Stoller Eighth Grader Takes Over the Court

A 6'2 high school basketball star with colleges already looking at her, eighth grader Jaime Nared is an idol to many.

Everyone who knows Jaime bared knows she crushes on the basketball court but how does she do it? She works out "usually everyday". She works out for two hours if she's lifting weights or one hour if she's not. Jaime says her mom and dad are supportive all the time. Her dad, "Isn't the kind of person to make you do anything". She also thinks that her mom, "has been very supportive" in everything she does.

Jaime says she is very excited to leave Stoller but she won't think about college just quite yet proclaiming, "Jesus can take your life away like that." She has not decided on a certain college she wants to attend, not even a high school. Her dad, Greg Nared, a Maryland University graduate moved to Seattle to be the assistant coach for girls' basketball at UCONN. So Jaime's options are between Seattle Prep and Westview.

            Seems like so much for such a young girl has to deal with but Jaime catches on fast. She's been playing basketball since she was four, and has already appeared on Good Morning America. Growing up, Jaime was always extremely taller than everyone in her class and she was made fun of for it. Some kids called her "Shrek" and "Godzilla". Even with the teasing Jaime wants to be taller than she is. She is hoping to be an astounding 6'4-6'7 when she finally stops growing.

            Her height gives her a slight advantage on the court but when she loses she is not a happy child. Jaime is very competitive and when she doesn't pull out a win she says "It makes me angry and makes me want to play that person again and I think of all the things I should've, could've and would've done." When she wins she is like a blazing star and many younger kids already think of her as an idol. Jaime feels "great. It's inspiring and sweet," when these kids want to be like her.
            Well it's sweet to be an amazing athlete. Not only does Jaime fight hard on the basketball court, she loves to play a couple other sports too. Jaime really likes to play golf and according to Magen M. "She's great at golf too." Another sport Jaime might consider playing professionally is tennis but only because they make more money than WNBA players.
            Which ever way Jaime Nared decides to lead her life, the world will watch her name go down in history for something extraordinary, we just don't know for what, yet.

You can see other articles about Jaime Nared HERE or HERE

By Dana B

School's Out, Music is in

8th Grader Top Picks for Summer Concerts

Summer vacation is almost here. That means school is out, and music is in. There are concerts coming to town for almost everyone’s taste. One of the major places for concerts in Portland is the Rose Garden. Three of the much awaited concerts will be hitting the Rose Garden this summer. Justin Bieber will be performing there July 14, Lady Gaga on August 19, and American Idols Live on August 21. Another event that is happening is Adam Lambert’s first solo tour, the Glam Nation Tour. He will be making a stop here in Portland at the Crystal Ballroom on July 21. Others that are coming to town are Trey Songz and Drake, Jack Johnson and Keith Urban and Rihanna. We asked Stoller Middle School eighth graders to pick which concerts they would like to go to, they were told that they could pick more than one. Of those, the most popular were Trey Songz and Drake, Jus

tin Bieber, and American Idols Live. Trey Songz and Drake brought in 50% of the votes; Justin Bieber got 40% of the votes which was the same as American Idols Live. Only 30% wanted to see Jack Johnson and Keith Urban in concert. Lady Gaga and Rihanna were tied at 20%, which pushed Adam Lambert out of the question. It seems like rappers appealed to both girls and boys in the eighth grade. However performances from big time music icons like these don’t come cheap. If you still want to stay in the music scene throughout summer, hit up Grants Pass, Oregon. There are lots of park concerts during the whole summer. You can also go to Fernhill Park, Powell Butte Natural Park, and Rose City Park. There are plenty of places to go for music, not just the Rose Garden for the big music stars. Looks like you might be seeing quite a few middle school students at the Trey Songz and Drake concert, and maybe even Justin Bieber or American Idols Live. Definitely check out tickets for those events, and make this summer, one to remember.

To buy tickets for some of these concerts and more click here : Concert Tickets

Apoorva Ayyagari

Do sixth and eighth graders have Bieber Fever?

Sixth and eighth graders express how they feel about Justin Bieber.

If you ask most eighth graders in Stoller Middle School if they like Justin Bieber, eight out of ten will say no. And, if you ask most of the sixth graders in Stoller Middle School, six out of ten of them will say no. According to the students, most people don’t like him because ‘he sings like a girl’ or they ‘don’t like his voice’. An eighth grade student from red hall, Jaycee says, “He sings like a girl.” And a girl from blue hall, Cori said, “He sounds like a girl and his song ‘Baby’ sounds like a broken record.” Some people also think he has a bad voice. A sixth grade student, William says, “ I just don’t like his voice.” And another sixth grade student, Madison from green hall stated, “ I don’t like his singing.” Many others feel this way too. But some people do like Justin Bieber.

Four out of ten sixth graders like Justin Bieber. An aonomouse sixth grade girl said, “I think he’s cute.” Two out of ten eighth graders like Justin Bieber. And an eighth grade student from blue hall, Jaime said, “He’s a cute kid.” Many people think he’s cute and some think he’s talented like Christy from red hall says. “He’s talented and I like his songs and he’s cute.” Also, some people are neutral about him. An anonomys sixth grader said, “ He’s ok.” And an anonomys eighth grader said, “He’s not that bad.” Everyone has different opinions about Justin Bieber.

Justin Bieber is on the news daily in magazines, tv and maybe even news papers. But. it seems as though Stoller Middle School doesn’t have as much bieber fever as we might have thought.

By: Larissa E.

Can't Be Tamed?

Miley Sparks Discussion

Miley Cyrus is a teen pop sensation, and has continually topped the charts. She is also a very controversial figure in the media. She is constantly judged about everything that she does. Cyrus has decided to take a break from music for a little while and do some more acting, so her final album until she comes back to music, “Can’t Be Tamed” will be released and available in stores June 22. The music video for the title track off her album has started quite a discussion through media and among people of all ages. Cyrus calls the song a self-empowering song in which she asserts that she has to stay true to herself in relationships. There have been many opinions about the video buzzing all around. Some even say that she is taking after Lady Gaga in her costumes and style of video. Parents that have Hannah Montana fans feel that they should not have to explain to their 7-year old why Hannah Montana isn’t wearing any pants. But others think that she is trying to delete her alto ego, which is why her style has changed and is nothing like Hannah Montana. Matt A., an eighth grader at Stoller Middle thinks that the video is “gay and weird.” An adult that we talked to shared her thoughts about the video, but would like to remain anonymous. She told us that she thinks it is somewhat inappropriate for her to be wearing clothes like she does at her age, but also thinks that she is just trying to find her exact place in the music industry. Considering how many young fans Cyrus has, the song might actually motivate and speak to them about how they should stay true to themselves, and others may just dismiss it and think of it only as another song. Her songs will continue to come out through the years and she will continue to be judged, but as you can see different kinds of people interpret her music and style differently.

To watch her latest music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjSG6z_13-Q

Apoorva Ayyagari

Who Will Be Crowned the Next American Idol

Catch up on Idol's Latest Happenings

Crystal and Lee performing

              American Idol season nine is nearing its finale. They started with over 100,000 people and are down to only two. They all share the same dream, but only one can make that dream, become a reality, to be the next American Idol.

            The final three contestants gave their best shot in their performances Tuesday night to make it to the finale. Each contestant performed two songs, one of their own song choices, and the other a judge had hand picked. 27 year old Casey James was the first to take the stage. He chose “Okay, It’s Alright with Me” by Eric Hutchinson. The judges were not amazed and which he had brought more to the song. For the judge’s choice, Kara Dioguardi and Randy Jackson picked “Daughters” by John Mayer. He was praised for his second performance and was told the song “fit him like a glove.” Next up was 24 year old Crystal Bowersox. For her own choice she chose “Come to my Window” by Melissa Etheridge. The four judges agreed that she performed it well but the arrangement of the song was nothing to die to for. On her second song Ellen Degeneres chose “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney. It was unanimous that she was in it to win it, and it was great that she showed some range. Closing the show was 24 year old Lee DeWyze. He chose “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Judge Kara declared that round one of contestants choice went to Lee. Simon Cowell chose “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley for Lee to perform. Everyone in the stadium including the judges agreed that Lee was unbelievably stunning, and had just owned the whole entire night. However on Wednesday, it was Casey James that fell short of the finale.

            Idol is left with Ellison, Ohio’s Crystal Bowersox and Mount Prospect, Illinois’ Lee DeWyze. Next Wednesday, May the 26^th, the season nine American Idol will be announced. Will it be Crystal or Lee? Six season Idol fan, Christy G. says “ Lee better win. If Crystal wins, I am never watching that show again. I hate her.” Fellow classmate Melanie R. agrees that Lee should win it all. It’s all up to how the two finalists perform next Tuesday and if the fans vote enough for their favorite.

            However that is not the only big thing happening on May 26^th. That Wednesday, Simon Cowell’s American Idol judging days will come to an end. Simon’s UK show “X-Factor” will start airing the United States in the fall of 2011. He felt that it wasn’t right to be doing two shows in America, so he decided to leave one and start the other. Dana B. and Aranessa B. both feel that after Simon leaves, next seasons ratings for Idol will reduce a little bit because he was a fan favorite judge. Tune in on Channel 12 FOX Tuesday to catch the finale showdown and Wednesday to see who gets crowned the winner of American Idol season nine. 

For more information, check out the Official American Idol Website : http://www.americanidol.com//

- Apoorva Ayyagari

Dancing with the Stars: Topping the Charts

Most watched show in America? Some would say otherwise

Glued to your television sets when Dancing with the Stars begins? Ever wonder why? Is it all the drama with each of the couples or the curiosity of seeing stars you thought were gone for good? Think about it.

Dancing with the Stars has been the most watched show in America for the past couple of weeks for good reasons. From rising stars like Bachelor star

 Jake Pavelka to burnout model Pamela Anderson, this uprising show has a little something for

 everyone’s taste.

After speaking with classmate Dana B. she told me that she watches the show because she enjoys seeing the costumes of the celebrity as well as the pro dancer. She also watches the show because she knows a decent amount of the stars and that it is interesting to see how they cope with and perform each of the dances. Megan D. states that the prime reason she watches the show is because she enjoys seeing the different dances and how the couples score. Now that we have the opinion on some Dancing with the Stars fans, here are the opinions on some people who don’t sit down and watch the show week after week. Christy G. says that the reasons she doesn’t watch the show are because the dances all look the same and that the judges are annoying.

“Bruno is SO dramatic!! It’s like go into theater!!”

She only watches when NFL star Chad Ochocinco or ESPN sports broadcaster Erin Andrews perform. Media Literacy teacher Katie R. gave us her thoughts on Dancing with the Stars.
“The show doesn’t really interest me. I watch Castle on Mondays. I have better things to do other than watch Dancing with the Stars.”
There are other shows that air on Monday and Tuesday evenings that appeal to other audiences such as the Castle and the new comedy series Romantically Challenged starring Alyssa Milano airing Monday nights, and the performance night of American Idol airing the same time as the result show of Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday nights. Evidently this show appeals to certain kinds of audiences and is watched for various reasons. 

-Apoorva A.

Mad Controversy Over the iPad

Why is it such a big deal that Apple changed the "o" to an "a"?

This new handheld computer is being used for hundreds of tasks. From keynote presentations for important business meeting to war games for young teens, the iPad has a wide variety of uses.
The iPad is the new bookshelf, newspaper and game system built into a computer that can easily be mistaken as a small book. It can run up to ten hours watching video and up to a month on standby until you must charge it again. You can listen to music from the radio or your own iTunes songs. Checking email, creating slideshows and skyping, are all a breeze to use. So who wouldn't want this 9.5 inches x 7.6 inches pad?
Christy G clearly knows what her thoughts on the iPad are, saying,

"It's stupid. It's pointless and a waste of money."

Some people think that the iPad should have a camera, and then it would sell better. The current iPad apps are designed for the iPod touch so the app would not work on the iPad. Apoorva A states, "People don't need the iPad. People are just buying it because it's a new apple product." Now these cons of the iPad are really making it sound worse than it is, because it actually has many sweet new features.
Alex C is a proud owner of an iPad since the day it came out and she states, "I probably use it once a week but my dad uses it all the time." She believes it should have a camera and better apps but she thinks, unlike other iPods, "with the iPad you can go online, read books and check your email. Really fast." Corrine G sums it up pretty well saying, "It's good for some people but not for others. For me it's a no." She feels, "It's just a big iPod touch." Some people want it, some people don't, some people will buy it and some people won't.

By Dana B

Apple.com

Have Shooting Video Games Gotten too violent?

New shooting video games like Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, Call of Duty, Halo etc. have become popular for middle schoolers because they’re fun. At least that’s what most middle schoolers say. But, there is debate out there weather shooting video games like the ones I said before are too violent for middle schoolers. And according to one eigth grade green hall student Emily L. stated, “ No, they are not to violent because they’re not going to go out and start killing people just because they do it on a video game.” And, another anonomys eigth grade boy said, “ No, because in Left 4 Dead you’re not killing people, you’re killing zombies. And in these games we get our destructive talents out on the game instead of people.” Most eigth graders agreed with these statements too. A seventh grade girl who wanted to remain annonomys said, “ No, because we are older now, we can handle it.” A seventh grade boy also agreed and said, “ They don’t show much, so it’s fine.” Middle Schoolers also like them because they’re fun to play, a young sixth grade boy, who wanted to remain annonomys said, “ They’re not to violent because they’re fun to play.” A lot of others seemed to feel this way too.

There is also another side to this story, people think that these games are too violent for middle schoolers. An eigth grade green hall student Aaron stated, “ They are to violent for middle schoolers because they’re rated M.” And another seventh grade girl Paige said, “ It depends on the person, if they know it’s not real it’s fine. But, if they think it’s real and they start shooting people, it’s pretty stupid.” Some adults had a say in this too. The librarian Miss Klena said, “ Yes, nothing should encourage shooting people.” And the Stoller Media Lit teacher, Mrs. Rarick stated, “ If they are rated M, yes they’re probably too graphic.” And Mr. Storm also said, “ Yes, because they’re rated M.” And, I'm sure others think this way too.

According to most adults, these shooting video games have gotten too violent for middle schoolers. But, according to the middle schoolers, it's not too violent for them. Both sides have good reasons, and there is no right answer. These video games are rated M for mature.

by: Larissa E.