September '08 Issue
Jun 20, 2008 13:30:58 GMT -5
Post by Principal Vale on Jun 20, 2008 13:30:58 GMT -5
The Chatters
Editor's Note
Editor's Note
Welcome back students to yet another year at the Academy, we're sure that everyone is pretty excited to be here and we share that excitement. There has been a lot of work done on this paper by each member of the staff and we're proud to present our efforts to the student body for their own entertainment and involvement. Hope you enjoy the paper.
Wishing you all a good year,
Evelynne Snow
Editor
Fashion Section
The start of the new year comes along with the start of a new fashion season. With so many new trends coming in, and older ones making a comeback, this season promises to be a great one.
However, instead of focusing on what’s going on in the wider world we decided to go with something closer to home. As many of you already know, this week was our Homecoming dance at GPA. A chance for us to showcase the changes in our wardrobe over the summer – for both guys and girls!
Unfortunately, we didn’t see very much difference with most of the guys who just opted for the usual shirt and pants combo. The guys here at GPA are really not that adventurous – we would have liked to see come colour rather than the usual monochrome. Monochrome may be back in but to be honest, a little too much of it can actually be a little depressing!
The girls’ dresses were a little more interesting, but not by much. For some reason, over the holidays some people seem to have forgotten that bright colours do, actually exist. The dance may have been a formal but it sure as hell wasn’t a funeral!
The best dress of the night has to go to Eliana Conti, from the Senior year. Her dress was my favourite, by far. The blue within the sea of black and white and cream was a sight for sore eyes and her dress was beautifully embroidered too. It also blew the other dresses out of the water because it was quite flattering and frankly, I loved it! If anyone needs a hint: I wouldn’t mind one of those for my birthday!
All in all, it wasn’t the great homecoming that I had hoped for. And don’t get me wrong – some of the black and white dresses were extremely hot, just too blend-into-the-background for my liking.
E.M.
Sport Section
After 22 long, and heartbreaking years, the NBA welcomes its champions back, because the Boston Celtics completely kicked major…booty. Let’s set the scene. Lakers and Celtic in a mass of purple and yellow and green and white bound down the court giving it their all in order to become this seasons champions, but the Celtics had so much more to win. Their pride back. Twenty-two long yeas of being shut down, pushed them further and victory became theirs. With a massive blowout of 131-92, Boston takes back their pride and basks in the glory of their win. Fans were ecstatic for the triumph, watching in pride and amusement as the Celtics literally left their opponents…eating major dustage. Paul Pierce was MVP of the finals, breaking past an injury to make sure his team overcame their losing streak and won this year’s championship game. So not only did Boston win a championship game after their 22nd consecutive loss, but with their 39 point lead they broke NBA records for the largest margin of lead in a championship clincher. That’s a pretty big deal in the world of basketball.
“It means so much more because these are the guys, the Havliceks, the Bill Russells, the Cousys,” Pierce said. “These guys started what’s going on with those banners. They don’t hang up any other banners but championship ones. Setting records and reaching goals. Garnett scored 26 points with 14 rebounds, Allen scored 26 and Pierce added 17. Rajon Rondo had 21 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals as the Celtics, who gained a 23-point halftime lead and demolished the Lakers, who were trying to become the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals
There was no way they’d bounce back from that beating. Major, cold, and icy I-want that-championship-trophy-and-I-will-stomp-all-over-purple-and-yellow-to-get-it beating. The Lakers went home without the Larry O’Brien trophy. And so, with a major steal of points, the Boston Celtics won the championship. Not only did they steal a major lead in points, they stole the pride and crushed the dreams of team purple and yellow. And they did it well. The gold was theirs.
They did say that Leprechauns always get the gold.
E.E.
Dance Section
Taking the helm of this newspapers section for the first time, I will present you all this year with a new concept for the Dance article – we will be doing a small world tour, exploring several type of dances that are each typical to different countries across the globe. This month, Oriental wonders will be explored as you will enter the world of belly dancing.
Though the exact origin of this form of dancing is still as to now a debate among most dancer enthousiasts, it is commonly known that Europe, Africa and Asia are the main areas as to where it could come from. Some claim that ancient Egypt would have been the start of it all, yet others say that Greece developed it under the reign of Alexander the Great. It is also said that it could have been spread by Romani people, known as gypsies, and other related groups in northern India. Usually performed during family celebrations and informal gatherings, this form of dance is usually learnt at a young age as the children will watch and imitate their elders, spreading the tradition from the oldest to the youngest generation.
Belly dance is mostly easy to recognize, not only by the techniques used, but also by the costumes. Mostly choosing clothes that will allow a good view of the stomach in motion, the mainstays of costuming usually include a fitted top, or simply a bra, which will usually have either a fringe of beads or coins, along with a belt that will often be accessorized in similar ways. Completed with a skirt, or several as they will often be layered or paneled, it is also common that a dancer will use a veil within the dance, usually up to three and a half or four yards of fabric, that will be used to frame movements for the dancer.
Most of the steps and techniques that will be used among belly dancing will be seen in circular motions, isolated in one part of the body. For example, a circle parallel to the floor that will be isolated in the hips or in the shoulders, mainly giving the impression that the dancer is constantly moving their body in circles. It is also common that a dancer will either shimmies or make striking motions in their shoulders or their hips, and flexibility is usually a must for those dances, using every single muscle of the torso area, rolling the belly muscles.
Belly dancing, however, is not merely a pleasure for the eyes of the one who is watching. Beneficial for both the spirit and the body, this form of dancing provides an extremely good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength as it focus on the core abdominal muscles. Many belly dances will actually emphasize on isolation of muscles, teaching the ability to actually move various muscles independently from one another. The use of a veil will often also help to build arm, shoulder and upper body strength, and the legs are also often solicited just like in any type of dance. If compared to any other form of exercise, belly dancing can burn as many calories as jogging, swimming or riding a bike.
Hoping you’ll have enjoyed this tidbit of information as to belly dancing, I will be looking forward to comments, as well as suggestions for next month’s article.
T.S.
Play of the Month
Play of the month!? How can I pick just one? There are just so many good plays out there for me to pick. Over the summer I saw so many- some better than others. This month I think I’m going to have to tell you that the Play of the Month is ‘Wicked’. ‘Wicked’ is a play all about, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West from the play/movie/book ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It is how she became to be the Wicked Witch of the West. If you are going to go and see ‘Wicked’, I strongly advise you to first read the book. I would have been very confused if I did not first read the book by Gregory Maguire. In ‘Wicked’, you will get to see some of the best acting in the business. I saw it in Broadway, but there are so many different cities you could go see it at. For example Boston, Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles. You could go and see this show a million times and find something that you like better each time you go and see it. I personally advise you to go and see it at least twice because you don’t get the full affect the first time you go and see it. This is truly one of those plays where you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh so hard that you start to cry. This play has something for everyone with an art talent. The play for the theater students, the music for the vocal students, the wording of the script for the creative writing students, the amazing dancing for the dance students, the positioning of everything for the film students, and finally the beautiful poses they make for the photography students. Go and see ‘Wicked’! It’s the best! Until next time…
A.D.
Comic Strip
So I woke up this morning and remembered I had a comic strip due today, and so, I present you my latest piece.
Remember kids. Cheating is wrong.
Mediums Used: Papermate blue ink pen, back of a paycheck envelope, 3 minutes and a half of my life I'm never getting back.
A.B.
Featured Photograph
This month's photograph has been taken by one of our newest addition to the journal's crew, Roxanne Ellison.
Taken in NYC, New York
CD Critique
Music Mintue
Hip Hop royalty, Indy Rock, and the Country Princess. This months picks for my CD review can easily be described as the best of the best, easy listening and some very good beats.
Hip-Hop Royalty
Presents
Graduation
Kanye West makes his triumphant return with his album “Graduation”, in classic West fashion, Kanye brings the experience to a whole new level, bringing us witty lines amazing beats and a choir or two in the mix. A must in this album is the track “Homecoming” which features Chris Martin, the track offers a head bopping tune and sing able lyrics, along with Kanye’s emotional rapping this track symbolizes his whole CD.
The Indy Scenes love Child
Presents
Snakehouse
Straight from Canada our next choice The Cliks. This Indy band allows the listener to fall in love with there music and sing along at the top of there voices. Heavy on the drums and guitar The Cliks allow for enjoyable music with a beat. This band is the equivalent of an Indy love child with there covers of well known songs as well as there own work “Oh Yeah” a track off there album Snakehouse which I personally haven’t been able to stop listening to. And for those listeners out there that appreciate a band with a message The Cliks come with one of there own which is acceptance of anyone’s sexual orientation.
Country Music’s Princess
Presents
Taylor Swift
Ever wanted just a sweet song to sing to? You know that song that will get stuck in your head all day easy on the beat and catchy on the lyrics? Taylor Swift gives you just that, the blonde haired beauty straight from Pennsylvania as quickly climbed the charts with her single “Our Song”. Sweetly innocent this song along with the CD is a country favorite for those of you who don’t mind a bit of twang here and there and a fiddle of two. This album offers that easy listening that many of us crave there’s no need to cover Swifts voice with anything, so sit back enjoy a soft song an a catchy beat that appeals to the general audiences alike.
Songs of the Week:
Hey Mama by Kanye West
This soft tune will have you singing along to West’s ode to his mother, a classically sweet song with a good beat great production and Kanye’s signature witty lyrics.
Heartshaped Box by Nirvana
What can be said about this legendary song? Nothing other than it’s sheer genius sit back and enjoy.
Won’t go Home without you by Maroon 5
This track offers a oddly catchy love song, devoted to those who want there significant other back, good choice for those with a broken heart.
E.C.
Book Critique
Vampires... the new Zombies?
I'm here to talk about the book "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. Fantastic. Amazing. Once you get sucked in, you can hardly put down the book. Well, unless you're dying.. then you might have to but that's not the point. It's about this scientist who is surviving in a world full of bloodthirsty vampires that were brought on by a plague. See, these vampires are not like the ones in normal books where they have lived for hundreds of years. These were just brought on a few years before this book was created, if that makes sense. They tried to cure a disease and then the people turned into vampires. Three years later is when this book comes into play or whatever.
I have to say that if you were turned off by the movie, don't stay away from the book just because of it considering there are a lot of differences. For instance, in the movie, the creatures aren't vampires as much as they are zombies. I mean, when you see them, that's what you think of, right? That's what I thought of. But they did get the thing right where they thirst for human blood. Even so, they aren't vampires. Also, this book was set back in the 1970's as apposed to the movie being years from now. There are many differences that I won't get into right now, but what I have to say is that the book is brilliant. The movie was great as well but, the book is one of the top horror books that I've ever read and I think it's probably my favorite. If I were you, I'd pick it up and at least give it a chance. That's the end of the book talk!
M.C.
Interview of the Month
As we all have heard by now one of our fellow students has recently acquired an award for an art piece that she made. Of course I got the pleasure of sitting down with the award winner, who also happens to be one of my best friends, junior Addison Blythe and ask her about her feelings about receiving her award.
Interviewer: Alright, so Addie how does it feel to have your art recognized with an award like the one you've recently acquired?
Addie: Heh, I've had better. Kidding, it's really awesome. And weird.
Interviewer: And why weird? Have you seen your art?
Addie: No, weird like you getting this job.
Interviewer: Hey, I resent that! I provide highly educational interviews.
Addie: Sure Milo. Anyway, it just feels weird to get an award like this one at seventeen. I'm still learning.
Interviewer: Isn't everyone constantly learning something new or something to that extent?
Addie: I mean I'm still at school, I know I'll never stop learning, but I definitely never thought I'd have learnt enough by now to actually get recognition.
Interviewer: Addie, my dear friend, you do realize you've been in school 12 years? Surely somewhere along the line you'd have learned enough to get your skills recognized.
Addie: When did you get your skills recognized?
Interviewer: When I got this job.
Addie: I'm still lost as to how. Did you favor the editor?
Interviewer: Addie! I am shocked you'd think I'd sink that low. ((no offense madame editor.))
Addie: Hey, you've sinked pretty low before.
Interviewer: Besides it's not as if I adore this job that much, actually if you must know it was suggested by a professor to the editor that I use my amazing people skills for good.
Addie: Well who know, after this interview you might get lucky enough and lose the job.
Interviewer: Always a ray of sunshine Addie.
Addie: As you are, Milo dear.
Interviewer: Anyway, what are we supposed to be talking about? Oh yeah the award. I assume your parents are very proud of you.
Addie: Yeah... didn't get around to telling them.
Interviewer: Well go call them so I can include their proudness in the interview.
Addie: I doubt they're at home.
Interviewer: Or you don't want them to know how amazingly talented you really are... oh well their loss.
Addie: Shut it Milo.
Interviewer: Well since we've run out of things to talk about I think I can safely conclude this interview. Thanks for your time Addie and all that jazz.
Movie Critique
Instead of focusing on the new movies that will soon be coming your way at the nearest theater, this month I have decided to do a quick exploration of older movies that, though their very first release dates were more than fifty years ago for some, are still to this day watched by hundreds and thousands of kids every single year. Well, the newspapers committee decided that it would be about that.
You might have guessed it, Disney movies. Who hasn’t watched that life-changing moment when the prince slips the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot, or the awakening of Snow White, brought back to life with a pure love kiss. We have seen more and more of those classics coming back in their remasterized versions, obviously intent on making more money than before, and even the youngest generations can now appreciate the magic that was brought in our homes since the late thirties. Which little girl has not dreamed to become a princess with their pretty dresses and loving princes?
However, the Disney Company has been focusing more and more on their income instead of the quality of their work and, lately, the outcome of what was once a genius work is rather ridiculous. Accumulating sequels over prequels and whatnot, it is hard to tell if the waste of talent and technological improvement is more frustrating or sad. With a third Cinderella movie, two more Lion Kings, a second Bambi and that many Mulan and Tarzan, the third issue of Little Mermaid will soon be coming your way. It would seem that Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are the only princesses that remain yet to be made into series.
Of course, the new material in collaboration with the Pixar Studios is nothing short of incredible movies with great effects. Cars, Monster Inc, Ratatouille, even Toy Story (which, if I might say so, already has its very own sequel), are quickly becoming the newest favorites in even the heart of the oldest Disney fans. The only thing left to do now, I suppose, is to wait until they once more run out of ideas and start on the numerous number 2 and 3 of every movie. Stay tuned for the third part of the Toy Story series, coming your way in 2010.
A.D.
Recipe of the Month
Summer has just come and gone, and now it’s back to school again. Homework, studies, exams… but what better way to chase away the back-to-school depressing than by tasting a little reminder of Summer? Remember those days out picking out berries under the sun? Well today I present you with a simple, fresh recipe that will allow you to get a little taste of Heaven back.
Angelic Raspberry Dessert
Of course, it is not a recipe that can be done just anywhere, but if you have the occasion to try it out, don’t hesitate! For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
One and a half (1 1/2) cups of Graham cracker crumbs
Two (2) tablespoons of sugar
One quarter (1/4) cup of butter, melted
Half (1/2) a pound of marshmallows
One (1) cup of milk
One quarter (1/4) teaspoon of almond extract
Two (2) cups of cream
Ten (10) ounces of frozen raspberries
Half (1/2) a cup of water
Four and a half (4 1/2) tablespoons of sugar
One (1) teaspoon of lemon juice
Two (2) tablespoons of cornstarch
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, with the two tablespoons of sugar and the melted butter. Press against the bottom and up the sides of an 8-inch springform pan. Bake at 375 degrees for approximatively eight minutes and let the mixture cool down.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marshmallows, one cup milk, and the almond extract and heat until the marshmallows have melted, stirring frequently. Chill until the mixture begins to set. Whip two cups cream until the mixture is stiff and fold into the marshmallow mixture. Pour into the crumb crust and chill until firm.
Allow the frozen raspberries to defrost partially and drain, reserving the juice. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberry juice with half a cup of water, four and a half tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir until the mixture becomes clear and thick.
Add the raspberries to the glaze and spoon over the cream filling.
There you have a refreshing, summer tasting dessert to serve at any time.
Next month, Halloween flavor coming your way.
R.E.
Gossip Section
Not even a month into the school year and there is more than enough gossip flying around, all thanks to the student body. Who all sent in the helpful hints to make this column possible.
Homecoming of course was filled with tiny bits of drama all over the place that have greatly fueled rumors..
Innocence seems to be the new trend for resident players this year, as both Aidan Steele and Elijah Emerson were seen sporting two very innocent looking freshman Mandy Stevens and Roxanne Ellison. Pity, word is the girls actually don't believe in doing anything before marriage, that's why we give each of them two weeks top with their respective dates.
Quite a loud argument occurred between sophomore Abigail Donner and senior Trent Montgomery, not a big surprise. However, the two rivals actually shared a dance before the argument, word has it he asked her. No one can quite figure out why yet.
A certain senior prankster is getting into yet another girl's pants it would seem, though no one would have suspected the shy, brunette, junior dancer that is soon to be another notch on his belt, but at least this time he's doing it in style wearing a suit for the first time ever.
Speaking of style, a certain bitchy freshman (already making a name for herself by being possibly the first person ever to request a bigger dorm room) was seen in an incredibly revealing dress and accompanied by an odd choice of a blonde sophomore studying music for the evening, though apparently they left early, who'd have thought that the sophomore had it in him?
The typical date of junior Connor Micklesen found herself ditched as he left her not even a half hour into the dance and was seen outside dancing with none other than Addison Blythe, apparently the photography student denies the whole incident, the artist - for once - also seems to have nothing to say.
Spotted later that night was a very drunk looking red-head was escorted back to the guy's dorm room, we would have thought that the senior with her would have had a bit more class than resorting to getting girls drunk before sleeping with them, looks like we're all wrong sometimes.
Of course Addison doesn't get off so easily. She was also seen a few days earlier in Andrew Preston's dorm room, which also happens to be shared by the same junior she was seen dancing with a few days later. Judging by the fight that occurred within the dorm it's pretty save to say she wasn't there for Andrew.
Not too long after that Andrew was seen heading into the girls dorm room, though going to see who there isn't any indication. It's quite a shock that anyone would be up to doing anything with him after last year's problems, though apparently junior Marley Crane seemed to be able to look past that as she was seen leaving early from the Homecoming dance with him.
Word also has it that two girls, sophomore dancer Kristina Sylvia and freshman theater student Alexis Donovan were seen having a physical fight at Rainy Day Books, older sister Cara Donovan was said to have broken the fight up, though apparently family problems started the whole brawl, which would make sense considering the big sister had to come to the rescue.
No worries about our favorite couple of professors who seem to have survived the summer still intact and seen doing a bit more than fine, apparently within the school.
Another prof also seems to seen talking to a certain senior student quite a bit, taking a bit more interest than probably healthy. Is there love in the air?