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The Sound of Muzak musical talent, and the concept of an By Kris Kielich album as an art form.

Lyrics are a lost art form in Music is in a state of decline. It themselves. Great, meaningful lyrics are seems like dime-a-dozen music is being hard to find nowadays. They may hide in listened to nonstop. The list is endless, the guise of a Taylor Swift song pandering and is too large to name here, but to 17-year-old girls about relationship everyday processed music and vocals, issues and how your heart was broken, or with shallow lyrics and repetitive beats are how you found love. That's all well and glorified on MTV and are churned out of good, but there must be something more. recording studios at a startling pace. But Sometimes you need to dig a little deeper there is hope. There are indeed many into lyrics. To me, the lyrics are the most bands and musicians taking a stand important part of the song. Lyrics are against the shallow and mundane music great when they analyze the world you that has plagued us for too long a time. It see around you in your life, but in an began in the nineties, with some of the introspective way. By looking inside most important music out there coming oneself and analyzing the world around right out of kid's bedrooms, at the start of oneself as well, lyrics are both beautiful the alternative music movement. and true. Feelings and emotion combine However, even that went into decline, as with facts and observations to create a hip hop and pop became the fashion. most magnificent and euphoric blend. Today, some of the greatest bands out That blend is what the best lyrics in the there are many no one has heard of. world are made of. These are the groups and musicians that Musical talent is also obviously aren't afraid to experiment and try new important in making music, but it's genres or sounds, and not stick with the something that we have forgotten is cookie cutter format. These are the necessary. Nowadays, you can go into a groups and musicians that play with time, studio, sing, (or attempt to, doesn't really rhythm, ambiance, and tone. These are matter) lyrics about whatever the groups and musicians that have both (coughfridayscough), auto tune it, put a musical talent, and some of the most simple beat on it and poof: you have a deeply insightful lyrics I have ever read. catchy pop song with no talent, barely any There are three main components of meaning, and that somehow everyone music in particular that have been lost in wants to listen to. Great musicianship is the new generation of pop music: lyrics,

2 characterized by those who aren't afraid to that they simply listen to 30 second push the boundaries in experimentation samples and if it doesn't suit their taste and melody. Those who have the immediately then...ERASE. Simple as capability to change time, rhythm, that. Great music in album form is meant harmony, and tone are the ones who truly to be listened to as a whole, because it are great musicians, not those who waltz doesn't just tell a story, but because it into a studio, choose a repetitive beat, rap takes the listener on a journey into or sing about going to the club and getting another plane, perhaps fictional, or drunk or some shallow love interest, auto perhaps their own. Today's world of radio tune it, process it and gloss it up aren't the singles just doesn't seem to cut it for me. real musicians here. It's those who break Now, to finish, I'll say this: Pop out of the shell of routine and formulaic music is not bad, nor is it not okay to listen ways. They are the ones who are to. I have European dance music on my remembered. iPod, and yes, it has shallow lyrics, a The last piece of the puzzle lost is generic beat, and auto tune. However, the idea of album as an art form. The that's not the point of this article. The point whole concept of the album was simply to was, just to show what exactly we've lost package together a collection of singles. here. It's okay to listen to pop or hip hop, But it evolved into something more. The or country, or metal, or whatever. If it album became a way of telling a story makes you happy, then listen, and I have through music, and was meant to be no right to say otherwise. But this article listened to as a whole. Great albums like was simply written in the hope that people Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, or the might expand their horizons and look at Who's Quadrophenia, or Radiohead's Ok certain things they may not have before. Computer, are remembered because they This was written for the simple fact that tell musical stories through their one of the wonders of our world: musicianship and lyrics. In today's day beautiful, meaningful music, is getting and age of download culture, if someone forever lost in the endless churn and rattle hears about Pink Floyd and looks them of the mainstream machine. And as of up, they can simply download their whole now, not many people really seem to care. discography online. This in itself is not a bad thing, the real tragedy is when that same person is so used to the instant gratification of today's mainstream music,

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However If you wish “expand” Radiohead – They started in the some horizons, here a list of my top five 90's with great alt rock, and never bands/musicians that I have found stopped expanding from there. meaningful in my life: Porcupine Tree/Blackfield/Steven Wilson – Life changing for me. Steven Wilson, the mastermind behind all of these projects, not only writes the most beautiful lyrics and music I have ever heard in my Considered one of the most iconic life, but also does it all himself. He bands of all time, Radiohead is a self taught guitar player, and a combines ambiguously beautiful lyrics with a blend of rock that is unlike any other art rock group out there. Incorporating styles like jazz, electronic, dub step, rock, multi-instrumentalist, and it shows. and ambiance, they truly are Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, and perhaps some of the most talented

Steven Wilson's solo work really musicians of the new era. use the album as art form concept Phil Collins / Peter Gabriel / to the max. Their breathtaking Genesis- Yes, yes I know. But soundscapes form a blend of looking at an honest viewpoint metal, acoustic soft rock, ambient, here, starting with Phil. Phil's work progressive rock and drone. Many may revolve around love songs, of their albums, especially but they are some of the most Porcupine Tree, have a theme. heartfelt love songs I have ever Their “Fear of a Blank Planet” heard. A great voice and a great album literally changed my life. There is too much more I could say about them, but just listen for yourselves, and see if the lyrics in that album and their others affect you.

4 songwriter. Gabriel is a fantastic incorporate MELODY. Yes folks art rock writer and singer, and his you heard me. He can sing quite music is also beautiful and very beautifully, often uses gorgeous creative. Genesis, the parent band soft passages of acoustic tones of both men, started out as and sweet vocals amidst the Gabriel's prog rock group, with grinding riffs and growls. The lyrics fantastic and complex songs. After are both fantastical and haunting, Phil took over, they still maintained and this is a metal band not to be their greatness, but just in a missed. different way. Phil's Genesis John Denver - As far as folk focused on more soft rock, but oh music goes, I'm usually not one for what wonderful soft rock it is. listening to too much of it. Opeth – If metal is your fancy, However, I grew up with John then never fear. Opeth combines Denver, and his music truly speaks extreme musical talent with that to me. It really is beautiful and classic metal sound. They often mix unexpected elements into their music, like classical guitar, atmospheric sounds, and other little surprises. I, being a metal fan myself, find Opeth very refreshing

meaningful in a way that we have forgotten in this day in age. It speaks of nature and childlike innocence and imagination and freedom. Those gorgeous themes mixed with John's incredible voice make for a truly euphoric listening experience. not just because Mikael Akerfeldt has the best growls I've heard so far, but because they actually

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The World Needs Clowns villagers to death. When brought to trial, (Hahaha--oh s#@t he was talking about the judge and jury were highly amused, me!) By Mark Mandych and he was released immediately on the

grounds that he “was really quite creative What are clowns for? Have you and original and charming.” Truly, during ever really considered that question? I less fortunate times many modern tried to, and as a result I slept two hours comedians would have been last night. Not because of the espresso I disemboweled by a furious mob but for consumed, but rather due to the their comic nature (although some still multifaceted nature of this problem. Many should be). When the skilful court jester believe that comedians are meant only to Dwen of Camelot told her majesty she amuse, lacking any productive motivation. looked “rather like a horse” (in his humble, However, after long contemplation I have lowly opinion), he was nearly come to the frightening conclusion that thumbscrewed, skewered on a pole, and clowns are the decisive element: beneath fed to the royal hounds. Instead, he the veil of hilarity every humorist has a suddenly realized that he was, in his point to prove. words, “due for some major screwage,” Indeed, in this very day and age, and so quickly added that he was “just laughter is especially necessary, defusing kidding.” As a result, the king relented volatile situations and probing sensitive and decided to merely “chop the bastard subjects from the cover of an innocent, into a million pieces.” Humor may help to painted smile. In the words of Bill Cosby: de-escalate a crisis merely by allowing us “through humor, you can soften some of the option of taking jokes at face value, the worst blows that life delivers. And the ability to disagree without negative once you find laughter, no matter how repercussions. painful your situation might be, you can Humorists‟ opinions are vital to survive it.” During conflict, the ability to society, even if this is not at first visible. accept the situation, laugh, and turn away For instance, the wildly popular television has an immense redeeming power on the show “Saturday Night Live” is famous for vengeful mind. For instance, when the its mocking depictions of various 16th century terrorist Aki Schoenbauer lost celebrities, politicians, and social issues. his favorite pointy stick, he had to resort to And yet, once the laughter dies down, less conventional means of killing people: there remain grains of truth relating to he proceeded to tickle thousands of actual problems in society: the vain

6 celebrity sees her follies and corrects them; the avaricious politician comes 13 Fun Facts under scrutiny, and is removed. Reggie By Jonathan McClure the Republican is said to have laughed The sentence "The quick brown fox jumps uproariously at “the one about the over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the bonehead, the toilet, and the state‟s English language at least once. money” until he suddenly grasped the true More people are killed each year by meaning of the joke. At which point he donkeys than in plane crashes. uttered the exclamation printed as the If you keep a goldfish in the dark room, it subtitle of this paper. In short, the public will eventually turn white. is entertained, and becomes aware; so No word in the English language rhymes too do those so fiercely caricatured. with "month". "Orange" does have a rhyme- "sporange", a term for a part of a We take them for granted, but fern. humorists are essential in today‟s world. On average, people fear spiders more They say what no one else dares or is than they do death. able to say. They act as fools, while teaching us how to act. And they capture Only one person in every two billion will live to be 116 or older. our minds, leading us to see the truth.

Laugh at the clown, for he is funny. Then The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar make sure he‟s not pointing at you. surrendered after 38 minutes.

A cockroach can live nine days without its

head, at which point it starves to death.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite.

A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

An average human eats 8 spiders in their

lifetime, most of them at night.

The name of every continent ends with

the same letter that it starts with.

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Prom! to get a great dress inexpensively. One By Samantha West can always borrow - from sisters, cousins,

moms, aunts, neighbors, friends, and so It‟s official: the time is upon us. on. Dresses can be tailored if they're not You can smell it in the air and see it in the the right size, by stores in the mall or department stores as they prepare for one acquaintances who are skilled with a of their biggest seasons of the year. Good needle. Plus, borrowing increases the guess, but it's not springtime (even though odds that nobody will be wearing the the spring fashions are some of my same ensemble. Another way to get a favorites): it's prom! cheap dress is to work the discount and Prom, despite my previous vintage stores. You'd be surprised what comparison to the spring, has become a you can find at Forever 21 or the Wet Seal lot like Christmas lately. People (mostly - even if it's not very formal on its own, it women) prepare for months for a single can be made to look that way by adding much celebrated day/night, often flooding jewelry or heels. Vintage stores offer less- malls and department stores searching for expensive dresses that are usually one-of- that perfect dress, pair of shoes, etc. a-kind. This can also be done online, Excitement fills the air as people compare through a store's website or even on a looks and plan parties and hunt for dates. larger general site like Craig's List or However, the most similar characteristic is eBay. the cost - both prom and Christmas can For the artsier girls, there's always rack up bills to rival the national debt. The the option of making one's own dress. key word in that previous sentence was This allows total creativity - you're not "can" - prom doesn't have to be limited to the selection available in stores! expensive. Just employ a few of the Material can be purchased on sale at following money-saving techniques and Vidler's or JoAnn Fabrics. Make sure you soon our senators will be begging for your buy more than enough, in case of secrets to fix up the state budget. mistakes or mishaps. For those who want

The Dress: to add their own twist but aren't up to the The girliest section first! Often girls task of creating the dress themselves, are tempted to splurge here and skimp in they can always "edit" an older dress other categories, but saving money on the themselves. This means adding small dress will allow for some cash in case of details - a lace trim or beaded neckline an emergency. In any case, it's fairly easy can update a last-season dress to give it

8 some flair! Beware: don't attempt this and leave it down. It changes up your look unless you're absolutely positive you want without using ten thousand bobby pins. it there, because sometimes these things Makeup and hair products for this kind of are not so easily removed. thing can be bought at drugstores very cheaply. You can also put your friends to Hair, Makeup and Accessories: work - have your friend from Cosmetology Again, borrowing is a useful at Ormsby do your hair/face for extra technique here for accessories. Raid your credit - it's a win-win! mom's, sister's, or friend's closet: somebody's bound to have the shoes Guys: you're looking for! Or you can wear old The shortest paragraph of the accessories of your own - ladies, I hate to article. Men don't have a lot of options at break it to you, but unless you wore prom - they are basically limited to a tux something really crazy, I doubt everyone and a vest to match their date's dress. will remember the pair of earrings that you Tuxes can get pricey, but some lucky wore to your freshman Homecoming or guys have a similarly-built older brother or even to last year's prom. If you don't want father that they can borrow from - tailoring to go down that route, there is again the is not too expensive if needed. Bargain- option of making your own! Pick up pretty hunting is usually a must when tux beads and threading at a crafts store for shopping. Spend a day comparing prices next to nothing and whip up some at various stores or online. If you know gorgeous bracelets. This also applies to your sizes then you might even be able to corsages/boutonnieres - look up online purchase one straight off the internet. If tutorials on how to make them with your for some reason you have bits and pieces own flowers. of a tux at home but are missing crucial For hair and makeup, you can elements - if the vest ripped on your dad's always do it yourself rather than head off old suit, for instance - then perhaps a to an overpriced salon the day of the skilled friend or family member would be dance. After all, you know your face and willing to recreate it for you. They could hair better than anyone and can therefore potentially make your entire tux for you, probably do the best job. An easy and but as tuxes are much more uniform than pretty hairstyle: change your hair's texture dresses this is much more of a challenge. from its usual state (i.e., curl it if you Either way, tuxes can be found normally keep it straight and vice-versa) inexpensively, so don't lose hope, guys!

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Transportation: own rides, many hosts/hostesses worry Most people nowadays work the about a large party getting too expensive. standard black or white stretch limo with Relax - if you have everyone attending tinted windows. If you choose to go this bring a dish to pass, then you won't have route, then research, research, research! to worry about exorbitant food costs and it There are so many deals to be found out will make the guest list much more there. Look around, compare prices and flexible, as long as there is enough space check out prom deals. Also, try and get as to accommodate everyone. Have close to the number-of-passengers limit everyone confirm what they're bringing without going over. Usually, the price for a with you so there are no repeats - having limo is fixed depending on its size, so 20 bags of chips is not the best meal plan more people inside means less per for a party. Entertainment-wise, just some person - but exceeding the amount of music in the background is easy, as people allowed will force you to rent a everyone will be busy getting ready. larger, more expensive vehicle. If you For photos, don't worry about need one or two more people to drop the hiring a professional photographer - price a bit, look for a few friends going parents and friends take photos just as stag to add to the group. well. If you have a pretty area, use it for Going without a limo can be just as photos - a nice background improves a fun! Look into other ways to get there - photo dramatically. If you need to, use party buses, for example, are a blast, and some old Christmas lights or flowers to are less expensive and can fit more spice up the area. Be careful of photos on people. Going in a friend's car (or driving a the grass - girls' heels can dig into the group of friends yourself) is also fun, and ground and ruin the shoes or possibly allows for more flexibility regarding cause someone to trip and fall. arrivals and departures. If you need gas Prom doesn't have to burn a hole money, ask friends coming with you to in your wallet (or your clutch purses, pitch in - it's still cheaper than renting a ladies.) There will probably be one area in limo. which you will end up splurging - don't feel guilty, it's inevitable. But hopefully you The Pre-Party: now won't have to choose between your For many parties, the guest list is prom and your college education! usually limited to those riding in the limo.

However, if everyone is arranging their

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Yet those moments were only part Untitled of my high school experience at East By Kaitlyn Duthie Aurora. The other half was what I learned It was a time of new beginnings as in the classroom, hallways, from teachers, I entered the doors which revealed the students, et cetera. As with every senior blue devil emblem on the tiled floor. High embarking on the college experience, I School. At that moment in time, I felt as if will attend my choice of college, the all of middle school had disappeared and University of Rhode Island, in the fall of right before me was a monumental 2011, and put my level of maturity, and structure of maturity. knowledge of what I have learned thus far Time does go by fast, yet endings to the test. always leave room for new beginnings. As Some may ask themselves the a senior, and sister who shares a meaning of the word “test.” It may be as bathroom with other siblings, I am repetitive as the weekly vocabulary tests prepared to leave the nest I call home, taken in elementary school or tedious as and fly. I would have never grown wings advanced placement exams. Perhaps, the had I not taken full advantage of the definition and meaning are not as opportunities high school had to offer. As important as how the test is prepared for with all instances in life, my high school and taken. Normally, I take a copious experience will always remain with me, amount of notes and study until I know the and the moments that helped shape who I material as well as to mention it in an am today will stick with me forever. average conversation. However, this test, If high school and I had a as it is called, will try out my strengths and relationship, I would describe it as an weaknesses, and I can continuously take emotional roller coaster ride. There were it no matter how many times I fail. Most times when I disliked everything about the notably, the test which I and other seniors school; the smell of bacon lingering in the will take is our choice. hallways, the girls‟ bathrooms which do My interpretation of graduation is not lock properly, the varied temperatures not only advancing onto a new chapter, in each wing of the building, and the but deciding to take “the test.” The test groups of student who block the hallways may consist of deciding to go to college, while I attempt to be on time for class. obtaining an occupation, or just doing There were also moments which made something beneficial that pushes me smile and chuckle inside. boundaries and awakens self discovery.

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The past thirteen years of schooling have pushing for success. After my test has prepared students for something all of us been taken, I will celebrate momentarily, can seek in ourselves: What we desire to but I will also prepare to endure the next do with our lives and how we wish to live test. life to the fullest. On the day of graduation, I will It is quite common in class to hear celebrate momentarily, yet I am not even students‟ question why the subject matter close to ending my learning. Graduation is taught is necessary for their futures. only an end to the education that was Questions, like, Why do we need to learn chosen for me. After graduation I will logarithms? What is the point of using a solely decide to continue my education. I caliper for drawing class? Is it necessary may be graduating from high school, but I to study apostrophes in poems? I feel as if am not graduating from the life that is I have come upon an epiphany when I ahead of me for I still have plenty to learn. state how important all of the aspects of As with all humans, I will always grow old, school are. That is, they are only as but I will never be fully grown up. significant and valuable as the student who learns to make use of them. In other Halo By Gwen Cedfeldt words, how the student will or will not use the teachings on their “test,” in their Halo gliding as a sweet balm, numbing lifetime. water that might dribble and quake at first As mentioned previously, the test drowsy drink, nodding and not breathing which I will participate in after June 26th lightly can always be taken over with new Halo of acrid white hits my irises, outlined solutions and new answers. Once I pass clear but insides misty, a curving haze that test, I will of course find another Wiping a weighted hand over my eyelid, waiting for me as if I were leaving my bleariness crosses the clarity with Global Regents exam and preparing for scratching steps, sight blurs, and looking the Algebra II Regents. up, the halo is behind one white scrim, a As of this moment until I graduate, blotch of translucence I will only have the knowledge I gained It is an eye; a pupil a negative twin of the from schooling, which has prepared me sun. Iris formed of cloud. White soaked a for the next test to come (college for deeper blue. It stares for a moment, and myself). Similar to a regular test, I have as if it were helium filled and vaporous anxiety, I am dreading failure, yet I am illusion, it retreats.

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Thumbs this concept as it holds much relevance, By Emily Neu I simply criticize the use of the thumb in

With today‟s society slowly this endeavor. Why is it that we humans becoming concerned with a potential choose to rely on our thumbs, the over-dependence on technology, we shortest and fattest of our fingers, to seem to overlook a far more pressing prove our strength to one-another? The issue: our over-reliance on our thumbs. middle finger remains in fact the tallest, The problem comes to life in daily where the pointer finger is equally as situations, in particular with texting. agile as the thumb. The use of the Thumbs have the tendency, due to their thumb in “thumb wars” can be bulk, to cover up the keys on a cell determined undeniably over-rated as the phone and make texting for the length and power of the thumb cannot inexperienced user excessively measure up to that of the pointer and awkward and slow-moving. With middle fingers. smaller, more maneuverable, fingers at Extending this idea, the use of our disposal, there remains essentially the thumb in determining one‟s success, no justification as to why the thumb has through the “thumbs up” has become become the finger of choice when it embarrassing to the human race. comes to texting. With the fast-paced Nothing more than a lump of flesh and world changing as quickly as it has bone, the thumb has no right in proven to, it has become crucial that we representing one‟s success, pride, humans severely limit societal acceptance or accuracy. Picture this. dependence on our thumbs and utilize An ambitious soccer mom sits on the our other fingers and body parts to their sidelines of her child‟s first game of the fullest potential. season. She remains anxious to see his It should be noted that the performance, knowing that she has modern world seems almost eager to invested a large sum of money into his use their thumbs as a determination of equipment so that he could have the strength and other displays of power. top-of-the-line cleats and shin guards. “Thumb wars” serve to stand as a proof Her son quickly makes her proud as he of masculinity and strength as the taps the ball past the goalie that individual who can push the others‟ happens to be standing on the entire thumb from the air can be justified as, in opposite side of the net searching some regard, stronger. But not to bash hopelessly for the ball which has already

13 gone past him. She could not be more ridiculous is the concept of dying one‟s proud of her little Timmy and so what thumb green, no shade in particular, to better way to express her joy than to reflect on their gardening talents? Also, shove a stub of flesh and bone towards to consider the topic on a more rational the boy and his cheering team. Well level, the human thumb can often be that “thumbs up” certainly makes Timmy found discretely tucked away or hidden thrilled to see his mother‟s pride – in a pocket, glove, etc., so why is it that maybe if he‟s lucky he‟ll even witness society chose the thumb to color green, two lumps of skin and bone pointed in when in fact an ear, knee, or eyelid his direction! What is it that compels would be substantially more visible. one to feel that a “thumbs up” is Thus, it has proven vital that we something to be proud of? At least recognize the importance of this issue, other expressions of joy and pride, such with society finding a great dependence as clapping, give off noise as a means of their thumbs, and in doing-so; benefit of communicating, where a thumb farmers and consumers all over the raised into the air makes no sound. In world by identifying a good gardener in total, the use of a thumb to a highly more efficient manner. communicate pride and joy is relatively Essentially, society holds an appalling as it is nothing more than almost uncharacteristic dependence on pointing a chunk of flesh and bone their thumbs which in fact limits their towards one‟s location. success and efficiency in the world. By A thumb‟s impact on society has relying on thumbs to determine an quickly advanced beyond mere actions individuals‟ strength, success, and gardening abilities, we are limiting as it plays a substantial role in ourselves and our potential in the world. terminology and serves as a By taking the first step and eliminating our representation of gardening success. A thumbs as the primary finger of choice person having a “green thumb” has among texters, we can substantially become known for being a successful reduce the number of car crashes caused gardener and the thumb‟s coloring as a result of texting while driving, as less reflects this ability. But what use is such time would be spent looking down at a a term if any wanna-be farmer can go phone if the much quicker and agile pinky ahead and dye their thumb an emerald were put into use, among correcting other green, or not even emerald, but Kelly flaws in today‟s world. green, forest green or lime green? How

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I Believe… You don‟t really clothes, but they come By Elliott Martynkiewicz highly recommended. As for shoes, they

are not a necessity; many people run I believe that running is freedom. It can bare foot, which is actually beneficial, relieve stress and empty your mind. but running bare foot hurts many times; Yes, during a race running becomes either way you‟re still a runner. Running physical, and even more mental. Many is pure. Yes, running on a team is runners push themselves to the limit to grueling, trust me I know. You run get through “the wall”. Yet, something distance and speed, speed and about running provides a sense of distance, with the sole goal of winning. freedom. A feeling that you can On race day, however, there is no better accomplish anything. feeling than the work you put in paying I recently moved. I packed up all for it. Winning that race, setting a my belongings in one house and personal best or just knowing you did brought them to my new house. While the best with what you had. The sense unpacking I became all stressed out. I of accomplishment is surreal. For me, couldn‟t find things, or didn‟t know there is no better feeling. I just can‟t wait where to put them. I needed a break, to do it again. and wanted to get out of the house. Your body was made to run, just Then it came to me, I wanted to go for a look at it more closely. The muscles in run. So I threw on a pair of running our legs are made to move forward shorts, laced up my shoes, and went. I faster, there are ligaments in your neck didn‟t wear my watch; I didn‟t care what to keep your head still; your body is a time it was or how long I was gone. I just running machine. So why is it that many wanted to get out. So I went and went. I Americans are overweight? Look at our probably ran 8 or 9 miles that day, ancestors; they had to run for a living. feeling great the whole time. My mind They ran to chase food, they ran to keep cleared, I finally decided to go back food, and they ran to not be made into home ready to get back to work. food. We are naturally born runners. Running provides an escape from life. You just have to try it. Running provides When running, you can become free. such a freedom; you feel no attachment Running is a simple sport. It to the stresses of regular life. It‟s just does not require a ball, glove, bat, stick, you and the direction you‟re going. or helmet. Your main piece of Being natural born runners should make equipment? You, your body. That‟s all.

15 us want to do it more. It‟s programmed my final destination. Freedom. Running into our DNA, we just need to let it on my own is even better. I can set my loose. own pace, don‟t have to talk to anyone, When I‟m running whether it is at and turn back whenever I want. practice, or on my own, I feel that I‟m at Granted, running with a teammate, or home. After a long stressful day of even just a friend, is something I always school, I can‟t think of a better stress welcome; it isn‟t a necessity. reliever. It completely relaxes me. I Running is freedom. It is one of could run for miles and miles, and think the purest sports, and our bodies are nothing of it. My mind seems to clear, made to run. When you are running, all and I worry about nothing. I run on the the stress can melt away, and leave just roads, through the fields, and on the you, and the earth you are running on. trails in the woods. Any can take me to

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is 13 Chuck Norris Facts hiding. By Jonathan McClure Chuck Norris beat a brick wall in a game of tennis. The Mayans predict that Chuck Norris Gravity is space's way of keeping Chuck will lose his temper on December 21, Norris away from it. 2012.

One time, Chuck Norris explained sound There were originally two Earths, but to a deaf person. Chuck Norris got mad at one. It is now

known as the Moon. Chuck Norris can win "Connect 4" in

three turns. Haley's Comet comes back every 76 years to ask if Chuck Norris is gone yet. Chuck Norris won a staring contest with

a mirror. Santa Claus goes to the mall to sit on

Chuck Norris's lap. Chuck Norris built a motorcycle with

4WD. Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

Chuck Norris can leave a message

before the beep.

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Starsnake find „Red-Eyes‟ Rokke.” Diesel nodded. I By Ben Kutina continued, “How did it happen?”

“Apparently he was smuggling a Rako, Diesel, and I were hanging out in bomb when it went off.” the lounge of the Starsnake. Rako was “That‟s a load of Kawrick!” Diesel surfing the Galactic Web. Rako is said. That last bit was in Roladian, insectoid, don‟t ask me what species. Diesel‟s native language, but I don‟t There are so many different types of think I should translate it. “Kazer was a insectoid that they pretty much all fall hit-man, not a smuggler! And anyway he under the name “Bug”. This one has a gave up crime!” red shell and six limbs. The lower two “It is weird.” I said. Me and he uses as legs and the others are Diesel exchanged a glance, and I knew arms. He‟s almost useless in a fight; I we were suspecting the same thing. wouldn‟t keep him around if it weren‟t for Okay, first you need some his hacking skills. Right then he was background information. „Red-Eyes‟ checking law enforcement databases for Rokke was a gangster, THE gangster, any new bounties. “Hey Ander,” he said, really. He got his nickname from his “check this out. You know Fayla Kazer? eyes, which were burned red by acid in He‟s dead.” a factory accident. He was the most “Fayla who?” Diesel popped his feared gangster in the galaxy until the head out of the engine room. Diesel is of Starsnake Team brought him down. We an avian species called Cacks. His found him on a lava-swollen planet feathers have a pattern like orange and called Kerrvix. In an attempt to escape, yellow tie-die. He is a mechanical he caused a volcano to erupt, burying genius! He‟s made so many repairs and the streets in lava. He tried to fly off a modifications to the Starsnake I doubt rooftop, but I shot him, and he there‟s any of the original ship left. He disappeared into the smoke. I ran to the also lived on Earth for a while, so you edge and saw someone get swallowed might recognize some of his habits. by the lava. At the time I assumed it was Some place called Texas, I think. Rokke. But the thing is that ever since Wherever it was he sure picked up an he disappeared there had been so- annoying accent there. called „Rokke sightings‟. I thought they “You remember Kazer.” I said, “He gave us the tip-off we needed to

17 were just myths, like Elvis Presley substance because it shorted out robots sightings on Earth. But Kazer‟s death… on contact. They forced the prisoners to “We should check this out.” I dig out the dangerous stuff until they said, “Let‟s get the Starsnakes back were practically dead from radiation, together. Rako, contact Baranco and then they sent in another shift. That Oddball. Diesel, help me prep the was the situation Hyena was in. His real engines.” Diesel and I went into the name was Chekkar, but he was named engine room. “What do you think after the wild earth dog because of his Diesel,” I said as I refilled the coolant wild laughter. He looked human except tanks. “You think it was Rokke?” for the triangular ears that stood up from “Oh man, I hope not!” Diesel said his head and the golden eyes with fervently. “If Rokke didn‟t kick the bucket horizontal slits for pupils. He had been back on Kerrvix, we‟re in more trouble in the mine for six long hours when it than a big ole, fat turkey in November.” happened. A vein of Zellon ignited in I looked at him. “What‟s a turkey?” front of him, shorting out the droid that Rako called from the lounge was guarding him and causing the “And where‟s November?” Diesel just tunnel to cave in. He ran, barely shook his head and chuckled. I turned escaping the collapse. He barely had back to the engines. I knew that even time to cackle in triumph when a though Diesel was acting lighthearted, collector droid grabbed him and shoved he was dreading meeting Rokke again. him into the cargo hold of a Zellon After all, Rokke was a Cack as well. I freighter. He stood up and looked was pretty scared too. Though I didn‟t around the tank. Then a jolt laid him on admit it to the news, taking down Rokke the floor again. The freighter was had been our hardest challenge yet. I‟m moving. He sat up and started giggling still surprised we weren‟t all killed. manically to himself. He might have been crazy, but he could tell what was Razona-4, Scrrik system. going on. It would take a day or two to dig through all that rock. Even if they The fourth moon around the gas giant bothered, the radiation from the Zellon Razona held a high level of an element would have turned all the prisoners into known as Zellon. The Prime glowing green mush by then. They Administrator of the Scrikk system made would have no way of knowing he was prisoners mine for the radioactive not among the victims. He stretched

18 himself out and put his arms behind his cackled wildly, his laughs echoing head. This has got ‘Red-Eyes’ Rokke around the empty tank. written all over it. He thought. He To be continued….

By Spencer McGowan

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RACHEL‟S REVIEW By Rachel Cocca

Memoirs of A Geisha: Movie vs. Book

After reading Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, I was anxious to see the renowned movie. Directed by Rob Marshall, Nominated for six academy awards and winning three, I was expecting a lot. The story is of Chiyo Sakamoto, a young girl sold to the geisha community by her father who faces incredible difficulties ranging from a vexatious older geisha to losing her entire family. Her life seems to be all about perseverance until she meets the Chairman. He becomes her ambition and everything she works for from then on. Overall both the book and movie The book was incredibly descriptive were beautiful. I would definitely and very emotional. Golden writes from the recommend reading the book prior to eyes of Chiyo herself, which really adds to watching the movie because it really the story. The novel begins through provides insight into the thoughts of Chiyo innocent eyes and as it goes on you feel as that the movie lacks. I would rate this book though you are growing with Chiyo as her five out of five stars, while the movie four thoughts and opinions expand. The one out of five stars. thing I really appreciated in the book that was not shown in the movie was the Remember When thoughts of Chiyo. Her opinions of By Becky Nolan everything going on really helped the Cool nostalgia fills my core. formation of the story and without them the Waves of emotions lapping upon the shore. core of the story was lost throughout the Mind wanders again as before, As cool nostalgia flees once more. movie.

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Heartbeat I Believe… By Maren Johnson By Alyssa McClure

Now rest, fair heart, beneath the sun, My heart pounds like the swift bass And wait for comfort of the night; beat booming out of the speakers at the All stars will fade, their journeys done. party I‟m not at. Sweat pours down my eyelids and runs in rivulets across the Think not, dear heart, of battle won, wrinkles of concentration stretched painfully The cold of ice, nor blind dog‟s bite; across my forehead. My hands shake All stars will fade, their journeys done. uncontrollably, shuddering like a rickety bridge does when heavy vehicles speed Fear not, brave heart, for those who run across it. My legs quiver; I have been From clutching hands, or cliff‟s dark height; robbed of my vocal chords. I run hot and All stars will fade, their journeys done. cold, like a swollen thermometer plunged in ice water. I try valiantly to escape, to elude Weep not, sweet heart, for setting sun, the dark demon that has stolen my soul, but He rises new, each time as bright; I cannot. I am trapped. All stars will fade, their journeys done. I believe perfectionism is a disease. It consumes one‟s life. A perfectionist will Shrink not, pure heart, from twilight‟s gun, never again be satisfied – with her pre- His bullets lead you into flight; calculus exam grade, her jean size, or All stars will fade, their journeys done. herself. Every time she looks in a mirror, she will find an area to improve upon. Wake not, still heart, for sleep has won, Perfectionism does not fraternize with self- And peaceful now shall be your light; confidence or gratefulness. NOTHING is All stars must fade, their journeys done, EVER good enough. This mindset assumes And heartbeats sound – but missing one. control of her outlook on academics, work, and sports – any aspect of her life that has been deemed important, it will discover and conquer. It works hand in hand with greed and guilt to infect her self-esteem and does its best to ensure she will never truly succeed or find happiness. Those who despise that kid in class who always knows all of the correct

21 answers do not and will not understand; shoulders. Therein enters the breakdown: they have not been contaminated and the event that single-handedly destroys therefore cannot relate. To a perfectionist, every last shred of hope hidden within her to that 88% on her chemistry test – the one for overcome the disease. The breakdown which she spent 4 hours attempting does not relieve the pressure she feels desperately to understand the material – inside; instead it intensifies it, reminding her represents failure. Any number less than that she is NOT perfect – for if she was, she 100 will not be considered; any lesser value would be capable of handling the pressure – means that she does not have all the and never will be perfect. This, too, is answers. This is unacceptable. The unacceptable. It forces her to take on more pressure to maintain the highest grade responsibilities in an acute attempt to make possible becomes unbearable, capturing up for the temporary loss of control over her every available second of her life. That life. Perfectionism teaches her that adding glimmer of a social life disappears when the more pressure will solve her problem. 2200 arrives for her SAT grade. Time no There is no end. longer exists for trivial things such as I believe that perfectionism is a movies, runs or food when homework needs disease, and I believe that I have been to be done and information needs to be infected. While I am clearly able to retained. School becomes her priority; as recognize my condition, I am helpless to act she wastes away, obvious to those around against it. The disease has coursed her, she fails to see the perilous situation through my veins for too long; it cannot be she has placed herself in. separated from my blood without killing me. I am a casualty. I am a victim. I am a perfectionist.

And so, there comes a point when the perfectionist can no longer bear the weight she has hoisted above her

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Leave nothing but Poison for the fish which lies belly up By Maren Johnson In the shallows, eyes black and bottomless.

Gasoline seeps through flaking scales. “Take nothing Snap. But pictures, leave nothing Broken bottles and crumpled cans But footprints.” That‟s what the sign Discarded onto rotten leaves. Said – so that‟s what I did Snap. On that April day when the sun Plastic bag rattling on a sapling‟s branch, Had kissed the earth and the rain “THANK YOU” emblazoned in red on its Cradled the ground to soften its shell. front. Snap. Snap. Old maple tree felled Stained styrofoam coffee cup floating By lightning‟s electric blade, exposing On a meandering stream. Soft wood in shards and splinters Snap. Jutting towards the sky in defiance. Snap. Snap. Snap. Wilting white wildflower in a bed My footprints made canyons in the soft mud, Of black sludge; oiling and oozing But my pictures scream. Look at us. We are Into the roots of spring‟s sighing gift. the future. Snap. Look, dammit. Technicolor sheen

On the rippling pond surface, swirling

23 By Maren Johnson Prisoner of Mind By: Becky Nolan

A silent brooding storm Creeping mysteriously into my dreams. Memories. Haunted by images of war Which follow me day by day, Morose remembering in my mind; Unable to get away. Trapped by my veterans helmet.

Memories thrash against the helmet, Crashing like waves in a storm. But they cannot escape my mind, For they are prisoner to my dreams That haunt my day, Remembering the atrocious time of war.

The “unnecessary war” As I heard it called by a man wearing a helmet, My brother during the day Yet my partner once arrived the storm. Our brotherly companionship enters my dreams From time to time. But unlike the others, he may escape my mind.

I am a prisoner. A prisoner to my mind. The warden is the war. The warden is unforgiving, keeping me trapped in my dreams; Unable to escape the torture. The helmet Is my cell and the storm Continues to rain hopelessness, clouding my day.

Will I ever be able to escape someday? I will never know. My mind Holds a grip like a vice, so strong not even the storm Can escape its clench. The war, my war, Makes me feel scared and alone. I wear my helmet To shield me, but the act is futile. Nothing can shield me from my dreams.

I can no longer distinguish reality from my dreams. There is many a day When I think about what it would have been like without the helmet. What would be going on in my mind? For the first time I have forgotten the war, But then, once again, returned the storm.

My dreams are what captured my mind. Torturing them by day with images of war, And haunting me underneath my helmet by night. Carefully brewing a storm.

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I Believe in Ballroom Dancing Belief in socialism is not a profound gesture; By Brendan Conron it is instead an acceptance of reality.

I believe in ballroom dancing. No At the sound of someone saying socialism self-respecting teenage guy would admit most enter mental defcon 1, replacing any that, but I do. I believe in the power and thoughts of mopeds and berets with passion of such a simple act. An act, monster trucks and deep fryers then looking without words. I don‟t do it often; their shoulders to make sure the ghost of circumstances are normally against me but I Alexander Mitchell Palmer is not trying to take delight in those rare moments when I deport them. Why such hysteria? Socialism can. is a term of unparalleled innocence that has My grandfather died of Parkinson‟s. I been the unfortunate victim of attempts by was young, only eight at the time. I don‟t politicians and social activists to gain remember much about him; my memory is momentum by striking fear into the often scarce. So I look back to the moments American public. I can remember, the ones where he taught me to dance. He would take me by the hand Capitalism is not and has never been and we would stumble and tumble our way established in the United States. Adam across the living room, past the grandfather Smith's prophesied “invisible hand” has clock and my smiling grandmother, always proven equally nonexistent. The institution chuckling at our antics. is barbaric and ruthless as it has no rules. When he died, I stopped dancing. I Monopolies would be growing unchecked forgot what it was like to have a partner. It and the gap in social classes would be large wasn‟t until high school with my first enough to horrify. Socialism is the only girlfriend that I did it again. We danced in a manner of protecting the masses. Anyone dimly lit hall and I thought of my grandfather who has ever supported a piece of and how we used to dance. legislation regarding business is a socialist. Any denial is a result of a lack of knowledge On cloudy days and starry nights, I enabling a distinction between socialism look out my bedroom window, past the pane and communism, two inconceivably different of glass. I can see in my mind‟s eye a red- political economic ideologies. haired boy and no longer a sickly old man but a vibrant young one, dancing in the Saying you are a capitalist is like staring into street. It‟s never perfect, we stumble and a fitting room mirror and telling yourself that slip, but it‟s not about the dance. It‟s about a those jeans will still look great once you get passion. It‟s about being alive. them home; you know it is not true but you buy them anyway (later you realize that the

jeans were a wrong choice and you try to

I Believe in Socialism return them but you lost the receipt and now By Nick Zee the jeans are on-sale so they will only refund you the current price; obviously you I believe in socialism. Calm down O'Reilley, are pretty bummed but you passed an even I am not a radical and I only listen to Rage better pair of jeans on the way out so all is Against The Machine for musical pleasure. dandy once again).

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The Education Game

By Mark Mandych knowledge- which I am beginning to doubt-

This I believe: education should be and which definitely does not entail wisdom. viewed qualitatively, based on the principle When I reiterate the previous day‟s lesson that human actions cannot be graded on a in order to pass a test, there is no reason for number scale. I am an individual; I am me to understand the information; my unique; and I deny the constraints that “knowledge of class content” and therefore hinder my creativity. my grade is not affected by quick memorization. And within a week, all learning will have escaped my mind.

A high school diploma was once extremely valuable. But now it is merely a means to attend college- and college has become the only way to get a job. Once, humans used education to collaborate and

create a better world. But now, I can see In school, my teachers are pleased. that education has evolved into a method of I am doing well, they say. But according to survival, a brutish tool in this selfish, what rationale? Education has become a competitive, and ignorant world. game- there are winners and losers, the This is not education, knowledge for competition is intense, and yes, you can self-improvement, a love of learning; this is cheat. I am one of the winners. I a system that measures my ability to live up understand exactly how to manipulate the to another‟s standards, “playing the game” system to my advantage, gaining maximum to ensure a decent future. Increased school points while expending minimal effort. I days, homework, and testing will not fix this know how to deduce the correct answer problem. But a respect for quality education from multiple choices every time; I know and personal responsibility will. All I wish what critical information must be included in for is to be viewed as a person, not a my essays in order to please my teachers. number. I seek my own interests; I discover Short of cheating, I am the very best my own purpose; I lead my own life. at this game. A game that is said to involve

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The Voice: An Interview with Ryan Ellis 1. Q. What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you? A. I was hit by a car when I was seven years old, and spent three weeks in the hospital, with a broken leg among other injuries.

2. Q. What is one of your most embarrassing moments? A. I was caught in the ladies room in a large department store in a mall – I forgot to lock the door, and ducked out quickly when a woman walked in.

3. Q. Where is the strangest place you’ve ever been? A. I once hopped a fence at Niagara Falls and walked out on the rocks. I stuck my hand in the falls, and the sheer power of the water was incredible. It was late at night, so one wrong move and I could have slipped off the edge.

4. Q. Why did you become a teacher? A. My mother was a teacher, and my father was an engineer, so after I became an engineer, I figured that I would give teaching a try too. My mom enjoyed what she did and seemed to get a lot out of it.

5. Q. What profession did you have before you began teaching? A. I designed sheet metal tooling at Strippit in Akron.

6. Q. What would you do if you could be anything but a teacher? A. I would be an NFL football coach; my favorite team is the Bills.

7. Q. What is your favorite food? A. I‟d have to go with steak.

8. Q. What is your favorite movie(s)? A. Casino and Goodfellas.

9. Q. What is your favorite book or magazine? A. I enjoy Popular Mechanics magazine.

10. Q. What is your favorite sport to play? To watch? A. My favorite sport to play is golf, and my favorite sport to watch is football.

11. Q. What is your favorite type of music? A. Techno.

12. Q. If you could have a do-over of any event in your life, what would it be? A. I would have grown up faster, and matured quicker instead of acting as childish as I did.

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Natalie DuBois

Maren Johnson

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