town votes yes

by josh bourassa

What’s proposed the main idea of the easement is to make the river front property of bohanan farm more accessible to public use. Which includes a small boat launch for people to use the river. The boat launch on the other side of the road is not available anymore because the owner of the land doesn’t want people to have access to the land. The easement is a 900,000-dollar project joined together with the town and the us government in bonds as well as private donations.

At the town meeting on December 5th they voted on the easement and the vote was passed 662 to 228. There was about 950 voters that listened to the whole thing some in the gym and they had to over flow into auditorium.
By Josh Bourassa

When the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Colin Amoth

It’s finally happened, kind of. The first snow of the season has finally fallen and it looks like the almost start of a white winter. Soon we will find some of the same old problems that all of us in New England are used to coming back to life. Shoveling the side walks, scraping ice off of the car, freezing on the way to school. But as we know, not all is terrible. Along with the nippily car rides and endless shoveling, there comes a great wonderful concept that’s known to all as the snow day. Delightfully random days in which you sleep in all your worries away and cook the most delicious warm breakfast. But the imposing question still remains, what are you going to do with the rest of your day?

No one would really call this dilemma a “problem” but there is defiantly some question as to what can you do surrounded in this winter wonderland. In the opinions of many, the best way to start it off is to sleep the problem off for a little while then get some brain power gathered over a grand hotel style breakfast. After all that you should be properly prepared to take on your day.

Here are some suggestions:

Mornings:
1- Wrap up in a warm blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and watch the snow fall outside from inside your house
2- Paint the scenery that you see outside
3- Come up with some creative Christmas ornaments
4- If you play a portable instrument, go sit by a large window and let our creativity flow

Afternoons:
1- Hit up the local mountain, or take a venture to another mountain for a crazy ski/snowboard trip
2- Sledding, snow men, anything of that nature
3- Build a bomb snow fort

Evenings:
1- Snowmobiling
2- Movie

Afghan Needs Money for 15-20 Years

President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan told US Defense Secretary Robert Gates that Afghanistan will not be able to fund its own military services for the next fifteen to twenty years. Karzai has asked for the aid of the US in hopes that they will give him money so he can pay for the troop’s services and materials that his military may need such as guns, food, first aid or vehicles. Karzai came to the United States with this appeal just a couple days before the United States shipped out nearly thirty thousand troops to Afghanistan. Although Afghanistan cannot completely fund its own military, Karzai stated that they would still give as much money as they could towards the military instead of making the US be the lone financial provider. Within the next decade Afghanistan authorities should have control of all of the critical areas in Iraq and most of the country itself. President Obama wants to pull the US troops out in 2011 but by doing so it leaves the training of Iraqi soldiers unfinished and just another problem President Karzai has to deal with.

By:Brandon Mansfield

Garlic Prices In China Soar

By: Will Hastings

The Chinese have used garlic in their cooking and remedies for centuries. Known for its ability to boost the immune system, increase the appetite, and help clear up acne. But its not because of its exfoliating abilities that a high school in China’s eastern city of Hangzhou bought over 400 pounds of garlic to feed its student for lunch, reported the China Daily. No its to battle the swine flu epidemic which has nations biting nails world wide. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, with China being the worlds largest producer of garlic, about three fourths of the total; but with the global rescission farmers planted nearly half the amount than normal. This situation has some investors jumping for joy; one young man with no high school education had the foresight to buy enough garlic to fill a warehouse, now he has resold it for 15 times the wholesale price making him a millionaire. Gangs who had procured cash by other ill gotten means are now sinking their money into these bulbous goldmines. Economists worldwide expect this bubble to eventually burst, and someone is going to be left with more garlic then you could ever want. But for now whether you are looking for the H1N1 cure, a tasty additive to your meals, or just warding off unwanted sparkling vampires, garlic is the plant for you.

Hit the Slopes

Another ski season is upon us and mountains around the area will be opening soon. With some mountains already open, people have been heading up north to get in some pre-season turns. The two mountains in New Hampshire that are open are Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley. But most mountains throughout the state are projected to open in the coming week or longer. Some mountains that are hopefully opening this week are; Cannon Mountain, Mount Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, Gunstock Mountain, Loon Mountain and Pats Peak. Pats Peak is probably the favorite of many in our school, for its closeness and the great turbulence park. So all of you ski bums and park rats will only have to wait a couple of weeks until you can start your favorite winter hobbies.

Christmas Treats


by Caitlyn Madore

The most dazzling and spectacular holiday of the season is nearing, Christmas. We all know the story behind Santa Clause, but what about those special Christmas treats that we can indulge on for only a few weeks a year like gingerbread houses, sugarplums, and candy canes? Today, all are part of the American Christmas tradition, but none were actually invented in the U.S.

Gingerbread its self originated during the 11th century in Europe, being sold on the streets and at fairs. It wasn't until 19th century Germany though that gingerbread houses really started being produced. It all began with the publishing of the book "Hansel and Gretel" by the Grimm Brothers about children who were abandoned in the forest and were fortunate enough to come across a house made of only bread, cake, and candy. As a result, German's started making these delectable gingerbread houses, lebkuchenhaeusle, which became most popular during the Christmas season. When German’s started settling in North America, they brought the tradition of the gingerbread houses with them.

As seen in the book, “A Night before Christmas”, sugarplums were started as a delicacy in 16th century England during the Christmas season. They are what some call a comfit or a seed or nut that has been encrusted in sugar syrup up to twelve times. Most of the time a seed called Caraway was used because of the sweetness it left in your mouth and breath. Even though it’s debatable whether plums were ever actually apart of this treat, it is known that the name was fashioned because the sugary candy was about the same size as a plum.

As for the candy cane, there is a lot of controversy over the origin of this sweet treat. One theory is that in 1670 a choir master in Germany bent the sugary stick to represent a Shepards cane in order to keep the children occupied during a religious ceremony. The other theory is that the cane was bent to represent the letter "J" as a symbol for Jesus. No historical evidence however has been uncovered to prove either one of these hypotheses. It is a fact nonetheless that the famous stripes of red did not begin until sometime in the 19th century, although it is not known by whom. Once again, this tasteful tradition was brought over to America by Germen settlers.



2009-2010 Boston Celtics Review by Kyle Hatch

At the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, many fans believed that the Boston Celtics would have a chance of making history and breaking the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls record setting year of 72 winds, 12 losses. As of December 1st, 2009, with already 4 losses, that seems unlikely, yet a quest for an NBA franchise record 18th championship is still in the picture. The Celtic’s team is known for the “Big 3,” which include Celtic veteran Paul Pierce, and two future all of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Yet these aren’t the only stars on the team. Newcomer Rasheed Wallace has definitely earned a position on the Celtics, and the young point guard Rajon Rondo never disappoints. Any of these players could easily be a star on many other teams in the league, but since there is so much talent on one team, their personal stats don’t accurately show just how talented they actually are. For example, Garnett’s last seven years with the Timberwolves before being traded to the Celtics averaged 22.3 points per game. Since he was traded to the Celtics his average has declined to 17.3 points per game, and I wouldn’t blame it on his age. There is simply more talent to go around. The Celtics don’t always score the most points, but their defense allows them to not score as many. They are second in the league in total points allowed.
It is still very early in the season, with more than 75% of the season still remains, but the Celtics have the best record in the East division and look to hold on. It won’t be easy, but be sure to keep up with your local Boston Celtics!

Christmas crossword

Dear Bertha

Dear Bertha,

I absolutely love the holidays but when my relatives pile into my house, I can’t help but want to hide in my room until the New Year. How can I enjoy the holidays with my family without losing my mind?

From,

Happy Hectic Holiday?

Dear Hectic,

I will admit, the holidays are a wonderful but chaotic time, which is why you should pace yourself this year. Family is easier to handle a little bit at a time. Instead of trying to fit all of the greeting into one day, spread it out so you can better appreciate your family. It also helps to take breaks and relax so you don’t have a family overload like most years. Remember that your family probably doesn’t try to be annoying or overly affectionate, they are just doing it because they love you and they want to cherish the time they have with you over the holidays.

Movie Review: Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel)

Based on the title of the film and because it contains both Coco and Chanel, people might think that the movie is for fashion lovers only. However, there is another word in the title, before. The movie is more of a story of a young women’s life in France at the turn of the century, something for many people to enjoy. The movie is more aimed towards women, as it deals with a woman trying to overcome male oppression through clothing and business.

Audrey Tautou (The Da Vinci Code) stars as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Her quirky character is easy to relate to and her acting is incredibly believable. The rest of the cast had excellent portrayals of their characters as well, although they would most likely be new faces to American viewers. The only part of the movie that takes away from it is the English subtitles. It can make it hard to understand the way that things are said, but the actor’s actions along with the words are done very well. It is not difficult to understand a joke or sarcastic comment, even with the lack of inflection in the written English words.

While the movie isn’t entirely about fashion, the costumes greatly add to the entire film. The character of Coco prefers looser, male-style clothing, which greatly a contrast with the rest of the women’s corseted, elaborately decorated gowns. The clash of clothing not only enhanced Coco’s character, but also makes the audience lean towards her ideas of fashion and help the audience to understand why she began a clothing revolution.

Coco Avant Chanel gets 5 stars.

New Season of Scrubs!

by Colleen Britain

For the past eight years Scrubs has been a hit drama. Running for eight seasons, and spanning over eight years of the character’s lives, viewers really got to know these characters. So last year when the show announced its ending, many people were upset. Though the show did its best to wrap the series up, many things were left unanswered. We didn’t know what would happen with the couples that just got together, and we didn’t know what would happen with the newest interns that we had grown to love.

When ABC announced that Scrubs was going to come back, many viewers were excited. We were going to find out what happened with those newfound relationships, and with the interns we had grown to love. All of the unanswered questions are going to be answered. But the new Scrubs is different. Instead of the old main characters there are going to be three new main characters. Some aspects of the old Scrubs will still be there though. The old characters will still be there, but they won’t be there as much.

Out of all of the changes there are two major ones. The first one being that the main character JD (played by Zach Braff) is not going to be the narrator anymore. For the first few episodes it will be him and the new main character Lucy (played by Kerri Bishe). “The idea is to slowly fade me out as the voice over for the show … and have her voice over as I left.” Commented Braff (as seen on the interview on the Scrubs ABC website).

The second major change is the now the characters are in medical school, as apposed to starting off being interns and progressing to attending doctors, with the old main characters being their teachers. The hope for this new take on the show is so that it might be able to go longer. This will make it so they can follow the characters from the time they are in medical school to the time they graduate and become doctors.

So far they have only filmed six episodes. If the show recieves good ratings then they will start filming more episodes. But for now they just have to sit and wait and see if the new version of Scrubs is as big of a hit and the old one was.

Debt in Dubai

Debt in Dubai
by Katy White

Dubai (a city within the United Arab Emirates in the middle east) has become a subject of interest since their global investment company “Dubai World” has put their country, investors, and other countries in a panic. Dubai World is in a lot of debt that may not be fixed for close to a year. Investors in Dubai World were initially guaranteed their money back, but are quickly learning that is not the case. The government in Dubai has said that they are not responsible for the debt that Dubai World has landed them selves in, and therefore will not pay creditors back. Their economic crisis is causing world stock markets to decline, and is making it difficult for other countries with deficit to sell their own debt. Aba Dahbi (capital of the United Arab Emirates) has said it will help Dubai World with some of its debt, but certainly not all of it. Until the debt is repaid, our global markets will decline, some more than others.

How to Give the Best Gifts for the Holidays

by Christina Hurley

When buying for another person, there’s a number one thing you always have to keep in mind, you’re buying for them and not you. When buying a gift for a friend or family member, make sure you know what they like. If you’re not sure, bring them out for a day at the mall and see what catches their eye. If you’re making them a home made gift there are a bunch of ideas that you can do. If you have a buddy at college you could always make them a cute corkboard with their favorite colors, you might even help them keep track of their stuff. If you have had a friend who's been there for you for forever, you’re bound to have countless memories and phrases that are in danger of being forgotten. You can make them a memory safe by starting with a wooden box, decorate and paint it yourself then fill it with papers, pictures, drawings, phrases and memories that will always make them laugh. If you have grandparents or elderly relatives they will always appreciate hand made cards and crafts. Making Christmas ornaments its quick, easy, and always fun. This great gift idea will reappear every Christmas on their tree, and always make them think of you. The way you can make one of these is by taking a clear glass bulb and pouring their favorite colors inside, swirl the paint, turn the bulb upside down and let the excess paint drip out. Once it dries you can tie a ribbon with a tag saying whatever will put a smile on their face. One thing to remember during the holidays is that buying gifts for people isn’t all about the price, it’s about the love and thought that makes it unforgettable.

Clergy Arrested for Rwandan Genocide

The events that unfolded and the lives lost in Rwanda, May 7th, 1994 are being laid in the hands of one man: Emmanuel Uwayezu. He was an educator and a priest, making this even more inhuman. In October Italian authorities arrested Uwayezu on charges for the deaths of eighty Tutsi students. On this day at the Kibeho College of Arts he ordered security and teachers to lock down the students and arrange their killings. It is unclear what lies in his fate or whether the Rwandan government will successfully extradite him for a trial. Uwayezu maintains his innocence claiming he took no part on genocide, in fact he says he tried saving the young lives that were massacred. However, it is said that he spread ethnic hatred throughout the school by blaming the nation’s troubles on the Tutsi’s.

School Daze Style

By Dorothy England

Our school isn’t quite known as being diverse, but one thing that can differentiate people other than their personality at our school is their style, or their attempt at a style. But how many people actually plan ahead what they’re going to wear for the next day and how many people just grab whatever’s clean and matches? In a recent poll of 25 people, 15 people said they don’t plan ahead, 7 people said they do plan ahead and 3 people sometimes they do and other times they don't. When asked, Sam Helrich admitted that sometimes he goes to school in what he slept in the previous night. One staff member who wished to remain anonymous said that she probably should put more effort into her style, but usually she goes with whatever’s clean. Some people only plan ahead when they know there’s going to be a special event going on. Josie Therrien said that’s what she does, dressing up for special days, like picture day. Other people like Sarah Metcalf said it depends how awake she is in the morning for how dressed up she gets. But whether it’s pre-prepared or just thrown on in an attempt to look presentable, it’s still a style and a trait that adds to each and every one of us. After all, most of us buy our own clothes, so in a way; we've already planned ahead.

Rather Fantastic

by Mimi Ramsdell

Claymation is making a comeback. Fantastic Mr. Fox, the newest claymation movie, is entertaining for an older audience. Although based on the Roald Dahl book, children may not enjoy the long dialogues between characters. The plot is fun with excellent music choices. Wes Anderson’s, the director, use of the Beach Boy’s song Heroes and Villains makes a fox chase scene exciting and lively.

Overall, Fantastic Mr. Fox may not be living up to the ninety-one percent that Rotten Tomatoes has given it. It is much closer to a seventy-five percent. It is an enjoyable film that deals with the midlife crisis of a fox. If you are looking for some of laughs and an enjoyable non-children’s movie, then Fantastic Mr. Fox is right for you.

Top Ten: Christmas Carols

by: Dan Lux

As of this year there are hundreds of Christmas songs that people love to listen and sing to. But there are a select few songs that people can listen and sing over and over again. Here are what the families of the United States came up with:


1. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
2. Jingle Bells
3. Frosty The Snowman
4. The Christmas Song
5. White Christmas
6. Silent Night
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Feliz Navidad
9. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
10. Here Comes Santa Claus


It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas, Even in a Local Theatre


by Cristina White

This coming weekend a holiday tradition comes back to the Concord Auditorium. Dancers of all ages from Concord Dance Academy will be performing to many popular Holiday hits. Songs such as, "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty the Snowman," "Marshmallow World," and many, many others will be heard. The dancers have been preparing for their showcase since the start of the dance season in September.

For those of you who are not familiar with this event, it is not all about the dancing. Since the Holiday season is known to be about giving Concord Dance Academy has started their own Holiday traditions. The growing traditions currently include, a picture with Santa when you donate a Toy for Tots or a canned good to benefit the Friendly Kitchen. The benefits of the 50/50 raffle during the show are donated to the Friendly Kitchen. In the past over $3000 has been raised for the Friends of the Audi and $3500 for the Friendly Kitchen of Concord. The proceeds from the refreshment table will benefit the recent renovation projects the Audi is undergoing.

The performances take place Saturday, December 5 at 1pm and 6:30pm, and Sunday, December 6 at 1pm. If you wish to have a photo with Santa arrive an hour before with a canned good or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Tickets are priced at $10 per ticket. A good price for quality dancing. Come on out and share a holiday experience this weekend. See you there!

Help Light Up Marklin Candle Sales for a Good Cause by Kyle Hatch

Mrs. Backman’s small business class is helping Martin Marklin, who is the owner of the local candle company Marklin Candle, design candles for the holiday season. Mr. Marklin creates one of a kind, hand-crafted beeswax candles. His most loyal customers are churches (he has even sold candles to the pope!), but now he wants to get his fellow community involved. Marklin’s idea is to help needy students in Hopkinton with items that they normally wouldn’t be able to afford with the proceeds from this project. This idea has been lingering in the entrepreneur’s head for months now, but he needed a group of students to help out. The group ended up being our high school’s small business class, taught by Mrs. Backman. The student’s duties are designing holiday candles, choosing a selling price and advertising the products. The only thing that Mr. Marklin is responsible for is making the student’s designs come to life. There have already been many prototypes and drafts of each candle. Two designs have already become official; the first, a candle with primarily red candy canes wrapped around the circumference of the candle. The other design is a green textured tree design with silver stars wrapped around the candle. Each candle will burn an estimated 105 hours. The candles will hit the shelves soon at Marklin Candle, so why not help out your fellow classmates and purchase a student designed, handcrafted beeswax candle? They make a great gift for Mom, Grandma or the special person in your life.
As you may know, the past small business projects were much more simple than this years candle theme. In the past the class has sold a variety of items, from duct tape flowers and wallets to slushies. This year the class gets to create something that has an actual demand on the market. Instead of learning business terms and ideas from a textbook, we get to learn them in sequence to this project. We have learned a giant mass of business vocabulary that, if learned in class, would take a month to learn. It is much more interesting and easier to learn that way than studying meaningless vocabulary definitions for a possible pop quiz; in small business working with Mr. Marklin, if you don’t understand the vocabulary you won’t understand how the candle business is run, so learning the material is much more essential.

Black Friday

by Caitlyn Madore

One of the most historic and anticipated shopping days of the year is just around the corner, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday. The official start of the holiday season. People across the United States start their day before dawn and wait in the bone chilling cold just to buy the newest and most sought after products of the season.

Major retailers offer massive discounts on an assortment of products; TVs, computers, clothing, toys, and more. People research weeks in advance, planning their attack; lists of stores to hit; products desired at each store in order of importance; and the gathering of teams to grab everything on the shopping list as quick as possible. It is all part of the Black Friday experience.

Now the name of this day may seem odd, but it was chosen with common sense. It was coined back in the nineteenth century when a retailer finally made enough income to break out of the red zone and into the black zone. In other words, a profit was finally made. This was when the by-hand accounting system was used. Red ink indicated a loss and black ink indicated a gain. Even though this system is no longer used, the legacy of Black Friday still lives on today.