Nizhoni Accelerated Academy V o l u m e 1 , I ss u e 4 A p r i l 2 1 s t - 2 5t h , 2 0 1 4 NAA NEWS ARE WE CLOSER TO FINDING LIFE? This week at Nizhoni Accelerated Academy:  BBQ THIS Friday.  Spring fever is officially here.  See teachers upon completion of essays.  Students must remain in their respective classrooms during instructional hours. Are we coming close to finding life outside of our planet? Scientists may be just one step closer after finding what appears to be Earth’s “cousin”, an estimated 1,200 light years away. It has been dubbed “Kepler”. Planet hunters have been scouring the Milky Way Galaxy for years. Mostly, spot outside our solar system. Many planets aren’t in the habitable zone. Astronomers have discovered rocky world that’s similar in size to our planet and truly exists in the Goldilocks zone where it’s not too hot and not too cold for liquid water and life. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Navajo Language 1 Brain Abnormalities 2 Fun Time with Nailene 2 Nizhoni Serial 3 Weather 4 Horoscopes 5 Ask Vinny 6 The planet would be more of an “Earth cousin” than a twin because it circles a star that is smaller and has dimmer light than our sun. Earth rotates around the sun in 365 days; this planet completes an orbit of its star every 130 days. We have our birthdays every 130 days on this planet. Scientists cannot say for certain whether it has an atmosphere, but if it does, it probably contains a lot of carbon dioxide. The planet is about 10 per cent larger than Earth and may have An artist’s rendering of Earth’s cousin, Kepler 186-F. Scientists say it is the best candidate for a habitable planet. It is about 500 light years away. temperature zone. Kepler is part of a system of five planets, which are roughly Earth’s size. However, the other planets are too close to their star to support life. Their sun is also 2.5 billion years older than our sun. So what do you think? Could there be life elsewhere in the universe or is it limited to our planet? If we theoretically could travel there, should we? —A. Manygoats Source: NASA.gov N A V A J O L A N G UA G E R E V I V A L The 2013-2014 Miss Navajo Nation, Natasha Hardy, has set out on a mission to encourage the revival and use of the now endangered Navajo Language. A student pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to specialize in elementary education with an emphasis on Navajo language instruction. Her duties include traveling to different areas of the Navajo Reservation and deliver- ing motivational speeches, encouraging youth to practice their native tongue. "It is never too late to learn. It is important to our identity," Hardy said. "Our language is the heart and soul of our culture." Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie, Navajo professor at Northern Arizona University and an authority on Navajo language studies, said fewer and fewer people are speaking Navajo. She claims that it is up to parents to decide whether or not their children will speak the language. Do you speak Navajo or another language at home? How did you learn? What are the consequences of losing your language? Tell us here at NAA News. —Navajo Hopi Observer Page 2 Did you know?  The world’s largest maze in on the Dole pineapple plantation in Hawaii.  Fire fighting and kite flying were featured at the 1900 Olympics in Paris.  Your cat doesn’t really like you.  You can go 10 days without sleep if you sleep at night.  The average human body contains enough bones to make an entire human skeleton.  3.14 in a mirror will make the word PIE V o l u m e 1 , I ss u e 4 C A S UA L M A R I J UA N A U S E L I N K E D BRAIN ABNORMALITIES Young adults who used marijuana recreationally showed significant abnormalities in two key brain regions that are important in emotion and motivation, scientists report. The study was a collaboration between Northwestern Medicine and Harvard Medical School. “This study raises a strong challenge to the idea that casual marijuana use isn’t associated with bad consequences”, quoted Dr. Hans Breiter, MD. “Some of these people get high once or twice a week. People think that a little recreational use should not cause a problem, but our data directly shows that this subjects were to continue using marijuana, even just one to two times a week, the brain damage could be permanent. This is because the brain can alter itself— neuroplasticity. It can form new connections all the time. For example, if you give a dog a treat every time it does something you like, he will learn to associate that behavior with a snack. The same goes for the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to an unnatural level of reward and stimulation from marijuana and thus becomes more and more dependent on it because without it, it cannot feel the same sense of satisfaction. TO The person then requires more and more of the drug (tolerance) to attain a “high.” Scientists worry that marijuana could be a gateway drug. As users develop a higher tolerance, they may turn to other illegal substances to attain that same feeling. The findings were published in the Journal of Neuroscience on April 16, 2014. With all of the evidence compiled from data and research conducted by scientists and doctors, it should give young people all the more reason to say no to drugs. If you are concerned about a family member or friend, please talk to a counselor at your school, a teacher, or other respected adult. Recreational drug use, even if only one or two times, can have lasting implications whether physical, emotional, or both. JUST SAY NO! —Coordinated Training Services NAILENE’S FUN FUN TIME! Find motivation! To keep “You” on your Feet: Want to share? Submit your trivia to one of our correspondents! -If you can dream it, you can achieve it. -You must be the change you want to see in the world. -What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. -The best way to predict the future is to create it. Facts about Monkeys: -Monkeys are most easily distinguished from apes by their tails. Apes have no tails. -Monkeys express affection and make peace with others by grooming each other -Monkeys are seriously threatened by habitat loss--especially those that live in tropical forests, a habitat that is quickly disappearing Did you know? The first monkey to fly to space was Albert II. He flew 83 miles! ATHLETIC HUNGER NO MORE! The NCAA college committee was happy to approve student athletes with an unlimited eating privilege allowed to all division 1 schools. They have to provide unlimited meals and snacks to all athletes including walk-ons. The move started when Connecticut guard Shabazz Napier complained saying that he had to go to bed hungry because he couldn’t afford food. The move is to be approved on April 24, 2014. The committee chairwoman and America East assistant commissioner Mary Mulvenna, spoke on it saying the end results are where they need to be . The move was debated for months during the Sweet 16 basket ball tournament. Napier is one of the outstanding players on the court he helped his team during the final four to win Connecticut ‘s fourth men's championship. Win for college athletes! Do you think this will stir up controversy? How do you think other students will feel about athletes getting free food when they are working equally as hard academically? What are the pros and cons to this decision? Share your opinions with us here at NAA News. —V. Owens Source: cbssports.com N A A N E WS Page 3 The Nizhoni Serial: Episode 2: Loquation, Loquation, Loquation. Welcome Newbies! Chad Donald Trisha Tso Shannon Thompson D’Maudrie Yazzie Chad hails from Cow Springs, Arizona and likes long walks on the beach, spaghetti, and holding hands. His favorite song is “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and he likes to serenade girls with his ukulele at the Louis Yellowman Park. Welcome, Chad! Trisha is an aspiring rapper with roots in St. George, Utah. Land of...St. George! Trisha’s favorite pastimes include underwater basket weaving and caring for her pet Stegosaurus, Romeo. When not weaving her baskets, Trisha can be found preparing for the Ironman Triathlon. Shannon is a real cowgirl with an affinity for all things cheetah print. She hauls her horses around in her Smart Car and enjoys taking selfies with tourists in her hometown of Cameron, Arizona. When asked what her dream is when she grows up, she responded that her biggest wish is to sing a duet with Celine Dion. You go, girl! A native of Tuba City, Arizona, D’Maudrie comes with a background in Brazilian Capoeira and Jiu Jitsu. She enjoys taking weekend trips to Nepal where she and her BFF set up a spa for yaks. Her only regret in life, she says, is not having gone on a date with Leo DiCaprio. DARK CHOCOLATE HEALTH BENEFITS Now you can say why chocolate is good for your heart. Researchers discovered that the good bacteria present in your stomach produce compounds that are antiinflammatory when they digest dark chocolate, which in turn produces an antiinflammatory effect on the cardiovascular system. The bacteria are Bifid bacterium and lactic acid bacteria. They’re the heroes in the process. Long-term risk of stroke should be reduced for those who eat dark chocolate. It’s sweet news. Other foods with this effect are garlic, acai berries, and pomegranates. And remember, it’s dark chocolate, so no, Snickers does not count. Thanks, Ms. Borromeo for this helpful advice! —Working Solutions RECIPE OF THE WEEK FROM FOOD.COM Aloha! Indulge in this Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Cake! Mr. Henderson turned to face Dr. Begay and the other man. “You are aware, Mr. Henderson, of the top secret training your students have been receiving by you and your teachers.” “Of course.” “We are here because one of your students is a spy.” “I’m Henry Henderson,” Mr. Henderson turned to the other man. “I do not believe that we have yet made each other’s acquaintance.” The man didn’t move. “I know about you. We haven’t met.” Finally, Ms. Badonie exited her truck, escorted unceremoniously by three young men, all in black trench coats and flak jackets. She was herded toward the building, while Dr. Begay turned back to Mr. Henderson. “You know the protocol, Mr. Henderson.” The man’s voice was emotionless. “Your program needs to be terminated immediately, and your students as well.” Mr. Henderson did not reply. Instead, he watched Mr. Blodgett ride around the corner, casually welcome all the security and men in flak jackets, shout a greeting at Mr. Henderson and Mr. Begay, and begin locking up his bike. At the same time, three students rounded the corner on the opposite side of the building, kicking a hacky sack back and forth and chatting loudly, and a little red car pulled into the parking lot with a student inside, talking on her cell phone. The man gaped. “Wha-. Who is that?” “Who? Blodgett?” Henderson answered. “He’s just a teacher. He doesn’t know anything.” “Not the teacher, that student!” bellowed the man. “All agents, converge. Now. That student is our spy!” (Stay tuned, Nizhoni Fans, for next week’s exciting episode —J. Blodgett Page 4 V o l u m e 1 , I ss u e 4 POLL What kind of music do you listen to?  Hip Hop  Country  Indie  Metal  Mainstream (top 40)  Punk MR. NEZ IS A RECOVERING VEGERATIAN A few weeks ago Mr. Nez was trapped underground for several days in a horrific mining accident, where he had only vegetables to sustain him. Mr. Nez is a species of creatures that were intended to be omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and other animals. He has suffered from anemia and weight loss due to low fats and proteins. This caused stunted hair and nail growth, paler skin, lower red blood cell count and slight muscle loss. Mr. Nez became trapped after attempting to mine in a similar manner to the video game Minecraft where players create underground tunnels in a fantasy setting; digging for gold, diamonds and Emeralds. No one is quite sure how Mr. Nez dug a straight mine 60 Mr. Nez is depicted here embarking on a perilous adventure through the desert. WEATHER  meters below the earth’s surface in perfect square patterns but this caused a land slide trapping him with only a wooden box of carrots, potatoes, wheat and pumpkins to eat. In his statement “Humans need meat, why would any modern first world person choose not to eat meat”. He will now be more careful to remember to bring pork chops, beef or whole chicken the next time he goes mining. Mr. Nez is now on the road to recovery as he gets back to a healthy weight and blood iron level. Hopefully politicians will not use this incident to further their claims that video games cause erratic behavior in people. FOR TUBA CITY, AZ Other When you have voted, please see Ms. Orman with your choice and we will post the results in next week’s paper! LOCAL FORTUNE TELLER BURGLARIZED! Tuba City’s local fortune teller had her business burglarized and several items stolen, including crystal balls, tarot cards and skill crane machines. She discovered that her store and office had been broken into over the three day weekend. She then reported it to police. She explained to police that she had worked on the CIA’s Stargate project, specifically the remote viewing projects. For you nonhocus-pocus believers out there, remote viewing is the purported ability to psychically "see" events, sites, or information from a great distance, which she used to spy on Russians and suspected terrorists. She also claims to be able to see the future and cryptically code it so that viewers are not given clear clues and have the predictions open to suggestion or interpretation. She even claims to be able to see her own future, as she said around a pile of failed lottery tickets and the broken window. She claims that “she did not see this coming”. She then plans to use voodoo to punish the perpetrators but we don’t think anything will happen. Come, let me read your FAUXtune. —R. Nez N A A N E WS Page 5 W E E K LY H O R O S C O P E S Aquarius: (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Some chances come again and again. You may turn down a special opportunity only to find that it falls into your lap later on. Pisces: (Feb 19 - Mar 20): You set a boundary a while back, Pisces. It may have been for yourself or it may have been for someone else. Dare to erase that line. New NAA News Members Aries: (Mar 21 - Apr 19): You tend to be a little impatient. Okay, you tend to be a lot impatient but you don’t always admit it to yourself. You may be feeling a little anxious and edgy. Don’t try and rush things. With the sudden explosion of popularity, everyone wants to be a part of the club! We welcome our latest journalists to the NAA News Family! Nailene Trujillo Taurus: (Apr 20 - May 20): Gemini: (May 21 - Jun 20): You may not be sure of a choice that you recently made, and now you may be starting to feel anxious about it. You may be wondering if it was the right choice. But don’t worry, you have nothing to regret. Someone may come to you seeking in the days ahead, Gemini. Lately it may seem that you are the go-to person for wisdom and advice. But you may discover that you don’t approve or can’t speak positively about whatever you are asked to review. Leo: (July 23-Aug 22): You may have created a plan recently that you are now having doubts about. You were very careful to learn all there was to learn, and to devise an efficient strategy. But don’t give up, you did everything right and you will succeed if you don’t lose hope. Libra: (Sept 23-Oct 22): You are often worried about being fair to everyone else that you often skimp when it comes to fairness to yourself, Libra. You recently may have taken the brunt of the burden or blame for something that was not your fault. Be fair and true to yourself. Virgo: (Aug 23-Spe 22) : There is risk in just about anything that is worth having. Whether it is love, financial prosperity, friendship, or any dream you may hope to come true, you have a chance to make it happen now, Virgo. Scorpio: (Oct 23-Nov 21) : It may be difficult to resist being lured into a drama in your personal life. This probably involved a variety of personalities that you are close to. You may be in the middle of this drama. Be very careful and think long and hard before you jump in. Cancer: (Jun 21 - Jul 22): You may be feeling like you don't fit in within a certain group—possibly at work or in a group of friends. You may feel that you are going through something that no one else will want to deal with, and it makes you feel different in some way. But rest assured that things are on the upswing for you. Sagittarius: (Nov 22-Dec 21): An old fashioned doubt is starting to fall away. This is not a coincidence. Over time you have come to see the reasons why you should feel far more sure of yourself in a certain area of your life. Whatever you do, don’t go back to your negative thoughts. Capricorn: (Dec 22-Jan 19): Someone may have treated you unfairly, or behaved in a way that goes against your values. Because this is someone you know, you have the right to respond to this individual with guidance or an opinion. But before you do, think. Be tactful. Nailene is the President of STUCO here at Nizhoni Accelerated Academy. She is also the head fashionista—she is our very own beauty guru! Nailene plans on becoming a celebrity stylist, cosmetologist, or a massage therapist. On a side note, she really loves monkeys. Our three other new members are D’Maudrie Yazzie, Shannon Thompson and Trisha Tso (all featured on page 3 of this issue). Nizhoni Accelerated Academy This amazing piece of art was drawn by Shiquawhna Begay, student at Nizhoni Accelerated Academy. Thank you for your contribution, you are one very talented artist! P.O. Box 67 Tuba City, AZ 86045 Tel: (928) 283-1070 Director: Mr. Henry Henderson, M.Ed. Administrative Assistant: Ms. Belinda Badonie Staff: Mr. J oseph Blodgett, Ms. Annabell Borromeo, Ms. Adriana Orman, Mr. Ernest Peyketewa We will work each day to enhance the quality of discipline in our school and to provide ourselves the highest level of quality education in a safe, clean, and positive environment. ASK VINNY Dear Vinny, My son wants to throw away his Life. Dear Vinny, How do I handle running into my boyfriend’s ex? Dear Vinny, My parents are so mean and abuse me constantly!!! My son used to like Life but now he says that he prefers other sugary cereals like Cap’n Crunch now. I think that the toasted wheat flakes just don’t cut it for him anymore. I just bought three cases of Life cereal from Sam’s Club because I thought he liked it, but now I don’t know what to do with it since he won’t eat it. Also he used to like Life the board game, but now he likes Monopoly more. I found the game and cereal in the trash so I fished them back out. I just don’t know what he wants to do with his lives. Please help, I trust you Vinny. My boyfriend has had many loves in the past, but I never really asked him about his past girlfriends because I think that I might know some of them. I also think that he continues to talk to them through email and texting. Anyway I think that I recently ran into of his exes in the streets. I was driving my car while texting on a dark night when I accidentally ran into her. When I got out helping her she said “Oh you’re that old bag George is seeing now!” I didn’t call the cops yet what should I do? My parents are hardworking honest, middle class folks. I am not bad or anything but for my last birthday , my sweet 16, I wanted a convertible BMW sports car and they said “no.” I have never been so hurt in my life! Another time was when I wanted a pony for Christmas a few years ago and then they said “no”, so I threatened to beat myself and file charges. They then bought the pony but later I got tired of it and got rid of it. Yesterday I wanted to go to France on a school night and I cried and cried. OMG they are so mean, what should I do about them? Dear Overly Attached Girl, Dear Mid-Life Crisis, Sometimes we just need a midLife pick me up. Sugary cereal is good once in awhile. He’ll get back to his Life sooner or later. Have you ever heard of Jerry Springer? Go all crazy! Gorilla style! Who cares! Dear Baruka Salt, Just stop. You’re a total brat. Appreciate what you’ve got. All questions are answered by Vincent Owens, director of Ask Vinny.