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The Tusker Tribune The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School

Issue Number 14 http://somersschools.org/domain/995 Winter 2018

Have a terrific Neal Shusterman Visits SMS break! —The Tusker By Sofia DiMella where we ask him questions and he Tribune Tusker Tribune Staff answers. Editorial On Monday, December He told us how he became in- Staff 17, 2018, Author Neal Shus- terested in writing and fun facts terman came to visit us. In about his books. Some of his books the morning we all went to include Unwind, Full Tilt, the auditorium for a Challenger Deep and presentation. We got to Scythe. ask different questions We got to learn lots about his career as an au- of new things about writ- thor and about the books ing and what it takes to he wrote/is writing. write a story. He also But only a select shared some tips like how few of students got to have he comes up with his ideas a one on one lunch with and how he comes up with Neal Shusterman! his characters. Some of his Next issue: ideas are inspired by eve- 1/4/2019 Presentation ryday things. Like taking a test or watching a television show. During 3rd period the 7th grad- Continued on Page 6 ers went to meet Neal Shusterman. It was something like a Q and A, Westchester County’s Best Mexican Restaurant

By Deanna DeCamp quick bite to eat if you have some Tusker Tribune Staff where to be right after. Have your parents Another great part about Salsa ever asked you where you Fresca is that they have a wide want to go to dinner one variety of things you can add into night and you respond that you your food. For example, I usually have no idea and your sibling get a burrito with chicken, Mexi- ends up picking the restaurant can rice, cheese, lettuce, and gua- you hate? I know I have. But I camole. Or I will get tacos with found a restaurant that the ground beef, cheese, and lettuce. whole family loves and has quick They also have taco bowls, bowls, service. This place is Salsa Fres- and quesadillas. They are all very ca in the Triangle Shopping Cen- tasty and delicious to eat. ter in Yorktown Heights. The final great part about this One great part about this restaurant is that each meal restaurant is that it has quick service. Quick ser- comes with a side of chips and salsa and you can vice is a restaurant where you can get food at a buy different kinds of things to drink. Each meal fast pace but is not a fast food or fancy restaurant. comes with a side of chips and salsa which goes This kind of restaurant is in the middle of those very well with your Mexican meal. You can also rankings. Other quick service restaurants include buy a fountain drink (small or large) which can be Panera, and Burger Shack. Your food takes a filled with coke, lemonade, cream soda, sprite, etc. maximum of five minutes to be made. The excep- You can also buy a water or canned soda. tion are the quesadillas because those take longer Furthermore, Salsa Fresca is a quick serv- to get warm. So, at this restaurant you can get a ing restaurant that tastes delicious. The Tusker Tribune Page 2 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School

By Kaeleigh Picco Tusker Tribune Staff Have you ever wondered what happened today-ten years ago? Twenty years ago? Thirty? In This Week in History I will tell you about the events that happened that particular week that could have impacted our everyday lives, or are just really interesting to learn about.

December 20th, 1958 Elvis Presley, possibly the worlds greatest Rock and Roll icon, was draft- ed into the Military to fight in the Vietnam War. He served for two years, and reached the rank of Sergeant in that time.

December 22nd, 1956 This day was a sad one for animals, as it marks the anniversary of the birth of Colo, the first ever gorilla born in captivity. Weighing just four pounds, Colo is a western low- land gorilla whose parents were captured from French Cameroon, Africa in 1951. In 2017, she became the oldest gorilla in captivity, dying at age of 61.

December 23rd, 1888 Most of you may have heard of Vincent Van Gogh, an in- credibly famous Dutch painter known for his pieces such as Starry Night, Sunflowers, and numerous self-portraits. However, in the 18th century not many people appreciated his work, and Van Gogh was known as “A poster boy for tortured starving artists”, and only sold one painting. He suf- fered from depression, and that caused him to cut off his ear! This is the date that marks that crazy event, but also compels us to remember Van Gogh and all of the struggles he went through to express his art.

The Tusker Tribune Staff

Co-Editors Photography Editor Reporters Noah Volkman Allison O’Connor Kaeleigh Picco Joseph Melillo Deanna DeCamp Copy Editors Joseph Melillo Feature Editor William Underkoffler Allison O’Connor Samuel Sanz Andre Possante Arjun Ojha Michael Aiello Natalia Tellez Sports Editor Noah Volkman Jesse Manginelli Sam Sanz

The Tusker Tribune Page 3 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School Meet SMS’ SRO OMR! (Officer Matt Rokicki

By Allison O’Connor School Resource Officer was assigned to his Tusker Tribune Staff school. Westchester Coun- Officer Rokicki wanted to become an ty Police Officer Matt SRO so he could interact with kids, and to Rokicki is a person helping be a positive influence. On a typical day, he keeping us safe, and because he’s monitors the SMS building and takes time always around, you should know a to speak to as many students as he can. little thing about him first. Outside of his SRO duties at SMS, Officer He has been working for Rokicki does other police activities by tak- Westchester County Police for three ing overtime shifts, and during the sum- years. Before he worked for mer months when school is not in session. Westchester County Police, he You can find Officer Rokicki in his worked for White Plains Police for office,which is room 210 across from the three years. Art Rooms, or by meeting him as he walks Officer Rokicki wanted to become a police around the halls. officer to help others. Officer Rokicki became a According to Officer Rokicki “the SRO pro- School Resource Officer (SRO) after taking some gram is important to keep the school safe and to special classes and going through an interview build a relationship between students and police. process. It is important to build a relationship because He knew about the program since high some kids are afraid of police officers, so they school because when he was in high school, a won’t usually talk to them” outside of school.

Music Report

By Noah Volkman dolences: “I never told you how much you inspired Tusker Tribune Staff me when you were here thank you for existing.” If X never knew, his fans surely will, as the most im- SKINS – XXXTENTACION pactful rapper of X’s lifetime made it a point to pledge his allegiance to . XXXTENTACION’s is called Genre: Pop/Hip-Hop Bad Vibes Forever, and in the wake of the South star’s murder, the name reads more like a – curse than a fan base-uniting battle cry. Prior to his death, the troubled rapper “I’ve been doing this for and singer was the voice of a 12 years,” Benny Blanco said in generation struggling with anx- an interview. “After that long, iety resulting from coming of it’s good to switch it up.” You age social media’s clout era. might not know Blanco’s name, SKINS, the third in his but you know his work. A prodi- discography, arrives six months gious from suburban after his untimely passing and Virginia who apprenticed under delivers on his previously stated Dr. Luke, he’s written so many commitment to brevity (the LP hits for so many stars contains 10 tracks, the longest (, Sia, , Katy Perry, Justin of which is just over the three-minute mark), Bieber, Kanye, Marron 5…you get the idea) that while still spanning a multitude of influences and it’s impossible to imagine contemporary pop musical inclinations. without him. Now, at 30, he’s stepping out from Much like its predecessor (?), released just behind the curtain on his debut album—or at least nine months prior, SKINS boasts technically pro- the first version of—FRIENDS KEEP SECRETS. ficient , heartfelt R&B-influenced singing, Taking cues from ’s perpetually and screamo belting. The real surprise here is the in-progress The Life of Pablo and 2018 G.O.O.D. album’s lone credited feature, Kanye West, who Music releases, the project is an ever-evolving col- does his best to uplift XXXTENTACION’s legacy lection of song that Blanco says he’ll update by way of an impassioned verse on “One Minute.” “whenever I want.” “When I’m on my way, X hold the gate,” he raps. At the news of X’s passing, Kanye tweeted his con- Continued on Page 7 The Tusker Tribune Page 4 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School Race to the College Football National Championship

By Arjun Ojha rence. In 2016, they won the National Champion- Tusker Tribune Staff ship against Alabama with one second remaining. College football fans are waiting for In 2017, they lost to Alabama. This year, who December 29th, 2018. The they’re knows what result will be? waiting is because that’s when the Cotton This is Notre Dame’s 1st playoff appearance Bowl Classic and the Orange Bowl will take place. in 131 years of existence. They have changed The Cotton Bowl features number 2 ranked quarterbacks this season and Brian Kelly was Clemson Tigers led by Dabo Swinney and number happy with their change in quarterbacks. I believe 3 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish led by Brian that Clemson will come out on top in this game. Kelly. The Orange Bowl features number 1 Orange Bowl Analysis ranked Alabama Crimson Tide led by Nick Saban and Oklahoma Sooners football led by Lincoln Ri- Now, I will be breaking ley. Today, I will breakdown the two games. down the Orange Bowl. The Or- ange Bowl features Alabama vs Cotton Bowl Analysis Oklahoma. The date is also De- cember 29th at 8:00 pm at Hard- , I will be break- Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. ing down the Cotton Bowl. The Alabama has also made the Cotton Bowl features Clemson playoffs three times in the past vs Notre Dame. The date of the three years. In 2016, they lost to Clemson with 1 game is December 29th, at 4:00 second left. In 2017, they beat Geor- pm at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, gia in the National Championship. . This is Clemson’s third ap- This year, who knows what the re- pearance in the last three years. sult will be? They have had three different quar- Oklahoma is led by QB Kyler terbacks all three times they have Murray who is a possible Heisman made the playoffs. The three quar- Trophy candidate. I believe that Ala- terbacks were Deshaun Watson, bama will come out on top. Kelly Bryant and now Trevor Law-

In Japan, New Year’s Eve is ‘Ōmisoka’ By Allison O’Connor Tusker Tribune Staff Ōmisoka or ōtsu- gomori, is a Japanese traditional celebration on the last day of the year. The Tusker Tribune is the online It was held on the final day Somers Middle School Student of the 12th lunar month. With Newspaper. Japan's switch to using the Grego- It is published weekly (except rian calendar at the beginning of during school vacations) on the the Meiji era, December 31 is now used for the celebration. Somers Middle School Website. It A traditional food served during is entirely student-written by 年越し 6th, 7th and 8th grade students Ōmisoka is “Toshikoshi Soba” ( from: そば, a year passing buckwheat noo- Somers Middle School dles) that promises a long life when eaten on New Year's Eve (Ōmisoka). 250 Route 202 After or while eating most fami- Somers, NY, USA. lies sit together and relax. Also, they Any SMS student is eligible to exchange special Christmas related write stories. If items, gifts, money, and cards. interested, please e-mail Advisor Dean Pappas at [email protected] The Tusker Tribune Page 5 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School Things AREN’T Looking Up For Pigs!

By Joseph Melillo er seen a beau- Tusker Tribune Staff tiful starry Hey Everyone! It’s me again and night ever in I’m back with another Did You Know arti- its lifetime. cle. There are still This week’s Did You Know is . . two ways it .that it is physically impossible for a pig to look up could. One, into the sky! Is it true? I know, but do you? the pig could Actually, the anatomy of a pig’s neck mus- look at the wa- cles just simply does not ter and see at allow them to look up. least the re- Just like when you try flection of the and lift something too sky. Two, heavy, your muscles just someone who won’t cooperate. is pretty strong could lift the pig and put it verti- A pig’s neck mus- cally so it would be forced to look at the sky. cles work the same way. The inability to look up is evolutionary. Their muscles just can’t Neither a pig nor a dog have natural predators make the head move up- that could attack from above, unless the pig is a wards, therefore disal- piglet and the dog is a puppy or is a very small lowing the pig to see the breed. sky. Well, that’s all for this week folks, see ya Now, this doesn’t mean that a pig has nev- next time on Did You Know?.

Wicked Fills in the Blanks from Wizard of

By Natalia Tellez fill their destinies as Tusker Tribune Staff Glinda The Good and Recently, I went to Broadway the Witch of and saw one of my favorite shows. the West. Wicked tells the untold story of the Spoiler Alert Witches of Oz. It lasts approximately 2 Ahead! In my opin- hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermis- ion, it is very good. sion. It has received more than 100 major interna- Perfect for any ages tional awards, including three Tony Awards on including kids. The Broadway and two Olivier Audience Awards in story between Galin- London. Wicked is already the fifth da and Elpha- longest-running musical currently play- ba is really sweet and it ties together and ing in the West End and now seen by sets up everything for the more than 9 million people in London plot. For example, the reason the Wicked alone. It was selected by viewers as the Witch in the movie wants ’s red best musical of 2007. Wicked has broken shoes so much is because they are the last box-office records around the world. It thing she has as a remembrance from some- was also named by Time magazine as one special in her life who was killed. Also, the “Best Musical of the Year”. It tells the Broadway show explains the way the the enter- characters, including the , taining untold story and Tin, came into the of an unlikely friend- Wicked Witch’s life. You’d actually be surprised ship that formed be- how they really came into the story and the Wick- tween two girls who ed Witch of the West’s life! met in sorcery The Broadway show is also a musical so school. Wicked tells there are lots of songs throughout it. The most the story of Galinda popular one is Defying Gravity which is one of my and Elphaba’s ex- favorites along with The Wizard and I, No Good traordinary adven- Deed, Popular, and For Good. tures in Oz that ful- Continued on Page 5 The Tusker Tribune Page 6 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School Shusterman Tusker Tribune Trivia Continued from Page 1 By Allison O’Connor Tusker Tribune Staff The Lunch 1. Name the four main characters from the cartoon series ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. Donatello, To be part of the lunch you Leonardo, Raphael and Michaelangelo needed to write a letter explaining 2. What is the capital of Hawaii? Honolulu why you should be chosen to go to 3. What is the name of the actor who plays the character of this lunch (which took place 5th and Harry Potter in the movie series? Daniel Radcliffe 6th period in the library). 4. Who discovered rubber? Charles Macintosh Neal Shusterman 5. What is the name of the Greek God of music? shared with us a part of Apollo The Toll, book 3 of the 6. Who painted the Mona Lisa? Leonardo da Arc of a Scythe series, Vinci expecting to come out in 7. Who was the first gymnast to be awarded a 2019. perfect score of 10 at the Olympics? Nadia Co- We also got to maneci ask questions about up- 8. What was Mickey Mouse’s original name? Mortimer coming book or books. Mouse Don’t you worry, the lunch also in- 9. In which year did the Titanic sink? In the year 1912 cluded lunch! We were served pizza 10. When was the first atomic bomb dropped? It was and cookies to eat while he answers dropped on August 6, 1945. questions. When it came to the end 11. What is the common name for calcium carbonate? Chalk Neal Shusterman autographed pa- 12. What galaxy is Earth located in? The Milky Way pers we wrote on for us to take home.

Wicked Continued from Page 4 A Christmas Song Playlist

Overall, the whole show is very entertaining, and the story is incredi- By Arjun Ojha bly sweet, super creative, and fun to Tusker Tribune watch. You would think you know the Staff whole story about Glinda the Good and With Christ- Elphaba the , mas just around the but there is actually many things that corner, I’m sure you don't know and plot twists you that those who cele- never learned about. brate it want to listen to Did you know that Elphaba has Christmas songs while a good heart and right intentions and opening presents. Galinda is the one who is responsible I will tell you some of killing her sister? In this great show popular Christmas songs the roles of the protagonist and villain that will sure light up the are reversed so it makes it even more house. So, here are some entertaining. Wicked tells you the un- popular Christmas songs: told story of the Witches of Oz and gives you an amazing experience. 1) Jingle Bells by Michael Bublé 2) Jingle Bell Rock by Glee Cast 3) All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey 4) Little Drummer Boy by Percy Faith’s Orchestra and Chorus 5) Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé 6) A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives 7) The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole 8) Silent Night by Celtic Woman 9) Joy to The World by Love To Sing 10) Silver Bells by Percy Faith’s Orchestra and Chorus

Merry Christmas to All! The Tusker Tribune Page 7 The Student Newspaper of Somers Middle School

artists to help cement the mainstream viability of Music Report “SoundCloud rap.” From Page 3 For Tekashi, image was everything; rap- ping was an afterthought. Though the “also raps” Here’s how he created what be the moniker is by no means a novel con- blueprint for the modern poop album. cept, Tekashi mastered it. He was the “Ultimately, I imagine this being, like, four king of a visual world in which talent mini-, but how I end up approaching is no longer a requirement for entry. that, I don’t know. I might release one song “I didn’t really want to be a rapper or one day, and then six songs six months lat- whatever,” he said in an interview. “I er. I was definitely inspired by Kanye work- just thought of making music because ing on those albums in real time, but I was everybody was like: ‘You look mad also inspired by the way we live. cool.’” This isn’t 40 years ago. There aren’t The movement would have physical copies of this, I’m not going to tour. been relatively harmless had it not So why not be more spontaneous? Everyone is so been for Tekashi’s unquenchable thirst for viral scared, so precious about everything. I wanted clout. He has the presentation: rainbow-colored these to feel as of-this-moment as possible,” he and to match; face tattoos emblazoned across explains. “When the first batch of songs was due, his body more than 200 times. The rapid rise like two weeks ago, I switched out four of them at and fall of Tekashi is best exemplified by the last minute. I made a lot of late changes—big DUMMY BOY, his newest full-length musical of- stuff, too, like running down the street to get Ty fering that was delayed, leaked and rushed to re- Dolla $ign on a beat I’d just made and then lease. The album was supposed to be 6ix9ine’s smashing it into the track with . But that’s commercial and artistic breakthrough where he kind of the point. We procrastinate until we abso- finally served up a big-budget arena rap spread. lutely cannot procrastinate anymore, and then we With guests including eat. You’ve got to loosen up to create.” (who’s currently serving a 7-year sentence in pris- Genre: Pop on), , Kanye West, , , , and top-notch producers like Murda DUMMY BOY – 6ix9ine Beatz, Scott Storch and Boi-1da, 6ix9ine gathered some of rap’s best, new and old, into one album. It’s impossible to talk about Tekashi’s suc- 6ix9ine is now facing 32 years to life in prison af- cess without mentioning the dark undercurrents ter being charged with racketeering and firearms of his real life. His career presents an ethical charges among others for his proximity to gang- minefield, while also standing as an emblematic related activities. hip-hop story of 2018. The X-rated equivalent of Genre: Rap/Pop Rainbow Brite, he was one of several controversial A Nostalgic Look Back at 2018’s Top

By Noah Volkman & Sam Sanz 10. Look Alive – BlocBoy JB ft. Tusker Tribune Staff 11. Lucid Dreams – 12. Moonlight - XXXTENTACION Top 5 new artists: 13. – 14. Taste – Tyga ft. 1. Juice WRLD 15. Walk It Talk It – ft. Drake 2. 16. SAD! – XXXTENTACION 3. Lil baby & Gunna 17. Zeze – ft. , Offset 4. 6ix9ine 18. Fine China – Juice WRLD and 5. Migos’ solo careers (, 19. ATM – J. Cole Offset, ) 20. Off Deez – JID and J. Cole

Top 20 songs: Plus . . . 1. – Travis Scott 1. ASTROWORLD – Travis Scott ft. Drake, & Big Hawk 2. Culture II - Migos 2. Bamba – Sheck Wes 3. DUMMY BOY – 6ix9ine 3. Yes Indeed – Lil Baby & Drake 4. ? – XXXTENTACION 4. - Drake 5. Scorpion – Drake 5. Better Now – 6. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone 6. Fefe – 6ix9ine ft. Nicki Minaj 7. Invasion of Privacy – 7. God’s Plan - Drake 8. The World is Yours – Rich the Kid 8. I Like It – Cardi B, & J Balvin 9. Goodbye & Good Riddance – Juice WRLD 9. I Love It – Kanye West & 10. Ye – Kanye West