| The Owl Gazette |
| Issue: 62 Page: 5 |
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| Penshire�s Quidditch Quandary
By Bry Casten The start of this term saw a lot of changes for the Penshire Quidditch team. I stepped down from my position as captain, leading Samuel Craft to step up to the plate once more, aided by Keato Abbot. We had a lot of players from last year disappear, and the rules were changed in such a way that our strategy (simply having no lives outside of Quidditch), wouldn�t be quite as effective anymore. What were we to do? Adapt. Adjust. Modify. Clearly things wouldn�t be the same anymore, and there was no way for it to be explained better than to look at the outcome of our first game of the term� Penshire versus Gryffindor. For the first time in two years, we lost. It was a sobering experience. The Lions played well, and we congratulate them� but that�s not to say we plan on ever letting them beat us again! We learned from the experience, though, and once again changed what we were doing to find a better strategy. The roster was changed. For the first time in three years I played a position other than Chaser. It was an entirely unfamiliar experience, but one I can�t say I didn�t enjoy. So now we�re better for it all. We�re getting used to the changes and revising our strategies, trying out different players, and making our team as strong as we can. And you know what? I think the future is looking quite bright indeed. |
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| Contrary to Popular Belief
Professor Snape Contrary to popular belief, the Slytherin common is NOT dead, thank-you very much. In fact, it has not been this busy in a long time. Contrary to popular belief, we know how to treat new students; they stay because they know they are home. Contrary to popular belief, the Slytherin common room is not in disarray with in-fighting. We may have some misunderstandings, but being, well, Slytherins, we work things out and move on. Contrary to popular belief, the house is not all vampires. We probably have the largest population; however, that does not make us all such. Contrary to popular belief, transferring out of the house does not make you an expert on how the house runs, unlike others, we move with the times and change is easy for a snake, we adapt. Contrary to popular belief, not every Slytherin eats Skittles, though the numbers are growing. Contrary to popular belief, I do not eat first year Hufflepuffs�raw, I fry them up with some tasty bacon. Contrary to popular belief, I do wash my hair...on occasion. |
| The Privy Strikes Back
The Paddington Privy They tried to shut me down, and they almost succeeded, but here I am, back to give you the real news, the news that I alone am privy to and everyone deserves the right to know. Let's get down to business while I can, I have a lot of past victims on my tail. Professors Stephan O'Connell and Tom Riddle, old time friends who are often seen around the castle, are in a vicious feud over the staff election of King and Queen. They shared Kelina Bliss as their Queen, well known to be Prof. Riddle's girlfriend, much to the dismay of Professor Riddle who has had his share of dabbing in the Dark Arts. Look out Professor O'Connell! Meanwhile, in the house of Paddington, girlfriend of Tyler Scott Keegan, Arissa Potter is on a rampage about the election of Katie Sawyer as Ty's Queen, look out Katie, are the death threats back in Paddington? To close, there's been word that Professor Snape invited Professor Lockhart back from his studies early! Word is that Snape couldn't call Hogwarts home without Lockhart! A Paddington student suggests that this is because of their sharing of hairproduct! This is one accusation that we may never unfold. Until next time, stay safe, and let the truth be told! |
| Backpacking: Backpacks
- Gawyn Crossguard I know I've been slacking with this. It's bad when you can't remember the last topic you've talked about. I don't think I've talked about backpacks, yet, though, so that's this month's topic to kick off the new year. First off, there are two main types of backpacks - for those who call the packs they put their school supplies in "backpacks," you're misled. They are bookbags or day packs. The two types of backpacks have to do with the kind of metal frame you have. External Frames - These packs consist of a large bag attached to a frame, usually made of steel. Pins are used to hold the pack to the fame. The advantage of having this kind of pack is air. It allows more air to circulate around your back, keeping you cooler and drier. The disadvantage is the frame bumps into your shoulders, which isn't a big deal, but gets a little tiring after a while. Internal Frames - These packs have the frame inside the pack. The frames are, again, generally made from steel. That means no pins, allowing for a slightly lighter pack. The frame sits firm against your back, so there's no bumping of the frame against your back. Unfortunately, it also restricts air flow, making you sweat more. On both kinds of packs, there are two straps. There is a hip strap that buckles around the waist, and a sternum strap that buckles around the chest to help even out the weight of the pack. It gets really uncomfortable trying to hike with only the hip strap fastened. There also tend to be extra pockets to hold fuel or tent poles, etc., as well as little fixes to attach compression straps, so you can fix a sleeping bag, thermarest pad, hoodie, or a number of other larger things on the outside of the pack. I have an External Frame, I'm very pleased with it. My dad's got an internal frame, and I like it just as well. So really it's just a matter of preference. Just remember, there are pros and cons to everything. |
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| Top Ten Christmas Movies/Shows:
Emmaline Bagman 10) A Christmas Story 9) Polar Express 8) 'Twas the Night Before Christmas 7) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with Jim Carrey) 6) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version) 5) Jack Frost 4) Frosty the Snowman 3) Santa Clause is Comin' To Town 2) The Chipmunk's Christmas 1) The Flintstone's Christmas Carol Top Ten Christmas Songs: Emmaline Bagman 10) The Twelve Days of Christmas 9) Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer 8) The First Noel 7) Santa Clause is Comin' To Town 6) Frosty the Snowman 5) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 4) What Child is This? 3) Sleigh Ride 2) Greensleeves 1) O Holy Night |
| Ten Reasons to be a Hufflepuff
John Chang 10-We have Ron 9-We have Ron 8-We have Ron 7-We have Ron 6-We have Ron 5-We have Ron 4-We have Ron 3-We have Ron 2-We have Ron. aaaaaaaaaaand this totally different-We have Ron. |
| Afraid of the Skittles. Are you?
By Sparkles :D Ever since my arrival, I've developed a taste for a certain type of Muggle sweet. Yes yes, the Muggles you might say, and that Lucas guy from Slytherin of all the houses wants to mix up with them. Ah well. Every now and then they bring out some really good ones! I swear! Wait... have you gotten some for Christmas from me? Well, count yourself lucky as I don't share them so much; although I accidentally set a package lose at the last Quidditch match against Penshire. Sorry for that, Bry. * blushes * But now, the Skittles.. They've gained some popularity around here, and I'm quite happy to watch this development. Even Professor Snape has taken quite a fancy to them (well, he would like to have black ones, but takes the green ones ever so willingly as well), most of my Slytherin housemates enjoy them as well, and one of them in particular. Tim, the most fabulous person you will ever have the pleasure to meet, take my word, is the center of the skittles universe. Why, you might ask. Well, he is Skittles, and henceforth perfect. Yes, yes, I shall stop this shameless praise now, though I'm sure Tim would like to read more. But dear, let's not make them all jealous now. I'll see you soon. |
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| HERE THEY ARE ~ THE YEAR IN REVIEW! |
| Year In Review : Lions' Point of View
By the House of Gryffindor Holy Merlin, has 2008 been one heckuva year. What can we say? We lions have been very busy, probably because there's been so much to do. Last term, we didn't exactly win the Quidditch Cup or the House Cup, but that only acted as a springboard to do better this year! We really took the time to reorganize and better our Quidditch Team, whether it be through In-House games or just better thinking in the team, we really took it to the next level. If you're not convinced, play a match with us (; The SPAM topic has gotten a lot more popular than it was in 2007. What started out as a way to post smilies became a center for full blown conversations and bonding. Also, a lot of Gryffindors have had a lot of interesting experiences this year, as shown in many of our rather intense RP's. Of course, it seems that none of this gets out of the Common Room as easily as it gets in. But just so you aren't too lost: Mr. Perfect Gentleman took a wrong turn during last year's holidays and became the catalyst for following dramas that occurred in the house... most of them, to say the least. Multiple family discoveries were made, inclusively in the Black family but hey - that never stops us from growing. Tension built up during the course of the last year and well - to cut it brief, there were a few break ups and make ups in between certain Gryffindors. Unless you want to include the fight for Top Poster in the house or our usual somethingblarghendon'tknow, you've got the whole summary right there. And of course, newbies have been coming out like it's going out of style! They've been sure to be welcomed warmly and are not just part of the family. Stay a little, get to know the lions (because really, we don't bite) and get to know each other. We can't quite say for sure what 2009 will bring, but we're pretty sure it'll be tough to beat 2008! |
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| Ravenclaw: 2008 at a Glance
Summer The year of 2008 has been one filled with many crazy activities. For Ravenclaws, amidst our never ending point-earning rampage, we had the pleasure to enjoy the various activities that our amazing house staff had planned. Such activities include, but are not limited to, special versions of post-a-thons and point-a-thons, RPG-a-thon, the Start-of-Term field trip, and Ravenclaw's own Secret Santa exchange. On top of that, there was something of which we are all very proud of...The shiny House Cup of 2007-2008 which is now currently sitting on Professor Simbi's desk. That, of course, means that our Head of House is now Professor Charles Simbi, and for the position of Assistant Head of House, we welcomed Ravenclaw alumnus, Professor Legolas Greenleaf. Although a number of students have left Ravenclaw, we are glad that we can continue to see them around the school. On the other hand, we've also had students join us. In 2008, we welcomed Sibyl Kevins, Eireann Daire, Eylon Nimbus, Elina Doyle, Amber Sparks, Wildas Haim, Kimberley Delacour, Adam Carlsson, Aidan Smith, Lavender Brown, Sarlyn Hawthorp, Krista Hilton, Katherine Michele Gillyweed, Troilee Leeds, Connor Penshire, Meg Mirtov, Gregory Palma, Leeria Owlson, Luna, Jessica Kent, and last but not least, Ashley Weasley. As well, we are happy to have Sir Hugo Tien float about the Ravenclaw Tower as our resident house ghost. Many of our new students in the previous term have taken the initiative to apply to the various extra-curricular positions available in Ravenclaw. Jolie Taylor takes over the Dueling Team, as Erica Lovegood takes over the Ravenclaw house magazine, Witch Weekly (known for our special edition issues dedicated to outstanding teaching staff). Arya Drottningu steps up from player to Quidditch captain, with Raelyn Ethania continuing to serve as co-captain. The 4C's is still led by its founder, Ariene Callahan. As 2008 comes to an end for Ravenclaw with a Point-a-thon, 2009 will start with a whole lot of points added to our hourglass! FLY HIGH BREATHE DEEP! |
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| Penshire Year In Review
Matilda Maxwell & Professor Ripley Penshire started out with a successful common room clean-out! After the room was emptied and we were able to repost the rules, games, and RPGs that the students wanted returned, things got hopping soon after. With the new term came some staff changes like Bryony Casten was no longer a Prefect but became Hogwart's Head Girl! Sam continued as Senior Prefect, hey, when you do the job so well, why change. We saw two new Prefects, Sapphire and Keato! Our Assistant Prefects saw changes though out the term, right now we have Amanda, Emmaline, and Cauly. Then new term also brought us new Penshire icons, thanks to Professor Opal who did all new house crest. This year has been an eventful one for Penshire House. We won the Quidditch Cup for the second year in a row, and we are hoping to not lose it, since it completes the layout and design of Professor Ripley�s office. That is two full terms with NO losses, though this term, our 3rd started off with 1 loss and 1 win, we still think we can grab the Cup for the 3rd term. Other than Quidditch, Penshire has welcomed many new students in the past year: Adrianna Lunar, Adrianna Reyes, Aidia Raye Randazzo, Aran Guinness, Beverly Heaven, Brodi Honor, Christina Crush, Emmaline Bagman, Hawke-eye Granger, Makayla Malfoy, Matilda Maxwell, Missa Faye, Newton Merrick, Paulina Gracen, Trystiana Radek, and many more! There have been a few changes in Head Staff in the Shire, Professor Marianna Lunar stepped in as Penshire�s Assistant Head of House, after Professor Delia moved to Slytherin. The summer brought some new things too, we had our first ever "1st Annual Penshire Summer Camping Trip", this was a 'timed' RPG which meant it ran from a certain date and had an ending date. Everyone was to bring their hiking boots, sunscreen, and other camp-out attire. A magical tent was erected, which all magical folks knows is bigger on the inside then it looks on the outside. There was bunk rooms for the girls and one for the boys with a common area and a little kitchen and eat-in area. Outside a fire was started and 'camp' food prepared loads of fun for everyone was had! During October this year, Penshire hosted an event called Spooktacular October. There were two or three events, and each one lasted a week. The first event was ghost hunting. It consisted of two or three Role-Play Games, and in each one, you had to Role-Play your character either being scared or brave, or even finding the ghost. Peeves even dropped in for a bit and he had water balloons and was generally a pain in the neck, I mean, we are talking about Peeves. The second event was designing a wanted poster for the capture of Peeves. |
| In June the PCSC announced their Awards, here are the winners:
The spammer of the year is... Faith Puppy! *Faith receives a golden medal with the words spammer of the year on it* Penshires favorite avatar of the year is... Samuel Craft's! Penshires favorite signature of the year is... Samuel Craft's! The RPG of the year is... Train Ride Here (the start of term feast was a second part of this RPG) *the participants of this RPG are given a blue ribbon* The game of the year is... SPAM! *everyone who ever posted in or read spam is given some delicious canned meat* Penshires gamer of the year is... Sapphire Lyze! *Sapphire receives a golden medal with an engraving of her posting in the games* Penshires posting war of the year is... Disney Villains vs. Heroes! Penshires contributor of the year for the 2007-2008 term is... Bryony Casten! *Bry receives a trophies with an engraving of the smilie on the top* But of course, we would not have a Penshire without professor Ripley, or any of the staff members. So each staff member of the 2007-2008 term are to thank for your work to make Penshire possible! *all of th 2007-2008 term staff members are awarded a gold medal* Professor Ripley�s response: �Sniff, I would like to thank the academy and my mother, and my agent who made this all possible, oh, wrong speech. Um, I would like to thank all the Shirelings who make it possible to have so much fun and love in this house! We staff couldn't have the freedom we do without you all!!! That means instead of getting on everyone's cases about rule breaking, we can be free to create and support new ideas and just HAVE FUN!� October was also the Annual Hogwart's Halloween Bash, always a huge event with the dance, staff contests, and other activities. Each house was to pick a theme, we in the Shire, choose the 'Royal Court' with many queens, kings, princesses, princes and other stately titles. It was a lot of fun! Penshire has had a few Posting Wars this year. In each Posting War, everyone is given an image created by Samuel Craft to place in his or her signature, to show team spirit for the 'team' themed ones, for any individual Post Wars, no such icons were made, but we still have plenty of participants. Our first was in June and ran from the 23rd to the 30th, it was an individual one and Faith Puppy took top honors, she's hard to beat when the Shire puppy starts spamming! Besides upping her individual post count, she won a free 'siggie' image from the talented Samuel Craft. In September, the theme was Disney. Everyone who signed up was assigned a Disney character on either the Good Team or the Evil Team. And by a tiny 13 points, the Evil Team came out on top! Samuel Craft, again, made everyone who entered an individual icon of their character, this made for loads of fun. |
| The December Posting War was just as fun. This time, the theme was to do with Christmas. The teams were the Ravishing Reindeers and the Eccentric Elves. By 1333 posts, the Eccentric Elves won the Posting War! Also during the event, Bryony Casten commentated every few days, humoring us with moments from the Posting War. Also Samuel Craft made each team an animated icon of either a reindeer or elf. |
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| CONT. ON NEXT PAGE AND MORE! |