Nowadays, I keep myself up to day with current events and my friends’ latest aventures through the Internet.
In a conversation with a friend about his newly ordered sunglasses, over instant messaging went something like this:
“OMG! MY GLASSES CAME IN THE MAIL!”
“No way! What do they look like?”
“I posted a photo on Facebook/Tumblr/Instagram. Check it out!”
Every day, I feel the need to check various sorts of social networking sites just to keep up with my friends. But, as an added benefit, these sites happen to keep me up to date with everyday events. The applications that integrate news websites with Facebook constantly update my news feed with articles friends have recently read. Twitter explodes with friend and celebrity tweets about breaking news, or spreads the word with the notorious #hashtag.
Yet, as distracting as these networks are, I find it hard to avoid checking these various sites simply because they keep me up to date with my superficial life. Yes, I really needed to hear and see that so-and-so went to someplace and had dinner at this restaurant and ate this dish. Or maybe, I can flip through those photos and imagine the life I could be having, if I had the time to “go adventuring.”
I am really no expert on the addictiveness of the Internet, but it clearly is changing the way everyone his or her life. Keeping up with all these events is really fascinating, and I would not want to be “out of the loop.”
Live like a possibly supersmart caveman, or live like a tired, grade-struggling socialite?

With the use of social media to spread global issues and events in recent years, media has become the newest medium of worldwide communication. Yet, with these new methods of connecting people from different parts of the world comes the ability for people to negatively judge recent social awakening.
The Arab Spring of 2011 was one of the first emergences of the use of social media to spread global awareness. Revolutionaries used Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to spread their cause and voice their opinions to the entire world. The use of social media was so extensive that many people refer to the Arab Spring as the “social media revolution.”
KONY 2012, a thirty-minute video created by Invisible Children Inc., has recently spread across the internet, quickly becoming one of the most viewed videos on the internet. With the intent of educating the public about the atrocities being committed by Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, the thirty-minute narrative has received harsh criticism from many viewers, attacking supporters of the KONY 2012 movement for being ignorant of other problems around the world. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: comments and photos praising the video are surrounded by condemning comments, blaming supporters for following so-called ephemeral, bandwagon movements, forgetting about them after their popularity has waned.
Movements publicized through social media should not be criticized for attracting supporters. Similar to a regular teenage kid updating their relationship status on Facebook, people all over the globe use social media to expose their problems, desires, and pleas of help. Many movements may be transitory, but they are still a social awakening for people all over the globe, an emergence from ignorance. Their interest in something may be fleeting, but the overall impact of global movements through social media on people’s lives will be positive. Social media makes helping people on the other side of the globe easy with a click of button, allowing people at home to help others.

Mills High has shocked the biology field, uncovering a new and unique plant species found exclusively in center court.

The new species, named Bellis roseus, is a common daisy with a pinkish tint. However, its revolutionary changes come from several of its unique adaptations that have been naturally selected in center court’s rigorous environment. Its adaptations, beyond then pinkish tint, include a thicker stem, shorter height, and unique secondary compounds.

The Mills biology teachers have been tracking the changes of the daisy population for the last twenty years. With data compiled by previous biology teachers, enthusiastic AP Biology teachers Aiko Michot and Steven Wang have been analyzing the data and specimen samples this past year with Mills’s Biology department.

The teachers, or rather, biologists, have strong evidence that the current population of daisies can be considered a new species.

“It fulfills the guidelines of a new species: these pinkish daisies can reproduce and make new offspring, and their offspring are viable and can reproduce themselves,” says Wang. “We recently tried to interbreed a daisy found in center court with a common daisy. The plants successfully pollinated but no fertilization occurred. Gametic isolation is present somewhere, resulting in these two plant species. It’s really clear evidence.”

Geographical isolation is noted as the main barrier for this new strain of daisies.

Aiko Michot had been studying this barrier for the past year.

“Considering the design of this high school, center court is quite isolated from the outside world. The buildings have probably prevented any outside pollen from entering or leaving the area. Center court is also quite a difficult environment to live in–it’s no surprise that these daisies have had to develop new adaptations to survive in this environment.”

Chemist and biology teacher Charles Olson agrees. He has been taking soil samples ever since he joined the Mills staff in 2005. “I’ve noticed a high concentration of methane, which is a common chemical found in decomposing trash. I suspect that a lot of the abnormalities in center court’s soil are due to the overabundance of trash found there. There is also an overabundance of uric acid, which is a major component of seagull feces. It’s no doubt that these two chemicals have affected the daisies.”

All the biologists agree that the multiple chemicals found in the soil ultimately stimulated a genetic mutation, resulting in the pink daisy’s unique qualities. The believe that a genetic mutation supposedly happened approximately ten years ago, and its advantageous qualities have been passed down for multiple generations of these common daisies. At the moment, it is estimated that ninety seven percent of the daisy population is part of this new species.

The biologists’ final test was a DNA sequencing test of the pink daisies compared to the common daisy, courtesy of biotechnology specialist Mary Rustia. Genetically, the two flowers showed several distinct differences, giving clear evidence that the pink daisy is a new species.

But that is not all.

Through more analysis of this new plant species, the biologists have noticed the advantages of the plant’s secondary compounds. Olson and Rustia worked together in identifying the special compound, and Michot and Wang tested the medical applications of this compound on various bacterial media. The compound allegedly may aid in curing the common cold, but more tests are needed before the biologists can make an accurate conclusion.

The biologists are currently writing up their final drafts for publication. They plan on submitting and publishing their findings in Nature, a reputable scientific journal. The publishing process will be long, and many scientists are expected to visit Mills to study the new species. The biology team expects their findings to be published by the end of the year.*

* = This is an April Fools article.

On February 26, a rally supporting anti-government demonstrations in Libya and other Arab nations was held at the U.N. Plaza in downtown San Francisco.

By noon, hundreds of protesters had gathered in the U.N. Plaza, bearing posters that condemned the violence occurring in Libya, denouncing Gaddafi’s forty year-rule, and showing support for protesters in other Arab nations such as Bahrain, Morocco, and Yemen. Guest speakers of Libyan, Egyptian and Afghani background led protesters in chants. Protesters called on world leaders and citizens alike were called on to support the revolution and to provide the Libyan protesters with aid in order to stop the bloodshed that has overtaken the nation since anti-government demonstrations that began on February 17.

As protesters marched from the U.N. Plaza on 7th Street through the streets of downtown San Francisco, they proudly waved the original Libyan flag, which Gaddafi had replaced with an all-green flag. This act in itself denounced Gaddafi, whose green flag symbolizes his Green Revolution. The original flag of red, black, and green stripes with a crescent-star in the center, which was adopted after liberation from Italy, has since become the symbol of the Libyan people’s revolution in Libya.

Demonstrators also whole-heartedly chanted slogans as they marched past tourist and people-filled sidewalks. The particular slogan, “Hey Obama don’t you care, Libyan blood is everywhere,” called on Obama to take action against Gaddafi’s regime as soon as possible.

One of the protest's organizers speaks with a member of the media.

Presently, Gaddafi’s position as President is hanging by a thread because the number of Libya civilian deaths has reached a worrying amount. The mercenary-yielded machine guns and the numerous air raids over citizen occupied cities have raised the death toll to the thousands. With uprisings in countries such as Yemen and Bahrain, the protest that began in Tunisia has started a domino effect of pro-democracy demonstrations that has spread to the Middle East.

Most recently, pro-democracy demonstrations have begun in the countries of Iran, Jordan, and Oman. With protests arising in these countries, the domino effect is bound to spread to Saudi Arabia as well, whose leader, King Abdullah is part of an absolute monarchy that has been ruling the country for almost eighty years.
Junior Michael Zeichick said that “[anti-government protests] will only affect the oil prices in the U.S if protests spread to Saudi Arabia.”

Protests in this oil-rich nation will substantially impact gas prices in the United States, which in December of 2010, was importing 1,087 thousand barrels of oil a day. Since oil currently costs $98 per barrel, a ten dollar price increase for a barrel will reduce American GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth. The rise in oil prices will directly affect the cost of airline tickets, shipping rates for delivery companies, and food and plastic product prices because of their reliance on oil.

Because Mills High has many student drivers, the rise in gas prices will directly affect the local community. Whether the students pay for the gas on their own or not, contact with high prices is imminent.
Junior and driver Nikki Guaci said, “When I am low on gas it affects where I go, and if I even go out [somewhere]. I understand [that] the expenses are ridiculous, so I try to save money by not driving around town more than necessary.”

A NPR (National Public Radio) news article from early March inferred that gas prices would most likely reach $3.50 a gallon because of political instability in the Middle East. However, the national average is $3.99 and rising as of the last week of March. The worst case scenario is that oil will cost $150 a barrel, making gas prices $4.50 a gallon.

As of now, the fate of the long-ruling monarchy in Saudi Arabia is unknown. A Facebook page called “Day of Rage” in Saudi Arabia has been started and is set for March 11 but there have yet to been any protester and government clashes. The events in Saudi Arabia will directly affect us here in the United States, by way of economy. Oil prices will soar through the roof.

The rising political tension in the Middle East and the extraordinary increase in oil prices that it will cause in the U.S. prove that events occurring in other parts of the world do involve us. The death toll of the Libyan protest is continually rising. Casualties in Egypt were not as staggering because the entire world was watching Mubarak’s every move. Also, because the military would not attack civilians, the former president could not take any action against protesters as Gaddafi has. Though finally winning a no fly-zone form the U.N., Libyans will continue to face Gaddafi’s force on the ground. Hospitals all over the country are short of medical supplies to treat wounded protesters.

In Libya, the world was not watching when protests first began. In fact, many did not know about the violence that had erupted in the nation. Because of that, Gaddafi was able to smuggle in mercenaries in order to suppress the demonstrations of pro-democracy protesters. The more people that learn about the situation in Libya, the more support and morale the Libyans will have in order to achieve freedom and pressure on Gaddafi to step down. Protests, such as the one that took place in downtown San Francisco, call for peoples’ attention to the political turmoil, violence, and pressured Obama to take action.

Awareness and heedfulness regarding the international community is important because knowledge is power.

Lights, actions, kung-Chiu time! Ang Lee, the acclaimed director of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, recently discovered Mills math teacher Mrs. Betty Chiu’s hidden kung fu talent on March 1, 2011, which gave him the revolutionary idea of creating a sequel starring actor Jackie Chan as the leading male role and Mrs. Chiu as his wise-cracking, but extremely talented grandmother. They will be accompanied by the usual cast, which consists of Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang ZiYi.

“I am very honored to be working with such a great kung fu master. She will, without a doubt, be a rising star. Who knew there would be someone who could rival my kung fu? She’s full of humor and is definitely the key to take this movie to the next level,” said an excited Chan.

Strolling along the path of Golden Gate Park, troubled by his thoughts of who would be the leading female role for his sequel, director Lee suddenly caught a glimpse of concentrated, pepper-haired Chinese tai chi practitioners from the corner of his eye. Upon closer inspection, he found Mrs. Chiu in the alluring Cat Stance. Lee was awe-struck by her flawless and determined pose; it was the very rendition of the welcoming white cat at the doorway of Chinese restaurants.

“When I saw her, I knew she was the one to play as my Huang Mi. We’re ready to give her a make-over that’s complete with hair extensions, but to be honest, she already fits in the role perfectly. Not many changes needed,” said Lee.

Mrs. Chiu will be traveling to the filming site in Hong Kong next month and at Lee’s urging, has decided to take one student to the set with her. This lucky student will get to meet Jackie Chan and a few other movie stars in Hong Kong. However, there are certain conditions the student must meet in order to embark on this unforgettable journey to the East. Although the specifications are shrouded in mystery, rumor has it that the “requirements” that Mrs. Chiu has set will be almost impossible to pass.

The plot of the sequel is being held secret, with only gossips about the movie’s storyline in the air. Some say it will follow be similar to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, except set in modern time. Mr. Chiu is very excited to be able to work with other amazing actors and hopes that the sequel will be a smashing success in the United States, as well as in China. If you have not seen the first movie, Mrs. Chiu has it hidden somewhere in her classroom and is willing to lend it to anyone who finds it. Come after school and take a look for yourself.

Mrs. Chiu has not yet found a long-term substitute to replace her current position as a math teacher.  The entire Mills staff will miss her, especially the teachers in the math wing. Mrs. Dreyer, the Calculus and Geometry teacher, has mixed feelings after hearing of Mrs. Chiu’s sudden announcement of going to Hong Kong to shoot a kung fu movie.

“It was all so sudden! I mean, I knew she would make it to the big screen one day–it was only a matter of time. I am definitely going to miss her.” said Mrs. Dreyer.

It will be a  bittersweet day when Mrs. Chiu leaves to go on her trip to Hong Kong to film the exciting new action movie. However, the biggest question still looms ominously in the horizon: after the entire filming process, will Mrs. Chiu return and continue to pursue her career as a math teacher or as an amazing actress?

Mr. Lo, the allegedly “loyal” Cal Bears fan committed high treason when Juniors Aaron Lee and Alex Long spotted him cheering for the Cardinals during a Cal vs. Stanford football game on Saturday.

Many Mills students have witnessed this metaphorical death of a Cal fan and are in utter dismay. Mr. Lo was a spot of red in a sea of blue and gold at the football game where Stanford was defeated at the Cal Bears’ home.

“I never thought Mr. Lo would go against his team, but I noticed he waved his hands for both of Stanford’s touchdowns, I knew that what I was seeing was not a mistake,” Aaron Lee said.

The students who were at the game said they noticed an Asian man in a burgundy sweater waving his arms around frantically when Stanford scored touchdowns.

“We never in a million years would have thought it was Mr. Lo, we could have sworn it was Bobby Lee! It makes sense now why he ran away when we tried to get his autograph,” Alex Long said.

While the sources at the game were willing to give their side of the story, Mr. Lo did not respond to any of our inquiries about the matter. The only response he gave when asked if he was at the game was a self-explanatory simple phrase.

“Of course I was there, I would never miss a Stanford vs. Cal game” Mr. Lo retorted.

Simply putting Stanford first in a sentence is a way of telling one’s preferences according to many Stanford psychoanalysts. Apparently he prefers the little red Cardinal to the big gold bear.

Many of his students have complained about missing the certain competitive edge directed towards Stanford and believe a flap of the Cardinal’s wings has put out the flame that used to burn for Cal. Unfortunately until he speaks out on this shocking issue many unanswered questions will remain a mystery; Did he get rejected from Stanford and therefore go to Cal? If he liked Stanford why play trumpet in the Cal band? Why the sudden switch to the Stanford side? The science department teachers have a Cal intervention in the works but are not giving too much information, so Lo won’t find out.

Mr. Lo appeared to have everyone fooled with his room splattered in blue and gold, and his ‘love’ for his alma mater Cal. His Stanford slamming shirts and posters had everyone convinced that he was the perfect Cal Bears fan. Unfortunately though, the poor physics students who eye witnessed his fall from the Cal bears back were brought back down to earth just like the apple that fell from the tree.

Prank Idea: Take out all the books from a friend's locker and hide them somewhere. Then leave a note wishing them a "Happy April Fools'."

Place the note somewhere where your friend can see it, like on the locker's door. Don't sign the note- hopefully your friend will figure out you are the one who hid all the books. If it takes them awhile, even better!

It’s almost April, which means that April Fools’ Day is just around the corner. Want to pull a prank on someone but don’t have any idea how to? Follow these steps to have a fun-filled April Fools’.

1. Choose victims wisely. Can’t decide who to prank? Choose people you are close to because you can be sure that they will eventually forgive you. Or get revenge. Playing a trick on someone you don’t know well will just create an awkward situation. It may be funny, but I guarantee that you’d much rather see your best friend embarrassed. After you choose your victims, prank ideas will probably come to you more easily.

2. Plan. In order for a prank to be flawlessly executed, you must first plan out its details. Know where, when, and how you will execute the prank. Whether you’re pulling a prank on one person or multiple people, be sure to keep all the prank’s details a secret. The less they know, the more surprised (and embarrassed) they’ll be and the more epic the prank!

3. Pick the prank. Is your brother afraid of snakes? Place a bunch of fake snakes in his bed. Knowing your victim’s dislikes, weaknesses, and fears will help you plan a great prank. (That’s why choosing a victim who is close to you makes for a more enjoyable prank!)

4. Prepare. Get any supplies you will need ahead of time. Also, if you plan to have people help you execute the prank, ask them for help before you start planning out the prank. If you make any changes to the prank, notify anyone who is helping out and make sure no one gives away any details! Any mistakes or giveaways could ruin the fun and the entire prank.

5. Don’t cross the line. If you plan to prank someone at school or work, make sure you won’t be breaking any rules that could get you into serious trouble. April Fools’ pranks are supposed to be funny and entertaining. A prank that has the possibility of putting someone in danger or that may cause someone physical harm is not funny or entertaining. Neither is a prank that is offensive in anyway. Watch out or the joke will be on you!

Follow these steps and April Fools’ Day will be memorable for you and those around you. Just remember, plan ahead and carefully. Keep in mind that pranks should not be dangerous or physically or emotionally hurtful.
Good luck and have a great April Fools’!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Here are some simple ideas to help you plan a special Valentine’s Day:

For a Girlfriend:

1. Get her a bouquet of flowers. Presenting her flowers will show her that you are romantic and thoughtful. It’s a bonus if you get the bouquet in her favorite color; it’ll show her you pay attention to details and remember things she says!
2. Take her on dinner date. Dinner doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. The simpler, the better! Have a picnic under the stars. Pack appetizers, entrées drinks, and dessert. Planning the picnic and providing all the food will show her you took time to make Valentine’s Day special for her!
3. Write her a handwritten letter. Nowadays, everything is texted or emailed. Writing a letter will have more meaning and be more personal. It doesn’t have to be mushy, just honest. She’ll notice how much you care for her whether you’ve been dating for 3 days, 3 weeks, or 3 years!

For a Boyfriend:

1. Play the “boyfriend” role. Instead of letting your boyfriend do everything (hold your books, pay for things, etc) do things for him. Meet him at his locker or walk him to his class instead of having him wait for you. And if you go out, pay the bill!
2. Cook him a meal. Make his favorite dish for him. Include his favorite appetizers and desserts too. A home-cooked meal of his favorite dish will show him that you pay attention to what he likes and you’re willing to do make an effort to make him happy.
3. Spend the day with him. If possible, clear al of your other plans with your friends. Take some alone time to reflect upon your relationship and enjoy each other’s company. Take a walk or a stroll in the park. Just appreciate each other!

These ideas can be interchanged and personalized however you like. The key thing to remember is to be genuine. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Were these two easy? Too esoteric? Do you have any suggestions for what the next crossword should be about or what games you would like to see? Drop us a comment.

Click to see a larger version of the crossword solutions.

The team includes boys and girls of all grades.

This season’s Cross Country team has both the ability to run far and fast and show pride and support for the team and for each other. One of the first things noticed when observing the cross country team, after the short shorts, is the bond that the runners have with one another both on and off the track. At meets, the team bonds by eating, resting, and relaxing together. The team also has team bonding on Fridays during practice. Instead of the usual practice, all the runners play games that involve running but also help strengthen the team’s unity. Teammates lean on each other for encouragement and motivation. The esprit de corps of the team pushes each runner to work hard for each other.

Cross country is a sport quite different from others in the sense that it can be considered an individual sport, but also a team-oriented one. It is a demanding sport that requires the athlete to depend on his or her own body and mentality. At meets, the individual score of a runner will affect the entire team’s scoring and placement. Each member of the team strives to improve his or her own time while also running to advance the team’s placement.

This season’s team consists of fifty-nine runners: seven seniors, nineteen juniors, thirteen sophomores, and twenty freshmen. Though being new to Mills cross country and making up the majority of the team, the freshmen have adjusted well to practices and the hard work that is asked of them.

“The freshmen have matured and improved a lot from the first week. Everyone is friendly, so they feel comfortable,” said sophomore Grant Murphy, who began running cross country in the seventh grade and has set a personal record at the past three meets.

During the Monterey Bay Invite on October 16 in Salinas, California, thirty runners achieved personal records. With such a demanding effort needed during meets, it is no surprise that teammates continually cheer each other on. The encouragement from teammates affects the speed, concentration, and motivation of the runner. Meets are a team bonding experience for the Mills Cross Country team. The runners bring food for a potluck, take pictures, and relax together after the race. The team also bonds during Friday practices in which the runners play games that involve log rolling races and hula-hoops. Each runner has serious fun but also serious discipline.

The team’s strength is their ability to work together as a team. Running long distance can often begin to feel as if you are competing against yourself. A runner’s relationship with his or her teammates can affect their performance. There can be no resentment felt between teammates because a runner works for the team as a whole. Pressure is not a factor with this team. The runners want to work hard for their teammates. Perhaps it is the personalities and pride of the runners that make the team unique and special. Cross country runners are often seen wearing their team t-shirts and sweatshirts around school.

“I decided to join cross country this season because it’s a good way to meet new people, keep in shape, and because I love running. One of our team’s strengths is that everyone is nice. Competitive, but still support each other,” said junior Angelica Choi. She is proud to represent the Mills Cross Country team, stating, “It [Cross country] makes me feel accomplished. I work really hard.”

The endless encouragement and support creates a sense of inspiration and motivation. Hours and miles of dedication push the runners. The strong support system is definitely one of the team’s greatest strengths. The bonds made on the team translate off the track as well. The time spent together has built friendships beyond just team work. As a team, it’s important to be able to rely on one another.

Whether it’s the combination of the short shorts, potlucks, and natural talent on this team or just the sense of team work instilled in each runner, the determination to improve and work hard will carry this team far. The unity and reinforcement of teammates that “have your back” may just be what creates the magic that this team carries.

Grant added, “It’s a challenge, we all work together. We suffer as a team. We become better as a team.”