Apex Legacy

January 09, 2013

The fiscal cliff simplified

John Santos
News Editor

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the phrase “fiscal cliff” uttered in the news in the past couple of months. The phrase refers to automatic government spending cuts that would take place if Congress couldn’t make a budget deal for 2013. On Wednesday, January 2, President Barack Obama signed a deal that would ward off the automatic cuts, at least temporarily.

The deal marks the first time in 20 years that Republicans voted to increase tax rates. Tax rates went up for Americans who make more than $400,000, which means 98 percent of Americans saw no tax hike. The deal is good news for the housing market. Mortgage interest deduction and long-term tax relief on mortgage debt were extended, which should help housing sales.

But what does the deal mean for college-bound high school students? Federal aid and research funding to universities were among programs originally planned to face spending cuts if an agreement was not made. The bill signed by Obama will hold these cuts off for the short-term. But no one is in the clear yet.

Congress will face another standoff as early as February when the White House will again ask to raise the debt ceiling. If Congress cannot negotiate a final budget deal by March 1, 2013, there will be across the board spending cuts.

No luck of the Irish

Matt Krombach
Staff Writer

Only one year removed from being national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide proved themselves more than worthy of another championship. Notre Dame, or “Notre ame”, because the D was absent last night, came into Miami as the undefeated underdog.

Only three minutes into the game, running back Eddie Lacy put the first points up on the scoreboard for the Tide. Throughout the first quarter Notre Dame wasn’t defensively there, and even Heisman runner-up Manti Te'o missed tackles. The Fighting Irish left men wide open and couldn’t stop the running game. Alabama scored 21 more points in the half as Eddie Lacy had a total of 140 yards. Notre Dame was only 2-8 on third down conversions, while Alabama was 8-13.

The second half of the game was just as dominating for Alabama even though Notre Dame managed 14 points. Alabama’s win made this the seventh straight year an SEC team has won the BCS National Championship, with Alabama taking three out of the last four titles.

Les Miserables movie review

Ciara Healey
Staff Writer

The iconic novel Les Miserables has stimulated and inspired millions since Victor Hugo created the life of Jean Valjean in 1862. In 1985, when the story was accompanied by anthems and melodies, the dramatic musical captured the hearts of the public. The musical is still successful and adored by many, but all previous attempts to transform Les Miserables into a screenplay have fallen short of anything emotionally captivating. On December 25, 2012, Les Miserables debuted as a film once more. This time, however, not to disappoint.

Fulfilling new year's resolutions

Sarah Muzzillo
Features Editor

As the new year approaches, many people make a resolution to change poor habits. Although sticking to a resolution may seem like a daunting task, the following tips will help you successfully fulfill plans for the new year.

Scholar Artist: Sirmina Dremsizova

Courtney McCullers
Sports Editor

GPA: 4.72

Classes next semester: Honors Calculus Three, AP Spanish Language, AP Physics, and Wind Ensemble.

If you could eat one food every day, what would that food be? Nutella sandwiches. All day, every day.

How long have you been participating in the arts? Since fourth grade.

What is your favorite book? Room by Emma Donoghue. I read it as my choice novel for AP English. I just like the way that it’s written. From [the five year old’s] perspective, it really appealed to me.

What is your favorite movie? The Notebook.

Who is your favorite artist? Death Cab for Cutie.

What is your favorite subject? Mathematics. To me, it makes a lot of sense. It’s always one definite answer. I like being absolutely and totally certain. I find it fun and fascinating.

What is your favorite social networking site? Twitter is becoming very addictive.

What is your favorite quote? “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelev

ant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” – Mewtwo

Describe yourself in three words: Energetic, compassionate, and supportive.

January 07, 2013

Conquering the winter blues

Amanda Nash
Chief Videographer

It’s no secret that January and February can seem grim and grey, but how can we defeat the cold and stay optimistic?

Here are a few ideas that may help:

1. Exercise. Spending time at the gym or working out at home releases endorphins which put us in good moods. Additionally, exercise naturally gives us more liveliness, without the use of 5-Hour Energy.

2. Eat healthy foods. Junk food can cause mood swings. A nutritional diet, however, gives us more energy and overall contentment.

3. Spend time with friends. The weather may be less than optimal, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! This doesn’t have to be expensive either; consider having a game or movie night at someone’s house. Social support can be very helpful in the more dreary months of the year.

4. Relax. Pick out a good book or go to bed early. Stress is not in the recipe for a good attitude.

5. Embrace winter. Ice skating and hot chocolate are only seasonal for a few months, so it’s important to enjoy these items as much as possible while we can.