so i'm sitting in clare's room. listening to the glee version of 'don't stop believing.' i'm exhausted. and i look like a boy in this plaid shirt that i bought. but i don't care because i like it. it's actually the second plaid shirt i bought today. which is bad because if i keep going to the mall twice a week i'm going to blow all the money i'm making by babysitting. oh,and i'm stuck going home tonight because my mother won't let me sleep here. kill me, please. i miss journalism class. and tavia and megan.
this room is two million degrees, and clare just threw our matching underwear next to me. oh, and now there's gavin's song playing. how pleasant. i wish my family was pleasant; then maybe, just maybe, i'd want to go home. it's a possibility. i'll just end up at clare's at seven tomorrow morning anyways. after i stay up til one am texting pat and josh and sean, i'm guessing.
tomorrow is a clare day. with food. and good music. and plaid. and we smell really good because we put on perfume from macy's. and i just, surprisingly, found out that i enjoy demi lovatto's music. well, i suppose it's only expected. it's nice. but anyways, i have to walk home now before it gets dark and my mother decides that i can't walk a block in the dimly lit streets. God forbid I cross the street after dusk. i might do something irrational since the sun had disappeared.
don't stop believing.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"in neon green, blinking and flashing."
that was clare's explanation of why boys lie to us. clearly, we have signs on our heads that say 'LIE TO ME' or 'BREAK YOUR PROMISES, I DON'T MIND' or 'TRICK ME'. "trick me" is kind of like "kick me", but not as fun. although i'm not sure if being kicked is fun either, seeing as i have never been the owner of my very own "kick me" sign. maybe someday. a girl can dream, right?
i spent my afternoon reading a book about a female journalism in nineteen fifty-seven. it's quite captivating, i must say. it's one of the few books i've enjoyed enough to not read in a one-hour sitting. i've actually been reading it for over four days, and i don't really want it to end. i studied a bit for finals today as well. that wasn't nearly as exciting as my book, but then again, nothing really ever is as exciting as the books i read.
my health final today was nice, and simple. the only part i didn't enjoy was being mocked by my class full of music department kids for finishing my final too quickly. and checking it - twice. the rest of my finals are being held thursday and friday. i'm not particularly pleased by the concept of taking a one-hundred-question advanced algebra final, but i suppose i have to anyway. my other option would be to fail the class, and that doesn't sound very pleasant.
seniors are graduating sunday, which is very exciting. my little brother will graduate from middle school on monday. two graduations, two days. i have an exciting life ahead of me.
back to where i should be, reading my book.
i spent my afternoon reading a book about a female journalism in nineteen fifty-seven. it's quite captivating, i must say. it's one of the few books i've enjoyed enough to not read in a one-hour sitting. i've actually been reading it for over four days, and i don't really want it to end. i studied a bit for finals today as well. that wasn't nearly as exciting as my book, but then again, nothing really ever is as exciting as the books i read.
my health final today was nice, and simple. the only part i didn't enjoy was being mocked by my class full of music department kids for finishing my final too quickly. and checking it - twice. the rest of my finals are being held thursday and friday. i'm not particularly pleased by the concept of taking a one-hundred-question advanced algebra final, but i suppose i have to anyway. my other option would be to fail the class, and that doesn't sound very pleasant.
seniors are graduating sunday, which is very exciting. my little brother will graduate from middle school on monday. two graduations, two days. i have an exciting life ahead of me.
back to where i should be, reading my book.
last day of journalism. sadness.
so, i'm sitting here in journalism, while tav and megan podcast away. they're just reading horoscopes. i'm listening since i just finished the weather and chit chatting with tav. it was nice.
jake just stole my pen. he's done with his clip file. i am not. i have not yet begun to introduce my clips for my clip file, and i haven't finished writing my cover letter either. it's sad.
somehow, journalism has made me simultaneously incredibly productive, and immensely lazy. i worry about that. but whatever.
megan is mocking me. this font is too large. oh my. and we are still podcasting as we type. megan's reading in french. dan and jake are doing nothing.
anyways. i love journalism. i'm going to miss journalism.
<3
jake just stole my pen. he's done with his clip file. i am not. i have not yet begun to introduce my clips for my clip file, and i haven't finished writing my cover letter either. it's sad.
somehow, journalism has made me simultaneously incredibly productive, and immensely lazy. i worry about that. but whatever.
megan is mocking me. this font is too large. oh my. and we are still podcasting as we type. megan's reading in french. dan and jake are doing nothing.
anyways. i love journalism. i'm going to miss journalism.
<3
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
this post is entitled, "NO"
NO NO NO NO NO.
how many times can i say no?
NO.
i cant even tell you how many times i'd like to say no. no no no no no. underlined. how do you underline something with your voice? NO.
no no no . i said nooo. never. ever ever ever. in a million years. no no no no no. tav says no. i say no. megan says no. NO.
how many times can i say no?
NO.
i cant even tell you how many times i'd like to say no. no no no no no. underlined. how do you underline something with your voice? NO.
no no no . i said nooo. never. ever ever ever. in a million years. no no no no no. tav says no. i say no. megan says no. NO.
A note from Tav
So this is Tav on Jess's blog obviously.
Who else would be on her fucking blog?
So basically, I just wanted to let the world know how glorious we truly are. As a team, Megan, Jess and I are UNSTOPPABLE. like fershizzle, you can't stop us. we're simply irrestible<3
Today, we busted out 13 and a half minutes of our new podcast, the JOBPOD.
it was insane and outrageously gewd. Greene loves us!
I LOVE BLOGGING. ESPECIALLY WITH JESS AND MEGAN<3333
i don't practice santeria... i ain't got no crystal ball, i had a million dollars but i, i spent it all! :O welcome to podlicious......
i always open up the pods and i sound like PODDER. jess said i'm an open legged woman..
hahahhaha megan asked why our voices are messed up..
but they're not, that's how they always sound. THANKS MEGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahaha oh my god this is so funny.
we really didn't do anything on purpose. i always sound like an idiot..
i don't really know why this is news to megan. i can't believe you asked that megan..
wow. that was pretty low... thanks bud. at least we SHOWED UP TO CLASS.
jeeez. louise. this is so pointless.
what friends jess?
awww **** and *****. Those kids are your friends? ***** is quite the sketch.
yeah. no not good. no.
no.nnonononon. i can't blog this.....
well i just did beyotches.
hiii greeeenenenenenennenenenenenenenene.
hi.
okaybye.
this has been a blog well spent, now it's time for the seventh inning stretch.
Who else would be on her fucking blog?
So basically, I just wanted to let the world know how glorious we truly are. As a team, Megan, Jess and I are UNSTOPPABLE. like fershizzle, you can't stop us. we're simply irrestible<3
Today, we busted out 13 and a half minutes of our new podcast, the JOBPOD.
it was insane and outrageously gewd. Greene loves us!
I LOVE BLOGGING. ESPECIALLY WITH JESS AND MEGAN<3333
i don't practice santeria... i ain't got no crystal ball, i had a million dollars but i, i spent it all! :O welcome to podlicious......
i always open up the pods and i sound like PODDER. jess said i'm an open legged woman..
hahahhaha megan asked why our voices are messed up..
but they're not, that's how they always sound. THANKS MEGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahaha oh my god this is so funny.
we really didn't do anything on purpose. i always sound like an idiot..
i don't really know why this is news to megan. i can't believe you asked that megan..
wow. that was pretty low... thanks bud. at least we SHOWED UP TO CLASS.
jeeez. louise. this is so pointless.
what friends jess?
awww **** and *****. Those kids are your friends? ***** is quite the sketch.
yeah. no not good. no.
no.nnonononon. i can't blog this.....
well i just did beyotches.
hiii greeeenenenenenennenenenenenenenene.
hi.
okaybye.
this has been a blog well spent, now it's time for the seventh inning stretch.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Switching it up
By Jessica Williams and Tavia Rzasa (Obviously...)
Another Wednesday; it’s the middle of the week; hump day; Hell. Wednesday holds the promise of the approaching weekend, but is still a reminder that there are two more days to endure. Wednesdays suck. The fact that spring vacation was not-so-quickly approaching added to the tension of the week. Thankfully, this Wednesday was the one to break the monotony of the school day.
As the bell rang, students shuffled in, hurrying to the remaining seats that filled each row of desks. The classroom was cold, as usual. Greene was busily writing “Day 2- Hell” on the board, with the sub headings, “New Journalism” and “Embarrassment.” One could only muse the possibilities of the latter. Group editing? Listening to last week’s podcasts with the class?
Toting a blue boom box, Greene moved toward the door as we all sat wondering what was in store for us next. “Let’s go, get up!” he instructed us. Confused, we all followed him out the door and down the upper C hallway. We passed Mrs. Naylor’s class, all of whom looked interested in why a group of students was walking down the hallway mid-block.
“Circle up!” Greene said as we entered the atrium. “Pick a partner, any partner! One of you will lead, the other will follow. Pick who’s going to lead.”
Partners were chosen; some pairs containing two girls, some with two boys and some with a boy and a girl. This created quite the dilemma when the same-sex pairs had to decide who would be the lead, which would usually be a boy and who would follow as the “girl.”
“You’re going to learn a waltz,” Greene informed us. How this was relevant to the curriculum was beyond us. There was no doubt in our minds that we would have to write a story about it. Alas, here we are.
To start off our dance lesson, Greene told us that the waltz is a three step dance. “Say it with me: One, two, three. One, two, three,” he stressed the first count as we repeated after him.
“Leads, pay attention. It’s simple, watch,” Greene said. “Take your left foot, step forward. Then take your right foot, and step forward and to the right. Bring your left foot over to your right.” Then he explained how to repeat the step backwards beginning with the right foot.
After the leads practiced, Greene went on to the steps for those who were following. “Basically, you do the same thing backwards.” The class practiced individually, stepping on our own feet. “Face your partners. Leads place your left hand on the shoulder blade of your partner. Followers your right hand goes on top of their shoulder. Elbows should be touching and there should be no space in between your arms.”
We clasped hands with our partners and so began our first official choreographed journalism class. The next thing we knew, Greene was informing us that while dancing, we would be moving in a circular pattern. This only added to our confusion.
Greene turned on the boom box and the waltz began. A classical piece wafted through the upper C atrium and caught the attention of passerby. Students wandering the halls stopped to stare and some even videotaped our experience on their cell phones. Partner dancing, or any other kind for that matter, is not usually seen in the hallways during second block. We were quite the spectacle.
Once most pairs had given up, Greene turned off the waltz. “Back to the circle! Pick a partner. Same partner, new partner. I don’t care. The next step is a salsa.” Salsa dancing in journalism? Honestly, we would expect nothing less of Greene.
“This is a six-step dance, but it’s still relatively easy. Leads, you’re going to step forward, rock, back. Back, rock, forward,” Greene said as he demonstrated, dancing in his usual cowboy boots.
After we had the chance to try the simple steps, Greene instructed us to switch it up a little bit and do some twirls, spins, anything! When nobody obliged, we returned to class, still laughing about our failure as ballroom dancers.
The excitement, sadly, came to an end. We returned to the classroom, sat in our seats, and were given yet another assignment- just what we needed!
At this moment, Wednesday began to suck, yet again. Thanks to this out of the ordinary lesson, we made it through yet another Wednesday. Who knew that waltzing was the secret to making it through the last week before vacation?
Another Wednesday; it’s the middle of the week; hump day; Hell. Wednesday holds the promise of the approaching weekend, but is still a reminder that there are two more days to endure. Wednesdays suck. The fact that spring vacation was not-so-quickly approaching added to the tension of the week. Thankfully, this Wednesday was the one to break the monotony of the school day.
As the bell rang, students shuffled in, hurrying to the remaining seats that filled each row of desks. The classroom was cold, as usual. Greene was busily writing “Day 2- Hell” on the board, with the sub headings, “New Journalism” and “Embarrassment.” One could only muse the possibilities of the latter. Group editing? Listening to last week’s podcasts with the class?
Toting a blue boom box, Greene moved toward the door as we all sat wondering what was in store for us next. “Let’s go, get up!” he instructed us. Confused, we all followed him out the door and down the upper C hallway. We passed Mrs. Naylor’s class, all of whom looked interested in why a group of students was walking down the hallway mid-block.
“Circle up!” Greene said as we entered the atrium. “Pick a partner, any partner! One of you will lead, the other will follow. Pick who’s going to lead.”
Partners were chosen; some pairs containing two girls, some with two boys and some with a boy and a girl. This created quite the dilemma when the same-sex pairs had to decide who would be the lead, which would usually be a boy and who would follow as the “girl.”
“You’re going to learn a waltz,” Greene informed us. How this was relevant to the curriculum was beyond us. There was no doubt in our minds that we would have to write a story about it. Alas, here we are.
To start off our dance lesson, Greene told us that the waltz is a three step dance. “Say it with me: One, two, three. One, two, three,” he stressed the first count as we repeated after him.
“Leads, pay attention. It’s simple, watch,” Greene said. “Take your left foot, step forward. Then take your right foot, and step forward and to the right. Bring your left foot over to your right.” Then he explained how to repeat the step backwards beginning with the right foot.
After the leads practiced, Greene went on to the steps for those who were following. “Basically, you do the same thing backwards.” The class practiced individually, stepping on our own feet. “Face your partners. Leads place your left hand on the shoulder blade of your partner. Followers your right hand goes on top of their shoulder. Elbows should be touching and there should be no space in between your arms.”
We clasped hands with our partners and so began our first official choreographed journalism class. The next thing we knew, Greene was informing us that while dancing, we would be moving in a circular pattern. This only added to our confusion.
Greene turned on the boom box and the waltz began. A classical piece wafted through the upper C atrium and caught the attention of passerby. Students wandering the halls stopped to stare and some even videotaped our experience on their cell phones. Partner dancing, or any other kind for that matter, is not usually seen in the hallways during second block. We were quite the spectacle.
Once most pairs had given up, Greene turned off the waltz. “Back to the circle! Pick a partner. Same partner, new partner. I don’t care. The next step is a salsa.” Salsa dancing in journalism? Honestly, we would expect nothing less of Greene.
“This is a six-step dance, but it’s still relatively easy. Leads, you’re going to step forward, rock, back. Back, rock, forward,” Greene said as he demonstrated, dancing in his usual cowboy boots.
After we had the chance to try the simple steps, Greene instructed us to switch it up a little bit and do some twirls, spins, anything! When nobody obliged, we returned to class, still laughing about our failure as ballroom dancers.
The excitement, sadly, came to an end. We returned to the classroom, sat in our seats, and were given yet another assignment- just what we needed!
At this moment, Wednesday began to suck, yet again. Thanks to this out of the ordinary lesson, we made it through yet another Wednesday. Who knew that waltzing was the secret to making it through the last week before vacation?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
"Guys and Dolls" a must-see
by Jessica Williams
If you have a free second during the last weekend in Mar., heading out to see the Nashua High School South performance of “Guys and Dolls” is a great idea.
“Guys and Dolls”, directed by Sophia Santerre, is a story about a group of gamblers, dancers, and missionaries in New York City during the 1940s. The female comic lead, Adelaide, is fed up with her gambler fiancé Nathan Detroit, because he has been promising to marry her for 14 years. Another gambler, Sky Masterson, and Sister Sarah Brown surprise themselves when they fall in love. All the while, an illegal floating crap game is being run around the city.
The students in the cast auditioned days after returning from holiday break. Rehearsals began in Jan. and the show was underway. Three of the four lead roles are being played by NHSS seniors Molly Bruckman, Glenn Sweeney and Chris Humber. Sophomore Taylor Peterson plays the fourth lead role. The cast includes talented musicians from all of the NHSS Music Department divisions and some students who are not in the Music Department at all.
From the very first scene of the show, “Guys and Dolls” is uproariously funny. The opener begins with a variety of characters rushing across the stage, including a shady man, streetwalkers a pack of sightseers. Most of the city ends up in chaos, running after one another by the end of the scene.
Adelaide’s persistent cold is present through the entire production and is accompanied by boisterous sneezing. Nathan is constantly trying to hide the fact that he is still running the crap game, from Adelaide. Sky makes a bet with Nathan that he can take any doll he wants to Cuba, and is left with the task of trying to convince the missionary Sarah to go to dinner with him.
The gamblers and Hot Box dolls lend their voices and dancing feet to several lively numbers that are sure to entertain. From the stomping excitement of “Luck Be a Lady” to the sultry “Take Back Your Mink”, the dancers will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The supporting characters are so hilarious that they are bound to steal the show. Benny and Nicely share the title song, which includes goofy dance moves that you’re not bound to see anywhere else. “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” is a number that includes the full cast, and brings all of the groups in the city together to hear Nicely recount his dreams.
The musical features well-known songs such as “Bushel and a Peck” and “Guys and Dolls”, all performed by NHSS students. Members of the NHSS Concert Band, NHSS band director Tony Courounis, and a handful or professional musicians make up the orchestral pit for the show, under the direction of Paul Santerre.
Whether you’re a veteran theater lover or a first-timer, “Guys and Dolls” will leave you laughing and in high spirits. Show dates are Mar. 26, 27 and 28 at 7 pm in the NHSS auditorium. Tickets are 10 dollars and are available for purchase from choral director Sophia Santerre. Any tickets left over for each night’s performance will be available at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the senior class.
If you have a free second during the last weekend in Mar., heading out to see the Nashua High School South performance of “Guys and Dolls” is a great idea.
“Guys and Dolls”, directed by Sophia Santerre, is a story about a group of gamblers, dancers, and missionaries in New York City during the 1940s. The female comic lead, Adelaide, is fed up with her gambler fiancé Nathan Detroit, because he has been promising to marry her for 14 years. Another gambler, Sky Masterson, and Sister Sarah Brown surprise themselves when they fall in love. All the while, an illegal floating crap game is being run around the city.
The students in the cast auditioned days after returning from holiday break. Rehearsals began in Jan. and the show was underway. Three of the four lead roles are being played by NHSS seniors Molly Bruckman, Glenn Sweeney and Chris Humber. Sophomore Taylor Peterson plays the fourth lead role. The cast includes talented musicians from all of the NHSS Music Department divisions and some students who are not in the Music Department at all.
From the very first scene of the show, “Guys and Dolls” is uproariously funny. The opener begins with a variety of characters rushing across the stage, including a shady man, streetwalkers a pack of sightseers. Most of the city ends up in chaos, running after one another by the end of the scene.
Adelaide’s persistent cold is present through the entire production and is accompanied by boisterous sneezing. Nathan is constantly trying to hide the fact that he is still running the crap game, from Adelaide. Sky makes a bet with Nathan that he can take any doll he wants to Cuba, and is left with the task of trying to convince the missionary Sarah to go to dinner with him.
The gamblers and Hot Box dolls lend their voices and dancing feet to several lively numbers that are sure to entertain. From the stomping excitement of “Luck Be a Lady” to the sultry “Take Back Your Mink”, the dancers will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The supporting characters are so hilarious that they are bound to steal the show. Benny and Nicely share the title song, which includes goofy dance moves that you’re not bound to see anywhere else. “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” is a number that includes the full cast, and brings all of the groups in the city together to hear Nicely recount his dreams.
The musical features well-known songs such as “Bushel and a Peck” and “Guys and Dolls”, all performed by NHSS students. Members of the NHSS Concert Band, NHSS band director Tony Courounis, and a handful or professional musicians make up the orchestral pit for the show, under the direction of Paul Santerre.
Whether you’re a veteran theater lover or a first-timer, “Guys and Dolls” will leave you laughing and in high spirits. Show dates are Mar. 26, 27 and 28 at 7 pm in the NHSS auditorium. Tickets are 10 dollars and are available for purchase from choral director Sophia Santerre. Any tickets left over for each night’s performance will be available at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the senior class.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Newspapers are old news
By Tavia Rzasa and Jessica Williams
Making online news the primary source for readers who want up-to-date information is a step that needs to be taken. Currently, both online copies and newspaper prints are available to the public. Due to the online Web sites for newspapers, fewer people are reading the actual prints. In order to save money and even trees, the hard copy era needs to be ended.
Most newspapers now have versions available on the Internet, which has led to a decrease in paper sales. There is no need for both to be existence, especially because online versions of newspapers serve the same function of printed versions without killing trees. Some newspapers have avoided becoming online-only publications because they fear not making a profit. Companies may not want to advertise on Web sites because they are used to paying for a printed ad in a news publication. All of these problems have solutions that could benefit the newspapers and the readers.
At least 25 million trees are cut down each year and part of the problem is printing newspapers. According to bloggers from the news industry, it takes twelve fully grown trees to make one ton of newsprint, with more than 107 tons being used daily in the world. Most major towns and cities have daily papers that are printed out and distributed to the public. While these papers provide an important source of reliable news, more conservative means could be taken. The obvious and simple solution to this tree massacre is to eliminate the need for printed news. Internet versions are equally informative and accessible.
The battle for readers between printed newspapers and their Inter counterparts is costing both sides a fortune. Online sources do not seem to be making as much profit as printed papers, because as of now they are free to access. In order for these online news programs to make money, they could have people pay to read what they post. Certain newspapers could have their own Web sites, as most already do, and have people make their own accounts. These accounts could be created for a monthly fee, which allows the newspapers to have a reliable source of income.
The Internet also has the advantage of being globally accessible. Printed papers are normally only distributed locally. When a publication is on the web, people across the world can read it when they choose to subscribe. This could greatly increase the number of readers for any given paper, resulting in more income for the publication. The Internet is also a much faster way to get news to the public, rather than printing. Right as a story is developing, journalists can post the information onto the site rather than having to wait for the next morning paper. Getting news to readers quickly is a benefit because people often want to know the news as it’s happening.
When a paper has a large number of readers, businesses are more interested in advertising in that paper because their advertisement will reach more people. It will also be easier for news publications to keep count of how many readers they have because a visit count is easy to maintain on a Web site. This allows for more accurate statistics to be presented to companies interested in advertising.
Printed newspapers have lived a long and healthy life, but all good things must come to an end. People are becoming environmentally conscious, while also becoming accustomed to efficiency in their lives. The Internet is a resource the media must embrace and use to its full potential for the sake of the environment and the readers.
Making online news the primary source for readers who want up-to-date information is a step that needs to be taken. Currently, both online copies and newspaper prints are available to the public. Due to the online Web sites for newspapers, fewer people are reading the actual prints. In order to save money and even trees, the hard copy era needs to be ended.
Most newspapers now have versions available on the Internet, which has led to a decrease in paper sales. There is no need for both to be existence, especially because online versions of newspapers serve the same function of printed versions without killing trees. Some newspapers have avoided becoming online-only publications because they fear not making a profit. Companies may not want to advertise on Web sites because they are used to paying for a printed ad in a news publication. All of these problems have solutions that could benefit the newspapers and the readers.
At least 25 million trees are cut down each year and part of the problem is printing newspapers. According to bloggers from the news industry, it takes twelve fully grown trees to make one ton of newsprint, with more than 107 tons being used daily in the world. Most major towns and cities have daily papers that are printed out and distributed to the public. While these papers provide an important source of reliable news, more conservative means could be taken. The obvious and simple solution to this tree massacre is to eliminate the need for printed news. Internet versions are equally informative and accessible.
The battle for readers between printed newspapers and their Inter counterparts is costing both sides a fortune. Online sources do not seem to be making as much profit as printed papers, because as of now they are free to access. In order for these online news programs to make money, they could have people pay to read what they post. Certain newspapers could have their own Web sites, as most already do, and have people make their own accounts. These accounts could be created for a monthly fee, which allows the newspapers to have a reliable source of income.
The Internet also has the advantage of being globally accessible. Printed papers are normally only distributed locally. When a publication is on the web, people across the world can read it when they choose to subscribe. This could greatly increase the number of readers for any given paper, resulting in more income for the publication. The Internet is also a much faster way to get news to the public, rather than printing. Right as a story is developing, journalists can post the information onto the site rather than having to wait for the next morning paper. Getting news to readers quickly is a benefit because people often want to know the news as it’s happening.
When a paper has a large number of readers, businesses are more interested in advertising in that paper because their advertisement will reach more people. It will also be easier for news publications to keep count of how many readers they have because a visit count is easy to maintain on a Web site. This allows for more accurate statistics to be presented to companies interested in advertising.
Printed newspapers have lived a long and healthy life, but all good things must come to an end. People are becoming environmentally conscious, while also becoming accustomed to efficiency in their lives. The Internet is a resource the media must embrace and use to its full potential for the sake of the environment and the readers.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
American kids not worked to potential
To the editor: Students in America are not “dumb as dirt”, we simply need to provided with an adequate education. The current adolescent generation may not know how to farm an acre or even use a ruler, but we sure can operate technology. Hand any high school student a laptop or a Blackberry and they will have all of the functions mastered in a half hour.
The problem is not that we’re stupid, the problem is that we are not being educated to our full potential. Some teachers are great, however some seem to be losing interest in their job. Students are not being taught to the full extent they were ‘back in the day’. After a course, there is a final exam containing some information that was never taught in the classroom and then students are held accountable for not knowing it. It is even assumed in most honors classes that the student can teach themselves, but if that was true what would be the need for a teacher?
Tavia Rzasa and Jessica Williams, Nashua
The problem is not that we’re stupid, the problem is that we are not being educated to our full potential. Some teachers are great, however some seem to be losing interest in their job. Students are not being taught to the full extent they were ‘back in the day’. After a course, there is a final exam containing some information that was never taught in the classroom and then students are held accountable for not knowing it. It is even assumed in most honors classes that the student can teach themselves, but if that was true what would be the need for a teacher?
Tavia Rzasa and Jessica Williams, Nashua
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saving the world through toilet paper
By Jessica Williams
CVS has embarked on the quest that many other companies have: becoming eco-friendly. The green movement has spread across the world, sparking companies to consider more environmentally conscious materials for their products. CVS Earth Essentials is a line of household necessities that are made from 100 percent recycled materials. While their prices may be higher than those of products that are not as eco-friendly, the buyer does get the benefit of keeping their carbon footprint small. Toilet paper not made from recycled is also bleached with harmful chemicals that are known to pollute the environment. Eco-friendly toilet paper is not bleached in harmful chemicals, reducing the hazard to the user and the environment.
The one-ply sheets are completely translucent, meaning you may have to use half the roll just to blow your nose. At that rate, the entire eco-friendly ploy may be lost. Each roll also features a lovely assortment of tiny black flecks of unknown materials. Needless to say, the texture of the toilet paper is very much like a cross between sandpaper and tissue-paper. It is so scratchy that it might turn out to be a really great exfoliator. In fact, about ten different household uses could be found for this toilet paper. These include removing built-up, cooked-on food in your oven and scrubbing away soap scum from your shower.
This is not be the most comfortable product to use. If being eco-friendly ranks higher in your priorities than soft toilet paper, CVS Earth Essentials may be the toiletry line for you.
CVS has embarked on the quest that many other companies have: becoming eco-friendly. The green movement has spread across the world, sparking companies to consider more environmentally conscious materials for their products. CVS Earth Essentials is a line of household necessities that are made from 100 percent recycled materials. While their prices may be higher than those of products that are not as eco-friendly, the buyer does get the benefit of keeping their carbon footprint small. Toilet paper not made from recycled is also bleached with harmful chemicals that are known to pollute the environment. Eco-friendly toilet paper is not bleached in harmful chemicals, reducing the hazard to the user and the environment.
The one-ply sheets are completely translucent, meaning you may have to use half the roll just to blow your nose. At that rate, the entire eco-friendly ploy may be lost. Each roll also features a lovely assortment of tiny black flecks of unknown materials. Needless to say, the texture of the toilet paper is very much like a cross between sandpaper and tissue-paper. It is so scratchy that it might turn out to be a really great exfoliator. In fact, about ten different household uses could be found for this toilet paper. These include removing built-up, cooked-on food in your oven and scrubbing away soap scum from your shower.
This is not be the most comfortable product to use. If being eco-friendly ranks higher in your priorities than soft toilet paper, CVS Earth Essentials may be the toiletry line for you.
Pringles sure do "pop"
By Jessica Williams
Pringles are known for being the potato crisp that “once you pop, you can’t stop”. Many varieties have been created recently, including Pringles Stix, Pringles Gourmet, and Pringles Extreme. Pringles Stix are in a rod form instead of a flat crisp. Pringles Gourmet feature more mature flavors that include prawns and beef. Pringles Extreme are known for having names that may scare away even the most open-minded of eaters. One of the most interesting of the Extreme flavors is “Screamin’ Dill Pickle”, which delivers a taste as powerful as its name.
Just opening the bright green can, which is made of 50 percent recycled material, gives off the immediate odor of pickles. One serving, which equals 15 chips, has 150 calories and 10 grams of fat. The crisps have the normal shape of original Pringles, and the typical powdery flavoring on both sides. One bite of a Screamin’ Dill Pickle Pringle is enough to make your eyes water and your face scrunch up. They are surprisingly bitter, even for pickle-flavored chips. The taste is very similar to dill pickles, despite the Pringles not including one single pickle-related ingredient. How the flavor of pickles was captured is still a mystery.
While this flavor may be not for the casual snacker, it’s a fun chance to take. If you’re adventurous, have a love for pickles, and need a good kick in the taste buds, Screamin’ Dill Pickle Pringles may be the next thing for you to try
Pringles are known for being the potato crisp that “once you pop, you can’t stop”. Many varieties have been created recently, including Pringles Stix, Pringles Gourmet, and Pringles Extreme. Pringles Stix are in a rod form instead of a flat crisp. Pringles Gourmet feature more mature flavors that include prawns and beef. Pringles Extreme are known for having names that may scare away even the most open-minded of eaters. One of the most interesting of the Extreme flavors is “Screamin’ Dill Pickle”, which delivers a taste as powerful as its name.
Just opening the bright green can, which is made of 50 percent recycled material, gives off the immediate odor of pickles. One serving, which equals 15 chips, has 150 calories and 10 grams of fat. The crisps have the normal shape of original Pringles, and the typical powdery flavoring on both sides. One bite of a Screamin’ Dill Pickle Pringle is enough to make your eyes water and your face scrunch up. They are surprisingly bitter, even for pickle-flavored chips. The taste is very similar to dill pickles, despite the Pringles not including one single pickle-related ingredient. How the flavor of pickles was captured is still a mystery.
While this flavor may be not for the casual snacker, it’s a fun chance to take. If you’re adventurous, have a love for pickles, and need a good kick in the taste buds, Screamin’ Dill Pickle Pringles may be the next thing for you to try
iDog is cute, but not mind-blowing
By Jessica Williams
Yet another accessory for your iPod is available nationwide for as little as 20 dollars. The iDog, a small robotic dog made by Hasbro, can connect to your iPod and dance along to your favorite tunes. His face features a screen with multi-colored, flashing lights that flash in time with the beat in different patterns. The iDog comes in a variety of colors from lime green to hot pink. It is even available in patterns such as “butterfly” or with a face decorated to look like any one of the four members of the 80s metal band, KISS. Accessories for this little dog are available for about 10 dollars, and include knit scarves, hats, vests and even totes to carry your iDog in.
While this toy is cute, its usefulness and entertainment factor are seriously lacking. The dog is supposed to “dance” along with the beat of your songs, but all the movement it seems to make is a slight tilt of the head and raising of the ears. Since the iDog actually plays your music like a tiny boom-box, it has a speaker. The sound quality is not fantastic and could be compared to a car radio playing a station that is experiencing a bit of static. Rather than a dancing robotic dog, the iDog is like a miniature light show, since that seems to be the only consistent feature of the product.
While this gadget may not be exciting to the tech-savvy iPod carriers who expect a miniature sound system, the iDog could be a great gift for kids who just got their first mp3 player. It could also be useful as an inexpensive, portable speaker. While the iDog isn’t as exciting as expected, it’s not a total waste of money.
Yet another accessory for your iPod is available nationwide for as little as 20 dollars. The iDog, a small robotic dog made by Hasbro, can connect to your iPod and dance along to your favorite tunes. His face features a screen with multi-colored, flashing lights that flash in time with the beat in different patterns. The iDog comes in a variety of colors from lime green to hot pink. It is even available in patterns such as “butterfly” or with a face decorated to look like any one of the four members of the 80s metal band, KISS. Accessories for this little dog are available for about 10 dollars, and include knit scarves, hats, vests and even totes to carry your iDog in.
While this toy is cute, its usefulness and entertainment factor are seriously lacking. The dog is supposed to “dance” along with the beat of your songs, but all the movement it seems to make is a slight tilt of the head and raising of the ears. Since the iDog actually plays your music like a tiny boom-box, it has a speaker. The sound quality is not fantastic and could be compared to a car radio playing a station that is experiencing a bit of static. Rather than a dancing robotic dog, the iDog is like a miniature light show, since that seems to be the only consistent feature of the product.
While this gadget may not be exciting to the tech-savvy iPod carriers who expect a miniature sound system, the iDog could be a great gift for kids who just got their first mp3 player. It could also be useful as an inexpensive, portable speaker. While the iDog isn’t as exciting as expected, it’s not a total waste of money.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Draco and the Malfoys
Draco and the Malfoys: "My Dad is Rich"
By Jessica Williams
Draco and the Malfoys is a wizard rock/indie band that draws inspiration from the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The duo is made up of half-brothers Brian Ross and Bradley Mehlenbacher, both of Rhode Island. The band was formed by the two Potter fans in 2004. The lyrics of their songs are written from the antagonist of the series, Draco Malfoy. Draco and the Malfoys have released two albums, including their self-titled debut and “Party Like You’re Evil!”. The band often tours with other wizard rock parody groups such as Harry and the Potters.
One of the 12 songs on the album “Draco and the Malfoys” is titled “My Dad is Rich”. The lyrics are easily understood by Potter fans, and poke fun at Harry Potter and the fact that his parents were killed. The tune is surprisingly catchy, and features a chord progression that is vaguely remeniscent of the Beach Boys. While the vocals can sound whiny at points, it only seems fitting because of the character that the words are supposed to be coming from. The balance between vocals and instrumental could be better, but it does not alter the sound to a point of ruining its integrity.
Any Potter fan that is looking for a good laugh would appreciate Draco and the Malfoys. Those who have never picked up a book in the series may not understand the lyrics or the point of the songs, but will find themselves singing along by the end of one song. It’s safe to say that listening to a Draco song is a good time.
By Jessica Williams
Draco and the Malfoys is a wizard rock/indie band that draws inspiration from the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The duo is made up of half-brothers Brian Ross and Bradley Mehlenbacher, both of Rhode Island. The band was formed by the two Potter fans in 2004. The lyrics of their songs are written from the antagonist of the series, Draco Malfoy. Draco and the Malfoys have released two albums, including their self-titled debut and “Party Like You’re Evil!”. The band often tours with other wizard rock parody groups such as Harry and the Potters.
One of the 12 songs on the album “Draco and the Malfoys” is titled “My Dad is Rich”. The lyrics are easily understood by Potter fans, and poke fun at Harry Potter and the fact that his parents were killed. The tune is surprisingly catchy, and features a chord progression that is vaguely remeniscent of the Beach Boys. While the vocals can sound whiny at points, it only seems fitting because of the character that the words are supposed to be coming from. The balance between vocals and instrumental could be better, but it does not alter the sound to a point of ruining its integrity.
Any Potter fan that is looking for a good laugh would appreciate Draco and the Malfoys. Those who have never picked up a book in the series may not understand the lyrics or the point of the songs, but will find themselves singing along by the end of one song. It’s safe to say that listening to a Draco song is a good time.
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