Produced by the student reporters of The Tusker Tribune Somers Middle School. Volume 1, Issue 1 Fall 2015 Staff: The SMS Chocolate Milk Debate
By Jordan Han I had asked Rebek- I had asked some The gig is up. Rebekah ah Goldstein in 6th other students and most What do people think of grade,”What do you think replied that it should be in Goldstein the chocolate milk in the of the chocolate milk in the cafeteria lunch menu. cafeteria? Some people the cafeteria? Do you They say this because it is say it is healthy and is think it is healthy or that it pre y healthy and a lot of great for school but others shouldn’t be in the lunch students love the choco- think that it isn’t healthy menu at all?” late taste. enough to be in the cafe- This is the reply I Most people vot- teria and should be pro- got; “Even though it is ed yes it should be in the Jor- dan hibited. But we want to very sweet, and can be cafeteria while some did ask you what you think mildly addic ve, you say that it might not be about it. Do you think that would be surprised to see the healthiest lunch it is unhealthy or do you the nutri on label. It real- choice especially if you think that chocolate milk ly isn’t that good for you.” drink too much of it. should be given a chance? I asked the same But almost all the Han Let’s see our results. thing to Mr. Pappas, students who is a teacher. love the This is the reply choice of Nitin I got.”Absolutely. We chocolate Seshadri have to give kids varie- milk! ty.”
Evan
Meet The Tusker Tribune Staff!!!! Volkman These people are Rebekah cent news stories. So start read- Goldstein, Evan Volkman, Nitin ing!There will probably be an article Seshadri, Jordan Han, Cole Willman, that will get you hooked. Aiden Jake Reidl, and Aiden Tulchin.There These students all have different per- are a lot of things going around in this sonalities so you’re bound to fix your Tulchin school so these students will be sure to eyes on some great stories that they give you the inside scoop, and tell you have made. So make sure you’re read- all about them. The newspaper club ing this year’s Somers Middle School Advisor: puts a lot of effort into these magnifi- newspaper--The Tusker Tribune!
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LEGO Robots Gaining Lots of Interest
in By Nitin Seshadri half an Everyone likes robots, don’t hour. they? The LEGO has inspired many brick people to use their crea vity to build awesome things. The LEGO Mind- storms Robo cs Kit is one of those game-changer sets. Robots wouldn’t be as easy to build or program with- few things. One special thing about could even do math! (Yes, it possibly out its crea on. Let’s take a look into it was that each unit had a number could do your math homework :P) its origins. imprinted on it in large, bold num- Then, in 2009, came the NXT It all started in the 1990s, bers on the front. The first one ever 2.0. It came with new sensors, new when students from MIT created the produced, numbered 00001, was put parts, and NXT-G was updated to first programmable brick, or the on display at a museum. The second NXT-G 2.0, which added support for brain of a robot. A er lots of experi- was be numbered 00002 and so on. the NXT 2.0 kits. Everything else, menta on, they sold their design to Next, in 2006, came the NXT, however, stayed the same. LEGO, and it became the first Mind- or Then, in September 2013, storms, the RCX, released in 1998. came the EV3. EV3 was another ma- RCX stood for NeXT-Genera on. jor improvement over the NXT. NXT- Robo c The NXT was a huge redesign G became EV3-G (Duh!). The sensors from its RCX counterpart. Its brick were improved and more powerful Command had an actual LCD and a new, compact type of motor LEGO has screen and con- was produced. The new brick was eXplorers. trol pad, which The RCX was a huge suc- technically a fully func oning mini- meant you could computer (with internet, too)! EV3 cess! It had both sensors inspired many display words on stood for and motors, which was the screen, or premium at the me. It people to use program bu ons EVolu on stemmed many expansion to do different kits, such as the SpyBots their opera ons. Pro- Genera on 3. expansion kit and the Edu- gramming was To this day, Mindstorms sets ca on expansion kit. It crea vity to ever easier. The have been the basis for many things, introduced the concept of block-based pro- including a Rubiks cube solver, a su- block-based program- build gramming so - doku solver, and a robot that does ming, called Robolab, ware, Robolab, the homework! (Wouldn’t you want
which was much easier was improved to that robot?)
than typing endless lines awesome create NXT-G 1.0. of code. The RCX brick had Now, even a com- a seemingly microscopic things. pletely new per- screen with 4 small son could get up bu ons, and could display and running with-
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3 Angle Fly Preserve + SMS Students = ?
By Nitin Seshadri Quick math ques on: Angle Fly Preserve + SMS = ? I’m guessing you don’t know the answer (yet). Angle Fly Preserve is a great place to go hiking and enjoy nature. It’s one of the few places where endangered species like monarch bu erflies live Angle Fly in their natural Preserve is habitats, unin- a great terrupted by human ac vity. I come in, and I am greeted by learn about new plants, such as place to go But there’s work Mrs. Antonucci (6th grade Social sneezeweed (it doesn’t make you hiking and to be done to Studies teacher)! sneeze) and milkweed (it doesn’t enjoy keep it like this. make milk) nature. . . That’s where you The Angle fly preserve lady shows me to the area I can You’ll feel good because But there’s at SMS come in. By helping plant start plan ng, and off I go! you helped with something work to be organisms that I planted plants. (Duh!) important. done to a ract the en- It’s that simple! Even by keep it like dangered species plan ng a few plants for a Now can you answer that bu erfly garden, you are help- this. and ge ng rid of ques on? Angle Fly Preserve + bad ones, you are ing in a small way. You = ? helping the pre- Parents and kids alike might . serve. For exam- ask “Why would I go there?”.
ple, I par cipated in the recent Here’s why: It is fun! bu erfly garden plan ng and be- lieve me, it was tons of fun! The Parents like this part: It is
process of events went as follows: educa onal! That’s because you
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By Aiden Tulchin down. Long-story Percy Harvin is 5’11’’. He short, when Percy has 22 receptions for 133 yards. Harvin is healthy, He most recently went to the Jets watch out, he will on Oct 19, 2o14. He ran kick from go animal. He is a the 45 to the Denver Broncos new “weapon” for end-zone. Geno Smith. This was in Super Bowl I am sure XLVIII,[48]. He only played one he will have a huge game for the Seahawks last year, impact on the Jets but he was the x-factor of that record this year. game. In the Super Bowl he re- Geno Smith and turned the opening kickoff of the Percy will have second half 87 yards for a touch- tough times. Percy might argue little with the coaches and the Geno. Over- all, Percy is one of the How ‘Bout Them Knicks!!!! only good choice the Jets have made since Santo-
Now the Knicks head coach is He has shoot and rebound. J.R. By Aiden Tulchin Derek Fisher. The Knicks home Smith only 7.5 points per game this court is in Madison Square Garden, season. He needs to hit more treys The New York Knicks are also known known as MSG. The and get 15 points per game. Car- off to a bad start losing to the Bulls, Knicks are 3rd in the Atlantic divi- melo Anthony has 19.6 points per 104-80. Carmelo Anthony the sion, and 6th in the Eastern Confer- game this season. He needs to be Knicks SF has 22,086 points in his ence. As of right now, the Knicks getting 29 points per game. If the career. What I know, I will predict will make the playoffs because they Knicks scpre more and play better that the knicks will go 45 and 37 are in the top 8 teams in the Eastern defense, they will be a NBA cham- for this 2014-2015 NBA season. Conference. They Knicks drafted pionship contender team. The Knicks were founded in 1946. Wichita State SF Cleanthony Early.
Eagles are Flying High!
By Aiden Tulchin and Evan Volkman ble just awful Jet is now on the Eagles and doing great. Mark’s favorite target is reciever The Philadelphia Eagles are the number 18 Jeremy Maclin. Mark third best team in the NFL right behind Sanchez is going to be the starting the Arizona and the New England Patri- Quarterback for the Eagles until they ots. The Eagles just recently at the start either make the playoffs or when their of the season gave up DeSean Jackson to season is done. Nick Foles might come the Washington Redskins. The Eagles are cur- back if the Eagles make the Playoffs. They have rently 6 and 2. The most recent news is that a good shot at making the playoffs to going 6 Nick Foles had broken his Collarbone. Guess and 2. If they keep up the pace and win more who’s going in for him. Mark Sanchez. The terri- games, they have a shot at not only making the
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NBA Preview! Cleveland Cavaliers Preview!
By Evan Volkman
By Evan Volkman Here are some cool links to the NBA news:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3 A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba- preview-teams-division-2014- The Cavaliers have new every- 15&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHM thing for the 2014-15 season. The T4badi8CmgiaaS0-mB2_haTEzQ best group of NBA players have come to play for Cleveland. With Kevin Love and LeBron James hav- http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba%2F2014%2F10%2F28%2Fnbaing a amazing ability to score and-preview -biggest-questions lebron-james-backcourt-predictions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLNPOPx6RCPiPLI5beKGrrebound, this team is looking-ayx4gg good for the 2014-15 season. Kyrie, LeBron, and Kevin were some of the top scor- http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nba.com%2Fnews%2F%3Fls%3Diref%3Anba%3Agnav&sa=D&sntz=1&ers in the league last year, so all usg=AF QjCNEWnkmCtLE8T5GmjYLns30a-D36Og of their numbers will probably go down a few points per game. They have a new http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fhangtime.blogs.nba.com%2F%3Fls%3Diref%3Anba%3Agnav&sa=D&sntcoach, and z=1&usg=A FQjCNE3PXz4Xyqs5X7Sw80PXj52z3N1Jg arguably 2 of the best play- ers in the league. Here are the projected division winners:
Atlantic-Toronto Raptors Central-Cavaliers Southeast-Wizards Southwest-Spurs Northwest-Thunder Pacific-Clippers
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By Evan Volkman EV: Julius Thomas is pacing 24 but it is quite possible that he’ll get 28. Evan Volkman: Alright, so Peyton The Broncos are playing the Manning threw his 509th career Chargers in a Thursday Night Foot- touchdown pass on Sunday to De- A Q&A with about one ball showdown on Oct. maryius Thomas. His production of the stronger teams 23rd. What do you think the out- has been lower than usual. Do you come of the game will be scored think it is because of new Emmanu- in the NFL this season. wise? Like 43-24 Broncos. el Sanders? ZB: The Chargers have been playing Zane Bramson: It could be that or phenomenal this season but the the defense this season on the other Broncos have been playing a little teams could be a variable. ZB: Well I don’t know the stats of bit better so the game will be close I Evan Volkman: Well, Peyton Man- them but maybe Nick Marshall think the score will be 45-43 Bron- ning has thrown 1,848 yards and since I think he is better. cos because they have been playing 19 TDs so far. Von Miller has 8.0 EV: Julius Thomas has 9 receiving better. sacks this season, how many do you EV: The Chargers has been think he’ll have at the end of the unstoppable lately. Between season? Antonio Gates and Keenan Zane Bramson:Well if Von Miller Allen, Philip Rivers has has that many in about 6 games thrown 717 yards to them. probably in 16 games 16.0. Similar to the Broncos, De- EV: The defense is solid this sea- maryius Thomas and Julius son. The Broncos offense is still Thomas have a combined dominating and the defense is 966 yards and 15 TD catches even better. Do you see the this season. What do think Broncos as potential Super Bowl their numbers will be at the champions? end of the regular season? ZB: Yes I do, maybe even some ZB: It depends on if he keeps rookies can be in the Hall of on throwing to them each Fame even tho that is far away game so maybe all combined for example Emmanuel Sanders. touchdowns so far this year. How 1800 yards to 1900 yards. EV: In the offseason, the Broncos many do you think he’ll end the year EV: With a projected 13-3 record, signed 3 major players. With Em- with? what do you think their chances of manuel Sanders leading the team ZB: He has been doing good this being Super Bowl champs are? with 35 receptions and DeMarcus ZB: The Broncos will proba- Ware 2nd in the league in sacks and bly make it to the playoffs. It Aqib Talib dominating, how well do also depends on how well you think this Broncos defense can they play in the playoffs. be at full potential? EV: Final question, when did ZB: Well one they probably can go you start being a Broncos fan undefeated and cream the Sea- and why? hawks by 40 or more. Maybe even ZB: I have been a Broncos win the Super Bowl a few times. fan since 3rd grade because I EV: Peyton said he might retire if saw them playing and I was the Broncos win the Super Bowl this immediately attached. year. If so, they’ll probably draft a quarterback. Probably either Mar- season in my opinion he could have cus Mariota(Oregon) or Nick Mar- 18 through 20 at the end of the sea- shall(Auburn). In your opinion who son but if they make it to the Super would be the better choice? Bowl in my opinion 28.
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By Kim Schupp her to uncurl and show her SOMERS, NY- - face so we could hold her with- 1/28/09- - Want a pet that out a towel. After about 45 will wow your family and minutes, she uncurled. We let friends? A hedgehog might her run around the living room be for you! Sure they’re not and she was climbing all over a typical pet, but they can be us. I smelled something funny pretty decent for some peo- and I looked down. She had pooped in my hair and in the ple. rug. It was so gross. I had no Hedgehogs are idea that they did that. I pretty easy and low mainte- thought since the previous nance pets, aside from owner let her sleep with him keeping them clean. With a and run around his room, that lot of patience, hedgehogs she would wait until she was in can be trained to go to the her cage to take a crap, but I bathroom in one place in- guess not! They just wait ‘til stead of crapping all over the they calm down and uncurl. place the second they calm Over the summer, we put her down. Twice a week, the in a little dog pen outside and cage has to be cleaned or it will start let her run around in the grass. My dog smelling horribly. Feeding might also be a pets, so we occasionally go to Petland in was very confused and curious, and turn off for some people. Hedgehogs Danbury. pricked her nose on her a few times. mostly eat worms and crickets, which Hedgehogs have some odd hab- many people don’t like to deal with. Fortu- The previous owners of my its. Many of them are African, so they like hedgehog were my neighbors, the Burns. nately, these critters can be substituted warm climates and are nocturnal. They with other food such as peaches, shrimp, Their son Derrick used to let her sleep in will come out if they’re disturbed in the his bed and wander around the house. I bananas, nuts, and hedgehog kibble. day, but most of the time, they sleep in the don’t know how their house is still sanitary Many people see a hedgehog day time and run around at night. They because we can’t even hold her without and think, “what the hell am I supposed to also enjoy swimming if the water’s warm her pooping everywhere. One time, they do with that?!” Since they’re very timid, enough. One of their weirdest habits is couldn’t find her for a week, and when they curl up in a ball, point their spikes spitting. To get accustomed to a new Mrs. Burns was vacuuming, Jojo ap- out, and hiss for protection. This way of peared out from under Derrick’s bed. For protection often confuses and even fright- some strange reason, a vacuum calms Many people see a hedgehog and ens people. After a while, they calm down, Jojo down and makes her feel comforta- uncurl, flatten their spikes and show their think, “what the hell am I supposed ble, so she usually uncurls right away or ‘so ugly, it’s cute’ face. to do with that?!” comes out from hiding. Once Derrick de- My hedgehog, Jojo, stays in a cided to move to Hawaii, his parents didn’t cage like hamsters and rabbits filled with want her any more, so we took her. The scent or to camouflage, they lick or bite newspapers or woodchips. The first owner first few hours, she was very shy and wherever the scent is coming from and of our hedgehog got her at Animal King- seemed kind of depressed, but she spit it all over themselves. This process is dom in Brewster, NY. That is where we warmed up to us after some time. called “self anointing”. usually get her worms, crickets, and Hedgehogs can be great or horri- hedgehog food. The purple wheel that she My three years with a hedgehog, ble pets, but will always give the owner a named Jojo, have been very unique. My runs around on at night also came from unique experience. there. They’re cutting down on hedgehog family knew nothing about having a supplies because they’re not such popular hedgehog. The first day, we tried to get
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By Lisa Lopane taken out in the middle of the day, in one year I performed a song that I wrote SOMERS, NY—2/6/09—Home home school we could stop and when we to my mom, called “Mem You Are My All schooling is a powerful way of learning at returned just follow up with our lesson. I IN All”. Another year my and my sisters home taught by parents or private tutors. loved traveling to the city and attending performed a piece of dancing with point Many who are not home schooled are modeling and acting calls with my mom shoes on and my younger sister dancing uneducated about the definition of home and sisters! I will never forget it. with ballet shoes on. When I was younger schooling. Here is some of the questions Agnate I stated in my opening I was also involved with many sports, like you might be thinking about, “When you paragraph how some might ask how I I am now. Throughout my whole life I will are home schooled, how do you make made friends while I was being home never forget the home school graduations friends?”, or “How does you mom teach schooled was very easy. First of all I and and when I would get all dressed up and you?”, or “How do you take tests?” Some my family were and still are very close. I prepare for this wonderful night. I was of these questions however I find to be also used to attend COOP it is a facility of grown up to believe that no dream is to quite absurd and humored. I am glad how- kids whom are home schooled. Once or big to accomplish. We were also taught to ever to educate people who are just twice a month I and my family attended. be very strong and be a leader not a fol- guessing wrong or absurd thoughts about COOP has classes with normal subjects lower. A saying I love to live by is … “Who ever said the sky is the limit is wrong, I am home schooling. in them with normal kids; except the work reaching the stars and universe!” I was I, myself was home schooled was a lot more hands on. I also used to take field trips that I will nev- placed with dreams in my head which I from the age of a young toddler know I am going to accomplish. to fifth grade. I loved it and en- er forget about! joyed it a lot! When you are Our curriculum was I am so very happy I was home home schooled there are differ- based on work sent in from schooled and would not have it any other ent teaching hours in a day. Christian Liberty Academy. It way. I loved the way school everyday Sometimes if I or my mom hap- is a school located in Arling- would change. Sometimes I could even pened to be very busy we would ton Heights Illinois. I and my do me school work in a peaceful place. If carry on our lessons later or ear- family visited this beautiful you believe a child being home schooled lier in the day. In regular or catholic facility when I was younger. It is a huge is unfortunate because they would not schools you have to spend an equal campus. The grades are k-12. They would have a chance of making friends, you are amount of time on each subject. However send in work in the mail that my mom very much wrong. In home school like I in home school if you need to take note to would teach me and my sisters. We did all have already stated you make friends that a certain subject that you might need to the usual topics in school and also we can relate to you. You get to go to gradua- tions every year and have parties as a spend more time with you can so you can were taught about religion. get the topic very well. Also when I was celebration. You also get a lot of time with My mom would make learning your family, which most children and home schooled what I would learn in regu- fast and fun! I had my own desk where I lar school I could be taught in, for instance teens in the United States need. If I could did my school work. People were very go back in time and choose between three hours in a day or less because the interested that we even had a editor of a teacher does not have to be worrying home school or regular school I would newspaper come to our house and take indeed pick home school when I was about twenty or more kids and if they are photographs and talked with us and our getting the topic. When I was home younger. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom to see what we were learning and friends from normal school as well but schooled my mom was my teacher. I en- how we were taught. Our picture landed joyed her teaching me through out the home school is a special place for educa- up in the newspaper. Every year we would tion and to chase your dreams! day. have a home school graduation, where all I and my mom decided to home the home scholars attended to graduate In addition I believe I am a very school when I was young. Not only did I to their following year. We looked forward good example of a home schooled child love to be home schooled around the peo- to this because we were presented pride going into public school and being very ple I love but I also did acting and model- and accomplishment along with being social and making friends with everyone, ing and had to be available during the aloud to perform either in a speech or also being very good in sport teams and day. In a regular school it is harder to be doing a special talent we had. I remember education!
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Hendrix’s Legacy Lives On Long After Death
By Matthew Chiriboga Joseph and to sisters SOMERS, NY—2/6/09—Johnny Kathy and Pamela. Allen Hendrix, Born November 27, 1942, Jimi’s parents divorced Seattle Washington, USA died September when he was nine. His 18, 1970 in London England aged 27. He mother died in 1958. was one of the most famous guitarists Jimi grew up in an unu- ever. He was associated with acts such sual household for an as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Rain- African American his bow, Band of Gypsies, Gypsy sun, The age. He got his first Isley brothers, Little Richard, Curtis acoustic guitar for $5. knights and the squires. He was inducted Jimi picked up the gui- into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and tar very quickly. He The UK Music Hall of Fame. He is also practiced constantly, part of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and got tips from other Rolling Stone named Jimi their number more experienced play- one guitarist in the 100 Greatest Guitarist ers, listening to rec- ords, and watching of all Time. others. Jimi’s dad His father was in the army and bought him his first stationed in Oklahoma. When Jimi’s fa- electric guitar, a Supro Ozark. Jimi Jimi’s most famous band was the ther, James Allen “AI” Hendrix, got out of learned all of his stage moves like playing Jimi Hendrix experience. They made the army he changed Jimi’s name to with his teeth and behind his back from a about four different albums not counting James Marshall Hendrix after his dead fellow band member greatest hits albums, brother Leon Marshall Hendrix. AI reunit- in music class in Are You Experi- ed with Jimi’s mother Lucille Hendrix née school. When he He is known as one of the enced, Axis: Bold as Jeter. Jimi had two brothers Leon and was a kid Jimi played most innovative guitar Love, Eclectic Lady- in a few land, The Cry of local players of all time. Love (unfinished) bands not counting great- with his friends. The first band est hits albums. He is known as one of he played with was unnamed the most innovative guitar players of all and he played with them in the basement of a synagogue, he time. He was a great “front man” and was fired in between sets for many of his unique songs and styles of too much wild playing and playing are recreated today. Probably his showing off. His next band he most famous and recreated experience joined was The Velvetones was at Woodstock playing the Star Span- who played regularly without gled Banner, he also played with his pay. He then joined the Rock- teeth, behind his back. My favorite act ing Kings who played profes- that he did was burning his guitar. He did sionally and got played. Jimi many great advances is showman ship graduated from middle school, and guitar techniques. His is one of the but never graduated from high best guitarists that ever lived and I think school. that he will live on in history
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By Melissa Barcia Another brother in the band is only as brothers, but as friends. One time, SOMERS, NY—1/28/09--Do you Joe. What can I say about Joe? He is the Nick felt ill because of his diabetes while want to hear about the Jonas Brothers lead singer of the band and is known as on stage and Joe found a way to distract and what they like to do? Read and learn the funny one. One thing you might have the audience by talking while Nick ran off about their hobbies and interesting facts different opinions about is the way Joe stage. Joe found a way to help Nick out broke up with Taylor Swift recently. They so he didn’t have to ruin the show or be about them. were going out for a few months and he embarrassed. Right here, put in a brief descrip- broke up with her on the phone. But that’s Some interesting facts about Joe tion of who they are . . . “The Jonas Broth- not even the worst part. He told her in 27- ers is a band, consisting of three brothers, is that he has five guitars and one other 30 seconds and then hung up. A 30 sec- hobby--he enjoys watching is pro wres- that . . . .” ond break up conversation? It was bad tling. Joe also loves the song “Crank That” Nick Jonas is known as the cute enough he called her to do it, but not even by Soulja Boy and his favorite song from and sensitive one. He plays guitar and their album, A little bit longer is “Pushing owns eight of them. Nick’s secret is that Me Away.” One fact that I felt is very inter- he is not only good at guitar, but secretly esting about Joe is that when he was likes to play the drums. Something else younger, he never dreamed of singing. As surprising about Nick is that he enjoys a child, being a professional singer was playing golf on his free time. Nick is the never on his mind. Joe has an interesting youngest out of the brothers in his band, life and adores his family. but not the youngest in the family. He has a younger brother, Frankie, who is 8 years Kevin, the oldest of the Jonas old. Frankie admitted that he likes Nick brothers, is awesome because he loves the best out of his other brothers because and appreciates all of his fans. He also plays guitar and owns 12. Kevin’s favorite he is the nicest to him and helps him. giving her the time to say anything. Word subject is social studies and his favorite Some basic facts about Nick are has it that Joe broke up with Taylor for science subjects are chemistry and physi- that he has brown hair and brown eyes. Camilla Belle, a dancer that starred in his cal science. Did you know he became His favorite subject is spelling and his music video “Love Bug”, and they have home schooled after sophomore year? favorite science subject is geology. Nick been spending a lot of time together. One interesting fact about him is that he is has one more interesting, yet tragic fact in good at skateboarding; his hidden talent is his life. Nick Jonas has diabetes. But, not Taylor says that if Camilla hadn’t that he is good at ping-pong. His favorite just any kind of diabetes, Type One diabe- song is “Burning Up” from the album A tes. He had symptoms of always being The Jonas Brothers’ main little bit longer. Like Nick and Joe, Kevin thirsty and losing weight. He lost 15 message to me was that they love adores his brothers. He said “I am very pounds in 2-3 weeks. He found out he had each other and they couldn’t be at proud of my brothers … I’m really inspired diabetes in 2005 while he was on tour. by their talent.” There is not much to say That is when he had an emotional break- the point they are at right now about Kevin except that he is a cute, re- down. He captured the moment and took unless they had each other. spectful guy who loves his fans. it as a chance to help people with diabe- tes and help them conquer it. He went to a played in his music video, “Love Bug”, The Jonas Brothers’ main mes- diabetes center. When he and others they would have never met, and Taylor sage to me was that they love each other there were asked to raise their hands if and Joe would still be together. Well, and they couldn’t be at the point they are they had diabetes, he raised his hand and enough about Taylor and Joe. How about at right now unless they had each other. that was the first time he had confessed to his relationship with his brothers? Joe Something about me is that I never really the public that he was diabetic. Nick Jo- loves his brothers and has a very close liked the Jonas brothers, but, now after nas is an inspiration and role model for relationship with them. Joe said, “If a girl reading and researching about them, I kids with diabetes. He teaches them that didn’t like my brothers, I would probably have found out for the most part they are being diabetics doesn’t stop him from do- be like ‘peace’. My brothers are my boys.” sweet guys. ing something he loves. That really shows how close they are, not
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By Sabrina Martinez Another rather bloody society is dancing gods yet, but could it be that all SOMERS, NY—1.23.09—So the Mayans, a people obsessive in their these people who thought alignment was many different cultures and religions be- star gazing, calendars and most of all, key to the end of the world really be on to lieve that there is an end of times. Unfor- their prophecies. The Mayans used the something? Isn’t it strange that they all tunately, a good significant few believe cycles of the sun, and moon, and the rota- predict that it’s going to be happening that that time is in the year 2012, right tion of the stars to create a calendar so around our time? And you have to under- around the corner for our generation. In stand, these people were hundreds of fact, it’s been predicted that the exact miles apart, hundreds of years apart, and date of the end of times is 12.21.12, the how would they possibly understand each same date as a cataclysmic effect, an other if they don’t all speak the same lin- alignment caused by the sun and the go? galaxy (our galaxy is a spiral, and as the While the alignment might not be sun is going to align with it, the sun is the end of the world, it might just be the going to appear at the very center). cause of it. In fact, the last 26,000 years What’s really gonna happen? ago, it was the end of the Ice Age. Could There’s a lot of controversy there be a connection between that and about the year 2012. The more rational global warming? Some scientists believe thinking people probably believe it’s all a that global warming will reach its peak lot of hype and BS. Wanna know the more around December of 2012. Others believe accurate and precise, they were more on popular thought? END OF THE WORLD. that that the poles (magnetic north, mag- time than we are. Using their amazing netic south), which are due for a shift, will It would be perfectly alright if you calendar, they predicted that there would cause some pandemonium. “The Earth’s are scared; it’s not as if you can pack up be a time when the sun would have three magnetic field, our primary defense and leave. Where would you go? It is, eclipses--all in a single year. A solar against harmful solar radiation, has begun after all, the end of the WORLD. eclipse, an eclipse between the sun and to dwindle, with cracks comparable in Besides, there are so many cul- Venus, and, extraordinarily, a cataclysmic scale to the ozone hole opening up ran- tures and people thinking the same pessi- effect that happens once every 26,000 domly. A pole shift, in which such protec- mistic thoughts. Could they possibly have years: the alignment between the sun and tion falls nearly to zero as the North and all gone to the same Doomsday lecture? the galaxy. South magnetic poles reverse position, Think again. But they were not alone in think- may well be under way,” (Joeseph, Law- Nostradamus, an astronomer, ing that the alignment was significant. The rence.) studied medicine, and most probably was Chinese I-Ching (which is like a mathe- Also, according to Lawrence, the an alchemist, he made many predictions matical chart first used by the Chinese) “Yellowstone supervolcano, which erupts of the future, in a time when people like also predicted the alignment using math. catastrophically every 600,000 to 700,000 him were burned at the stake, or hanged So too have the Hopi Indians, a group of years, is preparing to blow. The most re- for treason against the Crown. His recent- Native Americans in the Southwest. They cent eruption of comparable magnitude, at ly found predictions and drawings have have a sacred rock upon which they have Lake Toba, Indonesia, 74,000 years ago, been coded, with much use of symbols all their most sacred predictions. One of led to the death of more than 90% of the and metaphors. Some have even been the most interesting ones happens to be world’s population at the time.” that around 12.21.12 our world, which proven true. “Not all Nostradamus predic- The really scary thing is if it all hap- they consider the 4th world, will be the last tions can be proven but some seem to be pens simultaneously. It seems that the world, 12.21.12. They believed that one of tied to events in the past such as the fear- earth is going through a large amount of their kachima gods would come down some reign of Adolph Hitler and the as- change. On the one hand, change is from the heavens and dance when the sassination of John F. Kenne- something that a healthy planet should dy.” (askAlana.com) end was near. do. But while it may be healthy for the As it happens, there aren’t any planet, it may just be the end of us all.
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By Sam Poritzky streak, Jets fans were going SOMERS, NY—1/28/09--This crazy with excitement! Some was one rollercoaster ride of a season for fans were even talking about the Jets. In the beginning of the year, the Jets going to the Super many Jets fans were rejoicing over the Bowl. The Jets players were addition of the veteran quarterback Brett having a good time as well. But Farve. After like most streaks do, they end. being the star The Jets lost to Denver 34 to quarterback for 17 in week 13. This was on th the Green Bay November 30 . Packers for 15 On November 30th, years, he lead 2008, the Jets season took a the Packers to 7 turn for the worst! The Jets lost division champi- their next two games to Denver onships, 2 NFC and San Francisco, two games championships, they SHOULD HAVE WON! and one Super The reason they should have won is be- week sixteen. The Jets were playing the Bowl champion- cause, they had a lot better team and rec- Seattle Seahawks and they were losing th ship. Many Jets fans hoped that Brett ord. The Jets than ended up lost two of 10 to 3 and it was 4 and 4 with 2 minutes would be the quarterback who would bring their next three games. This down part of and 16 seconds left. Instead of punting and letting your defense try and stop the the Jets to the Super Bowl. the season caused Jets fans to hang their Seahawks from moving the ball. He heads in sorrow. The Jets’ season got off chooses to throw on 4th down, and the to a slow start. After the first four games, Because of that down part, the their record was 2-2, beating Miami and Jets fell short of making the playoffs. Dur- My prediction to the Jets season next Arizona while losing to New England and ing the last week of the season, the Jets San Diego. A win against Cincinnati and did have a small chance to make it to the year depends on Brett Farve. a loss against Oakland gave them a 3-3 playoffs. The Jets needed either New Because of Brett’s age of 39, he is record, which helped start a turnaround in England to lose to Buffalo or Baltimore to thinking about retiring. the Jets’ favor. lose to Jacksonville. Additionally, the Jets The Jets then went on a needed to win against Miami. But things pass was incomplete and the Seahawks five-game winning streak. During this just weren’t going right for the Jets be- got amazing field position. After the sea- cause the Jets lost to Miami and New son was over he was fired as the head England, and Baltimore won. Many people coach of the Jets. couldn’t believe that the Jets could go on a five-game winning streak and NOT My prediction to the Jets season MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS! The Jets next year depends on Brett Farve. Be- cause of Brett’s age of 39, he is thinking had the momentum to go far but fell short. about retiring. I think if he plays next year The Jets fell short for a couple of for the Jets, they will have a pretty good reasons, I think one reasons were the Jets season. I think it will be 11 and 5. But if got cocky and they thought they couldn’t Brett doesn’t come back, I think the Jets lose. Another reason the head coach Eric will struggle to get a good quarterback Mangini, one of his worst calls was in and will have a record of 8 and 8.
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By Samantha Scoca than a pound. A cub can grow to its full die. SOMERS, NY—1/29/09--Polar size by the time they turn one. Their full Not Bears are losing their natural habitats grown size is ten feet when they stand just because and over 1,400 pounds. They usually live the global warm- up to twenty-five years old. polar ing is melt- The polar bears only predators bears ing their are Orca whales and humans. Cubs usu- will be homes. If ally don’t live past three because they die affect- this gets of starvation. Some bears die during the ed by worse, it summer because of human oil spills. The this; might hap- polar bears eat seals. They often rest in a many other pen to us. seal breathing hole in the ice while they wait for the seals to come. Once the seal animals will, too. Once the fish start to die, Po- the population will go down, and they will lar bears have the biggest popula- tion comes the bear springs out of the ice. Sometimes the bear stalks its prey. It may eventually die off. Then, when the polar in Antarctica. This whole conti- bears run out of food, they will die off, too. nent is made of ice and snow see a seal lying near a seal hole and and is surrounded by freezing slowly walk toward it and then "Swimming 100 miles is definitely cold water. So Antarctica is charge it. a big deal for a polar bear, especially a fat pretty much a giant glacier. one," says Dr. Ian Stirling of the Canadian The bears’ fur and blubber Wildlife Service. Yes, polar bears can keeps them warm in Their swim, but not that far. Plus, all the close these freezing condi- fur is not white. land is too hot for the polar bears to live. tions. Other countries Each hair is a Until we help, these bears will be stranded that polar bears live in are the clear hollow tube. alone on ice to die. US (Alaska), the Arctic, Canada, Rus- The bears only look sia, Denmark (Greenland) and Norway. white because of the All of these countries have banned hunt- way the sun shines on them. ing them or established rules for how When the sun is shining their fur traps many polar bears can be hunted. There the infrared heat and it keeps the bear 98 are still 25,000-40,000 polar bears living in degrees warm. Their fur is also oily and the Arctic. water repellent. They have wide front Polar paws with slightly webbed toes that help bears are the them swim. They worlds largest paddle with their predators. The front feet and steer If humans use less electricity and female bears with their hind feet. gas, we can help save the polar bears. If usually only Their paw pads we stop polluting, global warming will slow have two cubs have a rough sur- down and give everything time to adjust to when their four face to prevent the new temperatures. or five. The them from slipping Help the polar bears and stop cubs live in on the ice. Their global warming, because this could hap- only predators are caves dug in pen to you! snow drifts until Orca Whales and
the spring. humans. When cubs are born they are the size of a To find food, these bears go fish- large mouse and are only a little more ing. If the water gets polluted, the fish will
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“Vinnie” Paul Abbott formed Pantera in him instantly. Gale fired 15 shots, injuring By Sean Jennings 1981. Dimebag’s brother Vinnie played Damageplan’s drum technician, John SOMERS, NY—1/28/09--Darrell the drums and Dimebag played the lead “Kat” Brooks, and tour Lance Abbott, also known as “Dimebag guitar. Pantera first started off as a glam manager Chris Palus- Darrell”, was a former guitarist for the metal band, but in the late 80’s, they start- ka. Gale then took bands Pantera, Rebel Meets Rebel and ed to become more influenced by thrash Brooks hostage. Gale Damage Plan. He was born on August metal bands like Metallica, Megadeth and only saw cops in the 20th, 1966 in Arlington Texas. He died on Exodus, and also some other metal bands front of the stage. He December 8th 2004 in Columbus Ohio. He like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. In didn’t see Officer died onstage at a Damageplan concert the 90’s, Pantera started to suffer from James Niggemeyer when a mentally ill ex-marine shot him in building tensions between band members, come in the back with the back of the head five times. Dimebag primarily due to lead singer Phil Ansel- a Remington 870 died in- mo’s heavy drug use. Dimebag was also shotgun. Brooks an avid alcohol consumer. His favorite stantly. moved for a split sec- drink was his “creation” called “Black tooth Growing ond and the officer grin”. The drink consists of one shot of shot Gale in the face, up as a crown royal whiskey and a splash of coke killing him. CPR was child, to darken the whiskey. That’s were the Dimebag administered to Abbott drink got its name. In 2003, Pantera offi- but he could not be revived. Later, it was was highly cially broke up. influenced found out that Gale was suffering from severe schizophrenia and he thought that by the band After Dimebag’s death, the band members were “stealing his thoughts”, “reading his mind” and they KISS and artists such as Buckethead, their gui- were “laughing at him”. tarist, Ace Nickelback, Avenged After Dimebag’s death, artists such as Frehley. Sevenfold, Black Label Buckethead, Nickelback, Avenged Seven- He also Society, Disturbed, Trivium fold, Black Label Society, Disturbed, Trivi- became a um and Limp Bizkit held tributes for him. member of the KISS army which is the fan and Limp Bizkit held tributes In Disturbed’s 2005 song “Ten thousand club of KISS who followed them around at fists”, the song stated “We would like to all of there concerts and dressed like dedicate this record to our the memory of KISS . He started to play guitar in his early A year later, Dimebag and Vin- our late fallen brother Dimebag Darrell, teens, winning many local guitar competi- nie formed the band Damageplan. Dam- one of the greatest guitar players to walk tions. In one of the contests, he won his ageplan was a heavy metal band that the face of this earth”. In Limp Bizkit’s first Dean guitar. Coincidently, his dad had used Pantera’s groove metal style. Dam- 2005 song “The Priest”, the song stated “I bought him a Dean cherry burst finish ageplan released its debut album, New see someone in rage killing Dimebag on guitar the day before that contest. Later Found Power in 2004. The album sold stage, what the hell is this”. In Trivium’s on in his life Dimebag was sponsored by 45,000 copies in its first week. 2006 album The Crusade, the last page of Dean and had many signature models like On December 8th, 2004, while the album booklet says “Rest in peace the Dean razorback and the Dean Dime- playing with Damageplan in Columbus, Dimebag Darrell Abbott (1966-2004)”. bag. Ohio, Dimebag was shot by a mentally ill Dimebag will definitely be considered one Dimebag and his brother Vincent ex-marine named Nathan Gale. Dimebag of the greatest guitarists ever. was shot in the back of the head, killing
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By Summer Blair 1960s basketball teams were using Con- industry. SOMERS, NY 1/23/09--In verse as apart of their uniform. Basketball In Malden, Massachusetts in 1908, Marquis just became a very popular sport and it 1921, Taylor M. Converse opened the Converse Rub- was supply and demand. Converse de- joined the ber Company. Until 1912, Converse made cided to come out with a black canvas and Converse winter galoshes for men, women and chil- a leather version of their sneaker as well. sales force dren. Then the Converse Company want- Sales now were increasing rapidly as the in Chicago. sport of basketball became a lot more ed a way to stay year round. Taylor was a popular. In 1915, high school Converse In 1957, the causal low-cut Con- basketball created a verse was created. Instead of only the star and decided to start the Converse All tennis shoe basketball teams wearing Converse, so Star basketball team. Taylor was a play- and by were their fans. er/coach and kept advertising for the Con- 1918, busi- From when the Converse All Star verse. He became the very first player ness dou- came out to when the low cut was creat- endorser. Taylor increased the sales of bled for ed, Converse owned 80% of the sneaker the Converse All Star so much that in them. In industry. Then a new sneaker company— 1923, his name was added to the ankle 1918, the first Converse All-Star shoe was Nike--moved in after 1969, taking over the patch. created. They made it in a brown canvas industry. Then after that, more and more Taylor joined the Army Air Force at first. Business was slow when the first companies came afloat. Soon the Con- in World War Two and to raise the spirits All Star came out. Then in 1921 to the verse was discarded for shoes with colors of the men, Taylor created a basketball and new technology such as more cush- team. There, the Converse was named Quick Facts about the Converse ioning and better material for doing sports. the official shoe of the Army Air Force. 1. Converse created the very first Frantically, Converse had to stay When Taylor returned, he increased the basketball shoe in the world. in the game somehow. They created the traction, sole, and ankle support to meet 2. 60% of all Americans own or One Star in 1974 and the Dr. J. in 1976. In the demands of basketball players. have owned a pair of Converse All- the 1980s- 1990s, management changes In 1968, Taylor was inducted into Star. caused problems and debt was catching the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was 3. Chuck Taylor was the first per- up to the tired company. Converse was called the “Ambassador of Basketball.” son to have his name put on a falling apart. So they made shoes with Soon after, he retired and a year later, he shoe. prints, patterns and unusual colors for died, June 23, 1969. different age groups. In 2001, Converse Today, Converse has sold over 4. In 1957 Converse only cost filed for bankruptcy for a debt of over $183 only $3.95 800,000,000 pairs of shoes worldwide, million. Thankfully Converse was too being one of the most popular shoes out 5. Converse has been sold in 144 grounded in the business to shut down. there. Last year 2008 marked Converse’s countries. So they packed up in the US and moved 100th anniversary; the shoes created in to Indonesia. 6. In 1936, when basketball was a 2008 were named the Converse Century. sport in the Olympics, America beat Do you ever wonder about the Some shoes go out of style, but not Con- Canada for the gold, wearing Con- insignia on the Converse All Star ankle verse. Converse is special to me because verse All-Stars of course. patch? Who is Chuck Taylor anyway? I can pick a pair that describes me based Most people would think that’s what the on the incredible variety of patterns, col- 7. Nicknames for Converse are shoe is called or it’s the creator’s name ors, and styles. I will never turn my back “Cons, Chucks and Connies” in when in actuality, Charles “Chuck” Taylor on these legendary shoes ever. 1930. was Converse’s endorser. He was the only reason Converse owned the sneaker
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‘March Madness Preview
By Xavier Lloyd the “Final 4” spot. greatest chance of making the Final Four SOMERS, NY—1/28/09--Who And final- are U.N.C, Duke, Pittsburg, Wake Forest, will win it all this year? How did it happen ly, you advance to last year? Here is the lowdown on “March the two last teams. Madness Whoever wins gets Get ready for a little background the really really big on the biggest tournament around. Every trophy. year, 64 college basketball teams enter in The the tournament and they all try to advance league has been to the championship match. But as we running this tour- know, only two teams will make it there. nament since 1939 Every year during March, this huge NCAA to find out the best tournament rolls around and is a very men’s college bas- tough one to win. ketball team. So what do the teams do? They fight until the finish. Xavier, Memphis and UCLA I think these Some of the biggest upsets of teams are the best choices because of last year’s tournament were (No. 2) how they have been playing so far this Georgetown vs. (No. 10) Davidson. Da- year. vidson won the matchup by 2 points it was The three teams I think can 89 to 87. Another upset of last year’s tour- make it all the way to the final champion- nament was when (No. 5) Drake played ship game are Duke, U.N.C and Pitts- (No. 12) Western Kentucky and Western burgh. Kentucky won the game. In addition, a On the other hand, some teams I But before the tournament even real upset when (No. 2) Duke played (No. don’t think should not be in the tourna- begins, all the teams must qualify for it. 7) West Virginia. It was a tough game, but ment at all are Connecticut, Gonzaga and You qualify by winning other tournaments in the end, West Virginia came out on top. UMBC because they did so badly last throughout the year or by doing well in One last upset from last year’s tourna- your regular season division. To win the ment was when (No. 5) Clemson lost to year March Madness tournament, you must (No. 12) Villanova in the start in the first round of 64 teams and first round winner of last then advance from there. year’s March Madness tournament was Kansas, The second round of the tourna- but I don’t think they will ment has 32 teams in it because half get make it that far in this eliminated in the first round. upcoming tournament. Then, from the second round, There are seven teams you advance to the third round of 16 that I think have poten- teams, also known as the “Sweet 16”. tial to make the Final After the third round, you ad- Four, but as we know, vance to the fourth round, known as the only four can make it. “Elite 8” teams. And from, there you go to My predictions for the teams that have the
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‘Earth, Wind and Fire—The Giants’ Running Backs
By Joe Corcione second chance against to give the Patri- ots their first loss of the season. SOMERS, NY—1/28/09--When you think of back-ups or second string, Wild Card Weekend 2007. It was you think of people who do not have start- Giants vs. Buccaneers. Jacobs did not ing potential. With the New York Giants play as much, so Bradshaw got the ball a running backs, “second string” players few times rushing for 66 yards and Jacobs rushing for 34 yards. The Giants beat on play like starters. the Bucs 24-14. Earth, wind, and fire, aka Bran- don Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Brad- Sunday, February 3, 2008. Su- cency. Even when Jacobs came back, per Bowl XLII. The underdog Giants vs. shaw, make up the best running back Ward still played and still rushed for a nice squad in the league. Each running back is the “Perfect” Patriots. Nobody knew how amount of yards. this game would turn out. 18 wins, with unique and is used for different purposes. A couple weeks after Ward’s first one GIANT Jacobs is a lean, mean, trucking start, he suffered a very minor fracture in loss. The Gi- machine and barrels through defenders. the game against the 49ers causing him ants had beat- Ward is elusive and can break away easi- to miss a couple games, even though he en the Patriots ly in open field. Bradshaw is fast and was told to miss the season. When Ward 17-14 with makes the returned, he showed a fracture can’t hold Jacobs rush- defenders go him back. He rushed for 151 yards in the ing for 42 the extra mile game against the Bears. Ward finished yards and to catch him. the season with 602 yards total. Ward Bradshaw for Each couldn’t be put out there for much or else 45. This was a running back the fracture may be turned into a clean brand new start for Earth, Wind and Fire. break. Plus, Jacobs was on the sidelines has contribut- 2008-09 Season ed enough to again due to another leg injury. The Gi- make the Gi- ants had to make a decision. Either start The Giants seemed like the best ants a winning Reuben Droughns, or start the fresh new team in the league in the 2008-09 season. team, and to win Super Bowl XLII against rookie, Ahmad Bradshaw. With a 12-4 record and two running backs with 1000+ yards, they seemed unstoppa- Tom Brady and the “perfect” Patriots. They ended up starting ble halfway into the season. The 2007-08 season was the Droughns until the game against the Buf- start of Earth, Wind and Fire. With Tiki falo Bills. The Giants needed to win this Then reporters found out about Barber retired, Brandon Jacobs came in game so they could clinch a playoff spot. Plaxico Burress’ shooting incident. It has as the starting running back for the Gi- When Bradshaw returned a kickoff for a been reported as Plaxico Burress went ants. Even though he was out six games touchdown, Coach Coughlin probably down to a nightclub with Antonio Pierce, of the season due to a leg injury, he thought that this rookie needed some linebacker, and Ahmad Bradshaw. rushed for 1,009 yards. His injury caused playing time. Burress was carrying a loaded gun on Jacob’s to miss the first four weeks and 2 him. Something made the trigger ignite Bradshaw gave more than what causing the gun to shoot him in the leg. If other regular season games. After Jacobs’ was expected, rushing for 151 yards in injury, Derrick Ward had to step up and that wasn’t enough already, Antonio just one game. The coaches knew this kid Pierce tried to hide the gun. Burress and become the starter for a while. Ward had was going to help the Giants. shown that second string players are not Pierce may have had to face charges. always bad. Ward had rushed on average Jacobs returned for the last Burress was taken off the roster and put of 95 yards per game in which he took game against the Patriots. Even though on the non-Injury list. That was a hit that Jacobs’ place. Ward showed a lot of de- the Giants had lost, they would have their the Continued on page 18
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Page 18 The Tusker Tribune Spears’ New CD is ‘Just Like a Circus’
By Victoria Stanziani “Is that now you’re going to love her. Go out and SOMERS, NY—1/23/09--While money in buy the CD Circus right now and I prom- Britney Spears celebrated her birthday on your pock- ise, you won’t be able to turn it off! December 2nd, she also celebrated her et? Are The CD contains the following you happy CD, Circus, coming out in stores all over songs: to see me? the nation. Kill the Womanizer After all the craziness in her life lights! Take Circus such as, getting into drugs and alcohol, them out, getting divorced, and losing custody of her turn them Out From Under kids, Britney wanted to prove to every- off, break them down. Kill the Lights! Don’t Kill The Lights body she could get her life back on track. be scared, make your move, see me Shattered Glass And that’s exactly what she did. She now?” That is just one part of the song cleaned herself up and climbed her way telling the paparazzi to leave her alone. If U Seek Me back to the top of the charts with this al- Rolling Stone says the CD Circus Unusual You bum. is “clubby, adventurous pop”. They like Blur This CD contains 12 new songs the mix of slow and fast songs really show MMM Papi and a bonus track. Some songs are slow that she put real studio time into making and have meaningful lyrics. Most of the this album. Mannequin songs are fast, fun to sing along to, and Lace and Leather make great party music. For example, Coke Machine Glow disagrees, “Kill the Lights” has a great beat, and the and said “Circus is a saddening step back My Baby from her glossy, yet un-engaging In the lyrics are about all the trouble she went Radar through with the paparazzi always follow- Zone era, which is a shame” ing her. If you like Britney Spears, well
Earth, Wind and fire Continued from page 17 fans had ever witnessed. Giants had struggled to get up from. That’s when the Giants’ sea- The Panthers had the ball back. Their drive ended them son went downhill. It was week 16. The last home game of the up in field goal range. The Panthers’ kicker just needed three season against the Carolina Panthers. The Giants had already points to win the game. The clock was down to five seconds. The lost 2 of their last games without Burress. They couldn’t mess up. snap, the kick…and the miss! They were heading into overtime. This was for home field advantage in the playoffs. It was cold, Later in overtime, Derrick Ward was soon to be the hero bitter, and the Panthers were a strong team. Earth, Wind and Fire of the game. When it was snapped, Ward got the ball and ran was needed. By 4th quarter, the Giants needed a miracle. It was outside for 54 yards. He put them in field goal range. The next 20-28 and the Panthers had the lead. The Giants had the ball 1st play, Ward had another huge run. The play after that, Eli Manning and goal. They knew what they had to do in this situation--pound threw to Hixon for the winning touchdown. Ward rushed 215 yards the ball through the middle with Brandon Jacobs. When the ball with only 15 carries. This was memorable. was snapped, Jacobs got the exchange and got through the de- fensive line for a touchdown. They just needed two points to tie it Unfortunately, the Giants season ended with the difficult up. loss against the NFC East rivals, The Eagles. They went for the two point conversion. The handoff to Earth, wind and fire are the best running back squad a Jacobs was stopped short…then all of a sudden, quarterback Eli team could ever ask for. The Giants have them. Next year, they Manning threw to Dominick Hixon in the end zone. The crowd will rush again. Hopefully to Super Bowl XLIV. went wild. It was one of the best play action passes the Giants’
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) The Class Newspaper Project is the culminating activity in the The Somers Middle School 8th Grade Got Walnuts (?) Non-Fiction Writing Unit. Students choose a non-fiction —Waynestock topic, research it, and write Bowl Times several drafts in their Writer’s is published by the Workshop Notebooks before 8th grade students typing a final draft. Students also proofread the issue before in Mr. Pappas’ it goes to press and they learn Period 8 2008-2009 how to correctly cite their Writer’s Workshop sources according to MLA style. class at Somers Middle School 250 Route 202
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