The Patriot News

Hot chocolate, pretzels, marshmallows, wrapping paper and boxes towered feet high; that’s what you would have seen in the cafeteria during the History Honors Society wrapping party. After school, the café was filled with teens getting their volunteering hours while having fun and helping the community. Hundreds of gifts were being wrapped for the children at the Astor Home. Many of the children residing there were not fortunate enough to get gifts from parents or family. The wrapping party exists as a fun activity that helps provide for those who do not have the same as others. If only you could see their faces when they opened the gifts donated by the John Jay Student Body and teachers. Gifts ranged from giant teddy bears to Pokémon cards and comfy clothes, each specially wrapped by students for a great cause. It was really amazing to see how the John Jay community came together to make this happen. I cannot wait until next year to do it again! By Chelsea Co.

Benzoic acid, nicotine, glycerol, propylene, plus added ‘flavors’ for effect. Sometimes extra ‘flavors’ are added, such as marijuana or just some more nicotine for an extra buzz. These are some of the ingredients that can be found in a Juul pod from JUUL Labs. There are many alternatives to smoking in the world. One of these alternatives being the Juul, which is distributed by JUUL Labs. According to JUUL Labs, “JUUL is for adult smokers seeking a satisfying alternative to cigarettes”. Juuls are temperature controlling e-cigs that the user “plugs in” a pod for use. These pods are simply called Juul pods and contain a long list of chemical ingredients some of which are previously stated. JUUL Labs and PAX Labs are two of the major manufacturing companies for this type of item. Both have similar types of items aimed for adult smokers, but their devices can easily fall into the hands of teens and even children. You must be eighteen to purchase tobacco products in the United States...

Nobody goes on dates anymore. When’s the last time a gentleman came to your doorstep to meet your parents before taking you to a nice restaurant for dinner? When has society changed the meaning of “date” to “I’ll text you when I pull up and we can hangout?” The sad reality is that young ladies have accepted the bare minimum, and when a guy treats us respectfully like they should, we swoon. Opening a car door for a woman? Pulling out a chair for her? Bringing flowers as a token of affection to a date? Never experienced that, and any guy that did that for me would win my heart immediately. This new generation views chivalry as outdated, and when a guy does something kind for a lady, the guy expects something in return. Ultimately, men just want sex. Yes, this is a harsh generalization, but we’re growing up in a hookup culture; it’s all about treating a woman well to get in her pants, not out of the kindness of your heart. What bothers me most is, why would you take a beautiful young lad...

Security cameras lace malls, cops stalk airports with large loaded guns, and from convention centers to conference halls, security stands amongst the highest priorities. At the same time, society’s future leaders lay vulnerable to various dangers, from bombings to shootings. In the 21st century, metal detectors, screening systems, and a strong police presence arm most public facilities against potential threats while public schools--the “safe haven” of education and dreams for the future--horrifically fail in protecting the hundreds of faculty and students occupying them for over nine months each year. When used incorrectly, technology--especially weaponry--poses threats to people psychologically, emotionally, and physically; such wounds maim relationships and entire communities and may even prove fatal. The “National Center for Education Statistics” states in “Fast Facts” that in the school year of 2013 to 2014, 68 percent of America’s public schools required faculty and staff to...

What do u think of when u hear the word ‘period’? You probably think of the end of a sentence or perhaps a class period. But not a girl’s period right? It’s just too gross right? I have asked four guys this question: “What is the grossest thing about the female gender?” The majority said, “the period.” One guy said that he thinks periods are cool because he understands the biology of it. That’s cool. But not every guy agrees. My guy friend in college says he does not like the blood because he is afraid of getting AIDS. Understandable right? So many guys are inhuman to the fact this is a natural thing. But when they do acknowledge it they’re all like “she must be PMSing.” They are pretty inconsiderate to how women feel during our six days of misery. When you tell them about it they usually just pretend like they’re comfortable with it and then the truth comes out later. And it hurts- it hurts to find out the truth. And then you realize that it is not worth crying over because the hu...

Seniors. Are you anxious? Are you nervous? Are you excited?! I hope so because in just a few months you will be deciding where your new home is. You will be making pros and cons list, asking many questions, and hopefully finding out what you want to study, (but if not it's always okay to apply undecided). That’s right, it's time to decide where. Let’s talk about who you will meet and where you will live. Odds are you are going to end up in a box shaped room, two to three beds, with some strangers that you think you know because you followed them on Instagram or snapchat once and awhile. Yet, those are the people that you will latch to. It's kind of depressing but for those first few days you have no friends, you’re scared and don’t know what to do. I strongly urge you to keep your door open, say hi to those who walk by, and just be friendly. Explore the floors above or below you, those kids are in the same situation as you are. Make friends that first week and whatever h...

When I was asked to write an article for the John Jay newspaper, I was admittedly a bit hesitant. I didn’t think anyone would really want to hear from me. If I’m honest, despite having incredible friends all throughout high school, I couldn’t help but feel like an outcast. A lot of my time at John Jay was spent trying to avoid people. I always seemed to get stuck with all the people that didn’t like me in one class. I tried to be nice, but then I’d be made fun of. When I was mean and defensive, I was made fun of more. I felt like I couldn’t win. Needless to say, high school was rough for me. At the end of my freshman year, I stopped eating. In the beginning of my sophomore year, I weighed 76 pounds. It took me until the middle of my junior year to make it back up to 93 pounds, and I still struggled to keep the weight on for a long time. During most of my sophomore year, I had anxiety attacks three or four times a week. Sometimes they were so severe that I’d get sick. I hid my insec...

Fashion is more than simply following a trend or buying the most expensive thing you can find. It takes a little more skill than that to create an outfit you’ll be proud of! So, I decided to create this quick list to help you on your way to a fashionable life. Accessories are The Key When creating an you may feel as though your combination of a pair of jeans and a sweater looks a bit boring, but fear not! A simple outfit can be brought to life by a choker, bracelets, or even a pair of earrings. Even if you are wearing a t-shirt and jeans you could be improved by a bright belt and some nice shoes. Find your Fashion-Muse Fashion is a very personal thing. It’s kind of like your silent personality, and as unique as you are I’m sure you can find like-minded people who inspire you. If you’re on the hunt for fashion inspiration I’d recommend going on Instagram or YouTube. Those are certainly my favorite places to find fashion inspiration! Before long you may have an aesthetic down ...

What were you doing November 3rd at 7:30pm? If you were at John Jay Proscenium's production of Twelve Angry Jurors , then you certainly had a good time. Twelve Angry Jurors is a brilliant production about a teenage boy who is tried for murder. In court, the case has an obvious appearance that the boy is guilty, with many pieces of compelling evidence. In the beginning, the jurors vote to see where they stand, and all of the jurors believe the boy is guilty, except for one. That juror wants the boy to have a fair chance. That forces all the jurors to discuss the case, in which their true personalities are apparent. Each of the twelve jurors carry their own baggage, in which the audience gets to see how factors such as prejudice and personal experiences have drastic consequences in this situation. This production conveys many messages to the audience, but personally I think the idea of standing up for what you believe in is a very important theme. It is important to make your own d...

The John Jay Chapter of FBLA hosted the first of its two biannual blood drives for the 2017-2018 school year on October 19th, and it was very successful. FBLA members gave their free periods to the cause and made sure that the event ran smoothly by signing people in and providing general help to the professionals.The John Jay Community too did not disappoint. Teachers, students and even parents--who drove in just to donate blood--showed up in great numbers to give to those in need. Students are not often given the chance to contribute so directly in the saving of other lives as a blood drive does, but once given the chance, their enthusiasm is unstoppable.Some students hadn’t even signed up prior to the event, but once they saw the drive, they jumped at the chance to give back to their community without a second thought; while younger students had to be turned away if they did not have a registration form, they all excitedly promised to be back for the drive in the spring. The generous...

I recently rewatched the Emmy Award winning episode of the film series Black Mirror titled San Junipero . Set in the late 80’s, San Junipero follows an unlikely couple in a futuristic artificial world used by retirement home residents. Owen Harris’ vision is a beautiful masterpiece that will grab the attention of anybody and everybody watching. No matter what your preference in genres or stories are, the film is so brilliant that you’ll appreciate it for it’s amazing cinematography, likeable characters, and “jamming” soundtrack. In a dystopian future where the elderly are able to plug into an artificial reality that brings them back their youth and back to the time of their youth, two women fall in love in the artificial reality known as San Junipero. Yorkie, whose last name wasn't mentioned, appears in San Junipero for the first time ever where she decides to spend the night at the local popular bar, Tucker’s. As soon as she sees Kelly Booth, she is immediately captivated by ...

Mustaches for Kids is a volunteer-run organization designed to assist cancer ridden children whose parents cannot afford medical care. Since its establishment in Los Angeles in 1999, Mustache for Kids has been a rousing success nationwide, especially here at Jay. The school has been a consistent benefactor to the Mustache for Kids campaign for the past four years. In the first year alone we raised over $800. This year we are expecting to surpass more than $12,000! The top five teachers who assemble the most votes and the top ten earners (students who raise the most money for the charity) visit the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester, where they personally deliver the notoriously large charity check. Each year, all of the teachers who get their beards styled take before and after picks as well as a commemorating group photo. Next Monday, November 20th the participating teachers are shaving their beards having to rock their new half shaven facial hair until Thanksgiving brea...

In the United States, November is recognized as National Diabetes Month. The goal is to spread awareness on how diabetes impacts millions of Americans, with the hope of one day finding a cure. Diabetes occurs from having an imbalance of sugar in the blood. This sugar, known as glucose, comes from the food you eat. In order to be properly used by the body the hormone insulin, created by the pancreas, is used to extract the glucose from the food. Your cells can then use the glucose to carry out daily life functions. Those with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or they do not properly use the insulin their body does make. Therefore, in order to survive, those impacted must consistently check their blood sugar and supply themselves with usable insulin. If they fail to do so, serious complications can ensue, including organ failure and death. One goal of National Diabetes Month is for the public to understand that there are multiple kinds of diabetes. Most people think only two...

Meh, perfectly describes the Emoji Movie , an uneventful movie with too many plot holes to count. When I watched this kids movie, I wasn’t expecting gold. Actually with all the negative hype, I was expecting it to be worse. So I was quite disappointed to see it was simply just a bad movie and not an atrocious one. Sony Pictures really should have kept a closer eye on this because, in concept, it seemed to have potential. The Emoji Movie is about a meh emoji that wasn’t acting like it should, and his adventure to get reprogrammed. The plot follows Gene, a meh emoji that feels totally out of place, Hi-5 his best friend and loyal companion, and Jailbrake a emo-hacker and tomboy who agrees to help meh out. When it comes to the voice acting, I have no complaints. T.J. Miller, James Corden, and Anna Faris read those horrible lines as well as they could; Only so much could be done with such bland characters. There is so much not to like about the Emoji Movie . First and foremost, ...

The environment is so important to us. We need to work hard to preserve such a peaceful place. If you want to be part of such an important movement, join John Jay’s environmental club. It meets after school every other Wednesday. Contact Ms. Heffler for more information or if you have any questions. Come join to help the bees and butterflies in our garden. Also, if you are an artist interested in participating in a school-wide billboard contest and receiving community service hours, contact Ms. Heffler. By Riva S.

On April 28, the John Jay Chapter of the National Honor Society hosted the much awaited annual John Jay Man. The tickets sold out the day of the show, and previous John Jay Men from years before even came to watch and, in one case, perform. The show began with a hilarious introduction from the show’s hosts: Matt T. and Alex M. Then, it was the opening dance. Involving twerking, classic dance moves, and specific dances catered towards each John Jay man, the show was off to a great start. After that, it was time for each John Jay Man to show his personality and convince the judges that he should win. Each John Jay Man sauntered across the stage, first in his character wear, and then in formal wear, escorted by other members of NHS. This miniature fashion show was then followed by the sketches, which were designed to allow the John Jay Men to portray their personalities in more depth. Acts ranged from the education of the crowd on types of girls and their dateability to dancing and sing...

Photo credit:  fs999  via  Foter.com  /  CC BY-NC-ND Imagine if risk for the two leading causes of death in the United States, heart attacks and cancer, dropped by 90%. How that is achievable? Go vegan. Going vegan will protect the environment, the ecosystem, and most importantly, your health. There are many misconceptions with veganism, and they are truly all myths. A very common misconception is that vegans do not receive the six essential nutrients; however, that could not be more false. Going vegan lowers your risk for cancer, diabetes, kidney stones, heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis, and hypertension. It also improves your energy levels, increases bowel movements, reduces PMS, clears skin, leads to weight loss, causes you to feel less bloated, gives you healthier hair and nails and glowing skin, results in better-smelling body odor, ends cravings towards junk food, clears focus, and improves the way you digest food. Readers need to learn accurate in...

Photo credit:  Foter.com Recently, the amount of people choosing a vegan diet is increasing. People who choose veganism as a lifestyle are often attracted to such due to the claims that all foods from animals are bad for a human and that one will allegedly be healthier and lose weight. Vegans would be surprised to find out that there are no benefits, and they’re actually at a disadvantage choosing this lifestyle. A healthy human lifestyle should include a variety of animal-based foods as well as plant-based. A vegan diet is harmful due to the lack of variety of essential nutrients. One who chooses a vegan diet over an omnivore diet is at a higher risk for deficiency of a nutrient that can only be gained from meats, poultry, dairy, and/or seafood. Protein (amino acids) DHA, B12, and carnosine are necessary in human processes, and these foods are rich in them. Not to mention, fewer protein choices will lead to more carbohydrates, such as bread, pastas, and rice, in a diet. Too ...

Throughout the decade, many films have been produced. However, time and time again, many of these films being released are just sequels, remakes of prior movie releases. Most notably, Photo credit:  Foter.com Ghostbusters and Finding Dory were released in 2016, both movies considered as remakes. Although making a sequel or remake of a prior movie isn’t necessarily dreadful, it’s the fact that these movies lack creativity and satisfying storylines that audiences would rather see. Better yet, it would make people want to spend the average eight dollars for a movie ticket. When Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , was announced, many fans were divided on whether or not this “remake” of an iconic franchise would be worthwhile for the saga itself. After viewing this movie more than once, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is by far the best movie remake that will keep audiences entertained with a powerhouse of a storyline, special effects, and an ending that ties right into the events of a ...

Originally released in the United States on May 23, 1980, The Shining is a British-American psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s critically acclaimed novel The Shining published in 1977. At first, the film received mixed reviews but later became known as one of the greatest horror films ever made. Photo credit:  Justin Masterson  via  Foter.com  /  CC BY-NC The film takes place in the Overlook Hotel, a grand Colorado resort famous for its illustrious ballrooms, pleasant lounges, and beautiful mountain views. Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a middle aged man with an alcohol problem, hopes to jumpstart his career as a writer. Hired as the winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, Jack views the job as an opportunity to focus on his writing. He and his family, including his wife Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall), and young son Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd), spend the winter in the hotel. Danny discover...