Bad Attitude

I haven't played a lot of sports. But with my time on a sports team as well as being friends with a lot of athletes, I’ve realized that there are a lot of misconceptions. People like to say that sports shouldn't be all about winning, but about having fun.But, I'm pretty sure that isn’t actually true. I feel like in most sports, there is an insane level of pressure and disrespect from coaches.  There is already a lot of pressure on athletes to be the very best they can. The added pressure of an “intense” coach is just too much. I don't think there is anything wrong with pushing athletes past their limits and encouraging them to do better, but you have to encourage them even if they lose. If the athletes did their very best what more can you ask for? Sports are supposed to be about fun while competing. You have to treat athletes like human beings, not show ponies. I wonder how many sports players would improve in if their coaches treated them just a little bit better. What do you think? Had a bad coaching experience? Comment your stories below!

Written by Opinion Editor Jasmine Bonner

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Interview: Sherman Watkins

Last week, our Journalism class interviewed Sherman Watkins. Mr. Watkins is an amazing artist. His story was absolutely incredible and a true inspiration to me.

Mr. Watkins was born in Danville, Virginia and orphaned at age 5. He was given to his aunt and uncle who would beat him constantly and his siblings were given to other families. At age 6, he began drawing stick figures. He says that drawing would take his mind off of his situation and make him stop worrying about where his siblings were. From there, his talents grew by the day.

He is now a very successful and  well known artist. His works are incredible and sell for thousands of dollars. Not only is his art featured in museums, it is also featured in the houses of celebrities…yes, you read that right…celebrities! For example, he is heading to Georgia soon to deliver artwork to none other than…Tyler Perry. In addition to this, he has painted portraits for United States Presidents as well as rulers all over the world. He is currently working on finishing a Civil Rights collection. This collection already has 42 paintings, but he is hoping to get a few more pictures (about 8 more) in there before he calls it complete.

One of his best pieces of advice was, “Everyday is a new day to learn. You are always better today than you were yesterday.” This advice can rein true in anyone’s life. No matter what you are going through, stay strong because you, along with what you do, will continue to get stronger.

Written by Ashley Burnette

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Bacon = Death?

Researchers are still trying to pin down exactly how red and processed meat cause cells to become cancerous, but the main culprits seem to be certain chemicals found in the meat itself. Cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling or barbecuing, can also create chemicals in the meat that may increase the risk of cancer. These chemicals are generally produced in higher levels in red and processed meat compared to other meats. Various meats rank alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer. The World Health Organization said that they are placing cured and processed meats in the same category as asbestos, alcohol, arsenic, and  tobacco. It places red meat in group 2A, as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. Eating red meat is also linked to pancreatic and prostate cancer, the IARC says. While this statement seems really life threatening, you have to look at all the facts. It technically only increases your chances by hundredths of a percent. So for all those meat lovers out there, we’re pretty sure you’ll still be alright eating your daily fix. What do you think? Comment below!

Written by Billy Coles

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Interview: Sean Slaughter

Sean Slaughter, a musician, producer, loving father and husband, was interviewed by the Journalism class last Friday. The man came in and immediately started dropping rhymes. Everyone in the class was impressed by his allusions and lyrics. Slaughter went from rhymes to his life story, which began with music. He was born in Queens, NY, and from there came a lot of his inspiration for music he would make later in life. His career started at 19, when he was living in the basement of a friend with small recording equipment right next to his bed. He named the "producing" business Slaughter Music. The production kicked off when he started making beats for the Wu-Tang Clan. After a couple years of working for them and several others, he started producing his own music and became a more independent studio. His first two albums came out on the same day, August 22, 2001, "The World Is Not Enough" and "Justice for All."

Some of his greatest accomplishments include having his album Prototype on the best selling Top 50 list on iTunes and his song "Die Daily" as a Grammy nominee. He now lives in Hampton, VA and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, Melody and Lyric. Over the last couple years he has branched out from music and moved into running businesses. Slaughter owns the Virginia Recording Arts Institute, Life Power Music Mentoring, and is Executive Director of YH Thomas Community Center. He was a pretty awesome guest. Give some of his music a listen and comment below what you think!

Written by Keira Zirkle

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Five Quick Costume Ideas

It’s October, and you know what that means: it’s Halloween time! Unless you’re a holiday pro and have been planning your costume since September, you’re probably panicking around Party City in desperate need of an idea, right? Well look no further! I’ve compiled a list of popular 2015 Halloween costumes to help you narrow down your choices. You won’t be original, but at least everyone will know what you are!

#1) Skeleton Facepaint

  This look has been around for a while, but for a good reason. it’s pretty easy to do and makes a bold, spooky statement. All it takes is a little makeup and some black clothes to really pull the look together.

#2) Marvel’s  Avengers

Who doesn’t like a good superhero cosplay? Dress up as your favorite Marvel character with either a store bought costume, or by go the extra mile and DIY your own special take on your favorite superhero. Bonus points if you get the rest of your squad to dress up go with you.

#3) Harley Quinn

One of the most searched for costumes this year is the beloved DC Universe’s villain, Harley Quinn. The costume itself might be a little more work, but it’ll be a big hit at parties as the hype builds for the Suicide Squad movie, in which Harley is featured. The costume itself shouldn’t be too hard, but you might have to hunt a bit to find a wig similar to her’s.

#4) A Viral Internet Meme

This has been a big year for viral hits, so if you want to add a bit of humor, I’d suggest going as The Dress, since there’s already pre-made costumes being sold. This costume in particular is split down the middle with a blue/black side and a white/gold side, but you could always buy the iconic original dress instead.

#5) A Minion

I’m completely kidding, please don’t do this.  Love yourself

Have any other ideas that would make great costumes? Comment them below!

Written by Madison Clayton

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Heritage High Lockdown

There have been multiple shootings and bomb threats concerning Heritage High School in Hampton, VA. The school was on a full lockdown the whole day last week. The threats first swept through the social media realm, causing numerous students to not show up to school.  While some people were joking around with the threats, it was clear that others were serious. Thankfully, due to the efforts of local police and school administrators, no attacks occurred. Whether these reports were all jokes or not, making threats like these is simply unacceptable. No one deserves to live in fear, especially of a supposedly “safe place” like high school. What do you think? Comment below!

Written by Joshua Lewis

The #1 Game That Will Guarantee An End In Your Relationships

NBA 2K has always been by far one of the most addicting games on Xbox and PS4. Who wouldn't stop any relationship they have for this game? It is definitely a must have. Girlfriends,best friends, sisters, and brothers are getting cut off. Whoever isn't on good terms with me by the time that game comes out, it's too late for you. Nobody is getting a text back, nobody will get an answer, and phones will stay on airplane mode. Nothing but death will interrupt players from this game. If your significant other puts down NBA 2k16 for you, marry them. This is more than a game, it's life!

Written by Carlos Marrow

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