Pinterest Overview

Pinterest is a social media app that is for searching for ideas. It was launched more than a decade ago in January 2010 and it has been nominated for Teen Choice Award for Choice Social Network in 2013. The founders of Pinterest are Ben Silverman, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp.

Pinterest is the app you go to for inspiration. Once you first open the app, it lets you pick out topics that you want to show on your feed. These topics can range from art to the sky and even tattoos. Once you pick your desired topics, they show up in your feed and you can save them, or add them to a board. You can make various boards to add your “pins” to.

Pinterest has such a great algorithm. If you save a pin to your board, view a picture, or download it, it will show that in your feed. For example, if you save a picture of an outfit on Pinterest, it will show more pictures of outfits on your feed the next time it refreshes. This can be really useful but if you don’t like that, you can turn off the home feed tuner in your settings.

Personally, I use Pinterest a lot. I use it on lots of various occasions. I sometimes use it when I want to find inspiration for an outfit for school the next day or when I want to get a haircut but don’t know what. I have many boards such as some boards for my home screen theme ideas and some boards for food recipe ideas. I really love Pinterest and I have started many of my hobbies because of it. I started to crochet because I found this one cute crochet miffy pouch on Pinterest and I have adored crocheting ever since. I really recommend Pinterest.

Together4Teens on April 13

Join the library, the City of Mission Viejo, and other local groups for this great event for teens and their parents!

Earn community service credit while attending valuable workshops. There will be a resource fair plus a complimentary lunch. Don’t miss the guest speaker, Larissa May!

For more details, see the program here.

The Benefits of Classroom Cameras

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020, 91% of public schools reported using security cameras to protect their students. These devices are certainly a positive force on campuses. They can work to deter potential threats and catch bullying and theft in the act. Security cameras should be allowed in school classrooms.

Surveillance cameras in classrooms can catch theft, bullying, and other crimes. According to a survey conducted by Campus Safety Magazine, 78% of schools using cameras reported them to have helped prevent crime with nearly one in three describing them as having frequently helped. As seen above, schools themselves have announced the beneficial effects of cameras on campus; therefore, inside classrooms should be no exception. Surveillance indoors can make a huge impact on safety and security in schools. Some people have claimed that security cameras invade privacy, but classrooms are public spaces. They’re not private in the way a bedroom or a bathroom is. School and classroom cameras shouldn’t invade students’ privacy any more than regular cameras in grocery stores or libraries. Altogether, security cameras in classrooms work to dissuade students from misdemeanors.

Surveillance in classrooms is beneficial for keeping students and their possessions safe. There have been many instances where security cameras in schools have caught criminals or protected individuals. Campaigning against security cameras in classrooms is only making school a more dangerous place for students to be. Understanding the benefits of these devices will allow schools to ensure the safety of students.

Python

Python is one of the most crucial and intriguing programming languages in the world. It was first created in the late 1980s by Dutch programmer Guido Van Rossum. He wanted to make a powerful language as intuitive as basic English. By doing so, people could express concepts in fewer lines of code.

Python is typically used for developing websites, analyzing/visualizing data, and automation. Because of its simplicity, It is incredibly effective in the real world. Since it has an elegant syntax and emphasizes readability, it is a great option for a beginner in programming. Commands such as “print” and “if, then” statements make Python a relatively easy language to learn. Other, more advanced programming languages, such as Java, have a much more complicated syntax.

Frameworks such as Django and Flask include Python and are exceptional for website building. In 2021, I created a standalone website for T-shirt shopping using Django, including Python and HTML. AI development is also reliant on Python as it is versatile and stable. It has powerful capabilities for all people, regardless of programming experience. In a society where technology has become increasingly vital, learning Python can be the first step to a career in software development.

Books about Python are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a known Islamic holiday amongst the world, but how is it celebrated and how can you support/help out a friend who is celebrating it?

Let’s start off with an introduction to what exactly it is. Ramadan always begins during ‘Daylight Savings’. It is a 30 day long fasting period, because during the period would be the 9th Islamic month. People might ask, why does the time change every year? Well that is because the month is determined by the moon setting. The moon has be at a thin silver crescent fo the month to begin (symbolizing the prophets attribution to his fast) and at a full moon when the months ends. 

Why is it celebrated? Well, its a month for spiritual discipline and the deep contemplation to a person’s relationship to God. Some might like to add that it brings you closer to your family because the meals are usually/supposed to be consumed with close relatives, parents, and/or family members.

During this month you consume your first meal before the first prayer of day (before sunrise), that is called suhoor, meaning consumed early.  As your biggest meal,which is when you break that 12-14 hour long fast, at the second to last prayer of the day (after sunset), that’s called Iftar meaning break-fast.

If you know or acknowledge your friends fasting during this months, you should be mindful and not eat or drink around them or at least don’t offer them bites or sips, if you’re having a dinner party or are having a fancy dinner, invite them, and or wish them a “Happy Ramadan” and if its near the end, wish them a “Happy Eid,” as that follows right after for three days.

-Zina Khalifie

Books about Ramadan are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Starting Photography

As a high schooler, one of my passions is photography. In my freshman year of high school, I took a photography class. At first, I thought it was interesting but I didn’t think I would get into it. However, I discovered that photography was an enjoyable way for me to express myself and my creativity.

The first and most obvious step to photography is to buy a camera. While using your phone’s camera is great and totally acceptable, investing in a DSLR is a great option as well. Personally, I use a Canon Camera. I’ve found that this brand is reputable and easy to use. My camera body is a Rebel T6. This is a great starter camera to use. If you aren’t into Canon, Nikon, and Sony are other camera brands that I’ve heard great things about.

Secondly, finding a lens is extremely important. Though you may want to jump into portraits or nature photography, I’d suggest using a kit lens at first. These lenses are affordable and have fewer features than a telephoto or macro lens, but allow first-time photographers to learn the bearings of a camera.

Other equipment that you’ll need are SD Cards (to store your photos) and Battery Charges/Ports. Now that you have the required equipment, start taking photos on your camera. If you’re using a DSLR, put the camera in Auto Mode first. When using the Auto-Mode, the camera makes all the decisions for your settings; all you have to do is press the Shutter Button to take a photo!

I hope this small article helps you in your photography journey; stay tuned for more articles about general rules and tips!

Books about photography are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

What to Visit in New York City!

I am lucky to have been to a few different cities in my life so far, but New York City is one of my favorites by far. The busy atmosphere, beautiful art, and crazy buildings are just a few aspects that I love. In this article, I will list a few of my personal favorite locations and things I did when I went. Keep reading if you want to learn more!

The very first place that comes to mind is Central Park. This beautiful urban park about 840 acres and is 2,5 miles long. There is plenty of space to explore. While it is nearly impossible to see the entire park in one day, I would recommend going at least a couple times throughout your stay. Of course, some notable areas inside of Central Park include the Bethesda Fountain, Alice in Wonderland statue, and the Strawberry Gardens. These are truly sights to see and are unique to the city.

Another place I would recommend visiting is the Chelsea Market. The neighborhood of Chelsea itself stands out with its high rise buildings, modern architecture, and artsy feel. The Chelsea Market is a wonderful area with various different restaurants and to-go food. It is always super busy, and the food is delicious! I had some great tacos when I went.

Lastly, I would 100% recommend watching a Broadway play or musical in New York. There are many different theatres located around the city, so pick one and watch a play or musical you are interested in! The actors are truly so talented and make the experience unforgettable. I went to go see Wicked and I still cannot get it off my mind.

I hope that these locations and experiences persuade you into visiting New York City! It is very different from Southern California, but it is nice to switch it up every once in a while. Also, it is very important to buy tickets and tours early. New York City is always booked and busy, so it is key to plan ahead. Safe traveling and hope you enjoyed!

10 Tips and Suggestions for visiting Disneyland in 2024

Disneyland is a very nice place to go throughout the year, with plenty of enjoyable rides and attractions. However, it can sometimes be difficult to visit everything as it can be very crowded. Here are 10 helpful tips that I have found that will help you make the most out of your day there.

1. Get there early.

Disneyland can be very busy at times, especially on the weekend. The lines for admission can get very long, especially later in the day. I found that getting to the front early slightly before the park opens can help you beat the crowds and get into the park earlier.

2. Pack a meal.

Another thing that I found helpful was packing and bringing a simple meal to eat there. The lines for the rides can get very long, but eating lunch while waiting in line will allow you to ride more rides and get the most out of your day.

3. Plan out the day beforehand.

Planning your day beforehand can also be very helpful. Plan to go on the rides that have longer wait times first as times often get long quickly. Then, try to do the rides with shorter waits later in the day when other wait times become very long.

4. Use the Genie+ Service.

I also found the Genie+ service very helpful the last time I went to Disneyland. It allows you to schedule the day and skip the long wait times for the rides. Try to schedule the rides that normally have a long line first. However, you only get to use it once per ride, so try to only use it if times are long.

5. Use mobile ordering for food.

When you do order food at Disneyland, try to use the online mobile ordering service. Many of the lines and wait times for food vendors are very long, but mobile ordering allows you to skip the line and get your food faster.

6. Pack a portable phone charger.

You will need your phone for a lot of things at Disneyland, as many services require you to use your phone including Genie+. I found packing a portable phone charger helpful to bring in case your phone runs low on battery, which will be useful especially if you spend a long time there.

7. Find a good place to sit down and eat lunch.

At Disneyland, there are many good places to sit down and eat lunch. A good spot if you are looking for a peaceful place to eat is Tom Sawyer’s island in the lake in the middle of the park. There are also benches around the lake that you can sit at, and it is much less busy than the less of the park.

8. Go on the indoor rides when it gets too hot.

It can get hot at Disneyland, especially in the summertime. and it can be better to go on the indoor rides during the hottest parts of the day. Some great indoor rides include Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the new Star Wars ride Rise of the Resistance.

9. Buy tickets on weekdays if possible.

Another helpful tip is to try to book tickets on weekdays if possible. The park is usually much less crowded on weekdays, and this makes it easier to get the most out of your day and avoid waiting in long lines.

10. Get your pictures taken early.

You can get your photo taken professionally in many places throughout Disneyland, and the Genie+ service comes with unlimited photos, and you can also have pictures taken in front of rides. However, there are lines to get photos taken and these become very long later in the day, so try to get pictures taken earlier in the day.

These are some tips that you can use at Disneyland in order to get the best experience and so you can have the most fun. So don’t forget to try these helpful tips and tricks the next time you visit!

Small Businesses to Support

During Christmas, you may flock to common stores such as Target and Nordstrom. However, as you take the time to shop for family and friends, consider some of these small businesses to shop from during the Holidays.

Clothes:

Olive Lynn

This popular boutique sells a variety of clothes and accessories. Their most popular items are hoodies, sweaters, and tank tops. If you like colorful clothing, consider shopping at Olive Lynn.

Grey Bandit

Grey Bandit is another online clothing shop that sells trendy clothes with excellent quality. This store is known for its aesthetic designs + quality.

Jubilee Apparel

If you are looking for loungewear or streetwear, Jubilee is the place to go. Founded by influencer Katherine Beard, Jubilee Apparel’s main goal is to ethically make sustainable clothes with high quality. 

Food:

Lydgate Farms

This small business sells delicious chocolate with cacao beans grown in Kauai, Hawaii. I visited this chocolate factory during the summer, and I can confirm that this company sells some of the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches, which are carefully crafted to reach their full potential. This chocolate is rich in flavor and an excellent Christmas gift for loved ones. (P.S. The Dark Chocolate Hawaiin Rum is my favorite!!)

Pachamama Coffee

Pachamama Coffee has been around since 2006 and gained a strong reputation in the coffee world. This coffee shop has been featured in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and The Fortune. Pachamama sells coffee sourced from different parts of the world–from Peru to Nicaragua.  If you are looking for a gift for a college student or family, shop at Pachamama Coffee.

Jewelry:

Coastline Color

Based in Florida, Coastline Color sells jewelry made with shells harvested from the Florida Coast. The owner offers customizable bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Shop at this boutique for unique jewelry!