Raider Review
Hillside Middle School - Northville, Michigan
Hillside Middle School - Northville Public Schools - Northville, Michigan
June 2017
STAFF
Editor in Chief:
Mrs. Monk
Chief Digital Format Editor:
Mrs. Monk
Digital Format Editor:
Zachary Howes
Co-Editor:
Zachary Howes
Writers:
Zachary Howes, Charles Nesi
Jennie Wei, Diya Ganguli
Ellie Lin, Hillary Luan
Cate Leneschmidt, Alex Milojevic
Artists:
Diya Ganguli, Ellie Lin, Jennie Wei
SUPER HERO AND VILLAIN BACKSTORIES BY: ZACHARY HOWES
These are superhero and villain backstories that are comic accurate. I chose to use their comic backstories because the original versions may be different from those in movies today.
Batman: Bruce Wayne was a young boy whose parents were killed by Joe Chill. Joe Chill was a petty thief and, while mugging them, shot them. After this, young Bruce vowed to have revenge, and purge Gotham of crime, creating Batman.
The Joker: His backstory is inconsistent and changes through time, but most of the time it is that he was a failed comedian who resorted to crime. Then, while wearing the costume of the red hood, he robbed a chemical plant then fell into a vat of chemicals. After Batman chased him, Batman assumed he had died from the fall, but he didn’t. The Joker emerged insane, with no memory, but obsessed with Batman.
Green Arrow: Oliver Queen was a billionaire who, after falling off a boat and being stranded on an island, learned to survive and mastered archery. When he returned to Starling City, he became the vigilante known as Green Arrow.
Superman: Kal-El of Krypton was born on the planet Krypton. His father was a scientist there, and he knew that the world was about to be destroyed. So he sent his son to a faraway planet called Earth, where he was raised by the Kent family, who named him Clark Kent, and the earth's atmosphere gave him superpowers.
Lex Luthor: He was obsessed with Superman, as a teenager; but, after becoming a successful scientist, he decided to try to defeat Superman.
Green Lantern: Hal Jordan was a military test pilot who later became part of the green lantern corps. He used his power to fight evil before turning into Parallax.
Parallax (Hal Jordan): Parallax managed to escape his imprisonment and enter Hal Jordan's body. After taking over his body, he destroyed a lot of things; but, in the end, Hal had enough power left to destroy himself and Parallax with him.
Blue Beetle: Jaime Reyes was a normal tenager until a alien spacecraft exosuit targeted him, to use it, and become a superhero. At first, he was unhappy about this; but, later learned how to use it and his powers for good.
Wolverine: James Howlett was a sickly child, born in the 1800’s, who eventually discovered he had claws. After a robbery at his house, he then runs away, and his healing factor puts up a mental block. Later, he agrees to have his bones and claws coated in the indestructible metal Adamantium and soon after joins the X-men.
Magneto: As a child, he was sent to a Nazi concentration camp where he discovered his powers and escaped. He then met Professor X and later left him, to try to take over the world, and have all mutants lead it.
Robin (Damian Wayne): Being the fourth Robin, he was raised by the league of assassins; and, unlike Batman, he has no problem killing people. This has caused many disputes and struggles between Batman and Robin.
HISTORY OF POPSICLES BY: JENNIE WEI AND ELLIE LIN
Did you know that the popsicle was accidentally invented like many other snacks such as potato chips? It all happened in 1905 when Frank Epperson, who was eleven at the time, accidentally left a cup of soda, with a stick in it, outside, overnight. The freezing temperatures froze the soda and the popsicle was created.
The first popsicle was called the Epsicle. So, how did it become the popsicle? Well, Epperson’s children called the Epsicle the Pop’s sicle (Pop as in dad) so the name was changed.
But, frozen desserts were around long before the Epperson’s Epsicle. In ancient Rome, slaves went to mountains to get chunks of ice for their masters. These were brought back to be crushed, and served, with fruit and spice syrups.
So, the next time you eat a popsicle, think about how it was invented by a kid, on accident, no less, no more. Maybe you could invent a famous treat, too! ; )
AUTISM AND WHAT IT'S LIKE BY: CHARLES NESI
“Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech,, and nonverbal communication, as well as unique strengths and differences (autismspeaks.com)."
It’s estimated that 1 in 68 children get autism in the US. For boys, it’s about 1 in 42, and for girls it’s 1 in 189. People with autism usually act or behave differently than most people due to the wires in their brain functioning differently than other people’s. About one third of people with autism are nonverbal, and another one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability. The most obvious signs of autism tend to appear with kids between 2 and 3 years old.
A person with autism can act differently than other people. For example, it can be hard to tell whether those with autism are happy or upset if they are nonverbal. You can usually tell by the way they make their own form of sound. If they are nonverbal, they usually make sounds like “ah-da-da,” or something similar, if it has a happy or sad tone to it. If it has a happy tone, you generally have nothing to worry about. However, if it has a sad or angry tone, you generally want to find out what the problem is, and solve it, before it escalates into angry screaming/a meltdown.
It can be a challenge to take care of a person with autism. You can’t always rely on those with autism to be independent since they might not know what is good for them and what is bad. Such a basic lesson of survival is not always obvious to those with autism. This is why you often see people with autism with adult caretakers; they rely on other people since they don’t quite know what to do or what not to do. Kids with autism in schools are often taught basic human functions and activities, although it can be a difficult process.
Autism is a very unique condition, but people with autism are just regular people. The only thing that defines them differently than us is that the “wires in their brain” function differently than ours. They may see one action differently in their mind than in one of our minds. People with autism should be treated with the same amount of respect as everyone else!
GREEK GODS BY: CHARLES NESI
One of the most interesting parts of Ancient Greek culture is their Gods. It is so diverse and dates back thousands of years. Gods are a major symbol of Ancient Greek culture, due to people worshipping them, how people thought their world was impacted by Gods, and the largely popular and exciting myths and legends about Gods. Some of the most popular Gods are Zeus, God of the sky; Ares, God of War; and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, War, and Useful Arts. This section of the newspaper will talk about some of these Gods.
Zeus, the most well-known of the Gods, has the symbol of an eagle. His name in Roman is “Jupiter". Nowadays, he can be found languishing from his throne room in Mount Olympus, in New York, over the Empire State Building. Occasionally, he wanders the world, incognito, so it’s good motivation to be nice to everyone, since you don’t want a giant lightning bolt zapping your face off. Way back when, Zeus acted like the father of Olympians; he watched them bicker, fight, and get jealous of each other. This isn’t too much different from today, really.
Another major Greek God is Hades, God of the Underworld. His symbol is his Helm of Darkness. It is a helmet essentially made for Hades so he can be invisible. With this helmet, people can’t see his evil smile. One of the ways Hades is known is the “romantic“ way he married his wife; he kidnapped her. You can't really blame him, though; I mean, what kind of person would want to marry a dude who lives in a zombie-filled cave all year round? Nowadays, he rarely leaves his obsidian palace in the Underworld, probably because of traffic congestion on the Fields of Asphodel. He does, however, oversee a booming population among the dead and has all sorts of employment trouble with his ghouls and specters. This keeps him in a foul mood most of the time.
In Ancient Greece, there are hundreds of Greek Gods, some with high amounts of popularity, others who aren’t so popular; but, nonetheless, interesting to learn about. This article only barely talks about some of the most major ones like Zeus and Hades. But there are still many other minor Greek Gods, too, like Eris, the Goddess of Chaos, strife, and discord, who would often battle with her brother, Ares. Either way, Greek Gods have a vast and large history that can give a whole new way of belief of the world and people in the world. Greek Gods are truly one of Earth’s greatest treasures.
RIPTIDES: A DEADLY FORCE OF NATURE BY: HILLARY LUAN
You’re splashing in the cool ocean waters, letting the sun bathe your back before you sink under again. The water is cool and refreshing; you love this time of year! Suddenly, the gentle pull of the water changes into a sudden push out into the open sea. You flail against the powerful current, to no avail; it’s like being pushed by an elephant!
What you read above is a description of a riptide. The term “riptide” is rather misleading, because it’s actually a current that pulls swimmers away from shore and out to sea in just a few seconds. It’s like a little line perpendicular to the shore, but the water there is rushing back towards the sea. It’s a dangerous force, but knowing the right techniques can help you get out of them.
First, be able to identity a riptide. Before jumping in, look for channels of water that seem different from the surrounding sea; maybe it’s choppier, foamier, or it could be a calm gap in the middle of waves. It could even be colored differently! Second, riptides form around low tides and high surf conditions. Also, be informed that riptides can form at any moment!
However, let’s say you’re already in the water, when you feel a strong pull. If you’re in shallow water, get out quickly. You can likely walk to shore, sideways to the current. If a riptide catches you while you’re chest-deep, it will be very difficult to escape, even for the strongest swimmer.
Let’s say you’re chest-deep and you feel a riptide forming; you know you won’t be able to walk to shore without losing your footing. Be sure to stay calm and call for help. You will only exhaust yourself fighting against the forces of Mother Nature. If others help, make sure they do not try to swim and get you; have them throw out a floating tube or rope.
Let’s say you are a good swimmer; in this case, try to swim parallel to the shore away from the riptide. While the current will pull you farther away, you are also swimming away from the riptide. However, this is not foolproof. Watch out for longshore currents, currents that run parallel to the shore and can pull you back into the riptide, and structures in the water, where riptides often form. Aim for breaking waves; this is the edge of the riptide.
Once you are out of the current, swim diagonally towards the shore. If you’re some distance from the shore, stop to rest periodically. If you’re not making any progress swimming, conserve your energy by treading water or lying on your back. The riptide will become weaker as it passes the breaking waves, and some research hints that some riptides might even bring you back to shore! However, be sure you are still aware of your surroundings, and calling for help.
The next time you are heading to the beach for a swim, remember to check for riptides! They are one of the ocean’s deadliest tricks; and, although recent research suggests some riptides just bring you back to shore, it is far better to be safe than sorry.
If anyone is wondering, I am not a riptide expert nor a professional swimmer. All my information is from research I've done.
SUMMER WORD SCRAMBLE BY: CATE LENESCHMIDT
*Answers can be found later in the newspaper! ; )
emusmr
abhce
vaew
Ncaeo
esa
sullmbaer
tywsarteal
clali
venredal
Nuwslofers
ssrga
ocretos
kibe
estmlrepa
rehos
frus
idte
sarebtkokc
rlsoefw
euishnns
cieposlp
WRITER'S BLOCK BY: DIYA GANGULI
Have you ever been sitting around, around 8:00 PM, the day before an essay is due, not knowing what to write about? Or, even if you have to write about an event in your life? Well, I have been in your position and it's stressful.
Does this sound familiar?
"An hour has passed, and I still don't know what to do."
You start to go into writer's block. I have a few tips and prompts for the future so you can get your essays done and get out of writer's block. I hope they help; and, remember to never panic because that could get you stressed out!
Tips:
Try thinking about what if’s; What if I found $100,000 dollars?
Brainstorming is always a good idea to get your mind to start thinking.
Write about whatever is in your mind/comes to your mind first; current news, events in your life, what you're doing this week, etc. Your mind will definitely be on a roll after that!
Ask a parent or a friend! You never know, they might have a great idea!
If you are writing about an event, and you don’t know what to write about, recount that really fun vacation you had that one summer (always a good option, even if you have already written about it more than once).
Some writing prompts are:
He cut the car’s engine with a trembling hand, and stopped breathing, to listen carefully. He couldn't hear with his pounding heart in his ears. Suddenly a light turned on behind him, and he heard a voice………….
Create your own holiday. What would you celebrate? How could you get others to join in the fun?
Would you rather hanout out by yourself after school or with friends?
If you could end any one problem in the world, what would it be? Why?
What does it feel like to be wrong?
What are three values that are important to your family?
Be creative! Every idea has potential! You can always add on to it!
Sources: https://www.pinterest.com/mattsdbthm/writing-writers-block/
http://thewritepractice.com/prompts-break/
WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER KEY
Summer = emusmr
Beach = abhce
Wave = vaew
Ocean = ncaeo
Sea = esa
Umbrellas = sullmbaer
Saltwater = tywsarteal
Lilac = clali
Lavender = venredal
Sunflowers = nuwslofers
Grass = ssrga
Scooter = ocretos
Bike = kibe
Palmtrees = estmlrepa
Shore = rehos
Surf = frus
Tide = idte
Backstroke = sarebtkokc
Flowers = rlsoefw
Sunshine = euishnns
Popsicle = cieposlp
INTERVIEWS BY: CATE LENESCHMIDT
Mrs. Hinrichsen
What hobbies do you have outside of school?
Mrs. Hinrichsen: I like to bike ride, in fact I just went on one the other day! I also love to read.
2. Do you have any pets?
Mrs. Hinrichsen: Nope, not right now.
3. What did you think you were going to be when you were a little kid?
Mrs. Hinrichsen: I always thought I was going to be a teacher.
4. What is your favorite subject?
Mrs.Hinrichsen : Social studies is my favorite.
5. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: Anywhere with a lake is great.
6. What are some other things you would like to share about yourself?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: Well, let's see! ; ) I have have five grandkids; I have considered being a writer; I am a people person, and I also have a lively imagination.
7. How long have you been teaching for?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: I have been teaching for 30 years, and I am retiring THIS YEAR! : (
8. Where did you grow up?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: I grew up in Trenton, Michigan.
9: Do you have any siblings?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: I have one awesome sister.
10: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: My favorite Ice cream flavor is Jamocha Almond Fudge.
11. What is your favorite season?
Mrs.Hinrichsen: My favorite season is summer.
Mrs. Stein
What hobbies do you have outside of school?
Mrs. Stein: I like to read, walk, bike, swim, and travel.
2. Do you have any pets?
Mrs. Stein: Not right now, I had a pug though.
3. What did you think you were going to be when you were a little kid?
Mrs. Stein: At first a librarian, then I thought I was going to be a dermatologist.
4. What is your favorite subject?
Mrs.Stein : Social studies is my favorite actually.
5. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Mrs.Stein: I love Hawaii.
6. What are some other things you would like to share about yourself?
Mrs.Stein: I was born in Chicago, but I grew up in Grand Rapids. I’m extremely sentimental, and I love to have fun. I went to Catholic Central in Grand Rapids (not the all boys CC in Wixom/Novi).
7. How long have you been teaching for?
Mrs.Stein: I have been teaching for close to 20 years.
8. Where did you grow up?
Mrs.Stein: I grew up in Grand Rapids.
9: Do you have any siblings?
Mrs.Stein: I have one little sister; she lives in Georgia.
10: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mrs.Stein: My favorite ice-cream flavor is Butter Pecan.
11. What is your favorite season?
Mrs.Stein: My favorite season is summer.
UPCOMING MOVIES BY: ALEXANDER MILOJEVIC
The Last Jedi ; Star Wars episode VIII
Set after the events of the Force Awakens, this new chapter to the saga comes to theatres on December 15, 2017. Many people are noticing that this is the first title with a red logo, which may call for a darker plot than the others. Personally, I wonder if the opening crawl will be red instead of yellow.
The Mummy, coming out on June 9th, 2017.
Some boxes (or tombs) are better left unopened. In this movie, that is definitely the case, when a couple of explorers unearth something that even humanity might not be able to handle.
Wonder Woman, came out on June 2nd.
This one is the wondrous tale of Wonder Woman´s origins and how she came to be the superhero she is.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, came out on May 26th.
The infamous captain Jack is back in this final installment to the Pirates of the Caribbean saga, where a defeated enemy of Jack Sparrow’s past is coming back to bite him! This is one of the most anticipated movies out soon, and expectations are through the roof.
Despicable 3: Coming out on June 30th, 2017
The Minions are back! The family that left off in the last movie was happy and dandy, and they are back at the action again with crazy weapons and gadgets!
Spider Man Homecoming, coming out on July 7th, 2017.
Spidey is making another movie! It is action packed, the trailers are awesome, and it will show more about Peter Parker, his suit, and even Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man.
Looking into the future:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/new-product/entertainment/best-new-movies-2017-3644969/
*We hope you enjoyed our school newspaper! ; )