trend story

From different tweets to facebook bumper stickers,“ Yoga pants, the man who invented them, we salute you,” yoga pants are widely known. Yoga pants are becoming more popular, but not only for women. Their main purpose may be used as a comfortable pair of pants for women to wear casually or to work out, but they also grab the attention of many men.

“ Yoga pants on girls are one of my favorite things, but it depends on who’s wearing them. If they get in the wrong hands, it can be detrimental to the team, “ said sophomore Michael Waring.

Yoga pants originated in Iran then moved to Greece before finally reaching America. They were designed with comfort in the mind and in reference to yoga. However, these yoga pants are becoming quite a trend due to the relaxed feeling of the pants and how they exenterate women’s curves.

“ They’re just so comfy and definitely cuter than sweatpants. A girl can never own too many pairs of yoga pants!” said senior Kirsten Bildsten.

Yoga pants can be purchased at many different stores and can range anywhere from 10 dollars to around 100 dollars. Lululemon is a highly popular brand of yoga pants right now, but also are more on the expensive side. Chip Wilson, a Canadian who started taking yoga, created Lululemon brand. He was inspired by the yoga and wanted to create a skin-tight pant to be worn for any occasion, not just yoga.

These well-liked, fashionable pants can be worn for all ages. A change from sweatpants, young girls can be found rocking the Victoria Secret yoga pants. The tightness of the pants makes for a better look, but also leaves for the comfortable feeling as well.

“ The stretch of yoga pants is the best. Not only do they look good, they are also comfy and keep you warm. They’re especially nice to tuck into uggs,” said senior Lauren Hura.

Yoga pants have come a long way. From originating for the purpose of practicing yoga to becoming a fashion statement and being a favorite clothing item of men.

“ Yoga pants shows off girl’s body’s. I like them a lot, probably more than anything else," said junior Jamaal Everett.

Yoga pants have it all going on. Next time you’re walking down the street, notice how many girls or women are wearing yoga pants. Chances are, there will be quite a few.

rough draft alpaca story

As Gordy lies there minding her own business, one of them kicks her right in the face leading Gordy to let out a little moan. They aren’t much bigger than Gordy, but their long necks, deeps eyes, and strong back kick could make one believe they are more harmful than not.

Laurel Shouvlin has been raising alpacas since 1997 and couldn’t be happier than where she is now. “Alpacas meet all my needs,” said Shouvlin as she explains her love to be outdoors. Shouvlin has done it all from being the college student, to scuba diving and a physician assistant. Being an animal lover, alpacas are perfect for Shouvlin,” livestock that you don’t have to kill.” Roughly 80 to 85 animals, only about 50 being hers, Shouvlin says each one has a different personality.

Alpacas aren’t the standard pet, although Shoulvin says they are no problem to take care of, however, they aren’t cuddly like a dog. Their fur may resemble the coat of a german shepherd, but alpacas don’t like to be petted on the head or shown attention as another animal would.

“ I play a game with one of the females, I’m allowed to pet her if I don’t look her straight in the eyes, but the minute I do, she’ll spit at me, “ said Shouvlin. Getting spit on by an alpaca is something no one wants to ever experience. When an alpaca is “loaded” it’s green and has a very distinct odor.

Neighbors don’t seem to mind living next to farm full of alpacas, the only reason the Bluebird Hill’s farm every gets complaints is about the dogs barking in the excitement of predators coming around the fenced in animals. Alpacas have to be with at least three to four other animals due to the stress level or becoming paranoid. They also don’t seem to mind all the cats running around the barn as if they were part of the herd.

Shouvlin’s children have grown to love raising alpacas as well, and every once and while they get a chance to name a few. Often turns out to be a name from Star Wars. Not only is the fiber from the alpacas, which is harvested every spring and then sent to a mill to be processed into yarn the only benefit, also not having to teach her children about sex education. Breeding alpacas, the Shouvlin family gets to see it all.

Alpacas have quite the sex drive and the females and males have to be kept separately. However, females tend to still think they need to breed, which it’s quite normal for you can find a female jumping on another’s back. The other female will start making a deep “orgaling” sound as if it’s moaning from resentment.

Alpacas are a part of the Shouvlin’s family and have made a great life at the Bluebird Hill’s Farm. Not every day do you get to see an alpaca, but this farm gives Springfield the opportunity and benefit of a new experience. Just make sure you don’t get spit on!