Archive for 2008

Pippa Hazlewood '11 Opinions Editor  Ugly sweaters, teeny bopper earrings, tribal African drums, hot pink unicorn figurines (with sparkles and feather boas): these are all things I’ve received over the years on holidays and birthdays. They all have the power to turn the happiest time of year into an awkward situation. After recently celebrating my birthday, and returning every single one of my gifts, I can honestly say I’ve mastered the, “Oh My God! This is so cute! I’ll use it everyday!” routine, but at some point you have to come clean. Especially when we’re dealing with a snake skinned hooker tank top that would ‘look so good with that new panda themed headdress you got from grandma’. Full story

Natasha Gabbay '10 and Farrel Levenson '11 Managing Editor and Opinions Editor  When the bell rings on Dec. 23, at 11:45.a.m, Staples students can't leave the school fast enough. Everyone is eager to take a break from the constant stress and schoolwork, and begin their winter vacation. However, many students have already left Staples for other places, whether it was two days early, the night before, or the morning of. Before winter vacation, student attendance is always lacking at Staples High School. The week before break officially has one-and-a-half days of school, but people don't take those days seriously. Some students, such as Trevor Lally '10, don't believe they should even take place. "We shouldn't have school. Teachers don't want to teach anything new because kids won't remember over the break, so we just end up watching movies," said Lally. Full story

by Grace Shay '10 When this magazine cover girl walks down a certain catwalk, there isn't an entourage of bodyguards, stylists, and assistants trailing her; there isn't a clothed accessory dog tucked in her arms; there isn't the flash of a lurking paparazzi camera hidden nearby. Instead, Julia Backon '09 strolls down her catwalk-that is, the school ... Full story

by Mike Schneider '09 and Elizabeth Vance '09 The Collaborative Team has decided not to allow Inklings reporters access to their meetings as of Wednesday, Dec. 11. The Collaborative Team is an advisory board to Principal John Dodig that consists of department heads, assistant principals and selected teachers. Inkings requested to attend weekly meetings as part of an an effort to have Inklings reporters attend future Board ... Full story

by Constance Chien '10 and Pippa Hazlewood '11 When the holidays come around, so do holiday-related fundraisers and drives. Some good-willed holiday initiatives set up by the Staples community include the paper white bulbs fundraiser and the Junior Class Committee Holiday Wish List Drive for the Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, as well as the "Rebecca Chusid Holiday Toy Drive" and a "Holiday Action Party" held by Amnesty International. Full story

by Jack Hennessy '10 Jake Peavy = World Series. If you are wondering how I came to this solution, it’s really quite simple. The Transitive property. For all of you a little rusty on them Geometry terms, the Transitive property can most easily be explained in simple variable terms. Full story

by Farrel Levenson '11 One month of the year, December, everyone is suddenly jolly. Red and green lights deck the storefronts, and peppy little Christmas songs take over the radio. Christmas specials appear on every channel, and ABC even starts a countdown towards that coveted day.Best of all, Santa magically appears at the mall. If you are lucky, you get to sit on the chubby bearded guy's lap, and even better, take a picture! Plus, you get to tell Santa if you were naughty or nice, as well as exactly what you want for Christmas. He's Santa. Of course he'll get it for you. Look back at what I just wrote. Did you see anything about Hanukkah? Or Jewish people? I'm Jewish, in this over-marketed Christmas-crazed month. And let me tell you, it's not fun. Full story

by Elizabeth Vance '09 On Friday Dec. 5, five Staples students were arrested on school premises with various charges relating to the possession of illegal substances, in some cases with intent to sell or purchase the substances. All five have been suspended, and some face expulsion. Full story

by Sarah McDonald '11 and Pippa Hazlewood '11 The cannons at Compo Beach during the first snow this winter on December 6th. Full story

by Ian Phillips '10 Two years ago, the ailing Bond franchise, held down by ludicrous plots and over-the-top gadgets, was revived in a big way with "Casino Royale." "Casino Royale" held back on the gadgets, created a more believable story, and most importantly, brought audiences a darker, vulnerable Bond. "Quantum of Solace" manages to bring back all of these fantastic new qualities of Bond for a satisfying new movie. Full story