Top Ten Baby Names of 2008
By Corinne Therien and Jen Bundy
Everyday, thousands of families welcome babies into the world. New lives begin and identities are formed. All of us have encountered our fair share of unique names in our life times. Examiner.com compiled a list of the top 20 names of 2008. Below, we’ve included a list of them—ten girls and ten boys.
Top 10 Girls Names
1) Emma
2) Sophia
3) Madison
4) Isabella
5) Olivia
6) Ava
7) Madeline
8) Addison
9) Hailey
10) Lily
Top 10 Boys Names
1) Aiden
2) Jayden
3) Ethan
4) Jacob
5) Caden
6) Jackson
7) Noah
8) Jack
9) Logan
10) Matthew
Apparently, people don’t think as differently as we thought. Brace yourself for a lot of “Emmas” and “Aidens” in the next generation.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Christmas Lights Go Out Across Country
By: Jen Bundy
Christmas is supposedly the merriest time of the year. However, Christmas spirit might be dimmed this year due to budget cuts. Streets that were once draped in bright lights and wreaths, now only have one small Santa sign. The festive seasonal activities such as Santa sleigh rides, Christmas Concerts, and light displays have been canceled across the United States. The economic struggles felt in hundreds of cities and towns, seems to be hitting this holiday season hard.
The anticipation of Christmas becomes bleaker each day as more and more towns cancel Christmas traditions. Towns such as Mount Sterling, Kentucky and LaPorte, Indiana had to eliminate light displays from their budgets. Brunswick, Ohio was forced to reduce lighting downtown and cancel the annual fireworks show. Bob Zienkowski, City Manager, says, “Its one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve had e-mails and calls calling me everything from Scrooge to the Grinch…but just as many calls from people saying you have to live within your means.” The reality many towns are facing, is should money be put towards Christmas decorations or schools? This choice is usually obvious and in the long run the effects will be great. Many may be angered over these budget cuts, but by the time January comes all will be forgotten. Christmas lights may not be shining so brightly this year, but many towns are relying on the spirit of the holidays to spread Christmas joy. And the spirit of Christmas will never be put out.
Christmas is supposedly the merriest time of the year. However, Christmas spirit might be dimmed this year due to budget cuts. Streets that were once draped in bright lights and wreaths, now only have one small Santa sign. The festive seasonal activities such as Santa sleigh rides, Christmas Concerts, and light displays have been canceled across the United States. The economic struggles felt in hundreds of cities and towns, seems to be hitting this holiday season hard.
The anticipation of Christmas becomes bleaker each day as more and more towns cancel Christmas traditions. Towns such as Mount Sterling, Kentucky and LaPorte, Indiana had to eliminate light displays from their budgets. Brunswick, Ohio was forced to reduce lighting downtown and cancel the annual fireworks show. Bob Zienkowski, City Manager, says, “Its one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve had e-mails and calls calling me everything from Scrooge to the Grinch…but just as many calls from people saying you have to live within your means.” The reality many towns are facing, is should money be put towards Christmas decorations or schools? This choice is usually obvious and in the long run the effects will be great. Many may be angered over these budget cuts, but by the time January comes all will be forgotten. Christmas lights may not be shining so brightly this year, but many towns are relying on the spirit of the holidays to spread Christmas joy. And the spirit of Christmas will never be put out.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
California Wilfires
Last week several wildfires ran rampant through California, whose Santa Anna winds strengthened the fire for days. In only a matter of days, the wildfires burned 35,000 acres of land and destroyed more than 800 structures causing approximately 36,000 evacuations. These wildfires are a common burden on California and have forced the government to spend upwards of 500 million dollars on the fires since the beginning of the year. The regularity of these fires causes many to worry, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who said, “Everyone has recognized that this is a different situation than we have had in the past. We don’t have a fire season anymore, we have fires all year round.” The record high temperatures in California and the on going drought could have played a major role the frequency of these wildfires. The changing climate that is causing havoc around the world seems to have finally hit America hard. Governor Schwarzenegger is in the process of passing regulations that require fire retardant materials to be used in certain fire-prone areas. From the million dollar mansions to the trailer parks, devastating losses were felt. The homes of Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Michael Douglas, and Christopher Lloyd were all within the path of the wildfires. However, Christopher Lloyd, the “Back to the Future” star, was the only actor to loose their home to the mighty flames. Thankfully, there were no recorded causalities.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Girls Varsity Tennis 2008
This fall brought Cumberland High School very successful sport seasons, including the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. After being knocked out by Moses Brown last year in the semi-finals, Cumberland bounced back this year, making it all the way to the Division-II finals. The 2008 season seemed bleak due to several injuries and ineligible players, which forced Coach John “Jaz” Jasionowski to make changes in the team’s lineup.
Even with some speed bumps in the way, the girls moved full speed ahead clinching critical wins all season. By the time the playoffs began, Cumberland finished second in the division with a record of 10-2 (the first time in sixteen years Cumberland has won more than nine matches). With two tough loses, one to Moses Brown, one to Tollgate, Cumberland was anxious to begin playoffs. After being granted a bye for the first round, the team advanced to the division finals for the first time in sixteen years, with a 6-1 victory over Cranston West.
Unfortunately, Cumberland lost in the finals to Moses Brown, in a play to decision win. However, the saying is “first is the worst, second is the best”, right? The team has accomplished so much this season and they should be very proud of themselves. This year team mates Sam Curran and Alysa Redlich, 1st and 2nd Singles, were honored with First Team All Division, Singles. Also, Jen Bundy and Briana Tomassini, 1st doubles, were granted First Team All Division, Doubles. Val Conway and Shauna Smith were awarded Second Team All Division, Doubles. Senior Captain Sarah Beauregard was given the Sportsmanship Award for the 2008 season. With only two seniors graduating, the team hopes next season will be just as great.
This fall brought Cumberland High School very successful sport seasons, including the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. After being knocked out by Moses Brown last year in the semi-finals, Cumberland bounced back this year, making it all the way to the Division-II finals. The 2008 season seemed bleak due to several injuries and ineligible players, which forced Coach John “Jaz” Jasionowski to make changes in the team’s lineup.
Even with some speed bumps in the way, the girls moved full speed ahead clinching critical wins all season. By the time the playoffs began, Cumberland finished second in the division with a record of 10-2 (the first time in sixteen years Cumberland has won more than nine matches). With two tough loses, one to Moses Brown, one to Tollgate, Cumberland was anxious to begin playoffs. After being granted a bye for the first round, the team advanced to the division finals for the first time in sixteen years, with a 6-1 victory over Cranston West.
Unfortunately, Cumberland lost in the finals to Moses Brown, in a play to decision win. However, the saying is “first is the worst, second is the best”, right? The team has accomplished so much this season and they should be very proud of themselves. This year team mates Sam Curran and Alysa Redlich, 1st and 2nd Singles, were honored with First Team All Division, Singles. Also, Jen Bundy and Briana Tomassini, 1st doubles, were granted First Team All Division, Doubles. Val Conway and Shauna Smith were awarded Second Team All Division, Doubles. Senior Captain Sarah Beauregard was given the Sportsmanship Award for the 2008 season. With only two seniors graduating, the team hopes next season will be just as great.
Monday, October 27, 2008
unemployment article
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT ALL TIME HIGH
By: Jen Bundy
Rhode Island doesn’t just hold the title of the smallest state now. In fact, Rhode Island now has the highest job rate in the United States with the unemployment rate at a staggering 8.8% percent. Rhode Island surpassed the nation average of 6.1% along with Michigan, the poster child for unemployment. This recent surge in unemployment within the state, has reached the highest it has been in sixteen years.
The slump in Rhode Island’s job market began years ago when the housing market collapsed within the state, which many financial advisors took as a statewide recession. In nine months Rhode Island lost 12,600 jobs causing the unemployment rate to jump from 5.7% to 8.8%. Today with the whole nation in the midst of an economic recession, Rhode Island is one of the states being hit the hardest. U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin wrote in letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, “This economic situation has taken a toll on our state’s social service centers, food pantries and homeless shelters, and it is clear that the worst is yet to come.” (Langevin wrote the letter to reiterate his support for the federal stimulus package which hopes to relieve some of the economic pressure on Rhode Islanders.)
By: Jen Bundy
Rhode Island doesn’t just hold the title of the smallest state now. In fact, Rhode Island now has the highest job rate in the United States with the unemployment rate at a staggering 8.8% percent. Rhode Island surpassed the nation average of 6.1% along with Michigan, the poster child for unemployment. This recent surge in unemployment within the state, has reached the highest it has been in sixteen years.
The slump in Rhode Island’s job market began years ago when the housing market collapsed within the state, which many financial advisors took as a statewide recession. In nine months Rhode Island lost 12,600 jobs causing the unemployment rate to jump from 5.7% to 8.8%. Today with the whole nation in the midst of an economic recession, Rhode Island is one of the states being hit the hardest. U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin wrote in letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, “This economic situation has taken a toll on our state’s social service centers, food pantries and homeless shelters, and it is clear that the worst is yet to come.” (Langevin wrote the letter to reiterate his support for the federal stimulus package which hopes to relieve some of the economic pressure on Rhode Islanders.)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Recently David Kernell was charged with hacking into the person email account of vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. David Kernell, 20, is the son of Democratic State Representative, Mike Kernell of Memphis. David Kernell entered that not guilty plea upon his indictment of a single count “intentionally accessing without authorization”. According to reports, Kernell, a student at the University of Tennessee, was granted access by resetting the password. Once Kernell read the contents of Palin’s email account, he photographed the screenshots which where then posted on a public website along with the new password.
Police reports claim that the personal information that was hacked included the birth dates, phone numbers, and addresses of family members. Kernell posted this information to aid other potential hackers. However, certain news releases claim David Kernell was a member of “Anonymous”, the group famous for exposing the unethical behavior within the Scientology cult. If convicted, Kernell could face a maximum of five years jail time, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release.
Police reports claim that the personal information that was hacked included the birth dates, phone numbers, and addresses of family members. Kernell posted this information to aid other potential hackers. However, certain news releases claim David Kernell was a member of “Anonymous”, the group famous for exposing the unethical behavior within the Scientology cult. If convicted, Kernell could face a maximum of five years jail time, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Paul Newman
On September 27th, 2008 Hollywood lost a legacy with the death of Paul Newman at the age of 83. Newman died at his home in Westport, Connecticut due to cancer related complications. As one of the most beloved and talented actors in the Hollywood, Newman will be missed by many including the likes of Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, and John Mayer. The Oscar winner and seven time nominee has received immense praise for roles in blockbusters such as The Color of Money, The Sting, and The Hustler. Unlike many actors in Hollywood, Newman never let the success or fame get to his head. In fact, he preferred the slow life of rural areas like Westport, Connecticut to the hectic pace of Hollywood. Newman philantrophy work was just as impressive as his acting. Newman founded Newman's Own, an organic food company, that donated close to 250 million dollars to thousands of hand picked charities around the country. Newman was extremely generous and easy going, which is uncommon in the crazy world surrounding Hollywood. His wife of fifty years, Joanne Woodward, survives him along with his five daughters. Paul Newman will be missed dearly.
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