The Patriot News

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 This new generation views chivalry as outdated, and when a guy does something kind for a lady, the guy expects something in return.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 ...

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, ...

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...

Citizens often take for granted the importance of water. While this vital substance covers 70 percent of our planet, only three percent of it remains fresh. More than a billion people worldwide lack sufficient access to water, while inadequate sanitation burdens nearly two billion people. Many of the water systems that nourish ecosystems are dying out as a growing human population applies stress. Much of Earth’s major wetlands have dried up while agriculture has inefficiently used up water resources. It is estimated that by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may suffer from water shortages. Photo credit:  Foter.com Over time, humans have successfully harnessed most of the world's natural waterways. However, such success has lead to the degradation of Earth’s water systems. Pollution remains a major issue. Pesticides and fertilizers from farms, untreated human wastewater, and industrial waste have contaminated sources of fresh water. Groundwater is also affec...

Black Americans have been treated unfairly and unjustly for years throughout American history. Even today, black people still are being treated unfairly even with the justice system that is supposed to be equal for all. Over the course of many years, black Americans have been targeted by police officers in a series of shootings. This sparked racial tension between blacks and whites over the years, especially within the last five years. The hostility between both races originally sparked back in the 1980s was known as the “War on Drugs”: the United States government’s prohibition of drugs. During the era, black Americans were thought to make up about half of those incarcerated out of the 2.3 million that were arrested during the drug epidemic. Another statistic calculated that blacks were incarcerated six times the rate of white people. 14 million whites were reported to have used illicit drugs versus 2.6 million black people reported to have used an illicit drug. These stats st...

High school baseball has always had an issue regarding pitchers’ safety. Certain schools allow their players to throw upwards of 100 pitches every game without adequate rest. Overuse has resulted in different injuries for these young arms such as torn rotator cuffs and ligament tears in the elbow. Recently, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) voted on a pitch count that would limit the amount of pitches thrown per day. While the rule is a step in the right direction, it has many flaws that need changing. The new pitching rules allow for an athlete to throw 105 pitches in a game total. If a player throws between 96 and 105 pitches, they must rest for four days until they may pitch again. 66-95 pitches requires three days rest, 31-65 requires two days rest, and 30 pitches requires one night of rest. In the playoffs, the total number of pitches in a game rises to 125. At first glance, these numbers may seem fair and appear to keep young athletes s...

Imagine shopping for a product that you know was tested on animals. Would you still buy it? Besides politics, a national issue often discussed in the United States is animal testing -- the testing of new and potentially harmful products by businesses on animals before the product is made available to consumers. This long-practiced method of testing is also called animal experimentation or animal research. Despite the sugar-coated names, a hundred million animals, including mice, dogs, frogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and monkeys, experience some form of this horrific testing -- which can also be called animal torture. Animal testing is disturbingly inhumane and cruel. In 2010, about 97,123 animals suffered excruciating pain from being tested with no anesthesia whatsoever. This included 48,015 hamsters, 33,652 guinea pigs, 5,996 rabbits, and 1,395 primates. Tests such as Draize eye testing featured rabbits having their eyelids clamped opened, preventing the product from being bl...

Made from morphine, heroin is an opioid drug derived from the opium poppy plant. Users either smoke, snort, or inject heroin into their bodies, where it binds to receptors in the brain. The drug stimulates the release of dopamine, resulting in a surge of euphoria. Depressing the user's central nervous system, the drug causes crucial bodily functions such as respiration to cease. The use of heroin has also resulted in the proliferation of deadly diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. As a community, it is crucial that citizens are made aware of the dangers of heroin as the lethal drug shrouds Dutchess County and other corners of the United States. Heroin has claimed its spot as a deadly drug over the decades. Today, heroin targets teens and young adults from a variety of backgrounds. Heroin has jeopardized members of the middle class, including educated students and prestigious professionals. In high schools, the sum of students using heroin increased by four percent from...

Quite a while ago, it was announced that we pushed atmospheric carbon levels past 400 parts per million. You might ask how this may affect you or why you should care. But this announcement will indefinitely change the earth that we hold so dear. Carbon dioxide is actually a naturally-occurring gas. Many people today deem this infamous gas bad for the environment due to its association with global warming. Carbon dioxide is needed by plants in order to carry out photosynthesis, a process that produces the oxygen we need, among other things. In decent amounts, this gas warms our atmosphere and sustains life. But in copious amounts, this gas can destroy our planet. This September, scientists noticed that the carbon levels hovered around 401 parts per million. Normally, carbon levels would reach a low point at that time. This newly found information shows us that immediate action needs to be taken. Following this discovery, 195 countries gathered at a convention—the Paris Agre...

When Rio was selected as the city to hold the 2016 Olympics, both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Brazil, were very excited; this would be the first time a South American country would host the Olympic Games. At the time, Brazil was a very balanced country. Now, with a little less than 3 months until the world’s most popular and exciting sport event is to happen, many problems are arising. The first problem that that came into light is water pollution. Around August of last year, while testing the water conditions, experts realized that the water is contaminated. They found the waters of Rio to be extremely polluted, mainly with sewage. This is a huge problem because the water that is polluted is where the open water swimming, sailing, rowing, and kayaking events will be taking place. Test events took place in Guanabara Bay later in the year, and there have been reports that many athletes that participated in those test events have gotten sick as a result of the water. ...

Ferris Wheel If you’re searching for some local, budget-friendly ideas, look no further! 1. Walkway Over the Hudson This 1.28-mile bridge stretches from Poughkeepsie to Highland and provides a scenic view of the Hudson Valley. In addition, it is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world! Access is free, and parking is only several dollars, which makes the Walkway a great place to go for a walk or jog with family and friends. 2. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Fewer than 16 minutes away from the walkway, the CIA is a wonderful place to visit. Whether you’re touring the campus or stopping for food, you’re sure to be amazed by student chefs and beautiful restaurants. Though food prices may run rather steep, the exquisite food is hard to top. 3. Splashdown Beach If you grew up in the Hudson Valley, odds are, you’ve been to Splashdown. With moderate prices and a continuously expanding park, Splashdown has been a family favorite for years, and people of all ages ca...