The Silhouette

SEASON'S GREETINGS TO LT. COL. HIRNIESEN!

2009-12-11T08:20:00.060-05:00

Dear Lieutenant Colonel Hirniesen,

It's always so hard to pick out that one Christmas tree!

So we thought it might be good to share with you a vision of mountain pines reaching into the greatest light show on this earth--the aurora borealis. And if you keep following the roots, you will find a few presents that I hope will give you and indeed all of us a brief glimpse into that secret of secrets--that the human heart is the meeting point for everything in Heaven and Earth.

We miss you and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. To open your presents, click on the poem that accompanies each box.

With love and gratitude,

US

What shines inside deep evergreen?

Our Common Home, Future Hope, and Life Unseen.

Cool as ice and rounder than a berry

Songs from us to make you merry.

A simple garland of golden holly

May these three 'leaves' find you cozy and jolly!

Merry Christmas to Lieutenant Colonel Hirniesen and to all of our troops.

THE FRONT PAGE

2009-11-12T10:40:00.121-05:00

The Quest for the Grail: An Insider's View

by Hannah Fernandez

In the Beginning

August 3, 2009: A dreadful week of muggy heat, exhausting days and roasting in sunscreen. It's that time of year for Band Camp, a week full of intensive drills, music rehearsals and good times. While we knew we had our work cut out for us, Mr. Rohrbaugh was confident we were up for the challenge of the new show, Medieval Images.

Competition Time

We started off the season with an exhibition score of 81.25 at the Colonial Classic on September 12, 2009. Six competitions later, we were at Championships. Each week we had two 2.5 hour practices and a football game to prepare for that Saturday's competition and hoped that it would be good weather. Most of our performances were outside, but even on the ones held inside, we still showed everyone what we were made of. With each passing competition, we did better than expected, but we knew that there was a lot that we could have improved or added to make the show even better. And we saw the scores of those other fine area bands who were within our reach: 86.75 - Greencastle Antrim; 87.50 - Warwick; 89.95 - Southwestern. Each week we continued to grow to a point where we were first in the state in our division.

The Week Before Championships

Saturday, November 7: As the drum majors walk across the field to the front sideline, the stands go quiet. The announcer started with the Independence Conference first, then the American Conference, finally the Liberty Conference. Our hearts stop. There are nine bands in our division including us. Ninth place, eighth place, seventh place, sixth place, fifth place, fourth place and third place were all announced. Finally second place, and our hearts flutter because we know it’s between our band and Warwick's. You can hear a subtle chant “Warwick, Warwick, Warwick..." -- who would be second and who would be first? Could they keep us hanging on any longer?

“And second place in the Liberty Conference with a score of 91.25 Warwick High School!”

We held back our cheers until the announcer said that we had won, because we knew that we had just taken first place in our last competition until Championships.

“And in first place in the Liberty Conference with a score of 93.25....New Oxford!”

Now all you could hear was the band going wild with joy. All we knew was that we had a lot of work to do in this final week of practice, because this is our year. We knew that there were only four practices until performance day, and we were going to do everything we could. It would take a lot to reach the point where we want to be, but everyone wants to get there, so we put 10000% into our preparation to make this a spectacular show.

Conquering Chocolate Kingdom

Saturday, November 14th, 1:00-3:30. Our Saturday practice may not have lasted a long time, but it provided us with the extra edge we needed. Tomorrow would be the big day-- the day we worked so hard to earn...and we planned to win. We had a practice where we were able to go set by set, by set, until we got it right. It was less than 24 hours until we had to report at school for Championships.

Sunday, November 15th, 12:00. We report to school for our final day of rehearsal and performance. We were pumped. The decorating committee came in and made the band room look like we were from the medieval era; we each received a little gift… chocolate for all our hard work. At 12:30 we could feel the weather smiling on us: it was perfect for what we were about to do. Practice began, and we were "in the zone," locked in, in sync and all of the other phrases that indicate readiness for a peak performance. When practice was over, we kept to our usual routine: pack, eat, hang out, get ‘half-dressed’, load the bus, leave.

Except this time it just wasn’t leave for another competition. It was leave for the last day of our 2009 season. We arrived at Hershey stadium, the stands were packed, and the level of excitement inside the stadium grew and kept growing like we were inside one of those Jiffy Pop Popcorn packages. The parking lot outside of the stadium was full of bands, color guards, pits and drum lines, all getting in their final practice, awaiting their turn to show the judges what they have. At 6:45, the battle was about to begin: we fell into position and headed toward the gate, our game faces on. As we headed out onto the field, we could see our fans scream and cheer, like they never did before. They knew, as the Black Eyed Peas sang, “I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night.”

The judges and our drum majors were ready. This is it. It’s now or never, we had to give it all we had. We performed, and it was an amazing performance. After the performance we went and had our “meeting,” Mr. R was excited, and Andy W, (our head percussion instructor) was so excited that he couldn’t even talk to us. We knew at that point we had won. We had to go for pictures, all excited that we didn’t no what to do with ourselves. After pictures, the wait began. Millersville University performed. Then the drum majors walked across the field. They started awards with Liberty Open. Now us; Liberty A. Our hearts stopped the closer they got to the end, 3rd Warwick, 2nd South Western. Only one place left; only one band left. Us.

1st place Overall to New Oxford High School also winning high visual, high music, high overall effect, best auxiliary and high score in division! We went ecstatic. For the first time in school history, we had just taken home the trophy. After we left the stadium, we went to the parking lot to give a victory performance for our fans! It was the worst performance musically, but it was the greatest overall. We left the stadium, and headed for the square of New Oxford. Victory laps. We did our three, then unloaded. Arriving at the center, we got tons of pictures taken, then reloaded and headed back to school.

A throng of elated supporters awaited us in the square where we did a few more victory laps on the bus and mingled with our loyal fans.

While the end of the 2009 New Oxford Marching Band season had finally come, it will give us lasting memories for the rest of our lives. And now as our awesome seniors pass the torch to next year's band, we will get to taste the experience that comes in defense of our title.

The Battle of the Bots
by Kyle Keating

“Look it’s a remote-controlled athletic turtle …or is it a futurisitic astral-physics robocop?! Neither. It’s New Oxford’s Robotics Team’s prize-winning entry in Spring Grove High School's VEX Robotics Competition. That was not what you expected, was it? Neither did the robotics team. The win against other area schools was not only a little surprising, but inspiring.

Hosted by Spring Grove High School, the competition was announced in mid-October. Registration had to be filed in by October 12, and then seven days later on the 19th, the participants picked up all of the pieces that would become the crowdpleaser. There were some standard ground rules: the kits were not allowed to be altered in anyway. No adding extra parts and no manipulating the parts in any way. What you were given is what you had to use, just as it was. The robot had to be built by the 19th of November which gave every team exactly one calendar month to complete this project.

Once the process began, hope began to wax and wane. Mr. Rehm stated that all of the team members had to learn first hand the “trial and error, hit and miss” nature of the scientific process. It was vital not to get too frustrated by early failures but to let those failures lead to new questions, new ways to try working through a problem. In the end, patience was rewarded, and everything worked out just fine.

On the day of the competition, the team felt they had a solid entry, but wondered what other schools may have had up their sleeves. Jake Auer and Nick Skursky, two members of the robotics team, said that they expected only to be in the competition, not winning it, especially since the other schools had been in the competition the year before. “We figured that the other schools had more experience and knew what the judges were looking for.”

They only hoped that when the time came the robot actually worked as it had been engineered to perform. When it came time for the robot’s close-up, it was clear: this robot was ready for the runway.

The contest consisted of three main events:

1. An exercise ball push, in which the robot had to move a weighted ball.

2. A ball pit goal activity in which the robot had to get color- coded balls to their correctly colored goal.

3. And lastly, their robot had to build a lego wall.

After each activity, there was an intermission in which the teams could fix up their “bots”. Mr. Rehm stated that the other schools robots had seemed like they were just “put together”. “Some of the competition’s robots had system failures, some of them broke, and even some were not able to be controlled properly by the remote controller!” After seeing this, Mr. Rehm and the team were glad that they had focused on each individual part inside their robot—clearly focused on its sense of self-esteem.

The three events drew to a close and the judges began to debate who would be the champion. The air seemed to thicken, and anxiety grabbed the teams. Seconds turned to minutes, and the decision was finally made. The results were in…both human and robotic fingers were crossed as the winner was announced: "And in first place--New Oxford Senior High School!”

New Oxford won? Our robotics team had won first place in this competition? Even though it is true, the team was in a state of mild shock. Not expecting the win, but glad that it had happened, the team whooped and hollered in unrobotic glee.

When asked what it was that they felt had made them stand out the most from all the other entries in the competition, Mr. Rehm said it was the flexibility of the students and their ability to troubleshoot. “The students worked within all the rules for the competition and made the most of them. “

Jake and Nick, when asked the same question stated that it was their “simplicity” and the fact that they were all wearing polo shirts.

An outcome of such a win, and indeed entering the competition itself, is, as Mr. Rehm says, “ to show that New Oxford is just as competitive and educated as any other school out there. We’ve proven just how smart New Oxford really is.”

Jake and Nick both stated that they wanted their robot to illustrate that simplicity can be better. “Not everything has to be complex to be worthwhile.” Both students and all of the other participants on the team had to gain experience in the robotics field, as well as a better understanding of robotics science.

In conclusion, not only did New Oxford win first place in an area wide competition, but students gained valuable experience in a field which is sure to be a part of America's resurgence in advanced technologies. Everyody, Robot Dance!

A Note of Thanks from the Advisor

Welcome to the Winter edition of The Silhouette. Based upon the thousands of hits, our first issue seems to have caught on among readers both near and far. In addition to students accessing The Silhouette from school or from home, we have a readership in other parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. We are also picking up traffic from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, UK, The Netherlands, and Kenya. In other words, we’re spreading. Colonial Spirit meet world. Of course, the vast majority of our hits are from the students and teachers who are right here, and I wish to thank you all for valuing our work.

Shortly after our launch, and with the help of the indefatigable Kay Jones, students from the Journalism 1 class went to The Brethren Home to be interviewed on their TV program, In Touch. We discussed our new online venture, and it is safe to say that our school was represented well by our editor, Sarah Rudasill, and reporters Shaiann Daniels, Kelly McMaster, Devan Poist, and Allie Mack. We are hoping to return to the show in January with an update on our progress.

We wanted to have this issue out to everyone before we left for the holiday, meaning our coverage of winter sports may be a little slim at first. We plan to update this upon our return in 2010.

Of course, we have some presents for Lt. Col. Hirniesen to open and we certainly hope these will lift his spirits in the time between his current deployment and his safe return home to friends and family. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Christmas Card project for our friend, colleague, teacher, and soldier. Feel free to share this with anyone, Mr. Hirniesen, who needs to have a helpful reminder of Home. Visitors may continue to view his blog from Afghanistan via the link to the Fall Edition of The Silhouette.

To access our various departements, all you need do is click on the month of November to navigate to the page of your choice.

In this edition, I would like to direct your attention to the blog from one of our former students, Matt Greenholt, an artist now enrolled in Ringling and whose work just keeps getting better and better. Both he and his brother Mike, now an animator for Disney Studios, have made the most of their gifts which they honed while students here at NOHS. We are very proud of their achievements in the world of art and wish Matt and Mike continued success in the years to come.

For the most part, I will leave the articles to your discovery, but I would like to draw your attention to some of the newer items in this issue. First, if you go to the Arts and Entertainment section, you will be treated to a unique look at one of Livy Long’s paintings. You will see Livy’s "Still Life" (pictured below) morph from a blank canvas into a fully realized painting before your eyes. A process of weeks of work compressed into 2:01.

Also, we have a couple of champions to honor in this issue: our high school band led by Mr. Rohrbaugh and our robotics team led by Mr. Rehm. Whether it is in the classroom, in the athletic arena, or in the general functioning and maintenance of our building, New Oxford continues to exemplify the commitment to excellence of our students and staff.

In the wintry days ahead, should we be snowed in for a day or two (and you are struck with a profound desire to read a good book), you may visit the Read Print site and find whole books to read there entirely online. This resource provides over 8,000 titles by 3,000 authors (and growing). You are a few clicks away from a vast library of great books. Of course, there is a great deal of material on my reading list over the holidays, His Dark Materials trilogy, Carl Jung's The Red Book, an interesting book on Mary, fifty or so research papers, and something to read on the way to the Y.

Finally, we have made an effort to reach out to our greater community in this issue, so you will see some coverage on our local harvest festival, an article on the reunion of the NOHS class of 1969, and an area business which is hoping to pump you up! We look forward to making community news a part of our publication in the future.

My warmest wishes to everyone for the solstice. May your light increase.

A special thank you to my wonderful Silhouette staff. I value your efforts and appreciate the talents each and every one of you have brought to our new online venture this year. In many ways, I feel a little bit like Jamal in Slumdog Millionaire. Did I hit the lucky jackpot or was it destiny? Perhaps a little of both. Thank you so much for stepping into your moment of starlight.

Mr. Farrelly

farrelllyj@conewago.k12.pa.us

Open for Business
by Sarah Rudasill

Need a morning pick-me-up to get your day started? The Future Business Leaders of America has opened a brand new coffee shop that debuted on November 20th. Located near the cafeteria in the faculty lunchroom, the ‘Java Lava’ coffee shop serves hot chocolate, tea, cappuccinos and coffee. Each drink costs just $1.00, and whipped cream is added for an additional $0.25. Java Lava is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the cold winter season.

Jon Gates, President of the FBLA, stated he felt the coffee shop has been “very successful.” He went on to say, “I feel like without our team collaboration, this plan would go nowhere.” Vice President Kyle Krouse stated, “Without our customers, we would not be successful. We hope you come into our coffee shop and try it.”

Advisor Ms. Topper stated where the money would be going. “Our goal is to send students to the state conference. It is a large expense to stay overnight, so we will use the money to defray the cost,” she said.

Students agree the coffee shop is great to have. Freshman Braxtin Leatherman said, “The service is fantastic. Every time I go in the coffee shop, there are always smiling faces.”

See what everyone is raving about. Visit the coffee shop between 7:00 and 7:25 to purchase your hot drink before class.

Chelsea Swanger, Self Portrait

The Facebook Phenomenon
by Sarah Rudasill

What do 350 million people spend greater than 8 billion minutes each day? Facebook, one of the largest social networking sites, boasts these large statistics, but if you thought your profile on Facebook was set to private and entirely secure, think again. Recently, two Facebook fans published a weakness in the social networking site’s security system which allowed them to view information on everyone, even if the profile was set to private.

To prove this feat, the two bloggers hacked into the profile of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (see at right). “With a simple hack, everything listed in a person’s ‘Basic Information’ section can be viewed, no matter what their privacy settings are,” they wrote in an online post.

Security experts agree the vulnerability in Facebook could lead to identity theft. “You can’t consider the information up there totally trusted and private,” John Harrison, group product manager at Symantec Security Response, stated. “I think people need to think twice about the information they put out there.”

The problem with hacking is just the first of many new concerns over Facebook. The Consumerist reported on a slight change in Facebook’s Terms of Service (the pages of fine print which no one ever reads) that makes a huge difference legally. To put it simply, everything you ever uploaded to Facebook can be used, modified or licensed by its executives in any way possible, even if you quit the service. The following is an excerpt from the Terms of Service:

“You hereby grant Facebook an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform of display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with Facebook Service… (ii) enable a user to Post…”

Do you find this confusing? You are certainly not alone. Online discussions have had heated debates over what these new terms mean for its users. Although most people do not care or do not even know about this change, it is frightening to think Facebook can use your information, pictures and name without your consent in any way they want. Worse, you cannot stop them since you waived your right when you accepted the terms without reading them. Even people who do not have a Facebook are still affected by these changes. Someone can still take your picture, upload it to Facebook and tag you. Then, neither you nor the person who uploaded the photo can keep Facebook from using it however they wish.

It gets even worse. If you decided to remove your information or delete your profile, Facebook retains the right to use your info, which is archived permanently. A commenter on Consumerist was blatant in telling the truth, saying, “…yes, it also means they can sell your photos or use them in advertising with no recompense to you.”

Why does Facebook suddenly need this change in its Terms of Service? CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a blog post, “Our philosophy is that people own their information and control whom they share it with. When a person shares information on Facebook, they first need to grant Facebook a license to use that information so that we can show it to the other people they’ve asked us to share it with. Without this license, we couldn’t help people share that information.”

He went on to say, “In reality, we wouldn’t share your information in a way you wouldn’t want. The trust you place in us as a safe place to share information is the most important part of what makes Facebook work.”

Contradicting to what Zuckerberg stated, the Terms of Service state that they “…do not guarantee that User Content you post on the Site will not be viewed by unauthorized persons.” Even though Facebook promises its website is safe, they won’t assure you that strangers cannot look at your webpage.

It gets even scarier. Another statement in Facebook’s Terms of Service says, “Facebook may also collect information about you from other sources, such as newspapers, blogs, instant messaging services, and other users of the Facebook service through the operation of the service.” This statement sparked debate in the online community, who were wondering just how Facebook gathers information on you. Conspiracy theorists say more information is building to support the idea that the government is secretly keeping an informative database on a large portion of the human population.

Not only that, but everyone knows someone who plays the entertaining applications on Facebook, such as “Farmville” or “Café World.” Before you begin playing those addicting games, you have to agree to allow third parties who develop the games to have access to all of your profile information.

What is the big deal? These companies are basically using us. By accessing our information, they sell our data to market researchers who find trends, examine the popularity of a television show, or discover a whole other wide array of facts. Ever notice the customized advertisements on the sidebar of your Facebook? Companies can tailor ads they think you will be more interested in by using your information.

Although this use of our information is seemingly not harmful, it is the future of this technology that worries so many. If they can use our information however they want to, one can only imagine the possibilities. We can only hope that Facebook abides by its promise to not misuse our personal information.

A Washed Out Harvest Festival
by Sarah Rudasill

Rain poured down from the darkening sky, while people stood clustered under tents and nearby pavilions. This was the scene at New Oxford’s Harvest Day Festival. Yet inconvenient weather didn’t keep everyone away.

Earlier that morning it was sunny and warm, although strong gusts of wind blew autumn leaves all over the ground. Children laughed loudly as they slid down the giant moon bounce, while little ones giggled with glee on the entertaining ‘Tumble Bus’. Aromas of delicious popcorn, funnel cakes and hotdogs filled the air. Kids ran from game to game, often with their faces painted as butterflies or pumpkins. Free pumpkins were handed out to children, who painted them in a variety of colors.

Many people walked around the various vendors, showing off everything from crafts to the history of New Oxford (see picture at right). A large number of people sported “I Love NO” t-shirts. Even the fire department was present, demonstrating the many aspects of their fire trucks to eager boys and girls. Crossing guards helped pedestrians cross the busy circle, and the police were there to talk to the public.(editor's note: Thanks to local government for placing the brightly colored safety flags for pedestrians navigating the circle walkways!!!)

Unfortunately, the drizzle gave way to a downpour quickly dispersing much of the crowd and some of the vendors. Although the rain was untimely and stopped the festivities for a while, the Chamber of Commerce, who put on the festival and its events, remained positive as a brave few wandered around.

Karen Millar, President of the Chamber of Commerce, attempted to explain the amount of planning and the stages of preparation that goes into a large-scale event like the festival. “The purpose of this event is to serve the community and promote local businesses. The first stage of planning is brainstorming, but after that we thought of our objective. We wanted this to be a community builder, as well as a forum for business awareness. We had 2,000 attendees last year, and this event gives people an opportunity to appreciate our town. The Chamber’s other big event is the Antique Market, so we make the festival family and kid -friendly. We also pay for everything and make it free to the public.”

She went on to explain, “Planning is a huge part. We contact existing vendors at other community events to see if they would like to be a part of the festival, as well as those from local craft shows. Most are within a nearby radius, but we have some as far away as Bloomsburg. In addition, we talk to the Farmer’s Market and any other associations that could be interested, since we are all about supporting local organizations.”

Not only does the Chamber of Commerce plan for the festival, they also plan for the parade. “For the parade, we call bands, groups, individuals, antique clubs, the fire companies, businesses and any other organization that would be interested in participating. This year we actually have the Golden Chamber Chest award for businesses with the best float, and the winner gets to decorate it, and next year it will be passed to the new winner. The Chamber inherited the former Halloween Parade in 2008, and since then we have made some changes. We moved it from a Thursday night to a Saturday afternoon, so we could have more participation. Since it is earlier, we do not have to worry about lighting the parade route. In addition, we changed the name from Halloween to Harvest in order to incorporate the involvement of more churches.”

The Chamber continues to introduce new ideas to make the day-long festival attract more people. “This year we had a 5K race, and in the evening we have a Block Party in which a band will perform,” she said. “We had to coordinate the band schedule as well as manage the budget for the entire event, including donations. Overall, it took quite a lot of planning.”

With the enormous amount of preparation put into the festival, it was disheartening that the weather kept crowds to a minimum. Yet many organizations, like the New Oxford Food Bank, which held a make- your- own-scarecrow booth to raise funds, stayed the entire day.

The square was nicely decorated to the theme of autumn, with cornstalks on light poles and scarecrows everywhere. Hay bales littered the ground and served as benches, while beautiful trees with their leaves changing colors provided a gorgeous backdrop to the area.

The rain managed to clear up in time for the Harvest Parade, when as many as 250 spectators lined up to watch the 30 minute parade. The high school marching band participated, along with the middle school’s marching band and color guard. Judges awarded prizes in several different categories. Creative floats with an Indian scene, old Rock N’ Roll tap dancers and cattle cars proceeded down the street. Walking participants were in costumes such as cows, lions, and autumn leaves, including a Wizard of Oz group. Soccer players and a Boy Scout troop also paraded around, along with saddled-up horses. Children waiting for candy stood along the side of the road. Antique cars, a Cadillac and a car carrying Ms. Hanover and Ms. New Oxford passed by as well.

The day may have been hindered by the weather, but many still viewed it as a success and something to build on for next year. Morgan Yiengst, a freshman, stated, “It was really fun, despite the weather.” Leah Laughman also commented on how she enjoyed the parade. “I think it was very successful, even though we had bad weather prior to the event.”

A Portrait of Resiliency
by Kristen Gregory

Some people may describe this New Oxford freshman as a survivor with a lot of strength and courage. Others that pass her in the hall look at her with curious thought. When given the chance to interview her, I was not sure if she would accept because of the emotional hardship of all that has happened. She accepted the interview. For this 14-year-old freshman at New Oxford High School, Heidi Miller has been through a loop of serious health conditions. Heidi was diagnosed at the age of nine with Osteosarcoma Cancer ( a type of bone cancer).

Silhouette: What surgery had to be done to fight the cancer?

Heidi: I had cancer in my left leg and had to have half the tumor taken out for the doctors to check, to make sure it was Osteosarcoma. My left leg was removed and was replaced with a prosthetic leg. After I received my prosthetic leg, I realized that the doctors had put in a broken prosthetic leg that required them to make a custom prosthetic leg to fit my body.

Silhouette: What was the hardest adjustment to having a prosthetic leg?

Heidi: It is difficult to ride my two horses, and I find it hard to run.

Silhouette: How did you stay positive knowing that you would have to have your leg removed?

Heidi: I knew it was something that needed to be done. I wanted to just get rid of the cancer completely.

Silhouette: What was the hardest adjustment to make throughout the whole process?

Heidi: At age nine, I didn’t attend school much because of the cancer treatments, and I was in and out of the hospital. So when I did go to school, I had other nine year olds looking at me, wondering why I didn’t have hair. At nine, other kids didn’t understand why I was losing hair. I think they just didn’t understand my situation at the time.

Silhouette: What activities do you take pleasure in?

Heidi: I have been riding for eight years and enjoy riding my two horses Billy and Spritz. I also have been a participating member of 4-H for eight years.

Silhouette: What do you want to do after high school?

Heidi: I would like to be a horse trainer or go to college for Psychology.

I think there is a lot to be said for this young lady. For a nine year-old to go through prolonged cancer treatment is a difficult thing to imagine for most of us. We can learn a lot from Heidi and her struggles when we have difficult days. When we reflect on what she has been through, it makes our so-called troubles look trivial by comparison. Perhaps her example will let us take a step back and realize that there is a bigger picture to life. Heidi's perseverance is inspiring to anyone who gets the opportunity to know her. And once you do, you will agree--Heidi is the portrait of strength and can teach all of us a thing or two.

A Rising Controversy:
The Argument Over the Driving Age
by Sarah Rudasill

On average, two people die every day across the United States in vehicles driven by 16-year-old drivers. With statistics like this, auto safety experts around the country are trying to raise the minimum driving age to 17 or even 18. The National Institute of Health recently released new research that helps scientists understand why younger drivers are more inclined to be involved in a fatal accident, and in response to this study, people across the country are calling for a raise in the driving age.

Exactly what is the problem with teenagers driving? According to the research, the so-called “executive branch” of the teen brain, which weighs risks, makes judgments and controls impulsive behaviors, is remarkably undeveloped. This area of the brain, crucial to driving, is not fully matured until age 25.

Just like a younger teen might be taller than an older teen, some sixteen-year-olds are fully mature. However, support is growing as evidence reveals most teen brains are far less developed than those of adults. One in five new drivers will have a car crash within their first year of driving. In 2003 alone, 937 drivers age 16 were involved in fatal crashes. This rate is nearly five times higher than of drivers 20 or older.

Most adults agree with the experts. In a USA Today Gallup Poll, 61% said they think a 16-year-old is too young to drive. Many states have already begun imposing restrictions on teen drivers, including limiting passengers or barring late-night driving. New Jersey went even farther by forbidding a sixteen-year-old from driving without parental supervision; it is currently the only state that issues licenses at age 17. That restriction has paid off; the death rate related to fatal car accidents among sixteen and seventeen-year-olds is only 18 per 100,000 in New Jersey, compared with 26 per 100,000 in nearby Connecticut.

“Privately, a lot of people in safety think it’s a good idea to raise the driving age,” says Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. “It’s a topic that is emerging.”

It’s not surprising teens hate the idea, and many of their parents agree. With teens involved in everything such as sports, clubs and musicals, most parents do not have the time to chauffer their kids around for all of high school. Another frequent argument is kids are becoming too dependent on their parents. “Do we really want our kids dependent upon their parents for virtually everything until they go to college, can vote and serve their country?” asked Margaret Menotti, a concerned mother from Massachusetts.

The debate is evoked by disturbing images of teen reckless driving and teens driving under the influence. In reality, only 10% of the sixteen-year-old drivers killed in 2003 had an illegal blood-alcohol concentration. This is a relatively small portion compared to adults, for which alcohol is involved in 43% of crashes. Instead, a shocking 77% of crashes are a result of driver errors, such as losing control of the car or speeding. This is the highest error percentage for all of the age groups, and inexperience and immaturity are attributed to this.

According to researchers, a crucial part of the brain that thinks ahead and considers consequences is mostly undeveloped in teens. “It all comes down to impulse control,” Jay Giedd, Chief of Brain Imaging in the Child Psychiatric Unit at the National Institute of Mental Health, says. “The brain is changing a lot longer than we used to think. And that part of the brain involved in decision-making and controlling impulses is among the latest to come on board.”

Giedd says in the future, a teen’s brain could possibly be scanned to determine if their brain was ready to drive. He also acknowledges this is too radical and expensive to seriously consider in today’s society. “We are just at the threshold of this,” he stated.

With motor vehicle crashes killing 5,000 teenagers every year, experts everywhere agree something needs to be done to stop this number one killer of teens. Lawmakers in most states are hesitant to adopt legislation to raise the driving age, but with pressure from outside groups, no one knows what the future holds for teens.

A Virtual Coffeeshop Conversation

With Our Teachers of Yore

by Bianca Garcia

Silhouette: Are you from this area originally? How many people are in your family, and what can you tell us about them?

Mr. Cross: I was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, raised in Maryland, and I went to high school and college in PA.

Mrs. Krumrine: I am from Hanover; I am married with two children and live in York.

Mrs. Gingerich: I grew up in Waynesboro, where the majority of my Mom’s family is from. My mom is an elementary school physical education teacher and a really awesome person. My maternal grandparents are also from Waynesboro, and before my Pap passed away, he was the unofficial “town historian.” I got my love of history from him. I also have a half-sister who is 15 and in 10th grade named Annie.

My husband is from Spring Grove and the majority of his family still lives in the York area.

Ms. Johnston: I grew up in nearby Gettysburg where I lived all of my life in the same house. My parents had four kids, of which I am the youngest. I have two older sisters and an older brother. They are all married and both of my sisters have little girls.

Mrs. Zinn: Yes, I graduated from NOHS in 2001. My husband graduated from Delone (but we won’t hold that against him), so he is local, too. Both of my parents were teachers here at NOHS. My dad, Mr. Topper, just retired last year after teaching here for 35 years, and my mom, Ms. Topper still teaches here. I won’t say how long she has been here, though, or she will kill me. I have a younger sister who just started teaching 6th grade at CVIS this year.

Ms. Lehman: I grew up in Carlisle, PA where I lived on a farm with my parents and older sister. Since Carlisle is only about 45 minutes away, I try to go home to visit them as often as possible.

Ms. Felix: Yes, I grew up in Gettysburg, PA. I have two great parents and a sister who teaches French in Gettysburg. My brother-in-law is a naval pilot.

Silhouette: What are your hobbies and interests outside of school?

Mr. Cross: Music. I have played in bands of all influences since high school. Camping, hiking.

Mrs. Krumrine: I love outdoor activities such as kayaking, backpacking, snowboarding, rock climbing, and Frisbee golf to name a few. Otherwise, I love hanging out with my family and working out at the gym.

Mrs. Gingerich: I like to do projects around the house, hang out with my friends and family, go out to eat, play volleyball, watch my sister’s sporting events and hang out with my yellow lab, Levi.

Ms. Johnston: I’m a pretty busy person, I am the head middle school field hockey coach. I also ref hockey on the weekends and night games. I will be playing in an adult field hockey team over winter at Allstar. I coach middle school track and field in the spring. I am currently teaching adult education sewing class at the high school. I just finished my masters over the summer, so I am now working on my +12.

Mrs. Zinn: I like to work out, especially running. A lot of people hate running, but I love being outside, and it helps me relax…gotta love those endorphins! I also like to cook and bake. Unfortunately, I love to shop. I’m trying to curb that habit, though!

Ms. Lehman: Outside of school I love to travel. My goal in life is to visit each of the seven continents; I have made it to two so far. I also love to read (of course), bake, and watch movies.

Ms. Felix: I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, cultures and languages. I also like dogs and spend some of my free time knitting and crocheting.

Silhouette: Where did you go to college to get your degree? Were there any professors who inspired you in your field of study?

Mr. Cross: I started at Gettysburg and finished at York . I'm currently working on a Master's at Penn state Harrisburg. Dr. Peter Levy at York College inspired me to think outside the box and be "student first."

Mrs. Krumrine: I went to the University of Delaware and received a masters in biology and a minor in wildlife conservation and entomology (study of insects) I worked as a wildlife biologist for the Delaware Fish and Game out of Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. I then furthered my education by completing a degree at Shippensburg University in teaching. I received my teaching certification in biology, general science, and environmental science.

I had an entomology professor that inspired me to go into teaching.

Mrs. Gingerich: I went to LVC and majored in history. My favorite professor was Dr. Norton who was a political science professor. He encouraged me to minor in political science which is one of the reasons I love teaching Government this year!

I also have my Master's in Educational Strategies through Wilkes University.

Ms. Johnston: I went to Bridgewater College in Virginia. I received a Bachelor of Science in family and consumer science. I also have certification in elementary education and secondary education (FCS). So, if I decided I didn’t like FCS, I am certified to teach elementary. I really loved one of my education professors, she was so enthusiastic and creative with her lessons and assignments.

Two years ago, I started my Master's at McDaniel College in Maryland. I just completed it in Curriculum and Instruction.

Mrs. Zinn: I went to Western Maryland College (now called McDaniel). While I was there, I got to work closely with Skip Fennell, who is a phenomenal teacher. But the person who inspired me most to become an English teacher is Mrs. Watson. When I was a senior, I was still a bit unsure about what I wanted to do with an English degree. Having Mrs. Watson for senior English made me want to be like her. She’s just such a cool person, and I have so much respect for her.

Ms. Lehman: I went to York College. Professor Speelman (herself a former New Oxford English teacher) really inspired me to be the best teacher that I can be.

Ms. Felix: I attended the Pennsylvania State University.

Silhouette: What is your content area and what led you to choose that content area?

Mr. Cross: I love history because it is the knowledge that fuels our future legacy. It becomes applicable to our lives at different times and is not only useful but incredibly entertaining.

Mrs. Krumrine: I teach/or have taught general biology, biology I, wildlife and natural resource conservation, animal and plant science, and integrated science here at the Ox. My love and respect for the environment and all life has led me to choose that content.

Mrs. Gingerich: I am certified in “Citizenship Education.” That means I can teach American History, World History, Geography, Government, and Economics. I taught World History for the last three years here and loved it, but I am really excited to finally be teaching my favorite subject of Government!

Ms. Johnston: I teach FCS, which used to be Home Ec. I am currently teaching FAST 1, Foods 1, and Child Development. I also teach Housing and Interior Design, and Specialty Foods.

I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. At the end of my freshman year I realized my roommate (an FCS major) had a lot of cool, life applicable classes and I already knew how to do a lot of the classes. My mom is an FCS teacher and I really wanted to separate myself from her and what she does. In the end, I just knew it was a perfect fit because I enjoy teaching an active classroom where my students are always moving around and cooking, sewing, or observing little kids.

Mrs, Zinn: I teach English, and it’s funny because when I tell people what I teach, they all wrinkle their noses, groan and say, “Oh, you poor thing;” like I got stuck with this job or something! I suppose I chose English because I was always good at writing and reading. My mom read to me A LOT when I was younger, so it’s just something that came naturally to me. I actually debated whether I wanted to be a history teacher or an English teacher, but my parents told me there is less competition for jobs for English teachers than history, so that’s how I settled on English.

Ms. Lehman: I currently teach 9th and 10th grade Language Arts. I became an English teacher because when I think back to my own high school English experience, I can honestly say that I felt at home. To me there is nothing better than being able to read and talk about books.

Ms. Felix: I teach Spanish. I took the class in high school. Because of a great teacher, I really liked it. Then in college, I worked at the Migrant Summer Program during the summers and was able to use my Spanish on a regular basis. Also, I have had the opportunity to travel to several Spanish-speaking countries (Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay) and have really enjoyed my time there.

Silhouette: What is your favorite part about teaching thus far?

Mr. Cross: I've enjoyed meeting all the students and learning the different points of view and personalities found in those students. I have learned more in teaching the past five years than I had in all my years of education to this point.

Mrs. Krumrine: This is my sixth year of teaching. I taught at Delone previously. I love sharing my devotion to environmental stewardship and just making a difference in as many student lives as I can.

Mrs. Gingerich: I like spending time with students and seeing them progress.

Ms. Johnston: I really do enjoy getting to know my students and watching them achieve inside and outside of my classroom. If I have bad/disrespectful students, it is no fun for anyone. The students’ attitudes to the subject make or break the class. Right now, I have the most incredible students who are excited and interested in everything that we are learning; I just love to come to school to guide them through the curriculum.

Mrs. Zinn: I like interacting with the kids every day. Right now my first block class makes me laugh so much that I barely need my coffee in the morning. All of my classes are well behaved and respectful, so they’re making my job easy this semester! I also get a rush when the students enjoy what we are doing in class; like right now, we are reading Romeo and Juliet. Most people hate the thought of reading Shakespeare, but most of my students really enjoyed it. When I see them enjoying what I love, it’s very rewarding.

Ms. Lehman: My favorite part about teaching is the relationships that I have built with the students and the staff here at New Oxford. I also love being able to come to work and talk about books and writing all day.

Ms. Felix: When a student doesn’t understand a concept, but keeps working at it, it is great to see when it finally clicks and the student “gets it.”

Silhouette: What led you to decide to teach here at the Ox?

Mr. Cross: I was familiar with the school and had a good feeling about it when I was weighing the different schools that had offered me jobs. It has been a great fit so far.

Mrs. Krumrine: I have always heard about the great and professional teaching staff. I wanted to become a part of such a dedicated team of teachers.

Mrs. Gingerich: It was in a close location to my hometown, the community seemed friendly, and it was the first school to offer me a job.

Ms. Johnston: My dad saw an ad in the Gettysburg Times the fall of my senior year. So, I decided to apply. Dr. O’Brien called and told me I was hired, so I had to graduate from college early to take the job.

Mrs. Zinn: Well, five years ago, I was actually all set to teach in Frederick, Maryland. I got an apartment; I had my classroom set up. We actually began in-service training for new teachers, and Dr. O’Brien called me and said that he had an immediate opening. It was a very difficult decision for me, but I knew that eventually I wanted to move back to Pennsylvania to teach (it’s a great state to teach in); plus, it is pretty difficult to get a job in our district – you students should be proud of the caliber of teachers that teach here. So I packed up my things and moved back here.

Ms. Lehman: I decided to become a Colonial after student teaching here. I realized that it is a great learning community and that I felt at home here.

Ms. Felix: It is close to home.

Silhouette: Who was your favorite teacher in high school and what did he or she impart to you?

Mr. Cross: His name was Mr. Spatz, and he was my tenth grade social studies teacher at Gettysburg high school. He knew how to get our class involved and had a great sarcastic sense of humor.

Mrs. Krumrine: I had three teachers that pushed me to be my best and showed that they cared about me and my grades. Ms. Pinkos, Mr. Saggedy, and Mrs. Schlock.

Mrs. Gingerich: Mr. Seidler. He taught AP American History and had very high expectations. He stressed to all his students to do everything with “integrity”. For example, don’t rush through an assignment just to get it done and don’t go into a test unprepared. He was very passionate about the subject he taught, but was also very diligent to make sure he was providing us with life lessons!

Ms. Johnston: Mrs. Walde, Mrs. Snyder and Mr. Thomas (middle school). They were all awesome teachers!

Mrs. Zinn: See above. (Editor's note: Teacher, is there going to be a quiz on this?)

Ms. Lehman: My favorite teacher in high school was my senior English teacher, Mr. Tarrant. He really opened my eyes to the world of literature, but more importantly, he treated all of his students as equals and taught us the value of hard work and showed us what we can accomplish if we really focus and put our mind to the task at hand.

Ms. Felix: My favorite teacher in high school was my Spanish teacher of four years, Ms. Edwards. She was a lot of fun and wasn’t afraid to be different.

Silhouette: What might we be surprised to learn about you?

Mr. Cross: That I am currently planning an expedition to Loch Ness with Mike Bivens to capture Nessie and bring her to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Mrs. Krumrine: I love kickboxing and have been teaching it for six years as well as other aerobics. I plan to soon get a certification in personal training.

Ms. Johnston: I broke my nose and my surgery was scheduled on the day I was to interview at New Oxford. So I had to have it rescheduled. I can water ski and I love to camp.

Mrs. Zinn: A few years ago I bought a 120 year old house that needed A LOT of TLC. With the help of my uncles and cousins, we totally gutted the house. I mean, we tore out walls, added windows, redid the floors. I painted every square inch of wall, ceiling and trim in that house. I’m actually pretty handy with a paint brush. We just sold that house a few days ago. Now I will start in on my new house – it used to be just my husband living here, so I’ve got the challenge of making the house suit both of us.

Ms. Lehman: You may be surprised to learn that I am terrible when it comes to spelling. Even though I am an English teacher, I have the hardest time spelling words. This weakness has taught me that there is no shame in picking up the dictionary to look something up and the correct my shortcomings.

Ms. Felix: I spent a year as an exchange student in Istanbul, Turkey the year after I graduated from high school. During that year I lived with host families and went to high school, went back and forth between Europe and Asia several times a week, and had a lot of crazy adventures. Also, I currently spend my summers studying for my Master’s Degree in Querétaro, Mexico.

Silhouette: Who is your favorite musician or band? Did you attend any concerts this summer?

Mr. Cross: The Ramones were the most influential on me. The Get Up Kids – made me want to play music; Nirvana influenced me to start a band in high school; Gasoline Heart is my currently eating up space on my Ipod; I saw Frank Turner, Rise Against as well as the Gaslight Anthem this summer.

Mrs. Krumrine: I love Bob Marley and the Grateful Dead. I did not get to attend the Grateful Dead tribute festival this summer or the reunion due to finances and time. However, there is always next summer.

Mrs. Gingerich: I like country music. Sadly, I didn’t get to any concerts this year. But I did go to Fan Fest in Nashville, TN a few summers ago. It was four straight days of country concerts. It was a complete blast!

Ms. Johnston: I really like Joss Stone and the Dixie Chicks, but I’m not willing to pay a few hundred dollars to see them. Ha!

Mrs. Zinn: I like such a variety of music. Right now I’m really into Kings of Leon. But I also like country music – Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney. And I’ve always been a huge fan of the Beatles. I used to like their later albums, but I’ve been listening to a lot of their first albums. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you listen to the oldies!

Ms. Lehman: I would say that right now my favorite band is The Zac Brown Band. Over the summer I had the chance to see him in concert, and he is just as good in person as he is on the radio.

Ms. Felix: I like almost all types of music, especially music en español. I went to a Jimmy Buffet concert with my sister, brother-in-law, and a group of friends this past summer.

Silhouette: Which is your best “wake-me-up” -- coffee or tea?

Mr. Cross: COFFEE!!!

Mrs. Krumrine: Starbucks...Caramel Macchiato!

Mrs. Gingerich: Definitely coffee …… without a doubt!

Ms. Johnston: Neither, I am all orange juice.

Mrs. Zinn: COFFEE!

Ms. Lehman: I love, love, love English Breakfast tea. In college I spent a semester in London, and there I learned the art of making the perfect cup of tea. My day just doesn’t seem to start out on the right foot without a cup of tea.

Ms. Felix: Tea for sure. I can’t handle coffee.

Has the Internet Taken Over?

by Corby Myers

In today’s society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. Although the web can be a valuable asset for research and learning, it can also put us in danger in many ways. You can communicate with friends through web cams, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and much more. The Internet can provide a degree of social interaction, online networks and connections that cannot replace the benefits of in-person contact. Teen internet addiction is dangerous because it limits a person’s options when it comes to communication. Much of learning and growing as a person comes from the lessons one learns through friendships, fights, disagreements and trends.

Although the Internet can be used for educational purposes, spending too much time online can deter social and educational development. Most of us take ten minutes here or there to explore our favorite gossip or sports sites, and there is nothing wrong with using the Internet as a tool for research, news, and entertainment. After all, the world wide web is the world’s most accurate, up-to-date resource for almost any type of information. But as the Internet becomes more acclimatized to the individual, it grows and then it is easier to develop a dependency on it. It used to be teens sitting in front of the TV for hours, but now we are surfing the web with greater frequency. Sang Kyu Lee, M.D, Ph.D., and a professor of psychiatry at Hallym University in Chunchon, Korea, said, “The more depressed an adolescent is, the more time he or she will spend on the Internet.” A study he completed with middle school students showed that about 11 percent of teens were highly addicted to the internet. Lee says, “Less than one-third were in the no-risk group.” Although we may have good intentions, we may be at risk of coming across something inappropriate and even dangerous, that we did not wish to come upon.

Sometimes this addiction can lead to suicidal thoughts. Among young people aged 15 to 24, suicide is the third most common reason of death. Four times as many men die by suicide as women, and 73 percent of all suicide deaths were white males.

New studies suggests it is more likely for young people to get addicted to the internet if they are depressed, aggressive or have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or other social phobia. The diagnosis of internet addiction is being considered for the 2012 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Past research suggests that 1.4 percent to 17.9 percent of adolescents are addicted to the internet, with percentages higher in the Eastern nations than in Western nations, according to the study by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Michael Gilbert, a senior fellow at the Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication, says the findings were no surprise. "The study's indication that children who are hyperactive or diagnosed with ADHD are finding an outlet on the Web makes such perfect sense," he says; this is not likely because those children crave the constant stimulation of fast-paced video games and interactive social networks. Kids with depression, anger issues or social problems also turn to the Internet as therapy, adds Gilbert. "They can take on an avatar or a different identity, and can contact other kids with the same problems and social inadequacies; they do not have to function in conventional social ways. I don't get the feeling when I talk to therapists that they really understand the concept of addiction to the Internet," he says. "They think more in terms of pornography sites or gambling sites specifically, but Internet addiction itself is not fully understood yet by the therapeutic community."

The Internet has made it all too easy for teens to withdraw from the pressures of adolescence and remain indoors. The lure of the web can often make it seem as though social networks and online gaming are replacement for real life. We can find acceptance in chat rooms and message boards, while at school we might be an outcast. It is easy for us to be in denial of interacting with our peers and risking rejection in real life, while the Internet can provide for a seemingly relaxed environment. We need to know that Internet addiction and dependence on online forums will only exploit social growth and make life much more complicated in the future.

The Internet may have made our lives easier to manage, but it has also increased our dependence on the advantages it can provide. The dependency it creates causes some people to draw back from outside situations. We must be careful of this trend, for whom positive and negative social interaction help to form valuable personality and intelligence.

"Stoner ???!" .... "Colleeeeeeeeeen?!!!!"

Colleen Quinn and Megan Stone Oil Pastels, Art 3 Class

Le Voyage en France!

by Colby Scutta

A scenic view in France

This year will mark the eighth time that Mrs. Petrie takes her French III and French IV students to travel to France over the spring break. This year’s journey includes exciting destinations like Paris, the chateaux of the Loire Valley and the beaches of Normandy!

The students that are participating in the trip to France will leave on March 24, 2010, and they will return before Easter. Students will fly, many of whom for the first time, from Washington, D.C. to Paris.

This is a costly trip and the students are fundraising for the majority of the money. Various sandwich and pizza sales from Schultz's Deli are mostly how the students are raising the money.

The students prepare for this trip in class by studying the different regions that they will be visiting in the near future, and they often use role-playing situations. They practice ordering a meal in a café, paying for something in a French shop and asking for directions.

“They study French cuisine, French money (the euro), the metro system in Paris, the famous art work of the Louvre museum and the Orsay museum," Mrs. Petrie said. “This is so students will feel comfortable speaking French and will get the most out of what they experience firsthand.”

Students participating in the trip have joined the Bon Voyage French Club and are also in the process of fundraising to help pay for their trip.

Past French trips have always included a home stay with a French teen and his or her family. Other past classes have visited different regions of France, including the southern region of Provence and the French Riveria, which has always been the most popular. The economy is causing less student participation; other trips have had more involvement.

When Mrs. Petrie was questioned about the enjoyment of her trips, she responded, “Yes, each one is different, but it is equally rewarding to see students putting their classroom French to use in daily life.”

Mrs. Petrie was also asked about what her favorite part of the trips were, and she said, “My favorite thing of all the trips was the last trip when I had dinner on the Eiffel tower on my birthday. NOHS students sang 'Happy Birthday' to me in French and had the waiters bring a chocolate dessert with a candle in it.”

Good luck to everyone who is attending the trip. Have fun!

For students or parents wishing to reference the planned trip, you may visit this site for a day by day breakdown of our itinerary. Bon voyage !

Lingering Doubts: Public Reaction to the H1N1 Vaccine

by Shaiann Daniels

While H1N1 is sweeping the nation, many Americans are wondering if they can find or even trust the vaccination.

Pregnant women are one of the highest priority groups to get the vaccine, yet medical officials are saying that it’s not safe for children under six months of age. That doesn’t make much sense considering the woman is obviously carrying a baby under six months of age. Though they try to make it safer by reducing the mercury count in the vaccinations they give to pregnant women, reports of miscarriages after getting vaccinated for the H1N1 virus were reported all over the nation.

Many parents are arguing against getting their child the vaccination as it is too new and there hasn’t been much research put into it. They’re not worried about their children obtaining swine flu, unless they already have another chronic illness, considering it is easily treatable using common sense and doctor aid if necessary.

The shot could be safe, or it could not be. Kathleen Sibelius and many others who work for the U.S. Health Department are urging Americans to get the vaccine when it is available to them, but there are so many conflicting reports on its effectiveness that many Americans are left wondering: do the risks outweigh the benefits?

The swine flu vaccine

Copenhagen 2009: A Guest Editorial by Jordan Mlsna

2009-11-09T14:36:00.011-05:00

Mother Earth Has a Fever

Global warming: the name itself is almost gentle, like a slowly heating tap ready to be turned down whenever need be. Unfortunately, as much as we would like to believe anything else, climate change isn’t so simple, and time isn’t on our side.

At the heart of the issue is the desperate need for legislation. Scientists have gathered the facts and the technology. Environmentalists have shown the individual how to live responsibly, pleaded with corporations, and hung messages from the world’s dirtiest smoke stacks. Every bit makes a difference, there is no doubt. If most individuals held some standard of consideration for the environment as they went about their lives, we would be well on our way to a secure future. Experience, however, tells us that as long as consciousness on the issue remains a choice, or a short term economic woe, oil companies will continue their reign for as long as the Earth is in one piece, and consumers will carry on swimming in plastic shopping bags until the effects of their actions are made all too clear.

And so the United Nation’s climate summit in Copenhagen takes its first breaths. Diplomats from 192 nations have assembled from December the 7th to 18th in Denmark, a leader in environmental progress.

A new treaty is not intended to be made, but proposed extensions of Kyoto, the last conference to receive widespread attention, are plentiful and oozing with potential. Deforestation, accounting for 18% of greenhouse gas release, is being considered as part of the United Nation’s resistance to climate change for the first time. Of course, central to it all are the new pledges and targets being constructed. In another, greater departure from Kyoto, developing nations are also being included in these reduction goals. Developed nations, particularly the US, are being called upon to pull their own weight as well as aid others. When it comes to warming contributions, the US has only recently been topped by China. We currently unload 6.4 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually, and China 6.8. Do note, though, that the per capita rate for China is a meager quarter of the US’s 20.1 tons per year. Neither of the nations, which together make up half of the world’s emissions, had signed the Kyoto treaty.

Nestled within the Bali Action Plan, an agreement of what all future endeavors should be centered on, and among its three other “building blocks” that are mitigation, technology and finance, is a spotlight of the climate change effort we’d hoped would never be required. Adaptation. The effects of post-industrial living are catching up, and quickly. Nations least prepared to adapt to rising waters, changes in weather patterns, and other burdens are those expected to be hit the worst. The United Nations feels a duty to help relieve these problems, and is asking funds again of developed countries, which, after all, have more to do with these temperature rises than the African or island nations most swayed by them. The African Union jumped onto this stance, already demanding billions per year from developed nations. Regrettably, finance appears to be less of a building block itself than a force binding the rest together. Fears of diving into agreements on the whole stem from economic anxieties.

Many a plan and concern about climate change recently has been based upon the 2 Celsius degree (3.6 Fahrenheit) increase in average global temperature since the beginning of industrialization that has been labeled by many scientists as a major tipping point where we will start seeing more dramatic effects of the change. According to Reo Knutti, professor at the Institute for Atmosphere and Climate at ETH Zurich, “The behaviour of CO2 in the atmosphere is best described as a full bathtub. The inflow of the bathtub is large, but the drainage is small. The CO2 emissions are increasing every year, but the CO2 is only removed from the atmosphere very slowly. To not let the bathtub overflow, the inflow must thus be stopped early enough.” So it actually is akin to that warming tap. But one that is hard to turn off, and flowing at full speed into a tub with limited space. Reductions in greenhouse gas output necessary to even narrowly dodge this crossroads are daunting and elusive for a planet full of mixed interests. They are far from impossible, but will not come at the wave of a finger. Predictions vary, but most authorities say that a cut to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050 would be required to skirt immediate trouble. If emissions remain unabated, estimates of the total change by the end of the century, again since industrialization, range from four to six Celsius degrees.

The U.S. plans to cut emissions to 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, 30 percent by 2025, and 83 percent by 2050. The world generally measures emission cuts in terms of 1990 levels, in which the 2020 goal for the US is only close to 4% -- not even meeting the Kyoto guidelines that the Senate never ratified. This compares weakly to the 20-30% by 2020 that the European Union is setting -- 30% being contingent upon whether other wealthy nations make similar promises. President Obama is scheduled to attend the summit on December 18th, the last and possibly most action-packed day.

As of December 9th, Copenhagen queries had topped Google’s “most discussed” list for the US, surpassing even the Tiger Woods scandal. It has been depicted as no less than a make-or-break, a turning point, and a genuine opportunity. The descriptions only reflect what this period in history is in and of itself. Never before has mankind thrown itself into this kind of conundrum. Only time will tell whether we will sink, or swim.

Jordan Mlsna
December 15, 2009

For more news on everything Copenhagen, visit the official site: cop15.org.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

2009-11-05T15:38:00.145-05:00

A Still Life in Motion

As promised, please enjoy this presentation done by Livy Long, with the help of Mr. Miller and the Windows program, Photostory 3. In the months ahead, we may update this video with some narration by Livy as she explains the step-by-step of her creative process for this "Still Life"....now in motion. Thank you, Livy and Mr. Miller, for your efforts in helping us see how a work blossoms over time.

Livy, you are truly one remarkable young lady, as mature and responsible as you are talented. The painting emanates the simple goodness that shines from you. We are so proud of your accomplishments and are confident that even greater things await you in the years ahead.

And may I recommend the song "Reverie" by Claude Debussy to accompany the presentation? Simply click play, or better yet open the POP-OUT player of our MP 3 player to the left.

The Return of the Create-A-Caption Contest

Welcome to our second Create- a - Caption contest. The winner of our last competition, hands down, was Jimmy Arrison, who turned in a fitting caption for the amazing flying basset hound: "Kibbles and Bits..now with caffeine." The caption must have appealed to all of you Five Hour Energy fans out there. We thought we would feature this issue's contest more prominently in order to increase the number of participants. Feel free to open this anytime you need a smile or something to wake you up in the morning.

So here is how the contest works. Below are submissions for possible captions to accompany the photo. Read them over, pick your favorite one, then vote in the poll at the bottom of the page. You should be able to view the results.

“Could Livy teach me to paint like that?"

Not the banana!”

“Why am I always the last one picked for dodge ball?”

“Really?...I’m adopted?”

“Ugh! Why’d you hit me there?”

“Caution: do not point flamethrower toward face.”

"All I got for Christmas was this stupid sweater!"

“Check out the monkey chick!”

“I will not pay for this hair cut!”

“Throw the 3rd switch? Not the third switch!”

"An electric banana, Mr. Labcoat?....very funny.....you must think you're so superior!"

The Lucas Cates Band
by Corby Myers

The Lucas Cates Band played at the New Oxford Harvest Festival on October 24 during a block party that went well. The band consists of Jesse Warmka playing the drums; Kenny Leiser who strums the guitar; Mark Nonox who rocks out the bass; and Luke is the lead singer. Luke has always been involved with music, participating in a pep band, choir and countless other school bands. He played the trumpet for four years, and he also picked up the drums and the piano. He actually did not take music seriously and did not think he would pursue a career in music. He has a bachelor degree in geo studies. His sophomore year in college he started to play the guitar. He was always good in sports but excelled in music. He also loves to ski, play volleyball, hacky sack and write poetry in his free time.

When becoming a band, they started out by playing a lot of open mic. They had a record deal through Popbom. Although he dreamed of having a record deal, he never thought he would have one. Luke said it came very quickly. He described it as being very intense at times. After the contract was up, the band decided to break away from the year and a half of planning. They then became a new band, saying, “We all played in previous bands and met through Matt Rogers" (see band pictured below). Luke mentions in the interview, stating: “You know it’s a difference where you want to be in five years, and realistically, I have learned that you always have to set small goals in order to get to your main goal. If you keep striving for the big goal in life, chances are you will be disappointed in the end. But if you set smaller goals and work your way up to the big goal in life, then you are more likely to reach that ultimate goal. From breaking away from our record deal, I think I will be prouder to say that I did it myself, rather than to have a big record deal behind myself. Also, major labels do not really care about you. They only care about the money you bring in.”

What Luke likes about music is that music brings people together. Everybody is focused on the music, dancing, having a great time, and leaving their worries behind. They feel comfortable being around strangers that they have never met before, and they are having conversations that would never happen in just an average day. “I love to connect people together with music and keep it fresh,” said Luke.

Luke would classify their music as acoustic rock. “We have all different types of music,” he said. “We do pop, funk, country, and all other types of music.” The lead singer also writes the songs. and he aims for each of his songs to tell a story in which people can find meaning.

For a teen who wants to start a band, Luke gave insightful advice (Luke, the band's lead singer, pictured right). He said to first start saving money. Also, a band should practice more than 45 minutes each day. Making music is hard at first, and he compares it to being an entrepreneur. Booking and office work is almost as important as practicing. Make a webpage for your band. If you do not go and do it for yourself, no one will do it for you. Only you can make yourself become successful.

This Is It:
Michael Jackson's Final Curtain

by Shaiann Daniels

Ever wonder how much work went into Michael Jackson's stage act? Sure the King of Pop has always been a sensation, but have you ever stopped to think of what he had to do to become that?

This Is It gives us a behind the scenes look on how Michael Jackson prepared for what became his final curtain call. Many believe that if the tour had gone forward, it would have led to such critical success that he may have re-considered his original intention of it being a farewell tour. In the tragic aftermath of his death, it is a reminder of the prodigious talent of the King of Pop.

The documentary was approved by The Jackson Estate and directed by creative partner Kenny Ortega. It didn’t show Michael at his best, but it did show what it took for Michael to be the best. In the movie, fans could see what Michael had to go through to prepare for the concert. He was phenomenal in his practices, although a little slow-paced, as he focused more on dancing than on the singing during the rehearsals. Many agree that Michael Jackson was an icon, a dancing prodigy and an amazing singer despite his somewhat high voice. Yet what many don’t know, at least everyone who has not seen this documentary, is that he is a very down to earth man. The camera caught him rehearsing “Earth Song” and it showed part of the original video (see the full video below). “Earth Song” was written by Michael to let people know what’s happening in the world around them and that nothing is going to change unless we help. “It’s like the earth has a fever. It’s sick.”

The movie captured Michael in a unique way. When people think of Michael Jackson in his last few years…they usually think of a skinny, pale, man that’s not very healthy or a recluse pursued by personal demons. But the documentary showed him performing with all his might and he looked pretty healthy dancing around the stage. He did look really skinny in some parts of the videos we were permitted to see, but otherwise he looked in good health.

Instead of showing crying eruptions from the dancers and backup singers, the movie showed appealing actions that Michael does to keep his concerts in the ranks.

It shows Michael on a cherry-picker, quite interesting actually, as Michael seems to be having way too much fun. While rehearsing Beat It, Michael goes up in the cherry-picker and Ortega makes a comment about going higher. Michael then says, “Why would you tell me that? He’s teasing me. He knows I want to go higher.”

There was a little comedy edge in some other parts other than the cherry-picker scene. Michael was telling his pianist how he could do better and the pianist said “We just gotta put a little booty in it.” Michael started cracking up, repeated the phrase, then laughed some more.

There were a number of quotes that were repeated by Michael throughout the movie. He said “God bless you” after every segment. He was also pretty enthused about letting the songs “simmer” and “sizzle”.

To appreciate this documentary and recognize the full potential, I would say you have got to be a Michael fan. This is highly recommended for the fans, but I wouldn’t say it’s a great documentary if you don’t value the King of Pop.

The Joys of Silent Film Comedy

by Kari Herren

The silent film era ran from 1904-1928; however, it stays an enigma for many film viewers. Many people regard it as a necessary, experimental time before the main event: the “talkies." But the truth is that today's actors owe a great debt to the silent film comedians-- Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd--who remain among the most loved performers of all time among dedicated film historians and actors.

Perhaps the most recognizable name is the Sir Charles Chaplin (1889-1977). Chaplin starred and directed in early silent films. He was discovered by a great slapstick impresario, Mack Sennett, and entered the cinema in 1914. His most known character is The Tramp. His character always tries to get to the top of the social ladder and, as we know, fails...unforgettably. A few little known facts about Charlie is how he had his share of adversity in life: his second wife, Mildred Harris, had given birth to an infant boy with serious birth defects. The boy died only three days after his birth. Chaplin turned personal tragedy into triumph by pouring himself into his work. By 1916, just two years after appearing in his first motion picture, he had become the most famous entertainer in the world. Buoyed by his enormously successful comedies for Keystone and Essanay, he was offered the largest salary ever extended to a motion picture star at the time—$670,000 for a single year’s work.

Another groundbreaking actor in silent film was Joseph Frank Keaton VI, otherwise known as Buster Keaton (1895-1966). Buster began performing onstage as a child, getting rave reviews at the beginning. He started in his film career in 1917. He was discovered by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. He is famous for such titles as Sherlock Jr., The General and Three Ages. Buster's fascination with gags must have begun at an early age. When he was only a few months old, he nearly suffocated in a costume trunk off stage while his parents were performing. Later, at only 18 months of age, (apparently a return engagement for near tragic slapstick), the boy fell down the stairs. None other than Harry Houdini picked him up and said, “That's some ‘buster' your baby took.” His parents started putting him in their acts at the age of three years old.

Enjoy this commentary about Keaton's The General by Mike Cottrell who credits Keaton for having invented the idea of "mechanical gag."

Last, we have Harold Lloyd (1893-1971). For several years during the 1920’s, Harold was the most famous film star. He made more money in those years than Chaplin and Keaton combined. He started his career with Hal Roach as a Chaplin clone. He quickly took on his own risky stunt-based act. Lloyd tried out several characters; finally, he found the perfect character for him. His parody of America's drive to success resonated with the public. In his films he became a "bespectacled go-getter...a boyish, sincere, shy, sometimes brash, full of confidence, optimism and gaiety, who is determined to take the world by its tail."
Like the other silent actors before him, Lloyd would have to overcome some mishaps. An example of his perseverance can be seen in a near tragic exploding cigar moment. On a Sunday in August of 1919, Harold was called to a photo shoot. The set-up called for Harold to light a cigarette with a prop bomb--the big, black ones you might see in Loony Toons. It happened that it wasn’t a prop. It ripped open the sixteen-foot ceiling and left Harold blind and missing some of his right hand. Doctors, of course, told him he wouldn’t be able to work again, but they were wrong. Eventually, his vision came back and his scars healed. A glove was made to cover his hand so the public never knew of his injury. Here, in one of the most famous moments in the history of silent film, is Harold Lloyd in Safety First.

These are the top three silent film comedians who made silent film history.Their genius is evident in the seemingly endless ways they make us laugh. They were professional mimes who would have been at home in Shakespeare's theater or Spielberg's studio. Fortunately, lovers of the art of film still delight in the joy of discovery of their body of work. DVD technology has allowed a new audience to continue to enjoy these great artists.

Roberto Begnini, the actor and director of the great Holocaust film, Life Is Beautiful, acknowledges that Chaplin was a great influence on him as as actor. Anyone familiar with Chaplin's work can see how the character of Guido Orefice in Life Is Beautiful derives his charm from the same kind of bumbling mannerisms and witty, wide-eyed love of life.Book Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones: Book Review
by Sidra Veriatch

It seems as if every day, there's a new picture of a missing child, plastered all over the newspapers. Sadly, most of the times, these children are never found. Such is the case in the Alice Sebold's debut novel The Lovely Bones.

The Lovely Bones is Sebold's remarkable story about love, the bonds of family, and the struggle of letting go. The protagonist is Susie Salmon, a girl who has been raped and killed when she is only fourteen.Everything is told through the point of view of Susie, putting a unique twist on a murder plot in that she goes between heaven and earth trying to come to terms with her own death. While she struggles with her own questions, she observes her friends and family trying to accept their loss. The narrative becomes most tense when she views her murderer's attempts to escape justice.

Susie's death sends her family into a tailspin as they each try to cope with the tragedy in their own way. Her father, who suspects the killer's identity, goes crazy with grief over the loss of his first-born. and experiences frustration from his inability to do anything about it. Her mother, who never wanted children, withdraws from her family and into an affair. Susie's sister, Lindsey, fears the kids at school will forever define her by Susie's death, and their little brother, Buckley, struggles to understand the meaning of death. Sadly, her murderer is still at large. He continues living undetected next door, until Susie's dad gets suspicious.

This novel is not flawless, nor should it be expected to be flawless. The book was intense and mysterious in the beginning. The narrative loses some of its momentum near the end. Although Sebold's description of heaven seemed beautifully written, it lacked depth. It seemed as if she painted a lonely view of heaven, which appears to be where you've just come from, only with no friends, family or loved ones - the `heavenly' part being that you can do whatever you like. Heaven was a bleak and isolated place in this book, and as one of the central points, should have been much more developed and better described.

Although the subject of the story made the book seem depressing, it in fact delivered a very positive message. The readers won't be able to escape the sadness in these pages, but the overall tone is hardly grim. Because Susie is secure and happy in her heaven, she keeps the story full of light and optimism. While most people thoroughly enjoyed this book there were many people who called it sad and depressing.

I believe the story of Susie Salmon is a hopeful story about how life goes on after a loved one dies and the simple joys that we sometimes take for granted. At times wistful - for she will never be able to experience growing up - and at other times matter-of-fact, Susie witnesses the changes and growth within her family and small circle of friends. In the end, her story is not one about death, but about loss and affirming life in its face, about the necessity of moving on, not only for those she left behind, but for her own soul.

When a book has gotten as much hype as The Lovely Bones, it can be hard to live up to the expectations. Alice Sebold's poetic writing style makes this story a joy to read. This book might not be for all ages, but anyone who enjoys reading meaningful novels, should definitely read this book.

Please visit the official website for the Peter Jackson adaptation of The Lovely Bones which opened in select theaters on December 11th before being distributed nationwide in mid-January.

David Arquette Pays It Forward
by Corby Myers

David Arquette in his campaign against hunger

In a plexiglass box, David Arquette yelled on Madison Square Garden to raise money. He had a campaign to help Feed America. “It’s not a homeless thing; these are working Americans that don’t have enough to eat,” David said.

David got involved with Feeding America about a year ago with their entertainment council that brings Hollywood into the mix. Snickers came up with this “Bar Hunger” Campaign. They put facts about hunger in America in all of their 277 million Snicker bars. They also donate three million meals trying to make people realize there are 36 million Americans who do not know where their next meal will come from.

David feels raising awareness for different charities are an important aspect of being a celebrity.

His wife is also fighting against hunger and has done a lot to feed America with David.

David also stated, “Whenever I work at a food pantry or soup kitchen, it gives me perspective on what's important and what's not. It's important to know that kids have enough food and their families can go places to offset their cost of living. But I think right now people in our country are doing more, volunteering more, lending a hand to make it through these hard times together, and it's amazing.”

When sitting in a constructed plastic box on top of a 25 foot-high roof that faced 7th Avenue, he thought about how to raise enough money to reach his goal of $250,000. The donations came from on site, text messages and a Facebook page that was set up by Mars Inc., the company that produces Snickers candy bars. Mr. Arquette (at left) would leave the box occasionally to collect money outside of the box. The 37 year-old stayed in the box for about eight hours each day, for two days. The movie star from Scream did eat during the two days he spent in the plexiglass box. Arquette, the chairman of Feeding America’s Entertainment Council, also stated, "It's just an iconic place to do something that will hopefully put a blip on the map about hunger here."

Arquette's example shows us that even though we are teenagers, we can still make a difference just like he is doing. We can volunteer at soup kitchens, donating blankets or coats, bringing can foods to our community food pantry and bring our community closer together. Year around giving is a worthy aim.

The Total Uncoolness Heard Around the World:

Kanye’s VMA Outburst

by Shaiann Daniels

"You can’t blame a man for speaking his mind" -- a statement we hear quite often; however, viewers of the 2009 Video Music Awards (VMA) would profoundly disagree.

As most of already know, Kanye Omari West decided to ruin Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech (at right) on the night she received an award for best female video at the VMA’s. He stormed on to the stage, ripping the microphone from the shocked teen’s hands and insisted Beyonce Knowles should have won. What we didn’t know about this rude maneuver is that Mr. West had been intoxicated the night of the award show. He had been seen drinking on the red carpet--a fact that in no way excuses the way he acted.

This may not be surprising to some people, but this isn’t Kanye’s first “temper tantrum” or even his second. During the 2007 Video Music Awards, Kanye lost his temper because he was displeased by his performance. He had been asked to perform in a hotel suite, and he wanted to perform on the show’s main stage. He also memorably took to the stage in 2004 and declared that he had been robbed of the Best New Artist nod.

However, these bursts from Kanye were somewhat “well received” in comparison to what happened with Taylor. After his comments, he paused waiting for an applause from everyone in the audience that agreed with him…but the crowd stayed silent. He then stormed off the stage and the crowd began to cheer. Not for West, but in support of Taylor Swift.

It was said that after the cameras shut off and Taylor had walked off the stage in embarrassment, Kanye flipped off the audience and returned to his seat. Pink was not entertained by the music artist and walked by him in her path to the stage. It appeared that she shook her head in disgust before security escorted her away, but West paid her no mind as he avoided the commotion, leaned in, and planted a kiss on his girlfriend Amber Rose.

It seems as if nobody agreed with the hot-tempered rapper, including President Obama, who was privately asked to give his impressions of Kanye's behavior. Our president candidly responded: “He’s a jackass.” This was supposed to have been off the record, of course; however, it was leaked by some representatives of the media that had nothing better to do. President Obama was not the only person to chime in with displeasure over Kanye West's classless act. Many eyewitnesses were twittering against him; comedians turned him into a punch line. Taylor Swift kept her poise throughout a media fiasco not of her own making, choosing instead to pick the moment to speak her own mind-- in the now viral "La La La Monologue Song."

ACE REVIEWS: JOHN MAYER, BATTLE STUDIES

by Ace Black

We are all familiar with the famous quote “love is a battlefield”. That’s the main point behind John Mayer’s fourth studio album. His song titles show this with tracks such as: “Heartbreak Warfare,” “War of My Life,” “Assassin.”

That last one is the set’s most ambitious track, an obsessive groove building louder toward clatter and buzz for five minutes. But the album’s tone is already set in the first two numbers, both notably featuring broken hearts; by the third track, a duet with Taylor Swift who enters only toward the song’s end, the song has become confessional: his heart has been split in half.

The catchy single “Who Says” is overall a declaration of independence. The closing track “Friends, Lovers or Nothing,” which opens with some heavy, ‘70s style piano, argues that jealousy is inevitable--with no middle ground. Romance, Mayer insists, is an all-or-nothing proposition.

As a big fan of Mayer's for years, I can say that I was waiting for this album with the highest of hopes that it would be a great listen. I was not disappointed. While this album kind of gives off a simplistic sound, the musicianship it takes to get to that level is massive, and it's quite apparent that a lot of intensity went into the making of these tracks. I believe it paid off. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in terms of what Mayer was trying to accomplish with this record, I'd say the execution was flawless. This is an album I'll be listening to for years to come.

Welcome to Jamrock: The Genius Lives On

by Eli Ford

Welcome to Jamrock is a Grammy winning reggae album by Damian Marley. The album (at left) was released on September 12, 2005, in the United States and September 13, 2005, in the United Kingdom.

Marley won two 2006 Grammy Awards for the album: Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance (for the track "Welcome to Jamrock"). Guests on the album include Stephen Marley, Black Thought and Nas. The executive producers of the album were Stephen Marley and Damian Marley.

Damien Marley, of course, is the son of Bob Marley, one of the most well known and most revered reggae artists of all time. So naturally, Damien’s music would be more readily accepted by reggae fans all over the world. But due to the hardships in the life of Bob and his children at certain times, Damien had a lot of personal experiences upon which to build his own music career.

Most of the tracks on the Welcome to Jamrock contain a lot of meaning to Damien and most of his fans. Most of the songs are meant to bring to mind the oppression of people of the Rastafarian faith, currently numbering 700,000 worldwide. There are also songs such as “Pampa’s Paradise” and “For the Babies’” that are a tribute to women and the hardships that they’ve had to go through to make their lives and the lives of their children better.

The album in the mind of this writer is a musical masterpiece with perfectly placed musical samplings from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Ini Kamoze, Bunny Wailer, Lion Rock and the Jacksons. There are also spoken word segments in the song confrontation. The speakers in the song include Marcus Garvey, former WCW wrestler Bill Goldberg, and the Rastafarian god himself, Emperor Hail Sellasie.

The single "Road to Zion" peaked at number fifty five on Billboard's Hot 100 but also did exceedingly well in R&B and hip hop charts. The album received gold certification in both the United States and Canada. In the US, over half a million copies have been sold; and in Canada, about fifty thousand.

In the UK the album also did extremely well, peeking at number 13 on the charts. Welcome to Jamrock also received four gold stars in both The Rolling Stone and All Music magazines.

The Friday Night Boys Go Off the Deep End: Album Review

by Lindsay Stambaugh

Some quote FNB by saying 'this feels like high school, where nothing's new' because most people think they are going in the same path as other pop-punkers are going especially with this record.

The Friday Night Boys are made up of Andrew Goldstein (vocals/ guitar), Chris Barrett, Robby Dallas Reider (bass) and Mike Toohey (guitar/ back-up vocals). Early into 2008, they self recorded an EP called The Skevtch Process, which sold over 42,000 digital tracks. The Boys signed to Fueled by Ramen at the end of summer and in October 2008 released an EP. Also, the fall of 2007, they played countless shows with All Time Low.

The debut track on Off The Deep End, "Permanent Heartbreak" was a strong start to this astonishing album. If you like the first song, I recommend listening to the rest. This song has everything The Friday Night Boys are great at doing: Powerful chorus, appealing rhythms and memorable lyrics that are perfect for getting off your feet and screaming at their shows. Every song shows how hard they worked on their songs and gives listeners reason to love them even more with every direction they turned. Slowing things down a bit show the charming sides of the boys.

It's easy to have low expectations of the record, considering "Molly Make-Out" and "Sorry I Stole Your Girl" are re recordings off the first EP that was self recorded. Songs like "Suicide Sunday" and "Permanent Heartbreak" sound painful, but listeners soon realize the songs are just in good fun, dancy and beyond addictive. As previously said, they added a few slow ballads such as "She's Finding Me Out" and "Can't Take That Away", which are soothing and written beautifully.

Paranormal Activity Review: New Oxford Style

by Ace Black and George Kitchen

Made for less than the cost of a new car, Paranormal Activity brings back what The Blair Witch Project proved a decade ago: The bump-in-the-night things we can't see are still the most frightening. Paranormal Activity is terrifying enough to keep hardcore horror fans awake at night. Here's the setup this time around...

Young couple Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are plagued by spooky happenings in their new home: strange noises, doors that open and close on their own, small items that mysteriously turn up in places other than where they were left the night before. There are no computer-generated spooks, no fancy edits--Paranormal Activity is all about dark corners and that queasy, pit-of-the-stomach churn you get when you wake up in the dead of night, convinced you heard something.

The movie is all tension, dread-filled atmosphere and genuine, goose bump-inducing chills. Because it's structured as a glimpse into a brief moment in Micah and Katie's lives, we never get to know much about them, and yes, the acting is sometimes sketchy. But these are beside the point: Peli's goal is to scare the be-jesus out of you (something most contemporary horror movies don't even attempt) and he succeeds as Paranormal Activity is one of the most genuinely frightening horror movies of recent years in my mind.

But we thought we'd sample members of the student body to determine if they thought it was as successful as its admittedly brilliant marketing.

Do you think Paranormal Activity lived up to its hype?

Mark Foster: I believe that it was a little slow-paced but picked up in the end. So it could have been better.

Kayla Colgan: No, they kind of played it off as true, but it did not have a legit ending.

Cory Staubs: I don't think so; it didn't really scare me at all -- until the ending.

Louis Montecalvo: I thought the film was too easy to make fun of.

Micaela Rodriguez: No, the movie came off too vague and didn't really appeal to me.

Derek Snyder: Yes, for a low budget movie, I thought it was great.

Twilight Movie Review

by Shaiann Daniels

New Moon, the second of the Twilight saga, has hit the big screens, and fans don't need a blood transfusion to find the energy to swarm to the theaters.

Bella Swan has just turned 18, and she’s not too happy about it. She’s getting older, but her 109 year-old vampire boyfriend isn’t. During a birthday party that the Cullens throw her, she cuts herself on wrapping paper. When Edward’s “brother” gets a whiff of the blood, he’s on the prowl until the others stop him. What does all of this lead up to? The Volturi. Edward travels to Italy to be killed by the Volturi ready to make a scene until Bella stops him. Edward goes with Bella back to Forks and everything is great for the both of them until Bella makes his family vote on her being changed into a “soulless” vampire. She explains that she wants to be changed by Edward, and he hesitantly agrees with one condition--marriage.

All in all, this was a great film despite the screaming girls every 10 minutes of the movie. So it might be easier to see the movie sometime during the month of December when all of the squealing, heart palpitating, die-hard fans have already seen it.

Due to the success of the first film, many people wondered whether the follow up would be as good. Considering Twilight is much shorter and left out a lot, New Moon actually captured everything perfectly. Even down to the small details, including Bella’s dream in the very beginning of the film.

The directors tried really hard to capture the Romeo and Juliet aspect of the film (without the tragedy). Ultimately, the film succeeds in portraying the richness and drama of passionate romance. They even went so far as to use quotes from the play that Bella says in the very beginning of the film. For the growing legion of Twilight fans in our school, this movie is highly recommended...especially in a quiet theater.

Young at Heart

by Brandi Smith

Who says you have to be young to have a little fun? The Young at Heart Chorus proves that music is the universal language and that people can have fun no matter what age you are. The average age of the members of the chorus is 80. The movie is directed by Stephen Walker; he follows the Young at Heart group from rehearsals to gigs leading up to the chorus’s big show. The members of Young at Heart aren’t looking to become famous; their songs are strong and have so much meaning just in the way that they sing them. When they perform punk classics like “Should I stay or should I go” by the Clash or “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones, it shows that their spirits are still high. The movie concentrates on the two-month preparations for a 2006 concert at the Academy Theater in Northampton lead by the chorus’s longtime director Bob Cilman.

It really is such a touching documentary that makes you think what you will be doing at that age. Since 1982, The Young at Heart Chorus (at right) has performed for audiences around the world. The members come and go as they age, sicken and die. That just comes with the territory for Cilman. He tells the chorus that he needs to drop a song from the show because they can’t get it but, he calls each member on the telephone when they miss a rehearsal because of sickness and kindly encourages them to do whatever it takes to get better. It is really touching to see some of the members struggle to get the lyrics right, and on stage it’s even better. Behind the scenes, hearing how supportive and committed their spouses are to the chorus, is touching. It truly is a documentary that might just bring you to tears.

Although the members change because of death or sickness, the story is always the same--the group continues to forge ahead. They bond, they grow and they become a family to one another. Young at Heart will definitely change the way you look at a normal elderly person. It’s so crazy to think of people of such an age doing something so amazing, but they are and they will continue to do so.

Long Way Gone: The Memoir of a Boy Soldier

by Sarah Coutts

Drops of sweat dripped down his nose, as fear took over his body. The sounds of guns popping off in the distance reminded him of his only task-- to make it out alive. With the fear showing plainly on the faces of his brother and friends as they ran for miles, to leave behind the only life they knew.

This may just sound like a horror story, but it was a never-ending nightmare for Ishmael Beah. While Ishmael Beah, his brother, and friends had walked to a nearby village for a talent show, their own village was attacked by the rebels. Beah describes the devastation they discover when they return home and the gripping realization that they must run to save their own lives. With each passing day, their everyday activities and past lives retreat. Hunger and thirst is a constant struggle... finding a new village or trusting stranger becomes a blessing. However, danger is never far behind. Any town that lets down its guard becomes easy prey for the rebels who can attack at their leisure. Eventually, the brothers and friends get separated and have to survive on their own. Ishmael finds himself alone and must single-handedly survive in the forest and continue his fight contending with wild animals, hunger, and loneliness. The only reason he keeps moving forward is the saying his father used to say,” If you are alive, there is hope for a better day and something good to happen. If there is nothing good left in the destiny of a person, he or she will die.”

While lost in the forest, Ishmael stubbles upon another group of lost boys that stick together through hardships. They continue their journey to safety until they finally reach an army controlled safety camp. Their lives continue for a short while until the rebels surround the camp. The men and boys are given the choice to fight or leave the camp. During the following week, the boys learn the rebel version of the arts of war. Their training is accelerated with the adrenaline of fear and other chemicals. The rebels supply them with white “energy pills” and show what can happen when a soldier carries a gun in his hands. These once innocent teenagers are turned into a group of now deadly killers high off of drugs, literally numb to the world. Ishmael revenges the death of his family and friends many times over and rises to the rank of junior lieutenant.

Some of the boy soldiers are chosen to start a new life at a rehabilitation center. This didn’t mean that the angry drugged boys wanted to leave the war. After a lot of hard efforts by the workers of the center, the boys were taken off of their addictions and spend their days in school and extra activities. Ishmael eventually begins to let go of the past and realizes that it wasn’t his fault for what happened.

Today, Ishmael speaks out and fights with a pen and paper for the boy soldiers fighting the war. His story is a powerful statement on the insanity of war wherever it happens. Fortunately, Ishmael has found a new life in the United States and his appearance on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show shows he is well on his way to a promising future.

The History of Modern Stand-Up

by Derek Snyder

Though the history of stand-up comedy can be traced back as far as the 1800’s, stand up as it’s known today didn’t really come into its own until about the 1970’s. Over the next four decades, stand-up exploded, then nearly disappeared only to bounce back stronger than ever.

The 1970’s

After the 1960s a new kind of comedy had arrived in the 1970s. The traditional setup/punchline joke tellers were gone. The new stand-up comedy was faster and looser. They were younger comedians. Their material spoke to a new generation of listeners. Comedy was now "cool," and the form of it was reborn. A new crop of comedians became icons in the 70s. Comics like George Carlin and Richard Pryor became rock stars. Robert Klein and Jerry Seinfeld introduced a new style of "observational" comedy - material that sprang from everyday life.

One thing that gave stand-up a boost in the 1970’s was the birth of the comedy club. On both coasts, clubs were opening that allowed comics to get in front of audiences every night. In New York City, clubs like The Improv, which had been open since 1963, and Catch a Rising Star, which appeared on the scene in 1972, provided nightly showcases for comedians. Richard Lewis, Billy Crystal, Freddie Prinze, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Belzer and Larry David all got their starts in either of the two clubs during the decade. On the West Coast, The Comedy Store (which opened in 1972) in West Hollywood played host to comics like Pryor, Carlin, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Robin Williams and Sam Kinison. It was successful enough that two more locations were opened by 1976. A West Coast branch of The Improv also opened in 1975. Comedy clubs were beginning to introduce new comics to audiences. These clubs did not pay the comedians though. In 1979, many of the comedians who performed at The Comedy Store went on strike. Nearly 150 comedians picketed the club for six weeks. They were demanding that the club should pay them to perform. At the end of six weeks, an agreement was reached where comedians would be paid $25 per set for most shows. This "unionization" of comedians played another huge role in legitimizing stand-up comedy in the '70s. In addition to clubs, comedians could also be seen in homes everywhere. Saturday Night Live, which premiered in 1975, gave many comics a 90-minute showcase. The biggest spot for a comic in the 70s was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

By the end of the 1970s, the comedy clubs were showing up all around the country. The comedians that had become famous in the 70s had now become veterans. They were now veterans because many new comedians started showing up. Stand-up had become famous in the 70s, but no one could predict how big it would become in the 1980s.

The 1980’s

With stand-up becoming in the 1970s, the 1980s had become the decade where it became really, really popular. The comedy clubs that opened in the '70s had done very well on both coasts. In the '80s, clubs went national. The '80s became the decade that stand-up became really big on television. Sitcoms featuring comedians, such as The Cosby Show and Roseanne, became hits.

The 1980s released Comic Relief, which was a charity organization that originally started in the UK. The American version of Comic Relief was founded in 1986 by Bob Zmuda. The event raised money for the homeless in America. It was hosted by comedians Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg. The success of stand-up comedy in the 1980s was too good to be true. Even though stand-up came out on top, it was only a matter of time until it became overexposed. That is exactly what happened in the 1990s.

The 1990’s

At the end of the 1980s, stand-up became very popular. This was making it lose popularity though because now it was becoming overexposed. Because of this overexposure, comedy clubs started shutting down and shows that featured comedians started going off the air. Comedy may have become overexposed which made it collapse, but it didn’t totally disappear. TV sketch shows were everywhere, from network shows like Saturday Night Live, In Living Color, and The Ben Stiller Show to cable cult shows like The State, Mr. Show with Bob and David, and The Kids in the Hall. Though many once-successful comics had started becoming punch lines instead of delivering them, many comedians still found success in the '90s. The comedians who somehow found success in this time helped keep stand-up alive during its dry spell.

While stand-up from the 1980s began to fade away, a new type of comedy started to develop. This new type of comedy was known as “Alternative Comedy”. By the 2000s, stand-up comedy had undergone a transformation and comedians who started as alternative comics were now stars. Stand-up looked like it was going to disappear in the '90s, but instead it didn’t and it actually started to come back with an uproar by the 2000s.

The 2000’s

Though stand-up almost fell away to nothing in the 1990s, it came back strong in the 2000’s. It started selling out theaters and arenas. Even comedy clubs started opening back up from coast to coast.

A major boom for the comedy world was the explosion of the Internet. Internet sites like YouTube allowed people to view funny videos 24 hours a day. Comedy stars also started using MySpace and Facebook to get a lot of fans and followers. Shows like Saturday Night Live were still on TV and doing great. Fans of comedy could now see the majority of their favorite comedians almost 24 hours a day. Comedians started hitting it big. One of these comedians was Jeff Foxworthy. He started the famous Blue Collar Comedy. Jeff and three other comedians hit it big with their Blue Collar Comedy Tour. The comedians that were on this tour were Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. This tour had four different movies. They were the funniest things that I think anyone could ever watch. The style of comedy that was known as Blue Collar Comedy went big because it had the four comedians listed above and many more to give it a boost. It also had its own radio station on SIRIUS satellite radio. This was Blue Collar Radio.

Stand-up had finally found the area that it was meant to be in. It was now where people could find it easier. These places were clubs, TV and the Internet. People could now find stand-up pretty much anywhere and these places were easier to access for the general public. Finally, stand-up was where it needed to be and it was here to stay.

FEATURES

2009-11-05T15:38:00.137-05:00

The Dark Side of Reality Television
by Sarah Rudasill

Reality television stars put aside their fear of humiliation and give millions of viewers each week an in-depth look at their thoughts and feelings. Everyone who watches reality television knows there are always egotistic maniacs, backstabbers and oddballs among others all competing for fame, glory and wealth. Yet as viewers, it is not often we hear about the dark side of reality television. Its effects have a lifelong impact on the participants, whether that is a good thing or a bad one.

Just recently, America’s hearts were captured and their eyes glued to the television screen when citizens all over the country watched in horror. Officials contemplated a way to save a little boy thought to be floating in a weather balloon (at left) thousands of feet in the air. When the balloon finally landed, officials were relieved yet surprised the little boy was not inside. It was later discovered he had been hiding in the attic. The tearful family hugged their son and expressed sincere thanks to the hundreds of volunteers helping with the search and potential rescue from the balloon. This should have been a happy ending to the story, right?

During an interview on Larry King Live, the son was asked why he had not come out from hiding when they called his name numerous times. “You guys said we did this for the show,” he responded.

Three days later, Sheriff Jim Alderden called the incident a dramatic hoax. Investigators have evidence to believe “it was a publicity stunt” by the family in hopes of “better marketing themselves for a reality television show at some point in the future.” The family (at right) was not new to the world of reality television; they appeared on the show Wife Swap twice.

The entire country was fearful for this little boy, and the family had enough indifference to operate this complex deception in order to be on reality television? Not only were the countless policemen and volunteers’ time wasted, a reported $10,000 was spent in recovery efforts such as helicopters. Charges are expected to be filed in the near future.

Unfortunately, this was not the first time reality television has lured people to do some crazy things in order to be more attractive to producers looking for drama.

No Longer So Great, Jon and Kate (Plus Eight)

The prime example of reality television’s dark side is with the reality television show Jon & Kate Plus Eight. Jon and Kate, a couple with sextuplets and twins, had transformed their lives into a show documenting their day-to-day struggles, problems and triumphs.

In happier times, The "cast" of Jon and Kate + 8, photo courtesy wordpress.com

In April 2009, it was rumored Jon was having an affair after hanging around with various women and leaving an establishment with one of them. Jon and his mistress have denied the accusations, but the woman’s brother insisted they were romantically involved. Kate was also accused of having an affair with her bodyguard, which she has denied.

The couple was unable to balance a reality television show, eight children and affairs, and therefore announced their divorce in June 2009 during the premiere of the fifth season. Since then, TLC has changed the name of the show to Kate Plus Eight, which will begin in November and focus on her life as a single mother raising multiple children. Jon will continue to appear on the show, but TLC says it will be much less often.

Recently, TLC filed a lawsuit against Jon, and Kate refuses to speak out about it. Instead, she is letting the world know of the problems now facing her famous eight children. She granted an interview to Vanity Fair and explained how the kids are having a difficult time in dealing with the absence of a father figure.

“I’m trying to give them the grace to see, if they’re acting out of line, I’m trying to look deeper into why that is…cause it’s all inter-related,” Kate stated during the interview. “I mean, they don’t see it, but it’s all interconnected.”

She said the children truly miss Jon, and they are unaware of the articles in magazines and on blogs bashing their father for his immature actions. The two are due in court sometime in the future in order to discuss a custody agreement.

Kate is still unsure of what her future may hold. Although TLC wants the new show Kate Plus Eight, she could also appear on “Mom Logic,” which is a planned talk show with Food Network chef Paula Deen. Whatever her future may hold, Kate assures her primary concern is her lovable children.

Change of Heart

Millions of viewers’ watched Bachelor Jason Mesnick (pictured right, photo courtesty of ibtimes.com) choose Melissa Rycroft as his the finalist and his fiancé on The Bachelor. In a shocking twist, six weeks after the happy finale, Jason dumped Melissa and instead pursued a relationship with the show’s runner-up, Molly Malaney.

To make matters worse, he broke news of his change of heart in front of television cameras. He sat on the couch with watery eyes, insisting he hated himself for his decision, but noted his feelings had changed and he no longer loved Melissa. A broken-hearted Melissa simply handed back her engagement ring and left.

Molly quickly forgave Jason for casting her off on the show’s finale, and the two became a new couple just after he dumped his former fiancé. America watched in astonishment, but Jason stated he was “following my heart.”

“If some people don’t like it, I get that. It’s not the classiest or coolest thing in the world,” he said.

Melissa Rycroft moved on from The Bachelor, eventually competing on Dancing with the Stars. She’s now engaged to Tye Strickland, after they’ve been dating for two years.

The Bachelor is another example of a television reality show gone badly. Many Americans feel it has made falling in love into a contest of competition, cheating and heartbreak.

Losing the Weight and Keeping it Off

Another good example of reality television changing a person’s life is The Biggest Loser. Normally this would be considered an inspiring show; obese contestants compete to lose weight and win money. Yet we rarely see follow-ups after the season’s finale. Many contestants, through interviews on Oprah and other stations, have revealed their struggles with keeping the weight off.

Biggest Loser champ Erik Chopin (pictured left, photo courtesy of dietsinreview.com) lost an astonishing 214 pounds during the third season of the show. Yet in an interview with Access Hollywood, he admitted after he stopped getting attention from the show and his fans, he fell into depression and stopped exercising and eating right. He had attracted so much attention when he went from 407 pounds to 193, yet he says he currently weighs in at over 300 pounds. “I started to feel cornered and trapped. I started to put weight back on, and it just continued,” he said. “The weight started to creep back on…I felt like I let everybody down, first and foremost my family.”

Chopin went even further, granting an interview to the Oprah Winfrey Show. Explaining his battle with “yo-yo dieting,” he addressed the fact that he is trying again to lose the weight. “This time I am not going to get involved with a number. I want to be healthy and fit,” he said.

Chopin hasn’t been the only ‘Biggest Loser’ to struggle after losing so much weight very quickly. Season One winner Ryan Benson has regained nearly all of the weight he lost. “I lost the focus I had gained on the show,” he said. “And when I started gaining the weight back, I felt guilty. I feel like I have to explain everything. Like the show is great, but it’s my own fault.”

For the first few months, he happily stayed active, but reality set in when he accepted a demanding job and his wife gave birth to twin girls. He admits a lot of his motivation to go on the show was the cash sum to the winner: a life-changing $250,000.

He agrees The Biggest Loser is an inspiration to all, but it is difficult to lose so much weight in a short amount of time and transition back to home, a family and a job while keeping it off.

Jail Time

Not only is the opportunity of having a reality show too much for some Americans, those who participate change their lives forever. Take Survivor Season One winner, Richard Hatch, for example. Hatch was overconfident and had a large ego, but ended up winning after frankly telling the jury he played the game the best.

In early 2005, Hatch (pictured right, photo courtesy of Fox News) was cited for failing to report $1,010,000 in winnings from Survivor, in addition to $321,000 he received for radio appearances. Instead of accepting leniency, Hatch stated he was under the belief CBS paid the taxes before awarding him the money. Just a year later, he was found guilty of tax evasion and was sentenced to 51 months in prison, along with an additional three years of supervised release.

This was not the end of troubles for Hatch, however. In August 2009, he was arrested again for granting two unauthorized interviews while under house arrest. After serving his sentence, he was released in October 2009.

One has to wonder whether Hatch would have been better off not competing on Survivor. He definitely received his fame and glory while on the show, but after the hype faded away, he was left out of the spotlight and ultimately created more problems for himself.

The Lifelong Real World Effects

Reality television has obviously gripped the nation, and Americans watch weekly shows to escape their own lives for an hour. The effects of the shows on the contestants, however, go rather unnoticed.

"Your life is an open book to people and that makes you feel very vulnerable," Nadine Kaslow, the chief psychologist at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, told ABCNews.com. "When people feel very publicly shamed and humiliated that's a risk factor for suicide. Part of what you don't know is how sensitive people are going to be to the shame and humiliation they might experience."

According to TheWrap.com, which recently completed an investigation of reality contestant suicides, eleven previous reality show contestants committed suicide as a result of exposing their lives to the world.

“They have no control or they lose control,” Kaslow went on to state. “They lose the boundaries we all hold. The media and the public aren’t always so nice about them either. You can also go from being a star and really famous to being either a nobody or a villain.”

In addition, she also contributed suicidal tendencies of reality contestants to the depressing weeks following their loss. “You have to be sensitive to them after they are out or lose. Now, the losers are on morning television the next day. Most of us, when we’ve had a public failure, do not want to be on morning TV.”

Even with all of the consequences of competing on reality television, many Americans are more than willing to pay a high price for their fifteen minutes of fame. The lengths to which families sometimes go to participate on a show; for example, making the entire country believe your son was going to die in a weather balloon, are just some of the crazy ideas contestants have to achieve the fame and wealth promised by reality television shows.

Ryan Chrismer, Self Portrait

Paths Taken to Living Strong: An Interview with Ryan Coutts
by Sarah Coutts

Many students minds may wander as they move through our halls: where do I go from here? What’s my next step? From person to person, the answers to these questions may vary. For underclassmen, there is time; however, for most seniors their future may appear as a daily question. What is that life waiting outside the routine now? A time when there there isn’t a security blanket over our heads? A time when we must take charge for our own lives. Ryan Coutts had the same feelings and thoughts going through his mind when he was a student here at New Oxford High School. The only difference was the path he took.

Silhouette: What year did you graduate from New Oxford?

Ryan: 2008.

Silhouette: Did you like attending high school here? Do you miss it?

Ryan: It was high school; high school is high school, you know, but I enjoyed my overall experience. I miss the simplicity, the complete and total lack of responsibility.

Silhouette: What made you want to join the Army? Did you always feel like you would join?

Ryan: Moral obligation. I felt I had to do it. For a while, I had that feeling since September 11.

Silhouette: What training did you have to go through to get where you are now and where did it take place? What did you feel when you first arrived at your training?

Ryan: I went to Fort Benning Georgia. Basic Training was a joke and Airborne School was fun. Jumping out of planes is a rush and getting paid to do so is awesome. Selection process was hard; restriction rate is over 50%. When I first arrived, it was frightening, the longer I was there, the more I realized I could do it.

Silhouette: What was the hardest thing you faced while you were in your training?

Ryan: The selection process…We didn’t sleep for the entire week, and it was very physically straining. There wasn’t much food involved; for a combination, it was rough.

Silhouette: Do the people that you meet along the way start to feel like a family?

Ryan: Definitely…you make serious bonds with people around you. There is the suck factor we’re all going through the same stressful thing of the selection process.

Silhouette: What is your rank in the Army?

Ryan: Private First Class.

Silhouette: What are your thoughts about going into the war?

Ryan: Can’t wait…excited, I’ve been training for over a year.

Silhouette: Where do you expect to go from here?

Ryan: After deployment, going to Ranger School and becoming a sniper.

Silhouette: While you are overseas, do you plan on keeping a journal or something, to document your time spent there?

Ryan: Given the nature of my unit I really can’t.

Silhouette: What do you plan on doing after your four years of serving?

Ryan: Honestly, I plan on hitch hiking around the U.S for about six months. After that, I kind of want to be a firefighter.

Silhouette: So far has the army been what you expected it to be?

Ryan: You join the army, you have no idea until you get there…and it sucks at first, but then, something happens, and you learn to love it.

Snap, flash, snap, flash
by Shaiann Daniels

They are invading the privacy of our celebrities, and resort to such tactics that they are endangering the lives of not only the stars they're stalking, but innocent bysanders as well. They are the paparazzi, and as of now, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t too pleased with them.

Governor Schwarzenegger has just recently signed an anti-paparazzi law which makes it easier for celebrities to sue photographers who invade their personal lives. This decade-old law allows fines against paparazzi that take illegal or offensive photos.

Why do these photographers want these stupid photos anyway? Not surprisingly, it all boils down to money. Some internet sites and magazines pay millions of dollars for these pictures--the more private or humilating
the moment, the more lucrative the pay-off for the paparazzi. However, Governor Schwarzenegger decided to crack down on these guys. Four years removed from his own Hollywood career, the former megabucks box office draw knows what it’s like to be invaded by the paparazzi. He cited the time when he was an actor and was followed by the paparazzi on his way to pick up his child from school in a 1998 incident. He was willing to testify against his offender and he has not forgotten his outrage at such a personal violation and reckless endangerment of his family.

The paparazzi better start finding new jobs or their next attempt at invasion of privacy…terminated.

December 21, 2012 : The Mayan Calendar's End of Days?

by Shintelle Mitchem

Prophets and soothsayers have predicted it and even robots seem to be breaking a sweat. The numerology of the ancient Mayans seems to have time-stamped the same expiration date on creation, December 21st 2012.

The Mayan civilization was in existence for over 2,500 years prior to their decline around 750 AD. Their measurement of time was so precise that it has become a talisman of sorts for the prediction of cosmological events. In particular, the calendar known as "the long count" has successfully calculates the dates of solar eclipses thousands of years before their occurence.

So how did its last surviving creators from 750 A.D. come up with the mathematical hocus pocus to foresee cosmological events? The calendar was devised out of sophisticated mathematics far advanced for the Mayan's era; in fact, they were among the first civilizations to conceive of the idea of the number 0 . Their advanced culture and mathematics has led many today to trust such predictions while continuing to speculate on whether the end of the calendar means the end of time itself or the beginning of a new age.

The Mayans have some famous company in their visonary focus on 2012. Nostradamus, a name that some many associate with a dusty past, is Western civilization's most notable of clairvoyants. Nostradamus was a French physician from the 16th century, who became a seer of the future and compiled a total of 946 centuries of predictions. With a track record that is believed by many to be undeniably accurate, foreseeing World War 2, the fire of London in 1666, The French Revolution, and the reigns of both Napoleon and Adolf Hitler. He was even said to have predicted his own death a day before it happened. Now what do you ask has this celebrated prophet prophesized about 2012? His exact words are complex and hard for the average person to decipher, but according to scholars, Nostradamus has predicted the rise of a third antichrist, a time of great famine felt around the world. He also saw great floods and endless drought. This prophecy some say is very near on the horizon linking the flooding and drought to global warming, and the new antichrist with tyrant dictators and a third world war.

Nostradamus, however, was not the only one foreseeing such events in the year 2012. Scientists and computer programmers teamed up in the early 90s in the hopes of creating computer software that could track financial trends on Wall Street. They called the program the web bot and it was found to be obscenely accurate. After a time the innovation was put to the test by researchers who wondered if it can predict the future of the finance world why not everything else? They re-visited the program and set it to the test having it answer new more pressing questions. Then in 2001 the web bot project shocked its creators when it predicted a life altering event would occur in 60-90 days it also claimed that this event would be felt world wide. Sadly the program was proved right when the twin towers fell in 9/11/2001. The web bot projects, as is to be guessed predicted a world wide calamity would occur in 2012 and with so many other predictors standing behind it, its claims are by many a confirmation of our impending suffering, and if we travel east the predictions continue.

In the year 2800 BC the “I Ching” or “Book of Changes” was written in China and is revered to this day for its ability to answer questions using 3 three coins that are flipped. They give you answers depending on how they land. Two heads, one tails, two tails one head etc. The outcomes of these coin tosses are then matched to answers that have been pre written in the “I Ching” Oddly enough the answers are usually extremely relevant. Little fuss is made involving China’s Book of Changes though until writer philosopher and ethno-botanist, Terence McKenna took a deeper look into the book’s king wen sequence. He then mathematically tracked the book, and created a computer program that output fractal graphs on the rhythm of life or the earth’s “novelty” as Terence calls it. He then looked at the end of the last fractal graph the software would compute and was astounded to see it ended on the year 2012. After this discovery, Terence made a prediction deciding that time as we know it would end on December 22, 2012 only a day after the end of the Mayan calendar !

Is this all a coincidence, a bizarre mathematical conundrum? Or is it all in the imagination of the public’s subconscious, scared to death of a random date with no substantial meaning?

2012 and the Boogie Man: A Student Editorial
by Shaiann Daniels

The prophecies regarding 2012 are devastating-- to anyone who is juvenile enough to believe them. But some scientists and certainly Hollywood movie producers are trying to scare even the brightest of people, forcing them to believe these ancient predictions of catastrophe.

Sure, this could be believable if you didn’t think things through. It sounds plausible enough right? Well, just because it’s getting a gazillion Internet hits all over the whole world doesn’t make it objectively true.

Nothing regarding 2012 is or can be proven--which should ease one's mind as a fact itself. Remember, to make a big megabuck blockbuster film like 2012 requires planning....add in some snazzy digital effects and you can be sure that production on this film began some time ago. To make any film in Hollywood these days takes approximately three or more years. And if you think back to when we started hearing about the Mayan calendar and December 21st, 2012… you would probably say around three, or fewer, years ago.

Now when you put that all together, don't you begin to realize something? It does not take three years to smell a rat. It’s possible that the specific date could be the end of days, but nobody can ever prove that…not in this time period. So it’s possible also that the money-driven people have perpetrated a hoax. Manipulating the Mayan calendar by saying just because it ends on that specific date, they predicted it’s the end of the world. Claiming we should fear the year 2012 when it’s feasible that they made the movie when the world started hearing about this. And why? Very simple answer --so the movie could make billions of dollars.

It makes sense considering a lot of people want to know their “fate” when the year finally arrives. The Boogie Man has just hit the jackpot.

Across the Pond to Colonial Country, USA
by Bianca Garcia

It can be difficult to adjust to a new country, but when one becomes a foreign exchange student, this can become a little less complicated. In a country where there are welcoming faces like in the United States, the foreign student forgets that he or she is indeed foreign. Many times the student comes from a city background and could experience culture shock when they arrive in the largely rural area of New Oxford, Pennsylvania. As I have had the chance to interview numerous students this year, I've wondered, how do people abroad get to know who we are? If the tables were turned, many of us would have to admit that we perceive unknown cultures through television or the movies or the newspapers. It is therefore likely that students abroad learn about America through similar filters.

I am grateful that these interviews and certainly the entire foreign exchange experience give us the opportunity to meet one another face to face as fellow human beings -- with no filters to come between us.

So please read along and meet Moritz Bauer, or perhaps you already have.

Silhouette: What part of Germany are you from?

Moritz: Palatinate, which is in the western part of Germany.

Silhouette: Why did you choose to become a foreign exchange student?

Moritz: I wanted to meet Americans and to improve my English. And overall I wanted to visit America.

Silhouette: What are the biggest differences between this school system and yours?

Moritz: The subjects are different. The school schedule is also different because in Germany we go to school from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. We don’t have the same classes’ everyday.

Silhouette: What is your home town like in comparison to New Oxford?

Moritz: Everything is bigger here, the roads, houses, everything. In Palatinate, the houses look different and they are very close together. Many of the houses don’t have gardens because of the limited space.

Silhouette: What are your hobbies or special interests?

Moritz: I like soccer and volleyball. And I like to hangout with my friends.

Silhouette: What goals do you have for your future?

Moritz: I want to be a hotel manager and travel a lot.

Silhouette: What do you like the most about New Oxford High School?

Moritz: I like how people come up to me and introduce themselves. They aren’t hesitant about it. The teachers are nicer and everything here is a lot more relaxed. I like how we’re allowed to chew gum.

Silhouette: What do you dislike the most about our high school?

Moritz: I don’t like having the same classes everyday and I really don’t like the pass cards.

Silhouette: What do you miss the most about Germany?

Moritz: The food definitely. I miss my family and friends and my soccer team.

Silhouette: How do you or how have you spent your American weekends?

Moritz: I go to the movies and hangout with my friends.

Silhouette: What do you do in Germany on your weekends?

Moritz: I have soccer games, and I go to the pool and clubs.

Silhouette: What do you expect to get out of this experience?

Moritz: I want my English grades in Germany to get better, and I want this to be a good reference for future job opportunities.

Silhouette: Are there any major differences between New Oxford/American students and German students?

Moritz: Yes, American students are very direct. They are less serious in school; they have fun.

Silhouette: What do you want American students to learn about your culture/country?

Moritz: That we don’t eat sausages everyday... and Germany isn’t just about big beer fests.

Uganda's Invisible Children
by Shaiann Daniels

They have to live in “the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today”. These invisible children have been overlooked for the past 23 years.

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) have been fighting a war that has left millions of people homeless and some dead. Several Ugandan children are being forced to become child soldiers even when they’re still very young. Some even watch their parents die before their eyes and they have to live with that agony everyday.

It is estimated by the FIC that during the war, between 60,000 and 85,000 Ugandan children were seized and held as child soldiers. They then use them for more than just fighting, including murder, rape, and even cannibalism.

However, some people do care about these children and they take the time to think about how the war is affecting them.

Andrew Briggs, a former schoolteacher, became a promoter for the tormented children of Uganda. He established an organization called “Freedom in Creation” which helps the children cope with the violence in their everyday lives.

About 65 Ugandan children are a part of this foundation. Therapy is a challenge for these small children of Uganda. It’s harder to get a response out of them so Briggs uses art and music as their means of therapy and healing. Some of these children are very receptive when performing the different things.

Briggs realizes that these former child soldiers will need more than counseling to rebuild their lives--they need a real livelihood and a sustainable future. Therefore, he has begun an initiative in education to build basic literacy and communication while also providing "municipal-based programs" that will provide safe drinking water to the refugee camps.

Briggs and his accomplice Alex Mejias have an exhibit called “The Story of Freedom” which is what they use to raise awareness and funds in the USA. It is a video which includes some of the actual artwork of the Ugandan children.

As of now, the war is still enduring, but this program helps the Ugandan children get through everything a lot easier than it was for them in the past.

WINTER SPORTS

2009-11-05T15:37:00.068-05:00

Coach Muller and Team Captains Mike Bivens and Jimmy Eline with District Game Ball

Varsity Football Season Highlights:
Colonials Crack through to Districts
by James Arrison

The Colonials started off the season with a three win streak, but that didn’t mean easy sailing for the Ox. A four game losing streak in their opening league games placed the team in a difficult position. But the determined Ox would not give up believing. Redeeming themselves with a two game winning streak, they solidified a spot in AAA Districts. On their last game of the regular season, they couldn’t find a way to knock off AAAA District powerhouse South Western. However, their AAA playoff hopes were still alive, having secured the 15th seed in districts.

The Colonials went up against Susquehanna Township in round one of the AAA District playoffs. Susquehanna Township's team is among the strongest in the districts and they came out with all guns blazing and prevailed by the score of 42 - 7. The Colonials fought hard all night, but were not able to come out with a win, thus ending their season.

Although the team did not advance, the qualification for districts is a major accomplishment and is a tribute to the team's hard work and dedication through long hours of weight training, pancake dinners and the Lineman's Challenge. The Silhouette wishes to congratulate the entire team for their efforts and especially acknowledge the coaches for the 2009 football team: Matt Muller, Joel Brosius, Jason Warner, John Slagle, Joe Eline, Gared Chrismer, Larry Baumgardner and Mike Detrick. We'd also like to acknowleldge the parents for their support all season.

Finally, a special thank you to the seniors of the squad for their dedication to the football program throughout their career and their leadership this year. Good luck to those seniors as they move out to experience unknown arenas, confident that they will be well-served by the lessons they have learned on the playing field.

14 = 1: Get Ready to Wrestle!
by Devan Poist

This year the wrestling team looks to go as far as they want to as they want to as we only lose one wrestler due to graduation. Last year was a tough year for the Colonials as they just missed out on a York County District III wrestling berth. When The Silhouette sat down with head coach Mr. Dave Conaway, here’s what he had to say.

Silhouette: What new effects do you plan to bring to New Oxford Wrestling this year?

Coach Conaway: I’m not really sure. You’re always constantly adjusting. Of course, we learn new moves and tactics from camps we travel to...but we always keep the same base and make small adjustments as we go.

Silhouette: Last year was a tough year, just missing out on districts. What can this squad do to prevent that sort of thing happening again?

Coach Conaway: I think we have 14 returning starters as well as 17 lettermen; we can be as good as we were in the mid 90’s. We just have to make the top 4 in York County.

Silhouette: In junior high this team was at one time ranked #1 in the state of Pennsylvania. What differences, if any, do you see between now and then?

Coach Conaway: Well. of course, competition has improved immensely. We're going to face tough and mature teams out there, and we have to just perform at our best.

Silhouette: This year’s wrestling team is expected to go even as far as States. Will this be an issue living up to the hype or will you try to ignore it and do the best that you can?

Coach Conaway: Well, certainly it's always been a goal, it's always hard from other schools' talent. We just have to focus on making the state dual meet team. To make it that far, we have to place in the top three in the district to qualify for the state tournament.

Silhouette: How far do you think this team can make it?

Coach Conaway: The team can make it as far as they want to, and I really mean that. This is the most talent we've had in five years. The 1996 team lost in the first round because of three missing kids. If we would have had those three kids, we would have gone a lot farther.

Silhouette: What will the team’s greatest strength this year?

Coach Conaway: Everyone: we are only as strong as our weakest link. And that shouldn’t be a problem-- we're loaded.

Silhouette: This team is capable of great things on the mat, but off of the mat how are the kids?

Coach Conaway: They're good kids; they work hard in school to get good grades. I haven’t had any complaints so far. They also have made good choices in friends.

Silhouette: Most all coaches agree that "chemistry" is crucial in a wrestling team. How is the chemistry on this team?

Coach Conaway: The kids get along well; they’ve been on the same dual meet team since fourth grade. They know to be helping other kids out with wrestling. They're real close.

Silhouette: Last question--to all of those kids out there that bash wrestling and say it's one of the weakest sports, what do you have to say to them?

Coach Conaway: Well, it builds strength, improves balance, it requires a lot of different skills, mental toughness. You learn to condition and train--it just makes you tough. It's one on one competition so the only person you have to blame a loss on is yourself. When you step inside that ten foot circle, it’s a big deal.

JV and Varsity Girls' Basketball
by Colby Scutta

Colonial basketball season is quickly arriving. The girls are said to have high expectations this season. We have a young team this year but have three returning varsity players.

Coach Horick stated that he expects the team to qualify for districts, and finish in top half of the division. He expects the team to achieve many goals and have fun while doing so.

The girls are practicing hard every night waiting for the tip off tourney to arrive. Coach Horick is very excited for the start of the season. By working hard on skills, strategies, and conditioning we will prepare for the tough season ahead.

"We are going to work hard on skills, strategies, and conditioning”, said Coach Horick. " We hope tocontinue the success that was started with last year's seniors. Tradition does not graduate.” Coach Horick stated.

Coach Horick also said that he sees "a lot of potential in our underclassmen."

Coach Hall, our JV coach, was also asked some questions. He stated, “I expect each girl to improve her game while enjoying the sport, to understand the team concepts and what is to be expected of them at the varsity level.” He expects the JV team to get better with every game and to be undefeated. “I would like to have a little more depth, but I will take quality over quantity.”

Coach Hall emphasizes building fundamentals so crucial to advancement to higher performance levels while simultaneously stressing the necessity for team play.

Great talent is coming up through the high school and Coach Hall says it is as good as he has seen since coaching. “I thoroughly enjoy the challenges of working with the JV squad, preparing them for the next level. I support and believe in what Coach Horick does 100%. He makes it worthwhile to sacrifice the time away to work with our girls - to prepare them for future greatness on and off the court.”

Please come to as many games as possible to help support our Lady Colonials! Here is the link to view the season schedule.

Editor's note: Please come support the team. In the not too distant past, our stands were packed with fans supporting our basketball teams, both boys' and girls'. We need to have that "extra man" that comes with a crowd of boisterous, supportive, and sportsmanlike fans. Come on, Red Swarm!

Roundball Preview: 9th Grade Basketball
by Austin Rife and Ryan Leib

The Ninth Grade Basketball team starts a new season on the 14th of December away at Red Lion. The Boys' Basketball team looks to build throughout the season with their new coach, Eric Warner. The team has a tough schedule ahead of them this year. With great teams like Dallastown, Red Lion, West York, Central York, and Delone Catholic along with an always competitive league schedule, it’s going to be a challenging year for the Colonials. They should do well, but will have to play very well to beat these good teams.

The freshmen Colonial team is led by some pretty good athletes. Some team leaders include Tyler Steckback, Ross Starner, Alec Larderello, and Nick Slusser. Last year, Alec Larderello moved up to the freshmen team so he has some experience . This team has some good players to back up the team leaders including Dan Ernst, Drew Atland, Matt Staub, Ron Wolford, Johnny Giannotto, and Dylan Morris. Overall, the Colonials have pretty good depth and with a pretty good talent pool as well.

This team has lost some key acquisitions from their team that could hinder their performance. Standouts Zack Wildisin and Brandon Trimmer, both freshmen, have moved up to Junior Varsity this year. This is not an easy task to do as a freshman. Very few of the best freshmen play on Junior Varsity during their first year, but these guys are ready for the challenge. This means that the 9th grade team will need to pick up their game..

Overall the freshmen basketball team has acquired some new players this year. Transferring from Delone Catholic to play for us this year are Nick Slusser and Dan Ernst. These players are good at the sport and will give the team a boost. Also, Drew Atland, Ron Wolford, and Dylan Morris have decided to play basketball this year. They have not played for the school before, but will definitely help the Colonials out this year.
All in all, this year’s team could have great success with all of these great talents on the team. Coach Warner will surely have the team ready for their first game against Red Lion. The team hopes to compete in the league and hop,efully, that means competing for first place. We all hope that the freshman Colonials’ basketball team has a successful year. Good luck to the whole basketball program this year.

Bubble, Bubble, Twitter Trouble
by Derek Snyder

Today in sports, players are using Twitter and Facebook to post personal takes on their game, performance, opposing teams and even their own coaches. This is becoming a big deal on Twitter and Facebook because players are now using social networks to trash talk other teams (and even in some cases their own coaches as occured most recently with Larry Johnson). Because of this, coaches are banning their players from using Twitter, Facebook and MySpace during sports events. Players are getting fined for what they are saying and even showing. Even owners of teams are getting in trouble for it.

For all the good Twitter has brought, it's also tripped up several sports figures. Here's a look at some who have let their "tweets" go a little too far. Chad Ochocinco for the Cincinnati Bengals had tweeted “I got a nice present for the Steelers - sending them some mustard since they’ll never ketchup when we play them Sunday.” Ochocinco didn’t get in trouble or anything, but this is only one of the minor cases.

Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, was fined 25,000 dollars by the NBA for complaining about the refs. His tweet was “How do they not call a tech on JR Smith for coming off the bench to taunt our player on the ground?”

Park McLachlin was the first golfer to tweet during a PGA event, which broke league rules. He didn’t get a fine, but he did get a phone call from a very disappointed Tour Executive VP Rick George. His tweet was “Just made birdie on 4.Waiting on 5th tee. First tweet during a tourney round. Don’t wanna get too used to this!”

The next tweet is from Lane Kiffin, the Tennessee Volunteers football coach. He claims an assistant had posted it on his account, but the Vols were forced to report themselves to the NCAA for mentioning an unsigned recruit by name. His tweet, “It's a beautiful day in Knoxville, Tennessee today. I was so ecxited to hear that J.C. Copeland committed to play for the Vols today!”

Soccer players have even gotten into the act. Brian Ching, of the Houston Dynamo, tweeted, “Ref in Seattle just cheated the Dynamo. What a joke! Not even close. Ref is a cheat.” He later got a $500 from the MLS while he was across the country resting up for a World Cup Game.

When his coach was late for a team meeting, Texas Tech linebacker Marlon Williams asked Twitternation why he had showed up at all. “Wondering why I’m still in this meeting room when the head coach can’t even be on time to his meeting”. Coach Mike Leach suspended Williams for the comment and banned his students from using Facebook, Twitter and MySpace during sporting events.

Charlie Villanueva, of the Milwaukee Bucks, tweeted during halftime of a Bucks-Celtics game that he needed to step up in order for his team to win. He tweeted, “In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up.” Although Villanueva did turn the game around, scoring a team-high 19 points, coach Scott Skiles banned Bucks players from tweeting during games.

Another NBA incident was with Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves. His tweet was about his coach getting fired, something that nobody but the team knew. His tweet was, “Today is a sad day ... Kevin McHale will NOT be back as head coach this season. He responded to this tweet after being told that he just released inside information. His response was, “P.S. I am not a breaking news guy... I had no idea no one knew. I'll tell them I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Always works....”

These are just some of the tweets that are made in sports. So now I am going to ask you, what do you think should happen to sports players when they make inappropriate tweets?

Soccer's Rough Stuff
by Allie Mack

At the Mountain West Conference semifinal, Elizabeth Lambert played extremely rough, earning herself a yellow card and her own suspension.

Video clips of Lambert’s rough play were shown worldwide. In them, she is throwing elbows and plowing down other players on the field. The worst of her actions is when she yanks Kassidy Shumway, a player on the opposing team, to the ground by her ponytail.

Soccer is a rough sport, but there is no reason for Lambert to pull a girl to the ground by her hair. She clearly let anger control her play when she must know how to control those emotions to help her college soccer team win. Later she admitted, “I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation.”

Lambert was not the only one playing physical. In the video, it is visible that a girl is giving Lambert an elbow to the ribs while another is tugging on her shorts. Lambert has become known around the world because many have watched the video of her rough play.

Although Lambert actions were wrong, there is no reason for the intense backlash she is receiving from around the world. One blog posted her parents’ phone number, and said “she should be taken to state prison, raped, and left in a ditch to die.” Lambert acted in the heat of the moment, not even thinking--kind of like the strange posters who hide behind the anonymity of the Internet.

One of the major problems for athletes today is playing with composure. Many athletes have gone into a game thinking that they are the best player out there and that they are invincible. The problem occurs when they run into an athlete with more talent than they have. In order to win, some arrogant athletes resort to playing dirty, a "win-at-all-costs" attitude, not caring who they bring down. Other times, it is an evenly matched game, and the athletes are playing hard, trying to stay composed, but one elbow could send them over the edge. All sports are ninety percent mental, trying to stay on top of your game, and avoiding the tendency to retailiate when someone falls in with pushing and pulling.

Lambert's example illustrates what not to do, even if you're getting bumped and pushed. In soccer, she should focus her attacks on the ball, and use her anger to fuel her speed and stamina.

When Competitors Become Brothers
by Shaiann Daniels

It was a moment that silenced the stands... the moment that rookie quarterback Pat White of the Miami Dolphins took a devastating blow, falling limp to the ground instantly.

In the first half of the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Quarterback Chad Henne had suffered an eye injury. He then had to watch from the sidelines, forcing his team to convert to the second string Quarterback Pat White. What everyone didn’t know is that this wouldn’t be the last quarterback to enter the game.

A scramble in the late third quarter led to White’s injury. Cornerback Ike Taylor took a frightening helmet hit with Pat White causing him to fall lifelessly. Thankfully Taylor wasn’t hurt. As both teams called for medical help, they could see that Pat was not moving.

The Steelers took to one knee in prayer as the cart was traveling to White. After nearly 10 minutes, he was finally strapped to the medical cart. It was clear that Taylor felt horrible as he was the last one to talk to White as he was carted off to the locker room. “Man, I hope you get better.” Then White replied with a simple “Thanks”. He had enough wind left in him to give his teammates a short pep talk, “Boys, keep ballin'. I’ll be fine. You go out there and keep fighting.”

With an injury like that one, the color of your jersey doesn’t matter anymore. Both teams, no matter which two they may be, become one.

Finishing Hard: Cross Country Retrospective
by Allison Mack

Cross country comes to end, and the boys and girls teams gear up for districts.

After an exciting season of eleven wins and eight losses, the girls’ cross country team made it to districts. Although the boys’ team did not finish as well, a few of the members made it to districts because of their times under nineteen minutes. "I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and they completely deserve it for all the hard work they put in this season,” Frantz says about his runners going to districts.

Kaylee Kubisiak finished 4th place at county competition, and continued on to win 76th out of 300 at state competitions. Kaylee Kubisiak finished 19th at districts, ran on the Hershey cross country course. When asked about the course, many of the runners said it was in poor condition, extremely muddy and slippery, and it was nearly impossible to run on. Top Runner, Kaylee Kubisiak says that she was very nervous at States. “I was happy that I made it to States, but nervous that I had to run against a lot of people.”

In the end, Frantz says, “The season turned out great! The girls made it to districts and Kaylee might get to states yet! The boys had a rough season; however, they showed a lot of improvement, and they have put themselves in a position to be at the top of the pile next year.”

When asked about his opinion of the team next year, Frantz says, “I think that both the boys and girls will be in the running for the York County Division I Championship.”

Not surprisingly, Coach Frantz's word of advice for next season's athletes?

“Run Fast!”

Kaylee Chillin'

Here are a Few of Kaylee's Favorite Things:

Her Favorite…

Pre-meet Snack...“Sports beans”

After-meet Snack...“Whatever Momma Thompson (Mrs. Thompson) brought.”

Drink...“Water.”

Running shoes...“Asics.”

Pre-wrap Color...“Allie’s lime green!”

Favorite Practice...“Ultimate Frisbee!”

Meet Superstitions...“We would crumple the runner’s numbers up if we got them, and the girls’ team would pray and do a cheer.”

After New Oxford’s disappointing season last year, the Ox turned to an all new Navy-inspired offense: the action-packed triple-option. With a former receiver, Mike Bivens, under center leading the pack, and a stacked back field with Jimmy Eline, Nick Rebert and Zack Groft, the Colonials felt confident about this season. According to Coach Muller, “Having the weapons we do, with our speed in the skill positions and quickness up front, we try to create match-up problems for the defense. Each opponent we face has to put in a lot of special preparation to face us.”

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2009-11-05T15:37:00.035-05:00

Becoming Eco-Friendly (Editorial)
by Hannah Fernandez

Does eco friendly equal tree hugger? No, it simply means doing what’s best for our environment. In our society today, environmentalists are really pushing “go green”, but from an economic stand point, it’s becoming more difficult for consumers to buy into during a recession and the fact that some environmental products may cost more. Despite some of these obstacles, there are many ways to do what’s right for the environment, even when we're pinching pennies.

One way is using earth friendly chemicals. Most people think that there isn’t a problem with using harmful chemicals. Wrong. When you use a cleaner like bleach, and just dump the bleach water everywhere, it causes an unseen reaction. Household cleaners are not the only problem. We have to be concerned about agricultural waste, and industrial processes; fortunately, we are working on making them less harmful to the environment by manufacturing them with biodegradable chemicals.

Another way is the three R’s. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These are this biggest things we can do to become more eco-friendly. We have been taught these since we were little, and now were starting to put them into effect. This is the easiest way to become eco-friendly without becoming a tree hugger. Reduce means to bring down to a smaller extent. Reuse means to use again, and recycle means to treat or process to be used again.

Finally, using fewer fossil fuels is a BIG way to become eco-friendly. This is another easy thing to cut back on. We can walk more, try carpooling, use public transportation and ride our bikes. By eliminating the use of many fossil fuels, we can save us from an acceleration of the destruction of the protective ozone layer that rings our biosphere. When looking for other options to eliminate the use of fossil fuels, the auto industry must look at renewable resources for fuel such as hydrogen, soy and corn. Getting a hybrid vehicle is another great way to start saving fossil fuels.

I got a chance to ask Mrs. Hutchison and Mr. Bennett a few questions about how our new recycling program got started. Mrs. Hutchison said, “As a participant in the Newspaper in Education program, I became concerned about the amount of newspapers that were being brought into our school and thrown out each day. I also knew several students who were looking for ideas for service project ideas for their graduation projects. We started talking about the possibility of starting a school-wide recycling program. Initially, we started with about five teachers and newspapers only and it just grew and grew!” They both expect this program will be continued in the years to come.

In conclusion, becoming eco-friendly does not mean you will be labeled tree hugger (not that there's anything wrong with that). There is no reason why YOU can’t do something small in your daily life that helps our environment; at school, we can do the simple things: recycling plastic bottles at lunch and recycling paper in our classrooms. Recycling boxes are located in each classroom, and it is up to us to use them for the good purpose for which they are intended. If you don’t see why you shouldn’t, just think it’s not just you living in this world. It’s your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and as we are often reminded, for our children's children. Do it for them.

An Eighth Continent

by Sarah Rudasill

Imagine…a mass twice the size of the continental United States has been floating in the Pacific Ocean, undetected for decades. Close to 100 million tons of garbage has been forming just that, and new evidence is arising over its detrimental effects on the environment. This accumulation of harmful plastics and trash is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and scientists are warning of its overwhelming consequences.

A man canoes through trash in the Pacific Ocean

This swirling vortex of primarily plastics threatens not only the fragile marine life in the Pacific; it also has potentially devastating affects on humanity. The collection of trash is not just floating in the Pacific; scientists believe it is caught in a gyre, which is an area of heavy currents and winds that form a whirlpool of garbage. Since this enormous mass of trash could potentially double in size in the next decade, it is pivotal that we, as residents of this beautiful planet, reduce or eliminate our plastic use as responsible consumers.

Trash scattered along the ocean floor

Tony Andrady, a chemist with the Research Triangle Institute, recently stated that “…every little piece of plastic manufactured in the past 50 years that made it into the ocean is still out there somewhere.” This is a result of our pursuit of convenient items over the decades, which has created a production of plastic products resistant to even the most voracious bacteria. Since only 3.5% of plastics are recycled in any way worldwide, debris from plastic floating in the ocean is fatal to delicate life in the Pacific. In the Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone, the floating accumulation of plastics kills more than 100,000 marine mammals, as well as an astonishing one million seabirds, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. In addition, three hundred thousand dolphins and whales drown annually in trashed fishing gear.

The destructive problem with modern plastics is that they are not biodegradable. Experts estimate a convenient disposable diaper takes 500 years to break down, while a plastic six-pack ring for cans takes as many as 400 years to degrade. Even a simple plastic water bottle can take 450 years to break down. Still, after all this time has elapsed, the plastic will not have fully broken down; plastic particles look like confetti in the water, and currently there are trillions of these particles in the Pacific Ocean. The molecules left are too tough for any marine organism to digest and therefore remain in the ocean for an indefinite amount of time.

In 2006, the UN estimated every square mile of ocean contained 46,000 pieces of floating plastic. For every six pounds of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean, there is only one pound of naturally occurring zooplankton. Unfortunately, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is only one of five enormous gyres, and scientists expect there are more we do not even know about yet. Currently, researchers believe there are garbage patches off the coast of Japan and another garbage patch in the Sargasso Sea, located in the Atlantic Ocean.

The result of all this trash is that filter feeders such as jellyfish cannot distinguish between plastic pellets and their food source. Even some types of fish that consume the harmful plastics are poisoned, since trash particles serve as carriers for chemicals such as DDT, a restricted pesticide with devastating effects on the environment. These poisons in small ocean creatures cling to its tissues, so when a predator feeds on it, the toxins are transferred to the predator. In this way, large concentrations of toxics build up, and as these poisons move through the food chain, humans are ultimately affected.

A sea turtle stuck in a trashed fishing net

(it was later rescued)

The prospects for the future of the Pacific Ocean look bleak. By the end of 2010, the Algalita Marine Research Foundation (AMRF) predicts the amount of trash in the sea will increased 10-fold, with an estimated ratio of a shocking 60 pounds of plastic for every one pound of natural organisms. Although many organizations want to solve the plastic problem in the Pacific Ocean, a lack of comprehensive data on the issue has prevented associations such as the AMRF from collecting funds to take action against the growing volume of trash. A suggestion for cleaning up the massive amount of plastics was to convert the trash into diesel fuel, which another research group is experimenting with.

While information is gathered on the deadly mass of trash in the Pacific Ocean, only we as consumers can control the volume of trash emptied into oceans around the world. The next time someone goes to throw away a plastic water bottle in the trash, think of the massive vortex of bottles, wrappers, plastic bags, light bulbs, bottle caps, toothbrushes and other objects killing large amounts of marine life and threatening our food chain.

Recycling is crucial to lowering the amount of toxic poisons in our oceans, so take the time to recycle a plastic water bottle or plastic bags. Some stores collect excess plastic shopping bags to recycle; better yet, purchase reusable shopping bags to eliminate your use of plastic bags! If your community does not have a recycling program, take the initiative to start one yourself. Attend the local borough meeting and find out how you can help limit the trash forming the enormous Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Disgusting trash floating on the ocean

The Sincerest Form of Science: Biomimicry
by Eli Ford

Biomimicry by definition is the science and art of emulating nature's best biological features to solve human problems. Non-toxic adhesives inspired by geckos, energy efficient buildings inspired by termite mounds and resistance-free antibiotics inspired by red seaweed are all examples of biomimicry happening today and none too soon. Humans may have a long way to go towards living sustainably on this planet, but ten to thirty million species with time-tested genius may teach us the most efficient ways of getting there.

A good example of biomimicry with positive real world applications can be seen in the way engineers benefitted from studying the kingfisher: a small sleek and slender bird that when fishing will dive into the water with the smallest splash. Due to the application of biomimicry, the bullet trains of Japan have been designed so that the front of the train resembles the shape of the head of the kingfisher. When it emerges from tunnels travelling at full speed, the bullet train produces a characterisitic boom that can be heard from miles away. What does the kingfisher and the bullet train have in common? Biomimicry has helped engineers understand that by shaping the front end of the train to resemble the kingfisher's head, the train will more effectively be able to cut through the air at the end of the tunnel thus reducing the sound of the bang produced, much like the way the kingfisher's head cuts through the water without a splash.

This concept of designing things to be like animals to better our lives applies to much more than a splash or a loud bang. Biomimicry has also been applied to making more heat efficient windows by using the honeycomb design first developed by bees in their hives. Scientists have also developed more weather resistant clothing from the concept of an otter's hair and skin. Now biomimicry is being used more and more, and more applications are being developed for it. Fighter jets are now even being designed around the most agile of sea creatures -- the dolphin.

Biomimicry is a very useful field of science that with our attention will continue to produce more and more helpful designs that could better our lives. More about this fascinating field of study may be found at the Biomimicry Institute.

And Now for Something Completely Different...
Can Ants Count?

COMMUNITY NEWS

2009-11-05T11:59:00.023-05:00

BAKING WITH DUSTIN:
HOLIDAY GOODIES
by Dustin Schultz

As one might expect, the holidays are the time when the bakeries inside and outside our homes are at their busiest. A recent program on CBS Sunday Morning, showed how those old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies are still the #1 King of Cookiedom. I'd like to share with our readers some of the tasty holiday favorites I like to prepare for friends and family. Here are a few that might become a new tradition in your house. Bon Appetit!

Peppermint Pancakes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/3 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, milk and oil; add to dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and candy canes. Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until second side is golden brown. Keep warm.

Peppermint Chiffon Cake

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups cake flour

1 1/2 cups white sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

7 eggs

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

15 drops red food coloring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Separate the eggs.

Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the oil, egg yolks, water, peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Beat with mixer on low for 1 minute.

Beat egg whites with cream of tarter until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Pour 1/3 of the batter into a separate bowl and tint with the food coloring.

Alternate large spoonfuls of red and plain batter into an ungreased tube or bundt pan. Run a knife or spatula through the batter to make a swirled effect.

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 55 minutes. Increase heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until done. Let cake cool in pan on rack. Once cool, remove from pan and frost, if desired.

Peppermint Fondue

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups light cream (half-and-half)

1 cup confectioners' sugar

6 teaspoons all-purpose flour

Peppermint extract, to taste

1 or 2 drops red food coloring

Put cream and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently until almost boiling.

Blend flour smoothly with 1 tablespoon water, add to cream and continue to heat, stirring all the time until thickened. Add extract, to taste, and food coloring, then pour into a fondue pot and serve hot with miniature chocolate cakes.

Cinnamon-Apple Angel Food Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups egg whites

1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 cup cake flour

GLAZE:

1/3 cup butter or margarine

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons apple juice or cider

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition; beat until smooth and glossy and stiff peaks form. Add extracts on low speed. Combine confectioners' sugar and flour; gently fold into egg mixture. Pour into an ungreased 10-in. tub pan. Bake on the lowest rack at 375 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until top crust is golden brown and cracks feel dry. Immediately invert cake in pan to cool completely. Loosen sides of cake from pan and remove.

For glaze, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the confectioners' sugar and cinnamon. Add apple juice slowly until glaze is thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over cake.

Mama Stamberg's Cranberry Relish
(courtesy NPR)

This relish has a tangy taste that cuts through and perks up the turkey and gravy. It's also good on next-day turkey sandwiches and with roast beef.

Ingredients:

* 2 cups whole raw cranberries, washed
* 1 small onion
* 3/4 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons horseradish from a jar ("red is a bit milder than white")

Instructions:

Grind the raw berries and onion together.
Add everything else and mix.
Put in a plastic container and freeze.

Early next morning, move it from freezer to refrigerator compartment to thaw. ("It should still have some little icy slivers left.")

Makes 1 1/2 pints

Ginger Chiffon Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pre-sifted Monarch soft wheat flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 cup lightly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup oil

6 egg yolks

2/3 cup water

1 tsp. vanilla

6 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup lightly brown sugar

1/4 cup pre-sifted Monarch soft wheat flour

1/2 cup chopped candied ginger

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F

Sift together first amount of flour, baking powder, ginger and salt.

Blend in first amount of sugar.

Add and beat smooth (1/2 minute with mixer), oil, yolks, water and vanilla.

Beat together to form stiff but moist peaks, egg whites and cream of tartar.

Gradually add second amount of sugar.

Beat until very stiff and shiny.

Combine second amount of flour with candied ginger.

Blend into egg yolk mixture.

Thoroughly fold in meringue.

Turn into an ungreased 10" tube pan.

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

Invert and cool in pan.

When cool, loosen edges and remove cake

Drizzle with cinnamon honey syrup....

CINNAMON HONEY SYRUP:

1 cup honey

1/2 cup butter or margarine, cubed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine the syrup ingredients in a 2-cup microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high until butter is melted and syrup is hot, stirring occasionally.

Getting Back in the Ring:
The Return of Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club
by Kristen Gregory

Sweat running down your face, the glove hits the stiff bag, putting the last bit of energy into the last round, the timer goes off, and you’ve never been happier to hear that sound that you’re finished. The experience of achievement and success through boxing is ready and waiting for anyone wanting to come to Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club new location. Since 1993 Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club has been training boxers and kick boxers to compete in the ring. Not only will you find a friendly stuff, but a fantastic workout and outlet for anyone. Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club welcomes all ages of people that would like to join to compete, lose weight, or just have fun. Rob Rom is the new manager at the Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club. Mr. Rom has been teaching boxing and kickboxing for six years, and he was kind enough to give us some time out of his busy schedule to tell us more about his life's passion.

Silhouette: Where will your new location be in Hanover? What is the cost for lessons, and what are the hours for classes? How can interested people get in contact with an instructor?

Mr. Rom: The location is now in Hanover, PA on Carlisle Street, across from the Clearview Shopping Center--behind Papa John's. The cost for a month is $60; classes are held every Monday 5-7; Tuesday 5-6:30; Wednesday 7-8:30; Thursday 5-7; and Saturday 11-1. Additional classes will be added. For those interested in trying us out, your first two weeks are free. Interested students may contact Rob Rom at (410)-596-2394.

Silhouette: What would you tell other kids that were interested in joining?

Mr. Rom: You can’t go into boxing the first day and expect to get right in the ring and start throwing punches. Boxing is about respecting the tools that are taught. Boxing takes hard work, and it will pay off if you are dedicated enough to keep at it.

Silhouette: How did you become manager of Hanover Boxing & Kickboxing Club?

Mr. Rom: Well, it started in 1993, and was passed down to Fred Widdowson, who was my original instructor. It just seemed to get passed down to me since I have been with Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club since 2000, and have been teaching for six years.

Silhouette: Rob, how did you become involved with boxing?

Mr. Rom: I actually started out with Ti Quan Do, jujutsu, and wrestling. I went to boxing because I didn’t like the point system of Jujutsu-- after you touched the opponent, it was already over. I wanted something that would last longer in a competition.

Silhouette: People have the opinion that boxing promotes violent behavior. What do you say to that?

Mr. Rom: Totally wrong--boxing is like any other martial art sport. It takes discipline and heart. Boxing has a big misconception. You just have to understand when and where the right time is during a competition to draw upon your fundamentals.

Silhouette: How many instructors are going to be teaching at the new location? What is their history with boxing and kickboxing?

Mr. Rom: I will be one of the instructors, along with…

Adam Marten's background has been purely boxing for five years.

Fred Issacs has done cross country running and came in to kickboxing for something more challenging. He has been boxing since 1998, and he also has a black belt in martial arts.

Joe Dressel's background includes a 3rd degree in Hapkido martial arts and a blue belt in jujutsu as well as boxing.

Fred Widdowson has strictly taught boxing technique.

As a member of Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing Club, I can say that I’m in love with this sport. It has taught me to become more disciplined and to work hard, reach higher. Recently I was looking for a new hobby. I wanted something that was new and exciting that I haven’t tried before. I found kickboxing to be a great outlet for stress. The class sizes are small, giving the instructors time to work with everyone. Participants in the class are on different fitness levels. The instructors evaluate your fitness level then help push you to work hard, so that the you can develop a determination to work even harder. There are some members of the club who compete and go on to competitions. Others just go to class to get a good cardio workout. At Hanover Boxing and Kickboxing, you are sure to always find something to fit your own health and fitness needs.

NEW OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1969 40TH REUNION

On October 16th & 17th, the New Oxford High School Class of 1969 celebrated its 40th Reunion, “The Reunion of a Lifetime” at the Bridges located in Abbottstown, PA.

49 class members, 8 teachers, and 28 spouses/significant others attended the event.

On Friday evening, the classmates and guests rode in a school bus to New Oxford High School for a tour of the building given by Dr. Michael O’Brien, Principal. When the 69’ers and guests walked into the auditorium lobby, one 69’er shouted look on the wall. To the surprise and amazement of the classmates, the New Oxford High School Student Council had blown-up photographs of the Class of 1969 May Day Activities, the Junior Prom, “Spring in the Orient” given by the Class of 69 to the Class of 1968, and other photographs and had hung them on the wall. Dr. O’Brien told the group the homecoming theme for this year is “The Past Meets the Present.” The student council came up with this theme when they learned the Class of 1969 was going to tour the building. The group returned to The Bridges by school bus then spent the rest of the evening re-connecting with friends, classmates, and guests.

Classmates started arriving at The Bridges on Saturday evening for the social hour, buffet dinner, class meeting, awards ceremony, and social time at 5:00 pm. The Class of 1969 Organizing Committee had the Senior Photographs enlarged and used them for name tags. The teachers honored at the reunion were Mr. Thomas Colgan, Mr. Jake Diviney, Mr. Theodore Hise, Ms. Mary Jane Thompson Lynch – 1969 Class Advisor, Mr. William Millar, Mr. Ronald Stoner, Mr. Charles Wallace, and Mr. Richard Watkins. The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony. Sterling Jim Feeser presented the Class of 1969 Spirit Award for the 1st time. The winners received a trophy and their names will be inscribed on a plaque and displayed in the trophy case at the high school. Future winners of the Class of 1969 Spirit Award will be announced every 5 years

The Award reads:

The “Class of 1969 Spirit Award” recognizes New Oxford High School alumni , employees, and friends who have demonstrated outstanding school spirit or whose lives after graduation have best exemplified the ideals of achievement, benevolence, citizenship, courage, dedication, democracy, ethics, generosity, helpfulness, industriousness, leadership, loyalty, resourcefulness, scholarship, service, or solidarity via their participation and support of class, community, professional, or school activities, events, and organizations. The following are hereby so distinguished, their names forever enshrined hereon, as recipients deserving of this honor: Recipients for the 1st time are: Craig Breighner, Linda Ecker, Leslie Orndorff Bechtel, Sterling Jim Feeser, Carl Goulden, Kay Jones (Conewago Valley School District Community Relations Coordinator), Jeff Lippy, Nancy Wentz Luckabaugh, Mary Jane Thompson Lynch (Retired Teacher & 1969 Class Advisor), Stella Boose Martz, Rick Meckley, Dr. Michael O’Brien, (New Oxford High School Principal), Harold Warnick, & Judy Hess Taylor.

After the awards ceremony, a silent auction was held to raise funds for a new class gift. The class listened and sang to “Oldies but Goodies on a restored juke box. The New Oxford High School Class of 1969 40th Reunion, the “Reunion of a Lifetime” ended at midnight.

FREE INK: CREATIVE WRITING

2009-11-02T10:11:00.035-05:00

Erica Hemler, Self Portrait

All That Glitters Is Not Gold
by Kelly McMaster

Night falls and the moon’s light shines brightly on the puddle. She runs through the puddle allowing ripples to move. She’s running through the weeds and the grasses, beneath the trees, to the bridge. She’s been running for a while now, extremely tired but not planning to stop.

She turns her head ever so slightly to be sure that she has lost her pursuers, but the movement doesn’t stop her from running. What do they want? She runs under the bridge hoping they aren’t close enough to see her. Street lights flicker over the bridge. She is longing for a break. She has run for quite a while, longer than she’s ever run before. Maybe a little five minute break would help, just to lie down. No, she has to keep going. No matter what, she has to make sure she gets home. Her brothers, what about them? She can’t stop now, not after she managed to get this far. She wipes her eyebrows with her shirt and takes a deep breath. Her feet are throbbing with pain and she wants to stop, but she won’t. Not until she knows that they are okay.

She’s sure it’s them. She’s almost positive. She just isn’t sure why; she never blew their secret. Once she was one of them;...he just didn’t like using her powers around her brothers, but she wasn’t afraid of them. She just didn’t want to fight. That’s why her father hated her. She never liked to fight, she would rather be alone in the forest or on the lake, writing or reading. She hated to have to do the practices, but that was the only way he would notice her. He had said so himself, didn't he?--he always liked her brothers more. But they couldn’t help it. They didn’t have her powers. They would not have to worry about being discovered.

She shakes her head as if it would help ease the pain in her temples. What’s funny is that she never hated her brothers. She never even hated her father. She hated herself, for not being normal. She always blamed herself for not getting her father’s approval. It must have been her fault.

She continues to run, not looking back. Why is she running from them? She could take them both if she chose. Just because she doesn’t like to fight doesn’t mean that she couldn't. At school she was always the strongest. That’s how they found her.

She never let them down, why would they turn on her? She stops at the top of the cliff; she hears them close behind her. That was always a power she actually liked having, acutely sharp hearing. She could hear a pin drop from a mile away, but she had the odd ability of blocking out any sound from anyone. That was nice for when she wanted to ignore someone.

She thinks for two seconds, but no matter what her plan is, she has one right choice. She knows which one she should act on, but all she can think about are her little brothers.

She takes a deep breath, and looks down. The drop looks endless, but she isn’t sure because of the fog. She hears them coming closer. She concentrates on the form of a wolf until her legs twist and bend into hind legs. Her nose elongates and shifts into a snout. Her ears move to the top of her head. Gray and white fur grows all along her body, her teeth become sharp and long. A long fluffy tail emerges from the bottom of her spine.. She has become a full wolf. With a loud howls to the moon, she turns her head. They are closing in behind her.

Looking down, she peers through the mists below. In one fiery moment, she leaps from the edge of the cliff and waits for the foggy depths to take her in to their white lair.

Sharlene Rosa, Self Portrait

Natasha Wolford, Self Portrait

Black Market Blood
by Kit Brink

The beauty queen paints her pink Botox lips

And cries tears from the gummy mascara buttons of her eyes

This is her life.

The nancy boy, with black eyes, applies lipstick to the

Cracked and bleeding arch of his wounded mouth, crushed by knuckles,

This is his life.

The blue American boy cries into the sweating curl of his fist,

As they shave his head for combat, American fur falling away,

This is his life.

The ragged mother sighs and combs her scarecrow straw hair

While her children, with scraped knees, hold arms agape, craving love,

These are their lives.

The drug addict poses on spider legs, spindle-kneed, bird limbed,

Shivering in the dark of a mirror in an empty house at midnight,

This is her life.

This lifeblood runs thick in the veins of the American,

Glittering dark like oil and ichor,

Bought and sold on dark cold streets with tooth and nail.

Black market blood,

Good to the last drop.

Again !

by Brandi Smith

He winks and flashes you a smile

The start of something amazing.

The halls are perfect when he is in them

From class to class, there he is

And your life seems somewhat together.

Then...

Summer changes to fall and winter fades in.

Your body is weak and the tears they never stop;

Feelings change and the rage gets stronger.

You feel like you can’t take it any longer.

He ignores you and staggers right by,

As if you never had anything at all.

The halls are dark and your head is low.

The love that was once so strong is now nothing,

And the tears you once cried are all dried up.

Winter fades away and another love is formed

Too bad no one ever told you-- it's going to happen

All over again.

For You
by Hannah Fernandez

For you my friend

My smile will show

For all those things

They'll never know

The tears that fell

Will rest in peace

For you my friend

Please rest in peace

I wish you were that friend

For whom my smile shows

For you are the best that I will know

For you my friend

My smile will show

I wish you could see

All that you mean to me

I came to you with tears

And left you without fears

For you my friend

My smile will show

For you my friend

My smile can't show

For you my friend

The tears shall fall

I came to tell you

That I am sorry

For you made me, me

And I've come to tell you

Thank you for saving me

For you my friend

My smile doesn't show

For you my friend

My heart is done

For all those things

They'll never know.

Eyes
by Alyssa Kennedy

In his green, hazel eyes I get lost

I see his heart full of love

Through his words I hear his sincerity

Chilvary is never second best in his book

As we speak I'm lost in the conversation

He knows me for who I am

One word and many more follow

It's like we have been best friends forever

Our music links us to the deepest connection since atoms

Our melody rings like the songs we perform--deep, insightful, and colorful

And in the end all I can say is...

Thank You.

Jigsaw Dream
by Brandi Smith

The roof caves in and your life begins to change

Promises are broken and memories are reconsidered

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor

Wanting him is no longer an option it’s like a need.

People pass by and everyone looks that same.

You’re reaching for the phone but stop yourself

The gravity is weighing down

You go from happens all the time to not at all

You pull yourself away from the phone,

And move further away from reality

The clock on the wall turns into useless numbers

The stars are no longer what they used to be and the

Moon is nothing unless he is looking at it too

Important people become ordinary

Saying goodbye always seems to be the hardest

But knowing that it was coming made it harder

And what hurts the most is getting up everyday

Knowing that no matter what you do nothing

Will change, you hope and pray but

The end result is always the same.

Sometimes you wish it was

Just a dream.

Christian Conrad, Self Portrait

“Our Familiar Stranger”
by Kyle J. Keating

My voice as a flaming wick,

To a bomb that would be the thoughts of others.

Take me into the light,

The one that burns my eyes;

Leaving me stranded in the void,

Where I have no control.

Saddened smiles,

And tearful laughs,

A breath choked on once.

Is the last murmur made?

Screams that will never be heard,

And help never received.

Broken hearts and shattered glass,

That’s what seems to be.

Remembering what was forgotten,

Spears to our backs,

As we run away,

Run away from ourselves.

The traitor in the mix

Will always be known

As your worst enemy....

And your enemy is you.