For my first article at The Rambler, I interviewed Mr. Benton, who is one of the art teachers here at AHS. Here are the questions that I asked, and his answers.

Q: What motivated you to start teaching?

A: “My father was a Science teacher, my brother was a teacher and my sister-in-law was a teacher. So I was around teachers my whole life, and I got to understand how they conducted themselves, how they spoke, how they motivated. I originally went to college to become an architect, but I struggled with math, and I ended up my last semester at FMCC teaching a seminar class as a senior for sophomores, and I really got to like it, and it became easy to teach, so I said to my father, “I’m gonna carry on my education at Buffalo State College, and I’m gonna become an art teacher.”

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: “26 years and 5 months.”

Q: How long have you been at AHS?

A: “25 years, 3 months, I was at Marie Curie for 1 year.”

Q: Have there ever been any challenges to teaching here and have you ever felt burnout?

A: ‘’There have been (some challenges). You learn, as a teacher, about kids, about what students need, want, things they like to do, and how to motivate them, and generational changes: cell phones have been the worst challenge ever, that one is the biggest change out of all the years here. But there are ways to kind of utilize cell phones; we can use them for resources, for images, for people who like to listen to music. You can utilize the technology for good reasons other than distractions, that’s the main challenge.”

Q: What was your favorite subject or art-related subject to teach? 

A: “ I used to like painting; I was always good at painting and drawing. I also minored in pottery in college, so I do like pottery, but I love to sculpt because I love the 3D concept. You know, when I was young, I had a lot of action figures, so I think that had a role in teaching that sculpture, 3 dimensional objects, to me, it’s like you are sculpting but you’re almost playing.’’

Q: What is your favorite part of being a teacher? 

A: ‘’I could easily say it’s the summer off, but my favorite part is seeing the students grow and develop into artists, and they have some form of success, with their artwork to the point where they are starting to enjoy it, and appreciate it. ‘’

Q: What is your favorite branch of art? ‘’ 

A: To teach, would probably be sculpture. Pottery is fun, but I just like using different materials, because in pottery you get stuck with just clay, you can do clay in sculpture, but you can see artwork being created in different materials and it’s pretty neat.” 

This concludes my interview with Mr. Benton, enjoy!

Every time you hear Samuel Valberg announce the “delicious” Bosco stick for lunch, do you ever wonder, “What is a Bosco stick?” Where does the word even come from? Well, we decided to find out.

As it turns out, a Bosco stick is bread wrapped around a cheesestick. A mozzarella stick, you claim?! Oh no, this is NOT a mozzarella stick in the sense of the word. It is not crispy, it is not seasoned, and the cheese does not stretch. While it is not bad, it could be so much better. We think that the menu-planner calls it a “Bosco stick” because they cannot use the term “mozzarella stick”–it would be disinformation.

At any rate, the Bosco stick was served with three sides: marinara sauce, potatoes, and chicken gravy, and a bag of apples–seemingly a complete meal. It struck us odd, however, that potatoes and gravy were served as a side to the cheese stick. The potatoes were firm and warm, but the gravy lacked the flavor necessary to excite the eater. The marinara, while NOT homemade, was flavorful at room temperature. It seemed to us that the crunchy apple slices were the best part of our whole lunch. In fact, DeReon Greene says, “Most days, apple slices are my only lunch.”

All in all, we concluded that the cafeteria has potential. These food experts just need to think through what they are serving and how they are cooking it in order to maximize the quality of our dining experiences. Our crowd says, “Bring back the buffalo pizza crunchers!”

The start of a new year means new competitions for athletes, fans, and teams to get excited about. A lot of attention is focused on a huge upcoming event this summer. Finally, four years have passed, and it is time to get involved in the upcoming Olympics this summer. The Olympics will be held in Paris, France. This will easily be the biggest event Paris has ever hosted. The games will begin on July 26 and conclude on August 11. Additionally, four new sports will be included: skateboarding, surfing, climbing, and breaking. 

As for the United States of America, there are numerous exceptional athletes representing the country once again. The gymnastics team is looking stronger than ever, with Simone Biles and Suni Lee leading the squad. The women’s team has a high probability of winning gold this year. The track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has shown her ability to compete from a young age, and now she’s even more eager to win gold after learning the ropes. Sydney has broken the world record twice already, and this summer gold is the only thing on her mind. All of the athletes competing have been intensely training and will continue to prepare for the upcoming games using their personal goals as motivation.

Something else to look out for is the Paralympics. This event takes place from August 28- September 8, a couple of weeks after the Olympics. The Paralympics is a wonderful opportunity for disabled athletes to show off their hard work and dedication to their sport. There are twenty-two different sports showcased. It is truly amazing to get to include people in sports regardless of their physical abilities. As the Olympics and Paralympics approach, it is the perfect time to research your favorite athletes and teams, as well as prepare to show your pride for the USA!

Track and Field: a complex sport which takes both discipline and consistency. The Olympic sport which most individuals tend to think is “all about running,” but in fact, is 80% mental. Track and Field is a sport created in relation to both the celebration of Greek Gods and religious beliefs. The sport had only begun to receive true recognition throughout the late 1800s, consisting of events such as marathons, sprints, mid-distance, distance, throwing, hurdles, and jumping. 

There have been stand-outs in the sport in recent years. Retired Jamaican track athlete, Usain Bolt set a World Record of 9.58 seconds in the 100-meter race during the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, as well as a 19.19 200-meter World Record. The late American sprinter, Florence Griffith Joyner also set a World Record of 10.49 in 100 meters and 21.34 in 200 meters in 1988! Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum set the men's marathon world record at 2:00:35, in Chicago of 2023. American thrower Ryan Crouser set the shot put World Record at 23.56 with a 12lb shot put. Cuban jumper Javier Sotomayer set the World Record at 2.45 meters (8.04 ft). 

With a perpetual list of World Records, Track and field is an extremely fascinating sport, as it combines individual and team aspects of athletics into one sport. Most importantly, it unites different people from various backgrounds together, creating an ever-growing community of coaches, athletes, and athletic trainers. 

The challenge has been accepted and the fight for their lives begins. 

 The Duellum of Titanums

They collide with tremendous force, the impact reverberating. The aftermath left Time Leaper rolling away, attempting to recover, but Mr. Black turned around and delivered a barrage of blows. He regroups and knocks Mr. Black airborne. As they clash again, their hands lock and Time Leaper grits his teeth as Mr. Black’s figure towers over him. 

“COME ON, SHOW ME ALL THOSE FORBIDDEN CAPSULAE.” Mr. Black thunders. {“!?”} 

Time Leaper attempts to push Mr. Black’s hand down but gets kneed in the stomach followed by a forceful kick to the ground. Time Leaper consumes a green capsule feeling rejuvenated and stands. 

“Don’t you think it’s too early for a Capsula Vitae?” Time Leaper turns and gets socked in the jaw. Time Leaper tries to throw a roundhouse kick but gets grabbed and slammed into the ground. 

“I expected more from the finalist!” He headbutts Mr. Black to the ground, but he gets pushed off and a surge of energy sends him flying away. 

 Omnes Sumus [Memorias]?

Dazed, he checks his watch to see the amount of capsules. 1 Capsula Vitae. A red bottle drops to the ground in front of him. “Please take it. It was a gift from Mr. Aknom - The Final Berserker.” 

“I DON’T NEED YOUR PITY!” He snatches and gulps down the bottle. With a sinister smile, he charges.

Blows are traded but it became evident that Mr.Black is handling the hits far easier and effortlessly counterattacking. Time Leaper, undeterred, shoves him and tosses a cyan capsule only to have it caught and thrown back paralyzing him momentarily. 

Mr. Black shook his head condescendingly. “You done?” 

Time Leaper retaliates, throwing a blue capsule teleporting him in front of Mr. Black then hurls a yellow and green capsule immobilizing his legs and weakening him respectively. He zips behind him with an orange capsule and chucks it at him exploding and sending him hurtling away. 

“Yeah, I’m done with you.” Blood trickles from Time Leaper’s mouth as he stands resolute. His skin slowly fades back to its original color as he stumbles back from the headache he had felt.

Intrepidus

When the smoke from the explosion dissipates, atom-shaped particles surround Mr. Black raising him, unfazed. 

Time Leaper reaches for his capsule. 

“That’s your last Capsula Vitae, isn’t it?” Mr.Black’s taunting gaze met Time Leaper’s defiant glower.

“Who are you…?”

 “You cannot ask a question you yourself refuse to answer.”

 “I’ve had enough!” 

He consumes his last capsule and sprints at him with fury blazing in his eyes. Mr. Black stands there nonchalantly; his tie flowing in the wind. “Let’s end this quickly shall we?”

Time Leaper reaches into his coat and pulls out a purple knife. Mr. Black weaves gracefully from his slashes and slaps the knife into the air, slicing his hand in the process. Black blood oozes from his hand. 

“That knife… was his sacrifice worth it, you monster?” 

Hatred. Pure hatred invades Time Leapers' mind,

"SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH.” 

Poison reverberates throughout the four words as he glares at Mr. Black. He retrieves the knife and charges again this time with a savage cry, his mind tunnel-visioned on putting that knife through his heart. Mr. Black proves too fast for this; grabbing his arm, plunges the knife deep into his chest, and kicks him away.

As we swiftly set foot into the upcoming year, many of us are starting to desperately plan the resolution that we deem crucial for a better year, and to avoid living through the negative aspects of yesteryear, which we appropriately label New Year’s resolutions. The general consensus is that New Year’s resolutions should be as complicated and unachievable as possible for a resolution to be valid. What people usually don't realize is that this set of goal(s) is meant to help one's quality of life, and is not meant to be rooted in others’ judgment. But often due to that lack of realization, most people fail to accomplish their goals, leading many to give up before making any form of progress. Why do we, as a society, still foolishly lie to ourselves every late- December by creating such a list of exaggerated life improvements? Is it a joke at this point? Do people even mean what they say? Is this some sort of marketing plot from a potent corporation to sell their services to vulnerable people whose only want in life is to be happier with themselves? 

There will always be unanswered questions regarding this topic, which sucks, but that doesn't necessarily need to be the focus. With the right headspace and with the right resources we can surely improve ourselves in the new year. Here are some of the most common themes that inhibit people from achieving their goals, and pointers on avoiding those negative trends that can lead you away from progressing and becoming the person you want to be.

The Rush

According to OSU.EDU around 43% of people who have established a New Year’s resolution quit by the end of January, so by the time you are reading this article you have either given up your resolution or at least know someone who has. Imagine going through a tough year and then feeling pressured to set a goal without really being given the time to evaluate the aspects of your life in which you would have to improve. No wonder we barely hear of people actually accomplishing their plans; they don't even know what the plan is. Thus to avoid this issue, don't confine yourself to a due date; instead, simply take the “New Year's” out of your resolutions. Make sure that your mind is clear, and set aside some time to self-evaluate. And remember, when evaluating yourself, set your own standards instead of prioritizing others' judgments. 

Your Surroundings

In the movie ‘Don't Look Up’ Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Kate Dibiasky, attempts to bring awareness of a comet threatening mankind's existence via a mass media tour. *Spoiler alert* she miserably fails at achieving her goal due to those around her diminishing her attempts. This led to the end of mankind once the earth exploded due to that very comment about which she alerted everyone. Although this example is a bit striking it reflects the real-life examples of people not succeeding due to the people surrounding them. Imagine if Kate surrounded herself with people who didn't think she was crazy. What if she was uplifted by a solid support system? Luckily, she stayed persistent throughout the movie, but in reality, many get influenced to not succeed. Hence, when setting goals make sure to have people who will call you out when you slack, people who will be happy for you whenever you achieve a milestone, and people who actually want to be in your life. Don't surround yourself with bad-habit enablers, people who choose envy over love, or people who might be better off not being in your life. Lastly, have fun, and make your resolution a chance for you to explore yourself.

In the depths of my heart, a sorrow dwells 

A pain that's so sharp, it cuts through my shell 

The ache of heartbreak, a wound that won't heal

A love that's lost, a dream that's gone to hell

The memories linger, a bittersweet refrain

A longing for what could've been, a love in vain

The tears I've cried, the sleepless nights 

The emptiness that plagues me, the endless pain

My heart, once full of hope and light 

Now shattered and broken, a plight 

The pieces of love, scattered and gone 

I know it was, I'm sorry I caused harm

But still, I hold on, the the love I knew 

The memories of you, the laughter we drew

The sweet embrace, the tender touch 

The love we shared, the joy we clutch 

Though heartbreak reigns, my heart still sings 

A melody of love, a rhythm of wings 

For love though lost, will always remain

A part of me, a love in vain.

Everybody loves a good day off from school, but not too many people realize just how important they are. Snow days are a prominent example of an enjoyable day off from school for most. Many people work so much and are constantly so tired that a snow day is just what is needed. All people everywhere need to take breaks at some point in their lives, and a snow day is just the way to enforce it. Snow days are a sacred event in people's lives that are surprisingly beneficial. 

Snow days are a somewhat common, yet unplanned break in people's lives that is almost like a reset button on a person. For this day, a person can simply stop and relax and stop worrying about what is next to do. They provide a way for people to boost their spirits and be better prepared for the next day of work. After people relax, they are known for being more active in the work environment and prepared for school and/or work the next day. Snow days also have not been known to hinder students’ learning abilities. What seems to be worse is when there is a snow storm while students are at school, and the students’ minds are occupied with them wanting a snow day. Not having a snow day for the purpose of learning only seems to backfire and result in just the opposite. The results of that seem to be counterintuitive and ineffective, so snow days are just better off. Snow days do not just give people a mental break, they also give them a physical break too. Some people just continue to push their limits even though they should not, resulting in pain. Snow days give them the opportunity to take the break that they usually would not. Additionally, snow days also help with sleep for people, especially teenagers. Teens who usually do not get in the full 8 hours benefit from snow days because they can catch up on sleep and be able to function better, both physically and mentally. 

Overall, snow days are something special that every person looks forward to in their life at some point. These are the days that people seem to benefit the most from, because they do not know when they are coming until they are here, so there is the added excitement. They are not a scheduled thing for people like a holiday break; they just show up and are there to make someone's day. With all the benefits, it is hard for one to come up with an excuse not to have one. Snow days are a good way for a person to take a break and enjoy their time off, so there's no question that they are important.

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

Tragedy and romance: some may say they are a strange pairing, but doesn’t the greatest tragedy come from the greatest love? John Green really delves into this question within his novel, The Fault in Our Stars. Through sarcasm and truth, Green manages to produce a story nothing short of art. The story, told by one Hazel Grace Lancaster, dives into her seemingly sinking sadness, which is transformed by her meeting Augustus Waters, the confident and witty boy who she comes to love. Through his use of symbolism, tone, and the idea that true, meaningful love endures even in the face of adversity, Green fabricates a story that will be remembered by readers for years to come, as long as they are willing to read it. 

One thing that is extremely prominent within this text is Green's overall tone. Throughout the novel, his tone is mostly humorous and sarcastic, both in Hazel’s descriptions and her and other characters' interactions with each other. This usage helps the reader find humor in a seemingly heartbreaking and tragic story, which at heart, is what this novel is. Green writes in a humorous tone even in more dispiriting parts of the text. This use of tone gives the reader an untroubled feeling in what appears to be a very troublesome situation or event. This is a benefit to most readers, too. Despite this being a very tragic story in its end, throughout, it has a very witty and sarcastic tone. If a reader is interested in that style of reading sprinkled in with some romance, this is definitely a book for them. 

Another element that helps express the feeling of this novel is Green’s use of symbolism. One great example of this is Augustus’s “use” of cigarettes. Augustus, similar to Hazel, also fought cancer. A popular line within this text is something Augustus frequently says, “It’s a metaphor, see: you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing” (Green 20). This metaphor and symbol helps characterize Augustus; it shows his confidence as a character and symbolizes how hard he is trying to have some type of control over his life, especially towards the end of the novel when his cancer comes back. Through the use of this symbolism, it gives the reader a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of the characters’ conflicts and allows them to feel more connected to the characters, which results in a masterful novel and one that lovers of the art of literature can appreciate. 

One last factor to be discussed, which greatly contributes to this novel, is Green’s interpretation of love between Hazel and Augustus, two teenage cancer fighters. The way he depicts this love gives the reader hope and even joy despite the eventual outcome at the end of the story. Let it be known, teenagers, and even most people, are infatuated with the idea of love. For an author to create such a meaningful and, most importantly, real love story is what will draw people to this novel in the first place. Along with this theme of love, people also love hope. To be able to have such a strong symbol of hope in the lives of two characters, with such tragic struggles, makes the readers feel a sense of comfort and faith in the eventual outcome of the story, a very attractive quality within good stories. 

All in all, John Green’s novel, The Fault in Our Stars, encapsulates not only love but the struggle of love and life in general, through a moving tone and profound symbolism. Although this novel requires critical thinking and internal wit to fully understand, those who are willing to commit the time that is necessary, to truly comprehend this piece, can uncover that it is a great representation of how love can thrive in times of struggle. 

The thing about living is that you have to face many things you do not like. Sometimes those very same things become so irrelevant to the point that they get lost in the pool of obscurity. While on the other hand, you have such things that are so bad you can't even escape them. So here are some things that well… give me the ick.

1. People Who Take Themselves TOO Seriously

People who think they are all that and a bag of chips often end up not even making it up to a single stale piece of candy. All these people accomplish are very mediocre achievements, yet they swear to be the best. It's common to see such individuals not even have actual personalities. Lastly, if you feel like you have to put others down, you most likely are doing it because of your own insecurities, which actually shows that you aren't as superior as you may think. 

2. Tiktokers Becoming Actors

If your only “talent” is your good looks and your good looks alone, please stay off the big screen. Stay doing the same five moves for every trend, as well as providing sponsorships of items you never will use in your life. Many influencers go from fame to infamy after trying to act and subsequently, after making dumpster-fire films. 

3. The Millennial vs. Gen Z Debate

Why do people have to be so divided? I find it ridiculous how, instead of solving real-life issues, people would much rather argue about side parts in hairstyles, and overall make everything that distinguishes each generation as inconvenient. These chronically online people could be finding the cure for cancer, but just end up doing a whole lot of nothing.

4. Parasocial Relationships

Most celebrities DON'T even care about you, so don't be defending them with every fiber of your being. Don't swear that you have a connection with them when all you've seen is an altered and commercialized version of them. When buying their merch, it is not like you're supporting a small business, you are giving money to sweatshops which probably employs probably your age, or even younger.

5. AI Hate

AI is not bad, it won't steal your job, and it's not going to take over the world; that's simply the truth. Fear is not a justification for diminishing AI’s benefits because, if we applied that same logic, life-changing inventions like credit cards and smartphones would have ended us a long time ago. 

6. The “I'm So Poor” People

To clarify, I'm not talking about people who are genuinely going through financial struggles. I am talking about the average Target shopping, Chipotle and Starbucks-consuming individuals who, for some reason, like to tell everyone that they are “poor.” For obvious reasons, this is controversial. If you live in a financially stable household, don't tell people you are poor. It's pure stupidity to pretend to be something that is not cute whatsoever. 

7. Compulsive Liars

These types of people constantly boil my blood because these people are so toxic for no reason. In addition, all their lies are not even believable. 

8. Angry Podcasters

Do I even have to explain myself?