With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start taking a look at what kind of music we can expect to hear during the next few months. Whether you’re the kind of person who likes to stay home and listen to new albums from your favorite artists, or one of those who prefers feeling the energy of an awesome live show, this summer will have plenty to offer.
For fans of modern pop music, definitely be on the lookout for a bunch of big-name releases between June and August. On the forefront of this genre right now is pop-rock band Maroon 5. Led by front man Adam Levine, who has also recently entertained audiences in his recent position as a judge on NBC’s The Voice, the band will be releasing its fourth studio album Overexposed on June 26th. The album will include Maroon 5’s latest single “Payphone” (featuring Wiz Khalifa), and plenty of other songs that will make it (according to Levine) the band’s “most diverse and poppiest album yet.”
Also prominent on the pop music scene is Justin Bieber, who’s latest hit “Boyfriend” has already been reverberating through the minds of fans around the world. His newest album, entitled Believe, is set for a June 19th release. This will be his third studio album, and it hopes to live up to the success of its two predecessors.
For those listeners eager to hear something with more rock and edge to it, be on the watch for a few new albums, from current and older bands. Fans of modern rock can look forward to new music from Linkin Park; Living Things will be the Grammy-award-winning alternative rockers’ fifth studio album, and it will be available everywhere on June 26h. Also, Canadian trio Rush will be releasing the newest addition to its repertoire, Clock Work Angels, on June 12. This classic rock group will be making a stop at Bridgeport’s Harbor Yard in October as part of their upcoming tour, so fans of hits like “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight” may want to check that out.
The hip-hop and rap genres will also be seeing some new additions from big names this summer. In particular, look out for Usher’s Looking 4 Myself (which will include recent singles “Scream” and “Climax”) on June 12, and 50 Cent’s currently untitled final album on July 2nd.
Although all this new music will be great to listen to, it may not be enough to entertain those who want to get out and experience live shows from their favorite artists. Luckily for those people, they won’t need to leave New England to experience some excellent performances this summer.
Even right here in Connecticut, music fans will have the opportunity see some big names. The Comcast Theater will be hosting a wide variety of shows, including singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and Christina Perri, rapper Drake, and the 2012 Warped Tour. Artists ranging from LMFAO to Jimmy Buffett will be visiting Mohegan Sun, and Fox Woods boasts a summer lineup that includes Boston and Jane’s Addiction.
If you’re willing to travel a little bit more, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the concerts that the next few months has to offer. Coldplay will be stopping at the Izod Center in New Jersey as part of its global Mylo Xyloto tour on August 3rd and 4th. If you’re even just slightly a fan of the British group, this will undoubtedly be a show to remember. If you can’t catch either of these dates and you’re willing to drive a little more, they will also be playing at the TD Garden in Boston on July 29th and 30th. Also putting on performances in Boston will be Aerosmith, Foster the People, and the Beach Boys.
Whether you’re anxiously awaiting the releases of new music from artists across the genres or you’d rather see them live, Summer 2012 will not disappoint music lovers. No matter what kind of music you listen to, you can be almost positive that you will be pleased with what the next two months provide.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Truth Behind Cheating
Dalexi Carrillo ‘12
EE Staff Writer
Have you ever considered cheating on a test? One quick glance at the paper next to you could be the difference between passing and failing. Throughout the past years, cheating has escalated drastically in the education setting, and more specifically in the high school learning area.
Everyone, including teachers and students, know that cheating is nothing new. As long as there are students, there will always be some that cheat. However, the indifference behind the cheating shows that it is evolving into a more prominent problem.
Due to the significant impact of technology in today’s society, forms of cheating are no longer limited to the traditional peeking and copying from another’s test. With unlimited access to the Internet, teens are able to easily copy text from websites and turn them in as their own work.
In the Trumbull High Handbook, the policy and consequences behind academic honesty are explained. Cheating and plagiarism are seen as “serious violations that undermine learning, hamper competence, and tear down ethical behavior.” . Pijar, Dean of Students, enforces this by stating, “Students know what is considered acceptable behavior and what is academically dishonest.”
Even though the handbook explains the cheating policy and affirms the consequences, is cheating really a problem at Trumbull High?
When asked this question, senior Rhianna Sefferian stated, “Cheating does happen, but it’s more like ‘little cheating,’ such as copying homework.”
Sefferian continued to say, “Teenagers are really busy people and during the week, do not have too much free time and I don’t think teachers understand that.” Teachers do not see that the pressures begin to build, and as a result cheating on homework has become, more or less, a generalization among current high school students.
Another senior, Emily Eilersten said, “Cheating is all relative. It really depends how you view high school. Some people, many of those who do cheat, just view high school as four years to get by.”
Humorously, senior Mark Poplowski stated, “While copying a classmate’s homework, you can build a friendship that would not have happened otherwise.”
Even though it is clear that students do cheat, many teachers and psychologists believe that it partly deals with the fact of whether or not the student is engaged in the course. High school teens may be more likely to cheat if they did not care about the course and or teacher or if they were forced to take the class.
Also, throughout the years, education has become an impersonal concept for some students, leading them to cheat. This evolvement within teens may be because their school is too big or a lack of connection to parents and or teachers. The importance of a good education may not be valued in some homes as much as others. Even problems within families or friends may take a toll in a teen’s life and place school in second place.
Moreover, with pressures like getting into a competitive college, balancing work and activities or pleasing their parents, students find themselves doing almost anything to get a decent grade on tests and other assignments. A university looks for a solid and competitive curriculum with not only good grades, but also with various out-of-school activities. For many high school students, there are not enough hours in the day to fit in all after-school activities, homework, and the appropriate study time.
Why do you cheat?
EE Staff Writer
Have you ever considered cheating on a test? One quick glance at the paper next to you could be the difference between passing and failing. Throughout the past years, cheating has escalated drastically in the education setting, and more specifically in the high school learning area.
Everyone, including teachers and students, know that cheating is nothing new. As long as there are students, there will always be some that cheat. However, the indifference behind the cheating shows that it is evolving into a more prominent problem.
Due to the significant impact of technology in today’s society, forms of cheating are no longer limited to the traditional peeking and copying from another’s test. With unlimited access to the Internet, teens are able to easily copy text from websites and turn them in as their own work.
In the Trumbull High Handbook, the policy and consequences behind academic honesty are explained. Cheating and plagiarism are seen as “serious violations that undermine learning, hamper competence, and tear down ethical behavior.” . Pijar, Dean of Students, enforces this by stating, “Students know what is considered acceptable behavior and what is academically dishonest.”
Even though the handbook explains the cheating policy and affirms the consequences, is cheating really a problem at Trumbull High?
When asked this question, senior Rhianna Sefferian stated, “Cheating does happen, but it’s more like ‘little cheating,’ such as copying homework.”
Sefferian continued to say, “Teenagers are really busy people and during the week, do not have too much free time and I don’t think teachers understand that.” Teachers do not see that the pressures begin to build, and as a result cheating on homework has become, more or less, a generalization among current high school students.
Another senior, Emily Eilersten said, “Cheating is all relative. It really depends how you view high school. Some people, many of those who do cheat, just view high school as four years to get by.”
Humorously, senior Mark Poplowski stated, “While copying a classmate’s homework, you can build a friendship that would not have happened otherwise.”
Even though it is clear that students do cheat, many teachers and psychologists believe that it partly deals with the fact of whether or not the student is engaged in the course. High school teens may be more likely to cheat if they did not care about the course and or teacher or if they were forced to take the class.
Also, throughout the years, education has become an impersonal concept for some students, leading them to cheat. This evolvement within teens may be because their school is too big or a lack of connection to parents and or teachers. The importance of a good education may not be valued in some homes as much as others. Even problems within families or friends may take a toll in a teen’s life and place school in second place.
Moreover, with pressures like getting into a competitive college, balancing work and activities or pleasing their parents, students find themselves doing almost anything to get a decent grade on tests and other assignments. A university looks for a solid and competitive curriculum with not only good grades, but also with various out-of-school activities. For many high school students, there are not enough hours in the day to fit in all after-school activities, homework, and the appropriate study time.
Why do you cheat?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Wiz with a Twist
Jill Epstein ‘12
Lions and tigers and Snooki, oh my! After countless hours of hard work and practice, the cast and crew of The Wiz succeeded in staging yet another enjoyable THS production.
Originally, The Wiz was a Broadway play based on L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The tale was adapted in the 1970’s to celebrate African- American culture, and featured an all-black cast throughout its four year run. Just as the original plot was given a cultural spin, Artistic Director and teacher Mrs. Spillane decided to put a modern Trumbull High twist on the script.
As expected, the THS version of The Wiz stayed true to the well known tale of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept up in a twister and deposited in the mystical land of Oz. She longs to return home, and journeys to the Emerald City in search of the aid of the all-powerful Wiz. Along the way she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion, and takes them along with her. But you already knew that.
However, The Wiz truly came to life when it deviated from this well known plot. When Dorothy (senior Liz McCormack) first lands in Oz, she meets the perky witch Addaperle (sophomore Jacquelyn Sheehan), enthusiastically armed with a latte, a pink track suit, a colorful pack of texting Munchkins, and, of course a “magical” I-Pad.
This modernization continues as Dorothy teams up with the witty Scarecrow (senior Lucy Flucker and the “lax bro” Tinman (junior Ryan McEniry), whose ax has been replaced with a lacrosse stick and whose oil comes in Gatorade bottles.
The Lion (senior Andrew Tallian) truly steals the show, inserting sassy and entertaining pop culture references to psychiatrists and popular youtube videos.
In a similar fashion, senior Natalie Clift took the stage by storm as Evillene, a feisty parody of Jersey Shore’s Snooki. Her minions slaved away onstage, forced to participate in “gym, tan, laundry,” as she barked orders and pranced to and fro with a sky high hair-do.
And of course, one cannot neglect the Wiz himself, played by the talented junior, Matthew Johnson. As with the rest of the play, the Wiz upheld the modern vibe by bestowing gifts of the 21st Century upon the four friends, and taking the opportunity to crack an Ironman joke.This cast certainly did not lack talent, from the skilled harmonies of the Twister Sisters to the coordinated moves of the dancers, led by Nicole Isaac, Ya’ Monei Teel, and Carly Phillips. Said Isaac, “It was such a fun and amazing experience to be the dance captain this year....It was stressful sometimes, but having that responsibility helped me to get so much closer to the rest of the cast.”
“This show was a risk for us and is a big change from last year’s Fiddler on the Roof, but if I may say so myself, we pulled it off well. All of the late nights, early mornings, coffees and Redbulls paid off in the end, and I couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew for all that they have accomplished,” said Student Producer Sam Maloney.
Lions and tigers and Snooki, oh my! After countless hours of hard work and practice, the cast and crew of The Wiz succeeded in staging yet another enjoyable THS production.
Originally, The Wiz was a Broadway play based on L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The tale was adapted in the 1970’s to celebrate African- American culture, and featured an all-black cast throughout its four year run. Just as the original plot was given a cultural spin, Artistic Director and teacher Mrs. Spillane decided to put a modern Trumbull High twist on the script.
As expected, the THS version of The Wiz stayed true to the well known tale of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept up in a twister and deposited in the mystical land of Oz. She longs to return home, and journeys to the Emerald City in search of the aid of the all-powerful Wiz. Along the way she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion, and takes them along with her. But you already knew that.
However, The Wiz truly came to life when it deviated from this well known plot. When Dorothy (senior Liz McCormack) first lands in Oz, she meets the perky witch Addaperle (sophomore Jacquelyn Sheehan), enthusiastically armed with a latte, a pink track suit, a colorful pack of texting Munchkins, and, of course a “magical” I-Pad.
This modernization continues as Dorothy teams up with the witty Scarecrow (senior Lucy Flucker and the “lax bro” Tinman (junior Ryan McEniry), whose ax has been replaced with a lacrosse stick and whose oil comes in Gatorade bottles.
The Lion (senior Andrew Tallian) truly steals the show, inserting sassy and entertaining pop culture references to psychiatrists and popular youtube videos.
In a similar fashion, senior Natalie Clift took the stage by storm as Evillene, a feisty parody of Jersey Shore’s Snooki. Her minions slaved away onstage, forced to participate in “gym, tan, laundry,” as she barked orders and pranced to and fro with a sky high hair-do.
And of course, one cannot neglect the Wiz himself, played by the talented junior, Matthew Johnson. As with the rest of the play, the Wiz upheld the modern vibe by bestowing gifts of the 21st Century upon the four friends, and taking the opportunity to crack an Ironman joke.This cast certainly did not lack talent, from the skilled harmonies of the Twister Sisters to the coordinated moves of the dancers, led by Nicole Isaac, Ya’ Monei Teel, and Carly Phillips. Said Isaac, “It was such a fun and amazing experience to be the dance captain this year....It was stressful sometimes, but having that responsibility helped me to get so much closer to the rest of the cast.”
“This show was a risk for us and is a big change from last year’s Fiddler on the Roof, but if I may say so myself, we pulled it off well. All of the late nights, early mornings, coffees and Redbulls paid off in the end, and I couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew for all that they have accomplished,” said Student Producer Sam Maloney.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Performing Arts Center Gives Back
Dan Bond '12
It is easy to receive from others, but to give back is much more difficult of a task. This is not the mind set of those at The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut (PACC) – they believe in the old adage, “It is better to give than to receive.” When collective individuals, under the leadership of an organization, are able to accomplish giving back in their community, it is worthy of recognition and attention. PACC is one such organization.
Located in Trumbull, PACC provides a state of the art facility and top level classes for those wishing to pursue excellence in a multitude of different areas of the arts. In order to give back to the community to which it belongs, PACC, over the last seven years has become a sponsor of two separate benefit concert/ programs: Ali’s Angels who support liver transplant patients at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, as well as the Steven A. Merrihew Performing Arts Scholarship for graduating Trumbull High School seniors.
When asked why PACC founded and supports these two fund raising events, Executive Director, Catherine LaChioma stated, “It wasn't a conscious decision... it was really more of an extension of who we are, it is the mind set of who and what PACC is and the philosophy that it was built upon.”
To support the THS Performing Arts Scholarship and Yale New Haven’s Children’s Hospital Donor Foundation, PACC will be holding two separate benefit concerts featuring Trumbull High students, past and present, as well as other artists from around the area. The first will be Ali’s Angels on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 7:30 at the Edgerton Center for the Arts which is also co-sponsored by Sacred Heart University. Tickets are $20, or buy 4 get one free.
Ten years ago, Alison Cubbellotti, a Trumbull resident and graduate of THS, was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) an incurable disease affecting the liver. Age nine at the time, Ms. Cubbellotti was subjected to constant medical tests and procedure until in 2009 she received a desperately need liver transplant, saving her life.
As a result Alison, with the aid of PACC, was able to establish the Ali’s Angels Fund at Yale New Haven Hospital two years ago to help cover the costs of living not covered by insurance for the families of patients with liver diseases. Over the past two years the benefit concert has been able to raise over $18,000 dollars to support the fund. This benefit concert features song and dance – and this year will have the honor of having as their Special Guest Artist, Elizabeth Parkinson (Ms. Parkinson was the lead in “Movin’ Out and in Fosse on Broadway and was a principle dancer with Joffrey Ballet, Feld Ballet, Twyla Tharp and Donald Byrd/The Group).
The Steven A. Merrihew THS Performing Arts Scholarship will be held on Saturday, April 28 , 2012 at Trumbull High School at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students, and all proceeds are donated to the S.A.M. THS Performing Arts Scholarship. Six years ago the organization started a scholarship program for all students at THS who would be majoring in the arts at college. Over the past six years $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Trumbull High students– the amount awarded each year depends on the proceeds of the concert and number of recipients selected.
The scholarship is named after Steven Merrihew, a graduate of Trumbull High and lover of the arts who tragically died in a car accident five years ago. Steven was instrumental in setting up and supporting the first PACC THS scholarship, it was therefore fitting that the scholarship be named in his memory.
For more information on both benefit concerts, THS Performing Arts Scholarship Applications, and tickets call 203.372.ARTS or go to www.PACofCT.com. On its own, PACC can only do so much, but with the help of the student body, a true impact on the community can be made. By attending both benefit concerts, students are ensured a way to both help out two worthy causes as well as have a good time in the process.
It is easy to receive from others, but to give back is much more difficult of a task. This is not the mind set of those at The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut (PACC) – they believe in the old adage, “It is better to give than to receive.” When collective individuals, under the leadership of an organization, are able to accomplish giving back in their community, it is worthy of recognition and attention. PACC is one such organization.
Located in Trumbull, PACC provides a state of the art facility and top level classes for those wishing to pursue excellence in a multitude of different areas of the arts. In order to give back to the community to which it belongs, PACC, over the last seven years has become a sponsor of two separate benefit concert/ programs: Ali’s Angels who support liver transplant patients at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, as well as the Steven A. Merrihew Performing Arts Scholarship for graduating Trumbull High School seniors.
When asked why PACC founded and supports these two fund raising events, Executive Director, Catherine LaChioma stated, “It wasn't a conscious decision... it was really more of an extension of who we are, it is the mind set of who and what PACC is and the philosophy that it was built upon.”
To support the THS Performing Arts Scholarship and Yale New Haven’s Children’s Hospital Donor Foundation, PACC will be holding two separate benefit concerts featuring Trumbull High students, past and present, as well as other artists from around the area. The first will be Ali’s Angels on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 7:30 at the Edgerton Center for the Arts which is also co-sponsored by Sacred Heart University. Tickets are $20, or buy 4 get one free.
Ten years ago, Alison Cubbellotti, a Trumbull resident and graduate of THS, was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) an incurable disease affecting the liver. Age nine at the time, Ms. Cubbellotti was subjected to constant medical tests and procedure until in 2009 she received a desperately need liver transplant, saving her life.
As a result Alison, with the aid of PACC, was able to establish the Ali’s Angels Fund at Yale New Haven Hospital two years ago to help cover the costs of living not covered by insurance for the families of patients with liver diseases. Over the past two years the benefit concert has been able to raise over $18,000 dollars to support the fund. This benefit concert features song and dance – and this year will have the honor of having as their Special Guest Artist, Elizabeth Parkinson (Ms. Parkinson was the lead in “Movin’ Out and in Fosse on Broadway and was a principle dancer with Joffrey Ballet, Feld Ballet, Twyla Tharp and Donald Byrd/The Group).
The Steven A. Merrihew THS Performing Arts Scholarship will be held on Saturday, April 28 , 2012 at Trumbull High School at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students, and all proceeds are donated to the S.A.M. THS Performing Arts Scholarship. Six years ago the organization started a scholarship program for all students at THS who would be majoring in the arts at college. Over the past six years $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Trumbull High students– the amount awarded each year depends on the proceeds of the concert and number of recipients selected.
The scholarship is named after Steven Merrihew, a graduate of Trumbull High and lover of the arts who tragically died in a car accident five years ago. Steven was instrumental in setting up and supporting the first PACC THS scholarship, it was therefore fitting that the scholarship be named in his memory.
For more information on both benefit concerts, THS Performing Arts Scholarship Applications, and tickets call 203.372.ARTS or go to www.PACofCT.com. On its own, PACC can only do so much, but with the help of the student body, a true impact on the community can be made. By attending both benefit concerts, students are ensured a way to both help out two worthy causes as well as have a good time in the process.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Proposed Schedule Bringing Change
Andrew Vojt ‘12
EE Co-Editor-in-Chief
With NEASC, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, coming to evaluate Trumbull High in October, 2013 school year, changes are in order. The plans will address underlying scheduling issues, and this means changes for students next year.
It is necessary for our school to be approved by NEASC. Without their accreditation, our diplomas are no more than a piece of paper. In order to continually improve, NEASC has outlined three areas of improvement for THS: the extensive lunch periods, the lack of scheduled teacher collaboration, and the addition of advisory groups to help provide an adult mentor beyond a guidance counselor.
Primarily, our 47 minute lunch periods are a “...loss of instructional time,” according to Dr. Tremaglio. In order to shorten each lunch period while also maintaining the same duration of each period of the day means a modification of the homeroom system.
Under the proposed plan, students would pass to their scheduled homeroom for the first thirteen minutes of the period and then attend their lunch period for the next half an hour.
Homeroom teachers would depend on teacher’s scheduling for that semester, and the students in that particular homeroom would be un-alphabetized and allocated depending on the lunch wave. The teacher would not stay with the student all four years, and video announcements would be pre-recorded and played.
The second main issue that Trumbull High needs to address for NEASC is greater teacher collaboration, defined as teachers working with teachers in determining what needs to be done to realize continuous improvement. Previously, only two full school days, known as Teacher Development Days, had been set aside for this type of discussion, along with another over the summer.
However, the proposed plan is to maximize the collaboration during school day. Dr. Tremaglio stated that the analysis of professional development needs to be “...different from the way we do it here, so we have to build collaboration in.”
The new schedule will include increased collaboration. Eight days throughout the year may be dedicated to Advisory Days, where students come in ninety minutes late to school, with those ninety minutes set aside for teacher collaboration.
During a thirty minute period after teacher collaboration, students would attend an Advisory period. During this period, the students and a teacher “advisor“ would fulfill “common opportunities” such as career searching, college planning, student success talks, and guidance visits. The advisor would follow their group of students throughout all four years of high school.
This Advisory period provides both a frequent and continuous approach to a need for educational change at THS
“I think we have great relationship with our students and staff and guidance, but NEASC wants a formal piece of that… we have homeroom, but we don’t think it’s enough,” said Dr. Tremaglio.
With the Advisory Homeroom, students cement positive relationships with the staff in the homeroom period. However, this new schedule is not without its implication. Trumbull High has many unique programs, including Aquaculture, Agriscience, and The Regional Center for the Arts (RCA).
Dr. Tremaglio mentioned that having different sorts of schedules “...really wreaks havoc in student’s schedules and how they do business.” Over time, the new schedules, should “...not make a big difference in the day… [they] actually honor the student more than anything else,” said Dr. Tremaglio. However, it could prove difficult to upperclassmen who have adjusted to the current schedule throughout their high school career.
But with efforts to improve the educational process for NEASC, the new schedules give the school “...a much greater chance of being successful,” said Superintendent Ralph Iassogna. Look for instant change at the start of next year.
EE Co-Editor-in-Chief
With NEASC, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, coming to evaluate Trumbull High in October, 2013 school year, changes are in order. The plans will address underlying scheduling issues, and this means changes for students next year.
It is necessary for our school to be approved by NEASC. Without their accreditation, our diplomas are no more than a piece of paper. In order to continually improve, NEASC has outlined three areas of improvement for THS: the extensive lunch periods, the lack of scheduled teacher collaboration, and the addition of advisory groups to help provide an adult mentor beyond a guidance counselor.
Primarily, our 47 minute lunch periods are a “...loss of instructional time,” according to Dr. Tremaglio. In order to shorten each lunch period while also maintaining the same duration of each period of the day means a modification of the homeroom system.
Under the proposed plan, students would pass to their scheduled homeroom for the first thirteen minutes of the period and then attend their lunch period for the next half an hour.
Homeroom teachers would depend on teacher’s scheduling for that semester, and the students in that particular homeroom would be un-alphabetized and allocated depending on the lunch wave. The teacher would not stay with the student all four years, and video announcements would be pre-recorded and played.
The second main issue that Trumbull High needs to address for NEASC is greater teacher collaboration, defined as teachers working with teachers in determining what needs to be done to realize continuous improvement. Previously, only two full school days, known as Teacher Development Days, had been set aside for this type of discussion, along with another over the summer.
However, the proposed plan is to maximize the collaboration during school day. Dr. Tremaglio stated that the analysis of professional development needs to be “...different from the way we do it here, so we have to build collaboration in.”
The new schedule will include increased collaboration. Eight days throughout the year may be dedicated to Advisory Days, where students come in ninety minutes late to school, with those ninety minutes set aside for teacher collaboration.
During a thirty minute period after teacher collaboration, students would attend an Advisory period. During this period, the students and a teacher “advisor“ would fulfill “common opportunities” such as career searching, college planning, student success talks, and guidance visits. The advisor would follow their group of students throughout all four years of high school.
This Advisory period provides both a frequent and continuous approach to a need for educational change at THS
“I think we have great relationship with our students and staff and guidance, but NEASC wants a formal piece of that… we have homeroom, but we don’t think it’s enough,” said Dr. Tremaglio.
With the Advisory Homeroom, students cement positive relationships with the staff in the homeroom period. However, this new schedule is not without its implication. Trumbull High has many unique programs, including Aquaculture, Agriscience, and The Regional Center for the Arts (RCA).
Dr. Tremaglio mentioned that having different sorts of schedules “...really wreaks havoc in student’s schedules and how they do business.” Over time, the new schedules, should “...not make a big difference in the day… [they] actually honor the student more than anything else,” said Dr. Tremaglio. However, it could prove difficult to upperclassmen who have adjusted to the current schedule throughout their high school career.
But with efforts to improve the educational process for NEASC, the new schedules give the school “...a much greater chance of being successful,” said Superintendent Ralph Iassogna. Look for instant change at the start of next year.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Say Neigh to Horse Slaughter
By Dominique Martin '12
The bill HR-2112 was passed on November 18, 2011 and re-legalized horse slaughter in the United States. While the reopening of slaughter house plants in the America gives a place for unwanted horses, the institution of slaughter is, on a whole, flawed. People do not adhere to slaughter regulations and practices, and at times, can be cruel. If slaughter is to be allowed in the United States, there has to be a move to ensure that horses are treated humanely and that humans actively make informed choices when owning equines.
After being banned in the United States since 2006, the slaughter of horses for human consumption was re-legalized in the United States. This was part of bill HR-2112 which was signed into law by President Obama on November 18, 2011. The law would allow for slaughter plants to re-open in the United States that would process horse meat for human consumption.
The meat would primarily be shipped overseas to foreign markets where it is regularly consumed. Countless citizens across the United States were outraged, but others believed that slaughter in the United States gives an outlet for all the surplus horses.
When horse slaughter was banned in 2006, the United States no longer had an easy outlet for all the unwanted horses. The hope was that the ban would stop horses from suffering painful and cruel ending. However, the 2006 ban did not stop slaughter, and instead, horses were shipped over incredibly long distances to Canada and Mexico. At times, the animals were inhumanely shipped in trailers with low ceilings meant for cattle. These did not allow the horses to stand comfortably during the trip, and the animals were exposed to countless cruelty on their way to the less regulated slaughter houses of neighboring countries. They were hit in the face with whips or with charged cattle prods and not given any food from the time they were shipped to the time they were slaughtered.
HR-2112 re-allows horse slaughter and was also signed in order to help boost the economy says Laetitia Mailhes who wrote Horse Slaughter Expected in America. Horses, along with citizens of the United States, are feeling the effects of the economic slump. They are being turned loose and left out to fend for themselves by owners who can no longer afford them. Horses are expensive to care for, and the industry has no outlet for all the unwanted animals. There are not enough horse rescues and buyers to care for the surplus of equines. Although horse slaughter does give an outlet for the extra animals and prevents inhumane shipment across borders, the practice of slaughter still relies on relatively medieval and cruel methods.
The American Veterinary Medicine Association states that the most common way to slaughter horses is through captive bolt, and this is said to be humane. With this, horses are loaded into the kill box and then hit on the head with a bolt until rendered unconscious. However equineadvocates.org states that at times, the methods to slaughter horses are horrific because the animals are sometimes still conscious as they are being strung up and having their throats slit.
“There is too much cruelty and unnecessary pain and torture these poor animals go through. Not to mention they don’t go quick, I have watched documentaries on this subject, and it usually takes 3-4 hits before the animal goes down. Half the time the animals are still breathing when they shackle them up and start to skin them. It is sick! I don’t know how anyone would think it was a good idea to start this again, it took so long to shut them all down in the first place and now with the flick of a switch Obama is bringing it back,” remarks Shannon Pleines, a professional horse trainer and founder of Shannon Equine.
Horses, unlike cows and other stock were not bred for food. They are animals raised to be ridden and enjoyed by humans rather than eaten for supper. The horse has become iconic and is prominently featured as man’s trusty steed in popular western films.
Remarkable bonds form between human and horse, but there are still people unwilling to overlook this and endorse slaughter. Dana Kelner, Trumbull High Senior and avid horse rider states that, “I think it is completely horrible that horse slaughter has been legalized in the U.S. They are beautiful creatures and deserve a good life unharmed by the food industry.”
Along with Pleines and Kelner, there are countless people who are opposed to this new proposition. Animal rights groups and private parties put in unimaginable effort to ban horse slaughter in 2006. Efforts have been made to fight against the new law.
The cruel practices and lack of emotion towards equines outraged people across the nation. Many slaughtered horses come from owners who over-breed their animals or who do not fully consider the financial means necessary to properly care for them. Race horses are bred to run for two or three years and then practically thrown away once they can no longer perform. The industry is competitive and many professionals look for the absolute top animal and discard a perfectly good horse that could be well suited in a different home.
To truly make a difference, people have to push for an overall change in the horse industry. When purchasing a horse, a person needs to be fully aware of the time, responsibility, and financial means necessary for their care. Horses should still be attended to and cherished even later on in life when they are no longer able to be ridden. Owning a horse is a life time commitment. In addition, surplus and unregulated horse breeding has to be put to an end. Cranking out foals for the slight chance that one will be the next Secretariat is a foolish practice. People have to make informed choices when bringing a new horse into this world for racing or sport.
Commonly used slaughter practices need to be revised. “As a Professional in the horse industry I am absolutely against Obama’s reinstatement of equine slaughter houses in the US. I personally have seen the horrors of what happens inside a slaughter house. A lot of good animals end up there because of people’s neglect and lack of caring or emotion,” stated Shannon Pleines. Horses could be saved unimaginable pain and suffering with better regulation of the cruel practices in slaughter houses. There is a feasible way to end the surplus of horses in America. A more active stand against people who use and discard horses as well as a push for humane methods in slaughter houses has to be established.
The bill HR-2112 was passed on November 18, 2011 and re-legalized horse slaughter in the United States. While the reopening of slaughter house plants in the America gives a place for unwanted horses, the institution of slaughter is, on a whole, flawed. People do not adhere to slaughter regulations and practices, and at times, can be cruel. If slaughter is to be allowed in the United States, there has to be a move to ensure that horses are treated humanely and that humans actively make informed choices when owning equines.
After being banned in the United States since 2006, the slaughter of horses for human consumption was re-legalized in the United States. This was part of bill HR-2112 which was signed into law by President Obama on November 18, 2011. The law would allow for slaughter plants to re-open in the United States that would process horse meat for human consumption.
The meat would primarily be shipped overseas to foreign markets where it is regularly consumed. Countless citizens across the United States were outraged, but others believed that slaughter in the United States gives an outlet for all the surplus horses.
When horse slaughter was banned in 2006, the United States no longer had an easy outlet for all the unwanted horses. The hope was that the ban would stop horses from suffering painful and cruel ending. However, the 2006 ban did not stop slaughter, and instead, horses were shipped over incredibly long distances to Canada and Mexico. At times, the animals were inhumanely shipped in trailers with low ceilings meant for cattle. These did not allow the horses to stand comfortably during the trip, and the animals were exposed to countless cruelty on their way to the less regulated slaughter houses of neighboring countries. They were hit in the face with whips or with charged cattle prods and not given any food from the time they were shipped to the time they were slaughtered.
HR-2112 re-allows horse slaughter and was also signed in order to help boost the economy says Laetitia Mailhes who wrote Horse Slaughter Expected in America. Horses, along with citizens of the United States, are feeling the effects of the economic slump. They are being turned loose and left out to fend for themselves by owners who can no longer afford them. Horses are expensive to care for, and the industry has no outlet for all the unwanted animals. There are not enough horse rescues and buyers to care for the surplus of equines. Although horse slaughter does give an outlet for the extra animals and prevents inhumane shipment across borders, the practice of slaughter still relies on relatively medieval and cruel methods.
The American Veterinary Medicine Association states that the most common way to slaughter horses is through captive bolt, and this is said to be humane. With this, horses are loaded into the kill box and then hit on the head with a bolt until rendered unconscious. However equineadvocates.org states that at times, the methods to slaughter horses are horrific because the animals are sometimes still conscious as they are being strung up and having their throats slit.
“There is too much cruelty and unnecessary pain and torture these poor animals go through. Not to mention they don’t go quick, I have watched documentaries on this subject, and it usually takes 3-4 hits before the animal goes down. Half the time the animals are still breathing when they shackle them up and start to skin them. It is sick! I don’t know how anyone would think it was a good idea to start this again, it took so long to shut them all down in the first place and now with the flick of a switch Obama is bringing it back,” remarks Shannon Pleines, a professional horse trainer and founder of Shannon Equine.
Horses, unlike cows and other stock were not bred for food. They are animals raised to be ridden and enjoyed by humans rather than eaten for supper. The horse has become iconic and is prominently featured as man’s trusty steed in popular western films.
Remarkable bonds form between human and horse, but there are still people unwilling to overlook this and endorse slaughter. Dana Kelner, Trumbull High Senior and avid horse rider states that, “I think it is completely horrible that horse slaughter has been legalized in the U.S. They are beautiful creatures and deserve a good life unharmed by the food industry.”
Along with Pleines and Kelner, there are countless people who are opposed to this new proposition. Animal rights groups and private parties put in unimaginable effort to ban horse slaughter in 2006. Efforts have been made to fight against the new law.
The cruel practices and lack of emotion towards equines outraged people across the nation. Many slaughtered horses come from owners who over-breed their animals or who do not fully consider the financial means necessary to properly care for them. Race horses are bred to run for two or three years and then practically thrown away once they can no longer perform. The industry is competitive and many professionals look for the absolute top animal and discard a perfectly good horse that could be well suited in a different home.
To truly make a difference, people have to push for an overall change in the horse industry. When purchasing a horse, a person needs to be fully aware of the time, responsibility, and financial means necessary for their care. Horses should still be attended to and cherished even later on in life when they are no longer able to be ridden. Owning a horse is a life time commitment. In addition, surplus and unregulated horse breeding has to be put to an end. Cranking out foals for the slight chance that one will be the next Secretariat is a foolish practice. People have to make informed choices when bringing a new horse into this world for racing or sport.
Commonly used slaughter practices need to be revised. “As a Professional in the horse industry I am absolutely against Obama’s reinstatement of equine slaughter houses in the US. I personally have seen the horrors of what happens inside a slaughter house. A lot of good animals end up there because of people’s neglect and lack of caring or emotion,” stated Shannon Pleines. Horses could be saved unimaginable pain and suffering with better regulation of the cruel practices in slaughter houses. There is a feasible way to end the surplus of horses in America. A more active stand against people who use and discard horses as well as a push for humane methods in slaughter houses has to be established.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
School Budget: Why You Should Care
By Erin Walsh '12
As of January 4th, 2012, the Trumbull Board of Education approved a budget increase of 5.07% which makes the budget for the 2012-2013 school year $91,878,405. A typical student might think, “That’s a nice chunk of change, but why should I care?” Frankly, deciding the school budget is an important process that requires participation from teachers, administrators, and students alike. This proposed budget increase is going to result in several changes within the Trumbull community.
The meeting of the Board of Education was long, with the fifty participants locked in discussion until midnight. The budget increase they agreed upon addresses several key issues within the Trumbull Education system, the first being the elementary orchestra program. Led by Board Member Tom Kelly, the participants acknowledged the high cost of elementary participation in orchestra, which is currently the fifth highest in the state at $325. A portion of the budget was decided upon to relieve the cost. Additionally, a central issue of the meeting was the preservation of full-day kindergarten. This motion went unchallenged and this as well as the orchestra propositions ultimately passed.
The issue that could most directly benefit Trumbull High School students is the addition of two teaching positions. The Board felt these additions were necessary because of the lack of staff growth despite a 126 student population increase. Board Member and Trumbull High School principal Robert Tremaglio addressed which departments could receive these additions; “Science has been an area of concern because cut-offs have had to be made to coordinate labs. This past year we saw an appetite for Latin among our students, but despite its high demand we simply did not have enough teachers.” Dr. Tremaglio also mentioned how the high school may use one of the two positions to establish a permanent technology liaison. These potential additions to the Trumbull High School staff would allow for greater student enrollment in otherwise over-booked courses.
A critical part of deciding the school budget is the contributions of student representatives. For the 2011-2012 school year, Trumbull’s student representatives are Seniors Emma Connolly and Patrick Curtin, who are both heavily involved in Board of Education decisions. “Board members do ask us for input into certain things about student life that just can’t be communicated in numbers and data,” said Connolly, “They really do want to hear how certain changes could affect students.” Unfortunately, student voice is not always heard by the town. Curtin commented, “[While] we do stay informed of all major votes, on the town side, there are fewer opportunities for student input.”
However, both students maintain that in regard to the education budget, students should be more involved. Connolly expressed that, “…it would be beneficial for students to be more active in the budget process. Each meeting begins with a public comments session, and I think the Board would be enthusiastic to hear from any student who is willing to advocate for something.”
Though the final school budget will not be definitely set until late April, it is important for students to remain informed and involved, as these decisions affect the course of their education.
As of January 4th, 2012, the Trumbull Board of Education approved a budget increase of 5.07% which makes the budget for the 2012-2013 school year $91,878,405. A typical student might think, “That’s a nice chunk of change, but why should I care?” Frankly, deciding the school budget is an important process that requires participation from teachers, administrators, and students alike. This proposed budget increase is going to result in several changes within the Trumbull community.
The meeting of the Board of Education was long, with the fifty participants locked in discussion until midnight. The budget increase they agreed upon addresses several key issues within the Trumbull Education system, the first being the elementary orchestra program. Led by Board Member Tom Kelly, the participants acknowledged the high cost of elementary participation in orchestra, which is currently the fifth highest in the state at $325. A portion of the budget was decided upon to relieve the cost. Additionally, a central issue of the meeting was the preservation of full-day kindergarten. This motion went unchallenged and this as well as the orchestra propositions ultimately passed.
The issue that could most directly benefit Trumbull High School students is the addition of two teaching positions. The Board felt these additions were necessary because of the lack of staff growth despite a 126 student population increase. Board Member and Trumbull High School principal Robert Tremaglio addressed which departments could receive these additions; “Science has been an area of concern because cut-offs have had to be made to coordinate labs. This past year we saw an appetite for Latin among our students, but despite its high demand we simply did not have enough teachers.” Dr. Tremaglio also mentioned how the high school may use one of the two positions to establish a permanent technology liaison. These potential additions to the Trumbull High School staff would allow for greater student enrollment in otherwise over-booked courses.
A critical part of deciding the school budget is the contributions of student representatives. For the 2011-2012 school year, Trumbull’s student representatives are Seniors Emma Connolly and Patrick Curtin, who are both heavily involved in Board of Education decisions. “Board members do ask us for input into certain things about student life that just can’t be communicated in numbers and data,” said Connolly, “They really do want to hear how certain changes could affect students.” Unfortunately, student voice is not always heard by the town. Curtin commented, “[While] we do stay informed of all major votes, on the town side, there are fewer opportunities for student input.”
However, both students maintain that in regard to the education budget, students should be more involved. Connolly expressed that, “…it would be beneficial for students to be more active in the budget process. Each meeting begins with a public comments session, and I think the Board would be enthusiastic to hear from any student who is willing to advocate for something.”
Though the final school budget will not be definitely set until late April, it is important for students to remain informed and involved, as these decisions affect the course of their education.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sports Banquet Honors Athletic Accomplishments
By Marissa Piccolo
On Thursday January 26th, the Boosters club sponsored the annual Fall Sports Banquet to honor the athletic accomplishments of this last year. Varsity athletes, and their parents, of Field Hockey, Girls Swimming and Diving, Football, Girls Volleyball, Soccer, and Cross country were in attendance.
Although the fall high school athletic season has ended over two months ago, stories and memories of the season have stayed on the Trumbull High conscience.
Before having a dinner by the Trumbull High kitchen staff, First Selectman Herbst, Superintendant Iassogna, Principal Tremaglio, Board of Education Chairman Wright, and Trumbull Boosters Club President Fairfield all made speeches . As Principal Tremaglio said, “Now is the time to relive great memories.” All speakers touched upon the many accomplishments of our fall teams; Girls’ Swimming placing 5th in the state, Boys’ Soccer winning the FCIAC championship outright for the first time in Trumbull High History, and both Girls’ and Boy’s Soccer making it to the CIAC finals.
It also was a time to look what was behind the records. Speakers kept giving rounds of applause to the Boosters club, athletes’ parents, coaches, and the student athletes themselves for their dedication to making Trumbull High’s athletic program as strong as it is. Boys’ Soccer coach Sebastian Gangemi was FCIAC coach of the year, Girls’ Soccer coach Daniel Uhrlass Connecticut Post Coach of the year, and it was announced at on March 24th of this spring, athletic director Michael Herbst will be inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame, this being Herbst’s last year.
Pride was also a reoccurring theme. There are many layers to a team, on and off the field. To acknowledge the importance of sportsmanship in any sport, each coach selected one athlete from their team that best exemplified sportsmanship during the past season. Girls’ Cross Country recipient, and senior Captain, Alexa Hiznay, said, “I think sportsmanship is important because it helps a team really come together, and be stronger as a whole. I have always tried to support my cross country girls, and it meant a lot to me that my coaches recognized my ongoing efforts for four years. Although, without the amazing attitudes and effort of all the girls, the cross country team would not be nearly as strong as it is today.” upon receiving the award for her team. At the banquet, Girls’ Soccer was also recognized for winning the Southern Connecticut sportsmanship award. After each game, referees would rank the teams in different categories. At the end of the season, Trumbull Girls’ Soccer had earned the most points.
It was then time for the team members to adjourn into assigned rooms for specific team awards; Varsity Letters, Jackets, Patches, and Pins. However first, Football Senior Captain, and Sportsmanship award recipient, Brendan Moore, made a final benediction. Referencing the memoires both on the field and off, Moore poignantly finished with, “Some roads are dangerous and adventurous, yet no one is more straight than the one that leads you home.”
On Thursday January 26th, the Boosters club sponsored the annual Fall Sports Banquet to honor the athletic accomplishments of this last year. Varsity athletes, and their parents, of Field Hockey, Girls Swimming and Diving, Football, Girls Volleyball, Soccer, and Cross country were in attendance.
Although the fall high school athletic season has ended over two months ago, stories and memories of the season have stayed on the Trumbull High conscience.
Before having a dinner by the Trumbull High kitchen staff, First Selectman Herbst, Superintendant Iassogna, Principal Tremaglio, Board of Education Chairman Wright, and Trumbull Boosters Club President Fairfield all made speeches . As Principal Tremaglio said, “Now is the time to relive great memories.” All speakers touched upon the many accomplishments of our fall teams; Girls’ Swimming placing 5th in the state, Boys’ Soccer winning the FCIAC championship outright for the first time in Trumbull High History, and both Girls’ and Boy’s Soccer making it to the CIAC finals.
It also was a time to look what was behind the records. Speakers kept giving rounds of applause to the Boosters club, athletes’ parents, coaches, and the student athletes themselves for their dedication to making Trumbull High’s athletic program as strong as it is. Boys’ Soccer coach Sebastian Gangemi was FCIAC coach of the year, Girls’ Soccer coach Daniel Uhrlass Connecticut Post Coach of the year, and it was announced at on March 24th of this spring, athletic director Michael Herbst will be inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame, this being Herbst’s last year.
Pride was also a reoccurring theme. There are many layers to a team, on and off the field. To acknowledge the importance of sportsmanship in any sport, each coach selected one athlete from their team that best exemplified sportsmanship during the past season. Girls’ Cross Country recipient, and senior Captain, Alexa Hiznay, said, “I think sportsmanship is important because it helps a team really come together, and be stronger as a whole. I have always tried to support my cross country girls, and it meant a lot to me that my coaches recognized my ongoing efforts for four years. Although, without the amazing attitudes and effort of all the girls, the cross country team would not be nearly as strong as it is today.” upon receiving the award for her team. At the banquet, Girls’ Soccer was also recognized for winning the Southern Connecticut sportsmanship award. After each game, referees would rank the teams in different categories. At the end of the season, Trumbull Girls’ Soccer had earned the most points.
It was then time for the team members to adjourn into assigned rooms for specific team awards; Varsity Letters, Jackets, Patches, and Pins. However first, Football Senior Captain, and Sportsmanship award recipient, Brendan Moore, made a final benediction. Referencing the memoires both on the field and off, Moore poignantly finished with, “Some roads are dangerous and adventurous, yet no one is more straight than the one that leads you home.”
Friday, February 17, 2012
Diet by Blood Type
Natalie Biebel '14
Before you were born, specific genes were combined from your mother and father to establish your blood type. Research has shown that your type is what makes you biochemically unique. Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s Eat Right For Your Type discusses the importance of eating foods depending on your blood type, whether it be A, B, AB, or O. The guide provides four lifestyle plans for the four blood types which help people to lose weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. In the 6617 individuals who reported their results from following the Blood Type Diet for a period of one month or more, three out of four (71-78%) had significant improvement in a variety of health conditions.
Blood type A’s. Long ago when there was a shortage of hunting game stock in Africa, natives were forced to spread to other continents like Europe and Asia. This switch to a hunting/gathering community is what makes type A’s what they are today. They are efficient carbohydrate digesters but since Type A’s have trouble digesting animal protein and fat, they are ideal vegetarians. This category of people favors a structured and peaceful life surrounded by a supportive community. Type A’s have a high levels of stress hormones which can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. To help maintain a balance of stress hormones, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided. In order to stable blood sugar levels, Type A’s should consume small frequent meals. Dr. D’Adamo recommends relaxing exercises such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation in order to stay fit.
Blood Type B originated in the Himalayan Mountains. Of all of the blood types, it has the clearest distribution from Japan, Mongolia, and China, to the Ural Mountains and also Western Europe, due to the migration of Asian nomads. Balance of vegetables and meats is very important to the Type B’s. Foods such as corn, what, and sesame seeds affect the efficiency of metabolic. Balance of exercises is also important. Tennis, martial arts, and golf are all activities that challenge the mind and body. Interestingly, Type Bs can adapt well to altitudes and are statistically the tallest of the blood types. They are often described as creative, subjective, and easy going.
Type O is the original blood type. Type O’s tend to be extroverted, energetic leaders who are responsible, decisive, organized, and practical. However, under stress they can be angry and impulsive. Type O’s have “fight or flight” responses and are susceptible to destructive behavior when tired, stressed, or bored. Their diet is based on lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Avoiding wheat and dairy will help maintain digestive health and staying away from caffeine will help keep already high levels of adrenaline in check. In order to stay emotionally balanced, Type O’s should exercise regularly. Activities that work the cardiovascular and skeletal system are best and help to reduce anxiety and cravings.
The rarest of the blood types is Type AB, which is a combination of Types A and B. It is found in less than 5% of the population. Like other blood types, AB’s should avoid caffeine and alcohol during stressful situations. Foods like tofu, seafood, dairy, and green vegetables can help Type AB’s lose weight. Type AB’s tend to keep emotions to themselves, which damages health. They should express themselves through calming and physical activities like aerobics and tai chi. Intuitive and spiritual are adjectives used to describe Type AB’s. Although they are drawn to people, they tend to feel isolated in large groups. Passionate beliefs of Type AB’s can conflict with their constant desire to be liked by others.
Before you were born, specific genes were combined from your mother and father to establish your blood type. Research has shown that your type is what makes you biochemically unique. Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s Eat Right For Your Type discusses the importance of eating foods depending on your blood type, whether it be A, B, AB, or O. The guide provides four lifestyle plans for the four blood types which help people to lose weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. In the 6617 individuals who reported their results from following the Blood Type Diet for a period of one month or more, three out of four (71-78%) had significant improvement in a variety of health conditions.
Blood type A’s. Long ago when there was a shortage of hunting game stock in Africa, natives were forced to spread to other continents like Europe and Asia. This switch to a hunting/gathering community is what makes type A’s what they are today. They are efficient carbohydrate digesters but since Type A’s have trouble digesting animal protein and fat, they are ideal vegetarians. This category of people favors a structured and peaceful life surrounded by a supportive community. Type A’s have a high levels of stress hormones which can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. To help maintain a balance of stress hormones, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided. In order to stable blood sugar levels, Type A’s should consume small frequent meals. Dr. D’Adamo recommends relaxing exercises such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation in order to stay fit.
Blood Type B originated in the Himalayan Mountains. Of all of the blood types, it has the clearest distribution from Japan, Mongolia, and China, to the Ural Mountains and also Western Europe, due to the migration of Asian nomads. Balance of vegetables and meats is very important to the Type B’s. Foods such as corn, what, and sesame seeds affect the efficiency of metabolic. Balance of exercises is also important. Tennis, martial arts, and golf are all activities that challenge the mind and body. Interestingly, Type Bs can adapt well to altitudes and are statistically the tallest of the blood types. They are often described as creative, subjective, and easy going.
Type O is the original blood type. Type O’s tend to be extroverted, energetic leaders who are responsible, decisive, organized, and practical. However, under stress they can be angry and impulsive. Type O’s have “fight or flight” responses and are susceptible to destructive behavior when tired, stressed, or bored. Their diet is based on lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Avoiding wheat and dairy will help maintain digestive health and staying away from caffeine will help keep already high levels of adrenaline in check. In order to stay emotionally balanced, Type O’s should exercise regularly. Activities that work the cardiovascular and skeletal system are best and help to reduce anxiety and cravings.
The rarest of the blood types is Type AB, which is a combination of Types A and B. It is found in less than 5% of the population. Like other blood types, AB’s should avoid caffeine and alcohol during stressful situations. Foods like tofu, seafood, dairy, and green vegetables can help Type AB’s lose weight. Type AB’s tend to keep emotions to themselves, which damages health. They should express themselves through calming and physical activities like aerobics and tai chi. Intuitive and spiritual are adjectives used to describe Type AB’s. Although they are drawn to people, they tend to feel isolated in large groups. Passionate beliefs of Type AB’s can conflict with their constant desire to be liked by others.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Course Selections
By Bonnie Deal '12
It’s that time of year again: the familiar yellow and white forms are floating around the school, whether they are in the hands of students, being filled out by teachers, or being shuffled through by guidance counselors. Freshmen are being introduced to the necessary process of selecting classes for the 2012-2013 school year while sophomores and juniors are going through the same steps once again. Students walk off campus in June with the good feeling of knowing what classes they will be taking come September and can expect some interesting choices.
Freshmen are able to add some variety to their schedules by choosing classes and electives that go beyond the required core classes taken during freshman year. One of the most intriguing classes offered for sophomores is Mr. Blanc’s Global Insights. Taken in place of U.S. History, Global Insights is an in-depth course which allows students to delve deeper into the topics learned and knowledge acquired during freshman year Global Civilizations. Revolution is the basis for study in Global Insights, and the course focuses strongly on an introduction to revolution, Middle Eastern issues, and the totalitarian state. Being an honors course, Global Insights requires hard work and an open mind. It’s a different kind of class, but one that sophomores will surely find highly enjoyable.
While many freshmen are already used to taking Honors classes, they are unfamiliar with the even more challenging AP courses. Soon-to-be sophomores have been given the option of taking AP Biology during their second year at THS. AP classes easy to enroll in, but require dedication and extreme concentration from students. AP Biology is taught as a complete survey of all major biological theories, so sophomores who are brave enough to tackle a class tougher than an Honors class, this might be a good choice.
If sophomore year allowed for expansion upon schedules, junior year goes a step farther. A variety of AP classes are allowed to be added to junior year schedules and social studies classes are no longer the typical geography- and U.S. History-based courses.
Juniors can fill their social studies requirement with Justice and Law or Justice and Law Honors if they took U.S. History during their sophomore year. Justice and Law provides students with an understanding of the major aspects of the United States legal system, and students spend a good amount of time focusing on the First and Fourth Amendments, modern Supreme Court decisions, and a plethora of current topics. The Honors class of Justice and Law focuses on the United States legal system as well, but students enrolled in Honors are required to participate in the Connecticut High School Mock Trial Competition.
Another Social Studies substitute offered during junior year is AP Psychology. This course allows students to study the brain in-depth as well as learn about the origins of various psychological disorders and their effects on everyday life. Throughout the year, psych students conduct experiments and work on projects that help further their understanding of the brain and the human mind. No self-diagnosing allowed!
Senior year is the year that many students cannot wait to get to. Since many students have already completed some of their required credits (i.e.: math, foreign language) for graduation, senior year is the time for a schedule full of fun electives. While Political Systems and Economics are mandatory classes, seniors are still able to add interesting and exciting classes to their schedules.
The English department offers seniors with an awesome variety of classes to choose from. Whether it’s Film as Literature, Science Fiction, World Literature, Honors Journalism, or Shakespeare, seniors have more than enough options to choose from to satisfy their necessary English credits.
Another course offered during senior year that current juniors definitely need to consider taking is AP U.S. Government. Also known as Bicen, this class prepares its students for the We the People competition. As it is a full-year course, Bicen takes the place of the required half-year Political Systems and half-year Economics courses. For students who enjoy politics and already have a firm grasp on the history of the United States and its government, this class is perfect. It allows students to further expand their knowledge of the United States government while preparing for a competition at the same time.
Students here at THS are lucky to have such a great variety of classes to choose from each year. The course selection book is organized, informative, and it provides students with an abundance of choices when it comes to classes. Choosing classes for the 2012-2013 school year might seem like a simple task, but it is easier said than done, especially when our school has so much to offer!
It’s that time of year again: the familiar yellow and white forms are floating around the school, whether they are in the hands of students, being filled out by teachers, or being shuffled through by guidance counselors. Freshmen are being introduced to the necessary process of selecting classes for the 2012-2013 school year while sophomores and juniors are going through the same steps once again. Students walk off campus in June with the good feeling of knowing what classes they will be taking come September and can expect some interesting choices.
Freshmen are able to add some variety to their schedules by choosing classes and electives that go beyond the required core classes taken during freshman year. One of the most intriguing classes offered for sophomores is Mr. Blanc’s Global Insights. Taken in place of U.S. History, Global Insights is an in-depth course which allows students to delve deeper into the topics learned and knowledge acquired during freshman year Global Civilizations. Revolution is the basis for study in Global Insights, and the course focuses strongly on an introduction to revolution, Middle Eastern issues, and the totalitarian state. Being an honors course, Global Insights requires hard work and an open mind. It’s a different kind of class, but one that sophomores will surely find highly enjoyable.
While many freshmen are already used to taking Honors classes, they are unfamiliar with the even more challenging AP courses. Soon-to-be sophomores have been given the option of taking AP Biology during their second year at THS. AP classes easy to enroll in, but require dedication and extreme concentration from students. AP Biology is taught as a complete survey of all major biological theories, so sophomores who are brave enough to tackle a class tougher than an Honors class, this might be a good choice.
If sophomore year allowed for expansion upon schedules, junior year goes a step farther. A variety of AP classes are allowed to be added to junior year schedules and social studies classes are no longer the typical geography- and U.S. History-based courses.
Juniors can fill their social studies requirement with Justice and Law or Justice and Law Honors if they took U.S. History during their sophomore year. Justice and Law provides students with an understanding of the major aspects of the United States legal system, and students spend a good amount of time focusing on the First and Fourth Amendments, modern Supreme Court decisions, and a plethora of current topics. The Honors class of Justice and Law focuses on the United States legal system as well, but students enrolled in Honors are required to participate in the Connecticut High School Mock Trial Competition.
Another Social Studies substitute offered during junior year is AP Psychology. This course allows students to study the brain in-depth as well as learn about the origins of various psychological disorders and their effects on everyday life. Throughout the year, psych students conduct experiments and work on projects that help further their understanding of the brain and the human mind. No self-diagnosing allowed!
Senior year is the year that many students cannot wait to get to. Since many students have already completed some of their required credits (i.e.: math, foreign language) for graduation, senior year is the time for a schedule full of fun electives. While Political Systems and Economics are mandatory classes, seniors are still able to add interesting and exciting classes to their schedules.
The English department offers seniors with an awesome variety of classes to choose from. Whether it’s Film as Literature, Science Fiction, World Literature, Honors Journalism, or Shakespeare, seniors have more than enough options to choose from to satisfy their necessary English credits.
Another course offered during senior year that current juniors definitely need to consider taking is AP U.S. Government. Also known as Bicen, this class prepares its students for the We the People competition. As it is a full-year course, Bicen takes the place of the required half-year Political Systems and half-year Economics courses. For students who enjoy politics and already have a firm grasp on the history of the United States and its government, this class is perfect. It allows students to further expand their knowledge of the United States government while preparing for a competition at the same time.
Students here at THS are lucky to have such a great variety of classes to choose from each year. The course selection book is organized, informative, and it provides students with an abundance of choices when it comes to classes. Choosing classes for the 2012-2013 school year might seem like a simple task, but it is easier said than done, especially when our school has so much to offer!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Teen Driving: Stricter Laws Save Lives
By Dominique Martin '12
High school is a time full of milestones. One of the biggest events during this time is obtaining a driver’s license.
For some students, though, the joy of having a licence is quickly tempered with the realities of driving. Bonnie Deal, a senior at THS, was in an accident two months after receiving her licence.
“It was really scary! There was backed up traffic on the main road to school, and right when I stopped my car, I felt something slam into the back of it. Of course, when I realized I was in an accident, I immediately started crying.”
Luckily for Deal, there was a police man a few cars behind her who helped her out and calmed her down. “The guy who hit me was not paying attention to the road or traffic because he was on his phone and both our cars were damaged.”
Now Deal knows the consequences of what can happen when a person gets distracted while driving. “I would never want to go through anything like that ever again. I keep my phone in the back seat and wait till I get to my destination to use it. If I ever hit someone else I would feel awful forever.”
In the state of Connecticut, teens can first get their learners permit at the age of 16. Then after enough time behind the wheel, training, and practice, a teen acquires his or her license, something most adolescents look forward to.
“Federal traffic safety data indicate that crashes involving teenage drivers are the number 1 killer of teenagers in the U.S. Overall, more than 81,000 people died in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 20 from 2000 to 2009,” states M. Alex Johnson from msnbc.com.
Different laws exist for drivers with a permit and those with a license. When a teen driver gets their learners permit in the state of Connecticut, they can only have a parent, legal guardian, or qualified trainer with them while driving. All passengers must also wear seat belts, and drivers cannot use cell phones or other electronics.
To get their license, a driver must undergo 30 hours of classroom instruction, which includes the Safe Driving Practices course and two hours of parent training. In addition, a teen must have forty hours of driving, with eight of those hours with a licensed driving instructor.
Another alternative is home training, which includes 22 hours of classroom type training, and an eight hour Safe Driving Practices course at commercial or secondary school where they have to take a two hour parent or legal guardian training. A driver who takes the commercial or school driving course can attain their license in four months or after six months if they do the home training.
For the first six months after attaining a license, drivers can only drive alone or with a parent or legal guardian who has a valid license, a licensed driving instructor, or a passenger who is at least 20-years-old and has held a license without suspension for at least four years.
For the second six months, teen drivers may drive with the above mentioned or with any immediate family members. There is also a curfew for all drivers under 18. They may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it is for employment, school, religious activities, or medical necessity. Although driving restrictions for teenager at the permit and license level may be perceived as inconvenient, they help keep young drivers safe.
“I think that the curfew is unnecessary for some students. I baby sat and it is inconvenient because I often have to drive after 11. I am always worried about being pulled over even though it is for work. The majority of drivers are punished for the actions of a few, and I feel that some of the laws are too harsh,” states Catherine Gingras, a THS senior.
While some students might find the laws inconvenient, data shows how valuable they are. Sixteen-year-olds are three times more likely to get in a fatal driving accident than adult drivers.
Teens have less experience and are prone to getting preoccupied. “I think that passenger restrictions cut down on distractions and that a curfew also protects teens from making bad decisions. Overall they keep teen drivers safe,” states Mrs. McFarland, an English teacher at Trumbull high.
Driving is a big step for teens. It means a lot of freedom, but some drivers abuse this. The driving laws help ensure that less accidents happen and enforce positive decision making. They save lives.
When teens know that there are consequences for irresponsible actions, they will be safer when driving. “Teen driving laws are beneficial and prevent a significant number of driving accidents. However, I also think that they are strict,” says Sarina Moghadam, a driver and THS senior.
Students need to stay informed. Keep the Drive at http://www.allstatefoundation.org/keep-the-drive is a national website sponsored by Allstate and supported by adolescents who want to educate other teens about safe driving habits. Students can find tools and resources as well as an open forum for opinions and ideas.
Driving is a rite of passage; it means freedom and maturity. Driving laws play a major role in the lives of teens and teens need to recognize that the regulations keep them safe, ensuring many years of safe driving to come.
High school is a time full of milestones. One of the biggest events during this time is obtaining a driver’s license.
For some students, though, the joy of having a licence is quickly tempered with the realities of driving. Bonnie Deal, a senior at THS, was in an accident two months after receiving her licence.
“It was really scary! There was backed up traffic on the main road to school, and right when I stopped my car, I felt something slam into the back of it. Of course, when I realized I was in an accident, I immediately started crying.”
Luckily for Deal, there was a police man a few cars behind her who helped her out and calmed her down. “The guy who hit me was not paying attention to the road or traffic because he was on his phone and both our cars were damaged.”
Now Deal knows the consequences of what can happen when a person gets distracted while driving. “I would never want to go through anything like that ever again. I keep my phone in the back seat and wait till I get to my destination to use it. If I ever hit someone else I would feel awful forever.”
In the state of Connecticut, teens can first get their learners permit at the age of 16. Then after enough time behind the wheel, training, and practice, a teen acquires his or her license, something most adolescents look forward to.
“Federal traffic safety data indicate that crashes involving teenage drivers are the number 1 killer of teenagers in the U.S. Overall, more than 81,000 people died in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 20 from 2000 to 2009,” states M. Alex Johnson from msnbc.com.
Different laws exist for drivers with a permit and those with a license. When a teen driver gets their learners permit in the state of Connecticut, they can only have a parent, legal guardian, or qualified trainer with them while driving. All passengers must also wear seat belts, and drivers cannot use cell phones or other electronics.
To get their license, a driver must undergo 30 hours of classroom instruction, which includes the Safe Driving Practices course and two hours of parent training. In addition, a teen must have forty hours of driving, with eight of those hours with a licensed driving instructor.
Another alternative is home training, which includes 22 hours of classroom type training, and an eight hour Safe Driving Practices course at commercial or secondary school where they have to take a two hour parent or legal guardian training. A driver who takes the commercial or school driving course can attain their license in four months or after six months if they do the home training.
For the first six months after attaining a license, drivers can only drive alone or with a parent or legal guardian who has a valid license, a licensed driving instructor, or a passenger who is at least 20-years-old and has held a license without suspension for at least four years.
For the second six months, teen drivers may drive with the above mentioned or with any immediate family members. There is also a curfew for all drivers under 18. They may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it is for employment, school, religious activities, or medical necessity. Although driving restrictions for teenager at the permit and license level may be perceived as inconvenient, they help keep young drivers safe.
“I think that the curfew is unnecessary for some students. I baby sat and it is inconvenient because I often have to drive after 11. I am always worried about being pulled over even though it is for work. The majority of drivers are punished for the actions of a few, and I feel that some of the laws are too harsh,” states Catherine Gingras, a THS senior.
While some students might find the laws inconvenient, data shows how valuable they are. Sixteen-year-olds are three times more likely to get in a fatal driving accident than adult drivers.
Teens have less experience and are prone to getting preoccupied. “I think that passenger restrictions cut down on distractions and that a curfew also protects teens from making bad decisions. Overall they keep teen drivers safe,” states Mrs. McFarland, an English teacher at Trumbull high.
Driving is a big step for teens. It means a lot of freedom, but some drivers abuse this. The driving laws help ensure that less accidents happen and enforce positive decision making. They save lives.
When teens know that there are consequences for irresponsible actions, they will be safer when driving. “Teen driving laws are beneficial and prevent a significant number of driving accidents. However, I also think that they are strict,” says Sarina Moghadam, a driver and THS senior.
Students need to stay informed. Keep the Drive at http://www.allstatefoundation.org/keep-the-drive is a national website sponsored by Allstate and supported by adolescents who want to educate other teens about safe driving habits. Students can find tools and resources as well as an open forum for opinions and ideas.
Driving is a rite of passage; it means freedom and maturity. Driving laws play a major role in the lives of teens and teens need to recognize that the regulations keep them safe, ensuring many years of safe driving to come.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The College Process
By Ron Denny ‘12 and Amanda Cirino ‘12
High school seniors will describe their recent experience applying to college as stressful, overwhelming, tedious, and even confusing. To some people, the college process is a nightmare, but it does not have to be like this.
There are so many steps when applying to college: The Common Application (Common App), teacher recommendations, supplements, the essay, SATs, and the list goes on and on. That being said, it is not surprising that each senior expressed a different part of the college search as being the most challenging.
Tori Von Ancken said the hardest part for her was deciding on which schools to apply to, wishing she had a list of colleges before senior year even started. According to BrainTrack.com, The US has over 7,000 higher education institutions and over 15 million students.
Andre Loukrezis and Olivia Zacks agreed. Zacks commented, “The Common App was the hardest part.” If they could advise underclassmen about the Common App they would tell them to complete it over the summer so they don’t have to worry about it when school starts.
Some students are accustomed to getting “spoon-fed” and “babied” and may have trouble coping with the many deadlines of senior year. Betty Denny mother of a Trumbull High senior said, “Don’t wait for your parents to take on the responsibility.” Take the initiative and be more independent.
At the end of junior year students should have two teachers committed to writing their letters of recommendation. Teachers limit the amount of letters they write, so it is better to ask them earlier rather than later.
Seniors at THS agreed the best option for applying is early action. This has an earlier deadline (usually November 1st), and students will hear back from the schools up to four months before the seniors who opt to do regular decision. “It is so much better to apply early action rather than regular decision. You will have more time to decide, and the anticipation of waiting for those letters will be over before the holidays,” said senior Silvia Sclafani.
Applying to college may seem terrifying; however, taking it one step at a time and listening to advice from family, friends, teachers, and guidance counselors will ensure success. Do not get discouraged and remember to be independent, be organized, and be an advocate for yourself.
Here are some tips for the underclassmen:
Freshmen:
• Grades do matter freshmen year. These grades will factor into the overall GPA and will be on the transcript that gets sent to colleges.
• Explore a wide variety of classes to see what is intriguing.
Sophomores:
• It’s never too early to start looking. See what colleges are out there.
• Go on a college visit in the area to get an idea of what is out there. (Weather it’s a big school, small school, public, or private, in Connecticut or out of Connecticut).
Juniors:
• It is important to take the college essay serious. Finish as much as possible in junior year English classes. Make sure it’s 500 words or less.
• Compile a list of schools that are options to visit and/or apply to. Use Naviance to find schools within reach. Don’t be unrealistic.
High school seniors will describe their recent experience applying to college as stressful, overwhelming, tedious, and even confusing. To some people, the college process is a nightmare, but it does not have to be like this.
There are so many steps when applying to college: The Common Application (Common App), teacher recommendations, supplements, the essay, SATs, and the list goes on and on. That being said, it is not surprising that each senior expressed a different part of the college search as being the most challenging.
Tori Von Ancken said the hardest part for her was deciding on which schools to apply to, wishing she had a list of colleges before senior year even started. According to BrainTrack.com, The US has over 7,000 higher education institutions and over 15 million students.
Andre Loukrezis and Olivia Zacks agreed. Zacks commented, “The Common App was the hardest part.” If they could advise underclassmen about the Common App they would tell them to complete it over the summer so they don’t have to worry about it when school starts.
Some students are accustomed to getting “spoon-fed” and “babied” and may have trouble coping with the many deadlines of senior year. Betty Denny mother of a Trumbull High senior said, “Don’t wait for your parents to take on the responsibility.” Take the initiative and be more independent.
At the end of junior year students should have two teachers committed to writing their letters of recommendation. Teachers limit the amount of letters they write, so it is better to ask them earlier rather than later.
Seniors at THS agreed the best option for applying is early action. This has an earlier deadline (usually November 1st), and students will hear back from the schools up to four months before the seniors who opt to do regular decision. “It is so much better to apply early action rather than regular decision. You will have more time to decide, and the anticipation of waiting for those letters will be over before the holidays,” said senior Silvia Sclafani.
Applying to college may seem terrifying; however, taking it one step at a time and listening to advice from family, friends, teachers, and guidance counselors will ensure success. Do not get discouraged and remember to be independent, be organized, and be an advocate for yourself.
Here are some tips for the underclassmen:
Freshmen:
• Grades do matter freshmen year. These grades will factor into the overall GPA and will be on the transcript that gets sent to colleges.
• Explore a wide variety of classes to see what is intriguing.
Sophomores:
• It’s never too early to start looking. See what colleges are out there.
• Go on a college visit in the area to get an idea of what is out there. (Weather it’s a big school, small school, public, or private, in Connecticut or out of Connecticut).
Juniors:
• It is important to take the college essay serious. Finish as much as possible in junior year English classes. Make sure it’s 500 words or less.
• Compile a list of schools that are options to visit and/or apply to. Use Naviance to find schools within reach. Don’t be unrealistic.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
SOPA: The Bill That Takes Away Rights
By Hamze Mah and Alex Almedia
SOPA is as disastrous to the Internet as the terminator was to John Conner. The Stop Online Piracy Act is a bill that strives to demolish the right of Internet users.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a United States bill presented by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith to expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking in copyrighted and counterfeit goods. The law would extend existing criminal laws to include unauthorized streaming of copyright material, imposing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for ten pieces of music or movies downloaded.
At first glance the Government appears to have a positive aim for the protection of Internet users. However, in actuality, they have serious potential to negatively affect the Internet as its known today. SOPA was created in order to pit a stop for online piracy, with the entertainment industry having serious concern with how many people are illegally downloading their video and audio content without payment.
Gabe Newell the owner and founder of Steam, the largest PC game service has stated “Piracy is almost always a service problem and not a pricing problem.” Newell’s plan to combat piracy is simple; provide a service superior to pirating. Newell exclaims that piracy is a non issue for their company and would even advocate piracy for people unable to afford certain games as he has done in the past.
The opponents, who consists of many anonymous Internet users and leading websites such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and Google state the proposed legislation threatens free speech and innovation, and enables law enforcement to block access to entire Internet domains due to infringing material posted on a single blog or webpage.
When asked on his opinion on the matter senior Matt Megenis proclaims “I thought it was a terrible idea because it’s invasive to people’s privacy.”
Many hundreds and thousands of websites have already fought to drive SOPA away. Facebook users and Sites across the Internet have already begun showing their protest of these bills by censoring their logos or either completely taking down their sites.
Wikipedia showed their protest by “blacking” out their webpage on January 18–19, 2012. In place of articles, Wikipedia showed only a message in protest of SOPA and PIPA asking visitors to "Imagine a world without free knowledge."
While the Obama administration has opposed SOPA for the time being, the incredibly similar bill PIPA is still waiting to be approved, and has plenty of support. No one knows how the future of the internet would look like after the election of 2012. Weather the future government would deny or approve these acts is unknown. However, judging by the consistent panic and uproar; we can expect horrendous outcomes happening if the bill is passes.
SOPA is as disastrous to the Internet as the terminator was to John Conner. The Stop Online Piracy Act is a bill that strives to demolish the right of Internet users.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a United States bill presented by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith to expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking in copyrighted and counterfeit goods. The law would extend existing criminal laws to include unauthorized streaming of copyright material, imposing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for ten pieces of music or movies downloaded.
At first glance the Government appears to have a positive aim for the protection of Internet users. However, in actuality, they have serious potential to negatively affect the Internet as its known today. SOPA was created in order to pit a stop for online piracy, with the entertainment industry having serious concern with how many people are illegally downloading their video and audio content without payment.
Gabe Newell the owner and founder of Steam, the largest PC game service has stated “Piracy is almost always a service problem and not a pricing problem.” Newell’s plan to combat piracy is simple; provide a service superior to pirating. Newell exclaims that piracy is a non issue for their company and would even advocate piracy for people unable to afford certain games as he has done in the past.
The opponents, who consists of many anonymous Internet users and leading websites such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and Google state the proposed legislation threatens free speech and innovation, and enables law enforcement to block access to entire Internet domains due to infringing material posted on a single blog or webpage.
When asked on his opinion on the matter senior Matt Megenis proclaims “I thought it was a terrible idea because it’s invasive to people’s privacy.”
Many hundreds and thousands of websites have already fought to drive SOPA away. Facebook users and Sites across the Internet have already begun showing their protest of these bills by censoring their logos or either completely taking down their sites.
Wikipedia showed their protest by “blacking” out their webpage on January 18–19, 2012. In place of articles, Wikipedia showed only a message in protest of SOPA and PIPA asking visitors to "Imagine a world without free knowledge."
While the Obama administration has opposed SOPA for the time being, the incredibly similar bill PIPA is still waiting to be approved, and has plenty of support. No one knows how the future of the internet would look like after the election of 2012. Weather the future government would deny or approve these acts is unknown. However, judging by the consistent panic and uproar; we can expect horrendous outcomes happening if the bill is passes.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Annual Black History Month Celebration
By Vishaka Negi
As history tells us, the women’s rights movement and abolition movement went hand in hand. White women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and black men like Fredrick Douglass, amongst countless other citizens, were truly devoted to “liberty and justice for all.” The connection between these two movements is especially prevalent as February is Black History Month and March is Women’s History Month. So, as we go forth with March and count all the contributions of women of generations past, we should also look back upon the connection to Black history. As people strived to create a truly integrated, racially tolerant society, they have influenced mainstream culture. In fact, many African Americans, whether they were pioneers in education or legendary musicians, directly impacted mainstream culture unknowingly. Specifically, the cultures of the continent of Africa, which were brought to and sustained in America for generations, have shaped our society. The Cultural Diversity Club explored this during its annual Black History Month Celebration.
Held in the Senior Lounge on February 8th, this event was attended by many people, students and faculty members alike. As people socialized and tried out African instruments, they developed a taste for the cultures of Africa, which have, in turn, shaped history. The keynote speaker for this event, Michael Apaloo ‘12, shared his experiences from freshman year, when he moved from Ghana. With willingness to answer all questions, Michael hit home with his connections between Ghana and the United States. He maintains that the toughest part, when adjusting to America, was adjusting to the expectations and culture. The ignorance of some students was a real pet peeve for him, at first. “Over time, however,” Michael says, “I became used to it. I don’t hold anything against anyone else for not knowing where I came from.” When asked what he would like to share with other students, Michael says, “Always be willing to adjust to other people’s cultures. They say ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ At first, I was not willing to do as the Americans do. But, that was not the right approach, and I think I took a lot from the experience.”
As history tells us, the women’s rights movement and abolition movement went hand in hand. White women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and black men like Fredrick Douglass, amongst countless other citizens, were truly devoted to “liberty and justice for all.” The connection between these two movements is especially prevalent as February is Black History Month and March is Women’s History Month. So, as we go forth with March and count all the contributions of women of generations past, we should also look back upon the connection to Black history. As people strived to create a truly integrated, racially tolerant society, they have influenced mainstream culture. In fact, many African Americans, whether they were pioneers in education or legendary musicians, directly impacted mainstream culture unknowingly. Specifically, the cultures of the continent of Africa, which were brought to and sustained in America for generations, have shaped our society. The Cultural Diversity Club explored this during its annual Black History Month Celebration.
Held in the Senior Lounge on February 8th, this event was attended by many people, students and faculty members alike. As people socialized and tried out African instruments, they developed a taste for the cultures of Africa, which have, in turn, shaped history. The keynote speaker for this event, Michael Apaloo ‘12, shared his experiences from freshman year, when he moved from Ghana. With willingness to answer all questions, Michael hit home with his connections between Ghana and the United States. He maintains that the toughest part, when adjusting to America, was adjusting to the expectations and culture. The ignorance of some students was a real pet peeve for him, at first. “Over time, however,” Michael says, “I became used to it. I don’t hold anything against anyone else for not knowing where I came from.” When asked what he would like to share with other students, Michael says, “Always be willing to adjust to other people’s cultures. They say ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ At first, I was not willing to do as the Americans do. But, that was not the right approach, and I think I took a lot from the experience.”
Thursday, February 9, 2012
University Graduates Unable to Find Jobs
By Dalexi Carrillo
Even though more and more high school students pursue a higher education and many study beyond the four-year bachelor degree, a rising number of university graduates still find it difficult to find a job in today’s workforce. With employment rates and starting salaries plummeting, graduates ask themselves if the higher education is even worth it.
The United States is slowly recovering from a recession that hurt the country’s economy and the pockets of many Americans. Consequently, those who once had high paying jobs in top corporations now do not and are hired by companies with a lower paying salary. Due to the slow down of the economy, wages and salaries have also plummeted leading to many unsatisfied workers. Those who have fought the cuts in salaries have been easily replaced by people who may or may not be qualified for the job. Three years later, the effects of the 2007-2009 Recession still continue to negatively impact the careers of those freshly out of college.
“Many of my buddies who have just graduated in May still can’t find a job, not even a low paying one. The one or two who actually do have a job, are ones that are not even related to their major,” Brian Yanez, a recent graduate of Hoftra University stated. “I even feel that those with decent jobs got them through connections or just when they happened to graduate. It’s just luck,” he continued to say.
Young people are forced to deal with the hardships of this economy and the consequences are apparent. According to the New York Times, during the years of 2006 and 2007, 90% of college graduates had jobs by the following spring. However, currently, only 56% of graduates hold at least one job. Inclusively, half of those that found a job did not require a college degree anyway. Thus, current college students wonder if further education, more specifically graduate school, is even worth the time and money. Many are starting to believe that opportunities are similar with or without a graduate degree and would prefer to work, that is if they find a job, rather than spend more years in school wasting money they do not have.
The best advice for current university students is to pick a major that will make it easier for them to find a job down the line. The choice of major is quite important and certain ones, like teaching and engineering, have more jobs available than others, such as humanities. “The whole situation is scary,” Rhianna Sefferian, a Trumbull High senior, admitted. “I know that the job market is not looking so great so I know that choosing the appropriate career will open doors and make me more marketable. I want to pursue something I love and something that will provide me a future,” she continued to say.
Many young adults find themselves in their parents’ house right after college. This, which once was an embarrassment, is now turning into something common. Unfortunately, it delays the pattern of American life where one hopes, by their early thirties, to support a family and own a house. The country that once granted countless opportunities now is not able to provide a bright future for the next generation of workers.
Even though more and more high school students pursue a higher education and many study beyond the four-year bachelor degree, a rising number of university graduates still find it difficult to find a job in today’s workforce. With employment rates and starting salaries plummeting, graduates ask themselves if the higher education is even worth it.
The United States is slowly recovering from a recession that hurt the country’s economy and the pockets of many Americans. Consequently, those who once had high paying jobs in top corporations now do not and are hired by companies with a lower paying salary. Due to the slow down of the economy, wages and salaries have also plummeted leading to many unsatisfied workers. Those who have fought the cuts in salaries have been easily replaced by people who may or may not be qualified for the job. Three years later, the effects of the 2007-2009 Recession still continue to negatively impact the careers of those freshly out of college.
“Many of my buddies who have just graduated in May still can’t find a job, not even a low paying one. The one or two who actually do have a job, are ones that are not even related to their major,” Brian Yanez, a recent graduate of Hoftra University stated. “I even feel that those with decent jobs got them through connections or just when they happened to graduate. It’s just luck,” he continued to say.
Young people are forced to deal with the hardships of this economy and the consequences are apparent. According to the New York Times, during the years of 2006 and 2007, 90% of college graduates had jobs by the following spring. However, currently, only 56% of graduates hold at least one job. Inclusively, half of those that found a job did not require a college degree anyway. Thus, current college students wonder if further education, more specifically graduate school, is even worth the time and money. Many are starting to believe that opportunities are similar with or without a graduate degree and would prefer to work, that is if they find a job, rather than spend more years in school wasting money they do not have.
The best advice for current university students is to pick a major that will make it easier for them to find a job down the line. The choice of major is quite important and certain ones, like teaching and engineering, have more jobs available than others, such as humanities. “The whole situation is scary,” Rhianna Sefferian, a Trumbull High senior, admitted. “I know that the job market is not looking so great so I know that choosing the appropriate career will open doors and make me more marketable. I want to pursue something I love and something that will provide me a future,” she continued to say.
Many young adults find themselves in their parents’ house right after college. This, which once was an embarrassment, is now turning into something common. Unfortunately, it delays the pattern of American life where one hopes, by their early thirties, to support a family and own a house. The country that once granted countless opportunities now is not able to provide a bright future for the next generation of workers.
Opinions: Show Me the Money
By Jeff Jarboe
In today’s sports community, college athletes are looked upon as if they play in the pros. To the fans, the administration, or the media, they are superstars. So why aren’t they paid like superstars?
The debate over whether or not college athletes should be paid by their school is one that seemed ridiculous until now. The traditional college athlete stayed all four years, received a diploma and then decided if they wanted to go play professionally or not. Nowadays, athletes go to college for a year because they have to, and then go to the pros as soon as they are eligible. When senior classmate Kelly Gallagher was asked if college athletes should be paid, she said, “Well, technically they already are being paid in a full scholarship. Many people do not have that luxury, so in that sense they are treated like superstars.” This is completely true, and is the primary argument against the payment of college athletes.
What good is a full scholarship going to do if these athletes leave as soon as they are eligible? The majority of these athletes go to a school because they: A) Think they have the best possibility to win a national championship. Or B) Think that school will prepare him or her for the pros better than any other school. College athletes want to win a national championship, but not as bad as they want to get paid. Most athletes would choose to play for the New York Jets over almost anything school related, unless they had one major reason to stay in school. What better reason than millions of dollars and a national championship?
Senior Captain of the THS football team, and future Villanova college athlete Don Cherry had this to say on the matter, “I would favor this only because I know how hard these guys work and they deserve every dollar they make. Colleges have built this game into an absolute money making business with all of these talented athletes, it is only fair that they get a piece of the pie.”
Just imagine what John Wall could have done at Kentucky in four years. Imagine the dynasty that could have been built at USC by Leinart and Bush, had they stayed all their years. Imagine if Lebron went to college! All of this might have happened if these athletes had a reason to stay in school.
In today’s sports community, college athletes are looked upon as if they play in the pros. To the fans, the administration, or the media, they are superstars. So why aren’t they paid like superstars?
The debate over whether or not college athletes should be paid by their school is one that seemed ridiculous until now. The traditional college athlete stayed all four years, received a diploma and then decided if they wanted to go play professionally or not. Nowadays, athletes go to college for a year because they have to, and then go to the pros as soon as they are eligible. When senior classmate Kelly Gallagher was asked if college athletes should be paid, she said, “Well, technically they already are being paid in a full scholarship. Many people do not have that luxury, so in that sense they are treated like superstars.” This is completely true, and is the primary argument against the payment of college athletes.
What good is a full scholarship going to do if these athletes leave as soon as they are eligible? The majority of these athletes go to a school because they: A) Think they have the best possibility to win a national championship. Or B) Think that school will prepare him or her for the pros better than any other school. College athletes want to win a national championship, but not as bad as they want to get paid. Most athletes would choose to play for the New York Jets over almost anything school related, unless they had one major reason to stay in school. What better reason than millions of dollars and a national championship?
Senior Captain of the THS football team, and future Villanova college athlete Don Cherry had this to say on the matter, “I would favor this only because I know how hard these guys work and they deserve every dollar they make. Colleges have built this game into an absolute money making business with all of these talented athletes, it is only fair that they get a piece of the pie.”
Just imagine what John Wall could have done at Kentucky in four years. Imagine the dynasty that could have been built at USC by Leinart and Bush, had they stayed all their years. Imagine if Lebron went to college! All of this might have happened if these athletes had a reason to stay in school.
The End of The Word
By Billy Kattler
Explosions, fire balls, twelve headed beasts or just another routine day.
December 21, 2012 marks the date the Mayan calendar cycle comes to an end and possibly the end of days.
Since the turn of the century alone, the end of the world has been predicted by almost 30 people on over 15 dates. Emily Riehl a student at Trumbull high school commented on this fact saying “If there have been predictions like this one and I’m still here, then why should I believe this.” This questions the credibility of the event occurring in 2012, but somehow December 21, 2012 holds more validity than other dates due to its long history.
The Mayan calendar is a great part of history. This is considered as one of the first date trackers and was as important to the Mesoamerican culture as our calendar is to our society. The long count calendar’s great cycle will end in December and this can be blamed the Spanish. At the point of history in which Spain took control of Mexico the Mayan calendar records ended and no later date then December 21, 2012 was made. Along with the ancient calendar’s great cycle coming to an end the 2012 winter solstice will occur in the sky. This will be the first time in 25,800 years that this event happens. In a winter solstice the sun will align with the center of the Milky Way galaxy starting another 25,800 year cycle.
A poll taken in Trumbull High School asked if people believed the world would end on December 21. The results weren’t surprising. Fifteen of 15 upperclassman believed there was no way the world would end on the 21st. Josh Boxer a senior at Trumbull High said “I just can’t believe the world would end in my lifetime.” When asking underclassmen the results greatly differed. When polled 6 of 10 underclassmen believed the world would end.
Having two historical cycles ending on the same date has people thinking all cycles will end. These two extraordinary events can make you notice the extraordinary events that happen every day. If it’s the lively green leaves growing on lifeless trees or beautiful blue skies on a brightly lit day, this year, or the last year on earth, will prove to be a great one.
Explosions, fire balls, twelve headed beasts or just another routine day.
December 21, 2012 marks the date the Mayan calendar cycle comes to an end and possibly the end of days.
Since the turn of the century alone, the end of the world has been predicted by almost 30 people on over 15 dates. Emily Riehl a student at Trumbull high school commented on this fact saying “If there have been predictions like this one and I’m still here, then why should I believe this.” This questions the credibility of the event occurring in 2012, but somehow December 21, 2012 holds more validity than other dates due to its long history.
The Mayan calendar is a great part of history. This is considered as one of the first date trackers and was as important to the Mesoamerican culture as our calendar is to our society. The long count calendar’s great cycle will end in December and this can be blamed the Spanish. At the point of history in which Spain took control of Mexico the Mayan calendar records ended and no later date then December 21, 2012 was made. Along with the ancient calendar’s great cycle coming to an end the 2012 winter solstice will occur in the sky. This will be the first time in 25,800 years that this event happens. In a winter solstice the sun will align with the center of the Milky Way galaxy starting another 25,800 year cycle.
A poll taken in Trumbull High School asked if people believed the world would end on December 21. The results weren’t surprising. Fifteen of 15 upperclassman believed there was no way the world would end on the 21st. Josh Boxer a senior at Trumbull High said “I just can’t believe the world would end in my lifetime.” When asking underclassmen the results greatly differed. When polled 6 of 10 underclassmen believed the world would end.
Having two historical cycles ending on the same date has people thinking all cycles will end. These two extraordinary events can make you notice the extraordinary events that happen every day. If it’s the lively green leaves growing on lifeless trees or beautiful blue skies on a brightly lit day, this year, or the last year on earth, will prove to be a great one.
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