Editor’s Corner November 8, 2007
Posted by susiel in Opinion & Editorial, People & Fun.add a comment
NaNoWriMo: it doesn’t sound much like anything, other than Gibberish. It actually stands for National Novel Writing Month, which November is devoted to. The concept is that writers all over the world begin writing on the first of the month, and their goal is to finish a novel by the end of the thirty days.
The project was started by Chris Baty in July of 1999, and since then 80,000 participants have written novels during NaNoWriMo. When many people hear the word “novel,” they automatically assume that the contest isn’t possible. However, NaNoWriMo is a chance for writers—both professional and amateur—to write down whatever they think, without worrying about editing the quality. “It’s basically a month-long freewrite,” said Mrs. Hedges upon being questioned of her knowledge of NaNoWriMo.
Allowing others to view their novel is entirely optional, according to the official website, http://www.nanowrimo.org. The word count goal is also up to the author, though the average goal is 50,000 words; though this length is considered by some a novella, the word “novel” is still used because it’s more impressive (http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/basics).
Famous participants include Meg Cabot, author of the internationally-bestselling series The Princess Diaries. I myself may even venture to participate in NaNoWriMo this year.
By Susie LeJeune
Gas prices climb higher November 8, 2007
Posted by susiel in Metro, News.add a comment
Today’s gas prices are once again at a high with the recent increase, added about a week ago. The current price for gas is about $2.90 a gallon for unleaded gas alone in Louisiana, but shows no sign of dropping soon. Furthermore, the price for gas is at an almost record high for November being almost four dollars a gallon. American drivers have never paid this much for gas in November, and the sudden rise could continue as demand for home heating oil and international tensions tighten the world market. Last years prices were almost an entire dollar below the current prices as well. The over all current prices average at about $3.06 for regular, $3.24 for medium, $3.36 for premium, and $3.39 for diesel.
The reason behind these increases is still slightly unclear; however, it most likely has something to do with the newly introduced ethanol, which is only $2.29 a gallon. This alternative fuel is not only cheaper, but safe for the environment as well and gives a higher engine performance than unleaded gas, and attempting to change the type of fuel worldwide is far too big a problem, meaning the two are at completion with one another. Another factor behind the increased prices may involve the euro, which has recently become more valued than the American dollar in currency exchange. This is already bad seeing as how the minimum wage increases due to occur within the next several years will make it even more unvalued. In my opinion, I would prefer that we become dependent on ethanol, in order to help the environment.
Unfortunately, it is not that simple, seeing as how the cars that run on ethanol are very pricey this may never occur. These cars are most likely not going to become cheaper, seeing as how people need their jobs to roll in lots of money. There are probably many reasons behind this.
Below is a link for a listing of all 50 states’ gas prices:
By Robbie Gomez and Brooklyn Landry
Salsa lessons: a fun way to raise money November 8, 2007
Posted by susiel in People & Fun.add a comment
This past Saturday, in the St. John Cafeteria, the Spanish class and Costa Rica participants hosted the second salsa lesson. Around 20 Spanish class students participated and joined the fun. The salsa lessons were instructed by Mallory Mire. Mallory is a professional dancer and the daughter of our favorite handy man, Mr. Andy. The salsa lessons are held to raise money for the students going to Costa Rica next spring. Ms. Biver, the high school Spanish teacher, is joining the students on the trip. The salsa lessons raised a few hundred dollars and helped all of the students going on the trip.
I asked many students how the salsa lessons went. Junior Maci Guercio said, “The salsa lessons were enjoyable, and fun for being a school activity on a Saturday. I expected it to ruin my Saturday evening but it was actually very fun. I learned how to do the mambo and all kinds of dances. I’m also really happy because I now get bonus points for attending. I am so glad I went. It was much better than expected.” Other students that went also claimed it to be fun, exciting, and a new learning adventure. Margaret Beatty said, “The salsa lessons were very fun. I loved dancing with different partners and I really enjoyed the dances. I am very glad that I went. I didn’t exactly expect to have fun, but it defenitley was. I will defenitley go the next time we have salsa lessons.” Junior T.J. Williams claims, “Salsa lessons were fun! They got me bonus points and taught me how to dance like a woman.”
Clearly, the salsa lessons were a delightful affair. I have heard nothing but positive responses. With a good cause, delicious food, and a new adventure the salsa lessons were bound to be quite the entertainment.
By Allie Hebert
