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<Table oF Contents> Preparing for the end of the World ‘Tis the Season to be a Shopping Fanatic!
Editors in Chief Hannah Geldzahler
Technical Editor
Casey Puglisi - Page 3, 4
CJ Blasi
Emily Carmosino - Page 4, 5
The Protector, Giver, and Helper: Saint Nicholas
Kensey Olsen - Page 5
Photography Editor Caroline Roch
Hannah Geldzahler - Page 6
Celebrations Throughout the Year
Emma Clayton - Page 6
Happy New Year Mr. President
Kelly Staples - Page 6, 7
“Preparing for the End of the World”
Kelly Staples
Stephanie Fuentes - Page 3
A Green Christmas
Christmas from the other side
The Voice Staff
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Contributors Kelly Staples Hannah Geldzahler
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Catey Matthews Kensey Olsen Emma Clayton Emily Carmosino Casey Puglisi Stephanie Fuentes
Faculty Advisor Mrs. Wengel
Happy Holidays! ~ From all of us here at The Voice!
Stephanie Fuentes Only a few more days until December 21, 2012! The evidence of the world ending is undeniable. As you look into old prophecies and facts, the end of the world is coming this month and it is pretty convincing. Planet X was included in many Sumerian drawings; they referred the 12th planet in the solar system the “destroyer.” This planet was spoken about in 1982 as a discovery, however since then we have not heard about it. There also is “I Ching” which is the oldest book that provides prophecies, like the end of WWII and that the fall of the Roman Empire ends on December 21, 2012. Another prophecy tells us that our last Pope will be named Benedictus, and coincidently our Pope now is called Benedict. As if all of these suspicions aren’t enough, in Hinduism the age we are living in now is one of greed, which ends by the rebirth of a new age, and marks a new age of enlightenment in 2012. Everyone preparing for the world to end should first, figure out where to be, prepare to be totally self sufficient, and lastly restore for the future. If you believe any of the slightest bit of the crazy people out there screaming about the end of the world approaching, it’s best to be somewhat prepared. Establish a safe spot in your house that could sustain any type of nuclear destruction or cosmetic obliteration. Or, go outside and enjoy the last bits of the fresh air that the human race will ever experience. This total chaotic meltdown may leave us in a Hunger Games-esque fight for food and necessities, so try to take some archery lessons and establish alliances before the 21st. Seemingly we’ll all be in dire need of nonperishable items, so it is best to stock up on water, cup of noodles, and most importantly chocolate.
“ ‘Tis the Season to be a Shopping Fanatic!” Casey Puglisi It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Lights have been strung on the houses and trees, and Christmas carols are playing around every corner. Before you know it, all
the wrapped gifts will be nestled under the tree. Families will gather the holiday season, for this time of the year is truly a time of joy and generosity. Whatever holiday you and your family celebrate, everyone should know that the holiday season is for bringing people together. Although many of us know what holidays should really be about, there has been an unsettling trend in holiday commercialism. It is common place in our time to be constantly bombarded with marketing campaigns wherever we look. Right when the television is turned on or when you flip open a magazine, you can not get away from the tactics of commercialism. Especially as Americans, we are always surrounded by it. The holiday season happens to be one of the biggest marketing movements of the year, and it is plain obvious. The holiday season begins, for many, the day after Thanksgiving. It does not begin because it may be one day closer to the holidays that many cherish religiously or honorably, for it begins because of Black Friday. Black Friday and its literally door busting deals (there have been many accounts of stampedes in retail stores) is how we mark the beginning of such an exciting time; which for many can seem ironic. A day where many people are filled with greed for the newest products, people will start brawls in the aisles and begin fights at the register. Starting off the holiday season with so much self-indulgence should not be acceptable. Our extreme shopping and purchases that are deemed alright by days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, have made the holidays more of an excuse to binge purchase everything from clothes to a washer machine. The holiday push for material things has been aimed towards the young as well. Santa Clause at the mall and eye catching displays at the toy stores makes kids ask for more. Instead of wondering why they get gifts at this time of the year, many kids will just ask for as many gifts as they can think of. This is not the children’s fault, but the society that rears them. The society where neighbors compete over who will have more Christmas decorations on their front lawn.
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say that, so I fear them. I fear them all. I scanned the hazy road, cracked by lack of water and abuse, for any gunmen lurking in the shadows of society, but none were in sight. The tiny, tiny confident voice shouted at me again to run but my leaden feet did not respond. As in all animals, instincts prevail. Mine just need to be sharper than others.
“A Green Christmas” Emily Carmosino You know it’s Christmas when the decorating begins and the red, green and white lights shine from the festively decorated houses. Christmas decorating, as one can see by driving around a typical neighborhood, can easily become competitive, costly and even dangerous to the environment. Which house this year will have the greatest decorations, brightest lights, and the biggest Christmas tree? Which over-the-top house will be the star of that YouTube clip that is constantly repeated throughout December? The crazy decorating, the energy from lights and the cutting down of endless Christmas trees are harmful to the environment. Decoration’s dangerous effects typically go unnoticed by the competitiondriven celebrators. They’re other practical, and environmentally friendly options to spread Christmas cheer.
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When did our culture begin pairing national and religious holidays with so much consumerism? This holiday season; please do not lose yourself and the true meaning of the holidays behind all the wrapping paper and bows.Grandmother’s voice, wise with age, added, her eyes staring through me into my soul, knowing and cold. You are hiding something, the tiny, tiny confident voice in the very back of my brain said. Images of the nine shiny covers and thousands of pristine pages filled my mind. Shakespeare, Frost, Homer. They were all hidden under my bed, shrouded by a dusty lambskin. People of my sex are not allowed to have books like that or any educational material. The men with the guns enforce the will of the men who
Twinkling Christmas lights are the ultimate decorations, as seen in scenes from the Christmas Vacation with his Clark Griswold’s high voltage lights to Rudolph and his shining nose. Lights just seem to represent the holiday season. On top of the out door decorations, lights adorn your Christmas tree, garland and wreaths throughout your house. Before you realize, your electric bill is through the roof, and that massive consumption of energy is also harmful to the environment. I believe that extreme decorators need to make their holiday decorating practical. Everything is better in moderation; if this mindset is applied to holiday decorating, the lights still serve their purpose, of holiday spirit, and will still benefit the homeowner’s need to decorate. However, the best option would be using energy efficient bulbs on your Christmas tree, and for out door decorations. If extreme decorators chose an efficient energy option it would be even more rewarding (to themselves and the environment) than just spreading holiday cheer.
The center of Christmas is decorating the tree. Numerous trees get cut down each year. The tree is such a staple of the holiday that very few people think about any other options that could perhaps protect the environment. Typically, the trees’ roots are cut off so that they are easily transported home and to fit into the stand in your living room. Instead of just discarding Christmas trees after the holiday, what if you could replant it?! Buying a potted evergreen to serve as your Christmas tree and future yard tree is a environmentally friendly option. This is such a great option; it allows your family Christmas tree to live on as well as ‘cutting’ down on the amount of killed evergreens every year. Again, these options are beneficial to the environment that also brightens your Christmas even more. Helping the environment is a great addition to the joyful holiday season, and hopefully such options will be increasingly accessible to make improving the environment a tradition!
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him as a protector and helper to all. One story describes random bags of gold showing up at homes, right when a father was in need of dowry for his daughter’s marriage. The bags of gold would somehow end up in stockings or shoes by the fire. This story led to the custom of children hanging up stockings by the fire for Saint Nicholas to bring their gifts. Saint Nicholas is a gift giver, bringing happiness to all, young and old. Another story portrays the pilgrimage of three theological students. While resting, an innkeeper robbed and murdered the boys. As it so happens, Bishop Nicholas was traveling along the same route and stopped in at the inn. During the night, he dreamt about the murder. He later summoned the innkeeper and prayed to God. The three boys were later restored back to life and good health. The French version of this story describes three children, who get lost, lured and killed by a butcher. Saint Nicholas is a protective figure for all children.
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“The Protector, Giver, and Helper: Saint Nicholas” Kensey Olsen A man named Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara. During the time, the village was mainly Greek, located on the southern coast of present-day Turkey. Nicholas was wealthy and generous. He used the money inherited from his parents to help those who were suffering from illness or oppression. Nicholas dedicated his life to serving God; thus, he was later made the Bishop of Myra. His genial attitude, generosity, and care for those young and old are what made Nicholas renown in the country. Later in his life, he was persecuted for being a Christian, under the Roman Empire Diocletian, and thrown into prison. When Nicholas was released, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He later died on December 6, 343 AD and buried in a cathedral. Upon his grave, a liquid substance, that is said to have healing powers, called manna, formed. The devotion to Saint Nicholas has fostered numerous stories regarding his good deeds. His extraordinary character denotes
Other stories evince St. Nicholas as a man who does all good deeds in secret for people, expecting nothing in return. He is known as a miracle worker and a patron. In Europe, gift giving and generosity mark December 6th, the day of his death. People make riddles and exchange small gifts and candies. St. Nicholas has transcended into the New World by the Vikings, who dedicated a cathedral to him in Greenland. Columbus named a Haitian Port St. Nicholas on December 6, 1492. The Spaniards named an early settlement St. Nicholas Ferry, now known as Jacksonville, Florida. The Dutch brought Saint Nicholas to New Amsterdam. Later, a New Yorker, remembering the state’s Dutch roots, promoted Saint Nicholas as a patron. Washington Irving wrote a satirical fiction, Knickerbocker’s History of New York, with numerous references to a merry St. Nicholas character. This creative imagination flourished in the homes of all. In 1821, the book, Children’s Friend, brought new and interesting elements to this character. It depicted a “Sante Claus” flying from the North in a red sleigh with reindeer. Santa Claus was an appropriate figure for children to admire. He punished the bad and rewarded the good. He was later illustrated in several magazines like the Saturday Evening Post. Santa Claus is a jolly character dressed in a red suit, flying in a red sleigh, and roaring a “HO HO HO” as he passes by the homes of children. He brings joy to all households during the Christmas season. He is generous and protective like his spiritual roots. Santa Claus is a true model of faith and kindness during the year.
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“Christmas from the other side” Hannah Geldzahler The holidays are a special time for everyone. They are a time when you get together your family, and look back onto the past year. But the holidays are not the same for everyone. Growing up in a Jewish household I have never been able to experience “Christmas”. I put quotes around Christmas because everyone celebrates Christmas differently. But I have never had the Christmas experience that you see in movies. That feeling of running down stairs in the morning and looking under the tree, writing a letter to Santa, and decorating a tree. However, I don’t really feel like I am missing out. I do get to celebrate a holiday and I do get to open presents, it’s just not a “Christmas” feeling. Hanukkah is great, and I do get to spend time with my family and I get to do everything that happens on Christmas. There is just no tree, and a lot more fried food. But as December 25th approaches, my family and I bring out our own traditions. My “christmas” consists of eating Chinese food and going to a see a movie. As much as I would love to decorate a tree while listening to christmas music, I still have my own perfect “Christmas”. As each family has their own Christmas traditions, I, not even celebrating Christmas, fit in to this category. The holidays are one of those things that are very personal to each person. Sometimes I think it would be really interesting to go holiday hopping, meaning on Christmas day, go from each of my friends house to house, and just see what their holiday traditions are like. It would show that each familys’ traditions are different, but each family does spend Christmas together. The holidays are a time that should be spent enjoying the company of your family, regardless of what your traditions may be. Happy holidays everyone!
“Celebrations Throughout the Year” Emma Clayton At this time of year, no matter where you go, it is hard not to be reminded of the holiday season. Whether it’s Christmas music playing in a store, or an advertisement about a family traveling for the holidays, we cannot escape the harbingers of the holiday season. In the midst of what is probably the most chaotic and stressful time of the year, let’s take some time to review the holidays we may have neglected in the past. To most of us, Labor Day signifies the end of the summer, the last hurrah before heading into fall. Time to start going back to school and away from the beaches. Most people, however, probably do not know the significance of this holiday. Labor Day was put in place on the first Monday in September to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers. It was first celebrated in New York City in congruence with plans of the central labor union. Later in the year, on the last Friday in April, Arbor Day is held. The idea for Arbor Day came from Nebraska. If you have ever visited Nebraska, you may have noticed the lack of trees, which is exactly why this holiday came about. Originally, prizes were awarded to the counties that planted the most trees. More than one million trees were planted in the first year Arbor Day was held. Since then, the holiday has been observed annually by the entire United States and many other countries. On May 18th, Armed Forces Day is held to honor the troops fighting on behalf of the United States. Louis Johnson, the United States Secretary of Defense established the holiday on August 31, 1849. On this day, citizens of the United States come together to thank and honor our troops. Armed Forces Day replaced separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The establishment of
this holiday triggered the unification of the armed forces into the Department of Defense. Almost a month before, on June 14th, Flag Day is held. Flag day celebrates the adoption of the United States flag. This year, once the popular holiday season is over, you will not have to stop your celebrations. First, of course, take a deep breath, for you have gotten through the 2012 chaotic “holiday” season. You will have a couple of new holidays to look forward to and participate in.
“Happy New Year Mr. President!” Kelly Staples As millions of people begin to count down to the holiday season, President Obama is preparing for a new year of changes and improvements. After being elected for his second term, he is carefully piecing together his plans for 2013. The election was a close one so President Obama seems to be excited that he will be able to impose his ideas for the country. “The best is yet to come” said Obama in a debate in Chicago. His plans are extensive, including major changes regarding health care, the deficit budget, and job creation. Although the changes seem drastic, the results will, hopefully, be extremely beneficial. Health care was a controversial topic throughout Obama’s first term. Labeled “Obama Care”, the now-famous health care bill proposes higher quality health care along with lower costs. A key part of the bill is allowing low income families the opportunity to have the same health care as other, wealthier, families. Although a lot has already been accomplished with
Obama Care, President Obama has major plans for improving and enhancing it during the the next four years including eventually allowing every citizen of America to have equal opportunities for their health care. However, many wonder how the plan will be paid for, raising debates over government spending. In his next term, Obama plans to focus on the budget immediately. The current federal debt is $16,378,102,054,141. Obama plans to reduce this during his next term by four trillion dollars in deficit reduction. However, this is also a very controversial claim because Obama plans to tax the wealthy (in total) by 1.5 trillion dollars in order to do so. The rest of the money will come from taxes on businesses, and cuts from other programs. Obama believes in the well-being of the nation as a whole, “This is not about class warfare.” he said, “This is about the nation’s welfare”. He strongly believes that within the next four years, he will successfully be able to reduce the budget and begin to fix the economy.
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Americans, but also lowering the cost for care. The decrease of the federal deficit will tremendously improve the economy and allow the government to save their money for more necessary resources. Job creation will both improve the economy and give veterans a greater chance of getting hired. These changes are a few of many positive adjustments occurring at the start of the new year. As thousand are bustling around in preparation for the holidays, President Obama is preparing to permanently change America for the better.
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The economy, is one of, if not the most important topic that Americans believe needs to be addressed first. With a current unemployment rate of 7.9%, thousands will be left jobless as the new year approaches. To prevent the unemployment rate from increasing, Obama is instituting the American Jobs Act, which is projected to create 447 million jobs within the next few years. One major focus of the act is to allot tax credits for employers who hire veterans, which should increase the rate at which veterans are hired after their return from duty. Another feature of the Act is to have millionaires and big businesses fund the job creation plans. The government also plans to spend billions on repairing. For example, fixing roads, creating higher levels of education, and providing more money for hospitals. All of this is possible through taxes and funding programs. Yet Obama is still going to be able to give tax breaks for middle class families and manufacturers who are producing American made products. The plans for the new year are endless, and the improvements that are projected are more promising than any plans that have been proposed in the past. By improving our health care system, Obama is not only improving the quality of living for all