.

The release of the movie was a perfect date as it was nearby October with its creepy ambience. The movie starts off with somber, gloomy scenery as it was in-troducing the main antagonist Archibald Snatcher.

The Boxtrolls makes a very good job introducing the boxtrolls as the villains of the movie. The plot’s per-spective is very parallel to the opinions of the citizens of Cheesebridge.

One of my favorite things about the movie was that the relationship between Winnie and Eggs didn’t become a romantic relationship.

The idea is much alike Laika’s ParaNorman, where it explores the idea of being an outcast. The execution of the idea is a very different com-pared to ParaNorman. It was a more adorable, heart-warming movie rather than a very blunt, harsh and to the point storyline.

Characters of The Boxtrolls were very whimsical and blatant-ly very quirky looking. This matches the rest of Laika’s continuous style throughout their past movies. The character designs were not as “creepy” as their previ-ous movies because of the movie’s direction for the audience.

Most of the movie is very smooth and seems like computer graphics. Although while a lot of it was very nice, some of it was obviously stop-motion. But the inconsistent animation

isn’t very prominent or noticeable.

Laika’s one of my favorite movie companies and I loved their previous movies. While The Boxtrolls is a very cute and happy movie, it’s not Laika’s best.

On the top, Winnie and Eggs are dancing together. On the bot-tom, Eggs is next to boxtrolls. Photo Credit by MCTCampus.

Left Behind FlunksNicolas Cage DisappointsBY HOLLI WEST

Left Behind is a breathtaking film, released on October 3rd, 2014. Starring Nicolas Cage who you may know from National Treasure Book Of Secrets and Moonstruck. He plays a pilot and a father of two kids. Knowing that his daughter is coming home he agrees to fly a plane to London the day she comes home. His daughter is very upset when she finds out her dad is not going to be there.

Personally I thought the film wasn’t very good. I thought this because I just didn’t understand. The ratings aren’t very good at all either. Nicolas Cage plays an amazing part in the movie but everyone else doesn’t.

The movie could have had more time put into it. I think the directors were rushed to just get out the movie only because it was so unprepared.

The effects were not good at all you can tell when they use green screens. There is one part in the film where Cassi Thomson (daughter) is walking down the San Francisco Bridge and you can see through her. I understand in some parts you have to use green screens, but I strongly think the movie technicians should have put more time in the affects. The movie has awesome acting but everything else just isn’t right.

Irene Steele, played by Lea Thompson, lays on the ground. Photo Credit by Patheos.

The promotional poster for Left Behind on top, and a picture of the main actor, Nicolas Cage. Photo Credits by Left Behind Files and MCTCampus.

Section Title - Page 7Volume 5 Issue 2 October 2014

The Living Dead Rise at Clear FallsBY REBECCA CRUM

Recognized for having outstanding performances, Clear Falls does it again with Night of the Living Dead. Changing some parts from the original mov-ie, theatre teacher, Mrs. Moore and technical theatre teacher, Mr. Oian put on a creepy and terrifying play with the help of around 40 zombies, only 15 humans and a lot of technicians. Preparing for roughly two months, building and rehearsing, everyone poured his or her hearts into making this play happen.

On October 23, 2014 Night of the Living Dead opened for the students, staff and families to see. Night of the Living Dead follows a young woman by the name of Barbara who lost her brother when zombies start to rise. She meets a man named Ben who has been surviving in an old church. When they meet two families in the room below them, everyone is scared, out of their head while trying to figure out what is going on in the world around them.

When I asked some of the zombies what they thought of being “dead” and how they thought the show went, these were some of the answers they gave me.

“It feels cold, but not just the touch of the make-up the technicians use, but everything. When you’re walking around the audience in character it feels as if you’re alone; you’re not the same, but now an empty walking shell hungered for more,” sophomore Jessica Laughrun explained.

“I think the show went spectacular according to what we had planned. Actors knew their lines, zom-bies looked real and we scared people so bad they had to leave. The technicians were the biggest part of the show because without them it would look like we were just tired teenagers yelling at each other,” Jessi-ca continued.

“It was a weird challenge to get into character for

someone who isn’t alive,” Courtney Davis, a sopho-more told me. “It was fun; I’d definitely do it again. Like all shows at Clear Falls, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

When asking audience members what they thought of the show, their responses were pretty positive.

“I can tell that the actors put a lot of time into re-hearsals and knowing their lines. The technicians put a lot of time into not just the set, but the music, zombies and lighting,” a student’s father stated. “I will admit although, I was confused at first because I guess it’s just a rewrite of the original movie. It’s just small things that I noticed that were different. I noticed that instead of being in a farmhouse, they were in a church and to me it seemed no one sur-vived while in the movie, someone, I’m not sure who survived. Other than those small things, I thought it was a great performance that everyone can enjoy,” he continued.

“The show was amazing…” says graduated student Constance Lofland “I was so proud of my previous tech babies and I couldn’t have enjoyed the show anymore than I did. Well done Falls theatre.”

Photo credit by Kathy Hummer

Volume 5 Issue 2 Section Title - Page 8October 2014

The beats that get your heart pumping and body in motion, the toons that slow you down and get you wondering about life, and even the songs that make you go crazy but you continue to listen to it anyway. All of these types of music have played in Houston, Texas. From One Direction to Def Leppard, Houston has experienced many different types of music. Many citizens have enjoyed these shows, making most con-certs in town sold out.

During the Sum-mer, Houston was caught up in a flash back to the age of classic rock. Sophomore at Clear Falls, Blaise Lisewsky, went to the Journey and Steve Miller Band concert.

Lisewsky stated “Journey has al-ways been one of those classic bands. Seeing the renewal of the band and the start of the tour again was invigorating. On top of that, the per-formance was outstanding.”

Houston also experienced the performances of Kiss, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, and Ringo Starr. Rock has shaken this city and changed lives. In addi-tion, most of the classic rock bands who performed at the Woodlands Pavilion, during August, took partici-pation with the ALS ice bucket challenge on stage for the audience to watch. One Republic and Panic at the Disco participated in this also.

On October 10th, 2014, a colorful and wild pop-star played at the Toyota Center for two nights. Katy Perry ended her tour in America with fireworks, singing, and bringing people together. Having heart-

BY: KATHY HUMMER

A Summer Full Of Heat, Freedom, And Concerts

Left: Katy Perry wows a packed show during her two-day stop in Houston. Photo by Kathy Hummer.

Right: Enrique Iglesias revs up his Houston-area fans at the Toyota Center. Photo by Kathy Hummer.

to-heart moments with her fans, Perry explained how she is now allergic to gluten. With this being said, she pulled up a twelve-year-old boy up onto stage with her and gave him a pizza. Being humorous and fun, the stage was surrounded by floating emoji balloons during the song “this is how we do.”

Fans described the night as an “unforgettable mo-ment”

Leaving Houston to tour out of the country, Perry left her fans excited, happy, and inspired to always be

who they truly are. On October 19th, 2014,

Enrique Iglesias also shook up the Toyota Cen-ter with singer/rapper, Pitbull. Pumping everyone up in the audience, getting them off their feet, Mr. Worldwide opened with a fantastic and ener-getic show. Pitbull set the mood in motion be-fore Iglesias

took the stage and surprised the audi-ence with his amazing voice and dance skills. Mr. Worldwide and Iglesias took the fans higher and back in time with a very entertaining show that will not be forgotten by many people. Celebrat-ing cultures from all around the world, fans were united as one by the love of music.

From classic rock, pop, and some hip-hop, Houston has experienced all different types of music. Upcoming concerts include a variety of genres. In November, The Black Keys(15th) and Wiz Khalifa(13th) will get you out of

your seats and dancing. Maroon 5 will catch you wanting to stay “one more night” while you have fun dancing with your “Moves like Jagger” on February 17th. Dif-ferent types of music for different types of people. Find what you like, go out and have some fun. You’ll never regret it when you feel the power a concert can have on you soul.