December 2007

Meet Our Foreign Exchange Students Pages 10-11

What’s Your Opinion?

Page 5 Holiday Columns Page 9

Oswego High School’s Student Voice Volume 11 Number 3 December 2007

Graphic Illustration by Fred MAxon Photo by Morganne Atutis

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News

FM Cheating Scandal: Could it Happen Here?

Central New York Computer Hacking Incident Prompts Increased CyberSecurity in Schools, Businesses

By Kevin Kearns Senior Writer

about 40 teachers in which I discussed the same information,” Fear stated.

Many students at Oswego High School also have an opinion on what needs to be done to prevent a crime similar to what happened at FM “I don’t think the school really needs to devote a lot of the budget to computer security, but they should do some staff awareness training and maybe keep a backup hard copy of grades so they can check them…” said Justin Pagano, a senior at OHS. The FM students were able to hack into their school’s computer system by attaching a small device, commonly referred to as a key logger, to the keyboard cable which then recorded whatever was typed into that computer. Once the students obtained administrators’ passwords, they were able to make whatever changes they desired. According to Chupaila, key loggers are readily available over the internet or at stores such as Radio Shack.

According to Leonard, there are both software and hardware key loggers; schools should not be too concerned with the software key loggers because you need administrative rights to install that in the first place. However Leonard added that the hardware versions are easy to install and are very hard to recognize unless you are looking for them directly.

The largest problem schools now face is that a key logger for the most part renders passwords useless. “… strong passwords are just a fundamental, but of course if you can get a key logger on the computer and retrieve it later on, then the password doesn’t help very much,” said Leonard.

This would appear to be problem-

High school students attaching a small device to a computer keyboard in order to record passwords, and using them to change their high school GPA; access confidential information, and cheat on standardized tests sounds like a plot in a spy movie.

However, a recent scandal at nearby Fayetteville-Manlius (FM) High School proves that life can imitate this Hollywood plot. Six students attending FM, and two recent graduates have been connected to tampering with the school’s computer systems, allowing them to access confidential data and alter their grades. The students now face both misdemeanor and felony charges. “…disappointed, saddened, and surprised. Those three terms would probably describe the reaction of most of the faculty and students,” said FM executive principal James Photo by morganne atutis Chupaila on the immediate afterComputer security is currently a hot topic in the area. Above, Lillian math regarding the students who were Murray, like most students spend hours per day on a computer. caught tampering with FM computers.

Mike Chapple, the IT Security with the faculty what key loggers look The controversy has left schools Professional at the University of Notre like, and how they are used…now on a all over the area attempting to preDame recently published an article in In- almost daily basis when teachers come vent such a crime, and has left many formation Security in which he ran down into their classroom in the morning, asking, “Could it happen to us?” different types of security which they do a visual inspection and if anything It is certainly an easy enough prevent key loggers from being effective. seems different or unusual they let (the thing to pull off…and now that it has Leonard acknowledged these de- administration) know,” said Chupaila. been in the media, it is more likely fenses, but added However despite the current trend someone else that they can be exaround the area to raise awareness to will try it,” said “…strong passwords are just a fundamental, pensive.

“There are key loggers, Oswego High School exSteve Leonard, forms of security ecutive principal Peter Myles said he who is in charge but of course if you can get a key logger on against key logging knew “nothing” about what a key logger of Information the computer and retrieve it later on, then the but they can prove could do, or even what one looks like.

Technology costly…it does deIt appears that this is just a new Security at Syra- password doesn’t help very much.” pend on what you high-risk, high-tech form of cheatcuse University.

Steve Leonard call costly though, ing which may begin to hit schools.

Oswego City Information Security, Syracuse University when you compare According to Pagano, cheating is a School District it to the cost of what huge problem here at OHS, but not the Director of Techatic for Oswego if someone decided FM is going through right now which is high-tech form employed at FM. “Evnology Brendan Fear said that since the FM scandal, our district has in- to hack into the school’s computer pretty significant. So it is all relative…” erybody cheats; nearly all the honors According to Leonard, schools will kids cheat off of each other. It’s really creased its vigilance in trying to pre- system, as passwords seem to be Oswego’s main defense against hackers. most likely have begin to raise faculty bad. You can go into some classes and vent a security breach at Oswego. “I “…making a strong password and awareness in recognizing key loggers, look at the homework assignments spoke with clerical staff to talk about changing it often is the best defense we which is the case at SU and FM “Shortly and you’ll find that all the kids have the importance of strong passwords, have at this point in time,” said Fear. after this thing broke open, I shared the same answers,” Pagano said. and I did meet with a small group of

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December 2007

News

3

Foreign Language Offerings Limited at OHS

By Katie DiVita Editor-in-Chief

Language is an important outlet of human expression and culture. An opportunity to study languages spoken by different cultures is widely considered an essential component of a high school education. However, here at Oswego High School, the only two foreign languages that can be heard being taught in the classrooms are French and Spanish.

OHS students were not always as restricted in their foreign language options. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Latin and German were also offered in the school curriculum.

According to Mrs. Susan Piasecki, the foreign language team leader from 1991-2001, students seemed to find enjoyment and success in these programs. However, interest in German and Latin dwindled in the early 1990s and they were eventually cut from the curriculum. The Latin program was eliminated was eliminated in the 1990-91 school year, followed by the German program a year later.

The dissolution of these programs was caused by the combination of both declining enrollment and budget cuts.

According to Ms. Karin Button, the foreign language team leader, there are two main problems concerning the foreign language offerings: interest and money. She said, “We used to have a lot more tax dollars and could hire more teachers and allow smaller classes. Also, we don’t serve the same population as we did before.

Students just aren’t as interested now.”

The declining interest in certain foreign languages may be partly due

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to the limited options of subjects for also gained popularity in the country, students to study. Piasecki said, “More especially in New York State, primarstudents might get involved if we of- ily due to the French-speaking comfered more.” Students don’t really have munities in close proximity to the U.S a choice when it comes to English, such as Canada and the Caribbean. math, science, and social studies, as Still, allowing students the opporthree or four years are mandated by tunity to study the diverse languages the state. Students are only required to spoken throughout the rest of world complete two years of foreign language. could be beneficial. The knowledge Many students stop studying for- of multiple languages is important to eign language because the language they students becoming citizens of the wider study does not interest them. OHS stu- world. Matt Menzenski, an Ithaca High dent Cassie School C o l l i n s “I think it would be beneficial a l u m n u s , s a id , “ I f t o h a v e o t h e r l a n g u a g e s s a i d , “ I more lanchose Latin g u a g e s here. Some students could because it’s we r e of- be interested in taking other t h e b a s i s fered, I of so many think more language classes, especially if languages s t u d e n t s they wanted to study them later and helps might take t e a ch t he in college.” language. str ucture Ashley Welsch of English.”

It wo u ld o p e n Class of 2009 Menzenski up a lot became ino f d o o r s f o r p e o p l e . ” terested in foreign language after However, French and Spanish just studying Latin for five years at his high seem to be the languages of choice school. He is currently a junior at Corfor most OHS students in recent nell University and has studied Russian, years. This may be due to both the French, Greek, Arabic, and Swahili. geographic location of Oswego and OHS student Ashley Welsch said, the increasing popularity of the two “I think it would be beneficial to have languages throughout the country. other languages here. Some students Spanish and French are the second could be interested in taking other and third most common languages language classes, especially if they spoken in the United States. Data from wanted to study them later in college.” the 2000 Census cites that Spanish is Several high schools around censpoken most frequently by about 28.1 tral New York recognize the benefits of million people, making the United a more diverse foreign language proStates the fifth largest Spanish-speak- gram. High schools in Ithaca, Auburn, ing country in the world. French has Mexico, and Sandy Creek, which are relatively the same size or smaller than OHS, all offer more than two languages in their curriculum. Ithaca High School allows students to choose between Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese. Ms. Pam Hanna, president of the Ithaca High School PTA, said, “Multiple language options are a valuable way for students to learn about how diverse the world is and to help them understand other cultures.

Much of the world speaks languages beyond English, French, and Spanish.”

An understanding of foreign languages and cultural diversity can be helpful in nearly every career path. Many professional terms cycled throughout the workplace in the medi-

cal, law, economic, and business fields are derived from languages other than French and Spanish. Also, some languages, most notably Latin, can be helpful when taking the SAT’s since so many English words originate from them.

Button said, “We [the foreign language department] get requests for more languages usually every year.” She explained that students who would like to expand the foreign language department at OHS should organize advertisements, have a voice, and gain support from teachers and administrators. Mr. Peter Myles, OHS principal, said, “It’s always a possibility to expand the program.”

Language is the key to understanding a society, both figuratively and literally. In today’s world of frequent travel, immigration, and technological advancements, an exposure to a variety of languages is essential. OHS students may find that they will benefit from the opportunity to study a wider variety of foreign languages.

Until the foreign language program is expanded, however, it seems students’ exposure to foreign languages and cultures around the world will not extend past “Bonjour” and “Hola.”

Other Languages Taught in CNY High Schools Ithaca High School Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese Mexico High School Spanish, French, German, Latin, Hebrew, Italian Auburn High School Spanish, French, Japanese, American Sign Language Sandy Creek High School Spanish, French, German

December 2007

Editorial

4 Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Chrissy King Katie DiVita Layout Editor Pat Dougherty Entertainment Editor Sophie Rosenbaum Clublicity Editor Jack Carmody Alumni Editor Morgan McNamara Sports Editor Kathryn Lazarski Business Manager Liz Waterbury Sportswriters Joe Bucher, Ryan Galloway Maddie Goulet, Kailyn Gray, Brett McClelland Art Director Fred Maxon Art Staff Amanda Donovan Mike Mordenga Chief Photographer Morganne Atutis Photographers David Abare, Michaela Frost, Blair Harvey, Caitlin Sawyer Ad Representatives Emily DiFabio, Katy Furletti, Christian Scaccia Ad Designers Olivia Capone, Michelle Stepien Senior Writer Kevin Kearns Reporters Dillon Coates, Danielle D’Amico, Lauren Dimarco, Kristen Diment, Christy Maher, Brittany Ross, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Lindsay Usherwood, Kristin Hadley Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie

The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body.

Printing services are provided by The PalladiumTimes. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

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Drawing Board

cartoon by Michael Mordenga

…to Hilary Callen for her outstanding swim season. Callen made it to the finals in the New York State High School Championships in two separate races: the 200 yard freestyle and the 500 yard freestyle. Callen improved her times for both events and scored more points than any other division three athlete at the meet. …to the Harlem Wizards basketball team that played at Powers Gym at Frederick Leighton Elementary School on November 27 against the Buccaneer All Stars to help the Marching Buccaneers raise funds for their trip to Orlando, Florida. The Marching Bucs will be performing in the nationally-televised Citrus Parade at Disney World. … to the OHS Double Down team on WCNY. The “Double Down” competition is hosted

by WCNY every year for high schools from nine counties. The OHS team consisted of Waruguru Gichane, Gabby Rumrill, and Richard Mandanas. Alternates on the OHS team were Meghan Nyman and Jillian Doty. OHS competed against New Hartford. …to the three OHS students who were honored by the Oswego Elks Lodge #271 as Teens of the Month. John Collins was honored in November, Anthony Caramella was rewarded in October, and Trisha Bradley was recognized in September. All three of these outstanding students are all planning to attend college next fall.

…to the fact that we are now halfway through the second quarter of year and the “Staff and Student of the Month” sign outside of room B-2 still has nothing underneath it. There are many deserving teachers and students who should be honored under this category. If we no longer have the program and no one will be featured, then take down the sign.

December 2007

Editorial

Cheating: Cheating is defined as an “act of lying, deception, trickery, or fraud employed to create an unfair advantage for oneself at the expense of others.” In educational terms, this means stealing, copying, or obtaining answers to things like tests, homework, or quizzes to get a score that is better than what you could do by yourself. Cheating is wrong; it is unethical and immoral in any venue, and unfortunately it is becoming extremely prevalent and almost accepted in schools.

Students think that if they can just get five extra points on a test or just score a little better on their homework, then they will be able to do better in school. Some rationalize cheating by saying, “It’s just this one time because I didn’t have time to study!” Well, that may be true, but cheating is against the rules.

It is against the rules for good

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People must understand that class rank and grade point averages are just numbers.

reason, not just for teachers to be “meanies,” but to ensure that if you want to get a good grade you’re going to have to study. Good grades are a reward for doing what you’re supposed to do, learn the material. Those students who put in the effort to really study and do well deserve to get rewarded with good grades because they learned the subject matter. People who cheat obviously do not take the time to study or learn anything so they should not be given the same marks as someone learned the material.

Cheating also causes grade inflation. Averages in classes are going up, and it looks like everyone is a genius. But when it comes time for testing half the people fail.

Then there’s the shock of attending a top college, when high school genius/cheater gets Cs and Ds because he didn’t learn anything.

A 1998 Survey in Who’s Who Among American High School Students reported that 80 percent of students surveyed admitted to cheating on an exam and 51 percent of students surveyed admitted to plagiarism. With such high numbers, one has to wonder what has changed to make students think that it is okay to cheat in school when it obviously is very wrong.

Students don’t put enough stock in a real education, an education where they actually learn things. Instead, they feel pressured into bringing home high report card grades. A message to kids and parents alike: averages are just numbers on a piece of paper. They are important, but what is really more important--a bunch of A+ marks that you cheated to obtain, or a B that you really tried for and actually learned the material.

Under what circumstances would you ever cheat in school?

Larry Bivens

“To get a better grade on something that I had no clue about how to do.”

Class of 2010

Let’s Recognize Noted Alumni In many high schools and colleges across the country, a wall or display case is designated to honor alumni who have contributed to their community or perhaps even to the world. Not only are these walls a nice way to honor the achievers, but it is also a great way to motivate current students to strive for the best. What better way to motivate teenagers than to show examples of successful people who came from the same background?

“One ego becomes like another one, which results in the first ego behaving in certain respects in the same way as the second; it imitates it,” stated famous psychiatrist Sigmund Freud.

He recognized the unconscious processes that occurs in identification and learning from example. He stated that identification is a process in which a person internalizes traits, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of another person whom one consciously or subconsciously wishes to imitate.

Almost everyone has a role model or a person he/she looks up to in life. People tend to take the good values and methods of hard work they see in others, and apply those lessons into shaping themselves. An alumni wall somewhere at OHS would help show students that there’s a whole world to impact once you leave OHS. “I think having the wall is a great idea. It gives us a chance to recognize all that our alumni have accomplished and it also shows students that hard work does eventually pay off,” said senior Alyssa Collins, who is currently ranked number two in the Class of ’08.

Miami Beach High School has been educating students since 1924 and has produced some

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impressive alumni, including Barbara Walters.

Steve Cohen, the school’s alumni association president, speaks proudly about the accomplishments of many Miami Beach alumni via the web. “All of these people are responsible for so many good things in the South Florida community or on a national level, there isn’t a school in the world that can claim this roster.” Cohen believed that the close-knit talented and intelligent community brought everyone to a higher level.

A school like Miami Beach, with such an impressive group of alumni, it is hard to not be motivated to succeed, but why can’t we do something like that on a smaller scale? You’d be impressed at the number of OHS graduates who have gone on to be true leaders in the fields of medicine, law, politics, science, entertainment and more.

“A wall of alumni would be a good way of honoring past OHS students for their achievements in life. I think we hear more about the bad things that people do after high school and forget that a lot of people really are finding success in the real world,” said senior Mike Ryan.

An alumni wall would be a positive thing to add to our school, showing that we have had successful and determined people graduate from our school. Our school may not have a Barbara Walters yet, but with the role modeling by successful alumni, who knows what is to come.

Maybe one of our service clubs, civic organizations or even a community benefactor can step forward and make this something OHS students both past and present, can be proud of.

Joe Battista “ I f I d i d n’ t s t u d y e nou g h a nd d id n’t k now t he i n for mat ion.”

Class of 2009

Alyssa Ellis

“I wouldn’t ever cheat in school.”

Class of 2011

Alex Hall “I would only cheat in school to get the information that I really needed.”

Class of 2009

December 2007

6

Letters

High School Isn’t That Difficult!

Dear Editor, I’m almost positive I am the only student in the class of 2008 who has taken every AP and SUPA class that our school offers (along with participating in other school activities); yet I’ve felt little stress over my high school career. Every day, I encounter honors students complaining that they are “so stressed,” that “life is difficult,” or that “I don’t know how I’m going to get all my work done!”

Strangely enough, I’ve never been in this situation, even as I’ve been applying to college. Somehow, I fail to see what is so stressing about high school.

Keep in mind, I am tenth in my class. There are (according to rank) nine smarter students than me.

I’ve heard overly dramatic stories about stress from all of them, and from those below me too.

I’m going to make a leap here and guess that the same problem occurs in the other classes of our high school. What do these kids expect when they get to college; more easy work with extra credit? If they think they have stress issues now, I’m curious to see how they’re going to handle college life. When

some of these students are accepted into the top universities around the world, and they encounter their first-year classes where they are asked learn twice the material they did in a high school class in half the time, the stress sounds like it’s going to be killer.

Let me be heard: high school is not hard. Repeat it over and over. When you get to college, I’m sure you’ll miss the “heavy workload” you have right now. There will not be extra credit. Your professor will not understand if you come to class whining about the amount of material you don’t understand.

So what I’m saying is I don’t understand where all the stress is coming from. Am I allowed to say “suck it up, high school should be a joke for you if it is for me,” or does that violate our humanistic societal values that probably caused these kids to be “stressed”? I guess I don’t really care.

Suck it up.

Justin Pagano Class of 2008

Lack of Respect for Teachers, Kids is the Number OneHowProblem at OHS Dear Editor: is bringing someone’s self-esteem down, just Respect: to show consideration. Is it really that hard of a concept to grasp? In my opinion it isn’t, but many students here at OHS behave like it is.

In this school, I feel if you don’t meet someone’s standards they try to bring you down. Disrespect is directed towards teachers and other students.

I’m a hard worker when it comes to school, and it shows in my grades. A student who is in my biology class found out that I had the highest grade, (he did not find out from me.) He turned to me and said, “‘Smart’ people are so arrogant. Why do they have to be like that?” Granted, I was excited about my grade, I wouldn’t brag to where I would even deserve that comment. Why am I classified for something different? Based on a grade? I don’t even think I’m smarter than this person. I honestly think that I work harder. In this student’s eyes, I deserved to be disrespected because I’m “smart” and if I’m “smart,” I’m supposedly arrogant and classified as if I’m above everybody else. If I don’t act that way, why treat me like I do?

Disrespect is also very apparent with teachers.

For some reason, students in this high school find it hilarious to bash teachers, especially ones that are new to this school. When has disrespecting your elders become acceptable? I truly don’t know how some people are raised, but it’s not tolerated in my house. I’m sure many kids who act disrespectfully were not raised to behave in such a foolish way.

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for the heck of it, okay? Whether it’s a teacher or a student, it’s not right. I’m sure teachers have enough pressure and problems already, especially ones new to this school. I highly doubt they appreciate people jumping down their throats day after day.

I have had moments of disrespect. After really hurting a teacher’s feelings my freshman year, I learned my lesson, and I don’t find that kind of stuff humorous or acceptable. The people that come to school to bully other students and disrespect teachers really get under my skin.

Think about what you’re doing when you’re jumping down a teacher’s throat. You’re not only disrespecting them, but you’re disrespecting your classmates by robbing them of their class time. They only have roughly forty minutes per class everyday; I don’t think they appreciate what you do either.

So, for those of who don’t come to school to get an education, save everyone the trouble and don’t come. If you do decide to come, show some respect and keep your mouths shut. You may not care about school, but I promise you that some, if not most of your fellow classmates do. Showing a little respect for the people around you is not hard, many people do it, and I’m sure you’re capable of it.

Bethany Jung Class of 2010

Desks are a Mess Thanks to Tough Guys and Cowards

Dear Editor, Writing is something we all do in school, but what’s up with all of the writing on desks?

Can’t teachers stop kids from writing on the desks? Can’t students restrain themselves from ruining desks? Can’t someone attempt to clean these desks that are neglected and beaten?

I have to say some of the desk artists are slightly perverted. “Slightly” maybe an understatement. Also, if I had a dollar for every “420” on a desk, I would be a rich man. It’s annoying, distracting, and it makes the student body look rather dumb.

Why would I do my classwork when I can be entertained by reading what everyone thinks of what’s-her-face?

For lack of a better word, the two most popular desk-writing words used to describe someone are “gay” and “fag.” I guess it’s kind of a way for cowards to feel tough or something. They get to bash someone and don’t have to man up to it. The people who write on desks are cowards.

Zach Patrick Class of 2010

Change the Lunch Schedule

Dear Editor, I am concerned about the lunch schedule.

I think strongly that they should not have a lunch eighth period and instead have one fourth period.

Eighth period lunch is too late. The fact is that we go hungry all day because we are not allowed to eat in most classes. It does not help that we’re starving by the end of the day and have a lunch that ends less than an hour before we go home.

Also, they should even the amount of people in the lunch room each period so that one lunch period isn’t crowded so badly that people are sharing seats and sitting on laps.

Lauren Nearbin Class of 2010

Letters Policy It is the policy of The Buccaneer Bulletin that letters-to-the-editor be signed. We may, however, withhold the name if the writer requests. We also ask that matters of good taste be kept in mind. We wish to be a positive, constructive force at OHS, while providing the student body a place to voice its concerns.

Letters may be edited for length and content. They may be sent to Mr. McCrobie’s

e-mail box mmccrobi@oswego.org, or given to any member of The Buccaneer Bulletin staff.

December 2007

Columns

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#%@$!: The Complete History of Swearing T he DC Update Dillon Coates Ralphie: Ooh fudge!

Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] Only I didn’t say “Fudge.” I said THE word, the big one, the queenmother of dirty words, the “F-dash-dash-dash” word!

Mr. Parker: [stunned] What did you say?

Ralphie: Uh, um...

Mr. Parker: That’s... what I thought you said.

Get in the car. Go on!

Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] It was all over - I was dead. What would it be? The guillotine?

Hanging? The chair? The rack? The Chinese water torture? Hmmph. Mere child’s play compared to what surely awaited me.

RalphieParker, The Christmas Story The “F” word could be considered the worst of all swear words, a supreme cause of tension, disrupting the hallways and classrooms of today’s high schools, middle schools, and probably elementary schools. Looking back on my many years in school, any form of swearing has always resulted in immediate disciplinary action. But now that we’re older, it’s time to think for ourselves and uncover the facts.

When I say think for ourselves, I mean that we should be able to form a reasonable and sound opinion on such a topic that is our own, influenced and sculpted through facts. The origin of profanity dates back in history as far as the bible. The “P” word, which is an alternative to urinate, is censored in translations of the King James Bible. So one must beg the question; what is acceptable swearing, and

Photo illustration By Blair Harvey

You can’t say the “F bomb” in school, but the OHS cheerleaders spelled “F bomb” out for us after a recent practice.

what is not?

Swearing has become more and more common in modern literature. But even classics like Ulysses

by James Joyce, contain swearing here and there.

Does it make sense to outlaw these words from our common vocabulary, yet at the same time, grant it acceptable for those provocative fictional characters?

But why is swearing so intolerable? I’ve heard people say, “It’s just a word,” and I’ve shrugged it off as an ignorant comment until now. It is a word, and all words have meanings, both controversial and accepted. Yet why do we ban certain words? Is it because they are offensive to individuals and certain minority groups? Swear words are commonly used to point out someone’s flaws or under achievements.

But someone like stand-up comedian George Carlin would argue that swear words have their virtues and that swearing in humor is an important aspect. And if the “f word” is only offensive and inappropriate,

then how could anyone laugh? In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if there is swearing or not in the punchline, depending on the cleverness of the joke, I could laugh either way.

In some instances, swearing provides a point of emphasis which can be drawn on emotion or making a point. Especially when stubbing a toe or jamming a finger. “Heavens to Betsy!” just isn’t what slips off your tongue. Known use of “the word” dates back to the Dark Ages, but it wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century that it came into such a comfortable use. Not even until the 1920’s was swearing seen in publications. According to a Williamette Law Review, high school publications are allowed to incorporate swear words into any article, column, feature, etc... as long as it isn’t potentially disruptive or threatening to the safety of others. Still, I have no desire to swear in this or future articles; (as far as I know) I just want the right to.

Kaitlyn’s Never Riding the Late Bus Again!

Scanlon’s Style Kaitlyn Scanlon

Teachers ask students to stay after school and get help all the time. OK, that’s not a huge deal, but if your parents can’t pick you up and you’re not within walking distance, you’re forced to ride the dreaded late bus.

I had my first experience with the late bus in the middle of November. It was horrid. I missed the 2:30 bus because my locker got stuck (I know, it’s a

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really geeky, freshman excuse), then I had to beg the office for a late bus pass.

I got on the bus only to find that I was the only one who had a pass to ride the late bus, anyway.

Many of the kids just stayed after to talk with their friends or walk to McDonald’s and Fast Trac. The bus driver didn’t even ask where their passes were.

He just let everyone on.

It was crowded, and kids were screaming and throwing things. I had to share a seat with someone I didn’t know. The bus also seemed to be gossip central. Who’s dating whom or got into a fight today? I found out more information about numerous people than I ever wanted to know.

If this wasn’t bad enough, people would start fights with each other on the bus and then break out

into fist fights if they got off at the same stop. The girl sitting next to me threatened someone way in the back and cussed her out as nearly everyone on the bus cheered like savages.

I know that high school bus passengers aren’t going to be perfectly mannered, but this was just out of control. People are abusing the after school buses, using them as taxis so they can hang out with their friends longer. It is not fair to the kids who actually stay after for help to have something else to worry about.

In addition to the “atmosphere,” the bus rides are so long. I live ten minutes from the school and when I rode the bus, it took me and hour and five minutes to get home.

I’m never riding the late bus again.

December 2007

Features

8

Holiday Planning Occupies OHS Clubs Art Club

Art Club is still working towards it’s goal, which is to raise enough money for the printing press that will be available for the entire Art Department to use. They will hold a day of face painting. This will take place on the last day of school before Christmas vacation.

Go to Mrs. Martin’s room (219) or the cafeteria all day long to get a face painting; each painting will cost $2.

Interact Club

Interact Club has been busy these past few weeks making baby blankets for the Oswego Hospital infant care wing. When the blankets are finished, they will go to the newborn babies at the hospital. They are also working on a county-wide talent showcase with the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Interact Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the president, Katie Metcalf at kmetcalf@oswego.org.

Key Club

The Key Club meets every Monday after school in room 200. This month, the club is donating money to “The Giving Tree” which is a tradition of donating gift certificates to under privileged students so that they can buy Christmas presents. Another holiday season project the Key Club will be participating in is ringing bell for the Salvation Army.

The Key Club is hoping to host another dodge ball tournament to fundraise for Cammeo Lazzaro and also to adopt a family for the holiday season.

The officers for the club are: president, Ryan King; vice president, John Collins; secretary, Chrissy King; treasurer, Sarah Miller; and sergeantat-arms, Katlyn Smegelsky. If you would like to participate in any of the Key Club’s community service projects you can contact Mr. Kirk Mulverhill at kmulverh@oswego.org.

Photography Club

Photography Club is in the process of starting its first fundraiser of the year. It’s raising money to go on a camping trip to the Adirondacks this spring. The club plans on having a bul-

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letin board posted in room B3 where students can enter their photographs into a monthly contest. There will be an entry fee that has yet to be determined.

All students who pass by B3 can stop in and vote for their favorite photograph for another small fee. “We plan on having this be an easy way to make a little bit of money while having a place for students to show of their art work,” stated vice president Jillian Doty.

T he st a r t i ng d ate is yet to be determined, but keep your eyes open for posters around the school so you can enter your art work or vote for other students’ art work.

French Club

With the holidays just around the corner, the French Club is celebrating by holding a holiday party on December 19. Members will be incorporating traditional French holiday food and drink items into their festivities.

The French Club is also looking forward to its second-semester trip to French Canada. They embark on the trip in May 2008 and will be visiting for three days and two nights. During their travels, they plan on taking cooking workshops and shopping in the underground city.

Due to the approaching holiday season, the French Club is unsure of when its next meeting will take place. If you’re interested in attending, listen for an informational announcement regarding their next meeting.

Class of 2009

The junior class will have several activities going on starting in January.

There will be a meeting for all juniors who wish to participate in the Junior Variety Show on Wednesday, January 16 at 2:40 in room 240. If you are interested in the chorus line, there will be a meeting on Wednesday, January 30 also in room 240 after school. Prom committee will have its first meeting on Wednesday February 6 at 2:40 in room 240.

Think you are funny? JV show emcee auditions will be held in room 240 at 2:45 on Thursday March 6. During the audition you must present an act or an intro to the show along with a clean joke.

Also you will be asked “improv” question. During the week of March 31 re-

Photo by Michaela Frost

Juan Hidalgo works on a project recently in the art room. Students interested in art can join the Art Club at any time by contacting Mrs. Martin in room 219.

hearsal will begin at 6:30 pm.

The Junior Variety Show will be held on Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5 at 7:00 pm in the theatre. The $5.00 admission will go towards the junior prom in May. Auditions for acts will be after school at a time and date TBA. If you have any questions see Mrs. Jennifer Dempsey or Mrs. Heidi Sweeney.

Spanish Club

The Spanish Club, advised by Señor Cook and Señorita Button, has become a very popular club here at OHS. The club has over 100 members and meetings are held two times a month, on Wednesdays. The first meeting is held to discuss travel/fundraising finances and the second one is held to do something fun and cultural.

If you have not joined the Spanish Club yet, it’s not too late. Members can

join at any time with one exception: new members will not be able to travel to Mexico and/or New York City in 2008, as all the spots have been filled. Those members who are still planning on traveling must be up-to-date with payments.

If you would like to join Spanish Club, the next meeting will be held on December 19, which will be the club’s Christmas party. Make sure you bring a small gift for a Christmas gift exchange and don’t forget your Christmas spirit! Feel free to contact Señor Cook or Señorita Button with any questions. `Clublicity is a regular monthly feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. The following reporters contributed to covering the clubs included this month: Michelle Stepien, Blair Harvey, Joe Bucher, Morganne Atutis, Christian Scaccia, Caitlin Sawyer, and Kristen Diment

December 2007

Holiday Columns

9

You Can’t Gift Wrap the Best Gift--Quality Time scrapbook will never go out of style; yet a new pair of shoes or a new shirt could go out of style within months. That new pair of shoes could come at the same time as the Sophie Rosenbaum biggest growth spurt you have ever had. Then, you would be out of a Sophie Rosenbaum pair of shoes because they did not fit Entertainment Editor anymore.

Instead of focusing all of your Quality time spent with your holiday energy on buying the perfect loved ones is irreplaceable. People present for all your friends and loved take for granted how important ones, why not spend some quality staying healthy is. From my own time with those people? With the personal experience, I know and holidays and the New Year right understand how valuable personal around the corner, it seems like the health is. When someone you care perfect time to about is sick, it disconnect from like nothing It’s your presence seems the commercial else in the world world and pay that matters, not just matters except attention to life. them recovering the presents.

Life is too and becoming short to waste time worrying about well again. Everyone has a special the small things. What you bought relationship with someone, whether your best friend for Christmas will it is a friend or family member, who not be a part of their long-term means the world to them. Without memory twenty or thirty years down this person, life would seem to be the road. The most important things missing something. So why not in life cannot be redone. You can show that person how much you buy a Tickle-me-Elmo anytime your care? Give them something from the heart desires, but “once in a lifetime heart and spend time with them. It’s opportunities” are, well, once in a your presence that matters, not just lifetime! presents.

The holidays seem to instill While the holiday season may a false sense of “needing” which be the “most wonderful time of the affects millions of people annually. year” for some people, think about There is no other time of the year those less fortunate than you who that requires gifts upon gifts to may find this time the worst. Think please other people. When you think about people who don’t have money about it, gifts seem meaningless. to buy presents or even afford a What purpose do they serve? They home. Those people give thanks for make someone happy for a short having good health, for having life’s while and then they are added to a necessities (food, water, shelter), pile of things that no longer mean and most of all, for having one anything to that person. That pile another. Presents are not the center is commonly referred to as “the of attention, nor should they be. junk pile” or “the things I no longer The “traditions” of the holidays care about because they are out-ofhave been shifted from family time date” pile. Most of the new toys and to presents galore. Holidays used clothes that are mass marketed are to be a time to spend with your usually thrown into that pile by the family and exchange meaningful following Christmas. gifts. Credit cards were not maxed Yet, there is always time in out, people did not go into debt, someone’s everyday life to give consumers did not line up on someone a compliment, talk to Thanksgiving for Black Friday doorthem about their problems, just busters, and children did not whine be a friend, or give a gift for no when they only received a few gifts. apparent reason. It seems that gifts This holiday season, show someone full of thought rather than gifts that how much you care with something cost a fortune are always the most thoughtful; make it a keepsake that meaningful. A handmade scarf or a lasts a lifetime.

Soph In Your Eyes

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Buccaneer Bulletin Photo

Good friends like Katelyn Bateman, Morgan McNamara, and Nikki Pritchard pictured before the semi-formal, and quality family time should be the cornerstone of your holiday celebrations.

Should Santa Have a Makeover?

What do you think? “Santa is being told to shift the pounds before Christmas because the obese saint is failing to set a good example for children,” said a CNN reporter on CNN. Kristin Hadley com. Adults associate Christmas with the overpriced gifts and delicious candy, while children associate Christmas with Santa Claus. Santa is best known to many children as the hero of the holidays and one of the reasons we believe in the spirit of Christmas. But could he be a bad influence because of his big belly!

According to a CNN report, Santa is setting a bad example for children because he’s “pleasantly plump” and also sets the stereotype that all people who are a little on the heavy side are jolly. Yes, there is a stereotype that Santa is jolly, but not all people who are overweight are happy. Children are being sent mixed messages. Having role models who are fit, trim and athletic can be confusing for children who also look up to Santa who is overweight. This may be confusing for young children.

The obesity rates of children and teens are skyrocketing. In 2000 approximately 30 percent of children were overweight. With numbers like this, it had to be blamed on someone, but I highly doubt good old Saint Nick has anything to do with it. It’s not like Santa’s holding kids down shoving candy down their throats, threatening them with no Christmas gifts.

Parents have to be better role models when it comes to eating healthier foods and living a better lifestyle. Santa cannot be to blame for all of the couch potatoes and binge eaters. Like Dr. Phil told the parent of a 100+ pound three year old who would only eat orange chicken; “The kid doesn’t call for delivery or drive to get takeout, mom. You’re making him obese!”

If Santa lost the weight what would come next? A complete makeover?

Maybe a little hair dye? Or a clean shave? Maybe even a nice navy blue suit to make a good first impression. I don’t think that the public should criticize Santa’s appearance because it’s the traditional fun-loving Santa that every child grows to love. By changing that, you’d be changing the spirit of Christmas and no one should mess with that.

Kristin’s Cor ner

December 2007

10

Coming to America: Foreign St

Abylai Yesenov

Sabeth Krettek

By Pat Dougherty Layout Editor

Christin Trzepalkowski

In the United States, there are a certain number of holiday activities that have become accepted as tradition.

These include large family gatherings accompanied by tasty meals during such holidays as Christmas and Thanksgiving, dressing up on Halloween, and watching a parade on the Fourth of July. We tend to view these traditions as standard Americana, and rarely question their purpose, origin, or validity. While those of us who have lived in the US our entire lives probably do not see these traditions as at all strange, however, someone coming from another country may wonder about our customs. Similarly, the traditions observed in other countries may seem very strange to us.

Like in the United States, many countries with predominantly Christian citizens view Christmas as the biggest holiday of the year. Also similar to in the US, Christmas traditions in other countries are centered around family and friends. There are some differences, however. As German foreign exchange student Alyssa Damm stated, “We have Christmas on December 24, and we open our presents in the afternoon. It must be fun at Christmas to wake up and the first thing you do is open your presents.”

“On Christmas, we do not get a lot of presents, but spend a lot of time with our family.” said Adriana Vera of Paraguay.

Gabriela Mierelles

Kasama Laosen

Chen Cheng

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Adriana Vera Countries in which Christmas is not a major holiday, have holiday traditions which are very different from those in the United States. Major holidays in Indonesia, where 88 percent of the population is Muslim, are the Muslim holidays of Ramadan and Idul Fitr Day. These holidays are actually holy days of prayer. “We get together with our family and have a special meal, like Thanksgiving here in the United States.” said Disha Rahayu of Indonesia.

In Kazakhstan, where foreign student Abylai Yesenov is

“Like in the United States, many countries with predominantly Christian citizens view Christmas as the biggest holiday of the year.” from, Ramadan is also a big holiday, but “The rest are very similar to the US.” Non-religious celebrations make up a large portion of the holidays in the United States, and other countries are no different. Like the US, many countries celebrate their independence on their own independence days. In Indonesia, for example, the Indonesian Independence Day is a very big deal. “We have flag ceremonies and sports competitions all around the country, and have a big party together.” said Disha Rahayu of Indonesia.

Juan Berengher Hidalgo

tudents Reflect on the Holidays

Lindsay Ziyi New Years seems to be an even bigger holiday in countries other than in the US, as many foreign exchange students will tell you. Fireworks and all-night parties seem to be the norm in Germany, Paraguay, and Indonesia.

Brazil’s biggest holiday is Carnaval, a holiday in preparation for the Christian time of Lent. During Carnaval, “A lot of people dance “samba” and have a huge party with parades and dancing,” said Gabriela Mierelles of Brazil.

School vacations tied to holidays differ greatly from country to country, ranging from around a week to about two months. Doris Skiba of Germany said, “We always get at least two weeks off school for Christmas,” Which makes our seven days of vacation (not counting weekends) seem minuscule.

Our foreign exchange students all seem to agree that the new holidays they have encountered in the United States are interesting and enjoyable. Abylai Yesenov went so far as to say “Thanksgiving is awesome; I love turkey and to get five days off school to sleep was great.” They also seem to look forward to seeing the American versions of the upcoming holidays which they celebrate. Keeping an open mind to the celebrations from other cultures is a key factor to being a successful foreign exchange student, and in that regard, the OHS has plenty of successes. Happy Holidays to our foreign exchange students- no matter what holidays you celebrate.

Pia Hoener and Mandy Kaemmer

11

Oliver Loy

This year we have 20 students from other countries roaming the halls with us here at OHS. Germany: Alyssa Damm, Pia Hoener, Isabel Hoschek, Mandy Kaemmer, Sabeth Krettek, Doris Skiba, Christin Trzepalkowski, Oliver Loy Kazakhstan: Abylai Yessenov

Isabel Hoschek

Korea: Paula HaGyeong Thailand: Kasama Laosen China: Chen Cheng, Wang Ziyi (“Lindsay”) Spain: Juan Berengher Hidalgo Indonesia: Wiendy Pranoto, Disha Rahayu Brazil: Gabriella Mierelles Paraguay: Adriana Vera, Jennifer Green

Doris Skiba

Paula HaGyeong

Wiendy Pranoto

Alyssa Damm

December 2007

12

Features

Teacher Feature Salutes Mrs. Gretchen Fronk Mrs. Gretchen Fronk, an English teacher at OHS, has recently taken on the English 10 Honors course as a part of her work load.

Although it has only her ninth year here at Oswego High, it is obvious that she is a determined educator who realizes how important it is to actively engage students into the material of a course.

Without teachers like Fronk, the learning environment at OHS would be much different. We need people to be excited about teaching and be willing to experiment; people who show determination in getting their students to succeed. “She really cares about us and wants us to get the most out of the reading materials she provides us with,” said Emily DiFabio, a student in Fronk’s English 10 Honors course.

Fronk finds it pertinent to engage her students into all the reading material she provides them with. “Bringing life lessons into the classroom will engage them more in all facets of learning, whether it is writing papers, reading the material, or participating in class discussions,” said Fronk.

It is obvious that Fronk has devoted a majority of her time to creating an engaging, contemporary curriculum that not only excites her, but her students as well. For all of her hard work and continued efforts in promoting education, The Buccaneer Bulletin awards Mrs. Gretchen Fronk with this month’s “Teacher of the Month.”

PHOTO By morganne atutis

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December 2007

Point/Counterpoint

13

Rewarding Students for a Job Well Done

Point

“There is nothing wrong with teachers rewarding students for hard work.”

Rewards provide motivation There is nothing wrong with teachers rewarding students for hard work. This is called extrinsic motivation and it is all around us. It starts in elementary school when teachers give their students a sticker or candy for completing an assignment or having their desks clean. The practice follows us into the workforce when bosses give their employees bonuses for doing their jobs well.

By rewarding students for doing their work, teachers motivate the students to learn and perform at their highest level because they have something to look forward to. This also creates a drive. Many teachers here at OHS use extrinsic motivation in their classes; Mr. Michael Mallet of the Social Studies Department says, “I give pizza parties as a reward to my classes that complete all of their work; I do this because it pushes them to work harder.”

When teachers give students rewards for completing their work, it helps to build the students’ self esteem because it makes them feel better about themselves. It also shows them that their teachers appreciate the hard work that they have put forth and they are more apt to work diligently on the next assignment, even if there is not a reward at hand.

Oswego High School student Taylor Murphy stated, “When teachers give rewards it pushes me to put forth more effort into my work, making the quality of my work much greater than if there wasn’t a reward.”

Many other students at OHS feel this way and it often makes the learning experience more fun.

Creating motivation for students is very important. If students do not become motivated by getting good grades for working hard in school, teachers feel that they need to set a goal for the students, and once that goal is reached, they will earn a prize. Teachers typically want their students to do well and they will do almost anything to help them succeed, such as rewarding students for hard work.

There is nothing wrong with this method,

Counterpoint

Students only learn to expect rewards

It all begins in elementary school: the appealing, but deceiving chain of reward giving by teachers.

Most teachers distribute something small like a Hershey’s kiss or Twizzlers, but little do they know what negative and dependent behavior that even the smallest rewards can present.

By rewarding students consistently, even for the simplest tasks, the teacher is creating a harmful pattern. Giving rewards often disables a student’s self-esteem each time he is given a reward. Some lose the ability to encourage themselves when they get a good grade on a report card, because it is not followed by a reward. Students need to build their self-esteem from within in order to become successful adults. Students also need to understand that they are considered successful even without a reward that may hold physical proof of their accomplishment.

Jason Brown, a senior at Oswego High School is like many students. He admitted, “ Yes, I do work harder if there is a reward because there is something for me in the end.” Brown, like many of us, expects during the holiday season, to have a Christmas party in at least one of his classes as a reward.

This can be risky, because having expectations of a reward other than a grade can hurt students in the long run, because when they enter the working world or college, they don’t get a pizza party after a promotion or a piece of gum after completing a lengthy exam on a challenging task.

Oswego High School math teacher Mr. Robert Vayner said that the reward should be “The feeling that they get after completing an assignment.” When it comes to doing work, “Students should not be rewarded for things they should already be doing,” Vayner said. Vayner said that some of today’s students expect rewards for good behavior or good grades. He said, “There are some students who expect to get rewards for just coming in and attending class but do no work at all!”

If teachers teach students early on not to expect tangible rewards and instead focus on the feeling of getting good grades, the better they will be later on in their academic careers when things are not just handed to them. Students will better understand the feeling of a job well done and the reward that comes with the feeling of accomplishment. They will possess more self confidence knowing that they are succeeding, and that’s something every student should be proud of.

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“By rewarding students consistently, even for the simplest tasks, the teacher is creating a harmful pattern.”

December 2007

Features

14

Apple Inc. Loves its Leslie Feist Advertisement Hollywood Fred Maxon Fred Maxon With companies scrambling this holiday season to release the latest, most innovative technology in time for the days where gift-giving reigns supreme, one commercial announcing the latest addition to the dynasty of the mp3 players, an ad for Apple Inc.’s iPod nano, is receiving notoriety for its catchy song and interesting video.

The commercial, featuring the lyrics “One, Two, Three, Four/ Tell me that you love me more,” and the lead singer in a blue sequined pants suit, is the work of Leslie Feist. Feist was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia on February 13, 1976, but traveled throughout Canada with her family, moving from Amherst to Regina, Saskatchewan and later to Calgary, Alberta. She got her start in a littleknown Calgary punk band when she

Drawing Board Fire Away

was 15, serving as the band’s vocalist. Magazine “Sometimes I think Broken The Reminder, the 14-track hit, has In 1999 she released Monarch (Lay Social Scene is just a bunch of friends introduced more fans to Feist’s music Your Jeweled Head Down,) copies of making music, but ultimately it is than her previous albums, due largely which sell for upwards of $500 on auc- quite a bit different from most bands.” to the use of her song “1, 2, 3, 4” on an tion sites such as eBay due to its rarity They released Feel Good Lost in 2001, Apple Inc. iPod commercial. The singleadd her growing popularity. Her next You Forgot It in People in 2002, Bee take video of Feist in a blue sequined album, Let It Die, was released in 2004. Hives in 2004, the self titled 2005 al- pant suit and gold heels dancing among The song “Mushaboom,” colorful sweater-clad dancers is not the second song listed on Feist, if her previous work and her first venture into commercials.

Let It Die derives its name Her song “My Moon, My Man” was current success is anything to used in a commercial introducing from the town of Mushaboom, Nova Scotia, and go by, is one musician that we the then-new LG Chocolate. On has been covered by Indie both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billcan expect to hear more of in board Pop 100, the song “1, 2, 3, 4” powerhouse Bright Eyes and remixed by electronic Indie has made it into the top ten, peaking the future. pop band The Postal Service. at spots eight and ten, respectively.

Between the release of Overall, the album has peaked at Monarch and Let It Die, she released bum Broken Social Scene and Spirit spot 16 on The Billboard 200, and has three albums with baroque-pop band If…was released September 18,2007. received a respectable three out of five Broken Social Scene, an influential Feist released a remix in 2006 called stars from Rolling Stone Magazine. musical group 19 members strong. Open Season, containing alternate verFeist, if her previous work and Broken Social Scene, a musical col- sions and remixes of songs from Let current success anything to go by, lective (a leaderless musical entity that It Die and it included collaborations is one musician that we can expect allows flexible rosters) was formed in with bands such as The Postal Service. to hear more of in the future. In the 1999. Bassist for Broken Social Scene, However, it is her latest album, The meantime, Apple is cashing in on Brendan Canning, stated in a Decem- Reminder that is getting the most buzz. her popularity this holiday season. ber 2004 interview with This

Photo By Caitlin sawyer

Eric Wood, Steve Abramski, Mr. Charles Rowlee and Sara Finn finish an apple launcher as a part of an engineering project.

Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2007

Entertainment

15

What if the Writers’ Strike Continues?

By Kristen Diment Reporter

If you’re a TV addict, chances are you may just have to find a new way to occupy your time. On November 5, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began picketing against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Since then, over 12,000 writers have gone on strike and each day the future of a different television show becomes grim as the plague of the strike branches out.

In the beginning, only late-night shows were affected. Now, as the strike persists, prime time shows are also feeling the impact of the strike. Most shows have enough scripts to last them until January, but there’s one more problem: many of the actors joined the strike. Popular television shows, such as NBC’s “The Office” and ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” were among the first to shut down production due to big-name actors refusing to cross the picket line. As the strike continues, more and more television shows are going to air the few episodes they have left and then go on indefinite hiatus (break).

The strike’s toll on ratings is also a concern. Many shows could lose their loyal viewers due to the show’s prolonged absence. ABC’s “Lost,” which is best known for its long breaks and dry spells, will air the first few episodes of its new season and then go off the air until negotiations are completed. This is a move the show cannot afford to make, since it has already lost a large segment of its original audience due to prolonged absences.

The motive behind the strike? Royalties—the fixed price per unit sold—and residuals—payment received for past work. The writers feel that they are not profiting from DVD sales and re-runs.

According to the Writers Guild of America, the writers only make four cents per DVD sold. This amount is just as small as it sounds. This isn’t the only problem, however. In a world where technology dominates, the distribution of media is also a key issue.

After more than 19 failed attempts at negotiating, Nick Counter, president of the AMPTP, has implied that they will continue trying. The WGA has proposed a doubling of the residual formula for the first $1 million per DVD sold. They are also hoping for a steady profit from every sale after the $1 million mark. Since writers have long periods of unemployment, they rely on residuals.

Although the proposals differ, the AMPTP remains optimistic; “We believe that there is common ground to be found between the two sides that will put all of us in the entertainment industry in a better

Buccaneer Bulletin

AP Photo

“Everybody Loves Raymond” stars Ray Romano, left, and Patricia Heaton join the show’s creator, writer Phil Rosenthal, on a Writers Guild of America picket line outside Paramount Studios in Los Angeles recently.

position to survive and prosper,” the producers said in regards to recent talks that took place in early December. It could go either way, but as soon as both sides can come to an agreement, a deal will be struck.

From the standpoint of someone not associated with Hollywood, it may seem like the writers are expecting too much. The writers make—on average—$100,000 a year, with a majority of them making less than that. Sure, to someone working an average job and living in an affordable city, $100,000 a year seems like something to brag about, but when you’re technically the backbone of a primetime television show, it would probably make sense for your salary to be up-to-par with that of the actors. For example, WGA members Carolyn Shelby and Chris Ames have made up to $600,000 writing scripts in a good year. In a bad year, they can sometimes make as little as $30,000 between the two of them.

This strike could be a blessing in disguise.

Though a lot of people are just angry about their shows being off the air, some are trying to support the writers. Many fans have sent in letters to show support, while others in New York and Los Angeles, where the picketing is heaviest, have even

gone to the picket lines to strike alongside their favorite television personalities. Some fans have even thought of ways to raise money for the writers as a way to help them through the holiday season.

The Screen Actors Guild, which is composed of award-winning actors, has issued statements of support for the WGA; some of its members have directly supported the writers by making signs and striking. Actors who are not members of the Screen Actors Guild have also been picketing, and the strike has also been gaining support of politicians in California.

The impact on television is only the beginning of the domino effect the strike is creating. If Hollywood strikes continue to happen, by 2009 we will have a shortage of movies released in theaters.

The entertainment industry could be paralyzed.

There has not been a WGA strike since 1988, when over 9,000 writers picketed outside of their production offices due to reduced pay and residuals.

The 1988 strike lasted roughly 22 weeks and cost upwards of $500 million.

What if the strike lasts as long as the ‘88 strike?

Well, most networks plan on airing re-runs and reality television for an unknown amount of time, but at this point, there’s nothing left to do but wait.

December 2007

Entertainment

16

Computer Animation Captivating in Beowulf Classic Poem a 2007 Film Marvel

The original Beowulf is the oldest existing Anglo-Saxon poem which was written by an anonymous author in the late 18th century in England. It is now the only preserved example of old English text and dialogue that exists. It was later adapted by Gareth Hinds into a graphic novel. Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary took Beowulf one step further and made it into a screenplay which is now a major motion picture currently playing in theaters.

Beowulf is an epic story that centers around heroism, warriors, battles, monsters, and magic. As the story has it, Beowulf is a proclaimed warrior who must fight and defeat a monster named Grendel (Crispin Glover). Grendel has been known to terrorize many towns and villages, yet no one has been able to stop him. Throughout his travels, Beowulf encounters Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie) who begins killing out of revenge for her son. Will Beowulf be able to live up to his honorary title? Is his pride really his curse?

Although the story of Beowulf is an epic story, the manner in which the directors of this film chose to produce the film is in a category all by itself. The entirety of the film is done by computer animation – all the characters, monsters, scenes, weaponry – everything! In a little under two hours, you will find yourself captivated by the images and action-filled events of Paramount’s latest film, Beowulf.

--Sophie Rosenbaum

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, LLC

The 18th century story of the Viking hero Beowulf, uses 21st century computer technology to tell the story of his search for future glory.

The Internet is Not a Shield for Stupidity your own, it may be time to quit the internet.

Oh…and I can’t forget about the people who think ‘you’re’, ‘your’, and ‘ur’ are completely interchangeable. Newsflash: they’re not. They’re, their Kristin Diment and there, where and were, here and hear, its and it’s are not either. They might sound the same, but their AOL Instant Messenger, AOL, IM, AIM…whatever meanings are completely different. Oh, and a lot? Two you want to call it, is a great communication tool; however, words people! You don’t say ‘alittle’ so why would it’s evident that not everyone should be allowed to use it. you say ‘alot’? Exactly. It’s not that hard to remember.

I remember when I was around...say, nine? I I know it’s just the internet but seriously, make yourbecame interested in the internet. I set myself up self sound like a somewhat educated human being.

Some other minor things that should be with a screen name, which was my name followed considered: Comby eight or so meaningless numbers. After that, I chose a font Comic Sans should be ic Sans should be b a n n e d FOR E Vand font colors: Comic Sans MS (probably size 36) with a bright banned FOREVER. It is the ER. It is the bane of all fonts. Bright blue background and neon green bane of all fonts. colors aren’t fun, eitext. On holidays, I would even ther. They are blinduse “holiday colors.” Obnoxious, ing.

No one likes looking at them. Never use right? Well, if you think that’s bad, remember…I them.

Pair the two together and prepare to fail. was nine and at the peak of my naïveté. There are Last but not least, using 400 ampersands still people much older than that who type in such and 30 semi-colons in one message doesn’t make a manner and I must say—it’s quite unfortunate. your ~super-cool profile~ look ‘cute.’

Whoever I admit, sometimes I use acronyms on instant messenger, but it’s rare and only when I am on my invented this needs to have his “education” or cell phone. I see this as a valid excuse. However, (lack there-of) re-evaluated. Double ampersands, when you’re sitting there doing absolutely nothing, commas, and semi-colons DO NOT compensate how hard is it to make a few extra key strokes and for lack of sentence structure. Once again, you make yourself partially coherent without slaughter- don’t look ‘cute’; you look like a nine-year-old girl.

Overall, the internet is not a shield for stuing the English language? Not very. I have nothing pidity; we can still laugh at you, &&&&& we r. against these acronyms, but when a whole sentence consists of them or if you’re making them up on

Dimented

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QT PI 09-OMG my bffl meg, merry christmasssss!!!!

SOCCA ZTAR 1-merry xmas 2 gErl.....wat up?

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December 2007

Sports

17

Sports Tragedy Teaches Life Lesson KSPN Kevin Kearns We are the lucky ones.

Most would consider anyone who makes it in professional athletics extremely lucky, and for the most part I agree with that. However, the death of Washington Redskins free safety Sean Taylor, 24, forces us to step back from just looking at the fame and lucrative contracts that come with the lifestyle of professional athletes, and realize that some of these athletes we idolize may not be as lucky as we have been led to believe.

Taylor’s death truly is one of the biggest tragedies the sports community has been forced to face in the recent past. Whether his death could have been prevented by the NFL or not is undoubtedly going to be a hot topic, however the answer may never be known. Yet what is known is that when a burglar broke into Taylor’s house and shot him, the NFL lost someone whose love for the game was unquestioned, and who was one of the

Buccaneer Bulletin

very best to walk on that field every Sunday.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t go to bed with a machete next to my bed every single night.

I don’t have to go to bed every night, praying that I will not wake up with a gun to my head. And, to the best of my knowledge, no gang has been targeting me for the past three years, or wants me dead.

All of these things that seem almost absurd to us, Taylor had to regularly deal with. I hope I never have to find out what it is like to live in the constant fear that Taylor had to. However, what Taylor had to go through makes me realize that we might be a lot luckier than we ever thought. How ironic is it that one of the people who according to some of his close friends was constantly fearing whether his past would catch up to him, was one of the most feared competitors on the football field?

It is well documented how many professional athletes come from hard lives which can involve anything including drugs, sex, and gangs. It would appear to us, so far removed from the spotlight, that once they make it to the big show, they could distance themselves from all of the hardship. Yet, this is not always the case. Even the local hero Carmelo Anthony has had some trouble involving his past and the struggle to distance himself from

it. Take a look at Adam “Pacman” Jones and the struggle (if you can call it that) that he has gone through despite the football stardom that he had in front of him.

Some of the things that Anthony, Taylor and many other stars have had to witness and experience in their lives are unimaginable to most of us. Our school definitely does have its problems, however the drug and violence levels here are nowhere near those of bigger cities—including nearby Syracuse and Rochester.

We can complain all we want about how bad some of our sports teams are, or about the negative aspects of our school, however we are all in a much better position than many stars like Taylor and Anthony. For that we are lucky.

The cliché, “it is better to be lucky than good,” does seem to be appropriate when discussing Sean Taylor’s life. Taylor, one of the best players in the NFL, undoubtedly had the talent; however it appears that luck was the missing link in his life.

Admittedly our luck probably won’t make any of us millions of dollars, or buy us a mansion in Miami, but it will keep us alive, and that’s good enough for me.

December 2007

18

Walking the Plank

Basketball Star Shines On and Off the Court Bucaneer Bulletin: How do you feel your basketball team will do this season?

Nikki Carroll: I think that we will be a top contender. We have a lot of returning players and all the girls are working really hard. I think we’re all, and we are hoping for another shot at making it to the Section III finals, but we hope to win this time.

BB: What are your plans for basketball and college next year?

NC: I am attending the University of New Haven in Connecticut in the fall and I will be playing there.

BB: Who would you say has the most influence on you in your life?

NC: It’s hard to pinpoint just one person. Everyone I meet ultimately has had an impact on my life somehow. I guess I’d have to say my friends and family probably inf luence me the most.

BB: In a few words how would you describe yourself?

NC: Loud, outgoing, competitive, sensitive, energetic, and charismatic.

BB: Who is your dream date?

NC: Definitely Ryan Scheckler.

BB: W ha t do you want to do when you’re older?

NC: I want to work for either a public relations agency or a modeling agency in a big city.

BB: If you had one million dollars, what would you do with it?

NC: Um, I would probably buy mysel f a black Mercedes SU V be cau se that’s my dream car. I would spend the rest on clothes and random things like that and give some away to charity of course!

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: What’s your favorite place to shop for clothes?

NC: Abercrombie & Fitch, and also Forever 21.

to gain more self-confidence and not put myself down all the time. I want to be able to let people know how I really feel. I also want to try to get along better with my mom and sister.

BB: Does your family do anything special for Christmas?

NC: Every year my grandma has an annual Christmas dinner with the whole family, and we do a secret Santa gift exchange. It’s nice because we don’t have many opportunities to see each other during the year, but on holidays we make it a point to be together.

BB: What are three things you want most for Christmas?

NC: I really want an iPod touch and Guitar Hero! Other than that, probably just gift cards to stores and stuff. Maybe an Xbox 360.

BB: What do you think a good present is to give to one of your closest friends?

NC: Something small and meaningful like a necklace or charm bracelet, or something you personally made like a picture collage.

BB: What’s on your favorite play list on your iPod? NC: A lot of Lil’ Wayne, Dave Matthews, and Coldplay.

BB: W h a t ’s your favorite class?

NC: Yearbook with Mr. Shaw.

BB: What is your worst fear?

NC: I s t h i s weird? I’m really afraid of whales.

Not kidding. I’m also really nervous about public speaking.

BB: As a senior, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

NC: Don’t try to change yourself to please other people, and stick with your real friends. Also, do your homework

BB: What does your stocking look like?

NC: Um, it’s long and green and when it’s full it’s really lumpy (P.S. What kind of question is that?)

because it will have a huge impact on the rest of your high school career.

BB: What do you think was the hardest part about high school?

NC: Making yourself do your work and not procrastinate. I felt there was a lot of pressure to be good at everything, socially, academically, and athletically.

In a way, you have to learn that you can’t be the best at everything.

BB: What three things would you want if you were stranded on a deserted island?

NC: A good friend so I can have someone to talk to, a laptop, and my dog, Ali. BB: How do you want to be remembered when you graduate from OHS this year?

NC: I want to be remembered as the girl who was friendly to everyone and friends with all different types of people. Also, as someone you can always have a fun time with no matter what the situation and as a person who always makes people laugh.

BB: If you could preach one lesson to the world what would it be?

NC: Do what you think is right for yourself, and don’t let anyone bring you down or make you think differently.

BB: What are your New Year’s resolutions?

NC: To not eat so much! And I want

BB: What do you do in your spare time?

NC: I’m on the computer a lot, watch my shows on TV, and obviously play a lot of basketball. But I like to make time to hang out with my friends on weekends.

BB: What’s your favorite article of clothing?

NC: I don’t really have a favorite-at least not of nice clothing. I have a lot of sweatpants that I’m attached to.

BB: What’s one thing you haven’t accomplished in life that you want to accomplish in the next ten tears?

NC: Well, I obviously have a lot of life to live still and there are so many things I haven’t done yet. Hopefully in ten years I will have had a successful basketball career in college and a great college experience under my belt. Other than that, I’ll just experience life as it comes.

BB: What’s your favorite thing about Christmas? Your least favorite?

NC: Hopefully this won’t sound too selfish, but I really love getting presents on Christmas. Also, I love Christmas music and seeing everyone’s house decorated. My least favorite probably has to do with dealing with all the stress of shopping and finding people the perfect gift. Oh, and I really hate eggnog.

Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin.

This month’s installment was compiled

by Lindsay Usherwood. If you know an OHS personality who you would like to see “walk the plank,” contact Chrissy King at cking2@oswego.org.

December 2007

Features

Buccaneer Flashback 5 Years Ago (2002)

Varsity lacrosse player Matt McNamara committed to playing division I lacrosse for the University of Binghamton. In his junior year McNamara caught the attention of the Bearcats’ head coach Ed Stephenson who offered McNamara a partial scholarship. “It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” stated McNamara, “being able to go to a school that stresses academics and getting to play lacrosse, you can’t ask for much more.”

18 Years Ago (1989)

OHS swimming standout Brandy Nettles accepted a full swimming scholarship to St. Bonaventure. Nettles held every girls swim record except the 100 yard backstroke and diving. During her four years of competition in the Empire State Games, Nettles won five bronze medals and four of each gold and silver medals. After her stellar performance in the 1986 AAU Junior Olympics where she won seven gold medals and set five national records for her age group, Nettles was featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd.”

20 Years Ago (1987)

19

Callen Rewrites Record Book colleges around the country are looking at Callen.

“I plan on going to a division III school. A lot of At Oswego High School, many students tend to people get confused by that. The reason I want to think that all of our sports are mediocre. This is not go division III is because I want to go to nationals always the case however, as we have a very success- and be an All-American and I think some of those ful swim team led by Hilary Callen. Callen, a senior, schools give me the best chance to do that.” Currently is arguably the most successful athlete at OHS. Dennison College in Ohio is tops on Callen’s list.

After years of competing for OHS and gaining Callen’s success is what pushes her to achieve more. “It means a lot to me, I’ve worked really hard to so many accomplishments and memories, Callen come so far. I’ve swam for 14 years and I wanted to go finds it hard to narrow it down to one great achievement. “That’s a out with a bang.” tough one, probCallen did go out with a bang as a “See how much we train and how a bly t h i s ye a r senior. She won much effort we put in. I know there are finishing top ten in states. All the meets, and broke the 500 meter free- people sweating and out of breath on other years I was constantly finishstyle record all on a field, but we work just as hard...” around 17th, it her way to com- --Hilary Callen ing felt really good to peting in the state Class of 2008 be in the top 10.” cha mpionsh ips.

Callen credits a lot of success to her teammates. “We’re She wishes swimming would get more respect really close, sort of like a family,” said Callen, “I look to them for a lot of encouragement.” in the athletic community. She would tell some of A lot of people may wonder what kind of train- the students who don’t give swimming its due, “See ing it takes to be such a successful high school how much we train and how much effort we put in. athlete. “I swim six days a week for high school, I know there are people sweating and out of breath five for my club team. We probably swim about on a field, but we work just as hard. Come watch 6,000 yards in a day, plus the dry land workouts some meets and you’ll realize how hard we work.”

When Callen graduates from Oswego she will be we do,” explained Callen. “It’s a big commitment, a lot of people think you can just jump in a pool recognized as one of the greatest swimmers ever to go and start swimming, but there’s a big difference through Oswego High School. She has been one of the between a doggie paddle and actually competing.” most accomplished athletes in recent history and we will As with most successful athletes in high school, most likely be hearing more about her in the years to come.

By Ryan Galloway Sports Writer

The OHS football team was awarded the first annual Francis J. Clark Memorial Sportsmanship Award. The award is given every year to the team that exhibits the best sportsmanship.

The award is named after Francis Clark, an official who died during a game in Baldwinsville.

Coach Erwin Dewey stated, “I thought it was great. At the beginning of the season I told my team I wanted to win it. It’s the top award. It’s a good award for the team, school, and community; it speaks well for the City of Oswego.”

25 Years Ago (1982)

Fourteen soccer stars from OHS made allleague after both the boys’ and girls’ teams won their leagues. There were seven selections for first-team including Mary Fitzgibbons, Donna Clark, Mary Reardon, Demetri Andritsakis, and Russ Martin. Making the second-team were Debbie Kells, Robyn Campbell, Sandra Sharkey, Doug Manwaring, and Scott Mauer. Laura Witkowski, Dani Martin, Michelle Soucy, and Mike Coon made the honorable mention list.

Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2007

Page 19 Nikki Carroll Walks the Plank Page 18 Entertainment Pages 14-16

Photo by Morganne Atutis Graphic Illustration by Fred MAxon