just because it seems intimidating! Classes like MUN or CIBACs that can require additional efforts outside of class are very rewarding, both in the skills you learn and how colleges view them, but most importantly the great friends you make. I know some of my greatest friends because of MUN. Take as hard of a course load as you can balance with everything else going on in your life. Develop some solid time management skills and study habits. DON’T procrastinate!!! But if you do and must stay up late, upbeat music and healthy food can help you stay awake. Find a source of caffeine you like for the morning(s) after. Social media and Netflix are the most common means of avoidance I’ve encountered, so just delete them if you can. Don’t compare your academic performance to others’, be YOUR best. There have been times where I was proud of a D grade test, because I worked my butt off to prepare for that test and it was the best I could do. I did get a tutor after that though, something I would highly recommend you do now for any particularly challenging classes. You can ask your teacher or a counselor for references. The English and math departments also offer free tutoring a couple hours a week. Use tutorial to your advantage as well, to work on homework, get help, and talk with teachers. Building solid relationships with your teachers is immensely beneficial as well. Aside from the obvious reason (cont. on page 2)

The Bolt ! The Edison Charger Newspaper September 2015

Dear Freshmen, Julia Stevens Welcome to Edison. It’s gonna be a great four years. Here’s my advice as a senior who made it through, along with input from about 40 other people who survived freshman year. You can do this. Academics High school academics are likely harder than what you’re used to. You may be taking your first honors class(es) this year or other challenging courses. Don’t drop a class

How our School Represses Expression Kimo Gandall As the school year begins, we lumber into classrooms, the administration lecturing us on a loathed student issue: The Dress Code.

The school, as they have every year, argues that the Dress Code is necessary to keep order; people get ‘distracted,’ or ‘disruptive.’ Regardless of whether or not this is true (which is inherently disputable), we all know that this rule falls in on itself. (cont. on page 3)

!

More inside…

• “Join A Club” – By Isabella Brodt,

(Page 6)

• “College Essays” –By Elizabeth

Hong, (Page 8)

• “The Study Blues” –By Emi Yasuda,

(Page 9)

• “Horoscopes” –By Sebastian Locke,

(Page 9)

• “The Fall” –By Kailey Volz, (Page

11) 1

   

                                                                 

(Stevens, page 1) that they grade your work, their view of you is also important in that they may be someone you go to for a college recommendation letter someday. College

Don’t worry too much about the specifics of college just yet. If someone asks about your college or career plans and you have no idea, that’s totally okay. A lot of seniors still don’t even know. Get the best grades you can, get involved in school, sports, and extracurriculars, like clubs and volunteering. Your performance freshman year matters to colleges. You don’t want to be waiting for college acceptance letters March of your senior year, regretting that D in freshman English, knowing you could have gotten a B with a bit more effort. It’s cliché, but really, try your hardest. Just because you can get away with a grade without being grounded doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for better. You don’t know your full potential till you try. Do more than just get by this year. Sports

Join sports! Multiple if you can, and see what works for you. Don’t worry too much about making the team, or being out of your league at tryouts or playing. I tried out for the swim team my freshman year and did not make it, because I was probably the slowest person in the pool. But no one really cared, and probably no one remembers! Go for whatever sport you want, even if you’ve never played it before. Edison even has some “no cut” teams, including track, football, and cross country. Be the best athlete you can be, and don’t let losing lessen your enjoyment of your sport. Be sure to communicate with your coach about balancing your sport with the rest of your life. Prioritize academics over sports: they are what will make the difference in what colleges you can get into and play for. Sports are a great way to meet new people and gain new experiences. The skills you learn in sports will help you off the field too, in dealing with other instances of teamwork (group projects, ugh), practicing perseverance, and learning time management skills.

Extracurriculars

These are really fun and totally worth doing for reasons other than how good they look on college apps, but it's also really important to do them because they look good on college apps. Join clubs! Pick a few you really like and stick with them. Volunteer too! There are some really fun local volunteer opportunities you can seek out yourself or you can join a club that touts volunteering as a primary activity. Academic pursuits like the Speech and Debate team or writing for the Bolt newspaper are excellent options as well. If student government is your thing joining ASB is prime. If you like the arts, Edison puts on a few plays a year and the APA program at HBHS is excellent as well. One extracurricular I would suggest avoiding your freshman year is a job. If you don't have to get one, don't. Focus on school stuff right now, and don't worry about making money till you've gotta pay for gas(*sobs spending $70 to fill my tank*). Enjoy your freedom.

School Events

Go to every school event you can!!! I know it doesn't seem like it right now but high school goes by reeeeally fast and before you know it your time at Edison will be over. Dances are super fun whether you go with friends or a date. Go to them, and do fun homecoming/winter formal “proposals” if you ask a date. Football games are awesome. Have fun cheering (our team tends to win a lot) and hanging out with friends. Go to the Bell Game!!! Basketball, soccer, and volleyball games are also quite popular, and fun. Don’t forget: #BEATLOSAL (Los Alamitos HS, a rival of ours). Attend a few of your friend’s games too; showing support for your friends and school is always nice. And any time we have dress up days at school, do them; they help everyone get in the spirit of whatever we are supposed to be getting in the spirit for. WOOOO CHARGER SPIRIT!! Partying

Don't be dumb. You know what's legal and not, and you know what happens if you get caught. Decisions you make freshman year can carry with you through the rest of high school, even your life. Alcoholism and cigarette addiction can start now. Also the Internet is written in ink, not pencil: a picture of you with a beer or a tweet about engaging in illegal activity will still be out there when colleges look you up, and when any employers look you up. Current school administration and coaches may also look into your activity, and random drug testing occurs among athletes as well as the general student population if your parents consented to it. Put your accounts on private, and don't post things that could get you into trouble. Be smart and be safe.

2

   

                                                                 

Relationships

You will meet a lot of new people in high school. Definitely some great friends, probably some you will keep for the rest of your life, and even like a .00001% chance of meeting the person you're gonna marry. How exciting. Keep your old friends from middle school and make new ones too. The more the merrier! For romantic relationships, especially if it's your first serious relationship, finding balance between them, school, sports, friends, and family is necessary. Don't let your grades, friendships, etc. suffer, because they will likely impact the rest of your life in big ways (like what college you get into) but your high school sweetheart probably won't. If you can balance bringing another person into your life, go for it. Relationships are really fun and falling in love is awesome. Be your relationships romantic or platonic, appreciate them and make some good memories. And write long notes in each others' yearbooks cause they're really sweet to look back on. Freshman year can be super fun. It’s one of your easiest years of high school academically, but only relatively, so you still need to take it seriously. You’ve got a ways till college so don’t worry much- just try your hardest. Do sports and extracurriculars to have fun, make friends, and develop skills you can use throughout life. Learn time management!! Participate in school functions because they’re fun as heck, and who doesn’t love wearing green face paint? Make smart decisions about your online, and general life reputation. Appreciate the amazing relationships you’ll have throughout high school. Have fun, and do what makes you happy. Good luck charger. Sincerely, Julia Stevens⧫

(Gandall, Page 1) These rules, to be frank, are laughably implemented; I commonly witness students violating these rules, even students involved in the ASB, an organization devoted to supporting Edison “standards.” More shockingly, I consistently listen to, and am a witness of, lower scoring classmates (those involved usually in lower level classes) being disproportionately disciplined in comparison to higher level AP students. For all of you AP students, I’m sure you can testify to seeing your classmates wearing something that our school deems “inappropriate” for an “educational environment.”

This of course is anecdotal, and is simply based off my carefully made observations; there is almost no way to correlate this pattern off a statistical basis, largely because none of the statistics involving dress code disciplines are open to the public. The closest one could find in the relation to discipline involves suspensions, which undoubtedly have very little correlation to the number of dress code violations.

Regardless of the terrible enforcement of such codes the system insists upon their existence. Why?

The purpose behind the dress code is highly disputed, and there are varying purposes behind it.

3

Above: Armband worn by students in protest of the Vietnam War Photo credits: Huffington Post

The United States’ courts typically relate the rationale of “legal discrimination” behind the dress code upon one goal: “The safety of the children.” This statement is very ambiguous; is the “safety of the children” in relation to the “safety” of societal norms? Of education? The Courts tend to permit articles of clothing that encourage educational discourse. In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme Court famously ruled that Des Moines violated the 1st amendment rights of their students by denying them the right to wear black armbands in protest of the Vietnam War.

   

                                                                 

The text below is regarded as one of the biggest precedents for student rights in our history.

“... the record does not demonstrate any facts which might reasonably have led school authorities to forecast substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities, and no disturbances or disorders on the school premises in fact occurred. These petitioners merely went about their ordained rounds in school. Their deviation consisted only in wearing on their sleeve a band of black cloth, not more than two inches wide. They wore it to exhibit their disapproval of the Vietnam hostilities and their advocacy of a truce, to make their views known, and, by their example, to influence others to adopt them. They neither interrupted school activities nor sought to intrude in the school affairs or the lives of others. They caused discussion outside of the classrooms, but no interference with work and no disorder. In the circumstances, our Constitution does not permit officials of the State to deny their form of expression.”

- Mr. Justice Fortas, delivering the opinion of the Court The Supreme Court saw the ‘armbands’ the students were wearing as symbols of a political message, and as Justice Fortas recalls, “They neither interrupted school activities nor sought to intrude upon the school affairs or the lives of others.” In essence, so long as these students didn’t prevent other students from working, they were free to do as they pleased. Our constitution protects this right. Indeed, the context of the case also represented an important factor;

(Above): Screenshot of the EHS Dress Code

4

   

                                                                 

remember that Justice Fortas specifically states “In the circumstances…” which implies that the precedent of the right to expression has a narrow implementation. The question then is asked: is the ‘expression of armbands’ linkable to ‘expression of lack of clothing’?

However, our administrators’ agendas have been able to find a way around that. According to Dr. Larry Wilder from Fresno University “The National School Board Association estimates that approximately 135,000 guns are brought to America’s 85,000 public schools each day,” and “that educators report a decrease in violence, a reduction of fights in schools and improved student achievement when dress codes have been implemented."

5

Yes, that’s right. These ‘brilliant’ doctors are essentially stating that if we make girls cover-up, gang violence will decrease. In addition to this shaky foundation, most of Dr. Wilder’s studies have a basis of focusing on male violence, such as baggy pants, not violence related to girls. Another problem with this study is that Dr. Wilder’s studies conclude that clothes that hide skin can conceal weapons; but if the problem is with lack of clothing, then there is no to claim that this policy will “protect our students.”

If physical safety is not our school’s concern then what is it? There are two primary arguments in regards to our safety: the official one being the safety of our ‘productivity’ and the unofficial, yet widely held one being the protection of ‘respect.’ Productivity: The productivity argument is essentially that wearing less provocative clothing allows students to work without disruption. The basis behind this argument is that the person wearing the provocative clothing is at blame; however, there is a multitude of ways provocative clothing can be portrayed. Usually, ‘provocative’ clothing is when a student wears an image that can be seen as offensive and invoke response. However, the US courts have traditionally upheld the right of the student to portray ‘offensive’ as long as they are political in nature. In Guiles v. Marineau, the Supreme Court upheld that a student wearing a shirt depicting President Bush in relation to drugs was protected under the 1st and 14th amendment. Once again, the Court upheld the right to statement protected under the 1st amendment. In order for the school to ban the clothes, they must prove that the wearing of such would significantly hamper the ability to teach. Respect: Many of our teachers have made the argument that the school ought to implement the dress code as a sign of respect. I have little evidence to demonstrate that this argument is used on a wide scale other than a multitude of statements from neighboring high schools, including Temecula and (most infamously) the Bay Area, especially Pleasanton’s Foothill High School. Many of these arguments range from “immorality” to “distractions” but end up in the same arena: respect. The purpose of the Dress Code, at least to the school district, is then clear (if not terribly mislead). But it’s not. The purpose of the dress code is deeper; it surrounds the very establishment in which we exist. ‘Respect,’ ‘productivity,’ ‘safety’; all words to describe a shared power relationship between the teacher and the student. The teacher must retain this power in order to teach; the very concept of teaching a concept must lay upon the fact that one human is more experienced than another. The problem is then that the clothes these students wear offend the power relationship within the institution; the very notion of portraying one’s body works against the status quo, something that the school system is a member of. Logically, it then makes that attempting to ban such clothing would maintain the status quo and hence protect the basis of the education industry. However, there is a problem to this hunch: the dress code, as I have observed, is rarely enforced upon students from higher level classes. The power relationship theory then seems odd, in this sense.

Above: A school in Utah photoshopped yearbook photos in order to follow dress code rules. Photo credits: Fox News

   

                                                                 

The answer to the 1st problem is scholarly elitism. Students in higher classes tend to make less trouble; they tend to form clubs, organizations; they tend to only offer more to the institution than they may take away. AP students, namely, are the foster children of scholarly elitism, and the institution has every reason to protect them in that they are the tools to further the local agendas of the districts. Students who participate and make their schools remarkable inevitably attract money; an amazing football player generates more revenue for the ASB off games, an amazing SAT taker earns scholarships and recognition, and a high level of students passing AP tests reflects well upon teachers. The school system then has little to no reason to offend these students, so long as the exposing of their midriffs doesn’t prevent them from profiting the institution. By giving the elite the ability to ‘shove’ off steam that all teenagers inevitably have, they allow them to remain as tools. In converse, the students left in the lower classes (non-AP students). The system has no need for them; they are simply the filler. They are the ones abandoned. While my cynicism may seem unrealistic, look at our entire system for providing Federal funding. Schools are tested on their ability; those with higher scoring students, get more funding. Those who actually need the money to help their lower scoring students get less. The rich become richer, and the poor become poorer. By suppressing the lower class students of the school, our ‘masters’ up in the big red office have everything to gain; less low scoring students, more money. Even further, many of these admins may have even deluded themselves into believing that retributive punishment against the ‘offenders’ of the dress code might make them more ‘productive’ and ‘respectful.’ All of this lays down to one response: the system wants to maintain and grow its power, and the dress code is a useful tool to enforce their power on students who don’t fit in with the standards. There is one infamous example of the school blatantly repressing the right to free speech. At last year’s Lip Dub a student by the name of Mr. Griffin Hatchell held a sign satirically stating “Bush did 9/11” poster. The school decided that this did not fit with the norm; they took Mr. Hatchell’s sign, and couple days later sentenced Mr. Hatchell to a saturday school. According to Mr. Hatchell “they sat me down and explained that what I did was wrong … the Vice Principal told me that they would either suspend me or at worst expel me for what I did." Mr. Hatchell’s only crime was working against the status quo; by providing this piece of satire, Mr. Hatchell was simply practicing his right to 1st amendment speech. Apparently, constitutional rights aren’t important so long as no one is willing to sue over them! After reading through my ranting you may now be asking yourself, what is he saying? Indeed, in these short few pages, I have gone over the reasoning of the courts to the agendas of the institution. My purpose, my thesis, my imprint upon you: the dress code, while it may seem deluded and awkward, and even contradictory, is simply another tool used by the system to control you. The dress code is a part of the machine to chug you in, and turn you out. If clothing is a the symbol of liberty and individuality, then by all means, allow us to defy such an unjust law.  ⧫

It’s one of the best decisions you can make!

With club rush right around the corner on October 13th, it is time to decide the perfect clubs for you to join this year! Why join a club, you ask? It’s the perfect way to make friends, volunteer, diversify, learn, and gain school spirit!

Now, let’s figure out which clubs will suit you best!

ACADEMICS CSF - If you want a club where you can learn about colleges and scholarship opportunities, then the California

Scholarship Federation is the perfect choice for you! With weekend tours of nearby colleges and all the best collegiate talk in the school, CSF will have you prepared for your next chapter of education in college and beyond.

NHS - All scholarly individuals should strongly consider joining Edison’s National Honor Society. If you

meet the qualifications for membership, you will be able to participate in exciting volunteer opportunities all around the Huntington Beach community.

6

Join a Club! By Isabella Brodt

   

                                                                 

Speech & Debate - If you enjoy debate and politics but cannot fit MUN into your school schedule (or if MUN is just not enough debate for you), you should take part in the Speech & Debate Club. Participate in intense political debates and competitions with other teams from all around California! This club prepares you for a future in politics and improves your public speaking skills. But if debate isn’t your cup of tea, the club also gives you the opportunity to perform dramatic monologues, and your own prose and poetry! STEM - Would you like to build a robot? Are you interested in science, technology, engineering, or math? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the STEM/Robotics Club is right for you! Explore fields you are interested in pursuing and have fun with friends while you do it! ART Art Club - If art is a passion of yours, you should join the Art Club this year! Practice painting, sketching, cartooning, and much more with others who share your artistic passions. B-Boy Club - The best break-dancers in the school are part of the legendary B-Boy Club. Usually meeting in the English hallway, this club entertainingly interferes with passers-by and practices the newest moves. These dancers even performed in an assembly last year, which was a most enthusiastically talked-about event. Join the B-Boys for 2015-2016 and share the fame! Photo Club - Do you have a keen eye for photography? If so, join Photo Club run by Emi Yasuda. This club meets every other Thursday at lunch in room 306 where you can learn fun photography tricks, and meet the photo teacher, Mr. Quay. The unique projects and fun members always make for a great time. COMMUNITY SERVICE Key Club - This is an amazing service club that volunteers efforts for land restoration and community involvement. Meetings are on Wednesdays at lunch in room 301. Not only is Key Club great for the community, but also for the students because of the great members and service. KIWIN’S - Another awesome community service club, KIWIN’S meets on Thursdays at lunch in room 226. The super friendly board and wonderful members welcome all new students with open arms and introduce them to volunteer opportunities in our community. SAVE - These animals-lovers volunteer weekends at the local animal shelter by walking dogs, cleaning kennels, feeding the animals, and more. If you would enjoy working with animals, then you should join the Student Animal Volunteers of Edison! Someone Cares - Raising awareness for disease research, providing joy and fun for children in need, and fundraising are just a few things what you can do in the Someone Cares club. Volunteering time to help others in need, this club is a great opportunity to improve generosity in the community. Red Cross – Every Tuesday at lunch Edison’s Red Cross Club meets to share cookies and discuss plans to volunteer all around the local community. If you join, you will get the opportunity to become part of one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, and raise money for those in need. FRIENDSHIP Best Buddies - Run by Isabella Brodt and Jordan Augsburger, this club helps establish friendships between students in both the general-ed and SAC programs. It meets Fridays at lunch in the cafeteria, where members participate in exciting activities and friendships flourish. Also, you don’t want to miss out on the annual Best Buddies Prom! Always the best time! 7

   

                                                                 

8

JOURNALISM Bolt Newspaper - Have you enjoyed this article? Has this publication of The Bolt sparked an interest in journalism for you? If it has, then you should join the Bolt Newspaper! Meeting every other Tuesday at lunch in room 129, this club prepares the school newspaper and helps you cultivate a great journalism portfolio. SPORTS Ice Hockey - If you would like to leave it all out on the ice, then maybe you should join the Edison Ice Hockey Club! Open to both boys and girls, the Ice Hockey members play in competitive tournaments against other tough teams. Join the excitement and play some hockey! FCA - The Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets on Wednesdays in the gym for spiritual discussion and athletic association. This is a great club to join if you enjoy sports, religion, and (free) pizza (and other food)! Girls Beach Volleyball - If you can’t get enough of Edison’s fabulous girls indoor volleyball, then you should also try out the Girls Beach Volleyball club! Participate in exciting tournaments at the beach against other volleyball players in the area while enjoying the sun, sand, and ocean all at the same time!  ⧫

August 1: both the UC app and Common app are open for prospective college students. From every person I’ve talked to who has gone through this rite of passage, this has proven to be true: writing your personal essay just sucks. It’s easy to submit transcripts, punch in your standardized test scores, and fill in the rest of all those trivialities because they don’t require you to delve deep into every waking moment of your life and hope to find some tragedy that made you a master of your fate, a captain of your soul. I think of episode 3 of season 7 in Modern Family. Haley’s writing her college essay and finds that her life as a middle-class teenager in suburban Los Angeles is, gasp, boring; she then proceeds to blame her parents for making her life uninteresting, devoid of any danger or obstacles. I can safely say that most of us have probably faced this same realization. We live in Huntington Beach, an affluent,

predominately white suburb. (There’s even a Real Housewives of Orange County here!) Most of us have never had to flat, nothing from which we can construct moral platitudes about self-growth, personal achievements, or any other buzzwords that a college admissions officer would vociferously devour. Curse this gilded cage! Curse the comfort of knowing that I will always have a roof over my head and food on the table! I’m just as lost as you are on how to write these essays. But I’ve given up on trying to be ungrateful or critical of these past 17 years that have been pretty good so far. I can’t turn back time and reincarnation is many, many years down the line.

College Essays

by Elizabeth Hong

   

                                                                 

The Study Blues By Emi Yasuda

There’s nothing that makes homework more bearable than cranking up the volume on your favorite tune. But with the entire first semester ahead, it’s time to ask- is Beyoncé really helping you finish your math homework? When working with repetitive tasks, it turns out that listening to music you like can actually make the work go faster. In a 2014 study at the Wake Forest School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina Greensboro, researchers found that when listening to genres you enjoy, your brain is better able to connect your internal thoughts to the task at hand. This primarily holds true for less immersive ventures, not ones that require significant amounts of creative thinking, such as essay writing. But if you’re simply finishing up chores or slogging away at a list of math problems, music can help to relieve the boredom and tension that usually slows these tasks down. Music can also act as a form of escape in a noisy environment. In a distracting library or coffee shop, the chatter can often become too much to handle. Familiar music you enjoy is the best choice for focus. When you are listening to something for the first time, even if you don’t do it consciously, you will be inclined to listen close to see what comes next. With familiar tunes, you already know what to expect, and are thus able to focus more of your attention towards the task at hand. Unfortunately, while music may boost your productivity in many situations, learning isn’t one of them. When it comes time to absorb and retain information, any form of distraction can seriously impair your ability to retain knowledge, even if your music is playing quietly. In a study conducted at the University of Windsor, participants had greater difficulty recalling information from a task conducted while they were listening to music, versus when they had no music playing. Your teachers were right when they said to take out your earphones during class! So, the next time you have the study blues, turn up the blues and maybe it will make your morning go by just a bit faster!

Disclaimer: Please do not read if you are easily offended, because this is not meant to be taken 100% seriously. Aquarius (January 21- February 19) Beneath the aloof, unemotional exterior of the Aquarius lies a kind-hearted, warm friend that will go out of their way to help others. You enjoy making people laugh and do not expect anything in return, as long as there are no strings attached. Very original and clever, Aquarius is full of wit and always full of excitement. Even though you are smart, your stubbornness often gets in the way. Determined to keep things lighthearted, Aquarius tend to deflect heavy, emotional talk by using sarcasm and humor. Try to open up more to those around you. I suggest venting out your feelings to friends- but remember to hear what they have to say too! Aquarius lucky item: Reality TV Pisces (February 20- March 20) Besides being very imaginative and accepting, Pisces is one of the most loyal and intuitive out of all of the signs. Although it's great to be so devoted and compassionate towards others, don’t be a pushover that follows everyone else’s lead and take back some control. You have to wear the pants in your life or else you will very easily fall into a fathomless pit of self-pity and self-undoing. Have confidence in yourself and look to friends and family to stay grounded. Have a super fun board game night to promote bonding- I suggest Dungeons and Dragons or a riveting game of Yahtzee. Or better yet, play the quiet game. Pisces lucky item: a haircut

9

Horoscopes A_New_COLUMN By_SeBastian_Locke

   

                                                                 

Virgo (August 22- September 23) As a Virgo you display traits such as being analytical, observant, helpful, reliable, and precise. Although you are smart and independent, you need to stop being a lame party pooper and live a little. Loosen up and enjoy life.I suggest that you go clubbing with your gal pals or homies and have a great time. Or if you want to get REAL exciting have tea with your grandma. Virgo lucky item: string cheese

10

Libra (September 24- October 23) With excellent instincts and a deep intuition, Libras are all about bringing peace with a group and making others like them. Very diplomatic and hospitable, Libras enjoy being around others and are happiest when everyone is getting along. However, it’s important to not be indecisive and end up being unreliable because you are always the people pleaser. Don’t be such a masochist and get a backbone. Gather your thoughts and learn to speak out your mind. Libra lucky item: leather riding crop Scorpio (October 24- November 22) Able to accomplish anything that they put their mind to, Scorpios are very resourceful and dynamic. You like to be in control and tend to prefer to be more independent. While very loyal, Scorpios are also known for being possessive and downright moody. Luckily despite your insistent nagging, you are able to maintain healthy relationships with those you care about most. Try to keep the balance in your life and you will see eye to eye with others. I suggest that instead of being a hermit, try going out more with family and friends- perhaps go out to lunch or see a movie. Scorpio lucky item: Uber Sagittarius (November 23- December 22) Independence is what Sagittarius craves most, along with excitement and adventure. Your kindness is selfless, for you do not expect favors in return. While always fair and straightforward, Sagittarius is often unemotional and a major commitment-phobe. Always late and missing a date, tolerance is required when being with a Sagittarius. Instead of thinking solely about your personal freedom, make sure to take into consideration other people’s feelings. Don’t waste other people’s time and make an effort to communicate more. I suggest watching sappy romance movies in order to bring out your emotional side- perhaps The Notebook or The Fault in Our Stars. Maybe adopt a puppy or a houseplant to get over your commitment issues. Sagittarius lucky item: box of tissues

   

                                                                 

The Fall

Aries (March 21- April 20) Fiercely independent and optimistic about life, Aries is a generous spirit full of enthusiasm and courage. Even though your burning passion is a great thing, try to keep the smoke from coming out of your ears every time you lose your temper. As a natural leader people look up to you, so it is important to try to contain your tumultuous feelings and control yourself. Keep patience in mind and you will achieve your goals. Try hot yoga or meditation in order to relax your body and mind . . . or binge watch on Netflix (I suggest Criminal Minds or Death Note). Aries lucky item: infused water Taurus (April 21- May 21) A dependable and loyal person, Taurus makes an excellent friend and companion. You have immense perseverance, even when everyone else has already given up. You want things done in your own way and it is your stubborn streak that gives you your independence. However, you need to get off your lazy butt and put some effort into your life. Don’t take things too personally and try to go with the flow more. In order to attain a sense of fulfillment, I suggest that you take up arts and crafts and sell your merchandise on Etsy.com. Taurus lucky item: fuzzy toe socks Gemini (May 22- June 21) Change and freedom are both paramount to Geminis. As an energetic and clever person, Gemini make for interesting and exciting people to be around. Even though you have strong thoughts and opinions, stop being such a reckless Paris Hilton wannabe. You tend to be superficial and impulsive, so think things through and about what truly matters. I suggest going without makeup for a day in order to focus more on the inside instead of the outside. And for you Gemini fellas, try looking up from a girl’s chest and into their eyes for once and then compliment their personality. Gemini lucky item: Frozen lunchbox Cancer (June 22- July 22) Known for being self-sufficient and responsive, Cancers are very dependable and caring friends. Although great at making others feel good about themselves, Cancers tend to be self-pitying yet self-absorbed at the same time. As a walking contradiction that complains about their problems, you need to stop being so clingy and sensitive all the time and toughen up. Try speaking up about your true deep feelings and learn to depend on others. I suggest having a bonfire with close friends and family where you open up to one another. Play a juicy game of Truth or Dare or Never Have I Ever- remember to bring marshmallows for smores! Cancer lucky item: graham crackers Leo (July 23- August 21) As a social butterfly, people naturally gravitate towards Leos. Your innate zest for life and warm spirit acts as a source of encouragement when times are rough. Even though it’s great to be confident and ambitious, stop being so pretentious and controlling. Remember that the world doesn’t revolve around you so there is no need to be so melodramatic about every little thing. Although you have a tendency to be self-centered you have good intentions and always pamper your friends. I suggest that you find somewhere to vent out your feelings or maybe learn to cook. Start out with tuna casserole. Leo lucky item: Spotify premium

Capricorn (December 23- January 20) Capricorns make for strong friends that are always there to offer help and sympathy. While very responsible and patient, Capricorns tend to be super anal about everything and don’t trust others to do stuff and would rather do it themselves. Often dictatorial and conceited, you try to cover up your melancholy with your sense of ambition because you feel unworthy. Just remember that all you need is self-love. Remember that the world isn’t just in black and white but also in shades of gray (at least 50 of them). Since you tend to be rigid, I suggest you go out on a spontaneous date with family or friends and just let life happen. Capricorn lucky item: ginger root

11

By Kail ey Vol zLeaves grow upon a tree being nurtured by it

But when they die, they fa ll off

How do they know when to fa ll off

Do they simply know to let go or move on

Or do they reluctantly fa ll

One could question the death of a human being the

same way

Should we al l just let go one day

Or should we be terri f ied of loosing our only l ife?

   

                                                                 

Emi Yasuda: Editor-In-Chief Kimo Gandall: Secretary Kailey Volz: Layout Manager Elizabeth Hong: Financial Representative Joaquin Dorantes: Site coordinator

The Bolt Executive Staff 2015-2016 Want to write about what interests you?

Join The Bolt! Meetings are Tuesdays in Room 129

! Be sure to check out the Bolt website at

ehsboltnewspaper.wordpress.com

September Sudoku Songs of the month “Smells Like Teen Spirit” - Nirvana (1991)

“Oops! ... I Did It Again” - Britney Spears

(2000)

“All Star” - Smash Mouth (1999)

“Lose Yourself” - Eminem (2002)

“Mr. Brightside” - The Killers (2004)

Book Pick of the Month: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Genre: Comedy/Science Fiction Adams' classic follows the intergalactic journey of the ordinary citizen, who is plucked from his dear planet shortly before it is obliterated.

Movie Pick of the Month: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Director: John Hughes Genre: Comedy Like most high school students, Ferris Bueller just wants to skiff off school. And with a lot of determination, Ferris is able to achieve that and more. Taking along his girlfriend, Sloane, and his best friend, Cameron, the three of them head off to Chicago for an adventure of a lifetime. With an elaborate plan to cover all of his tracks, Ferris always seems one step ahead of the school administration, to the dismay of the principal, Ed Rooney.

12