Posts by sbertin:
- Swimmers dive off the blocks into the water during the time trials meet
From runway to summer day
May 20th, 2010
While at the beach, you want to dress in vintage-looking clothing. Your swim suits have intricate patterns, some with dark colors, but mostly light ones. Before arriving at the beach, dress with loose, plain tops that match well and show your swim suit underneath. At the beach, your hat is a fedora – usually white, but will always match with the colors you are wearing. These styles are hot off the runway and perfect for any summer day.
On the model/ Crochet swim suit: Target, Shirt: Hobie, Hat: H&M, Ring: Cuffs, Necklace: Forever 21
On the model/ Crochet swim suit: Target, Shirt: Hobie, Hat: H&M, Ring: Cuffs, Necklace: Forever 21
On the model/ Dress: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Urban Outfitters, Bandeau: Heritage, Hat: Mexico, Ring: Denios, Necklace: Urban Outfitters
On the model/ Body suit: Urban Outfitters, High-wasted leather skirt: H&M, Hat: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Nordstrom Rack, Purse: Store in Sacramento in the 40’s
On the model/ Body suit: Urban Outfitters, High-wasted leather skirt: H&M, Hat: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Nordstrom Rack, Purse: Store in Sacramento in the 40’s
Around the world
May 20th, 2010Over the 17 years of my life, I’ve traveled to 22 countries. I’ve seen Spain, Germany and Italy, but I’ve also seen Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia – two completely different types of worlds, the first-world and third-world.
I’ve seen the poverty in India, the cows that graze on trash along the streets, the savage way of driving their cars and auto rickshaws. But I’ve also seen the beauty in people, the picturesque gardens and the diversity in the shops along the streets.
In Singapore, I’ve seen the indescribable cleanliness. The streets bare of gum or trash, the airport that includes swimming pools and orchid gardens – the perfection.
In Southern France, I’ve been in the warm Mediterranean Sea and stayed up on those endless nights as the sun sets close to 10 or 11 o’clock on some nights. In the city of lights, I’ve tasted the delicious food in any restaurant, seen the endless lines of fashion – seen the art, the history and the vivacity of Paris. I’ve also seen the homeless, the drunks and the pickpockets.
In Colombia, I’ve lived the culture. Seen the amazing handiwork they create, seen the girls in outlandish dresses heartily dancing salsa, seen the amazing scenery throughout the country. Yet, I’ve also felt afraid as dark eyes stare as you walk home at night.
In total, I’ve stayed in France for two years, Colombia for a year and a half, India for a month and so on. But somehow, after just a couple of weeks I am eager to return home to the United States.
Although I have never lived in any other country but America, I feel confident enough to say that I have stayed long enough in a variety of different parts of the earth to understand the world and environment around me.
While each country I’ve been to has always been different and in itself amazing, I always have this strong feeling as my airplane ride approaches closer and closer – this eager and excited feeling to return home to America.
We constantly criticize everything our country does. Nothing is ever good, always needing to be improved. We criticize our government for caring too much or caring too little, criticize the taxes we pay, the wars we’ve engaged in.
While criticism may lead to a better government and a better life, we often take for granted the quality of life we have compared to other countries.
And, yet, after 22 countries, 22 governments, 22 different sets of laws, to me America is still the greatest.
Yes, we have problems that could be fixed, but our country and the people who have composed it for many years have made it wonderful.
Although I believe my opinion comes from my 17 years worth of traveling and my experience first-hand with the world, I am grateful to have been born and raised in America.
So just for a second, be thankful. You live in America.
***
Sarah Bertin, a junior, is a Gazette voices editor.
A passion for fashion
April 19th, 2010
Spring fashion
On the model: dress; H&M, belt; Nordstrom, shoes; Target, necklace; Nordstrom, leather jacket; H&M
On the model: dress; H&M, belt; Nordstrom, necklace; Nordstrom, leather jacket; H&M
Earth:
If you dress in Earth style then nature is a part of who you are, and you express it. When the weather is colder, the colors on you are muted, and when the sun shines, they are lively. You tend to fit in with the colors of the ground – its soil, terrain and landscape. Other times you fit in with the flowers, the grass and the trees. The clothes you wear flow with the wind and are comfortable for any occasion. You enjoy strappy sandals, such as low to the ground gladiator shoes. You are sweet and simple.
On the model: shirt; LF, short; Nevaeh, shoes; Lulu, necklace; Nordstrom
On the model: shirt; LF, necklace; Nordstrom
Oceanfront:
Why aren’t you at the beach? You are one with the water. You are calm and casual. The colors you wear match the waves of the ocean, loving the blues and the whites. Your swimsuit might as well be on, as you seem ready to dive in. The shirts you wear are free and relaxed. You dress in jean shorts with or without holes. The shoes you wear are or resemble flip-flips. They are easy to kick off at any moment’s time for a walk in the sand.
On the model to the left: high-wasted shorts; Macys, tights; homemade, shirt; Urban Outfitters, jacket; Urban Outfitters, shoes; nordstrom. On the model to the right: tunic; Macys, sweater; Urban Outfitters, tights; Urban Outfitters, shoes; Urban Outfitters, Beanie; H&M.
Formspring: Symbolic of internet’s development
April 19th, 2010We are the generation that has been molded by the internet. When the concept of internet was created, it was something new and inventive, but now it is just part of our everyday lives. We rely on it differently – some for education, some for communication, some for entertainment.
In the end, it is a part of society.
So did the internet take a wrong turn? As the Web continues developing, it is becoming more personal. Yes, it has always been filled with crude and inappropriate sites and information, but now, it’s affecting people individually.
Formspring is just one of the many internet sites that are causing this change.
The whole idea of formspring.me is this: a person creates their own personal site, and then anyone can anonymously ask any question they want and wait for the person’s response.
Formspring is an easy and effective way to get questions answered, but also to share your feelings – the good and the bad – as you are allowed to say anything you choose in the comment box.
This Web site claims it is a place for friends to learn about friends.
But there is definitely more to this sweet message – the internet has been evolving into something personal.
Web sites like these allow people to bash on anyone, make fun of them and harass them while hiding behind their computer screen in the comfort of their own home because their comments are anonymous.
But it is not Formspring that is problem; it is the people behind the screens.
The internet has made us capable of expressing ourselves in ways we would never dare express ourselves face to face. We are able to hurt people stronger and deeper than ever before with just the touch of a button, but with our anonymity to protect us.
It is our generation that has taken advantage of this. We have taken advantage of our freedom of speech.
Through the cover that the internet in today’s society provides, people have the ability to say anything they chose without the consequences that they would normally face.
All in all, the old rule “think before you speak” should remain intact. The internet effectively removes the natural filter on conversation which has unleashed a beast.
We believe that the internet is not inherently a bad thing, as it is solely a material object, but, because of the nature of mankind, we have turned it into a thing that can be despised.
Searching for equality
March 15th, 2010Don’t ask, don’t tell – our military’s attempts to allow every American to serve in the military. It is supposed to make it equal by ignoring one’s sexual orientation and allowing them to serve.
Up until 1993, the military policy stated that “homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” It had been a common crime to find those caught being homosexual to be persecuted, like in the notorious case of Allen R. Schindler, Jr.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton proposed the bill Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to give individuals of homosexual or bisexual orientation the right to serve in the military.
The bill states that the superiors should not investigate any servicemen’s sexual orientation. In return, the servicemen cannot allow their orientation to be discovered, ever.
There are just two catches to the “equal” policy that the United States prides itself in providing.
That is the biggest catch: no one, under any circumstance, could have reason to believe you were not straight. Unfortunately, if they did, they can be discharged. Effective immediately.
Another catch: those who are openly gay, lesbian or bisexual cannot, under any circumstances, join and serve the military.
The United States of America prides itself in giving all Americans social equality, no matter their gender, race or religion.
Yet, we care about a person’s sexual orientation, to the extent that they are not allowed to serve in the military if they are not straight.
The fact of the matter is that this fight for the rights of gays and lesbians has gone on for far too long.
With the struggle to get married – like in California’s Proposition 8 – and the continual persecution in the workplace, the gay and lesbian society has undergone enough for trying to exercise the rights that are supposed to be guaranteed.
The Declaration of Independance states that “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” so what has prolonged the fight against the equality of those who are not straight for so long?
It is time for all people – no matter their gender, race, religion, or sexuality – to have the freedoms that are supposed to be guaranteed.
***
Sarah Bertin, a junior, is a Gazette voices editor.
Diving into rough waters
March 15th, 2010
GBHS junior Brooke Coyle practices her butterfly stroke.
Swimmers dive off the blocks into the water during the time trials meet
Granite Bay High School swimming has been a power house for 13 consecutive years – ever since the program began. The Grizzly team has the nation’s third longest high school winning streak.
In past years, the team has been led by groups of superstars who captured numerous GBHS wins.
Last year, there were a number of swimmers who were capable of winning their events without competition.
GBHS swimmers like ’09 graduates Spencer Hamby and Haley Anderson, who swam national and Olympic cut times, contributed hugely to the team’s success.
However, almost all of these superstar athletes left for college at the end of the ’09 season. Eight of the swimmers in the graduating class went on to swim in NCAA Division I Aquatics. Although there are still a handful of excellent swimmers left, the team is looking to rebuild to its former glory, according to GBHS senior and varsity boy’s team member Jordan Caines.
“This year, GBHS swimming is reloading,” GBHS head swim coach John Sherman said. “This year is different like every year is different. A new group of student athletes have to step up, take on leadership roles and carry on the torch, just like the group before them has done.”
Another challenge has risen for the GBHS swim team this season. Swimmers all throughout the league and section have dramatically improved.
The team’s spirit has not been brought down by the anticipated competition this year, but the tension has increased on the pool deck.
“The team is still as lively as ever, but there is definitely a more serious mood all throughout the pool,” Caines said.
But no matter what, this increased tension has only brought the team to believe that every member must work harder.
“[The team] definitely knows they have to step up. They want to be motivational with each other at practice and at meets, so it is more of a mentality issue now,” GBHS varsity girls’ swim coach Kendal Twilling said.
The team is focusing on the concept of teamwork.
“This sport is usually perceived as an individual endeavor, but now the team aspect is definitely most vital to continuing our success,” Caines said.
Still, 13 years of continual winning did not come easy, and this year is certainly no different.
“We take pride in our program, and we work hard every year,” GBHS JV boys’ swim coach Brad Dawson said. “We have more practices and opportunities to succeed than most other teams, and aside from that, we work really hard.”
Although the team does not have the same amount of stand-out athletes as in the past, the new group is motivated and willing to step up and lead this new team toward victory.
“We need every single swimmer to be accountable,” Sherman said. “Every single swimmer needs to set goals and achieve the highest of expectations.”
As the 2010 season is just beginning, the general outlook is positive.
“I think we have a good chance of winning league championships,” Twilling said. “We have a lot of great swimmers, and they are working really hard.”
Editorial – Obama’s first year: reflecting on the good and bad
February 4th, 2010The first year of a new presidency always comes with controversy, clashes and crisis; however, it seems that this year, these struggles have been more evident than ever. �
Because of the previous administration, Pres. Barack Obama was left to clean up eight years worth of havoc.
But he also promised change.
Now that more than a year has passed since his innovative and progressive campaign, we feel that Pres. Obama has left much to be accomplished.
Because of his speeches, the American people formed unrealistic expectations leading to the result of a year of disappointment.
His first year did not include many of the achievements he promised during his campaign; instead he tried to force a huge bill through Congress unsuccessfully.
Most of America doesn’t support the healthcare bill he supported, especially in a time of recession, when his main goal was supposed to be job creation. Along with that, the stimulus plan gave irresponsible banks the message that they are too big to fail – that they have no accountability.
His only main accomplishment is the improvement of our international image as America is seen as a less ignorant country now that he has taken office.
This in itself is an important accomplishment, but it is rarely noticed because it has not affected us directly.
We expected more change because it was a unified government – the Democrats controlled both houses – but instead of passing bills, they’ve been stuck on a healthcare bill that the people do not endorse.
Now that the Democrats in the senate no longer have the super majority, it’ll be interesting how well Pres. Obama can move to fix economic problems and what he will do next.
Yet, in the end, we believe it has only been a year. Presidents have never lived up to everything they promise in their campaigns, but one year is not enough time to judge his presidency.
Because of the current situation in America, we think that the American people would have been deceived out of a perfect president no matter who was a elected because there is so much to be done.
Although he has no notable accomplishments in his first year, he has stayed away from making bad decisions and has not made situations worse.
Ultimately, we need to be patient. The small steps that have been made have been beneficial and are pushing us in the right direction.
Reaching across the world
February 3rd, 2010
GBHS girls’ basketball poses at their January 29th benefit game, Hoops for Haiti. The game earned more than $2600 for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.
On the evening of Jan. 12, a 7.0 earthquake hit the already poorest country in the western hemisphere. Approximately 40 seconds was able to tear a country apart, where roughly 80 percent of the population live under the poverty line according to CIA Fact Workbook.
Buildings collapsed, crops were destroyed, electricity went out for the night. Food and water became even scarcer. Vast amounts of bodies were buried beneath the debris – both alive and dead.
The Granite Bay High School girls’ varsity basketball team was impacted by the event and has found a way to localize relief for the country of Haiti – Hoops for Haiti. Read the rest of this entry “
Crazy Love by Michael Buble Music Review
November 18th, 2009Since Michael Bublé’s last hit single, “Everything” in 2007, he has been somewhat under the radar – until now.
His new album Crazy Love is good enough to put him back under the limelight. With a mixture of soft bass, smooth guitar and jazzy piano, the essence is purely romantic – perfectly equivalent to a classical black and white film.
The music makes you feel as if you are in the set of the 1983 play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” by Frank Capra.
However, this album is geared toward those who are fans of the lonely, loveless soul, thereby limiting its audience. Each song is centered on wanting and losing love. Read the rest of this entry “
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