Last Thoughts on Donald Trump in the 2016 Election

By: Tommy Baran

        Donald Trump is running in the 2016 United States Presidential election. He is a character with no shortage of media coverage, strong beliefs, and most importantly, care for the American people. Mr. Trump is a man who has clearly defined values. Some of the key perks of a Donald Trump presidency include a strong immigration policy, constitutionally supported gun control regulation, and an “America-first” foreign policy. Mr. Trump takes a look at America and sees that in its current state, America is weak. He sees people flooding in through our borders with minimal vetting and very limited surveillance. His plan is to strengthen our borders, by removing illegal immigrants, ending our “catch-and-release” policy on immigration, and by building a wall.

        Mr. Trump is not against the Mexican people being in the United States. Mr. Trump’s stance against Mexicans is that he wants to deport illegal immigrant Mexicans, primarily the ones that come to our country and break our laws. He has also clearly explained that he wants to secure our border. He states that he wants to triple the number of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents, and secure our borders. In order to secure our borders, he plans on building a large, reinforced wall. This wall’s goal is to not only stop bad people and items from coming into our country, but to keep them out, as well.

        Guns are a vital part of American culture. Mr. Trump supports the ability to own and carry a weapon, and he believes in the banning of guns for people on terrorist watchlists. With the current system, anyone who is on a terrorist watch list, in states other than New Jersey and Connecticut, can go ahead and purchase a firearm. Donald says that this is part of his plan to combat terrorism. He says, and believes in, law abiding citizens owning and using guns to defend not only themselves, but also others, in times of peril.

        Another important part of Donald Trump’s plan is his stance on foreign policy. He is all about ending American involvement with other nations, if it means we are spending resources, with little to no financial gain. He sees this as the US being used by other countries. As a prominent businessman, this is very important to him. He will put an end to this. Some other parts of his foreign policy include plans to stop nuclear deals with Iran and end hostage negotiations. Iran previously had nuclear facilities that caused many sanctions placed by the UN and the EU. The US, however, decided to sell nuclear resources to this country, when they had no supervision, and a number of facilities where they can make weapon-grade uranium. The United States has a strong motto: “The United States does not negotiate with terrorists.” This, however, isn’t always true, and, we have negotiated with terrorists in hostage situations where tactical options are not possible. Mr. Trump has decided that this will end with him.

        Donald Trump surely is an interesting candidate. He isn’t a politician, that’s for sure, but is a very good businessman. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and wants to save America from the precarious situation that we are in now. He has strong beliefs, that go deep into the traditional American values, and wants to do what’s right for America. He is supported by many groups, notably groups representing ICE and the NRA. He is in it for the long run, and wants to shape this country into something that we can be proud of, and simply wants for us to be safe. Who can argue with that?

Last Thoughts on Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Election

By: C.J. Ashton

        Going to the polls to vote for the candidate who meets the approval of their party and the people is a freedom and a privilege for American citizens; it brings about a feeling of civic pride and accomplishment by voting for the candidate who will govern in a fashion that meets our qualifications. The wish of Americans is to take pride in the constituents and the country.

        This does not seem to be the case in 2016. The mood and the temperament of the country has evolved into one that would seem to be voting for “the lesser of two evils.” People are trying to weigh the accomplishments, merits, and promises of the candidate, but it becomes difficult when campaigns are driven by hatred for an opposing candidate.

        Even though the general opinion of the election is not favorable, there are some things that can be noted about Hillary Clinton to show voters not all hope is lost. Clinton has been a public servant and political figure for around forty years. In the past ten years she has gained admiration of many people, in and out of her public life, for different reasons. She has portrayed herself as a strong woman with lots of stamina.The recognition of her ability came in small doses but left a big impact.

        During her eight years as a senator in New York, and as Secretary of State, she showed the ability to listen and to be bipartisan. She used this ability to work with Congress in order to push for comprehensive immigration legislation to protect law abiding, undocumented immigrants. Hillary has the respect and backing of the democratic party unlike Trump, whose party is divided.

        She seems to have sensible judgement when it comes to selecting a running mate, Senator Tom Kaine, from Virginia. He uses his Harvard Law degree to work towards justice and equality for all. His ability to act as an attack dog will complement Hillary’s personality without a doubt.

Recipe Of The Week: Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

By: Sam Liegner

        This cookie recipe is by far my favorite fall recipe (courtesy to Pinterest).  It’s simple, delicious and leaves everyone wanting more. These cookies are soft and sweet and give you all the fall vibes in just one bite. They’re great to give to friends, family and teachers. The recipe yields up to 3 dozen (depending on the size of your cookies  (I got 2 dozen because mine were bigger). If you want an amazing new fall sweet, I suggest for you this one.

The Ingredients:

Cookie dough
½ cup of Butter (preferably sweet cream,, salted but any butter can work)
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 cup of Canned Pumpkin (15 oz)
2 cups Flour
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2½ teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Ginger (dry or fresh, both work)

Cream cheese frosting
½ cup Butter (Sweet Cream, Salted)
8 oz. block of Cream Cheese
3 teaspoons Vanilla
4 cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
½ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)

Preparation:

Cookies 

1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy texture. (electric beater makes process much easier, but if you don’t have one, a whisk can work just as well; it will just take longer).
2. Add pumpkin and eggs and mix well. 
3. Mix all dry ingredients together in separate bowl.
4. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture by folding in (this is simply “folding” the wet over the dry and slowly mixing it in so you don’t lose the fluffiness).
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Scoop cookie dough with tablespoons and put onto baking sheet (spray sheet with oil so they don’t stick) .
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes (varies on size of cookie). When you poke the cookie, it should be stiff and not collapse. 
8. Allow cookies to cool while making frosting.

Frosting 

1. In stand mixer, beat butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.
2. Add in sugar, one cup at a time, on a low speed (or else you’ll have a big cloud of sugar and that’s not fun to clean up).  
3. Finish up the frosting with the cinnamon and nutmeg.

When the cookies are done, decorate them however you like. I frosted them and placed walnuts on top and sprinkled a bit of cinnamon. By the time you bite into one of these you’ll love them, trust me.

Ask Alex: Beards

Need advice on school, relationships, life in general? Ask Alex. Submit your letters to the Patriot Press advice column and see your response posted on our blog! 

Where do I submit my letter? Letters can be dropped off the the multi- colored bucket located in the media center. 

Dear Alex,


I am having beard troubles. What shampoo will soften it? I also have trouble keeping things out of my beard. What can I do?





Dear Furry Friend,


Beards are a great way to show masculinity; no one wants to see a raggedy old beard though. I’m going to teach you how to make that beard blossom! The first thing is to know how long you've started growing before shaping. Shaping is what style you might want. So here’s how to start: Ideally you want your beard to go untouched for roughly four weeks. This means do not touch it with a razor or scissors.

        To help grow your facial locks, you should after a hot shower, put a small amount of JoJoba oil with some peppermint essential oil on your face. Why? Jojoba helps encourage hair growth and keeps acne away. Cold pressed jojoba is the best, while hot pressed does not have all the vitamins your beard needs. If your face begins to break out, look for a face wash that does not have any alcohol in it. Alcohol rubs can ruin your beard. Peppermint essential oil will help to open pores and let your skin breathe, feel fresh, and smell great!

        After about four weeks your beard can start to look gnarly and wild. At this point, you can start shaping. You may start to notice your beard feels like steel wool. Don't worry; get yourself coconut conditioner to help soften your hair.

        You may also have the problem of food getting into your masterpiece! You definitely do not want this to happen, so use a comb that you use for your hair or purchase and beard comb. If you are still finding food in your beard you might want to think about trimming it. Growing a beard takes discipline, patience and time. Your beard will not be amazing the first time you start growing one. If you have the problem of thickness or bald patches, I recommend shaving every Friday rather than any time it becomes long. If you have any other questions feel free to ask me!

Best of Luck,
Alex


Beard secrets!!  http://beardoholic.com/5-simple-steps-grow-beard-faster/

Horoscopes for November 2016

By: Samantha Kulek

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Attempt to resist pursuing physically attractive people who pique your interest

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You should stall for time if asked to make an important commitment or promise.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Flattery could be a sign that someone is trying to influence your opinion for their own gain.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The person who is completely predictable is your best bet. 

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can’t make an informed decision until a minor controversy is cleared up. 

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Someone who is offended or irked might hide their animosity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Some problems are caused by saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A consensus of opinion might not provide a useful answer. 

 SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stay in touch with those who share your vision of the future but take promises with a grain of salt.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): This isn’t the time to shoot the rapids. It may be tempting to take a chance on a new romance, project or deal.

 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Focus on your strong points rather than masking your weaknesses. 

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Brief misunderstandings with loved ones could disrupt harmonious relationships.

JSA Hosts North Warren Mock Election

By Moira Kellaher

                When adult voters head to the polls on November 8, North Warren students don’t need to feel left out. The school’s Junior State of America club (JSA) is organizing a mock election for the school, and every student will have the opportunity to participate.

        North Warren’s mock election will run similarly to the real election. Students must register to vote before Election Day by filling out a form with their name, address, grade level, and the elementary school they attended. (Students should see Mrs. Murphy or a JSA member during lunch for a form if they have not already registered.) Students who have registered will receive a voter registration card with an area of NWR designated as their “voting district” based on their sending elementary school. On November 8, students will go to their assigned spot during their study hall and cast their ballot for America’s president.

        The purpose of the mock election is to give students a chance to experience the election process. Mrs. Murphy, supervisor of the JSA club, says that participating in the event is important because it will help students “gain an understanding of what it will be like when they’re going to vote for the first time.” She and the students involved in JSA strongly encourage everyone, staff and students alike, to register to vote and participate in the election.

        The JSA club has been preparing for the mock election for weeks. “A lot of work goes into the mock elections,” Danielle Pergola, president of the JSA club, told the Patriot Press. “We have several meetings a week to organize everything. We had to make and organize the forms, create the ballots, make ledgers for voting, etc.” She and other members of JSA have already spent many hours organizing the event and are excited for everything to come together on Election Day.

        North Warren conducted its first mock election in 2008 and planned for the event to be held every four years. The 2012 mock election, however, was a frustrating experience: After the JSA organizers spent weeks preparing, organizing and alphabetizing forms, and typing out voter cards, Hurricane Sandy closed North Warren for the week of the election and the mock election couldn’t take place. It was a disappointing blow to the JSA club, according to Mrs. Murphy. She and the students in the club are hoping for a better outcome this year.

Retro Girl Album Review

By: Arianna Grewal 

In Utero by Nirvana

     In Utero was released in September of 1993 by the band Nirvana.  It was the last studio album to be released by Nirvana, winning a grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1994. Rumors circulated that the record label was hesitant to the release because it was not “radio listener friendly.” This was because In Utero differed from their breakthrough album Nevermind.

     In Utero, in contrast to Nevermind, manifested a rougher sound, while Nevermind featured something more polished. But this was exactly what Kurt Cobain was looking for. He told Rolling Stone magazine in 1992, that he wanted the band's next album to show "both of the extremes" of its sound, and said "It'll be more raw with some songs and more candy pop on some of the others. It won't be as one-dimensional” (as Nevermind was).

     Despite whatever hesitation there was, the album immediately took off. It hit number one on the Billboard 200 chart. On some tracks, like Milk It, Cobain’s voice was “screamy,” producing a raw sort of sound.  This was achieved by allowing Cobain to be recorded while singing alone in the recording room. Additionally, this technique can be heard at the end of Rape Me.

     A lot of the reasoning behind In Utero’s rough and abrasive sound has more to do with just differing from Nevermind in general. It had a lot to do with showcasing Kurt Cobain’s emotional state before this album was released.  Kurt Cobain struggled with the sudden fame the release of Nevermind brought him and the band’s overwhelming success. He never wanted the responsibility of being the voice of a generation, he merely wanted to make great music.

     In Serve the Servants the lines “Teenage angst has paid off well/ Now I’m bored and old” was a reference to Cobain’s feelings following the success of Nevermind. There were personal references about his family relationships throughout the song, and plenty more throughout the album. Nirvana’s bass player, Krist Novoselic, thought the album’s tracks Heart-Shaped Box and All Apologies were transitional to that rougher, rawer sound on the rest of the album.

     Cobain told journalist Jim DeRogatis that when fans listened to the album, they would find "this aggressive wild sound, a true alternative record.” In Utero did a phenomenal job of displaying Cobain’s love-hate relationship with his publicized personal life and the success that came with their breakthrough album Nevermind. It contains a heavier, rawer, experimental sound which makes it a collection favorite to a lot of Grunge fans out there.

Editor’s note: 

     The millennials, a generation so heavily embedded in the idea of individuality, can also be characterized as a “throwback” generation, especially when it comes to music. In recent years, a  90’s resurgence has flooded the media, our radio stations, and our favorite clothing stores. The Retro Girl Album Reviews column, written by Arianna Grewal, will share with you some thoughts on prominent and sometimes more obscure albums that were popular in the 90’s. Get into the grunge and enjoy.