The Gong Guardian A BRC Affiliate
Buck’s Rock Creative and Performing Arts Camp/ Friday, July 5th 2013/ Vol. 01 Num. 01
Puncturing the Buck’s Rock Bubble By Molly DeVries
I’ve often heard it said that Buck’s Rock is a “bubble”. It is pretty easy to say that we’re almost completely cut off from the outside world. Instead, we are immersed in a culture of glassblowing and wild theatrics, of laundry carnival and fleen. This summer, the results of The
“There’s important stuff happening in the world that we should know about” 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee auditions spread like wildfire, but even three days after the Supreme Court rulings on the Voting Rights Act, DOMA, and Proposition 8, my fellow CITs and campers knew nothing. Anna Davidge, a second year camper and active LGBTQ ally, knew nothing about the rulings until I mentioned them to her a few days later. In fact, most of the people I notified had no idea that history had just been made a mere few hundred miles away. While Anna has a fond appreciation for the Buck’s Rock bubble, she feels that it is necessary that Buck’s Rockers stay connected to the outside world and keep up with the news. “There’s important stuff happening in the world that we should know about,” she lamented, and I couldn’t agree more. So how do we fix this problem? Do we shove copies of The New York Times in everyone’s faces? Do we make news announcements over the loudspeaker? Perhaps the only solution is to take it upon ourselves to remain aware and make it out responsibility to keep our peers aware as well. The second we share news with a fellow camper or counselor, we can almost be sure it will spread quickly. When it comes to spreading important news, being a busybody is the way to go.
Gone series review Upcoming events By Sara Miller
There is a lot I can say about the Gone series: long, interesting, really gross sometimes, but the best word to describe it is bizarre. A mysterious dome covers a small beach town in California one day, making everyone fifteen and over disappear. Of course, the children left inside panic and start to loot stores, fight between themselves, and even kill others. One character calls this the FAYZ, the Fallout Alley Youth Zone, and the name of this phenomenon is created. A fourteen-year-old boy ends up becoming the leader and protector of the children inside the FAYZ, along with Edilio, a good organizer, and Astrid, a formidable and aloof girl called Astrid the Genius. They end up trying to control the chaos that reigns. It gets even worse when some children discover that they have superpowers, from making light come from your hands to telekinesis. The children have to survive many things throughout the course of the series, from starvation and rivalries with other kids with superpowers to stranger things, like the unknown horror that caused the FAYZ to happen. The kids must find a way to survive in this environment and realize they may not get out alive. What I like most about this book is that it never ceases to surprise me, good and bad. The first book starts off relatively normal for such a strange concept, and I enjoyed it. The characters were compelling and I read it in a day. The best part about the book was the characters. A good writing tip is that the characters are the most important, more so than plot because they as people influence the plot. This is true in Gone and I wanted to read more. The first book was definitely the best. It introduced intriguing characters, an amazing plot, and plenty of action and violence. Things went downhill from there. What I didn’t like as much was the violence and gore. At first, I was okay with it. I love The Walking Dead, Stephen King, and horror movies. I thought I could handle it, but as the series went on, I felt horrified and disgusted by some of the content in it. Characters die cruelly and horribly, and in grotesque ways. The plot is kind of strange and elaborate, but if you’re willing to read it, it turns very interesting. I can’t talk about it without giving away spoilers, but it kept me waiting excitedly for the next book.
see GONE SERIES REVIEW, pg 2
Dinner and Apocalypse Saturday, July 6th, 7:15pm and 9:00pm @ Actors Studio Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig Wednesday, July 10th, 8:30pm @ Summer Theatre Rock Cafe I Thursday, July 11th, 8:00pm @ The Pavilion Arms and the Man Saturday, July 13th, 7:15pm and 9:00pm @ Actors Studio Chamber Music Recital Sunday, July 14th, 8:00pm @ The Pavilion Video Showcase I Monday, July 15th, 8:00pm @ The Pavilion Spelling Bee Tuesday, July 16th, 8:30pm @ Summer Theatre Clown I Wednesday, July 17th, 7:15pm and 9:00pm @ Actors Studio
In This Issue Horoscope
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Chris Forby Weather Forecast
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Prop 8 and DOMA
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BR Word Jumble
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BR Crossword
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A Day in the History
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Friday, July 5th 2013
pitch perfect review By Josie Efird I have always believed that if you can tell the ending of a movie within the first ten minutes, it is not worth watching. Of course, there are occasional and select groups of films that defy this concept, but Jason Moore’s Pitch Perfect is not one of them. The story centers on a group of college girls in an a capella competition who have previously lost the finals after the lead singer throws up on stage in a manner that was obviously edited. Now a new group of untalented teammates must salvage their clubs disastrous reputation. What destroys the quality of the movie is the fact that the ending is obvious in those first few minutes. So, instead of an engaging plot, we have to put up with the auto tuned singing of songs we have heard a million times. In those first few minutes, when we meet the irritating and stereotypical Beca Mitchell, we know there will somehow be a love related side plot. In a way, I can give the film credit, for it does acknowledge its cliché plotline. This, however, does not make up for the lack of originality that this film oh so needs. The director continues to give us a movie you will enjoy most after a long day at work: a mindless piece of television that can hardly be called film. For fans of Mean Girls this is a movie for you, a movie with an occasional laugh and small cute moments that never amount to anything and a story where the only thing keeping you from achieving your seemingly important, but truthfully irrelevant goals, is a mean blond girl with control issues. This leaves us all to sarcastically say to ourselves, “What a hard life you live.” At other points, the audience is asked to feel sorry for the main character when she is given a free ride to college, and is angry at her father when he explains that she can do whatever she wants as long as she has an education. On a final note, I want to point out that throughout the movie the television show Glee is indirectly criticized. The judgment of this show is quite ironic because the movie merely mirrors its stereotypical attitude and corny nature. Like Glee, the movie gives you a feeling that you are still confined in the oppressive walls of high school, when the setting is actually in the open world of college. Unfortunately, you are stuck in a story that circles around and around, but never actually goes anywhere. It ends up being just another predictable comedy that will be quickly forgotten.
Horoscope By Anna Davidge Aquarius (1/20-2/18) Although seemingly irrational ideas may not work at first, it is always possible to make adjustments to get something just how you want it. TIP: In the Creative Writing Workshops, surrealism and absurdity are always welcomed. Pisces (2/19-3/20) When you become a part of a group and work together, you always produce something great. Try doing something independently in the next few days. TIP: Evening activities are a great place to work with other people! Aries (3/21-4/19) You may be more impulsive in the coming weeks. Go with the flow and try something new! TIP: Be careful with glue guns, fire, and other things that have a slight chance of causing pain. Taurus (4/20-5/20) The stars suggest that a friend will need your help soon. Take care that you do not become too absorbed in your own projects. TIP: Keep looking for things you can do to be helpful (cough*Pub*cough).
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GONE SERIES REVIEW, pg 1 The books also kept getting longer, which annoyed me. Longer doesn’t always mean better, and there were many parts that could be cut out. The best parts were the characterization and the worst parts were the excessive violence and convoluted plot. Overall, I suggest the first three books of the series, but if you get addicted like I did, read on. I give it three and a half stars.
Gemini (5/21-6/20) Your life in the coming weeks will be very busy with multiple commitments; so don’t let yourself get stretched too thin. TIP: In order to keep stable and solid, try to prioritize. Do what you want to remember. Cancer (6/21-7/22) There may be possible conflicts in your future if you let your confidence get the best of you. Keep calm and carry on! TIP: Things always change. Stay true to your moral compass. Leo (7/23-8/22) Venus will bring out the charming side of your personality soon. Speak your mind and people will definitely listen. Keep being proud of the work you are doing. TIP: Your natural affinity for the spotlight might lead you to theatre or another performing art. Virgo (8/23-9/22) Your natural independence could harm you in the coming weeks. Accept help if you need or want it. TIP: Try going to Animal Farm to let out your nurturing side. Libra (9/23-10/22) Letting your friends down by saying no has always scared you. Like the scale that represents your sign, try to have balance in every aspect of your life. TIP: Try going to a shop where you need to have good balanceperhaps Puppetry? Scorpio (10/23-11/21) The laser like focus you have worked so hard to develop needs a break. Try to relax and take a break. TIP: The hammock just outside Pub is probably the most relaxing place at camp. Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) Natural impatience makes you work quickly and efficiently, but sometimes it is good to slow down. TIP: Take your time in wood when you sand - you don’t want any splinters. Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Ambition forces you to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Although you want a lot of attention, try to let others be in the spotlight. TIP: It is always really important to work backstage, and LSD always needs people.
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PROP 8 and doma By Josie Efird June 26, 2013 is a day that will be marked in our nation’s history, for it is on that day that two major strides were made in legalizing same sex marriage. Hollingsworth vs. Perry In 2008, the California Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. Shortly after this ruling a bill proposed, called Proposition 8, challenged this ruling. The bill banned same sex marriages from taking place in California. Proposition 8’s campaign was extensive, becoming the most highly funded of that year, reaching $44.1 million donated to ban homosexual marriage. Despite fines and allegations that campaign moneys had not been disclosed, the bill still passed with 52.24% of California voting against marriage equality. This makes California the first state to take rights away from its Gay and Lesbian Citizens. Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier, a lesbian couple, and Paul Katami and Jeffrey Zarri, a gay couple, were both denied a marriage license because they happened to be of the same sex. The couples sued the state, and after an extensive appeal process, went to the Supreme Court in March to defend their rights. The couples won their case in a five to four vote. United States vs. Windsor DOMA (the defense of marriage act) is a federal law that prohibits the states from recognizing same sex marriage. The bill was introduced by Republicans in 1996 and passed by large majorities, eventually being signed into law by President Clinton who later would advocate for its repeal. A lesbian couple that had married in Ontario, Canada, Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer’s common law marriage was recognized by the United States. However, after Spyer died Windsor was not allowed marriage benefits. Under the third clause of DOMA she was not allowed benefits. She brought a suit against the federal government saying she was discriminated against. Again she won her case in a five to four vote.
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This was discrimination enshrined in law.
The rulings were met with cheers outside of the Supreme Court building where protesters had been gathered. The couples involved left the Supreme Court building holding their arms together in victory. Celebrations instantly erupted through- out the nation. President Obama expressed happiness about the ruling saying, “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people.” While it is important to recognize there is still plenty of work to be done. We now live in a country where thirty percent of the population is free to marry whom ever they chose.
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Friday, July 5th 2013
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a normal day at buck’s rock word search
WORD BANK Animal Farm Batik Book Arts Buck’s Rock Ceramics Clown Computers Costume Culinary Arts Dance Flameworking Glassblowing Lighting and Sound
Metals Painting Photography Printmaking Publications Puppetry Radio Sculpture Set Design Sewing Silkscreening Studio 59 Theatre
Video Weaving Woodshop
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Young Adult Fiction For Girls: Why I Love and Hate It Ah, young adult fiction. What teenage girl doesn’t dream of a handsome, rude guy who’s a werewolf/vampire/fallen angel/demon hunter/outcast? Maybe a few, including me. But apparently lots do, and that’s the majority of books for teenage girls nowadays. Why the same topic of love, rehashed as paranormal, chick lit, historical fiction, and scifi? Only a few years before, YA fiction wasn’t even a genre, but now every bookstore has a section of books that have teenage boys with muscles and smoldering eyes or a beautiful girl on the covers. Almost every YA book has some kind of love interest, and almost all of them are obnoxious, annoying twits, sometimes with a helping of love triangle with the boy-next-door character. But why? Why is literature now made up of these kinds of books? Girls often dream of love. Whether they openly flirt or take a quick peek at boys doesn’t matter, it comes down to that. Besides writing heartfelt poetry or venting to your friends at a sleepover, they read romantic books. Hormonal teenage girls want loves of their own, even if they’re fictional. It’s the same idea with celebrities. Deep inside, they know they will never meet the celebrity, but it’s nice to dream that they could actually date them.
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By Sara Miller
Girls also like the dark mysterious boys. Even in real life, girls fall for the bad boys, no matter the consequences, and can skip over the nicer ones. There is just an allure to them that girls feel, even me. At school most of my crushes are on popular jerks that I know will never talk to me, except to ask if they can copy my homework. I can’t help it. I know they aren’t being nice to me, but I’m still attracted. In YA fiction, I can live out the fantasy where that kind of unattainable boy can fall in love with a normal girl like me. It raises my self-esteem and makes me feel better about myself. For a short time, I can believe that a world like that exists. That’s what other girls feel when reading those types of books. But reading these books is not such a good thing. It creates a false expectation of how relationships should work. Even if the author didn’t mean to, the boy can be mean, abusive, or just plain stupid. Real relationships don’t consist of falling in love at first sight. There is initial attraction, see continued, pg.5
“GIRLS OFTEN DREAM OF LOVE. WHETHER THEY OPENLY FLIRT OR TAKE A QUICK PEEK AT BOYS...”
Friday, July 5th 2013
YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR GIRLS, PG.4 and as the people involved get to know each other better, they can become boyfriend and girlfriend. YA fiction completely breaks this rule and creates a vision of falling at first sight and ignoring that the boy may be aloof and hostile. Eventually he will come around and start to like her too. In a book I read, the boy the main character fell in love with gave her the finger when she looked at him. Yet they still end up being happily in love. When this happens in real life it’s bad. Girls with these ideas will desperately fall in love with these kinds of boys and could get in trouble. Often in these books, their love is deep and true, and the couple will do anything for each other. It is also conceivable in these books that they could break the law or do something dangerous and it would all turn out okay. In real life, things don’t always work out so perfectly.
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the daily riddle
1. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?
2. What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
3. I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man can’t hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?
4. I’m tall when I’m young and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
5. What has hands but can not clap?
6. What can you catch but not throw?
an idea... AHere’s DAY IN THE HISTORY
7. What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it?
We n e e d
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1. A towel 2. A stamp 3. Breath 4. A candle 5. A clock 6. A cold 7. Silence
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1937
- Brightest the luncheon wri t eSpam, rs supernova meat, was introduced (Crab Nebula) i l l u s t rinto a t o r the s market by 1st reported. the Hormel Foods d e s i Corporation. gners Bright Yummy, indeed, but lovable, fun. Spam photograp hers dim by the introduced the concept standards of of immortality to tants Cam Nadler’s p r o d u c t i o n a s s i sshelf life. ego. and YOUR ideas
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- 1st recorded tornado in US (Essex County, Massachusetts). One day prior was the infamous Jalapeño Chili Bean Dip Festival. Tornado reported to have funky smells emanating from within.
Meetings : Saturdays at 9am
1954
1963
- 1st Beatle tune to hit US charts, Del Shannon “From Me to You” at #87. Buck’s Rock immediately plays 4,000 times.
- The BBC broadcasts its first television news bulletin. “This is a start on something we regard as extremely significant for the future,” as said by BBC director Sir Ian Jacob. Lucky guess, Sir Ian.
2013
- BRC News broadcasts first weekly videocast. “This is a start on something we regard as extremely significant for the future,” as said by Sir Dan Cripps. Well said, Sir Dan.
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