The school year is winding down which means it’s soon to be the start of summer. Although the weather is less than perfect, people are still excited and plans are underway. Of course the seniors get out nearly two weeks before everyone else, which means they get a head start on their [...]]]> Published By Nhi Nghe

The school year is winding down which means it’s soon to be the start of summer. Although the weather is less than perfect, people are still excited and plans are underway. Of course the seniors get out nearly two weeks before everyone else, which means they get a head start on their vacation. Some seniors take advantage of this free time by taking summer college courses before they actually enter in the fall. Other seniors may start picking up a job to pay for tuition, or others choose to just relax their mind or party up until they become a freshman all over again.

As for the underclassmen, they can enjoy their summer stress-free because they don’t have to worry about prepping for college. Some sophomores and juniors are planning to take Upward Bound, and some are also job-hunting to fuel their spending habits.

If you are a week into summer and feel that it’s boring, have no fear. There are plenty of things to do during summer, especially since school is out of the way and people have more time in the day. Tired of watching TV, playing videogames, or stalking people on Facebook? If you’re lacking pigment, grab a friend on a sunny day and lay out in the sun. Be sure to put sunscreen because nothing is more disgusting than having a sun burnt red spot instead of a nice tan.

There are many other things you can do during these summer days, such as paddle boating, canoeing, or swimming. If you don’t like the water, try having a picnic with your friends, have a BBQ, or find local fairs to attend.

Summer time is a time for relaxing and having fun. Don’t waste your summer staying indoors, be active and enjoy your vacation while it last!

Fortunately for patients in the hospitals who are relying on strangers’ blood, many people willingly donate their own. However, for the safety of the recipients, the blood donors go through a screening process. They have to fill out a questionnaire outlining their personal health history, including diseases, any recent piercing /tattoos, prostitution, [...]]]> Published By Kathryn Ong

Fortunately for patients in the hospitals who are relying on strangers’ blood, many people willingly donate their own. However, for the safety of the recipients, the blood donors go through a screening process. They have to fill out a questionnaire outlining their personal health history, including diseases, any recent piercing /tattoos, prostitution, and even sexual past. If any male had sexual intercourse, at least once, with another male after 1977, the said male cannot donate blood.

This rule was enforced in 1983 because of the HIV scare; heterosexuals have a lower amount of people infected with HIV. Unfairly, this perpetuates the stereotype of gay men having AIDS. The restriction prevents them from donating blood, even if they practice safe sex with one partner. Seriously, a guy could be heterosexual and have a ton of partners, yet he would be a blood-donating candidate. So wrong.

It is not as though HIV is not screened. People go to test their blood for any type of sexual disease these days, and so donors should know whether or not their blood is clean enough. Sure, back then in the eighties, it might have been difficult, but technology was not as its peak. However, it is nearly thirty years and scientists have stepped it up.

Quite frankly, anyone has the potential of catching a disease. It really does not matter who, it does not matter what their sexual orientation is; actions have consequences. So to single out someone’s personal preference is unfair.

It’s not right to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation, especially when the cause of donating blood is greater. While there still is cause to worry about the cleanliness of blood, it should be for everyone, not just gay males. Everyone is a potential risk and should be treated as such, regardless of sexual orientation.

Drinking is a popular activity within the teenage community. The high school years are usually when alcohol really kicks in. It’s where hobbies are dropped and habits are picked up.

Although there’s no real way to stop teenagers from drinking and sneaking around the law there is something that people should be focusing [...]]]> Published By Rikka Quinanola

Drinking is a popular activity within the teenage community. The high school years are usually when alcohol really kicks in. It’s where hobbies are dropped and habits are picked up.

Although there’s no real way to stop teenagers from drinking and sneaking around the law there is something that people should be focusing on more than just the drinking. People, even if they are drinking should be on high alert about teen drinking and driving.

Teenagers in high school are all relatively new to driving, having three years experience at most. With that little experience, anyone can be good at driving, but when drinking and driving are mixed, it turns into a toss in the air for everyone.

Even full grown adults who have driven for years can have misjudgment while under the influence of alcohol. Teenagers are already at a higher risk of accidents due to speeding, staying out late and falling asleep, and lack of awareness, so adding drinking into the picture can cause risks of higher speed rates and more reckless driving which equals danger.

Teenagers are young and just want to go out and have fun, but they don’t always think of all the trouble they could get into while having fun.

I think if a parent is already aware their child drinks on occasion but doesn’t want to say anything to them about it or accept it enough, then the parent should take charge and just let their child know that if one day it ever comes down to it and they are under the influence and need a ride home that as a concerned loving parent they will pick them up with no questions asked.

Teenagers hide their drinking habits because they think they’ll get punished if their parents were to find out. But if a parent/child relationship is open about certain topics, then the child is more likely to reach for help when needed, which can also stir up conversations that may have been needed in the first place.

Parents need to accept the fact their child may be getting into mischief and if they were they should want to let their child know their there for them instead of not. That way you know what your child’s doing and your child isn’t scared to go to their parents when needed.

Summer is almost here, the sun is out and school is almost out. The heat that is destined to come within the next month will make people’s mouths water and crave delicious food and something cool to wash it down with.

People from all different cultures and backgrounds eat different types of food [...]]]> Published By Floyd Neal

Summer is almost here, the sun is out and school is almost out. The heat that is destined to come within the next month will make people’s mouths water and crave delicious food and something cool to wash it down with.

People from all different cultures and backgrounds eat different types of food throughout the year. The best season of the year for food is summer. And the best season requires the best food.

“The summer is the best season because I was born in the summer,” Nick Jackson, junior, said.

“I like summer because there is no school and the weather is nice,” Myeshia Thompson, senior, said.

Summer is the time to eat your favorite food. Whatever food chosen is a good choice.

“My favorite is fried chicken with hot sauce, and barbeque ribs,” Cori Wallace, senior, said.

“My favorite food is cornbread, which is perfect for picnics,” Thompson said. “Then wash it down with a nice cold glass of Kool-aid.”

What better place to eat all of that delicious food than to have a nice picnic, especially when the weather is nice.

“I like to go to Seward Park for my picnics because it is a cool place to chill,” Jackson said.

“I always go to Judkins Park to eat because I believe that it is the best family get-together park,” Wallace said.

The best thing about picnics in the summer is the sports. Sports are the best activity to while the weather is like this.

“My favorite activities are basketball and Ultimate Frisbee. They are the sports that everybody likes to play when the weather is warm,” Jackson said.

Out-door picnics are better than an in-door get together picnic because there is more space and different types of activities.

The Northwest Folklife Festival is a folk event with ethnic and traditional art, and was held at Seattle Center from May 28th through 31st. Among many professional artists playing on the stages set by Folklife, amateur street musicians were trying so hard to get people’s attention. Some were just playing instruments, and [...]]]> Published by Saki Hineno

The Northwest Folklife Festival is a folk event with ethnic and traditional art, and was held at Seattle Center from May 28^th through 31^st. Among many professional artists playing on the stages set by Folklife, amateur street musicians were trying so hard to get people’s attention. Some were just playing instruments, and no one paid attention to them. Others gathered a lot of audiences, and were applauded after each song. Their skill in music and songs were not as good as professionals, but they put a great deal of effort into attracting listeners. Some things that the artists had in common was that they were wearing interesting clothes and shoes, dyeing hair or changing their hairstyles in unusual shapes, face painting, decorating their instruments, and bringing in dancers. Some musicians would say that’s their style as same as what they do daily. Even if they make great songs, that’s nothing if there is no person to recognize them as musicians, listen to their songs.

It was impressing how good they were at creating new style of looking, and giving a unique atmosphere to their band. The outfits and instruments that haven’t been seen before might make you feel odd, but their clothes are somehow organized, and create cool impressions. Strange shaped glasses on red hair, the instruments even don’t have names; these kinds of things are truly artistic and fun to see.

Street musicians don’t necessarily have to put on those creative clothes. Two girls, looking 9 or 10 years old, played the violins and were intriguing to a passerby. They have to posses some features different from the others. That can be age, clothes, songs, etc… Again, this is not an easy job, but that’s the thing they have to go through to be famous, and to continue pursuing what they want to do in their lives.

On June 4, the time the students have all been waiting has finally come. One of Franklin’s biggest events of the year is Quaker Day. Quaker Day is a fun time to play games, eat food, and socialize with friends. Quaker Day started off with an assembly to celebrate the school year, [...]]]> Published By Bradley Fujimoto

On June 4, the time the students have all been waiting has finally come. One of Franklin’s biggest events of the year is Quaker Day. Quaker Day is a fun time to play games, eat food, and socialize with friends. Quaker Day started off with an assembly to celebrate the school year, and then afterwards came the festivities.

“I love Quaker Day because it’s a chance to bond the school together,” Fundisha Tibebe, senior, said. “My favorite thing is the food because it tastes so good.”

Quaker day also had some fun activities to do on the boulevard. In the past, there have been games, such as baton fights and even an inflatable obscure course. Besides the games, there is also a barbeque right in front of the school.

“Quaker Day is like a field day, like back in elementary school, without getting stamps at each station,” Obsee Hissu, senior, said. “I like Quaker Day a lot better than field day.”

Quaker Day was an opportunity to relax for the last couple of weeks before the summer time. The teachers helped out at this event so it gives students a chance to see their teachers outside the classroom.

“Quaker Day was a great way to end the school year,” Gabe Kirch, senior, said. “With all the stress we have during the school year, it feels good to kick back and have some fun.”

Quaker Day was truly a day dedicated to the Franklin students. The Quakers went out there and played games, ate food, and just had some fun. They celebrated a long, hard school year and enjoyed the year they’ve spent as a Quaker. This years Quaker Day met the expectations from the previous years and holds a high bar for Quaker Days in years to come.

Movie films have advanced from being silent black and white films to color with sound. Now there are even movies that have 3-D visual effects. Movies with the 3-D effect have enticed the interests of kids from ages 13 and younger. 3-D movies seemed to have attracted an audience consisting [...]]]> Published By Kevin Francis A. Terrado

Movie films have advanced from being silent black and white films to color with sound. Now there are even movies that have 3-D visual effects. Movies with the 3-D effect have enticed the interests of kids from ages 13 and younger. 3-D movies seemed to have attracted an audience consisting of mainly children. However, even teens and adults are attracted to these movies, which have become successful in the year 2000 until now.  The question is, is it worth your money?

“Watching a movie with a 3D effect is just awesome because it gives that feel that you’re in it. Whereas in a regular movie, the only way to really get into it is how the story drives the movie,” Adriel Molina, junior, said.

“The graphics and visuals improved a lot. Special effects and animation definitely improved because if you’ve ever seen those old movies with animated monsters they’re really bad,” Liana Lew, junior, said.

A regular movie costs from eight dollars to ten dollars. On the other hand, a 3-D movie can range cost from 10 to 15 dollars.  But what is it about the effects that make the movie better?

“I don’t really watch movie in 3D. But, it’s because we can put ourselves in the movie that way by having things pop out at us and such. It makes everything seem more

real and as if we’re the ones experiencing every moment of it,” Alex Marc Lam, junior, said.

As the success of 3D movies grows, movie makers have been making more and more movies that have thee effects. Some of these movies including Journey to the Center of the Earth, Shrek: The Final Chapter, the upcoming Toy Story 3, and more.

Movies have been a part of the American lifestyle for centuries. The theaters seem to be one of the most popular hang out places during leisure time.  Here we find entertainment that leaves us spooked, excited, teary, nostalgic or just bored.

It’s that time once again; the time to say goodbye to the 2009-2010 school year and put the shades on for summer vacation. For seniors it’s time to wrap up the previous school years, prepare for college and move onto bigger things in life.

“My advice to next year’s seniors is good luck,” [...]]]> Published By Brianna Marie

It’s that time once again; the time to say goodbye to the 2009-2010 school year and put the shades on for summer vacation. For seniors it’s time to wrap up the previous school years, prepare for college and move onto bigger things in life.

“My advice to next year’s seniors is good luck,” Cedric Thomas, senior, said.

Before heart felt goodbyes and yearbook signings, Quakers are taking a moment to recap the school year.

“I enjoyed football this year, because it was fun and it kept me out of trouble. I also enjoyed all of my teachers, because they gave me good grades on all of my assignments,” Khory Kercheval, junior, said.

While some Quakers enjoyed their year at Franklin, others had a different opinion.

“I would have liked to see more events for couples and dances this year,” Chynna Williams, sophomore said.

There were many events in the school year that were planned, but didn’t end up happening.

“I would have liked the talent show and Mr. Quaker to have happened,” Williams said.

Quaker suggestions for the school year may be fulfilled, but there are some things that can not happen at Franklin.

“I would have liked Gucci Mane to appear at a school assembly, so I could hear him say ‘Bling bloaw burrrr’,” Kercheval said.

As Quakers wrap up the end of the year, there are a few things to be excited for. Quakers are buzzing over elections, Quaker day, yearbooks and the last day of school. The staff and officers may plan these events, but what are Quakers going to do with these opportunities?

“I plan to sleep on the last day of school,” Thomas said.

“I plan to kick it with all my friends on the last day of school,” Williams said.

Wraping up the 2009-2010 school year, what are some hopes of next school year?

“I hope I get grades, am more popular and we have a better year in football,” Kercheval said.

It’s time to sign yearbooks and say goodbye. The final days of school are coming near, and soon it will be time to say hello to the 2010-2011 school year.

The radio has been a way for people to hear music while being mobile whether they are in the car or simply walking down the street. The radio is a thing of entertainment for all to enjoy. Even though the original purpose radio of the radio is something to inform people about [...]]]> Published By Michael-Shawn Dugar

The radio has been a way for people to hear music while being mobile whether they are in the car or simply walking down the street. The radio is a thing of entertainment for all to enjoy. Even though the original purpose radio of the radio is something to inform people about the weather, sports and just whatever is going on in the world.

“I listen to the radio for baseball games when I am not able to watch them on television,” Sam Demco, senior, said.

Most people take advantage of the radio like Demco but some Quakers do not think the radio is so helpful.

“Everything that the radio is now is pretty boring, I can get all that news and stuff from channel four,” Bill Agulair, senior, said.

The content on the radio has definitely changed over time, in the past the radio has been a place where local artist were able to get there music out there but now most radio stations will only play songs that crack the top 40 on the pop charts.

“The only radio that I get in my car plays the same twelve songs everyday and never plays any local music,” Jefferey Todd, senior, said.

It seems that at Franklin most people listen to the same radio stations.

“I listen to Kube 93 because it’s the only station that has music that I like, every other station has a bunch of old stuff or pop stuff,” Todd said.

The main craze with pop radio is that artists have caught on to the trend and begun to alter the style of their music so that pop radio stations will buy it. However, most artists are too concerned about their image to conform and make radio music.

“I like the artists who make real music for real rap fans instead of pop music,” Demco said.

The radio is one of those things that will be around forever because of the ways that it has advanced and the radio is showing no signs of slowing down.

I’m in 8th grade and I’ve started hanging out with my best friend’s older family and friends. In the past couple months I’ve began drinking on the weekends with them. I know I’m young and drinking isn’t good but I kind of like the feeling and it’s hard to be around alcohol and [...]]]> Dear Benjamin Franklin,

I’m in 8^th grade and I’ve started hanging out with my best friend’s older family and friends. In the past couple months I’ve began drinking on the weekends with them. I know I’m young and drinking isn’t good but I kind of like the feeling and it’s hard to be around alcohol and not consume any. What should I do?

Dear Fellow Quaker,

Your best bet is to really limit yourself and learn right from wrong before it’s too late. Drinking may seem like all fun and games right now but it won’t be a laughing matter later on. I used to have a best friend who I used to drink with when I was in middle school here and there, which soon became way too often. I learned that drinking wasn’t a smart idea and I had to pull myself away from my usual surroundings, but my best friend wasn’t on the same page.

If there’s someone who loves something so much but is saying they would love to quit, that means they know they are in trouble. My advice is getting out before it’s too late. Alcohol can cause people to do dumb things and make bad decisions they probably won’t remember the next day, and that’s just something no one should want to risk. One bad incident can mess up someone’s life in a second. Drinking on occasion is okay, but if you’re around people who drink on a regular basis… get out unless you know for a fact you can say no with no hesitation. Don’t let other’s influence you. You can have fun sober if you accept yourself being sober.

Dear Benjamin Franklin,

I’m currently 18 years old and a senior in high school. I’ve been drinking since middle school but in past year myself and others have noticed my drinking habits have increased immensely. I find myself wanting to even drink on weekdays. How do I kick this habit without having to seek professional help since I don’t know if it’s that serious yet?

Dear Fellow Quaker,

I’m guessing you drink because the people you’re surrounded by on a daily drink a lot and are older because I know an 18-year-old can not buy their own alcohol. If I’m correct than my best advice is don’t go around those people for awhile. Cut off your links to alcohol for a couple weeks and do something productive with people who don’t drink. If you’re really worried about your habit and your health then it shouldn’t be a problem. I know not going around people you are with all the time is difficult, but if they love you than they will understand. Temptations run to high when it comes to something you like doing and being around alcohol and not drinking any will only last so long. While you’re doing that, begin to think long and hard on why you drink and what you love so much about it. That way you can face your problem. After you’ve done that just realize you don’t need alcohol to hide your problems only for a couple hours and you don’t need alcohol to be fun or have fun. If you do need it to have fun, I suggest you find some new friends and new hobbies because you’re life must not be that exciting. Once you get to a good point, you should be able to say no confidently to people who offer you a drink. Stay positive and always have your goal in your mind. Have a good reason printed in your mind to why you wanted to quit in the first place.