The Team Four.

Sucks for us.

2006-11-03T01:22:00.000-05:00

Hi. I ran across this, found it interesting. It's a good read. Really makes one think about our resources. I think I might start blogging here again (inspired by John Mayer) if anyone of you nitwits still check this place. I did give administrative blogging permission to President Crouse but he's obviously got better things to do (in his mind). I hope all of you are doing well.
adios.

Johnson

Report: Seafood faces collapse by 2048

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Clambakes, crabcakes, swordfish steaks and even humble fish sticks could be little more than a fond memory in a few decades.

If current trends of overfishing and pollution continue, the populations of just about all seafood face collapse by 2048, a team of ecologists and economists warns in a report in Friday's issue of the journal Science.

"Whether we looked at tide pools or studies over the entire world's ocean, we saw the same picture emerging. In losing species we lose the productivity and stability of entire ecosystems," said the lead author Boris Worm of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"I was shocked and disturbed by how consistent these trends are -- beyond anything we suspected," Worm said. (Who is catching what)

While the study focused on the oceans, concerns have been expressed by ecologists about threats to fish in the Great Lakes and other lakes, rivers and freshwaters, too.

Worm and an international team spent four years analyzing 32 controlled experiments, other studies from 48 marine protected areas and global catch data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's database of all fish and invertebrates worldwide from 1950 to 2003.

The scientists also looked at a 1,000-year time series for 12 coastal regions, drawing on data from archives, fishery records, sediment cores and archaeological data.

"At this point 29 percent of fish and seafood species have collapsed -- that is, their catch has declined by 90 percent. It is a very clear trend, and it is accelerating," Worm said. "If the long-term trend continues, all fish and seafood species are projected to collapse within my lifetime -- by 2048."

"It looks grim and the projection of the trend into the future looks even grimmer," he said. "But it's not too late to turn this around. It can be done, but it must be done soon. We need a shift from single species management to ecosystem management. It just requires a big chunk of political will to do it."

The researchers called for new marine reserves, better management to prevent overfishing and tighter controls on pollution.

In the 48 areas worldwide that have been protected to improve marine biodiversity, they found, "diversity of species recovered dramatically, and with it the ecosystem's productivity and stability."

While seafood forms a crucial concern in their study, the researchers were analyzing overall biodiversity of the oceans. The more species in the oceans, the better each can handle exploitation.

"Even bugs and weeds make clear, measurable contributions to ecosystems," said co-author J. Emmett Duffy of the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences.

The National Fisheries Institute, a trade association for the seafood industry, does not share the researchers alarm.

"Fish stocks naturally fluctuate in population," the institute said in a statement. "By developing new technologies that capture target species more efficiently and result in less impact on other species or the environment, we are helping to ensure our industry does not adversely affect surrounding ecosystems or damage native species.

Seafood has become a growing part of Americans' diet in recent years. Consumption totaled 16.6 pounds per person in 2004, the most recent data available, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That compares with 15.2 pounds in 2000.

Joshua Reichert, head of the private Pew Charitable Trusts' environment program, pointed out that worldwide fishing provides $80 billion in revenue and 200 million people depend on it for their livelihoods. For more than 1 billion people, many of whom are poor, fish is their main source of protein, he said.

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation's National Center for Ecological Synthesis and Analysis.

"Run to the Sun"

2006-05-15T19:09:00.000-04:00

Several times the question has been posed to me as to my favorite song. Although I conclude that it's a terrible question, the 1st song that always comes to mind is N.E.R.D's "Run to the Sun" along with "The Way of the World" by Earth Wind and Fire (ask your parents about them), and "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson. These songs share a special place in my heart and ear.

"The Way of the World" is a song I cherish and hold close due to my memories of childhood. Earth Wind and Fire is my fathers favorite bands (not to mention one of the main musical influences of Pharrell Williams) therefore I remember many a Saturday mornings hearing this song blaring in the living room while my parents cleaned the house. Although I was tucked away in my bedroom indulged in that morning's episode of The Muppet Babies, I could still hear the magical melody and my father's crooning in the background. I grew to appreciate it, and more importantly love it.

"Human Nature" is the 6th song of off Michael's most successful (27 million copies to date) album: "Thriller". To me, it's his best work. Melodically, in my opinion, there's not a song since that can touch it. Produced by Quincy Jones in 1982, to me this is the stand-out track on "the" masterpiece album. Any song containing the following lyrics deserves anyone's attention, no matter who penned them:

Looking out across the night time
the city winks a sleepless eye
hear her voice
shake my window
sweet seducing sighs

Get me out into the night-time
four walls won't hold me tonight
if this town is just an Apple then let me take a bite.

I mean...ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!? "the city winks a sleepless eye" - come on, that's amazing. I can guaranteee that no other singer/ songwriter can describe being young and in New York City like that. I GUARANTEEE it.

BUT - It's still not my favorite song.

I was introduced to my favorite song my freshman year @ East Carolina University (2000/ 2001). Two new hiphop producers that went by the name "The Neptunes" came out with a side project band named N.E.R.D. an acronym for No one Ever Really Dies. The band is composed of Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams and Shay Haley. I automatically related to these guys when 1st seeing a video for their 1st single which focuses on BMXing through neighborhoods, something that I spent my childhood doing. Not to mention them being natives of Virgina Beach, not too far from me. They're also from the suburbs, just like me. And after reading sereval interviews - I learned they are also fans of music, just like me. It was an instant love affair.

Their debut album "In Search Of" had two releases. The initial release was created digitally in a studio and has more of a "Neptunes" sound. It was released in the UK in 2001. It also leaked here in the states online (2001) and that's how people like myself got their hands on it, and are still proud owners to this day. The 2nd release they re-recorded "In Search Of" using live instruments and gave it a more intimate feel. Some fans favor the UK version, others the US. I tend to go back and forth, but for the most part they're both special in their own ways or songs.

The 7th song off of this album is titled "Run to the Sun". My earliest memory of this song takes place the summer going into my junior year in college. That summer my roomate and I would sit around and listen to music and analyze the lyrics (I know, nerds right?! - no pun intended). We spent hours doing this, especially with N.E.R.D.

"Run to the Sun" was special because we could never really put a finger on what/ who exactly they were referencing. It wasn't until sometime after in reading somewhere online about their writing styles and inspiration did it all make sense. The song was a letter to Chad Hugo's grandmother who had passed away. He was writing her telling her that he wishes they could leave together and he loved her. When reading the lyrics keep that in mind. It makes it easier to understand obviously. So without any futher ado, my favorite song, "Run to the Sun" - N.E.R.D.
(note: please read the lyrics while listening to the song.)
For your listening pleasure:
"Run to the Sun" - N.E.R.D. (US version)

"Run to the Sun" - N.E.R.D. (UK version)

For your reading pleasure:

Thinking about the time we share
And how I wasn't there
It hurt me
These people overwork me
Then I heard maybe soon you'll leave
Excuse me lord if you have tricks up your sleeve,
I'm not ready to be bereaved
I know I'm always asking for something
Or another
But this time, it's just time
'Cause I love her
But baby if he don't change his mind
Or fate or time
Yo I want to leave you with this line

It goes while you're here
I wanna tell you something
It's that I love you girl
Yeah, and I wish we could run to the sun
And never come back

Yesterday I tied two rocks together
That symbolize our lives
And threw them in the ocean
Now they're on the ocean floor coastin'
'Til they stop rollin' so far
That no sonar would list them
To the point that no one would even believe that we existed
I know that may sound twisted
But my neglect is killin' me
I feel so guilty
Please have faith in if you feel me

While you're here
I wanna tell you something
It's that I love you girl
Yeah, and I wish we could run to the sun
And never come back

Though you're probably feelin' blue
And you'll do what you must do
I hope you know
I'd hand the skies to you
I'm so embarrassed for mankind
To have the nerve to let their weapon shine
They're so stupid
They don't know you're about to fly high
Away

With the wings that God will give you someday
I'm not jealous
I just can't take it
S.O.S. to your ears, the only thing I ever feared was this day
And having to say

While you're here
I wanna tell you something
It's that I love you girl
Yeah, and I wish we could run to the sun
And never come back

Teen Age Commandments - Brittany Carroll

2006-04-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

Teen Age Commandments

Don’t let your PARENTS down – they brought you up.
STOP and THINK before you DRINK.
BE SMART – OBEY. You’ll GIVE orders yourself some day.
Ditch DIRTY THOUGHTS fast – or they’ll ditch you.
SHOW OFF driving is juvenile – act your age.
Pick the right FRIENDS to be picked for a friend.
Choose a – DATE who is fit for a MATE.
Don’t go steady unless you’re ready.
Love GOD and your neighbors
LIVE CAREFULLY – The Soul You Save May Be Your Own.

Vicky Ott: An Ode to 3rd Period.

2006-04-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Ode to 3^rd Period: Victoria Ott

Davis – In drama when I said I would be you if I could, I meant it. You’re fun to be around, and I love the monkeys.

Rebekah – I like your bangs. No seriously, keep ‘em. I’ve always felt kind of connected to you. I guess it’s because everyone thought I was you last year. I like making you laugh.

LeAnne – You’re smart. It intimidates me just a little. Talk to me sometime?

Andrew – Give up on the ‘momma’ thing stick to Chuck Norris. Can we have partners?

Dorothy – You are the sweetest person I know. You like, never get mad. You kind of remind me of your mom. Love ya.

Paige – Is it possible to be too in love with books? I guess not. It’s good to be with your random self, you make it difficult to be sad.

Christiana – You never fail to give a compliment. When you really get into a topic, you’re more intellectual than I. Thanks for making me love Romanian music.

Abby – I think you’re the most beautiful girl in the school. You always look like you’re thinking… About what?

Josh – You know.

Brooke – You’ve always been so nice to me. Thanks

Tim – You have power. I look up to you

Robert – If you ever need a pencil, you know where to come.

Melissa – Thanks for talking to me after orientation. Your freckles are pretty

Morgan – You draw really well. I wish I knew you better.

Kat – Thanks for being there for me in 6^th grade. I could lose myself in your writing. I’ll buy your books someday.

Ashley Davis – I’ve never really gotten to talk to you all that much. You’ve always been nice to me though. So thanks

Roderick – You have a way of making people laugh with subtle observations. Never change

Kayla – I’m sorry I scared you so badly in the 6^th grade. I’m better this year. But you really do look like my Aunt.

Jordan – You have a certain energy that draws people to you. You’ll make a great director, people listen to you.

Tabitha – You’ve always been so sweet. Don’t ever think you’re less than anyone else.

Adam – You always float off into your own world, which makes you fun to talk to. Have you ever considered comedy as a career? You make everyone laugh.

Andy – Did you know I can actually read your handwriting? It’s nice to have you around because you’re always so happy.

Ashley Doran - You’ll be famous one day. I can already tell by your signature. I hate not being on your debate team. The LWCP could use you. (yes they could! – Johnson)

Steven – I like tater tots too man.

Vince – We passed way too many notes last year. Thanks for being there for me.

Jake – I’ve always felt like you were my big brother. Have you ever eaten so much ranch dressing you got sick? I like your cowboy boots.

Sam – Everyone loves you and you know it. You make science much less boring.

Courtney – Any of my friends will tell you how much I admire you. I didn’t think people could be pretty, smart, and nice until I met you.

Will – You’re smarter than you let on.

Tim Raveica

2006-04-14T15:32:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend of March 31^st I attended “Acquire The Fire”. This event was held in Charlotte at Cricket Arena, which was packed on both days. This event encouraged the Christian youth to continue to increase their love for God and how to be better Christians. A term that used frequently was Warriors, which I liked very much. In the messages by the preacher, he spoke about how we must be Warriors for Christ and to endure through persecution and the hateful things of this world. There was also a lot of singing and worship time. Some Christian artists that performed were Skillet, Pillar, and KJ-52. Many people gave their lives to the Lord and it is something that I am looking forward to attending in the future.

Tim Raveica

Andrew Towery

2006-04-14T15:23:00.000-04:00

Hey what’s up yall! I wrote a little something for you about my usual Saturday night. If you don’t know already I race a street stock Chevy Nova and a Chevy Camaro at Hickory Motor Speedway. I wanted to write a little something for yall race fans.

My race is 50 laps. I have five laps to get by Marshall Sutton a Racing Champ eight years running. He knows how to race and blocks all of my moves. I’m bumping him, going left and right. By now only two laps to go and my dad tells me what I need to do to win. I’ve never won before so I’m running my car to its limit. I get to the last lap and the last run and I take the end side and beat him by less than an inch. After that I got a lot more respect from fellow racers and fans. The reason is because I showed them I belong and I’m a force to be reckoned with. I did 360s and burnouts after my 1^st win ever. I’ve gone on to win 14 more races and a Championship and now I’ve started to race in some late models, the fastest cars on the track.

If you have a free Saturday, come out and support me and enjoy some good clean family fun. Thanks

Andrew Towery #64

p.s. Be cool and be safe

New Posters On The Way!

2006-04-04T14:22:00.000-04:00

I have just made the order for the new posters that should be here in the next couple weeks (after spring break).

I have decided that you will be able to keep the posters in the room for yourself (minus the my "Star Wars" poster) IF you write a brief essay for me explaining why you are best fit to keep that particular poster.

The posters are above. I hope you like them.

leave your comments below.

Summer.

2006-02-05T07:50:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while you hear a song that reminds you of the summer and all of its grandeur. It’s a wonderful time which calls for equally wonderful theme music. This song is that theme music, it embodies all that is fantastic about the time of year when we sleep in, find ourselves, create undying memories, and grow up. The Summer.

This song is by Jamiroquai. I'm sure you all have heard his music.

The "dance" scene in Napoleon Dynomite when Napoleon wins over the student vote by engaging in rhythmic arm and leg gesticulations was to the Jamiroquai song "Canned Heat". This dance music legend from the U.K. has a knack for creating catchy, feel-good, dance tunes that one can't help but get up out their seat and bust a move to.

His US debut single "Virtual Insanity" from the "Traveling Without Moving" album won 1997's MTV's Video of The Year Award.

For you listening and downloading pleasure:

Jamiroquai - Seven Days in Sunny June.
(click to download)

Welcome to our Blog. Team 4.

2006-02-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

This is our blog; "Our" - meaning team four. Being that we all love to read and write, why not make it digital as well? We don't have a school newspaper (much to our dismay), so here's a way to post and have a creative outlet in lieu of a school publication. The best part about it is; its us, our favorite team: team four.

Here is how this is going to work:

What is a blog?

Go here and read for yourself

What will be blogged?
Whatever you want to submit to Mr. Johnson for publication will be blogged. Of course this is a screening process, and only good, thought provoking, positive, and grammatically correct, entries will be selected for blogging.

When will it be blogged?
Each period (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) will have an opportunity to submit a post to be blogged twice a week. If one period does not submit a post before Wed. of the week, that blog opportunity goes to another period.

Ex. : If 3rd period only submits 1 blog-post (that is approved) before Wed. - one of the other periods can submit 3 posts. Remember each class can submit 2 blog-posts per week.

Why?
Why not.

What will be blogged?
Anything you submit to me. Be it book, music, or movies reviews, test tasking tips (alliteration), poems, or you wanting to vent your opinion about a subject.

I will be blogging as well, listing extras tidbits of information that I gather both off and online: Interesting readings, student relevant subject matter, and current events.

How can you respond?
At the end of each blog entry will be a "comments" tab to click. Click on this tab and leave your comments about the blog-post you just read by one of your classmates. Be it a "wow man, great writing" or a "I never thought about that, but I don't agree, here's why........". Of course all comments are screened by Yours Truly so if you are unable to reply in a mature and positive way, you will be banned from viewing this blog in the future (yes, I can do that).
note: any anonymous post replies will not be added. You must include your name.

Please be aware of the links on the side of the screen. These links (that will increase in number) will be helpful to you.