Grafton Globe Newspaper
Winter 2020 Edition
As children, we all encountered children’s nursery songs in some form or another. Maybe it was in the background of a television program, or maybe your parents sang them to you before bedtime. These songs are iconic to us—we often know melodies of these songs at the mention of the titles. However, while the tunes may be universally recognized, the same cannot be said for the lyrics. Naturally, lyrics for these classic songs differ in countries where English is not the main language. Let’s look at one example: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in English versus in Japanese. *hand translated from my own Japanese knowledge; may not be 100% accurate
It is noticeable how different the English version is compared to the Japanese version. Both song lyrics are taken from different point of views—the English version is taken from a first person perspective, while the Japanese version seems to be taken from a third person omniscient perspective, focusing on the views of a star in the sky looking down at the Earth. Besides the perspectives, the lyrics themselves also hold different focuses. The English version questions the stars and the lyrics “wonder what [they] are”. However, in the Japanese version, the lyrics are more of a response to this question as it explains what the stars’ condition; the lyrics explain that the stars are “blinking, watching over everyone”. On the contrary, in lines 4-5 of the English version, the sparkling nature of the stars is highlighted through a simile comparing stars to diamonds. This simile, or something of a similar nature, is not present in the Japanese version. The sole mentions of the sparkling nature of the stars are in the lines 1 and 5. Despite being different from one another in meaning, both versions of the song hold a similar basis: a twinkling star. The differences come once the perspective and lyrics of the songs are taken into account. But these songs do have some similarities. For instances, both have the same rhythm to match the tune we all know. This means that, in addition to matching the rhythm, the lyrics are both formatted similarly, with the first two lines being repeated in the last two lines. Both songs start with the the idea of twinking, but then diverge. Although there are comparisons and contrasts that can be found in the two versions, something else of note is the lyrical style in the Japanese song. The Japanese lines are written mostly in hiragana, the basic form of Japanese characters, with a limited amount of kanji, characters taken from Chinese. This is because for children, it is easier to understand the 46 hiragana characters than the almost endless number of kanji characters. Both songs’ lyrics are written at a primitive level—something that children can easily understand, but this is especially evident in the Japanese version where the lyrics use specific characters for the children.
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Filmed by Ethan Ngo and Sarah Polagruto
The Winter Formal is right around the corner! Clear your schedules and mark your calendars because January 26th is the day that will be held in infamy. Tickets will be selling like hot cakes, and they are limited, so get yours as soon as possible. Students are expected to dress in semi-formal attire and be on their best behavior. Only Grafton students are allowed, which means that your friends and significant others from other towns are going to have to experience the dance through your Snapchat stories and Instagram posts. Luckily for you, you won’t have to pay for their $20 ticket, which a few Grafton students have commented on. Shawn Bajwa, a junior who is leaning towards attending the dance, sums up the general feeling of Grafton High students pretty well, stating that “since [the proceeds] will pay for the different class grades then I see it as a great opportunity for funding future events.” For many, it seems like their class spirit is an added factor that pushes them towards attending the dance. That, and the great company and lively dancing. Despite all of these wonderful reasons, many are either still on the fence or not planning on going. One student from the Senior class, Dan Zhu, comments on how they “would be working or using that extra day to stay caught up with school work or do extra studying.” As fellow high school students, we can see no better way spend your time on a nice Saturday night than to snuggle up with some blankets and immerse ourselves into a book. Except, of course, spending it at the Winter Formal. Another student from the Sophomore class mentions how they would use their time and money to hang out with friends, if they were unable to buy a ticket to the dance. For those still on the fence, many wonder if there will be an even mix of grades attending the dance or if it’ll be dominated by upperclassmen. Others wonder which of their friends will be going. These doubts, however, aren’t reserved for just the Winter Formal. Students often face these questions when deciding to attend any school dance, and it is usually a gamble of just how awkward the experience might be. Do you risk sitting alone with nothing but a table full of snacks? Or risk missing out on a great time dancing with about five of your closest friends? Or, what about seeing who got together and who broke up with who? Some are willing to take the risk and others are more inclined to cut their losses where they can. Although some may still believe the Winter Formal is just like any other dance, I can assure you that that is not case. First of all, the name is different. Not only is it now called the Winter Formal, but rather the Winter Ball. Revamping the name makes the dance seem all the more classy, and twice the reason to dress up even more than your average homecoming. One Junior comments, that he will look dashing in anything despite the dress code, and will still be using “a ton of hair gel” no matter the occasion. In line with this sentiment, the school stresses semi-formal wear, and all attire that fits within the dress code. Although this may not be a huge issue for the male populace of Grafton High, it is clear that the female populace may find this more challenging. Female fashion these days does not exactly encourage school appropriate formal wear, and it is difficult to dress in something both society and the administration can be happy with. For the people who are planning on attending the Winter Ball, please keep in mind that there is a limited amount of tickets being sold. Right out of the gate, they are gonna go fast, so I suggest getting yours as soon as possible. The Grafton Globe asked students just how distraught they would be if they didn’t make the cut and to our surprise a resounding “not at all” was unanimously said. We saw how many people would like to attend, and an equal amount of indifference is evident amongst students. As the date approaches, the sentiment will most likely change, but for now, all that can be said is get your tickets when you can, because at one point or another, they will be all gone. In many cases, students who would like to attend the dances don’t always have the resources to present themselves in the same standard as everyone else. For boys and girls everywhere, many do not have the appropriate formal wear needed in order to fit the dress code and most of the time they do not have the makeup or hair products in order to participate in the full glam cliché that so many young students desire. The Girl Up Club is attempting to combat that by providing a service the day of the dance, where students will be able to go and be given all the resources they need in order to dress the best they can. Formal wear will be provided, and for those who either do not have makeup or do not know how to apply makeup, members of the Girl Up Club will be there to provide students with makeup and to help apply it in a sanitary fashion. Hair products will also be provided and club members will be there to assist with that as well. Given Grafton High’s past experiences with school dances, students are wary of what this dance might entail. One student asked “how different is this dance going to be from Homecoming?” Well, we guess you’ll just have to wait until January 26th. With the administration expressing just how serious they take our safety during these school dances, it is evident that students will have to be on their best behavior in order to prove that we have grown from our mistakes. We hope that everyone can prove, not only to the school, but to ourselves that we are better than what many of us were two years ago. XOXO - The Grafton Globe Photo Credit: Sarah Polagruto It was on a cold day, in the ides of a beautiful October’s month, that there stood a lonesome scarecrow, gazing into the warm shades of autumn that embraced the otherwise drab scene; crimson apples hung gloriously upon the branches of green-leafed trees, appearing, at present, to be their only true ornament that remained. The birds had since departed, leaving but the sounds of a bitter wind that blew relentlessly through the thinning landscape, slowly taking away the picturesque beauty that remained. Many did, however, find this to be entirely endearing, as it was a sight so lovely it could not withstand an eternity, and, therefore, never grew to be so wonted that it could seldom impress any.
They came rather often, few bearing cameras, while others carried brushes that would paint an image of which should soon become no more than a tale that may be told simply in image, for words would only steal from it the better half of its glory, replacing it with a familiarity, of which could allow the greatest of difference to sound as though it were nearly the same. There was not the invigoration of that brisk chill, of which allowed one no true promise of life, nor an earnest sensation of not merely survival, but of living. How must any thrill be expected to prosper in a tale many should consider to be most terribly idle? But, the scarecrow remained, watching with great contentment the wonders of those who found a life in that barren existence, and nearly mourning those who simply spectated that which stood before them, crying out remarks that would merely echo off the mountain scattered horizon. How he did pity those who could remain forever in the company of a marvelous grandeur, finding it only be entirely necessary that they justify its means with but the most proven of reason, pushing aside the mere basis of pleasure it provoked within. “Something so momentarily exquisite mustn’t be allowed such pondering,” thought he, “for if one should place any thought at all on the matter, only will it vanish before they can so much adore it for the mere sake of admiration.” Such wisdom did appear to be a rather dreadful curse, as it allowed him not the chance to spectate without thought, but only to analyze so candidly that he found none other than an insincerity in all about. Most cared not of the landscape until it was to be filled with the vibrant shades of orange and red, which they seldom recognized to be a most beautiful end to the life that stood in its otherwise ordinary company. Only did they see the birth of a new wonder, far different from the last, in which the scarecrow did not dare acknowledge, for only would it have been a sincere betrayal to his mind and the thoughts held within its confounded being. Perchance, it was only so that this was no end, or, perhaps, to believe such folly was only in their nature, and they cherished but an idle optimism. Little did this matter, however, for it simply could alter not the lonesome existence he suffered in that thinning landscape, and, although it was rather often that there came visitors, they were seldom of anything more than a presence, unfit to be so much named company. They cared not to acknowledge his presence beyond a swift glance or an abrupt remark, but only to stand and frolic about in their own idle cause and false adventure. It was, however, on a desolate autumn’s afternoon, when the leaves had since departed, and the whistling wind turned only to a deathlike chill, there appeared but the slightest of hope for that poor lonesome scarecrow, whom had only sat hopelessly in the presence of an evanescing company for several months. There was, at last, placed beside him a companion of great likeness in kind, as she was, indeed, made only of straw. It was in that moment that he found no longer but a desolate imagery about, but rather a presence, of which appeared to hold the wonderful capability to substitute the loss he’d suffered; the silenced melodies of the birds, the departure of the glistening sun’s gentle embrace, and the lovely sensation of true company that only now returned. As all around withered away in the bitter winter’s chill, they stood upon the frozen hill, gazing the glory of all about, and awaiting the sweetness of a spring’s awakening. The End. In the midst of a glorious city there dwelt a seemingly endless lane of iron poles adorned with beautiful wreaths of vibrant pine and spruce, which stood proudly alongside streets of silver toned stone, just as one may presume. Flickering candles lit windows of shops and homes alike, and elegant horses of silken mien trotted joyously alongside passing crowds. Gone was the sweet scent of the lily and the lilac, both of which were only so lovely as to thrive in the gentle touch of that dear departed warmth, and merely wither away in the bitterness of a desolate winter's chill. One should claim, perchance, such thing be most precious, whilst others could see not beyond the abolishment of a most lovely company, which they did not so much mind to note with sincerity, until it was at last perished; only then could they cherish it’s past.
Behind a floral curtained window of soft rose tint and wonderful aesthetic appeal, there dwelt a young girl, pale eyes glistening in the light of a grand and opulent candle, as she peered out into the bustling life that embraced the evening scene. Seldom did she feel so much a part of it more than she was a cloistered spectator, who may watch, but never discover so sweet a company be upon her in earnest. How lovely did it appear to her to be none other than a nameless being of lively countenance, whom may, without but the slightest knowledge, paint a vision of merriment for those whom should never be so much discovered! She was not to be considered so unfortunate a kind in an ordinary day of little seasonal essence, for she did bask in the wonderful grandeur of a glorious life, which many can merely envision with wishful minds, and the folly of a hopeless optimism. There was, to her annual holiday, little merriment, however, and not cheer in the slightest. Merely the wishful thought of an experience she should never be so fortunate to receive. It was but a dream, and not of the sort that one may wish to obtain in the slightest, but simply the kind to be allowed a mere hours chance to prosper, only then left to wither away as it slips slowly from the recollection of mind, until alas! Its torment returns. That evening, as she slipped off into the solitude of her desolate chamber’s company, the picturesque vision of its own honest beauty turned at once to no more than an abyss, of which put forth no light, until all at once sight returned. Before her stood a handsome spruce decked in gold and silver, with candles burning gently, illuminating its otherwise darkened countenance. How familiar it did appear! Though seldom did she look upon anything so lovely. A quiet melody hummed about, almost as if it wished simply to conceal the vanished harmonies of the joyous nightingale. How lovely a dream she did believe it be! All she had ever desired of the season stood before her at once in the very company of that old manor! There she could remain for an eternity, according to her honest speculation, without but the slightest desire for anything beyond its mere presence; only there did there exist the entirety of that merriment she’d craved without sincere consideration for its own earnest existence. Perchance, it was no dream at all, but merely what had stood all around, as she blinded her mind to its company for none other than a wish to have what she already held, in truth. It was her holiday, and no wish was so necessary to allow it be seen, other than the ability to experience the life she had rejected out of her own folly. She was, indeed, to have a joyous season! For only now did she acquire the knowledge of her own fortune and festivity. “How lovely it is!” cried she. “How silly was I to have believed such thing be a mere fantasy when all around me it did stand!” The End. All music lovers have dreamt at least once of watching their favorite artist singing lyrics that you know by heart, while the beats of your favorite songs vibrate through your bones. The one place that this dream becomes a reality is at concerts. Concerts are where you sing, scream, laugh, and cry until your voice gives out, and where you dance like you’re the only one there all while trying to take a decent video of the artists on stage. These moments are unforgettable as they are engraved in your brain and taking up 50% of your storage on your phone. But to get to this stage of reminiscing about the good times, you first have to fight through the inevitable stages of Post Concert Depression. Post Concert Depression, or PCD, describes the week or so following the conert filled with the highs and lows caused by the adrenaline, indescribable happiness, energy, and good vibes readjusting to normal levels. PCD can be summed up in 5 stages, disbelief, euphoria, obsession, the “love-hate” relationship, and finally, recovery through reminiscing.
Stages of Post Concert Depression:
The Grafton Boys Varsity Basketball team is ending 2018 with 2 wins and 3 losses, most recently falling to Tantasqua by a score of 48-43. Overall, they’ve been playing pretty well, but they’re looking to improve on some of their weaknesses, and finish the season strong. They have 13 games remaining in the season, and their next game won’t be until January 4th against David Prouty.
Grafton vs. Tantasqua On Friday, December 21st, Grafton hosted a tough Tantasqua team and gave them a good fight. Coming into the game, Tantasqua scored of 63 points per game on average throughout their first 4 games. They were a solid offensive team, however, Grafton didn't let them dominate on offense as Tantasqua usually does, as they played with a tenacious defense for a majority of the game. The first half was a defensive battle between both the teams, as neither Tantasqua nor Grafton were able to catch fire offensively and go on a scoring run. At the end of the first half, Grafton had tied the game until Tantasqua scored a buzzer beating layup to give them a 17-15 lead. Grafton held them to just 17 points at the half, which was the least amount of points Tantasqua had scored all year. Grafton had the momentum going into halftime, and it seemed like if they continued to play the way they did, they'd get the win. Unfortunately for Grafton, the third quarter was where everything changed. Tantasqua made a few shots early, and they caught fire to open the 3rd quarter. Grafton was unable to match their persistent scoring, and because of this, Tantasqua stole all the momentum and were in a steady rhythm. They opened the quarter on an 11-2 run, and they outscored Grafton by 10 in the third. Grafton was now facing a 12 point deficit, and their chances of winning significantly decreased. However, Grafton would not go down without a fight, as they continued to play hard, trying to claw their way back into the game. They didn't let Tantasqua runaway with the game giving Tantasqua a run for their money. Grafton made it close at the end, but they just couldn't get the job done. Despite dominating the 4th quarter by outscoring them 17-10, they couldn't make the comeback and lost by a score of 48-43. Ryan Jack led Grafton’s comeback effort as he scored a game high 20 points. Effort and Shotmaking Despite losing this game, Grafton Indians head coach Mr. Patriatas, was very pleased with Grafton’s performance and effort. When Tantasqua went on their run in the 3rd quarter, which created a significant separation between the two teams on the scoreboard, there were two explanations for this. One explanation was that Grafton’s defense got lazy and they didn't play well overall as a team, and another explanation to this is that Tantasqua just got the hot hand and their shots were just falling. When coach Patraitis was asked about the reason for Tantasqua’s 3rd quarter explosion, he did not question the team's effort or defense at all. He praised the team’s effort, as he stated: “Our effort was outstanding, they [Tantasqua] hit a couple shots and got hot a little bit in the 3rd quarter, but our effort through 4 quarters was unbelievable.” Coach Patraitis was very pleased with the team’s effort, and he was happy with the team’s performance despite the loss. He also went on to say: “If we play that hard like we did tonight, were gonna be in good shape.” The reason why Tantasqua dominated Grafton in the 3rd quarter was because they just simply had the hot hand, and Grafton didn't. They were a really good rhythm and had a lot of momentum, and Grafton just wasn’t able to match it. Coach Patraitis added that “We were getting the shots we wanted, but we were just a little cold today.” This was certainly not the case in their narrow victory at Burncoat, as Grafton was on fire in that game. They scored a season high 75 points, and also made a whopping 12 three-pointers, which was also a season high. Grafton’s effort and determination on the court has been exceptional all year long, and it’s certainly been one of their strengths. Sometimes, these games just come down to which team has the hot hand. Strengths and Weaknesses So far throughout the 5 games this season, Grafton has lost 3 of them, and the biggest reason for this is Grafton’s rebounding. This certainly showed to be a weakness against Tantasqua, as there were a few plays where Tantasqua was getting 2 or 3 shots on one possession. Coach Patraitis elaborated on this subject stating, “we’re a small team this year, so we don’t have a lot of size, so we have to work on the glass an limiting teams to one shot (per possession) only is very important.” Grafton is a team of mostly guards, so they have a disadvantage in size against most teams. Because of this, getting rebounds is harder due to their small team size. On the flip side, Grafton has a very important strength, and that would be their team chemistry and effort. This is certainly something that the Grafton Indians should be proud of, as coach Patraitis certainly is. When he was asked about the team’s biggest strength, he said, “the biggest strength is easily our team chemistry and our effort. We play hard for 4 quarters, this is a great group of kids, they get along, play hard together, work well together, that is without a doubt a strength for us.” This is certainly important for successful teams because no matter how talented individual players are, it won't mean anything if the team can't work well with each other and don’t play hard. The Indians have exceptional team chemistry, work ethic, and determination, all of which are some of the most important qualities successful teams can have. Grafton’s determination and effort showed against Tantasqua, as wherever there was a loose ball, a Grafton player was always diving for it and risking their body for the team. Coach Patriatis added on by explaining how this helped during their win at Burncoat, stating, “we really stuck together as a team and worked well to pull that victory out against a very good Burncoat team.” The Grafton Indians are heading into 2019 with a 2-3 record. 2-3 doesn't look that great on paper, but there's no doubt that Grafton is headed in the right direction. They already have great team chemistry, all they need to hit their shots on offense and work on their rebounding. Their next game will be on the road against David Prouty, who are currently winless. |
Grafton Globe NewspaperStudent created articles in a student run digital newspaper. CategoriesArchives
February 2020
CategoriesHumans of Grafton High |