ABOUT THE EDITOR:
DraftKings is the new bubonic plague
BY LILY HERSCH
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HEADLINE NEWS EDITOR One thing about me is that you should never put a cigarette or gambling machine/platform in my vicinity because I will not put either down. Not only do I have an addictive personality, but I have experience with gambling: claw machines. Claw machines are my downfall; the thrill of knowing I have the chance to win a $.50 worth South Park Cartman plushie is too enticing to put my money down. That said, gambling, specifically sports gambling, is like that but on steroids for many men and some women. But mostly men. According to the National Health Institute, males on average gamble twice as much as females. Further, 20% of males and 7.8% of females struggle with gambling addiction. This is due to the fact that impulsive coping and risk-taking behaviors are found more in males than females, and thus making them more likely to engage in gambling. CCHS wrestler Joran Baez comments, “People think it’s easy money but it’s just a waste of time. Men dream of being rich like little girls dream of being princesses.” Casinos are increasing in revenue, but most especially online gambling. In 2023, five states legalized sports betting and the industry received an overall increase in revenue of 46% $11 billion. Brett Hollenbeck (UCLA), Davide Proserpio, and Poet Larsen (both USC), studied the negative effects of sports gambling. The authors stated that with states who have legalized sports betting, “the likelihood of bankruptcy filing increases by as much as 25-30%” four years after legalization. The ever-increasing accessibility of gambling is causing ripple effects across the nation, ruining not only individual lives but entire families as well. You’re just a 20 year old man just betting on whether your favorite football team will win their upcoming game, then five years later you find yourself cussing out athletes online for not scoring the desired amount and filing for bankruptcy. Considering what we have analyzed of the gambling industry in these past decades, it will most likely become more personalized, high-tech, engaging and overall become even more addictive. I can only hope claw machines won’t prey on my vulnerability. POSTED 2/10 |
ONE OF THE WORST GAMBLING INCIDENTS Omar Sadiki’s story is a cautionary tale of ambition colliding with the perilous allure of gambling. Omar was a high-flying vice president at a renowned electronics company who ultimately built up staggering losses of $65 million at various prestigious Las Vegas establishments over a three year period.
In total, over 10 years Sadiki was estimated to have the misfortune of one of the biggest gambling losses ever at -$160 million. Unfortunately for Sadiki his gambling addiction pushed him to a desperate situation. In an act borne out of the depths of addiction and a distorted attempt to salvage his financial ruin. He began to defraud the company that he worked for to siphon funds for his gambling activities. The consequences were dire: a six-year prison sentence for fraud, a stark departure from the glitzy executive lifestyle to the grim reality of incarceration. Sadiki’s descent serves as a stark reminder of gambling’s destructive potential, transcending mere financial loss to encompass personal, professional, and legal ruin. His story, emblematic of the devastating impact of gambling addiction, underscores the paramount importance of recognizing the signs and seeking help before it’s too late. Credit: Caanberry.com |
The Mental tolls of political polarization
BY THOMAS COOPER
SPORTS EDITOR
Political polarization, the growing divide between different political groups, is becoming more common worldwide. This divide isn't just affecting politics; it's also hurting people's mental health. Understanding how political polarization impacts mental well-being is important for creating a healthier society.
When people become deeply rooted in their political beliefs, they are less likely to have open, respectful discussions with those who have different views. This often leads to feelings of frustration, anger, and anxiety, especially during political conversations. As Kaden Perry (so) said, "It affects everyone in a way that stalls any progress"
One significant issue is how political polarization affects personal relationships. Friends, family members, and coworkers might find it tough to talk about politics without getting into arguments. To avoid conflicts, people might distance themselves from loved ones, leading to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Social media and constant news updates also contribute to stress and anxiety. People are bombarded with extreme and divisive viewpoints, making them feel overwhelmed and helpless about the world's state. This pressure to stick to a particular political belief can cause mental strain when faced with opposing information. As Maya Angelou noted, "The root cause of all the problems we have in the world today is ignorance of course. But most, polarization."
At work, political polarization can create a tense environment. Employees might hide their political views to avoid conflicts, which can hurt communication and teamwork. This tension can decrease job satisfaction and overall well-being.
To reduce the mental tolls of political polarization, it's important to focus on self-care and mental well-being. Limiting exposure to polarizing content, practicing mindfulness, and having respectful conversations with those who have different views can help ease stress and anxiety. Building strong social connections, even with people who have different political beliefs, is important for mental health.
Communities and institutions also play a key role in addressing political polarization. Promoting civic education and encouraging respectful, fact-based discussions can create a more inclusive society. By providing safe spaces for people to express their opinions and engage in constructive conversations, communities can help lessen the mental burdens of political polarization. As Pat Buchanan said, "As polarized as we have been, we Americans are locked in a cultural war for the soul of our country".
Political polarization has serious effects on mental health. Recognizing and addressing these impacts can help individuals and communities work towards a more harmonious and mentally healthy society.
POSTED 2/10
SPORTS EDITOR
Political polarization, the growing divide between different political groups, is becoming more common worldwide. This divide isn't just affecting politics; it's also hurting people's mental health. Understanding how political polarization impacts mental well-being is important for creating a healthier society.
When people become deeply rooted in their political beliefs, they are less likely to have open, respectful discussions with those who have different views. This often leads to feelings of frustration, anger, and anxiety, especially during political conversations. As Kaden Perry (so) said, "It affects everyone in a way that stalls any progress"
One significant issue is how political polarization affects personal relationships. Friends, family members, and coworkers might find it tough to talk about politics without getting into arguments. To avoid conflicts, people might distance themselves from loved ones, leading to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Social media and constant news updates also contribute to stress and anxiety. People are bombarded with extreme and divisive viewpoints, making them feel overwhelmed and helpless about the world's state. This pressure to stick to a particular political belief can cause mental strain when faced with opposing information. As Maya Angelou noted, "The root cause of all the problems we have in the world today is ignorance of course. But most, polarization."
At work, political polarization can create a tense environment. Employees might hide their political views to avoid conflicts, which can hurt communication and teamwork. This tension can decrease job satisfaction and overall well-being.
To reduce the mental tolls of political polarization, it's important to focus on self-care and mental well-being. Limiting exposure to polarizing content, practicing mindfulness, and having respectful conversations with those who have different views can help ease stress and anxiety. Building strong social connections, even with people who have different political beliefs, is important for mental health.
Communities and institutions also play a key role in addressing political polarization. Promoting civic education and encouraging respectful, fact-based discussions can create a more inclusive society. By providing safe spaces for people to express their opinions and engage in constructive conversations, communities can help lessen the mental burdens of political polarization. As Pat Buchanan said, "As polarized as we have been, we Americans are locked in a cultural war for the soul of our country".
Political polarization has serious effects on mental health. Recognizing and addressing these impacts can help individuals and communities work towards a more harmonious and mentally healthy society.
POSTED 2/10
A LUNAR NEW YEAR
BY REKAILAH CRAM
MIND & BODY EDITOR The Year of the Ssssssnake has begun!! Lunar New Year celebrations have been going on for 3,000 years, all based on a lunisolar calendar that runs through 12 year cycles of zodiac signs. The Year of the Snake specifically is associated with the ideas of “intelligence, resilience, and love” (NBC News). The celebration lasts 15 days between January and February. On Thursday night, people filled the Commons to attend the Lunar New Year celebration put together by CCHS senior, Monet Oaks. She organized this incredible and impressive event on her own! The Commons was overflowing with excited kids, high schoolers, and parents from across Canyons District. Tables with information on Chinese dual-immersion, the Utah National Guard, traditional Chinese games, as well as calligraphy attracted huge crowds. One of my favorite activities there was lantern-making! China Light, a light display organization for lantern festivals, explains that “lanterns carry away their troubles, and… bring good luck and prosperity.” Noa Pack, CCHS sophomore, says that “It was really cool how many people came! Seeing everyone, old and young, come to enjoy it was incredible.” Noa’s been doing Chinese dual-immersion since the 1st grade! She’s currently in a CE Chinese class, and says that she’ll be able to earn her minor in Chinese soon. The performances at the event were done by many dual-immersion students from across the district. Some schools involved include Lone Peak, Draper Elementary, and CCHS! The AP Chinese class at Corner Canyon performed “Kung Fu”, which is exactly what it was! An adorable first grade class from Lone Peak sang, and another group of 6th graders performed an act about the Jade Emperor and a race he held for all of the animals within his kingdom. According to legend, as a reward for showing up to the race, the animals were given a zodiac within the 12 year lunisolar cycle. They chose what order they went in through the race, which resulted in this placement: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and lastly, Pig. The 6th graders did an amazing job at acting out this legend, and the 1st graders from Lone Peak cheered with excitement after they finished their performance, hugging, high-fiving each other, and happily shouting, “WE DID IT!!!”. They weren’t wrong at all about that. “We couldn’t have done it without Monet,” says Noa Pack, “She did an amazing job organizing this while also meeting her classes’ demands.” POSTED 2/3 |
MEANING OF THE COLOR RED In Chinese culture, red is a sign of life, prosperity, and good luck, which is what the New Year is all about! Jennifer Borresen, in her article “Here’s Your Guide to the Lunar New Year” explains that “small red envelopes containing money are given to children, family members, friends, and employees as a sign of good luck.” A common part of gifting these envelopes is filling them with new and crisp money, not wrinkled bills, as a common courtesy to those they give them to (Google Arts & Culture).
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