Friday, February 20, 2009

Best quotes of first half of third term


"What a useless letter," -Dylan 'referring to the letter 'x''

"In your random attempt to get the news, you are missing the news," -Terri

"Crack!!" -Dylan's second favorite word

"This isn't freakin' 'Entertainment Tonight'' -Tanner

"Someone needs to install a light in the closet for Tanner!" -Alexx

"I don't think Ping Pong Balls are good for hallucinations," -Dylan

"Black women shouldn't have blonde hair. . . is that racist?" -Steph

"Ugh! Those are the most uncreative jokes ever!"
"But they're fun!" -Dylan and Gillian referring to 'Yo Mama' jokes

"Out of 400 missiles they killed three people! How do you miss 397 times?!" -Dylan

"I don't think Ping Pong balls are good for hallucinations," -Dylan

"Don't worry Terri, I cheated the government." Dylan Davis

"Whoo! It's a small world!" Alexx Anderson referring to the annoying Disney ride.

"There has GOT to be a better way to do this!" Jimmy Dotson

"You must learn to mind your surroundings." Tanner Holm

"I like cancer." Dylan Davis

"Maybe kids need a bit more injury." Stephanie Green

"Way to awkward out the sub, Alexx." Dylan Davis

"Stop it Tanner!! I am saving that for my future husband!!" -Alexx

"Everybody look! Tanner and Beau are hooking up!" -Terri

"I get bored really easily. . . because my mom needs nap time." -Steph

"He had braces and he was a little aggressive." -Terri talking about her very first kiss.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Quantum of Solace blasts into theaters

James Bond. The name brings up the image of a secret agent-- who loves his martinis shaken, not stirred-- with futuristic weapons and gadgets, supplied by the genius ‘Q’. Yes, since the creation of the 007 Agent in the 1953 book titled Casino Royale, he has been resurrected into 22 box office movies and portrayed by six different men.

The most recent movie ‘Quantum of Solace’, released on November 14, 2008, smashed its way into the number one movie grossing around $67 million in just its first weekend. The movie begins one hour after the events of Casino Royale. For the whole 106 minutes of non-stop action, James Bond (Daniel Craig) attempts to satisfy his revenge by finding the people who killed his love in the last movie, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). 007’s only goal is to avenge Vesper’s death and find peace, no matter what it takes. Following the proverbial bread crumbs, Bond is led to a member of QUANTUM, Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) who seems to be innocently buying useless desert land. Just like in any of the other 21 Bond movies, he hooks up with yet another super-vixen, Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko), a woman with her owns plans for revenge, who has the innate ability to stay amazing gorgeous while kicking some bad guy butt. There is a good chance that she will return for the next Bond movie, Bond 23 in 2011, since they didn’t jump in bed together like every other Bond vixen.

Casino Royale set the bar for future Bond films extraordinarily high, and even though Quantum of Solace keeps you on the edge of your seats every second, it’s just not as good as the first. I give this movie a four out of five. It’s rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

They seek him here, they seek him there, and if you saw the Scarlet Pimpernel you should know the rest! If you didn’t get the chance to watch this year’s musical production you missed out! It got great reviews from all who saw it.
Maddison Johnson said, “I’m going again for sure. They all have great voices and they all did so good!”From the very beginning of the performance it was very professional and well thought out. The actors in the production were much rehearsed and it ran smoothly. Taylor Thredgold was a participant in the peasant ensemble. She said, “It was so much fun! We came together like a family. We felt that feeling of being together everyone talks about. We practiced so much that it felt so natural everyone was so in sync with each other.”Along with the performance in general, it was very entertaining to see the costumes. They were very authentic and interesting. In the scene “Creation of Man” the league of the Scarlet Pimpernel start their act by dressing up in ridiculous costumes, even for at the time, to make them appear like complete nincompoops so they won’t even look suspicious as the league of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
The singing and acting in the production was absolutely amazing. The whole cast had very strong vocals to bring together the passion of the performance. Paul Wuthrich as Percy Blakeney, Mikelle Memmott as Marguerite St. Just, and Isaac Wilkinson as Chauvelin as well as the entire group made a great lead together. The cast was absolutely amazing.
Along with the acting, the music performed by the pit orchestra, conducted by Steven Hendricks really added to the feel just like what real background music should.
Overall the performance was definitely worth the watch and very professional. Can’t wait till next year!

Respect for Veterans

On August 24, 1967 Farmington resident, Jay Hess was among the fighter pilots in the Vietnam War that were on a mission to stop supplies traveling from North Vietnam to South Vietnam. Their goal was to destroy the steel mills. However, the enemy began firing missiles at the planes and Jay Hess’s luck wore out as he was shot down and captured. He remained in Vietnam for the next five and a half years as a Prisoner of War. During those years, Hess’s goal was to one day get home.
When the war was over and the POWs were released, the country rejoiced as the brave men and women came home. “There were many celebrations and everyone was happy the war was over,” Hess said. Since Hess was a POW he was honored with much celebration and has received more respect then that of the typical Veteran.
“I don’t think you can ever give a veteran enough respect. What they do [for their country] is unknown to most people. You can never really appreciate what a veteran does,” said Hess. Recently he received a letter from Cynthia Catudal expressing her gratitude for what he did. Enclosed with the letter was a bracelet which bore his name that she had worn in high school, over 40 years ago. In the letter she wrote, “When I first obtained a POW bracelet I didn’t understand what it all meant, I still can’t comprehend it all, but since I’ve been married and living the army life, I realize a little better what was happening at the time.” This is just one example of how Jay Hess has been shown respect over the years.
In regard to showing respect on a larger scale, recently ground was broken for a new facility for veteran care. Representative Julie Fisher from District 17 was among the cosponsors for a bill to fund the new Ogden Veterans Care Center. “It was such a privilege to honor those citizens who sacrificed for our freedom,” said Fisher, “We don't often see a bill that has that much support. When it comes to our veterans, Utah cares.” There are other was to show respect to veterans, a simple “thank you” is appreciated by many. “There needs to be some way to express appreciation for what they have done,” Hess said.
Sometimes veterans are perceived as an annoyance in society. According to the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients, it is estimated that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in the streets of our cities has put on a uniform and served this country.
Unfortunately, many people of shown extreme disrespect for our veterans by using the title of being a veteran or a POW. There were 600 POWs from Vietnam and yet more than 1200 people claim to be one. “Why they want to exaggerate and do this is just a weakness in human nature, [that is] to make up a big story about who you are,” Hess said.
The next time people think about whether or not to show respect for veterans, they should think of a statement said by Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, a Sergeant in the USMC, “It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

Remembering Pearl Harbor

When people hear ‘Pearl Harbor’ they think of World War 2, Hawaii, some ships that got blown up by the Japanese, or maybe even the movie. But what they really don’t know is how greatly this real-life situation affected America and the rest of the world.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese surprise attack on the U.S. Navy’s base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii destroyed almost all of the American Pacific Fleet. The United States along with Britain then declared war on Japan. On December 11, 1941 Germany and Italy both declared war on the United States. It brought the United States into World War 2 changing history forever.
With the help of Commander Minoru Genda, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto developed a plan to destroy the U.S. Fleet which at the time was under the command of Admiral Husband E. Kimmel.
The attacks came in two waves. The first came at about 7:53 AM, the second at 8:55AM. By 9:55AM it was all over and the carriers that launched the planes were headed back to Japan.
In the first wave of attacks Commander Mitsuo Fuchida led the first of the Japanese aircraft, including of 133 torpedo, dive, and horizontal bombers and zeros.
In the second attack wave 167 Japanese carrier planes headed for Pearl Harbor.
The attacks were intended to cripple the US Pacific Fleet at its base in Oahu, Hawaii and give Japan an early advantage. The Japanese failed at their other goal of destroying American repair yards, fuel reserves, and submarine base.
American casualties included about 2,500 deaths with 1,177 injured sailors and soldiers, sinking 3 battleships, capsizing another, and damaging three more. Destroyers and cruisers were damaged along with every aircraft either destroyed or damaged, but not all beyond repair. Japanese losses were limited to twenty-nine aircraft, five mini-submarines, and sixty-five fatalities.
Despite all the chaos and heartbreak the Japanese left behind, they united the people of the United States, successfully ending the segregated feeling in the country.
As quoted by President Roosevelt on December 8, 1941, Pearl Harbor has been remembered as “A date which will live in infamy.”

Paul Newman

Legendary screen actor, political activist, and noted philanthropist Paul Newman passed away September 26 due to complications from lung cancer at the age of 83.
Born January 26, 1925, Newman studied Drama in college, eventually graduating from Yale University in 1954. He made his film debut in 1954’s The Silver Chalice. He would star in many successful movies in the 1950’s, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof co-starring Elizabeth Taylor.
Doing what few actors of the 50’s era were able to achieve, Newman extended his film career into the 60’s and 70’s. Some of his noted films include Hud, The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
He also directed four feature films, and did a reprisal role of The Hustler, titled The Color of Money, for which he received an Academy Award.
From the 1960s on he was known for his political activism, even earning a spot on presidential punchline Richard Nixon’s enemies list. He was a strong advocate for same-sex marriage, and was a contributor of Chris Dodd’s campaign.
In 1982 he launched a food line Newman’s Own. The proceeds of this business were donated to charity, contributing a reported $200 million plus in charitable donations. He was also praised for discreetly giving generous donations to many charities, including a personal donation of nearly $8.75 million dollars to various charities supporting children.
He married Joanne Woodward in 1958 and had a marriage that lasted until his death, a rarity in Hollywood. He was once interviewed about fidelity, and, in reference to his wife, stated, “Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home.”
His final on-screen appearance was in 2002’s Road to Perdition, although he did voice-over work, including Disney and Pixar’s Cars, which held special meaning as he had a passion for racing.
He has received numerous awards for his work, including A Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Academy Awards, The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award, and a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years and five of his six children.

Sub for Santa

It’s interesting how the holidays make people want to do strange things they’ve never thought of attempting before. Eat large amounts of a bird that Ben Franklin wanted to be the country’s symbol, giving unlimited presents to others to celebrate the Savior’s birth (Christian or not), making small houses made of an edible candy and not eating it, and people feel the sudden urge to be extremely generous and give large amounts of money to people they don’t even know. Maybe the media is influencing this conspiracy, brain-washing the minds of America with Christmas music and the Santa Claus persona. Or this image of stuffing one’s face and giving to those less fortunate is done with a purpose and meaning?
Charity organizations like the Red Cross run all year, but they get the most donations during the holidays. Because of the image of the season of giving, people have to keep up the universal schema of giving back to society, either that or be sacked. Nobody wants a lump of coal in their stocking, so the naughty ones procrastinate eleven months and then redeem themselves with a huge donation to the needy. Davis High is going to be involved in the Sub for Santa program by first putting on a talent show of the faculty. Donating to this is one way students can contribute to society.
“A parent can’t be a Santa, so we’re stepping in to help them so the kids have a better Christmas.” Camille Robb, Senior, said. This defines Sub for Santa, those who are more privileged (in the high or middle class) give to those who aren’t as lucky in the game of life. Why not share the wealth? Fortunate others can go through an entire lifetime without knowing the unfortunate conditions of the lower class. If they were to know, the passion to give would increase. If they were to know the kid or family they are giving to, the charity would increase significantly. Giving with a meaning, that is the secret to a successful charity fundraiser like Sub for Santa. Convince society to be nice, not naughty.

Chritsmas According to Davis

As we slip into the winter season here at Davis, many people are eagerly anticipating a visit from Mr. Claus; but some are still reluctant to give in early to the season.
“Christmas is a fun time of year, the atmosphere is cool,” said Zander Nash, a senior, when asked about the holiday season. However, not everyone is as excited for the season as Nash is. “Christmas is all right, but the season is completely overrated,” grumbled Dan Credits, senior. Having changed thoroughly over the years, it could be said that Christmas has become a tad too commercialized lately. When asked whether or not he thought most people have lost the true meaning of Christmas, Nash comments “I wouldn’t say most.” According to Nash, there are some people that have lost the meaning of the season. Rather than “Serving, loving, giving, and a little getting,” as Nash has described, some people see nothing but presents. “That’s all people want nowadays, more gifts, more stuff. I bet people intentionally get on the naughty list, just to see how much coal they can get,” stated Credits. According to that, than most people today feel that getting into trouble is fun, just to see how much trouble they can get into. It’s all about getting.
Other people just want Christmas to go back to the way it used to be, but some can’t stand the old ways at all. There should be some middle ground. “I don’t think that people should go back to the old ways, I like Christmas, just as long as they keep the true meaning in mind. I think its fun to get stuff, but it’s also fun to serve,” stated Nash. The true meaning of Christmas should be kept in mind though. “It’s about being kind, loving, serving, and overall being selfless,” sighed Nash.

Christmas Music? Not a fan...

Christmas music, an unfair and biased propaganda, which has plagued the spirit of Christmas since the advent of Santa Claus. Not only is every single mall, dentist office, hospital, Wal-Mart, and any other popular outlet in America sucked into this assemblage of bad composition. But television and radio stations air this from Halloween to Martin Luther King Day. The interesting part is that all this biased propaganda is illegal according to the fairness doctrine mandated by the F.C.C. (Federal Communications Commission.) In 1948. What this states is that any broadcasting station that gives a certain amount of air time to one particular popular media in support of a belief or event. There must be an equal amount of air time to something negating a belief or event. This law, in blatant terms, says if you put Christmas music on air, you must put anti Christmas music on air for an equal amount of time. Although we all know this would never happen, especially in Christmas hungry America. It still says something about our society. Everyone loves Christmas in America, and it won’t change until something drastic happens. Say, Santa Claus was caught money laundering. Again, impossible, Santa isn’t real. So it can’t happen. Citizens need to take a step back and look at the entire holiday spirit. This is a birthday, and on this birthday we listen to music that has nothing to do with this day months before, and after. We rush around stores thinking of characters of fiction, what we get and what we give. This isn’t necessarily wrong; it just can’t cloud the real spirit and reason for Christmas.

Christmas Music is Great!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, building a man of snow with a carrot nose and a coal for each eye, scarves, warm mittens, and hot chocolate. There are so many pleasant things about the Christmas season, therefore the holiday joy must spread throughout November as well as December. And what defines Christmas more than the jingles of the season.
“Generally, Christmas music is more calming,” said Bob Nelson FM 100 radio talk show host. When the stress of everyday life is too overwhelming, Christmas music can calm the mind. Christmas music is mainly cheerful, mostly because it brings back memories of past Christmases of a person’s life, which are basically good, unless that person has had a very deprived childhood.
Some may say that November first is too soon to begin playing Christmas music, which would be true, but there is a purpose behind the early beginning of cheer. Radio stations were asked in the year 2001 to begin playing Christmas music sooner to serve as a sort of comfort to the country. The tragedy of 9/11 caused an overall gloom in America. Music is very affective when it comes to the psychological mind set. For example, if someone were to listen to angry music they are probably going to be an angry person.
“People are so passionate about radio,” Nelson quoted, stating that the effect that radio has on America is significant, making the main music on the radio significant to a person’s mind set. Christmas music consists of calming and energetic genres, making it easy for people of all shapes and sizes to listen and enjoy.