Issue #4 FINAL.pub - Plainfield Public Schools

Issue #4 FINAL.pub - Plainfield Public Schools

Plainfield
Public
Schools
Issue #4
January 2011
The Panther Advocate
Michael Crook: Professional Troll
Commentary by: Jeremy Mack
Inside this issue:
Teacher Interviews
5-6
Student Interviews
7-9
School Safety
11
Winter Sports
12-13
Student Commentaries
20-26
Special points of interest:
 New Year’s Resolutions
 Walt Dropo
 New Superintendent!
 Blood Drive!
 Teenage Love!
 Conspiracy Theories
 The Griswold Tragedy
 Sick Obsessions!
bjkeefe.blogspot.com
Layout Editor: Rose Labrie
Not everyone is mourning the recent loss of Dillon Clifford, 16; Sativa Cornell, 16;
Steven Szklarz, 15; and John Clapper, 16. These teenagers died in a tragic car accident that
occurred on route 201 in Griswold on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. This crash left Griswold
residents shocked and depressed. "We're a close-knit, small community and it impacts hard"
said First Selectman Philip Anthony Jr.
Yet one man stands above the tragedy and continues to voice his heartless thoughts
on the matter via his blog. This man is Michael Crook. Michael Crook is a resident of New
Jersey and once lived in New York. How he stumbled upon an incident like this in the small
town of Griswold I do not know; but he has become a large target for hate mail and death
threats the last few weeks due to his controversial posts like: “CT Teens Could Have Killed
Someone Innocent” or “Griswold Doesn’t Get It.” Those posts can be read at blog.michaelcrook.com. These online opinions have received comments written by anonymous sources
that have posted things like: “Wow.. go die.. in a hole.. all alone..” , “Mr. Crook, you need to
find Jesus!” and more serious threats like “I will find you, and I will f****** kill you.”
What most people don’t realize about
Crook is that he has a history of inserting his opinion on topics and instigating people online. Crook
first gained notoriety when he created his own website ForsakeTheTroops.com, where he said that
American soldiers in Iraq deserve to die for even
enlisting in the war. Furthermore, he stated, those
American troops are overpaid “scumbags” and
“pukes.” These thoughts earned him an interview
on the Fox News network show, Hannity and
Colmes, where his ideas were constantly insulted
and they basically ripped him apart.
Michael also sent death-wish greeting cards
to VFW halls across the country, as well as to the
Veteran’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York. One
soldier that received a letter from the Red Cross,
Anti-Crook Blogger Matt Dinnithat was written by Crook, is Joshua Sparling.
man’s photo-shopped picture of
Crook wrote: “For the veteran scum at various,
Crook that Dinniman placed in his
randomly chosen VFW halls across the country –
PhotoBucket as revenge for Crook
including Fountain Hills, AZ; Dayton, OH; Syraposing as a woman on Craigslist and cuse; NY; Mays Landing, NJ; Houston TX, and
stealing information from male inmore… you’re welcome for your “special” cards
quiries and posting their personal
and faxes. And, yes, I was the “Heartless SOB” that
information on his website.
sent four cards to the Veterans Hospital on Irving
The paint on the face and t-shirt
Avenue in Syracuse. No, I don’t regret it, and yes
were taken from the mug shot of
I’ll do it again in a heartbeat.” Crook received a
Patrick Tribett, an Ohio man that was substantial amount of negative feedback and consearrested for inhaling (“huffing”)
quently ended up faking his death in 2005.
paint toxins in a general store in Bellaire, Ohio. (smokinggun.com)
continued on next page...
Page 2
He created the illusion of his own demise by posting fake death reports on his
own website, ForsakeTheTroops.com. Here is the post: “On Monday evening,
the webmaster of Forsake The Troops was brutally assaulted by two men,
thought to be members of the military, in response to their opinions about this
website. Mr. Crook had been the target of numerous death threats and trespassers at his residence. All of these threats were saved and have been turned over to
the authorities.”
He also posted an update: “At 6:19 p.m. Eastern time, Michael Crook
died of his injuries, after being rushed by ambulance to the leading hospital in
the area for head trauma. The two men who allegedly assaulted him are currently in the custody of police. Mr. Crook died with his wife and infant daughter
present. It is therefore the decision of his family, and associates that Forsake
The Troops goes offline, to prevent further incidents of violence and threats
against his family. Therefore, this domain will permanently go offline at around 5pm Eastern time, on Tuesday, May 17, 2005.”
There was never an obituary in the paper concerning his death , and he began blogging again months later.
Michael Crook also published a book titled Mythology and Guilt: Why The Jews Created The Holocaust. His website
states that the book covers topics such as The Jews' affinity for theft and dishonesty and how The Jews' own scripture permits child
molestation, dishonesty towards non-Jews, and calls for the death of anyone who is not Jewish.
All things considered, Michael Crook has very interesting opinions that should not be taken seriously. The fact that he
wishes death upon the troops that protect his rights, the same troops that allow him to call American soldiers “Pukes” and “Scums”
sickens me, and anyone who thinks that the victims of the holocaust let thousands of people die purposely is just plain ignorant and
doesn’t deserve to be listened to.
lindasog.com
continued from previous page...
Troll = a slang word used to describe people who intentionally do provocative actions in order to
receive negative feedback, in which they feed on. (Definition provided by Kaine Moran)
Article by: Zachary Moon
How many people have you heard of recently that have gone to University of Connecticut as a baseball, football and basketball standout? How about turning down a chance to play for
the National Football League’s Chicago Bears for the opportunity to shine for the Boston Red
Sox? Who else could own these distinctions, but Moosup’s own Walt Dropo. It is, however, very
unfortunate to learn of his of his recent passing. Dropo died at the age of 87, with 13 of those
years spent in the Major League Baseball.
Walt, known as “Moose from Moosup”, was born January 30, 1923. He attended Plainfield High School, graduating in 1941. Before doing so, he won athletic letters in football, baseball, and basketball, meaning he was on varsity for all three sports. Upon graduating from Plainfield he enrolled into UConn where his skills quickly flourished. Before he was able to finish his college career it was interrupted by
World War II. He went on serve three years in the military before returning back to school.
When he graduated in1947, he left as UConn’s all time leading scorer in basketball, and more than 60 years later he is still
the second all-time leading scorer with 20.7 points per game. In 2001, he was honored as a member of the All-Century team. In 1998
he was named to the 100 anniversary of Connecticut’s All-Time Team. Following his graduation from the school he and his two
brothers Milton and George were life long benefactors to their alma mater. They started the first fully endowed athletic scholarship at
the University of Connecticut.
Dropo started his professional baseball career in 1947, in the minors. While playing with the Birmingham Barons, he hit the
longest home run at historic Rickwood Field. The blast was an astonishing 467 feet. In 2007 he became an inductee into the Birmingham Hall of Fame. In 1950, his career looked like it was going to be very bright. He had what many people consider one of the
best rookie seasons of all time. The numbers he put up with the Boston Red Sox were remarkable : 144 runs batted in, 326 total
bases, while batting a .322 average and knocking out 34 home runs. He was named Rookie of the Year. To receive this honor, he
beat out future New York Yankee Hall of Famer Whitey Ford. For his amazing rookie year he was also presented with the honor of
playing on that year’s All Star team and also finished sixth in the American Leagues Most Valuable Player award. Sadly a fractured
wrist the next year slowed down any chance of having a stellar career in the majors. He did however manage to tie a record that still
stands to this day. While playing for the Detroit Tigers he managed to get 12 consecutive hits. While doing so he set another record
recording 15 total bases over a four game span. Walt Dropo is to many, considered one of the best players the Boston Red Sox had in
the post World War II era.
There is no doubt Dropo’s legacy will live on and will remain for a very long time. Around here, he is known as the best
pure athlete Plainfield High School has ever seen walk its halls.
mansfield.htnp.com
Gone But Not Forgotten
Page 3
What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
Interviews by: Rose Labrie
Everyone has his or her own resolution for the New Year, whether it is to see the one you love more often, lose a few pounds,
or even to get back into contact with a good friend who moved away. Some people don’t participate, others can’t go through
with it. A new year, a new you. So, what’s your New Year’s Resolution?
Mrs. Maher: Not make so many spelling errors.
Mr. Bitgood: Buy more slot cars.
Alex Williams: Hit a homerun in softball.
Mr. Marr: Promote peace on earth starting with Plainfield.
Mrs. Turenne: To be nicer to people.
Christal Arpin: Get honors in all my classes.
Mr. Mariano: More family time.
Jeremiah Fontenault: Do better in school and cut back on the video games.
George Funk: Get Kurt a girlfriend (he’s single).
Mrs. Titus: Get back into exercise routine.
Mrs. Rossman: Not stress so much.
Emiajlen Malcein: To stay with Austin for a long time :D.
Chelsea Koziol: Do better in Spanish.
Danni Ricard: Weigh 100pounds.
Page 4
Superintendent DiPietro Rides a Bike Built for Two
Article by: Elle-Jordyn Goslin
Mr. DiPietro is quite a mystery. As the chief administrator of our school, it’s important we all know a little more
about the superintendent of Plainfield. You may have seen him roaming the halls a couple of times or stopping in your
classes. Maybe you were one of the lucky ones to have received the opportunity to have a conversation with him. He is
far from a boring man, and will definitely serve Plainfield well. He will be around for a while, and knowing that, here
is some background information about this math master, bike riding, Rhode Island native, superintendent.
Mr. DiPietro attended Classical High School in Providence. He graduated with his Bachelor
in science and mathematics from Rhode Island College in 1973, and then received his masters
in education in 1979. He completed his PHD studies at UCONN in 1995, but did not complete his dissertation due to refocusing his efforts as district leader for the past eighteen years.
He just recently retired from the Rhode Island workforce after 37 years of service in education. He was superintendent of Coventry Public Schools in Rhode Island for the past eight
years, assistant superintendent for Lincoln Rhode Island Schools for five years, and assistant
superintendent of Cumberland schools for five years as well. He was also a mathematics
teacher for grades 6-12 for about 13 years and was also the Technology Director for the state
of Rhode Island for five years. He was also the director of a national grant for mathematics
and science reform.
PlainfieldSchools.org
Background Information
Why Plainfield?
“With good students
and good teachers, there
is no reason why
Plainfield would not
lead the way for
Connecticut Schools.”
The Rumor:
Mr. Dipietro is a stickler on snow
days!
The Answer:
“How would I get a reputation
before the first snow day?” Mr.
Dipietro follows a very standard
practice. The district coordinates
its decision with the police, the
bus company and the town public
works, as well as with Killingly
and Sterling Public Schools.
“Most people believe it’s a personal choice, but there are many
involved in the decision.”
Mr. Dipietro chose to come to Plainfield because he learned about the opening, and had just
completed his service for Rhode Island. When he was interviewed for the position, he met
people that talked of their hopes and goals for Plainfield, and it was then that he knew this
was the perfect match for him. So far, Mr. Dipietro is “quite impressed” with Plainfield’s
environment. He is not finished on all his visits, but so far he says that, “ Plainfield Schools
presents many successful teaching strategies.” He has enjoyed learning and working in
Plainfield. He says that the students in all schools, particularly PHS, demonstrates impressive social skills. With all these positive observations, there is still need for improvement.
He says that there are some student achievement and indicators that can be improved. He
knows that the staff at PHS would like to see students even more successful with college
boards and AP testing, and his first goal is finding ways to improve achievements for students. He says, “With good students and good teachers, there is no reason why Plainfield
would not lead the way for Connecticut Schools.” He really hopes to get more active
throughout all the schools and attend sport and club events. He attended the Thanksgiving
football game, middle schools concerts and PTO meetings.
More than just the Superintendent
Mr. Dipietro is not a strict education employee who focuses only on work, and turning
students into homework zombies. He has many hobbies outside of being superintendent.
He has a wife, three children, and two grand-children. His daughter and son-in-law live in
Brooklyn, Connecticut, with their two children and working here added the benefit of being closer to them. He also enjoys travelling, photography, drawing, hiking and biking.
He actually got his wife a bicycle built for two for Christmas! His wife is a fifth degree
black belt in karate and has hiked all of the 4,000 foot mountains in New Hampshire.
Page 5
Mr. Emmi in the House?!
Article and Photographs by: Nathan Etchells
Many of our students may or may not know a great teacher in the tech wing by the name of
Mr. Emmi. He teaches woodshop and is quite possibly one of the most laid back teachers in
this institution. There is almost always a smile on his face and a cheer in his step, so don’t be
afraid, go introduce yourself to him and maybe take one of his classes, you won’t regret it!
Mr. Emmi instills some
woodworking wisdom on
Maddie Facchini
How long have you been teaching?
30 years! I’ll be giving my interview as a leprechaun.
What interests you about teaching and why?
It wasn’t the gold at the end of the rainbow you know.
What do you like and not like about teaching wood shop?
I love teaching, because I have fun, the kids have fun, I get a chance to reach kids through a vehicle
that is fun and enjoyable, it gives me a chance to know my students. I don't like the lack of facilities,
not mine the schools.
What college did you go to and what did you study?
I went to Oswego State University in NY, and I studied industrial arts education.
How long have you been married to Mrs. Emmi and how did you first meet her?
I’ve been married 27 years I think. I met Mrs. Emmi when she was a singer at a high school dance and
I was chaperoning the dance.
What is the most interesting thing you have made with a student or alone?
The most interesting thing I have made with a student... that's a tough one, it could be a 10 foot trebuchet, or a 12 foot hydroplane, I don't know we’ve made a lot of cool stuff.
What would you do if a giant turtle walked into your classroom the first day of class introduced
himself as Charley and sat down acting like nothing was different?
I would do my best to let him come out of his shell.
What is one of the weirdest things that has happened in this wood shop?
One of the weirdest things... I don't know, I can’t answer that.
When do you plan to retire and what are you going to do after you do?
I’m going to retire 2016, I don't know what I’ll do when I do.
If you were to describe yourself in one sentence what would it be and why?
Just happy to be here. I mean anywhere this side of the sod.
Lock-in Lucks Out
Commentary By: Cynthia McIntosh
For a couple of years now we have had a lock-in here at our school. Many students have enjoyed
coming to these lock-ins to play games, eat, listen to music, watch a movie, dance, stay up all night, and
simply have fun with their friends. When the students leave the lock-in, they leave happy and are very
tired from the previous night’s activities. The lock-in starts at 7pm and lastsuntil 7am. Teachers come to
supervise and make sure no one gets hurt and even join in on some of the fun. Every year students look
forward to coming to these lock-ins and having that fun…but not this year. This year I have heard around
the hallways that there wasn’t going to be a lock-in this year. I grew disappointed but refused to listen to a
rumor that I heard from kids in the hallway. So I went to our music department to find out the truth.
I went to ask Mr. Stevenson if we were having the lock-in and sure enough we aren’t having one this
Taylor Perry
year. This made me more interested and I wanted to know more about why we weren’t. So, I asked him
why we weren’t having a lock-in this year and he started saying that the music department doesn’t run the lock-ins that the PPMO
(Plainfield Panther Music Organization) does. And the PPMO said that the lock-in was not raising the money that they hoped for.
For the past two years the department tries to get more people to come to this event but could not get more than 100 students. I found
this shocking since we have 900 kids in the school. There simply weren’t enough people interested in coming to the lock-ins.
I also decided to ask Mr. Stevenson about how he feels about the lock-ins. He simply started explaining that the lock-in was
somewhat fun but once two in the morning came around and people wanted to go home and they couldn’t let them leave. Also that
some of the kids would only come for their first year of high school and maybe their second, and the kids who were upper classmen
in the department would come to work there and not really have fun, and that the people who would volunteers were dwindling because no one wanted to stay for that long of a night. Finally I asked Taylor Perry, a student from the music department, about what
she thought about the lock-ins. She simply stated that she loved to go work at them but didn’t think that people were having as much
fun as she hoped they would.
In the end I found that lock-ins were not what the PPMO hoped they would be. So what turned out to be a fundraiser for the
music department didn’t go the way they planned, and at the end of me asking my questions Mr. Stevenson simply stated that if any
other group wanted to take over the lock-in, then they could because the music department could no longer do it. All in all the lockin isn't the fundraiser spectacular they hoped it would be.
Page 6
The Greatest Man Alive
Interview and Photographs by: Katreana Davis
I have heard from teachers and students many times that Mr.Drapcho is a fun and exciting
teacher. Although I have not had the privilege of taking one of his classes, I decided to interview
him and find out for myself if these rumors are true.
Where are you from?
Iowa, I grew up in Iowa...
pop-art.dk
What part?
The Hawkeye Country; In Carroll, western Iowa
How long have you been teaching here at Plainfield High
School?
Twenty-five years, this year will be twenty-six.
What do you like to do when you’re not here working?
I watch sports on television all the time. I also do yard work around the house; firewood is a constant battle. Every time you take any you got to replace it.
Are you married? Any kids?
I am married and I have five children. I have five kids and three stepchildren and one granddaughter.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Remember the Titans.
What kind of music do you listen to? Do you have a favorite artist or band?
Classic rock and jazz. Jerry Garcia. Jerry Garcia is my favorite. Jerry Garcia and Jimi Hendrix.
Jimi Hendrix. I love Jimi Hendrix.
If you could travel to any country, where would you go?
I would go to Italy if I could go anywhere.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, I love watching the little kids and my family.
What's your favorite book? Author?
Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac and The Way of ZEN by James Walts.
What's your favorite food?
I like Chinese and Italian.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs and two cats.
If you couldn’t be a teacher what would you be?
A carpenter or a builder.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those words be?
Easy going, loyal, and very protective of the people that I love and care about.
Mylocalfox15.com
“Draps” chillin’ with
Tyler Sabourin
Page 7
Cute, Crazy Cassie!
Interview and Photographs by: Britni Bourbeau
As I walk into an art class to interview Cassie Blanchette, I am greeted by the sight of her working diligently on one of her new art
pieces. We say our hellos and I ask her to gather herself and step into the hallway with me to begin the interview. “Let me put my
shoes on,” she says gathering up a pair of black suede high heels which were very cute and according to her very uncomfortable. To
some people it may seem silly that a person wears shoes to school only to take them off, but to me that’s just Cassie. She is a very
unique individual and very rambunctious. For those of you that do not know whom she is, after learning more about her via this interview, I am more than positive that you will be dying to meet her. Enjoy.
What is one thing that you could not live without?
The one thing…oh man…my cat. Forever alone!
What do you do in your spare time?
Oh jeez…most likely dancing around my bedroom in my undies to A Day to Remember or MGMT.
What are your thoughts on this year since you are a senior?
Where’d all the spirit go? Why is it missing? I would like to know where it all went. (laughs)
Who is your favorite person ever?
Jeez, I hate people. I’d have to say that my favorite person is my mom. She’s the only person who can put up with my crap.
Tell me about your favorite food.
(Lays down on the ground) By far: tacos! Tacos straight from Taco Bell. No sour cream. Sour cream is for people with insufficient
taste buds!
I noticed that you are very creative, were you born with paintbrush at hand or did you just realize one day that you were an
artist?
To be honest, we are all creative. I just had the guts to expose it to the school. I want everyone to see it; I am not shy about my creativity.
How do you feel about art, and your work?
(Sits up) I love art but sometimes I hate my work because 97% of the time it doesn’t come out the way I wanted.
What are your plans after high school?
Go to Eastern Connecticut State University. I want to get a PhD in art therapy, get a loft in Boston and help all the crazies out there.
What do you think you are most well known for?
Everyone seems to either know me for my artwork or how obnoxious I can be.
What is one thing that you could never do?
I’m all bark and no bite. I mean I could drive myself to the point where I am “in your face” but I could never physically hurt anyone.
What is one weird thing about you that no one knows?
Oh my God, probably my eating habits. I eat eggs with barbeque sauce. I eat skittles by groups of colors. Anything circular I eat in a
circular motion; I eat the edges first and work my way in, in a circle. I have really weird eating habits!
What is your biggest fear?
Spiders and the dark! Combined it’s just crazy.
Who is your favorite artist, musical or non?
Right now my favorite musical artist is MGMT. In art it’s a mixture of Alex Pardee and Banksy.
What is your favorite word and why?
(Thinks for a while) Bobynne. Even though it’s a name, it’s my favorite word/name.
If you wanted to make a “scene” (cause drama) what would you do?
Throw my hands in the air and say, “I ain’t even mad!” and then stomp away. (laughs) Why would I want to cause a scene?
What artwork are you currently working on?
I am working on three pieces actually: a 3D work of “Left 4 Dead” video game, a 2D design Christmas card for class, and a 2D design on cardboard with spray paint!
I will let you have the last word, what will it be?
Padiddle.
Page 8
Snate Snetchells Has a Website??!!??
Interview by: Corrie Cirelli
Nathan Etchells is currently a senior here at Plainfield High School. You may have seen his work
on the morning announcements, otherwise known as Channel 22. He is an amazing photographer
(these are his pictures here, obviously!) and a talkative, funny, great guy. So I decided to interview him [and let everyone know about his website! =) ]
What colleges have you applied to? Have you gotten into any?
Montana State University Bozeman, The University of Connecticut, The University of Maine, and
The University of Massachusetts Amherst. And just Montana has accepted me so far.
What do you want to go to college for?
I want to do a double major in mechanical engineering and photography.
What can’t you live without?
Well, I’d be really sad without my camera. Air would be nice too.
What is the funniest memory you have?
Oh goodness, in seventh grade I remember being is Mrs. Seal’s class and Matt Fontanault was in
the front because he got in trouble and he was rubbing his nipples and everyone kept laughing.
But the teacher didn’t notice and she kept freaking
out and asking why we were laughing. You really
had to be there.
What do you do in your spare time?
One of my favorite things to do is spontaneous photography or visit places I’ve only
visited a few times or haven’t been and take pictures of things that catch my eye and
finding a way to portray them the way I see in my head. Taking things that aren’t
particularly beautiful and make them beautiful.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Bozeman Montana and Alaska.
How would you react if you were transformed into a fish?
I would be sad because I couldn’t take any more photographs…or anything else.
How does it make you feel knowing I hold your destiny in my hands?
Do you?...Are you sure?... Positive?
I hear you have a website? What’s on it?
Um, a lot of my photographs, I put up all my sports photos, I have a section for my Macro (Macro is close up pictures) photography,
night time shots, and landscape. (It’s www.nathanetchellsphotography.com !!!!)
Do you feel you were successful with your high school career?
Oh boy. I’d like to think so, just as anyone is freshmen year you feel like oh great high school. But as the years progress I’m trying to
take everything I can from the classes and move forward.
Do you have a job? If so what is it?
Yeah, I work at the Chocolate Rose Bake Shop as a
baker’s assistant…And my photography business.
What got you interested in photography?
Um, I think just being able to portray the image that I
see in my head as a photograph.
Favorite childhood TV shows?
Probably SpongeBob but Rocko’s Modern
Life was pretty good too.
How did your business get started and where is it
now?
Um, so the business started unexpectedly. I had a few
friends come up to me and ask me to do their senior portraits because they saw my photos and really liked them
so I decided to make a website. Then, I got hooked up
with a professional printing company so now I can actually print them and give them to customers instead of
giving them on a disk. You can still buy them that way
though. Over Christmas break I bought backdrops and
lighting so I have my own studio.
Page 9
Mean Dean Rough Roussel
Interview and Photographs by: Brandon Wisniewski
Walking through the halls of Plainfield High School is a man who has an amazing sense of humor. Dean Roussel is often misrepresented as extremely young, as a sophomore, or as a junior. Although he is quiet and content most of the time, Dean is a rough and
wild partier. Many people don't know him mainly because they do not talk to him. Smiling and laughing is what he does when he is
not being bothered about what grade he is in. So I wanted to show all of you whom Dean really is and what makes him such an awesome person. While interviewing him he laughed and his smile lit up the entire classroom, Dean can make the simplest thing into
something truly amazing.
So I must ask, are you a sophomore or a junior, maybe a senior?
I am definitely a senior, without a doubt.
What type of music do you listen to?
The harder the better, I like the heavy stuff.
What good shows have you attended this year? Which one was the best?
The best show was A Day to Remember and Underoath. I’ve also attended Vanna and
Warped Tour.
What is your opinion on women body builders?
That’s a tough one, I’m not sure that’s too attractive in the grand scheme of things. As
long as they don't crush me, I’m fine with it.
What do you plan on doing after leaving Plainfield High School?
I want to be a writer or something that people will listen to me for.
Are you attracted to any females in the school? If so, who?
Well of course, but shouldn't this be a mystery?
What is your idea of the perfect woman?
There is no such thing as perfect, everyone has faults and its important to see them and accept them.
How strong of a relationship do you have with your brother?
Well I have two step brothers but one of them is my best friend.
If you could get any gift for the holidays, what would it be?
VISA cards!!!
How do you feel about people assuming you’re younger and in a lower grade?
Well I did fail a lot of classes but I’ve made up for that; I’d like to have people talk to me.
If you could describe Plainfield High School in one word, what would it be?
Plainfield! No words can describe.
What else do you wear besides plaids, flannels, band t-shirts, and skinny
jeans?
Maybe underwear and a fake moustache.
What school did you attend your freshmen year before coming to Plainfield
High?
Exeter-West Greenwich High in Rhode Island.
Was this other school better than Plainfield High?
No way, why do you think I’m here now?
If you could do one last amazing thing before you graduate, what would it be?
Put a big old lawn gnome on the roof of the school. Either that or start a giant mosh pit in an inflatable building.
Page 10
Plainfield’s Music Department: Rising Starlets of the Years
Article and Photographs by: Colleen Horta
This year, the music department here at Plainfield High School is trying twice as hard to get our name out there, whether it be
through chorus, band or theater. We have been auditioning for every festival we can physically handle, as well as participating in
concerts and competitions, and are also attempting to put on the dual-screen musical City of Angels. Here at the Panther Advocate,
we wanted to give credit to those musicians who are going above and beyond to shine in the stardom.
The following students have surpassed the cutoff score that gains them entrance into the Eastern Regions Festival. This is the most people we
have brought to this festival for as long as anyone can remember.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Kerri Ruffo (9th)
Jordan Beauragard (10th)
Robby Howeson (10th)
Hunter Oberdorf (10th)
Emma Walsh (11th)
Britny Fowler (11th)
Chris Bryan (12th)
Chris Kennawi (12th)
Carter Jackson (12th)
Patrick Slattery (12th)
Chelsea Merritt (12th)
Elle-Jordyn Goslin (12th)
Colleen Horta (12th)
Katrina Sebastian (12th)
Taylor Perry (12th)
Cassie Guerin (12th) (Cassie was
also the highest-scoring alto, which
made her eligible to sing the National Anthem at the concert)
N.E.M.F.A.
The New England Music Festival Auditions is an audition-based festival for all
of all of New England. This festival
only requires a solo piece to be performed, but you can also audition with
as a quartet. The following people
made the festival, which is held in Vermont this March.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Emma Walsh (11th)
Katrina Sebastian (12th)
Cassie Guerin (12th)
Taylor Perry (12th)
Carter Jackson (12th)
Patrick Slattery (12th)
Q.V.M.F
The Quinebaug Valley Music Festival is
a community festival where schools are
invited if they are one of the “villages”
in this area of Connecticut. Held every
year at Griswold High School, we spend
one eight-hour day just rehearsing, and
then hold the festival in the beginning of
December. To get into this festival, it is
based solely on seniority, and then off
of what other festivals you have been a
part of. Both of our directors, Mr. Stevenson and Mrs. Howard are the Festival Director and Head of the Band Department respectfully.
City of Angels cast list
Angel City Five:
Cassie Guerin, Colleen Horta, Jenna
Marchenkoff, Ashleigh Daigle,
Michaela DeBenedictis
Stine: Jordan Beauragard
Stone: Noah Fields
Buddy: Andre Miller
Munoz: Avery Palmer
Peter Kingsley: Chris Sebastian
Jimmy Powers: Richie Goslin
Mallory/Avril: Elle-Jordyn Goslin
Ollie/Donna: Chelsea Merritt
Gabby/Bobbi: Taylor Perry
Alaura/Carla: Katrina Sebastian
Berklee Jazz Festival
Held every year in March, the Berklee Jazz Festival is a competition for
both jazz choirs and bands. Last year
was the first year for the P.H.S.
Chamber Choir, and we placed in the
top half of the competition. We are
already prepping pieces to take to the
competition this spring.
Hershey Park Trip
This year, both the choir and band
are participating in competitions at
Hershey Park, Pennsylvania. We are
taking a three day, two night trip this
May to compete.
Plainfield High School’s Chamber Choir (Left) and the combined bands
(Below) are the competing groups for the Hershey Park Festival this May.
http://www.pantherchamps.com/PantherLogoBlack.JPG
Eastern Regions
Eastern Regions is a festival for all of the
schools in the eastern region of Connecticut. The
auditions are for both vocalists and instrumentalists, and include sight-singing, scale singing, and
a performance of a solo piece. This year, our
directors mandated this audition for every
Chamber Choir and Symphonic Band member.
Page 11
Serious Safety Gone Bad
thetruthaboutguns.com
Commentary by: Rose Labrie
Medway High School after
violence struck in December 2010
Information taken from:
www.schoolsecurity.org
Is the school meeting safety drill standards? As a student, I believe we are not
meeting the correct standards on student safety. Mr. Worth informed me what we are supposed to be doing in the school to stay safe. We are supposed to have a fire drill once a
month and a lockdown drill twice a year. The teachers are supposed to checks the doorways daily to make sure all doorways are clear, then the janitors double check. The janitors also make sure the security cameras, generator, and heaters work and that the doors
open and close properly. Safety drills require seriousness and cooperation.
Fire drills are not taken serious to students; it’s just another way to get outside
and get out of class. The hallways are jungles as the students and staff push their way
through in order to get out of the school. We go so slow that we would probably all burn if
there was a real fire. When we are all outside we are so rowdy and loud we don’t even
stay with the proper class. If there was a real fire, a student could be inside freaking out
panicking. Fire drills are taken as serious as a little kid in a ball pit.
Lockdown drills are very important for a safe school. In the United States during
the 1999-2000 school year, there were 33 deaths throughout the United States. There have
been 11 deaths, in the 2009-2010 school years throughout the United States. Although, the
statistics showed a large decrease in deaths, the numbers should still be taken seriously.
Last year we had one lockdown drill, the year before we had one. One of my teachers did
not even go over the procedure on what to do in case of a lockdown, even though he or
she stated that our safety is number one in his or her book. Other teachers might do the
same and not let their students know what to do. Most of the students do not even know
what to do if they’re in the cafeteria and someone was in the school. Back when I was in
third grade, we had about two or three lockdowns and they always told us what to do if we
were in the hallway. Now people just assume school shootings won’t happen to schools in
Plainfield.
In 2008-2009, the Central School, right here in Plainfield, was in lockdown for
about 45 minutes because an adult wanted to see her child when she wasn’t supposed to
have any contact. Everyone knew that in this case was a real lock down, not just a drill.
The teachers figured it out after about two minutes due to the fact they weren’t informed
of having one that early in the morning or on that day. Students were not told but came to
the conclusion this is real after 15 minutes of sitting in the dark in a corner. Now even the
staff isn’t informing the kids about the lockdowns on the first day of class like they are
supposed to be.
A real lockdown or fire would be a scary event and some students here wouldn't
know what to do. These drills are not being taken seriously by the teachers or the students.
Why? I’d rather be aware of what might happen in a school crisis, and know what to do,
rather than having a real case happen and not know what to do. This school, to me, is not
meeting the proper safety standards. Do you think that it is? Talk to your teachers and
administrators about it!
Is this where we’re supposed to be during a lockdown procedure?
Page 12
Ready, Set, Freeze!
“ With a lot of the
freshman class joining the team we have
new potential to
work with.”
Blurb by: Tori Crandall
As a member of the indoor track team, I finish my workout,
head to the weight room and see my usual teammates from the previous
year. But this year, we seem to be more crowded than usual. With a lot
of the freshman class joining the team we have a lot of new potential to
work with. The top new-comers of the season include; Brianna Rocha,
Kathleen Silveira, and Kerri Ruffo.
For the previous years, our coaches have consisted of Benjamin Bowne, Jeff Parkinson, and Kevin Grant, but this year we’ve had an
extra addition to the team. Coach Dilweg is a returning Plainfield athlete
who was committed to track & field throughout the second half of his
high school career. While studying here, he mainly focused on the shot
put and discus, but is now assisting both the sprinters and the throwers
with their training. With so many incoming athletes, we will continue to
grow as a team, have a successful season, and hopefully claim the
E.C.C. title.
Stephanie Charron throws
shot at one of last year’s
event
Indoor Track Schedule
Joe Meier is on FIRE!!!
Date:
Location:
Time
15-Jan.
21-Jan.
21-Jan.
22-Jan.
5-Feb.
12-Feb.
19-Feb.
4-Mar.
11-Mar.
S.C.C. Coaches Invite @Hill House HS; New Haven, CT
Jack Long Invitational @Hill House HS; New Haven, CT
Yale Invitational @Yale University; New Haven, CT
Yale Invitational @Yale University.; New Haven, CT
E.C.C. Championships @Coast Guard Acad.; New London, CT
State M. Championships @Hill House HS; New Haven, CT
State Open Championships @Hill House HS; New Haven, CT
N. England Championships @Reggie Lewis Center; Boston, MA
Nike Indoor Nationals @Reggie Lewis Center; Boston, MA
9:00 A.M.
4:00 P.M.
9:00 A.M.
7:30 A.M.
3:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
5:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.
So Far So Good
www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x1757257413/g
Basketball Blurb by Tori Crandall
The girls basketball team’s hard work and determination currently has them at a record of 10-2. Most of their wins this year
came against ECC foes Stonington, Woodstock, New London, Lyman, St. Bernard, East Lyme and Killingly. Come out and
support this year’s Lady Panthers basketball team!
Girls Basketball Schedule
Morgan Griffin scores on a put back
against Woodstock
Date:
Opponent/Location:
Time:
21-Jan
25-Jan
28-Jan
1-Feb
4-Feb
8-Feb
Wheeler-Home
Griswold-away
Tourtellotte-Home
Wheeler-Away
7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
12-Feb
Griswold-Home
1:30 P.M.
15-Feb
Old Saybrook-Away
7:00 P.M.
Lyman Memorial-Home
St. Bernard-Away
Page 13
The Fantastic Freshman!
Interview and Photograph by: Morgan Griffin
When people think of freshmen they think of the lowly, scrawny, no good kids, that are always trying to start trouble! However could
it be that one freshmen can change this stereotype? Ryan Pambuko is in the process of doing so! Yes, he is a freshman and yes, he is
playing varsity basketball! A freshman being moved up to varsity does not happen everyday, and when it does people stop and take
notice!
How does it feel to be a freshman playing varsity basketball?
I don’t know, I feel smaller than everyone else… I’m always nervous.
Who is your favorite basketball player?
Lebron James.
What is something that you eat before every basketball game?
Swedish Fish!
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Actually I pray.
What do you want for Christmas?
Some new shoes… Jordans!
What really pushes your buttons?
Nothing really…maybe when I’m missing a lot of
shots.
What is your favorite basketball team?
The Celtics.
If you were to die tomorrow, what is something that you would like to do today?
Hmm I would like to dunk!
Here is a picture of Ryan Pambuko and Coach Arremony!
Can you touch rim?
YEAH!
Boys Basketball Schedule!
How’s Coach Arremony treating yah?
Gooooooooood
What’s your favorite flavored Gatorade?
Probably Strawberry Kiwi!
Where’s your favorite spot to shoot on the court?
Up Top!
Can you make a clover with your tongue?
NOO):
What is your favorite mystical creature?
A liger!
Dates
1/18/2011
1/21/2011
1/25/2011
1/28/2011
2/1/2011
2/4/2011
2/8/2011
2/11/2011
2/15/2011
2/18/2011
2/22/2011
How many siblings do you have?
One sister, Olivia, One brother, Steven… and a dog, Jordan!
Opponent
Stonington
Wheeler
Griswold
Lyman
St. Bernards
Tourtlelotte
Wheeler
Griswold
Woodstock
Putnam
Vinal Tech
Times
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
jv- 5:30 V-7
Place
home
away
home
away
home
away
home
away
home
away
away
Page 14
Griswold Calls, Plainfield Answers
Commentary by: Tori Crandall
When the students in our school see the color green, everyone immediately thinks of one thing, Griswold. Usually if you
came into our over-crowded hallways and started speaking about
the Griswold Wolverines you wouldn’t be surprised to hear us
referring to them as our enemies, but that was before Tuesday,
December 7th. The word hit students and faculties of both schools
like a brick, fazing everyone in the Connecticut area.
On Tuesday, and the days following, a mass of grieving
friends and family members gathered to the crash site that is now
blanketed with flowers. The crash on Route 201 involved five
teenagers, none of them being over the age of sixteen. The victims
included John Clapper, 16; Dillon Clifford, 16; Sativa Cornell, 16;
Steven Szklarz, 15; and Joel Gallup, 16, all who have passed
away, except for the one survivor Joel. He has since been released from New Haven Hospital and is now
recovering at home. In turn the Griswold community has reached out to us for help.
Along with many other towns, Plainfield has done their best to show their support. In the past two
weeks we’ve participated in wearing green, and distributing pins made by National Helper’s and S.A.D.D.
to anyone who has donated money to the families that have lost loved ones in the accident. Although the
vehicle crash was devastating to both communities, it has demolished the rivalry involving our schools.
What makes the news even harder is the fact that the
multiple fatalities of the crash could have been prevented. The
driver of the car, John Clapper, who was 16, had only received
his driving permit, which doesn’t allow you to drive unless
you are accompanied by a legal guardian or trained official.
Several police also reported that the speed limit on Route 201
is set for 30mph, but that the vehicle was most likely traveling
102mph along the winding narrow road, before the Nissan
Altima collided with a tree.
New laws are currently being discussed, in order to
stop a tragedy such as this from reoccurring. The Department
of New Motor Vehicles have officially made December 5-11
National Teen Safe Driving Week. People will always mourn
for the loss of the four teens that were taken in the crash, and
continue to hope for Joel Gallup’s successful recovery.
Current Teen Driving Restrictions

The curfew of a driver with 
his/her learning permit is
after 11 p.m. till 5 a.m..

Drivers cannot use cell
phones or hand held electronic devices while operating the vehicle.

Teen drivers of motorcycles cannot have any passengers for the first six
months of getting his/her
permit.
Pictures taken from :
NorwichBulletin.com
Information taken from:
dmv.ct.gov


Drivers may NOT have passengers in the vehicle unless
they are a legal guardian, a
licensed driving instructor, or

an individual who is giving
instruction over the age of 20
that hasn’t had any offenses
on his/her license.
During the 7th month through
12th month of having your
permit, passengers can only 
consist of immediate family.
New drivers are required to
have 40 hours of training
before even applying for
their license.
Drivers between the age of
16 and 17 who are caught
while driving under the
influence lose their license
for a full year or up to 18
months.
Parents or guardians are
required to participate in a
two hour course involving
teen driving safety.
Page 15
Fatal Car Collision: Cause for Concern and Action
Pictures taken from: Myspace.com and Facebook.com
pa-in.facebook.com
Commentary by: Britni Bourbeau
On September 4, 2009, a young man was leaving home ready to begin
his day; little did he know that this very day would be his last. As he was about
to cross the railroad tracks, he was struck by an oncoming Providence &
Worcester train. How could this happen? Wouldn’t he see the train? These are
questions that the friends and family of Rick Anthony Cima, Jr. found themselves asking one another. Two people that have been desperately searching
more than anyone for these answers are Rick and Joanne Cima, his parents.
Their son was just 18 years of age when he was killed. The answer is that this
should not have happened. It would seem that the town had allowed a
“dangerous and defective” railroad crossing to exist, according to paperwork
filed by the Cima’s representing law firm (Reardon Law Firm), as told in the
Norwich Bulletin article “Couple Suing Over Sept. 4 Train Collision in Plainfield.” I believe that the town should take responsibility for their lack of action
to properly equip railroad crossings for safety.
Rick and Joanne Cima are fighting town officials and accusing them of “negligence and carelessness.” This is a result of their failure to address several dangerous conditions at the railroad tracks where
their son lost his life (the crossing at Lillibridge Road). In November of 2009, they took the first step in a
civil lawsuit and filed a notice of intention against First Selectman Paul Sweet, Selectman Albert Brundson and George Krecidlo, as well as several other town department heads. Sweet’s only comment was,
“It’s a tragic accident” and then went on to say how the safety problems were under the jurisdiction Department of Transportation. The family and their representing law firm also filed a separate notice of intention to Providence & Worcester Railroad.
The notice documents state that Ricky suffered from blunt force trauma to his body before he died, causing him “excruciating pain and mental distress.” The proper precautions should have been taken so a thing
such as this never happened.
This town should be ashamed; especially since nineteen other
failures have been brought forward mostly centering around the Department of Transportation for much
needed added safety measures at the crossing.
I completely agree with the parents’ efforts to sue the town; they will never get their son back. No amount of money could
change that but they clearly do not want this to happen to anyone else. The Cima family suffered a major loss. As a friend of
Ricky’s, losing Ricky was like losing a vital organ, it almost seemed like I couldn’t go on. I couldn’t begin to imagine what that family had gone through and I don’t believe it is fair that they lost their son and brother simply because this town fumbled the ball on
railroad safety.
To the family, I send my deepest condolences. I am so sad for their loss. I can only frown because I feel as if this could have
been avoided; if only our town would pull its head out from…under a rock and do something, before this happens again. Rest in
peace Ricky, my dear old friend.
Page 16
Plainfield Pottery Projects
Pictures taken by: Nicole Wilcox
Poetry Sculpted by: Mrs. Sumner’s Class
Page 17
1, 2, 3, 4, I Declare… a Nuclear War?
http://informedconsentnow.tripod.com/id5.html
Commentary by: Cassie Guerin
http://mydailyclarity.com/2009/08/nuclear-proliferation-and-confusion/
http://duckrabbit.info/blog/2009/08/anddeath-came-along/
Nuclear weaponry: a man-made apocalypse in a little over a thousand kilograms. The apocalypse should not be forced into occurrence because of something scientists created and government
officials abused. Nuclear bombs may be one of the worst and most destructive inventions of mankind.
Nuclear bombs are weapons of mass destruction, and the containment and dismantling of such weapons is a matter of international security. Nuclear bombs have only been used offensively in warfare
once. This instance was America’s action against Japan in World War II. “Fat Boy” and “Little Man”
were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1945. I was in a state of appalled awe when I watched
videos of these bomb droppings in my history class. The fact that a country so focused on peace and
equality was capable of detonating these giant, bloodthirsty, metal, monsters sickened me. These
bombings brought the end of World War II. The nuclear bombs, also known as H-Bombs because of
their hydrogen base, obliterated the Japanese towns in less than two minutes. Where a city once stood,
there was nothing but a mushroom cloud of smoke and fire. Human beings had their skin blasted from
their bones and turned to ash in mere seconds. The blast was so forceful that the shadows of the very
people who were incinerated had been imprinted on the buildings.
Although World War II was the only
time the power of nuclear weaponry was displayed, it was not the only time nuclear weapons made the global news. The Cold War
between Russia and the U.S. in the 1980s
revolved around the creation and possession
of nuclear weapons. I believe that the true test
of a country’s power is if its residents are
happy and the economy is stable, not if it has
the most powerful weaponry. Without a stable country to defend, what good are massive
armaments? Throughout the Cold War, the
leaders of Russia and America became more barbaric and deceptive. America even created a rumor of
a massive satellite they called the “Death Star.” President Reagan and his administration claimed that
the “Death Star” could intercept nuclear warheads and disarm it with a laser in midair. The actual existence of the Death Star however was never really proved. The Cold War cost the United States billions
of dollars, pushing us farther into debt. The very money that was used to create weapons that have the
ability to END millions of lives in an instant could have been put to use to SAVE millions of lives.
A current topic of the news is the brewing hostility between North and South Korea. North
Korea is known to have nuclear weaponry which is a concern for surrounding countries. According to
the New York Times, North Korea plans to test their nuclear weapons for a third time in the
spring. The New York Times journalist Peter Foster wrote, “Satellite imagery has shown North
Korea excavating a fresh tunnel at its nuclear test site, according to an unnamed South Korean
intelligence official quoted by the influential Chosun Ilbo newspaper.” With the two countries
on the brink of war, nuclear tests are only straining the existing tensions further.
Nuclear weapons are an abomination that must be destroyed, the very way they destroy
cities. Wars should not be won because you have the biggest and most powerful weapon of destruction, but because you have the strategy and tactics to outsmart your adversary. Our country’s leaders are supposed to be chosen out of millions for their government tactics and how they
can better the country, not by their brute force and how they can destroy other countries. I am
not the only person that holds this sentiment. In the words of Dwight W. Eisenhower, “If men
can develop weapons that are so terrifying as to make the thought of global war include almost a
sentence for suicide, you would think that man's intelligence and his comprehension... would
include also his ability to find a peaceful solution.” In the words of Ronald Reagan, “I call upon
the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great
talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace: to give us the means of rendering these
nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.” Finally, in the words of Bill Clinton, “We must teach our
children to resolve their conflicts with words, not weapons.” In a time of war and struggle, the focus
should be on creating peace, not nuclear weapons that not only destroy cities, but destroy the very idea
of peace as well.
Page 18
WhoDunit? The Government?
The Mafia? Extraterrestrial Beings?
Article by: Cassie Guerin
Almost every monumental event in history has many conspiracy theories attached to it. Possibly the most
famous and well-known would be the J.F.K. assassination. Conspiracy theories can be extremely far-fetched
or eerily coincidental. So what do you think actually caused theses events?
Secret Service
According to the HSCA (House
Select Committee on Assassinations), “President Kennedy had not
received adequate protection in
Dallas, that the Secret Service possessed information that was not
properly analyzed, investigated or
used by the Secret Service in connection with the President's trip to
Dallas, and finally that the Secret
Service agents in the motorcade
were inadequately prepared to protect the President from a sniper.”
The Magic Bullet Theory
One of two shots to hit Kennedy, the “magic bullet”
went through his shoulder blade out his neck, changed
direction, went through Governor Connally’s rib cage,
out his wrist, lodged into the governor’s thigh, and fell
out on the hospital gurney. If this theory is true, that
means that the three-centimeter-long copper-jacketed
lead-core 6.5 millimeter rifle bullet passed through: 15
layers of clothing, seven layers of skin, and approximately 15 inches of tissue, struck a necktie knot, removed four inches of rib, and shattered a radius bone.
This bullet was fired from the sixth floor of the Texas
School Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald
was stationed. Despite how far the bullet allegedly traveled, its copper jacket was completely intact. And although the bullet's nose appeared normal, the tail was
compressed laterally on one side. Many people believe
that it is impossible for one bullet to cause all that damage and barely be deformed.
More Than One Gunman
Many people believe that Lee
Harvey Oswald was not the
only gunman. Witnesses
claimed to hear shots coming
from another building across
the street from the Texas
School Book Depository. The
trajectory of the stray shot that
hit the curb as well as the scientific acoustic evidence presented in 1978 pinpointed the
Dal-Tex Building as the source
of the shots.
9/11
World Trade Center Collapse
Foreknowledge
People have claimed that U.S. This theory claims that the towers collapsed because of conAir Defense Stand Down Theory
officials knew about the
trolled demolition. This claims that the towers fell due to
Others believe that the North
planned attacks, and their action planted explosives, not the fires or plan crash. This is supAmerican Aerospace Defense
or inaction guaranteed a suc- ported by the idea that if the government controlled the explo- Command (NORAD) deliberately
cessful attack. Some F.B.I.
sion, but made it look like Al Qaeda terrorists did it, it would
mislead the fighters or issued a
agents claimed that they felt as
give the U.S. an excuse to go to war with Iraq.
stand down order. This would have
if they were being thwarted by
allowed the hijacked planes to
the government in their investireach their destinations, this also
gation.
implies government involvement.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/i
http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/
06-09-11images/fig2.jpg
http://media.nowpublic.net/images
//e4/a/e4a0e0db87c983bf5c9ce0
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VizIrBQw
The J.F.K. Assassination
Page 19
UFOs
There have been reported
sightings of UFOs since
the 1930s. Government
cover-ups are a large part
of this phenomenon.
MJ-12: The so-called Majestic
12 documents surfaced in 1982.
Roswell Incident: The U.S. Air These documents suggested the
Force released a statement say- existence of a high-level goving that a “flying disk” had
ernment interest in UFOs.
been recovered near Roswell,
Rendlesham Forest Incident:
New Mexico. However, the
This incident is one of the beststatement was withdrawn and
document UFO incidents in the
covered up by stating that a hot
world. It occurred outside an
air balloon had been misidentiAir Force base in Suffolk, Engfied.
land in 1980. Light sightings
lead servicemen to an apparent
landing site.
http://72.10.107.2:81/cgi/block.cgi?URL=
http://bestorworstconspiracytheories.blogs
www.Fooyoh.com
Area 51
The storage, examination, and
reverse engineering of crashed
alien spacecraft (including
matePage 19
Activities related to a supposed rial supposedly recovered
at
shadowy one world government Roswell), the study of their ocor the Majestic 12 organization. cupants (living and dead), and
the manufacture of aircraft based
on alien technology.
Moon Landing
The development of exotic energy weapons for the Strategic
Defense Initiative (SDI) or
other weapons programs.
The development of means of
weather control.
The development of time
travel and teleportation technology.
http://thefilmstage.com/2009/11/30/parano
rmal-activity-directors-area-51-filmedparamount-to-distribute/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/
Meetings or joint undertakings
with extraterrestrials.
All information taken from www.wikipedia.com
Many people claim that the Apollo moon landing was a hoax. Various videos of the moon landing are classed as faked. The motive behind faking the moon landing is that the U.S. was way behind Russia in space developments in the Cold War. Facts that
fueled these theories include that the original videos from NASA are missing. At first NASA claimed that the videos had been lost,
then they changed their statement, claiming the tapes must have been erased so they could be reused.
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/moon.htm
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2009/06/05/4350538-apollo-in-sharperfocus
Page 20
Warm Your Horcrux This Winter
Commentary by: Amanda Flyte
bibchr.blogspot.com
On Thursday November 18 I arrived at O’Neil Cinemas in Lisbon, Connecticut at around 10:30 in the evening. The excitement that had been bubbling in my
stomach for the past couple of days was at its peak. As I headed towards the left hall
of theatres, the first thing that caught my attention, aside from the mass of people in
similar clothing, was a giant Rupert Grint poster with the tag “Nowhere is safe.”
That’s when it really hit me. This was it, this was the beginning of the end of one of
the most influential books/movie chains of our generation. I sat in the theater, eagerly
waiting for the lights to dim, on either side of me I was being threatened to be quiet
or suffer the consequences (being wacked with a stick of licorice). Finally the moment
arrived, the lights dimmed as the previews turned into the first frames of the movie.
Hermione stood in her room, the
walls lavender. She was upset. Her mom
called from downstairs “Hermione dear, the tea is ready.” Mr. and Mrs. Granger sat in the
living room sipping their teas when Hermione entered the room, still upset. She stood behind her parents for a moment and then slowly raised her wand and murmured, “Obliviate.”
A sliver thread came out of their heads and headed for the wand. The camera swept around
the room, showing Hermione’s pictures fading from the walls. It switched to Ron standing in
front of the Burrow. You could see Mrs. Weasley doing dishes in the kitchen, Ginny standing behind her. Ron gazed at the sky. It switched to Harry sitting in his bedroom. He was
sorting through his things and placing certain items into a backpack. As he looked at a shatter piece of glass, (a piece glass that he
received in the fifth book, as a whole mirror. His godfather, Sirius, has given it to him when he learned that Harry had to undergo
Occulmency lessons with Professor Snape. He had said that James and him had used the mirrors when they were in separate detentions and he told Harry that if he ever needed to speak with him, just say his name and his face will appear in the mirror. But of
course they did not put this scene in the movie). As he looked at the glass he saw a bright blue eye staring back at him, a bright blue
eye, which was not Harry’s eye. Though this scene was not in the book, I am glad that it was
in the movie. It shows the delicate position that The Golden Trio is in after Dumbledore was
killed. It shows that they know how hard their upcoming task is going to be.
The next scene is the scene that the book started with – sort of – Snape Apperated
in front of a mansion; he walked up the drive, raised his left arm and passed through the
wrought iron gates as if they were just smoke. He proceeds into Malfoy Manor where he
takes his seat at the council of the Death Eaters. Now in honor of not giving away everything
that happens I will just say that the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters discuss their evil plans.
Ralph Finnes (Lord Voldemort), Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), and Helena Bonham
Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) are some of the most amazing actors today.
As the movie went on I started relinquishing my dark feelings for David Yates who has directed the past three movies, including Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix which are my least favorite because they cut out half of the books. I understand
about the time crunch, but he took out a lot of important parts and scenes, like S.P.E.W., Dobby and Winky, the kitchens, Harry’s
private detention, Ron on the Quidditch team, and Harry and Seamus’s fight. And on top of erasing the best parts, they made up
parts. Like the giant detentions with Umbridge with the whole DA: that didn’t happen! Only Harry had to use the quill that used his
own blood! But in the last movie, Mr. Yates stuck to the book a lot. There were a few scenes that he created but even less that were
missing. The only one I can think of right now is the fact the Harry went to Bill and Fleur’s wedding as himself, not as Barny, one of
the uncountable Weasley’s. There were some scenes that were changed, like when they visited with Xenophilius Lovegood. They
never showed Luna’s room which is one of my favorite scenes. Her room is round, like a tower because their whole house looks like
a ‘rook’ as Ron says. On her walls she painted huge pictures of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny and in tiny gold print she painted
‘friends’ so that it looks like a chain.
The movie ended with a great cliff-hanger: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Olivander, Griphook and Dobby (they took out
Dean Thomas’s part) escaped from Malfoy Manor to Shell Cottage where Bill and Fleur live. Harry flashed into Voldemort’s mind
where he cracked open Dumbledore’s grave and took his wand. He shot blue lightning into the air and then the credits came up. Having read the book, this was no big deal for me, but for those ‘fans’ who have not, they have no idea what is going to happen next.
The whole Voldemort-lightning scene was dramatic, but not dramatic enough to get most of the viewers to come back in July. For
weeks there was speculation that the movie was going to end when the Snatchers realize that they might have Harry Potter, leaving
the Malfoy Manor fight for the next movie. I think this would have been a better choice, having an even more dramatic cliff-hanger
and drawing more people to the theatres in July, but at the same time this would have created a little bit too much action for the second part. Add the Malfoy Manor struggle to the Gringotts adventure and the almost 200 page Battle of Hogwarts and you’ll go crazy
with all that spell casting!
lifeisreallybeautiful.com
fanpop.com
th
Page 21
Don’t Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me!
Quote from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6051718/pros_and_cons_of_tsa_pat_downs_and.html
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Uploads/Graphics/173-1209083248-tsa-Halfbaked-X.gif
As a child, I was always told to “never talk to strangers.” I always listened because
I was taught that my parents know best. Though I’ve grown up (and must still humor the fact
that my parents know best), I learned that I still shouldn’t talk to strangers because of the
dangers that come from that territory. These sketchy characters usually don’t have good intentions, and molesting children is why many are arrested. However, throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was never told to avoid flying because of getting molested. Nowadays, that seems like a good message to advertise. The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, is the security you must go through before flying, and as of recently they are
taking things a little too seriously. The TSA is a giant con in the schemes of national security. I know that we as Americans must hold our own security at high standards, but we
shouldn’t dread even the thought of flying because of these new procedures.
Even though the TSA was formed in 2003, under President Bush’s command, this
heightened security just recently went into effect as of November 1, 2010. Before Nov. 1,
we would simply take our shoes off, remove any metal from ourselves, and walk through a
trouble-free metal detector. If it doesn’t beep, you’re free to gather your belongings and
move along. If it beeps, you go back through, they figure out what set it off, and after removing that object, you walk through again.
Simple enough, right? Simple just isn’t good enough for the United States. Now, instead of a metal detector, there is a full-body
scan. You walk into the giant, metal, bubble-like scan, and it well, scans over your body. I know that doesn’t sound horrific, but
there’s a catch. A security officer of the same sex is monitoring the screens, while the scan projects x-rays of your entire body. For
those who aren’t familiar with x-rays, they scan through clothes. So yes, the officer is now looking at an almost completely naked
scan. Even though the TSA claims that no one else can see the scan, the thought that naked x-rays are floating around their database
just isn’t appealing. But wait! If you don’t want to be publicly scanned, there is another option. You are patted down by an officer of
the same sex, and even though you can request to be patted down in private, they still pat down...everything. So basically, you have
two choices: being visually molested or physically molested. Don’t forget, if you refuse to go through this, you are denied flight approval, regardless of when your flight is or how much you paid. They frankly don’t care about anything else besides stopping future
underwear bombers on Christmas Eve.
Furthermore, as I said before, children are being negatively affected by the TSA’s policies. According to Debi Rideout
(Associated Content writer), she references what negative impact the TSA can have on passengers, especially younger ones, in her
article “Pros and Cons of TSA Pat Downs and Screenings.” She states that “I [Debi], am a bit confused about how the federal government thinks it is okay for me to ask my child to let a stranger touch them all over their tiny little bodies. Do they not understand
that as a mother, I have been trying to tell my children that a stranger touching them is a bad thing? Has the TSA never heard the
words ‘Stranger Danger’?” Like I said earlier, I’m not the only one who learned the stranger lesson, and now the TSA is going
against that by touching little children. They are dampening the holiday spirit, and taking measures a little too seriously. I honestly
have never heard of children teaming together to blow up any airports in the United States, so they shouldn’t be subjected to the type
of searches that adults have to go through.
I will not deny that we need security procedures
to say safe, especially with the increased amount of travelers during this time of year. However, when do we
actually get to exhibit our rights? When do we actually
get to say that enough is enough? Judging by the pace
that the TSA is moving, I could see mandatory strip
searches for all passengers in a few years. That is ridiculous and is taking everything way too far. I felt safe with
the old forms of security, and I feel like it served its
function quite well. Not to mention that President Bush
was the one to create the TSA back in 2003, and Americans felt the need to get rid of his Republican viewpoints. So don’t keep this one idea while we abolish the
rest. Transportation Security Administration: molesting
Americans one airport at a time.
http://tsa.cm/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/tsa.jpg
Commentary by: Colleen Horta
Page 22
Facebook Fanatics Face Criticism
pulse2.com
Commentary by: Sophia Cross
What do you do when you first log onto the computer? Do you go right to Google and
start researching for your paper due in the morning or do you, by instinct, type in the web address that is known for slaughtering Myspace.com? Many of you know this site as Facebook,
created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 from his dorm room at Harvard University. He created a
website for chatting with friends, reconnecting with friends/loved ones that you have lost contact
with and even for games. The addiction that Facebook has created with many of its young teenage users is to the extreme. Facebook isn’t a bad influence, but a horrible distraction.
Instead of writing college reports teenagers go on Facebook. Obsessed with the fact of
writing on walls, liking statuses and who could forget becoming a fan of pages? People are too
concerned what other people are doing to actually sit down and do their homework or write a report. A majority of the kids (if
asked) probably would say as soon as they home and before even opening up their agenda to see what they had for homework,
they head straight for the computer to see the latest update.
The only thing you will learn from living on Facebook.com is what everyone does and how horrible his or her grammar is.
Also, you have people who, with the new profile look, have given out more information than usual. Why do we trust this site with so
much of our information? A new term introduced on Facebook is called Facebook stalking, where you go on random profiles and
read statuses and wall posts. Everyone Facebook stalks at one point, but that is just making up a new term for procrastination.
Facebook reveals more information to people viewing your pages then necessary. “Being how they don’t put enough child
protection on there for the children using the site, it’s a great opportunity for predators to just find your children and add them,”
quoted by Charlie Cross. Straight from the mouth of my own father, yes Facebook doesn’t seem to give the perfect amount of child
protection that you should expect. Kids lie about their age all the time to be able to use this site without parental discretion. “In October 2010, Facebook acknowledged that some applications on its site, including the popular game FarmVille, had improperly shared
identifying information about users, and in some cases their friends, with advertisers and Web tracking companies,” stated by an
article from The New York Times.
Facebook takes over the lives of anyone who signs up for this site. There are only a few who can actually break away from
the “Facebook spell.” Facebook is like a fairytale story, you end up finding something you really love and feel close to but in reality
it’s a big waste of time.
Some addicting games consist of: Farmville, Happy Hospital, and Zoo World. These games are not only addicting but feed
to the distraction level Facebook causes. Trying to get that last bit of homework done so you don’t fail a class? Well come on over to
Zoo World we can help with your procrastination. Another reason why Facebook is going to be a scary place once it “takes over”
the internet. People are never going to be able to get off the internet. In return the Facebook craze isn’t as bad as everyone makes it
out to be, but yes it is an awful distraction for anyone at any age.
Sick Obsessions
Article by: Sophia Cross



http://www.huffingtonpost.com
One example of this condition is a woman from San Francisco, a former soldier and the wife of the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I really
did say the wife of the Eiffel Tower. Her full name is Erika La Tour Eiffel. She has been known to fall in love with inanimate
objects in the past but now she vowed to love, honor and obey in an intimate ceremony.
A second example is Eija-Riitta Berliner-Mauer, she is a 44 year old woman who has been, as she says, married to the Berlin
Wall for 29 years. She said, “The Great wall of China is attractive, but he’s too thick, my husband is sexier.”
The third example recorded was from 1976. A secretary named Jannene Swift, married a fifty pound piece of granite. As they
said, “the pet rock phase really got out of hand.”
 This next case happened in Guam. A man got married to an anime character from a Nintendo DS
game called “Love Plus.” The man vowed his love for his game in a haven for marrying inanimate
objects.
 On September 11, 2001, Sandy K., a Berlin woman lost
her husband in the attacks. No, her husband was not inside of
the towers, but he was the towers. After this devastating loss
she has been only keeping it together with replicas of her late
husband.
 Amy W. is a 32 year old woman who has been in a
“relationship” with models of spaceships, banisters, a church
organ and the Twin Towers. But now her main lover is a fairground ride called 1001
Nacht, located in New York State.
Information taken from: HuffingtonPost.com
http://www.independent.co.uk
Ever wondered what it would be like to marry the Eiffel Tower? Or how about dating your church’s organ? This is a real condition
and people actually do this, but do you think you ever will? These people suffer from Object-Sexual. The reasoning behind OS members is controversial, but most OS members interviewed have been sexually abused as a child. Most of the OS people also believe in
polygamy, but some dedicate (marry) themselves to their “lovers.”
Page 23
What is Love?
Commentary by: Taylor Gageby
“They’re stupid,
they don’t even
know what the word
love means.”
- sophomore
Tim Colli
“It's the uncertainty
of how long it'll last,
a risk you're both
willing to take …”
What is teenage love? It’s staying up late for each other and barely staying awake in class
the next day. It's passing each other between classes and stopping to say hi, but ending up running
to your next class right before the bell rings. It's going to the mall, wandering hand in hand, with a
silence that's comfortable. It's watching a movie with his arm slowly creeping onto your shoulders,
and you resting your head in his arms. It's walking around at night, for no reason at all: his chest,
her head, looking at the stars. It's the uncertainty of how long it'll last, a risk you're both willing to
take, even if it means you'll have a broken heart.
It's not yet true love, not like, nor lust, nor infatuation. It's teenage love, here to stay, here to
play with our hearts and never to go away.
Personally, I think that teenagers are
able to fall in love. I don’t think that the teens
who say they’re ‘in love’ with each other after a
week of dating is possible, unless the two people
have been ‘talking’ for a long time, and decided
to date. I’ve seen examples of this over Facebook,
and even in person. After a week or so of dating,
the two say that they love each other and they’ll
be together forever. Then after a while of dating,
they break up and suddenly don’t ‘love’ each
other anymore. Love doesn’t come and go as fast
as that. Sometimes I wonder if teens feel obligated to say that just because they’re dating. I feel as though people should say it when they really
feel it. This isn’t a decision that can be made within a week or sometimes even a month or two.
Couples that claim they’re in love after a few weeks of dating make the couples who have
been together for much longer look bad. I think some misinterpret love for lust. According to dictionary.com lust is the feeling of having an eager, passionate, and especially an inordinate or sinful
desire, as for the gratification of the sexual appetite or of covetousness with another.
Not only do I think that other teens encourage this misinterpretation, but I also think that
movies do. Movies like Twilight, Dear John, and
Remember Me have storylines where the main
characters fall in love within a week of even meeting, or being together. Teenagers have done to
dating, what markets have done to Christmas;
completely ruining the true meaning of each relationship.
Since I’ve seen many of the students in
our school set an example of this, I decided to go
around and ask others what they think of it.
Matt Laprade said, “I just think they fall too easy,
and get hurt faster.” Tim Colli said, “They’re stupid, they don’t even know what the word love
means.” Alexis Lagrandeur said, “I think it’s really
stupid because you don’t even really know the person and you think you’re in love with them and
that they’re your everything when you’ve been dating them for a week.” Amber Blinkhorn said,
“It’s stupid, they’ve been dating for a week and they don’t even know what love is.” Sydney Frechette said, “I’ve been dating my boyfriend for about a year and a half, and I’m still not in love
with him.”
All I’m trying to say, is take being in love more seriously, or other people won’t take you
seriously as a sincere partner.
Opening blurb from http://www.wittyprofiles.com/q/1339187
“What is Love” photograph taken from: http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5522291/tumblr_ldfjp36eES1qd02spo1_400
Twilight photograph taken from: http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20081120/425.twilight.112008.j
Page 24
Smiley Miley “Can’t Be Tamed”
winmentalhealth.com
indonesiafirst.com
inquisitr.com
hollywoodgo.com
Commentary by: Amanda Flyte and Danielle Willard
We all know Destiny Hope Cy -- excuse me, Miley Ray Cyrus. We all know she’s Billy Ray
Cyrus’s daughter, we all know she’s Hannah Montana and we all know she is currently spinning in the
same direction as Britney Spears. What started out as a cute little pop star who was a positive role
model for young girls has fallen down a dark tunnel. Some say that her recent bad behavior is a result of
her parents divorce, however if you pay attention you will realize that the bad behavior has been going
on long before that.
I started noticing Miley’s change when I was watching the Teen Choice Awards in 2009 as
Miley debuted her song “Party In The USA.” While performing she stood on a moving hot dog cart that
had a pole sticking out of it, and started pole dancing while her dancers pushed her across the stage. A
year later I eagerly started watching the music video for “Can’t Be Tamed,” in which she dances around
in what is basically underwear with feathers on it, touching herself provocatively. The spiral continued
when Miley appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent.” During her performance (which again displayed her in
her underwear) Miley kissed one of her female dancers. Now I don’t care what her sexuality is but the
image she projected for England was not appropriate for the little girls who were so excited to see
Miley Cyrus on their televisions.
As I paid more attention to Miley’s less then appropriate behavior, I noticed her less then appropriate attire. Back in 2009 at the Teen Choice Awards, Britney Spears had on more clothes then
Miley did, Miley’s outfit consisting of an extremely low-cut shirt (that looked more like a vest) which
clearly showcased her bra. More recently she has stuck to darker clothing, tighter shirts and extremely
short shorts. In an interview that was posted on perezhilton.com Miley stated that she feels the need to
dress according to her music, meaning that if her music is risqué her clothing will be risqué.
More recently, there was a string of ‘nude’ pictures of Miley that have been leaked. Nobody
can confirm whether the photos are real or fake, but none the less Miley’s reputation shot further down
the drain. A few short weeks after her 18th birthday on November 23, 2010, Miley celebrated with her
friends, holding a party at her Hollywood home. Sources do not know how it happened, or who brought
the bong, but soon enough Miley was taking hits of a mysterious substance. Anna Oliver, a close friend
of hers broke out a video camera and decided to document the event. Miley giggled and inhaled the
substance, then slurring her words she muttered “I’m having a little bit of a bad trip,” and then began to
ramble on about a boy in the room looking like a “Liam (her boyfriend) look-alike.” She sang along to
the radio, giggled, and spoke incomprehensibly. She then looked at the camera one last time and said, “I
want some more of that S***.”
There is no certain information on how the video was leaked, but only a few hours after the
video was found, it was posted on the popular celebrity gossip/blogging website, TMZ.com. Miley has
yet to speak about the incident, but her father Billy Ray, expressed his feeling over Twitter: “Sorry
guys, I had no idea. Just saw this stuff for the first time myself. I’m so sad. There is so much beyond my
control right now.” he Tweeted. A source claimed that what Miley was taking hits of what was not
marijuana, or any other illegal drug, but salvia, a legal substance which causes hallucinatory experiences.
What could be the culprit behind the tasteless behavior? As I said it has been going on long
before her parents announced their divorce. It is my opinion that the reason Miley fell off her pedestal
that same reason the Britney, Lindsey, and Demi fell. Hollywood. Stardom. Lime-light. Phrase it however you want, being on the big screen, any screen really, has destroyed the life of many stars before
Miley, and she won’t be the last.
disneydreaming.com
examiner.com
olsen-twins-news.com
Page 25
America’s Elite: Shakespeares of Our Time
Commentary by: Nathan Boutin
http://www.george-bushpics.com/uploaded
http://www.cbsnews.com/i/tim/20
10/11/29/Obama_480x360.jpg
The politicians of the Unites States are considered to be the most powerful people in America. One would reason that the
most powerful people in America would have a wealth of education under their
belt, plenty of experience, and the ability to speak cohesively. However, some of
our politicians don’t always live up to their expectations, especially when it comes
to the English language. America’s elite sometimes say the darndest things.
It’s not all bad though, some political figures have taken a page from
Shakespeare’s book. Sarah Palin, the famous Governor of Alaska and star of her
own TV show, Sarah Palin’s Alaska, made headlines last July for coining the word
“Refudiate” on Twitter. The Tweet read: “Ground Zero Mosque supporters: doesn't
it stab you in the heart, as it does ours throughout the heartland? Peaceful Muslims,
pls refudiate.”She compared herself to Shakespeare, saying that the great writer
made up words. In November 2010, the word was made official. The folks at the
New Oxford American Dictionary put refudiate in its pages to honor such a breakthrough in word creation. A combination of refute and repudiate, refudiate is now a
term to loosely mean reject.
While oddly worded sentences and word creation aren’t his forté, our newest president, Barack Obama, has had his share
of English slip-ups. This December, the president was giving at speech at the White House when he stumbled upon the word
“Superfluous.” He tried twice more to pronounce it, but failed. He interjected his speech saying that it was difficult to say the word
with 12 stitches in his lower lip, which he received from being elbowed in the face during a
basketball game.
Al Gore has also had his share of controversy in the area. While not misusing words,
he’s managed to say some very odd things. For example: “A zebra does not change its spots.”
(Cited from the book “The 700 Stupidest Things Ever Said” By Ross and Kathryn Petras). I’m
no wildlife expert, but I’m pretty sure a zebra is a striped animal.
And finally, we go to the headmaster of all things messed up with our language, Mr.
Bush. President George W. Bush is practically famous for his mess-ups in standard English.
There have been numerous incidents in which he has been cited for word misuse or otherwise
quirky sentences. The American public has a list, yes, literally a list, of odd / less-thanintelligent things the president has said. These quotes are known as Bushisms.
It is not, in my opinion, that President Bush is an idiot — in fact I think he did a pretty
good job as president considering the circumstances — but perhaps some of his “words of wisdom” will make you think so. The following quotations are brought to you by the one, the only, George W. Bush.
"Families are where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream." (October 18, 2000)
- I believe the phrase is “where dreams take wing”, Mr. President.
“I understand small business growth. I was one.” (February 19, 2000)
- There are some things you’d best keep secret, sir.
“Governor Bush will not stand for the subsidation of failure.” (January 11, 2004)
- I agree. We mustn’t allow success to ensue.
“They misunderestimated me” (November 6, 2000)
-We all did.
“. . .for the embetterment of mankind.” (August 23, 2002)
-Um, What?
“I guess it’s OK to call the Secretary of Education here ‘buddy.’ That means friend.”
(January 8, 2009)
-That’s right, Georgie. You’ve made me so proud.
“So long as I’m the president, my measure of success is victory (brief pause) — and success.” (April 17, 2008)
-Why oh why did you add the hyphenated section?
Bushisms provided by: www.politicalhumor.com/bushisms.html
Page 26
Crying on the Holidays
Commentary by: Steven Tucker
Did you get everything you wanted for the holidays? Did you get a present that you hated or a
present that sends the wrong message? Think of all the bad gifts you received in the past. Everyone gets a few bad gifts in his or her lifetime. This is a list of the worst gifts you can get. I
hope that you didn't get any of these things and I hope you think before giving these gifts to your
friends and family next year.
drshikha.com
bonappetit.com
Weight Loss
Making the holidays a happy time is easier when you don’t call someone fat or you need to
lose a few pounds. A few things to stay away from are a gym membership, a book about
weight loss, or a year supply of NutriSystem.
Cleaning
Telling people that they need to clean is not the best idea. You should stay away from vacuum cleaner bags, a trash can, rolls of toilet paper, or a toilet seat.
Pets
You might want to give someone a dog or a cat because you think that he or she is lonely.
It is not a good idea; if they want a dog, a bird, or a cow they will get it on their own.
Hygiene
Telling people that they need a shower or brush their teeth is not good. Try to stay away
from floss, soap, shampoo, or toothpaste.
Money or Coupons
To give money is telling someone to get their own gift. I don't want to spend the time to
find you a gift. If you give someone a ten dollar off coupon, it doesn’t count as giving them
ten dollars.
Donations to Charity
Holidays is a time for giving. This doesn’t mean that you can donate your friends and family gifts to feel good.
Box of Chocolates for a Diabetic
Chocolates are good for the holiday time but watch out whom you get them for. It is just
mean to give a diabetic something that he or she can’t eat.
A Framed Photo of Yourself
To show everyone that you love yourself, give someone a gift of you. A family photo is
good for a grandparent but not for a friend.
Underwear or Socks
Trying to buy a gift that will be used and is needed by everyone, so you pick up a package
of underwear or socks. This is needed but not good for giving in front of friends or family.
Re-gifting
Are you mad when someone gives you a gift that really sinks? What do you do with it?
Give it back to the same person that gave it to you. Hope they don’t remember giving it to
you.
besttoothbrushs.com
sanmarcoslibraryteens.blogspot.com
londonist.com
Page 27
Article and Photographs by: Britni Bourbeau
On December 7, 2010, the school held a blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross. We collected 33 pints of blood. Although
that number is satisfying all by itself, if you multiply that by three then that is the potential number of lives saved; one unit of blood
collected can save up to three lives. Our school hosts three blood drives a year. The next upcoming blood drive is going to be on
March 16, 2011. You must be 17 years of age and have a valid ID which you are to bring with you at the time of donation. There are
also height and weight restrictions; by this I mean that you must weigh a certain amount according to your height to be eligible. The
need for blood is very high so if you are eligible, I urge you to donate at the next blood drive. This could be you.
The girls basketball team defeated
East Lyme on Friday, January 14th by
a score of 65-58. Photographs by
Plainfield High School’s own Nate
Etchells, who has a website and likes
getting caught in the rain. Check out
his interview on page 8.