Staff Profile

Erik Sommer –– Staff Writer

“I’m a thinker. I’m analytical. You might not agree with what I say, but I can back it up.” These are the words of Inklings’ newest pundit, Erik Sommer ’13.

Sommer says his interest in journalism was first piqued when he joined WWPT Wrecker Radio, Staples’ radio station.

Sommer thinks that vocal media can be much more concise at revealing emotion than print in some cases. He took a course at Boston University’s Academy of Radio Production this summer, where he says he learned a lot about journalism in general.

After mastering radio media, Sommer decided to take Introduction to Journalism. He says his favorite part of the class was writing about Sarah Palin.
Sommer is extremely interested in politics, and wants to mainly write opinion articles for Inklings on the subject. He says he wants to see more depth and substance in opinions articles.

Sommer is a bit worried about being able to be unbiased in his articles, but is still eager to write. He says print journalism is good in the sense that it is easier to pick up biases when reading as opposed to listening. Sommer is excited to begin his Inklings career.

The Walking Dead Finale: A Resurrection

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
March 27, 2012

Everyone has planned out their survival strategy for the zombie apocalypse. No? Well, at least I have. Maybe I’m crazy, but don’t start screeching for help when your friendly neighbors come to the door trying to bite you. For the two socially estranged people now saying “well... Read More

The Struggle to Become Visible in Coaches’ Eyes

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
March 16, 2012

Collegiate sports recruiting, like the electronics we use on a daily basis, is in the midst of an evolution. At Staples, and throughout the country, technological advances have surgically altered the features that previously defined scouting. In the past, recruiting was predominantly based... Read More

Finding the Worst Album: My Odyssey

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
March 7, 2012

This week, I was burdened with the task of finding the worst album released in the last six months. I considered not even trying. You see, so many artists this year put in the effort, creativity, and consistency to deserve the award. Suffice it to say, there may be thousands of musicians who... Read More

A Justified Bummer: the Removal of Megaupload

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
February 11, 2012

By now, most Staples students have noticed the massive black hole in the interwebs. But for those who don’t know (the old and Amish), Megaupload (also known as Megavideo) was taken down by the Justice Department last week after the arrests of at least three company employees on accusations... Read More

The Worst Videos of 2011

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
January 17, 2012

As 2011 came and went, so did several horribly entertaining music videos. Here’s what you may have missed from the past year of videographed mediocrity. 3. Ke$ha “Blow”: I’ve never thought much about it, but I can imagine liking unicorns. They seem like nice enough creatures. However,... Read More

Scrawny and Proud; Why Bodybuilding is a Waste of Time

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
January 14, 2012

How many times, especially for the men, have you happily walked into the gym locker rooms only to come out feeling like a whimpering boy? Everyone has or had at least one jacked kid in his gym class— the one who can’t help but look like a brawny Abercrombie model every time he takes off... Read More

Angry Boys: Carried by the Oddest of the Bunch

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
January 11, 2012

If a British and an American child were asked, “Who is Chris Lilley?” the British one would most likely name you a character like Mr. G, an ostentatious drama teacher, or Jonah Takalua, a mischievous boy from Tonga, both of whom are both characters played by Lilley in his previous series... Read More

Happy Feet Two: An Adorable Letdown

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
December 17, 2011

Having Elijah Wood, Matt Damon, Common, Robin Williams, Pink, and Brad Pitt together in a room would be enough to make most star-struck. Combining the talents of these critically-acclaimed celebrities in a film would seemingly drive flocks of moviegoers to the box office with great expectation. Oddly... Read More

Occupy Wall Street; the Rationale of “a Mob”

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
December 4, 2011

Have you ever been with an ignorant acquaintance who unknowingly humiliated you by mentioning some topic of animosity where you were the antagonist? Maybe you had an affair- and the unknowing friend made it awkward by imploring you to agree that Ashton Kutcher was a scumbag. Whatever the case,... Read More

16 Handles: Pleasure Without Guilt

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
November 6, 2011

It was 11:00 a.m. when I grumpily got out of bed to test out the new frozen yogurt place in Fairfield, 16 Handles. To provide a characterization of myself in relation to frozen yogurt, I will say that I assiduously avoid anything that has an unhealthy counterpart. I can’t explain why this... Read More

Forget Caviar; Eat the Twinkie

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
November 3, 2011

I am in a limousine driving towards the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I give my limousine driver a handsome tip after he helps me step out of the cab onto the clean and evenly paved sidewalk. Proceeding to stroll into La Cuisine Exquise, I give an elegant greeting to the owner, who is the cousin... Read More

Filling the Void: Boys’ Soccer’s Challenge of Keeping Pace with Strong Past

Erik Sommer, Staff Writer
October 12, 2011

Last year’s boys’ varsity soccer team was undeniably special in talent and accomplishment; eight of the players from the 2010-2011 squad are now playing Division I soccer. Due to the graduation of many seniors, new players will be taking on old roles. Many players that were once in the... Read More