The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/98812
Staff Editorial Page 2 Be prepared - the end is near... Or not. B ased off of the Mayan's calculations and their calendar, the world will meet its end December 21, 2012. Through various astrological alignments, somehow, our planet Earth will cease to exist. Isn't it obvious? Our calendar ends at the end of December, too. That's probably to account for a few miscalculations by the Mayans. Either way, at the end of December, we are all doomed and must meet our fate. While some people are wondering whether to believe this unfortunate ending, The Bluffer wants to inform its readers. There is no more second-guessing yourself, people! What could possibly come after 2012? 2013? It's inevitable. This is our last issue, and we wanted to make sure that our readers, above all the rest, would have the most chances of surviving. Instead of spending our last few days with family and loved ones, we have devoted our time to ensuring your safety. There is a total of seven days left and each second is vital up until that moment. The number one rule for survival is preparation. In most cases, we believe an underground living space is one of the most essential elements. It has to be sturdy enough to account for the explosion (we are guessing the Earth will blow up), but habitable enough for living organisms. After many calculations and observing everyday life, we have come up with the perfect solution. First, dig a December 14, 2012 hole. After digging a hole we figured that bubble wrap and foam peanuts would be most effective for lining the room. Not only do they protect valuables in the shipping industry, but after the explosion when the air is full of toxic gases and possibly vampires, maybe werewolves, or even zombies popping bubble wrap makes for an entertaining game. Next, food and water is a must; however, you have to get the right stuff. Don't go with stuff that has an unusually long expiration date; instead, go with items that everyone will like. We figure that it will probably be uncomfortable down there and the people around you will get grumpy. Getting rice and eating it day after day will not make them any happier. On the flip side, a nice bowl of Lucky Charms and milk will suffice them perfectly. Getting the right food will correlate with a pleasant living environment and make the stay peaceful. Besides the food, don't forget the television, video games, and air conditioning. It is bound to get a little warm and boring (bubble wrap can only last so long). Most importantly, use common sense. Rumors spread and circulate, and before you know it, someone could tell you that the world is not ending. Don't falter, though. Stay strong and remain persistent. Don't waste your time and trust something absurd; make sure it is creditable. Wouldn't that be silly if you believed everything that you heard? q2 Gay marriage is no different than normal marriage It's 2012 and we still haven't gotten past our differences. Isn't it about time? I've never been the one to get in the middle of a controversy. Maybe, I'll throw in a sideways comment in the middle of a class debate (sorry, Mr. Norton). But, nonetheless, I've never been one to feel like I should be in a pivotal epidemic of an opinionated storm of nonsense and biased accusations. I mean, there are only so many ways you can try and convince someone that your opinion has much more depth and thought process to it. But, I've never been so great at convincing. But, here I go. That's the thing, my opinion is just an opinion; it's no bet ter than the next guys. Or so I'd like to think. Here it goes. I'm unleashing a never-ending wrath with two words: gay marriage. Now that that's out of the way I'd like to elaborate on why my opinion can be taken into consideration no matter what religious or moral grounds you m a y to take a stroll on the rainbow, or catwalk. Whichever you'd prefer. Or, maybe the promised land if you're into that stuff. If you haven't already guessed my opinion on the matter at hand is that I believe that every single person in America should have equal stand on. Whether you walk a 'straight' and narrow path or maybe a crooked jagged line, I'd like you marriage rights. Now, I understand that sounds completely generic and you've heard this stance before, but, hear me out. Gay marriage, to me, isn't from Joe Pelanconi, I took over the exchange and supervised subsequent trips from 1996-1999. On the first 2 trips I was the sole facilitator, but as the program grew (more than 23 participants), I asked my friend Dwight if he would like to "come along." It was a great partnership, but he would have been the first to acknowledge that I did most of the work organizing the exchanges: I documented the hosting and sending,plane flights, excursions, contact list, itineraries, fund raising, etc. We were planning our 4th trip in the fall of 1999 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to relinquish the role. Initially reluctant, Dwight took over that trip and those that followed. It is interesting to note that within 2 years, I was not only no longer doing the exchange, I was no longer in the classroom and had in fact, been relocted off camous. But I digress-that is a whole other story. Recently, it came to my attention that The Bluffer (Volume CXIV Issue 4) had devoted a series of articles to Dwight-and rightly so. However, it was the timeline on the back/last page that stunned me. Despite documentation (apparently) going back to 1927- my tenure as an advisor to The Bluffer had been omitted? After Pat Phillips tenure, I was the one who inquired of Mr. Pelanconi if I might take over The Bluffer. I served in that capacity from 19851991. During my time, The Bluffer went from sporadic publication to bi-monthly, the staff tripled, I introduced color and increased advertising some special weird unicorn phenomenon; to me, it's marriage – plain and simple. I could say gay marriage is black and white, but, let's face it – it's kind of a rainbow. Looking at gay marriage in America right now, I think we would prosper and unite as a country if the rest of the 41 states would make gay marriage legal (you know who you are). Nine states in the U.S. have already made gay marriage legal but exactly 30 of the non- Letter to the Editor Board of Trustees and the Spartan Community: It would appear that some fact checking is in order regarding some recent stories in both the Red Bluff Daily News and The Bluffer. Tho it is not my intention to diminsih the illustrious career of my former colleague Dwight Evans, suffice it to say that even he would have been uncomfortable with the inaccuracies and misrepresentation. It is even more hurtful to know thatthere are many current staff members who should have been aware of the ommisions in these stories and yet apparently, chose to say nothing. Inistially, the exchange with Austria began with trips conducted by retired Foreign Language teacher Dave Span. Later, upon a recommendation THE BLUFFER Editorial Staff Adviser Editor-In-Chief Editor-In-Chief Advertising Director News Editors Laurel Shoop Natalie Almond Alisa Pelanconi Marissa Chase Marissa Chase Laurel Shoop Viewpoint Editor Becca Blanchard Staff Writers Cartoonist Josiah Vasey Andrea Hveem Veronica Smith A & E Editors Garrett Sandow Sam Rodriguez Mitch Fox Zachary Smith Laura DeFonte Savannah Rice Ryan Fisher Features Editors Claire Samay Ashlan Brunello Bailey Patchen Corrections: Sports Editors In Volume CXIV Issue 4 of the Bluffer, the folBrittany Villa lowing Bluffer advisers had incorrect dates on Topic Editor the timeline. The correct dates are below. Shelby Keeler Mr. Rippey 1965-1969 Holiday Classic Mrs. Phillips: 1983-1985 Egan Meagher Mrs. Hickson 1985-1991 Connor Ross Editorial Policy: Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the district, staff, or student body. We welcome signed letters to the editor. Names may be withheld upon request. We also reserve the right to edit submission based on length and/or clarity. conforming states have banned gay marriage in their state constitutions. Looking at these numbers, I'm in awe. This is 2012. This is supposed to be the time where we move past our differences and come together. Or is this a time where people still have to fight for equality? Apparently so. Gay marriage will, if anything, provide progress for America rather than transgression. Could you imagine having segregation or even sexism still intact as an American staple in our society? In 1967, 'Interracial marriage still was illegal in 16 states before the high court outlawed race-based state marriage bans.' according to the Associated Press. Considering we have an African American President that fact is quite alarming. Positive political points of this contradictory argument include that gay marriage will provide an amount of tax revenue for the public need. Considering the demographic of California this may as well be a lot of money, but not the entire bucket of gold at the end of the rainbow. As of 2012, the first publicly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, made her appearance at the polls and succeeded with the mindset of "making a difference" rather than "making history". Nonetheless isn't this a hint to America that we are growing and maturing as a country? I could say 'join the bandwagon' but, maybe you're more comfortable with taking the arc…To each his own. I may have started this off with 'I've never been the one to get in the middle of a controversy' but, actually, I've never been opposed to starting one. Shelby Keeler Topics Editor Don't ask for too revenue. Soon thereafter, when I was pregnant with my son taylor, I asked Dwight if he could "take over." At the time he made me promise that we would alternate years as the advisor- but he took the paper to another level and I was happy to relinquish it to such a capable individual. The point is- your omitting me in these two instances negates my existence and my hard work on behalf of so many. Dwight would beuncomfortable taking credit where credit is not due. He earned plenty of accolades on his own. You do not diminish his star by exsinguishing the glow of others. Regretfully, Nancy Howard Hickson much for X-mas What do you want for Christmas? With the holiday season now in full swing, I'm sure at least one person has asked you this question. But how did you respond? Lately I've been feeling that our generation asks for too much. Especially with the current economic situation, it's really hard for parents to be able to get together enough money to buy their children big-ticket items. Just the other day I asked a younger girl I know what she had on her wish list. She responded by saying she wanted a flat screen T.V., a new smart phone, and an iPad. I was shocked. All I could think to myself was, you'd be happy if you received even just one of those things, right? Taking into consideration that this particular girl was only 11, I feel that Christmas wants have gotten a little out of hand. Especially since, being teenagers, we now know that what's under the tree comes out of parent's pocket rather than Santa's workshop, I believe that we should be more appreciative. Yes, Christmas is about getting gifts, but it's also about enjoying the spirit and festivities. So let's set an example for the kids we know by asking for less and focusing on the other benefits of the holiday season. Christmas is about coming together with the people you love and having a good time, not spending loads of money. Natalie Almond Advertising Director SPARTAN THUMBS Holiday Classic is coming Students are getting excited for the upcoming Holiday Classic. Christmas break Kids will soon be getting a welcomed break from school. Closed campus discussion Current freshman may be stuck on campus during lunch in coming years. Adopt an angel program Classes are pitching in to help kids have a better Christmas. Increase in fights There have been more fights on campus. *These Thumbs came from Mrs. Dehart's 4th period class.