October 2009 Archives

The ability to take a regular piece of paper and turn it into an extravagant work of art without using paints, pencils or charcoal is an easy way to wow friends.

Paper folding, also know as origami, can trace its origins as early as the sixth century in Japan. One of the most recognizable figures is a swan. Here is how to make one:

1. Take a square piece of paper. For beginners, the bigger the square, the better. Lay the side you want showing face down on a hard, flat surface.

2. Fold the paper in half like a card. Unfold, and fold in the other direction. The creases should look like a plus sign. Fold the paper diagonally both ways. The creases now should look like an asterisk. Lay the paper flat and unfolded on the table.

November is a month that, until recently, didn't really mean that much to me.

I have discovered that this wonderful month stands for two things: No Shave November and National Novel Writing Month. No Shave November is pretty self-explanatory.

National Novel Writing Month is when aspiring, young authors write a novel from Nov. 1-30. The goal is to write a finished novel of at least 175 pages (For more information, go to nanowrimo.org).

Hopefully by the time December rolls around, I will be a hairy man with a novel under his belt.

I like to think of myself as someone who does not watch a lot of television, but that's not really true.

One thing that I noticed recently is that I watch most of my favorite shows on DVD, rather than on TV.

Two of my favorites, "Arrested Development" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus," were canceled, while "Flight of the Conchords" is on a channel my family does not pay for and I wanted to catch up on the earlier episodes of It's "Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

It's also fun to look for cheap deals at Target or bring the DVD's to a friend's house. Sometimes it's just good to know that I can watch my favorite shows whenever I want to.

Recently I got to see "The Godfather," "Citizen Kane," and "2001: A Space Odyssey" for the first time.

A lot of people claim that these three movies are some of the best ever conceived, and I must say I have trouble disagreeing.

They are not necessarily my absolute favorites, but let's just say they are all really good and worth seeing for yourself.

I've been to Borders twice within the last week and I must say, its one of my favorite locations.

Both times, I spent at least three hours there. I love being surrounded by books. I love getting to walk a few yards and have the books change from literary classics to political commentary.

Maybe this all roots back to my love of reading, but I think it's a fabulous place even if you don't read that often. My friends mock me for being able to stay silent for three hours, just buzzing from book to book like a bee.

I just can't help myself, I feel completely at peace reading about the political climate of the sixties, renaissance queens, the fall of Edie Sedgwick, and the musical genius that was the Beatles. The atmosphere of a Borders is reason enough to go.

It smells like a mixture of fresh toner and black coffee. There are college kids sipping caffeine in the cafe, old men playing chess, little kids begging for picture books, and people carefully examining tall shelves of books.

If there is a utopia for everyone, I've found mine, and it is Borders.

5. Coca-Cola Classic - Forget Pepsi, Coca-Cola is where it's at.
4. Root Beer - Mug Root Beer to be precise. It's the one with the bulldog on the can.
3. Surge - A green caffeine-filled drink that puts Mountain Dew to shame. Available at most Chuck E. Cheese's.
2. Dr. Pepper - Neither Pepsi nor Coke owns Dr. Pepper, so it is available in most beverage-serving locations, regardless of cola affiliation.

By no means is being a teenager an easy task. With conflicting emotions, constant drama and concerned parents, kids are often left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

In today's world, teens are in an ongoing struggle to maintain grades, friendships and juggle as many activities as they can fit into their schedule. Apparently, it has become unacceptable to be anything less than perfect.

From personal experience, I can testify that there are many days when I don't get to start working on homework until 9 at night because I've been on-the-go since waking up at 6 that morning. Society has developed the unspoken idea that everything must be done as fast and efficiently as possible. While this might be ideal when it comes to fast food and texting, this way of thinking only leaves teens feeling burnt out.

A combination of pressure from both parents and peers to compete both academically and athletically can only add to the stress, which accumulates over time. Now, more than ever, kids are being pushed to excel and expand their knowledge and skills in numerous areas of expertise. Teens have become so goal-oriented that, at times, it seems their only drive is to beat their peers in as many things as possible.

More often than not, teenagers lose sight of realistic goals and instead, extra stress is added because we fail to live up to an impossible standard. But what happens when the pressure becomes too much to handle? Often, breakdowns and rebellion can be associated with the idea that teenagers are simply overworked and are looking for an outlet in which to find comfort.

At the end of the day, the solution to this stress is to just step back and take a break from it all. Watch a little TV, update your Facebook profile, eat some carbs. After all, being a teenager should not only be about growing up and taking on responsibility but also having fun.

Unfortunately, this idea is often forgotten when it comes to trying to plan out your future. Although prepping for a higher education and a successful career should take precedence over watching the latest episode of "Gossip Girl," the reality is that everyone has limits. The question then becomes, how does one find a happy medium between their breaking point and success?

-- By MADISON SUMMERS, Susquehannock High School

Last week on the way home from a wedding in Penn State, my Dad and I saw an unusual site. As we were waiting for the light to turn from red to green, I looked behind me and saw a car with some unusual passengers...Clowns!

I'm not sure if the circus was in town or if they were headed to some crazy Halloween party but either way look out 'cause there are Clowns on the loose!

Trick or treat!

Those three words fill the streets once a year on the last day of October. Kids of all ages walk through neighborhoods decked out in all sorts of costumes from vampires to superheroes. No house is left unchecked as children run from street to street ringing door bells and lugging bags or candy; that grow increasingly heavy as the night progresses. But at what age should the magic fade- if any? When should kids grow up and leave trick or treating to a younger generation? For many teens that question still has no answer as they continue to go out with friends and ring doorbell after doorbell in search of candy.

But is that right? While it may not impact the lives of people in the community it is still an issue worth pondering. It may be great to see teens having fun and running around but at some point the illusion dies and all that's left is grown "kids" in too tight costumes. It's kind of like the Dad that tries to be young and "hip" and buys himself that muscle car that he's convinced will make him look 20 years younger. The reality is that no one's fooled. Whether it be a car or a costume, objects don't hide your age- they only emphasize it. Eventually the costumes just don't fit. Even though it may be fun to pretend to be 10 again and run around in a Cinderella costume, at some point everyone needs to make the transition from getting candy to handing it out.

1. Save Energy. It's true, smiling uses fewer muscles than the number it takes to frown. You can use the energy you saved to focus on something more important.

2. Smiling is contagious. Most have heard it over and over again, but that doesn't make it a lie. People are more likely to smile if they see someone else smiling, says Mark Stibich, Ph.D., on About.com

3. Lift yourself up. Even forcing your lips to smile can cause you to be happier. Your brain detects the smile, and it enables you to think you feel better, whether it be true or not.

4. Make friends. Others are generally more attracted to a smiling person. They think that if you can manage to be pleasant, maybe you can help to make them feel happier as well.

5. Be healthier. Smiling aids your immune system to keep you healthy. It helps the immune system run more smoothly because, when you smile, you often become more relaxed. The relaxation then helps you to fight off disease, Stibich also reports.

I was watching Degrassi: The Next Generation on TeenNick the other day when I came across an interesting commercial.

These two girls where at a boutique trying on clothes. The girl asked her friend, "Do you like this top?" And the other replied , "That's so gay." Then Hilary Duff stepped out and told the girls that they really should not say that and that it's offensive to say "gay" when you mean "bad". The commercial ends with this question and statement:
When you say, "That's so gay."
Do you realize what you say?
Knock it off.

Now, I don't get to watch TV that much anymore, so maybe this commercial has been around for awhile but, this is the first time I've seen it.

I am so happy that this issue has been addressed this way. The whole issue of "thinking before you speak" is important. We always say thing without thinking about them. We say mean and offensive things without the intent of being offensive because we say them without thinking. Thinking before you speak is essential.

I'm human, definitely not perfect, so I'll admit I've said this before. I've said stuff like, "That's retarded." I never really thought about how offensive it would be. One day someone really just opened me eyes. How would I feel if I was someone with a mental retardation and people said, "that's retarded."

I have a very diverse group of friends. They are all important to me and I love them no matter what. I know for a fact that I would never want to hurt or disrespect them by being inconsiderate and offensive. If everyone could have this type of mentality to everyone, and not just their friends, maybe there would be more peace.

For complete information go to: ThinkB4YouSpeak.com

Check out the commercial here:
http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/psa.asp?play=tvspots&video=TV_FittingRoom_30

The original "Planet of the Apes" was released in 1968. This wonderful film has truly stood the test of time.

NBC's hit show "The Office" is now in its sixth season and has never been more popular. However, if the season premiere is any sign of things to come, I think the show is taking a turn for the worse -- and really, it has been since season four.

I cannot call this a review of the show, but rather my commentary on what the show once was, where it is now and where it is going.

The first three seasons of "The Office" were brilliant, but after season three, the show hit its peak and has gone downhill. The performances have lost their subtlety. The writing focuses on outrageous, over-the-top comedy -- for instance, in the season premiere when Stanley was very uncharacteristically smashing his car in anger -- and it needs to return to its roots: social awkwardness.

And that is what the show used to be about. To put it simply, it was a show about people. Of course it was hilarious, but the drama that occurred was exceptional. It was a show full of tension-filled, awkward conversations. At times it was almost impossible to watch, because you felt so terrible for the characters. As a person, you felt their insecurities and feelings about life. Like life itself, it was full of happiness and sadness.

This is when the show was still bold and fresh. It was about people finding a way to work together, and that's why the documentary aspect worked so well. Now the documentary concept fails and is seemingly absent from the show. Or, when it is present, it is merely a gimmick.

The characters and storylines feel bloated. Although there are some major storylines that have yet to be wrapped up, it seems as though the writing for the show has been stretched thin, as if there is not much more about the characters and their lives left to tell.

Of course, with all this said, "The Office" is still easily the best show on cable television. It might not be at the level of entertainment excellence that it once was, but it is still a great watch. Truthfully, it is one of the few shows that I will actually make time to see.

Furthermore, even at its weakest moments, "The Office" still has the power to make Thursday nights relevant again. I just wish -- and know -- it could be better.

-- Reviewed by ANDREW PATTERSON, Susquehannock High School

Whether you're trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or going to a party, Halloween is the time of the year where you can look absolutely ridiculous and still have everyone comment on your outfit. Here are a few tips on getting a unique, inexpensive costume this year.

Go as something completely the opposite of you. For example, Tall people can try safety pinning a soft shoe at the knee of any regular outfit, so when they kneel, they look really short. Try finding your opposite using your looks, interests, or hobbies.

Brianne Good, 16, is a home-schooled high school junior, who spends much of her spare time involved in theater activities. She is most involved at DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre, but she has done some touring shows with York Little Theatre.

Her favorite thing to do is act. In 10 years, she has been in 24 plays. One of the main reasons she enjoys the theater is because she gets to be with people.

"I enjoy interacting with people who are all working for one common goal," she said.

The place she likes the most in the theater is the green room because, "I get to spend time with my friends there relaxing before a show."

But Brianne isn't just an actor; she does just about everything that needs to be done at the theater, from her favorite crew position (lights) to being production stage manager to being on the Membership Volunteer and Special events committee.

"(On the MVS committee) I calculate all the volunteer hours for the organization. We compile information on teens, and what teens want. We schedule all events at DreamWrights that aren't shows."

She is also one of the teen representatives on the DreamWrights board. They plan teen special events such as the teen movie nights.

"I try to keep the interest of all members in mind when bringing ideas to the board," she said. "I enjoy it because I get to help DreamWrights try to continue to grow as an organization. "

Brianne has taught numerous DreamWrights Creativity Camps, which are theater camps for young children.

"I enjoy working with kids, and I think it's important for kids to learn about theater," she said. "I (continue to teach the camps because I) want to be a teacher when I finish college, and I think it's good practice and a very important program."

She said every school year, she spends about 300 hours at the theater, even though she doesn't see herself pursuing acting in the future.

"While I do enjoy theater, I don't enjoy it enough to do it as my career," she said. When asked about who should get involved in theater, she promptly answered, "Everyone."

Today, October 23, is the most exciting day of the year for a chemist because today is Mole Day. Mole Day is not about the furry animal but Avogadro's Number.

Named after Amedeo Avogadro, Avogadro's Number is 6.02x10^23 things per mole and is a very important number in chemistry.

Every year on October 23, from 6:02am to 6:02pm, chemists celebrate Mole Day. The day also helps get students interested in chemistry.

REACH is a play that was started at Central York High School three years ago. I am privileged to be apart of the original cast.

I was a 15-year-old sophomore when REACH was created. In tenth grade, for me, things were so complicated and such a mess. REACH helped me with that mess.

REACH has had such a profound affect on me. REACH opened my eyes to the world around me and helped me learn so much about myself and others. I realized that I am not alone and there are people here for me I can turn to. Most importantly, it helped me find my voice.

Ever since the creation of REACH I've wanted to contribute to the script. I wanted to share my story. Eventually, after one year I found the courage and voice to do so. I co-wrote the scene Letting it Go with Mr. Hodge, my acting teacher and the co-creator of REACH.

Writing this scene was one of the hardest things I had to do, but I needed to do it. After I wrote this scene I felt such relief, such a release of something I had been holding onto for so long.

REACH is truly one of a kind. I can honestly say that REACH has touched and changed my life. Everyone needs to hear the message of REACH. You may never know just how REACH will affect you. I know that REACH has made a huge impact on me.

You don't hear much about going green these days. At least, not as much as we used to. It's still a great idea though, and there are many people trying to help, some being closer than you may think.

For example, I know someone who has sold her car and either walks or rides her bike anywhere she needs to go. It isn't always easy for her, but that's okay.

Even my school district, West York, has picked up on the effort. Recycling bins are in all of the classrooms and students readily make use of them. In addition, what used to be a printed school newspaper is now digitally made, accessed by a website. Not only does this save paper, it allows you to expand with the variety of things you can do on the computer.

Maybe we can't do that much to "go green", but every effort counts for something. Even if it's the smallest of things such as recycling one can instead of throwing it away. If you do that again, and again, and someone across the city is doing the same, all of the little things that you do that you don't think matter will add up.

Halloween is a busy time for most people. Almost everyone is buying candy, decorating, and making costumes. But one family in our neighborhood (Olde Field Drive, West Manchester Township) takes decorating to the next level. They start decorating their yard near the beginning of October and keep adding to the decorations throughout the month.

Just before Halloween, they put most of their decorations up. The yard is almost completely covered with different kinds of decorations. The most impressive is a large box with a scary image floating inside. Smoke machines complete the Halloween atmosphere.

Although I have never actually seen the finished product on Halloween night, the amount of work the family puts into the yard is proof that the end result is amazing.

Having to put up with the drastic changing temperatures
Having to put up with raking leaves every weekend
Having to put up with adjusting the clocks for daylight savings
Having to put up with the school's weekly notes on how to prevent swine flu
Having to put up with finding a date for homecoming, and coordinating the tie to the dress
Having to put up with burning off your taste buds from hot chocolate at Friday night football
Having to put up with the PSAT and finding four, non-mechanical number 2 pencils
Having to put up with changing around closets, and mother yelling to put on a coat
Having to put up with October

The stories about Central's flu hoax have gone too far. Why don't people believe that there were actual sick students? On Wednesday around 23 percent of students were out at the high school. So, maybe a few of those students wanted to get school canceled and stayed home on purpose. But, as a Central student who is ACTUALLY sick, I can tell you that I heard nothing of a planned sick-out.

All of these articles and blogs are making Central kids look like liars. Also, one blog I read just moments ago, mocks us for not pulling off this flu hoax. I really don't appreciate being called a liar or being mocked for something I didn't even do. I've been home sick this past week. Honestly, I'd rather be in school. I don't like lying around worrying about the workload I'm going to have to make up come Monday.

Most of my friends were out sick this past week as well. Yes, they were actually sick! It's sad because the media have made the flu hoax seem like fact and the actual flu seem like fiction.

We can't even prove that there is a flu problem since local doctor's aren't testing. Apparently, we all have "probable swine flu." They don't want us going around saying we have swine flu because, people panic. The whole situation is just a mess.To all you people writing about the "flu hoax," maybe you should do your research before pointing fingers at students who did nothing wrong.

Half empty classrooms, the sound of coughing fills each room, and hushed talk of who'll be the next to have swine flu; these are the things that my day contained.

I must be oblivious, because I didn't have any friends who skipped school because they wanted to close it for a week. Would you like to know why? Because none of us were naive enough to think that was true, and none of us wanted to come back for a week in the summer. I had ten people in my English class today, in a class which usually has 18 people. The field hockey team had to cancel a game because half of them were sick. Do we see a pattern? Central York has a flu problem.

I personally am one of the lucky few who are avoiding catching the flu from those who come to school sick. People who come to school functions sick, such as homecoming, are the reason nearly 25 percent of my classmates were absent today. Contrary what the school district told reporters, this had nothing to do with some freshman trying to get people to skip school.

So Central students, drink your orange juice, cover your cough, and avoid sick friends; but don't worry we don't have a flu outbreak. Apparently, we all had planned to get the flu so we could come back for a week of school over the summer.

A couple months ago, we decided to attempt to make root beer. The soft drink isn't difficult to make. All we had to do was heat a gallon of water, add root beer flavoring and activated yeast, and then put the liquid in two two-liter bottles to sit for about two weeks.

Part of the two weeks is spent in a warm place until the bottles are completely full of carbon dioxide from the yeast and they have no give. This is when the bottles can burst. If the bottles sit too long in the warm place, they will overfill with carbon dioxide and explode.

Once they were full of CO2, we placed the bottles in a cool place for a week. When the week was up, we put them in the refrigerator to get cold. Once it was cold, we all tried the root beer. I thought it tasted bad. The root beer was way too strong and left an odd taste in my mouth.

Two weeks ago, we tried to make root beer again. This time the root beer came out a lot better. The aftertaste was gone and the root beer was a lot less strong.

Aug. 25 was the first day of my senior year.

It wasn't like any other first day of school. There was this sense of accomplishment as I walked through the same hallways I've walked through for four years now. This year, I was the top dog.

The big 12th grader. The ones that the underclassman fear.

But that didn't matter to me. I wasn't interested in telling a lost ninth grader that their class was in the opposite direction they should be heading. I wasn't worried about being intimidating.

I just walked those same white hallways on my way to class like I always have, but this was different. There was this aura that overwhelmed me. This sentiment, this outlook and relief.

I thought back to my first day of high school and remembered how scared I was. The school was so big. Looking for my first period class I accidentally walked into the wrong room and there stood all seniors. I knew I wasn't in the right place. My cheeks flushed red and I awkwardly turned around and tried to find the right classroom without having my nose glued to my map.

Let's just say, I am very happy that I will never have to have another first day of high school.

Yet, it's bittersweet. I'll also never have another last first day of high school. And I think my last first day went great beyond expectation. I like all of my classes so far. And my teachers are pretty cool, too. Though one day doesn't define a year, after my first day, I'm confident that this year, my senior year, is going to be one amazing time.

At 6 am on Friday morning, President Obama got a phone call informing him that he was to be given the Nobel Peace Prize. You would think this to be happy moment for Americans as a whole, right? Things didn't happen that way. Obama was given the Nobel Peace Prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples", quoted from the Nobel Foundation website. Many people are asking "What has he done?" Well obviously those people haven't been around the last few months. Obama has changed the world's overall view of Americans. He's become the most traveled president in United States history. If you listen to his speech in Berlin, his speech writers did a beautiful job of portraying his goals for peace.
I don't consider myself an Obama 'fan', but I support my president because he's all we've got for now. All of those who are angry and bitter about Obama's receiving of this award, get over it. Its not doing anyone any good for you to bring up the location of his birth certificate or dwell on your disagreement with him being awarded.

Having spent the last few nights vigorously reading an amazing new book by Nick Sparks, I must say I am appalled.

The Last Song was an incredible and very sad story about a teenager as she is forced to reunite with her father, whom she has not talked to in three years, and spend the summer with him.

I got very into this book and enjoyed reading it from the start. I even ended up crying my eyes out during the unexpected ending, not too surprising coming from a Nick Spark's book.

Anyway, I found out tonight that the book was written specifically so Miley Cyrus could play the main character in a movie. Miley approached Sparks and asked him to write it so that she could portray a more serious role in the upcoming movie (set to come to theaters in April 2010) and try to appeal to the older crowd.

The book no longer has as much meaning to me. Knowing it was written for a teen "pop star," who I personally think is a joke and cannot sing, I feel this is ridiculous. I have to question whether Sparks put his best effort into the book because he was writing the novel and the screenplay simultaneously.

Nick Sparks is my all-time favorite author and I am pretty sure I have read all of his books. I felt like I could personally connect to this novel more because it was about a teenager as she fought with her parents, fell in love, and struggled to make decisions for her future.

Now that I know the image Sparks used to create the character, I don't like her anymore. I honestly think Sparks did an incredibly dumb thing here and I hope the movie is terrible!

Sunday nights are my favorite night of the week. Why? Sunday night is when I go to youth group. I go to Ignite Catholic youth group at St. Joseph's church. Ignite brings me friends and a closer relationship with God.

"At Ignite no one questions you or ridicules you about your beliefs."said John Paul Capresecco, one of the many students who attends youth group. He makes a good point. At Ignite, people are welcoming. I feel like I fit in at Ignite. People understand me and respect me for who I am. That's one of the reasons I go every Sunday. But mainly, I go for God.

St. Joseph's decided they needed a full time youth minister about 18 years ago. Scott Anthony got the job, and he is still the youth minister today. He is very passionate about what he does and has helped many teens on their journey towards Christ. "The mission of Ignite is to help high school teens to develop an intimate relationship with Christ through the Church." Said Scott.

I think Ignite achieves that mission in many ways. "I love youth group. My favorite part is when we pray for eachother." Liz Kranz said. Prayer is one of the many things Ignite offers.

At Ignite, there is time for ice-breakers, small group discussion, and prayer. Some Sundays there's a special topic for discussion. Each topic teaches teens ways they can strengthen their relationship with God. If you're looking for prayer, friends, fun and God, then try coming to Ignite youth group. Trust me, you won't regret it.

- KELSEY KIERCE, Central York High School

The Susquehannock Warriors boys' soccer team heads into the 2009 season looking to repeat after last year's AA state championship season, but this year it will try to do it without the help of many departing seniors and with the challenge of having a new coach, Will Whitty.

Whitty, 29, coached club teams at FC York for the past three years and was an assistant coach for the Warriors last season. As the new head coach for last year's state champions, Whitty said he is ready for the challenge.

"It's an honor and definitely a little nerve-racking," Whitty said. "There are big expectations, especially with another talented group coming through. It's definitely a challenge. But with playing soccer and being competitive, you always like challenges."

The Warriors have already started quickly with a record of 5-2. Hopes are that this season will land them back in Hersheypark Stadium, playing in another state championship game.

"Sanctuary" is a science fiction show about a high-tech safe house and laboratory, called the Sanctuary, operated by Dr. Helen Magnus, played by Amanda Tapping.

The Sanctuary, located under an old castle, is designed specifically to house creatures and mutated humans, called abnormals, and either keep them safe from the outside world or, in the case of the more dangerous abnormals, keep the outside world safe from them.

Magnus is not only a brilliant scientist; she is also an abnormal with the gift of a long life. Some other memorable abnormals have been the "folders," humans who could change their bone structure to fit through tight spaces, and the Sanctuary's technical specialist, Henry Foss, played by Ryan Robbins, who is a werewolf.

"Sanctuary" is a very interesting and ecologically friendly show in that much of it is filmed in front of a green screen. This means the show does not use wood or any other materials to make most of its sets. In fact, "Sanctuary" was a 2009 Primetime Emmy nominee for Outstanding Special Visual Effects.

After 10 years on the science-fiction show "Stargate SG-1," Tapping's new role is a departure from her previous role. She's gone from blonde to brunette and utilizes a British accent.

"Sanctuary" is entertaining and sometimes informative, but is a little dark and creepy at some points. I would not recommend the show for younger children.

"Sanctuary" returns for its second season 10 p.m. Friday on SyFy.

-- Reviewed by SCOTT MOKRIS, Home-schooled

So I had heard of First Fridays in Philadelphia and Lancaster, but never had gone. I got word of it again at my NAHS meeting and decided to go. I couldn't be happier with the experience.

First Fridays are basically for the art scene, and all the galleries along with a lot of restaurants stay open a tad bit later. I never would have thought Lancaster to have such a great vibe, but it did. I really enjoyed walking through galleries since we don't have many here in York. Some of my favorite works included mixed media pieces which were graphics made on a computer, printed out, and then had thread stitched into them. I also liked these pastel pictures of women with red umbrellas in Paris.

It amazed me to see how crowded this event made the city. I think it would be great for York to be able to do something like this, because it seemed to bring many people to the down town area. I could see why it might not work as well since York is so much more industrial and is just sort of emerging as a cultural city.

What's fun about doodling on paper? You draw when you're bored and then what? Throw the paper away, right? It is just a cute little piece of artwork that just sits there.

Now there's www.linerider.com, where your doodles come alive. You can draw whatever you want on an infinite sheets of "paper."

When you're finished, click play, and a cute little guy on a sled will ride on your doodle. He can even ride on your name.

There are tools to create scenery lines that he won't ride as well as an eraser and zooming tools. If you absolutely love your creation, there is an option to save it for later.

Linerider.com is a great site to solve boredom or procrastinate from work.

-- MEGAN SNYDER, Eastern York High School

If you asked Tori Gohn what she focused the most on of her activities, she would tell you sports.

But then again academics is very important. And you can't forget that she's an actress. And she also likes art. Tori is an extremely well-rounded teenager who hopes to help the world some day.

Like most female teens, Tori has many friends and likes spending time with them. She spends her free moments listening to pop music, and she also likes to text.

This 13-year-old balances a diverse schedule.

I was a bit skeptical about how much I would like the movie "Knowing" as I drove home with my dad from Blockbuster on a lazy Saturday evening, the DVD in hand.

My dad had repeatedly promised that I would be hooked, just as he was when he had seen it for the first time in theaters. I hadn't heard much buzz about it when it came out in March, which is usually what determines whether I see a movie or not. So, I wasn't too convinced.

Once the film started, it didn't take but more than a few minutes to capture my attention and make me glad that I had given it a chance.

From the first scene, "Knowing" pulls the audience in with an intriguing, mysterious lure strong enough that it would be unsettling not to keep watching.

A time capsule is buried, and when it is opened 50 years later, it unveils a mind-blowing discovery, too horrifying for anyone to want to know. Widowed father, Professor John Koestler, played by Nicolas Cage, must try to defy nature to save the lives of innocent people and ultimately change the future. When the conflict reaches the ones he loves, his challenges become greater, and he is left with tough decisions.

Though it is not a horror film, this movie is thrilling and will keep you white-knuckled on the edge of your seat with its intense actions scenes and suspenseful music.

"Knowing" is the kind of movie that will leave you with much to ponder about, and one that you will definitely want to see more than once. I would recommend the flick to anyone. Even if you are not typically interested in sci-fi movies, you just might be surprised.

-Reviewed by KIERSEN HOFFACKER, Spring Grove Area High School

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