TOMS Shoes is a company with a loud global voice, a noble mission, and different styles of shoes that appeal to many different personalities and cultures. After traveling through Argentina and noticing how many did not have shoes, American Blake Mycoskie established the company in May 2006 to use profits from sales to benefit others in need.

Since its beginning, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of shoes to children. Its philosophy is that shoes enable both children and adults to travel much farther than they would be able to on bare feet.

Just a lack of shoes alone can limit an individual in critical, life-threatening ways. For example, in a majority of developing countries,  a shoeless can most often times find himself unable to acquire shelter, food, water, medical assistance, or even education since most schools require children to have shoes on their feet to limit the spread of extremely harmful diseases such as hookworm, chilblains, and podoconiosis.

The integrity of the company rests on the “One for One” promise that it will give a pair of shoes to a needy child for each pair that you purchase. TOMS also hosts community events that allow motivated volunteers to play an active role in its mission.

On April 8, 2010, TOMS is promoting a nationwide “One Day without Shoes” event, in which it challenges the nation to go through their day-to-day routine without shoes. The event’s goal is to show people how greatly others are limited because of a lack of shoes. This single day has even been turned into a state holiday in Oklahoma and has reached as far as Paris, France, where a group of enthusiasts have hosted a barefoot walk up the Eiffel Tower.

Some of TOMS’ international campaigns include the “Shoe Drop Tour” in Haiti, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Argentina, in which the company travels to underdeveloped countries to give shoes to the inhabitants. It also works with the Mossy Foot Project to research cures and treatment for numerous foot diseases.

TOMS continues to work towards their mission and achieve their goals on a worldly perspective. From its humble beginnings, this company has managed to change countless amounts of lives and continues to grow and amount to great things across our globe. To buy its shoes, please visit www.tomsshoes.com.

With flu season once again in our midst, it is important that we all take precautions to avoid getting sick, especially to avoid anyone getting the H1N1 virus. Although it is primarily our responsibility to do whatever we can to avoid the flu, it is also the school’s job to help enforce us to take precautions against contracting viruses.

Though I can’t speak for the boys, I have noticed this past week that many of the girls’ restrooms around campus were deprived of soap in the dispensers for most of the week. This may seem a trivial matter, but even a small action such as washing hands with soap can make a huge difference in the spread of bacteria and viruses. It would take too long for girls to go find a teacher or faculty member to alert them to this problem, and most girls don’t go around with hand sanitizer in their pockets.

I have utmost respect for the faculty at our school; however, with the outbreak of the H1N1 virus around the globe, it is important that we all take the necessary measures to protect ourselves and the others we may come into contact with.

By Scott Poston Staff Writer

No Barons. Detentiophobia isn’t contagious. In fact, it’s not even a real word.  But for some reason there seems to be an endemic in FVHS and it might be here to stay.  Most people don’t see the big deal in having to waste class time to go get a tardy slip for being a few seconds late or staying in a teacher’s room at lunch when it comes time to serve those bad boys. Unfortunately, there are those who can’t stand making an innocent mistake in their entire life and then have a meltdown when one finally hits them in the form of a tardy pass. Ever notice the kids who seem to have a nervous breakdown when they walk into their class late?  They start to turn bright red as their classmates all look up from the day’s lesson, and they feel as though everyone else wants to laugh at them.

I will say this. The front desk, where one goes to get a tardy pass, isn’t exactly happy to see yet another late student and if it is, it has a really funny way of showing it.  I say good morning, they look at me with an annoyed expression that reads to me “What do you need you dumb kid”.  I ask politely and with a smile for a tardy pass, they monotonously say “fine” and ask me for my ID card impatiently.  Finally, I say, “Goodbye, thank you, and have a nice rest of your day.” Expecting a nice farewell back, I am instead faced with silence.  The old lady in the back of the Hallmark store on Brookhurst and Talbert is at least polite enough to interact with me.

Nevertheless, it’s not the end of the world if you get a tardy. I mean, I’m alive and well after many trips to the administration building. I hope students will make a greater effort to avoid being late. However, if you happen to walk in just as the bell rings, please, for your own good, don’t throw a fit with your teacher.  I know you might think they’re wrong 99% of the time, but just let them have their power trip.

Keep it classy Fountain Valley.

It’s common knowledge that most of us get bored easily. Our style, haircut, or cell phone: after a few months, we always desire something new: a change. Our room is one of these facets we constantly look to change in our lives.

No matter how frequently we rearrange, paint, refurnish, it’s never exactly right.  Well, there are ways to remake your room as frequently as you want without spending a fortune. And no, it’s not Walmart.

The way to change your room effectively is in the small, seemingly insignificant, details. Pillows, rugs, and curtains all contribute more than the large furniture. So, why not get creative with those instead?

How about our light switches? They are so small that they’re usually ignored, but some fabric and glue can go a long way in a few short steps:

• Remove the cover from your wall, or you can purchase a new one from the hardware store for about a quarter.
• Then find some extra fabric or cut up an old shirt and measure it just about half an inch bigger than the cover.  Using white glue, rubber cement, or hot glue, simply put a few drops on the front and sides of the cover and lay the fabric on top.
• Once it dries, carefully cut out the center of the switch and push the screws back through the holes.
• And voila! An original wall cover all in twenty minutes and less than a dollar.

Another simple way to redress your room is through the use of furniture collages. Lampshades and picture frames are great mediums for collages. All you need to do is grab a stack of old magazines, colored paper, or photos and some glue (glue stick or rubber cement work best.)  After choosing a stack of images or pages you’d like to use, cut them out in nice shapes like strips, triangles, or hexagons. It won’t even cost you a cent!

If you have any experience with sewing, you could also make pillows and pillow cases quickly and easily. To make a pillow, all you need is fabric and a bag of pillow stuffing, which you can find at any craft store. Depending on the size of your pillow, take two identical sizes of fabric and sew three sides together. Stuff it with as much filling as you wish, and then sew the final side shut.

You can decorate pillowcases or pillows in a variety of ways. Make a picture by cutting out animals, flowers, people, etc. out of felt or other material and gluing or sewing it onto the case.

You can also make patterns by taking a thick yarn and sewing a zigzag, spiral, or wavy patterns into it. Experiment with colors, patterns, and fabrics to get a one-of-a-kind pillowcase! If you plan to make a few, you can alternate them as you wish without buying anything more than fabric swatches.

These are only a few of the many ways you can spice things up in your room. Use them as a platform for your own ideas! With a few dollars and some creativity, you can alter almost anything to satisfy your liking. You can even look online, in movies, or in magazines to inspire your design.

The only downside? You can’t use boredom as an excuse any longer.

It’s February, which means that the mega-Hallmark holiday known as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Although some of us will be spending this Sunday celebrating Single Awareness Day, here’s a guide for everyone, single or otherwise, on what to wear for this holiday.

Single Ladies

For all the single ladies without a ring on it, why let a perfectly fine day go to waste? As tempting as it may be to shut yourself in with a tub of ice cream, you should put the commercial holiday to good use and dress up a little. Just because you don’t have a date for the weekend doesn’t mean you can’t show off that new body-conscious dress on a girl’s night out. If you don’t know what “body-conscious clothing” means, then here’s a quick explanation: body-conscious clothing consists of peices that accentuate your curves in a good way. This is not to be confused with “dear-Lord-I-can’t-breathe” clubbing wear.

If  body-conscious clothing isn’t for you, try the opposite approach. Instead of donning a slim fitting skirt, try a full one instead. A full, poofy skirt will give you a more feminine, but not necessarily body-conscious look . However, if you’re taking this route, be sure to pair your skirt with a top that’s fitted in order to better  emphasize the fullness of the skirt.

With both approaches, don’t forget to wear the appropriate colors. Pastels and nude tones are always a good choice.

Ladies with a Date

Now for those who do have a ring on it, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to showcase your femininity, even if you don’t like it. The easiest way to dress up for your date would be to wear a dress, obviously. Vintage dresses with classic, flowing cuts are best. There’s just something about the fashion of the past that’s so perfect for the occasion. Just don’t look too dated. Bring the vintage up to date with some modern jewelry.

Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of decent vintage dresses in the world. Thankfully, floral patterned dresses are highly accessible and just as cute. Pick a dress with that has a fitted bust and full skirt, and just as before, select a color appropriate for your Valentine’s day date.

Gentlemen

Just because you’ve got a Y-chromosome wired into your DNA doesn’t mean you’re exempt from dressing up this holiday. Unless you’re dateless and staying home playing StarCraft, you should dress nicely. If you’ve got a lady friend, then is it too much to ask for a collared shirt? By the way, those flannels you always wear do not count. Pair your shirt with a pair of jeans that actually fit and you’ll be good to go.

So whether you’re a boy or a girl, single or not, Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to dress up.

Not even one week until the  highly dreaded and equally anticipated holiday of the year- Valentines Day. Men across the country fear it. Women across the nation adore it. But this year, make the holiday mean more. Adopt some innovative green techniques into the way you show your love.

Now these suggestions are only for Valentine’s Day- you can use them for any date,ut what greater day for experiment than February 14?

Let’s begin with the date itself. For a nice romantic dinner, the opportunities are endless. Try a nearby restaurant you both love, preferably small and family-run or organic place. Not only will this reduce your gas expenses, but these restaurants are also more likely to use locally grown, or all-natural foods.

Unique and unusual dates are always a great experience as well. If a meal is what you’re after, cook dinner at home. You’re guaranteed a meal you both love, less money on a bill and gas, and a comfortable environment as well. Or, if a nice dinner isn’t your thing, why not try a free outdoors activity, like biking, or going to the beach a thrift store, or for a picnic? All of these are great ways to share a mutual hobby as well as to take   your part to save mother earth.

Despite common belief, homemade gifts can be just as great, if not better than store bought gifts. Not only will they send the personal, caring message to your significant other, but they are one-of-a-kind and designed just by you. For the artsy, creative types, write a song, paint a picture, or decorate a frame. Baked  treats, homemade cards, and homegrown flowers are all cheap and efficient ways to show your guy or gal your feelings for them and our planet.

The ideas don’t end there. Take your own unique spin on ideas to show people you care. Try double dating to cut down on expenses. Make your own gift, suitable for what your loved one is interested in. Give back to our planet and one another by volunteering together.

Of course, no matter what you decide to do for Valentine’s Day this year, it’s most important to show your love and care for the people around you. And if you can do that while simultaneously demonstrating your respect and appreciation for our earth, resources, and fellow peers, then all the better.

1. Invest in a heavy winter coat. There are many affordable options out there. Burlington Coat Factory, Macys, Kohl’s and JC Penny’s all have tons of options at decent prices. Wool is always a great option. (Just make sure the inside of the coat has a non-scratchy lining made of another fiber or else you will feel like you are wearing a coat made of sandpaper.)

2. Avoid cold drinks in the morning. Although Caramel Frappuccinos are absolutely delectable and wonderful, there is absolutely no reason to be drinking them in sub 50 degree weather. Caramel Macchiatos and hot chocolates can serve as a smarter (warmer) option for you in the mornings. (Don’t worry. Winter doesn’t last that long in Fountain Valley; you’ll be back to sipping on those caramelized, frothy, freezing cold beverages in no time.)

3. Avoid flip flops. I love my flip flops with a burning hot passion, but sometimes shoes can serve as a smarter, healthier option for your feet when the weather starts to get icy. Having warm feet will make you less susceptible to catching a cold.

4. On those days where it’s too chilly and windy to go outside, have a movie day; get caught up on all of the new releases at Blockbuster. Invite your best friends or significant other over to watch the newest flicks and the concession stand is at your command. The best part is that you can pause, fast forward, and rewind all at the push of a button.
5.  If you really can’t stand this weather, then take a nice little drive down to Mexico where the weather is much milder. However, you do not want to forget your birth certificate and whatnot, or you won’t be able to come back to the United States without bribing the Boarder Patrol.

Yesterday afternoon’s lockdown due a tornado watch was definitely out of the norm. Fifth period was extended a few minutes in order to keep students safe and out of the dangerous weather. Here are some student’s reactions and thoughts about the whole ordeal.

Anna Gaia (11)-”I was very shocked and surprised. I have never heard of tornados in this area, and although it was frightening, it was also thrilling.”

Tara Barr (11)-”I was a bit scared at first but after a while everything went back to normal.”

Brandon Takahashi (12)-”Thank goodness I survived the O.C. tornado, I was mostly surprised about the whole thing but it was definitely an experience.”

Whether it was a 100-point English project or a five point Spanish assignment, we have all procrastinated something sometime during high school. Sure, you’ve probably managed to slide by until now, but it’s high time you buckle down put it to an end. After all, you can’t always rely on SSR to finish your math homework. Here are a few tips to help stop your nasty study habits.

1. Plan and organize

It may be easier said than done, but planning and organizing ahead of time will save you many sleepless nights.

It’s Sunday night and it’s 3:00 AM. You’re scrambling to finish that Romeo & Juliet project that your teacher assigned four weeks in one night. Sure it’s not an impossible task, but it sure is a difficult one. Amidst all the last minute work you say to yourself, “I should have started this earlier.”

Quite honestly, you should have, but not in a give yourself two nights instead of one to do a major project. Instead, break your project up into smaller portions and complete a small piece everyday. That way, after weeks of daily work, you’ll just have to assemble the pieces. Easy peasy.

2. Have some will power

Before you turn on the TV to watch the latest installment of The Vampire Diaries, consider your workload. You’ll probably say, “I’ll only watch for an hour,” but pretty soon that one hour will translate into two hours, then three hours, and so forth.

Instead, finish your work first and reward yourself later with some time alone with the TV. If you finish your work after your favorite show ends, don’t fret. There’s always tomorrow. In today’s modern world you’ll be sure to find the latest episode of whatever you’re watching uploaded to the TV network’s website.

3. Prioritize

Yeah, it may make sense to do all of your easy homework assignments first, but in actuality, it’s probably not. If you do all the easy assignments first, you’ll be tired and left all of the longer assignments to do for the rest of the night. Get your longer and more difficult homework out of the way first. That way your shorter, easier assignments will be a breeze to finish.

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re prioritizing your work is the due date for the assignment. It’s not the best idea to put off your math homework with a history project that won’t be due for six weeks.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be one step closer to putting an end to your procrastination. If not then be prepared for an intervention or a Procrastinators Anonymous meeting. Whichever works.