Insider

The Insider is an ALC student publication. The articles reflect the opinions and views of

ALC students and do not necessarily reflect the views of either the ALC or of ISD #518.

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The Worthington ALC

Insider

Volume 3, Issue 14 January 20, 2006

Life in other lands…

By Sing Phady

In the middle of all the immigration uproar, it is important not to forget the cultures of those around us. There is a growing Laotian population here in Worthington, and the key to getting along involves understanding where we come from and what we believe.

Living in the countryside of Laos and Thailand is quite different than living in America. Every morning the Thai villagers get up and start to work on the garden, go out in the forest, or go to the water store to get some food. In Laos many people also live in small villages. In a village there are no McDonalds or Subways. The Thai raise cattle and grow vegetables for food.

People in the village can row out to the store to get some supplies. There are “water grocery stores.” Everything the merchant sells is on a boat. They float their food down the river and sell to the villagers. Instead of jumping in a car and running to HyVee, the villagers jumped in a boat.

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Life in a typical Thai or Lao village is very different than life in the U.S.

Thai and Lao villagers do not use tractors to plant their vegetables and fruits. They use oxen to plant the rice, and they use their hands and shovels to plant other foods.

In many Thai and Lao villages there is no running water. When a villager wants to take a shower, they fill a bucket with water or else they just jump in the river. The villagers do not have Maytag, so laundry is also done in the river.

It is a different world to live in a village. Regardless of the lack of technology, the Thai villagers still bring with them, a long rich culture, and a good work ethic

The ALC Insider January 20, 2006 page 2

Caffeine and students

By Desiree Briski

Today’s students seem to survive on nothing but pop and chips. What is it that one of these products contain that keeps the students going? You guessed it, caffeine. Caffeine, the wondrous stimulant that keeps the lids up while the teachers go on and on and on.

Caffeine is found in many different plant varieties. It is a central nervous system stimulant that wards off drowsiness and restores alertness. Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea Coca Cola, etc.) are very popular making caffeine the world's most widely used drug.

Studies show that high school students make better decisions when they consume caffeine, yet the experts also tell you to avoid to caffeine… Yeah, obviously they have no clue.

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Animationfactory.com

In some cases, the person consuming caffeine may get sick from it. Others feel better after consuming caffeine. It all depends on the person’s body chemistry.

Caffeine can be addicting and there are many people who cannot go a day without a cup of coffee or a pop. Signs of caffeine withdrawal are headaches and irritability.

Caffeine is a white, bitter-tasting, crystalline substance and was first isolated from the coffee bean in 1820. Caffeine content of a cup of coffee averages about 75 mg, but varies widely according to cup size and the amount of coffee used.

Caffeine is consumed in many different ways. These include some sodas/pops, coffee, caffeine pills (such as No-Doze), tea, some bottled waters, chocolate, over-the-counter pain relievers (such as Excedrin), and even in some foods.

The ALC Insider January 20, 2006 page 3

EVER FEEL?

Ever feel like you are not good enough?

Like no matter what you do, say, or think,

It won’t be what that other person wants?

Ever feel like the harder

You try to please someone,

The more they seem to turn away?

Ever feel like things you do

For others, seem to be in vain?

Ever feel like the more you accomplish,

The more people look down upon you?

Ever feel like giving up;

Throwing in the towel and saying I’m stuck,

I’m done, I quit?

This wasn’t worth all that it has been.

Every day I get a little closer to this point.

Every day I feel a little more this way.

Every day I wake up and

Every day it is the same.

Starting to think I will never be good enough,

For anyone, any day…

By: Lety Heredia

Light as air,

Floating somewhere,

That I have never been before.

To me it seems,

It’s like a dream;

As if I’m so close to heaven’s

Door

My starry eyes, signify

My utter surprise

Of how beautiful it is here.

The silence is cherished,

While thinking of those

Who have perished;

Listening to angels whispering

In my ear.

By Shanna Dehning

Students of the Week

The ALC Insider January 20, 2006 page 4

Prom Tips

By Leticia Heredia

Planning for Prom has begun, and it will be here sooner than you think. Have you already decided what you are going to wear? Well, I will give you some ideas and cheap tips so you can look like a queen or a king. So pay really close attention and be the person that gets everybody’s attention.

The first tips are makeup tips for the ladies. It all depends on the color of your dress. If it is a light color, don’t do your make-up too dark. Your lips should be more natural – a pale rose color lip gloss. If your dress is dark, do your make up more light and your lips more dark, but not too dark.

Accessories are also very important. Make sure you have the following: Nice looking high heels shoes (not tennis shoes). Some cute earrings would really make you like nice. Complete it with a necklace and a bracelet. Body glitter is a must because it makes you shine and sparkle. Another big must is a handbag. Even if you don’t carry anything important, it helps you look more sophisticated.

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Prom will be here sooner than you

think, so be ready for it…

Silk dresses are very modern and in style. And remember, prom is in May and the weather gets nice. Silk is one of the nicest fabrics that ladies can wear. Guys look really nice in their tuxedo. The best colors for them are black and white – typical but elegant. Black shoes match with all the colors you want to wear.

Always treat your prom date nice and try to be as polite as you can. A nice touch would be a hat for the guys -- it makes them look very elegant.

Ladies, be a pretty as you can. Get your hair done nice and don’t do your makeup too dramatic. Get your nails done – guys like that. The most used colors this season are going to be gold, brown, black, white, pink, blue and red.

So remember, look hot and dress to impress. Also, don’t forget those nice manners. Enjoy your night and have fun. Don’t forget to dance as much as you can.

Click here to see web-video from ALC Prom 2005

The ALC Insider January 20, 2006 page 5

Prom help from the Elks Lodge

By Desiree Briski

On Tuesday, January 18, Ryan, Mrs.Schreiber, and I had a meeting at the Elks lodge. We went there to present our situation with prom and explain what we needed funding in order to have a good prom this year. We had a brief outline on the supplies we need, and it totaled to about $725.00. These supplies include paint, paper, a DJ, food, and several others things.

The Elks members were very understanding, but they had questions like “why are the ALC students not part of the High School’s prom if they are a part of the same school district?” We explained that it was not allowed unless we go as a date of someone attending the High School. We also told them that we prefer our own prom anyway.

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Worthington’s Elks Lodge was kind enough

to make a donation to the ALC Prom fund

The very next day, we found out that the Elks were kind enough to donate $100.00 to our prom fund! Our total funding now is $142.50 (the $42.50 is from our Christmas candy cane sales). We our very grateful for the Elks’ kind donation. We thank them and our secretary Cec for suggesting that we contact the Elks.

Real newspaper headlines….