by Karrine Watts
In most families, the parents and children usually have similarities due to genetics and DNA. However, adopted children will not look the same or have the same resemblances as the adoptive parents.
In England there is a married couple. They are a happy couple with a young daughter. The whole family is deaf, even their daughter. Now in their early forties, the couple wants another baby. However, they can not get pregnant naturally. The family wants to use IFV to have a baby. They would select an embryo that is deaf in order to have a deaf child that will fit into their family.
This story is becoming very controversial. Many are saying that it is not fair to purposely have a child with a disability that will not make life easy for him or her. However, the parent’s fight back saying that the child should not be left out of the family and that being deaf is not a disability but a culture.
This couple just wants a baby to be similar to them. It would be difficult for a child to live in a family of deaf parents and sister. However, it is also not fair to the unborn baby to be born with deafness.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Senator Ted Kennedy
by Karrine Watts
On Saturday May 17, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts had a seizure. He was air lifted to Mass General for medical care and testing. Kennedy, 76 is the second longest running senator in Massachusetts. On May 20, doctors released the information that Kennedy has tumor in the left parietal lobe of his brain. Vomiting, seizures, and headaches can all be symptoms of brain tumors. There are two treatments for these tumors, radiation and chemotherapy. It has not yet been decided what treatment will be used for Kennedy, as more tests will be given. Although still in the hospital it has been reported that Kennedy has been in good spirits and full of energy. In the U.S. 20,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumors and more than half die within 18 months. Kennedy is the only living of his three brothers and hopefully can make it through this obstacle.
On Saturday May 17, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts had a seizure. He was air lifted to Mass General for medical care and testing. Kennedy, 76 is the second longest running senator in Massachusetts. On May 20, doctors released the information that Kennedy has tumor in the left parietal lobe of his brain. Vomiting, seizures, and headaches can all be symptoms of brain tumors. There are two treatments for these tumors, radiation and chemotherapy. It has not yet been decided what treatment will be used for Kennedy, as more tests will be given. Although still in the hospital it has been reported that Kennedy has been in good spirits and full of energy. In the U.S. 20,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumors and more than half die within 18 months. Kennedy is the only living of his three brothers and hopefully can make it through this obstacle.
Text Messages to keep tabs on teen car traveling
by Lauren Hanley
“It’s ten o’clock do you know where you child is?” A question often played on Channel 5 News at Night to remind and test parents; it is a brief and thought provoking question. Good parents would be able to respond to this question accurately and others not so much. However, now with high-tech surveillance systems in teenager’s cars any parent can modify their teen's driving behavior every second of the day, from inside their car. It gives new meaning to the term “helicopter parents.”
“Data released Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2006, 68 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who were killed in car accidents at night were not wearing seat belts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is conducting a long-term study on the efficacy of tools to track teen driving and effect on accidents. “
GPS notification system alert parents when teenagers are driving over the speed limit or past curfew with a text message. Video and audio recorders are also available to capture footage of reckless driving or simply spy on the teenager.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, senior vice president for research Anne McCartt, as quoted by ABC News, said “Parents have had a mixed reply. Many teenagers feel as if it is an invasion of privacy.
What happened to trust within a family? Parent should trust their children to make the right decision and learn from their mistakes. Devices like this merely encourage parents to be imperious and snoop. If a driver has his/her license then they are capable of driving and following the rules of the road. If they did not possess this ability then they would not have passed the driving exam. After all, the driver has completed extensive driving time and classes, they deserve the privilege to drive without being stalked.
This notification system may also have a negative affect on a driver. The teenager may intensely worry about making a mistake in front of their parents causing the driver to dismiss their driving environment, resulting in an accident.
I highly doubt that the GPS system will have much decline affect on accidents; it will only tatter parent-child relationships. I get angry when my mom plays the 21 questions game before I leave the house. With her looking over my shoulder 24/7 as I am driving, I will go crazy. Teens are going to have a nervous breakdown and do even more scandalous actions to escape their parent authoritative eye.
Most importantly, this device is just plain creepy. What if someone other than a parent is watching the footage or getting the text messages as to where a driver’s location is. This really freaks me out.
Parents should just learn to trust their children and have faith that their teens are capable of driving; cameras and other nonsense are not necessary.
“It’s ten o’clock do you know where you child is?” A question often played on Channel 5 News at Night to remind and test parents; it is a brief and thought provoking question. Good parents would be able to respond to this question accurately and others not so much. However, now with high-tech surveillance systems in teenager’s cars any parent can modify their teen's driving behavior every second of the day, from inside their car. It gives new meaning to the term “helicopter parents.”
“Data released Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2006, 68 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who were killed in car accidents at night were not wearing seat belts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is conducting a long-term study on the efficacy of tools to track teen driving and effect on accidents. “
GPS notification system alert parents when teenagers are driving over the speed limit or past curfew with a text message. Video and audio recorders are also available to capture footage of reckless driving or simply spy on the teenager.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, senior vice president for research Anne McCartt, as quoted by ABC News, said “Parents have had a mixed reply. Many teenagers feel as if it is an invasion of privacy.
What happened to trust within a family? Parent should trust their children to make the right decision and learn from their mistakes. Devices like this merely encourage parents to be imperious and snoop. If a driver has his/her license then they are capable of driving and following the rules of the road. If they did not possess this ability then they would not have passed the driving exam. After all, the driver has completed extensive driving time and classes, they deserve the privilege to drive without being stalked.
This notification system may also have a negative affect on a driver. The teenager may intensely worry about making a mistake in front of their parents causing the driver to dismiss their driving environment, resulting in an accident.
I highly doubt that the GPS system will have much decline affect on accidents; it will only tatter parent-child relationships. I get angry when my mom plays the 21 questions game before I leave the house. With her looking over my shoulder 24/7 as I am driving, I will go crazy. Teens are going to have a nervous breakdown and do even more scandalous actions to escape their parent authoritative eye.
Most importantly, this device is just plain creepy. What if someone other than a parent is watching the footage or getting the text messages as to where a driver’s location is. This really freaks me out.
Parents should just learn to trust their children and have faith that their teens are capable of driving; cameras and other nonsense are not necessary.
Utilize instant replay review!
by Patrick Ross
Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, lacrosse, and college sports all have one key thing that professional baseball just prefers to ignore; instant replay. For some reason baseball is the only major sport yet to utilize instant replay review. It is not that they don’t make mistakes, because they do quite frequently, they just put the whole idea to the side.
Yesterday, May 21, the Yankees and Orioles played at Yankee Stadium. Alex Rodriguez, coming off his recent quad injury, started the game and hit what should have been two homeruns, but turned out to be only one. His first homerun was an absolute shot to left field, deep into the stands. Then in another plate appearance in the bottom of the sixth, A-rod took a hold of another one towards right-center. He thought it was gone all the way, but noticed them playing it out so he ran to second incase. You could see him mouth the words “homerun, homerun,” on the television highlights. The umps got together and decided that it was only a double. It was not a huge deal because the Yankees had a large lead already, but when looking at the replay it was clearly a homerun. The ball traveled over the fence and hit a set of yellow stairs that were up higher than the fence, so as a result it bounced back into the field and the outfielder played it. It was not even close to being inside the park and everybody who covered the games highlights made that clear. Just a few games before, during the subway series between the Mets and Yanks, Carlos Delgado nailed a slicing ball to the left field foul pole. This time the umps called it a foul ball; once again the wrong call. The fan that caught the ball showed the camera man, along with everyone watching, the huge mark the ball left on the pole.
So why not just add instant replay? There is literally no possible way it could hurt. All it would do is help make more precise calls on homeruns, diving catches, and sliding plays at bases. So it doesn’t get used out of control they could do what the NFL does, and allow each coach two challenges per game. Even if they set limits to it, for example if it is only allowed on homeruns or plays at the plate or something; either way something has to be done before more important plays get blown. The homerun may not have been that important to the Yankees the other day, but if it’s during the game that decides whether or not they are making the playoffs, well I bet they would care then. Umps please, please go for this and say something to the league or you guys will get blamed for critical losses and plays. Instant replay is important to sports that use it, and exciting for fans to watch on and find out the call, so Bud (Selig) it’s time to face reality and make an addition to the league.
Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, lacrosse, and college sports all have one key thing that professional baseball just prefers to ignore; instant replay. For some reason baseball is the only major sport yet to utilize instant replay review. It is not that they don’t make mistakes, because they do quite frequently, they just put the whole idea to the side.
Yesterday, May 21, the Yankees and Orioles played at Yankee Stadium. Alex Rodriguez, coming off his recent quad injury, started the game and hit what should have been two homeruns, but turned out to be only one. His first homerun was an absolute shot to left field, deep into the stands. Then in another plate appearance in the bottom of the sixth, A-rod took a hold of another one towards right-center. He thought it was gone all the way, but noticed them playing it out so he ran to second incase. You could see him mouth the words “homerun, homerun,” on the television highlights. The umps got together and decided that it was only a double. It was not a huge deal because the Yankees had a large lead already, but when looking at the replay it was clearly a homerun. The ball traveled over the fence and hit a set of yellow stairs that were up higher than the fence, so as a result it bounced back into the field and the outfielder played it. It was not even close to being inside the park and everybody who covered the games highlights made that clear. Just a few games before, during the subway series between the Mets and Yanks, Carlos Delgado nailed a slicing ball to the left field foul pole. This time the umps called it a foul ball; once again the wrong call. The fan that caught the ball showed the camera man, along with everyone watching, the huge mark the ball left on the pole.
So why not just add instant replay? There is literally no possible way it could hurt. All it would do is help make more precise calls on homeruns, diving catches, and sliding plays at bases. So it doesn’t get used out of control they could do what the NFL does, and allow each coach two challenges per game. Even if they set limits to it, for example if it is only allowed on homeruns or plays at the plate or something; either way something has to be done before more important plays get blown. The homerun may not have been that important to the Yankees the other day, but if it’s during the game that decides whether or not they are making the playoffs, well I bet they would care then. Umps please, please go for this and say something to the league or you guys will get blamed for critical losses and plays. Instant replay is important to sports that use it, and exciting for fans to watch on and find out the call, so Bud (Selig) it’s time to face reality and make an addition to the league.
Northeastern University student from Connecticut was found dead
by Nicholas Papadopolous
A 22-year-old Northeastern University student from Connecticut was found dead in her Mission Hill apartment yesterday. Rebecca Payne was a senior and she was President of the Athletic Training Club. Her body was found later by fellow classmates as her door was ajar.
School shootings are becoming so common that they almost seem not newsworthy. Columbine and Virginia Tech are just some of the more publicized school shootings in recent memory.
As these shootings become more common, I am beginning to change my opinion on a very serious issue. If anybody had asked me at the beginning of this year whether or not video game violence is an issue, I would have laughed. Now, I am beginning to believe that the ever expanding violence that the youth cause may be related to an increase in video game violence.
With new HD televisions and games such as “Grand Theft Auto 4” and “Gears of War” with disgustingly real graphics, I think children have trouble deciphering what’s real and what’s fake.
Salesman will argue that the “mature” rating is there to keep the game out of kid’s hands. However, I personally have bought a game meant for 17 year olds when I was 15.
So, either salesmen should reprehended harder for selling mature games to underage kids or game producers shouldn’t sell the games to unlawful sellers
A 22-year-old Northeastern University student from Connecticut was found dead in her Mission Hill apartment yesterday. Rebecca Payne was a senior and she was President of the Athletic Training Club. Her body was found later by fellow classmates as her door was ajar.
School shootings are becoming so common that they almost seem not newsworthy. Columbine and Virginia Tech are just some of the more publicized school shootings in recent memory.
As these shootings become more common, I am beginning to change my opinion on a very serious issue. If anybody had asked me at the beginning of this year whether or not video game violence is an issue, I would have laughed. Now, I am beginning to believe that the ever expanding violence that the youth cause may be related to an increase in video game violence.
With new HD televisions and games such as “Grand Theft Auto 4” and “Gears of War” with disgustingly real graphics, I think children have trouble deciphering what’s real and what’s fake.
Salesman will argue that the “mature” rating is there to keep the game out of kid’s hands. However, I personally have bought a game meant for 17 year olds when I was 15.
So, either salesmen should reprehended harder for selling mature games to underage kids or game producers shouldn’t sell the games to unlawful sellers
More athletes in trouble
by Chris Holland
“Akron basketball player Rydell Brooks was arrested early Sunday after shooting at police officers during a foot chase following a traffic stop, (AOL.com news).
What a surprise huh? Another athlete thinking that they are larger then life and getting themselves in trouble. According to AOL.com news, the 20-year-old Akron basketball sophomore got out of his car and shot at police while they were chasing him down. He now faces charges of attempted murder and felonious charges.
O.J anybody? O.J. Simpson, as everyone knows by now, allegedly murdered two people and got away with it because he was a big time athlete. Now I am not saying that Brooks is going to get without any charges, chances are he won’t, but as an athlete, you have to think that there’s a shot that the jury is going to let him off of the hook.
As previously stated before with the O.J. case, it wouldn’t be the first time that an athlete escaped the grasp of the law. Athletes such as Mike Tyson, Ray Lewis, and Michael Irvin along with O.J have gotten off of charges because of their status.
However, there is hope that someday athletes will be treated the same with Michael Vick being sentenced to prison. Also, it would set a precedent for future proceedings with athletes if Barry Bonds is correctly convicted of perjury. Hopefully, he won’t be another athlete who got off because of his high status as an athlete in the United States.
“Akron basketball player Rydell Brooks was arrested early Sunday after shooting at police officers during a foot chase following a traffic stop, (AOL.com news).
What a surprise huh? Another athlete thinking that they are larger then life and getting themselves in trouble. According to AOL.com news, the 20-year-old Akron basketball sophomore got out of his car and shot at police while they were chasing him down. He now faces charges of attempted murder and felonious charges.
O.J anybody? O.J. Simpson, as everyone knows by now, allegedly murdered two people and got away with it because he was a big time athlete. Now I am not saying that Brooks is going to get without any charges, chances are he won’t, but as an athlete, you have to think that there’s a shot that the jury is going to let him off of the hook.
As previously stated before with the O.J. case, it wouldn’t be the first time that an athlete escaped the grasp of the law. Athletes such as Mike Tyson, Ray Lewis, and Michael Irvin along with O.J have gotten off of charges because of their status.
However, there is hope that someday athletes will be treated the same with Michael Vick being sentenced to prison. Also, it would set a precedent for future proceedings with athletes if Barry Bonds is correctly convicted of perjury. Hopefully, he won’t be another athlete who got off because of his high status as an athlete in the United States.
Cancer; just an obstacle, not a roadblock
by Kim Pham
Jon Lester knew everything. The second he let go of the 96-mph fastball, Lester knew. As it flew past the Royals' Alberto Callaspo to strike him out, Boston catcher Jason Varitek knew. And when the Sox dugout stormed the mound to congratulate the 24-year-old lefty, all of Red Sox Nation knew; Jon Lester had just pitched an incredible no-hitter.
Just months ago, Lester's future was shrouded in questions. During the off season, no one was even sure where he would be going; the Sox were practically offering him to Minnesota for Johan Santana. And before that, Lester wasn't even sure if he would live to see another day. The diagnosis of cancer almost eliminated Lester's life, let alone a career of pitching for the major leagues. He had been diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, forcing him to miss the end of the 2006 season. After months of treatment and aggressive chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free, but many doubted Lester could regain his strength and prowess on the mound.
His emotional Major League comeback last July marked the return of Jon Lester, the bright prospect of the Red Sox. And despite a roller coaster year of inconsistent performances, he pitched the World Series clincher against Colorado for the Sox last fall, earning them their 2007 Championship. And on that fateful Monday night of May 19, Lester shut down Kansas City 7-0 for the first no-hitter in the majors this season.
No one saw it coming. For the thousands of fans who tuned in or showed up at Fenway, it seemed like just another game. In the midst of famous franchise names and less understated pitchers, Lester has remained under the radar for the most part of this season. But as soon as seventh inning hit, Sox supporters were already on their feet cheering for Lester's amazing pitching. The celebration at the ballpark was worlds away from the somber scene almost two years ago, when Lester had first been diagnosed with cancer. Instead of fading into obscurity as the pitcher who “would have” been great, he earned his title as the first Red Sox lefty to have pitched a no-hitter. In a truly inspirational fashion, Lester bounced back, much to the delight of Boston and much to the chagrin of Kansas City.
For someone his age, Lester has accomplished some amazing feats. He has played for a major league baseball team (and not just any, the Boston Red Sox!), battled cancer successfully, regained his strength and pitching skills, won a World Series Championship, and pitched a no-hitter; he's only 24. It's really heartwarming for fans nationwide to see such a talented and deserving guy smash records out on the mound, especially after just surviving cancer. Here's to the inspiration that is Jon Lester; let’s hope he stays around Boston for a very long time.
Jon Lester knew everything. The second he let go of the 96-mph fastball, Lester knew. As it flew past the Royals' Alberto Callaspo to strike him out, Boston catcher Jason Varitek knew. And when the Sox dugout stormed the mound to congratulate the 24-year-old lefty, all of Red Sox Nation knew; Jon Lester had just pitched an incredible no-hitter.
Just months ago, Lester's future was shrouded in questions. During the off season, no one was even sure where he would be going; the Sox were practically offering him to Minnesota for Johan Santana. And before that, Lester wasn't even sure if he would live to see another day. The diagnosis of cancer almost eliminated Lester's life, let alone a career of pitching for the major leagues. He had been diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, forcing him to miss the end of the 2006 season. After months of treatment and aggressive chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free, but many doubted Lester could regain his strength and prowess on the mound.
His emotional Major League comeback last July marked the return of Jon Lester, the bright prospect of the Red Sox. And despite a roller coaster year of inconsistent performances, he pitched the World Series clincher against Colorado for the Sox last fall, earning them their 2007 Championship. And on that fateful Monday night of May 19, Lester shut down Kansas City 7-0 for the first no-hitter in the majors this season.
No one saw it coming. For the thousands of fans who tuned in or showed up at Fenway, it seemed like just another game. In the midst of famous franchise names and less understated pitchers, Lester has remained under the radar for the most part of this season. But as soon as seventh inning hit, Sox supporters were already on their feet cheering for Lester's amazing pitching. The celebration at the ballpark was worlds away from the somber scene almost two years ago, when Lester had first been diagnosed with cancer. Instead of fading into obscurity as the pitcher who “would have” been great, he earned his title as the first Red Sox lefty to have pitched a no-hitter. In a truly inspirational fashion, Lester bounced back, much to the delight of Boston and much to the chagrin of Kansas City.
For someone his age, Lester has accomplished some amazing feats. He has played for a major league baseball team (and not just any, the Boston Red Sox!), battled cancer successfully, regained his strength and pitching skills, won a World Series Championship, and pitched a no-hitter; he's only 24. It's really heartwarming for fans nationwide to see such a talented and deserving guy smash records out on the mound, especially after just surviving cancer. Here's to the inspiration that is Jon Lester; let’s hope he stays around Boston for a very long time.
Lester inspires thousands
by Ryan Grindle
"One ball, two strikes, two outs, ninth inning. Callaspo strikes out! Jon Lester has thrown an no-hitter at Fenway!".
In the past twenty months, Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Last year, in the midst of what was supposed to be his first full season in the majors, Lester was involved in a car crash. While he was being checked for any injuries, doctors soon found that Lester had contracted a rare, but curable form of lymphoma. After months of rehab, he returned to the mound in Cleveland where he won his first start back with the Red Sox. Months later, he won the clinching game of the 2007 World Series in Colorado. Now, at the age of 24, this young ballplayer has provided inspiration for thousands of people.
It is stories like this that prove that anything could happen, and this couldn’t have happened to a better person. Even during the game, Lester’s teammates could barely contain their joy. After the game, Sox Manager Terry Francona, who Lester considers “a second father” said, “I looked up in the ninth, and you're trying to keep your emotions in check and I went to say something to [pitching coach] John Farrell, and he was being a big baby next to me. It made me feel a little bit better”. After the final out, Francona and Lester hugged on the field, both with tears in their eyes.
Had it been any other player, this game would not have been so significant. With the greatest effort of his career (130 pitches, way more than usual), Lester brought hope to anybody who may face hardship and proved that it can be overcome in the end.
"One ball, two strikes, two outs, ninth inning. Callaspo strikes out! Jon Lester has thrown an no-hitter at Fenway!".
In the past twenty months, Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Last year, in the midst of what was supposed to be his first full season in the majors, Lester was involved in a car crash. While he was being checked for any injuries, doctors soon found that Lester had contracted a rare, but curable form of lymphoma. After months of rehab, he returned to the mound in Cleveland where he won his first start back with the Red Sox. Months later, he won the clinching game of the 2007 World Series in Colorado. Now, at the age of 24, this young ballplayer has provided inspiration for thousands of people.
It is stories like this that prove that anything could happen, and this couldn’t have happened to a better person. Even during the game, Lester’s teammates could barely contain their joy. After the game, Sox Manager Terry Francona, who Lester considers “a second father” said, “I looked up in the ninth, and you're trying to keep your emotions in check and I went to say something to [pitching coach] John Farrell, and he was being a big baby next to me. It made me feel a little bit better”. After the final out, Francona and Lester hugged on the field, both with tears in their eyes.
Had it been any other player, this game would not have been so significant. With the greatest effort of his career (130 pitches, way more than usual), Lester brought hope to anybody who may face hardship and proved that it can be overcome in the end.
Hyannis Port challenge starts off with a large bump
by Lauren Mulkern
The road to the Hyannis Port Challenge started off rocky because they hit a large bump. On Saturday May 17, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy suffered from a seizure. The seizure occurred early in the morning in Hyannis Port. Kennedy was in the area for the Hyannis Port Challenge which is put on by the organization Best Buddies.
This organization was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The Hyannis Port challenge is very symbolic because it begins at the J.F.K library and ends at Craigsville Beach where a park was recently donated to Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
A few days after the challenge, we found out that Kennedy has a brain tumor which triggered the seizure. The Kennedy family has been very involved with the Hyannis Port Challenge. Therefore, when members who were participating in the challenge found out, they were very concerned. At the Duxbury rest stop, advisor Pamela Parrella, received a phone call and was informed of Kennedy’s seizure.
Instantly, everyone at the rest stop became concerned for Kennedy. They also wondered if this was going to affect the challenge. Luckily, it did not affect the challenge and it went smoothly.
Parrella was in the area to support two members from her chapter. The ride went very smoothly and Best Buddies did a great job mapping out Rest stops. These were convenient because the bikers got to take a break and refuel while family and friends motivated them.
This event took place to raise money for the organization. Also, Tom Brady donated money so Best Buddies can send more people to the leadership can send more people to the leadership conference over the summer. This is a mandatory event for all chapter presidents. This money will help a lot of towns who have trouble raising the money to send the chapter President. Luckily, this was a huge success and Best Buddies can make an even bigger difference.
Pembroke High School was one of four groups that had a buddy pair ride tandem. A buddy pair is when a person rides with another person who has special needs. Freshman, Jared Drennan and senior Josh Lavalley completed this ride together. They trained hard and it was very rewarding for the members of the chapter to see them succeed.
The road to the Hyannis Port Challenge started off rocky because they hit a large bump. On Saturday May 17, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy suffered from a seizure. The seizure occurred early in the morning in Hyannis Port. Kennedy was in the area for the Hyannis Port Challenge which is put on by the organization Best Buddies.
This organization was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The Hyannis Port challenge is very symbolic because it begins at the J.F.K library and ends at Craigsville Beach where a park was recently donated to Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
A few days after the challenge, we found out that Kennedy has a brain tumor which triggered the seizure. The Kennedy family has been very involved with the Hyannis Port Challenge. Therefore, when members who were participating in the challenge found out, they were very concerned. At the Duxbury rest stop, advisor Pamela Parrella, received a phone call and was informed of Kennedy’s seizure.
Instantly, everyone at the rest stop became concerned for Kennedy. They also wondered if this was going to affect the challenge. Luckily, it did not affect the challenge and it went smoothly.
Parrella was in the area to support two members from her chapter. The ride went very smoothly and Best Buddies did a great job mapping out Rest stops. These were convenient because the bikers got to take a break and refuel while family and friends motivated them.
This event took place to raise money for the organization. Also, Tom Brady donated money so Best Buddies can send more people to the leadership can send more people to the leadership conference over the summer. This is a mandatory event for all chapter presidents. This money will help a lot of towns who have trouble raising the money to send the chapter President. Luckily, this was a huge success and Best Buddies can make an even bigger difference.
Pembroke High School was one of four groups that had a buddy pair ride tandem. A buddy pair is when a person rides with another person who has special needs. Freshman, Jared Drennan and senior Josh Lavalley completed this ride together. They trained hard and it was very rewarding for the members of the chapter to see them succeed.
America tries to get healthy
by Celine Chahine
For many years America has been known as the country with the fat people, but things are starting to slowly improve.
Lack of exercise and eating too much of the wrong foods have left many Americans obese. Obesity is not only a physical problem but it comes along with many diseases and is becoming a leading cause of preventable deaths. Diabetes is one of the main illnesses that obesity leaves with Americans. Diabetes alone is found in 20.8 million children and adults. This disease is starting to increase year by year and many scientists are trying to find a cure.
Other than trying to find cures, many fast food restaurants, that increase obesity rates, are changing their menus so that they have healthier options. McDonalds has realized that they have created a problem by only having unhealthy, fried foods, and have taken away the option to “supersize” your meal. They have also added healthier food options to the list, such as milk instead of soda, and apples instead of French fries, and now they are using new and healthier oils for their French fries, making it trans-fat-free. These changes will help, and although their will be many people who wont buy these healthier foods, at least they had the option.
Getting fit is another thing that is getting out through radio and television. The radio always has government paid commercials that are encouraging the increase in outdoor activities. The television is also starting to show commercials for playing outside, and how only an hour a day will help decrease the risk of obesity.
Things such as improving ones eating habits and physical activity can save a life. People should take obesity more seriously because it can turn out to be a real problem. The way that people deal with this problem varies, some may even obtain an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, but the only healthy way to decrease ones risk of obesity, without decreasing ones health and needed vitamins, is too get more active and eat healthier, more natural foods that are well proportioned.
For many years America has been known as the country with the fat people, but things are starting to slowly improve.
Lack of exercise and eating too much of the wrong foods have left many Americans obese. Obesity is not only a physical problem but it comes along with many diseases and is becoming a leading cause of preventable deaths. Diabetes is one of the main illnesses that obesity leaves with Americans. Diabetes alone is found in 20.8 million children and adults. This disease is starting to increase year by year and many scientists are trying to find a cure.
Other than trying to find cures, many fast food restaurants, that increase obesity rates, are changing their menus so that they have healthier options. McDonalds has realized that they have created a problem by only having unhealthy, fried foods, and have taken away the option to “supersize” your meal. They have also added healthier food options to the list, such as milk instead of soda, and apples instead of French fries, and now they are using new and healthier oils for their French fries, making it trans-fat-free. These changes will help, and although their will be many people who wont buy these healthier foods, at least they had the option.
Getting fit is another thing that is getting out through radio and television. The radio always has government paid commercials that are encouraging the increase in outdoor activities. The television is also starting to show commercials for playing outside, and how only an hour a day will help decrease the risk of obesity.
Things such as improving ones eating habits and physical activity can save a life. People should take obesity more seriously because it can turn out to be a real problem. The way that people deal with this problem varies, some may even obtain an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, but the only healthy way to decrease ones risk of obesity, without decreasing ones health and needed vitamins, is too get more active and eat healthier, more natural foods that are well proportioned.
Senior privileges out of control
by Ryan Hennigan
The last days of school for seniors always consists of pure chaos and havoc. This includes days where all the of seniors intentionally skip school, where they all as a group play “senior pranks” on the school, and where they do other rebellious things such as cut class to “chill out” in the senior lounge or walk around in the hallways with only their boxers on.
There is always going to be crazy seniors that cause trouble and don’t respect authority. However, the absurd part of the chaos is that it is all by design as the authority in the school chooses to turn their heads the other way and allow it to happen.
Although it is supposed to be a secret, everybody always knows when senior skip day is going to be and when the senior prank is going to occur. Even the principals, who are not as ignorant about the on goings as they play off to be, know, yet they choose to do nothing about it and allow it to happen.
This is in direct violation of the rules that the school agenda provides. Say, for example, a student knows that another student has a gun in his locker. He would be punished if he was caught knowing this information and not reporting it. The same applies for minor violations, including having knowledge of students skipping school and having water balloon fights in the parking lot where someone could get hurt (which happened last week).
Yes, we want our seniors to have some fun on the last of their days in high school. We want them to enjoy the senior lounge and yeah, I see no problem in giving them some privileges to enjoy. However, when the seniors clearly use these privileges to rebel and misbehave, then there is a problem and the authorities in the school need to step up.
Furthermore, the rebellion by seniors is contagious and spreads to all the classes. You start to see students in all different years acting up and causing trouble in class as well as outside of it. Teachers can not get their students to concentrate on their studies because they are so hyped up and rebellious. Something has got to give because the purpose of school is to educate in a safe environment and this is not being properly performed during senior week.
Here’s the solution. Instead of pulling senior out of classes and providing them with half days of classes and half days of festivities for a week, give them two full days of complete festivities and do it outside of school. Let them have cookouts and water balloon fights and all those other fun senior activities outside of the school in a designated area such as the parking lot or the playing fields. This would allow all the other students to receive a proper education and prepare for finals while all the seniors can still enjoy their privileges. This way, the principals don’t have to feel the need to purposely ignore blatant violations of senior privileges in the school.
This suggestion may not get rid of “senior skip day” or “senior pranks”, but it is all but sure to eliminate a great deal of rebellion from both the seniors and the underclassmen. It would be a clear step forward to a better, safer, and more orderly school with a more obedient student body.
The last days of school for seniors always consists of pure chaos and havoc. This includes days where all the of seniors intentionally skip school, where they all as a group play “senior pranks” on the school, and where they do other rebellious things such as cut class to “chill out” in the senior lounge or walk around in the hallways with only their boxers on.
There is always going to be crazy seniors that cause trouble and don’t respect authority. However, the absurd part of the chaos is that it is all by design as the authority in the school chooses to turn their heads the other way and allow it to happen.
Although it is supposed to be a secret, everybody always knows when senior skip day is going to be and when the senior prank is going to occur. Even the principals, who are not as ignorant about the on goings as they play off to be, know, yet they choose to do nothing about it and allow it to happen.
This is in direct violation of the rules that the school agenda provides. Say, for example, a student knows that another student has a gun in his locker. He would be punished if he was caught knowing this information and not reporting it. The same applies for minor violations, including having knowledge of students skipping school and having water balloon fights in the parking lot where someone could get hurt (which happened last week).
Yes, we want our seniors to have some fun on the last of their days in high school. We want them to enjoy the senior lounge and yeah, I see no problem in giving them some privileges to enjoy. However, when the seniors clearly use these privileges to rebel and misbehave, then there is a problem and the authorities in the school need to step up.
Furthermore, the rebellion by seniors is contagious and spreads to all the classes. You start to see students in all different years acting up and causing trouble in class as well as outside of it. Teachers can not get their students to concentrate on their studies because they are so hyped up and rebellious. Something has got to give because the purpose of school is to educate in a safe environment and this is not being properly performed during senior week.
Here’s the solution. Instead of pulling senior out of classes and providing them with half days of classes and half days of festivities for a week, give them two full days of complete festivities and do it outside of school. Let them have cookouts and water balloon fights and all those other fun senior activities outside of the school in a designated area such as the parking lot or the playing fields. This would allow all the other students to receive a proper education and prepare for finals while all the seniors can still enjoy their privileges. This way, the principals don’t have to feel the need to purposely ignore blatant violations of senior privileges in the school.
This suggestion may not get rid of “senior skip day” or “senior pranks”, but it is all but sure to eliminate a great deal of rebellion from both the seniors and the underclassmen. It would be a clear step forward to a better, safer, and more orderly school with a more obedient student body.
Nine year old absorbs twin
by Chris Holland
"They could see on the right side that her belly was swollen, but they couldn't suspect that this tumor would hide an embryo," said Iakovos Brouskelis, the director of the hospital in an interview with MSNBC.com.
Imagine being born with your twin sibling that you never even knew about, being inside your stomach. This past Thursday in Greece, a nine year old girl complaining about stomach pains went to the hospital where doctors found a two inch fetus with a head, hair, and eyes but no brain or umbilical cord or brain.
Doctor Andreas Markou said to an MSNBC columnist that this birth defect occurs in about one of every 500,000 live births.
How can a girl live for nine years and have doctors not find a living embryo in her stomach? Apparently, they just missed it in every exam she ever had at a doctor’s office.
To miss that would have to mean that the doctors weren’t very well trained. Even during a regular physical, while using a stethoscope shouldn’t the doctors be able to hear more than one heartbeat? But really, if you can hear two heartbeats in one person’s body, they must know that something wrong is going on there.
The girl has now made a full recovery and is back at home but this should have been discovered earlier. These doctors need to have more training then what they have already if they aren’t going to catch something like that at an earlier stage. Or maybe they just need more competent doctors. Either way, the doctors should have caught this at an earlier stage.
"They could see on the right side that her belly was swollen, but they couldn't suspect that this tumor would hide an embryo," said Iakovos Brouskelis, the director of the hospital in an interview with MSNBC.com.
Imagine being born with your twin sibling that you never even knew about, being inside your stomach. This past Thursday in Greece, a nine year old girl complaining about stomach pains went to the hospital where doctors found a two inch fetus with a head, hair, and eyes but no brain or umbilical cord or brain.
Doctor Andreas Markou said to an MSNBC columnist that this birth defect occurs in about one of every 500,000 live births.
How can a girl live for nine years and have doctors not find a living embryo in her stomach? Apparently, they just missed it in every exam she ever had at a doctor’s office.
To miss that would have to mean that the doctors weren’t very well trained. Even during a regular physical, while using a stethoscope shouldn’t the doctors be able to hear more than one heartbeat? But really, if you can hear two heartbeats in one person’s body, they must know that something wrong is going on there.
The girl has now made a full recovery and is back at home but this should have been discovered earlier. These doctors need to have more training then what they have already if they aren’t going to catch something like that at an earlier stage. Or maybe they just need more competent doctors. Either way, the doctors should have caught this at an earlier stage.
Hogan knows best
by Karrine Watts
Hogan knows best. This is the name of the highly popular VH1 reality show that follows wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family. However these days 17 year old Nick (Hogan) Bollea does not know best.
In August Nick Hogan was the driver in a serious accident that left his best friend and passenger, in critical condition. Passenger John Graziano who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, suffered brain injury and was in a coma after the speeding sports car hit a palm tree. He now needs lifetime care. Graziano is a former marine and had just served in Iraq before the accident.
On Monday May 12, Nick Bollea was sentenced to eight months in jail after pleading no contest to the accident. Also the judge sentenced Bollea to five years probation and to surrender his driver’s license for three years.
Nick Bollea could have received five years in jail. His father being as famous as he is probably benefited Nick. However, I do no believe that Hogan is getting special treatment. In many situations celebrities can almost always get out of jail sentencing and most get community service. This is such a sad story. Hogan made a mistake and is paying for it. Although there was no death in the accident, Hogan lost the best friend that he knew. He will forever live with what he did.
While in the court, Hogan turned his back to the judge and faced the family of his friend and gave them a personal apology. It was made clear how guilty he felt.
Hogan knows best. This is the name of the highly popular VH1 reality show that follows wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family. However these days 17 year old Nick (Hogan) Bollea does not know best.
In August Nick Hogan was the driver in a serious accident that left his best friend and passenger, in critical condition. Passenger John Graziano who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, suffered brain injury and was in a coma after the speeding sports car hit a palm tree. He now needs lifetime care. Graziano is a former marine and had just served in Iraq before the accident.
On Monday May 12, Nick Bollea was sentenced to eight months in jail after pleading no contest to the accident. Also the judge sentenced Bollea to five years probation and to surrender his driver’s license for three years.
Nick Bollea could have received five years in jail. His father being as famous as he is probably benefited Nick. However, I do no believe that Hogan is getting special treatment. In many situations celebrities can almost always get out of jail sentencing and most get community service. This is such a sad story. Hogan made a mistake and is paying for it. Although there was no death in the accident, Hogan lost the best friend that he knew. He will forever live with what he did.
While in the court, Hogan turned his back to the judge and faced the family of his friend and gave them a personal apology. It was made clear how guilty he felt.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Baseball gets the ax - May 14
by Chris Holland
The Olympic Games are a celebration of the best athletes in the world playing their respective sports for not only themselves but for their countries as well. In the 2008 Olympics, there will be twenty eight sports represented from all over the world. In 2012, there will only be twenty six sports represented.
Something most people don’t know, even though it happened three years ago, is that 2008 will be the final Olympic Games where baseball and softball are included in the foreseeable future. Back in the summer of 2005, the Olympic committee, by way of secret ballot, voted baseball and softball out of the Olympics.
Now, with the exclusion of baseball and softball in the Olympics, the big time dreams of many amateur athletes have been destroyed. Their hopes of playing an Olympic sport for their country are ruined.
The Olympic committee decided to take out a two big time sports that are played all over the world, yet, for the winter games, they leave in sports such as curling, skeleton, and bobsledding that are always dominated by teams like Canada and Switzerland.
Just about every country in the world plays baseball. If they are going to remove a sport from the Olympics, it should be a sport that is not so widely popular and played by so many people, both children and adults, all over the world.
Some of the sports proposed to take their place by the head of the Olympic committee are golf, rugby, and karate. These aren’t sports that should be included in the Olympics, especially not in the place of baseball and softball. Baseball is our pastime and should be allowed to remain in the Olympics along with softball.
The Olympic Games are a celebration of the best athletes in the world playing their respective sports for not only themselves but for their countries as well. In the 2008 Olympics, there will be twenty eight sports represented from all over the world. In 2012, there will only be twenty six sports represented.
Something most people don’t know, even though it happened three years ago, is that 2008 will be the final Olympic Games where baseball and softball are included in the foreseeable future. Back in the summer of 2005, the Olympic committee, by way of secret ballot, voted baseball and softball out of the Olympics.
Now, with the exclusion of baseball and softball in the Olympics, the big time dreams of many amateur athletes have been destroyed. Their hopes of playing an Olympic sport for their country are ruined.
The Olympic committee decided to take out a two big time sports that are played all over the world, yet, for the winter games, they leave in sports such as curling, skeleton, and bobsledding that are always dominated by teams like Canada and Switzerland.
Just about every country in the world plays baseball. If they are going to remove a sport from the Olympics, it should be a sport that is not so widely popular and played by so many people, both children and adults, all over the world.
Some of the sports proposed to take their place by the head of the Olympic committee are golf, rugby, and karate. These aren’t sports that should be included in the Olympics, especially not in the place of baseball and softball. Baseball is our pastime and should be allowed to remain in the Olympics along with softball.
Put an end to irresponsible parents
by Celine Chahine
She looked as if she were dead.
All baffled eyes were on her horrific state, her shaking body that was lying limply on the cold dirty leaves in between the trees. 10 year old Daniel Chahine held a party at his house and was playing ghost in the graveyard with all of his friends, when all of a sudden a faint, cracking voice was heard saying, “Connor, Kyle, come home now..”
“I was so scared when I saw that all of my friends were next to me and that I didn’t know who was out there. It was too dark for me to see her and what was going on, but from her voice I could tell that something was wrong,” said Daniel.
“I had no idea what to do, it could have been someone dangerous, and so I didn’t want the kids to go back outside. My daughter ended up convincing me that we should go help her or at least check on her because she was just laying there on the ground, moaning.” said Rita.
Apparently, a neighbor was heavily intoxicated and clearly needed help. So Rita and her daughter grabbed their requested neighbor, who, at the time, was holding on to the victims children, and they called the ambulance witch took the intoxicated mother to the hospital.
“It was awful, she couldn’t sit or stand, she just kept shaking. She looked pretty bad too, she had a huge bump on her forehead and scratches and bruises all over her face and body…I felt terrible for her little children, they were hysterically crying when they saw there mother. I couldn’t believe that a mother would ever do something like that.” said Rita.
Turned out that the lady was drunk and overdosed on her pills. She had given her neighbors her children the night of the incident.
The father praised the efforts of the Chahine family, “thank you so much for saving my wife’s life. The doctors said that if she hadn’t gone to the hospital, she would have been dead within an hour. ” said the victims husband.
It is unbelievably shocking how irresponsible parents can be. Clearly, it is wrong for a parent to pass her children off to someone so that they could get intoxicated. This kind of behavior sets a bad example; children need good role models in order to grow up and become good and mature adults. If parents didn’t make it a habit of drinking or taking drugs, then they wouldn’t be hypocrites by telling their children not to do things like that.
The solution to getting rid of irresponsible parents is to take away their parenting rights. This can be done by a requirement to a government review. Basically, the government will designate someone to go review the states and functions of families. Anyone who fails this review will be further reviewed. If living conditions seem unbearable or unjust to the children, then they will be taken away from their irresponsible parents.
She looked as if she were dead.
All baffled eyes were on her horrific state, her shaking body that was lying limply on the cold dirty leaves in between the trees. 10 year old Daniel Chahine held a party at his house and was playing ghost in the graveyard with all of his friends, when all of a sudden a faint, cracking voice was heard saying, “Connor, Kyle, come home now..”
“I was so scared when I saw that all of my friends were next to me and that I didn’t know who was out there. It was too dark for me to see her and what was going on, but from her voice I could tell that something was wrong,” said Daniel.
“I had no idea what to do, it could have been someone dangerous, and so I didn’t want the kids to go back outside. My daughter ended up convincing me that we should go help her or at least check on her because she was just laying there on the ground, moaning.” said Rita.
Apparently, a neighbor was heavily intoxicated and clearly needed help. So Rita and her daughter grabbed their requested neighbor, who, at the time, was holding on to the victims children, and they called the ambulance witch took the intoxicated mother to the hospital.
“It was awful, she couldn’t sit or stand, she just kept shaking. She looked pretty bad too, she had a huge bump on her forehead and scratches and bruises all over her face and body…I felt terrible for her little children, they were hysterically crying when they saw there mother. I couldn’t believe that a mother would ever do something like that.” said Rita.
Turned out that the lady was drunk and overdosed on her pills. She had given her neighbors her children the night of the incident.
The father praised the efforts of the Chahine family, “thank you so much for saving my wife’s life. The doctors said that if she hadn’t gone to the hospital, she would have been dead within an hour. ” said the victims husband.
It is unbelievably shocking how irresponsible parents can be. Clearly, it is wrong for a parent to pass her children off to someone so that they could get intoxicated. This kind of behavior sets a bad example; children need good role models in order to grow up and become good and mature adults. If parents didn’t make it a habit of drinking or taking drugs, then they wouldn’t be hypocrites by telling their children not to do things like that.
The solution to getting rid of irresponsible parents is to take away their parenting rights. This can be done by a requirement to a government review. Basically, the government will designate someone to go review the states and functions of families. Anyone who fails this review will be further reviewed. If living conditions seem unbearable or unjust to the children, then they will be taken away from their irresponsible parents.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Nighttime raping in Pembroke Hospital raises a question of safety - May 7
by Kim Rizzitano
Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital staff members came to find the scene of a rape of one patient by another on the night of April 30. Frank Sampson, 21, of Brockton has been charged with the crimes of assault and battery and rape. Bridget Norton Middleton, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney said the victim if over 14 years-old.
The alleged rape victim was taken to Jordan Hospital after the incident. As filed by Pembroke police, the female ordered Sampson to leave after finding him behind her door and then proceeded to take her medications and went to sleep. The victim told police she woke up in a state of lethargy to find a man sexually assaulting her.
Sampson was charged in Plymouth District Court on May 1 and transported to the Bridgewater State Hospital. His pretrial hearing is to be held on May 20.
A question of safety is raised in the community when such an act happens so close to home. The Pembroke Hospital is set out of place in this suburban community filled with families. What was once a quiet town now has seen more crime and safety concerns in the passed years. Mothers find themselves at the police station seeking lists of sex offenders while fathers put in alarm systems.
Just in past weeks a father-son burglary team was found breaking into homes in neighboring towns. Weeks ago, an alleged threat was made to a student at Pembroke High School with a toy gun. In addition, a Pembroke dentist was charged with sexual assault back in February.
So the question is, how are be able to feel safe in such business going on around us? The community needs to take a more active role in preventing such things. For instance, a neighborhood watch could be set up by town members or self-defense classes would be established for people who feel in danger or vulnerable.
Overall, the community cannot sit back and allow such a town to fall victim to crimes such as these.
Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital staff members came to find the scene of a rape of one patient by another on the night of April 30. Frank Sampson, 21, of Brockton has been charged with the crimes of assault and battery and rape. Bridget Norton Middleton, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney said the victim if over 14 years-old.
The alleged rape victim was taken to Jordan Hospital after the incident. As filed by Pembroke police, the female ordered Sampson to leave after finding him behind her door and then proceeded to take her medications and went to sleep. The victim told police she woke up in a state of lethargy to find a man sexually assaulting her.
Sampson was charged in Plymouth District Court on May 1 and transported to the Bridgewater State Hospital. His pretrial hearing is to be held on May 20.
A question of safety is raised in the community when such an act happens so close to home. The Pembroke Hospital is set out of place in this suburban community filled with families. What was once a quiet town now has seen more crime and safety concerns in the passed years. Mothers find themselves at the police station seeking lists of sex offenders while fathers put in alarm systems.
Just in past weeks a father-son burglary team was found breaking into homes in neighboring towns. Weeks ago, an alleged threat was made to a student at Pembroke High School with a toy gun. In addition, a Pembroke dentist was charged with sexual assault back in February.
So the question is, how are be able to feel safe in such business going on around us? The community needs to take a more active role in preventing such things. For instance, a neighborhood watch could be set up by town members or self-defense classes would be established for people who feel in danger or vulnerable.
Overall, the community cannot sit back and allow such a town to fall victim to crimes such as these.
Sports turn ugly
by Celine Chahine
The old times of joining a sports team to have fun with fellow friends are gone; society has cast a corrupt new twist on sports and has created monsters that only want to win.
A youth assistant football coach from East Baltimore, Aaron McCown, was sentenced to 6 and half years in prison, after he allegedly threatened a referee with a pistol. Some may think that the punishment was a bit harsh and that he didn’t do anything wrong because he didn’t actually fire. The sad truth is that his punishment should have been worse.
Adults like McCown need to learn that youth sports aren’t professional teams like the Red Sox or the Patriots, and that they are just a group of young and developing children. There is always that parent or coach at a youth game that ends up causing a huge scene, whether it’s threatening the referee with a gun or fighting with other parents, or even yelling at your child for not doing well.
All adults who cause dramatic problems should be banned from all youth games. There should be a zero tolerance rule for situations where parents or coaches get out of control, because most times things get pretty serious and result in deaths or sentences to prison. Whenever an adult is acting out of line they should be kicked out or banned, so that situations like the one McCown was involved in don’t happen again.
By doing this sports can slowly turn back into being fun and there wouldn’t be anymore headlines in the news about how some adult killed a referee for making a bad call. For the sake of the children, adults need to be kept in line during sports. After all, the main reason why adults are there, is only to support and cheer for the children, not to cause unnecessary problems.
-30-
The old times of joining a sports team to have fun with fellow friends are gone; society has cast a corrupt new twist on sports and has created monsters that only want to win.
A youth assistant football coach from East Baltimore, Aaron McCown, was sentenced to 6 and half years in prison, after he allegedly threatened a referee with a pistol. Some may think that the punishment was a bit harsh and that he didn’t do anything wrong because he didn’t actually fire. The sad truth is that his punishment should have been worse.
Adults like McCown need to learn that youth sports aren’t professional teams like the Red Sox or the Patriots, and that they are just a group of young and developing children. There is always that parent or coach at a youth game that ends up causing a huge scene, whether it’s threatening the referee with a gun or fighting with other parents, or even yelling at your child for not doing well.
All adults who cause dramatic problems should be banned from all youth games. There should be a zero tolerance rule for situations where parents or coaches get out of control, because most times things get pretty serious and result in deaths or sentences to prison. Whenever an adult is acting out of line they should be kicked out or banned, so that situations like the one McCown was involved in don’t happen again.
By doing this sports can slowly turn back into being fun and there wouldn’t be anymore headlines in the news about how some adult killed a referee for making a bad call. For the sake of the children, adults need to be kept in line during sports. After all, the main reason why adults are there, is only to support and cheer for the children, not to cause unnecessary problems.
-30-
The year is ending but Pembroke looks to the Future
by Lauren Mulkern
Seniors are suddenly thrown onto the streets and are lost. They realize that high school is over and they are stepping out of their safety zone. With school being over, seniors are just looking forward to a fun summer before either college or work.
This came up very quickly and the seniors were not prepared. They are starting to feel nervous because they realize that high school is basically over.
Pembroke High is thinking about a new way to prepare their seniors for when they get out of school. The program is the Senior Project.
Seniors now have the option to take fourth quarter off. This is if they go into an internship that compliments their idea for the future. This includes their major or future place of work. However, they can not be paid.
Unfortunately, there is a conflict that some seniors may run into. If you take an A.P. course, the project will conflict with your schedule. You have to attend you’re A.P. classes. Therefore, you will not have time to participate in the internship.
Personally, I like the idea of the Senior Project. People will be able to experiment what they are interested in doing in the future. This way they will be way ahead and have an idea of what they want to pursue.
A lot of people have no idea what to major in and this head start will help limit themselves.
PHS juniors are very excited and eager to get started with this Project.
Seniors are suddenly thrown onto the streets and are lost. They realize that high school is over and they are stepping out of their safety zone. With school being over, seniors are just looking forward to a fun summer before either college or work.
This came up very quickly and the seniors were not prepared. They are starting to feel nervous because they realize that high school is basically over.
Pembroke High is thinking about a new way to prepare their seniors for when they get out of school. The program is the Senior Project.
Seniors now have the option to take fourth quarter off. This is if they go into an internship that compliments their idea for the future. This includes their major or future place of work. However, they can not be paid.
Unfortunately, there is a conflict that some seniors may run into. If you take an A.P. course, the project will conflict with your schedule. You have to attend you’re A.P. classes. Therefore, you will not have time to participate in the internship.
Personally, I like the idea of the Senior Project. People will be able to experiment what they are interested in doing in the future. This way they will be way ahead and have an idea of what they want to pursue.
A lot of people have no idea what to major in and this head start will help limit themselves.
PHS juniors are very excited and eager to get started with this Project.
Another O.J. being investigated
by Ryan Grindle
Just when it seemed like O.J. Mayo’s life couldn’t get any better, things took a definite turn for the worse. The NBA-bound, former USC basketball phenom is now under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly accepting cash and gifts from BDA Sports Management. BDA is believed to have made payments to Rodney Guillory, who allegedly acted as a runner between BDA and Mayo.
A few months ago, Mayo was involved in another controversy, having accepted tickets from his friend, NBA star Carmello Anthony. At the time, this seemed like nothing at all. The NCAA followed up on the case and Mayo made charitable contributions amounting to the value of the tickets. However, what the initial story did not mention is that Anthony is a client of BDA.
Now with the NBA draft looming only a few months away, Mayo has declared his eligibility and announced that he has hired Calvin Andrews of BDA as his agent.
Things don’t appear to be getting better for USC, who will be paying close attention to former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush’s deposition on June 23 on allegations that he accepted gifts from another sports agency while playing at Southern California.
If these allegations turn out to be true, USC will, and should face major repercussions. In his interview on ESPN’s Outside The Lines, former Mayo associate Louis Johnson claimed that Guillory was in constant contact with the USC coaching staff, who should have done the right thing and told a school official.
With two potentially damaging investigations in front of them, USC should be punished to the highest extent by the NCAA if either turns out to be true, because there is no way that they didn’t know anything about what their players were doing.
Just when it seemed like O.J. Mayo’s life couldn’t get any better, things took a definite turn for the worse. The NBA-bound, former USC basketball phenom is now under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly accepting cash and gifts from BDA Sports Management. BDA is believed to have made payments to Rodney Guillory, who allegedly acted as a runner between BDA and Mayo.
A few months ago, Mayo was involved in another controversy, having accepted tickets from his friend, NBA star Carmello Anthony. At the time, this seemed like nothing at all. The NCAA followed up on the case and Mayo made charitable contributions amounting to the value of the tickets. However, what the initial story did not mention is that Anthony is a client of BDA.
Now with the NBA draft looming only a few months away, Mayo has declared his eligibility and announced that he has hired Calvin Andrews of BDA as his agent.
Things don’t appear to be getting better for USC, who will be paying close attention to former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush’s deposition on June 23 on allegations that he accepted gifts from another sports agency while playing at Southern California.
If these allegations turn out to be true, USC will, and should face major repercussions. In his interview on ESPN’s Outside The Lines, former Mayo associate Louis Johnson claimed that Guillory was in constant contact with the USC coaching staff, who should have done the right thing and told a school official.
With two potentially damaging investigations in front of them, USC should be punished to the highest extent by the NCAA if either turns out to be true, because there is no way that they didn’t know anything about what their players were doing.
Not so Eco-friendly
by Kimberly Rizzitano
Companies are constantly spouting about new eco-friendly products they are putting on the market. Poland Spring’s new bottle has 30 percent less plastic; Simple Green Household Cleaner claims to be a “safer alternative” to other cleaners. The automobile companies are even jumping on the green bandwagon with the hybrids.
But what they aren’t telling you is that the new eco-friendly bottle made by Poland Springs actually uses a large amount of energy when it’s produced and transported. And this alleged safer cleaner which is supposed to be non-toxic contains butyl cellosolve, which is a toxic solvent. It has even been found that the Chevy Tahoe hybrid does not get as great mileage as smaller hybrids.
So how can the public be sure that their extra money spent on green products will really be worth while? TerraChoice Environmental Marketing conducted a study and found that 99 percent of 1,018 products that claim to be green could be misleading.
Scott Case from TerraChoice said, “There is zero enforcement. The government needs to require anyone making a green claim to provide proof of the accuracy and relevance of the claim”.
In other countries, however, governments and groups are taking action to take misleading ads out of the public eye. In Britain a regulating agency called British Advertising Standards Authority forced Shell to pull an ad that showed flowers coming from smokestakes. The agency said that the ad made it seem like Shell was using the emission of carbon dioxide to grown plants.
Overall, the main idea circulating now is for the government to keep companies in check when putting out ads that claim to be green. No plans to regulate false ads have actually been set in motion at this time.
Companies are constantly spouting about new eco-friendly products they are putting on the market. Poland Spring’s new bottle has 30 percent less plastic; Simple Green Household Cleaner claims to be a “safer alternative” to other cleaners. The automobile companies are even jumping on the green bandwagon with the hybrids.
But what they aren’t telling you is that the new eco-friendly bottle made by Poland Springs actually uses a large amount of energy when it’s produced and transported. And this alleged safer cleaner which is supposed to be non-toxic contains butyl cellosolve, which is a toxic solvent. It has even been found that the Chevy Tahoe hybrid does not get as great mileage as smaller hybrids.
So how can the public be sure that their extra money spent on green products will really be worth while? TerraChoice Environmental Marketing conducted a study and found that 99 percent of 1,018 products that claim to be green could be misleading.
Scott Case from TerraChoice said, “There is zero enforcement. The government needs to require anyone making a green claim to provide proof of the accuracy and relevance of the claim”.
In other countries, however, governments and groups are taking action to take misleading ads out of the public eye. In Britain a regulating agency called British Advertising Standards Authority forced Shell to pull an ad that showed flowers coming from smokestakes. The agency said that the ad made it seem like Shell was using the emission of carbon dioxide to grown plants.
Overall, the main idea circulating now is for the government to keep companies in check when putting out ads that claim to be green. No plans to regulate false ads have actually been set in motion at this time.
'Dead spot' controversy
by Kim Pham
With tears streaming down her face and flowers in her hand, the young Framingham girl knelt down on the dewy grave. She silently prayed for her deceased grandfather, remembering his laughter, his smile, and all of their precious memories. Still crying, the girl raised her blurry vision to scan the serene landscape, but found herself jarred back to reality by a hideous image; an imposing cell phone tower soaring from the once-placid cemetery.
Because of bad cell phone reception in nearby roads, the Archdiocese of Boston is currently contemplating building the tower in the area, specifically at the 150-year-old St. George Cemetery. T-Mobile would oversee the construction of the freestanding “flagpole tower” in able to close a coverage gap in northern Framingham and the Mass Pike. (Ironically, they would be building something on a dead spot to get rid of a dead spot!) However, the residents of the town aren't seeing any humor in the situation; they are vehemently rallying against the building of the new structure.
And rightly so! Besides the obvious aesthetic intrusion of the cell phone tower, the disrespect of its' construction goes beyond being unpleasant. A cemetery is a sacred ground for prayer, beauty, and peace for those who mourn for their loved ones; the cell phone tower is a blatant and offensive reminder of technology in the face of solemn tranquility. It is morally unethical to erect something in complete disregard for the respect of the deceased.
Also, it is utterly unfair to those family members of those buried in St. George's cemetery. They did not pay money for their resting love ones' graves to be practically desecrated by the building of the T-Mobile tower. Even after the construction is finished, maintenance trucks will have to often return to the tower for check-ups, repairs, etc. By doing so, they are only continuing to further interrupt the somber peacefulness of the scene. The 8-foot-tall fence surrounding the cell phone tower will also do little to comfort the Framingham residents of the proposed “unnoticeable” change to the cemetery.
T-Mobile, let alone the Archdiocese of Boston, should not even be contemplating the mere thought of the 100-foot-tall cell phone tower at St. George Cemetery. It's not even a question of profit or convenience; it's the moral aspect that appalls me. The cell phone tower proposal needs to be rejected; surely, another spot can be staked out in the area. If not, the tower should not go up at all. Those driving on the Mass Pike can sacrifice several seconds of conversation for the respect of those who lay buried in the ground, peacefully resting as they should be.
- 30 -
With tears streaming down her face and flowers in her hand, the young Framingham girl knelt down on the dewy grave. She silently prayed for her deceased grandfather, remembering his laughter, his smile, and all of their precious memories. Still crying, the girl raised her blurry vision to scan the serene landscape, but found herself jarred back to reality by a hideous image; an imposing cell phone tower soaring from the once-placid cemetery.
Because of bad cell phone reception in nearby roads, the Archdiocese of Boston is currently contemplating building the tower in the area, specifically at the 150-year-old St. George Cemetery. T-Mobile would oversee the construction of the freestanding “flagpole tower” in able to close a coverage gap in northern Framingham and the Mass Pike. (Ironically, they would be building something on a dead spot to get rid of a dead spot!) However, the residents of the town aren't seeing any humor in the situation; they are vehemently rallying against the building of the new structure.
And rightly so! Besides the obvious aesthetic intrusion of the cell phone tower, the disrespect of its' construction goes beyond being unpleasant. A cemetery is a sacred ground for prayer, beauty, and peace for those who mourn for their loved ones; the cell phone tower is a blatant and offensive reminder of technology in the face of solemn tranquility. It is morally unethical to erect something in complete disregard for the respect of the deceased.
Also, it is utterly unfair to those family members of those buried in St. George's cemetery. They did not pay money for their resting love ones' graves to be practically desecrated by the building of the T-Mobile tower. Even after the construction is finished, maintenance trucks will have to often return to the tower for check-ups, repairs, etc. By doing so, they are only continuing to further interrupt the somber peacefulness of the scene. The 8-foot-tall fence surrounding the cell phone tower will also do little to comfort the Framingham residents of the proposed “unnoticeable” change to the cemetery.
T-Mobile, let alone the Archdiocese of Boston, should not even be contemplating the mere thought of the 100-foot-tall cell phone tower at St. George Cemetery. It's not even a question of profit or convenience; it's the moral aspect that appalls me. The cell phone tower proposal needs to be rejected; surely, another spot can be staked out in the area. If not, the tower should not go up at all. Those driving on the Mass Pike can sacrifice several seconds of conversation for the respect of those who lay buried in the ground, peacefully resting as they should be.
- 30 -
Boston Celtics came from the bottom of the pile
by Patrick Ross
The 2008 Boston Celtics came from the bottom of the pile last year, having the worst record in the league, to the leagues elite team. With the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen the team has come together with the best record in the NBA. But now its crunch time, the most important games of the year are currently going on, the playoffs. Now the Celtics were suppose to sweep the Atlanta Hawks in the first round right? Well, that didn’t happen but they did win in 7 games. This causes much fatigue to the team. It seems to be the road games that challenge them, as we now see totally evident with Lebron James and his Cavaliers.
Boston easily went up 2-0 in the second round against Cleveland, however both games were home. The 2 games that followed resulted in Cleveland victories. So as of now the Celtics are 0-5 on the road during the playoffs and it will be very difficult trying to win a championship that way. This is completely uncharacteristic of Boston, who held the best road record during the regular season. Are they choking when it counts? It certainly wouldn’t be the first Boston team to do this to us, because we all remember that embarrassing loss by the Patriots, an undefeated team until then, in Super Bowl 42.
We can’t blame the whole team though. Kevin Garnett is trying his hardest to win his first championship and Leon Powe has emerged as a solid bench player. Unfortunately the Celtics team leader in scoring throughout the season, Paul Peirce, is slumping big time. Peirce just can’t hit a shot no matter how hard it seems he tries. Fade a ways, lay ups, and even wide open shots won’t go in. Ray Allen joins him here as well, going scoreless in the first 6 quarters of this series. The Cavaliers have also been leaving Rajon Rondo with wide open shots, literally, because they do not feel he will make them, which has been the result. The bottom line is that this team needs to learn how to utilize each other in the best possible ways. Remember, they have not experienced the playoffs with each other until now, and it is a much different atmosphere. Boston needs take a day off and remember who they are, a spectacular team. So Ray Allen, take a deep breathe before you drain your next three, and realize that is what you do every night, shake off the other games. Paul Peirce quit taking fade a ways it is getting you nowhere; get physical and drive to the hoop and earn your points. To Kevin Garnett, just bring all the intensity you hold out onto the floor and spark the team with a flame that drives us to the championship you want. Sure it was great watching them whoop ass in the regular season, but some success in the playoffs would be even better. Go win a game on the road.
The 2008 Boston Celtics came from the bottom of the pile last year, having the worst record in the league, to the leagues elite team. With the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen the team has come together with the best record in the NBA. But now its crunch time, the most important games of the year are currently going on, the playoffs. Now the Celtics were suppose to sweep the Atlanta Hawks in the first round right? Well, that didn’t happen but they did win in 7 games. This causes much fatigue to the team. It seems to be the road games that challenge them, as we now see totally evident with Lebron James and his Cavaliers.
Boston easily went up 2-0 in the second round against Cleveland, however both games were home. The 2 games that followed resulted in Cleveland victories. So as of now the Celtics are 0-5 on the road during the playoffs and it will be very difficult trying to win a championship that way. This is completely uncharacteristic of Boston, who held the best road record during the regular season. Are they choking when it counts? It certainly wouldn’t be the first Boston team to do this to us, because we all remember that embarrassing loss by the Patriots, an undefeated team until then, in Super Bowl 42.
We can’t blame the whole team though. Kevin Garnett is trying his hardest to win his first championship and Leon Powe has emerged as a solid bench player. Unfortunately the Celtics team leader in scoring throughout the season, Paul Peirce, is slumping big time. Peirce just can’t hit a shot no matter how hard it seems he tries. Fade a ways, lay ups, and even wide open shots won’t go in. Ray Allen joins him here as well, going scoreless in the first 6 quarters of this series. The Cavaliers have also been leaving Rajon Rondo with wide open shots, literally, because they do not feel he will make them, which has been the result. The bottom line is that this team needs to learn how to utilize each other in the best possible ways. Remember, they have not experienced the playoffs with each other until now, and it is a much different atmosphere. Boston needs take a day off and remember who they are, a spectacular team. So Ray Allen, take a deep breathe before you drain your next three, and realize that is what you do every night, shake off the other games. Paul Peirce quit taking fade a ways it is getting you nowhere; get physical and drive to the hoop and earn your points. To Kevin Garnett, just bring all the intensity you hold out onto the floor and spark the team with a flame that drives us to the championship you want. Sure it was great watching them whoop ass in the regular season, but some success in the playoffs would be even better. Go win a game on the road.
Celtics doomed to still be an afterthought for fans
by Ryan Hennigan
Lebron charges past Boston defender James Posey and goes up on Defensive Player of the year, Kevin Garnett. The two giant bodies collide and SLAM. King James throws the ball threw the hoop effortlessly in a spectacular windmill dunk. Along with Kevin’s feelings, Lebron shatters the Celtic’s hopes of winning in their 88-78 loss to the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers last night in game four of the semifinals.
A loss in the playoffs could also shatter the hopes of Celtics fans everywhere. The Celtics have lived in the lime lights of the Red Sox and the Patriots for supremacy and recognition in Boston sports for around a decade. With the pre-season acquisition of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, the hopes of the Celtics fateful went up. This included many Celtic fans at Pembroke High.
Senior, Kevin Daly, said, “I have always been a big Celts fan and it’s nice to see them actually be a big time sport in Boston now. Now that we have Ray Allen and Garnett, there’s no stop in us.”
Indeed, the Celtics lived up to the hype in the season, accumulating a 66-16 record; the best in all the NBA. However, they have lost all five road games of the playoffs so far. No team has ever won the NBA title after losing the first five road games, and there is further reason to worry about the Celtics.
Kevin Garnett, whose emotional stature has given him the reputation as a clutch player, only scored two points in the entire fourth quarter of the loss. Furthermore, the Celts have to rise as a team in the fourth quarter; in their last five road games (which they've lost), they've scored 19, 18, 17, 21, and 12 points, respectively.
It's not just KG who's hit a wall, though. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have not played to their potential in this series. They combined for just four points in Game 1, and neither was able to provide a second-half lift in Games 3 or 4 in Cleveland.
You can tell how important bench scoring is when you look at the stats for Game 4. The Boston bench could only muster 17 points, while the Cavs bench, led by Daniel Gibson and Anderson Varejao (pictured), exploded for 36. For those of you keeping track at home, that difference of 19 exceeds the deficit by which the Celtics lost.
The scariest thing might be that LeBron James hasn't even gone off yet. Sure, he scored 21 points and dished out 13 assists last night, but the man averaged a 30/8/7 (points, rebounds, assists) this season.
Clearly, the Celtics are setting themselves up once again for falling into mediocrity. A Celtics championship would be a nice way to top off the school year (there could be a celebration day in which students are allowed to wear hats and get other rights). However, it doesn’t look like this will happen nor does it look like the Celtics will be rising to the top of Boston sports anytime soon.
Lebron charges past Boston defender James Posey and goes up on Defensive Player of the year, Kevin Garnett. The two giant bodies collide and SLAM. King James throws the ball threw the hoop effortlessly in a spectacular windmill dunk. Along with Kevin’s feelings, Lebron shatters the Celtic’s hopes of winning in their 88-78 loss to the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers last night in game four of the semifinals.
A loss in the playoffs could also shatter the hopes of Celtics fans everywhere. The Celtics have lived in the lime lights of the Red Sox and the Patriots for supremacy and recognition in Boston sports for around a decade. With the pre-season acquisition of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, the hopes of the Celtics fateful went up. This included many Celtic fans at Pembroke High.
Senior, Kevin Daly, said, “I have always been a big Celts fan and it’s nice to see them actually be a big time sport in Boston now. Now that we have Ray Allen and Garnett, there’s no stop in us.”
Indeed, the Celtics lived up to the hype in the season, accumulating a 66-16 record; the best in all the NBA. However, they have lost all five road games of the playoffs so far. No team has ever won the NBA title after losing the first five road games, and there is further reason to worry about the Celtics.
Kevin Garnett, whose emotional stature has given him the reputation as a clutch player, only scored two points in the entire fourth quarter of the loss. Furthermore, the Celts have to rise as a team in the fourth quarter; in their last five road games (which they've lost), they've scored 19, 18, 17, 21, and 12 points, respectively.
It's not just KG who's hit a wall, though. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have not played to their potential in this series. They combined for just four points in Game 1, and neither was able to provide a second-half lift in Games 3 or 4 in Cleveland.
You can tell how important bench scoring is when you look at the stats for Game 4. The Boston bench could only muster 17 points, while the Cavs bench, led by Daniel Gibson and Anderson Varejao (pictured), exploded for 36. For those of you keeping track at home, that difference of 19 exceeds the deficit by which the Celtics lost.
The scariest thing might be that LeBron James hasn't even gone off yet. Sure, he scored 21 points and dished out 13 assists last night, but the man averaged a 30/8/7 (points, rebounds, assists) this season.
Clearly, the Celtics are setting themselves up once again for falling into mediocrity. A Celtics championship would be a nice way to top off the school year (there could be a celebration day in which students are allowed to wear hats and get other rights). However, it doesn’t look like this will happen nor does it look like the Celtics will be rising to the top of Boston sports anytime soon.
Advance Placement programs overload students with work
by Lauren Hanley
The advanced placement program is administered by The College Board of New York and is designed to be taught as a higher level course, comparable to a freshman collage class. As a result, due to the level of difficulty, keeping up with these vigorous courses require extensive time and effort.
One may wonder why someone would want to put themselves through such a demanding course. One may further wonder why someone would want to take more than one of these A.p classes.
The idea of an advanced placement class was to accommodate students who had a passion for a certain subject, and were bored in honors classes. It was not meant to be a competition on how many a student can handle before crashing. However, more and more students around the world feel that it is necessary to overload them with A.p courses, in order to compete with surrounding peers.
I am outraged that high school students are being expected to manage a hectic lifestyle of sports, peer pressures, and work, and now in addition to taking collage classes. The stress of managing these vigorous courses with leave students burnt out; unhealthy habits will develop such as lack of sleep, overeating, and cheating in order to cope. High schoolers are going to be done with collage before they even get there.
As a result, student should have a limit each year on how many A.P classes one can take. I should be a world-wide limit, so it would eliminate competition and overwhelming stress. Therefore, students will be able to work hard but still live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
You only live one, so why would you want to kill yourself?
The advanced placement program is administered by The College Board of New York and is designed to be taught as a higher level course, comparable to a freshman collage class. As a result, due to the level of difficulty, keeping up with these vigorous courses require extensive time and effort.
One may wonder why someone would want to put themselves through such a demanding course. One may further wonder why someone would want to take more than one of these A.p classes.
The idea of an advanced placement class was to accommodate students who had a passion for a certain subject, and were bored in honors classes. It was not meant to be a competition on how many a student can handle before crashing. However, more and more students around the world feel that it is necessary to overload them with A.p courses, in order to compete with surrounding peers.
I am outraged that high school students are being expected to manage a hectic lifestyle of sports, peer pressures, and work, and now in addition to taking collage classes. The stress of managing these vigorous courses with leave students burnt out; unhealthy habits will develop such as lack of sleep, overeating, and cheating in order to cope. High schoolers are going to be done with collage before they even get there.
As a result, student should have a limit each year on how many A.P classes one can take. I should be a world-wide limit, so it would eliminate competition and overwhelming stress. Therefore, students will be able to work hard but still live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
You only live one, so why would you want to kill yourself?
Government slacks as Cyclone attacks
by Lauren Hanley
According to the Weather Book, cyclones are extremely dangerous wind-and-pressure storms that spin in rapid circular motions; they destroy everything their path. Imagine being helpless against this powerful storm.
On Saturday, in Yangon, Myanmar, Cyclone Nargis struck causing a spiraling increasing death rate of citizens. Generals had predicted a deadly cyclone and failed to notify citizens; leading to a fatal demise of their population.
One is left outraged and confounded as to why government officials would want to withhold such vital information, which would have saved thousands of innocent lives.
A total of 10,000 people from one town were killed by the violent cyclone. The storm’s 12-foot tidal surges and destructive winds trampled and ruined the bamboo homes of this village, leaving the town in shambles.
The government failed to sufficiently caution them of the impending storm in a timely manor and have continued to inadequately supply them with aid after the storm.The only aid provided by the Myanmar officials was marked by an ugly social injustice. The military have started to clear streets but only the areas where ruling elite live. They have forsaken other residents, including Budhistt monks, to fen for themselves.
The presence of the International groups such as Red Cross has been carefully monitored by the ruling officials of Myanmar, who are suspicious of the group’s actions. This had further limited the support given to the desperate victims.
My main concern is for these poor people that are plagued by a heartless government. They need help and deserve to receive it. In order to deliver aid, smaller groups of people should enter the borders and visit the victims in disguise. They should also secretly transport the injured victims out of the town so they can get the quality assistance of doctors.
I do not care how it is done but these people need to be reached. Since our military and government officials are preoccupied with the war in Iraq, it is up to the people of the United States to help out. We have to come together and fight to save lives. If we don’t then no one else will.
According to the Weather Book, cyclones are extremely dangerous wind-and-pressure storms that spin in rapid circular motions; they destroy everything their path. Imagine being helpless against this powerful storm.
On Saturday, in Yangon, Myanmar, Cyclone Nargis struck causing a spiraling increasing death rate of citizens. Generals had predicted a deadly cyclone and failed to notify citizens; leading to a fatal demise of their population.
One is left outraged and confounded as to why government officials would want to withhold such vital information, which would have saved thousands of innocent lives.
A total of 10,000 people from one town were killed by the violent cyclone. The storm’s 12-foot tidal surges and destructive winds trampled and ruined the bamboo homes of this village, leaving the town in shambles.
The government failed to sufficiently caution them of the impending storm in a timely manor and have continued to inadequately supply them with aid after the storm.The only aid provided by the Myanmar officials was marked by an ugly social injustice. The military have started to clear streets but only the areas where ruling elite live. They have forsaken other residents, including Budhistt monks, to fen for themselves.
The presence of the International groups such as Red Cross has been carefully monitored by the ruling officials of Myanmar, who are suspicious of the group’s actions. This had further limited the support given to the desperate victims.
My main concern is for these poor people that are plagued by a heartless government. They need help and deserve to receive it. In order to deliver aid, smaller groups of people should enter the borders and visit the victims in disguise. They should also secretly transport the injured victims out of the town so they can get the quality assistance of doctors.
I do not care how it is done but these people need to be reached. Since our military and government officials are preoccupied with the war in Iraq, it is up to the people of the United States to help out. We have to come together and fight to save lives. If we don’t then no one else will.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Softball scores big
by Lauren Mulkern
When any team starts their season off 0-3…things are not going to go well. The Pembroke softball team did just that and went 0-3 to very beatable teams. However, we have proved this statement wrong.
Although we have had a shaky start, we have battled back hard and teams would be mistaken if they look past us. We have beaten the top three teams in our league and have proved to the Patriot League that we mean business and we are a threat.
Unfortunately for the other teams, they looked at our first few games and marked us as a win on their schedules. Luckily, we have proved them wrong and sent them packing with their heads in the dirt. FYI…watch out for Pembroke Softball
When any team starts their season off 0-3…things are not going to go well. The Pembroke softball team did just that and went 0-3 to very beatable teams. However, we have proved this statement wrong.
Although we have had a shaky start, we have battled back hard and teams would be mistaken if they look past us. We have beaten the top three teams in our league and have proved to the Patriot League that we mean business and we are a threat.
Unfortunately for the other teams, they looked at our first few games and marked us as a win on their schedules. Luckily, we have proved them wrong and sent them packing with their heads in the dirt. FYI…watch out for Pembroke Softball
Monday, May 12, 2008
James Jones can be found on the state list of sex offenders
By Mary Polleys
James Jones can be found on the state list of sex offenders, 19 years after his conviction as a 17 year old. The law states that listed sex offenders are not allowed on school property, and now that his children attend school, the law has made it difficult to be part of his kids’ lives. Now that his son is graduating from the eighth grade, Jones can not attend the ceremony, a decision made by St. Joseph School District Superintendent Melody Smith, the only person who can allow registered sex offenders on school property in certain cases.
Jones served 5 years time for his crime, having sex with a 15 year old when he was two years the elder. He is now trying to lead a normal life, raising his children to value education. As Jones stated on AOL news, "I'm always preaching education to my children. How does that make me look if I'm not there at graduation?"
Buchanan County, which St. Joseph School district resides in, decided as a whole to deal with sex offenders as a group, rather than take on each individual case, and the decision will continually keep Jones away from all of his children’s school related activities, from plays, to musical performances, NHS inductions, and their high school graduation. He has signed an agreement acknowledging the restriction, which means he can’t claim ignorance if he is found on school grounds, and his continual protest means that police are more aware of him than anyone and are ready to arrest him if he is seen.
This situation points the finger at a flaw in the law, pretty recently instated. As of August 2006, law went into effect prohibiting sex offenders from going onto school property without permission from the district superintendent, which seemed fair, seeing as the aim of schools is to protect students. However, there are certain ways in which the law can be seen as unfair, as is the case with James Jones and his family. What is the harm in allowing a man who served his time, and has been a behaving member of society for 14 years to sit in the audience while his son graduates from the eighth grade?
In each case of a sex offender, the case should be reviewed by the superintendent, with certain things to be taken into account, such as time served, amount of time passed since conviction, nature of the crime convicted, whether or not they are a repeat offender, and their relationship with the child in question. Grouping all sex offenders together as if they are all the same is a form of prejudicial treatment.
James Jones is not the only one paying the price for his crime 19 years ago. His son, and his other children will miss out on the experience of looking out into the audience and seeing their parents sitting there cheering for them.
James Jones can be found on the state list of sex offenders, 19 years after his conviction as a 17 year old. The law states that listed sex offenders are not allowed on school property, and now that his children attend school, the law has made it difficult to be part of his kids’ lives. Now that his son is graduating from the eighth grade, Jones can not attend the ceremony, a decision made by St. Joseph School District Superintendent Melody Smith, the only person who can allow registered sex offenders on school property in certain cases.
Jones served 5 years time for his crime, having sex with a 15 year old when he was two years the elder. He is now trying to lead a normal life, raising his children to value education. As Jones stated on AOL news, "I'm always preaching education to my children. How does that make me look if I'm not there at graduation?"
Buchanan County, which St. Joseph School district resides in, decided as a whole to deal with sex offenders as a group, rather than take on each individual case, and the decision will continually keep Jones away from all of his children’s school related activities, from plays, to musical performances, NHS inductions, and their high school graduation. He has signed an agreement acknowledging the restriction, which means he can’t claim ignorance if he is found on school grounds, and his continual protest means that police are more aware of him than anyone and are ready to arrest him if he is seen.
This situation points the finger at a flaw in the law, pretty recently instated. As of August 2006, law went into effect prohibiting sex offenders from going onto school property without permission from the district superintendent, which seemed fair, seeing as the aim of schools is to protect students. However, there are certain ways in which the law can be seen as unfair, as is the case with James Jones and his family. What is the harm in allowing a man who served his time, and has been a behaving member of society for 14 years to sit in the audience while his son graduates from the eighth grade?
In each case of a sex offender, the case should be reviewed by the superintendent, with certain things to be taken into account, such as time served, amount of time passed since conviction, nature of the crime convicted, whether or not they are a repeat offender, and their relationship with the child in question. Grouping all sex offenders together as if they are all the same is a form of prejudicial treatment.
James Jones is not the only one paying the price for his crime 19 years ago. His son, and his other children will miss out on the experience of looking out into the audience and seeing their parents sitting there cheering for them.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Derby tragedy causes protests
by Ryan Grindle
Following the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby, celebration turned into sadness as second place finisher Eight Belles had to be euthanized soon after breaking both of her ankles soon after crossing the finish line. This is the second time in three years that tragedy has struck the Triple Crown. Back in 2006, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro fractured three bones in his right hind leg. The now infamous colt died less than a year later.
The day after Saturday’s race, “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” (PETA) condemned horse racing, as well as Eight Belles’ jockey Gabriel Saez. This past Monday, Saez released a statement saying, “I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know that she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her, all I could sense under me was how eager she was to race”. Talking about Saez, Eight Belles’ owner, Larry Jones, said, “This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they’re wanting to jump down his throat”.
Organizations like PETA are getting absolutely ridiculous. They claim that these thoroughbred horses are constantly abused, yet this isn’t true at all. Race horses are cared for immensely by their owners and are rarely abused.
PETA argues that horses should not be allowed to race in Breeder’s Cup unless they are old enough. Frankly, if a filly is able to finish in second place in the Kentucky Derby to a horse with 3-1 odds, I think she is old enough to compete.
Following the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby, celebration turned into sadness as second place finisher Eight Belles had to be euthanized soon after breaking both of her ankles soon after crossing the finish line. This is the second time in three years that tragedy has struck the Triple Crown. Back in 2006, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro fractured three bones in his right hind leg. The now infamous colt died less than a year later.
The day after Saturday’s race, “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” (PETA) condemned horse racing, as well as Eight Belles’ jockey Gabriel Saez. This past Monday, Saez released a statement saying, “I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know that she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her, all I could sense under me was how eager she was to race”. Talking about Saez, Eight Belles’ owner, Larry Jones, said, “This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they’re wanting to jump down his throat”.
Organizations like PETA are getting absolutely ridiculous. They claim that these thoroughbred horses are constantly abused, yet this isn’t true at all. Race horses are cared for immensely by their owners and are rarely abused.
PETA argues that horses should not be allowed to race in Breeder’s Cup unless they are old enough. Frankly, if a filly is able to finish in second place in the Kentucky Derby to a horse with 3-1 odds, I think she is old enough to compete.
Kentucky Derby weekend
by Sam Hooper
Kentucky Derby weekend is usually a time filled with excitement and anticipation. Eight Belles, stablemate of Oaks' winner Proud Spell is one of the few fillies (females) who attempted to be the fourth filly in the 134-year history of the Derby to beat the boys. She finished second to winner Big Brown beating 18 other horses. Tragedy struck shortly after when Eight Belles suffered a condylar fracture to each front ankle. An injury as sudden and severe as two broken front-ankles caused Eight Belles to fall immediately because she could not stand. Horses put approximately 70% of their weight on the forehand, or front legs. The track veterinarians and trainer decided to euthanize her immediately because there was no way to repair the damage that was done.
Is the racing surface the problem or are the horses getting weaker? Several people interviewed on NBC after the race said they felt the condition of the track at Churchill Downs did not contribute to the injuries. But the track was "sealed" (packed with rollers) many times after downpours on Friday so the surface was probably quite hard on the horses.
It seems that Eight Belles sire (father) had hoof issues while racing and several of his offspring have inherited that trend. Between the hard surface of the track, the hoof issue seems like the more reasonable explanation for the fall.
Kentucky Derby weekend is usually a time filled with excitement and anticipation. Eight Belles, stablemate of Oaks' winner Proud Spell is one of the few fillies (females) who attempted to be the fourth filly in the 134-year history of the Derby to beat the boys. She finished second to winner Big Brown beating 18 other horses. Tragedy struck shortly after when Eight Belles suffered a condylar fracture to each front ankle. An injury as sudden and severe as two broken front-ankles caused Eight Belles to fall immediately because she could not stand. Horses put approximately 70% of their weight on the forehand, or front legs. The track veterinarians and trainer decided to euthanize her immediately because there was no way to repair the damage that was done.
Is the racing surface the problem or are the horses getting weaker? Several people interviewed on NBC after the race said they felt the condition of the track at Churchill Downs did not contribute to the injuries. But the track was "sealed" (packed with rollers) many times after downpours on Friday so the surface was probably quite hard on the horses.
It seems that Eight Belles sire (father) had hoof issues while racing and several of his offspring have inherited that trend. Between the hard surface of the track, the hoof issue seems like the more reasonable explanation for the fall.
Animal rights activists up in arms
by Chris Holland
Animal rights activist groups such as PETA and NAMBLA become infuriated at the slightest injustice done to an animal. The most recent example came at this past Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The running of the 134th Kentucky Derby ended with Big Brown taking first and Eight Belles taking second. The real story however, is what happened after the race.
As Eight Belles crossed the finish line and began to slow down, she broke her two front ankles and fell, throwing the jockey off of her. Right there on the spot, the on-call veterinarian immediately euthanized Eight Belles, much to the dislike of both PETA and NAMBLA.
“This is a disgrace and we really need to stick it to them”, said John Goldsin, chief executive of NAMBLA about Eight Belles death.
Sunday, the day after the Kentucky Derby, the animal rights group, PETA, immediately called for the suspension of jockey, Gabriel Saez. However, Eight Belles trainer immediately stepped up and said, “This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they're wanting to jump down his throat,” (NBC.com).
Two years ago, at the 2006 Preakness Stakes, race horse, Barbaro died after false starting and fracturing three bones in his right hind leg. He underwent surgery the next day but eventually he died from an infection caused by his injury in July 2006.
So after the last Kentucky Derby and the unfortunate ending, both PETA and NAMBLA are calling for an end to horse racing, citing that the shoes that they make the horses wear are causing the leg injuries.
These people have to understand, these things are going to happen. If they are going to complain about horses getting fatally injured during sporting events, why not complain about football players who die on the field from heat stroke or any other condition?
Injuries are a part of sports and if humans can get injured during games and practices, then the same have to be expected of animals. It’s not like Barbaro or Eight Belles were harmed intentionally.
Animal rights activist groups such as PETA and NAMBLA become infuriated at the slightest injustice done to an animal. The most recent example came at this past Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The running of the 134th Kentucky Derby ended with Big Brown taking first and Eight Belles taking second. The real story however, is what happened after the race.
As Eight Belles crossed the finish line and began to slow down, she broke her two front ankles and fell, throwing the jockey off of her. Right there on the spot, the on-call veterinarian immediately euthanized Eight Belles, much to the dislike of both PETA and NAMBLA.
“This is a disgrace and we really need to stick it to them”, said John Goldsin, chief executive of NAMBLA about Eight Belles death.
Sunday, the day after the Kentucky Derby, the animal rights group, PETA, immediately called for the suspension of jockey, Gabriel Saez. However, Eight Belles trainer immediately stepped up and said, “This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they're wanting to jump down his throat,” (NBC.com).
Two years ago, at the 2006 Preakness Stakes, race horse, Barbaro died after false starting and fracturing three bones in his right hind leg. He underwent surgery the next day but eventually he died from an infection caused by his injury in July 2006.
So after the last Kentucky Derby and the unfortunate ending, both PETA and NAMBLA are calling for an end to horse racing, citing that the shoes that they make the horses wear are causing the leg injuries.
These people have to understand, these things are going to happen. If they are going to complain about horses getting fatally injured during sporting events, why not complain about football players who die on the field from heat stroke or any other condition?
Injuries are a part of sports and if humans can get injured during games and practices, then the same have to be expected of animals. It’s not like Barbaro or Eight Belles were harmed intentionally.
Sox-Yankees; a rivalry to kill for?
by Kim Pham
Nowadays, the sport of baseball is plagued with troubles. From steroid scandals to underage love affairs, we rarely go a week without hearing about the newest drama enveloping America's favorite pastime. The latest controversy, however, does not stem from the wrongs of the athletes on the diamond; rather, it's from their own spectators in the stands...even better, between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees fans.
Disputes between the supporters of these two rival teams are no surprise; the two enterprises have been at each other since the beginning of baseball history. This hatred fatally brewed over in a New Hampshire parking lot last week when a drunken Yankees fan, Ivonne Hernandez, rammed her car into a group of Sox fans, killing 29-year-old Matthew Beaudoin. Shortly before getting behind the wheel, Hernandez had gotten into a fistfight with Beaudoin's friend, 21-year-old Maria Hughes, over the superiority of the two teams. The 43-year-old mother then got into her car and headed directly for Beaudoin and his friends, all of whom were chanting “Yankees suck!”. Never braking, Hernandez accelerated at high speeds and eventually struck Beaudoin; he later died in the hospital due to massive head trauma...all in the name of his beloved baseball team.
Seriously people, get some class. I'm a huge Sox fan; I keep up with the team daily and try to get to as many games as possible. Sox banners and posters of Papelbon and Ellsbury are plastered on my walls and I'm sure as hell proud to sport my Sox hat wherever I go. Last October, I even skipped school to attend the World Series parade in Boston. With most of the nation hating on Boston as a sports town, my Sox pride has only grown in defense to all of the insults and jeers. I was born and raised to (almost blindly) hate our New York rivals; in the heart of Red Sox Nation, it's hard not to.
My love to the team, however, does not cross the line of being extreme. There's a difference between being devoted and being much too personally invested; sadly, Hernandez's preference for the latter cost Beaudoin his life. Her reaction to the trash talk was extreme and rash and her rage was only more enhanced because of the alcohol. She spun utterly out of control; there was no need (and never should be a need) to take it that far.
As a lifelong Sox fan, however, it would be so easy for me to pin all the blame on the Yankees fan, brush my hands, and walk away. But to be a truly unbiased judge, I must admit that some of the fault lays with the Sox fans. While an obvious tragedy, Beaudoin and his friends should not have been taunting Hernandez. She was obviously heavily intoxicated and had already demonstrated her temper and instability before. The physical altercation prior to Hernandez getting into the car only pushed her towards the edge. The chanting was even more unnecessary; while cheeky and cute in the comforts of Fenway Park, it only heightened her rage that would quickly spiral out of control. C'mon Red Sox nation, you know better than that.
At the end of the day, it's just a team and just a game. I advise fans everywhere (and not just baseball supporters) to get some dignity and class. After all, you are the ones representing your beloved home team. There's a difference between loving dedication and dangerous obsession; don't cross that line.
Nowadays, the sport of baseball is plagued with troubles. From steroid scandals to underage love affairs, we rarely go a week without hearing about the newest drama enveloping America's favorite pastime. The latest controversy, however, does not stem from the wrongs of the athletes on the diamond; rather, it's from their own spectators in the stands...even better, between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees fans.
Disputes between the supporters of these two rival teams are no surprise; the two enterprises have been at each other since the beginning of baseball history. This hatred fatally brewed over in a New Hampshire parking lot last week when a drunken Yankees fan, Ivonne Hernandez, rammed her car into a group of Sox fans, killing 29-year-old Matthew Beaudoin. Shortly before getting behind the wheel, Hernandez had gotten into a fistfight with Beaudoin's friend, 21-year-old Maria Hughes, over the superiority of the two teams. The 43-year-old mother then got into her car and headed directly for Beaudoin and his friends, all of whom were chanting “Yankees suck!”. Never braking, Hernandez accelerated at high speeds and eventually struck Beaudoin; he later died in the hospital due to massive head trauma...all in the name of his beloved baseball team.
Seriously people, get some class. I'm a huge Sox fan; I keep up with the team daily and try to get to as many games as possible. Sox banners and posters of Papelbon and Ellsbury are plastered on my walls and I'm sure as hell proud to sport my Sox hat wherever I go. Last October, I even skipped school to attend the World Series parade in Boston. With most of the nation hating on Boston as a sports town, my Sox pride has only grown in defense to all of the insults and jeers. I was born and raised to (almost blindly) hate our New York rivals; in the heart of Red Sox Nation, it's hard not to.
My love to the team, however, does not cross the line of being extreme. There's a difference between being devoted and being much too personally invested; sadly, Hernandez's preference for the latter cost Beaudoin his life. Her reaction to the trash talk was extreme and rash and her rage was only more enhanced because of the alcohol. She spun utterly out of control; there was no need (and never should be a need) to take it that far.
As a lifelong Sox fan, however, it would be so easy for me to pin all the blame on the Yankees fan, brush my hands, and walk away. But to be a truly unbiased judge, I must admit that some of the fault lays with the Sox fans. While an obvious tragedy, Beaudoin and his friends should not have been taunting Hernandez. She was obviously heavily intoxicated and had already demonstrated her temper and instability before. The physical altercation prior to Hernandez getting into the car only pushed her towards the edge. The chanting was even more unnecessary; while cheeky and cute in the comforts of Fenway Park, it only heightened her rage that would quickly spiral out of control. C'mon Red Sox nation, you know better than that.
At the end of the day, it's just a team and just a game. I advise fans everywhere (and not just baseball supporters) to get some dignity and class. After all, you are the ones representing your beloved home team. There's a difference between loving dedication and dangerous obsession; don't cross that line.
Super moms take charge
by Celine Chahine
There are extreme measures for how far a mother would go to help her child.
17 year old Xochitl Parra, in Long Beach, California, gave birth to her child at her house and desperately walked all the way to the hospital, with her baby still attached by its umbilical cord.
Parra said that she had been taking a shower before school when she felt that it was time to give birth. She had kept her pregnancy a secret, for obvious reasons. Parra risked her life by walking to the hospital; she could have bled to death. Her baby could have also died if she did not wrap it in a towel. Parra’s brave actions saved the life of her child.
There are many times when a parent, like Parra, risks their own life in order to save their child’s. When a mothers instinct kicks in and nothing else matters to them other than the safety of there child. What Parra and many other mothers do is very heroic, but their heroism is often taken for granted.
It was very good to see the article about Parra in the news, because most times when a parent is acknowledged for their parenting, it is normally because they did something evil and wrong. Seeing an article like the one about Parra shows that not all parents these days are bad, and that there are still many parents out their that are courageous and should be praised upon.
Instead of getting articles and stories about all the bad things that are going on in the world, one needs to realize that there should be a break from the horrifying news. Every once in a while they should shine the spotlight on the stories that bring a smile to peoples faces, not a frown. By doing this, hope can be regained and people will look up to heroes once again.
There are extreme measures for how far a mother would go to help her child.
17 year old Xochitl Parra, in Long Beach, California, gave birth to her child at her house and desperately walked all the way to the hospital, with her baby still attached by its umbilical cord.
Parra said that she had been taking a shower before school when she felt that it was time to give birth. She had kept her pregnancy a secret, for obvious reasons. Parra risked her life by walking to the hospital; she could have bled to death. Her baby could have also died if she did not wrap it in a towel. Parra’s brave actions saved the life of her child.
There are many times when a parent, like Parra, risks their own life in order to save their child’s. When a mothers instinct kicks in and nothing else matters to them other than the safety of there child. What Parra and many other mothers do is very heroic, but their heroism is often taken for granted.
It was very good to see the article about Parra in the news, because most times when a parent is acknowledged for their parenting, it is normally because they did something evil and wrong. Seeing an article like the one about Parra shows that not all parents these days are bad, and that there are still many parents out their that are courageous and should be praised upon.
Instead of getting articles and stories about all the bad things that are going on in the world, one needs to realize that there should be a break from the horrifying news. Every once in a while they should shine the spotlight on the stories that bring a smile to peoples faces, not a frown. By doing this, hope can be regained and people will look up to heroes once again.
Students refuse to take AP exams
by Ryan Hennigan
This week of AP exams was unique to the four years of Pembroke High School history in that some students actually attempted to refuse to take the AP exams. Students that enroll in AP classes are required to take the AP exam as well as pay the fees to take the exam. The fee to take any AP exam this year was $83 per test.
“It is clearly stated in the agenda that all AP students are required to take the AP exam. As well as receiving possible AP credits for college, the exam scores determine whether or not a student receives AP or honors level credit toward their GPA,” said Assistant Principal Mrs. Szostak.
Some seniors this year that were facing academic problems in their AP classes were discouraged by the fact that they would have to pay $83 for a test they already thought they might do poorly on, according to senior Charles Budd.
“Students should be able to choose whether or not they want to take the test. You should still be able to receive the AP level credit for your GPA if you get all Bs in an AP class. If you were in an honors class, the grades would have probably been lower, so they rip you off in this way by making you pay for the AP exam so you can keep a higher GPA,” Budd explained.
Some classes seemed to have more people refusing to take the AP exam than others. Most notably, large amounts of students in Environmental Science and AP Calculus were complaining about taking the test.
“It seemed like the whole Environmental Science class was refusing to take the test. There were a couple kids in AP Calculus too, and some of them argued until the end,” said senior Alexa Teevens.
However, the guidance department stepped in and calmed the waters, making sure everyone paid for the test and made repeated announcements that all AP students had to take their exams.
This week of AP exams was unique to the four years of Pembroke High School history in that some students actually attempted to refuse to take the AP exams. Students that enroll in AP classes are required to take the AP exam as well as pay the fees to take the exam. The fee to take any AP exam this year was $83 per test.
“It is clearly stated in the agenda that all AP students are required to take the AP exam. As well as receiving possible AP credits for college, the exam scores determine whether or not a student receives AP or honors level credit toward their GPA,” said Assistant Principal Mrs. Szostak.
Some seniors this year that were facing academic problems in their AP classes were discouraged by the fact that they would have to pay $83 for a test they already thought they might do poorly on, according to senior Charles Budd.
“Students should be able to choose whether or not they want to take the test. You should still be able to receive the AP level credit for your GPA if you get all Bs in an AP class. If you were in an honors class, the grades would have probably been lower, so they rip you off in this way by making you pay for the AP exam so you can keep a higher GPA,” Budd explained.
Some classes seemed to have more people refusing to take the AP exam than others. Most notably, large amounts of students in Environmental Science and AP Calculus were complaining about taking the test.
“It seemed like the whole Environmental Science class was refusing to take the test. There were a couple kids in AP Calculus too, and some of them argued until the end,” said senior Alexa Teevens.
However, the guidance department stepped in and calmed the waters, making sure everyone paid for the test and made repeated announcements that all AP students had to take their exams.
Cyclone hits
by Pat Ross
A catagory three cyclone with winds of a hundred and ninety kilometres per hour ripped through the capitol of Myanmar,Yangon, this past Saturday. A U.S. diplomat in Myanmar has claimed that up to 100,000 people may have died in the massive storm. Cyclone Nargis, as it was named, ravaged city streets with overturned cars, fallen trees and scattered debri. Military authorities have now labeled 5 states in the country as complete disaster zones.
International aid has taken some time to arrive, but slowly it has progressed with Thailand being one of the first to fly over thousands of different supplies. The United States is waiting for the approval by Myanmar authorities to provide assitance. Fortuanatly, 14 other nations have already pledged to help out. Back in Myanmar, villages everywhere have been totally destroyed and anihalated; water and food is scarce, as well any electrical power. Residents on the streets have joined together to attempt to gather the little amount of water they can, and only a few food stores have opened. However food and water is not the only concerns of Myanmar citizens, there is a serious risk of outbreaks in diseases as a result of unclean water, food, and homes.
Cyclone Nargis is the deadliest cyclone to hit the North Indian Ocean Basin and currently the 12th deadliest cyclone of all time. Over the past few years, natural disasters seem to be occuring all over the globe. With Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami that struck thailand, and now this, it seems mother nature is beginning to take her anger and wrath out on us. These kinds of storms and tragedies may be things that we can not control and prevent, but we can prepare for them and protect ourselves and others. Last time I remembered, the job of a weatherman and forcaster is to tell us what the hecks going on above and around us. It's nice knowing that it's going to be sunny out with a high of 80, but if theres a catastrophic storm building out in the middle of the ocean, well, I wouldn't mind hearing about that too before it kills thousands. There are probably people out there in charge of cyclone, earthequake, and tsunami tracking, but i don't hear them stepping up and telling the world what is about to happen. If it looks like it could be deadly on a dopplar radar, well then it probably is, and im sure the people of Myanmar would have liked to known so they could at least try to prepare themselves. We should all keep a good watch on what our world is telling us, because it doesn't seem to be anything good.
A catagory three cyclone with winds of a hundred and ninety kilometres per hour ripped through the capitol of Myanmar,Yangon, this past Saturday. A U.S. diplomat in Myanmar has claimed that up to 100,000 people may have died in the massive storm. Cyclone Nargis, as it was named, ravaged city streets with overturned cars, fallen trees and scattered debri. Military authorities have now labeled 5 states in the country as complete disaster zones.
International aid has taken some time to arrive, but slowly it has progressed with Thailand being one of the first to fly over thousands of different supplies. The United States is waiting for the approval by Myanmar authorities to provide assitance. Fortuanatly, 14 other nations have already pledged to help out. Back in Myanmar, villages everywhere have been totally destroyed and anihalated; water and food is scarce, as well any electrical power. Residents on the streets have joined together to attempt to gather the little amount of water they can, and only a few food stores have opened. However food and water is not the only concerns of Myanmar citizens, there is a serious risk of outbreaks in diseases as a result of unclean water, food, and homes.
Cyclone Nargis is the deadliest cyclone to hit the North Indian Ocean Basin and currently the 12th deadliest cyclone of all time. Over the past few years, natural disasters seem to be occuring all over the globe. With Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami that struck thailand, and now this, it seems mother nature is beginning to take her anger and wrath out on us. These kinds of storms and tragedies may be things that we can not control and prevent, but we can prepare for them and protect ourselves and others. Last time I remembered, the job of a weatherman and forcaster is to tell us what the hecks going on above and around us. It's nice knowing that it's going to be sunny out with a high of 80, but if theres a catastrophic storm building out in the middle of the ocean, well, I wouldn't mind hearing about that too before it kills thousands. There are probably people out there in charge of cyclone, earthequake, and tsunami tracking, but i don't hear them stepping up and telling the world what is about to happen. If it looks like it could be deadly on a dopplar radar, well then it probably is, and im sure the people of Myanmar would have liked to known so they could at least try to prepare themselves. We should all keep a good watch on what our world is telling us, because it doesn't seem to be anything good.
Nighttime rape in Pembroke Hospital raises a question of saftey
by Kim Rizzitano
Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital staff members came to find the scene of a rape of one patient by another on the night of April 30. Frank Sampson, 21, of Brockton has been charged with the crimes of assault and battery and rape. Bridget Norton Middleton, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney said the victim if over 14 years-old.
The alleged rape victim was taken to Jordan Hospital after the incident. As filed by Pembroke police, the female ordered Sampson to leave after finding him behind her door and then proceeded to take her medications and went to sleep. The victim told police she woke up in a state of lethargy to find a man sexually assaulting her.
Sampson was charged in Plymouth District Court on May 1 and transported to the Bridgewater State Hospital. His pretrial hearing is to be held on May 20.
A question of safety is raised in the community when such an act happens so close to home. The Pembroke Hospital is set out of place in this suburban community filled with families. What was once a quiet town now has seen more crime and safety concerns in the passed years. Mothers find themselves at the police station seeking lists of sex offenders while fathers put in alarm systems.
Just in past weeks a father-son burglary team was found breaking into homes in neighboring towns. Weeks ago, an alleged threat was made to a student at Pembroke High School with a toy gun. In addition, a Pembroke dentist was charged with sexual assault back in February.
So the question is, how are be able to feel safe in such business going on around us? The community needs to take a more active role in preventing such things. For instance, a neighborhood watch could be set up by town members or self-defense classes would be established for people who feel in danger or vulnerable.
Overall, the community cannot sit back and allow such a town to fall victim to crimes such as these.
Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital staff members came to find the scene of a rape of one patient by another on the night of April 30. Frank Sampson, 21, of Brockton has been charged with the crimes of assault and battery and rape. Bridget Norton Middleton, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney said the victim if over 14 years-old.
The alleged rape victim was taken to Jordan Hospital after the incident. As filed by Pembroke police, the female ordered Sampson to leave after finding him behind her door and then proceeded to take her medications and went to sleep. The victim told police she woke up in a state of lethargy to find a man sexually assaulting her.
Sampson was charged in Plymouth District Court on May 1 and transported to the Bridgewater State Hospital. His pretrial hearing is to be held on May 20.
A question of safety is raised in the community when such an act happens so close to home. The Pembroke Hospital is set out of place in this suburban community filled with families. What was once a quiet town now has seen more crime and safety concerns in the passed years. Mothers find themselves at the police station seeking lists of sex offenders while fathers put in alarm systems.
Just in past weeks a father-son burglary team was found breaking into homes in neighboring towns. Weeks ago, an alleged threat was made to a student at Pembroke High School with a toy gun. In addition, a Pembroke dentist was charged with sexual assault back in February.
So the question is, how are be able to feel safe in such business going on around us? The community needs to take a more active role in preventing such things. For instance, a neighborhood watch could be set up by town members or self-defense classes would be established for people who feel in danger or vulnerable.
Overall, the community cannot sit back and allow such a town to fall victim to crimes such as these.
The world is full of shallow people
by Karrine Watts
All people judge others by how they look. Appearance is the first thing someone will notice about another person. The world is full of shallow people. Society makes beautiful people seem better than those that are not. Woman and teenage girls constantly worry about how they look. Most men are interested in looks first and then get to know a girl. In a lot of situations, men will not like someone for their personality if they are unattractive. They will usually choose to get to know the attractive girl over the “ugly” girl.
In Houston Texas there is a woman that is falling for the trick society has played on the world that in order to be pretty, woman need to have a big chest and perfect body. Sheyla Hershey, 28 has size FFF breast implants, holding the Guinness Book of World Records in Brazil for the biggest breast implants. Hershey, has undergone eight enhancement surgery.
"I want to look better each day, every day. Everybody's got a dream inside, you know? And, it's good when you can make your dream come true," Hershey said.
It is very sad that this woman believes that she will look better every time she gets new implants. Sheyla Hershey may be a wonderful person but most people will not be able to get past her large chest. Doctors will not give Hershey any more implants because it is not good for her health. However, Hershey is not willing to stop. She is doing this just so she can be what she believes looks good.
All people judge others by how they look. Appearance is the first thing someone will notice about another person. The world is full of shallow people. Society makes beautiful people seem better than those that are not. Woman and teenage girls constantly worry about how they look. Most men are interested in looks first and then get to know a girl. In a lot of situations, men will not like someone for their personality if they are unattractive. They will usually choose to get to know the attractive girl over the “ugly” girl.
In Houston Texas there is a woman that is falling for the trick society has played on the world that in order to be pretty, woman need to have a big chest and perfect body. Sheyla Hershey, 28 has size FFF breast implants, holding the Guinness Book of World Records in Brazil for the biggest breast implants. Hershey, has undergone eight enhancement surgery.
"I want to look better each day, every day. Everybody's got a dream inside, you know? And, it's good when you can make your dream come true," Hershey said.
It is very sad that this woman believes that she will look better every time she gets new implants. Sheyla Hershey may be a wonderful person but most people will not be able to get past her large chest. Doctors will not give Hershey any more implants because it is not good for her health. However, Hershey is not willing to stop. She is doing this just so she can be what she believes looks good.
From a funny cartoon to a terrible crime
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Perhaps it is a good idea to take advice from a cartoon that has caused controversy since its first episode. In the Season 5 episode of South Park, “Cripple Fight”, released in 2001, the South Park boys join the Boy Scouts only to find that their new Scoutmaster is a child molester.
But that would never happen in real life; somebody would have a way of knowing if that was happening, right?
Howard W. Curtis was sentenced to two consecutive four to six year terms in state prison by the Salem Superior Court. Curtis was a former Scoutmaster and was found guilty of two counts of raping a boy in his troop more than two decades ago. Curtis had an ongoing sexual relationship with Forrest Pettengill, starting when the boy was 13. The abuse began on a camping trip where several inappropriate sexual acts took place.
Now, the Boy Scouts of America and the city of Haverhill are being sued by Pettengill, who claims he was emotionally disabled by the abuse and became addicted to sex.
The Boy Scouts of America should have a system or a way of knowing if this type of abuse is happening. All they have to do is make a “Supreme Scoutmaster” talk individually with each camper and ask them a series of questions. Also, the scouts should run better background check on these Scoutmasters. Usually, people don’t just become child molesters; they have problems that can be traced back to their childhood.
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, www.scouting.org,
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders the following online, video, and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.
Obviously, these “numerous procedural…policies” aren’t working and things need to change. I know for a fact that if I have a son, I will not allow him to join the Scouts for fear of abuse.
Perhaps it is a good idea to take advice from a cartoon that has caused controversy since its first episode. In the Season 5 episode of South Park, “Cripple Fight”, released in 2001, the South Park boys join the Boy Scouts only to find that their new Scoutmaster is a child molester.
But that would never happen in real life; somebody would have a way of knowing if that was happening, right?
Howard W. Curtis was sentenced to two consecutive four to six year terms in state prison by the Salem Superior Court. Curtis was a former Scoutmaster and was found guilty of two counts of raping a boy in his troop more than two decades ago. Curtis had an ongoing sexual relationship with Forrest Pettengill, starting when the boy was 13. The abuse began on a camping trip where several inappropriate sexual acts took place.
Now, the Boy Scouts of America and the city of Haverhill are being sued by Pettengill, who claims he was emotionally disabled by the abuse and became addicted to sex.
The Boy Scouts of America should have a system or a way of knowing if this type of abuse is happening. All they have to do is make a “Supreme Scoutmaster” talk individually with each camper and ask them a series of questions. Also, the scouts should run better background check on these Scoutmasters. Usually, people don’t just become child molesters; they have problems that can be traced back to their childhood.
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, www.scouting.org,
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders the following online, video, and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.
Obviously, these “numerous procedural…policies” aren’t working and things need to change. I know for a fact that if I have a son, I will not allow him to join the Scouts for fear of abuse.
Flirtations and Flirtations
by Rachael Crovo
Try and get flirtations between guys and girls to go down in the classroom. Go on try you can do it… It isn’t possible to to get teens to stop flirting with each other in the classroom. But an east Boston middle school tried to diminish the flirtation factor in their classes.
The middle school divided the guys and girls, and put the girls in one class and the guys in another separate class. They thought by doing this that it would make they students focus more on the studies than the opposite sex. Sure it could work, but what about the homosexual and bisexual students.
This school did not take into consideration that if homosexuals and bisexuals were placed in a class of the same sex, that the homosexualsflirtation factors would probably go up an extreme amount because the straight students would not be busy with the opposite sex which will give the homosexuals the chance to flirt or “hit on” the person of their choice.
The separation of sexes was not a good idea because the school did not take into consideration of the different types of people, straights, homosexuals, and bisexuals.
Try and get flirtations between guys and girls to go down in the classroom. Go on try you can do it… It isn’t possible to to get teens to stop flirting with each other in the classroom. But an east Boston middle school tried to diminish the flirtation factor in their classes.
The middle school divided the guys and girls, and put the girls in one class and the guys in another separate class. They thought by doing this that it would make they students focus more on the studies than the opposite sex. Sure it could work, but what about the homosexual and bisexual students.
This school did not take into consideration that if homosexuals and bisexuals were placed in a class of the same sex, that the homosexualsflirtation factors would probably go up an extreme amount because the straight students would not be busy with the opposite sex which will give the homosexuals the chance to flirt or “hit on” the person of their choice.
The separation of sexes was not a good idea because the school did not take into consideration of the different types of people, straights, homosexuals, and bisexuals.
America Expands (4/2)
by Rachael Crovo
Oil prices expand and so does America’s waistline. Let’s back up. As of May 8 the gas price went up to one hundred and $125 a barrel, or around $3.50 a gallon.
If these prices go up anymore, Americans will not want to drive to places they would normally want to go to, because they will not have enough money to pay to fill the gas tank. Since American’s can not pay for gas, that forces them to sit home like I did a few days ago, feet up, a bag of chips next to me and the DVD clicker in my hand.
If we do this everyday, it will cause fat America to get even fatter, which isn’t a good thing it should be a healthy nation, so stop this madness and find other ways to get around, ride a bike, rollerblade, walk, run, jog, or skip, just don’t waste your money on gas because soon these prices will be going up even move.
Oil prices expand and so does America’s waistline. Let’s back up. As of May 8 the gas price went up to one hundred and $125 a barrel, or around $3.50 a gallon.
If these prices go up anymore, Americans will not want to drive to places they would normally want to go to, because they will not have enough money to pay to fill the gas tank. Since American’s can not pay for gas, that forces them to sit home like I did a few days ago, feet up, a bag of chips next to me and the DVD clicker in my hand.
If we do this everyday, it will cause fat America to get even fatter, which isn’t a good thing it should be a healthy nation, so stop this madness and find other ways to get around, ride a bike, rollerblade, walk, run, jog, or skip, just don’t waste your money on gas because soon these prices will be going up even move.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Disney Channel starlets, not suited for children (4/30)
by Kim Rizzitano
Miley Cyrus, a major Disney Channel star, posed half nude recently this month in a racy photo shoot for Vanity Fair. Cyrus, who plays a teen pop-star named Hannah Montana, chose to go for a new look when she decided to step in front of the camera and pose in a manner completely opposite from her squeaky-clean disposition .
Originally, the young starlet and her parents stated that photos were beautiful and natural and that Annie Leibovitz captured her perfectly.
Cyrus said, “I think it's really artsy; it wasn't in a skanky way,” to Vanity Fair Magazine.
However, she has retracted the statement and has apologized to her fans. Disney Channel is standing behind Cyrus in support and pointing the finger of blame at Vanity Fair.
But Disney Channel has had other starlet messes to clean over the past few years. It seems that the girls who stand as role models are making poor choices. In addition to Cyrus, Disney has had messy situations concerning Venessa Hutchens, High School Musical star, whose naked picture leaked onto the internet and Jamie Lynn Spears, Zoey 101 star, who is currently pregnant.
Cyrus, Hudgens, and Spears have all been supported by the Disney Channel family and have been welcome to continue to work with them.
Parents are concerned, however that these teen stars are not suited to be role models for children. They fear that kids could be exposed to these negative situations and want to follow the bad example.
All three stars lost their opportunity to be a role model as soon as they committed the act that has made their life so scandalous. Although they have every right to do what they feel, they cannot expect to be treated the same way they were before. They are no longer innocent in the eyes of the public.
If any star chooses to act in a risky manner they must expect their fame to change. The act eliminates directions in which their career can go such as a future in children’s entertainment.
Whatever the reason for their actions, these starlet’s reputations have been changed and can no longer be a role model to children.
Miley Cyrus, a major Disney Channel star, posed half nude recently this month in a racy photo shoot for Vanity Fair. Cyrus, who plays a teen pop-star named Hannah Montana, chose to go for a new look when she decided to step in front of the camera and pose in a manner completely opposite from her squeaky-clean disposition .
Originally, the young starlet and her parents stated that photos were beautiful and natural and that Annie Leibovitz captured her perfectly.
Cyrus said, “I think it's really artsy; it wasn't in a skanky way,” to Vanity Fair Magazine.
However, she has retracted the statement and has apologized to her fans. Disney Channel is standing behind Cyrus in support and pointing the finger of blame at Vanity Fair.
But Disney Channel has had other starlet messes to clean over the past few years. It seems that the girls who stand as role models are making poor choices. In addition to Cyrus, Disney has had messy situations concerning Venessa Hutchens, High School Musical star, whose naked picture leaked onto the internet and Jamie Lynn Spears, Zoey 101 star, who is currently pregnant.
Cyrus, Hudgens, and Spears have all been supported by the Disney Channel family and have been welcome to continue to work with them.
Parents are concerned, however that these teen stars are not suited to be role models for children. They fear that kids could be exposed to these negative situations and want to follow the bad example.
All three stars lost their opportunity to be a role model as soon as they committed the act that has made their life so scandalous. Although they have every right to do what they feel, they cannot expect to be treated the same way they were before. They are no longer innocent in the eyes of the public.
If any star chooses to act in a risky manner they must expect their fame to change. The act eliminates directions in which their career can go such as a future in children’s entertainment.
Whatever the reason for their actions, these starlet’s reputations have been changed and can no longer be a role model to children.
Gay student banned from high school prom (4/15)
by Ryan Hennigan
In Amite, Louisiana the principal of Loranger High school banned a gay student from a prom on the assumption that it might inspire “bullying and riots.” Jeanelle Ard, 17, a Loranger High School junior, told the school board that the principal would not allow her friend to bring a female date to the prom Saturday because the friend and the female date are of the same gender.
The school, however, did not refuse several requests for homosexual male partners to attend the same prom.
"Sometimes (schools) just say it’s against school policy, or they just don’t like it, or whatever," Amite Policeman Erman said. "They throw out all kinds of reasons. But it’s clearly just strictly because somebody’s offended by this. It’s a homophobic thing and they come up with some pretext as to why they don’t allow it."
Some may think that this type of discrimination is only present in the Deep South, where racial and homophobic tensions are still strong to this day. This is evidenced by the continued existence of large numbers of KKK members in some Deep South regions.
“It is astonishing to hear that actually happened in the U.S. I don’t think that would ever happen at PHS though,” said sophomore Tim Lueng.
At this year’s prom, although several homosexual students were in attendance, there were little or no homosexual couples seen dancing together, according to junior Patrick Ross.
“I’m sure if there were gay kid that wanted to be together at prom, our school would let them. Our principals don’t show any discrimination like that. And plus, I don’t think our students would physically challenge them or even be offended for that matter,” said Ross.
In Amite, Louisiana the principal of Loranger High school banned a gay student from a prom on the assumption that it might inspire “bullying and riots.” Jeanelle Ard, 17, a Loranger High School junior, told the school board that the principal would not allow her friend to bring a female date to the prom Saturday because the friend and the female date are of the same gender.
The school, however, did not refuse several requests for homosexual male partners to attend the same prom.
"Sometimes (schools) just say it’s against school policy, or they just don’t like it, or whatever," Amite Policeman Erman said. "They throw out all kinds of reasons. But it’s clearly just strictly because somebody’s offended by this. It’s a homophobic thing and they come up with some pretext as to why they don’t allow it."
Some may think that this type of discrimination is only present in the Deep South, where racial and homophobic tensions are still strong to this day. This is evidenced by the continued existence of large numbers of KKK members in some Deep South regions.
“It is astonishing to hear that actually happened in the U.S. I don’t think that would ever happen at PHS though,” said sophomore Tim Lueng.
At this year’s prom, although several homosexual students were in attendance, there were little or no homosexual couples seen dancing together, according to junior Patrick Ross.
“I’m sure if there were gay kid that wanted to be together at prom, our school would let them. Our principals don’t show any discrimination like that. And plus, I don’t think our students would physically challenge them or even be offended for that matter,” said Ross.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
You can make a difference!!
by Lauren Mulkern
On April 26, 2008, The Knights of Columbus decided to put on a Special Need Prom. Personally, I think this is an okay thing. The teenagers were able to have a great time together but they should have just as much fun at the high school proms. They shouldn’t need their own prom. It is very unfortunate because a lot of high school students with special needs do not get to attend school events like prom. This is because they are excluded.
Luckily there are people who fight against this exclusion and want to make a difference. Best Buddies is an organization which fights against this exclusion and forms friendships with people who have disabilities.
I have been a member for four years and take this organization very seriously. I have personally attacked this exclusion. On Friday May 2, 2008 I will be attending senior prom with a good friend of mine. This is Graham Snow and he has disabilities. However, the fact that he has a disability does not make a difference to me. I am very eager to go and enjoy a fantastic night with him.
Friendships like this are unfortunately rare but thanks to Best Buddies they are slowly becoming more popular. I think in order for this exclusion to come to an end, people have to stand up for what they believe in. In a lot of situations, people are hesitant to hang out with people who have disabilities. To this day, I do not understand why somebody would be scared to talk to a person that is different than them.
I have learned a lot from my friends from Best Buddies and enjoy every minute I spend with them. I believe that the general public should be informed about the difference that one person can make.
Trust me, you can make a difference.
On April 26, 2008, The Knights of Columbus decided to put on a Special Need Prom. Personally, I think this is an okay thing. The teenagers were able to have a great time together but they should have just as much fun at the high school proms. They shouldn’t need their own prom. It is very unfortunate because a lot of high school students with special needs do not get to attend school events like prom. This is because they are excluded.
Luckily there are people who fight against this exclusion and want to make a difference. Best Buddies is an organization which fights against this exclusion and forms friendships with people who have disabilities.
I have been a member for four years and take this organization very seriously. I have personally attacked this exclusion. On Friday May 2, 2008 I will be attending senior prom with a good friend of mine. This is Graham Snow and he has disabilities. However, the fact that he has a disability does not make a difference to me. I am very eager to go and enjoy a fantastic night with him.
Friendships like this are unfortunately rare but thanks to Best Buddies they are slowly becoming more popular. I think in order for this exclusion to come to an end, people have to stand up for what they believe in. In a lot of situations, people are hesitant to hang out with people who have disabilities. To this day, I do not understand why somebody would be scared to talk to a person that is different than them.
I have learned a lot from my friends from Best Buddies and enjoy every minute I spend with them. I believe that the general public should be informed about the difference that one person can make.
Trust me, you can make a difference.
American Idol… a whole lot of confusion
by Sam Hooper
Simon Cowell called Tuesday’s episode of American Idol "officially the strangest show we've ever done.” Simon was referring to that splendid moment when, halfway through the show, Paula Abdul critiqued both of Jason Castro's songs after he'd sung only one. The final five contestants had to sing two Neil Diamond tunes during an hour-long production, it was indeed an unusually frenzied evening, and the judges refrained from commenting on the singers' first songs. At the end of the first half of the show, Ryan invited all the Idol contestants on stage and then had the judges run through their thoughts on the first half of the show.
Paula, who is usually confused and staggers when commenting on performances said, “Oh gosh—we've never had to write these things down, uh, fast enough…Jason, the first song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear.” She was doing well until she said "Um, the second song, I felt like your usual charm, it was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty." What? The audience was nervously snickering and stage manager, Debbie Williams quietly began freaking out as Paula continued, unaware.
"So, David Cook," Paula continued, until Randy saved the day: "Oh, they've just done the first song though, just the first one." The tension was finally broken with this apology from Paula: "I thought you—Oh my god, I thought you sang twice!”
At times, it seems as though the show is scripted. Paula’s notes could have possibly been written by someone else or she may spend all week trying to come up with comments that exceed her vocabulary. The show was so rushed and disorganized, lets hope for a better episode next time.
Simon Cowell called Tuesday’s episode of American Idol "officially the strangest show we've ever done.” Simon was referring to that splendid moment when, halfway through the show, Paula Abdul critiqued both of Jason Castro's songs after he'd sung only one. The final five contestants had to sing two Neil Diamond tunes during an hour-long production, it was indeed an unusually frenzied evening, and the judges refrained from commenting on the singers' first songs. At the end of the first half of the show, Ryan invited all the Idol contestants on stage and then had the judges run through their thoughts on the first half of the show.
Paula, who is usually confused and staggers when commenting on performances said, “Oh gosh—we've never had to write these things down, uh, fast enough…Jason, the first song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear.” She was doing well until she said "Um, the second song, I felt like your usual charm, it was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty." What? The audience was nervously snickering and stage manager, Debbie Williams quietly began freaking out as Paula continued, unaware.
"So, David Cook," Paula continued, until Randy saved the day: "Oh, they've just done the first song though, just the first one." The tension was finally broken with this apology from Paula: "I thought you—Oh my god, I thought you sang twice!”
At times, it seems as though the show is scripted. Paula’s notes could have possibly been written by someone else or she may spend all week trying to come up with comments that exceed her vocabulary. The show was so rushed and disorganized, lets hope for a better episode next time.
Pep rallies not so peppy
by Chris Holland
So, another pep rally for the student body to sit through and be bored at. Maybe the third time that we have had one so far this year. This first one, people enjoyed because we hadn’t seen it yet this year. The second time, not as good, but still semi peppy thanks to the wrestlers. This time, it was just boredom.
Yet again, most of the girls teams danced, the boys teams came together and said, “1…2…3… Titans” and walked off of the floor, and track had a boring routine that looks like it was thrown together the day before the rally.
The school knows that the student body doesn’t like the pep rallies by this time in the year, yet they keep having them anyways. It seems like the only people that do like them are the teachers and administrators and this probably just because they don’t have any work during this time.
Each season doesn’t need a pep rally and they are just pointless by this time in the year.
So basically, the pep rallies are long, boring, and loud. The students want to be there just as much as the sports teams want to be there, they don’t. So what’s the problem with just one pep rally per year? It would make the students happier and leave more time for learning, the whole point of the school.
One pep rally a year is a good idea. It benefits the students, the teams, and everyone else involved. There are too many pep rallies and that needs to be changed.
So, another pep rally for the student body to sit through and be bored at. Maybe the third time that we have had one so far this year. This first one, people enjoyed because we hadn’t seen it yet this year. The second time, not as good, but still semi peppy thanks to the wrestlers. This time, it was just boredom.
Yet again, most of the girls teams danced, the boys teams came together and said, “1…2…3… Titans” and walked off of the floor, and track had a boring routine that looks like it was thrown together the day before the rally.
The school knows that the student body doesn’t like the pep rallies by this time in the year, yet they keep having them anyways. It seems like the only people that do like them are the teachers and administrators and this probably just because they don’t have any work during this time.
Each season doesn’t need a pep rally and they are just pointless by this time in the year.
So basically, the pep rallies are long, boring, and loud. The students want to be there just as much as the sports teams want to be there, they don’t. So what’s the problem with just one pep rally per year? It would make the students happier and leave more time for learning, the whole point of the school.
One pep rally a year is a good idea. It benefits the students, the teams, and everyone else involved. There are too many pep rallies and that needs to be changed.
Leave Miley alone!
by Kim Pham
The second Miley Cyrus's racy Myspace photos hit the internet, the blogosphere was buzzing with controversy. Critics claimed to see deja vu; a squeaky-clean Disney star heading down that one-way road to the oversexed, illegal-subtance-and-food-disorder-plagued Hollywood. Fans of the young and talented Miley, however, deemed the media as cruel and ruthless, making a proverbial mountain of a molehill.
The teen's latest provocative Vanity Fair pictures, shot by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, only stoked the media fire surrounding Miley. There is something obviously scandalous about the photos, which feature the messy-haired, lipstick-smudged teen starlet, wrapped in merely a bedsheet. Couple these artsy shots with the photos leaked from Miley's Myspace, and you have one mess of drama surrounding the 'Hannah Montana' phenomenon.
Seriously people, will you just let the girl live?! I am not such a fan of Miley or her Disney show, nor do I condone or approve of the pictures. However, I do know what it's like to be a 15-year-old freshman girl...after all, I was there just last year! For any girl that age, it is undoubtedly a pressured time; we pine for older boys, wish to physically mature, and try to come off as older and more attractive. No question about it, there are undoubtedly other 15-year-old girls throughout the country that are probably engaging in much more risque acts than the harmless pictures of Miley that keep on popping up online. But because her rise in celebrity is all due to the innocent, good-clean-fun that is the Disney channel, the media harshly magnifies every flaw; Miley's only mistake lay in her not being able to recognize the kind of scrutiny she is under, and therefore, suffering because of it.
And as for the Vanity Fair photos, can you really blame Miley? To get the opportunity to be shot by the famous Annie Leibovitz is indisputably humbling, especially for the young, vulnerable, and (most likely) fame-hungry starlet, looking to convert her Disney popularity to widespread, all-ages appeal. It would definitely be an honor to anyone to be shot by Leibovitz for the esteemed Vanity Fair, let alone a 15-year-old from the suburbs of Tennessee.
Close-minded parents (or those in denial) need to stop overexamining a poor girl leaving thousands of miles away and instead, focus on teaching their own children right at home. Rather than claiming that Miley utterly killed her image as the flawless role model and sets a bad example for young fans everywhere, they need to realize that this 15-year-old girl, like any other, is just trying to have fun. She does have her imperfections; after all, Miley is just living a teenage life. It's a shame she has to apologize for doing just that.
The second Miley Cyrus's racy Myspace photos hit the internet, the blogosphere was buzzing with controversy. Critics claimed to see deja vu; a squeaky-clean Disney star heading down that one-way road to the oversexed, illegal-subtance-and-food-disorder-plagued Hollywood. Fans of the young and talented Miley, however, deemed the media as cruel and ruthless, making a proverbial mountain of a molehill.
The teen's latest provocative Vanity Fair pictures, shot by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, only stoked the media fire surrounding Miley. There is something obviously scandalous about the photos, which feature the messy-haired, lipstick-smudged teen starlet, wrapped in merely a bedsheet. Couple these artsy shots with the photos leaked from Miley's Myspace, and you have one mess of drama surrounding the 'Hannah Montana' phenomenon.
Seriously people, will you just let the girl live?! I am not such a fan of Miley or her Disney show, nor do I condone or approve of the pictures. However, I do know what it's like to be a 15-year-old freshman girl...after all, I was there just last year! For any girl that age, it is undoubtedly a pressured time; we pine for older boys, wish to physically mature, and try to come off as older and more attractive. No question about it, there are undoubtedly other 15-year-old girls throughout the country that are probably engaging in much more risque acts than the harmless pictures of Miley that keep on popping up online. But because her rise in celebrity is all due to the innocent, good-clean-fun that is the Disney channel, the media harshly magnifies every flaw; Miley's only mistake lay in her not being able to recognize the kind of scrutiny she is under, and therefore, suffering because of it.
And as for the Vanity Fair photos, can you really blame Miley? To get the opportunity to be shot by the famous Annie Leibovitz is indisputably humbling, especially for the young, vulnerable, and (most likely) fame-hungry starlet, looking to convert her Disney popularity to widespread, all-ages appeal. It would definitely be an honor to anyone to be shot by Leibovitz for the esteemed Vanity Fair, let alone a 15-year-old from the suburbs of Tennessee.
Close-minded parents (or those in denial) need to stop overexamining a poor girl leaving thousands of miles away and instead, focus on teaching their own children right at home. Rather than claiming that Miley utterly killed her image as the flawless role model and sets a bad example for young fans everywhere, they need to realize that this 15-year-old girl, like any other, is just trying to have fun. She does have her imperfections; after all, Miley is just living a teenage life. It's a shame she has to apologize for doing just that.
Middle Schooler’s Attack
by Rachael Crovo
Through out the spring, middle school girls come to Pembroke high school to learn the basic skills of volleyball.
During this program, the girls learn how to bump, set, and attack the volleyball, and they also learn how to control the ball and pass to teammates and to set up plays.
Mary Polleys, Katie Sassorossie, and English/ Journalism teacher Mr. Scott Turley are the three coaches that teach the girls how to use, manage, and keep up their volleyball skills.
The middle school girls come every Tuesday and Wednesday to practice, and they have “play dates” with other school during the volleyball spring training.
So far these young ladies have progressed impressively over the past few weeks, and an upcoming play date should show their skill levels so far.
Through out the spring, middle school girls come to Pembroke high school to learn the basic skills of volleyball.
During this program, the girls learn how to bump, set, and attack the volleyball, and they also learn how to control the ball and pass to teammates and to set up plays.
Mary Polleys, Katie Sassorossie, and English/ Journalism teacher Mr. Scott Turley are the three coaches that teach the girls how to use, manage, and keep up their volleyball skills.
The middle school girls come every Tuesday and Wednesday to practice, and they have “play dates” with other school during the volleyball spring training.
So far these young ladies have progressed impressively over the past few weeks, and an upcoming play date should show their skill levels so far.
False myth of junior year
by Ryan Hennigan
The very thought of junior year has underclassmen everywhere shaking in their boots. After many lackadaisical years they prepare themselves for the struggle of their lives so they can perform well and get into a good college.
However, when these underclassmen get into their junior year, most of them realize something.
“It really isn’t all that bad. If you have some AP classes, you might have to work slightly harder. But besides that, it’s not all that different [than previous years]. I was scared it was going to be the worst year of my life,” said junior Ahmad Marzuq.
There are several reasons why some students actually believe the myth that junior year is the worst year. The most obvious reason is that they are told this by upperclassmen. However, as Ahmad hinted at, a lot of the students over exaggerate the situation. Certainly AP classes are difficult, but they are offered for grades 10-12.
Furthermore, they are about certain to over exaggerate at the end of the school year when some juniors are pounded by AP exams, SATs, and finals at the same time.
“The end of the year may be a little rough, with all the tests. But, the rest of the year is the same or even more fun than previous years,” said Ahmad.
In fact, juniors enjoy several privileges that underclassmen do not have. For instance, they can drive cars to school, go to the senior prom, have first dibs at classes for next year, have the chance to get into National Honors Society, and have more AP class options.
On the other hand, there are seniors that will argue that senior year is the most difficult.
Senior, Christina Kellher, said, “Junior year wasn’t even that bad. Senior year is definitely when the pressure kicks in. You got SATs, college applications, scholarships… It all comes down to senior year.”
The very thought of junior year has underclassmen everywhere shaking in their boots. After many lackadaisical years they prepare themselves for the struggle of their lives so they can perform well and get into a good college.
However, when these underclassmen get into their junior year, most of them realize something.
“It really isn’t all that bad. If you have some AP classes, you might have to work slightly harder. But besides that, it’s not all that different [than previous years]. I was scared it was going to be the worst year of my life,” said junior Ahmad Marzuq.
There are several reasons why some students actually believe the myth that junior year is the worst year. The most obvious reason is that they are told this by upperclassmen. However, as Ahmad hinted at, a lot of the students over exaggerate the situation. Certainly AP classes are difficult, but they are offered for grades 10-12.
Furthermore, they are about certain to over exaggerate at the end of the school year when some juniors are pounded by AP exams, SATs, and finals at the same time.
“The end of the year may be a little rough, with all the tests. But, the rest of the year is the same or even more fun than previous years,” said Ahmad.
In fact, juniors enjoy several privileges that underclassmen do not have. For instance, they can drive cars to school, go to the senior prom, have first dibs at classes for next year, have the chance to get into National Honors Society, and have more AP class options.
On the other hand, there are seniors that will argue that senior year is the most difficult.
Senior, Christina Kellher, said, “Junior year wasn’t even that bad. Senior year is definitely when the pressure kicks in. You got SATs, college applications, scholarships… It all comes down to senior year.”
Heart To Heart - april 7 posting
Karrine Watts
Sometimes when something tragic happens, making something good come from it, can help ease the pain.
The birth of a child is something that parents anticipate for the nine months of a pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, there is the excitement of meeting the baby and imagining life with that child. The days before their baby Cheyenne was born, Michael and Lori Watts could not wait for the moment that their daughter would come into the world. The nursery was ready for when they could take the new baby home from the hospital. This would be their first child and the expecting parents couldn’t be happier.
The delivery went well with Cheyenne and she was so “beautiful that she brought tears” to her father’s eyes. However those precious moments were interrupted when the doctor informed the Watts’ that their baby was having heart complications. Little Cheyenne had not shown any signs of problems with her heart during the pregnancy. This was unexpected. Cheyenne was taken to an intensive care unit away from her parents.
When the doctor returned to her anxious parents, the news was not good. The baby that Michael and Lori had long waited for had severe holes in her heart. In order for Cheyenne to even have a slight chance of survival, she would need heart surgery within the next days. A young child, just a few hours old would have to go through a major surgery. A surgery as big as the one she was about to go through, on such a small baby was extremely risky. Cheyenne had the surgery while her parents waited impatiently wondering if they would be able to see their little baby grow into a child.
Cheyenne survived the surgery but she still suffered from heart disease. Five days after her birthday, Cheyenne passed away. “It was and probably will always be the worst day of my life”, said Michael Watts. Their innocent baby lost her life after living less than a week. Cheyenne’s parents would have to leave the hospital alone and back to their home with an empty nursery. In the months that passed since the death of their daughter, the Watts’ still suffered from the pain of the loss.
Thirteen years after Cheyenne’s death, Michael was brought back in thought about the day he lost his baby. He was at a birthday party for a young boy. Michael owns a business that takes a fire truck to people’s homes for children’s birthday parties. It was at one party that he met a three year old named Tanner. During a conversation with Tanner’s mother, she informed Michael that little Tanner had heart disease. Michael then told her that he had lost a daughter to heart disease thirteen years prior. Tanner’s mom then told Michael about an organization called the Heart 2 Heart Fund. It was a fund that was founded by two mothers, one who had lost a child to heart disease and the other whose son was suffering from heart disease. Michael knew he wanted to get involved.
Michael became a big supporter of the Heart 2 Heart Fund. He named his fire truck Cheyenne which made people ask why and he would tell them his story. He also put the organization’s logo on his truck. While at the birthday parties, he would mention the fund and would ask people for donations. Michael also took part in a large banquet with his fire truck. It was a banquet was held by the Celtics because the Heart 2 Heart Fund was the charity that they supported for a year. Michael continued to help raise money so “No parent will lose their child and no child will lose their life.”
Michael was able to take his tragedy and do something that would make a difference. He was able to help effectively because of the hardship he went through.
Sometimes when something tragic happens, making something good come from it, can help ease the pain.
The birth of a child is something that parents anticipate for the nine months of a pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, there is the excitement of meeting the baby and imagining life with that child. The days before their baby Cheyenne was born, Michael and Lori Watts could not wait for the moment that their daughter would come into the world. The nursery was ready for when they could take the new baby home from the hospital. This would be their first child and the expecting parents couldn’t be happier.
The delivery went well with Cheyenne and she was so “beautiful that she brought tears” to her father’s eyes. However those precious moments were interrupted when the doctor informed the Watts’ that their baby was having heart complications. Little Cheyenne had not shown any signs of problems with her heart during the pregnancy. This was unexpected. Cheyenne was taken to an intensive care unit away from her parents.
When the doctor returned to her anxious parents, the news was not good. The baby that Michael and Lori had long waited for had severe holes in her heart. In order for Cheyenne to even have a slight chance of survival, she would need heart surgery within the next days. A young child, just a few hours old would have to go through a major surgery. A surgery as big as the one she was about to go through, on such a small baby was extremely risky. Cheyenne had the surgery while her parents waited impatiently wondering if they would be able to see their little baby grow into a child.
Cheyenne survived the surgery but she still suffered from heart disease. Five days after her birthday, Cheyenne passed away. “It was and probably will always be the worst day of my life”, said Michael Watts. Their innocent baby lost her life after living less than a week. Cheyenne’s parents would have to leave the hospital alone and back to their home with an empty nursery. In the months that passed since the death of their daughter, the Watts’ still suffered from the pain of the loss.
Thirteen years after Cheyenne’s death, Michael was brought back in thought about the day he lost his baby. He was at a birthday party for a young boy. Michael owns a business that takes a fire truck to people’s homes for children’s birthday parties. It was at one party that he met a three year old named Tanner. During a conversation with Tanner’s mother, she informed Michael that little Tanner had heart disease. Michael then told her that he had lost a daughter to heart disease thirteen years prior. Tanner’s mom then told Michael about an organization called the Heart 2 Heart Fund. It was a fund that was founded by two mothers, one who had lost a child to heart disease and the other whose son was suffering from heart disease. Michael knew he wanted to get involved.
Michael became a big supporter of the Heart 2 Heart Fund. He named his fire truck Cheyenne which made people ask why and he would tell them his story. He also put the organization’s logo on his truck. While at the birthday parties, he would mention the fund and would ask people for donations. Michael also took part in a large banquet with his fire truck. It was a banquet was held by the Celtics because the Heart 2 Heart Fund was the charity that they supported for a year. Michael continued to help raise money so “No parent will lose their child and no child will lose their life.”
Michael was able to take his tragedy and do something that would make a difference. He was able to help effectively because of the hardship he went through.
Disney Channel starlets, not suited for children
by Kim Rizzitano
Miley Cyrus, a major Disney Channel star, posed half nude recently this month in a racy photo shoot for Vanity Fair. Cyrus, who plays a teen pop-star named Hannah Montana, chose to go for a new look when she decided to step in front of the camera and pose in a manner completely opposite from her squeaky-clean disposition .
Originally, the young starlet and her parents stated that photos were beautiful and natural and that Annie Leibovitz captured her perfectly.
Cyrus said, “I think it's really artsy; it wasn't in a skanky way,” to Vanity Fair Magazine.
However, she has retracted the statement and has apologized to her fans. Disney Channel is standing behind Cyrus in support and pointing the finger of blame at Vanity Fair.
But Disney Channel has had other starlet messes to clean over the past few years. It seems that the girls who stand as role models are making poor choices. In addition to Cyrus, Disney has had messy situations concerning Venessa Hutchens, High School Musical star, whose naked picture leaked onto the internet and Jamie Lynn Spears, Zoey 101 star, who is currently pregnant.
Cyrus, Hudgens, and Spears have all been supported by the Disney Channel family and have been welcome to continue to work with them.
Parents are concerned, however that these teen stars are not suited to be role models for children. They fear that kids could be exposed to these negative situations and want to follow the bad example.
All three stars lost their opportunity to be a role model as soon as they committed the act that has made their life so scandalous. Although they have every right to do what they feel, they cannot expect to be treated the same way they were before. They are no longer innocent in the eyes of the public.
If any star chooses to act in a risky manner they must expect their fame to change. The act eliminates directions in which their career can go such as a future in children’s entertainment.
Whatever the reason for their actions, these starlet’s reputations have been changed and can no longer be a role model to children.
Miley Cyrus, a major Disney Channel star, posed half nude recently this month in a racy photo shoot for Vanity Fair. Cyrus, who plays a teen pop-star named Hannah Montana, chose to go for a new look when she decided to step in front of the camera and pose in a manner completely opposite from her squeaky-clean disposition .
Originally, the young starlet and her parents stated that photos were beautiful and natural and that Annie Leibovitz captured her perfectly.
Cyrus said, “I think it's really artsy; it wasn't in a skanky way,” to Vanity Fair Magazine.
However, she has retracted the statement and has apologized to her fans. Disney Channel is standing behind Cyrus in support and pointing the finger of blame at Vanity Fair.
But Disney Channel has had other starlet messes to clean over the past few years. It seems that the girls who stand as role models are making poor choices. In addition to Cyrus, Disney has had messy situations concerning Venessa Hutchens, High School Musical star, whose naked picture leaked onto the internet and Jamie Lynn Spears, Zoey 101 star, who is currently pregnant.
Cyrus, Hudgens, and Spears have all been supported by the Disney Channel family and have been welcome to continue to work with them.
Parents are concerned, however that these teen stars are not suited to be role models for children. They fear that kids could be exposed to these negative situations and want to follow the bad example.
All three stars lost their opportunity to be a role model as soon as they committed the act that has made their life so scandalous. Although they have every right to do what they feel, they cannot expect to be treated the same way they were before. They are no longer innocent in the eyes of the public.
If any star chooses to act in a risky manner they must expect their fame to change. The act eliminates directions in which their career can go such as a future in children’s entertainment.
Whatever the reason for their actions, these starlet’s reputations have been changed and can no longer be a role model to children.
More Clemens
by Karrine Watts
Just recently, Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens has been accused of having a ten year affair.
Mindy McCready, a well known country musician has reportedly had a sexual relationship with Clemens since she was 15. Clemens was a 28 year old pitcher for the Red Sox and was married with two children.
McCready and Clemens have been long time family friends. They did spend time together ten years ago, but both deny ever having a sexual or romantic relationship. If it is true about the affair, Clemens will look terrible to fans and people everywhere. Roger Clemens is already being accused of steroid use and the affair would add to the drama surrounding him.
It’s unfortunate that Roger Clemens is involved in all of these accusations. His career is playing professional baseball and that is what both him and his fans should be focused on.
Just recently, Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens has been accused of having a ten year affair.
Mindy McCready, a well known country musician has reportedly had a sexual relationship with Clemens since she was 15. Clemens was a 28 year old pitcher for the Red Sox and was married with two children.
McCready and Clemens have been long time family friends. They did spend time together ten years ago, but both deny ever having a sexual or romantic relationship. If it is true about the affair, Clemens will look terrible to fans and people everywhere. Roger Clemens is already being accused of steroid use and the affair would add to the drama surrounding him.
It’s unfortunate that Roger Clemens is involved in all of these accusations. His career is playing professional baseball and that is what both him and his fans should be focused on.
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