February 8, 2010

Are We Under Attack?

Are We Under Attack? by Cody Rizzuto

On Wednesday, the CIA and the Department of Defense came out with a report that stated that a terrorist attack on U.S. soil is “certain” in the next three to six months.  This was a very disturbing update, and the White House received a firestorm of questions throughout the day regarding the issue.  When asked by reporters on how certain the threat was, the Secretary of Defense simply responded with, “An attack is certain.”

It has been reported that Al-Qaeda is inspiring home-grown terrorists within our country to institute violence.  Also, if there is to be a major attack, the threat is most likely to come from radicalized Europeans and possibly even Americans.  Al-Qaeda is recruiting people with educations and no criminal background, so as to bypass security and detection.  Although the threat is very real, the intelligence agencybelieves that they can thwart any such attack.

February 8, 2010

Quotes Do Not Change Lives

Quotes Do Not Change Lives by Maddie Hartz, 2010

In eighth grade, I vividly remember walking into Latin I with Mrs. Fluharty to discover that the front wall of her room had been painted yellow in a move by the school board to make it a “learning wall.” The purpose was to supposedly pull the attention of the students to the front of the room and hence towards what the teacher was saying.

Mrs. Fluharty laughed at this, clearly not believing that the “learning wall” would have any effect on the students whatsoever and instead was just a waste of canary-yellow paint. I agree with her.

Since then, many other changes have been made in Madeira’s halls, such as the painting of the hallways a brighter color, the giant “M” in the front hall, theinspirational quotes, and most recently the mural showcasing some of America’s most famous individuals.

Now if the purpose of these new quotes and colors on wall is to only brighten the school, there is no doubt that they have accomplished that. The painting is particularly well done. I have no complaints about these new additions being added, but if their purpose is to inspire, like the learning wall, I do not think this has been accomplished. Some students may have benefited greatly from these additions to the school, but I somehow doubt it. Do the hallways look nicer? Undoubtedly, but apart from being a nice decoration I do not find any merit in them being there.

February 4, 2010

Heather Nadaud

The Spotlight is on: Heather Nadaud, 2010

Do you have any siblings that go to Madeira High School?

Yeah, Hannah Nadaud.

What are your plans for after High School?

I’m hoping U.C. will accept me and I want to be a Pediatric Nurse.

Are you involved with any school activities?

Um maybe track.

What’s your favorite thing to eat?

McDonald’s sundaes and Sour Patch Kids.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to sleep and hang out.

What’s something interesting about you?

I have a half brown, half blue eye.

How has your senior year been so far?

It’s been pretty good but my classes are really boring.


February 4, 2010

Andrew Walsh

The Spotlight is on: Andrew Walsh, 2011

What are your plans for after High School?

Go to college.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Hanging out with friends, playing xbox, sports.

Are you a part of any school activities?

I wrestle.

Do you have any siblings that go to Madeira High School?

No, but my sister graduated 2008.

Mention one interesting thing that happened during your high school career.

We had our first winning football season last year.

What is something about you that nobody knows?

I like listening to underground rap.

Do you have a job?

No I don’t have time because I play sports year round.

Do you have a favorite college sports team?

I like the University of Kentucky.


February 4, 2010

Collin Buckner

The Spotlight is on: Collin Buckner, 2013

Have you always lived in Madeira?

No, I have not.

How has your freshman year come along so far?

Pretty good; the teachers are nice, and I can handle the work.

What do you like most about Madeira High School?

I like the small school atmosphere.  Everybody knows everyone.  I also love the athletics and the fan base our sports get from parents and students.

Who is your favorite teacher at Madeira High School and why?

Mrs. Carp because she is nice.  She can tolerate me and my class.  The learning environment is always fun and relaxed.

What are some things that interest you?

I like science as a school subject, but I like speaking for people and being active with everyone.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to hang out with friends.  Go to Buffalo Wild Wings after games and just having a fun time.

Do you have any siblings that go to school here?

I have an older brother, but he went to Milford.


February 4, 2010

Reynolds Wins 300th

Reynolds Wins 300th by Jacob Sullivan

On Tuesday night Madeira defeated Wyoming 51-43.  This victory in the CHL was Coach Reynolds 300th win while coaching his 20th season at Madeira. Congratulations to Coach Reynolds and his big milestone!
The first quarter started off in favor of the Cowboys, jumping out to a 7-0 lead.  Madeira had to battle back for the rest of the half.  At the end of the first quarter, Wyoming led 12-6.  Eric Rolfes led the Mustang attack with 13 points and took a few key charges while keeping double-double monster Tony Davisin check.  Wyoming led at half-time 23-17.
Coming out of the half, Madeira’s defense was charged up, forcing multiple turnovers and gaining the lead.  Madeira did not look back and had a huge 4th quarter.
Patrick McClanahan was hot shooting, 3-4 from downtown, and scoring 11 points.  Freshman Andrew Benintendi also had 11.  A big key to the win was the Stangs free throw shooting, as they were 23-28 from the line.  Madeira improved their record to 12-4 overall, and 8-2 in the league.  They will play Friday night at home against Taylor.

February 3, 2010

2010 Homecoming Court Announced

Get ready for a blue, yellow, and neon ball of a time this Friday! The Mustangs will host Taylor, and tip-off for the JV team is 6:00 while the varsity will play at 7:30. Homecoming candidates will be recognized at half-time of the varsity game and include the following:

FRESHMAN CLASS: Johnny Wood and Anna Damschroder

SOPHOMORE CLASS: Anne Gulick and Justin Dehan

JUNIOR CLASS: Dosh Hyde and Victoria LeMaire

SENIOR CLASS: Sarah Hammitt, Maddie Hartz, Megan Korengal, David Hammitt, Cody Linne and Reid Templeton

February 3, 2010

Deal After Deal

Deal After Deal by Cody Rizzuto, 2011

The Cincinnati Reds have had yet another busy week in preparing for the 2010 season.  Earlier this week the team picked up veteran shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the free agent pool.  Cabrera was one of the last top-caliber players left in the market, and the Reds pounced on him.  His contract consists of a one-year deal worth $2.02 million.  This may have solved the shortstop question for the Reds and could make them a legitimate contender in the NL Central.

On the same day that Cabrera signed his contract and officially joined the Cincinnati Reds, the team made yet another deal.  In a four player trade, the Reds acquired utility infielder Aaron Miles from the Oakland A’s.  The Reds swapped outfielder Willy Taveras and the young infielder Adam Rosales for the 33-year-old Miles.

With only three weeks until the beginning of Spring Training, it seems that the Reds are making every move possible to maximize the team’s success in the upcoming season.  Both the fans and the Red’s organization are feeling a bit more optimistic about 2010 than in years past.

February 3, 2010

Academic Team Season at an End

Academic Team Season at an End by Cody Rizzuto, 2011

On Monday, the academic team took on Cincinnati Country Day in their final competition of the regular season, and things got interesting before the match even started.  The CCD team showed up late, and technically Madeira could have forced them to forfeit.  This would have given the team an automatic win.  However decided to ignore this and just play the game.

The Reserve team lost by ten points, while the Varsity suffered a slim two point setback.  Although the regular season may be over, the academic team now looks forward to a post-season tournament.

February 3, 2010

PETA Protests Punxsutawney

PETA Protests Punxsutawney by Laura Meece, 2011

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has found another “inhumane” act to pounce on.  They have contacted the organizers of America’s most popular Groundhog’s Day celebration and claimed that the “large, screaming crowds” would frighten the famous rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, and put him through unnecessary stress.

I believe in ethical treatment of animals, but this is a little over the top.  The creature is probably treated like a king for the entire year.  The organizers have claimed that they are always careful about the groundhog’s comfort and even keep him in a “climate-controlled environment.”  PETA even went as far as to suggest the celebration use a robotic rodent.  I believe that Phil can handle a few camera flashes and some clapping.

It seems to me that PETA is just looking for something to protest.  Seriously, what harm will come to Phil from a few paparazzi?  There are surely more dire situations for the organization to explore.