With the release of their 11th studio album, Phish has reminded us that there is more to look forward to than the cookie cutter music of artists akin to Miley Cyrus and Jay Sean. Joy, which was self released September 8, seems to be a more serious take on Phish’s music. Could it be that it was because they turned 25 last November? It's possible, the album celebrates as well as looks back on all the years they have experienced together. The lead track expresses this clearly, “Backwards Down The Number Line” starts with ‘Happy happy, oh my friend/Blow out candles once again’. Joy’s lyrics draw from ideas about dealing with drug addiction to the death of Trey’s sister after her long battle with cancer and even singing about ocelots. As far as the signature jamming Phish is known for, the album is somewhat lacking as most of their studio albums are. The track “Time Turns Elastic” is a noteworthy jam song, although more of a “constructed progressive rock opus”, it runs thirteen minutes long, and it was recorded live in the studio over the course of 278 takes. Personally I think it was worth the time because it is a close to studio perfection as they come. This album is worth taking a look at for sure, but if you are not familiar with the music of Phish, it is not a true gage of their caliber. If you really want to understand Phish, take a look at their live album “Slip, Stitch, and Pass”.
More Than A Pleasure, A Real Joy
by Will Hastings
With the release of their 11th studio album, Phish has reminded us that there is more to look forward to than the cookie cutter music of artists akin to Miley Cyrus and Jay Sean. Joy, which was self released September 8, seems to be a more serious take on Phish’s music. Could it be that it was because they turned 25 last November? It's possible, the album celebrates as well as looks back on all the years they have experienced together. The lead track expresses this clearly, “Backwards Down The Number Line” starts with ‘Happy happy, oh my friend/Blow out candles once again’. Joy’s lyrics draw from ideas about dealing with drug addiction to the death of Trey’s sister after her long battle with cancer and even singing about ocelots. As far as the signature jamming Phish is known for, the album is somewhat lacking as most of their studio albums are. The track “Time Turns Elastic” is a noteworthy jam song, although more of a “constructed progressive rock opus”, it runs thirteen minutes long, and it was recorded live in the studio over the course of 278 takes. Personally I think it was worth the time because it is a close to studio perfection as they come. This album is worth taking a look at for sure, but if you are not familiar with the music of Phish, it is not a true gage of their caliber. If you really want to understand Phish, take a look at their live album “Slip, Stitch, and Pass”.
With the release of their 11th studio album, Phish has reminded us that there is more to look forward to than the cookie cutter music of artists akin to Miley Cyrus and Jay Sean. Joy, which was self released September 8, seems to be a more serious take on Phish’s music. Could it be that it was because they turned 25 last November? It's possible, the album celebrates as well as looks back on all the years they have experienced together. The lead track expresses this clearly, “Backwards Down The Number Line” starts with ‘Happy happy, oh my friend/Blow out candles once again’. Joy’s lyrics draw from ideas about dealing with drug addiction to the death of Trey’s sister after her long battle with cancer and even singing about ocelots. As far as the signature jamming Phish is known for, the album is somewhat lacking as most of their studio albums are. The track “Time Turns Elastic” is a noteworthy jam song, although more of a “constructed progressive rock opus”, it runs thirteen minutes long, and it was recorded live in the studio over the course of 278 takes. Personally I think it was worth the time because it is a close to studio perfection as they come. This album is worth taking a look at for sure, but if you are not familiar with the music of Phish, it is not a true gage of their caliber. If you really want to understand Phish, take a look at their live album “Slip, Stitch, and Pass”.
Parade Stops Traffic
by Caitlyn Madore and Colleen Britain
A long line of floats paraded through the center of Contoocook last Friday, holding up local, visiting, and Fed Ex drivers for about 30 minutes. Each of the four classes were represented by a theme voted on by the class; freshman, fiesta; sophomores, Star Wars; juniors, Romans; and seniors, pirates. The middle school and teachers were also represented.
The traditional elaborateness of the float by the seniors went as planned, with a working mast and spinning wooden wheel. It took tons of effort by the class to build it, including a late night stay at HMC and a noise complaint by nearby neighbors sending Officer Arsenault to the sight. “It was funny because at first he thought we had stolen all of the lumber and we had to convince him with a receipt that we had bought it earlier that day from Home Depot”, commented Noah Booth.
Halfway through the parade, the juniors abandoned their Roman Capital, running, walking, and fighting their way to the High School with marooned pirates and rejected Star Wars characters. It was a unique display for all who came out to watch the annual homecoming parade. “It was fun. Especially when there was a massive sword fight between the Star Wars characters, Romans, and pirates, although a sword would have come in handy!”, recalls Libby Wetterer.
Although, the Mexican celebrants were forced to stay on their float because of high walls, their high spirits didn’t falter throughout the parade. They had high-energy music leading it throughout the town for all of the spectators. It was a lesson to be learned for the newest high schoolers, but don’t worry, they get better each year!
First Goal Scored 29 Seconds In
by Christina Hurley
Newport was not expecting the Hopkinton Varsity Field Hockey team to come out with such brute force; Danielle Gonzales scored the first goal scored 29 seconds into the game. The adrenaline was flowing as the team ran back for high-fives expecting more goals to come. As the game continued the ball went back and forth over the 50 mark, then the referee called a warning on Abby Lunau for pushing one of the Newport girls. Shortly after Mimi Ramsdell was taken out of the game accused with shoving and given a yellow card. During the first half of the game the Hopkinton team started to realize that the ref was calling unfairly. Less than two minutes later the ref called yet another yellow card on Margareta York for shoving when she only tripped into another girl. Now left with only 9 players on the field vs. 11, Hopkinton still held their ground and overcame the loss of the two players; keeping the defense strong. The second half of the game began with all 11 players back on the field; Hannah Richards scored the other 3 goals. Half way through the second half of the game the ref calling unfair calls tripped, and hurt her leg. After the time out ended, her leg is wrapped in an ace bandage cast and she asked the teams if they would like to continue for the remaining 16 minutes and 54 seconds left or end the game. Hopkinton was given the decision and they decided to end the game 4 Hopkinton, 0 Newport. Miranda Murphy, a senior at Hopkinton and the varsity sweep, said, “It feels good to win on your last homecoming.”
Newport was not expecting the Hopkinton Varsity Field Hockey team to come out with such brute force; Danielle Gonzales scored the first goal scored 29 seconds into the game. The adrenaline was flowing as the team ran back for high-fives expecting more goals to come. As the game continued the ball went back and forth over the 50 mark, then the referee called a warning on Abby Lunau for pushing one of the Newport girls. Shortly after Mimi Ramsdell was taken out of the game accused with shoving and given a yellow card. During the first half of the game the Hopkinton team started to realize that the ref was calling unfairly. Less than two minutes later the ref called yet another yellow card on Margareta York for shoving when she only tripped into another girl. Now left with only 9 players on the field vs. 11, Hopkinton still held their ground and overcame the loss of the two players; keeping the defense strong. The second half of the game began with all 11 players back on the field; Hannah Richards scored the other 3 goals. Half way through the second half of the game the ref calling unfair calls tripped, and hurt her leg. After the time out ended, her leg is wrapped in an ace bandage cast and she asked the teams if they would like to continue for the remaining 16 minutes and 54 seconds left or end the game. Hopkinton was given the decision and they decided to end the game 4 Hopkinton, 0 Newport. Miranda Murphy, a senior at Hopkinton and the varsity sweep, said, “It feels good to win on your last homecoming.”
Dear Bertha
by Chiara Herlihy
Dear Bertha,
I’m a freshman and going to a high school dance is a new experience for me. I don’t know how I should dance, act or even dress. Do you have any tips you can give me on this? P.S. What about slow dances?
Sincerely, Dancing Dummy
Dear Dancing Dummy,
There are many differences between middle school and high school dances but the first thing you have to remember is that they are much bigger. Everyone is crammed together and the gym may feel like it’s a sauna so wear something comfortable that won’t give you heat stroke. Guys usually wear shirts and polos with shorts or jeans, while girls like to dress up a little in skirts or fun dresses. On the subject of dancing, remember not to take yourself too seriously and have fun. Dancing in a group is always a good time because you’re not as self-conscience and you can belt out all the songs you know. Since “dirty dancing” is not allowed at this school, it’s a good idea to stay away from it; you don’t want a teacher coming over and breaking up the crowd. If you’re thinking about asking someone to slow dance, don’t be nervous, the worst that could happen is that they will say no and you can move on. Both guys and girls ask people to dance, so no matter who you are, don’t be afraid to ask. If you aren’t with someone during a slow dance, don’t worry, sometimes that’s more fun than dancing with someone. Interpretive dance is a popular activity and it’s a good laugh as well. The most important thing you have to remember to do is to have fun because that is entire point of a dance.
Homecoming Bonfire: Now a Place for Non-athletes
by Carolyn Maynard
In previous years, the traditional bonfire portion of the homecoming activities was after the parade, and before the spaghetti dinner for the sports teams. This year, there was a change in the schedule. The bonfire and the dinner were at the same time.
Athletic director Mr. Meserve used to announce the sports teams and their members in front of the bonfire to the rest of the attendees. Since the dinner was at the same time, that didn’t happen this year. “Student council and Mr. Meserve felt that announcing the names again was repetitive since we did it at the pep rally that day,” said student council co-president Katie Babson.
The switching of the homecoming schedule made it difficult for students on sports teams to go to the bonfire. By the time most people were finished eating spaghetti, the bonfire was completely burned out. This didn’t faze some athletes. Cross country’s Ali Grise mentioned, “I might have stayed at the bonfire for a while if it had been there after the dinner, but I wasn’t too concerned about it. Usually it’s so cold and you don’t want to be outside waiting for food.” Most of homecoming is focused on the sports teams, so the bonfire has turned into a good place for students who aren’t on teams to have their own part of the celebrations.
Homecoming Dance
Homecoming Dance
by Katy White
On October 3rd Hopkinton High School held it’s annual homecoming dance. The dance took place from 7:30-10:00 in the HHS gym. The Varsity field hockey team dressed up as cowgirls and the JV field hockey team dressed up as nerds. When students were asked how the dance was, they replied “the music was bad, and the music videos that were being projected were out of sync with the music” Despite these comments, most people had a good time.
by Katy White
On October 3rd Hopkinton High School held it’s annual homecoming dance. The dance took place from 7:30-10:00 in the HHS gym. The Varsity field hockey team dressed up as cowgirls and the JV field hockey team dressed up as nerds. When students were asked how the dance was, they replied “the music was bad, and the music videos that were being projected were out of sync with the music” Despite these comments, most people had a good time.
You Gotta Have Pep!
by Cristina White
Fall sports teams were fired up in preparation for the Pep Rally. The players waited anxiously as Mr. Meserve announced each team. Once everyone was seated the games began. First off was the sack race. Players tripped and fell all over the place. The first event was followed by five others: Hopkinton Road Race on a tricycle, trivia, three-legged race, Apple Juice drinking competition, and Simon Says with Mr. Chase.
The three-legged race was a heated event. Tess Ferguson and Kaley Cook represented the Varsity Girls Soccer Team. “We didn’t practice much,” said
Soon after, the well-known trivia competition was held. Miranda Murphy helped out the Varsity Field Hockey Team in this event. “It was a lot of fun. Trivia isn’t like the other events that you can prep for, you just have to rely on your knowledge and your team to help you out,” Murphy said, “I picked trivia because it’s a laid back event and you don’t have to worry about something embarrassing happening to you.” Despite her hard work, the Soccer Teams took the win.
Mr. Chase completed the Pep Rally with his legendary game of Simon Says. Players fled back to their seats fairly quickly but Hallie Loft stuck it out and earned the High School Cross Country Team their only win. As this event ended the scores were tallied and the Varsity Boys Soccer Team took the victory.
Hopkinton Skate Park
By Mike Prisco
In 2003, our skate park was built after the death of Robby Carr and Jacob Shumway. It earned the name of Spirit Skate Park. It is made of lumber and plywood that has worn out after the years of all of the bikers, skaters, inline skaters, and scooter kids. There have been a lot of repairs done from the people who have built it and they still help fix all of the problems that has occurred through the years.
Spirit Skate Park is very nice and has well built ramps, but it also has its flaws. Will Hastings, a local who skateboards, says that our skate park should be organized more correctly for the skate boarders who skate there because all of the ramps are too close together. With the ramps being too close together, the people who go to the skate park struggle with the tricks they are doing. Will also said that it would be a great idea to build an extension that is more built for a skateboarder on our park.
In consensus from listening to all of the Hopkinton skate park kids; it has come to conclusion that it should be extended outwards because there is such little space. The extension would cause the field hockey field to move outwards about ten to fifteen feet. This would give the skate park the opportunity to build at least 4 to 5 new ramps. These ramps should be friendlier to skateboarders such as more kickers (jumps), tabletop ramps, and rails.
Goffstown has a skate park that has ramps that are better for skateboarders, but not for everybody else like bikers or kids who scooter. The Goffstown skate park has a lot of space, but there are not as much ramps as the skate park in Hopkinton. Goffstown wouldn’t be a good place to go instead of the Hopkinton skate park, so the extension would be a great idea to get more people to skate or bike there. If the Hopkinton skate park built an extension, it would attract more people and donations could be thrown in to help repair all of the ramps and to save up for more charities to make the Hopkinton skate park one of the best in New Hampshire.
Carlos Carlos Carlos
By Tim Glanville
Coming from Ecuador, Carlos has become one of the most well known exchange students throughout the school. His presence is welcoming with a good sense of humor, giving any person he meets a good smile or laugh brightening up anybody’s day. Although he's catching onto our culture and language, he has still included his kind of style and antics towards our everyday lives which many students have come to admire. Carlos has defiantly tried many things in his stay, such as joining the Varsity Boys Soccer Team. He may not be a superstar at the sport of soccer, but Carlos has come to comply to the sport, giving his time and desire to play. Some students have introduced him to American foods and drinks, often inviting him to restaurants like Dimitiri's and Red Apple Buffet. Coca Cola is his favorite drink. Having one almost everyday has becoming a daily routine for Carlos. His personal desire for Coca Cola has influenced many other students to drink Coke throughout the school day. So far throughout the year Carlos has be seen from time to time, giving a funny saying or just a friendly hello. If it’s one thing we all know about Carlos, it’s that he will kindly embrace our lives and be himself.
By Tim Glanville
Coming from Ecuador, Carlos has become one of the most well known exchange students throughout the school. His presence is welcoming with a good sense of humor, giving any person he meets a good smile or laugh brightening up anybody’s day. Although he's catching onto our culture and language, he has still included his kind of style and antics towards our everyday lives which many students have come to admire. Carlos has defiantly tried many things in his stay, such as joining the Varsity Boys Soccer Team. He may not be a superstar at the sport of soccer, but Carlos has come to comply to the sport, giving his time and desire to play. Some students have introduced him to American foods and drinks, often inviting him to restaurants like Dimitiri's and Red Apple Buffet. Coca Cola is his favorite drink. Having one almost everyday has becoming a daily routine for Carlos. His personal desire for Coca Cola has influenced many other students to drink Coke throughout the school day. So far throughout the year Carlos has be seen from time to time, giving a funny saying or just a friendly hello. If it’s one thing we all know about Carlos, it’s that he will kindly embrace our lives and be himself.
Soldiers in Camp Keating
by Kayti Komisarek
Camp Keating is located in an Afghan Valley, just ten miles from the Pakistan boarder. Camp Keating is a US base, soldiers sent there don’t ask questions why they are there, or what they are doing there. Since they are in a valley they are attacked randomly all the time, stuck firing back blindly. Soldiers refer to Camp Keating as Ambush Alley, they find themselves vulnerable, like sitting ducks.
The other day Sgt. Vernon Martin was killed while being the over night look out, he leaves behind a wife and three kids. Martin’s uncle questions why he was even there in the first place. Attacks happen at all times of the day and happen with all kinds of weapons, in 2006 an American Blackhawk helicopter that was bringing food and supplies was almost taken down, since then helicopters were ordered to land no closer then a three hour walk. These soldiers were sent to secure the roads and connect the central government in Kabul and Nuristan.
Neighboring villages are left scared, hearing gun fire all day and all night. Some airstrick attacks have injured innocent civilians and villages on the other side of the valley.
Are Small Dairy Farms in trouble?
by Josh Bourassa
The short answer is yes, farms are in trouble. To understand why, we need to look at how milk is produced in America.
Dean foods is the largest fluid processor of raw milk in America. They process almost 90% of the country’s raw milk that goes into the stores. Dean’s profits have gone up 35% over the past two quarters. They say its because the milk prices are so low. The middleman is going to kill the small dairies across the nation. And they don’t realize that it is the small farmers that are keeping the super farms alive. The bigger farms depend on the small farms to harvest their crops for them because they only have time to milk and that’s all they do 24-7.
The farmers are getting less money then it takes to make a gallon of milk. While the big corporate giants like Dean are taking advantage of the raw milk prices. Because the small farms are losing money on the gallon of milk they produce they are falling behind on the repair bills and fuel bills it takes to run the farm. Because they are falling behind they cant keep spending money. That is why a lot of the small dairies are selling everything. From being 20 dollars last January they have fallen 50 % to 10 dollars a hundred weight.
How to Deal
by Dorothy England
I remember being a preteen, thinking I was so cool, loudly exclaiming, ' shoo fly, don't bother me' to my younger brothers when I just couldn't handle their obnoxious comments and gross noises. Nowadays, I've matured, a little at least to handling my pet peeves and irritability. One thing that really disgusts me is seeing chewed up gum in a trash can. It used to be that I would get an uneasy feeling in my stomach and I would have to cover that disgusting ABC goo. Now though, I've figured how to deal...I just look away. Yeah, I might cringe at the sight, but at least it's only a second of feeling icky, and luckily I don't feel my lunch coming back to visit.
In an attempt to hopefully realize I wasn't the only one with pet peeves, I asked a few people to share their own pet peeves. Josie Therrien mentioned that she hates it when people get on her bed with dirty feet. She checks people's feet beforehand and if their feet are magnets for dirt, she asks them to wash their feet before they get on. When asked what would really annoy her concerning this issue, she said that if someone didn't obey and wash their feet, like her little cousins sometimes do. Bookie Fisk also has a pet peeve. He said it's really annoying when someone is clearly wrong but they just don't admit it and/or when someone is lying and it's obvious that it's untrue. He deals with it by confronting them and telling them what he thinks.
Even teachers have pet peeves, proving it's a two way street; we annoy them and they annoy us. Mr. Zipke admitted that he really dislikes it when people use the word senioritis and also when it's put into action.
I guess it's just another part of growing up, because at one time or another we're all going to have our buttons pushed. It's the times where we can just relax and take the time to enjoy ourselves, that's what we look forward to, and that's what makes us get through the day, pet peeves and all.
I remember being a preteen, thinking I was so cool, loudly exclaiming, ' shoo fly, don't bother me' to my younger brothers when I just couldn't handle their obnoxious comments and gross noises. Nowadays, I've matured, a little at least to handling my pet peeves and irritability. One thing that really disgusts me is seeing chewed up gum in a trash can. It used to be that I would get an uneasy feeling in my stomach and I would have to cover that disgusting ABC goo. Now though, I've figured how to deal...I just look away. Yeah, I might cringe at the sight, but at least it's only a second of feeling icky, and luckily I don't feel my lunch coming back to visit.
In an attempt to hopefully realize I wasn't the only one with pet peeves, I asked a few people to share their own pet peeves. Josie Therrien mentioned that she hates it when people get on her bed with dirty feet. She checks people's feet beforehand and if their feet are magnets for dirt, she asks them to wash their feet before they get on. When asked what would really annoy her concerning this issue, she said that if someone didn't obey and wash their feet, like her little cousins sometimes do. Bookie Fisk also has a pet peeve. He said it's really annoying when someone is clearly wrong but they just don't admit it and/or when someone is lying and it's obvious that it's untrue. He deals with it by confronting them and telling them what he thinks.
Even teachers have pet peeves, proving it's a two way street; we annoy them and they annoy us. Mr. Zipke admitted that he really dislikes it when people use the word senioritis and also when it's put into action.
I guess it's just another part of growing up, because at one time or another we're all going to have our buttons pushed. It's the times where we can just relax and take the time to enjoy ourselves, that's what we look forward to, and that's what makes us get through the day, pet peeves and all.
Slow and Steady Wins the Game
by Mimi Ramsdell
The Hopkinton Varsity Girls Soccer Team added another win to their record this homecoming. In a 2-0 win against Hillsboro, Gabby Forrester and Jenny White each scored. While the Hawks dominated the entire game, it was not until near the end of the first half that the Hawks scored. “It just took us a little longer to get the job done,” explained Preeya Nobis. “We took a lot of shots on net at first, but just could not get the ball in.”
After Forrester’s first goal, White scored, from 40 yards away, securing the Hawk’s lead. “Jenny’s goal was intense and very impressive,” teammate Katie Babson recalled. It appears that due to the rain, the ball slipped out of the goalie’s hands, allowing the second goal.
This win helped Hopkinton’s record, now 8-1-1. The Hawks are looking for a strong finish to the season and hopefully making their way deep into the tournament.
The Hopkinton Varsity Girls Soccer Team added another win to their record this homecoming. In a 2-0 win against Hillsboro, Gabby Forrester and Jenny White each scored. While the Hawks dominated the entire game, it was not until near the end of the first half that the Hawks scored. “It just took us a little longer to get the job done,” explained Preeya Nobis. “We took a lot of shots on net at first, but just could not get the ball in.”
After Forrester’s first goal, White scored, from 40 yards away, securing the Hawk’s lead. “Jenny’s goal was intense and very impressive,” teammate Katie Babson recalled. It appears that due to the rain, the ball slipped out of the goalie’s hands, allowing the second goal.
This win helped Hopkinton’s record, now 8-1-1. The Hawks are looking for a strong finish to the season and hopefully making their way deep into the tournament.
Spaghetti on the Ready
by Dan Lux & Brandon Mansfield
As the homecoming parade drew to an end, each class float would unload and people would enthusiastically get off. Some would take the decorations off the float and others would group together to talk. As for the fall athletes, they would scope out one another and group together for the annual spaghetti dinner. This spaghetti dinner is served to just the athletes that are participating in fall sports to take in energy for playing the next day. As the teams came together they would depart to the back entrance to the school for sign in. As they went through the line they would grab a plate and one after another parent would give you spaghetti, followed by the sauce (optional), along with a bread stick or two, a handful of salad (optional). For dessert you would get an ice cream sandwich and a choice of drinks that they would choose from, which includes: water, chocolate milk, whole and 2% milk or orange juice.
As they got their food they would sit down with their teams and talk about things like the game that would be held the next day and anything else they had in common. The coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers were allowed to eat as well and they potentially sat with the other coaches. When the teams were done eating they headed outside to the bonfire. If the bonfire didn’t hold their interest they took their separate ways and as for the field hockey team, they would gather for their annual team scavenger hunt.
As they got their food they would sit down with their teams and talk about things like the game that would be held the next day and anything else they had in common. The coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers were allowed to eat as well and they potentially sat with the other coaches. When the teams were done eating they headed outside to the bonfire. If the bonfire didn’t hold their interest they took their separate ways and as for the field hockey team, they would gather for their annual team scavenger hunt.
Scoring some Hawt Hawk Goals
by Dorothy England
Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2:30 pm, here at the high school, the Varsity Boys Soccer team played a victorious homecoming game, winning 4 to 1. They played against Hillsborough in the wet and mucky weather, and the players admitted that while playing was difficult because the field was slippery, it was still a good game. Regardless of the weather, a lot of fans showed up, ready for the game, umbrellas and all.
The team's top player was Carter Rouleau who scored all four goals. Eric Kilens and Adam Coen were hurt the second half of the game, displaying their intensity. Not only at this game either. Their status is 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie this season so far.
Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2:30 pm, here at the high school, the Varsity Boys Soccer team played a victorious homecoming game, winning 4 to 1. They played against Hillsborough in the wet and mucky weather, and the players admitted that while playing was difficult because the field was slippery, it was still a good game. Regardless of the weather, a lot of fans showed up, ready for the game, umbrellas and all.
The team's top player was Carter Rouleau who scored all four goals. Eric Kilens and Adam Coen were hurt the second half of the game, displaying their intensity. Not only at this game either. Their status is 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie this season so far.
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