Friday, April 17, 2015

Effects of Smartphones on the Brain

Smartphones can make us lazy. With all of the apps provided for our convenience such as food delivery apps and the hundreds of endless games, staying on the couch becomes a lot easier. Unfortunately smartphones can not only make us lazy, but new studies show they can make the brain lazy. "I think smartphones take away the need to learn because we have all the information we need right in front of them." says a TMJH student.

A study preformed by ScienceDirect tested over six hundred people on cognitive function.  They found that when it comes to intuition, people who use smartphones regularly, are much more likely to ignore what their brain says and use their phone's search engine instead. People who usually thought analytically however, relied on their phone less than people who were intuitive thinkers. "They may look up information that they actually know or could easily learn, but are unwilling to make the effort to actually think about it," says Gordon Pennycook, a co-leader of the study. People are becoming more unwilling to put in the effort of actually thinking about things.

Research also shows that smartphones can impact happiness and health in different ways than we may think. Smartphones can hurt posture due to leaning over and keeping the head hunched over. Listening to music loudly using headphones can damage hearing easily. Overuse of smartphones, particularly at night, can decrease sleep. Simply using the phone into the late night can do this but the blue light from the screen effects the melatonin production in the body decreasing sleep after the phone has been put away. Smartphones carry germs more effectively than toilet seats, these germs can lead to illness and acne.

The most obvious solution for this would be to unplug from technology but in a fast moving world with technology becoming more and more popular, that is very hard to do. It is possible, however, to cut back on use. People can lessen the amount of time they spend on electronics. This can have a positive effect of people's lives and benefit them in the long and short term. "I personally believe that once we start using our phones less we can actually start to connect with people instead of living behind a screen." says a TMJH student.

Photo Source: i.telegraph.co.uk/




Storming the Hill With Hillary

Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that she is running for President in the 2016 Presidential Bid.  She announced her election through a two minute video which was released on Sunday, April 12. She is very excited to run and tells us; “Everyday Americans need a champion. And I want to be that champion,” Clinton said. “So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote — because it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join me on this journey.”  "I would totally vote for Hillary Clinton", says TMJH student.
The last time she ran was in 2008 where she was the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.  Where Obama was the candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.  One of the issues that she will take up earnestly is equal pay.  Statistics have shown us that on average, a woman’s pay for both 2014 and 2015 equal a man’s pay for just 2015.  

“Being the first woman to run for president with a real chance of winning, that’s a wild card, but potentially a new positive, particularly for undecided women,” said Scott Keeter, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center.  

Mrs. Clinton has strong support, 81% of Democrats said that they would consider voting for her states a CBS News poll.  Just eight years ago she sent an e-mail to supporters and said that she was in it to win it.  “Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it’s got about 18 million cracks in it,” she said. “And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time."
Photo Credit:  N.p., n.d. Web.

Ryan Reynolds is Victim to Hit-And-Run

Ryan Reynolds got hit by a car in Vancouver, Canada on Friday, April 10, 2015. The driver left the area after he hit the famous celebrity.

The incident took place at the Shangri-La residential hotel parking garage.

The 38 year old actor was in the area filming the upcoming Marvel movie Deadpool. His wife, 27 year-old Blake Lively, was in Los Angeles for the weekend to do press for her latest film, The Age of Adaline.

"Ryan is okay," publicist Leslie Sloane told the news outlet. The celebrity joked about the incident on twitter after Richard Zussman said, "Hey @VancityReynolds, the CBC wants to know how you are doing after being hit by a car. Can you call (604) 662-6990." He responded saying, "Put Beachcombers back on the air and I’ll call." When Ryan said Beachcombers he was referring to the 1972 to 1990 popular Canadian TV series. 

The incident left the Van Wilder actor with a sore knee and back, however he returned to filming his upcoming movie Deadpool the following day. For those people who are wondering Deadpool is centered around a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary who is subjected to a rogue experiment that results in him having accelerated heeling problems.


The 52 year-old Paparazzo who hit the actor was arrested in Vancouver on the Sunday after Reynolds was hit. 

"After considering a variety of options and criminal charges, police arrested a 52-year-old Richmond resident and have recommended charges of intimidation. He is currently in custody," said Vancouver police on Monday in a statement.
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/ryan-reynolds-hit-car-vancouver-article-1.2183044








Three things to do while in Zion, Utah.

Zion National Park is a stunningly beautiful place. Located in Southern Utah, it is where some of the Mormon settlers founded small villages. It's home to many different species of wildlife, and many gorgeous hiking trails that are available most of the year. If you have a chance to go down there, these are some things that you really should do.

1. Angle's Landing.

Despite most of the internet calling it "The most dangerous hike in the U.S," Angle's Landing is something to put on your bucket list. This mostly uphill hike provides great views only rivaled by the Observation Point Trail. It's recommended in the late day, because by then most people will have gone back to their hotel. Unless done early or later in the day, the hike will be in full sun. Always, always remember to bring plenty of water. It's also recommended only with older members of the family, as fatalities have occurred on the trail.

2. Biking down Zion Canyon.

This is a fun experience for the whole family. By taking bikes up to the top of the canyon, more specifically the Temple of Sinawava, tourists are able to bike all the way down to the park entrance. It's 7.8 miles almost all downhill from the top of the canyon. People can bike from the top to Zion Lodge, grab lunch, and then bike the rest of the way. It is recommended that cyclists pack plenty of water for the journey. Those feeling really adventurous can bike up the canyon and back down, logging 15.6 miles. Just remember, on the stretch of road from the junction to the top, busses won't pass moving bikers, so pull over and stop when a bus is behind you. Make sure to take the Pa'rus Trail from the park entrance to the junction to avoid traffic.

3. Gooseberry Mesa

Weather you're a hardcore mountain biker with technical skill, or a motocross junkie with a need for speed, the Gooseberry Mesa has something for everybody. A great route for motocross is a 28.6 mile route from inside Zion canyon to the Apple Valley gas station. Mountain biking trails are plentiful up on the mesa, and it is a great place for technical and fast riders alike


Zion Canyon Biking Time-lapse: Courtesy of Spyderwillster.


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Lockdown at deadly College Shooting

One person is dead after being shot in the library of Wayne community college in Goldsboro, North Carolina on Monday. Ron Lane, 40, died at the scene, and his shooter Kenneth Morgan Stancil III, 20, was found asleep on a Florida beach. The motorcycle he escaped the scene on was found on the highway, and it is unknown how he got there.

According to Stancil in court, Lane had molested a relative of his and the shooting was revenge, although Stancil's mother says that is impossible because the relative in question had never met Lane. Extremist experts say that his 88 face tattoo is an indicator of a neo-nazi, and he may have attacked Lane because he was gay, a common reason for neo-nazi hate crimes. Since H is the eighth number in the alphabet, 88 stands for HH, or "Heil Hitler". Lane's supervisor Brent Hill said Stancil was upset about being dismissed from a work-study program for too many absences.

Stancil's mother also told Associated press that Lane had been making some sexual references to Stancil, and that he had told the teacher to stop. Both of his siblings refused to comment. Police have yet to find the 12-gauge shotgun he used to kill Lane, although he was found at Daytona Beach with a knife and arrested without incident. School resumed on Tuesday after being cancelled the day before and students are still shaken up. Stancil's judge has denied bond and appointed a public defender.
Picture Source

Friday, April 3, 2015

Highlights from Neil Gaiman’s Make Good Art Speech


In celebration of the upcoming visit with Neil Gaiman on the 18th of April, here is a collection of highlights of his Make Good Art Commencement Speech. One of the ways for a Treasure Mountain student to win one of the 100 tickets is to watch one of Neil Gaiman’s speeches. If you are an artist of any kind this speech would be an inspirational and fun one to listen to. As always Neil Gaiman blends an inspiring message with subtle humor and is a delight to watch. Below is a list of ten highlights from his speech.

“When you start out on a career in the arts you have no idea what you are doing.”

“The rules on what is possible and impossible in the arts were made by people who had not tested the bounds of the possible by going beyond them. And you can.”

“If you don't know it's impossible it's easier to do. And because nobody's done it before, they haven't made up rules to stop anyone doing that again, yet.”

“I tended to do anything as long as it felt like an adventure, and to stop when it felt like work, which meant that life did not feel like work”

“A freelance life, a life in the arts, is sometimes like putting messages in bottles, on a desert island, and hoping that someone will find one of your bottles and open it and read it, and put something in a bottle that will wash its way back to you: appreciation, or a commission, or money, or love.”

“The problems of failure are hard. The problems of success can be harder, because nobody warns you about them.”

“If you're making mistakes, it means you're out there doing something. And the mistakes in themselves can be useful.”

“Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do. Make good art.”

“Most of us only find our own voices after we've sounded like a lot of other people.”

“The old rules are crumbling and nobody knows what the new rules are. So make up your own rules.”


Neil Gaiman’s speech describes his own life and obstacles while giving advice to any aspiring artist. This is a recommended speech for any dancer, actor, writer, painter, musician or artist of any sorts. As a bonus, it could earn you a free ticket to see Neil Gaiman when he comes to Park City in a few weeks.

New Religious Freedom Act Changed to be Anti-Discriminatory

Protesters in Indiana
The Religious Freedom Act that was passed in Indiana last week sparked intense backlash and protests that it allowed store owners to discriminate against gay couples by refusing to serve them, using their religion as a reason. The states governors are going to amend it to make clear that no one will "be able to discriminate against anyone at any time." According to Indianapolis's former mayor, democrat Bart Peterson, both "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" will be in an anti-discrimination law for the first time in state history.

Many celebrities and big businesses like Apple, Miley Cyrus, and Angie's list, have supported changing the law, and some companies have gone as far as to stop sending employees to states that have laws such as this one in place without protection for LGBTQA communities. Even the state of Connecticut has suspended government travels to Indiana until the law is fixed. Mike Pence the governor who signed the bill last Thursday, said to the Wall Street Journal,"As governor of Indiana, if I were presented a bill that legalized discrimination against any person or group, I would Veto it."

Pence says that the law was never meant to be interpreted as discriminatory and they have corrected the language to make that more apparent. Stores all over that state put up signs to make it clear that they will service LGBTQA clients while the act leaves room for discrimination. Since the law has been amended, things in the state will begin calming down.

Don't Stress Over 4th Quarter

EatJackson
It's coming close to the end of the fourth quarter and it's time to shine and finish the year strong. Not only does it feel great to finish the year with good grades and fun times but also to be stress free. Pressure is put on and your expected to do your best and the stress just comes naturally. The stress express is filling up and everyone is climbing aboard. Pushing yourself and keeping things under control helps but there is an easier way, food! There are twelve foods that help with relieving your stress so you are more you than ever this quarter.

Don't get hooked on junk food and eat your Cheetos daily, but instead eat healthier with yummy foods that keep you healthy and calm. When you have reached the point of enough eat these foods:

1. Go green and much on Green leafy vegetables
2. Regulate your hunger with Turkey Breast
3. Oatmeal
4. Eat Yogurt and balance your protein and calcium
5. Salmon has anti inflammatory properties that help with anxiety hormones
6. Blueberries who play a role in immunity
7. Pistachios to provide support for cardiovascular health
8. Dark Chocolate
9. Milk for a source as vitamin D
10. Seeds
11. Avocado to fill your belly
12. Cashews for zinc

Eating these foods will not only make you less of a stress case but also a healthier and happier person for the last quarter and hopefully much longer. Help yourself and don't be a stress case.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

American Gods By Neil Gaiman

The novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman has won a Bram Stoker, a Hugo, a Locus, and a Nebula award. The book is about Shadow who is just out of jail and recently learned of his wife's murder, his life is upside-down. When a mysterious stranger named Mr. Wednesday who knows more about him than is possible, he finds that he is in the middle of a battle for the soul of America. Jacky, a student at TMJH said,"It sounds like an interesting book and I think it would be fun to read sometime."

The captivating novel combines fantasy with old as well as modern mythologies with a healthy dose of horror thrown in. After being published in 2001, it has become a very popular and has a TV show adaption planned for the network Starz developed by Bryan Fuller. To earn a seat in the Eccles center to hear Neil Gaiman's talk, one of the five ways is to read this book. "I have been reading this book for a while and I really love it." Said ninth grader Sarah. She is also happy that reading the book gives her the chance to meet the famous british author.

The book is a well written story that blends multiple concepts, modern as well as ancient and both horror and fantasy combined masterfully to make a novel that is extraordinary and worth reading. Neil Gaiman will be visiting the school on April 18th thanks to a donation from PCED.
The American Gods American cover

5 things to do during a Staycation

http://freebies2deals.com/2013/09/utah-readers-staycation-options-in-park-city-for-as-low-as-51-per-night-choose-from-the-lodge-at-the-mountain-village-or-the-raintree-at-park-plaza.html
Many people can't go on fancy vacations to Hawaii or Maui. For many, people just have to stay here in Park City. Park City has many fun places to go to during your staycation. Many people actually come to Park City for there own vacations during spring or winter break. So without further ado, here are five ideas to during your staycation.

1. Visit a local museum or gallery: Park City has many galleries that you can visit for free or for a small amount of money. There are many photo galleries on Main Street. If you aren't interested by any of the galleries in Park City, then you can always go to Salt Lake. Ronald says, "I love going to galleries, I wish I did it more though."

2. Go on a bike ride or hike: One of the greatest parts of Park City is the outdoor life. Park City has many bike and hiking trails. Biking/hiking is a great way to both get exercise and some fresh air. This is a great way to clear your head and enjoy nature. Phillip says, "I love hiking, it's a great way to clear my head." Why not go outside?

3. See a show or movie: If your not interested in going outside, then you can always go see a play or movie. There are many new movies that has come out in the past couple of weeks. Including, Insurgent, Get Hard, Home, Cinderella, and many more. There is also the Egyptian Theatre on Main. There is stand-up comedy on April 8th and 9th. As well as, Todd Rundgren's global tour. If your not interested in that then you can always see a show at the Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake. They are currently preforming they're rendition of I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick.

4. Go Shopping: If your staying home, then you might have a little extra spending money (either that or the other way around). Why not spend that money on some new clothes or spoil yourself with a nice dinner. Although money can be tight, it is always good to spoil yourself sometimes.

5. Catch Up on Sleep: Sleep is one of the greatest things of all time. It is always good to make sure you get enough of it. Sleep is something you need to survive, so you should do it all the time. Sam says, "I don't like sleep, I love it."  Breaks are a great time to catch up on lost sleep, so do it!

There it is, five ideas to do during your staycation.