Breakout on Facebook worse than acne

By Tanner McCord Staff Writer Recently, there has been a major breakout of offensive images surfacing on Facebook, and I’m sure you’re noticed, every time one of your Facebook friends comments on one, it pops up on your newsfeed. The solution is simple. Just don’t comment on them. Even if it is just to say “take it down”, do not comment because no matter what the content of the message it will still invade the newsfeed of all of your friends. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed immediately. Hopefully, Facebook will make improvements to censor pictures and assure the visual safety of all, especially younger users. In somewhat related news, a bill…

‘Not everything you enjoy is bad’ Stewart says

Graphic by Brian Hwu.

By Kelly Stewart Opinions Editor I will be honest: whenever I sit down at my computer to check my e-mail or Facebook – my homework is done of course – a part of me feels strangely guilty for wasting time not doing anything productive. I know this is not just me; it seems like doing something pointless that does not build up your future is frowned upon in society in general. Pointless things are seen as a complete waste of time, or in extreme cases (such as in those pessimistic books in English class about a catastrophic dystopian future) the downfall of the world. Watching TV or playing video games is bad because they do…

Coppell student quickly developing as a rapper

Aspiring rapper Raymond Hart, commonly known as “Lil' Ray”, poses for the camera. Hart released his first album “Relentless” last October and is continuing to release new rap singles every couple of weeks. Photo by Trevor Stiff.

By Seth Slover Staff Writer In a country where musical talent is abundant, it can be difficult for young musicians to succeed.  Coppell junior Raylon Hart knows that, but it is by no means stopping him. Hart, a rapper under the name of “Lil’ Ray,” has been rapping since age 12. “I’ve always had a love for music, particularly for rap,” Hart said. “I grew up on rap, and I learned that I enjoyed making it myself.” Over the past few years, Hart believes he has produced close to 220 songs. “I have a lot of inspirations that really inspire me to make music,” Hart said.  “True lyricists like Tupac, Biggie and Bob Marley are…

Local band, Seastroke, plays to a different beat

Seastroke gathers at member Jett Raine's house for rehearsal. Photo by Corrina Taylor.

Corrina Taylor Staff Writer What makes a band famous is not flashy clothes or a “tough-guy” attitude; it is talent and will to succeed. A local Coppell band is known for its dedication to their instruments and themselves. As self-taught musicians, the members have spent their high school career practicing and working hard to establish their band. Together, 2011 Ranchview High School graduate Jeff McQuitty, senior Jett Raines, Cistercian students Stuart Leach and Matthew Lancaster make up Seastroke. Seastroke is an up and coming band introducing a new type of sound. The use of a violin in its songs adds a nice touch to the overall quality of the songs;  some may even say it…

Social networking defining a generation

Social networking sites such as Facebook are blurring the identities of many people in this generation. Graphic by Brian Hwu

By Seth Slover Staff Writer How many times have you checked Facebook today?  What about Twitter?  Many people in our generation seem to be defined by social networking. Perhaps far too over-hyped and over-discussed, social networking has a remarkable impact on society.  The obvious effects consist of instant gratification, the ability to express personal opinions per the Internet and opportunities to stay connected with others. But does anyone actually realize the effect of social networking?  The primary group being affected would be our generation – “the young people”.  En route to developing a love for Facebook and Twitter, our generation has likely developed a form of addiction.  As a result, social networking is defining us….

Learning How to Care

Graphic by Brian Hwu.

By Jordan Thompson Staff Writer Is there anyone on Facebook whose statuses regularly appear on your feed? Is there someone notorious for posting depressing statuses continuously? Considering most kids at Coppell High School have close to 1,000 friends, I don’t doubt it. Facebook is a part of our culture; it is habitual to log in when the opportunity presents itself. The rolling tide of updates washes up all sorts of thoughts into our newsfeed, including cries for help. It is ironic how the leeching anxiety within a teenager, that impulsive fear that persuades them to ‘submit’ themselves to the Internet, is scarcely deserving of sympathy from an impatient and annoyed observer. Most teens with depression…

Gay-Straight Alliance given green light

By Kelly Stewart Opinions Editor After years of trying to get a Gay-Straight Alliance established at CHS, the students have finally gotten the okay from the right people to get it started. For a minute it looked like it was going to be denied again, but armed with a Facebook group, and a petition which nearly 200 students signed, the group was finally given the green light today. This could be a big step on the road to acceptance for CHS and the greater Coppell area, and the group members should be congratulated for their hard work and perseverance. Mr. Rohloff will be sponsoring the club, however a time and date for their first meeting…

Con: Students friending teachers on Facebook

By Kelly Stewart Opinions Editor At one time or another, all of us are guilty of posting something that we regret later. Whether it be something we post out of anger in the heat of the moment, or something that makes us cringe because of the amount of grammatical mistakes, all of us have wished that we had thought to remove the status or comment, or better yet never to hit “post” in the first place. Now, imagine that really embarrassing post is thrust into the eyes of your favorite teacher. See how the awkward factor multiplies? It is not just college and high school students on Facebook anymore. The collective Facebook addiction has spread…

Pro: Students friending teachers on facebook

By Mary Witfill Features Editor My four years in high school have taught me that the recipe for success in school is defined, simple and one sided. X is given, the problem has been solved and it is easy to achieve if you can master one skill: communication. Communication with teachers, with students, with administration, you name it – communication is essential. That being said, we can’t get picky about the way communicate. Facebook, the social networking website, has developed into a terrific tool for finding information, developing relationships and contacting various acquaintances. In an age where everything is available at the literal click of a button, it doesn’t make sense for students and teachers…

Facebook’s new update fails to impress

Tanner McCord Staff Writer As many of my Facebook friends and I’m sure other students have noticed, Facebook has come out with another unnecessary and unwanted update to the home page. If you have been away from Facebook for a few days, when you log on there will be a quite distracting box right above the new-ish chat update that is buzzing and updating like a dadgum twitter feed. Although the update is liked by some, it is evident through reading the constantly updating side box that so and so posted a status about it and what’s her face has liked it already and average Joe has commented on it saying that he doesn’t like…