Rethinking public transit

Why do we at Philadelphia Military Academy have to take public transit to school in the morning? Why can't we have a chartered bus to transport those of us who live far from school? This could possibly eliminate the transit problem and lessen the incidents that happen to cadets on the way to and from school. Some consequences include being late to school, getting in fights, and most of all confrontations from other schools. Having the bus to meet us at a central location it would lessen all of these problems. Although it may be costly, we can petition for this expense from the school district, well maybe. If not the school district, maybe a local business would be able to sponsor us for the bus. If private schools can do it, why cant we?

By Paul Maiellano

Safer Space

Over the years, space travel has become more and more safe. From the first landing on the moon there have been few instances where lives were threatened aboard a NASA flight. By going out and exploring outer space, our nation has been able to broaden its horizons technologically and educationally, and improve security. In order to reach the heights of outer space we have to maintain and exceed the level of technology it takes to get us there. As for education, while out in the vacuum of space we are able to determine what it is actually like to be on the outside looking in. We are able to collect data and gather weather patterns to predict climates and storms that may affect our world.

The main reason I addressed security is because of the space satellites that the United States possesses. The capabilities of our satellites are overwhelming. We can either help or decimate another nation's government. Most of all, I am fond of the crime-fighting abilities; police across the nation can send messages and photographs of criminals and abusers over the internet.

Not only can satellites help, they can also entertain. With usage of the internet we can keep in touch with family and friends (of course, on Myspace). Lest we forget, the internet was invented by the US Military.

By Paul Maiellano

This Blog (Sky Band Dreams)

This empty piece of paper I need to fill with some words about something or possibly anything. Right now this is very boring to type out and just do. Man...my imagination is not really doing anything right now. This paper is so boring you just want to finish reading it.

Yeah, so, I had a dream that Grim Reaper was dancing and singing to "The Prophet's Song" by Queen. The back up singers were ghost and tress. The guitar and bass were played by The rain clouds; the drums were played by the a hail storm. After the Grim Reaper started singing, the ground rose and lights appeared out of nowhere. The smoke screen started to fill the stage and ground. A crowd started to watch them play. I was headbanging along with the beat.

The concert lasted 8 hours through the night. As the sun started to shine through the clouds everything turned translucent. But as the sun rose higher in the sky, the band said their goodbyes. I was the first to arrive and last to leave the site where no one would remember what happened to their souls and music would change forever. I just stood and waited and wondered what would happen next.

As I walked down the Grim Reaper told me a secret about what happened to everyone else; they disappered into their normal lives and don't remember anything. He also said I would have the ability to see him, and talk to him anywhere but couldn't touch him becuse I would die if I did. After the talk I just went about my business and wondered where and when the next concert would be.

By Sara Watson

Something's Rotten at Finish Line

As many of the student body already are aware, I am presently employed at the Finish Line Corporation. Along with the job come many interesting people of all shapes and sizes. On Dec. 9, I had met two women, and a man at work. Now ordinarily, this would just be any other satisfied customer in the Finish Line store choosing and buying athletic shoes and apparel. There was nothing erratic about how they were shopping, but it also wasn't quite normal. The two ladies and the gentleman were shopping like someone on a shopping spree, grabbing different styles of shoes with different sizes. Not trying anything on at all, just demanding and grabbing. Most of the shoes that they wanted were Nike Jordans, which were mostly well over $100. The gentleman decided to choose a pair of classic Timberland boots, and that particular style costs $129.99. In total, the entire purchase cost over $900.00.

When it came time to ring up the purchase my boss immediately manned the register. As she was scanning the shoes and apparel my boss whispered to me to stay up front because “something was fishy.” As she scanned the final item, my boss asked for the method of payment, already anticipating the response. “Credit," the woman said. My boss and I immediately knew what was going on at this point: the card wasn’t theirs. My boss replied, “Im gonna need to see some I.D. to process this transaction.” The older of the two ladies was infuriated by this response, saying “Na u don’, is credit," and “Don’ wo’ry bou’t it." My boss replied, “Sorry, I can’t do that miss, but I’ll hold your stuff until you go and get your I.D.” They immediately left without saying a word. I have witnessed credit card theft, and I must say, that wasn’t cool at all. That was too illegal, stealing someone’s identity and all. Now someone’s kid will not have as big a Christmas. Wow, that ticks me off!

By Paul Maiellano

Blue Holidays

During the holiday season many people feel the pain of loss and heartache, whether they are missing a relative who has died or a significant other who is no longer involved in their lives. This is a surprisingly common emotion among Americans during the holidays.

According to the popular health care website, WebMD, the causes of this type of depression are stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial stress, and the inability to be with one's family and friends. Over the holidays, the suicide rate suddenly sky rockets and depression is reported at a higher rate.

So, what can you do to combat this type of depression? First of all it would not be a bad idea if you surrounded yourself with people, places, and things that bring joy into your life. Also, try and stay in well lit environments; setting yourself in high lit places has been proven to release endorphins in your body, which make you happy. Other than that, don’t eat too much, and make sure you don’t get too depressed, and have a happy holiday.

By Paul Maiellano

Can the World Get Any Worse?

It’s bad enough we are all going to die, but can’t we have the courtesy to be respectful to one another while we're alive? The other day I had to wait for the bus and I had the nerve to rely on these bus drivers. I sat there and waited 25 minutes for no bus to show up. I had to get on a different bus. These SEPTA workers wanted a raise; they wanted everything. How are they supposed to get it when they don’t even show up for work? That was so disrespectful and unprofessional.

It gets even worse because when they’re late they are so mean and nasty with no type of manners. All they want to do is get people off the bus. Do these people have brains? For God’s sake, use them. I’m getting tired of being of this earth because it seems I’m the only person with a brain.

By Adler Roseau

'Tis the Season

Your votes keep coming in, and the numbers are getting (a little) higher. Keep 'em coming!

This time you voted on what makes the holiday season so great. Out of nine votes, 44 percent of you (4) said food made it a done deal. There was a tie of three votes each, at 33 percent, for the days off and time with family and friends. Of course, the two go hand-in-hand. One shop-aholic voted for shopping as the reason the holidays are great; another solitary vote went to giving and receiving gifts. It was a tough call, but you decided that food was the number one reason for the season.

Hope yours is a great one!
Ms Hoffler

Lebron 1, Kobe 0

In the past week it has come to my attention that Lebron James and Kobe Bryant have been in a battle over who is the best in the NBA. Of course anybody who knows me knows that Lebron is my idol, hero, whatever you want to call it. But Kobe is pretty good, too. But one thing you must keep in mind is that Lebron hasn't even turned 23 yet; as a matter of fact he has 23 days until he turns 23 years old.

Now Kobe, on the other hand, has been in the NBA for 10 years and is just being recognized as one of the best. When he was 22 or 23 years old I don't think anybody in the NBA was talking about how he is the best thing to happen to basketball in the 21st century. Also, when Lebron was in his rookie season he was compared to Michael Jordan, the best player in the world to touch a basketball. That is an amazing comparison for a person at such a young age like Lebron was in his rookie year. From that moment on the superstar in the making has done nothing but get better and better; therefore Lebron is better than Kobe in the sense that Lebron is so young and has nothing but good things in his future.

By Jon Mason

Press on Child

Press on child

My mother told me

Press on child

My father told me

Press on child

I’m going for it

Press on child

Take a step forward

Press on child

Someone pushed me back

Press on child

My mother told me once more

Press on child

I went for my dreams

Press on child

I’m in college

Press on child

I’m married

Press on child

My mother passed away

Press on child

I’m depressed

Press on child

Is what she would’ve said to me

And success is where it led me

By Tresurea Nelson

The Next Leader

So gentle and kind, hands softer than the clouds

Stronger than a lion and more passionate than any one could imagine.

Brought life into the world and raised one to be the best one could be

Striving for better even though held down for so many years and continued to be held back from the better things in life

Asks for respect, but somehow ignorance succumbs it and once again is put on the back burner

Only seen as a sex symbol and not a leader

Disrespected and looked down upon day by day

Forced to be less and all we can do is hope and pray that certain perspectives will change and come to an end

The question of whether they will survive or whether they will overcome this is yes they’ve done it for years and will continue to make progress and build a better nation with better views

Because the next nation’s leader will set the steps to peace and tranquility

The next nation’s leader is one of them--a strong, sensitive, intelligent, and strong woman

By Cierra Porter

Time

Why does time fly

People die

That causes me to stress

Be depressed

Now I am living my life like I have nothing left

I cry every night

Just to hear

See the smallest pier

Now I live wishing I was with you

My life is just so blue

Trust me I wish everyday to be with you

But I take a deep breath

Pause for a second

And just let time…

By Tresurea Nelson

Notes from a Baller

My blog this week will be on our recent victories over Germantown Friends and Roxborough High School. These two wins brings our (Germantown High School) overall record to 2-0. This week we hope to improve to 5-0 against Parkway, New Media Tech, and a very explosive team from Washington, D.C. But back to this past weekend's victories, which were oh so wonderful.

Friday night we played Roxborough and everybody and they grandma' was there. Not only was the gym packed but the game was Live like 08'. It was pretty close throughout the whole game until we turned it up midway through the 3rd quarter, this was all a result of our very powerful 2-2-1 full court press. We went up about 10 or 12 points and never looked backed from there. The second game was a little more challenging than the first because of the depth and size of Germantown Friends' roster. However we stuck to our 2-2-1 press and everything worked out according to plan. Once we get into our defense, our offense just flows right into the rhythm. Not only did we win the tournament but I went All-Tournament Team for the first time and Khalief, our point guard of three years, got MVP of the whole tournament.

By Jon Mason

Is The NFL a Target For Death?

This past Monday, November 26, one of best players of the NFL passed away after being shot during an attempted robbery. Sean Taylor played the position of safety for the Washington Redskins, and was the best at it. Earlier this year, two other players passed away--Darrent Williams & Marquise Hill. So is this some kind of jinx on the NFL? The good players just die! This is kind of sad but at the same time, they have to be responsible because they have to realize they are high profile people. Any move they make will be watched and somebody will be looking to take something away from them, whether it's their money or their life.

By Adler Roseau

Stupid choices

Everyone knows stupid choices. Young people in America especially know about stupid choices, whether it’s violence, drugs, or sex before marriage. Why do we constantly make stupid choices that will have stupid outcomes? It takes common sense to know that it only takes one hit to become addicted, or one gunshot to get life in jail.

Young people have all the smarts, but no common sense. Ist’s crazy because the last thing that crosses their minds when they have that high is "I’m going to have a child because of this." We need to do something to get through to them because the way young America’s turning out is not so great.

By Cierra Porter

Awkward Smells...Deadly?

It isn't a scent that you smell regularly. It's an odor that just comes and slaps you in the face and makes you quickly move away. That kind of smell is always lingering around the PMA classrooms. I don't know if that is how the rooms smell or if it's just there because people don't wash up. But, whatever the reason I think they should just keep washing up with shampoo, bodywash, or anything that has a good-smelling scent. That smell will ruin the person's life and just ruin there reputation (if they had one). Regardless, everybody hates that smell.

I don't want to describe the smell because I don't want to disgust anyone. So, my advice to the people who give off this odor is, please wash yourself more often and stay in the shower longer. Please, it would make everyone in this school even happier than ever.

By Jorge Rangel

School Budget (uh-oh)

When this school first opened certain things were promised, like teams, a new school building, and laptops. Out these things we have recieved...... nothing. This school has been great, but I really dont think we have recieved a true high school experience. I think we have been hidden from the reality of a true high school. This school is heading in a direction of excellence but when you have a budget of 1,000 dollars (exaggerating.... kinda) there isn't much you can do. If we are to develop into a futuristic and actual high school we need more currency...... Ya digg

Do you know what love is?

What is love? The dictionary definition is 'a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.' But to find the true definition you have to look within yourself, because there is where you’ll find the true version. Whether tainted or untainted it either stands out and flourishes waiting for someone to notice it, or it hides beneath things and is shadowed by your pride. It's still there, deep down inside, even though it may have died down when your loved one died. However, it’s the memories that keep your heart beating and willing to love, because your love is unconditional and should not be taken for granted. Those who do take it for granted will find that their love will perish.

By Cierra Porter

Is PMA an Elite High School?

Are we above everybody else? Where do we rank? I can’t answer any of these questions, but I can give my opinion. No, PMA is not an elite high school….YET!! Through the 3 ½ years of existence this school has been given many names, and many people have made assumptions of what to expect from the first graduating class. I think we are a developing academy with many improvements needed but nothing that cannot be handled.

During our third year, from 2006-2007, we were not awarded AYP for performance, which means we have our work cut out for us this school year. However, our school has won many first place awards in extracurricular programs, such as the leadership conference, the city wide drill team competition, and the statewide P.T competition. Slowly, we are being recognized for many good deeds and accomplishments. If you give this school 5 more years, it will be an elite high school. This is ARoseau signing offfff!!!!!!!!!!

An Urge

Do you ever have the urge to bother your parents just to see how they will react, or to mess with someone who doesn't like you? That's the urge; it's famous for making you do really annoying things, or say things like, "WOW did he/she really do that?" This is fun to watch on an every day basis, epseically when you are with someone and you create a reason for them to dislike someone.

But the one urge we can't help sometimes is being dumb. Sometimes you look really stupid after doing or saying something. It's funny when the person gets really mad and then realizes nobody cares about what they said. That is he best because everybody laughs for no reason.

By Sara Watson

We asked...

...and you answered....


Thank you for participating in our last poll. We asked you at PMA what should be done to stop the violence that is endangering us in Philly. Of those who voted, 25 percent (two people) each voted that getting rid of illegal handguns, hiring more police officers, and getting more federal funding in the city would help. And 37 percent (three votes) supported bringing more jobs into the city. Perhaps none of these could make a significant change, and perhaps all four options could make a difference. But we'll never know unless we try them, and at the rate this city is going, we need all the help we can get.

On a lighter note, our next poll is about the holiday season (Turkey Day, Tree Day, and the New Year). Let us know what you think! Thanks for supporting our blog, and thanks again for voting!

Ms. Hoffler

The Best Day in the World is Approaching!!

Of course one of the best and my personal favorite holidays is coming soon and that’s THANKSGIVNG. I don’t like it because of family, not because of days off, not even for Black Friday. I like for the FOOOOD. Yes this sounds very…….fat, but hey what can I do, I’m a fan of the holiday. All I do on this holiest of days is get my food, try to avoid as many family members as possible and watch the football game. It’s better than Christmas, it’s better than my birthday, and it’s better than New Year's. They might as well call it Adler Day because l take full advantage of this day. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving because I will, and I hope to see you all next Monday. This is ARoseau signing offffffffff!!!

Let’s Take A Ride On The L

As you sit down and ride the L bus nowadays, you tend to see many things; some good and some bad. The L begins its route at Broad Street and Olney Avenue, also known as Olney Terminal. This is a very popular site for bus takers because you have the subway and buses that can take you anywhere in Philadelphia, and to complement that you have many food shops where you can get a quick pick me up.

As the L leaves the terminal it goes in to the neighborhood areas such as Nedro and Ogontz Ave where there is an elementary school where children are playing in the school yard. While the L continues to ride you see a high school that was created in honor of one of the best civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which means this is Martin Luther King High school, a school filled with young hopefuls with dreams of becoming the best of their generation. As L continues its route the environment seems to change and you begin to notice that streets are cleaner, the trees are greener, and maybe the people might be nicer. Another important stop is at the Philadelphia Military Academy where students attend to become the best of the best. As the L gets around the final part of its course we see that the stores and buildings start to disappear and we see more of nature; this is because we have left Philadelphia. The people are smiling and their hearts are bigger. When the L reaches its final destination we end up at Plymouth Meeting Mall where people shop their brains off. Thanks for taking this ride with me; I hope to do it again. This is ARoseau signing offff!!!

Riding in the BMW

On my way home in the car I see basically the same things every day. As I turn the corner at the school I see my friends who take the 18 bus and as I make my way across Stenton Avenue I see my local L bus people. I always wave. Then I take Mount Pleasant Avenue basically all the way home and it's pretty much a quiet, calm ride. Only the H bus can get in our way. The only people I see everyday are the bus people who get off at the same stop. Overall, I enjoy my ten minute ride and take it as time to talk about family issues.


By Ryan Haggerty

Another Cop Down

Editor's note: Some of the blogs being posted were written a week ago. My apologies for not posting them earlier. --Ms Hoffler

So far this is the third time I've heard on the news about an officer being shot. These days I am caring less and less because I hear about a shooting almost everyday. I am becoming a little precautious nowadays because every shooting is always around the places I always go. Like the Nov. 13 shooting took place in the Frankford section. All I have to do is take the Roosevelt Boulevard and in 10 minutes I would be in the Frankford neighborhood. All I hear is people talking about taking guns off the streets. But I really don't see anything happening. Instead of the guns being taken away, all I hear about is officers or civilian lives being taken away. But all these cop killings aren't going to stop me from becoming an officer. I would feel much better about risking my life than to hear about someone else's being taken away.

By Jorge Rangel

Cut to the Chase

Did you ever have a dream that you are running and screaming for your life but it seems like no one can hear you? Or, as you are running your body starts to slow down and whatever was chasing you always seems to catch up? I remember when I was 3 years old, my family always like to watch scary movies. One time I saw the movie"A NIGHT-MARE ON ELM STREET" with the character Freddy Krueger, and I had a nightmare about it. And in that dream I was running because he was trying to kill me. But somehow he was right behind me and the funny thing about it was that he was walking the whole time. Then I woke up and that was it. Crazy, huh?

By Shirley Gaither

A bittersweet moment...

I am so happy they caught the guy who killed that cop. Now if they could keep on catching people like that, maybe the world would become a better place. Think about it; if the world had no killing, what would this world be like? I wonder. Would there be any pain or suffering? Maybe, or may be not.

By Shirley Gaither

Excuses, excuses

During this week's blog we will discuss how NBA commentators love to make excuses for NBA teams and NBA players when they are in a serious slump or winning drought. Often times when an NBA team experiences an extremely long road trip, they tend to lose about 10 out of 13 games, unless they are a championship caliber team such as the San Antonio Spurs or the Detriot Pistons.

For example, last season during the playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks, the team with the best record in the NBA, fell to the last seed, Golden State Warriors, in the first round of the playoffs. Throughout this entire series I heard several excuses such as, "This Dallas team has always had a problem with the crowd at the Golden State Arena." If you ask me, that is a bunch of bull sugar honey iced tea; there is no reason a professional team should have a problem closing out a game because a couple thousand people are making noise, especially if they only lost about 12 games out of 82 during the season. So commentators, if you are reading this blog, please pay close attention to what you are saying about these multi-million dollar athletes. Thank you.

By Jon Mason

Real World Jitters

As I get older, I get increasingly excited whenever I think about how I’m about to move out of my parents' home. I get to make my own rules and take care of myself. Just the thought of not having some one breathing down your neck every single second about something is so beautiful. I can’t even imagine how great it’s going to feel not having to deal with someone's untimely attitude all the time.

However, I must admit that even though I’m excited, I’m terrified. I won’t have my mother or father to fall back on anymore. I'll have to deal with everything by myself and can only get advice over a telephone. All my joking around and laziness have to stop. I have to grow up, and to be honest I don’t want to, but I know I have to. Yeah I want to move out and I can’t wait but I’m just a little scared, that’s all. I hope I’m ready and I hope my parents taught me well enough. I guess if I made it this far with out flunking out of high school and getting shot in this crime infested city, I can make it through college. These days if you’re a seventeen-year-old girl you’re either pregnant or not really going anywhere in life. If I had enough common sense to make this far and to graduate in the top ten percent of my class, I can do it; there’s no doubt about it. Watch out world; here I come.

By Cierra Porter

Painting Life

Life is like a painting.
It is what you make of it.
It could be good, it could be bad; who knows, you're the one who painted it.
What colors did you use?
What values did you choose?
What lines and curves did you make?
What paths did you take?
Did you paint a beautiful picture, or did you paint a disaster?
When you mapped it all out and did the math, why didn't you ever think of your future as a factor?
But you're the artist, so pick and choose, either paint something that's going to please others
or paint something that's going to please you.
Because when it's all said and done, this is your life painting.
Life is what you make of it, so deal with it.

By Cierra Porter

No Offense...

Over the past three years, Philadelphia's murder rate has been increasing and making the record books. It has become the Number One front-page-maker. Within the past few days the murder victims were police officers. Sadly, because police officers have become the victims, the city has made it a big issue. I am angry because cops or no cops, the problem was serious regardless, but now the police are victims they step up? We are all equal and important.

By Ryan Haggerty

I'll give you 50 cents if you play a better song

What’s up with today’s music? It really sucks. The only thing they talk about is sex and violence. I know I’m sounding really corny right now, but I’m so serious. So when I hear a rapper on the radio talking about real life stuff that has nothing to do with sex and violence, it's considered “not hot.” That’s some stupid stuff.

I think kids need to reevaluate themselves and the music they listen to. I heard earlier this week from one of my friends that they thought 50 was better than Kanye. Are you serious? 50 doesn’t say anything whatsoever in his rhymes but 'I got shot x amount of times and I'm still living.' The problem with today’s music is if it has a nice beat and good hook it’s considered hot. Sadly, no one listens to the lyrics anymore. If you ask one seventeen year old whether they can state where 50 got the hook and beat from "I Get Money," they probably won’t be able to tell you, and they can they can’t tell you a verse from the original rap if they tried, but yet they remember 50’s verse. That's messed up; that's all I have to say.

By Cierra Porter

Another bus rant

Don't you hate it every time you get on the bus and you hear people talking all loud, even though they're sitting right next to each other? Can some one tell me why?

Don't you hate having to ask people to sit down on the bus and they get an attitude about moving their things so you can sit? Can you tell me why?

One day I got on the bus and I asked if I could sit down, and guess what that person said? No.......so we started to argue about the fact that I wanted to sit down and there were no more seats. Of course I won the argument, and he finally let me sit down. So next time when you get on the bus just try to ignore rude people.

By Shirley Gaither

It's a deadly infection

It ruins people's lives; it determines how your life will become, but it is treatable. The infection I'm talking about is called "Senioritis." Senioritis is an infection that can have you dropping out of school and not graduating. It takes control of the weak and brings them down to a point where they just give up.

The majority of senior students get this infection, but sometimes they do give up and drop out. So all I'm saying is to be strong, show the infection that you're not weak and overcome it. Every student who graduates is always happy about finishing high school, but I think they should also be thankful about either overcoming "senioritis" and those of you who are lucky should be thankful that it didn't get to you.

By Jorge Rangel

How people make me feel

People are happy when they talk about another person behind their back. To me, it makes you look like a punk because you cannot say it to the person's face. I know people don't like me so I can get over it. But I don't like people who try to spread lies about others. Really, GROW up! It is childish to do such a thing, especially when you have to deal with the person for a while. Stop being a little kid. At least if I have something to say about you I say to you, and not to try ruin your reputation. You ruin that on your own, I don't. The only thing I have to say is grow up, and tell me if you have a problem with me.

The True Hustlers

So basically, I want to be a hustler. I want to have all the power. I want the people to fear me and only talk reckless of me behind my back, which does little to no damage to my frame work. I want to make money off of free things. I want to invest my money into producing faster money. I want to abuse my power. I am not talking about drugs though. I wish to be part of the government and have the people work for me.

"A true hustler gets money and plans to get more."

By Ryan Haggerty

Changing the face of the game

This week in my blog entry I will be talking about the Philadelphia 76ers. Over the past week I've heard a lot of speculation on NBA T.V. about teams that are not making the playoffs, and the Sixers have come up more than I thought they would. For this, I don't blame the players nor do I blame the coaching staff, but I point my index finger right at Billy King, the man they call the "manager" of the Sixers. King has transformed a playoff-driven team, that could one day win a championship, into a young inexperienced team that has another two or three seasons before they can even contend for the a division title.

If the Sixers would have kept all the key players they traded, such as Raja Bell, Allen Iverson, Eric Snow, Jerry Stackhouse, and Chris Webber, they would probably be in the running for a championship ring in the next year or so. Now they must wait until they draft for the soon-to-be face of the NBA, the prodigy, the one and only #23 JON MASON.

Who is the next president?

This blog is more so for my senior graduating class of 2008. Next year at this time most of you will be age 18 and with age comes responsibility. One responsibility for us would be to vote. So my question would have to be, are you going to vote? Who are you voting for? Now of course your vote is confidential but I highly stress you vote period.

The top candidates and also most popular are former First Lady Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barak Obama. The reason they are so highly anticipated is because Hillary could be the first woman president and Obama could be the first black president. I think what would make this a real decent election would be if one of these candidates were from a different party. I say his because by next November we would be voting for one or the other. Unfortunately they are from the same party so it willmost likely be Hillary vs. the Republican candidate or Obama vs. the Republican candidate.

Who will it be? Class of 2008, who will you be voting for? VOTE OR DIE!! This is ARoseau signing offffff!!

Do you see?

Do you see the violence on the streets? It makes me sick, to the point were I want to leave the city forever.

We have little kids talking about sex, drugs and guns. It makes me wonder what is going to happen to future children. I also wonder what their thoughts on this topic are. When I was little I was worried about my family and I having fun.

Music should have limits on the content of sex, violence the explicit language in rap and alternative rock or the heavy heavy metal. This where most of violence comes from, along with what happens in the households where the childern see it is ok to beat other people. The question is what is happening today youth and to keep the kids off the street and out trouble?

By Sara Watson

You Are Like THIRTY!!!

I am so sick of all these high school greats in the sports world. These people have been on the high school basketball team for like eight years. For example, the great O.J Mayo.... yeah, he's great, but he graduated at the age of twenty. That’s pathetic!

I used to say to myself, man these people are so much better than me, but they are like ten years older than me. Next, twenty-nine year-olds are still going to be in high school, being called the next Michael Jordan. Truthfully they are losers who can run and jump. WOW GOD, you are so fair.... Anyway I'm done with dumb basketball players..cough...cough.... Lebron

By Paul Hart

No Grown Man Strength on the High School Team

My blog for this week is about the age reqirements to compete in the PIAA high school league. I believe the age limit should definently be lowered without question. Right now PIAA rules state that if a person turns 19 before June 1 of the current school year, they are allowed to play the following school year. To me that is unfair; nobody over the age of 18 should be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities. If a freshmen or sophomore student like myself decides to join a varsity team and has the skill to compete on a varsity level, that student has to worry aboutbeing up against somebody with a full grown beard, and that is totally unfair. Also, once somebody hits 18 or 19, they get something that I like to call grown man strength, which is the stregth of a man to do things that the average kid under 17 is not capable of doing. So therefore the agel imit in the PIAA should be lowered to 18 instead of 19 years old for the sake of young freshmen and sophomores who don't have that "grown man strength."

By Jon Mason

My Thoughts

My thougts
Deep with feelings
Untouchable
My thoughts
Hard to describe
Trying to broaden my vocabulary
With different rhythms and rhymes
My thoughts
Understandable
Yet blurry
My thoughts
Motivating
But difficult
My thoughts
Humble me
Stumble me
May even crumble me
My thoughts
Make me who I am
And who I can be
My thoughts

By Tresurea Nelson

Dirty kids With Dirty Mouths

What is the deal with the upcoming generation? If you actually sit outside your door and listen to these children, you will be so disgusted you will physically throw up. From the blatant disrespect for elders to their filthy, rotten mouths, it is just unbearable. I mean, what are parents doing these days? I guess just getting that government cheese and blowing it on drugs. This is just getting ridiculous.

The other day on the bus, I saw a family of six get on and it was the saddest sight I've ever seen. The mother had five kids, each one dirtier than the last. Nowadays, I see kids with cell phones, pagers, and all these gadgets, and I can’t help but wonder where they get them from. Some are ten years old getting on the train or bus all by themselves. Where are the parents? Are these kids raising themselves? Where is social service? Give me some answers.

Man, I can’t even talk about this anymore!!!! This is ARoseau signing offff!!!!

Did You Hear About....?

What is Gossip about?

In today's society, we gossip everywhere, from music to the news. Everybody is involved, talking to other people about everything. When people gossip, it affects how people learn about what actually happens in an event, or with another person.

Gossip can ruin a person's life or make it better. For instance, what is being said about celebrities everywhere around the world, like Britney Spears. Once she had a breakdown everyone had different thoughts about her. This gossip has ruined her life and pop-music career.

Gossip also has helped several people. But it has a negative effect on people. It makes their ego grow so the person thinks they can do anything. Once a DMX stunt man can do a trick they try to do it again and tell one person. Then the person they told tells other people but exaggerates the trick to the point of "Oh, My God, he did not do that. That is crazy for anyone to try to do." The person who started it now believes what everybody else says. Gossip can destroy and create what we didn't do. Don't be a part of it.

By Sara Watson

Five Minutes

For seniors, the blue doors located in the JROTC area are now being closed at 7:45 a.m., rather than at 7:40. Does five minutes really make a difference?

If you were a senior, you would most likely say it is worth it. Over thirty-five percent of the seniors are late by only a few minutes, but now more students attend in the morning. As a result, cadets have extra time to fall in formation. This also reduces excuses like, “I was waiting to scan in.” Because of reduced latenesses, more cadets will hear information like the Daily Gram, and this will also reduce simple mistakes. Overall the extra five minutes is an excellent idea.

By Ryan Haggerty

From the Heart

Don't you just hate when you are missing the person you love,
And you have that person on your mind all the time?
just thinking about jumping in a car and taking a drive
or trying to watch Saturday Night Live just so you can try
to get that person off your mind.
Or you call that person and it feels like it's not enough
and you tell that person you really want to see them.
So I ask
why
why
why
does it happen this way?
please tell me

By Shirley Gaither

The Gravity of Our Murder Rate

What goes up must come down. Everything besides Philadelphia's murder rate applies to that statement. Day in and day out, the number rises. The news, radio, and media report that a death by murder occurs every day. Sadly, this is not juts a one year incident, but has risen day by day, and year by year. Violence is becoming so common that people have started to joke about the issue. Others say the joke is to cover up the true story about Philadelphia's murder rate. Just to wake up and hear that there have been no deaths is a good feeling.
If we had a penny for each murder within the past three years we could cover an entire basketball court. I think the number of shell cases would double that size. We need to prevent the gun violence before it starts and if possible, before guns are brought into the picture. Our people say "war is not the answer." On the other hand, our government is promoting war and sponsoring it.
Overall, we need to start from scratch and show that nonviolence can and will be rewarded. For example, the 76ers reward people who turn in guns with game tickets. If we follow their lead, we might get somewhere besides the record book.

By Ryan Haggerty

Dreams

Dreams

Dream, dream, dream
While you are asleep,
Have a story in your head
About what?
Who knows but you?
Dream of candy, chocolate,
Castles, dragons, knights, and kings
Sometimes your dreams can come true
That doesn't mean they tell the truth
Some can be good
Others seem scary
Some people don't have dreams
That means their heads are empty
No thoughts run through and they see nothing
Dreams, dreams, dreams
Start when you close your eyes
And end when you wake up in the morning
You can a learn a lesson, even when you
Sleep dream about rabbits, meadows
Wars, blood, guns, bombs, and people being killed
Dreams can come in stories or
A feeling you may have that night
So dream tonight and tell me in the
Morning.

By Sara Watson

What’s The Deal....

...With No Money in The School District of Philadelphia?
It seems everyday this poor school district loses money. The school district of Philadelphia is so poor that we are eliminating things we need, like teachers. What’s next? Students? The cost of lunches has increased, classroom sizes are bigger, and students are suffering because of it. I want to know why we don’t have any money. Where are tax dollars going?
We are building “schools of the future." But if we continue to do that the school district will not have a future. People in that school district building need to start getting smart because they're messing up. Compared to other districts and charter schools we get nothing. No privileges, no fee waivers for college applications or school trips, no nothing. We students pay for everything. We’re probably paying for teachers’ salaries and, that‘s why they are so broke. Everyone in this district has made so many promises and deals that it is unbelievable.
In fact, we just changed CEOs; here is another idiot who's going to screw us. Good luck to him. Well good luck to Classes of 2009 and later, because you have to deal with a lot.
This is ARoseau signing offff!!!

Wow.....

My topic today is about people with corny jokes. I mean, people try their best to be funny, but when they joke all you can say is, "wow." The art of name-calling (bussing, cutting, getting) is getting so dry nowadays. People saying dumb things like 'Paul looks like Ryan Seacreast'..... Wow. Wake up, people, YOU SUCK! I did hear a couple good ones lately though: 'Adler's dad sings the Arthur theme song,' 'Cierra looks like Chad Johnson' --stuff like that splits your side. So people, get your bussin together! That's all, and stay pretty Philly.

Oh, and what's the deal with airline food.....

By Paul Hart

Get Off the Bus!!

The bus is annoying. You always have someone who steps on your feet. That drives me crazy. There’s always that one person on the whole bus who smells like he or she just jumped in a pile of crap and then decided to take the bus. Then there’s the crazy person who looks out the window talking to him or herself. Hopefully you won’t get on the bus that has the old person who decides to shed some wisdom on you.

When I’m on the bus I just put on my mp3 player to block out all the chaos and for a moment I’m in my own world with no one else. But, when you’re comfortable in your own space, someone walks up to you. Right around this time you’re thinking, “Please do not sit here,” but they do and it messes up your whole ride home. The bus is annoying. I need a car!

Posted by Cierra Porter

Welcome to PMA's Blog!!

Here is the home of the Journalism class' web blog, PMA Press. Check back often for updates from our entire class!

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Yours truly,
Ms. Hoffler, adviser/instructor and the PMA Press/Knightly Scroll staff.