I and Love and You, the album review

By: Will Hastings



Moody, serious, and more sophisticated are all words that were used to describe “I and Love and You” the new album released on September 29, 2009 by the Avett Brothers. You know what its possible that the Avett Brothers have earned the right to have become more matured. After thirteen studio albums and a decade of self-promoting their shows and albums, the recognition they have been searching for has finally begun to arrive. The album has been hailed by fans as “an album of the year”, which isn’t to far off. The album has a slow start with ballad tunes such as “I and Love and You”; the album progress onto tunes such as “Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise” with lyrics that do more than please the ear, they make you stop and think about the meaning.

There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what's wrong and what's right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I'm frightened by those that don't see it

When nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn't change by the man that's elected
If you're loved by someone, you're never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it.

By the end the song tempo picks up and songs such as “Kick Drum Heart” and “Slight Figure Of Speech” live up to the bands folk-punk and grunge grass categorizations. Overall the album is fantastic, most certainly worth taking a look at regardless of your musical tastes.

Gimme Shelter

by Jake Lessels

The sidewalk in front of the state house in Concord last Friday, November 6 was filled with more than one hundred people. These people came from all over New Hampshire, from various peace groups and church organizations. This being its 12th annual gathering, Gimme Shelter has been constantly growing in popularity. The event is to gain awareness of homelessness in the Concord and Manchester area. The hundred-something group started by making their shelters fro the night, they would be sleeping in cardboard structures to simulate the real experiences that actual homeless people go through every night.
Throughout the night, several people spoke to the semi-circle formed on the cold cement. These people ranged from the heads of the event to New England College Peace Club students and also a few of the homeless that were in attendance. The masterminds, Marta Yager and Molly Messenger behind the operation told the crowd what their group, the American Friends Service Committee, does for the homeless population in New Hampshire. The AFSC helps families get into homes, helping homeless on the streets with food and many more great tasks. Some students from NEC read poems about the struggles that homeless people face everyday. There were several homeless and recovering homeless people that told their stories and stories of fellow homeless friends that had lost their life to the streets
At around six in the morning, the boxes started to stir, people emerged, chilled to the bone. Many of the event goers will likely never forget this experience and every time they go by the state house they can lean over to say to their friend, I’ve slept there before. Your friend will probably say “What? Are you nuts?” And you will tell them it was for a good cause and it was a lot of fun.

Modern Warfare 2 Review

by: Dan Lux

On November 10, 2009 at 12 o’clock a.m. Infinity Ward came out with the newest of Call Of Duty game, Modern Warfare 2. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 takes place in today’s life. Just like all of the Call Of Duty games this is a first person shooter that puts you right in the action of battle. But unlike any of the other Call Of Duty games, Modern Warfare 2 is the only game that is a direct sequel to the last best selling game Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare. With new perks and arms, Modern Warfare 2 allows players to accomplish more and has more leeway to make their weapons the way they would like them if they were actually in battle.
As for Matt Henrikson a senior, along with all the other kids from Hopkinton say, “I usually don’t like shooting games, but this game is sick!” Lately Modern Warfare 2 has been the game to talk about. This is the next game to buy whether you like shooting games or not. You will be hooked in because of the quality and action itself.

Arular

Colin Amoth

A beautiful mosaic of world sounds and political rap is just the beginning in trying to describe Maya Arulpragasam’s (a.k.a. MIA) first full-length album. The story of the daughter of a Sir-Lankan freedom fighter can be heard through the dance hall of exotic instruments and heavy electro beats. Playful political lyrics spark on and off in between catchy rhymes and clever play-on-words. And even with all the heart-breaking commentary on issues, like sweat shops in her hometown, she still keeps it interesting and lively; maybe you’ll even feel the urge to dance, which isn’t uncommon. If there is one thing that is absolutely certain about this album, it is that she refuses to stay silent and we are glad for the rebellion.

My personal rating: 4 out of 5

One Act Plays

One Act Plays
by Katy White

The Hopkinton High School drama club is putting on four one-act plays on Friday November 20th and Saturday November 21st. The plays will take place in the auditorium at Hopkinton High School, and they will begin at 8:00 pm on both nights. The admission is 5$ per person and the senior citizen discount is 3$.

The plays that will be performed are: "Nobody Sleeps," "Private Eye," "How Does A Thing Like That Get Started?," and "Anybody For Tea?" Each play will last about 25-30 minutes, and there will be a brief intermission after the first two plays.


Junior Olivia Wheat said she likes drama club because it's a fun place to hang out with friends and because she enjoys theater. Fans of Wheat can see her as she plays the title character in "Private Eye", a comical outlook of what it's like to be a female private eye investigating a psycho wealthy brat.

Blood Drive At Hopkinton High

Blood Drive At Hopkinton High
by Katy White

On Friday November 6th the Hopkinton High School National Honors Society hosted a blood drive. Any one 17 years or older was eligible to donate blood. Students who were younger and had a permission slip signed by their legal guardians were also allowed to donate.

The process was somewhat complicated. First, you had to show a current form of I.D. and you had to fill out various forms verifying who you were, and how your health was. After completing the forms, your blood would be tested for iron levels. Once it was confirmed that there was enough iron in your blood, your blood could be drawn.

Even though the process was complicated and made some people squeamish, it was very rewarding. It is estimated that each person who donated blood saved three lives.

A New Kind of Senioritis

by Dorothy England

Tuesday, November 11th, nine Seniors from Hopkinton High School met together with 5 Senior Citizens to have an introductory breakfast, concerning this year's Senior to Senior Project. Nini Allen, the founder of this organization, started this project 15 years ago in order to create interaction between Senior Citizens and Senior students. What started as a one-woman job evolved into a volunteer opportunity for students to partake in. The basic task of this project is for two Senior students to be paired up with a Senior Citizen and for these two students to alternate calling the Senior Citizen throughout the year. Allen admitted that some years were better than others but she has faith in this year and the students helping out.
"This project is beneficial because it gives the elderly a chance to have something to, someone to look forward to", says Emma Brown, a Senior participating in this project. Jessie Pennell, another volunteer, also mentions that it "combines different spirits and different generations".
The initial meeting went very well; laughter was heard across the cafeteria where it was held and many traits, including pets, family and interests were learned about each person involved. The goal of this project is to contribute to the community and form friendships between all ages.

Thanksgiving crossword puzzle

A Tim Glanville crossword puzzle

Eagles die and Hawks fly

Going into Sundays Championship game as the underdogs. The three time defending state champs had nothing but sure confidence and continuous mind aspects of what was to be expected from Coach Zipkie. Players of the squad Knew what was expected out of a heavily powered Gilford Club, that had went 19-0 all season long. their Team drew up plans to strike down the Three Time defending state champs and win for the first Time in 5 years. In comparison to professional sports, Gilford is seen as the new York Yankees of NHIAA Class M having won the msot Championship tittles and have had their rivals, such as Hopkinton. This was truly the match everybody wanted to see, the two Best Soccer teams In class M dueling it out for the tittle and thats what the state got.

For the first half nothing came out of the gates as the two teams had their chances and misses going into the second half tied at 0-0.Gilfords relentless attack payed off when Steffan Defregger's divingn header placed Gilford up 1-0. But Just moments later the Hawks crawled out of their nest and layed an egg on Gilford's doorstep with a goal by Billy French, assisted By carter Rouleau. The Game was scoreless until the 67th minuet when the unexpected corner
Turned into an unexpected goal as Kris Abildgaard put a bullet in Gilfords heart. That bullet seemed to weaken Gilford who bled away in infamy with time running out and behind for the first time all season. Both the Players on the field and the Bench could feel the tensions building and the profound feeling of victory was in every Hopkinton players mind . With the sudden tweek of the officials whistle, an eruption of cheers and chants roared from the stands and the bench as the Hawks rushed to embrace each other on the field. with a traditional celebration of a team pig pile it was a memorable sight for both the fans and the team. Gilford was first honored in the trophy presentation with the runner up medals ,followed by the Presentation of the Championship plaque and the championship medals awarded to the Hopkinton Hawks . after several minuets of embracing the victory and sharing it with fans and teammates, the Hawks gathered their soccer remains and deployed on the bus bound for home.

For the Past Four years the Boys varsity soccer team has brought a sense of Pride and joy to the School and the town Hopkinton. Many were their to support the Hawks like they had done many times before in previous state championship runs, all accept one person who tragically died last spring in a kayaking Trip.
This man was one of the most supportive Fans ever to support hopkinton's soccer programs as well as the Hopkinton High school. he made many memories for People of hopkinton and made his mark in lives of so many. this article Is dedicated to
Hamilton "Toby" Wood

Toto, They Don’t Look Like Geeks Anymore

by Mimi Ramsdell

Although the 2010 Robotics Competition Season does not start officially until January 9th, Hopkinton’s Team Oz-Ram has already started preparing for battle. While the typical person imagines the robotics team as a group of glasses wearing- pocket protector using geeks that also make up the Chess Club, the reality is quite the contrary. Hopkinton’s Robotics Team is compiled of a surprisingly normal group of high school students from Hopkinton and John Stark. Virtually none of the team members fit into the stereotypical mold of a geek, they all just enjoy expressing their inner nerd. Furthermore, as Coach Renald explains, “we need everybody’s help in completing the robot; anybody can be an important element in the Robotics Team.” Renald further expands on how past participators in the club could care less about the actual building of the robot, but were crucial parts in the financial, web design, and artistic parts of the program.

The point of the Team is to build a robot from scratch with the capabilities of competing in the Granite State Regional Competition starting on March 4th. While the group can start at any time assembling the robot, the actual task the robot must compete is not announced until six weeks before the competition. The task differs from year to year and the robot is judged on various aspects, not just its performance. The majority of the work that is done before the task is released is fundraising. Building a robot is a rather expensive hobby and requires many grants. Currently, Team Oz-Ram, named after their first sponsor and inspired their Wizard of Oz Theme, is putting together presentations for different sponsors, but most importantly waiting to hear back from a large potential sponsor, NASA.

Robotics is similar to sports and other clubs due to the comradely that is built during the season. Every person brings a unique ability to the team, which is reflected in the robot. Tucker Gaskill, a Junior and three year veteran on Robotics, enjoys the various experiences that the Team offers. Last year his favorite part was being able to attend an additional competition in Florida where they had the privilege of watching a NASA shuttle take off, in VIP seating. This year the Team hopes to travel to either Boston or Atlanta for an additional competition. The team is optimistic about their abilities this year and looks forward to another great season.

Dear Bertha

Dear Bertha,

I’ve recently begun the college application process, and I’ve realized that my list of extracurriculars is very small. Most people say that colleges like applicants to be involved in lot of activities, so I was wondering what I could do to boost up my extra curriculars, or what I could do to boost up my application in general.

Sincerely,

College Bound?

Dear College Bound,

First of all, don’t fret; you still have time to beef up your application. Most colleges allow you to send in your applications up until January. So in the time between then and now, try and get involved. One thing that colleges like to see is progress. So join some things now, but do activities that you are interested in. The last thing colleges want to see is getting involved just so your application will be better, because colleges can see right through it.

For the readers that are not seniors yet, this is a good learning opportunity. Colleges do like to see well-rounded applicants. This means that they want to see art classes and science classes and English classes. Outside the classroom they like to see sports and volunteering, and if you personally think you can manage it, a job. If they see that you have had all of these things while still keeping up your grades up, they will be very impressed. In saying this, don’t overwhelm yourself. Do a little bit of everything, and become the well-rounded person that colleges want to see.

Sincerely, Bertha

Ask Bertha

Dear Bertha,

I tend to look for the positive things in life, but my mom is the exact opposite. It gets really frustrating to have her always point out the negative things, when I am trying to find the positive. Lately her pessimistic lifestyle is starting to rub off on me. What can I do to avoid becoming like her?

Sincerely,

Debbie Downer Daughter

Dear Debbie Downer Daughter,

The most important thing in life is to be true to yourself, and it’s good that you want to continue to do so. However, moms often have a large effect on the way their daughters act. Keep thinking positive the way you always have, and try to either ignore your mom’s negative comments, don’t focus on them, or find the positive in her negative ideas. If this doesn’t work, try sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with your mom about the situation. Let her know that the best thing for you is to be optimistic, and that her pessimism is getting you down. Make sure she knows that you love her, but her pessimism is not the best thing for you. Not telling your mom could increase the tension in your relationship. Whatever happens, stay true to your optimistic self, and don’t let your mom stray from her true self.

Sincerely,

Bertha

Your Invitation Has Arrived... Harry Potter: The Exhibition

by Cristina White

Escaping from the world of Hogwarts and off to Boston the Harry Potter Exhibition is an adventure for all. Whether you are an avid Harry Potter fan or someone who has heard nothing of it this exhibit is for you. Now is our chance to catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts magic. Recently, Harry Potter: The Exhibition has made its way to Boston, MA.

In this magical exhibit you get the opportunity to "live the life" of a Hogwarts student. Exhibits inspired by film set pieces such as the Great Hall, Hagrid's Hut, and the Gryffindor Common Room. Other set pieces include, a five hundred pound, ten foot tall chess piece, the Weasley's car, and some of Harry's personal belongings. Over two hundred of the films costumes will be on display: Hagrid's clothing, various Quidditch uniforms, and numerous wizard robes.

Time is flying away so hop on your Nimbus 3000 and head to the Museum of Science in Boston. Harry Potter: The Expedition stays in New England until February 21, 2010.

New Z on the Block

Hopkinton High School experimented with a different schedule by adding a z block for 40 minutes. The intent for this block was to allow for students to get help in any class that they need help in. This z block has been tried for two days, and now we have to figure out if it is a success. Some students have used it wisely while others have not. For those students who have used it wisely find that 40 minutes is not enough to get what they want. Others use is as a do nothing period, which will not help them in the long wrong.

I find that this z block is useless and very inconvenient. Most of the teachers that I have class with use all 90 minutes that each block is. Shortening each block causes several things to happen. So far this block has been confusing because of the time changes. Also, for those teachers who use the entire 90 minutes will want to use the 90 minutes every day in all of their classes. Before the z block happened every class will normally start roughly 5 minutes late because of human nature and other little things that teachers have to take care of. That leaves 85 minutes of learning. When z block was thrown into the schedule it would take maybe 10 minutes to start class because of the confusion and because some of the teachers would try to squeeze in one more thing or two about the subject. This leaves roughly 70 minutes of learning, 15 less minutes for learning. For some classes, for example Calculus, we will start class before 8:00 because there is a lot to learn in a short amount of time. AP Physics is the same thing. We need the entire 90 minutes not 70.

When we had z block, the first day I tried to use it by studying for my SATs. I found that 40 minutes was not enough time to actually get into studying. I gave up trying to do anything on the second day because overall 40 minutes is a waste of time. Most of the students have at-least or should have 1 study hall in the 2 day rotation. Those study halls are actually useful and helpful because we have time to put our mind into what we need to do. Keeping these is all a student needs; not a 40 minute z block.

Holiday Word Search

by Aleksandr Hubbard

"Thanksgiving" "Christmas" "Hanukah" "New Year"

"Presents" "Gifts" "Fun" "Santa Claus"

"Happy" "Turkey" "Ham" "Rudolph"