1 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 The Franklin Warrior “Bringing you the news, the warrior way.”

The N-Word: The Word Given The Most Power By: Tobi Raji, Editor-In Chief Content: IN RECENT years, the “N-word” or is it open to other races such as an insult. I think one of the things has changed from reminding us Caucasians?” that offends white people about it is Cover.. Page 1 of slavery, lynching, segregation, THE “N-WORD,” to some, is the ugli- that they can’t say it. and racism to referring to some- est racial slur created, and its pur- THEY SAY, ‘Well, is it because of one as their buddy or acquain- pose was to vilify African Americans. my inflection, or is it because...’. Inside Franklin.. Page 2 tance. But to others, it is a reminder of the It’s, ‘No, because you’re not us.’ THE FEAR of using the word has tumult their ancestors faced and Jeff Foxworthy says, you know, ‘You made others uncomfortable and how far they have come. University can’t make jokes about a redneck Dom/Int... Page 3 awkward, proposing queries such of Oregon professor David Bradley unless you are one.’ You can’t say as, “Is it ever okay to use the wholeheartedly accepts usage of this the ‘n-word’ unless you are one, ‘n-word’?” or “Is the usage of the word in daily life. and unless you are willing to accept Sports.. Page 4 word limited to African Americans, “LOOK, IN every group, there are everything that goes with it, which words that you use, there are inflec- is a lot of good stuff, you know? tions, there is knowledge about what And that’s what they want, they Entertainment.. Page 5 a word means to you, or to me, or want that good stuff,” Bradley said. how I mean it when I say it that is not Health.. Page 6 See N-WORD on Page 3 The Fall of Penn State Opinion.. Page 7 By: Luther Davis, FHS Senior

Investigation of former coach program where he had access to young boys from Jerry Sandusky of Penn State, for the ages of 10-13. The PA investigating grand allegations of sexually abusing jury identified a total of eight boys who singled boys around the ages of 10-12, out Sandusky for sexual assaults between 1994- has been apparent since 1998 and 2009. Five-alleged victims testified that they met has only recently started coming to sandusky through The Second Mile Foster Home light. all of the young boys stated that they showered on Jerry Sandusky was the campus with Sandusky. Showers included hugs and defensive coordinator of Penn wrestling, and in one case, Sandusky placing the State for 23 seasons. By 1977 boys hand on his genitals. Sandusky had established The One child's mother reported the incident to Penn Second Mile Program, aimed to State police when her son returned home with his help troubled youth. In 1998 he from the shower. He looked into the showers and hair damp. After a detective got on the case, the was investigated by university and saw a boy being subjected to sexual activities District Attorney Ray Gricar decided not to pursue. state police, Centre County District with his hands on the wall by a nude Sandusky. Detective Shreffler testified, stating that director Attorney, Pennsylvania Department of of police Thomas Harmon told Shreffler to drop the Soon after, McQueary reported what he saw Public Welfare, and a "child protection case when University Police overheard coversations to Joe Paterno, the head coach. Paterno then agency" miraculously evaded charges. when a mother approached him about the alleged reported the incident to the then Athletic Director incident. Sandusky admitted to showering with The following year, Sandusky retired Tim Curley and Gary Schultz. Schultz was the the boys and stated that hewasn't planning on as Penn State's defensive coordinator senior vice president for finance and business, stopping. District Attorney Ray Gricar wasn't but still had access to the locker rooms overseeing the Penn State police department. and other facilities. Court documents available to testify as he he has been missing since Schultz and Curley's only responses to the stated that on the night of March 1, 2005. situation was to ban Sandusky from bringing any See Penn State on Page 3 2002 at 9:30 p.m, assistant coach children from the Second Mile program into the Mike McQueary entered the Lasch football building. To this day, the identity of the Football Building and heard what he Boots Never Get the Boot boy still remains a mystery. believed to be "sexual activity" coming By: Elijah Daniels, Fashion Page Editor Sandusky still was able to run a summer Furry, leather, high, low. Whatever the type, they’re a must-have for every season. Boots are versatile and add a different look to each outfit. Boots in the summer are viewed as weird or stupid, but it could actually be One Sip, Two Sip, Three Sip…Hangover a great move. Ladies, a light-weight By: Robert Wright, FHS Senior pair of thin boots or booties pair great with a maxi dress or a pair of shorts and the right top. Gentlemen, your of ten, their parents usually don’t even The students tell us that older friends or light-weight boots would go great with “Aye yo, you tryna pop bottles this know what they were doing. siblings obtain the alcohol. When drinking, a pair of shorts as well as a thin pair of week?” This is a common question in the student’s objective is to have fun and jeans. high schools all over the nation. High Teen drinking usually takes place at get drunk. The student feels that the media For Fall, boots are a steal! Female school students have tried or planned on parties: get-togethers, hotels, or other is what encourages students to drink. Ciroc, combat boots or calf to knee-high indulging in alcohol, liquor, and/or beer. social gatherings. About 81% of high boots compliment leggings, stockings, popularized by Hip Hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Ciroc, E&J, Hennessy, Absolute, Smirnoff, school students have tried drinking. The tights, or a dress, with a simple Combs, is many students’ favorite drink. Now are just some of the popular drinks of minimum legal age to drink in all 50 cardigan, vest, or jacket. Male combat what about the young preteens watching that choice. However, this is not the answer. states is 21. It’s crazy how the mean age boots combat boots, or chukka boots commercial? The Hillcrest, middle school, and They don’t understand or are even aware for a teen to drink is 15.6 years old. Every (such as Clarkes, for reference) can Sampson G. Smith students watching those of the damage it does to their bodies or day, about 7,000 kids, less than 16 years compliment a pair of jeans or shorts. types of commercials will think it’s okay. that it is not socially acceptable. old, take their first drink. They just don’t And winter is the best time for know the dangers of the “Devil’s Juice” Mr. Combs makes it look cool. As far as the boots. Girls and boys, your jeans (and Students drink for many reasons: [alcohol]. The truth is, you’re still growing underclassman drinking, the student says “it is thick leggings for girls) are a match relief of stress or tension, for the taste, and drinking will affect your growth and what it is.” with knee high boots or thick boots, to avoid peer pressure, to relax, to gain development. Nationwide, 90% of 9th What you the reader, student, parent, and/ sometimes lined with fur. A hooded confidence, to avoid boredom, to get graders, 49.7% of 10th graders, 50.9% of or faculty member need to know is that this is shirt, sweater or cardigan, long sleeved down with the ‘crew’, or just have fun shirt (preferably with a collar for the 11th graders, and 61.7% of 12th graders usewrong. Under aged drinking is not acceptable. and to get drunk. They come home, at guys), or a jacket/vest will finish your alcohol. It’s such a shame. Kids with bright The legal drinking age is 21 for a reason! You a time when their parents are asleep and outfit. futures, walking up the flight of steps that are young and full of life, and the sky is the cover up the aroma of alcohol breath So next time you look in your closet, lead to downfall. limit for you. Drinking does not make you with gum, mints, the smell of cologne or no matter the season, don’t forget your cool at all. You need to know the real effects perfume, a shower, or eating or drinking To see what goes on in the mind of a boots. before you even think of trying it. something non-alcoholic. Nine times out teen drinker, a student was interviewed. WARRIOR pg. 1 2 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 INSIDE FRANKLIN Franklin High School Presents: Our Town By: Mary Connelly, FHS Junior

The curtain opened as a hush fell “Things haven’t changed much as As the story moved along, the audience became more and more over the audience. All eyes were on we think they have. The message intrigued. The end of the drama left many heartbroken, and eyes stage for the first performance of that the characters try to portray were opened. The moral: don’t take for granted the small things Franklin High School’s fall drama, happening back then is the same in life, and don’t believe life is yours forever. Our Town. as it is now. We take each moment The play tells a story about daily for granted. We never appreciate life, love and marriage, and death each moment as we live it, but and eternity. Following the lives once it’s gone, we can never get it of two neighboring families--the back again,” Amy Russo explains. Webbs and the Gibbs--the play Audience member Alice Beals enhances the simplicity of each life. agreed, adding, “It made me re- “At first glance, the show seems evaluate my place in the world and kind of boring; it’s just two families what is really important to me in going through the mundane life.” activities of everyday life, but it’s Like any Franklin High School when you realize that they’re taking play, long hours of dedication, everything for granted that it hits determination, and hard work make you,” said Amy Russo. The message this play a great feat. Rehearsals, of the play had a large impact on sometimes lasting until eleven at actors and audience members alike. night, and memorizing countless Although some may believe that it lines were not easy for the cast. is impossible to relate to a century- The audience observed the cast’s old story, many of the themes adherence. Alice Beals noted, present in the plot are recurring in “The acting was fantastic, and the today’s society. Initially, one may message was clearly conveyed to question what the underlying theme the entire audience.” of this drama is about.

Model UN By: Kayla Lewis, FHS Junior Bullying: Harmful and Common By: Sammi Caramela, Advice Column Editor The Republic of Cuba and its economy are thriving despite the economic downturn with an unemployment rate of 1.6%. Only about 179,858 Pushed in the hallway, cut in lunch line, targeted by former friends, people are unemployed in Cuba, which is about equal to the population of the teased about weight problems--bullying is a major issue. Unfortunately, it city Providence in our state of Rhode Island. The American economy, however, doesn’t happen to be a rare one. is struggling to keep up, with a staggering unemployment rate of 9.7%. These Right within our very own Franklin High School, acts of bullying occur 30,330,542 unemployed Americans are about enough fill the entire country of quite frequently. Some are little incidents--such as being shoved on the Iraq. way to class--and others are larger ones--like becoming victimized by a Why is there such a drastic difference? How does the United States continue group of people. No matter the case, bullying is still present in FHS. to be a global superpower despite their economic setbacks? Model UN is a club There is no definite reasoning for why people turn to bullying, but in Franklin High School where they try to answer questions like these and many certain factors may have a strong impact. Some beliefs offered by FHS more questions about the international community through lively debate. students include superiority versus inferiority, humor purposes, and high Model UN stands for Model United Nations. The club simulates what real or low self-esteem. ambassadors do in the Unites Nations, a peace keeping body which was created A fellow FHS junior brought up the possibility of poor parenting resulting post World War II. This unique club is jam-packed with over 50 members who in bullying: “If they have been treated like that by their parents, then meet every Wednesday in the FHS cafeteria. Portraying representatives from there is a better chance that they’ll want to get their anger out on different countries such as Yemen, Kenya, Israel, Cuba and even the United someone else, or that they’ll just end up treating someone like that.” States is no easy task. They must research that country and its policies in order According to the Washington Richland School District’s Counselor Corner to accurately represent these nations. website, there are many factors: lack of warmth/attention, modeling of When asked why she joined Model UN and why she continued to actively aggressive behavior, parental supervision, which support the theory that participate in this club despite all the strenuous work, club member Priya family upbringing has a powerful influence on bullying. Kantesaria said, “I started Model UN freshman year when one of my good As mentioned by an anonymous student, security guards cannot monitor friends told me I just had to do it. When I went to the first meeting and learned everything; FHS is an exceptionally large high school. When bullying about nuclear non-proliferation, I was hooked!” occurs and isn’t dealt with, it worsens and becomes an extreme concern. She went on to explain that though she didn’t know what she was getting As indicated by Dr. Pauline Wallin, PhD. licensed psychologist, “bullying herself into, in hindsight, she is so happy that she started. When asked, is far from harmless.” It isn’t uncommon for bullying to lead to severe many of the members of this club have attested to the fact that Model UN is anxiety and/or depression. something that people fall in love with and wouldn’t quit despite all the hard Excessive harassment from others can make anyone feel lonely, work. distressed, and fed up. One FHS student--while being asked about her Priya continued to say, “I’ve stayed in it because Model UN is addicting. Of experiences with bullying--mentioned a time when her former friends had course my life would be so much simpler without all the work, but the ability turned against her and targeted her during school. “I didn’t understand and opportunity to learn about other nations and debate about politics that what I had done to deserve it,” she revealed, expanding upon how hurt don’t only influence the United States but the entire world is fascinating. It she was by the occurrence. helps me understand what goes on around me and inspires me to want to So how does this happen so often? “A lot of people shy away,” change it for the better.” explained a student of FHS who has been in a situation where she has felt The members of this club are able to strut their stuff and show off their frightened to speak up in her defense. “First result is fist.” knowledge when they go to Model UN conferences. This year, Franklin High While dealing with violence, poor parenting ties in once again. As School Model United Nations (FHSMUN) has already gone to Rutgers University per Jonathan L. Sheline, MD, MS; Betty J. Skipper, PhD; and W. Eugene Model United Nations (RUMUN), and will later be attending Philadelphia Broadhead, MD, PhD: “poor supervision or neglect by either parent, overly Model United Nations (PHILMUN), National High School Model United Nation harsh discipline by either parent, and lack of affection by the mother and/ (NHSMUN), among a few others. or father” may be the cause of violence in children. At these conferences, they have the opportunity to discuss various topics It’s very threatening to see such a serious matter taking place in such as non-self-governing territories, rule of law in transitional governments, our very own school. Whether it’s violence, physical abuse, emotional depleted uranium, and even the economic effects felt by a country that holds harassment, or just the use of intimidation--bullying harms. What many the Olympics. Stepping out of their own communities and viewing these topics do not realize is just how dangerous and just how common bullying in fact from the viewpoint of different countries gives the members a rare learning happens to be. By sitting back as merely witnesses, we are only feeding experience and the opportunity to be not only citizens of our own country but the fire that is slowly destroying others. Something needs to be done; it is world citizens. time to speak out against bullying. This club is a unique one with members who are intelligent and excited at the prospect of learning about different countries and tackling world issues. Advice Column: Coming Next Issue 3 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 DOMESTIC/INTERNATIONAL Penn State: Sandusky: Continued From Front Victims also testified that Sandusky caressed their legs while rubbing his hand around their aistbandw for their underwear. There are two accounts of oral sex from the boys. Penn State janitor James Calhoun reportedly observed Sandusky giving oral sex to an unknown boy, but Calhoun is suffering from dementia and was concluded to be incompetent for court. On Nov. 4, 2011, Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly Indicted Jerry Sandusky on 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys, following a three year investigation. Sandusky was arrested and charged with seven counts of involuntary sexual intercourse, eight counts of corruption of minors, eight counts of endangering a child's well being, numerous indecent assault charges, and several others. Sandusky is currently free on $100,000 bail, awaiting trial, and if convicted, could face life in prison. He most recently waived the preliminary hearing and is scheduled to be arraigned on January 11th. During a recent interview with Bob Costas, Sandusky has admitted to showering with young boys, "horseplaying" and caressing adolescents’ legs without sexual intent. When asked if he was sexually attracted to young boys, Sandusky hesitated before making this statement: "I like young people, I like being around them, but no I'm not sexually attracted to them". Questions arose surrounding the existence of any former knowledge by the University and Paterno; Sandusky seemed vehement about denying their knowledge. His answers were immediate and nearly trained with the absence of going in-depth about the accusation’s circumstances. Sandusky tried to downplay the severity of conducting heinous sexual acts against young boys; his attorney described Sandusky as a "big kid who likes to play around with kids" and says he has evidence of a few witnesses, children who will testify that some of the incidents did not occur the way that they are documented. The legendary reputation of this once famed and beloved University has been tarnished by horrific allegations and accusations. Various innocent lives are now destroyed, and it's unsure when the chaos will die down.

Herman Cain Scandal Changes GOP Race N Word: Use Of: Continued From Front By: Tiana Hyland; Managing Editor-In Cheif However, Franklin High School sophomore Naomi Clouden Due to a recent scandal Republican candidate Herman Cain has dropped out of the GOP has a completely dissimilar opinion. “[They] do not know the race. actual meaning of the word and [are] being ignorant. You Herman Cain, a 54 year old man, is yet another African- American candidate, who hoped never heard any Civil Rights leader use that word to their to win the GOP spot. He has now dropped out of his first time running for President, which advantage. In fact, Civil Rights leaders fought to abolish the wasn’t going so well due to accusations made by alleged “sexual partners”, one by the meaning and the word. Today people use the word because name of Ginger White. they ignore its actual meaning. No ethnicity should be using Ginger White, an Atlanta business woman, is a 46 year old single mother. White did an the word in a casual or slandering sense.” exclusive interview with Dale Russell of WAGA telling her side of the story. She wasn’t the In 1837, the “n-word” was already considered a huge slur only one who spoke out; Cain also told his side of the relationship in a press conference when Hosea Easton wrote The Condition of Colored People with CNN. White stated in her interview that she met Cain at a business trip for the of the United States and the Prejudice Exercised Towards National Restaurant Assn. Afterwards, she claimed the two had drinks. She went on to Them. He wrote that the term would be perfectly harmless in say that he began to compliment her repeatedly and told her that he would like to see her theory, but instead, it is used with the intent to deliberately again. She also said he flew her to business meetings and fancy hotels. Cain, however, make African Americans feel inferior. The word has the same didn’t claim knowing White in such a way, saying that he didn’t have any sexual relations definition today, which suggests that the word itself has with her. He backed his statement up by saying he was merely helping her financially. not evolved at all from 1837 until now. Rather, people have White described the affair as intriguing and exciting. She went on to say how she knew evolved around the word and have become aware of the he was married and how she felt “forced” to come out with this alleged scandal. This was word’s vindictiveness. due to Cain hammering on other females who’ve also claimed to have relations with Cain. Nevertheless, many agree that there are two modern "It bothered me that they were being demonized, sort of,” White said about other alleged definitions. The “n-word,” with an “a” at the end became more females. “They were treated as if they were automatically lying, and the burden of proof widely spread due to the emergence of hip-hop and rap music was on them, I felt bad for them.” She didn’t want rumors to come out about her, so she in the 1970s and 1980s. Since the movement, this form of the felt as though she had to tell her story. “n-word” is being used in a positive way; however Clouden thinks otherwise. “Many [rappers] choose to follow trends Cain only claimed a financial relationship with White without saying her name. Lucky for (trends being the “n-word”) to keep the brand that Black him, White has records of other scandalous attempts for money. However, Herman Cain Americans were given. They believe they are representing this didn’t feel so lucky because on Saturday, December 3rd, when he officially announced his word in a good way, when in actuality, the word will never lose resignation from the presidential competition. its meaning.” "As of today, with a lot of prayer and soul searching, I am suspending my presidential It is an unspoken rule that black people can say the campaign," said Cain in Atlanta in a new campaign headquarter. The scandal is very “n-word” because it expresses a common history. Since the beneficial to other GOP runners, particularly Newt Gingrich. use of the “n-word” by rappers, it has become accepted and “Opportunity is Knocking For Gingrich”, “The Return of Gingrich” and “Gingrich Dominates justified in some circles, especially among teens and those in The GOP pack”, are few of many headlines [taken from Death and Taxes Magazine, The the entertainment industry. Franklin High School sophomore State Column, and ABC News] about the popularity ladder that Gingrich is climbing. Elizabeth Anglin agreed with Clouden, saying, “[Rappers] use Entering the race was a bumpy road for Gingrich, with his popularity percentage being it because they feel a sense of power defining themselves as single digits, as opposed to those of Cain, Mitt Romney, and Rick Perry. Florida was the the ‘n-word’; they feel like that’s what they are and what they first state that was visited by the candidates following the release of Cain’s allegations. will always be.” Afterwards, The Florida Times Union conducted a telephone survey that included 513 Some have argued that turning the “n-word” into a registered voters, and 41 percent of the voters favored Newt Gingrinch, 17 percent favored compliment is a way of taking control and stripping racists Romney, and 13 percent favored Cain. No other candidates were in the double digits. of their power. “I believe it will always have a historical By: Megan Greenberg, meaning,” replied Karen Ruiz. “I don’t agree with those who Say, “Cheese!” for Equality FHS Senior try saying it casually; they must not have the full background Thousands across the country, including figures such as Run D.M.C., have expressed their on the word. It’s more powerful for those who had to go disdain for the “homophobia that is plaguing our culture.” By standing in front of celebrity through slavery and [were] discriminated against. Folks photographer Adam Bousk’s camera, they’ve helped promote marriage equality and who’ve gone through segregation relive the horrid memories Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) rights. of not having the same rights that an ‘American’ had, saying Since “NOH8’s” launch in 2008, the campaign has been registered with the IRS as the word is traumatizing and will always be remembered by a charitable non-profit organization. Over 13,000 people of every race, gender, social those who lived in a time of racial segregation.” standing, and sexual orientation have posed in front of the blanched white backdrop in In contrast, 16 year-old African American student, Antoinne response to California’s passing of Proposition 8, a proposition that has banned same-sex Watson thinks, “The ‘shock factor’ is effective in my opinion. marriage in the state. The word has been desensitized through excessive use. A Sporting white shirts, the black and red NOH8 logos on their cheeks, and silver duct tape cliché weights less than a taboo, for example, ‘I love you,’ over their mouths, subjects speak out for equality through silent protest, visually displaying or, ‘Yo I got raped in call of duty.’ The ‘n-word’ is a term of the silencing of the voices of LGBT members by the passing of laws such as Proposition 8 endearment and camaraderie.” and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Adversaries of the word’s casual use conclude that this The campaign’s supporters have their pictures displayed on the NOH8 website (www. type of controversy can be prevented with the right kind of noh8campaign.com), sorted into different photo albums. In one set of albums titled education. When the kids of today are taught the world’s “Familiar Faces,” you can find Run D.M.C.’s photo, along with those of Drew Carey, Jane history, they will be less ignorant in their own lives. Lynch, Dr. Drew, Megan and Cindy McCain--whose photo shoots were a shock to people everywhere--and even Prince Manvendra Singh of India. Profits from merchandise help fund The campaign’s website also includes a page called “Be Heard” in which participants share their experience with NOH8 and the meaning it holds to them. AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights) President Danny Ingram, in his statement titled “Overcoming DADT”, expresses his experience of being discharged from the military in 1994, following Bill Clinton’s promise in 1992 to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. On December 22, 2010, Ingram was invited to the White House to witness the signing of DADT’s repeal by President Barack Obama. Says Ingram, “Change does come to those who work long enough and have right on their side...I stand with the people of California. I also share your fights. You are on the front line, but many of us stand behind you.” NOH8 has held photo shoots all across the United States, from California to New Jersey. Soon the campaign will be traveling outside the country on its first cruise to Tahiti in June. Until then the NOH8 campaign will be holding events such as photo shoots in Detroit, Michigan, and on December 13th, 2011, NOH8 celebrated its third anniversary at the House of Blues in Hollywood California, a celebration which included live performances, celebrity appearances, and admission to all who wished to be heard by supporting the NOH8 Campaign’s silent protest. 4 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 Player SPORTS Spotlights

Derrick Thorne Nkosi Muse By: Tiana Hyland, Managing Editor-In Chief By: Teyra Anderson, Managing Editor-In Chief Who has curly hair, is about 5’8, and has excellent speed, you Nkosi Muse is more than just a “Trackboy”. He is a hard working senior ask? That’s Derrick Thorne, an FHS junior and varsity basketball who shows discipline, dedication, and determination in every aspect of player. His first year playing is something our Thorne can’t wait his life. Nkosi Muse is definitely on the for. Derrick tries his hardest to improve on and off the court fast track to success. and adores anybody who supports him. The Warrior: What are you most looking forward to The Warrior: How long have you playing in Varsity? been in track? Nkosi Muse: I’ve been running track Derrick Thorne: I’m looking forward to working since the sixth grade and made it a full my hardest in front of my friends and family. time sport my sophomore year.

W: As a team what do you guys hope to accomplish? W: What do you love most about Track? DT: I hope we can bond together as a team and finish NM: I love that in order to be great, it the season off with a great record. requires hard work, more than almost any other sport. It has made me into a W: What separates you hard worker in the classroom as well as from other players on on the track. the team? DT: I try to give a 100 [percent] every W: What is your favorite event? time I step on the NM: The 4x400 relay. Besides it being court. the most exciting, it requires the input of four sprinters rather than one. It W: How long have you takes some of the pressure off. been playing basketball? DT: I’ve been ballin since I was 5. W: What goals would you like to achieve by the end of your senior year? NM: I’d like to make it to the Meet of Champions this Winter and Spring, W: What’s the next take the county and conference, and place nationally at the Penn Relays step in your basketball in March with my team. career? DT: I’m looking forward to playing W: Do you plan on pursuing this sport in college? college basketball in NM: Yes, I plan on getting a scholarship to the University of Miami to run two years. and to further my education, foremost.

W: Could you provide an inspirational quote for us? W: Please give an inspirational quote. DT: “Your character is defined by who you are and what you do when [you’re] not being watched.” NM: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” This resonates in my head whenever I’m running and it starts to get hard or when I feel pain in the middle of lifting a weight; I push harder to push the weakness out. NBA: More Money, More Problems By: Hawanatu Savage & Michael Abiola, FHS Seniors Forderingham resigns from coaching at Franklin By this time of the year, every NBA arena should be packed with fans cheering their By: Jarrett Edwards, FHS Senior team on. Announcers should be announcing, coaches should be coaching, and most importantly, players should be playing. Unfortunately, they’re not. Following the recent resignation of Coach Kerry Foderingham, the FHS varsity basketball team had yet to find another coach. Just after NBA players were locked out from playing by the NBA owners. Games were cancelled two seasons as The Warriors head coach, he had held a record of 20- at least through the end of November while the players and the owners met to agree over 27. The Warriors have now had three different coaches in three years. how to split up the billions of dollars they make. Kerry Foderingham was a man who helped players on and off the Players, including Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, filed antitrust lawsuits against the court. The Kean University graduate had high hopes for his seniors this league in New York and Miami. Attorney David Boies, who represented the NFL during that year. Foderingham resigned for personal reasons. sport's work stoppage, had been brought aboard by basketball players. The Warriors are a team surrounded by much adversity. The team The revenue split that was initiated before the lockout was 57/43, but the owners claim has 12 seniors on the roster, the most since 2003, the last year to be losing almost $300 million a year. With the players not wanting to agree to the split Franklin won a county championship. This year, they’re faced with a given by the owners, David Stern, commissioner of the NBA, and other owners offered an tough conference. They haven’t had a winning season since 2006 and ultimatum. finished 4th in the conference last year. The players would get a 50/50 revenue split. However, if the league does well Tons of coaches across New Jersey were flocking to Franklin High financially, then the players get 51% of revenue, but if the league financially does not, School since its posting on the high school basketball coaching network they receive a 49% in revenue. If the players did not except that deal then it would drop on November 10th. The school’s interviews were November 10th and back to 47% in revenue. were taking this process very slow; candidates included former Duke November 15th was the 138th day of the lockout. Games through Dec. 15 were star Roshown McLeod, former Wagner standout Darren Plummer, and canceled. With the NBA season slowly lingering away, some of the NBA’s elite players were many more well rounded coaches. Senior guard Stephen Mayer says, preparing themselves for the worst and were looking to play overseas. ”anything less than a championship this year is a failure. This team "If you're in a poker game, and you run a bluff, and the bluff works, you're a hero. If has been together since 8th grade. We know each other well and have someone calls your bluff, you lose. I think the owners overplayed their hand," Boies said at a strong bond. We will lead this team to victory.” The Warriors have a the players' association headquarters. tough schedule and opened up Dec. 16th at Hillsborough. While the Players Union has rejected all of the owners’ offers over and over, some of After speaking to the new head coach Darren Plummer, The Warriors the NBA elite players have showed that the 50/50 split wasn’t a fair offer, and some just are taking things in a new direction. Some of Plummer’s goals are to wanted the season to start, no matter what it took. win a county championship, win at least one state game, and finish top "Me personally, I didn't think it was a fair deal," said Boston Celtic All-Star Rajon Rondo, 20 in the state. Plummer is changing the whole system and plans to according to an ESPN interview. "Everybody's itching to play basketball; everybody wants run offense designed to get his players the ball in easy scoring areas. to see basketball, even both sides.” He has always been a coach that praised defense and will continue to Thankfully, the players and owners have come to a conclusion on a deal. The season do the same as the new head coach. will start on Christmas day, and for many NBA fans the season starting on December 25th would be a Christmas gift in itself. 5 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 Entertainment Drake Takes Care of Fans Drake’s Take Care Album Was Worth The Wait By: Alyssa Smith, FHS Senior By: Ekeoma Chukwuma, FHS Senior “Rich off a mix tape--got rich off a mix tape.” Rapper/Singer Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake, released his album “Take Care” on Tuesday November 15th. Drake’s humble beginnings are exposed on The album cover really gives the best impression of its content. Sitting in a room with a stark black and tarnished gold song number eight “Underground Kings.” The palette, Aubrey "Drake" Graham seems to be concentrating with the expression on his face. You feel the emotion. The Canadian actor-turned-rapper with the sultry album takes the listener into the life of the 25-year-old rapper/singer who is conscious about every aspect of his fame, voice is who’s on everyone’s lips. fortune, and relationships. Drake’s sophomore album “Take Care” has “Take Care” features guest appearances from a number of other stars, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne Rick certainly taken care of his fans with his new Ross, Weekend and André 3000. album full of so many emotions “arrogance, To fans of all hip-hop, they consider it an art. Drake is one of many people’s favorite rappers, and listeners of Drake sadness, tenderness, and self-pity” according to highly recommend this album and truly feel he deserves a lot of sales. So listen to the album and read this review with one Rolling Stone journalist. “I was in love two an open mind. years ago and gave the baggage to my ex that’s all for her to carry...” to “I might be too strung Ekeoma’s Fave 5 : out on compliments, overdosed on confidence…” 2. Track 5. ‘Take Care’ Feat. Rihanna Drake gives us a taste of his emotional R&B side 1. Track #2. ‘Shot for Me’ This is another absolute favorite song because and some of his hard hitting rap lines; something many can relate to it. This song is to anybody for the ladies and also for the gents. This is a favorite track in the album for many; Drake shows off who’s ever been in love and hurt deep; the words Drake has various artists featured on this his vocal skills in a smooth R&B vibe as he addresses a woman to this song speak directly to you. Not knowing sophomore album. On song number 4 “Crew of his past who regrets ending their relationship. who or if you can trust again, or when you’re put Love” Drake featured new singer The Weekend. Drake explains how he became successful and made her who in a situation where your heart is telling you one On the song, The Weekend serenades the listener she is now. “Can’t you see that I made it? Yeah I made it thing and people try to tell you otherwise. When about groupies who hang on to Drake’s crew and First I made you who you are, then I made it.” He offers his you truly need someone to “take care” of you, the crazy parties and encounters “the crew” has. support and tells her to take a shot for him. He ends with the but you just won’t let them. It’s a lot to take in, Song number 5 which features Rihanna spoken-word message, “May your neighbors respect you, but Drizzy speaks the truth with Rihanna adding is a duet between the two, where they sing trouble neglect you, angels protect you, and Heaven accept her angelic voice as the icing on the cake. about a struggling relationship; they’ve been you.” hurt previously but are willing to be there for 3. Track 11. ‘Cameras / Good Ones Go’ each other so they can have a strong bond. 4. Track 12. ‘Doing It Wrong’ Feat. Stevie Wonder Surprisingly, Kendrick Lamar obtained his own This is basically two songs combined and both of When you team up with a legend like Stevie Wonder, you track on the album. His song is about his acquired them are awesome. have to embrace your soulful side and that’s exactly what fame that Drake helped him achieve. Lamar raps With the song “Cameras” starting it off as nice, slow Drake does. This song is another favorite of mine. There are about what fame does to your life, career, and paced, R&B track that makes you want to get your not many different lyrics in this song, but the message gets its relationships--how you ultimately belong to the two-step on. The message that he’s giving off in this point across by the words he chose to use. “Cry if you need to, people after you become a celebrity. is nice. He shouts out to the haters who think they but I can’t stay to watch you, that’s the wrong thing to do.” The infamous Nicki Minaj also found her way know everything about him and his team and asks, The feeling of getting sucked back in once that first tear falls. onto a track. “Make Me Proud” is Drake’s letter “thought you knew about the team?” He also brings “Touch if you need to, but I can’t stay to hold you, that’s the to all the ambitious girls who hold their own; he up a good point that cameras can tell lies. People may wrong thing to do.” That familiar feeling of holding the one that sings of how proud he is of their independence. not always truly look like what they show on camera. you can’t let go of. “Talk if you need to, but I can’t stay to hear Nicki takes the place of one of those women and The second half of this interlude is the song “Good you, that’s the wrong thing to do.” He hits the nail right on the raps about how she can take care of herself, but Ones Go.” Which all of us should be able to relate head with this one. The hardest thing to do is to just walk away, would give it all up for her man if he asked. to! Having someone in the palm of your hand, but and Drake shows that listening, holding, or watching someone Following Ms. Minaj on the track listing is a waiting just too long. Then they move but you don’t cry will make the process 100 times harder. Not only are the feature from The Boss, Rick Ross. He raps about want them to because you still want them. words touching, but the gorgeous harmonica solo at the end by his love to rap, money, greatness, and just how legendary Stevie Wonder is truly beautiful. 5. Track 15. ‘Look What You’ve Done’ much swag and money he has, ultimately a slap in the face to all his haters. This is another favorite song. ‘Look What You’ve Done’ defiantly shows Drake’s sensitive side. This track would make Finally, there are three tracks featuring Drake’s many cry the first time they hear it. Drake touches on how he tries to convince his mother to quit smoking and and on mentor Lil Wayne. The first track he is featured the arguments they had. When all is said and done though, we know the rest of the story. He blows up and is able to on reminisces about all the different women give his mother everything he promised her. That whole first verse is touching. The second verse is just as touching they’ve been with. They rap (and Drake sings though, as he speaks of his uncle who was a father figure to him. The way he speaks about him shows that he was a some too) about how they feel even before they driving force and believer in Aubrey from the beginning. Overall, this is one of those songs where you can hear an artist know a girl they already know the “real her” really speak to the loved ones in their life that helped them become who they are today. Great song! (hints the title), because all these girls are the same. The next song Wayne is featured on is called What’s Your Greatest Christmas Memory? “HYFR”. The two rap about all the allegations that the paparazzi throw at them, and how they just agree with “Parting and being with my family.”- Ariel Chun all the questions to get the reporters out of their face. The last song Lil Wayne is featured on is called “The “Getting all the gifts that I wanted.”- Tykirah Daniels Motto”, one of the more popular songs on the album “Seeing the beautiful snow outside and waking up to the smell of hot chocolate.”- Nichelle Gayle (it received radio play within the first week of the “Seeing my family.”- Amanda Printon album dropping). The beat definitely gives off a club vibe, makes you want to blast it in your car with all the “Going to Disney World.”- Ghiday Lamptey windows down. YOLO (You Only Live Once) is the entire “Going shopping.”-Ali Gadalla theme of this song, in the end YOLO is “The Motto”. The pair rap about the things they do, simply because you “My favorite memory is going to my grandparents house and eating a traditional seven fishes dinner.” -RJ only live once. I guess when you’re a famous rapper Moreen your able to do whatever you want. “My favorite holiday memory is when we had to order Chinese food for Christmas dinner because there My personal favorite song is between “Shot for was a blizzard and we couldn’t make it to Christmas dinner.”-Kayla Lewis Me” and “Hate Sleeping Alone”. In “Shot for Me”, He sings to his exes about how no one will ever compare to “My favorite holiday memory is getting a candy cane from Chris Brown.”-Jemila Alghali him. The beat entices your ears from the very second it “Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my mom-mom’s and pop-pop’s house for the seven fishes. plays. Drake talks regarding of how the woman’s very It’s nice to see everyone and relax together while celebrating this Italian tradition.”-Sammi Caramela essence is all him… he made her. And now that he’s “made it” she should take a shot for him to congratulate “When my brother saw his first ever train set, he was so happy.”-Tyler Thalman him on his success. My other personal favorite “Hate “My favorite Christmas memory would be when I spent Christmas morning at the train Sleeping Alone” is a song to the girl Drake is currently station by myself, trying to get to my family members.” -Quetzali Diaz in a relationship with. He tries to explain to her that he sleeps with other girls but doesn’t necessarily do “My Favorite memory of Christmas is when I went sledding with my family. A sled hit my anything with them, he just hates sleeping with them. little brother, so he had to go home early. I laughed really hard.” -Emma Gordon The girl fights with the idea the whole of him doing this, which is the tension he sings and raps about during the “My grestest memory was the first year I put up a Christmas Tree.”- Tiana Hyland 3 minute song. “When I helped my baby sister put the angel on top of the tree.”- Elijah Daniels Overall, you can hear and feel the maturity that “When i got my baby jeep.” -Ketuora Williams has taken place since his freshman album “Thank Me Later.” He continues to give the people what we want. “Throwing up on my brother on the car ride to Ohio.” - Joe Seiwert Drake raked in the third-largest sales week of 2011 with Take Care, selling 631,000 copies in his first week. 6 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 Health/ Opinion The End to HIV/AIDS: What Do Teens Really Know? Breast Cancer By: Gabrielle Kissi, FHS Junior By: Olivia Ugwuneri, FHS Senior sex.” Rock Hudson was the first are a group of related symptoms “Enough is enough,” says celebrity to come forward with his There are ways teens can be that are caused by advanced HIV HIV positive status. He was a huge more aware about HIV/AIDS. A the National Women’s Health infection or when someone has film star in the 1950’s and 1960’s good way to find out about HIV/ Network. The January 1, less than 200 immune cells. This and did over seventy motion pictures AIDS and how it can affect you 2020 breast cancer goal is to disease makes the body vulnerable and died of AIDS in 1985. His death or even someone close to you is to life-threatening illnesses reduce the number of new was not in vain; America began to to talk to Mrs. Shannon, the TAG called opportunistic infections. cancer, the illness, disability, realize anyone could end up living (Teens Achieving Goals) program Hundreds of U.S. teens become and death caused by cancer. with HIV/AIDS. coordinator. infected with HIV each year. HIV If you do not feel comfortable Many organizations and HIV/AIDS is a growing problem can be transmitted from an infected talking to an adult, you can support groups are motivated with teens in high school through person to another person through talk to a member of Teen PEP. college, and many are not well blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and and strongly believe the There is no cure for AIDS, which educated about the disease. Ervin breast milk. What teens often think outcome will be successful. makes prevention so important. “Magic” Johnson, speaking about is that they can get infected through Combinations of antiviral drugs For several years, being diagnosed with HIV, says, holding hands or from other casual and immune system boosters have other organizations' “The important thing is this that just contact, which is not true. because I'm doing well doesn't mean allowed many people with HIV accomplishments weren't FHS sophomore Jacqueline stated, that they're going to do well if they to resist infections, stay healthy, enough to achieve its mission. “My knowledge on HIV/AIDS is that in get HIV. A lot of people have died and prolong their lives, but these some cases it can be deadly. I don’t In actuality, more than since I have announced. This disease medications are not a cure. Right know anyone who has HIV/AIDS, 250,000 women will be is not going anywhere.” now there is no vaccine to prevent which is good; the only person I can HIV and AIDS, although researchers diagnosed with invasive and According to Teens Health, HIV think of is Magic Johnson.” When are working on developing one. in-breast cancer. The process (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) asked if she thinks HIV/AIDS affects It’s true: knowledge is power. may take 40,000 lives in the is a virus that takes over certain kids our age, she responded by HIV affects millions of people immune system cells to make stating, “No, I don’t think HIV/AIDS United Stated and 500,000 worldwide–people living with HIV many copies of itself. HIV causes affects kids our age because I feel worldwide. “Plainly, we need as well as their loved ones. By slow but constant damage to the they have the least possible chance of something more powerful educating yourself about HIV and immune system. AIDS (Acquired getting it, but if they do get infected AIDS, you can better guard your than hope.” Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is by it, it’s because there are not health and maximize prevention. For many decades, breast the condition diagnosed when there getting tested and having unprotected cancer has been dealt with by hope, and it isn’t working. According to the Dirty mouth? Clean it up. 2011 National Breast Cancer By: RJ Moreen, FHS Freshman Coalition, 119 women died Someone who you will converse with for the next hour is sitting next to you in class. As he/she opens his/ of breast cancer each day. her mouth to talk to you, you suddenly smell something funky. After countless treacherous minutes you realize Today, it’s about 110 deaths. that the funky smell is your partner’s breath. While reaching into your bag to find some minty gum, you start to Although it has been twenty second guess if giving your partner gum is rude. years, there has been no Blog.therabreath.com says that at any given moment, 50% of Americans have bad breath. Only about 2% of those people are told and/or helped. From the survey conducted, about 60% of people would tell another person significant progress. that their breath smells. But the expanding of “I wouldn't want to be rude,” or “ I don't want to embarrass the person,” was the common excuse found. Most screening programs, of the people said that if they had bad breath they would want to know. Getting rid of bad breath isn't so hard; fundraising efforts, and just by chewing a piece of gum, you can significantly lower the number of bacteria. But the first step in stopping research, campaigns to raise anything is knowing that the problem is there in the first place. awareness, breast cancer Even though bad breath isn't a serious life-threatening illness, it still can make people very uncomfortable. incidence and the lost of So the next time someone’s breath isn't the best, in the nicest way possible, tell them. In the end, by telling the other person, it makes everything easier. You won’t have to deal with the uneasiness that bad breath causes, and lives have not changed. it’s a lot less embarrassing to be told once than to go around all day “showing off” your putrid breath to everyone Prevention is more realistic you meet. than curing. "The goal is not to create better tools to identify breast cancer, or better mechanisms To Legalize or Not: Marijuana on the National Scale for managing it. The goal By: Emma Gordon, FHS Sophomore is to take what is already known and it builds upon According to Time Magazine, a solid 42% of Americans have tried weed at least once. This leads one to ask that knowledge for the the question; why hasn’t the government taken the initiative and made this once outlawed substance into a cash crop? sole purpose of ending the As of the past few decades, one of the big questions on every one's mind has been, “What’s so bad about disease," says The National smoking weed?” The criminalization of marijuana is something that has been protested against by people of Breast Cancer Coalition all colors and creeds, all over the country. It has already been made legal for medical use in 16 states and the (NBCC). District of Columbia but is still a substance that has a jail sentence attached to it. Breast cancer can’t be Well, if you look at it from a proponent’s view, they have no excuse. cured for life; the only thing Marijuana is probably the most used illegal substance in America. The reasoning for this is that, for the most everyone can is do is to part, weed is considered a ‘safe’ drug; just another part of life for most people. It has been statistically shown detect it at an early stage. to cause much fewer deaths than alcohol every year, and is in general not any more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. Legalization could also help on the criminal front. It’s in the blood and it’s a Drugs are what fund many crime rings all over the country; legalization could help eliminate this. Drug hereditary problem. If a related gang disputes would go down, and the current drug trade from Mexico would be cut in half, helping to mother has or had breast quell the current violence happening. Teens would no longer get caught in drug busts and accused of being cancer, then there is a chance criminals, sent into spiraling lives of imprisonment and crime. Marijuana could be taxed, regulated by the FDA, that her daughter or son and sold in stores as a legitimate product. might be the next victim. Just think of all the extra tax dollars the government could rake in. With the economy as it is, why would they miss out on a chance like this? Sadly, the resolution is not as black and white as that. As we’ve all been taught from young childhood, weed is a “stepping stone drug”; taking it will eventually lead to use of harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin. While this is obviously not always true, there are still many cases of it occurring. Weed being made legal could lead to the legalization of these more harmful drugs, possibly all drugs. The amount of marijuana addictions would increase, as would stoned driving, and other possible dangerous activities. See Marijuana Page 8 7 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 OPINION What the $@*? Rules Are Rules By: Teyra Anderson, Managing Editor-In Chief By: Theresa Kanneh, FHS freshman When it comes to the way they dress- You hear it spoken in the school hallways, looking fashionable for -wearing jeans that on television, in the workplace, and maybe can use to describe how you feel? A local school, a lot of students hang well below even at home. Roughly 80-90 spoken Temperament Therapist said, “There mistake that to mean their hips and body words each day are profanity, according to maybe no other words to describe ones dressing scantily for hugging shirts that statistics. emotions for some people because they school. The truth is: you reveal too much have not been taught how to efficiently Profanity refers to words, gestures, or don’t need to wear skimpy cleavage. communicate their frustration.” This other social behaviors used to insult, to be outfits to be trendy. As a result of this statement definitely has truth to it; some rude, to be vulgar, or to show disrespect. Despite the fact that our too many outsiders people today have not been taught self The word “profane” comes from the Latin school has a dress code have come to believe control and how to articulate themselves language meaning “outside the church”. system set up to restrain that all FHS students without the use of profanity. The word strongly became linked with students from wearing are “skanky” and blasphemy. “It saddens me to hear teens curse; I revealing outfits, more “ghetto”. feel that in our country where there is free In Western culture, the meaning of than a handful of students Though this is education they should have been taught profanity has been extended to various enter the school everyday certainly not true, how to intelligently express themselves. words and phrases, mainly slang or words dressed in clothes that the way some I also believe it is a reflection of what and phrases used by the lower class. Today, reveal too much bare students dress they maybe hearing at home or in the swear words have become more tolerable. It skin and are obviously provoke these media which is equally disturbing,” said is commonly used in literature, music, and inappropriate to any rumors. an FHS parent. This parent makes an film. The use of profanity is no longer used onlooker. So if you stop and excellent point and also briefly sheds light for its shock value, but to express strong So how does this kind really think about on profanity in the media today. Although feelings and thoughts as well as “denoting of behavior affect FHS? it, these rumors are many words and phrases are still censored elements of realism”. The students wearing such not just flying out today, profanity is no longer as offensive outfits do not only draw of the blue. You or During an interview with ten students, as it once was. eight out of the ten of admitted to cursing negative attention toward someone you know Profanity has become quite common often. One FHS student stated, “I curse themselves, but the school at FHS could be amongst people today and will still be because there are no other words to describe as a whole gets a bad the very cause of tomorrow. Whether or not you choose to how I’m feeling, how angry I am.” Is this reputation. the crummy labels express yourself using swear words, you true? Are there really no other words you The disregard so many that are permeating should always consider the people around students have for the about our own dress code is reflected in school. New 7 Minute Teaching Rule? By: Tori LaBirt, FHS Sophomore A new rule was passed by the Board of Education. The rule states that teachers can only teach for 7 minutes per class, can’t write on the board as much as they use to, and are limited to what they can write. The purpose of this rule isn’t quite clear, but we can assume that it was to get rid of students’ fear to raise their hands and ask questions by having them interact with their peers more Of course, however, with change there come benefits and problems. The benefits of this change would be making students a little more comfortable in class interacting with their peers and solving problems by themselves on the board. Unfortunately though, the majority of students and teachers disagree with this new rule and see it as negatively affecting students and their grades. Teachers are struggling with having their students fully understand what they are trying to teach, limiting their time to teach and what they can do, making it harder for students to comprehend what they are learning. The idea of having students ask each other their questions is a good idea, but the problem is that the rest of the students don’t understand either, leaving everyone confused and teachers no way to get everyone to fully understand without disobeying the new rule. Many students such as Alexis Chyz, a 10th grader at Franklin High School hates the new rule she says that, “Last year there was a lot more explanation and step by step teaching. For instance, in Spanish 2 Honors we are doing new words and conjugations, and we aren’t being told how to do it; we have to figure things out on our own. For me, that means I usually get it wrong. I end up getting bad grades in certain classes because of this rule. This rule isn’t helping us; there’s almost no reason to be in school anymore since we have to teach ourselves so much.” A majority of people agree with Alexis; the new rule is only making their grades take a steady plunge downhill. A numerous amount of students are furious and taking it out on their teachers, not understanding that it truly isn’t their teacher’s fault. Luckily, there are a few teachers who know about this rule and don’t abide by it. They understand that they aren’t following what they are suppose to be doing, and can possibly get in trouble for it, but they teach the old way anyway. In some subjects it is obvious what teachers are following the rule and who aren’t, based off of the majority of the grades in that class, particularly if students who usually get A’s are suddenly getting D’s or possibly failing. High School GPAs, test scores, and course levels are what colleges look at. If good, smart students’ GPAs and test scores go bad, they won’t get into AP and honors classes, making really good colleges that they may want to attend overlook them, thinking they don’t fit the criteria of their college or university. The solution is simple; if the rule were to be dropped, which could be done easily and things were to go back to the way it was last year, students can try to bring up their grades and do better for the rest of the year.

Occupying Wall Street By: Tyler Thalman, FHS Junior

Hundreds of people screaming. Pepper spray everywhere, causing people to fall to the ground in tears. It’s madness! Someone is really going to get hurt unless major action is taken. That’s Occupy Wall Street for you. Occupy Wall Street is a major event that is still happening as we speak. A group of lower class and middle class people have started calling themselves “the 99”, those who receive “normal paychecks”, excluding the 1% of American millionaires. The 99% are not happy that the government is refusing to lower their taxes and raise the millionaire’s taxes. Some people thought it would be a good idea to stand in a park about a block away from Wall Street and scream while waving signs about how they’re the 99%. Once people saw what was happening, more people started to join. Eventually they start pitching tents and sleeping there like it was their normal house. The town that the protesters formed had a library, a soup kitchen, a hospital, and hundreds of people slept there every night for about 2 months. Then about a hundred more patrolled the park and all the NYPD could do was watch because they were doing nothing illegal. The protesters were getting rather impatient and start mocking the NYPD, and that’s when it started getting ugly. The NYPD started to assault the protesters. The protest spread in Denver, Seattle, and Los Angeles. At that time there were at least 10,000 people protesting at one time for the same cause. Personally I don’t have a problem with going to the protest after work for maybe an hour just to speak your mind. But when you sleep there for days protesting “I lost my house” or “I can’t find a job,” I have a problem. You are protesting that you don’t have a job? How about you go looking for one? I’m 16 years old and I have friends every week getting jobs at Wendy’s, Ihop or Walgreens. There may not be many corporation jobs available, but there are jobs out there that will help you pay your bills. You lost your house due to the house market crash? Who told you that you could afford a $500,000 house when you only make $75,000?

See Wall Street Page 8 8 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 OPINION Wall Street: Marijuana: Continued From Page 7 Continued From Page 6 I am glad that the owner of the park kicked the protesters out because this protest has to stop. They are making fools out of themselves. Want to Though there would probably be an age limit set on buying hear my solution? Go home, make a resume, apply to any job that is hiring weed, the legalization of it can affect children as young as middle no matter how crappy the job may be, and start working. If you have to school. start out a minimum wage, then that’s what you have to do. Better jobs will Despite hazards to misplaced teenagers, drug arrests for come around and that’s when you start over. substances such as marijuana have helped police arrest many Stop crying to the government because, to be honest, they don’t care criminals or possible criminals and keep them off the streets. If that you lost your house. Eventually everything will get better. Like George weed were a legal substance, many of these individuals would be Adams once said, “If you have nothing else to do, look about you and see if able to go free. there isn’t something close at hand that you can improve! It may make you While it would be legal and sold in stores, there are many wealthy, though it is more likely that it will make you happy”. instances of people buying things illegally (music, DVDs, clothes, etc.) because they are cheaper. Weed is something that can be grown in your backyard, and that can be sold by anyone. Who says illegal trade won’t be sustained by this exact reasoning? Let’s Find the PAL In Principal On an international scale, the United States could be persecuted By: Shelby Copeland, Inside Franklin Page Editor for doing this. It would be the only first world country to have weed categorized as a legal crop, and this could likely lead to trade issues with other countries. In Asia, marijuana use is virtually non-existent You’ve read the letters, heard the announcements and have been told time and confirmed as completely illegal; the various Asian governments and time again that, yes, Franklin High School will be getting a new principal would probably not react well to the influx of drugs coming from before the year is out. America that they would have to then regulate, leading America to With a heavy heart, Dr.Hackett announced her resignation and it has left have its trade ended with some of the world’s rising industries. students pondering what would become of the FHS enviroment with someone Now with a better perspective on the issue, I’m sure you can see new in command. why the government wasn’t so quick to jump on the ‘Legalize It’ Further, it is even more compelling to hear what high expectations are bandwagon. Both sides on this issue have legitimate points, and held for the new principal--over the past few weeks both students and staff both worry about the future of our nation in regards to this issue, have expressed their views on what foundations they favored from past as it affects so many millions of Americans. Staying as we are and experiences. changing our policy both have pros and cons; this is a real-world An FHS junior Dionna Burks stated, “The principal should be interactive issue, with realistic consequences to our actions. Is legalizing really with the students.” Junior Douglas McCormick also commented, “[The new the way to go? It’s now up to the courts to decide. principal] should be able to provide for those who do right a proper incentive.” Not only are students active in revealing their thoughts, but staff members English teacher Ms. Reddin says, “Hall sweep passes and enforcing the dress code [should be reinforced with ADVISOR: the new principal].” When determining what the ruling thoughts are for the up and coming leader, it appears as though it is a very important factor to find the “pal” in principal, but it may not be so easy to suit all of the Ms. Alice Lee, Ed.M. striking demands. Bustling hall sweeps, strict dress code reinforcements and consistent class assemblies all, at Editor-In Cheif: first, took a lot of getting used to--yet they are now just another part of the school’s process. Tobi Raji If our current interim principal is anything like the previous ones, then Franklin is sure to stay afloat and still on the road to success; and if for any reason, it does not all go as planned, at least everyone will know what Managing Editor-In Cheifs: was expected. Teyra Anderson Tiana Hyland Inside Franklin Page Editor: Christmas Story By: Luther S. Davis, FHS Senior Shelby Copeland Mistletoes, egg nog, and family-- My siblings and I drifted off to sleep and could Sports Page Editor: that’s the meaning of Christmas and the hear the rumbling of Gifts when we awoke at 4:30 Brianna Holcomb holidays to me. As I grew up, I learned in the morning. As I peaked around the door and Class of 2012 Journalists: through it all that for this one time of watched the man dressed in a red suit and I could Luther Davis the year, maybe just for the moment, we have sworn that it was Santa. I snuck back into our Robert Wright could enjoy the company of our loved room and acted like I was sleep for the next hour ones. Ekeoma Chukwuma and a half. Hawa Savage But as we have grown up and gotten When we all woke up, we had to wait for each older we have lost sight of the meaning of other to open gifts. The mountains of toys made Olivia Ugwuneri the holiday and began to set our sights on my heart race to find out which ones were mine- Micheal Abiola the gifts that we attain every year from -bikes, car sets, train sets, and every color Power Jarrett Edwards almost anyone who is willing to give. Ranger you can imagine. These times showed me Yayonna Bangura One of my first memories of Christmas that family has more meaning to it than arguing Alyssa Smith was when I was just 5 years old. It was and constantly fighting. Megan Greenberg late night Christmas Eve, and my brothers Now that I’m older, we seem to have lost a lot of Class Of 2013 Journalists: and I were anxious to let the night fall and holiday virtue, and the holidays make me wonder: wake early to get to the mountains of gifts would it still be the same if you weren’t to receive Kayla Lewis that awaited us. gifts? What would your holiday mean if you didn’t Tyler Thalman The night fell, and we were nowhere have a huge feast and everyone around? I think it Sammi Caramela near ready to fall asleep. Soft chocolate makes me realize that I cherish and love my family Quetziali Diaz chip cookies and a warm glass of milk sat more than any expensive gift. Mary Connely near the door for “Santa Claus”. Jemila Alghali Class of 2014 Journalists: Tori LaBirt Occupying Our Right To Democracy By: Parth Patel, FHS Emma Gordon Gabrielle Kissi What is a democracy? Is it not a a comfy desk job in your cute little As for the matter of the police Class of 2015 Journalists: form of government in which the cubicle, isn’t it? Jobs aren’t just pepper-spraying protesters, people dictate what goes on? It lying around begging to be taken. apparently hardcore chanting Rj Moreen is definitely not, however, a form Even lower level jobs, i.e fast food, is now a serious threat. Just Parth Patel of government in which inactive cashier, and etc, are getting filled because some taunts were TyQashia Hall citizens point and laugh at the up quickly. And let’s say you were to thrown does not advocate the care about the issue, right? The whole people who are willing to fight for get a job as a full time cashier. You use of physical retaliation. Maybe point of protests is to show just how what’s right. would be getting, on average, 20K. next we’ll go around hitting important the issues are to these people. People are always talking about Property taxes on average are 7K. everyone who taunts us. That’ll That’s why they’re willing to suffer. how the people at Occupy Wall That means that an average family solve things, right? Continue “crying” to your government Street are just too lazy to get can live off of 13K for the whole People say that the protestors’ because, honestly, they SHOULD care. a job. But when’s the last time year? Think about the kids, Charlie. two month stay is ridiculous. It’s their job. Nothing will get better you tried looking for a job that’ll So instead of occupying your time But think how stupid it would unless you make it so. As Daniel Webster pay for your mortgage, property on a job that’s just not going to be if they just started, “going to once said, it’s “The people’s government, taxes, and your family? It’s pretty cut it, wouldn’t it make more sense protest after work for maybe an made for the people, made by the easy to point fingers and judge a to look for jobs that actually can hour”? Such dedication would people, and answerable to the people.” person when you’re hiding behind support you? definitely show that you really