January 2016 Ask A

Home , Anaconda (character), Kirko Bangz, The Abominable Bride

The Badger Pause Volume 11, Issue 5 14510 North Cheshire Street, Burton, Ohio January 2016 Ask A... by Sam Martinjako, BP Staff Writer Q: Why didn’t we have a snow day A: OUR AMERICAN PRIDE WILL today? NEVER ALLOW US TO BECOME A: You didn’t wish hard enough, COMMUNISTS. As for other coun- slacker. tries, I do not know. Q: Will we ever have a snow day? Q: Can you tell me why Donald A: If we didn’t already have one by Trump shouldn’t be president? the time this article is published, then A: I’m not sure if I can trust a man we may just have to abandon hope. If with hair like that. we did though, I guess your question Q: What does human blood taste answered itself. like? Q: Am I ever going to get off the A: Garlic, you vampire. bus? Q: Can I ask a statement? A: Probably not, for life is just a A: Can I answer with a question? series of buses. Q: Why has the dress code become Q: What’s my favorite color? such a problem? A: Coral Blue #2? A: I don’t know, but it needs to be Q: What do lizardmen eat? solved. round shape is the easiest to form due to photo courtesy of: davegranlund.com A: They eat normal food so that Q: What does it mean to be human? this. The more dense particles became Donald Trump at it again they’re not discovered. You never the core of the earth, and the less dense I’m asking for a friend. I’m not a what you make of it” type of answer. know who’s a lizard. particles became the surface. This is robot. I have skin. Q: What is love? (Baby don’t hurt me) Q: Anything exciting coming next why Earth looks perfectly round from A: That sounds like a question a robot A: Don’t hurt me no more~. semester? outer space. However, Earth is not com- would ask. Q: Why is senioritis a thing?! A: Well, the year is half over, so pletely round, which is obvious consid- Q: Why is the world round? A: According to my graduated brother, that’s something. ering things such as mountains, and is A: Depending on who you ask, you you finally see that there is hope after all, Q: Why does school start so early? constantly changing shape. Scientists might still get told that it’s flat. In any and that your boring mundane life will A: For no good reason, that’s for consider our planet to be an “ellipsoid” case, the answer is that it has to do finally change. sure. rather than a sphere, as the equator is with gravity, mass, and shape all being Q: What’s the best sport… ever? Q: Does God exist? wider than the poles because of cen- related to one another. Larger amounts A: Cheese rolling and zorbing are both A: I’ll leave that up to you I suppose. trifugal forces. of mass have a more powerful gravi- pretty good. Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? tl;dr, Gravity and other science stuff. tational pull. As the earth was being Q: On a scale of 4 to potato, how many A: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Q: Why are we doing this? What is formed, large quantities of space dust cotton balls can you fit in a blind guys OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO life? began to gravitate towards each other. mouth? OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO A: If I were a nihilist, I would tell you This matter spun around and came A: You’ve abused the question asking OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that we are doing this for no reason together forming the earth. The earth, privilege and have ruined it for everyone. OOOOOOO. and that life is meaningless. We all end and all other celestial bodies, ended No more questions. Q: Will the whole world become up round due to the fact that gravity up dead, who cares… Since I’m not communist? affects everything equally, and that a though, I’ll just give a generic “life is All men are created equal by Julia Losasso, BP Staff Editor born and raised as United States citizens, are store, who happens to be wearing a hijab (a head cover- still seen as outsiders, or “the other” based ing worn by women to cover hair neck and chest), is not. the way they dress or what they believe in. This prejudice, fought against so hard by the american Citizens judged for their appearances, people, and in the big picture, the global community, has Above is a symbol that represents the ideology that every religion can and avoided or shown inequality for the been a part of the “problem scene” for far too long. In live in harmony same reason sounds reminiscent of the pre- their very essence, bigotry and intolerance are wrong. civil rights era, but in actuality this is a situ- From a young age we learn that bullying, stereotyping, Discrimination. Prejudice. Stereotypes. Not words we ation described quite often across America. and bias are not accepted, neither socially or in a profes- like to use to describe ourselves, our communities, The American ideals: “The Land of the Free,” the land sional setting. We live in a country where our principals country, or our social world. Yet it’s a reality. Burning of opportunity, the land who’s people take pride in equal are that all men are created equal, and have a right to life, places of meeting and worship, hate crimes, that hurt and rights, are hard to understand when such intolerance that liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, not to mention 27 kill people, and rhetoric about barring legal citizens from makes people feel they need to compensate for who they amendments further expressing our rights and freedoms. the country (something not done since the second World are based on their appearance or faith is of such preva- How is it then, that the most basic of these are being vio- War in Nazi Germany). What worsens it is that all of this lence. lated in a major way and not only are few people taking is aimed at classmates, community members, coworkers The issue of prejudice and bigotry, however, is not based action against it, but there are large groups of supporters and legal citizens, innocent people that are victims be- on direct experiences by the average American and indi- committing acts of hate and violence? cause of the stereotype others create due of their different vidual ignorance or bias, but by the intense coverage by The hate crimes I have been referring to include several beliefs. the media over an incredibly low percentage of a radical shootings in the past few months, religious slurs, vandal- Discrimination and bigotry have negative connota- and trouble causing group. The media and major political ism, bombing, and arson, to name a few. All committed tions. The Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s and ‘60’s players encouraging the direct bigotry and misconcep- against Muslims. People of the Islamic faith, a peaceful was a hard fought battle to bring issues such as these to tions about a group of people has made the rhetoric of religion. Why have they been singled out? Why do we, as national attention, and it succeeded in many ways. Yet hate not only widespread, but encouraged. an entire nation, and beyond, see an offshoot, a far fringe the regression in the past year alone is alarming. The “I feel like a virus.” “It’s not who we are.” “what right group, as representative of a whole religion, a whole stereotypes are not relevant, and by furthering the belief does anyone have to question my Americanness based on community of people? And why does the word “islamo- that they are, the general population is only spreading the way I dress, or my faith..?” The words of people, US phobia” even exist? It is defined as “dislike of or preju- irrational fear and greater misconceptions. citizens, affected by bigotry, discrimination and violent dice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political Misconceptions and fear breed bigotry, defined as hate crimes carried out against their people. Is it their job force” (Oxford Dictionary). Prejudice is in the definition, intolerance toward those who hold different opinions to defend the less than 5% of people who call themselves yet it is used in a political force? It seems when fear and from oneself. Intolerance such as that which has occurred of similar faith, yet are in fact carrying out violence, power are combined, morals go out the window. in recent months aimed at peaceful people and commit- often times on their own people. It is people like this that So I ask you, if you agree that bigoted and discriminatory ted by ill informed believers of a growing stereotype is are terrorists. Those who kill and whose goal is to spread are not words you would like to use to describe yourself, telling of this. According to the American Civil Liberties fear, terror, and destruction. They are not terrorists based to use your voice and your power, whether it be over Union (ACLU), in the United States alone, 31 states have on the color or their skin, their looks, or their faith. To be your friends, your parents, or over your social media experienced one or more incidences of prejudice based clear, those that burn mosques, commit mass shootings, community, to stop the stereotypes and prejudice, and destruction to otherwise peaceful places open to commu- or bomb places, no matter gender, race, or religion are spread the reality that Muslims are individuals, just as we nity members. These same members of the community, terrorists. The woman behind you in line at the grocery are, who deserve equality, respect, and acceptance. 2 January 2016 Features Making it work: TipsTips toto the the Long distance perfectperfect relationships eveningevening by Alex Yokules, BP Staff Writer by Alex Sanda, BP Staff Editor photo courtesy of pinterest.com Valentine’s Day is the time of the They’ll never work out. There’s no use when he claimed that “long distances think about: a considerable amount of year where all the single people sit in trying. They aren’t real. How can you are good because you can have fun with my good friends have just recently gotten at home eating ice cream, while the have feelings for someone you’ve never them and then they leave.” Think of the out of serious, long-term relationships. rest of us have to spend money on met? You’ll meet someone else. They’re proverb, “Absence makes the heart grow Ironically, (at least according to cynics expensive dates. But that’s where I doomed from the start. It isn’t real love. fonder.” With this perspective, that unlike Squire), my relationship is still going come in. I’m here to tell you about These are just a few of the many nega- conquerable distance now seems like a strong. It goes to show that with effort, all the best date ideas for your sig- tive outlooks on LDRs, or long distance factor that assists the relationship, even creativity, strength, determination, hope, nificant other, so sit back, relax, and relationships. Before I go on, let me point cultivating an intensified feeling love, and love, anything is possible. let the conductor of love take you out that this will be a biased article for trust, and intimacy. In fact, according What does it all boil down to? Love. on a smooth train ride to your next a variety of reasons: 1. It’s an editorial. to the USA Today website, studies by That answer is simply oozing with stop: love station. 2. I’m a hopeless romantic. 3. I’m in a the City University of Hong Kong and cheddar, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and First off, the drive to your date long distance relationship myself. 4. I Cornell University have suggested just cabernet because it is CHEESY! But is important, so important in fact refuse to share the same opinions as my that. Taking into account the huge tech- come on, it wouldn’t be what it is without that if either one of you are driv- fellow senior, Jared Squire. You’ve been nological developments that have been some sappy, cheap reasoning. I think we ing, you’ll be distracted from each warned. made and continue to be made, expand- can all agree that no one has a right to other. The solution to this is to have A long distance relationship is a roman- ing everyday communication, this should judge a relationship except for the people your mom or dad drive you, plus tic relationship between two people who come as no surprise. That being the case, involved. If it makes them happy, who you won’t have to pay for gas. live far apart. I’ll start off by pointing out LDRs should not be regarded as ‘fake’ are we to stand in their way? Love isn’t If you really want to test the re- the obvious cons: lack of communica- relationships. Yet again proving his black and white (and it certainly isn’t solve of your date and see if they’re tion, vast distance, no face-to-face time, prowess when it comes to love, Squire Fifty Shades of Grey); everyone has their worth keeping is, pick a nice Italian et cetera. Now let’s examine it the way claims that “long distance relationships own emotions and thoughts about love. restaurant and order their most gar- an optimist would...and I don’t mean aren’t relationships because relationships As The Beatles so wisely said, “All you licky dish and chow down. When how the Master of Relationships himself, are real. There’s a reason they’re called need is love.” you’re finished, you’re going to Jared Eustace Igor Epsilon Squire, did REALationships.” Here’s something to want to talk as much as possible to keep them interested. If you’re wondering about some possible conversation topics, I’ve got it cov- Tips for singles by Tommy Blaha, BP Staff Writer ered with my top three to keep them For all the single ladies on Valentine’s Day. Now feeling sad, just remember for lonely people that can’t interested: immigration, Donald and guys, don’t worry, people might think this is that you have a mother. Why find anyone to love. You can Trump, and small loans of a million because your blessing is sad, but to be honest you are not treat her to a nice charm- help others fall in love as dollars. If it’s a first date be sure to here. Now listen to good old perfect for yourself. ing sit-down restaurant and well, because you already talk a lot about marriage, religion, Cupid while he gives the ad- The second tip is to treat really tell her how much you know that no one cares about and having kids. She’ll love it! vice that you need and want yourself to some nice love her. Another tip is that how you feel. Now you are If you’re worrying about money, so you can decide what to do jewelry to appreciate your you could try a night on the probably wondering how forget about it! Just tell your date on Valentine’s Day: the day better half. Wear this to any town, and score a nice babe. these are tips, but these all you forgot your wallet and make of love. let’s get started with occasion, like to the mall Tired of feeling alone? You come from the love master them pay for the whole thing! the first tip: go to a fancy or a nice get together with could always get yourself a himself, St. Valentine. You They’ll think it’s cute and you’ll restaurant and have a magi- friends. If you are starting to very friendly turtle named should just grab a nice cup laugh about it on the ride home with cal dinner date with yourself. get inspired by the romantic Ralph or a nice German of hot cocoa and curl up and your mom. This is necessary because ideas of Valentines Day then Shepherd named Rex to watch a movie with the ones With these helpful tips you can not many people have ever sit down and write some nice spend the night with. Every- that you love or alone, who assure many dates to come with thought to date themselves poetry. If you are simply one says that pets are perfect cares? your lovely sir or lady! Valentine’s to DIY for by Breonna Barker, BP Staff Writer Bath Bombs Heart Page Markers Ingredients 1 Cup Citric Acid You will need: 2 Cups Baking Soda Envelope 2 tbsp cornstarch Sheet of white paper (for template) 1 Oz shea butter or coconut butter (melted) Pencils 5-6 drops of choice of essential oils Scissor 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional) Glue Spray bottle of witch hazel Patterned Paper Silicone mold photo courtesy of mycraftkid.com Mason jar Instructions photo courtesy of craftandcreativity.com Fold a sheet of plain white paper diagonally. Draw an arc of a heart Directions in the corner of the paper. Cut and fold out. The template is ready to In a mixing bowl combine cornstarch,Citric Acid, and baking soda, being sure to use. remove all bumps. Place your heart shaped template on top of the bottom corner of an Add red food coloring, melted butter and essential oil, continuing to mix. envelope. Cut around the template. There’s your bookmark. Now it’s Using the spray bottle, spray the mixture 2-3 times and mix slowly adding more witch time to make the heart that goes on top of it. hazel until the mixture holds its shape when pressed together. Draw a smaller heart inside of your heart template. Cut out. Use this Press into silicone molds making sure to compact them tightly. smaller template and place it on the patterned paper. Cut around the Allow to dry in molds for 12 hours then remove from mold and allow noonday an ad- template. The patterned heart is ready to use. ditional 24 hours for a hard bath bomb. Put glue on the bottom of the patterned heart and place it in the Make and homemade label and stick it on and mason jar filled with the bath bombs. middle of the bookmark. Recipe courtesy of crazyaboutmybaybah.com Directions courtesy of craftandcreativity.com January 2016 3 Features Humans of Burton:City life from a small town perspective by Lexi Sell, BP Staff Writer Being a teenager in Burton, you find yourself wondering what while we ending up taking a spontaneous picture to remember to do for fun (a lot). I finally got to the point where I was old the moment. I never thought about it again. Rezoom back to the enough to go, and be free, and explore the world. I quickly took Agora last week, I walk over to this guy and show him the picture to the concert life my Sophomore year when my sister brought me from summer as my friends all watched from a few feet away (I to my first concert at Blossom: Lil Wayne on the Wanted Tour of knew inside they were thinking there's no way it's the same guy). 2013. It was the best moment of my life, I had finally got out of But when I showed it to him we both started breaking out laugh- my little town and was able to feel the life that so rapidly radiated ing because in the thousands of people it actually was him. I go off the teenagers older than me. I saw their uncontrollable laugh- into the world and expose myself outside the comfort zone of my ter and the freedom they felt as they jumped up and down under safe community and in return I win the reward of expanding my Selfies with new friends the endless night. I think that moment created my love for the social horizons. Last year I met Trey Shaw, a guy who wanted to living; seeing unconditional happiness became contagious and it become a professional backup dancer and it was his first concert made me want to drop all my worries and just enjoy the moment I experience at the House of Blues seeing Somo and now I have had been captured in. a friend who I get to talk about arts and design and ambition for Throughout the eight concert tours, I've made some awesome creativity. friends that I still stay in touch with. Even if you don't stay con- CurrentlyWW I'm really into small local artists because we nected, it's always fun to meet new people and hear new ideas. have some really talented Clevelanders around us. Surprisingly Just last week I was at the Agora to see Eddie Koziol aka Fleet, I've never been to the Grog Shop so that's next on my hit list, I was looking over to my right and I thought I knew this guy in along with seeing Lil Wayne again, and maybe Justin Bieber in front of me, he looked so familiar. I quickly pulled up a picture April because everybody knows his new album is bomb. If you Boys of Zummer Concert on my phone to double check my curiosity, and boldly went up have never been to a concert, I would highly recommend it if you to this possible stranger. The back story: My friends and I went love people and want to get out of the 44021 for a few hours, it's down to Cleveland to watch the Final Four in the heart of the city a great time. There's just something so special and irresistible right in between the strip with all the nightlife. This guy came up about that atmosphere of music and the high you get off life when and started talking to me and a few of my friends, and after a little you're around others who share the same liveliness. In my concert junky endeavors I’ve been lucky enough to see: | Lil Wayne | Kid Ink | Chris Brown | French Montana |YG | G-Eazy | MGK| Hoodie Allen |Yo Gotti | Future (2) | Sage The Gemini | Packy Somo | Little Reese | Fall Out Boy | K Camp (3) | Migos (3) | Usher | 2 Chainz | Fleet | T.I | Ty Dolla $ign | Wiz Kalifa (2) | Chevy Woods | Kirko Bangz | Rae Sremmurd (2) | Kirko Bang | Teyana Taylor | Omarion | Fetty Wap | August Alsina | Meeting Somo Words are powerful: How you use them is up to you by Abbie Maschek, BP Staff Writer A few months ago I was reading an online article, with those words hanging above your head? What “I am not who I think I am. I am, not who you think and happened to click on it because the title caught would be portrayed? Words of positivity, lifting up I am I am however, who I think you think I am”. She my eye. In the article, the author said: “If the words those around you, or words of destruction bringing went on to say that “I grew up trying to please every- we spoke were shown on the outside, instead of the everyone you come in contact with down? You are body else and their image of me and how I presented inside, how beautiful would we actually be?” This the only one who has the power over what you say. myself, and I gave them the power to determine who sent me thinking about all the mean words that I had I asked around Berkshire High to see if any brave I was. Today I don’t do that, today I have my own thought about others the words I've said. I slowly souls wanted to share their personal experiences with power and today I am good with who I am.” began to remember the what others had said to me, negative words. Mrs. Darrow has been a substitute An anonymous junior also decide to be brave and or about me. teacher at Berkshire for many years, and is loved by share her experiences with hurtful words. When they Most of us tend to hide behind a fake smile, try- both the students and the staff. Bravely, Mrs. Darrow were asked if she could remember the most nega- ing not to let anyone know that we're hurting, but exposed her vulnerable side and shared some of her tive thing anyone had ever said to her, she responded words do hurt. I’m sure all of us could go back in past experiences. When asked if she could remember with: “Yes, when I was younger, my father told time to a day when someone said something ex- the most negative thing anyone had ever said to her, me that I was practically worthless.” How she felt tremely hurtful. I’m sure we could all recall where with a slight pause, she responded with: “Yes, I can.” about it was even worse: “I was heartbroken; our we were, what we were doing and what we were She went on to further explain herself by saying: “at relationship has never been the same since.” When wearing. Words hurt, no matter what anyone chooses the age of five, an adult who I did not know looked asked if her remember anything about that day, she to believe or say, the hurtful things we say to one an- at me and said ‘you don’t need that candy bar’ and responded with: “We had been in a nasty argument. other can leave an lasting imprint on our lives. This basically what he was insinuating was that a five After that, we fought regularly.” To finish up, she is something that we are all guilty of. year old was fat.” She was then asked how she felt was asked if they ever found herself thinking about Each of us on a daily basis thinks or says some- about what was said, “at that point in time I felt like that time even today: “Yes, I still think about it more thing hurtful to put someone down. But why do we he was depriving me. As a five year old you don’t than I’d care to admit. I try to suppress memories really do it? Well, there are some potential reason- think too much about what adults say.” To close, like that.” ings behind it. Some believe that the reason why Mrs. Darrow was asked if she ever finds herself Both of these stories bring hurtful situations to you’re saying hurtful words is because someone else thinking about what happened, even to this day, she light. I know that there are many people out there said those things about you. Others believe that the simply stated: “I currently do, I thought of this as that have gone through similar, if not the same reason people behave like this is because they want soon as you asked me and I think that the reason things. What would our world look like if we began to feel like they are the dominant one, or the one in why is because those words that this man used not to start breaking the cycle, if we started to speak life full control. Some like to blame it on parents, believ- knowing at the age of five, but as I grew older and over each other? I’m sure that our world would be a ing that the reason they act the way they do is simply they had so much power over me and over the way much better place. Let’s stop ourselves from bring- because it's how they were raised. No matter where I thought about myself, my self image, the way I ing others down, make showing real kindness the the root of the words you say come from, they each looked at myself and it was always a challenge for new normal. Our schools would become a better en- carry a lasting effect. Have you ever thought what me. Even though this experience was very difficult vironment and our worlds would definitely change. would happen if the words you spoke just lingered for Mrs. Darrow, she has walked out as a strong You have the power to do that, what’s holding you around you? Imagine walking throughout the halls, woman. She shared with me that this taught her that back? A new way to combat stress by Kody West, BP Staff Writer The world is a Most people consider coloring a children’s “You have to look at the shape and size, you have stressful place, learn- pastime, but a wave of “adult coloring books” or to look at the edges, and you have to pick a color. It ing to deal with that “therapeutic coloring books” have become increas- should occupy the same parts of the brain that stops stress in a positive way ingly popular. Infact, Amazon.com’s number three any anxiety-related mental imagery happening as that works for you is “Top Holiday Best-Seller” of 2015 was one of these well… Anything that helps you control your atten- important to leading a coloring books. For good reason too, coloring is a tion is going to help.” Joe Bennington, a Junior at Shannon McGee gets to work healthy life. There are great way to get your mind off some of the more Berkshire, when asked about his thoughts regard- many techniques you can try to relieve stress, such stressful aspects of life and unwind for a little while, ing the subject he replied “Coloring promotes good as exercising, reading a book, meditation, or just do- and in the process you can create something really brain thoughts.” While the science in this field is ing something relaxing like watching your favorite beautiful. still young and there aren’t many studies to back it show. Have you ever considered coloring in a color- According to Dr. Joel Pearson, a brain scientist up, it is still worth a try, you never know if it may ing book? at the University of New South Wales in Australia, work for you. 4 January 2016 Features The Abominable Bride explained by Claire Milano, BP Staff Writer

Warning: Spoilers Ahead! If you haven’t seen the latest episode of BBC’s Sherlock, skip this article and come back later. The fourth season of this modern, incredibly witty take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adven- tures of Sherlock Holmes premiered on January 1, 2016. To all Sherlock lovers, this was the perfect way to kick off the new year. Fans had been antici- pating the new season for over a year. This leaves us wondering, “Why such a huge season gap?” Maegan Gaffney, a sophomore, explains that the actors have many other shows and movies to work on. In fact, Martin Freeman (John Watson) starred as Bilbo Bag- gins, the proper and well mannered hobbit in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hob- bit (2012-2014). The Hobbit trilogy took three years to make, so Freeman worked on Sherlock and The Hobbit si- multaneously. Benedict Cumberbatch Photo Courtesy of sherlock_abominable-bride (Sherlock Holmes) worked alongside Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson pose for a photo. Freeman in The Hobbit, playing the voice of Smaug, a terrifying dragon. threatening people with a shotgun, and of women fighting situations involving picions by ending her life. Soon after, Cumberbatch also worked on The Imi- then killing herself with it. However, unfaithful husbands. In order to fake we are zapped back into real-life, with tation Game (2014) and Black Mass the townspeople are shocked to hear her death, Lady Carmichael stood out Sherlock waking up from a dream-like (2015). that the alleged dead woman was walk- on her balcony, pointed the gun at the state on the plane where we were left The premiere of season four is called ing around killing people. Sherlock and ground, shot it, and fell down. Mean- off in season three. We then learn that “The Abominable Bride.” The first Watson were immediately put to the while, one of her friends splashed the Sherlock had retreated into his “mind half of the episode is set in late 1800’s case. We learn that the dead woman’s curtain behind her with blood-colored castle” where The Abominable Bride London, much like the setting of The name was Lady Carmichael, and she water. This caused the town, including case lay unsolved. Sherlock played out Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The found out her husband was not faithful. her husband, to believe she was dead. the events, as if he were there, in order episode is unlike all others because of She found him at a bar, and with many Then, she traveled to find her husband to solve the mystery. However, we are this. It starts off as Watson and Sher- witnesses, she eliminates him with the and kill him. In order to cover up her still left to wonder, “What happened lock meeting for the first time, and same shotgun she later passes from. Af- husband’s murder, she had the women with Moriarty?” Well, in order to find plays through the important events of terwards, Sherlock finds out that Lady lie her down on the floor in her room out, we’ll just have to wait for the story their relationship. Then, we are intro- Carmichael was a member of a group and, reluctantly, fulfill the town’s sus- to unfold. duced to the case. A woman was seen

Massive materialism by Abby Carlson, BP Staff Editor If you’ve ever been shopping, which like a huge load of bogus, but the next people think of you, if you love that shirt thrift shops. When you buy from these I assume most everyone has, you are time you go shopping, monitor the way and want to wear, go for it! Number two, places, they’re super cheap and you can familiar with the sensation of buying you feel throughout the day, you may not being able to afford a ton of different refashion whatever you want however something new. It’s fresh and crisp: be surprised. There are plenty of pic- shirts isn’t something to be ashamed of, you want! Not to mention it is re-using ready to create memories in/with. How- tures out there of teenagers and young most likely other people are struggling clothes, which is totally awesome. Our ever, the majority of shoppers, including adults surrounded by bags of Gucci, with the same problem, even if it doesn’t society has a really bad habit of buying myself, often forget to ask themselves a Couture,Versace, and Prada smiling seem like it on the outside. Number an article of clothing, wearing it twice, vital question before handing over their away, but there is something missing three, to be completely honest with you, and tossing it. Often times, we don’t credit card: do you really need it? Well from their eyes. They’re lonely. These most people don’t really care if you wear want to fix or reuse anything because it’s of course! It’s only $15, it’s the last shirt designer brands offer no comfort or love the same shirt more than once every two simply easier and more convenient to go in your size not to mention you have the whatsoever, all they offer is a broke weeks, it’s all in that paranoid little head out and buy a new one. Wake up people! perfect pair of jeans to wear with it. So bank account. of yours. So stop worrying about it, and Stop being lazy and do the right thing for why not? As well as binge buying, people often stop blowing all your cash just to please once, even if it requires a little extra ATP For starters, you don’t need the shirt, purchase items for appearance or status. others. (that big fancy science word for energy), you want it - huge difference. You have This has to do with the whole keeping Now that we’ve diagnosed the prob- it’s totally worth it. plenty of other shirts to wear, but you up with The Joneses ordeal, where peo- lem, it’s time to cure it! Instead of going really really want this one! Why? Be- ple buy and buy hoping to outdo their to the mall just to buy, go with a pur- cause when you buy something you neighbors in a money war. Everybody pose. Know what you have to buy be- get this little high that makes you feel wants to be looked up to and admired, fore you even leave the house, this way like you can buy the whole world if you and if that means buying until you’re you have a list to stick to, and you won’t just so pleased. But that powerful feel- so deep in debt you’ll be paying it off just buy because you can. You’ll save ing doesn’t last forever, and after it’s for the next 370 years, so be it. People yourself a ton of regret, grief and money gone, you feel even worse than before. are afraid of being weak or vulnerable, this way. Also, there is no need to buy It’s almost as though you have a hole in and a lack of wealth is often associated designer just because of the label. Who your stomach, and all you’re left with is with that, so instead of admitting you’re cares what the brand of your jeans or a shirt you’re only going to wear a hand- low on money, you go out and blow it shoes are? I know I sure don’t. If you ful of times and $15 less in your bank all on things you don’t need and can’t can purchase a jacket for a third of the account. afford. This problem stems once again price at store A instead of store B, then Studies have shown that people binge from society like so many others before do it! A little label/tag shouldn’t define buy because they’ve been emotion- it. You’re constantly worried people will you, not to mention it saves cash like no ally damaged in their lifetime, and they see you wear a shirt twice in a time span other. are trying to find a way to be happy that is too short, and they’ll think you’re Instead of shopping at the mall, hit Senior Taelor Charvot shows off her new purchases! by filling it with stuff. It may sound poor. Number one, who cares what other up some other smaller stores, even January 2016 January 2016 5 Features

2015 Music wrap-up by Sydney Mighton, BP Staff Writer Nothing can quite Brown).” Drake let out pop-country artist, but just the beginning of compare to the feeling his album If You’re his album Montevallo her amazing comeback. of bliss experienced Reading This, It’s Too has some really catchy Justin Bieber had an in- when listening to a new Late which included singles on it. This in- describable come back album from one’s favor- the extremely popular cludes “House Party”, in 2015 with his album ite artist. 2015 was filled hit, “Hotline Bling.” and “Break Up In A Purpose. This album is with great albums from Kendrick Lamar came Small Town.” Crazy- bringing back Bieber- many different genres. out with the number talented American Idol fever without any of us If you want to relive one Hip-Hop album of winner, Carrie Under- realizing. The catchy your favorite albums 2015, according to Bill- wood, came out with her and extremely powerful from 2015, keep read- board’s Year in Music album titled Storyteller, songs “Love Yourself” ing. 2015, called To Pimp including hits “Ren- and “Sorry” are the two Hip-hop music pro- A Butterfly. This album egade Runaway,” and major hits from this duced a handful of awe- includes the popular hits “Dirty Laundry”. album, even though the some albums. Nicki “i”, and “These Walls.” Pop music in 2015 whole album is simply Minaj released The On to the country was a year of come- amazing. Pinkprint in early Janu- genre; it’s no question backs. Adele came out It’s safe to say that ary of 2015. This album that country came out with her new album 2015 brought yet an- Photo Courtsey of Google Images included well known with some outstanding 25 in late 2015. She other year of great music songs “Anaconda” and albums in 2015. Sam started this album out to our pop culture. Above is the album cover of Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” “Only (featuring Drake, Hunt, for example, is with releasing her sin- album. Lil Wayne and Chris considered more of a gle “Hello,” this was Most anticipated movies of 2016 coming your way by Amelia Monroe, BP Staff Writer Deadpool Independence Day Resur- This list of the top fifteen most anticipated movies of 2016 hits nearly every genre, February 12, 2016 gence and is sure to make everyone excited. Whether you are a superhero fan or Disney June 24, 2016 movies are your thing, 2016 is going to be your year. With their expected (not official) release dates you can begin your countdown to your new favorite movie! Some of these you may not have heard of yet, and some you have been waiting on for years (Finding Dory). Even if you are not a big fan of superhero movies, Captain America Civil War and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice should still be on your must see list. The battle of Batman and Superman has been a long debated battle, and it’s about time they made a movie about it. Some very serious and heated conversations have come from the simple question: Batman or Superman? Another much needed movie is The Secret Life of Pets. If you watch the trailer for this upcoming film, you will automatically fall in love, and if you have pets, begin to wonder what do they REALLY do when you’re not there? It may be a children’s movie but I have a feeling people of all ages will be at- tending this one. There are many more movies that will come out in 2016 that you will love, and these are only the top 15!

Captain America Civil War May 6, 2016 Warcraft Suicide Squad Finding Dory Neighbors 2 June 10, 2016 August 9, 2016 June 17, 2016 May 9, 2016

The Jungle Book X-Men: Apocalypse The Secret Life of Pets Star Trek Beyond Batman vs Superman: April 15, 2016 May 27, 2016 July 8, 2016 July 22, 2016 Dawn of Justice March 25, 2016 6 January 2016 Features Films and Literature: what you need to explore by Lexi Caponi, BP Staff Writer

with a newly racially inte- dystopian worlds, The Hunger Games series will grated high school football always be on my “must read” list, with its strong team. While Remember female protagonist and action filled chapters. the Titans has a 7.8/10, Two more classic reads are Fight Club and Rocky has an 8.1/10. The Godfather. Sorry I can’t give you a descrip- The next movie she tion of Fight Club because we’re not supposed mentioned was the most to talk about it, but The Godfather follows a recently made of all the New York Mafia family as they try to keep the films she discussed. Un- Mafia from falling apart. Of course both of these broken tracks Olympian books are also movies, but I always recommend Louis Zamperini as his reading the novel before watching the film. plane crashes, leaving him stranded, only to be caught “If you haven’t seen and put in a WWII Japa- nese prisoner-of-war camp. this movie: Why? This dramatic film also has an IMDb score of 7.2/10. Who are you? What The last movie she rec- ommended was The Lion King: “You didn’t have a did you do as a child? Photo courtesy of photobucket.com childhood if you didn’t see A collage of classic movies you could also consider watching. that movie.” If you haven’t No one could not Everyone has seen a movie or read a book that seen this movie: Why? they feel they must share with someone. I talked Who are you? What did you do as a child? No one love the brave and with avid movie and Netflix watcher, Asya Mar- could not love the brave and adventurous details of tin, and asked for some recommendations. Her the life of Simba from cub to lion. It’s no wonder first thoughts went to sports themed movies, that this movie has the highest rating of 8.5/10. adventurous details such as Coach Carter, Rocky, and Remember the Now we’ll shift our attention to must-read Titans. Coach Carter follows Ken Carter, who books. Looking for a good war book? Ameri- of the life of Simba acquires a coaching job at his old high school can Sniper by Chris Kyle is a great book for for basketball in a poor neighborhood in Rich- you, with a rating of 3.9/5 from goodreads. Per- from cub to lion.” mond, California. Carter puts in a strict regimen haps you prefer romance? Everyone tears up that not all the players agree with, which leads when reading The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. to strained relationships between the coach and A great science fiction dystopian book is The The last movie and book I advise you to watch some players. IMDb gives this movie a 7.2/10. Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith. After a terrible and read is The Princess Bride. Now this sugges- Rocky and Remember the Titans are both pretty incident, Jack, the main protagonist receives a tion might be a little biased, since it’s my favorite popular movies, so I’ll only briefly describe them. pair of glasses that take him to a different world movie, but with good cause. Since I don’t think I Rocky is a boxing movie about a second string when he looks through the lenses, which is in the can properly describe it, I’ll just leave this here: boxer, Rocky Balboa, getting his shot at fame midst of a losing war against a terrible enemy. “What’s it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. and the struggles it takes to get there. Remember Jack has to balance the relationships he had be- Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots the Titans is about a first year African American fore the glasses, while trying to aid new friends of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beau- football coach and his struggles with working during the war. Going along with the theme of tiful Women… Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles.”

People watching in public by George Fekete, BP Staff Writer The mall and movies are two largely selves and answer their phone, carry- know the Emotional ones: These are been “absolutely too long!” taking up stereotyped places, for one simple ing out an entire conversation: the types of people who start balling every inch of the main walkways, or reason: (“Hey, you busy?”) No i’m totally their eyes out, just sitting there cry- worse in front of your favorite store: They serve to an abundance of free! what’s up…how’s your mom ing. Weirdly, they are probably cry- Forever 21. youth and are free from most adults. been doing with that rash?” ing during a comedy. Come on, get The Hopeless Romantic: This is Here is a list of some of the most pop- your life together. most likely one of your friends, who ular stereotypes of people out there: The Lovers: These are the couples stands around the mall all day long who sit through the movie making watching and M O V I E S out, and not a simple peck on the pointing out lips, but instead a full on makeout super attractive The Snappers: These are the groups session. girls and guys. of young girls and guys who seem to Even though never leave Snapchat.You can see “Sometimes our they end up them snapping pictures and videos pointing out throughout the entire movie, which heads are so fo- over a hundred is unfortunate for you because there people they is a constant flashing phone in your cused on our- think are hot, face. Ew. The only reason we’re not they still can’t going to hate all the way is because selves that we find the courage who doesn’t want that perfect snap of to actually go a shirtless actor? don’t even realize talk to them. The Cow Chewers: Whether the people sur- And of course, they’re chewing popcorn or taking Photo Courtesy of Flickr like in the mov- long, loud slurps from a drink that ies, there is is pretty much gone, we all have to rounding us.” M A L L always the 12 Kids and Counting sit and listen to the “Cow Chewers” which is that super stressed mother And even though the movies have 12 Kids and Counting: These are It’s Been Forever: These are the or father who is in the mall buying those super loud speakers that make the stressed out mothers who are groups of friends that have obvi- like thirty different outfits trying so your bones vibrate, you can still hear watching over 12 young kids during ously been fighting a long dramatic hard to please everyone under the cir- them. “CHOMP CHOMP” *Slurp- a movie. This is probably the worst fight for years and haven’t seen each cumstances. ing.* Sometimes I wonder if they of all, because young kids are always, other’s faces in decades. No matter just enjoy hearing themselves chew. hungry, thirsty, bored, or leaving to how much they hate each other they Sometimes our heads are so focused The Phone Callers: These are use the restroom. This makes for a still find room in their hearts to make on ourselves that we don’t even real- the soccer moms and young care- long movie of silhouetted figures up and give the most dramatic hello ize the people surrounding us, so next less teens who, in the middle of the standing up in front of you. hugs! They all bunch up hugging time you’re at the mall or the movies movie, will not inconvenience them- Last but certainly not least, we and repeating themselves on how it’s do some people watching. January 2015 7 Features Snow day survival Five things you need in your answers car for the winter by Andrea Miller, BP Staff Writer by Justin Duda, BP Staff Writer We all know that feeling, that netflix!” There are many things winter travels. Bryant what you should put rush of excitement as we lay in our bed, Senior, Maddie Timmons, “Hmm. you should have in your said he would definitely in your car for the next on a cold snowy dark morning, seeing Besides sleeping? Probably playing in car during the winter, but put a spare tire in his car Ohio winter, you may on our phones that Berkshire is closed. the snow with Sophie tbh (my dog).” here the top five basic because you never know want to consider these We get a little giddy, text a few of our Senior Logan Kumher, “First thing items you need. Some when you’ll blow a tire, items. Note that these are friends, then we attempt to fall back on the list is sleeping in. second thing of the things I would put emergency gas money, the top five, and you will asleep because today is a snow day. is eating a bunch of food. I love play- in my car: clothing ac- a change of clothes, an want to bring more in What are your favorite activities to ing video games like NBA 2k16, umm cessories (clothes, hats, electric portable mini case of a severe situation. do on snow days? eating more food, and going to hangout gloves), a blanket, cat lit- heater, and rock salt. The majority of the inter- Freshmen, Dani Leonetti: ”On snow with friends, and eating food.” ter (to help if I get stuck), Sophomore, Jared Hin- viewees agreed on these days I lay in my basement by my fire As the winter weather continues to jumper cables (if my car kle, said he would defi- top five: a snowbrush and drink tea , while watching netflix.” grow upon us, hopefully we will be dies), and a flashlight. nitely need his aux cord, (preferably with an ice Sophomore, Meehan Casalandra, able to use some of these snow days As I interviewed some “ I sleep in. When I wake up I make ideas. Whether you decide to have a of my peers, I came to a myself a really good breakfast, read group of your friends over and bake, realization that a lot of a little, then do my chores around the or have a movie marathon, your snow people think alike, be- house” day will be special. So, Burton, Ohio, sides one person in par- Sophomore, Jacob Hanson, “ I play please, we are begging you, bring on ticular, Mrs. Ryks. She with my dogs, then go to the grocery the snow, do not be afraid to add some would bring a George store with my mom and we go home Lake effect snow as well. Or maybe Foreman Grill (because and bake,” we should all sleep with our pajamas you never know when Junior, Danny Humes, “Sleep sleep inside out . That’s supposed to work, you’ll need to grill a and sleep.” right? Either way, we’re hoping some steak), seven pairs of Junior, Melissa Braun, “Snow days snow days are in our near future. shoes, food, a volley- are pretty great. I get to sleep in and ball (to play volleyball then finish up homework I didn’t do of course), and seltzer and lounge around all day and watch A little angel captures snow- water. flakes with tounge photo courtsy of abc.go.com Seniors Tyler Dennis and Adam Stegh had similar lists. Dennis said his top five items in his car for the winter would include a snow brush, photo courtesy of west-palm-beach-fishing. gloves, blanket, sand An example of what your kit might look like (just in case he goes off the road), and a flashlight. Adam Stegh also gas in the tank, snow scraper), winter clothing said a snow brush with tires, a snow brush with (hats, gloves, jackets), an ice scraper, gloves/ an ice scraper, and extra a blanket, something to hats, blankets, chains clothing. help you if you’re stuck (so a truck can pull you Certain important items (chains or some type of out if you get stuck), as such as a snowbrush compound to get traction well as a portable battery or winter accessories or to melt the snow), and charger. are more essential than money (in case you need Junior, Isaac Bryant, things such as a phone to purchase some food or was different with his charger or an aux cord. gas at a nearby gas sta- selections of items for When you ask yourself tion.) and when a better base layer parks to master all the moves show up, opening day was just Open season at alpine of snow is formed, a line of they can think of. a week later than last year, so by Noah McCaskey, BP Staff Writer three or four kickers (jumps) Although the season just don’t expect your season to be will be put in. Another event started and it seems that the cut short all that much. For all of you snowboard- hills adjacent to each other. that they host is College Late snow took way too long to ers and skiers out there, the Located on 1146 West High- Night, January 22, where the time has finally come for the land Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH whole park is open until 1 Journey down one of Apline’s many hills for a incline of fun local ski resort, Alpine Valley, 44067 is the Boston Mills hill a.m., allowing skiers to get to open for the season, along and on 7100 Riverview Road, a couple extra hours of good with Boston Mills Brandy- Peninsula, OH 44264-0175 is riding in. These events are wine. When the snow finally Brandywine. As for Alpine, pretty intense for the local arrived, some new renova- 10620 Mayfield Road, Ches- skiers so you will definitely tions in the lodge of Alpine terland, OH 44026. All of the see some gnarly tricks being came as well: a set of stairs ski resorts offer individual in- thrown down. has been moved to make structors for skiing and snow- Boston Mills is a more fam- room for a spacious checkout boarding lessons ranging from ily oriented ski resort with area, the entirety of the lodge beginner to experienced les- smaller, more simple hills is now covered in rubber sons. that can be enjoyed by snow floors making it much easier Brandywine has a lot to enthusiasts of all ages. They to move around compared to offer this year as well. Their offer one easy hill and two the old, slippery tiles. Picnic hill long terrain park is back more difficult hills that some- table style seating is available again (as always) and they one new to skiing could tackle in the back half now. Alpine are holding a Rail Jam, Janu- with ease. They also offer a also has a magic carpet for the ary 24 which is open to all, variety of other hills once you younger ones who aren’t quite just call ahead for more de- get the hang of it. Even the ready for the lifts yet but still tails. The Park includes: The young shredders that aren’t want to tear up the slopes. Pill, basically a 20 foot long able to hit the park over at Boston Mills Brandy- propane to go all out on, over Brandywine have two terrain wine are two separate skiing 20 different progression rails, 8 January 2016 Features Organize your upcoming semester by Kaitlyn Moses, BP Staff Editor Semester, schmemester, you’ve got this in the bag. The new semester; it provides a great opportunity to do whatever it is that held you back last semester. For many, that’s getting and/ or staying organized. There are tons of tips and tricks that can help you stay organized, from note taking, to labeling, but the key to organization may lie in your habits and thought processes. You can label, organize, and reorganize all you want, but without the determination and want for it to work, it’s not going to happen. You need discipline. “Discipline gives you more than inspiration ever will. Inspiration is quick. Discipline is the constant work that gets done whenever inspiration is gone” - Anonymous But more than that even, you need a drive. Think about why you want to become organized. Do you hope you’ll be able to earn better grades? Do you want to lessen your stress levels when it comes to clutter? Or maybe you just want to make your notes and assignments pleasing to look at. Find any reason- it’s better than none- and use that reason to keep you going. Don’t give up a week into the new semester, power through and thrive! When the year ends, you’ll be thankful you did. Debate There are many programs that can keep online files organized. My personal favorite is the famous, Google docs, but other popular one’s include, OneDrive and OneNote. These can be used as a sort of digital notebook for every file you want to save. They also use the cloud service so you won’t lose files even if your Club:Come one, computer bites the dust. Apps are useful in terms of organization, just be sure to avoid procrastinating on your phone or iPad. Quizlet allows you to create and study from flashcards while an app I recently discovered called Gojimo provides practice ACT, SAT, come all GCSE, AP, and other exam questions. To stay focused, I use an app called Forest. You simply set a timer and it begins to grow a virtual tree on your phone! When Meetings for Berkshire for an hour, and after a series the timer ends, it’ll be fully grown, but you cannot leave the app or the tree will Jr./Sr. High school’s newest of well informed and delivered die. You can grow a whole forest, hence the name, and visit it whenever you’d extracurricular activity, debate arguments, the judging was like! club, have begun! The club, turned over to Ms. Bomback. Organization can be a real feat for some, while others come by it naturally. If you’re anything like me, it’s a constant struggle. I’ve found these programs supervised by our very own In a close scoring end, it was and apps to be useful along with nice stationary and a new found determination Mr. Higgs, began mid second concluded that the team debat- to study and succeed this semester. If you’re looking for a sign or final push that quarter, and is quickly attract- ing against the use of enhanced tells you “GET ORGANIZED AND STUDY HARD THIS SEMESTER,” this ing more participants. The interrogation won. is it, do it and thank me (or just yourself) when every other kid is swamped and members had their first debate If this is the first time you’re still calm and collected. on Thursday, December 17th. you’re hearing about the club, Around 20 students made up or if you’re looking to join, of Freshmen through Seniors there is still time! To join, gathered to have a formal simply attend one of the meet- debate regarding the question, ings, held in Mr. Higgs room, “regarding a ticking time-bomb 113. Listen to the morning situation, are the use of en- announcements for dates and hanced interrogation methods times. justified?” The teams debated Third quarter resolutions: What you’re doing wrong by Amy Pfiester, BP Staff Writer It’s official, the school year is halfway done! (Freshman) Spencer Price Price’s third quar- (Junior) Austin Toth. Toth hopes to earn a better It’s time to make some changes. Did you have ter goal is to be a better person. He says, “If I am grade in Algebra II for third quarter. There’s a ten zero’s for homework impacting your Span- a better person then life will be easier for me and simple reason for that; he wants a better math ish grade? Does your locker smell? If the second make me more successful.” Price’s role model for grade. Emily Young has a good Algebra II grade, question applies to you, do your locker neighbors this is his dad, who has shown him the value of and Toth would like to be like her in regards to a favor and clean your gym clothes for a change. being a good person. math class. Most students probably have at least one flaw that they would like to change, let’s find out what (Sophomore) (Senior) Amber Brickell. Brickell hopes to Berkshire students are dying to change. Three Amber Taraska. prevent senioritis and keep at least a 4.0 G.P.A. questions were asked: What is your resolution? Amber’s resolu- because she wants to keep working hard through Why? Who demonstrates your resolution? tion is to “get an senior year and boost her class rank. Brickell (7th Grade) Chase Crea Chase hopes to earn A in chemistry.” feels that many seniors slack off in their final better grades this quarter. He believes that his Her reasoning is year of high school, but instead wants to model grades were not spectacular in the past. Crea’s that chemistry her senior year after Megan Arnold because she role model for better grades is Seth Jokinen, a fel- is difficult and it consistently worked hard through her last days at low seventh grader. makes her want to Berkshire. cry. Jack Squire, an Now that you know how fellow students plan (8th Grade) Lexi Boyk Lexi wants to keep incredible student, to improve themselves, maybe you have some her grades up because she wants to be able to is the one Taraska ideas. While some classes, such as Chemistry continue playing sports, such as track. Grace wants to model her and Algebra, might just make you want to cry, Lillibridge supposedly keeps a G.P.A. that’s high Amber weeping at the sight chemistry success we are halfway done with this year! Good luck to enough to be the eligible star athlete she is, and of her chemistry after. all readers who plan on bettering themselves this that’s why Boyk admires her. quarter. Happy Second Semester!