Volume 8 Issue 4
By Agnes Zak and Hannah Furlong
Prom, a word synonymous with dresses, hairdos, tuxedos, dancing, and after parties, is for many the highlight of a high school life. Prom night for the junior class took place on May 11, 2007. The Friday morning weather was dull and gloomy and girls were worried about ruining their hairstyles or smudging makeup. However, as the day progressed and the rain slowly stopped, the sun came out just in time for pictures outside with dates and friends. After the corsages were put on and last minute touchups were finished, students left the pre-parties, many in long stretch limos. The event was hosted at the Aqua Turf, where it has been for many years. Students arrived to the ballroom ready to have the night of their life.
As tradition goes, students sit down for an elegant dinner. However, dinner at the Aqua Turf wasn’t that simple. Justin Crimm, a prom attendee, said that, “I enjoyed watching the waiter’s performance while serving dinner; it was really cool and interesting.” It’s evident that everything was taken to the next level at this prom bash.
After dinner, the students headed to the dance floor where they enjoyed the music played by a DJ. There was, though, controversy over the dancing and music played. According to various students, the music was turned off and the students were warned about “dancing dirty” and “grinding”. When we asked Mrs. Kidwell about what really went on with the superintendent, she said she had, “No comment” on the situation but instead that the “Dancing was no problem”. Student Mike Baczewski felt that, “It was our generation’s dancing” and although what happened, it still was “A great time.”
The rest of the night was “smooth, virtually flawless” and the students went home with album favors. Not many realize how much planning and time was put into organizing such a large event. The junior student council was a big part in putting the prom together, since of course it was their class that would enjoy it.
Lisa Marzi, a student council member stated “It was what I expected it to be because I helped plan it” Her and fellow student Mike agreed that, “All the planning paid off.” Other students that helped plan the prom were class president Andrew Zelek, Alyssa Mazzarella, and the members of the prom committee.
Many students had positive comments on the night.
Teddy Rosol said, “It was the highlight of my year”. Not only were various members of the junior class impressed with the event, but sophomores were as well.
Gina Scacca and Sierra Irazierry also enjoyed themselves saying that “The food, music, and dancing was great” and “We can’t wait for our own junior prom!” The only hitch that students did seem to speak of was the incorporation of the theme. One student felt that, “The theme was great and interesting, but nothing at the party fit. It wasn’t incorporated, except for the blue table curtains.” That could have been fixed; more things could have been ‘Deep Blue’”. This prom was a great success for the juniors and next year should be nothing short of perfect!
By The BHS Journalism Class
While Berlin High School students may graduate with an acute knowledge of how to survive on a French ski slope, and the ability to order a strawberry milkshake in a Spanish café, many feel that they leave their language classes with few practical applications under their belt. The style of teaching foreign languages, both in BHS and in other area schools, is greatly lacking in regards to the needs of the modern high school graduate.
In our parents’ generation, the most foreign exposure one could expect to get would be a weeklong sightseeing trip to London. However, due to the new global business environment, the United States can no longer be the isolated country that it once was.
However, the method of teaching world language has changed little in twenty years. At Berlin High School, students begin their foreign language studies in their freshman year of high school, despite the recommendations of experts who believe that such learning should begin at a much younger age, when individuals are more open to learning. There is a common belief that, after age thirteen, an ideal window of opportunity for learning foreign languages closes, and the potential for learning decreases.
Europeans have been teaching foreign languages to young children for decades. As a result of this, many Europeans are fluent in three or more languages, and speak with little or no accent. There are large differences in the style of teaching languages in Europe and the United States; while European teaching methods focus on speech and pronunciation, the American method tends to focus on written expression and grammar.
Considering that there is very little opportunity for speaking and conversation, the BHS language education tends to focus on verb conjugations and endless memorization of vocabulary. Is it any wonder that some students find foreign language to be their least favorite class?
However, the students are responsible for some of the blame for the state of the foreign language curriculum in BHS. Many students believe that the group-speaking exercises given by language teachers are simply an excuse to talk to their friends and act up. Also, some students have no real interest in learning more about the language that they selected, and enroll in IV or V level classes only to garnish their high school transcript. As in any other subject matter, foreign languages take some degree of self-motivation to learn, and without the cooperation of both students and teachers this will not occur.
In order to improve the BHS foreign language curriculum, there must be more opportunities for interactive learning. Some improvements may include the installation of a language lab or the addition of speaking segments on tests and quizzes. BHS would benefit from offering a larger number of languages, as many area high schools do. For instance, New Britain High School allows students to choose between six languages, while BHS only offers three. It should also be noted that BHS used to offer Latin, but eliminated it from the curriculum many years ago. Russian was also eliminated at one point due to lack of interest, but was reinstated. As most language teachers are certified to teach in at least two languages, there is a definite possibility that our school would be able to offer a greater variety of languages that more students may be interested in. If a students’ level of interest in a language were higher, there is a possibility that they would take more initiative in their learning and therefore perform better.
Some Words from the BHS World Language Department (Chairperson Mrs. Dorsey):
1. I definitely agree students should begin foreign language learning in elementary school, the earlier the better. Their brains are like sponges, they aren’t inhibited or otherwise afraid to make foreign sounds, they are super-enthusiastic, and they think it’s cool to learn how to say words they already know, like “cat”, in more than one way. Also, before puberty, children pick up authentic, native accents. After puberty they will always retain the accent of their native tongue, no matter how long or how well they speak a second language. (Unless they hire a voice coach to train them or teach them the accent of the second language.)
2. I heartily agree BHS should teach more than three foreign languages. The problem is that most people come out of college only having majored in one language (Spanish). I majored in Spanish and minored in French. Mrs. Terrill and Mrs. Cyr-Junker majored in French and minored in Spanish. I would love to hire someone who could teach Italian, or German, or even Chinese! Latin is also very popular, it made a huge come-back a few years ago. A friend of mine teaches five sections of Latin at South Windsor High School. And he also is certified to teach Spanish and French. No question it would be awesome, but if the people aren’t out there to hire then you can’t offer more choices.
3. On the contrary!!!! In the beginning levels students are building a foundation. So you have to have lots of work with verbs and vocabulary acquisition. Then, when the student knows something, there can be more and more interactive learning. Try speaking Spanish if you don’t know any words. You need to know a few verbs and a lot of vocabulary, and how to put it all together before you can start speaking with any fluency.
4. Motivation comes from within a person. Either you want to learn and do well or you don’t. No one can motivate you to do anything you don’t want to do. Even dangling money in front of some people isn’t a sufficient motivator to do something they don’t want to do.
5. As far as I have ever heard, or read, the Europeans teach foreign languages the way we Americans do. We focus on correct speech/pronunciation ALONG WITH teaching grammar and vocabulary. Immersion programs simply forbid the use of the student’s native tongue. Everything else is the same.
By Mark Wagoner
Is there really a right way, place, or time to break up with someone? We all do it or get affected by it at some point in our lives. The true answer may never really be discovered. Breaking up is done by men and women in relationships. The girls tend to do it face to face beause they have courage. The men usually do not do it face- to- face or they tend to act like a moron to get the girl to break up with them. There are four main ways to break up with someone. The first way to end a relationship is face to face, which can be tough, but it is doable. The next way to end it is over the phone, acceptable, but not always the best choice. The third way is miscellaneous, which means it could be done any random way, and lastly there is my personal favorite to witness, the text message.
Initially, the main way th break up with someone is face- to- face. If you have been in a relationship with someone they you should feel comforatable enough around them to express how you feel and say things to that person's face, even if they might not agree with them as long as you are respectful. Doing it this way can be risky, depending on who you are dealing with, becasue this could result in a slap in the face. If you break up with someone face to face, especially if they are not expecting it, you might not want to do it where there are a lot of people around becasue that person may make a scene. They may cry, scream, or swear at you really loudly. If you are dealing with someone who is level-headed and normal, then breaking up head to head is not really that bad. Breaking up in person occurs between many people everyday and if it is necessary to end a relationship, then it thas to be done by one of the two people. Ending a relationship with someone face- to- face is really how it should end.
Next up, is breaking up with someone on the phone. This way is not as risky as doing it in person becasue you can't get slapped through the phone. One con to the phone is that you're still actually communicating with them and you might get yelled at or experience the crying part once again. The biggest pro of doing it this way is the fact that you're actually not looking at them. This may give you a little more confidence. Plus, you have the greatest power of all...the hang up. If you get nervous, then just quickly say what you have to say and hang the phone up, or you could also just hang up if they begin to yell at you. Why do you have to listen to them scream?
Let's go back to middle school for a minute. Weren't there just some great miscellaneous ways that people broke up with each other? In middle school when people would "go out," they never would break up with each other face- to- face. You would recieve a note in pink or green pen in you locker saying. "I just want to be friends," or a friend of theirs would pass you a note. They might just verbally pass the message through a friend, too. We all did it. I wouldn't really support breaking up with someone through a note or through someone else as you get older, but in middle school I guess it is okay. If you can find your own miscellaneous way to break up with someone on your own, then go for it.
My personal favorite breakup method to watch, especially for people in high school, is the text message. I'm sorry, but it's just downright cowardly and pathetic. Just tell someone for real, or at least on the phone. Most students do not have cell phones in middle school, so this way really just applies to high school students and older. Telling someone you want to break up with them through a message on your phone takes no guts. You don't even hear a reaction at all. You won't hear them yell, cry, be happy possibly, or whatever. You might not even get a reply. It's just wrong to do it this way. If you think about it, breaking up isn't the worst thing in the world. So if you're going to do it, do it right, and with some dignity. Look the person in the eye, or at least be listening to his/her voice.
By Darby Brazoski
With the bodies of his elderly wife and two mentally retarded children surrounding him, 81-year-old Richard Brown takes one last look at what he has left behind before pulling the trigger on himself. Left behind is a three-page suicide note carefully written by the terminally ill Brown, which contained such information as how to contact out of state family members. It also contained Brown’s reason for killing the people he loved most in the world; he didn’t want them to be a burden.
Brown had recently undergone back surgery, and his wife’s health had begun to fail. Their 53-year-old son Kenneth and 49-year-old daughter Janie had both experienced physical problems along with their mental retardation throughout their lives. To Brown, there appeared to be no way for his children to survive after his death, causing him to take their lives.
Brown was described as a “selfless advocate for people with disabilities” by Kathryn duPree, deputy commissioner on the state Department of Mental Retardation. He also served on the board of directors of FORConn, a mental retardation advocacy group. How could someone seemingly so aware and active for the cause of mental retardation see death as the only possibility for his family’s problems?
Connecticut falls short in its care for the aging population of many mentally retarded people. This is a new area of concern, as until recently individuals with mental retardation were almost guaranteed an early death, however advances in medical care now makes is possible for many to live a long life. The aid and care given to individuals with mental retardation virtually stops when they turn 21, (and are forced to leave school) leaving the brunt of the responsibility in the hands of the parents. The state Department of Mental Retardation, which provides care for many elderly and late middle aged people, is where many of these individuals live after their parents are unable to care for them any longer.
Southbury Training School, the state’s home for people with mental retardation, has been the subject of numerous scandals over the years. Sexual abuse and cruelty by staff members were among the charges that caused a suit to be filed against the school in 1994. Since then, in 2004 a staff member was fired after she left a woman alone in the car, choking on her food, while she went inside a TJ Maxx to shop. The woman later died, and her caregiver was charged with second degree manslaughter for her negligence. However, the state has begun to improve the care given in Southbury Training School, and has greatly improved since the 1990s.
Can we blame Richard Brown for his actions? Brown felt that he had no other options, and in reality his choices were very limited. Brown’s actions are an indication that the care options for the aging population with mental retardation are in need of a severe makeover.
To get a better idea of some of the options available to mentally retarded people in the state of Connecticut, I e-mailed a few questions to Robert Wood, the former president of FORConn, and the parent of an adult with mental retardation.
1) If you could change any one thing about the treatment of mentally retarded people (and) in Connecticut, what would it be?
A) I would improve the access to Oral Health Care and improve the care of the aging population in Connecticut.
2) What options are available for the care of mentally retarded adults living at home whose parents are no longer in a position to care for them and if they are clients of the DMR [Department of Mental Retardation]?
A) They need to ask their case manager to put them on the Waiting List for placement in a setting of the client or guardian’s choice. Because the Waiting List for Residential Placement is very long it could take a couple of years before a placement would be available.
The following residential options are available: Supported Living, living in a group home, living in the community and living in one of the campus facilities operated by DMR.
3) How does Connecticut compare to other states in regards to the services provided to mentally retarded people?
A) It is one of the best states in which to obtain services for the mentally retarded.
4) What obstacles (in regards to state services) can the parents of a mentally retarded person expect to encounter?
A) In order to obtain services from the state you first need to be a client of the DMR. Once you have applied to the DMR for services and have been excepted you are assigned a case manager who will help you obtain the services you need. The board of education is also responsible for providing an education until they reach the age of 21 at which time they can apply to the DMR for services.
By Lindsay Young
Course selections mean new classes, new teachers, and new challenges. By now most of us have already made our course selections. Students throughout the school are probably wondering if they’ve made the right choice, or if they can switch out at the last minute. The only exceptions are graduating seniors, who will spend their days enjoying the end of their high school careers and worrying more about colleges than high school courses. But for those of us who will still be attending Berlin High School next year, it would be great to know what to expect for next year.
Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior, no one is sure what’s coming next year. Freshmen are generally excited about the future right now, but to them graduation seems very far off. Since they have the most time left in high school, they can select classes based on what they think is interesting, rather than what they think colleges will be specifically looking for in the future. Sophomores are starting to take life a little more seriously, thinking about their future more now. Because junior year is rumored to be one of the most important to colleges, many juniors are thinking about their goals and dreams when choosing classes. Graduation is just one year away and by now some have an idea of what they want to do in life, or at least definitely know what they want to do in life. So which of your classes are going to be your most enjoyable and which ones are tedious, but necessary?
Probably the most popular classes in the school are business ones. Whether it’s because there are more business selections than other types of classes or it just happens to be most kids’ first choice is undetermined. But it seems like a lot of people are taking business courses. This may have something to do with the teachers. Miss Nelson and Mrs. Wicklund can be easygoing, but they’ll make you do your work.
Business classes are also popular because they are related to what people want to do in life. A senior Sarah Hanson explains why she’s decided to take business courses throughout her high school career, “The wide variety of business courses that are offered to students at BHS have allowed me to explore different spectrums of the business world and find out which interest me. One of my favorite classes has been accounting. I hope to take what I have learned with me to college and carry it with me for the future.”
While business is an interesting class, on the other side of the spectrum are the art classes. Sometimes thought of as more relaxing classes, art classes can sometimes be incredibly important to a person’s future. A junior Jillian Tara, a future interior design major, has taken art classes all through her three years of high school. Says Tara, “I’ve wanted to be an interior designer since I redid my own room. Taking Drawing this year has really improved my drawing skills, something very important for my future line of work.”
For others, unsure of what they want to do in life, taking art classes can be an interesting option. An art class could also be a good idea for people with already heavy course loads. However, if artistic abilities are not a talent, then a person probably shouldn’t take these classes. But if you’re a fair artist, an art class can be a way to learn new things without the same pressures of other types of classes.
Music classes are another popular option in this school. Many people take a music class as a stress reliever or because they really like music. But beware when choosing a music class, because like many other types of classes, they all have different levels of difficulty. Band is an obviously popular class among students. This fun class not only gives people a chance to express themselves by playing instruments, but it also creates lasting friendships among band members. Activities outside of school, like football games or group field trips also attract members.
Chorus is another popular music class. Taught by Mr. Robert Kelley, anybody can join the chorus who wants to have fun, but will also take it seriously. Ashley Andruskiewicz is a junior who has not only taken chorus classes since her freshman year, but is also involved in specialty choruses such as Magicals and Jazz chorus. Andruskiewicz is not sure if she wants to be involved in music in the future, but she says, “It’s good to have that background in case I decide to.” As for now, she says “Singing helps you express how your feeling. It’s a great release for me. And Mr. Kelley is an awesome teacher to have.”
Other popular classes include psychology and journalism. Psychology is great for many different fields of work. This challenging class really will pay off in the end, especially if you have to take a psychology course in college. Journalism is a good class to take if a person obviously, wants to be a journalist or if their future line of work needs some journalistic background.
Whichever class you do take, whether it’s because it’s an important class for your future, or you just need a stress reliever, remember to do what makes you happy. After high school, there may not be as many opportunities to experience a new subject. Whether you’re a junior, sophomore, or freshman, take a class that interests you because you never know where it will take you.
By Brian Sullivan
The newly-formed Berlin High School Fishing Club, known as Fishbones, recently teamed up with a group of high school students with special needs for a field trip to the pond at Sage Park. Two high school biology teachers, Ms. Jen Vitelli and Mr. Fred Russo, accompanied the group to discuss the significance of maintaining our bodies of water. The members of the fishing club seized the moment and partnered up with their fellow students, assisting them with their lines, bait, and casting. Overall, 18 rainbow trout were caught and returned to the water. Students were instructed on the finer points of catch and release, so that others may enjoy the same activity. Anthony Cardello was the fisherman of the day catching five rainbow trout. He was fishing with Adam Romegialli, who described his morning with Anthony as being “a great experience.” Romegialli said he was very excited for Anthony and although catching fish may not have been the primary goal initially, it turned out to be the “icing on the cake.” Club member Andrew Dwyer commented that this was one of his best fishing experiences ever.
Dwyer stated, “Just the thought of getting out of school to do something I love to do was great...but it was much more than that.” Every student on the field trip caught at least one fish.
Assistant principal Mark Benigni stated, “This was an incredible learning experience for all the students. Mr. Sullivan and the Fishbones should be credited for planning such a special morning. These are the type of activities that students remember for a lifetime. We hope to continue the special relationships that were established fishing together at Sage Park.” Staff members Amy Roberts and Wendy Falk echoed Dr. Benigni’s thoughts and commended the members of the fishing club and the spirit of cooperation that existed.
By Matt Cavedon, Copy Editor
The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
I do not understand the liberal point of view on gun control. It is indeed true that this amendment does leave some ambiguity over whether gun rights are intended to be individual or collective. That said, the ending line, “the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed,” is a clear endorsement of the individualistic interpretation. Additionally, the liberal social view tends to endorse policies that allow for greater personal responsibility and freedom over security and control. How is it that the right to self-defense with the use of firearms is not a part of the liberal perspective?
All humans have basic rights endowed to them by their Creator, according to the Declaration of Independence. The right to life is the first specified. It is reasonable to infer that it bears the greatest weight. Gun ownership is a critical way of assuring the right to life. Self-defense with use of force is a necessity in the modern world. Our society is proliferated with guns. It is as unreasonable to believe that guns can be removed from all Americans as it is to believe that marijuana can be entirely stamped out. The critical question is not whether or not we want a gun-free society. It is whether or not we wish to grant the right to own guns to law-abiding citizens, or simply to criminals. Criminals will always have guns. Many guns used in crimes are illegal today. It is not as though gun-bans, such as those enforced in New York City, Canada, and Great Britain, will actually prevent criminals from possessing firearms. In fact, recent studies by groups such as The Fraser Institute (http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/) and the British Journal of Criminology (http://bjc.oxfordjournals.org/) suggest that gun control programs have been a wasteful failure.
Why is there still a lingering notion that loose gun laws in America are responsible for high violent crime rates? Nations such as France, Switzerland, and Germany, all seen as progressive on social issues, have very permissive gun laws in comparison with the U.S., and they have lower violent crime rates than we do. In principle, it is ridiculous to believe that strict gun laws prevent crime. To throw out a simple example, which is robbed more often: a bank, or a gun store? When many individuals have guns in an area, crime is less likely. It is prevention by deterrence at its core.
A number of recent restrictions on guns have been considered. Child safety locks were recently mandated by federal law on all new firearms, and there has been talk of banning assault weapons recently. The child lock legislation, though well-intentioned, is flawed. Imagine that an individual breaks into the home of a gun-owner, awaking her. It is the middle of the night. As a responsible gun-owner, she has placed the gun in one secure, hidden location. The ammunition is in another. The lock’s key is in another. Depending on her level of energy and the location of these items, it could cost several minutes for her to ready herself for self-defense. In situations where every moment is precious, is this reasonable? I think not.As far as the assault weapons ban goes, we are not discussing legalizing grenade launchers, silencers, or full-automatic weapons. The ban outlaws all semi-automatic rifles. Semi-automatic weapons can be a critical tool for home defense. Additionally, they can serve as a great tool in personal protection. The ability to rapidly fire several rounds in a firefight within the home can mean the difference between life and death.
Guns and the right to self-defense are inherently linked. It is irrational to suggest that, through the use of stringent controls on law-abiding gun-owners, violent crime can be reduced. All citizens have the right to own and carry firearms. If one truly wants to reduce gun crime, then outlaw the possession of firearms by convicted felons and encourage all citizens to receive proper training in the use of firearms. Require background checks on all participants at gun shows and on any potential firearm purchaser. Do not infringe on liberty in the name of security.
By Melissa Mirabello
Earlier this year, I asked my Accelerated English 10 students to write an expository essay. Some selected the topic “How to say goodbye.” I remember their inspiring words from these essays, yet one sentiment resonates the most: a goodbye should be personalized and sincere. I aspire to meet both criteria as I bid farewell to a passion of mine, the BHS school newspaper, The Redcoat Review.
From the onset, the school motto, “Where a Voice Can be Heard” served as a beacon for the newspaper staff. A talented layout editor years ago, Mike Bird, was so inspired by it that he created a newspaper header to read, “Where an Opinion can be Written.” There is great truth to this slogan; over the years that I have advised the paper, opinions have flourished, sometimes enraging readers, and other times influencing positive changes. As an adamant proponent of First Amendment rights, I defended students’ expression, yet attempted to increase students’ sense of moral and ethical obligation to their school and community. It is my hope that students will continue contributing their ideas to school publications. Their voices are vital to the school’s success and the plight of the writer and journalist: to make an indelible mark in this world.
Kathleen Strain is one student who has forged her way in the written realm. A young woman with a heart and soul for journalism, Kathleen has a keen awareness of the school atmosphere and activities that shape life at BHS. Her tenacity and dedication have validated her role as editor-in-chief. I will miss her, undoubtedly, but know that the paper will prosper under her leadership.
In addition to Kathleen, several other students have enriched my experiences with the school newspaper. However, there is one specific person who has been invaluable to the newspaper for the past four years. Zachary Beschler became the graphic guru during his freshman year at BHS. Since that time, he has transformed the graphic design of the paper. His talent and expertise far surpass a typical high school student. It has been a privilege to work with him and learn from him. I wish him the best as he enters college and prospers in his business.
My tenure at Berlin High School will end this year; however, I have become both a better person and a better educator while here. Thanks to all of the students, staff, and administration for their kindness and encouragement. Farewell committed readers of The Redcoat Review. Writers: keep the legacy alive.
To my editors-in-chief...my gratitude:
2006-2007 Kathleen Strain
2004-2006 Jessica McKenzie
2003-2004 Leah Driska
2001-2003 Carolyn Baccaro & Kim Gerdis
2000-2001 Kevin Forsyth
By Kathleen Strain, Editor-in-Chief
School is a crucial part of every person’s life. Without school, how could we improve our country when the people running it don’t know how to read? Therefore, you can see why it would be important to create a good relationship with one’s teacher. How can you be learning from someone when you can’t get past the fact they gave you a detention three months ago for no reason?
Throughout the last three years of my high school experience I have created relationships with a lot of teachers, and some haven’t exactly been good ones. There is one teacher, however, who I don’t only consider my teacher, I consider her my friend. Melissa Mirabello has been one of the most considerate, thoughtful, and knowledgeable adults I have ever known in my life. Whenever I had a problem with homework, I would come to her, whenever I had a problem with a friend, I asked her for advice. Mel has been my mentor throughout my high school career.
Just recently, it has been brought to my attention that Mel will not be coming back to Berlin High school next year. The importance of next year to me is eminent. It is my senior year, my final hurrah at Berlin high school. I always thought that Mel would be there with me to help me through it. I know that sometimes you have to do what you have to do, but sometimes it’s hard when you know you are giving up a piece of your life and moving on to the next.
For those of you who know me, you know that I am highly involved within the writing scene. My plans for college involve a major in journalism. Melissa Mirabello is known as Berlin high school’s journalism teacher. She has taught me everything that I know about the subject. Her unique teaching style and ability to treat students like her fellow peers, makes her classroom a very comfortable setting. When I have been having a horrible day I know that at some point I will have Mel’s class and the day will be okay for a little while.
Mel’s sheer and utter love for newspaper instantly gives her an understanding for me. My true passion is writing. It helps me piece together my day when nothing else can. Writing has been my vacation from the world, and Mel has made it possible for me to involve that in my school career as much as possible. I’m not sure what I am going to do next year, or what level I will be at. High school has certainly been a roller coaster ride for me. I just hope I will still be able to carry out our school’s newspaper tradition, and continue writing. As for Mel, I hope she will be happy with her new job, and I hope she will help students find their inner strengths as much as she helped me.
By Emily Auciello
Materialism: The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life.
Materialism is becoming more prominent in our society, and words cannot express how much this pains me. Some people are willing to spend over $200 on a fancy-looking purse purely because certain initials are randomly strewn amongst its design; others buy sunglasses for obnoxious sums of money because they look “fashionable.” Is this really what our culture is coming to? Why don’t we just purchase things that are a more reasonable price and then give the money to those who so desperately need it to survive? Are we truly defined by labels? Can you purchase a Gucchi soul?
It almost seems as though people believe that the possession of particular labels can redeem them and give them a better status in the grand scheme of things. Maybe one day it will suddenly dawn upon the materialists of our generation that they cannot live life from purchase to purchase, they cannot express themselves purely in possessions. Perhaps the desire to define themselves through material things stems from a fear of discovering who they really are; perhaps they’re afraid that inside they aren’t quite as flashy as their threads…these same people are possibly beyond insecure with their identity and seek comfort in knowing that they look stellar.
Personally, I couldn’t care less about brand names…and to be quite honest I pity those that live by materialism. I believe that your value as a person is far more important than the value of your attire. I would rather spend $10 on perfectly functional sunglasses from Mickey Finns than throw away $100 on sunglasses that look “cool.” I’m pretty sure that the extra $90 doesn’t block the sun’s terrible rays from damaging my eyes any more, and I doubt UV radiation is affected by the aesthetics of Louis Vuitton. Yet what do I know? If you want to surround yourself with fancy things…well go for it, whatever makes you happy. Look at Paris Hilton; I’m sure she’s going to make a huge difference on our society in the best way possible AND she gets to pick what color her jumpsuit will be when she goes to jail. Maybe Versachi can design it for her too, that would be absolutely fabulous.
By Marisa Theriault
The first year of college could cost upwards of $5,000.00 more than what the college or university charges per year, due to extra expenditures.
“Money is like manure, it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.” Thornton Wilder may not have been talking about college costs, but he certainly is sending the same message that all the marketing representatives for department stores are trying to send to us. The message is: YOU NEED THIS FOR COLLEGE! College freshmen are moving away from home where they will need new this, and new that. Everything that they will use that first year will cost extra and the parents aren’t the only ones who are going to be footing the bill.
Things like junk food, fancy dorm room furniture, and toaster ovens can be eliminated in order to save cash, but others like the laptops and mini-fridges can force your budget to expand. Traveling costs alone will cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 depending on how far from home students decide to attend school. Sophomore, Brian Cappello says that there are some things you can do to prevent some of the extra costs from taking over your freshman year. “As a freshman at the University of Vermont, admissions notified us mid-summer about our roommate assignments. I got in touch with my roommate and we agreed to split the dorm necessities like the T.V. and refrigerator. This way we weren’t spending extra money on things that we only needed one of anyway. I also found someone on campus that lived only a few towns over from me to carpool to and from school on weekends and for school breaks. We saved a lot on gas money by only taking one car.”
To help with the costs of textbooks which can cost in the hundreds of dollars when new, there are some helpful websites that allow students to buy and sell used or new textbooks; www.bigwords.com and www.ecampus.com are just a couple. Most college bookstores will sell used textbooks as well. In addition, stores like Target and Ikea are inexpensive warehouses for college students looking for new furniture and supplies for a bargain. Another website, www.dormbuys.com offers dorm room supplies at 20-50% off full price.
The moral of the story: Save your money, get two jobs or learn to shop around. Otherwise, you’ll be in debt before you take out your first college loan.
Start-up costs:
1) School Supplies. Textbooks, paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, printer ink, scissors, tape, calculator: $900
2) Clothes: $200
3) Electronics. Laptop, TV, DVD player, software, iPod, digital camera, printer, stereo, video-game player, alarm-clock: $2000
4) Dorm Furnishings. Bedspreads, comforter, sheets, backrest, bath towels, lamps, comfy chair, laundry supplies, wastebasket, whiteboard, bulletin board: $300
5) Other Living Necessities: Toiletries $30, Laundry and cleaning supplies $25, mini-refrigerator $120, coffeemaker $50, hair dryer $20, cordless vacuum $30, fan $25
6) Transportation: $500 to $1000 (more or less depending on location)
By Marco Vernacatola
You might think that most people’s religious beliefs help make them the ideal human being: kind, forgiving and hard working. Sadly, for most people, this is not the case. Religion is a set of moral beliefs on which to base one’s life. Its main purpose is to make you a better person, but very easily and all too often it is used for the wrong purposes. Sadly, the wrong purpose is all too often manifested.
We often see people on the news who do absurd things in the name of religion, or people who argue that their religious versions are right, and everyone who believes otherwise is wrong. These people put too much emphasis on the stories and fables of these religions instead of the actual message of the religion. The people who act as suicide bombers are focused solely on the thought that if they die, they will have some fantastic afterlife and be rewarded for their faithfulness. They do not consider the suffering they cause. The belief of a promised afterlife is causing many people to not appreciate the life they have now and respect the life of others.
Even Christianity takes the validity of the stories too far. All too often you hear of Christians negating scientific discoveries. Blind beliefs in these stories bring believers to deny scientific ideas and breakthroughs. They are not focused on living a good life, but on using their beliefs to impeach on others rights and slow the progress of present day science.
For thousands of years, religious people have been focused on proving their beliefs to be the right ones. Too often brutality and oppression are used to this end. Murder in the name of religion has reached into the multimillions and has spanned the centuries. Christianity was established through violence and many religious fanatics today seem to agree with this tactic. The Crusades, for example, was a war waged by Christians against the Muslims that lasted 200 years, all in the name of religion to capture the “Holy Land.” Throughout the Crusades, Christians committed mass murder against the Muslims for weak religious reasons, and last time I checked, Christianity does not condone murder. Yet it was usually the Pope who sanctioned these wars.
The Spanish Inquisition is another example of religion gone wrong. During that time, the Christians would massacre people for being a part of a religion other than Christianity, thus enforcing the idea that this religion was established through the sword. Even present day civil wars are waged in the name of religion.
Religion isn’t bad, yet it should focus on following the beliefs to be good and respectable people instead of criticizing and using it as an excuse to bring anger and violence towards others who think differently.
By Chanel Traboldt
Bernie Tao talks to many farmers. He explains to them that they are oil barons. Over the next several decades Tao believes that plant oil will become an essential to everyday life.
“In the 1970s we got our first taste of what it was like when fuel begins to go away,” Tao claims.” Three decades later we are beginning to see the start of another large petroleum crunch. And part of that is consumer demand, which has greatly increased.”
Tao says that the gas prices will not be going down. “One time use resources, which are also known as non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, are a problem because you eventually run out. Eventually we will have to switch from using non-renewable resources to using renewable resources,” he states. Common field crops, like soybeans and corn, could possibly one day replace petroleum oil.
Ethanol is a type of alcohol made by fermenting plant material. It has some drawbacks, however Tao says, “the economics of ethanol production are improving as the technology improves.”
By manipulating plant oils, Tao believes it could be possible to create a petroleum substitute. Fossil fuels were once plants. “Chemists have known for decades how to alter the hydrocarbon chains into petroleum through processes known as cracking and reforming,” explains Tao. A hydrocarbon is methane. According to Tao, “before ww11 most paints were made from vegetable oils or other plant products.
This idea is not new. Henry ford famously made everything from clothing to car bumpers from vegetable oils. He did this just to show it could in fact be done. And in January 2000, Dow chemical co. and Cargull inc. began producing plastics from corn. However, most products still are made from petroleum, instead of plants.
An annual contest is held each year sponsored by the Indiana soybean board. At this contest, students at Purdue create a variety of products to replace petroleum products with soybean oil, such as candles, ski wax, fire starters, and crayons.
Although there isn’t a huge demand right now for scientists to develop soybean candles or crayons, Tao says, that we will need to start preparing for when the time calls for a decrease use of petroleum. “We will be saving petroleum to make things that we cannot make any other way [such as cases for computer monitors].
By Matt Cavedon, Copy Editor
With the recent controversy over Don Imus’s racist comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team, and with the subsequent outrage from “civil rights leaders” Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, it’s high time to start considering the double standards we hold in our society. Imus’s radio show was pulled from television after the scandal and the two reverends emerged as voices of protest in the wake of the controversy. Some people have sought to defend Imus as a good man who made some foolish remarks, urging that his show be allowed to remain on the air. Others have sided with the self-righteous reverends, calling for his removal.
Which brings us back to the title of this article. Who should you side with in these controversies? NOBODY! They are all idiots! Imus made absolutely unacceptable remarks. This is nothing new for him. He is a shock jock, and is no stranger to controversy. One could only hope that he would have learned a lesson in respect by now. He has no right in the world to make sexist, racist comments about women’s basketball players.
At the same time, Jackson and Sharpton are entirely disgusting as hypocrites. Jackson fathered a child out of wedlock, even as a minister. A scarlet letter, anyone? He also referred to Jews with slurs and suggested that New York City is controlled by Jews in a 1984 Washington Post interview. Sharpton also needs a lesson in tolerance. He helped incite violence against Hasidic Jews in New York City in 1991, referring to them as “diamond merchants” who were guilty of shedding “the blood of innocent babies,” at a highly-charged funeral. Riots had broken out only days earlier. He hardly contributed to Christian peace in the Big Apple when it was needed most.
Imus, Sharpton, and Jackson have one thing in common: they have all been unabashedly prejudiced at points in their careers. They are all terribly controversial men. The hip-hop community has been no better, with its depictions of women, especially black women, as objects of pleasure incapable of independence or dignity. They are also one of the greatest abusers of the n-word in modern American society.
Does this context of prejudice, racism, and sexism among his critics make Imus’s remarks acceptable? Absolutely not. MSNBC was right to take him off the air. Although the government’s role in such censorship should be severely limited, the market has every right to call for respect and civility.
Americans need to start demanding decency and civility across the board. Sexism, racism, and slurs are totally unacceptable, whether they come from a white shock jock, two black reverends, or the hip-hop community. Imus would be wise to never bring such scandal again, if he gets another chance on the air. The two reverends would be wise to remember their own transgressions and embrace the principle of forgiveness that is the foundation of Christianity. The black community needs more tolerant and compassionate voices to carry the torch of civil rights from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He set an example of dignity and respect that all Americans can learn from. His legacy, one of peace, forgiveness, and love, is the real legacy of the civil rights movement. Get the hypocrites off of the podium.
Stop and remember the Bible, that so many of these men and women hoist up in the midst of their intolerant remarks. Jesus teaches, “Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.”