The True Revolutionist Newspaper

.The True Revolutionist Newspaper.

update so yeah, we had a staff meeting today. honestly, we really didnt do much that actually had to do with the newspaper, but thats how staff meetings always are. i mean, really, what does twister have to do with the true revo? well, at least we got to know each other a little better, and see each other from different angles we have never seen before. "uh..hello jordan" (man that was weird standing there and looking down at him with his...uh...legs split right at my leg, that was just wierd.) lets see, next issue abbys writing this fear factor thing, liz is doing one on what boys really mean when they say stuff, and me- i just had a debate with weston, im working on the music colum, and i just sent out emails for ten things you want to do before you die. however, as we all know, this is subject to change x

((just a note, the forum and poll are not working currently. no, its not my html skill slacking, just bravenet.com having "technical difficulties" again. yeah, well thats what you get when you sign up for FREE service. -cheryl))

Hello everybody! Summer is drawling on. School is a mere memory behind us and a bad omen up ahead. So sit back with some lemonade and enjoy our milestone fifth issue of The True Revolutionist!

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THIS WEEK IN THE REVOLUTIONIST

1.Editorial and Response-Y'all told us what you thought of the last issue.

2.Things To Do During Dull Summer Days-Liz's top 15 fun things to do in summer

3.Water Chugging-A spin off from "Things To Do During Dull Summer Days"

4.Religion-Cheryl muses Religion

5.Music Column, Sold out- An article that ponders the concept of a band "Selling Out"

6.Theories of the Universe-Discusses closed, open, and other universes

7.So Far- Gives you a summary of True Revolutionist stats

8.Veggie Boy- Cheryl interviews a Vegan

9.Reminders of July 13 (It's just us)-An article about alcohol

10.The Idiocy of Over the Summer Reading Assignments-Liz (the one who LIKES school) discusses the uselessness of over the summer reading assignments, and why they make no sense

11.Confessionals of a Random Teen-Jeremy Harris and Rachel Christensen are our victims in this in-depth interview by Liz and Abby

12.A Day in the Life-Soccer and first kisses are what this Kit Snow* has on her mind.

13.Remembering the 2002-2003 School Year- Guestwriter Zack Hord looks back

14.Why I Hate the French-A very controversial article by Weston McCollum

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EDITORIAL AND RESPONSE

I am so glad that you wrote the article on being an American. I have felt the same way since this war started. What does it really mean to be American? Does it mean that we can march into other countries and kick their butts just for the fun of it? All the while getting praise for saving them and all we did was boost our own egos? I've been pondering this for a while and I can't make heads or tails of it. Are we really so great for doing this for the Iraqis? I don't know. I don't really watch the news because it's too depressing, but I know enough that I think this war is stupid. I totally agree with the French issue. Why did we change the names of all the French things because we disagree? I disagree with things all the time, but I don't try to change them because of that, I just open my mind to the possibility that I might be wrong. All of my questions still are unanswered and I hope that some day an answer will appear. Thanks for your amazing newspaper and the inspiring articles!

- Katie Sallade

Hey, obviously someone isn't a romantic. I know that logically, 'love at first sight' isn't possible, but since when did we live in a logical world? Some people may believe in ghosts, or witchcraft or magic, there's nothing wrong with that(though some would disagree). I for one am a firm believer in love. Moulin Rouge says it best, "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." Sure, a lot of people don't look at someone and say, "Wow, that's going to be my husband/wife!" Sometimes though, someone will accidentally knock down your books and help you pick them up. Then your eyes meet and well, sorry for being romantic but, love at first sight. Sure you've just met a complete stranger, but you know they were at least nice enough to help. Also, many times the person might have similar interests, but hey, opposites attract. Sometimes when you've been friends with someone that shares interests and you start dating, then you break up and you can't be friends anymore! That is what bugs me. My point is that even if you have known this person all your life it doesn't mean that you'll make a good couple. In retrospect, you don't want to start making out with a stranger! Sometimes you can just know, like instinct. I think many don't believe in it because it's so rare. Next thing you know there won't be a Bigfoot! Come lighten up! Don't take away the magic. Let us have our fun. So that way when we're 90 years old we can tell our grandkids that,"That's how I met your Grandpa, it was love at first sight." By,Nobody special

Don't forget to send your editorials to [email protected]

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Things To Do During Dull Summer Days

For many of us, summer is the best thing in the world. We are released from school for the summer and there are no worries in our minds. Yet, there are days in the heart of summer that are dull, boring, and quite frustrating. Instead of sitting around like a loser and complaining of this boredom, I've compiled a list of things to do in the hot summer weather.

1. Read

For many, the concept of "reading" without being told to is baffling. Seriously, you don't have to read a book if your uninterested by it, you could read a magazine, the newspaper, even the directions on your shampoo bottle! The point is, read something. I'm sure there is a book or magazine somewhere out there that is interesting!

2. Write

Once again, a baffling concept for some. Writing can be used to express ones feelings about, well, stuff. If you don't know what to write about, start a diary, then you can write about your day. If your not into the paper kind of diary, and love the Internet, I suggest Diaryland.com. Diaryland is where we host the True Revolutionist archives and such. If you have any questions about it, you can e-mail any of the staff members. If worse comes to worst, you could always write an article for the Revolutionist.

3. Listen to Music

This one is less baffling to most everyone, and considered a given for others. If you always listen to music I suggest checking out MP3.com for new bands to listen to. Also, you could take the music you already have and analyze the lyrics. If your parents are musically oriented, why not rummage through some of your parents� old music. You'd be surprised at the cool stuff you can find. I know I've found The Godfather soundtrack (on vinyl!) and Bob Marly. Not only that, but I've also come across some pretty weird songs including one called "It's fun to smoke Marijuana" by White Witch. My parents had some explaining to do that night. If you're completely bored out by all your music stuffs, then listen to the radio but not what you'd normally listen to, listen to some freaky classical station. If you can't find anything to your liking on FM, change that magic knob to AM and find something about stocks. There are endless possibilities with a radio around.

4. Have a Party on a weeknight

This idea is more likeable to many, but harder to do. It is in reality, not as hard as it sounds. All that you need to do is call up your friends and invite them over for the afternoon. Buy some chips and soda, order a pizza and figure out something to do. "But what will we do for three hours?" you may ask. Some things you can do are play Monopoly, watch a movie, play a rousing game of Twister, or if you have the resources, make a movie. Even if you don't end up finishing anything you start, you'll still have bunches of fun.

5. Cook

This summer, Home Ec. class may come in handy. If you're bored and/or hungry, I suggest you learn to cook. All you have to do is bake some cookies or biscuits. And if you make your mom or dad a cake, they might pay for the chips, soda and pizza for the party your having that night.

6. Exercise

Along with eating comes exercise. I understand it's quite hot out and you really don't want to make yourself any hotter, but exercise is essential for keeping up your appearance, and for burning off all the fat you got from those cookies you made. If it's too terribly hot outside, turn on the A/C and run up and down the stairs for 10 minutes. If you just don't want to get out of bed, you can always lie there and do sit-ups.

7. "But Liz, What if it rains?"

As you may know it's been raining quite a lot this summer in Pennsylvania, and surely in other places as well. If a storm rains on your parade, don't hide inside and sulk! Go out and have a jolly good time playing in the rain. You could just stand there and let the drops splatter or you could play around and splash in puddles! If its thunderstorming, stay inside and write a poem about the storm. I wouldn't want anyone getting electrocuted on account of me.

8. Take an ice bath

For many this is weird, for me it's strangely invigorating. Walk down to your local Kwik-E-Mart and buy two 5lb bags of ice. Walk home, fill up your bath tub with cold water, then throw in the ice (its important the bath is filled before putting in the ice or it will melt) and jump in. Ahh, let the refreshing waves of winter wash over you.

9. Go lay in the grass

Simple enough. Go lay in the grass. Listen to the birds. Listen to the cars. Clear your mind. Put on sunscreen though.

10. Take a hike...No, I'm serious, Take a hike.

Try trails.com for trails in your area, call up some friends, or go alone, and take a hike. Not only does this provide the exercise mentioned in #6 but it's a great way to hang out!

11. Clean something

I'm serious. Clean your room, heck, clean your brothers room. It could be fun! Blast some music and get to scrubbing. This is good for brownie points if you want to do something your parents would normally say no to. Like going to the movies. With someone you like. A lot. Alone.

12. Do math

It could be fun if you aren't bogged down by teachers. Just do random stuff. Then it looks to your parentals that you're doing something productive, not that I'm saying you should be manipulating your parents.

13. Chug Water

Ok, we all know you have to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated, which is especially important on hot summer days. So chug water, if you have a brother or some friends around, challenge them to a chugging contest. If you need tips, just e-mail our web designer at [email protected]

14. Paint

Doesn't matter what. Paint a tree for all I care. Be creative. If your out of paint, use make-up (steal some from a female in the house if your a guy).

15. Garden

Take some seeds and plant a garden. With some love it'll produce a bounty of flowers, fruit, or veggies.

See? Now you can't complain about being bored!-Liz Morris

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Water Chugging

It was another boring summer afternoon. Liz had just gotten back from her trip to Atlanta. Cheryl and Liz were goofing off when Liz remembered #13 from her "What To Do During Dull Summer Days" article. #13 was "Chug water." They were bored and so with the thought, "If it's good enough for our subscribers, it's good enough for us," in mind they took off to the kitchen. They filled up two glasses with one cup of water from the spicket. Blake, Liz's younger brother, walked in and taunted them.

The First Cup

Liz-It took me twice as long as it took Cheryl to chug this one. I felt ok afterwards.

Cheryl-I was only thinking of this as a joke. Afterwards I felt like normal.

The Second Cup

Liz-Cheryl still beat me by a lot. I'm starting to feel full.

Cheryl-Still laughing about the fact we were chugging water, my stomach felt like it was bigger.

The Third Cup

Liz-I'm starting to catch up to Cheryl. I'm also starting to feel sick. OK, I am sick.

Cheryl-OK, this is becoming less and less of a joke with every cup. Help.

The Fourth Cup

Liz-I am very sick. Too sick to go on. The end for me.

Cheryl-It feels like if I lean over I will throw up. No more water for me.

20 Minutes Later-

Liz-I feel alright.

Cheryl-I must use the lavatory.

-Liz Morris and Cheryl Hattalla

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Religion

We believe in many different things. Some believe in fate or luck. We believe in our friends and ourselves. Some of us believe in God and a religion. People believe in God for various reasons, for reassurance in tough times, to know that if you are a good person you will go to Heaven, and to know that bad people will eventually pay. We believe in God to know that this life is only temporary. But with religion it�s different than believing in ordinary things. We look at a tree, and believe in it because it�s right there, we can see it, we can touch it, we can possibly even smell it, and,if we really had the desire, we could taste it. But with God, Heaven and Hell, you can�t do that, so how do you know that what you believe is right?

There is no way to be 100% scientifically sure that there is a God. Even if you were to have a near death experience and you say you saw Heaven, you still wouldn't know it was Heaven because there�s the possibility that it could have been something else, like your brain starting to die away completely. Believers say look at the sky, God made the sky, so therefore he is real. Do you think they ever thought of the chance that maybe the universe, the earth, life was just a coincidence? There's no denying that it could be a possibility that maybe, things just turned out perfect for us. That it's a coincidence that the earth is perfectly on it's axis, that we are the perfect distance from the sun. That we are far enough away from a black hole that we don't get sucked up.

Religion isn't all just what you think. Along with it come organizations like churches or synagogues and politics is lead into religion. Corruption in the church can be the effect of politics. Sometimes the idea of power gets into the minds of priests or preachers. The fact that they may be the leader of a church and have power over it may lead them to believe they are better than everyone else, especially non-believers. In some cases, it may even be the other way around. An example would be the Catholic priest. You may recall a few years ago the Catholic priest scandals. They raped little children, oh yes, that is very religious. And yet there are non-believers who have higher standards than that. (However, I do realize that not all-Catholic priests are like that.)

If you have a religion, chances are you were considered part of that religion on the day you were born, simply because it is your parents� belief. If you are Christian, you were probably baptized early in your life before you had a chance to decide anything on your own. But what if you did not agree with your parents� ideas and religion and moral beliefs? Well then, religion was forced down your throat. You didn't have time to think things out on your own and wonder what it's like if your parents� religion is not right for you. Shouldn't you be able to decide what you believe in, after all, it�s your life; you don't need someone telling you what to think and what to believe. If you were baptized at an early age, you did not have a chance to discover other religions and ideas, someone said that was the way things are, and you didn't have a chance to think for yourself.

Then there are the religious fanatics. Religion is their life, and they are so concerned about saving other people that many of them do not take time to think about themselves. Have they every thought that maybe they have taken things too far or that maybe their ideas are not right. Some religious fanatics are extremely close-minded. If it's not the way the Bible said it, then its wrong- The End. An example would be a fanatic saying �Jesus Christ hates homosexuals, they will go to hell .� Jesus Christ is supposed to love everyone, has this fanatic taken it too far and changed the words of the Bible to fit his own beliefs? The Christian religion is supposed to be about love. However, the Christian religion outlaws so many things. What if the Christian religion is wrong? After all, there is no way to be sure that it's right.

There are lots of different types of religions in the world. It�s all about what you believe. What you think happens when you die, what you think the difference of right and wrong is. -Cheryl Hatalla

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The Music Column

Sold Out?

The band had first started out in one boy's garage. It was just a few friends with nothing better to do. They managed to write a few songs and perform in front of their friends on late summer nights. It was nothing much, they were just amateurs who wanted to be like the bands they wanted on MTV. After some time and encouragement from friends, the band decided to record a song at a local recording company. The record company loved the song and gave them a deal. Before long, the band was a local celebrity. They played at local shows in front of local fans. But one day, they sent their CD to a more powerful record company. The record company knew they were worth it and gave them a shot. Within a year, the band that had once been playing at local shows was now on tour around the country, and that same band that had been watching MTV was now on MTV.

Believe it or not, this is more common than we believe. Bands get famous all the time, but the only thing that makes them famous is fans. The fans are the ones who buy the CD, who come to the concerts, and who listen to their music. And without their fans, what is a band? When bands get famous, what happens to how the fans think?

When bands get famous, many times the fans that have liked them from the beginning now start to dislike them. Sold out. But why should it matter? Many older fans no longer feel the personal connection between the songs and the artist. It's no longer like you know the band when there's an audience of ten thousand people watching the band that you have loved since their first CD. However, keeping a cool band to yourself isn't exactly the best thing for the band; it's like holding them back. Another thing that older fans may think is that when they gain fame their songs just aren't the same. The lyrics that probably once meant something might not mean as much in a song because record companies may want the band to write new songs faster. It would be like forcing inspiration out of the band instead of letting it just come.

On the other side, there are the new fans. They have never heard of the band until they saw a music video on MTV. Should it matter how big the audience is as long as the band still sounds great? To many people, seeing hundreds of fans with the same amount of love for a particular band, does not defeat any personal connection with the songs. The new fans don't mind seeing their favorite bands on MTV, it means the band is successful and that's what counts. So ignore the crowd and listen to what you think sounds good.

But what happens to a band itself if it sells out? The good thing for a band about becoming famous is that there are more fans that appreciate their musical talents. Not only this, but the band is making a lot of money for something they love to do. (I do realize that money is not a factor to some bands.) As for the bad points, they may lose their old fans and the idea of fame may get to them. Stressed out about a concert the next day, or a photo shoot can take away the dedication the band once had for their music. There are more decisions to make within the band, which means more possible disagreements, making the chance of a band breaking up higher.

Whatever happened to that band that started out local and made it worldwide? Well, they gained some fans and lost some fans. They wrote good songs and not so good songs. But what matters is that they were doing what they liked. The band eventually broke up or everyone began to lose interest in the music. Maybe someone died in the band and that's what ended it all. That local band that made it owed only the people who loved their music. - Cheryl Hatalla

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Theories of the Universe

To us, the earth is a huge place. There are oceans that are thousands of miles wide and miles deep. The idea of thousands of miles may scare us; it makes us feel small. But think about the universe. The universe is measured in light years, the distance light travels in a year. So in the end, thousands of miles compared to light-years isn't very much. There is much about the universe we don't know.

However, scientists have made two main predictions of the universe- it is either open or closed. Open universe theory states that the universe simply goes on forever and never stops. The closed universe theory is a bit more involved. It states that the creation of the universe happens over and over, that the big bang has happened multiple times. After the explosion of the big bang, all the material goes outwards. The universe keeps on going outwards until the gravitation force pulls all the material back to the center of the universe. Once all the material has been pulled back to the center of the universe into a small point, the big bang happens again because the density is so great it causes so much heat. The material goes outwards again. If this theory is true, then we are just in a cycle and the big bang will keep happening, possibly eternally. A closed universe means that there are high chances of there being other earths before us. One thing that I have thought of while writing this article is: �What if it�s not closed or open?� What if it is something else, something that we haven't thought of yet? Could it be possible that there is more than one universe, it only makes sense that there could be. If planets are in solar systems, and the solar systems are in galaxies and galaxies are in the universe, shouldn't the universe be in something too? For example, just think of the wooden dolls from Russia. Take one wooden doll, it's always inside something bigger than itself. There is also something inside it smaller. Do you think our universe is only one of those wooden dolls?

Some of you have been thoughtfull enough to think about the universe. This is what you came up with...

I think it will eventually implode on itself and we�ll all be...DOOMED! - Virginia Handley

There's this movie called �PI.� It's about this mathematician guy who thinks everything in nature has a pattern and he finds this number and these groups stalk him because he apparently holds the key to something biblical. I very much believe that there are patterns in everything, so I believe that the universe may in fact be closed.... But what do I know? - Jordan Himes

It's open because the interstellar gases are expanding towards the quasars (the oldest things in the universe that are the farthest from the center of the universe) and at the center of every galaxy I am 99% sure there is a super massive black hole which will suck up the universe and it will keep expanding with each time it replenishes itself. -Zeljko Raic

The universe is open and it will go on forever. It's just as humans, we are so used to everything having a beginning and an end that we just can�t comprehend the universe being open and going on forever, forever just seems impossible to us. - Cheryl Hatalla

I think that the universe is closed, and that the big bang keeps reoccurring. But there must be something past that limit that is the edge of the universe when the guy from the Verizon commercial gets there and says �Can you hear me now,� I don't think anyone will answer him? - Abby Wheeler

Its open, it can�t be closed, like you said Cheryl, there�s planets in a galaxy and there�s galaxies in a universe so the universe has to be part of something. -Zack Hord

The universe is open. The universe just can't end. What would be out there that was keeping it in place forever? - Allison Conway

The reality of the universe is that we will probably never know. Closed universe or open, it may remain a mystery. - Cheryl Hatalla

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So Far

Since it is the 5th issue of the True Revolutionist, we decided to show what we have accomplished and who does what. Here's everything that has ever been written.

Liz:
What parents really think: The Brittany Syndrome?
Horoscopes
Stuck in a box
Rigged
Boys clothing
Death
Censoring the internet
Confessionals of a random Jeremy
What to do in the summertime
Water Chugging
Idiocy of Summer Homework

Abby

Support the Revolution
Backwards Books
Memories of 2002
Poems
Sadie Hawkins
Does it really help?
Big deal of popularity
Dear Abby
Stay who you are (with help from Cheryl)
Day in the life-1
Confessionals of a Random Teen
Day in the life-2
School

Cheryl

Forgotten piano
Junior High relationships
The culture exchange- Scotland(interviewee Steven Anderson)
Benefits of writing
Monday morning hang over
Quiet girls finish last
Crossing Oceans
Veggie thing
Stay who you are (with help from Abby)
Cat for adoption
War is not the answer
The boundary
Are we too American
No such thing
Music column: Novastream
Music column: Sold out?
Religion
Theories of the Universe
Veggie Boy Interview(interviewee Jef Kearns
Reminders of July 13(its just us)

Guest Writers:
Tree huggers- Virginia Handley
School year- Zack Hord
Why the French= bad- Weston McCollum
Remix Lord of the rings- Sarah Forsyth and Rachel Christianson

Who does what at the True Revolutionist......?

Liz is the one who keeps the subscribe list in tip top shape. If it weren�t for her, the newspaper would not get sent out. Liz also formats the newspaper in every email. She also keeps track of the editorials since the rest of us aren�t the most organized people. She comes to every staff meeting and always has an optimistic out look....no matter how far behind we are.

Abby does the most out reach for the newspaper. She gets many people to help out in Confessionals of a Random Teen, A day in the Life, and Dear Abby. She likes to do social articles about the way people act and think. Without her the newspaper would be very boring. Often times she gives ideas to the other writers for something to write about.

Cheryl does most of the work at the website now. Polls at the website are brought to you by her (although she is out of poll questions.) Without her, we would have no foreign subscribers. Her articles are becoming more and more controversial which equals out in more publicity.

Jordan used to do a lot of the work at the website. Now he is just back up for when html gets too frustrating for Cheryl. However, he still helps make decisions for the True Revolutionist and helps give us opinions in articles. It�s good to have the male perspective. He gives us something to laugh about when we are in times of despair .

Subscribers Stats.....

Total subscribers-61

Subscribers in America-55

Subscribers in foreign countries-6 (thanks to Cheryl)

-Scotland-5

-Canada-1

Subscribers in other states-5

-Texas-1

-Maine-1

-Indiana-2

-Connecticut-1

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Veggie Boy

As you may recall, back in January, I decided to become vegetarian for five days for an article called �The Veggie Thing.� I found out just what it was like to not eat meat. But now, 6 months later I have decided to become vegetarian for sometime, only this time I don't know how long, maybe a year, maybe less than that, maybe forever. Only now, it's harder than the newspaper story that I knew would only take five days. However, how hard is not eating meat compared to eating nothing from animals? What if you didn't eat anything from animals, what would it be like to be Vegan? This means nothing from animals, no ice cream (scary thought for many of us), no milk, and definitely no seafood. Not a single thing made from animals. Since I could never become Vegan, I decided to ask someone who is Vegan what it was like. Jef is a 25 year old Vegan guy living in Toronto, Canada; just the person to ask.

Cheryl: What made you decide to become Vegan in the first place?

Jef: I became vegetarian first ... and it was for moral reasons.

Cheryl: What were your moral reasons?

Jef: I don't think that it is right to inflict pain on any creature; no matter what their intelligence level is.

Cheryl: In the beginning when you first started out did it affect you in any different ways?

Jef: I felt healthier.

Cheryl: Why did you feel healthier?

Jef: Just because of the absence of meat.

Cheryl: Would you say you are glad you became Vegan? Why?

Jef: I am very happy to be Vegan because it is good for the animals, the environment and my health.

Cheryl: Explain how it is good for the environment.

Jef: Well, the waste from cattle and other animals raised for consumption seeps into the earth and runs into the water. Also, in Central America, entire forests are felled or burnt to provide land for grazing cattle.

Cheryl: So you care about the environment too?

Jef: A recent Greenpeace report told how the dairy industry of California uses enough water to supply a city of 22 million people. The effluent produced from intensive piggeries, cattle feedlots and broiler units is polluting our river systems.

Jef: yes

Cheryl: Do all Vegans care about the environment as well as animal rights?

Jef: Probably not all, but I think that the majority would since they are thinking beyond their own well being (unless it's purely for health reasons).

Cheryl: Do you consider it hard being Vegan?

Jef: At times, but I never found it hard to be vegetarian though.

Cheryl: Do you ever forget that you are Vegan and almost eat something you aren't supposed to eat?

Jef: Not really.

Cheryl: So how long has it been since you last ate meat?

Jef: Christmas day 1996

Cheryl: When was the last time you ate something from an animal?

Jef: I don't know. I have made mistakes I know.

Cheryl: By accident?

Jef: Yes. Like recently I was halfway through an energy bar and realized it had gelatin in it.

Cheryl: Did you make yourself throw it up, or did you just feel really guilty?

Jef: I was on the subway.

Cheryl: That wouldn't have been good.

Jef: Nope.

Cheryl: Have you ever made yourself throw up after realizing you just ate something from an animal?

Jef: Yes, once.

Cheryl: Many people consider Vegans to be hypocritical and fanatics...what do you say to that?

Jef: Hypocritical how?

Cheryl: My one teacher was talking the one day, and somehow we got on the topic of Vegans.

Cheryl: He said they won�t eat anything from animals, but look at the materials they use...leather jackets ect...and then they don�t always do what they say.�

Cheryl: He was being narrow-minded at the time.

Jef: Then they aren't Vegan.

Jef: If you are Vegan you don't wear or eat animals.

Cheryl: Have people ever made negative comments to you because you are Vegan?

Jef: People say things like "want some meat?" trying to be funny.

Cheryl: Do you say anything back?

Jef: No ... it's not worth it.

Cheryl: Does it make you feel anger towards them for eating meat?

Jef: Not really.

Cheryl: Do you ever want to tell them what they are supporting by eating meat?

Jef: No, people are usually pretty set on their own view of right and wrong. I don't want to make people uncomfortable and it's usually pretty futile to argue the point with them ... everyone has their own sense of morality.

Cheryl: Altogether, do you think being Vegan has changed you much?

Jef: I think that I am because I am better following my morality.

Cheryl: What would you say to those who are considering becoming Vegan or vegetarian?

Jef: Research how to go about it in a healthy way. Don't let people discourage you.

(I want to thank Jef for his time and support for the True Revolutionist and thank who ever invented msn instant messenger.)-Cheryl Hattalla

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Reminders of July 13(It�s just us)

It was July 13, 2002 at 10pm. The place was a small town about 20 minutes out of Harrisburg City called Linglestown. There was also a drinking party going on some place nearby. And there was also someone driving on Linglestown road that was coming from the party to pick up nothing put a pizza. However, the person driving had been drinking. At that same time, there was another car going the opposite direction. The headlines the next day in the Harrisburg Patriot News read: Six dead. Police say alcohol was involved.

Then about 9 months later at Central Dauphin East Junior High School we were all dragged into the auditorium for an assembly about drinking alcohol. They showed it all; the wrecked car, the traumatized relatives, the flowers of sympathy, and the casket of someone who had lost their hopes, their dreams, their future, but most of all, their life. It was all due to what they told us was alcohol. They said alcohol was bad, they said look what it does.

But we have been told this before. We have been told that alcohol is such a sin. We have been told its evil; it brings out the worst in people. And in history, people tried to outlaw it because that is what they believed. Yet, some people still believe it. But how? How is drinking alcohol so evil? It can�t be the terrible things that happen after drinking is only the result of our own choices. So how could you blame it on alcohol?

Alcohol gets the blame. It is the easiest thing to blame because, of course, we are not going to take the blame ourselves. But who was it making the decisions? It wasn't the alcohol telling us to take just one more shot. It wasn't the alcohol that told us to make the most of the night and get some with that guy or girl. It wasn't the alcohol telling us to get in the car, and it wasn't alcohol that told us to put the key in the ignition. It wasn't the alcohol. It was only ourselves so why do we go about blaming on it the drink?

Alcohol isn�t the reason for these outcomes; the only reason is because of our own actions. Because whose decision was it to take that first glass? - Cheryl Hatalla

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The Idiocy of Over the Summer Reading Assignments

When summer starts the last thing on most students minds is reading. Yet, when students enter Junior high or high school they are required to read certain books and do an assignment about them. When they return to school the next year they are graded on those books. I found many ways that over the summer reading assignments are stupid.

Before I rant, let me share with you the positive effects of reading over the summer. Studies show that students that read over the summer are more likely to do better in school the next year then students who do not read. Keep in mind while you read my article that I understand and agree with this fact. School attempts to get you to read over the summer by assigning books. This in many ways backfires. First, many people wait until the very end of the summer to read their books and do their written portion of the homework. This is, in my opinion, not over the summer reading because it is crammed into the last week or so before school starts and therefore cannot have lasting benefits over the school year. For many who do procrastinate (which I can assume is the majority of students, due to past experiences with projects) the assignment ruins the last precious week of summer freedom. Also, since the work is crammed, the answers may have a poor quality and will not reflect the students true writing/reading/comprehension ability.

There are still the few extremely responsible students who do their work early in the summer. There are still, however, disadvantages to doing the work early. I, being extremely bored, finished my homework before the end of July. For the rest of the summer I don't have to think and/or worry about the reading that is looming ahead of me. I'm in a great position right? Wrong. By the end of the summer I will have completely forgotten much of what I read early on. When the tests come up in High School (within 15 days of school starting) I will only have faded memories of June, including what I read.

In conclusion, over the summer reading is idiotic. You will either a) cram it in to the last week of summer or b) do it early and forget it all. The teachers attempt to get us to read was poor and not thoroughly thought out. They should really make a better plan to get us to read. All in all I am totally against summer reading assignments.-Liz Morris

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Confessionals

-Of a Random Teen

In this issue we have Jeremy Harris as our next victim/interviewee. Jeremy describes himself as �easy going, laid back, and easy to like.� When asked about his pressures in life, Jeremy said he is pressured to do well in school and to respect adults, basically the pressures of most kids. Many people wonder, is it easier to be a girl or a guy? Jeremy feels its definitely easier for guys. �Girls have little pissy fights,� he mused, �They flip out about nothing. Other reasons why guys are better? Physical characteristics I won�t expand on.� Jeremy is very diverse with his choices in music. He prefers alternative music like the Dave Matthews Band and the Goo Goo Dolls. He also likes older music from the sixties. When asked about rap, Jeremy had decisive opinions. �Not all rap is bad,� he explained, �I like rap. Its just there is too much of it.� Jeremy feels there was one defining moment in his life that changed him. He has a sister that is now in college. When she left, everything changed. �I was alone with my parents,� he revealed, �We didn�t have anything to talk about.� We all have our best and worst things about us. His ability to make people laugh is Jeremy�s best asset. �Laughing is the key to happiness,� he said with a big grin on his face. Yet, where there is good there is always bad. �My biggest flaw is not confronting people when I know I did something wrong to hurt them,� Jeremy said, �I really feel bad, but I can�t face them.� Like many of us, Jeremy is looking forward to high school, but he will still miss junior high. �You lose friends, but you gain some too,� he said. If Jeremy had to label himself it would be �a great mind without the words to express it.� Lastly, if Jeremy had one wish, it would be to go and see the world, but take his friends with him. �I want to live in a nice apartment and live life up,� he said, �I don�t want to have to do stuff because people tell me to.� All in all Jeremy Harris is an interesting, funny guy, that dislikes pissy fights, likes a large range of music, and wants to see the world.

Rachel Christensen, an 8th grade student at East Jr. describes herself as insecure, a dweller, a pessimist, but also friendly. She deals with the normal pressures of a teen; from her parents (to act her age), from peers to be popular and to fit in but also from herself. She says that she gets the most pressure from herself and its sometimes hard to handle. "The major pressure from myself is to believe - in myself....others...God...and life. I try my best to believe most of the time." She also stated that she hates society (jokingly - I think) because girls have more pressure riding on them to look right. "I don't really know what the opposite sex is like," Rachel stated when asked if she thought being a boy would be easier, "But I suppose childbirth has to be difficult." When asked about what event in her life had a big impact on her she profoundly replied, "Maybe when I realized that whatever I did, there would be someone who said it wasn't right." At ending her interview Rachel's final words were, "Be yourself, unless you can't find yourself....then start looking."

-Liz Morris(Jeremy) and A.F. Wheeler (Rachel)

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A Day In a Life

Soccer and first kisses are what this Kit Snow* has on her mind.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Tuesday

We had tension today in Geometry! Our class set up Layla and Jaden with a really hard problem and they got it wrong. But they thought it was right. I had a great weekend. I played in a soccer tournament and we came in third. I also had a sleep over with two friends Sunday to Monday - I LOVE three day weekends!

Wednesday

Today I failed a German quiz. It was horrible! I really hope it doesn't bring my grade down. I have a crush on a guy who has a girlfriend. I was so mad when I found out. Err. But I did find out that I made the Division 1 CASA soccer team! I was so happy! But that's it for today....

Thursday

Today was pretty standard, but I did kinda get into a fight with one of my friends, Dana. For the last two days she's been getting weird. Like she doesn't want to be friends with me any more. That's what I get from it at least.

Friday

So far I'm not having a good Friday. I found out that my one friend got her first kiss yesterday. As much as I was happy for her, I got completely mad and jealous because I haven't had mine yet. I don't know why, I just always thought I'd get mine before her and I guess I was disappointed. So now I've got the thought in my head that no one will ever like me. So my Friday is going pretty bad. Hopefully it'll get better. Oh, and the story of the day is Skyler and the knife thing. If you don't know about it - ask around.

Weekend

I went shopping twice this weekend which is always a good time and we had two soccer games. We lost 1-0 on Sat. but on Sun. we won!! Thanks for sharing it with me!

*All names have been changed.

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Looking back

School. Like it or not we do tend to live in a nutshell. I mean who goes to school to learn about the ancient civilizations of Rome and photosynthesis? There tends to be a lot of different pressures from different people in school."Get good grades, do well, get involved," say your parents and teachers. But as we all know more teens are concerned about how they look and where they fit in. True, your science test tomorrow may be on your mind as you go to sleep at night, but when your alarm clock rudely awakes you the next morning, looking right and what you're going to wear is more likely to be what you're thinking about. And once we're at school, we do tend to let our minds slip and think more about the social interests of the day. To prove my point, I asked some of my fellow peers what their favorite part of the day is "Getting smiles from boys in the halls." "Homeroom and talking to my friends." "Science because I get to flirt," were some of the responses I got. Clearly, learning Newtons Laws of Gravity is not on their mind. In my opinion, school is more or less a huge social ladder where you are either at the top or the bottom and always climbing.

A lot of things changed for us when we went to Jr. High School. We learned how to multiply fractions, and the moons of Jupiter, we learned how to cook and sew, and how to build a box. But more than that, we learned about people. We all befriended new people and lost some of those who seemed close. Some of us learned how to trust each other and grew up a lot. If I had to pass down one thing I learned in Jr.High to the new 7th and 8th graders, I would say not to take things seriously. Sure, you want to do your best, but only do it for what it's worth. Two years in Jr.High is not a lot of time to make your mark. Sometimes for the sake of mental health, you need a day, or maybe you need to give in a little to have some fun. You never ever should judge people or judge them on the same standards you set for yourself.

And now here comes high school. Another fresh beginning. We can be whoever we want to be. So there are people who think they're better than us. But that doesn't mean we aren't as good as them. Someone once told me not to isolate myself to one group of people and to try to fit in wherever. Its so easy to get lost in what people expect of you, whether it's at home, and you're trying to please your parents by being responsible, or at school trying to make a good impression on the teachers by getting good grades. You have to do what you want sometimes and be the person you imagine yourself being.

-A.F. Wheeler

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Remembering the 2002-2003 School Year

So, another year of school has gone by. Back in August, when school started, we had no idea what to expect. Now that it is already June, we have realized that it wasn't as hard. For some people it was a really terrible experience. For others, it was a memorable experience that will never be forgotten. Throughout the days we spent in school, we have had good times.

On the first day, we all walked in and tried to figure out who we would fit in with. Many of us got accepted into either the preps, the jocks, the nerds (no offense), or just the plain, ordinary people. We would get our books and have the annoying assembly in which the principal explained what was expected of us. These rules didn't last long once the monthly fights started to occur. And then the pages and pages of notes started to settle into the daily routine in our classes. After that, we had tons of quizzes, tests, and lots and lots of homework. But, the Monday morning craving of the inside of our eyelids remained throughout the year.

There have been good times and bad times. For example, Cheryl from this very own newspaper thought a memorable experience was when they all quit the East Side News and created the True Revolutionist. Rachel said

the most memorable experience she can think of is the Into The Woods show at East Junior and their trip to Atlanta. Jordan thought one of the most memorable things of the school year was when Kyle Salerno and Pratik Patel got into a fight. Sarah said her most memorable experience was while Shelly Lauer was at East Jr.

Next year, for many of us, we will be moving on to high school where we will meet new people and encounter new experiences. But, as we go on we will always remember the days which we have had as teenagers.

By: Zack Hord

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((This next article is extremely biased. We only allowed it to be submitted because we wanted to show that we are open minded to what everyone thinks and anyone can voice their opinion. This article does not represent any of the opinions of the True Revolutionist and its staff.))

Why I Hate the French

I hate the French for many reasons. Some of which I will not mention in this article, because it would simply be too time -consuming. The first reason why I hate the French is because of their language. French just has too many accents. They should just keep it simple.

The French, Germans, and Russians all belong in the Axis of Weasels(Note from Editor: There is no such official thing.(Meaning it�s not a term you would find in a history book)). This is the basis for my second reason of why I hate the French. The French are weasels, plain and simple. The only reason the French did not want to go to war with Iraq is because they had economic interest there. Ten billion dollars to be exact. The French sold Iraq weapons and bought oil from them. They thought if we invade Iraq and remove Saddam there goes some of their income.

Socialism is the set of beliefs that states that all people are equal and should share equally in the wealth of the country. Americans complain about our unemployment at 6%. They should be grateful. France's unemployment is at 10.2%. France is a socialist country whose citizens wish to be taken care of from cradle to grave. They want others to fight their battles, pay their bills, and heap them with praise they so richly don't deserve. The French excel in one thing and one thing only, which is failure. The French tried to construct the Panama Canal; Americans had to finish it. The French tried to colonize Vietnam; America was left with the mess when they ran.

Vietnam leads me into my next reason of why I hate the French. The French are not good fighters. Just look at their war record. They lost the Algerian Rebellion. They lost the war in Indochina. They lost the Franco Prussian War. They lost the Wars of Religion against the Huguenots. They lost the Italian Wars. I need not mention World War I and Word War II, except to say that the French people would be eating sauerkraut if not for American intervention. When the Germans crossed the border the French "patriots" rolled on their backs and begged to serve the Nazis. I believe this poor war record is what prevented them from supporting the war with Iraq. If the French lost a lot of men it would bring up the war record of the French, which is not good.

But lets be fair here. France briefly won some battles during the Napoleon era, but only because their leader was from Corsica. They claim to have won the Hundred Years War, but that was because the non-French Joan of Arc took over their armies. The French did win the French revolution, but how tough can it be fighting another Frenchmen. That is like two men flipping a coin. No matter what the outcome the French still win. But knowing the French they could somehow screw that up.

In conclusion, the French are a socialist country that have a complicated language and cannot fight. They only thing they are good for is a laugh here or there. If you would like to discuss this matter further or have comments for me, e-mail me at [email protected] (also [email protected] for editorials.)

By: Weston Mccollum

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Staff

Cheryl Hatalla

Abby Wheeler

Elizabeth Morris

Jordan Himes

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