Curious about the Canoes in the Commons?

 

The Construction of Canoes

By Meglin Bodner

           The Advanced Woodworking classes have worked hard to complete handmade canoes with the help of their teacher, Mr. Niemiec, and various others. Mr. Niemiec was thinking of new projects that the students could try out. He wasn’t sure exactly what to do, so he asked another shop teacher. They came up with making canoes. Mr. Niemiec said that when he was in high school, he built two dinghy type boats. So, he had already had some experience with making boats. This gave him and his students an advantage.

He said, “I got the idea for the canoes from this fellow shop teacher and my wife then got me the book with the plans for these canoes, the rest is now BHS history.”

            Before the construction of the canoes could begin, materials were needed. They used West System Marine Epoxy, ¼” A/C Ext. Plywood, Pine & Maple, Mahogany, and Purple Heart hardwoods for seats and paddles. These were obtained by Mr. Niemiec at the Branford Building Supplies store near the town green and also Birbarie Marine, which is near Branford.

            Now, here was where the building came into play. It took about 2 months to build the canoes. Next came the planning. The plan was that the canoes were going to be tried out behind BHS at the boat ramp. The students weren’t sure if they would actually float or not, but soon they found the canoes to be successful! Mr. Niemiec remarked, “Yes, happily they not only float and are completely water tight, they are also extremely fun and easy to manage. They are designed for calm water and no more than 250 lbs. of weight, and are best suited for one person.” The only element that still needs to be put on is the paint, but altogether they did a really nice job with them.

            After the paint is on and the canoes are finished, Mr. Niemiec plans to raffle them at $5.00 per chance with the drawing at the Spring launch and barbecue during a field trip with the Occupational Foods Classes in 2010. At first, he was thinking on selling them, but no one stepped forward. More plans were coming about. Mr. Niemiec was saying, “Yes, we plan to make more each semester, and possibly some kayaks, in the hope of creating a new full year course specifically for boat building and framing.”

Wild About Animal Prints

by Madeline Alden

 Animal prints will never go out of style; with their fierce origins and exotic style, they will continue to remain in many peoples’ wardrobes. Incorporating animal prints into your outfit is easy. For a more subtle look just pair a cheetah print cardigan with a white tee, dark skinny jeans and boots. For a more eye catching look like Justine, wear a snake skin print dress. Justine Morgane jokingly says, “The print is like a second skin to me” about the dress.

Coral’s wild outfit was worn for a dress up day for the swim team but her outfit is another example of how fierce and dramatic animal prints can be. Another great combination is a black dress with cheetah print tights. Tights can add a striking touch to the Little Black Dress look.

First photo (left): Justine Morgan, second photo (right): Coral Serranno-Bennit

Upcoming Blood Drive

 By Hannah Kahl

 On October 30, 2009 BHS is having a blood drive from 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. in the old gym.

Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to save someone’s life. People often forget that some people rely on donated blood to be able to live their lives. Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, anemia and other illnesses. People that have cancer or a blood disorder may need regular blood transfusions to live. One donation of blood can save up to three lives and after donating you will feel good about yourself knowing that you might have just saved a child, a brother, or a sister. Giving blood is an easy process and I believe that everyone should give blood at least once in their life. Many people will say “oh well I’m scared of needles!” My reply to those people would be the pain and suffering of those in need of blood is far greater than the prick of a needle. The caregivers at the blood donation centers are well trained, and will tend to your every need. People react in many different ways but no one will ever be allowed to leave until they are ready. Some people may feel light-headed, some people may feel anxious, others may feel nothing at all but all donors are equally evaluated to make sure they are feeling fine when they leave.

 People rely on every type of blood but O negative blood is very rare and always in short supply. No matter what your type of blood please consider donating. All blood is needed all the time.

To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.

 Be there and make a difference!

Photo from here.

VLA

Inspired by Vh1’s You Oughta Know.

Vincent’s Late Arrival

By Rachel Rimm

The band Vincent’s Late Arrival (better known as VLA) made their debut this past spring at Jamnesty. VLA consists of Dan Rimm on the drums, Shane Emery on guitar and lead vocals, John Vincent on guitar and backup vocals, and Emmett Cassidy on bass and backup vocals. When asked what genre of music they play, drummer Dan Rimm replied, “We’re an alternative rock band that deviates into other musical styles on the inconsistent whims of its members.” The band was optimistic that, during the summer, they’d be able to boost their publicity and gain some fans, but they didn’t know that the end of the summer would bring a victory in a Battle of the Bands competition. The band entered the competition at “The Space” in Hamden, hoping to do well and have a good time.  After an excellent performance followed by deafening applause from friends and strangers alike, the band made it to the final round. In the entire contest, there were roughly forty-eight other bands. VLA was one of only nine bands who made it to the finals. “After we found out that we made it to the final round,” Bassist Emmett Cassidy remarked, “I was surprised… but I had a feeling that we had it. When we got off the stage, we all kind of looked at each other, and we knew… it was ours.” After hours of long, sometimes frustrating and hard-to-schedule practices, the band stepped onto the stage for the final round. They played their best, and walked away with $1000 and a great feeling of victory. “I was expecting it to be one of our best performances, but I did not expect to win,” said guitarist John Vincent. “I was really surprised because everyone else was a lot older… much more put together,” commented Shane Emery. So $1000 prize money to a group of teenage boys? What will it be spent on, you may ask?   Vincent answered, “We split $500 between the four of us. The other half we are going to put toward equipment that will benefit the whole band.” Recently the band purchased a Didgeridoo, which is a large instrument that originated in Australia. A Didgeridoo? Why? “Well, we went to an Incubus concert, and they had a Didgeridoo. We’re trying to incorporate unique instruments in rock music. We’re considering bagpipes…” joked Shane Emery. Even though the members have moved apart, the band plans on staying together. This winter, they will record their first CD. Any last words for your fans, VLA? “Thanks so much to everyone! We appreciate your support! We love you guys!”

Want to know more? Check out VLA’s Myspace and Facebook.

Photo by Rachel Rimm

For more interviews with local artists check out our interviews with:

The Red Tide

Dr. Rocktopus and the Nunks

Great Caesar and the GoGetters

The Smyrk

The Golden Mic Comedy Club

By Ryan Viglione

 

            This past weekend, I attended the kick off show of the newly opened Golden Mic Comedy Club started by Branford High School’s very own Greg Nobile. Most of you have seen Greg’s talented acting in the school plays and singing in the school’s choir; he is a very motivated person.  For those of you who don’t know, the club is located in the Branford Center across from Benny J’s Pizzeria. Small, yet ambitious, the club drew a large crowd along with performers David Foster of MTV and BHS alum Mike Golod. Both were hilarious and had audience members rolling on the floor and raving about the comedians. Not only was Nobile able to provide entertainment in the Golden Mic, there were also refreshments consisting of ice cold soda pop, delicious pizza, tea, and hot chocolate.   Gio Esposito, a BHS senior, said that “Greg Nobile’s club is an amazing way to spend my Friday night.” The doorman/bouncer, Emmett Cassiday, said the club was “fantabulous” and I agree with him.  After the show, Greg told me he had the idea for the club three weeks ago in New York and that he is planning on hosting more shows and hopefully have an open mic night with musical artists. All in all, the club was fantastic and is definitely here to stay.

 Photos: (left) Greg Nobile, (middle) Mike Golod, (right) David Foster

Photos taken by Rachel Rimm

Drive-In Movie Theaters: They Still Exist!

By Hannah Kahl

            Many people think of drive-in movie theaters as a thing of the past, but there are still some drive-in movie theaters around. The first drive-in movie theater opened in New Jersey in 1933. Drive-in movie theaters continued to be very popular throughout the next few decades, especially during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Drive-ins were known as the place to be on a summer night. Parents would take their kids to see the most recently released movie and teenagers in high school loved going to the drive-in. 90% of all drive-ins are now gone in the United States, but there are two left in Connecticut. The drive-ins in Connecticut that remain are the Mansfield Drive-In and the Pleasant Valley Drive-In. There used to be a drive-in movie theater in Branford called the Summit Drive-In on the Branford Hill. Surrounding towns, such as East Haven, Milford, and West Haven all had drive-ins as well.

            This past summer I got to go to a drive-in movie theater in Malta, New York and it was such a great experience. The drive-in my family and I went to was just a big unpaved field with two screens set up. Each movie could hold about 150 cars. We saw the movie Orphan, which is a scary movie and watching it at the drive-in made it even scarier. The cars are lined up in total blackness with no lights in view. You are not even allowed to drive in with your headlights on.

            The show begins with the old commercials from the fifties and sixties. There is a countdown to the feature film so that those people who have walked to the snack bar may return in time. Some of the old speakers that are set on poles are still in operating condition, but most people listen to the sound through the car radio. We loved it so much we went back again before the summer was over and saw The Final Destination. Some people that were at the drive-in had chairs set up, but my family and I just stayed in the car and watched. It is much better than the expensive, and typical, Branford Regal Movie Theater. Many drive-ins still offer car load night which is one price for the entire car no matter how many people come in. The drive- in asks that you purchase snacks from the snack bar but most people bring in coolers and food. I wish we still had a drive-in movie theater in Branford because it is a great and entertaining way to see new movies on a hot summer night.

Photo from Here.

September Student Fashion

By Madeline Alden

This fall, the trends most apparent in the halls of Branford High School are floral prints, high-waisted skirts and plaid.

While plaid has always gone in and out of fashion, the contemporary look appears to be more fitted shirts and dresses. Many students are wearing this trend, while sporting a plaid dress Steph Dahlin says, “I think it’s cool that plaid is in style again. You could dress it up or down.” Steph Dahlin’s purple plaid dress is a chic alternative on the 90’s grunge staple.

            Floral prints are reminiscent of the summer so it is no surprise that they are very prominent this fall. Bright bold florals are big this year with their feminine pattern and summery charm. Rachel Baker pulls in this trend with a floral shirt and t-shirt combo, Rachel’s stance on style is “I love when an outfit looks effortless yet everything ties together into a distinct style.”

Put way the mini’s because high-waisted shirts are back in style. Currently many students at Branford are wearing high-waisted shirts with a tee for a casual look or spicing the trend up with a ruffled blouse. One of the students is Erika Zocher who says, “I think that the high-waisted skirt trend is really great because it reminds me of the 40’s or 50’s, and I’ve always wished I could live back then,” about this look.

Join the Buzz

If you have ever had any interest in writing for the school newspaper, The Buzz, come to the meeting on Wednesday September 2, at 2:30 in  E12.

If you cannot attend contact Mrs. Butler, Colin Tripp, or just comment this post with your name and email.

Photo from: Kera.org

Branford Student Cooking on Channel 8

On June 11, 2009 James Bannon and Zachary Fair appeared on the WTNH Channel 8 midday show in a cooking showcase making Lemon Tartlets. The segment was taped early in the morning and air at approximately 12:30 last Thursday. If you missed it air, you can still see it here

Photo Credit: Here

-Madeline Alden

The Red Tide

Inspired by Vh1’s You Oughta Know.

(An interview with the new local band The Red Tide with Matt Schell and Sam Blackstone)

The Buzz: You’re called the Red Tide. Why did you choose that?

The Red Tide: You may have noticed the video we projected at Mr. BHS. Well, as Matt looked at different videos to include, he found a bunch on the red tide, an algae bloom that occurs in New England and Florida.  The tide makes great impact on the ecosystem and literally changes the water color to red. Similar to the tide, we’re trying to change music and bring in some different colors of our own.

B: Have you played out much?

RT: We’ve played every show we’ve ever been offered. Most of the shows have been at the high school and a few have been at the Guilford Congressional Church. We’re very new, which makes it difficult to get a gig. But, after we get a few recordings done and create some advertisement, we’ll be playing at places like The Space.

B: What style of music do you play?

RT: Well, I’m not really sure. It’s kind of like The White Stripes got into a crash with Beck and Radiohead and out popped something great. We’re trying to make something new and exciting.

B: Do you do covers? Or is it all original music?

RT: No, we don’t do any covers. All of the songs are completely original, even some of the tones on the piano have been custom made to give that extra uniqueness. Matt does all of the song writing, but he works with Sam to find the perfect beat to match the music style.
B: Are there any famous bands/musicians who greatly influence you?

RT: Our band has a very wide of influences. As mentioned earlier we have a sound that gives hints of The White Stripes and Beck. But, we’re always searching more new and interesting sounds to give us inspiration. Recently, we found the band Mute Math, a new band with an amazing drummer and electronic sound that sounds like nothing else. We are also influenced by some of the older blues masters and even get into jams that are derived from some of the funk masters from the 70’s.

B: Tell me about any new stuff.

RT: We have a ton of new stuff coming out. First off, we hope to have eight recorded songs done by the end of June that we’ll be able to make into an album titled, Within the Tide. We have also designed a few t-shirts and stickers that we’ll be giving away. If you would like to hear what we sound like, we have a new myspace (www.myspace.com/theredtidect) that will be constantly updated.  Also, we are considering expanding, adding a bass player to the group. We’re still searching, so if you like our style, and play bass, let one of know!

Thanks to the members of The Red Tide. Good luck!

By Rachel Rimm

Photo credit: Miranda Platt

For more interviews with local artists check out our interviews with:

Dr. Rocktopus and the Nunks

Great Caesar and the GoGetters

The Smyrk