As time has gone on, boy bands have faded away, with rap and R&B music becoming more and more popular. Thankfully, some of the boy bands have stuck around to keep their aging fans happy.

The Backstreet Boys have been around since 1992, but took a two year hiatus from 2002-2004 and decreased in numbers as Kevin Richardson left to start a family.

This is Us, the Boys’ 6th and newest studio album, reminds everyone of the great boy band music that is missing from today’s music genres.

Another boy band that recently made a comeback was late 80’s heartthrobs, New Kids on the Block. Releasing The Block in September 2008, the New Kids went on a worldwide tour to prove they still had “the right stuff.”

Sure most of the Kids are old enough to have kids themselves, but they still manage to produce great music that can be enjoyed by all ages.

While many people were happy to see the boy band genre go, these people fail to see what the choreographed, crooning boys bring to music in general.

The boy bands help those who feel they are growing up too fast to connect back to their younger days when they would sing and dance to LFO or O-Town in their bedrooms.

They provide a sense of security, standing strong while a person grows up and life changes around them.

While The Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block continue to rock on, *NSYNC continues to lose ground on one of their boy band rivals.

This boy band genre revival will only be complete once *NSYNC decides to reunite, before the boy band genre goes “bye bye bye” for good.

Hopefully it will never have to come to that, but sadly the boys that once made up boy bands, will become men and will be unable to perform as they once did.

So while they are still somewhat in their prime, people should appreciate the unique style that boy bands have to offer.

Elizabeth Maluta, Sports Editor

First, I would like to provide you with some suggested guidelines for public displays of affection. Number one: you must remain vertical at all times. Number two: absolutely no tongue involvement. Number three: no unnecessarily prolonged embraces. And number four: all hands involved must be visible.

The key point here is to practice appropriate levels of affection. For example, when you leave your boyfriend/girlfriend and go to class, you will see them in roughly 45 minutes. This is not a long enough separation that it must be preceded by full frontal physical contact.

Might I suggest sending your girlfriend off to class with a kiss on the cheek. This way you and your said companion can say goodbye without nauseating those around you.

Now that we have discussed how to appropriately display your affection, a question of where to do so arises.

It seems that several couples have favorite locales around the

school, creating competition for P.D.A. space hot-spots. One of these popularized sites is the gym hallway. This location offers comfortable benches (please note rule number one), and can be used after school while waiting for athletic practices or rides.

Another favorite location is just outside the rotunda. This area escapes the crowding of the hallways and can serve as a middle ground between a couple’s classrooms.

Unfortunately, some couples choose sites that are more heavily crowded, such as the entrance of stairwells, water fountains, the middle of the hallway, or the edges of locker banks.

This last location is one that can create very awkward situations. “Hey um… can you guys move this somewhere else? You’re kinda in front of my locker…”.

In some cases the couples are oblivious to the person’s remarks and continue, leaving the locker owner with no option but to uncomfortably hover until the couple has finished.

As the school year continues, couples claim their territory. So what happens when they find someone else in their PDA space? Needless to say the situation can become quite unsettling.

Kelsy Ensign, Opinions Editor

Some might choose something of monetary value to save, but not me. I choose the tattered piece of pink cloth that I received at birth.

Little did Grandma know that the blanket she quilted would continue with me beyond my toddler years and into my adolescence.

Geeky and I have had some trying times in the past 17 years. It has been left behind in a hotel room during a road trip, hidden by family members for practical jokes, and has been re-sewn more than a few times.

But the remnants of my blanket have also soaked up my tears and even my blood from a skinned knee or two along the way.

Whatever the experience has been, my Geek has always been there with me.

It is nearly impossible to find pictures of me from my childhood without my blanket somewhere in the frame.

Even today, my blanket accompanies me to sleepovers as well as the occasional early morning drive to school.

Some might be embarrassed to publicly declare their attachment to a baby blanket, but I embrace it. Just the smell of my blanket is enough to lift my spirits.

Although this might make me more than a little biased, I suspect that most teens have some sort of security object. Whether it is a blanket, a stuffed animal, or a pillow, these items can all provide a sense of comfort.

But with college approaching, it is harder to hide your quirks. Does this mean a time comes when we need to let go?

Some people have varying opinions on the matter, but I personally will be taking my Geek with me on my collegiate adventures. It’s a wild world out there and I do not want to be caught in it without my blanket.

Kelsy Ensign, Opinions Editor

For instance, there were many students who were against this years turnabout dance, whether that meant voicing their opinions, creating face book groups, or simply not attending the dance. Also, at the turnabout dance, many frustrated students decided to voice their opinions through various hand gestures and comments, however, the overall consensus proved to be full of different opinions.

Some students were able to make their own fun, and enjoy the dance in a different way, whereas others decided to leave the dance early and go straight to their after parties. With the mixed reviews that the turnabout dance produced, many of Neuqua’s seniors will be questioning the state of their senior prom.  

Many of the various criticisms against McBride can be largely contributed to the numerous rumors floating around the school and also, simply, from ignorance. One of the largest rumors circulating the halls is that next year’s Senior Spectacular will be cancelled. However, the truth of the matter is that there is actually a group of parents organizing it, so McBride is not canceling it. Also, there is already a group of junior parents who are organizing next year’s Senior Spectacular.

The only part that McBride had in organizing it was determining what was appropriate to hand out to all the seniors in their advisory. Since the theme of Senior Spectacular is Mardi Gras, the parents were at first going to hand out Mardi Gras beads.

Overall, there are numerous opinions floating throughout the halls; but one thing is certain, the Neuqua Valley population should not believe every rumor they hear.

By Derek Hickey, sports editor

Ironically, it is this obsession with staying fit that has driven many Americans to very unhealthy habits. Oftentimes, you will see someone going to the gym, carrying a diet soda bottle in his or her hand. Likewise, energy drinks have become very popular amongst teenagers and young adults. What exactly is the point of exercising to stay health if the person is willing to have a large intake of chemicals that ultimately will harm his or her body?

Another popular choice are the “healthy” and low-fat meals Americans purchase from the freezer aisle of their nearest grocery store. Products like “Lean Cuisine” may seem like a healthier choice by name, but choosing to buy and indulge in products with preservatives is very dangerous for one’s body.

Although being physically fit is very popular in today/s media, the significance of this physical state has completely been completely lost. The entire point of being healthy is not just to look similar to the latest celebrity sporting Cosmopolitan’s cover, but to extend life expectancy. If someone spends hours running on the treadmill only to chug a Monster drink to get through the night’s homework, his or her healthy habit is negated.

Bad sleeping habits are also a major health concern, especially for teenagers and young adults. Although the effects seem minor and easily reversible, sleep deprivation, for long periods of time, have been proven to significantly shorten a person’s life span. Sleep deprivation is completely detrimental to one’s health and it should be of great concern. Getting a good night’s worth of sleep is just as important as a healthy breakfast. Stress is also a major factor that affects one’s health.

When a student has three tests the next day, the last thing on his or her mind is how this is affecting the body, but adapting to stress for long periods of time can cause serious damage to an individual’s emotional health.

Most of the important healthy habits do not require careful observation or strict limitations, but only a good dose of common sense. If, for instance, someone is eating food or a snack with a taste that gives no indication of what its ingredients may be, that choice may not be the best one. Of course, even though there are other aspects to maintaining good health, having a healthy, balanced diet is still important. However, eating healthy consists more of the occasional canned fruit, sugar-packed Yoplait yogurt, and Chewy granola bars.

If someone’s body is suffering exhaustion to the extent that sickness occurs more often or that person becomes more emotional, these signs should be a fair warning of bad habits that may cause serious consequences. Maintaining a healthy body is not just about following the standard rule of low-fat foods and regular exercise, but an awareness that everything that enters or is exposed to the body will affect everyday functions. If people took the time to pay attention to the warning signs that their bodies give and what their limitations are, America would be, in general, a healthier nation.

Yet, somehow the desire for a good picture and a remembrance of the last four years has become an exaggerated, extravagant competition to look the best, smile the nicest, and stick out amongst the rest of the student body. Originally, senior pictures was a form of expression, a way to show “the real you” that the strangers in the hallways or classrooms never became familiar with. Today, senior photos are way to appear, not like yourself, but like the models in magazines. The hired photographer might still argue that conveying the “real you” is what senior portraits are about, but it is undeniable that they have evolved to become something quite the opposite.

This transformation of the senior picture, regardless of how ridiculous it has become, can only be expected. At Neuqua Valley, makeup artists, brand new wardrobes, and spending a small fortune are not out of the ordinary for students who make the decision to have senior pictures taken. All of this work, planning, and money are so that the final result portrays “the right” side of a student, the side that the one thousand odd other students will remember and that will stick out from all the other senior pictures.

If all the effort of pre-photo preparation was not enough, the actual snapping of the camera only adds fuel to fire. After going through the effort of planning the photo, upon walking into the studio, the client is bombarded with a dizzying array of backgrounds and endless list of props. Yet, if the whole point of taking the photo’s is “being the real you,” all the fake trees, man-made waterfalls, and digitally created landscapes seem absurd and unnecessary.

Senior pictures, once a simple memoir of high school, have developed into something immensely different from their original purpose. In an effort not to fall under the category of the generic, cookie cutter photo and simultaneously look like a model, the photos become laughably outrageous. In this attempt to stick out and avoid the oh-so-typical photo, students find themselves becoming too focused on their image and less focused on being themselves.

By Molly Leger, staff writer

A more obvious sign of stress are the shopping centers around the holidays. Holiday shoppers are intense. It is not uncommon to see two eager women going head to head over a sweater. It was reported that there were even workers trampled on the crazy “Black Friday.”

Furthermore, when the roads become slick and covered in ice, drivers that once considered themselves as advanced and safe drivers, begin to waver in their certainty. Reaching for a dropped cell phone or glove could cause a serious and potentially fatal accident, along with stepping on the break pedal too late, and sliding into a median.

Along with angry shoppers and unsafe roads, the holiday season can bring an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Those who have lost loved ones, or have no family that lives nearby may dread hearing music that sings of tenderness and companionship. Along with family affairs, some family members come together to celebrate the holidays just for tradition. Crabby aunts and uncles may not want to put up with young and hyper nieces and nephews. More often than not, family has people in their tree that they may not get along with, or even want to spend a moment’s time of celebration with.

With struggling bank accounts, the holidays may even cause stress on parents who may not have the money to buy the new iPod that their son or daughter wants. They may not even be able to buy the plane tickets to go visit their eccentric family. Because you can’t put a price on unending love, money even becomes an issue when asking yourself how much you should spend on your mother’s present.

Being safe and courteous are aspects of life that can improve any daily experience. Giving your time instead of a gift could change someone’s life. Accepting the people around you and caring about family may be the cure for holiday blues. The season of giving has one main purpose, and that is to spread cheer and happiness to all walks of life. Maybe that purpose has been lost among the chilly weather and expensive gifts.

By Kelsie Meier, editor-in-chief

This desire for a later school day is not a matter of being lazy; studies have shown that teenagers need about 8-9 hours of sleep which many Neuqua Valley high school students can tell you they do not receive. Known for its extra-curricular activities, a majority of students at Neuqua have a packed schedule. Clubs and sports after school, part-time jobs, tutoring or ACT/SAT classes can take up almost all of the late afternoon, leaving students to come home to a high pile of homework and study guides to complete before they can finally hit the bed, only to wake up in a few hours and repeat the whole routine again. This lifestyle is not healthy for a growing young adult and is definitely not beneficial towards their studies.

Even if a student does not have two or three activities lined up after school, teenagers have been proven to be more inclined to sleep later then children and adults. Therefore, when they wake up without a sufficient amount of hours of sleep, they simply do not function as well. Many Psychologists have found that when young adults do not complete all of the sleep levels that humans are intended to go through, their minds are not as efficient as they could be.

Could higher academic achievements be seen at Neuqua if first period started later in the morning? With a sufficient amount of sleep, teenagers might comprehend what they learn in the classroom better, be more focused and overall have a more organized day.

Superintendent Stephen Daeschner said in a Neuqua Valley Parent Teacher Student Association meeting that “kids don’t want to go to bed at night and they don’t want to get up in the morning,” and admits that “the research is absolutely undeniable.”

Yes, late-arrival is offered but what happens to the students who are not willing to give up a class just to sleep in for an hour? Students who take a full schedule, all seven classes, should also have the opportunity to sleep in even if only for an extra hour or two. Many states, including Minnesota, have switched the schedules so that elementary schools start first, middle schools after, and then the high schools after. This trend so far seems to have had a positive affect, who knows if Neuqua will be soon to follow.

By Pallavi Bamzai, staff writer

In such a controversial election, there were many aspects to take into account while voting. Despite the current economic situation, it did not seem to be the deciding factor for some high school voters. Senior Kevin Ramig said, “To me, their environmental views were most important.” Some students, however, were not completely focused on policy. Grosch said, “I wanted my candidate to be truthful, knowledgeable, and a good representation of America.” In contrast, Lee said, “I look at all different aspects, mainly on the issues. I do not need the president to entertain me, so their personality was not as important.” Despite what students focused on, it is clear that students put thought and reasoning into their first official ballot.

After seeing the results, students had time to think about the country’s decision. Despite personal opinions, students seem to hold one unanimous viewpoint about the outcome. Grosch said, “I pretty much knew that Obama was going to win, but it was amazing to actually see it happen.” Agreeing with Grosch, Ramig said, “I knew he would win, but not by as much as he did. We must have really wanted this.” Not disagreeing with Grosh or Ramig, Lee wondered, “If Obama spent over one billion dollars on his campaign, how well will he handle other peoples’ money?”

Also after the results were finalized, many adults had the chance to reflect on high school participation. Social Studies teacher Hugh Flanders said, “Well, I do not know the exact numbers, but my impression is that larger number of young citizens voted than usual.” In addition to the outcome, students participated in the actual campaigning. Flanders added, “There were a tremendous number of student volunteers working for both campaigns.” This student participation may be one of the main factors in the outcome of the election.

Whether they agree with the outcome or not, those who voted will always have the knowledge that they were part of arguably America’s most pivotal elections.

By Lucas Giolas, photo editor

Adults and teenagers are not the only ones impacted by the goal to be famous. A younger demographic is being exposed to the fame craze with Disney channel stars, movies, and TV shows. It is increasingly more and more common for someone like Hannah Montana to be role model for children, instead of a parent or sibling. Hannah Montana creates the assumption that a double life is possible and makes being famous seem glamorous to younger children. Disney Channel movies like Camp Rock focus solely on the characters’ dream to be a famous musician. “[Disney] makes it seem like it’s so easy to go and be a rock star, and then just be normal when it’s really not that easy at all,” said Sophomore Stephanie Lona. “It’s kind of like when parents tell their kids they can be president. It’s unlikely; so is becoming famous.”

Putting personal views of fame aside, it is painfully obvious that the drive to be famous has been heavily integrated into today’s society. Instead of trying to fight this ever-growing phenomenon, it might be best to embrace it and strive to make a mark on the world in any possible way.

By Alyssa Pollard, staff writer