By Halsey Quinn
Shortly into the new school year, President Barack Obama has announced that he would like to make the school year longer for U.S. students. "We now have our kids go to school about a month less than most other advanced countries. And that makes a difference,” Obama said. Countries such as Japan, Korea, Germany and New Zealand have the best student achievement level. They require an average of 197 days of school a year, while the average in the United States is 180.
Education is an aspect addressed by the state; therefore, Obama cannot directly affect the country’s schools. However, federal government still has the power to influence schools, especially through the poverty aid that many of them depend on.
Along with his idea of lengthening the school year, he also announced that the worst teachers have “got to go,” unless they show quick improvements. "It is time to start rewarding good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones," he announced, while suggesting higher pay for the better teachers.
Those who support Obama have an argument it would benefit it would have for American students. The bar has been set high by many foreign countries, and Obama believes that in order for American’s to have a better future, the school year should be extended.
According to Obama, the largest barrier would be money. Better pay for better teachers for a longer amount of time would increase costs for school systems. Critics of this idea argue that a longer school year would bring down many industries that rely on a long summer break to stay alive, as well as summer camps. Also, many businesses rely on students to work during the summer months, but will be missing them for a month more if there is a longer school year.
“The breaks really refresh people,” says Elizabeth Manning, a sophomore at Oyster Bay High School. “When you get into the hard high school classes, the breaks let you catch up on things and give you a moment to breathe.” Most students would likely agree with Manning’s view on the issue.
Dr. Lisa Mulhall, the assistant superintendent of Oyster Bay – East Norwich schools, presents ideas such as “redesigning the concept of school ad altering the way we use the resources of space and time,” as another option to keep students competitive in the global economy. “Perhaps in the future, students will be able to extend their learning through virtual classrooms and online learning opportunities that take place beyond the traditional school building,” she says.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Brianna Gallagher
A controversial cultural center is expected to be built extremely close to Ground Zero, the site of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although many think that this center is in fact a mosque, it is basically an Islamic YMCA, complete with basketball courts and other activity rooms. The only thing that sets it apart from any other YMCA or recreation center in New York City, is that this “mosque” is complete with an Islamic prayer room. This prayer room is posing as the epicenter of an international dispute. Many people have different opinions about the construction of this “troublemaker”, including students at Oyster Bay High School.
Dylan Rankin, Junior at OBHS, feels, “It is too close to Ground Zero, many families are still grieving the loss of a family member and building a mosque will not help them get over it.” Almost every other student interviewed agrees with him. Jillian Boccia stated, “It’s almost like the Islamic group that wants to build the mosque at this location is praising the 9-11 attackers, and that’s not right.” Its seems that most of the students at Oyster Bay High School are taking the sides of most Americans, the side that is totally against the building of a mosque on Ground Zero.
But, there are a select few who believe that the answer to the How-Do-you-feel-about-this-mosque question is not a simple build/do not build it. Some feel that this problem has an answer entirely more complex. Some feel, that the Islamic people who are trying to build this center should not build this based solely on morals, but they also feel that it is not the government’s place to prevent the construction of this center, that it is constitutionally wrong. People like David Natale feel this way. He stated, “I believe they [the Islamic leaders] have every right to put it there. I simply believe it is not morally correct.” Before anyone’s mind is made up, Mr. Pontillo, Social Studies teacher at OBHS, says “Make sure you know the facts before you make up your mind, don’t just go along with what others are saying, decide for yourself.”
On Saturday, August 14th, 2010, President Barack Obama informally announced his support of the building of the mosque. Of course, his statement caused controversy amongst many Americans, and made many angry towards the President.
It seems as if everyone in America, from students at Oyster Bay High School to the President of the United States, has their own opinion about this mosque. One thing that everyone seems to manage to agree on, is the simple fact that this mosque will pose as a problem for weeks, months, and maybe even years to come, and will leave a mark on American history forever.
A controversial cultural center is expected to be built extremely close to Ground Zero, the site of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although many think that this center is in fact a mosque, it is basically an Islamic YMCA, complete with basketball courts and other activity rooms. The only thing that sets it apart from any other YMCA or recreation center in New York City, is that this “mosque” is complete with an Islamic prayer room. This prayer room is posing as the epicenter of an international dispute. Many people have different opinions about the construction of this “troublemaker”, including students at Oyster Bay High School.
Dylan Rankin, Junior at OBHS, feels, “It is too close to Ground Zero, many families are still grieving the loss of a family member and building a mosque will not help them get over it.” Almost every other student interviewed agrees with him. Jillian Boccia stated, “It’s almost like the Islamic group that wants to build the mosque at this location is praising the 9-11 attackers, and that’s not right.” Its seems that most of the students at Oyster Bay High School are taking the sides of most Americans, the side that is totally against the building of a mosque on Ground Zero.
But, there are a select few who believe that the answer to the How-Do-you-feel-about-this-mosque question is not a simple build/do not build it. Some feel that this problem has an answer entirely more complex. Some feel, that the Islamic people who are trying to build this center should not build this based solely on morals, but they also feel that it is not the government’s place to prevent the construction of this center, that it is constitutionally wrong. People like David Natale feel this way. He stated, “I believe they [the Islamic leaders] have every right to put it there. I simply believe it is not morally correct.” Before anyone’s mind is made up, Mr. Pontillo, Social Studies teacher at OBHS, says “Make sure you know the facts before you make up your mind, don’t just go along with what others are saying, decide for yourself.”
On Saturday, August 14th, 2010, President Barack Obama informally announced his support of the building of the mosque. Of course, his statement caused controversy amongst many Americans, and made many angry towards the President.
It seems as if everyone in America, from students at Oyster Bay High School to the President of the United States, has their own opinion about this mosque. One thing that everyone seems to manage to agree on, is the simple fact that this mosque will pose as a problem for weeks, months, and maybe even years to come, and will leave a mark on American history forever.
College Prep Guide: Staying Safe on Campus
Part 1 in a series of articles on getting you ready for life on campus.
By Daphne Lacroix
ABC Nightline recently reported that “A recent study from the Department of Justice estimated that twenty five percent of college women will be victims of rape or attempted rape before they graduate within a four-year college period.”
I was utterly shocked by this overwhelming statistic. As a high school senior currently visiting and applying to colleges, I started asking myself, “Will I be safe from crime at these prospective colleges,” and “How can such a tragedy be prevented from happening to me?”
Truth is, rape is not always completely preventable; even a conservatively dressed woman walking alone from class to class could be a victim. Shockingly, rapists do not always select their victims by their appearance. They select victims that are vulnerable and accessible, so oftentimes sexual attractiveness is not an issue.
Another myth is that if a woman would not want to be raped, she could fight off her attacker. Even if the rapist is not using a weapon, the element of shock, surprise, fear, and harm could easily overpower a victim. That being said, what can we do?
Though it is difficult to delineate specific steps to completely erase the chance of such a crime happening, there are certain precautions that can be taken. Though it may be difficult, try to stay with a group of people who know you when walking through campus and other populated areas. Walking alone, especially at night, through a campus can instantly make you a target.
Be aware. Though you may feel more secure listening to your I-pod or talking on your cell phone, understand that these distractions divert you and make you a more attractive victim. In the case where no one is available to walk you to your next destination, try to contact a safety service. Most colleges offer safety programs where you can call a phone number and have a fellow student or security guard accompany you through the campus, and offer Blue Light System, a security precaution where you can contact campus security in case of emergency.
However, not all campus rapes occur between complete strangers; up to 57% of the rapes occur on a date, and over 50% of victims and 70% of assailants had been using drugs or alcohol prior to the assault. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to assume that a woman who drinks alcohol on a date is a willing sex partner. 40% of men who think this way also believe it is acceptable to force sex on an intoxicated woman. Consequently, it is important to be in control of oneself and to abstain from excessive partying, especially in foreign environments. It is imperative to be aware and in control of uneasy situations and possibly prevent a tragedy from occurring.
Finally, increased communication about the subject is undeniably the key to widespread awareness. Statistical studies indicate that fewer than 20% of crimes of sexual violence are reported to the police. Embarrassment, confusion, and shock oftentimes stop women from reporting the crimes. Some women even believe that it is okay to be violated and that they perhaps even deserve it. The absurdity of this is simply astounding. It must be made apparent that any type of non-consensual action is, in fact, not acceptable and illegal.
By Daphne Lacroix
ABC Nightline recently reported that “A recent study from the Department of Justice estimated that twenty five percent of college women will be victims of rape or attempted rape before they graduate within a four-year college period.”
I was utterly shocked by this overwhelming statistic. As a high school senior currently visiting and applying to colleges, I started asking myself, “Will I be safe from crime at these prospective colleges,” and “How can such a tragedy be prevented from happening to me?”
Truth is, rape is not always completely preventable; even a conservatively dressed woman walking alone from class to class could be a victim. Shockingly, rapists do not always select their victims by their appearance. They select victims that are vulnerable and accessible, so oftentimes sexual attractiveness is not an issue.
Another myth is that if a woman would not want to be raped, she could fight off her attacker. Even if the rapist is not using a weapon, the element of shock, surprise, fear, and harm could easily overpower a victim. That being said, what can we do?
Though it is difficult to delineate specific steps to completely erase the chance of such a crime happening, there are certain precautions that can be taken. Though it may be difficult, try to stay with a group of people who know you when walking through campus and other populated areas. Walking alone, especially at night, through a campus can instantly make you a target.
Be aware. Though you may feel more secure listening to your I-pod or talking on your cell phone, understand that these distractions divert you and make you a more attractive victim. In the case where no one is available to walk you to your next destination, try to contact a safety service. Most colleges offer safety programs where you can call a phone number and have a fellow student or security guard accompany you through the campus, and offer Blue Light System, a security precaution where you can contact campus security in case of emergency.
However, not all campus rapes occur between complete strangers; up to 57% of the rapes occur on a date, and over 50% of victims and 70% of assailants had been using drugs or alcohol prior to the assault. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to assume that a woman who drinks alcohol on a date is a willing sex partner. 40% of men who think this way also believe it is acceptable to force sex on an intoxicated woman. Consequently, it is important to be in control of oneself and to abstain from excessive partying, especially in foreign environments. It is imperative to be aware and in control of uneasy situations and possibly prevent a tragedy from occurring.
Finally, increased communication about the subject is undeniably the key to widespread awareness. Statistical studies indicate that fewer than 20% of crimes of sexual violence are reported to the police. Embarrassment, confusion, and shock oftentimes stop women from reporting the crimes. Some women even believe that it is okay to be violated and that they perhaps even deserve it. The absurdity of this is simply astounding. It must be made apparent that any type of non-consensual action is, in fact, not acceptable and illegal.
Its Getting Better All the Time: Oyster Bay School Lunches
By Bryan Gross
Generally school lunches have always been looked down upon by students. Nevertheless Oyster Bay offers up many hearty choices for students to choose from. This year students get to try macaroni and cheese, twin tacos, pasta with meatballs, chicken calzones, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, philly cheese steaks, salads, and sandwiches.
“School lunch really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. The best is calzone day,” according to senior Ryan Maier.
For the past few years the system of ordering lunch has changed. Now students must scan their school IDs then pay for their food. This new system has caused a number of problems. The primary problem is wait time. Scanning your ID takes longer than just buying your lunch with money alone which causes huge line buildups.
Pat Burke, senior at Oyster Bay High School stated, “Although the lunch lines are usually large, it is worth the wait!” New additions have been added to the school lunch menu, frozen yogurt has made an appearance. The Oyster Bay lunch staff puts a lot of effort into their menu. Each year new items have been added to keep things fresh and up to date.
According to senior Chris Kulis, “Although I am big on running I love to eat; the school lunches keep improving and getting better!” The majority of students at Oyster Bay are happy with the school lunch situation. There is always new food to choose from and the staff is friendly.
Generally school lunches have always been looked down upon by students. Nevertheless Oyster Bay offers up many hearty choices for students to choose from. This year students get to try macaroni and cheese, twin tacos, pasta with meatballs, chicken calzones, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, philly cheese steaks, salads, and sandwiches.
“School lunch really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. The best is calzone day,” according to senior Ryan Maier.
For the past few years the system of ordering lunch has changed. Now students must scan their school IDs then pay for their food. This new system has caused a number of problems. The primary problem is wait time. Scanning your ID takes longer than just buying your lunch with money alone which causes huge line buildups.
Pat Burke, senior at Oyster Bay High School stated, “Although the lunch lines are usually large, it is worth the wait!” New additions have been added to the school lunch menu, frozen yogurt has made an appearance. The Oyster Bay lunch staff puts a lot of effort into their menu. Each year new items have been added to keep things fresh and up to date.
According to senior Chris Kulis, “Although I am big on running I love to eat; the school lunches keep improving and getting better!” The majority of students at Oyster Bay are happy with the school lunch situation. There is always new food to choose from and the staff is friendly.
Editorial: Oyster Bay's Attendance Policy
By Mariah Cody
The new attendance policy has been at the heart of controversy amongst Oyster Bay High School’s student body. Most students agree that some sort of an attendance policy should be implemented, but there are so many special cases sprinkled within the foundation of this new policy that it is virtually impossible for the procedure to being fully embraced.
Those students in band are getting punished for doing what they are in fact supposed to do: attend scheduled lessons. Students in sports and classes with field trips will inevitably miss some class periods, and are too being punished for simply participating in their school. Oyster Bay High School is competing in the Long Island Challenge this year, and being a challenge participant, this recognition will only add to my acquired absences.
Another aspect of the attendance policy that troubled me was what defined an accepted and unaccepted absence. Car trouble was on the list, for unaccepted absence. This means that if my car breaks down I am still responsible for getting to school on time. So I guess that if my car breaks down, I should proceed to run to school to avoid getting marked for a cut. Everyone knows the best conditions for learning is being covered in sweat.
The appeals process is another questionable procedure for this new attendance policy. After you acquire more than the maximum number of absences you must go through an appeals process if you are challenging your attendance record to get credit for the classes you have exceeded absences in. This is great, for those special cases (band, sickness, field trip attendant, sports participant etc.) you will now most likely miss more school to rally for credit in a class that you rightfully deserve.
Dr. O’Hara and Mr. Imperial attempted to appease us by saying that even with all of these absences counting against us; it will still leave room for sickness, without adding enough absences to surpass the accepted number of absences. This policy can only be truly tested with time. If Dr. O’Hara and Mr. Imperial are in fact correct then these problems that I have discussed, will soon be forgotten.
The new attendance policy has been at the heart of controversy amongst Oyster Bay High School’s student body. Most students agree that some sort of an attendance policy should be implemented, but there are so many special cases sprinkled within the foundation of this new policy that it is virtually impossible for the procedure to being fully embraced.
Those students in band are getting punished for doing what they are in fact supposed to do: attend scheduled lessons. Students in sports and classes with field trips will inevitably miss some class periods, and are too being punished for simply participating in their school. Oyster Bay High School is competing in the Long Island Challenge this year, and being a challenge participant, this recognition will only add to my acquired absences.
Another aspect of the attendance policy that troubled me was what defined an accepted and unaccepted absence. Car trouble was on the list, for unaccepted absence. This means that if my car breaks down I am still responsible for getting to school on time. So I guess that if my car breaks down, I should proceed to run to school to avoid getting marked for a cut. Everyone knows the best conditions for learning is being covered in sweat.
The appeals process is another questionable procedure for this new attendance policy. After you acquire more than the maximum number of absences you must go through an appeals process if you are challenging your attendance record to get credit for the classes you have exceeded absences in. This is great, for those special cases (band, sickness, field trip attendant, sports participant etc.) you will now most likely miss more school to rally for credit in a class that you rightfully deserve.
Dr. O’Hara and Mr. Imperial attempted to appease us by saying that even with all of these absences counting against us; it will still leave room for sickness, without adding enough absences to surpass the accepted number of absences. This policy can only be truly tested with time. If Dr. O’Hara and Mr. Imperial are in fact correct then these problems that I have discussed, will soon be forgotten.
Slash in Concert: A Review
By Daphne Lacroix
On Tuesday September 15th, former Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver lead guitarist Slash headlined at Terminal 5 in New York City to a sold out crowd of fervent fans. Once ranked by Times Magazine as number two on its list of the "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-Time,” the chain-smoking top hat-wearing icon was sure to deliver a promising performance.
Stating that Slash is simply a great guitarist is definitely an understatement. Widely known around the world for his influential work in Guns N’ Roses and co-founder of the hard rock group Velvet Revolver, it is far more appropriate to call Slash a historical landmark, a guitar god, and a critical contributor to Rock N’ Roll.
When Slash’s first solo album hit the market over the summer, I was virtually first in line. A self-professed Guns N’ Roses fanatic and guitar player, I have always idolized Slash. In 2007, I met the rock star in person at a signing session for his autobiography entitled Slash, and in 2008 I saw him live performing with Velvet Revolver at Jones Beach. Needless to say, I would not miss the opportunity to witness the guitarist perform at one of my favorite New York City venues.
Taddy Porter, a hard-rocking quartet from Oklahoma, opened the show with a commanding presence.
“Word on the street is that Rock is dead,” stated lead singer Andy Brewer before leading the band into a powerful, hard-rocking, guitar-driven slew of loud, fast, and catchy songs. I was thoroughly impressed by the group’s overpowering electric sound and timeless feel; clad in tight pants, flannels, leather, and rocker attitudes, Taddy Porter could have emerged straight out of the early 70s’ hard rock scene with the likes of Cream and Led Zeppelin. Ultimately, the band definitely did an amazing job at revving up the exited crowd and kicking off an amazing show.
The second opening act, TAB the Band, however, failed to deliver. While the quality of the music was fairly good, the band’s stage presence seemed unbearably tame compared to the previous act. The lead singer seemed apathetic, the lead guitarist seemed over-enthused, and the rhythm guitarist, sporting a Justin Beiber haircut, simply seemed lost. Needless to say, the sold-out crowd of hard core Slash fans didn’t exactly react positively to the pop-rock ensemble.
After three hours of prolonged waiting, Slash and his group finally emerged onto the scene, opening with the first song off of his new album, “Ghost.” As soon as the guitar kicked in, the ambiance intensified as the crowd began jumping enthusiastically. It is undeniable that Slash’s presence was overpowering in itself; clad in black converse, tight leather pants, aviator shades and his signature top hat, Slash’s nonchalant swagger and unbelievable musicianship was simply amazing.
Throughout the night, Slash and the group performed a wide array of songs, ranging from early Guns N’ Roses material to signature Slash guitar solos and songs from the new album. This balanced mélange created a perfect blend for fans of every genre.
The second song, “Nightrain,” a GN’R classic, was arguably the biggest crowd pleaser of the night. As soon as the distinctive guitar introduction emerged, the crowd literally went crazy as the lyrics from the song were almost overshadowed by the singing from the crowd. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” also received widespread audience response. Arguably one of the most popular hard rock ballads of all time, the song truly captivated the audience with the hypnotizing guitar riff.
Though Slash was obviously the headlining act of the night, I was thoroughly impressed with his touring band. The lead singer, Myles Kennedy, former singer of the Mayfield Four, adapted every song with power and sophistication. After all, anyone who can successfully sing songs originally sung by reputed vocalists such as Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother is definitely a well-accomplished and impressive front man.
I walked out of the concert feeling absolutely surreal. The entire experience left me amazed and speechless. Though I’ve seen many Rock bands including acts such as the Rolling Stones, Beck, and the Who, this concert affected me on a much deeper level. The passion of the crowd, the musicianship of the artists, and the insanely high volume of the music altogether created an amazing atmosphere and ultimately proved that Rock is definitely not dead.
On Tuesday September 15th, former Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver lead guitarist Slash headlined at Terminal 5 in New York City to a sold out crowd of fervent fans. Once ranked by Times Magazine as number two on its list of the "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-Time,” the chain-smoking top hat-wearing icon was sure to deliver a promising performance.
Stating that Slash is simply a great guitarist is definitely an understatement. Widely known around the world for his influential work in Guns N’ Roses and co-founder of the hard rock group Velvet Revolver, it is far more appropriate to call Slash a historical landmark, a guitar god, and a critical contributor to Rock N’ Roll.
When Slash’s first solo album hit the market over the summer, I was virtually first in line. A self-professed Guns N’ Roses fanatic and guitar player, I have always idolized Slash. In 2007, I met the rock star in person at a signing session for his autobiography entitled Slash, and in 2008 I saw him live performing with Velvet Revolver at Jones Beach. Needless to say, I would not miss the opportunity to witness the guitarist perform at one of my favorite New York City venues.
Taddy Porter, a hard-rocking quartet from Oklahoma, opened the show with a commanding presence.
“Word on the street is that Rock is dead,” stated lead singer Andy Brewer before leading the band into a powerful, hard-rocking, guitar-driven slew of loud, fast, and catchy songs. I was thoroughly impressed by the group’s overpowering electric sound and timeless feel; clad in tight pants, flannels, leather, and rocker attitudes, Taddy Porter could have emerged straight out of the early 70s’ hard rock scene with the likes of Cream and Led Zeppelin. Ultimately, the band definitely did an amazing job at revving up the exited crowd and kicking off an amazing show.
The second opening act, TAB the Band, however, failed to deliver. While the quality of the music was fairly good, the band’s stage presence seemed unbearably tame compared to the previous act. The lead singer seemed apathetic, the lead guitarist seemed over-enthused, and the rhythm guitarist, sporting a Justin Beiber haircut, simply seemed lost. Needless to say, the sold-out crowd of hard core Slash fans didn’t exactly react positively to the pop-rock ensemble.
After three hours of prolonged waiting, Slash and his group finally emerged onto the scene, opening with the first song off of his new album, “Ghost.” As soon as the guitar kicked in, the ambiance intensified as the crowd began jumping enthusiastically. It is undeniable that Slash’s presence was overpowering in itself; clad in black converse, tight leather pants, aviator shades and his signature top hat, Slash’s nonchalant swagger and unbelievable musicianship was simply amazing.
Throughout the night, Slash and the group performed a wide array of songs, ranging from early Guns N’ Roses material to signature Slash guitar solos and songs from the new album. This balanced mélange created a perfect blend for fans of every genre.
The second song, “Nightrain,” a GN’R classic, was arguably the biggest crowd pleaser of the night. As soon as the distinctive guitar introduction emerged, the crowd literally went crazy as the lyrics from the song were almost overshadowed by the singing from the crowd. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” also received widespread audience response. Arguably one of the most popular hard rock ballads of all time, the song truly captivated the audience with the hypnotizing guitar riff.
Though Slash was obviously the headlining act of the night, I was thoroughly impressed with his touring band. The lead singer, Myles Kennedy, former singer of the Mayfield Four, adapted every song with power and sophistication. After all, anyone who can successfully sing songs originally sung by reputed vocalists such as Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother is definitely a well-accomplished and impressive front man.
I walked out of the concert feeling absolutely surreal. The entire experience left me amazed and speechless. Though I’ve seen many Rock bands including acts such as the Rolling Stones, Beck, and the Who, this concert affected me on a much deeper level. The passion of the crowd, the musicianship of the artists, and the insanely high volume of the music altogether created an amazing atmosphere and ultimately proved that Rock is definitely not dead.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Book Review: Daniel X
By Aubri Juhasz
In James Patterson’s novel, Daniel X Demons and Druids co written with Adam Sadler, it is hard to draw the line between imagination and reality. Throughout this tale, Patterson seeks to weave his own fantasy into history to explain the unexplainable. His plot fills the missing chinks in the chain of the past, shedding light on the paranormal that modern society has no explanation for. He does this all through sixteen year-old protagonist Daniel X, an alien and alien hunter.
In this third installment of the Daniel X series, preceding The Dangerous Days of Daniel X and Daniel X Watch the Skies, world renowned author James Patterson writes yet another book that can be enjoyed by not just one audience, but many. James Patterson, author of over seventy novels, turns to co-writing to satisfy his many ongoing series and standalone novels. Daniel X is one of his three young adult series, and is not just enjoyed by high school students but readers of all ages. I strongly recommend reading the two preceding novels, though it is not necessary. In the beginning of the story, most of the characters and their affiliation are explained, but for those interested in a little catching up, I would suggest reading the following.
On planet earth, there is one simple explanation for everything that goes wrong. Murder, theft, disease, kidnapping, and so-called natural disasters are all the work of aliens. Aliens have inhabited the earth for centuries, changing their physical form to blend in, or using human beings as their puppets, all unnoticed by humans. But not all aliens are malicious, conniving, extraterrestrial bandits. Protagonist Daniel Hopper X from the planet Terra Firma belongs to a planet bent on the opposite. Their mission is to preserve the beauty of the earth and its people while ridding it of the aliens that plague it. Throughout history, certain people from Daniel X’s home planet have always been positioned to inhabit earth, while serving as the “Alien Hunter” or more formally referred to as “The Defender of Earth”. This was the sole purpose of Daniel X’s existence on earth along with his parents. But at the age of three, their typical American alien life was shattered.
While performing his duties on Earth, the Alien Hunter has only one source of information, as to who, what, where, and how the scum of the earth conduct their everyday lives. Referred to as “the list,” what appears to be a very thin laptop is really the most high tech, frequently updated alien database in the world. The aliens are ranked in order of increasing number from least dangerous to the most, and it is Daniel X’s ultimate goal to find and destroy the Prayer, who happens to be number one. However, his motives are not purely humanitarian, for the Prayer is not only behind some of the most gruesome crimes on earth, but also the murders of Daniel’s mother, father, and unborn sister Brenda, A.K.A Pork Chop. Daniel was able to save himself, from the invasion by exercising one of his many alien powers for the first time, the power to create. He transformed himself into a tick and escaped attached to the dreadlock of the praying-mantis like creature that is the Prayer. At the young age of three years old, Daniel was alone on planet earth. But his family was not gone forever. Daniel’s power to create allows him to create his dead parents and his old friends from the planet Terra Firm, to assist him at his will. He may have control over when and where they appear and disappear, but as for everything else, they are one hundred percent free-thinking humans. Willy, Dana, Joe and Emma serve not only as his friends and confidants but his team in his crusade for revenge.
Daniel is incapable of taking on the Prayer right from the start and seeks to hone his skill by working up the list. Through his encounters with the many different alien species that inhabit earth, Daniel gains more knowledge while discovering new powers and secrets about his family’s past. At the opening of Daniel X Demons and Druids, Daniel’s quest has brought him and his friends to the countryside of England, where they are on the hunt for a pyromaniac alien known as Phosphorius Beta, an alien responsible for almost every fire known to man. He is ranked as number three, and before Daniel can ever come close to avenging his parent’s death, he must fight fire with time travel.
This novel is clearly written and uses fairly simple language and terms to express its ideas. Furthermore the short chapters and large font size make it a fast and easy weekend read. Throughout the story, the author uses unexpected events to fill plot gaps that make for a riveting and enthralling read. There are really no other books out there exactly like it making the experience and story truly unique. In my opinion, the best feature of the book is how James Patterson creates interesting answers for the questions of life. Daniel’s ability to summon back those of the dead in their original form makes for interesting characters that experience unique situations and conflicts. I also enjoyed how the author incorporated historical and mythical events into the story through Daniel’s power of time travel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little different from the norm. If you are tired of romances and sparkly vampires, give aliens a try. They do not all bite.
In James Patterson’s novel, Daniel X Demons and Druids co written with Adam Sadler, it is hard to draw the line between imagination and reality. Throughout this tale, Patterson seeks to weave his own fantasy into history to explain the unexplainable. His plot fills the missing chinks in the chain of the past, shedding light on the paranormal that modern society has no explanation for. He does this all through sixteen year-old protagonist Daniel X, an alien and alien hunter.
In this third installment of the Daniel X series, preceding The Dangerous Days of Daniel X and Daniel X Watch the Skies, world renowned author James Patterson writes yet another book that can be enjoyed by not just one audience, but many. James Patterson, author of over seventy novels, turns to co-writing to satisfy his many ongoing series and standalone novels. Daniel X is one of his three young adult series, and is not just enjoyed by high school students but readers of all ages. I strongly recommend reading the two preceding novels, though it is not necessary. In the beginning of the story, most of the characters and their affiliation are explained, but for those interested in a little catching up, I would suggest reading the following.
On planet earth, there is one simple explanation for everything that goes wrong. Murder, theft, disease, kidnapping, and so-called natural disasters are all the work of aliens. Aliens have inhabited the earth for centuries, changing their physical form to blend in, or using human beings as their puppets, all unnoticed by humans. But not all aliens are malicious, conniving, extraterrestrial bandits. Protagonist Daniel Hopper X from the planet Terra Firma belongs to a planet bent on the opposite. Their mission is to preserve the beauty of the earth and its people while ridding it of the aliens that plague it. Throughout history, certain people from Daniel X’s home planet have always been positioned to inhabit earth, while serving as the “Alien Hunter” or more formally referred to as “The Defender of Earth”. This was the sole purpose of Daniel X’s existence on earth along with his parents. But at the age of three, their typical American alien life was shattered.
While performing his duties on Earth, the Alien Hunter has only one source of information, as to who, what, where, and how the scum of the earth conduct their everyday lives. Referred to as “the list,” what appears to be a very thin laptop is really the most high tech, frequently updated alien database in the world. The aliens are ranked in order of increasing number from least dangerous to the most, and it is Daniel X’s ultimate goal to find and destroy the Prayer, who happens to be number one. However, his motives are not purely humanitarian, for the Prayer is not only behind some of the most gruesome crimes on earth, but also the murders of Daniel’s mother, father, and unborn sister Brenda, A.K.A Pork Chop. Daniel was able to save himself, from the invasion by exercising one of his many alien powers for the first time, the power to create. He transformed himself into a tick and escaped attached to the dreadlock of the praying-mantis like creature that is the Prayer. At the young age of three years old, Daniel was alone on planet earth. But his family was not gone forever. Daniel’s power to create allows him to create his dead parents and his old friends from the planet Terra Firm, to assist him at his will. He may have control over when and where they appear and disappear, but as for everything else, they are one hundred percent free-thinking humans. Willy, Dana, Joe and Emma serve not only as his friends and confidants but his team in his crusade for revenge.
Daniel is incapable of taking on the Prayer right from the start and seeks to hone his skill by working up the list. Through his encounters with the many different alien species that inhabit earth, Daniel gains more knowledge while discovering new powers and secrets about his family’s past. At the opening of Daniel X Demons and Druids, Daniel’s quest has brought him and his friends to the countryside of England, where they are on the hunt for a pyromaniac alien known as Phosphorius Beta, an alien responsible for almost every fire known to man. He is ranked as number three, and before Daniel can ever come close to avenging his parent’s death, he must fight fire with time travel.
This novel is clearly written and uses fairly simple language and terms to express its ideas. Furthermore the short chapters and large font size make it a fast and easy weekend read. Throughout the story, the author uses unexpected events to fill plot gaps that make for a riveting and enthralling read. There are really no other books out there exactly like it making the experience and story truly unique. In my opinion, the best feature of the book is how James Patterson creates interesting answers for the questions of life. Daniel’s ability to summon back those of the dead in their original form makes for interesting characters that experience unique situations and conflicts. I also enjoyed how the author incorporated historical and mythical events into the story through Daniel’s power of time travel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little different from the norm. If you are tired of romances and sparkly vampires, give aliens a try. They do not all bite.
The Air Force Comes to Oyster Bay
By Lil Manning
On March 3, 2011 all band students, ranging from fourth grade all the way to twelfth grade are combining their musical talents to form the Cavalcade of Bands. In this event each band will be performing a separate piece to show off their level of skill before coming together for a final group piece. Usually, each band has a separate night to perform the three or four pieces they’ve been working on for a few months.
Since the bands are separated, only the parents and siblings are able to hear the students’ work. But in the Cavalcade of Bands, that won’t be a problem anymore as Stephen Walker, the conductor of the 7th and 8th grade band, said: “One of the nice things is groups hearing the other performing groups. So normally in a concert, you have to wait in the band room, and you don’t get to hear the chorus or the other’s performing and then you go on and do your thing. Here, the idea is that everybody can hear everybody else.”
There are approximately 600 children when the bands are combined, Daniel Friedman, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, estimated around 1,000 people to be in attendance for the event. With this mass of an audience, the concert will be held in the Gymnasium. It will also be free like the usual concerts. Not only will the occasion be entertaining, but it will be an enjoyable learning experience for all the students. As Matthew Sisia, conductor of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, said, he hopes the concert will help the younger students see how much they will improve throughout the years, encouraging them to stick with the band and not give up.
The idea for a Cavalcade of Bands has been recurrent in Oyster Bay for years. Mr. Walker explained how he had started participating when he was only ten, sharing the stage with fathers and mothers of children who attend the school now. Though this will be the first time Mr. Sisia has done the Cavalcade in the eight years he has been teaching in the district, he believes that the event will be a hit, given that the students will be vigorously practicing for the months to come.
Carnegie Hall was an amazing event for everyone who attended, but the experience was only shared with those in the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. The Cavalcade of Bands is an opportunity for everyone to join in on the fun.
On March 3, 2011 all band students, ranging from fourth grade all the way to twelfth grade are combining their musical talents to form the Cavalcade of Bands. In this event each band will be performing a separate piece to show off their level of skill before coming together for a final group piece. Usually, each band has a separate night to perform the three or four pieces they’ve been working on for a few months.
Since the bands are separated, only the parents and siblings are able to hear the students’ work. But in the Cavalcade of Bands, that won’t be a problem anymore as Stephen Walker, the conductor of the 7th and 8th grade band, said: “One of the nice things is groups hearing the other performing groups. So normally in a concert, you have to wait in the band room, and you don’t get to hear the chorus or the other’s performing and then you go on and do your thing. Here, the idea is that everybody can hear everybody else.”
There are approximately 600 children when the bands are combined, Daniel Friedman, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, estimated around 1,000 people to be in attendance for the event. With this mass of an audience, the concert will be held in the Gymnasium. It will also be free like the usual concerts. Not only will the occasion be entertaining, but it will be an enjoyable learning experience for all the students. As Matthew Sisia, conductor of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, said, he hopes the concert will help the younger students see how much they will improve throughout the years, encouraging them to stick with the band and not give up.
The idea for a Cavalcade of Bands has been recurrent in Oyster Bay for years. Mr. Walker explained how he had started participating when he was only ten, sharing the stage with fathers and mothers of children who attend the school now. Though this will be the first time Mr. Sisia has done the Cavalcade in the eight years he has been teaching in the district, he believes that the event will be a hit, given that the students will be vigorously practicing for the months to come.
Carnegie Hall was an amazing event for everyone who attended, but the experience was only shared with those in the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. The Cavalcade of Bands is an opportunity for everyone to join in on the fun.
Oyster Bay Blacked Out
By Alessandra Puccio
11:15 a.m. 5th period was dwindling down, students were finishing up DBQ essays, teachers were finalizing lesson plans for next period, all in the yellow fluorescent classrooms of Oyster Bay High School. The rain was thrashing down on the windows of the classrooms, the parking lot was flooding over; in short, it was pouring rain, just like it had been all week.
11:16 a.m. First went the lights, then the computers, and then came the announcement. “All students please remain in your classrooms. Do not go to your next class,” said Dr. Dennis O’Hara over the loudspeaker, and Frank Imperiale on the bullhorn, roaming the hallways. This was real. Oyster Bay High School was in the dark. Blackout.
Silhouettes filled the hallways: teachers looked outside in shock, the murmur of student voices traveled up and down the blackened staircases. What was going on? What happened? Why couldn’t we leave the classroom?
11:52 a.m. Dr. O’Hara entered classroom 204, AP World taught by Brian Soper. “Please proceed down to the gym,” O’Hara announced. Confusion filled 204. Students were hungry; most of them were supposed to be in lunch, not stuck in a dark classroom.
A mass of human bodies entered the second floor hallway. Students couldn’t be differentiated from teachers walking down the shadowy, windowless center portion of the school. Everyone and everything was blending together. Students morphed with backpacks, making them look hunchbacked. Students meshed with other students, forming a giant, shady blob, slithering down the murky lane of the high school.
Over 700 students entered one half of the gym. The power outage made it impossible to raise the curtain that was dividing the gym. Too many students were crammed into much too small a space. Teachers were guarding the exits, making sure students couldn’t escape into the rainstorm. The doors were open, releasing a cool breeze from the cloudy weather into the gym. The temperature of the room was staying regular, while the annoyance levels of the student and staff bodies were rising quickly.
Over 700 different voices echoed off the sound-diminishing walls of the gymnasium. Students and staff alike were telling tales of where they were when the power went out.
“I was in gym class, and we had to go down the stairs in the pitch black,” said sophomore Diana Moran. “It was pretty scary; people were falling, and no one could find the door to exit the stairwell.”
12:00 p.m. Not all the students were in the gym yet. It was getting warmer in the wood paneled gymnasium; more and more children and teachers are pouring in. The rain was coming down in buckets outside.
So many students. So many teachers. So many questions.
What was the cause of this power outage? According the Scott Lyle, Oyster Bay High School Head Custodian, branches had knocked down some wires in Oyster Bay, making many homes lose power, not just the high school. LIPA was working on getting the power back, while the population of the high school was huddled up in the gym.
People were getting annoyed. Some students were running around the gym, other students were just sitting down talking to their friends. Most students mentioned that this is the best Friday ever, while other students mention how hungry they are, joking that they may revert to cannibalism. Most students were not enjoying the blackout at all. In fact, everyone just seemed like they wanted to go home.
Andrea Lorusso, a math teacher at Oyster Bay High School, said, “I think that we handled this very well. I’m so proud of the students for not making a mess of the situation.”
Purple polyester masses of football players crowd around the gym, divvying up into their own separate cliques of students. Teachers clad in purple and yellow Oyster Bay Staff t-shirts posed as a force among the rainbow of student colors in the gym. Even in times of distress, members of OBHS showed unity, whether it was with their own teammates, or simply with their co-workers. Was it merely a coincidence that four different Oyster Bay teams decided to wear their uniforms on Friday the 1st? Or was it an omen to stay together during a hectic day at Oyster Bay?
Flashes of cameras explode in the gym, documenting this memorable day in school history. Students were getting antsy. It is 12:37 p.m. and we have been in the gym for nearly an hour.
At 1:00 p.m., the students were dismissed. Celebratory cheers erupted from the student body and within ten minutes, the school was empty of students.
It was a learning experience though. Anyone can agree that Oyster Bay High School is definitely more adequately prepared for the next emergency, following the memorable first day of October in the 2010-2011 school year.
11:15 a.m. 5th period was dwindling down, students were finishing up DBQ essays, teachers were finalizing lesson plans for next period, all in the yellow fluorescent classrooms of Oyster Bay High School. The rain was thrashing down on the windows of the classrooms, the parking lot was flooding over; in short, it was pouring rain, just like it had been all week.
11:16 a.m. First went the lights, then the computers, and then came the announcement. “All students please remain in your classrooms. Do not go to your next class,” said Dr. Dennis O’Hara over the loudspeaker, and Frank Imperiale on the bullhorn, roaming the hallways. This was real. Oyster Bay High School was in the dark. Blackout.
Silhouettes filled the hallways: teachers looked outside in shock, the murmur of student voices traveled up and down the blackened staircases. What was going on? What happened? Why couldn’t we leave the classroom?
11:52 a.m. Dr. O’Hara entered classroom 204, AP World taught by Brian Soper. “Please proceed down to the gym,” O’Hara announced. Confusion filled 204. Students were hungry; most of them were supposed to be in lunch, not stuck in a dark classroom.
A mass of human bodies entered the second floor hallway. Students couldn’t be differentiated from teachers walking down the shadowy, windowless center portion of the school. Everyone and everything was blending together. Students morphed with backpacks, making them look hunchbacked. Students meshed with other students, forming a giant, shady blob, slithering down the murky lane of the high school.
Over 700 students entered one half of the gym. The power outage made it impossible to raise the curtain that was dividing the gym. Too many students were crammed into much too small a space. Teachers were guarding the exits, making sure students couldn’t escape into the rainstorm. The doors were open, releasing a cool breeze from the cloudy weather into the gym. The temperature of the room was staying regular, while the annoyance levels of the student and staff bodies were rising quickly.
Over 700 different voices echoed off the sound-diminishing walls of the gymnasium. Students and staff alike were telling tales of where they were when the power went out.
“I was in gym class, and we had to go down the stairs in the pitch black,” said sophomore Diana Moran. “It was pretty scary; people were falling, and no one could find the door to exit the stairwell.”
12:00 p.m. Not all the students were in the gym yet. It was getting warmer in the wood paneled gymnasium; more and more children and teachers are pouring in. The rain was coming down in buckets outside.
So many students. So many teachers. So many questions.
What was the cause of this power outage? According the Scott Lyle, Oyster Bay High School Head Custodian, branches had knocked down some wires in Oyster Bay, making many homes lose power, not just the high school. LIPA was working on getting the power back, while the population of the high school was huddled up in the gym.
People were getting annoyed. Some students were running around the gym, other students were just sitting down talking to their friends. Most students mentioned that this is the best Friday ever, while other students mention how hungry they are, joking that they may revert to cannibalism. Most students were not enjoying the blackout at all. In fact, everyone just seemed like they wanted to go home.
Andrea Lorusso, a math teacher at Oyster Bay High School, said, “I think that we handled this very well. I’m so proud of the students for not making a mess of the situation.”
Purple polyester masses of football players crowd around the gym, divvying up into their own separate cliques of students. Teachers clad in purple and yellow Oyster Bay Staff t-shirts posed as a force among the rainbow of student colors in the gym. Even in times of distress, members of OBHS showed unity, whether it was with their own teammates, or simply with their co-workers. Was it merely a coincidence that four different Oyster Bay teams decided to wear their uniforms on Friday the 1st? Or was it an omen to stay together during a hectic day at Oyster Bay?
Flashes of cameras explode in the gym, documenting this memorable day in school history. Students were getting antsy. It is 12:37 p.m. and we have been in the gym for nearly an hour.
At 1:00 p.m., the students were dismissed. Celebratory cheers erupted from the student body and within ten minutes, the school was empty of students.
It was a learning experience though. Anyone can agree that Oyster Bay High School is definitely more adequately prepared for the next emergency, following the memorable first day of October in the 2010-2011 school year.
The 21st Century Diploma
by Halsey Quinn
This year, the Oyster Bay-East Norwich school district has introduced a new program that is designed to prepare students for their future in the 21st century. The 21st Century Diploma is a program that encourages students to develop and learn the skills that they will need for their future.
It consists of an online portfolio for each student, where they will keep track of activities they have completed for points. If they earn 100 points from the time students enter high school as freshmen to the time they graduate, then they will receive a special diploma, a 21st Century Diploma.
Six important aspects for life in the 21st century are considered to be: life-long learner, health and fitness, communication, work ethic, information technology, and global awareness. The activities are divided into these six areas that will help students develop these qualities. Although this program is designed to prepare students for the future, it isn’t all about new technologies. The program also emphasizes interest in the arts, in books, newspapers, Broadway shows, museums, fitness and more. In the end, they hope that the students who complete this program will become hard-working, well-round students.
Participating students will create an online portfolio, submitting proof of completed activities to earn points. To enter an upcoming activity, students can send a message to the administrators for approval. After completing the activity and submitting an artifact to their portfolio, a teacher will review it.
There are a group of teachers who have volunteered to review the projects. The subject of the activity will correspond to the teacher that reviews it. This brand new program is already in full swing. There have already been over 100 activities requested and approved.
The website, which is a link on the school district’s homepage, has a very helpful FAQ for those who have questions, or do not completely understand how the program works. According to the FAQ, not everything about the program is set in stone, there are a few flexibilities. Participants are not limited to the listed activities. They are encouraged to submit their own ideas for approval. An activity that is listed for a certain category can be counted for a different one if it also applies.
If you receive 99 points, it wasn’t all for nothing. If a student attempts the program, they will receive a certificate that notes how many points they earned. Also, because this is the first year of the program, seniors, juniors and sophomores will not have to earn the full 100 points by the end of their senior year. Seniors will only have to earn 30 points, while juniors are required to earn 60, and sophomores are required 80.
Since this program is new, and because it is being done locally, many colleges will most likely not be familiar with it. Along with your transcript, the guidance department will be sure to send an explanation of the program.
Aubri Juhasz and Joelle Lee are participants in the 21st century diploma program. They both believe that the diploma will be a nice addition to their college applications. “I’ve already requested 17 activities,” says Juhasz, while Lee is just getting started with it. “It looks like a really fun program,” she says.
This year, the Oyster Bay-East Norwich school district has introduced a new program that is designed to prepare students for their future in the 21st century. The 21st Century Diploma is a program that encourages students to develop and learn the skills that they will need for their future.
It consists of an online portfolio for each student, where they will keep track of activities they have completed for points. If they earn 100 points from the time students enter high school as freshmen to the time they graduate, then they will receive a special diploma, a 21st Century Diploma.
Six important aspects for life in the 21st century are considered to be: life-long learner, health and fitness, communication, work ethic, information technology, and global awareness. The activities are divided into these six areas that will help students develop these qualities. Although this program is designed to prepare students for the future, it isn’t all about new technologies. The program also emphasizes interest in the arts, in books, newspapers, Broadway shows, museums, fitness and more. In the end, they hope that the students who complete this program will become hard-working, well-round students.
Participating students will create an online portfolio, submitting proof of completed activities to earn points. To enter an upcoming activity, students can send a message to the administrators for approval. After completing the activity and submitting an artifact to their portfolio, a teacher will review it.
There are a group of teachers who have volunteered to review the projects. The subject of the activity will correspond to the teacher that reviews it. This brand new program is already in full swing. There have already been over 100 activities requested and approved.
The website, which is a link on the school district’s homepage, has a very helpful FAQ for those who have questions, or do not completely understand how the program works. According to the FAQ, not everything about the program is set in stone, there are a few flexibilities. Participants are not limited to the listed activities. They are encouraged to submit their own ideas for approval. An activity that is listed for a certain category can be counted for a different one if it also applies.
If you receive 99 points, it wasn’t all for nothing. If a student attempts the program, they will receive a certificate that notes how many points they earned. Also, because this is the first year of the program, seniors, juniors and sophomores will not have to earn the full 100 points by the end of their senior year. Seniors will only have to earn 30 points, while juniors are required to earn 60, and sophomores are required 80.
Since this program is new, and because it is being done locally, many colleges will most likely not be familiar with it. Along with your transcript, the guidance department will be sure to send an explanation of the program.
Aubri Juhasz and Joelle Lee are participants in the 21st century diploma program. They both believe that the diploma will be a nice addition to their college applications. “I’ve already requested 17 activities,” says Juhasz, while Lee is just getting started with it. “It looks like a really fun program,” she says.
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