.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

Well Boys and Girls, it has been a long wait, but it is finally time for Issue 7!!! I know I'm excited, and feel this issue is well worth the wait. I have personally dubbed this issue the, "Drugs and Guest writers Issue." Cheryl's boyfriend, Ian, has written two articles, and we also have a poem by Rii. Also, we have a plethora of articles concerning the drug issue with some opinions you may not expect. We also have Jordan's second list and Abby has proved an urban myth! Liz had a debate with Cheryl and discusses gay marriage. Get ready and raring!

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In this Issue:

Editorial- A sad excuse for a response from the last issue

Abby Wheeler: Left Behind- Abby discusses when Bush came to her school

Jordan's Top Ten List- Jordan tells us how we know if we're computer geeks (taken from experience of course)

The Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd: And Urban Myth- Abby tells us about the myth...and proves its true!

The Drug Issue: Liz's Perspective- Liz tells us how she feels about drugs and brings up selective hearing

Loosing the Right to Choose- Ian talks about re-legalizing drugs

The Intelligent Debate- Cheryl and I intelligently discuss drugs

To Use or Not to Use- Abby's two cents about illegal substance

Gay Marriage- Liz talks about gay marriage. Bet you couldn't figure that one out on your own

Music Column: Band Boy- Cheryl interviews Ian about his band life.

The Vegetarian Life- Cheryl updates us on her vegetarian lifestyle

Embarrassing Stories- We delve into teenage cliches. I think we wrote this when we had run out of ideas.

Freedumb- Ian talks about free speech. He is everywhere isn't he?

Reasons To Write Letters: A Tip for Getting Along- Liz gives us a good way to get your way

Left and Right- Cheryl's quiz on which side of the brain you use

Sex Chronicles II- Reason not to do it. Reasons to do it.

Mood Swing- A poem by Rii

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Editorial

"What an excellent issue!!! Well written, insightful........and obviously edited by an amazing and thoughtful person who has a strong command of the English language. Just all around great...."

-Anonymous

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Abby Wheeler: Left Behind

When they told us that the President of the United States of America was coming to our low-life high school many of us laughed. It didn�t seem realistic. Apart from the building practically falling apart we didn�t really do anything special. We didn�t collect books and donate them to poor children in Africa, or hunger strike to save manatees. We took the bus to school, sat through class, and went home again. But it was true; President Bush was coming to our school. The week leading up to the event was hectic what with the janitors working their butts off washing graffiti-covered lockers, and waxing the long hallways. They even installed 150 phone lines since we only had 6. Randomly there was talk of people seeing secret service guys lurking in the halls.

Thursday, the day he was arriving, was so unbelievably crazy many people decided the insanity wasn�t worth it and skipped. That was the smart thing to do. The entrance hallway of our school was mobbed with tall men in black trench coats and ladies in matching suits talking into walkie-talkies. Speech teachers looked flustered because cocaine dogs had just sniffed through their entire room. A few students had shirts sporting the messages �I was left behind� or �Vote Kerry!�.

About half an hour pre-Bush landing, the student body was horded into either the cafeteria, auditorium, or those lucky enough to get a glimpse of the most powerful man alive were packed into the gymnasium.

I have no idea what the gym was like since I was seated in the auditorium. As rumors have it, there was more media and parents than students. In the auditorium we watched on a jumbo-screen television as we snacked on too-highly-priced-bagged-lunches from the lunch ladies. Our principal and superintendent came onto stage in the gymnasium and we booed them both. However, Bush got cheered and a few people stood up in the back row. After that though, all he said concerning us was a lost cause. Half of everyone fell sleep, and those who didn't played hangman and did tomorrows vocab assignments.

I half paid attention to what Bush was saying. A lot of what he talked about didn�t concern the students. A lot of it was BS so he could claim our votes. No child left behind. Right. Personally, I feel this idea is ok in theory but would be very hard to actually achieve. You can�t test all students on one standard level. There are slower kids; there are more advanced kids. That�s why our school has lovely AP classes for the future dot.com billionaires and German I up until senior year for those who are not quite up to par. He�s giving us a whole new system, and no funds with which to do it. I believe this is taking away our individuality as students. If we�re all tested on the same level, what�s the point of honors courses? What�s the point of grades? If we�re all going to be looked at as a whole, why try to get good grades. There doesn�t seem to be a reward.

Since that fateful day our school has, of course, returned to normal. Student Council sold the remaining �Welcome President Bush!� shirts at lunch and the janitors took out the rented tiles and put the moldy ones back in. Everyone had their own opinion about the ordeal, and we discussed it too many times in every one of our classes. There probably won�t be a next time the President of the United States of America comes to our school. But if there is, I hope he has something more to offer than No Child Left Behind. Maybe no school on Friday�

-Abigail F. Wheeler

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JORDAN'S TOP TEN LIST

(WITH AN EXTRA MAKING UP FOR THE ONE HE MISSED LAST ISSUE)

You know you're a computer geek when....

----------------------------------------

11. You have referred to yourself as a search engine

10. You have said L-O-L in public.

9. You consider Leet a language.

8. You consider knowing English and

HTML makes a person bilingual.

7. You own at least one "Learn

(Insert Internet language here) in 24 hours"

book.

6. You have called someone a 'n00b.'

5. You own any portable device, cameras

excluded.

4. You use cd-r spindle covers as storage.

3. You know what "IRC" stands for.

2. You have used DOS more than twice.

1. You have imitated the sound of a modem.

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The Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd: An Urban Myth

My mission was to disprove the myth that Pink Floyd wrote �Dark Side of the Moon� to be a sound track for �The Wizard of Oz�. I first heard of this myth from my art teacher and, being a Pink Floyd fan, I decided to give it a try. She told me that if you play their album �Dark Side of the Moon� with MGM�s �The Wizard of Oz� they supposedly match up. For two months I planned to watch it, but being the slacker that I am, I just never found the time. When I finally remembered to go to Blockbuster and get a copy of �The Wizard of Oz�, they didn�t have it. So I borrowed Liz�s copy only to have my father return that one to Blockbuster.

After all that mayhem I finally did try it. The key to making it work was to start the album at the right time. If you�re going to try this (and I recommend it) press play on �Dark Side of the Moon� when the MGM lion roars his third roar. Of course you�re going to want to listen to the album, so put the movie on mute and sit back for the irony to start.

The first coincidence I noticed occurred when Dorothy is walking along the fence surrounding a hog pen. As she falls, the line �balanced on the biggest wave and race to an early grave� is sung during the song �Breathe�. Another thing I noticed was that right as Ms. Gulch arrives, the alarm�s ringing to start �Time�. Although there are quite a few other coincidences, the undeniable incident comes at the part where Dorothy is running from the twister. �The Great Gig in the Sky� begins as Dorothy runs out of Professor Marvel�s cart and back to home. You can see as Auntie Em is calling for her the wordless vocals match up perfectly with her screams. The last big thing I noticed was that the song �Brain Damage� is playing as Scarecrow flops around in the grass and onto the Yellow Brick Road. �The lunatic is in the grass�got to keep the loonies on the path�? Come on. You can�t just say that was a coincidence.

I definitely believe that Pink Floyd did this on purpose. Pink Floyd has denied ever making a soundtrack to �The Wizard of Oz�, but still it�s kind of hard to ignore all the ironic lines. Yet, why would they make their album match �The Wizard of Oz�? And if they did, why would they wait 25 years to tell anyone? No one knows the answers but I wouldn�t put it past Pink Floyd to purposely match their classic album with a classic movie. - Abigail F. Wheeler

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The Drug Issue: Liz's Perspective

"Brownies man, They're going stale."

"But I just got some really good s***"

"Seriously....they're gonna be really bad in a couple of days."

"Then why don't we eat some brownies....."

"And then smoke!"

Usually, I'm all for compromising, however, when it's about how ones going to get high, I'd prefer the conversation didn't happen at all. Drugs are a big problem in high schools these days. The above conversation actually happened in the middle of speech class one day. I was amazed that the teacher didn't do anything. He HAD to have heard the conversation as he was standing right next to me. I'm starting to believe one of two things, a) teachers are really oblivious or b) they have selective hearing.

Many times, teachers are oblivious to something your doing. People shoot hornets (little folded up pieces of paper shot with rubber bands), throw paper balls, and cheat all behind the teachers' back. Even I have slipped a piece of gum, or a cough drop behind the teacher�s back so they wouldn't know. Can all the teachers still be dumb enough not to realize that people regularly discuss getting high or wasted, when they're going to do it, and how? Many times, the conversations I hear are in the hallways, where teachers are everywhere. Maybe in class I will hear people discussing it. The point is...do teachers simply disregard the comments they hear?

This disregarding of comments has been dubbed "selective hearing" by some of the people I have discussed this with. Basically, the teachers don't want to have to deal with it and so don't "hear" it. For example, if Mrs. Smith heard John talking with his boys about how he's going to beat up Jimmy after school, Mrs. Smith would decide to assume he's just "talking smack" and therefore be executing selective hearing. Many teachers feel they can't do anything or that they don't have the time to report the kid when they talk about getting high.

Which brings up a very important question, Can the teachers, or we, as the student body, do anything about the drug problem (besides not participating)? I�m not sure. My brother brought up a good point when he said that these kids are choosing to screw up their life. It still makes me angry that people are willing to do things like this today. Back when my mother and father were in college, marijuana was almost legal. Today, however, there is a lot of good information about how harmful drugs can be. So teachers, students, civilians keep your eyes and ears open and try not to ignore the drug issue.

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Loosing our Right to Choose

DRUGS; a common word for today. Many Americans have used or are currently using drugs. Do you not find it funny that your whole life could be changed by this one word? Well, it can. You could be put into a prison cell next to a murderer. And when he asks you what you are in for, you would say �I smoke pot�. Our prison system is filled to the brim with peaceful or recreational drug users. We pay billions in tax dollars to put people in jail that never hurt anybody but themselves. This person never killed anyone, never raped anyone, all they did was put a substance in their body deemed �illegal� and �immoral�.

George W. Bush believes it is his job to set morals for the American people but it isn�t. Bush needs to realize that morality is not a government issue. Morality only serves purpose on a family level.

Prohibition should have set an example of things to come. 1920: organized crime is rising, people thrown into jail for drinking, people prosecuted without due process, and gang wars are happening on the streets.

2004: how much of this is different?

Like many of the current government programs, the �War on Drugs� has failed, yet we continually pump money into it. This program allows the government to seize everything you own because you were suspected of having or dealing drugs. (So much for �innocent until proven guilty�) And if found innocent, you still pay fines; found guilty you�ll be in jail.

Before 1914, no drug was illegal. As we all know cocaine was even found in coca-cola. Most Americans had no problem with cocaine, opium, heroin or marijuana. Cost was low and crime, in turn, was low also. Out of control addicts were a minority. First signs of prohibition came when the government outlawed certain racial groups from using certain substances. Racist, unjust, and unfair practice.

�Today�s war on drugs is a re-run of prohibition. Approximately 40 million Americans are occasional, peaceful users of some illegal drugs who are no threat to anyone. They are not going to stop. The laws don�t� and can�t stop drug use.�

Information from

-Submitted by Ian James Gordon

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The Intelligent Debate

With all the drugs in the issue, Cheryl and I decided to take a stab at intelligent debating. Surprisingly, it worked.

Liz: hey

Cheryl: hi

Cheryl: debate?

Liz: yes please

Cheryl: all right what are we debating about

Liz: drugs

Cheryl: ok

Liz: how do you feel of the use of marijuana in high schools and other places today

Cheryl: it should be allowed. It�s your own life and your own choice. you know it can hurt you, and that's your own decision if you want to hurt yourself

Cheryl: no one should tell you what to do

Liz: Ok, you should definitely have your own opinion on things, but if ground rules are not set, laws made, we would live in anarchy

Liz: Weed makes you all, disoriented

Liz: and by smoking it, it can hurt other people

Liz: not just physically but emotionally

Liz: and it kills brain cells

Cheryl: people should live their lives the way they want to live their lives as long as it is not affecting others

Liz: but by smoking pot, you are affecting others

Liz: example

Cheryl: how so

Liz: you say to yourself, if I'm high I'm not driving I'm just sitting at home so you�re not affecting others

Liz: however, if you�re high, you could drive

Liz: because

Liz: you�re high and disoriented

Liz: and therefore hurt someone

Cheryl: I agree with you in cases as that. If you want to smoke pot go ahead, but do not let it affect others.

Liz: but what about the emotional effects

Cheryl: explain

Liz: unless you are a hermit, you most likely have friends or family

Cheryl: yeah

Liz: and it must be very rare for a family to be ok with you smoking pot

Liz: or all of your friends

Liz: if I found out one of my good friends were smoking, that would hurt me so much

Liz: I would feel betrayed

Liz: and those scars don't heal easily

Cheryl: you may be hurt, but it was that person�s decision

Liz: but its affecting me

Liz: therefore, by your standards making it unacceptable

Cheryl: did it make you disoriented

Cheryl: or high

Cheryl: no

Cheryl: did it hurt you

Liz: but it affected me

Cheryl: yes

Liz: you just said that it�s ok if it doesn't affect anyone

Liz: in the mass majority of the cases

Cheryl: physically

Liz: it WILL affect someone

Liz: you didn't specify that before

Liz: don't go changing your story on me now

Cheryl: I know. I didn't think about emotional affects.

Cheryl: just physical

Liz: see, that's one of the MAIN reasons I'm against drugs

Liz: because of all things, they've hurt me the most

Liz: well, drugs and alcohol

Liz: that's why I don't think people should smoke pot

Cheryl: because of it hurting you

Cheryl: emotionally

Cheryl: so you are worried about yourself getting hurt

Liz: because not only can it ruin your brain, you can get emotionally addicted to it and spend all of your money on it, and therefore put yourselves in a deep dark hole

Liz: BUT it will almost always emotionally distress the people that surround you

Liz: am I afraid of getting hurt? I'm not afraid

Liz: I don't go to bed every night wondering when someone will betray me

Liz: but is it a concern

Liz: yes

Liz: I saw on Dr. Phil today the #1 reason teenagers smoke is they don't have a reason not to

Liz: and that's sad

Cheryl: the reason I am for legalizing pot is because I don�t think its anyone�s business or the governments business to tell anyone how to live their life in any way.

Liz: that they can�t have something to do that prevents them smoking

Liz: so what if I shot Ian

Liz: is that the governments business not to intervene?

Cheryl: yes

Liz: see

Liz: that would cause anarchy

Liz: then wed all live in chaos

Liz: and fear

Liz: if you got angry with someone they could just kill you

Liz: organized crime would be our government

Cheryl: anarchy would not work.

Cheryl: but I do think that the government has too much say in our lives.

Liz: I don't

Cheryl: I mean, we do need some government

Cheryl: structure

Liz: think, we aren�t told what profession

Liz: to choose

Liz: we aren't told what books to read

Liz: or what music

Liz: I mean, the government obviously isn't perfect

Liz: but then what is?

Cheryl: I know

Cheryl: that would be as it was in Russia

Cheryl: communism

Cheryl: nothing is perfect

Liz: exactly

Liz: uh

Liz: is that the end of our debate?

Cheryl: I think

Cheryl: if you want it to be

Liz: who won?

Cheryl: no one

Cheryl: I think

Cheryl: were we supposed to be winning?

Liz: uh

Liz: it was a tie

Cheryl: ok

Liz: Yay! Another article

Liz: that is intelligent!

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To Use Or Not to Use?

Since our whole staff has given their opinions on drugs I decided to state mine too. Drugs are a big issue in our country, and the problem has become more prominent to me now that I�m in high school. It�s hard to say what would make this problem go away. On one hand, I can agree with Cheryl and Ian; when drugs were legal, organized crime wasn�t as high. But then again wouldn�t it be easier to get drugs? Would more people do drugs?

The Libertarians make some excellent points in their re-legalizing-drugs campaign. Every person is responsible for themselves so whatever you want to do, go ahead. Drug prices wouldn�t be as high which means organized crime would lessen. Criminals jump at the chance to make money so why make it easier for them? If drugs are legalized the black market would be destroyed.

Also, every person is initially responsible for himself or herself. Individuals should be able to choose how they want to behave and live their lives. The decision is for you to make, if you want to use drugs or not, as long as you are not interfering with other people�s rights. That�s where the problem comes in. What if they do intervene with another�s rights?

What if someone has been using pot, and they decide to go for a drive? What happens when they collide with a pedestrian or run a red light, causing an accident? When you�re intoxicated you are still responsible for your actions, but what if you can�t control them?

Legalizing drugs would make it easier to obtain drugs. True, this would cut down on organized crime, but wouldn�t it also mean a lot more people could get and use drugs? If drugs are legalized they would be cheaper and therefore affordable to most teenagers. We don�t need more drug users in this world.

So, in reality, what the government is doing now isn�t working. We need a new plan. Re-legalizing drugs could either work very well, or completely backfire in our faces. There�s not going to be an in-between. Personally, I am undecided. I can�t decide which would be better. When I think about all the points of the Libertarians I can see why legal drugs could work. But I also realize that the more obtainable drugs are the more people would use them. I think it�s just important to check out your options.-Abigail F. Wheeler

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Gay Marriage

When I say this article is gay, I'm not being mean or derogatory. Gay marriage is a hot topic on the Streets of America these days. Many religious groups are pointing out that in the bible the only sanctioned form of marriage is between a man and a women. They feel that homosexuals are harmful to America's society, and claim that since the bible says homosexuality is a sin, it should be outlawed. Many gay marriage supporters counter these claims with those of they're own. They say that gay marriages are definitely ok because that it's just a different kind of love. Pro-gay marriage supporters say it's not harmful to society because there is no evidence that homosexuals are in any way more violent, or corrupt then heterosexuals. Lastly, they point out that not everything in the bible is up-to-date (for example, the bible says it's ok to own slaves or sell your daughter as a slave.) I definitely have my opinions on this issue, but will try to give you an impartial slew of information.

Those against gay marriage turn to the bible and morals in general to back up their claims. First, they say that gay "marriages" are not even marriages. Only the union of a woman and a man is marriage. Marriage to them �a public sexual union that creates kinship obligations and sharing of resources between men, women, and the children their sexual union may produce.� Since gay couples can in no way naturally produce children, they can in no way marry. When pro-gay marriage supporters say that homosexuality is just a different kind of love, anti-gay marriage supporters argue that it would then mean that a child and a parent could get married, or a aunt and a nephew. Also, anti-gay marriage supporters claim that gay marriages are harmful. Homosexuality, they argue, "is directly associated with higher rates of promiscuity, physical disease, mental illness, substance abuse, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence." All in all, gay marriages would hurt the American society.

Pro-gay marriage supporters have a comeback for every claim of anti-gay marriage supporters. Homosexuality is just a different kind of love, they claim. Since it is still love, they argue, homosexuals should still have the legal right to marry. As for homosexuality being harmful, pro-gay supporters have comeback that puts anti-gay supporters between a rock and a hard place. They claim that the prejudices, abuse, and pressure that come with being a homosexual, drive them to any violent behaviors that may occur. Therefore, if gay marriages are outlawed, the "harmful behaviors" that homosexuals "currently express" will get worse, not better. Also, pro-gay marriage supporters bring up an interesting fact, 10% of all animal species are gay. Yes, that means that 10% of bears, cats, dogs, antelope, wallabies, penguins, frogs, pandas, foxes, wolves, manatees, guinea pigs, and goldfish are homosexual. If this is something that occurs naturally in our back yards, by animals who act merely on instinct, who are we to out law same sex unions in our own species? The summation of all is this homosexuality is just a different kind of love that is only harmful because some people don�t understand it and don�t want to try.

What�s your stand? Are you saying no because of what you truly believe, or are you simply acting on your prejudices? Or, are you saying yes to gay marriages because you don�t care? Either stand you take, be sure to thoroughly think out which position you decide to take. If you go pro-gay marriages, you could be going against what your church has taught you. On the flip side, if you go anti-gay marriages you might end up contributing to continuing hate in America. With every decision there is a consequence, and for this issue I see two possible consequences. If we deem gay marriages illegal, the fight for gay equality will continue, probably with deadly consequences. Our children will be prejudice against gays because in the back of their head will be a law saying its wrong for them to marry. However, if gays are allowed to marry, our society could be sinking even deeper into moral corruption.

Sources:

http://www.nogaymarriage.com/gaymarriagequestions.html

http://www.hrc.org

By: Elizabeth Morris

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Music Column

Band Boy

He�s been in six bands in five years, played over 50 shows, released 2 CDs, and has been asked for an autograph several times. At age 18, Ian Gordon has experienced a lifetime of a musical career. From his mohawk and studded jacket, to his currently shaggy hair and emo sweaters, his musical genres change as well; from hardcore punk rock bands to mellow rock n� roll bands. I first met up with this talented musician in orchestra four months ago, and soon found out his long and fascinating musical history. It all started when Ian was in the fourth grade and began to learn how to play the upright string bass.

Ian: Since then, I always dreamed of being a great bassist like Paul McCartney. I loved it more as I got involved in playing and writing over the years.

Cheryl: If it weren�t for the Beatles, would you have become a musician as today?

Ian: My dad is actually my biggest influence. Most parents will tell you that music is a waste of time and to get an education. My mom and dad have supported me so much. Mostly my dad cause he's a bassist himself. As for the Beatles, they open your mind to things you thought would be impossible to do with music and make it possible.

Cheryl: When did you get into the idea of being part of a band?

Ian: When I met Brandon Reece. He had been playing guitar for a couple of years and when he found out that I was playing bass we started to jam together. Then from that I got my first band �Speed�.

Cheryl: Tell me about the band �Speed�

Ian: I was in 7th grade so I was like 13. We played 70's rock. It was cool though because we were the only kids in the school with a band. The band was Brandon Reece on guitar and vocals, I played bass and sang back up, and Trey Johnston was on drums. We played a lot of youth group places(yuck) but it was a show and played fire halls and the Four Diamonds Benefit in 98. Then we got a second guitarist, Ben Ruane and continued about things as normal. Then we broke up in August of �99.

Cheryl: Out of all your bands which have you enjoyed the most?

Ian: I loved �sub citizen�. I had a hell of a lot of fun. Crazy time. Saw Craig�s ass three times a week, but I wasn't playing bass, I was singing, or actually screaming. I think I like the band that I'm currently in the most even though we haven't played any shows.

Cheryl: Once you told me about your �musical depressions�. Explain that.

Ian: IAN'S MUSICAL DEPRESSION: Basically it's this I become really depressed when I'm without a band more than 2 months at a time. I feel like I'm falling behind of where I want to be. I'm not the same when I don't have a band to work with. I'm always sad and have sort of a negative attitude towards myself.

Cheryl: How do you feel about the phrase �Sex, drugs, and rock n� roll�?

Ian: All you need is rock n roll, it's about the music.

Cheryl: Why do you think so often time�s drugs are brought into music?

Ian: I think that's just what the person wants to do and it's there before the band. As long as it doesn't get in the way of the band or threaten the person's life it's not a problem.

Cheryl: What is one of the hardest parts of being in a band?

Ian: Working with others because you don't always start bands with people you know like when I met Glenn, Shea and nick when I was in �far from the pulse�. Me and Glenn use to purposely piss each other off and now were good friends.

Cheryl: Explain your current band situation.

Ian: We're a little anxious to start playing shows and to record our demo. We haven't completed these things due to losing a member and one that is not committed. I do think good things will come of my current band. Glenn, Shea and I seem to work really well together and through open minds we�ll get the piano incorporated into our more melodic songs.

Cheryl: What is the best part of being in a band?

Ian: Friendships, if it wasn't for music I never would have met Shea, Glenn, Nick, Aaron and you.

Cheryl: When you look back in 10 years, what will you think of your musical career?

Ian: I will probably think just of all the fun I had. I loved every minute of it, and want to continue having for as long as I live.

Cheryl: And as for the future?

Ian: I wanna get in a semi-famous band. A band that tours this country and others because I love to travel and I love music. A band with a couple of CDs you can find in your favorite record store. A band that is underground but I can make a living from playing so I can afford my apartment in the city. That's what I'd like for the future.

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The Vegetarian Life

The beginning of last summer I decided to stop eating meat. I really wasn�t thinking of staying vegetarian for long, I just wanted to see if how long I could go without meat; more along the lines of an experiment. I had already tried going a week without meat and it wasn�t that much of a challenge. A week? I thought it was time to try and outdo myself. Maybe a month, maybe six months this time? I didn�t know, I just wanted to see how long I could go without a taste of meat. Sure, it did seem like a bit of a challenge at the time, but I figured I was up to it.

As I remember the first week of being vegetarian was tempting. When I tried to go a week in January 2003 without meat it wasn�t so bad because at the end of the week I knew I would be eating meat again. But now it was different. I didn�t know when I would taste meat again, if ever so the temptation was even stronger than before. I began to wonder though: why would someone want to eat meat in the first place. Body parts of a once living animal fried in grease or cooked in other ways. A once living animal! That wasn�t a hamburger to me anymore. It was a body part. That soup didn�t have piece of meat in it; it had body parts in it. And so much for that sandwich, to me, it now had body parts on it also. I began to think like a vegetarian. What if someone ripped off my arm and fried it then cut it into pieces and called it food? No difference.

Eventually my parents did begin to realize that I no longer was eating meat and I finally told them about two weeks after I had last eaten meat. Of course their reaction wasn�t positive. They said it wasn�t healthy because I wasn�t getting protein. They said it was stupid to think like that. They said meat wasn�t body parts. They said I better eat my meat or else. They said �are you turning into some kind of freak?� But it didn�t end there. Then came the sarcasm. �Are you sure you don�t want some delicious meat?� Instead of my temptations becoming the hardest part to deal with, my parents became the hardest part to deal with. Through rough arguments I decided I would not allow my parents to make my decisions for me any longer. Being vegetarian was MY decision. No one was going to push me around and make me do something I didn�t want to do. I told my parents I could think for myself. Though their reaction to my answers was not kind, I did make it through the first two months. After that, fortunately, my parents stopped caring. There were no more arguments or fighting. There was peace.

Finding things to eat was hard at first. Living in a house with three other meat eaters definetly didn�t make it exactly easy. Salad lost its appeal after eating it for three weeks in a row and I was stuck. I had no idea what to eat. So I started making up stuff. Rice and vegetable mix, random fruits put in the blender and made into drinks, and of course salad sandwiches. Creativity was saving my life. The first thing I created was rice and vegetable mix. One summer night at around eleven, I decided to finally eat something, as I had not eaten at all that day. I was so desperate that I decided to make some minute rice. After three spoonfuls of plain dried rice I was disgusted. I opened the refrigerator and found some green beans, green peppers and lettuce. This would be better than plain rice. I mixed it all together and created rice and vegetable mix. Another invention I had come up with was simply fruit smoothies. All I needed was Kool- aid mix, water, fruit (like strawberries, bananas, kiwis, or all of them) and a blender. It was good for those hot August afternoons and was filling. Salad sandwiches were invented not too long after that. One day right after school I decided I didn�t want just a salad; I wanted something more than a salad. I simply took a piece of bread, folded it in half and stuffed salad in it and made a salad sandwich. Creativity had saved me but that was just the start of it.

The months began to pass. I no longer kept track of exact seconds since I last ate meat. Being vegetarian was becoming part of me. I no longer thought of it. It was usual to me; just as brushing our teeth every morning is usual, just as showers are usual, just as clothing is usual. When someone would offer me food with meat, it was as easy for you to say yes as it had become for me to say no thanks.

Things got even better. My parents finally thought it was ok and my mom even decided to TRY some real vegetarian food bought at the store- soy products. I was introduced to tofu and soy burgers. Tofu as odd as it may sound to pronounce definitely doesn�t taste odd. This soy bean product comes in cartoons in a huge chunk. Sure, my first look at raw tofu wasn�t a positive one either, but I gave it a try. I cut up the chunk of tofu into bite size pieces and fried it on the stove in a skillet then dump frozen vegetables into the skillet with the tofu. Though my mother found tofu disgusting, it has become one of my favorite dishes since then and I can never have enough of it. Soy burgers are also a good alternative to meat, and take 90 seconds to heat up in the microwave. The feeling of being a rabbit had passed and I no longer was eating lettuce everyday.

Five days before my eighth month anniversary of vegetarianism, I had a temptation. A temptation to eat meat. I will not deny it, but I made a mistake. Though I thought temptations were over, I was wrong. It had been so long since I had tasted chicken last. I figured I didn�t want to eat it; I just wanted to taste it, just a little taste. So I tasted it. Then�.I ate it. And I didn�t feel so bad, I realized that I could just go in the bathroom, stick my finger down my throat and puke it up right afterwards and it would be like nothing ever really happened and no one would find out. So I went in the bathroom. But when I stuck my finger down my throat nothing came out. I panicked but kept putting my finger down my throat. All that was happening was the sound of me gagging. After ten minutes of trying to puke up the meat, I came to the realization that after eight months, I had lost my control. I ruined it. The feeling that followed was not a good feeling.

I had eaten meat. It was a crime in my opinion. And I felt dirty like I needed to take a shower. After a day, I came to closure and figured it was ok. I mean, we are all human, we make mistakes. It happens. But it wouldn�t happen again. One month later, I kept my promise, and it hasn�t happened again.

I have learned a lot in the past nine months, and not just to hate meat. I feel like I have better control in my life. I am so glad I didn�t let my parents tell me what to do and kept strong, otherwise I would have eaten meat for dinner tonight. Most of all I am glad that I am able to stick with something for so long. Though vegetarianism may not seem like your thing, at least give it a try for maybe a week and be open to new experiences, you may learn something about yourself.

-Cheryl Hatalla

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Embarrassing Stories

Bathroom break

When I was three I went to the bathroom at my grandma�s house and it was a fancy dinner so I had a dress on and when I came back my slip was showing and everyone laughed at me. I ran upstairs and cried. �Liz Morris

A bloody mess

So it was the second day of my period last March and I didn�t have any extra tampons or pads. I was ok until about 7th class when I felt, kind of, wetter than usual. I really didn�t think anything about it because I figured it wouldn�t happen to me. During 8th class I got up to get a piece of paper and when I came back to sit down there was blood all over the seat. Fortunately the seat was dark blue so you couldn�t really see it. I got my friend to give me her sweater to wear around my waist for the rest of the day. � Cheryl Hatalla

Don�t save your online chats

Some of my friends and I were online had created a chat room so we could all chat together. It got kind of, out of control in a joking way�you know, perverted to put it bluntly. I found it kind of funny, I mean, there were some hilarious lines in there so I saved it to my computer. The title of the document was named after one of the guys in the chat room basically because I was in a hurry. Unfortunately my computer was having technical difficulties and my mother was trying to fix it. She later told me that a disturbing instant messenger conversation had �just popped up� on the screen. It was at that moment I knew that I was screwed, and there were no excuses I could make up. The next day I talked to my other friend who had saved the chat also, but had printed it out. She had left the chat on her dresser, and it turns out her father read it. He actually asked her if she had been �experimenting� with my friends. Next time I will never save an instant messenger conversation. I learned my lesson. � Anonymous

A Peppery Problem

My brother works at a bar/restaurant and one night he was cutting really extremely spicy pepper. (The type that burns if you even touch it.) After putting the pepper in the salad, he had to go to the bathroom. The pepper oils were still all over his hands but he did not think of this before�relieving himself. Only after leaving the bathroom did he realize his mistake of not washing his hands before touching his�you know. The restaurant was extremely busy so he could not go to the bathroom to cleanse himself of the pepper oils on his manhood. When I asked him what he did then, he told me he went to the kitchen and put it in the coleslaw to- cool off. Though I don�t think he really did that, the truth will never be known. �Anonymous

An excited Santa

Last winter I had to get a job to pay for the Christmas presents I planned on buying for everybody. Since nobody was hiring at the time I had to get a job as a department store Santa so all the little children could tell me what they wanted for Christmas. On my first day a little girl and her hot baby sitter who was about 17 years old were standing in line. The little girl was scared so her baby sitter offered to go first to show that there was nothing to be scared of. The baby sitter was really hot as I have already said�though I was trying desperately to control what my body was saying, I got a little excited. Ok, maybe too excited. The baby sitter gave me a terrified look and got up. She grabbed the little girl�s hand and quickly walked away. I put up my �Santa is on break� sign and didn�t come back for awhile. This is one job teenaged boys should stay away from. � Anonymous

Who�s burping now?

You know how in Elementary school, everyone asked those stupid questions like �Are you PT?� (meaning �are you potty trained?�). Well, this girl stopped me at the doorway leading out from the bathroom to the hallway and asked �Are you PTO?� and I responded �I don�t know what that means, so I won�t answer.� And she said �No. I�m not letting you out unless you answer my question!� Mad and flustered, all I could think of was to burp in her face until she moved. I did, and the �popular� kids who always had something shoved up their asses never let me live it down! I was made fun of and shunned from them for the whole year of fifth grade. The next day, I was welcomed to a classroom of burping stuck-up assholes. � Ginger Handley

What bag?

One night my older guy friend and I were driving in the car. It was dark out and I did not have my glasses on. So we were just driving along when this bag blew out in front of the car. Without my glasses it looked like an opossum, however, my guy friend was not slowing down for the �opossum�. I started screaming at my friend telling him not to hit the opossum. He did not slow down, in fact, he ran right over it. �You just hit the opossum! What were you thinking???!!!� I screamed. He looked at me with disgust and told me that I needed to wear my glasses more often because it was a bag. � Anonymous

Wrong boy

My friends and I were spending a day of winter break wandering around the mall. A few hours later, we were told that my one guy friend who moved away was going to be there. I had not seen him in over three months and was extremely excited about seeing him. We were told he would be at the one store in the mall for new shoes, so my friends and I went there to wait for him. When walking into the store, there was a boy who looked really closely to him from the side. Over excited, I ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug ever and said how much I missed him. When he tried to pull away, I realized it was not him, but a complete stranger. Apologizing over and over I slowly walked away. � Anonymous

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Freedumb

American citizens� need to be aware of the continuous loss of American liberties. Right to bear arms and the right to free speech are probably the most affected and the most overlooked of our nation�s Constitution and what it stands for.

The Constitution and Bill of Rights are documents that every American should hold dearly. These documents written in 1776 guaranteed that every citizen shall be granted freedoms (as stated in the Bill of Rights) and that no one- including the government could take those freedoms from you (as stated in the Constitution). Some politicians say that these �pieces of paper� are out of date and do not flow well in this day and age. Politicians feel this way so that the Constitution can be changed to make themselves more powerful when the original intent of the Constitution was to limit government power and control.

Recently the Federal Communications Commission and Clear Channel Corporation have restricted many television and radio programs due to events at the 2004 Super Bowl half time show. The Federal Communications Commission has become stricter and has even begun throwing programs off the air deemed �obscene�. One such program would be the Howard Stern Show. The Clear Channel Corporation felt he was vulgar, disgusting, and degrading to women. What the Clear Channel Corporation and government need to understand is that it is not their job to teach our family morals. This particular entertainer has been on the air for at least a decade and they just now decide to say something. Howard Stern opposed George W. Bush�s views on gay marriage, stem cell research and many other views not based on the church and home. Values are not for the government to decide. Now with all that said, the government�s biggest problem is imposing on the Right to Free Speech. Howard Stern was pulled off the air for speaking his mind.

The Right to Bear arms is another right being taken away due to stricter gun control laws. Not all people that have guns are potential murderers. Citizens� were granted the right to have arms to protect themselves against an unruly government. Plus figure this: what criminal is going to abide to the laws, go to a store, buy a gun, register a gun, get a safety lock, and wait for their background to be checked and cleared. None is the answer. The criminal will not do all that because that will increase their chances of being caught. They will get the gun through the black market, steal them from a store, smuggle them, or find another way. Stricter gun laws in the long run mean helpless citizens and an even more powerful government. Guns don�t kill people- people kill people.

American civil liberties continue to diminish. Though the idea of gun control laws and heavier broadcasting censoring may seem like a good idea, it leaves the government with yet even more power. Supposedly, as Americans we are �free� to make our own decisions and choices as stated in the Bill of Rights and Constitution. Our own choice to buy arms, and our own decision to listen to radio/ television shows deemed �obscene�. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights may have been written over 200 years ago, but they still apply to today.

Submitted by Ian Gordon

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Reasons To Write Letters: A Tip for Getting Along

Many times, we get into fights, or as in the case of many of my friends, one's parents will just not listen to you. I have found that the one of the best ways to deal with this is to write a letter. It may seem old fashioned, or cheesy, but it really works. Letters allow you to think, revise, and really sound intelligent. Also, they impress the reader, because they realize you really put time and effort into the point you're trying to make. Letters make an impact on someone you're trying to persuade.

Letter writing was the original way of communication, besides talking, smoke signals, and the like. However, with the world getting smaller everyday, written letters are hard to come by. Now, letters can be used as a powerful persuasion tool or a sincere apology. If you're writing it is a persuasion (perhaps to let your mom let you go to Warped Tour) there are a few steps you should do. First come up with at least three strong and legitimate reasons you are right. State those in your introduction paragraph. In your body, write one paragraph about each reason, with supporting facts. In your conclusion, re-state your three reasons.

After you�re done writing, you are in no way done. Use a thesaurus (I particularly enjoy thesaurus.com) and put in big words. Next, get someone to proofread your paper. I don't mean your spell checker, I mean a real live, living adult (not your best friend who has a "B" in English). An English teacher, or other qualified adult is a good choice. After being proofread, type your letter as professionally as you can muster. It counts.

If you are writing to apologize, you'll use a similar format. Come up with reasons why you are sorry, but try not to be as formal. After it's proofread and such, find some pretty stationary and in your nicest handwriting (I tend to have problems with this step) write out your letter. Use these steps and you can get along a little easier. - Elizabeth Morris

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Left and Right

Believe it or not, everyone has a brain, though at times that may be hard to agree with. The human brain is the most complex brain of any animal on earth as well as the most complex organ in our bodies. It generates 25 watts of power while you are awake, which is enough to illuminate a light bulb. Though a brain may use 20% of a body�s energy, it only takes up 2% of the body�s weight. Our brain controls everything- every thought, every movement, and all the other organs in our body. Clearly, the brain is the most important organ.

While the brain is one organ, it is divided into two parts; the right side and the left side. Usually one side of the brain is dominant over the other, which often determines a lot about who we are; our strengths and weaknesses. Often times however, we are unaware of which side of the brain we use. The following quiz may help you out a bit. Answer the questions honestly with yes or no.

1.You have poor judgment of time. You are often late for appointments.

2. Math class is usually a struggle.

3. Many times, you find yourself starting a chore, and then moving to another one before the first one is finished.

4. When describing how to get somewhere you use words such as �over there�, �near there� and point more than say �to the left�, �about a quarter mile after the stop sign�.

5. Remembering left from right has some difficulty.

6. You bought one of those put-together-yourself bookshelves and instead of reading the directions thoroughly, you try to figure it out on your own and then look at the directions.

7. Symbols often help process information.

8. When drawing conclusions, you look at the big picture first and then at the little pieces instead of looking at the little pieces then looking at the big picture.

9. When something is being explained to you, drawing a picture helps rather than just verbal explanation.

10. You are free with feelings rather than controlling your feelings.

11. Its easier to remember people�s faces rather than their names.

12. While doing math you get a problem right, but you can not explain how you got it.

Answered yes to more than half the questions:

Chances are that you use the right side of your brain. Classes like math, science, and sometimes even English seem to give you difficulty. This is possibly because logic isn�t your area of specialty. You also may have trouble expressing yourself through words so you resort to painting, drawing or making up songs. It also may be complicated to understand others through their words so you often need a different way of learning. Frequently your emotions over take your logical processing. You may process information in a holistic way; meaning your mind focuses on the big picture first, and then finds all the little parts that add up the big picture. Your strengths are that you are more of an artistically talented person. Lacking logical sense are most of your weaknesses.

Answered no to more than half the questions:

You probably use the left side of the brain. You are very logical and always try to �make sense�. Math is usually a breeze for you as is science class. Verbal directions usually make sense but you have trouble with understanding artists. You lack much of a creative side and do not connect well to your emotions. Your mind processes information in a linear way which means that you line up all the small details to get to the picture. Strengths are usually math, science and reading. Weaknesses are drawing, expressing emotions and often times you are too reality based.

For more information on this topic please visit this website: -Cheryl Hatalla

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Sex Chronicle 2

So I am about to turn 16 years of age in less than four months which is about the average of most of our readers. Just like most of you, I am faced with challenges- passing math class, finding a job this summer, remembering my left from my right, getting my True Revolutionist newspaper articles done on time�uh..yeah. Anyhow, we are at the age of trying to find independence, trying to find ourselves and imagine our future, trying to make our own decisions. Decisions of which classes to take, what job to get, and basically, you are probably thinking: Cheryl just get to the fucking point. The point is, by this age our decisions become more and more important. The decisions we make now could effect the rest of our lives, whether or not its to apply for that college or this college, to work at McDonald�s or the book store, maybe even to have sex or to wait. As teenagers, we think about sex, it�s a simple fact and its nothing to be ashamed of. Before you have sex it�s best to think things out the whole way. Weigh out the outcomes- positive and negative. There are definite reasons to wait for sex and there are definite reasons to have sex.

Reasons not to have sex.

1. Pregnancy. You guessed it, the number one reason not to have sex is the chance of pregnancy. Even though you may have had protected sex with condoms, birth control pills, or even both, the chance is still there. According to a 1996 Siecus organization report the pregnancy rate for females 15 to 19 years of age in the United States was 83 per 1,000. Imagine if you became one of those 83 girls who got pregnant. I know it would ruin my life and at this age I know nothing of taking care of babies.

2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Of course right under pregnancy comes diseases. Even with protected sex, you can get a disease or infection. Herpes, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis not only sound disgusting, they are. Imagine you finally find that someone and when talking about each other�s sexual history�s, STDs come into the picture. Hearing that someone who you absolutely love say �yeah, I have Syphilis� definitely lowers your chances of ever having sex with that person.

3. Regret. Sure, at the time that someone may seem perfect. It may seem like you will be with that person forever. But most of the time relationships at this age fail. Its best to take as much time as possible to find out if this really is someone you want to become so intimate with. Looking back on things and regretting your past can be a painful experience.

4. Parents finding out. It happens one way or another. Some parents take it calmly, some parents may take it harshly, but when they find out their child is sexually active, it�s usually much of a shock. Best thing to ask yourself is probably how your parents would react if they found out.

5. Pressure. If your partner keeps pressuring you and making up lame excuses why you should have sex, maybe its time to find someone else. Just because he or she is ready doesn�t mean that you are ready for sex. If they are not understanding and get pissed off at you for not wanting to have sex, then they obviously do not love you.

Reasons to have sex.

1.Love. The most obvious reason would be love. So maybe you really have found true love this time. And you know it, you are positive. This is the person. You will never regret it, you know it will be perfect and you are ready. You have thought about it for a long time. This is the person you love. Being that close to them seems like everything you have ever wanted.

2. Affection. Yes, sex is in fact a form of affection. Sometimes cuddling and kissing and fooling around just doesn�t seem like enough to expression your affection to this person. There has to be something more to show them. Sex is like completely giving yourself away to that person. It�s letting them know how much they mean to you.

3. Experience. But you know how the phrase goes �curiosity killed the cat�. Teenagers just naturally are curious and the experience of sex is one that we all want to know about. Many teens are anxious to lose their virginity just so they can say they have experienced it.

4. Pleasure. Sure, you will think of me as a pervert after this one, but it�s only the truth and unlike many of you I will not deny it. If sex didn�t feel good, no one would do it. Simple as that.

The decision to have sex or to wait is a decision we will remember for the rest of our lives. With the effect being so long term, it�s best to think it through completely. If doubts outweigh all the positives, maybe you are not ready and just need a little more time. Whatever the case may be, make sure your choice is the right one. -Cheryl Hatalla

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Mood Swing

I ache

I stop

I feel

I breathe

I'm cold

awake

a helpless

sheath

to cover

and blanket

these thoughts

like these

injure the body

with pounding wreaths

of gold

and greens

that lengthen

life

surrounding

only that

out of spite

to help

blackmail

and make no sense

please tell me

tell us

why you're tense

I'm nervous

and rancid

and wasting away

I feel not

touch not

the trees that sway

like palms

and willow

and birds that lay

help me fly help me lie

every day

Uh. Yeah.

Rii

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Staff:

Cheryl Hatalla

Abby Wheeler

Elizabeth Morris

Jordan Himes

Special thanks to Ian Gordan and Rii

http://TrueRevo.diaryland.com

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