.The True Revolutionist Newspaper.

.Cheryl Hatalla.Liz Morris. Abby Wheeler.


.Issue 1. Issue 2. Issue 3. Issue 4. Issue 5. Issue 6. Issue 7. Issue 8. Issue 9.

.What the hell is this?. Making us Known. The Forum. Biography. GuestBook. Host.

true | revo

So this is what the truerevo staff does in their spare time...(katie and cheryl having too much fun)

Hello everybody! This issue of the True Revolutionist is out 6th and we now have 63 subscribers in 5 states, 3 countries, and 2 continents. Get ready for number 6.

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This issue in The Revolutionist

The Sex Chronicles-About our favorite subject, S-E-X

The Shrub Looks at Paper-A guest writer ponders over paper

The Debate-Remember the "Too American" article? This is a debate about that

Chopstick Files-Abby's used chopsticks for a week

Before We Die-Results of a survey we did awhile back

Labels Happen-Liz talks about stereotypes

WHAT ARE YOU EATING?-Cheryl talks about gentically engineered food

Feng Shui- Guess who wrote this one...

Fear Factor Meets the True Revo-It was a fateful day last summer....

Music Column:Music on fire-Cheryl talks about musician's opinions

Poetry Contest-Start writing!

Jordan's Top 10 List-Our webdesigner writes his first thing for the True Revo, it's everything you'd expect

Confessionals Of The Staff-The Staff unveiled

LOTR Parody- Guestwriter add humour to this issue

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The sex chronicles.

Sex. I bet that caught your attention. We have all thought about it, read about, probably even seen it (porn pop up ads). But what effect does it really have on our life? Is it a good or bad thing for teens? And is it true that 20% of the girls in your health class have already done�.it? Well, the True Revolutionist has decided to take itself to the next level. Being uptight about something isn�t going to get you anywhere. That�s why we introduce to you the True Revolutionist Sex Chronicles. A new column in every issue about sex. There's just so much to say about sex we decided we couldn�t fit it all into one issue. So sit back and get ready for the True Revo�s newest and boldest step to being better.

Top Ten Tips: Talking with Your Teenager About Sex

We have a few parents who read this newspaper, and this article is mostly for their benefit. Parents think they know how to talk to us about sex, and sometimes they do. This article however is comparing an article on the Top 10 tips for talking To Your Teenager about Sex to telling you the real ways to talk to us. (All information taken from this article http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,25725,00.html )

1. Start early. Even though this article is about talking to your teen, it's better if you start when your children are younger. Don't wait until your children are already well into puberty to have "The Talk." Instead, make sex a topic of conversation from the very start. That way, you and your child will be more comfortable.

Our Thoughts: We agree. If you talk about it from the time we're little to the time we're adults, we will be much, much, more comfortable.

2. Talk about the sex that's all around us. You can't watch an hour of TV, open a newspaper or magazine, or drive down a city street without bumping up against sex. Sex sells, and because of that, we are all bombarded by sexualized images, especially in advertisements. Start with a neutral or light-hearted observation, like "What's that model doing in that car ad? Do you think if I bought one of those cars, I could look that great?" Sometimes the conversation will end there. Sometimes it will move on to deal with how the media sells sex, and how that makes some people behave.

Our thoughts: This is a good concept, and very badly explained. The line, "What's that model doing in that car ad? Do you think if I bought one of those cars, I could look that great?" will make your child feel like you think they're 5. Or mentally challenged. If my mom said that to me, I'd probably say, "Mom, that's dumb. Buying a car will obviously not reduce your age to 20. You should have learned by now that a cool car will not make you immortal." If you talk about it in another way, like "Do you think those women in that music video are demeaning to women?" (you could have a lovely conversation with that one) or "Ew, I can't believe that man raped that girl." (ya know, if your watching the news or "Law & Order" or something.) You might be able to pull this one off, but if your afraid you'll look like an idiot, shy away from this one.

3. Talk in the car. You have privacy, and your teen can't just get up and walk away. You probably spend a lot of time driving your teen places, so you might as well make good use of it.

Our Thoughts: This can work. This can work well. This can also backfire in a very bad way. Do not start this conversation if you're gonna be in the car for an hour, that will not only scare us, but leave awkward silences. Also, make sure no one else is in the car, or else we will not only be scared and embarrassed, but mortified. Know your boundries, parents.

4. Tell your teen where you stand. It's natural for teens to turn up their noses at their parents' ideas, acting as though they've never heard anything quite so dumb before. But, in spite of these shows of independence, adolescents really do care what their parents think, especially about the important issues like what's right versus wrong, and what's safe versus dangerous.

Our thoughts: Just because we want to know what you think, we might not agree. We might even act like we think your ideas are dumb because, guess what, we think they are. No matter how your child acts, however, we still want to know what you think because it helps us set boundries. Just, please don't force your ideas upon us, because as the rebellious kids we are, we really don't like being forced to do or think anything.

5. Short and sweet. You may wish you could have an in-depth, heart-to-heart talk with your teen about her deepest hopes and fears. Chances are, though, that that's the last thing your teen wants. Instead, you may have to settle for short exchanges, or maybe even one-way conversations. Here's an example of what I mean: Driving down the street, you both see a teenager dressed in a too-tight, too-short, too-skimpy top. You observe: "I wonder if that girl is aware of the message her clothes are sending." Your teen asks, "What do you mean?" You reply, "Boys might respond to her in a way she doesn't like."

Our Thoughts:This goes back to the car one. Short, sweet, and in a place where the subject can be changed. Once again, the example conversation is inadequate. If you say something like, "I wonder if that girl is aware of the message her clothes are sending." We're gonna rebel. We just are. Even if we agree with you, we'll stand up for the girl. This is mostly because that statement is somewhat like an attack on teenagers in general, meaning your attacking us.

6.Show, don't tell. Of course, sex is much more than just different things people do with their bodies. It's really about relationships. The best way to teach your child that sex should be part of healthy, loving, committed relationships is to let your child see you enjoying just that kind of relationship. That doesn't mean going on and on about the sexual aspects of your adult relationships (most teens would die of embarrassment before you got past the first sentence!) It does mean letting your child see you and your spouse or significant other enjoying a health relationship and having a good time together in a physically affectionate way.

Our thoughts: This one is just weird. Weird, weird, weird. I don't care how they word it, its still strange. Don't use this one. Please.

7. Leave books around. There are lots of good books that explain about sexual anatomy, the changes of puberty, ways people make love, and the emotional aspects of sex. Talking about sex, and reading such informational books about sex does not make teens act out sexually. If anything, having reliable information takes away some of the mystery about sex, and makes it easier for teens to say No to sexual experimentation. Your local library probably has a good selection of books that are appropriate for teens. Just ask the librarian.

Our thoughts: This one works, but a word to the wise, don't put them on the coffee table. Put them in an easily accesible place where we feel we can look at them without being disturbed.

8. Let the doctor help. Family doctors, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners are trained to talk with teens about sex. Sex talk is one of the basic components of the routine "check-up" for teens. Your teen's doctor ought to politely invite you out of the exam room, and explain that this part of the exam is confidential. That means your child has a chance to ask questions without worrying about upsetting you or inviting disapproval. (There are limits to confidentiality, however: when teens report suicidal thoughts or plans, or other very dangerous activities, parents have to be notified.)

Our thoughts: Paraphrased, this one means if you suck at telling us about sex, get the doctor to. Works for me, works for you.

9.Get in the habit of listening. If you want your teenage child to talk with you about things that are important to him, get into the habit of listening without passing judgment on what he says, not just about sex, but about everything. If he tells you about a teacher at school who is "really stupid," try to understand what he means by that, rather than simply jumping to the teacher's defense. If he tells you he ought to be able to stay out until 3 a.m., listen to his reasoning about why he thinks that's a safe, wise decision. You don't have to agree in the end, and you still make the rules. But by taking time and effort to listen before you react, you let your teen know that you value his ideas, and that makes it much more likely he'll value yours in return.

Our Thoughts: How true! Listen to us and let us ramble without intervening for awhile. Try to see our point of view, even if you do disagree. Also, try to get your kid see your point of view. It's not a one way street here.

10. Respect your teen's privacy. It isn't reasonable, or necessary, for an adolescent to tell his parents every detail of his personal life. You need to know that your teen is safe, and knows enough to make wise decisions. But one of the main tasks of adolescence is to separate emotionally from one's parents, so it's healthy for teens to have privacy, too. Lots of parents have a hard time accepting that they may be excluded from their child's deepest thoughts and feelings. But teens are like clams; the harder you pry, the more they close up. Let your teen know you're interested, open, available, and honest, and chances are, when you least expect it, you'll find yourself talking about the things that really matter.

Our thoughts: The last line just makes you saw "awww," huh? If we don't tell you about our boyfriend or girlfriend, please don't freak out. Freak out when we go out until 12 at night without telling you. Also, think, did you ever want to tell your parents everything? You probably didn't, and even if you were open with one parent, you might not have been open with another.

All in all, doctors know what their talking about 75% of the time, and are bad at coming up with examples. If you disagree with our comments, or agree with them, please e-mail [email protected] with what you have to say. We appreciate your interest.

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The Shrub Looks at Paper

Computers have eliminated the pencil, well, almost, but sometimes I still need to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and a #2 pencil, like today. The paper that I originally wrote this on will forever be changed. No matter how hard I erase there will still be a small trace of graphite lingering like a ghost. There will also be, of course, people who will wrinkle this paper. I might draw in the margins or fold it to fit in my pocket. No matter what though, there will never be a paper exactly the same. It's almost as if I've given it a set of fingerprints that it can be identified by. As time goes by this small paper could be thrown away or be yellowed with age. Or maybe it will become famous and everyone will come to see it in a museum. They'll look and say "Wow, they actually had to write things down on something. How primitive." Though I would disagree. Aside from the writer's cramp and the graphite that will sometimes end up on your hand, writing is very efficient. Though typing may be faster it takes away from the individuality of the handwriting. Nowadays e-mails are faster and make it easier to get in touch with people that may have moved. Sometimes though it's nice to send a hand written letter. It's also nice to get them. The letters show that you've taken time and effort to write it. You can always tell who sent it because of the way it's written and which words are misspelled. I'm not saying that computers are bad. I'm just saying that sometimes it's nice to go back to the basics. So pick up a pencil and just write.-Tes

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The debate

Alright, The True Revolutionist Newspaper is trying hard to be open minded and accept all views. So I wanted to prove this even more, to show we let everyone speak their mind. So I figured we should have a debate. But debates don�t attract a lot of publicity if the people debating aren�t on different sides, besides what is the point of listening to two people agree on things? Its not the most interesting thing either. So we needed someone who disagrees with everything we say� Weston McCollum. He agreed to do this debate and decided that the idea of being too �American� was a good topic. Originally, the rules were 1. to stay on topic and 2. no name calling. (Like I couldn�t say to Weston �at least I�m not as tall as the kitchen counter.� And he couldn�t say �At least I didn�t fail pre-algebra 2 years in a row�) However as we went along, the subject changed and the name calling started. It was decided to leave it unedited and uncensored, completely, aol screen names, swearing, you name it � it was all left in. ((And just if you are confused, weswolf852= Weston. Xjuly15= Cheryl.)) So, here it is�..

Weswolf852: This is Weston McCollum here to talk with Cheryl Hatalla about the subject of being too"American"

Weswolf852: Cheryl what are your thoughts?

xjuly15: i dont see how someone can be so proud to be American

Weswolf852: Because that is where you grew up

xjuly15: i dont really see the world divided into countries....i mean, we are all from the same planet so why should we be proud of what part of the planet we are from

xjuly15: i can understand some of it.. and i dont see anything wrong with it, but it seems that americans are too proud

Weswolf852: No such thing as being too proud

xjuly15: theres a point where pride turns to arrogance

Weswolf852: How are we too proud

xjuly15: saying we are better than other countries

Weswolf852: we are

xjuly15: we cant be

xjuly15: why do you say we are

Weswolf852: we have a better government, better economic system, and better military. Just to name a few.

xjuly15: that doesnt make us better

xjuly15: im sure other countries have just as many things better than us

xjuly15: government, economy and military arent the only things that matter

Weswolf852: ok if they are so better why don't you move to some poor little country in Africa

Weswolf852: where everybody is dying

xjuly15: america isnt any better, and no country is any better

xjuly15: we are all the same. we live on the same earth

Weswolf852: we are not the same

xjuly15: our cultures may not be the same...our ethenics may not be the same...but we are all humans. we have the same needs and desires

Weswolf852: no that is where you are wrong

xjuly15: explain

Weswolf852: some terrorists desired that the twin towers fall... but any true american would not want that.

xjuly15: theres not such thing as a "true american" ....we all orginated from different places. even you weston, you are part irish. everyone in america sometime came from another country.

Weswolf852: no

Weswolf852: A true American wants what is best for the USA

xjuly15: this too american thing possibly just extremly patriotic

Weswolf852: How else are we too American

xjuly15: trying to help so many other countries. its not exactly bad, but really is it any of our business

xjuly15: you dont see any other country like germany or france trying to go to so many countries and help

Weswolf852: cuz they are poor

xjuly15: and we are in debt

xjuly15: what do you think of george bush

Weswolf852: you have to understand the USA is the only super power in the world. We get dogged by the UN if we don't help

Weswolf852: and dogged by the US media if we do

Weswolf852: I think George Bush is doing an excellent job

xjuly15: he is doing a good job? labling countries with terms pulled out of his ass such as "axis of evil"

Weswolf852: French Germany and Russia are the Axis of Weasels/

xjuly15: france, germany and russia are no different from us

Weswolf852: ok when the terrorists show up I'm gonna point them right over to your house

Weswolf852: France= socialist

weswolf852: Germany= dictatorship

xjuly15: terrorist may seem like bad people, but they have good in them. EVERYONE is good, its just that SOME people ((like terrorist choose not to show their good side))

Weswolf852: Russia = communist

Weswolf852: not everybody has good in them

xjuly15: and so those countries are different, it doesnt make them bad

xjuly15: if you dont see good in everyone how can you walk down the street without feeling like someone is going to attack you

Weswolf852: when they sell bombs to the terrorists so they can kill americans it does make them bad

xjuly15: its a bad act but even people who do bad things deserve forgiveness, even if what they did was bad

xjuly15: i thought you said you were christian, shouldnt you know to forgive?

Weswolf852: well they should burn in hell

xjuly15: no one deserves to burn in hell

xjuly15: even if there is no such thing

Weswolf852: yes they do

xjuly15: you should never wish something bad on someone

Weswolf852: now ladies and gentlemen we have an atheist on hand

xjuly15: theres nothing wrong with being an atheist

xjuly15: if you are so religious you would know to accept everyone

Weswolf852: not people who don't believe

xjuly15: does the bible not say to love everyone

xjuly15: "love one another"

Weswolf852: no

Weswolf852: if they try to fuck me

Weswolf852: over

Weswolf852: and I don't mean in a sick perverted way

Weswolf852: like say they shoot me

Weswolf852: I'm not going to love them

xjuly15: so you will hate them because they hate you

xjuly15: hate breeds hate

Weswolf852: yes

xjuly15: thats why its like that in the middle east

xjuly15: everyone hates and no one forgives

Weswolf852: Middle east is srewed up

xjuly15: you think its right to hate over and over

Weswolf852: treehuggers suck

xjuly15: loving in the environment is not bad either

xjuly15: considering the fact that we live here

Weswolf852: ok the people at peta rather see you die then a fly

xjuly15: because everyone and everything is equal. just because we are more intelligant, does that give us the right to kill

Weswolf852: yes it does

xjuly15: explain

Weswolf852: called survival of the fittest

xjuly15: so you believe it is right to let those who cant make it die and suffer

Weswolf852: yes if it is some insunificant animal

weswolf852: or plant

xjuly15: without animals and plants exactly what would be left on the planet

xjuly15: you would starve to death and die of lack of oxygen

xjuly15: everything depends on everything

xjuly15: therefore nothing is better than anything else

Weswolf852: ok I didn't say all plants in all animals

Weswolf852: now did I

Weswolf852: trying to put words in my mouth

xjuly15: ok fine sorrrrrrrryyyyyyyy

xjuly15: im still quite unsure of how you see america as so great

Weswolf852: maybe your just a terrorist and anti-american

xjuly15: a terrorist

xjuly15: anti- American

xjuly15: you got your ego up

Weswolf852: yes

Weswolf852: and you are depressed

xjuly15: i am not depressed

xjuly15: americans are no better than another person

xjuly15: and our country is no better than any other country

Weswolf852: yes it is

Weswolf852: then go move to a different country if we are so bad and you don't like the president

xjuly15: is it people like you that give america such a bad name

Weswolf852: no it is people like you

Weswolf852: you won't move because you hace it to good in America

Weswolf852: *have

xjuly15: theres other countries that have it just as good as us

xjuly15: and thats not the reason i wont move

Weswolf852: what countries and why won't you

xjuly15: think about the UK

xjuly15: isnt it quite equal

Weswolf852: no

xjuly15: how

Weswolf852: they have parliament

xjuly15: and...

xjuly15: thats bad because you disagree with it?

xjuly15: do you understand that just because someone disagrees with you doesnt make it bad or wrong

Weswolf852: yes it does

xjuly15: so you are saying you are right about everything

xjuly15: your oppinion is the "right" opnion

Weswolf852: yes mostly

xjuly15: do you consider me "wrong"

Weswolf852: you still didn't say why won't you move

Weswolf852: yes

xjuly15: because my parents

Weswolf852: and also a bitch

xjuly15: i am a bitch because i disagree

Weswolf852: sure

Weswolf852: yes

Weswolf852: well no

Weswolf852: you just are

xjuly15: thinking differently than you

Weswolf852: your parents won't let you.... what an exuse

Weswolf852: *excuse

xjuly15: and i dont have the money

Weswolf852: excuse

xjuly15: you think if i had the money id stay here?

Weswolf852: yes

xjuly15: and live near people like you

Weswolf852: ok cheryl you know you like me

xjuly15: i dont like you

xjuly15: obviously this is your ego again saying every girl likes you

Weswolf852: then why did you want me to do this debate with you

xjuly15: to make our newspaper more controversial, to get more publicity, to make us BETTER

Weswolf852: well also I am a likeable guy

xjuly15: to prove we arent narrow minded....like you

xjuly15: HA HA

xjuly15: a likeable guy is not a guy who calls a girl a bitch because she disagrees

xjuly15: thats not exactly "likeable"

Weswolf852: no see I rebuted those claims and said you just are

Since we are way off topic and proved the fact that we hate each other, I think this concludes our debate. �Cheryl Hatalla

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Chop Stick Files

At one time or another in our lives we've all used chop sticks. Admit it. It''s harder than it looks right? And even though you TRIED to eat with the chop sticks you ended up asking for a plastic fork and knife. I have too. But I wanted to find out how the other cultures manage without forks and knives to eat with at meal times. So for one week I used only chop sticks. (Actually I was told they had spoons and found I didn't have to live without ice cream.) The first day of using chopsticks was the hardest because they apparently take some getting used to. On day one I had Democracy Toast (French Toast) for breakfast. I started out fine enough but soon got annoyed because it took so long and resorted to stabbing pieces of Democracy Toast instead. For lunch I ate some chicken salad, which was pretty easy, and a hard boiled egg with the chop sticks. I was getting used to the idea by now.

By the end of today, Friday, the last day of having to use chop sticks, I got pretty good and can eat a lot easier with them. The hardest thing to eat was baked potato because it kept falling apart or sliding off of the chop sticks. I noticed that we eat a lot of things with our hands and use the utensils the most at breakfast or dinner. So try it yourself and tell us how you did!

-A.F. Wheeler

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Before we die

Just a little poll we took. Only a few of you decided to answer, but here�s what we got. �Cheryl Hatalla

Candice

1. go to college and graduate

2. get a good job

3. get married

4. have kids

5. live happily ever after

6. win the lotto

7. go to Hawaii

8. have a great meal to eat before i die

9. see my kids grow up and have kids

10. buy a big boat

Liz

1. mosh to punk rock princess

2. make out with (name has been edited for purposes we don't

understand) just once

3. Cure Leukemia and Narcolepsy

4. get married

5. have at least one girl and name here Jocelyn Elyssina

6. have at least one son and name him Jaden or Andrew David

7. write something that's famous

8. marry someone beautiful

9. get a celebrity to hug me (Something Corporate)

10. get someone to carry me around for a day

Cheryl

1. travel the world

2. get a tattoo on my lower back that says July with little stars around it

3. have a guy write a song for me

4. learn to play the violin better than my brother (yeah right)

5. get eyebrow and lip pierced

6. see Novastream perform- live

7. go to the art institute in either Boston or Philly

8. live in a big city- (New York? Philly? Boston?)

9. ride in the subway

10. finish my songs on the piano and get a guy to sing for me then put out a cd

Stu

1. become so rich that I never have to work hard ever again

2. write a book

3. stay in touch with friends no matter what

4. befriend a movie industry-type and convince him to make my movie

5. release an album

6. get a cat

7. write for a music magazine

8. write a comic book

9. buy a boat and take friends for cruises

10. get so drunk i can't see and then get drunker. oh, wait, done that

already.

Rachel

1. Chinese Water Torture

2. become well known for science or entertainment and such

3. get an electric violin

4. go back and visit New Zealand and Australia

5. become an exchange student (to a country that speaks English)

6. create an inspirational piece of artwork

7. write a book (though not just a biography)

8. leave a donut trail for a cop

9. gain self respect

10. visit either the Egyptian pyramids, Mayan ruins, ancient Chinese

ruins, or a haunted house (though not by myself)

Jocelyn

1. fall in love

2. get married

3. have kids

4. play outside in the rain

5. meet a famous person

6. have something happen to me that makes me thankful for everything I have

7. see a miracle

8. tell someone how I actually feel about him

9. spend a summer having fun with only my friends

10. just to be happy

Katie

1.Find someone to live for. Get married and start a family

2. Buy a house with a roof looking out over the sea so i can watch the sunrise.

3. Go for a ride on a yellow vespa

4.Become a somewhat well known artist.-At least popular enough to make a living off of it.

5.Get drunk and blow all my money on anime and freezies

6.Do something nobody else has (if your gonna dream, dream big)

7.Go parasailing

8.Write a book

9.Do something rebellious. Like dye my hair or get a tattoo.

10.Throw a glass of wine on an important person then punch them in the face.

Ginger

1.Get married and start a family

2.Get a house in a state that has a beach. Preferably a house along the beach.

3.Tell off someone I hate and kick their ass.

4.Pull an amazing prank on someone. No, I mean like AMAZING!

5. Travel the world.

6. Get over my fear of roller coasters.

7. Go on a road trip to California with all my close friends.

8. Get a tattoo or a piercing or something daring.

9. Climb a cliff.

10. GET THE GODDAMN INTERNET IN MY HOUSE!!!!

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Labels Happen

Humans like to label things. From the beginning of time humans labeled females "girls" and males "boys." That, however, wasn�t good enough. Then there were "boys and girls," "guys and gals," and "men and women." Scientists continuously label things, as do doctors, librarians, and even you. Labels keep humans organized. We like to be able to look at something and be able to define it. Labels, however lead to stereotypes and stereotypes are not good things.

I have been stereotyped many times, the first time probably being in the fourth grade. I had glasses and was kind of awkward. Fourth grade is just about the first time kids really start to get harsh about appearances. Up until then, most kids judge other kids on how they act and treat each other. For example, if Bobby always gets the class in trouble and we all miss out on cookies because of him, Bobby will be disliked. In fourth grade I was labeled a nerd, a dubious title. It was a stereotype that followed me through the next three years of my life.

Being dubbed a nerd haunted me in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. For that time I had literally no friends what-so-ever. I know people now that moved into my school in the fifth grade who stereotyped me as a nerd, and for those people, that is still what I am. This label was wrong. True, I was brighter than other kids, but I wasn�t annoying or overly ambitious in my schoolwork. Also, nerds are considered many times to be loners that hide in the corner of their room with the blinds down reading comic books obsessively or, for that matter, doing anything obsessively. I, however, did not fit that part of the nerd stereotype, as I was a friendly person that worked well in groups and did not have any obsessive hobbies.

For three years of my life I was falsely stereotyped and it was wrong to define me that way. What makes a label so wrong is the fact they are based on none or few facts and physical appearance. It is an assumption and assumptions are usually wrong. If the first bite of an exotic genre of food is bad, one might assume that the whole culture�s cuisine is bad as well. Also, as a positive assumption, one might have a good experience with an Irish person and assume all Irish are friendly. I think that humans just think it�s easier to stereotype a person and dislike, or even like them, accordingly as opposed to actually getting to know that person. If people got to know the person as an individual instead of categorizing them, and therefore stereotyping them, the grave mistakes that stereotyping can cause would happen less often.

Labels happen. Human nature dictates labels. Just because human nature wants us to stereotype other people doesn�t mean we should. Stereotypes are many times wrong assumptions that can hurt people�s feelings. Also, if people just got to know the people they were stereotyping, they could prevent mistakes that occur when one stereotypes. I went through a painful stereotyped related ordeal for three years. If you look at who I am now, it is obvious that it is wrong to stereotype.-Elizabeth Morris

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WHAT ARE YOU EATING?

You are walking down the isle at the grocery store when you see a carton marked "soy milk". Chances are you thought the soybeans in the milk were grown on a real farm in real soil. But the reality of it is, 75% of U.S. soybeans weren�t naturally grown on a farm. 75% of soybeans in the U.S. have actually been genetically engineered in a test tube. Its not just the soybeans that have been genetically engineered anymore, its hundreds of other crops such as corn, cotton and canola.

But just want does "genetically engineered" mean? It is a plant, animal or microorganism (such as bacteria) that is created in ways that overcome natural boundaries. Genetic engineering crosses species which would not cross in nature, for an example, genes from fish have recently been inserted into strawberries and tomatoes. Genetically engineered foods can also be known as genetically modified foods, or GMFs.

The biggest question you probably have is "are these foods safe to eat"? Although the Food and Drug Administration has insisted that these foods are no different from traditional foods, some of their own scientists say that they are two different ways of growing crops, therefore, they lead to different risk. And it is true, it is reported that these engineered foods introduce many new allergens.

According to an ABC news telephone poll taken in July 2003, one third of Americans would avoid buying GMFs. While 92% of Americans support labeling foods that have been engineered. However, foods that have been modified are not labeled in the U.S. The reason for this is that the U.S. is afraid marking foods will lower trade considering how many people, not only in the U.S. but all around the world are still a bit unsure of engineered foods. In September 1998 the European Union made it a law that all genetically engineered foods must be labeled.

Genetically engineered foods can be good in some ways. The world�s population continues to grow each day and 826 people are hungry right now. There is not enough land to farm all the food needed to supply the world with food, so to many liberals, genetically engineered food is a good thing because it is saving lives. But conservatives are still with the idea that messing with nature is only going to make things worse.-Cheryl Hatalla

For more information, check out "http://thecampaign.org/" or "http://www.truefoodnow.org/". For comments e-mail "mailto:[email protected]". Thanks.

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Feng Shui

Feng - Who? Just kidding. Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is the Chinese art of rearranging furniture. As crazy as it may sound - yes, there is an "art" of moving furniture around. Some possible outcomes of Feng Shui include better sleep, increased motivation, or better health. A lot of Feng Shui has to do with yin and yang. Yin things (or elements) are said to be more calming such as the colour blue or rugs on the floor and soft pillows. Yang things tend to be brighter and harder such as the colours yellow and orange, hardwood floors and fire. For a room to have what is considered "good" feng shui you must have a mix of these elements. The placement of furniture also has major signifigance in Feng Shui. If you're designing a living room you'll want a sociable atmosphere and so on and so forth.

But does it work or is this just something else someone made up? No - it really does help some people to relax. I know from experience, this year in the science fair I proved it. I threw some books, magazines, clothes, and such into my living room, turned on a really loud Creed song and made people sit in the room for (I think) 4 minutes. Afterward I took their heart rate (or pulse). In a fort-like enclosure in my basement I put blankets, pillows, and a fountain with some nature sounds. That was to be the good Feng Shui room. I proved with my experiment that Feng Shui really does work because most people's heart rates were lower in the good Feng Shui room than in the cluttered one. But think about it. Who would really want to live in a cluttered room? Feng Shui may just be common sense.

-A.F. Wheeler

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Fear Factor Meets - The True Revolutionist

Yes, you heard right - Fear Factor. If you don't know what this is it's a show on Mondays at 8pm on NBC. The contestants have to do all sorts of crazy stunts like bunge jumping off some high altitude or race through a sewer. They also have to eat some outrageous foods (if you could call it that) ex. fermented squid guts - and you are lucky to get cow brains.

The True Revolutionist decided to have a fear factor challenge of their own. We figure Cheryl's mom wouldn't be happy if we took turns jumping off her roof with jump ropes so we partook in the eating section of the show. Half of our staff (Liz and Jordan) volunteered (or were pushed into) to take part in the stunt. These two 14 (now 15) year olds were blindfolded while they ate the grossest stuff Liz and I could find in our kitchens.

Liz went first - she began happy and waving to the camera, but that all changed. With a face, she stated after she ate her first foods, "That is the nastiest grape I have ever eaten." But puh-lease we went easy on her. "Where did you get these? From behind your house?" she asked appalled at the blueberry/grape mixture on her plate. Then came the shells. Why boil pasta when you can eat it straight? "It was the worst part." she said, "I hated the texture." One of the shells had hot chocolate mix and the other had Mexican seasoning inside. The last thing Liz, our first contestant, had to eat was a piece of matza topped with sour cream. "You went easy on me." Liz said. But that wasn't what she was saying while she was eating!

Jordan, our "web designer", was up next. However Liz was a little more creative than I was. Jordan had a harder time. The first thing he had to down was another matza cracker, topped with mayonnaise, with leaves on top. "Oh man, feels disgusting." He said at first but did eat it. "It was disgusting." (Note: disgusting is used a lot here - hmm wonder why?) Jordan didn't realize the leaf was on top though and couldn't believe he ate a leaf. "I ate a leaf? I am awesome." The next thing we made him eat was the worst by far. It was a piece of baking chocolate (unsweetened) with tomatoes (compliments of Chef Liz), he only ate half, which we understood - I don't think I'd eat it. After the look on his face, I moved the bucket standing by a little closer and Cheryl got some water. And lastly, the shell. Actually with a blueberry in it. It was the easiest thing for Jordan on account of him washing it down whole. When we asked how his experience had been on "Fear Factor - The True Revolutionist, he replied, with a lot of thought, "Chewy."

Evidently fear is not a factor for either of these two contestants on Fear Factor - The True Revolutionist.-Abby Wheeler

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Music Column

Music on Fire

It's happened plenty of times before. The Beatles once said they were more popular than Jesus. One artist ripped apart a picture of the pope. And just recently the Dixie Chicks said they were ashamed to be from the State of Texas because President Bush was from Texas. Musical artists are constantly voicing their opinions, not only in their music but also to the media. It's not a bad thing, but sometimes an opinion can hurt the musician�s popularity and anger some fans. As it has been done before, the fans then burn and destroy music that they once loved and despise artists who they once idolized only for something the artist said. It happened to the Beatles, it happened to the Dixie Chicks. But is it the right thing to do?

Everyone has an opinion. Whether some people decide to voice it or not is their choice. Some musicians do choose to say what they think. Maybe to show what they stand for, maybe just for publicity or maybe for some other reason. Many times what an artist says doesn�t always flow with what their fans think. Their music is destroyed, posters and pictures and autographs, by their "fans." Taking it against them for having the courage to stand up for what they think. Treating their music and their opinions as one? Just because maybe what they think isn�t what you think, does that suddenly make their music the most horrible thing to listen to?

Is it right to destroy music in the first place? After all, music is a form of art. Someone�s artwork is part of them; it�s a section of their emotions that they have laid out for everyone to see. In paintings, in books, people show a part of themselves. It�s something they have put time into, something they have worked hard on, thought out, and planned. So only because of something they think, you are going to destroy what they worked hard on? Suddenly hate what you once loved because someone thinks differently than you? Maybe they aren�t the ones who are wrong, maybe it's yourself, and maybe you should be more open minded to different ideas. -Cheryl Hatalla

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Poetry Contest

It's the end of summer and are you feeling creative? Do you have some poetry inside of you? Good! Because The True Revolutionist is having a poetry contest. Send your poetry to us. The staff will read through it and come up with 5 top poems to appear in the next issue. Then you - the readers - get to decide which poem will be the winning poem! It's all anonymous so there's no reason why you can't write to us. Please email all your poetry to [email protected]. Start writing you only have till next issue!

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JORDAN'S TOP TEN LIST:THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN MEETING NEW PEOPLE

10. Don't beat box in the ear of a complete stranger.

9. Don't flatulate.

8. Don't wipe your mouth/blow your nose on their t-shirt.

7. Don't rip out a piercing of any kind.

6. Don't chant gibberish prayers in uncomfortably loud tones of voice.

5. Don't spit out your gum and stick it on the bottom of your own shoe.

4. Don't dance like MC Hammer.

2. Don't Forget to add #3 to any top ten lists.

1. Don't introduce yourself as "Snuffles Bluesboot-Saxmaster III"

E-mail Jordan at [email protected] with comments, questions, or list suggestions.

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The Staff is Unveiled in - Confessionals Of The Staff

Cheryl Hatalla, a writer and part-time web designer of the True Revolutionist, describes herself as ambitious and anxious to get out into the world and see it. This young writer says she would label herself as artistic because she likes to draw, write, and play the piano. Hatalla says that she has to deal with a lot of pressure from her parents because they want her to be good at math and school, "But I could honestly care less. I want nothing to do with school and math." "My brother, most definitely has changed and influenced me the most. I wouldn't be who I am without him. I wouldn't play the piano and I'd probably would be one of those bratty only children. I've always looked up to him even though he always beat up on me." Cheryl says that she likes being a girl and we have to deal with pressures that are different from guys, but it all kind of adds up to be even. She also says that if she could change something about herself it would be for more social skills. "I don't know what to say when I'm around big groups of people. Or guys"

"I'm relaxed around the ladies, but if I'm at a party or something, I can get kooky and excited," says Jordan Himes of the True Revolutionist. "I am the Anti-label. You cannot label me." He said, "There's too many things you could label me as. I guess its good because then people can't use stereotypes against me." He says he's pressured by his mom to do well in school, like all normal teens, and about how his hair looks. But culture doesn't pressure Himes, "Culture can bite me." Jordan also said that he's fine with being a boy because there's a lot less "stuff" to deal with - but he admitted boys got some pressure too. When I asked whether or not he'd changed himself he replied "No! I am the way I am for a reason, and I'll stay that way."

Liz Morris, another writer on the staff, says she is nice, loving and caring, confident, crazy and pretty. She also stated she has a lot of pressure in her life from her parents - but not always the normal things teens should be dealing with. She does deal with the normal stuff too - like boys and trying to get decent grades. "It would be easier to be a guy." Says Miss Morris, "They don't have as much stuff to worry about. Like they could ask a girl out and it would be no big deal." This young writer said she liked being a girl but thought it would be easier if she were a guy. She added, "If I were a guy, I'd be very gay because guys are hot." Morris said having a rough time in grade school made her a stronger and a better person now. "It was hard then but worth it now, in the present." "I call myself a trendy wannabe." She said when telling me about her fashion sense, "I try and wear different things, but they don't really catch on." Liz said it didn't matter to her though - just as long as she looks good!

Since Abby cannot confessionalize herself, I (Liz), will confessionalize her. Abby describes herself as nice, individualistic and environmentally friendly. Abby gets a lot of pressure from her "rents" and also "to get my articles done on time," she added with a laugh. While on the subject of pressure, I asked if Abby ever gave in to peer pressure. "I did in grade school," she admitted reluctantly." We did some pretty mean stuff to people." Though versed in the, "Is it easier to be a girl or boy?" question, Abby doesn't know herself. "Girls go though a lot of pain," she stated. However, when I asked about guys "excitement issues" she squealed at me, "LIZ! I was trying to avoid that!" Abby thinks she's not trendy. "I wear hippy clothes." she said nonchalantly. Just because she wears their clothes however, does not mean she's a hippy. "I just like their clothes." We all have flaws and Abby's biggest one is she's pessimistic. "I am proud I can write well and express myself well," she countered, "It's my best asset." Abby also hates her knees. "They always hurt and bother me." Her favorite physical characteristic? "My eyes, they're blue just like my Da Da's." In a nutshell Abby is just as weird as the rest of the staff.

-A.F. Wheeler and Liz Morris

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lord of the Rings Parody~

Prologue

GALADRIEL: The world has changed . . . I feel it in the air . . . I feel it in the water. Much of which once was is now lost. SAVE THE RAINFOREST!!! TREES HAVE FEELINGS TOO! (I know, I am an elf after all) SAVE THE . . .
*director Peter Jackson steps in*
PETER JACKSON: Cate, this is not the time for your views and opinions . . .
CATE (GALADRIEL): What do you mean?!? Everyone should be aware of this!
PETER JACKSON: Just read the script!
CATE (GALADRIEL): NO! I refuse to work like this. ELVES CARE ABOUT TREES! I'll be in my trailer.
PETER JACKSON: Um . . . ok . . . *Script is shoved into Legolas' hands - BIG MISTAKE*
LEGOLAS: Ok . . . here we go. Some magic rings were forged. Three were given to the elves, fair and immortal. BOOYAH - you got that right!
*Scene of the three elves admiring their rings is showed*
LEGOLAS: Seven were given to the dwarf lords, miners and craftsmen in their mountain halls.
*Scene showed of seven ugly short men holding their rings up like the Power Rangers*
LEGOLAS: Man, that must've taken a lot of choreography sessions to get them to do that complicated move! Hehe. Ow - Gimli, I was just joking! Ow! Anyway, nine rings were given to the mortal men doomed to die. Ew! They already look dead, even before they were deceived and passed into the shadows. Oh yeah, about that . . . But all of them were deceived, for another ring was made . . .
SAURON: Hey, I'm getting good at this whole ring-making thing!
LEGOLAS: Fudge off, Sauron! Oh . . . and this ring had the power to dominate all other rings. Sauron began to take over. As the free peoples of Middle Earth fell to the power of the ring, (except the elves, �cause we're the best!) a last alliance of men and elves (see, the elves help with everything) marched to the slopes of Mt. Doom for the epic battle of the century.
*Battle scene is played. The two armies stop a couple yards away from each other. RANDOM MAN IN ARMY: Can't we all just get along?
ELROND: NO! (Starts yelling in elvish for the elves to twang their bows and kick ass!)
* LEGOLAS: Ok, this is getting too long. So Sauron comes, swings his staff thingy, and makes people go flying. That dude slices off his finger (Sauron's finger, not the dude's) and they live happily ever after.
*Director yells something*
LEGOLAS: No? Oh yeah . . . they don't live happily ever after. The dude doesn't listen to the wise elf Elrond, gets betrayed to his death, Gollum gets the ring, and goes and hides in a cave because he's become so ugly. Bilbo (not looking too much better than Gollum) blindly picks up the ring and takes the ring back to his house.

End Prologue-By Rachel Christensen and Sarah Forsyth

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The Staff

Cheryl Hattalla

Abby Wheeler

Elizabeth Morris

Jordan Himes

http://truerevo.diaryland.com

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