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Edison Patents the Phonograph The Day the Music Died By: James Borg By Tom Grady

On February 19th, 1878, Thomas Edison got the You may have heard of the song “American Pie” patent for the world’s cheapest and most efficient which was released in 1971. It is about how 3 recording device for the time. t was the Edison music icons died in a horrific plane crash on Phonograph and it will be celebrating it’s 139th February 3, 1959. The three were Buddy Holly, birthday this year. This was possibly one of the Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Rich- most pivotal devices in recording history, being ardson. 2 of the 3 men may not ring a bell to able to (when being mass produced) play 2 min- some of us, but Ritchie Valens is someone we’ve ute cylinder records with music and short stories. all heard of. One of his most famous songs was The coolest part I find about this is that it was “La Bamba,” which made him an instant icon. all produced in New Jersey, right out of Orange

County. In fact, the laboratory is still there today On the night of February 3, 1953, Ritchie Valens’ February, 2017 and you can still visit (but obviously it is now a band was at one of the “Winter Dance Party” con- museum). certs in Clear Lake, Iowa. The place was rock- ing and jumping and everyone had a great time. To make you realize how influential this was, I’ll When the partying had finally come to a close, tell you some of its influential power. To put it into the band and Ritchie drove to the nearest airport perspective, by WWI there were companies mass to meet up with J.P. and Buddy Holly. Normally producing this all over, with between venues, all three men and their bands would ride cold, uncomfortable tour buses that Edison’s factory on the top of the market. Soldiers sometimes affected the performers with cases in trenches even played the music in the trenches of flu and even frostbite. This time, Buddy Holly if they had a Phonograph with them (while it was chartered a plane to ride to their next venue. A more of a luxury). They had a little entertainment band member of Ritchie Valens’, Waylon Jen- and it brought a whole new air to the world of nings, exchanged his seat on the plane for J.P. singing. Now you didn’t have to have live music because J.P. had the flu. Another band member or a band, because in the comfort of your own of Valens’, Tommy Allsup, also had a seat on the home you could have music. For the price for plane, but lost a coin toss to Ritchie and gave up $20 to $25 you could have an Edison Standard his seat. That was only coin toss Ritchie had won Phonograph back in the day. This device was a in his life. true picture of America and manufacturing, so it is Many fans of the three men call this day “The very important that it is remembered. Day the Music Died” because of the loss of the music music icons. Ritchie was only 18. The next Thomas Edison started with a little dream and time you listen to “American Pie” by Don McLean ingenuity, and became the image of the inventor and when he says “The day the music died” now for his time. Next to the lightbulb, the phonograph you know what he means. is another great invention by him, and shaped the future to come. It allowed for communication, sharing of cultures, and careers to start. People seeing this invention now may not be impressed, but it provide the groundwork for many recording devices. So happy 139th to the phonograph. The Rocket Review Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper

The Moon, a supernatural force, looming over To The Tears That Drop From The Moon Mother Earth like a guardian to the night sky. She By: Isaiah Mercado too wishes she could lead a life of ever-so chang- ing fate. To never be alone in the dark recesses There is a silence to the night air in Modesto, of the universe. To have friends that she could California. People sleep in their homes, some relate to, other than the planet she constantly remain out with friends. Partying. Socializing. Ex- orbits around. The earth has no conscience. It’s periencing the nightlife for what it truly has to of- conscience relies on the organisms that thrive on fer. These people radiate electricity into the wind, its lands and in its waters. And how is the Moon, stimulating it to the very core. There is a smell of a large rock in the night sky, supposed to relate incoming rain in the sky, mixed with the smell of to such tiny things. Things that have graced her busy city streets and the faintest scent of adrena- presence for eons behind and eons to come. line. One could most definitely say the after hours were teeming with the essence of adventurous She was once visited by the people of Earth. men and women. Of the burning desire to explore The experience warmed the soul burning inside the darkest and most inner fantasies of the hu- of her, as so it did continuously every time she

man psyche. was visited. However, eventually her neighbors February, 2017 ceased to come. They were bored of the Moon, In between each bustling street corner, there and wanted to travel further in hopes of coloniz- is either a bar or some sort of family-run busi- ing the very solar system they thrived under. ness. Coffee shops remain open till the witching hour. Restaurants are already closed, as the last A raindrop falls onto the dry pavement of meal hour has already passed. Clothing stores Modesto, California. The Moon, exasperated by are also closed by now, as no one has the audac- her loneliness, lets loose her trail of tears. They ity to want to buy clothes at 1:30 in the morning. fall from the west to the east, clouding any vision Instead, all bars are open. Some cafes remain into space from the heavy breath of her wailing. open as well, only because there’s always that The moon is melancholy, and overwhelmed by one person that enjoys that midnight cup of cof- the existential crisis of isolation. fee to wake them up on the way to their night shift or on their way to the next party of their lifetime. But the Moon is never alone. The bars are what we must truly focus on A twinkle brightens past the clouds that she has during this story. In every bar, there are loads created. Dusk becomes dawn, and her friend the of young adults and adults in general try to find Sun comes out to shine. A smile spreads across that specific fix to their stressful lives. A form of Moon’s face. For she is never alone in this uni- release. Whether it’d be social or physical. They verse. In fact, none of us are ever alone. all have their purpose. Their very fixation as to why they live and breathe in this world. An ever- The moon now sits in the daytime sky, still visible so-changing weave of fate running through their to humans near and far. Instead of brooding, she DNA like strings on puppets. However, despite glows. their purposes, they must all end the day in some way, shape, or form. She glows with radiance. For the people she protects, and for the friends she has made for the Whether that’d be going home, leaving the many years she has existed. bars for another experience, or just flat out sleep- ing. But there is a familiar force watching these events take place. Watching each human being No one is ever alone. lead their lives into a state of unconsciousness every night. Yearning for that feeling of adven- ture. The burning desire to fulfill her very own hopes and dreams. February, 2017 ------

It was accepted in as a holiday in 1987. This is in 1987. It was accepted in as a holiday an official holi when Groundhog Day became Befor this the day in the eyes of the government. day existed became many people didn’t know the Punxsutaw aware. Now the official groundhog, ney Phil, lives at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutaw On February 2nd, Phil gets Pennsylvania. ney, all around the coun thousands of visitors. People predict for the try come to see what he has to Now on Groundhog upcoming season of winter. ground That when the Day the story is as told? cloudy out if it’s hog comes out of his burrow that Many enjoy these spring will be coming early. also predictions and make life decisions ?Now it’s told by the non fans of groundhog day that the It comes whole story is bogus and doesn’t matter. down to reports and your own belief to believe in groundhog day and the prediction he gives us. If I were you I would get excited for February The hopes of either 2ns this year because I am. having spring come early or winter drag on is to anticipating! receive the most up-to-date strategies and treat receive the most Tool individual risk. to a woman’s ments tailored and of guidelines for woman kits, pocket versions and continuing medical education special reports, providers the tools to ensure to give healthcare being treated according to guide that women are few things they do. lines are just a Day mean? What does Groundhog By: Dylan Latorre 2nd and is an Groundhog Day is on February Groundhog Day is a important day to many. the early 1800’s. tradition that has gone on since ------The Rocket Review Rocket The

women with heart disease. Research-based guidelines on women and healthcare suppliers edge about heart health. They turn the science edge about heart health. they find into materials and tools that healthcare providers and decision- makers may use to help The funds raised by the event activities also support research to understand scientific knowl understanding about the risk of heart disease and providing tools to motivate woman to reduce their risk of their health. gets, they use it for supporting awareness, re search, education and community programs to to help AHA The funds allow the help women. educational programs, advancing women’s offer All the revenues used from local and National uses and AHA activities, the Go Red for Women education give healthcare providers the tools to education give healthcare providers ensure that women are being treated according to the guidelines. Toolkits, pocket versions of guidelines for women, pocket versions Toolkits, medical and special reports, and continuing cardiovascular disease and strokes, by 20 per cardiovascular disease and strokes, cardiovascular cent while also improving the Americans by 20 percent by the year health of 2020. tools they need to learn how to lead a healthy tools they need to learn how to set a planned AHA heart life. During 2010, the caused by goal of reducing death and disability es them to know the risk for heart disease and es them to know the risk for heart to reduce their encourages them to take action them This movement also gives personal risk. action harnesses energy, passion and power that action harnesses energy, and wipe out women can use to band together This movement challeng heart disease together. Go Red For Women hopes to inspire the aware hopes to inspire the Go Red For Women and motivates ness of women and heart disease This more lives. people to take action to save tion created this day to empower women to take day to empower women to tion created this This year National heart health. charge of their February 3, 2017. Red Day is on Friday, Wear wearing red for Women’s Heart Disease and Heart Women’s wearing red for women die from Cardiovascular Strokes. 500,000 Associa American Heart The disease each year! By: Caitlynn Hunter day committed to is a Red Day, National Wear National Wear Red Day National Wear Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper Official School’s High Raritan

February, 2017 The Rocket Review Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper

preciate being updated on what’s in for the year. New York Fashion Week 2017 This only ensures that ashion Week will continue By: Alissa Maldonado to be nothing less than a widely talked about and enjoyable event. The event that is appreciated by anyone who is into fashion has finally come! Fashion weeks are Romantic Gestures held in February and September of each year. It By: Caitlynn Hunter is a semi-annual series of events and generally lasts for seven to nine days. New York fashion Romantic gestures, we all love them. hey make week is one of the four major fashion weeks in our hearts melt when the ones we love do them the world. Collectively these four are known as for us. No matter if it’s something simple or really the “Big 4.” Besides New York, London, Paris, outgoing, it’s how the ones you love show that and Milan all hold events. New York fashion week you mean something to them. Even the smallest was first introduced to the rest of the world in little gesture, like a sweet note left in their hand- 1943 by Eleanor Lambert. Ever since then, it has bag or jacket, may brighten up someone’s day become a worldwide phenomenon and people more than you ever know. Some gestures you

travel from all over for the experience. can do are: February, 2017 Fashion week wasn’t always the name of this Give roses/ or their favorite flower: event. It used to be called “Press Week.” The Cheesy, but sometimes a sweet smelling flower New York fashion week will begin on Thursday, is just the thing you need to show that she’s February 9th. It will last until Friday, February precious to you or shows that nature’s beauty 17th. Fashion designers from all over the world doesn’t compare to hers. participate in this event by modeling off their lat- est creations. In other words, the world’s top de- Give chocolate or their favorite sweets: signers present their upcoming collections. Some Again, it’s very cheesy, but who said cheesy of the brands that will be in this year’s fashion wasn’t the sweet thing to do? Giving them their week include Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace. favorite candy shows that you know them and re- Of course the clothes displayed at the show are ally want to melt their heart. very expensive. This is because they aren’t in stores yet and often times if they are purchased, Show legit interest in their lives: it’s straight off the runway. Even if you’re not interested or don’t know much about the things they do and enjoy, such as draw- There’s not much you can do about the price as ing, playing sports, music, etc., try showing inter- for it is well beyond most people’s budget. How- est in their daily live., Such a small detail shows ever, that doesn’t mean you can’t just simply that you have good communication with each enjoy the show. The outfits displayed are the new other and it might bring you closer or you might trends. Tickets for fashion week can be bought learn something you never knew about them. from anywhere between $50 to over $1000. Many celebrities attend these fashion shows because Write them a list of why you love them: not only can they afford it, but they need to stay As weird as it may seem, leaving this list of why in the loop. The front row is where you can prob- you love them is sure to melt their hearts and ably catch some famous faces. show that you truly love them, whether it be a sticky note somewhere where you know Many people enjoy seeing that latest works of they would find it or a note that is on their well known designers and the outfits that they desk. have been putting together for months. In many ways it’s like an art show in that people take Make a playlist for them: pride in their work and put it on display. New York Make a playlist on their phone or burn it onto a Fashion week can be live streamed for anyone CD and give it to them. Some songs that she to see. For over six decades this event has at- likes and songs that mean something to both of tracted worldwide attention. People always ap- you goes a long way than just music. February, 2017 - -

sometime! After all, everyone could use a little After all, everyone sometime! luck on their side! The name means “Seasonal Division”, and this The name means “Seasonal Division”, the new purpose is to welcome in the festival’s of the Lu spring and has ties to the welcoming The bean throwing, known as Year. nar New of the past year “mamemaki”, is to rid the bad It is a new year. and welcome the good of the for the people ceremony of good luck and fortune This bean as well. who partake and their families 1300s, when throwing even goes back to the throw beans to males of the household would in good fortune. In rid away bad spirits and bring people order to bring in the luck to themselves, are always The streets eat the soybeans as well. filled with peddlers of the roasted beans around this holiday as well, and allows for a great time of opportunity. I found this a interesting topic that I, personally, had never heard of before. It definitely gave me a little insight into another culture, and I’m glad I was able to share my newfound knowledge. This really is a very interesting festival, perhaps maybe we should even bring it back to the states The Setsubun Bean Festival The Setsubun By: James Borg would be a whole festival de Ever think there beans? If you said no, then voted to throwing All over Japan on February you are very wrong. called Setsubun devoted 3rd there is a festival soybeans, and this has been to throwing roasted It may seem the Eighth Century. happening since more reasoning strange, but their festival has There is behind it then just to throw soybeans. as well, and it is a religious/cultural aspect to it in this Japanese more than what meets the eye National Holiday. - - The Rocket Review Rocket The

Black History Month is a monthly holiday cel Black History Month

more appropriate choice. When Canada adopted Black History Month in 1995, they followed the American tradition. than February. In Britain, many important events than February. connected to black history took place in between so October seemed like a August and November, in 1987. Much like in America, it has become in 1987. Much like in British Black an annual celebration. However, History Month is celebrated in October rather celebrate the occasion. Britain adopted their own Black History Month try’s bicentennial and to stress the importance of bicentennial and to stress the importance try’s year since then, black history and culture. Every American President has done something to an holiday until 1976, when President Gerald Ford holiday until 1976, when President to all of February. officially extended the holiday the coun The date was changed to celebrate community. national remained as a Negro History Week specifically chosen to encompass the birthdays of specifically chosen to encompass Douglass. Both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick American African were highly celebrated in the Negro History Week was proposed by Carter G. was proposed by Negro History Week American history African who wanted Woodson, was The week to be taught in public schools. Black History Month originally started in 1926, Black History Month originally and took Week when it was called Negro History middle of February. place during one week in the accomplished. Black History Month has been an Black History Month has been accomplished. for the past 41 years. official U.S. holiday ebrated every February in the United States and in the United States ebrated every February the history of a time to remember Canada. It’s have and everything that they Americans African By: Jacob Gambino Black History Month Black History Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper Official School’s High Raritan

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The Wackiest Holidays in Every Month When you think of March, but there’s way much By: Tom Grady more than that. If you care about a friend a lot, you should celebrate I Want You to Be Happy We all know the major holidays in each month. Day on March 3rd. You may be one of those For February, we know Valentine’s Day, Presi- people who think the world is going to end soon, dent’s Day, and Black History Month. Something so you should go out and panic on Panic Day on you probably didn’t know about February is that March 9th. It might be Pi day on March 14th, but it is also Return Shopping Carts to the Super- you should bulk up on potato chips, on National market Month or that there is a day in January Potato Chip day. I’ve always wanted a day where where it’s National Run it Up the Flagpole and I am told I’m doing everything right, and that day See if Anyone Salutes Day? Why we make these exists on March 16th called Everything you do is random holidays is beyond me but when you look Right Day. I don’t know if they exist, but March at all of these whacky, funny, and funky holidays, 20th is National Alien Abduction Day. I don’t know it’s fun to see what we as a nation have come up about you, but I love Raisinettes, and I get to with on certain days. enjoy them even more on March 24th on National Chocolate Covered Raisins day. If you’re really

January is packed full of wacky holidays. I guess creative and always wanted your own holiday, February, 2017 Emily Zembricki and Gabrielle Zweidinger en- make one up on my birthday because March 26th joyed the first day of the year, when the nation is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. celebrated those whose last names begin with Z on January 1st. I wonder if I ran up a T-Shirt April is a month all based on spring. The month from Disney World that someone would salute starts off with international prank day, known it on National Run it Up the Flagpole and See if as April Fool’s Day. April 7th is day for kids who Anyone Salutes Day. January 3rd and 8th, are can’t stand chores, and get to take a break on No definitely my type of days because they are the Housework Day. If you’ve ever wanted to hear Festival of Sleep Day and Bubble Bath Day. the most times people laugh in the world, join in January 16th, has no holiday because it’s Na- on International Moment of Laughter Day on April tional Nothing Day. Isn’t January 16th this year 14th. To be, or not to be, that is the question on MLK’s birthday?If only teachers would enjoy the Talk Like Shakespeare Day on April 23. If you’ve festivities of Fun at Work Day, on the January ever wanted to hear the hard truth on a day, listen 28th. Those holidays are a great way to start the in on April 30 when it’s National Honesty Day. new year. May is a stormy month, with not a lot of holidays February also has a lot of weird holidays to boast. we know about. May the 4th be with you on Star February 4th really sucks, because it’s National Wars Day. I don’t know if I like this holiday that Create a Vacuum Day. They may not get the much, it’s kind of unsanitary, but May 8th is No weather right all of the time, but we should ap- Socks Day. For all of you foodies out there, this preciate them on National Weatherman’s Day. day is for you, on May 11th, it is Eat What You February 11th must be a tough day for kids who Want Day. One of the weirdest dances of all time can’t hold the milk jug, because it’s National Don’t get’s it own day, on May 14th, it is National Chick- en Dance Day. No matter if it’s Grandma or Uncle Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. Have you ever thought Joe, you should go visit them on May 18th when about changing your name? Well on February it’s Visit Your Relatives Day. 13th, it’s National Get a Different Name Day. We all use em, but do we really appreciate what they June may be the month we get out out of school, do for us on a daily basis, well on February 18th but it’s also filled with funky holidays. On June celebrate the invention for keeping our phones 2nd, forget your shoes and socks because it’s up and running on National Battery Day. She may National Go Barefoot Day. I don’t know if Mickey be fake, but we loved her when we were kids, or Goofy get their own day, but Donald Duck gets that why we should celebrate the Tooth Fairy on his day on June 9th. Calling all skaters, you may National Tooth Fairy Day on February 28th. We go and skate everyday but, it’s special when you appreciate a lot during the month of love. do it on June 21st when it’s Skating and Skate- boarding Day. February, 2017 ------

ing the Academy with this job since 1982. These job since 1982. Academy with this ing the 8 ½ pound statues are securely delivered to Theatre a few days before the initial the Dolby The base plates are not engraved awards show. before the event, but the winners have an option to have their engraved nameplate applied to their Oscars at the Governor’s Ball after the awards show is over. late. So dip anything you want into that Chocolate late. So dip anything you want National it’s Fondue on December 16th, when Anything Day. Chocolate Covered Action! Lights, Camera, Alexandra Varga By: up to Oscar Night and the stars are rolling It’s of fun and nail- the red carpet, ready for a night of beauti There are thousands biting suspense. from Gucci ful dresses and classy suits, ranging Ford. 24 golden statues will Tom to to Valentino to the best of be given out throughout the night, the best in the past year’s movies. On February hosting the 89th 26, 2017, Jimmy Kimmel will be This one simple night Awards. Academy Annual seems so flawless and perfectly planned out, but how does it get to be like that in the first place? Months ahead of time, thousands of people are preparing for a night that celebrities will never forget. Every January the Oscar statuettes are cast, in Chicago by the molded, polished and buffed which have been help R.S. Owens & Company, November is a month where we think about tur month where we think about November is a has and the pilgrims, but it also key and food, oh holidays. November 3rd, is day some other fun so because it is Sandwich Day, that I really love, & Cheese. Turkey PB&J, and bulk up on some is something I wouldn’t person November 19th a hope you have a nice Have ally celebrate but, Hola, Ciao, Kon Bonjour, Hello, Bad Day Day. to say hello on November nichiwa are always Hello Day. 21st on World with pres the year, December is a fun way to end forget about some ents and celebrating, but don’t early, holidays. Make cookies for Santa different December 4th. Fondue on National Cookie Day, choco with it’s is fun to make, especially when - - - - The Rocket Review Rocket The

Candy Corn Day, October 30th. Candy Corn Day, October 16th, when it’s Dictionary Day. Some of Dictionary Day. October 16th, when it’s us like the candy that is candy corn and some of us don’t, but otherwise enjoy some on National tober 7th. We probably don’t know the meaning tober 7th. We we to a lot of words, but without a dictionary, on So pick up a dictionary wouldn’t know any. of Halloween, but it does have some peculiar their pearly, holidays. Everyone should show off Smile Day on Oc World white teeth, when it’s return the favor of being nice to them on Septem ber 28th when it is National Good Neighbor Day. October is a spooky month, all erie because giant creatures, that are elephants, then support Day on Septem Appreciation them on Elephant have nice neighbors, so we should ber 22nd. We but don’t fret, it still has some weird holidays. but don’t fret, it still has some Why not be late for school on of the first days of it like the big, If you on, Be Late to Something Day. Toasted Marshmallow Day, August 30th. Day, Marshmallow Toasted back to school, September is the month we go possible, but August 27th is Race Your Computer Computer Your August 27th is Race possible, but and I know clue on how to do that. Mouse Day, campfire is really Roasting Marshmallows by the National on roasting some do should you and fun, clothes, and I look incredible, and I got it from a clothes, and I look incredible, August 17th, when it is National thrift shop, on I don’t know how this day is Thrift Shop Day. or may not like about our new president, but we or may not like about our new when August 11th can totally make fun of him on I wear your granddad’s Joke Day. President’s it’s August is the last month of summer for most kids August is the last month of summer time we’ll the last in the United States. Since it’s may We go out with a bang. hit the beach, let’s ally like lasagna, then eat some of it on National ally like lasagna, then eat some July 29th. Lasagna Day, thing to do in the world of sewing, so the artform world of sewing, so the artform thing to do in the July the needle is celebrated on that is threading I love my mom’s Thread the Needle Day. 25th, on lasagna. If you re lasagna and most people like technology, you would be considered a geek. You You be considered a geek. you would technology, Your who you are on Embrace should embrace needle is a very hard Threading a Geekness Day. your mirror, you should compliment it on July you should compliment it on your mirror, If like Mirror Day. Your Compliment 3rd, when it’s movies, or know a lot about video games, sci-fi July is home of the birthday of America and one America and the birthday of July is home of If you love of the year. of the hottest months Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper Official School’s High Raritan

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For months before hand, Wolfgang Puck pre- True Love: A Cupcake Story pares extraordinary dishes for the Governor’s Ball By: Katherina Contreras to please the palates of Hollywood’s celebrities. The chef has been serving the after-party of this major event for over 20 years. By now, he knows Just when Cassidy’s Valentine’s Day couldn’t exactly what every celebrity wants to see on their get any worse, it did. She was a living, breathing plate, such as Bradley Cooper specifically ask- disappointment of what not to do on Valentine’s ing for a potato with caviar. He creates around Day. Not only that, she was also hopelessly alone 30 different dishes in tapas format, alongside on the infamous day. When she woke up, she an elaborate dessert spread and tons of cham- knew it was going to be an awful day. All the past pagne. Although he prepares specific dishes, he Valentine’s Days had been utter disappointments. is not afraid to go off the menu and make dishes She always had the worst luck with guys and they that the celebrities want to eat. Wolfgang Puck always ended up being the wrong boy. Today she is ready for anything to come after the awards was rushing to get to class because she woke show. up late. It was the worst day to have morning

classes. February, 2017 Another preparation that is quite unique is the gift bags given the celebrities at the award show in She rushed down the stairs to her car before real- the Dolby. In the past, the gift bags had only been izing she needed to eat breakfast. “I might as well given out to the presenters and performers, but just grab breakfast now that I’m late,” she thought have since been extended to the award nomi- as she drove to her favorite little French bakery. nees and winners. The value of these gifts can She walked in expecting to grab a croissant and reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. Some an iced coffee but instead was shocked to see of the past prizes have been vacation packages all of the Valentine’s Day themed pastries. While to Hawaii and Mexico and Japan, a private dinner Cassidy waited on line patiently, she spotted a party for the recipient and friends at a restaurant, delicious looking cupcake and decided against videophones, a four-night stay at a hotel, watch- her normal order. She glanced down at her phone es, bracelets, spa treatments, bottles of vodka, and noticed that she had gotten a few texts from maple salad dressing, and weight-loss gummi her friends from her class. When she looked up candy. she noticed she was almost up to the cash regis- ter. In the few days leading up to the event, Holly- wood Boulevard gets closed down and begins She had her eyes on the prize. The Valentine preparations for the big night. The 500 foot red cupcakes were almost gone to the point that carpet is rolled out, decorated by giant Oscars there was only one left. Cassidy prayed to every and red banners. Cameras are placed along the god and being out there that she would be able to carpet and in the theatre, getting ready to pres- get that last cupcake. She was determined to buy ent the show to 225 different countries around the last cupcake and enjoy at least one portion the world. Thousands of press members get their of her Valentine’s Day. Then it happened...the interview questions and cameras ready, exciting man in front of her bought the cupcake. The last to hear what the nominees plan to say. Hundreds cupcake was not hers but instead in the hands of makeup artists and hairdressers prepare in the of her newfound enemy. Her stomach growled in rooms of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, ready protest. She was livid. Her blood was boiling to for the hours of beautification ahead of them. The the point where she felt as if her body was on fire Oscars are a lot more than just a few great mov- with utter rage. All Cassidy wanted was that choc- ies and comical host. So much goes into this one olate cupcake filled with the pastel pink frosting. night and it’s phenomenal to see all of this de- Cassidy then decided to yell at the man in front of tailed preparation. her. She was not about to spend Valentine’s Day cupcake-less. She tapped his shoulder and yelled “EXCUSE ME MISTER BUT I WAS GOING TO BUY THAT CUPCAKE!” What Cassidy didn’t February, 2017 - - - - -

ding day. They really want to make each princess ding day. in the world happy and ready to spend a ‘happily ever after’ with her handsome prince. ten of thousands of proposals hap Every year, most Some of the property. pen on Disney World popular places to propose include the front of Castle during the fireworks, Cinder Cinderella’s in the middle of Main Street Well, Wishing ella’s USA, at their favorite character’s meet and greet, a layer of frosting before putting the cupcake top a layer of frosting before putting add powdered on again. If you want, you could enough for The recipe is easy sugar or sprinkles. a great Valentine’s anyone to do and it makes for Day treat. The Most Romantic Disney World: Place on Earth Alexandra Varga By: for their Known Disney Company. The Walt and lovely prin playful sidekicks, daring heroes, princess comes cesses. With every prince and girl looks up a beautiful romance; which every inspiring people to as a child. Disney has been to make their dreams come true since 1938, displaying the “happily ever after” that everyone deserves. Girls dream of the day when the shoe might fit or the prince might wake them from their Of course, situations like this eternal slumber. almost never happen in real-life, but Disney tries as hard as they can to make real-life fairytales happen. Disney actually has a website called to help with any Weddings Tale Fairy Disney’s thing from engagement plans to the proper wed •4 cups of powdered sugar •4 cups of powdered of maraschino cherry juice •4 tablespoons cut maraschino cherries •½ cup of finely salt pinch of •A •Pink food coloring ingredients except powdered Put all the dry in the electric mixer until sugar and butter powdered then going to add the You’re smooth. Then you’re going to at a time. sugar one cup at a time and add the cherry juice one tablespoon the ingredients then the chopped cherries. Mix pink food coloring. until smooth and then add the are going to cut off For the cupcake itself, you out a heart shape. the top of the cupcake and cut are going to put Then on the actual cupcake you - - - The Rocket Review Rocket The

•1 cup of butter make the Maraschino Cherry Frosting that is go ing within the cupcake. For the frosting you will need: into the cupcake wrappers a little bit higher than be The cupcakes should you would normally. baked While the cupcakes are baking, you can Fahrenheit. Stir all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl then add all of the liquid ingredi going to pour the batter You’re ents for 2 minutes. •2 teaspoons of vanilla extract •1 cup of boiling water start, heat up your oven to 350 degrees To •2 eggs •1 cup of milk •½ cupof vegetable oil •¾ cups chocolate cocoa •1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda •1 teaspoon of salt For the chocolate cake you will need: For the chocolate cake you will •2 cups of sugar •1 ¾ cups of all purpose flour Here’s the cupcake recipe for the cupcake that the cupcake recipe for the cupcake Here’s started it all: Sweetheart Cupcakes. for the ride of her life. She and Lucas dated for a for the ride of her life. She and 4 years later in the few years before he proposed met. very same French bakery they felt very embarrassed but sparked up a conver felt very embarrassed but sparked expected anything sation with Lucas. She hadn’t she was in over, to go anywhere but as fate took said quickly as to not make a fool out of himself. said quickly as to not make a him to sit in the Cassidy nodded and motioned If Cassidy had been honest, she had empty chair. The man then came up to her and asked if he The man then came up to her “There aren’t any seats for me could sit with her. he by the way,” so can I sit with you? I’m Lucas cupcake and went to order her iced coffee before to order her iced coffee cupcake and went the only available table with two sitting down in chairs. the cupcake and gave it to a very stunned and gave it to a very stunned and the cupcake and gave a bashful smile and She confused Cassidy. the under her breath. She took uttered a thanks 2 girl yelling at him. He gave her an easygoing him. He gave her an easygoing 2 girl yelling at can “If you want the cupcake you smile and said eat something else.” He took have it. I can just expect was the man to be so attractive. He expect was the surprised to find a small 5 foot turned around Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper Official School’s High Raritan

February, 2017 The Rocket Review Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper

and plenty of other exciting options. There is, in stones that go in relation to each month. Each fact, a blog with “101 Ways to Propose at Walt one has a unique meaning and historical signifi- Disney World” and it has thousands of views per cance. In ancient times, civilizations believed that year. People share their ideas that they used gemstones had incredible powers such as luck and plenty of pictures of the happy moments. and prosperity. Throughout history, the gemstone Disney also has their own line of wedding rings, has been associated with many myths, legends, each themed to a different Disney Princess. religions, and numerous cultures. Ranging from Elsa to Cinderella, the rings prices can reach up to $1,500 and are described as a Ancient Greeks and Romans believed Amethyst perfect complement to an Alfred Angelo Disney would ward off the intoxicating powers of Bac- wedding dress. chus. Bacchus was a Greek god who was consid- ered the “god of agriculture.” It was believed that Just like the rings, the dresses are designed to if you wore the amethyst birthstone, you would represent each princess and display their person- be kept clear headed and quick-witted. The word ality and story. This year’s collection is inspired “amethyst” comes from the Greek word, “am- by Cinderella, Mulan, Ariel from the Little Mer- ethystos.” Amethystos means “sober” and ancient

maid, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Each Greeks believed the stone protected them from February, 2017 dress has a corresponding veil and plenty of becoming drunk. The practice of drinking wine bridesmaids dresses (which they call Royal Maid- from cups made out of amethyst originated from ens) to fit any bride’s standards. The collections that belief. Some say that Saint Valentine had an even include flower girl dresses and stationery for amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid. invitations/thank you cards. Next up on the list would be the wedding itself, For those who are familiar with the Old Testa- occurring in one of many wedding locations ment, amethyst was one of the twelve gemstones throughout Walt Disney World. There is an op- that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Feb- tion of three different collections, ranging from ruary is a month of coldness and darkness to very intimate to a large crowd of guests. Venues some people around the world not to mention, a for the wedding include the Pavilion at the Grand short month. The stone is often associated with Floridian Resort, Magic Kingdom After Dark and qualities of peace, courage, and stability...perfect the Walt Disney World Railroad Train Station. The for those who need some strength during this prices start at around $12,000 and can go as high time of year. English regalia used to be decorated as $1 million. The costs may be high for these with amethysts during the Middle Ages to sym- receptions, but the experience of marriage in Dis- bolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has even been ney is definitely worth it. The Fairy Tale Wedding found and dated as early as 2000 BC. team puts so much love into each wedding and For many years the stone was held in the same make sure that every couple is practically perfect regard as the diamond. Today the stone isn’t just in every way. This Valentine’s Day, let’s focus on specifically for people who were born in February. the fairytale endings and bring this love into the Many wear it for its beautiful shade and because real world. With a quick Bibbi Bobbi Boo, all your it complements basically any outfit you wear. dreams can come true! Over the years, the stone has become more af- fordable because it isn’t as rare as it used to be. Many value this gemstone because it also sym- aMYTHest bolizes love therefore, many amethyst birthstones By: Alissa Maldonado are brought in February. This is somewhat due to the fact that Valentine’s day is this month! Have you ever wondered how you got your birthstone? Why there is a specific stone for each month? Well, I’m here to tell you the story behind February’s birthstone...the Amethyst stone. Basi- cally if you were born in the month of February, your birthstone is a purplish stone called ame- thyst. But why is that? Well, birthstones are gem- February, 2017 - - - - -

the humble beginnings as Raritan township to Hazlet has seen mostly growth. the present day, Hopefully the future holds more growth for the small town of Hazlet, New Jersey. some of its land in order to form Raritan as well some of its land in order to form When Raritan was founded Township. Atlantic as The about 4,000. it had a humble population of shrunk, never population gradually grew and the popu when exceeding 4,000 until the 1960’s lation rose to about 15,000. in 1962, five Raritan High School was founded to Hazlet. years before the town was renamed comes from the Raritan Na The name ‘Raritan’ is meant Americans, and the name ‘Hazlet’ tive John Hazlett, who had an to be a tribute to Dr. was done The renaming estate in the township. Hazlett’s 1967. Dr. by a referendum vote done in near Holmdel Road home was previously located with a youth base but it was eventually replaced ball field. Hazlet is also notable for being the last town in New Jersey to close down a drive-in movie theater. Nowadays Hazlet boasts a population of about 20,000, making it the 127th largest township in New Jersey and the 10th largest in Monmouth Raritan High School has been ranked County. as the 166th best school in terms of academics out of 339. Overall, Hazlet has had a very inter esting history spanning nearly 170 years. From FROM RARITAN TO HAZLET TO FROM RARITAN By: Jacob Gambino wonder why Raritan High School Many people of something like Hazlet is called that instead is most people don’t know High School. What was originally known as Township that Hazlet on and was originally founded Township, Raritan means that our town That 1848. February 25th, In 169th anniversary this year. is celebrating its we are going over order to show our appreciation founding. the history of the town’s Township As previously mentioned, Raritan Legisla The New Jersey was founded in 1848. give up Township ture mandated that Middletown ------The Rocket Review Rocket The

day in a better day. There is already so much day in a better day. negativity in the world so why not take the time to spread positivity? take a lot of effort that can make someone so take a lot of effort Everyone should make it a goal of theirs happy. to make someone smile or change someone’s In this day and age, people should take the time to be a little more personal and give someone a There are little things that don’t handwritten letter. ergy and feel stronger as well as calm. Kindness also produces serotonin which acts like an anti- depressant and makes you feel calm and happy. ing kindness produces oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure and improves overall health. Many people also feel as if they have more en one takes the time to help you out and put a one takes the time to help you smile on your face. Kindness not only makes you feel good but it also has health benefits. Witness Maybe while you’re in the bathroom, your friend Maybe while you’re in the bathroom, missing. Maybe writes down the notes you’re get upset, some when you drop your books and know that I had a smile on my face and enjoyed know that I had a smile on my the little notes. walking around and reading all to turn your Sometimes it just takes something able to do that. mood around and kindness is Last year, we had students write positive sticky Last year, the school. I notes and stick them all around they can, whether it be holding the door for some for door the holding be it whether can, they you when one or paying for the person behind you’re buying coffee. actually has something called RAKtivists. These RAKtivists. actually has something called activist to people apply to become a kindness in whatever way spread kindness and positivity ity. There actually is a Random Acts of Kindness Acts of is a Random There actually ity. in 1995 as a Foundation,which was founded The organization Colorado. nonprofit in Denver, marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant dis characteristics, a pleasant marked by ethical for others. February 17th position, and concern Acts of Kindness Day which is National Random and positiv celebrates and encourages kindness your day or changed your day for the better? your day for the better? your day or changed to kindness are a positive way Random acts of person. Kindness is a behavior just be a better By: Katherina Contreras By: Katherina act of kindness ever brightened Has a random Random Acts of Kindness Acts Random Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper Official School’s High Raritan

February, 2017 The Rocket Review Raritan High School’s Official Newspaper

Angel Baby, Red Desire The Rest of the Trip By: Isaiah Mercado Angel baby.

From Here is Unknown Red desire.

TAKE ME WITH YOU TO FAR OUT PLACES. Pick your poison.

PULL ME IN WHILE YOU OPEN YOUR SPAC- Hot coals & fire. ES. Grave mistakes. I’M CLIMBING INTO THE TRAP DOOR OF YOUR SOUL. Can’t build a pyre.

NO OTHER MOMENT HAS EVER FELT THIS Our love grows older. February, 2017 WHOLE. Provoked, pure ire. YOU CLAIM YOU’VE SEEN THIS IN YOUR DREAMS. Sun-stained bedrooms.

MY MIND CLAIMS THIS IS MORE THAN IT I’ll take you higher SEEMS. And higher I CAN SEE YOUR THIRD EYE, CAPTAIN. And higher DON’T PUSH AWAY SO SOON. And higher. I AM STUCK IN PLACE. Angel baby. THERE IS INCOMING DOOM. Red desire. DO YOU KNOW THE MEANING OF LIFE?

RIDE OR DIE, SOARING HIGH INTO THE NIGHT?

ARE YOU THERE? ARE YOU THERE, MY LIGHT?

THE REST OF THE TRIP FROM HERE IS UN- KNOWN.

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