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