The Zodiac changes

Many people believe that the Zodiac sign changes are confusing, and they do not understand the concept of the changes that were made. But, the changes that were made are not as bad as they seem. Now that the signs are changed, people have new signs that might not necessarily fit their personality anymore. They believe the old signs but their personality better, but it is important to remember the signs only affect those who believe in the Zodiac. Some people believe that the meaning for their signs do not fit their personality. Before, the Zodiac signs were changed the meaning for their old sign, meaning had fit their personality better, but “once a virgo, always a virgo,” Taylor R.

The Zodiac was created over 4,000 years ago and since then has started to become less and less accurate. Remember, gravity from the moon pulls on the earth which over time changes the earth's tilt. Although this has a very small affect, after 4,000 years the tilt of the earth is altered enough to make the Zodiac signs slightly off their original dates. The earth is constantly wobbling on its axis and about every 26,000 years the earth's axis flips. This changes the way we see the constellations from Earth.

“The astrological chart has shifted, changing many people’s signs, has caused panic. But calm down! “Everything stays the same, “says astrologist. Susan M.

With that being said, here are the new Zodiac changes.
Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
Written by: Nicolas Charles

Tackling Testing

Standardized testing is possibly every student’s nightmare. Everywhere, students cram enough knowledge as they can into their minds in the hopes of reaching a high score on the tests that will determine their future. Standardized tests, such as the SAT’s and ACT’s, are the all-important test scores colleges look at when they are determining one’s college acceptance. Tensions are high for most high school students when the time comes to tackle these standardized tests.

At rare occasions, the grade you are in sometimes defines your feelings about standardized testing. “The ACT was more difficult than the SAT because of the science reasoning,” stated Rachel H, (junior). For juniors, studying and stressing is still part of their daily routine. They are still in the process of working their way up to their desired score on the standardized tests.

Another strategy that can assist students in relieving some of the stress they may be feeling is talking to people they trust. These people could be family members, close friends, beneficial teachers, or the guidance counselors waiting to help you in student services. By getting ideas and opinions from trustworthy people around them, students acquire more wisdom and advice on how they can approach obstacles during the test.

No matter how students feel about these standardized tests, it is true that a majority of students need some guidance when it comes to this bump in life. Creekview’s students are lucky to attend a school where an SAT prep course is given for a small price. For students who missed the SAT prep course in the fall, there will also be an opportunity to take it in the spring (February/March).

“The SAT determines your future. Actually, the test is not that bad, but the pressure is really intense. I’m so happy I’m done with all that; the entire process was extremely frustrating and strenuous,” stated Jill T, (senior). Most seniors have thrown away all that stress. Most seniors, not all, have finished their process of cramming and studying for the standardized tests and are now stress-free!

Even though standardized testing may not be the easiest thing to overcome with flying colors, with the right attitude and correct guidance, each and every student can score the grade they feel they deserve.

Written by: Maida Ahmad

Are you Goo-goo for Gaga?

“I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse,” stated singer Lady Gaga while accepting the “Video of the Year” Award from Cher at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The purse completed a surprising outfit of meaty high heels and a dress made entirely of slabs of raw meat.

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as the catchier name Lady Gaga, is known for hit singles such as “Poker Face” and “Just Dance” which both topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Lady Gaga has changed her style much throughout her career including changing her hair color from brown to blonde after being constantly mistaken for Amy Winehouse. Her early style was described as “a refugee from Jersey Shore” with “big black hair, heavy eye makeup and tight, revealing clothes.”

She finally settled on being as over-the-top and off-the-wall as possible. In fact, the singer/songwriter might be known more for her “notice-me” outfits than her music. Jared F., a Creekview junior, commented, “She does whatever she wants and doesn’t care what people think. I respect that.”

It was hard to ignore Gaga onstage live at the VMA’s in her outfit of meat, but this was not her only exposure of her unconventional fashion sense. She has also been seen in a red lace dress and face mask combination after an onstage performance in which Gaga was covered in fake blood. Other outfits include a dress of strategically placed bubbles and a dress of many Kermit the Frog puppets. The artist explains that she tries to blend pop music, performance art, and fashion, saying, “When I’m writing music, I’m thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It’s all about everything altogether…”

Influenced by legends such as Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and David Bowie, Gaga’s music reflects 80’s pop style with her own flair. Gaga has been compared to artists like Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Christina Aguilera but is looking to create her own musical revolution.
Lady Gaga is all about catchy dance tunes with provocative lyrics and despite her controversial style, America seems to be on her side. Her first album, The Fame, reached number two on the Billboard 200 Chart in the US, earning Gaga six Grammy nominations and winning two awards: Best Electronic/Dance Album and Best Dance Recording. In June 2010, Forbes magazine listed Gaga fourth of 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the World, second Most Powerful Musician in the World, and she was ranked number seven on Forbes’ annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Gaga is no stranger to the stage. After learning piano by ear at age four, she was writing songs and performing at open mic nights by 14. The teenager’s talent even earned her early entrance to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts at 17. Later on, she climbed to the top of the charts the old-fashioned way by gaining admirers playing in New York City’s Lower East Side rock music scene.

Gaga now has a large fan base, having sold over 15 million albums and 51 million singles. Gaga endearingly calls her fans “Little Monsters” and even showed her appreciation by getting a tattoo of these words. Claiming she wanted to write a pop song that rockers could also enjoy, she even brings a little rock flavor in her song “Boys Boys Boys”, a female version of Mötley Crüe’s “Girls Girls Girls” mashed with AC/DC’s “T.N.T.”

Lady Gaga is everywhere. Her style is controversial and keeps everyone wondering what she will do next. So, are you goo-goo for Gaga?

Written by: Gwen Kirby

The Final Opinion

It is almost the holidays, and that means two weeks of no school! Two weeks of hanging out with friends and family, shopping, and having a good time. Unfortunately, that also means a week of trying to raise a few grades up and studying for the dreaded final exams. These exams, which are worth about 15 percent or more of our final grade, can either make or break us. So why is there this need to put pressure on students before the holiday break? Is it necessary?

“I don’t like finals because I have to study nonstop for just six classes. I feel like I’m on lockdown,” Emily W., junior.

I personally believe that finals are a waste of time. How can one test determine such a major part of our grade? It is not fair. A semester is 18 weeks long; how in the world are we supposed to remember everything that we learned about in the first month of school? Yes, in some classes we do get study guides, but for most classes we do not. For those classes, it is all about rereading the textbooks and looking back at notes, and trying to do this while gathering up more information is time consuming and difficult.

Instead of putting all this unneeded stress on students before the holidays, why don’t teachers make finals something different and not just a major test? For a few of my classes this year, we are doing projects in place of the finals. I really enjoy projects because I can decorate and put my own twist on them. For me, I know that I can make it my own, and that makes it more interesting than a test. I also like the fact that with projects, I have time to make them perfect, unlike the final which I only have an hour and a half to take. The whole idea about trying to rush through major tests that can possible damage my grade is nerve racking. I would rather just do something fun and interesting for the last week of school that can raise my grade.

I am sure many students do not like finals week, but unfortunately it is something that we all must do. We might as well try our best to get that good grade and feel accomplished. After all, once those six finals are over with, we get to enjoy two weeks of no school!

Written by: Paige Amoss

Giving for a Cause

With the holiday season coming into full swing, children seem to keep adding just one more item before sending off last minute letters to good ol' Saint Nick. Mothers are worriedly rummaging through stores with the long wish lists in hand and everyone seems to have one task in mind – shopping. What really should come to mind on this holiday season is family, warm fires, bright lights, Christmas cookies and togetherness.

It seems to be that as time has progressed, the entire thought of holiday cheer and the true essence of each celebratory day, has been twisted and blown out of proportion. Be it giving or receiving, most recent generations only focus on the gift element of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc.

A reality check and a bit of a historical background review may be the ticket to an amazing surprise. There are so many people around the world whose main worry is not giving or receiving gifts, while in the reality, some people do not have a warm meal or even somewhere to sleep this season. While the holidays should not be the only time to help those less fortunate, it does become a time when many need to reach out and help.

There are many little ways to make a big difference. Simply by taking an hour or so to just go through your cabinets and closets, and put together a bag of food and clothing to donate would help. It really is as simple as it sounds, and the difference it will make could make one person’s life that much easier.

For the children who do not dream of receiving even one single present on Christmas morning, there are organizations like Toys for Tots where you can buy a simple toy in any price range and donate it to the labeled boxes at stores like CVS. Having just one toy play with and call their own could really make a child’s whole outlook different on the holiday.

When you are comfortable financially and stable, your next step could be to help someone else along in the same direction. Whether you donate your belongings, food, money or time, any donation is a great donation this holiday season, and all year round, as well.

Written by: Tenniea Martin

Christmas Trees

Even during the holiday season, people still seem to argue about whether a real Christmas tree or an artificial tree is better. Based on an interview with 30 of Creekview’s students, 53% voted for artificial Christmas trees leaving 47% who like real Christmas trees better.

To start off the holiday spirits, some people like to go out and find the perfect Christmas tree, while others just fish around in their attics for their artificial one.

One student, Ally B., said, “Going out every year to get a tree is too much of a hassle. Plus, my neighbor’s dog peed on their real Christmas tree.”

While another student, Damani S., argued, “You can’t get that Christmas Tree smell from plastic.”

So why do Pine Trees symbolize Christmas anyways? It has been said that before Christmas even existed, people used plants that would stay green (Ever Greens/Pine Trees) all year to decorate their homes during the winter. By doing this, it reminded people of springtime during cold, dark winters. The first documented use of a tree during Christmas was in Northern Europe during the year of 1510. The first artificial Christmas tree was used in Germany during the 19th century.

Whether you like real Christmas trees for their authentic smell and historical background or artificial trees for their easy convenience, it all serves the same purpose. So, to get into the holiday spirit, put up your Christmas tree, whether they be rel or artificial, and count down the days until the 25th of Decemeber.
Written by: Sammi Urban

Student spotlight: Madeline R. and Victoria C.

Two young ladies of the sophomore class stand out because they continually strive to do their best in school, as well as participating in extracurricular activities such as: clubs, sports, and community service projects. Their names are Victoria C. and Madeline R. Resulting from their hard work in school, the girls are currently in the top four rankings of the sophomore class. Not only are the two very good friends, but they also share the same values about school and serving the community.

To name some of their recent achievements, Victoria and Madeline were awarded first place in the Social Studies County Level Fair for “How the Olympics Affects Other Countries.” They are also members of the math team who were county champions this year. Additionally, both girls are the co-chairpersons for the Georgia State Beta Club Convention the girls will be co-chairpersons, representing Creekview among the other schools.

As an individual, Victoria C. is very intelligent and talented. Her favorite subjects are math and science and hopes to pursue a career in meteorology, chemistry, or biomechanics. Duke University in North Carolina is Victoria’s school of interest. She looks up to Anne Sullivan as a role model because she helped Helen Keller through her struggles and never gave up on anything she tried. Although she has a role model, Victoria leaves it up to herself to take opportunities to better herself. At school, she is in the Habitat Club, Beta Club and all state chorus. Her volunteer activities include passing out fruit baskets at church and helping with the Miracle League baseball team for disabled children. Victoria has played Creekview softball for two years on JV and also plays recreational basketball.

Likewise, Madeline is a hard working and dedicated student. She enjoys every subject at school because she likes learning and studying. Her older brother, Alex R., is her role model because he sets good examples by already having a career plan and does well in school. In the future, she would like to attend Duke University and study Marine Biology. For the community, Madeline volunteers at the Mother’s Cupboard, an organization that boxes different foods that are handed out to the public or those in need. She has also helped build a house for habitat for Humanity and worked at Community Supply Agriculture, a local organic farm. This extraordinary girl also runs on Creekview’s Cross Country team, which is second in the region. As part of the girl’s Cross Country team, they won their county meet and went to state. Madeline’s personal record was twenty minutes and twenty four seconds, which entitled her to the Georgia Elite title in Cross Country.

Victoria C. and Madeline R. are setting great examples for their fellow students by showing them that by working hard, you can accomplish your goals. These young ladies have a bright future ahead of them and will do great things.
Written by: Katelyn Presnell