But like a superhero from a comic book, Slader saves the day.

Slader.com is a new-found website created by Scott Kolb and Kyle Gerrity, who were friends in high school. Like any other typical teenagers, they shared homework to get by in their classes. “We knew there must be a more efficient way to share our knowledge,” reminisces Gerrity as he discusses Slader’s roots. The two realized the “possibility that there were [are] thousands of other high school students struggling on the same math problem from the same textbooks.” They were not the only ones who discovered this. A mutual high school teacher from the same school believed that “treating his classroom like a study hall….was a waste of time” when he could be using that time to teach new concepts. “…And thus led,” says Gerrity, “to the idea of Slader.”

Slader is here to revolutionize the education by providing an opportunity for students across the country to connect with one another to find the answer on their own. The site includes breakdowns on how to solve problems in textbooks used throughout the country, including California’s Algebra 2 textbook used here at Monterey Trail. Slader also provides explanations of well-known novels such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies.

It’s free to sign up, it’s efficient, it totally beats sitting hours on end with a tutor, and you get paid.

That’s right, there’s an awarding system that allows avid users to accumulate “gold” by actively participating throughout the site by offering explanations to the material given. You can convert this “gold” into hard-earned money in which could accumulate even to hundreds of dollars.

Didn’t write down the homework? Struggling with a problem but can’t keep contact with your classmates? Create a class profile, invite all of your classmates (which also gives you gold), and have avid discussions about the subject. No more “I’ll wait for your email” or need to stay after class for a study session. With the help of communication through the internet, Slader is a “study group based on the twenty-first century.”

With 1,923,353 exercises and 1,081,249 answers, Slader will help hopeless high schoolers turn into sucessful students strutting across the stage to grab their diploma. However, many would criticize that Slader will only help students cheat. On the contrary,”students learn the material more thoroughly when they must think about how to teach it to their peers, says the founders of Slader. “Slader is not a place to cheat; it is a place for students to thrive.”

And the staff of Slader aren’t shrivelled up old math teachers from a washed up high school (at least not yet). Two co-founders, Kyle Gerrity and Scott Kolb, ate In-N-Out at least once for 48 consecutive days.  All four members of Team Slader, who also include Peter Bernheim and Emily Finley, are all San Diegan and have failed a math class in high school at least once, so you could say they were once in our shoes.

They are so freaking awesome that they were generous enough to send us a promo code for Monterey Trail mustangs ONLY. The first 1,000 people who type in the word “grove” when they register will get 15 free solutions per day.

And with that, the Slader team leaves with one last piece of advice for you high schoolers ready to give up on becoming that amazing mustang everyone knows you could be:

“Contrary to the popular belief, you can always teach an old dog a new trick. There is no need to be lost when others know a way out. So speak up, reach out, and find the help you need: whether it be academic help or something else entirely!”

Doesn’t sound legit? Check it out for yourself at www.slader.com

VFTT: So….I think I should start off by saying, Congratulations. That must’ve been a great success for you, right?

Ewing: I think so. A lot of time put in, you know? We did a good job.

VFTT: So I read the article and it said that the student athletes inspire you. So I must say, what motivates you to be there for us?

Ewing: The students?

VFTT: Yes.

Ewing: *phew…..I just enjoy watching the flowers grow—watching the kids go from doubt to hope to success. I enjoy seeing it, when it’s bleak. There’s a lot of darkness, and then there’s light. I just like seeing things change to a positive. That’s what motivates me. I like having the pleasure of being there to see that process. Being part of that journey is just….it’s very special. You can’t describe the words of what it’s like to be a teacher. You have the pleasure of teaching someone who is willing to listen. I think that’s why I get inspired by the student athlete that commits to himself on a daily basis.

VFTT: That’s a good way of thinking. Did you have any other dreams before becoming a coach?

Ewing: Professionally? I did college football for a couple of years and I just didn’t like the politics of it. I really think high school’s where I need to be at in terms of…just getting it—being part of a raw environment where players really appreciate at the high school level, no matter what sport, drama, band, or leadership you are teaching. An excellent environment where people are striving to be great, there lays true amateurism, you know, where you’re only playing for the love of your life’s journey. That’s the bottom line of high school. That’s kind of why I chose high school.

VFTT: How does it feel to know that many people—even coaches—look up to you and take notes on your tactics?

Ewing: It’s funny because we are all copycats of each other, so essentially the things I learn are from other coaches. I didn’t just rummage up everything that I know. I’ve been humble. I talk to many coaches and ask them what they have done in the past to make their programs better. I would say that our programs like a beautiful blanket, where you just piece together all these different ideas for all these people and it felt like they work for kids’ sake in terms of what would get the best for them in their experience of high school. You wan to try to create the best experience for them that they can have.

VFTT: How much time do you dedicate to coaching?

Ewing: It’s a year round process when you are competitive. When your players respond, when they really start working year-round in multiple sports, and they’re committed to being better and doing the right thing, you want to get them as much time to their experience as you can. It gets very difficult on your family. You take away a lot of your family time year-round because your job is pulling you in a competitive direction. You have to be very good with your time; you have to manage your time well. That is, still to this day, something I have to work on as a man. I have to get better at; being efficient at my time. Don’t take extra hours and days and minutes that I don’t need to do. But I think I’ve done a pretty good job at the high school with things in technology that have enabled me to not be there as long. I can be more efficient and do more work than be there longer and not doing much work. I’ve done a decent job at that, but I’m still searching for more efficient ways to go about my day.
VFTT: Is it difficult for you to juggle your coaching time with your family?

Ewing: I mean I do it, but I’m not the greatest (I don’t believe) I always think I can be better, like a player. Everyday I think I could be a better husband, better father. I don’t believe I’m in the position where I’m all the way alive you know? I need to get better. I need to get better like every other player. Everyday I’m learning how to be a better person; it’s a lifelong learning thing. It’s always constantly crossing my mind.

VFTT: How did you feel when the mustangs beat some of the division’s best teams?

Ewing: Well you know, I think we trained for it so it doesn’t surprise us when we play well because we trained for it. If you’re prepared for what you going to do, it’s not lucky. You’re ready for it. I don’t feel like we’ll ever be at a game because our kids prepare for it. Although we may be smaller, although we may be a little slower (I don’t know), those are things you can’t coach in that regard. You get what you get. It’s what you get out of it and those student athletes that commit we feel like they’re prepared. Even though the other team looks more daunting than our kids, we’re prepared to defend our school’s reputation, our school’s honor. That’s what these kids do. We want our school to be respected. Maybe not even loved, or hated, but respected. It’s the key element of our student athletes.

VFFT: One last question, in your personal opinion, do you think we will be able to reach the Division Championships a third time?

Ewing: I don’t know, man.  It takes a lot of talent. You talking about the height of the level we play. You’re talking about a few major Division One football players on those teams. They signed major scholarships, and they’re going to big schools. I don’t know yet if we have the talent. We’ll see. You saw that there was times where our kids pulled it out, so there are some special players that play their special plays in those special games. We have the schedule to do it, but the teams we play are fantastic teams. We have a schedule where you can go 0-10. We can keep losing every week. I mean we can lose 27-26. 25-24. We can lose games like that, because they have the same type of kids too. There’s a person on the schedule where they will be “No Way. Noo Way”. Every game is a super duper challenge. I’d invite you to the games because they are very fun.  You’re going to see some magic, because the teams we play against are that competitive and they are well coached.  So I think when you watch those games, your getting your money’s worth. From the Nevada Union game at home to the Grant game at home to the Franklin game at home. You’re talking about super dramatic moments that our school got to do. Those are down the wire. It all depends on our determination. We’ll see what happens. We’ll throw our money in it. We’re going to try our best. Trust me; you won’t be upset with our football program. We’ll play as hard as we can

News Ten Coach of the Year article.

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=111430

  Kinect (11.4.10)

 There’s been a lot about this very interesting and new add-on system for the Xbox 360. Unlike the motion controls of the Nintendo Wii, the Kinect allows you to use your whole body as a controller, allowing a new feel on game controls. Imagine playing a racing game where you pretend to put your foot on the wheel and change gears or maybe a sports game where you throw a football. This will definitely revolutionize the way video games are played. The Kinect can only be purchased with the new Xbox 360 (because the new consoles are compatible with Kinect) the prices  range from $299.99 to $399.99 depending on how much Giga Bytes you want on your console.

 Special Edition Red Nintendo Consoles (11.7.10)

 As a special part of the 25^th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros, Nintendo is selling exclusive Limited Edition Wii and DSi XL systems. These Limited Edition Systems will include a special red system in dedication to the anniversary. The Wii will feature the new Wii Remote Plus with Nunchuk along with two games: Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros Wii. As for the DSi XL system, it will include a special design on the DSi along with 3 pre-installed titles and Mario Kart DS. These two items will be priced for $199.99 (Wii) and $179.99 (DSi XL).

 Call of Duty: Black Ops (11.9.10)

 The next installment for this famous first-person shooter franchise, this game has been getting a lot of attention. Maybe for its great story-telling using the element of first-person view, or maybe because people know what is expected due to is previously successful games such as Modern Warfare 2 or World at War. The multiplayer is great, as usual, but it comes with new multiplayer features such as new game modes, a new system of unlocking new items for the game, a deeper customization of weapons and character, and a new theater mode for recording game footage or creative videos. Even the special zombie mode from World at War may be coming back in this game. This highly anticipated game will be coming soon, and everyone will be blown away.

 Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (11.16.10)

 The assassin is back, and now with a little help from his friends. With a new threat in the enemy’s ranks, Ezio and the Brotherhood will be traveling massive open-world locations from Italy to Rome, stealthily invading enemy territory or going out fighting. New featured such as build up and customizing your team of assassins, gamers also have new weapons to use and more gadgets from your trusty old pal Da Vinci. One new feature is the special new multiplayer feature where you can go online and assassinate your friends. Doesn’t that sound fun? There’s also an exclusive Harlequin multiplayer character when you preorder at GameStop. Get the game and join the brotherhood.

 Donkey Kong Country Returns (11.21.10)

 Yes sir! The lost great franchise of the Super Nintendo Era has been revived! Take on a new side-scrolling adventure with the king of swing and his trusty sidekick Diddy Kong as they retrieve their hoard of bananas from the Evil Tikis Experience the old school 2-D feel fused with the new 3-D technology using simple controls and the usage of the Wii Control. They also brought back the classic co-op so you can go on a wild adventure with a friend. Also, from E3 demonstrations, I heard remakes of the music of the original DKC soundtrack being played in the game. This retro rebirth will be highly anticipated by all fans of the franchise. (Like me!)

 Epic Mickey (11.30.10)

Some may think its just another children’s game starring one of the greatest known cartoon characters right? Well you’re half correct. It does star one of the greatest known cartoon characters, but this is not your average child’s game. Due to some mischievous events, Mickey is pulled into a dark wasteland of forgotten attractions, characters, and anything else forgotten in the Disney universe that was tampered by the evil Ink Blot. As Mickey progresses through the story, he will find his long lost brother and probably the most important and forgotten character, Oswald the Rabbit. Oswald will soon discover all the mayhem was caused by Mickey’s mischievous ways many years ago. The game will be based on Oswald’s quest the decisions he makes and the paths he takes. Oswald’s decisions will decide which places the gamer will see, and what character with be friend or foe. This game will indeed have something for everyone.

Over yonder where the horizons smile sunny rays over MTHS lays one of the daintiest classrooms ever seen. Decorated with students’ heart-felt memoirs, inspirational quotes and uncontainable love, the room harnesses the powers of knowledge and cultivates it into a language that teems with energy.

This classroom is none than Ms. Buford’s Floating Block/English class. However, it does leave one with a solemn aftertaste upon hearing that Ms. Buford will be leaving the school. On the 2^nd of September, Ms. Buford travels across the country to Hunstville, Alabama to be with her family, her children and grandchildren as well as her husband, who had recently been relocated to Hunstville because of his job. After she settles down, she plans on “going back to the classroom”.

Although a teaching profession was not her original career goal (she wanted to become a doctor), she later became an English teacher out of the love she had for English and memories of herself playing “school” as a child.

Ms. Buford will certainly be missed, as an important staff member, as a teacher, and as “one of the teachers I can talk to [because] she’s someone I can trust”,  laments Cassie Teal, one of Ms. Buford’s former students.

Although Ms. Buford will be nearly a country away, her triumphs and teachings will forever remain a part of MTHS. She wants all of us to “never give up, follow your goals” and to tightly pocket but freely use her 3Es: Effort, Endurance and Excellence. But she too, will be taking with her, “the love I have from all the kids, the lessons I’ve learned from them about cultural diversity and the deep relations I’ve formed with the excellent staff here at Monterey Trail”.

Thank you for everything you’re done, Ms. Buford, for being there for us and truly caring about us. We wish you the best of luck.

            Exit to serve

 The stone on a mood ring actually contains liquid crystals that are either located underneath a clear glass covering or inside a clear hollow shell.  These liquid crystals react to the heat on the surface of the skin by shifting, thus altering the colors reflected off of them.  In other words, the body’s surface temperature causes the color change, not emotion.

 This does not mean, however, that mood rings never work.  Sometimes it can, to some extent, reveal a basic emotion.  A common mood ring color chart might look like this:

 Violet = love, happy

Blue = relaxed, calm

Blue-green = somewhat relaxed

Green = average

Yellow = a little tense or nervous

Brown = nervous

Black = very nervous and anxious

 Mood rings are calibrated so that a human’s average surface temperature falls in the blue, or “calm,” range.  A person’s skin might flush when feeling happy and romantic, which causes temperature to increase, while anxiety or fear can cause a person to feel cold. 

 However, temperature is not a good indicator of emotion, so mood rings are more useful as accessories than as accurate reflections of a person’s mood.