Skinny Jeans: In Style or Just Plain "Gay"?

by Blade Hall

Skinny jeans seem to be the controversial topic of teen boys. Are they cool and in-style or just "homosexual" like some people say? I’ve asked people around the school and was shocked to hear that people have mixed emotions about this subject.

“Guys should be able to wear skinny jeans if they want to and not have a second thought that people are going to call them gay.” says Hannah King; a junior here at PCHS. When asked if she thought a guy was homosexual for wearing them, she quickly exclaimed, “Heck no!”

On the opposite side of this topic, when Shane Mason, a freshman here at PCHS, was asked the same question, he said “I think it’s kind of weird. I see a lot of girls wearing skinny jeans and then all of a sudden guys start wearing them, and it just freaks me out.” He described them as being a little on the “fruity” side but not a direct indicator of homosexuality.

Why do some people jump to conclusions that “Oh, he’s wearing skinny jeans, he must be gay!” Why can’t a guy wear skinny jeans and not get questioned about his sexuality every five minutes? It seems like there’s a growing number of males wearing skinny jeans and even with more people wearing them, some people don’t want to say that you can be straight and also wear skinny jeans. There’s a little thing called freedom of expression and maybe these guys are wearing them because they’re a new trend or just because they think they’re comfortable.

The goal is to break down the stereotype that only homosexual guys wear skinny jeans. There are a lot of teens that get made fun of just because they wear tight pants. It’s ludicrous that people can’t wear what they want because they think they’ll get made fun of. Just think about these things before you label someone as "gay" for wearing skinny jeans because who knows? You may just as easily be called a name or stereotype for wearing something you like or having your hair a certain length. So, don’t judge people on the way they look. Get to know people before you stereotype them with a certain group.

Valentine's Day: The Holiday of Love

by Kayla Foushee

Nothing says “I love you” like a box of assorted chocolates! Valentine’s Day is the holiday where you can let the romance fly. There’s no limit to what you can do. Your sweetheart will expect chocolates even if she is on a diet. Calories do not count on Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a great way to show someone you love how much you really about them.

According to associatedcontent.com it’s expected that on February 14, 2011 the Valentine’s industry will collect more than $17 billion dollars. Our televisions are bombarded with commercials for jewelry, perfume, candy, and flowers. Red hearts and cupids are everywhere. Women have always been considered to be more romantic than men. The unexpected thing is that men tend to spend twice as much money as women do on Valentine’s Day.

Florists look at Valentine’s Day with mixed emotions. They know they will be collecting millions of dollars. However, the long hours and customer demands can be stressful. Many people generally men, wait until the lat minute to try to purchase flowers and gifts. Therefore, the florists can charge much higher prices for basic bouquets.

Valentine’s Day is also a great way to strengthen relationships. People can examine what their relationship is all about. “What does a relationship mean to you?” I asked two couples that very question. “A relationship is being able to tell each other things no one knows,” said Kerry Johnson. Natalie McMullen, one half of the other couple said, “The key thing is to have fun and enjoy life, and keep each other close.” Another question I asked was “What are three things needed in a relationship that help make it last longer?” “Through things you need our humor, trust, and friendship,” Said Kerry Johnson. The second couple said, “Things that are important to me is my life and the one I love, and living everyday like it’s my last.”

Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday but also it can help you define your relationship. It allows the couple to see if they have the same idea of what their relationship means. Some people judge love based on how much money is spend and for some it is the thought that counts. One thing is certain: Valentine’s Day is all about love. Hey, and don’t forget to check out the Valentine’s from PCHS students on our homepage: PCHSTigerTales.blogspot.com

"Naked Roomate" offers advice to college-bound

by Olivia Underwood

As every high school student knows, college is going to be totally different from any experience we’ve ever had, unless of course you live with your classmates, have little parental supervision, and have to pay for everything. With so many changes and new faces and places, college looks like a scary place but with the right guidance there’s nothing to fear. And there is one book that can help you.

“This book could help me with money, college living, and even dating,” Erica Sheeran said after looking through The Naked Roommate.

Questions about these things can scare the college excitement right out of you but The Naked Roommate: and 107 Other Issues You Might Run into in College by Harlan Cohen can help you through. By interviewing graduates, surveying students, and drawing on past experience Cohen has brought together a useful guide for every question you could think of, including the ones you never thought to ask.

Cohen has dared to ask even the riskiest of questions that every student wonders but no one asks such as: “Should I have sex?”and “Should I drink?” But also answers the standard “How do I avoid the freshmen 15?” and many more. This book is made to guide college bound students as painlessly as possible and covers a wide variety of useful subjects.

The Naked Roommate even has its own blog, a website where student, teachers, graduates, and parents can share stories, videos, advice, and questions directly to each and Cohen. Cohen has done everything possible to inform and entertain college fearing kids so if you have any questions about your future check this book out as soon as possible.

Season of Sharing

by Meredith Penczek

Christmas time is time of giving. People are out doing charity work all over. People helping with organizations like Salvation Army, Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots, and other charity groups. Everyone starts feeling grateful for what they have and not sad for what they don’t. Many of our own PCHS organizations are joining in the holiday spirit. Groups like Key Club, S.A.D.D., and C.A.M.A. are all helping in different ways. All of them are helping by bell ringing for Salvation Army at Wal-mart, Rural King, and Kroger. Key Club’s members helped by calling people for donations for Shop with a Cop. “People are always more giving during this time of the year, and they’re really nice when you are helping with a good group, like Key Club.” Key Club member Madeline Wilson reported after helping raise money for Shop with a Cop. Another group outside of school that helps with 4-H. 4-H has recycling every second and fourth weekend of the month. “I never thought that people in Paris, actually were really into recycling, but you can tell just by the turnout how people feel. We usually have good turnouts even in the winter.” Freshman Sarah Powers told us. Sarah is usual at recycling. The different 4-H clubs switch between weekends of recycling. Ms. Earlywine is a good example of what it means to give. She not only gives to those less fortunate than her, but she also helps animals. We all know that she has always been the charitable type. She often talks about her foster animals and refers to some of her students’ personalities to her pets’.

Many of the school organizations are giving little pushes for students to help with charity, but many of the advisors hope that the students really get something out of doing the work.

Liar

by Valerie Lau

Do you like suspense? Do you like mysteries and unsolvable crimes? If you say yes to any of these, then Liar is the book for you. Justine Larbalestier is the author of this book and according to the book she says, “This book has been messing with my mind for the last five years.” Throughout the book, it keeps you on your toes. You never know what’s going to happen.

The main character is Micah Wilkens, a high school senior in New York City. In the book, she freely admits she’s a compulsive liar trying to stop, but she never does. In her past years, she’s tricked her teachers and fellow classmates into believing unbelievable stories such as her father being a rich drug dealer with personal servants. She became so bad about lying that her friends don’t believe anything she says anymore. So when her boyfriend, Zachary Rubin, goes missing, who do you think people will blame? She insists over and over that she is not to blame for this, but is she lying? Find out in the book.

I actually really enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t want to put it down after I started. However, I don't recommend this to anyone under the age of thirteen because it has some sexual references and language. If you pick this book, you won’t be disappointed. Honestly.

Openness About Drugs at PCHS

by Christine Porter

The openness about drugs among students at Paris high school about drugs is insane. Some kids here don’t really care who is around when they shout it to the whole school. You would think that people wouldn’t say anything about what they do over the weekend or even right before school, but they do.

Elise Svendsen said, “I hear about kids at school doing drugs pretty much every day and maybe once or twice during the weekend.”

People get a bad reputation when they say things about smoking weed or drinking. When talking to people that don’t do things like that, they don’t really know what to say because it makes them uncomfortable.

Mickaela Clark said, “It makes me uncomfortable to hear about people ruining their lives over something that isn’t worth it.” She also said that she doesn’t do it because she doesn’t see the point in wasting money for nothing. Why would you waste your time on something that is going to get you nowhere in life? When you can go and get an education and make a name for yourself without doing drugs.

When you get into drugs it’s really hard to get out of them and change your life. It may just start as smoking cigarettes then eventually you just take a hit of weed. Weed is usually just the gateway drugs to more and worse things. Most kids before high school said that they were never going to do drugs. Then, by the end of their freshman year, they have either tried it or they do it all the time. When that happens it’s usually the beginning of the end. Kids start not listening in class. Then, they start to skip school and not care what their parents have to say. Eventually kids run away from home and throw their lives away, and they start to regret what they did as a teenager. People at our school need to realize what they say and how it affects others in the school and their family members.

Giving Thanks

by Allison Pardi

Various students and teachers from Paris High School we're asked what they were thankful for:

Ms. E. - "Oh tons of stuff. I'm thankful for my family, food, my house, animals, my job and my life."

Rachel E. - " I am thankful for toilets and trashcans, and cars."

Sheri G. - " I am thankful for food, my daddy, Jakey's mommy, and my life."

Natalie M. - " I am thankful for being able to breath and have a roof over my head. Also, I am thankful for being in love.”

Mr.Dundas - “ I am thankful for my health, the bears, the future linebackers of America. I am also thankful for my family and my awesome guitar skills.”

Mr. Smith - “ I am thankful for my job, my wonderful family, indoor plumbing, my car, and my life. I am also thankful that we get the opportunity to have a new high school soon.”

Mrs. Hannah, Mr. Smith’s assistant - “I am thankful for my family and my friends. More importantly I am thankful to almost be done with college!”

Mikela W. - “I am thankful for my best friend Allison who is amazing beautiful and gorgeous! However, I am more thankful to have freedom of speech, even though it always get me in trouble.”

Sierra G - her dog and having a place to live.

Alexis P. - “I am thankful I get a meal every day, and that I get the chance to go to school.”

Austin - “I’m glad I’m almost done with high school.”

Chelsea A. - “I am thankful I get to come to school, I am glad that I have a home to come to.”

Michael J. - “I am glad that we have soldiers fighting for our freedom.”

Brett B. - “I am thankful for my family.”

Everett C. - “I am thankful for football and every sport in the world.”

Allison J. - “I am thankful for my family and my friends.”

Cameron K. - “I am thankful for my home.”

Jason A. - “I am thankful that my parents don’t yell at me everyday like some do."

Jessica J. - ”I am thankful for my dad.”

Jordan A. - “I am thankful for my whole entire family."