Hoofprint

Every once in a while, I turn on the radio. I really don’t like doing this, because it usually just ends up in me throwing stuff in the radio’s general direction. Why? Because most music today is really, really bad.

It’s a-flipping-mazing what kind of stuff ends up on the top of the charts. I think that now, all you need is glitter and auto-tune to get a record deal. And this wouldn’t be so irritating if there wasn’t legitimately GOOD music out there, not even reaching the top 100. Of course, occasionally something decent slips onto the radar, but those occurrences are extremely rare. People just sample a song from a decade of two ago, add a stuttering, mindless chorus, send it out, and it’s on the radio 24/7 for two weeks.

Meanwhile, brilliant artists are sitting in this mess, invisible in the shadow of utter junk. What does it make us look like as a country when the top of our charts are anthems for shower-avoiding binge drinkers?

Come on, people. Shape up. If more people think about what this music actually is, then maybe we’ll stop buying it. And if that happens, maybe a new music revolution will be on our hands. Think about it.

Mr. Hale is a social studies teacher for the 6th grade Mantas team. A lot of people at MMS talk about Mr. Hale’s ghost story class, and all want to take it. Mr. Hale has been teaching for quite a while here at Martin but perhaps you can learn some things here you didn’t already know.

Q: When is your birthday, and where were you born? A: I was born on September 3rd, and I was born in Raleigh.

Q: Who is the family member you are closest, and why? A: Probably my wife, because I have spent the majority of my life with her.

Q: While in middle school, what was your favorite subject, and who was the teacher? A: I think my favorite class was 7th grade science and the teacher was named Mr. James.

Q: Who is a role model of yours, and why? A: My role model was my grandfather, because he was a very polite man, and he was the superintendent of schools, and was much respected.

Q: During your free time, what are some things you like to do? A: I like to play basketball, read, and sometimes write.

Q: What sports or activities do you do? A: I like to play basketball a lot, and I also like to run

Q: How long have you taught at Martin? A: This year will be my 31st year teaching at Martin.

Q: What is your favorite college sports team? A: NC State Wolfpack!

Q: What is one thing you really want to do before you die? A: I think I would like to write a book.

Q: If you could be one place right now, besides school, where would it be and why? A: I would like to be at Topsail Beach, because it is my favorite place.

Q: What is one thing not many people know about you? A: When I was at an NC State vs. Carolina basketball game, I was cheering against UNC and Michael Jordan squirted me with his water bottle!

Mrs. Cleveland is a new addition to the MMS staff. She is a sixth grade science teacher on the Manta Rays team. She took Mrs. Brannon’s place in the staff, and while Mrs. Brannon is missed, Mrs. Cleveland was welcomed with open arms. This interview took place on February 3, 2011.

Q: When is your birthday and where were you born?

A: January 26, 1982- 29 years old; Wilmington, Delaware

Q: Who is the family member you are closest with and why?

A: My mom is my best friend and we are close. My dad is my other best friend because he is like an extension of me.

Q: While in middle school who was your favorite teacher and why?

A: My science teacher because he was fun, friendly, and made the time in class enjoyable and engaging.

Q: Who is a role model of yours and for what reasons?

A: My mother-in-law is my role model. She is a principal at one of the highest rated schools in her state. She raised three kids and got her masters degree while raising the kids. She is also the most selfless person and balanced

Q: During your free time what activities do you enjoy?

A: I enjoy running, taking my son to the playground and shopping but that rarely happens.

Q: What sports do you play?

A: I play field hockey, basketball, soccer, I ran and I swam.

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: For about six years.

Q: What is your favorite college team?

A: UNC Tarheels.

Q: What are some things you want to do before you die?

A: I want to go to Italy and watch my son play collegiate sports.

Q: If you could pick one place to be at right now, where would it be and why?

A: Somewhere warm and tropical.

Q: What is one thing that no one knows about you?

A: I would love to be a principal, to have a positive effect on more students than just the ones in my classroom.

I went around the school asking kids how to be social in middle school I got a lot of different answers:

“Open your mouth and talk to people” Reed said.

“Throw a party and talk to strangers in the hallway.” Laura said.

“Go to social events such as football games and Mustang Madness.” Conner said.

“Facebook, texting, and MySpace.” Justice said.

Over all, most people said to just talk to people. The best answers were to go to school dances and games to meet people. Also to talk to kids in your homeroom and make jokes. The real question is how do you not make friends? Well I got a lot of answers for that too.

“Instead of sitting in the corner and reading, go out and talk to people.” Anonymous said.

“Don’t smile and be mean to people.” Another person told me.

“Be weird and non-social and don’t hang out with friends.” Madison stated.

Recently I made some cupcakes for our class that are in the theme of MMS’s colors. The class really enjoyed the cupcakes and craved for more. I really suggest making these cupcakes for they can really spark your taste buds. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe :

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour* 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 oz. red food coloring (two bottles) 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.

2. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, mix food coloring and cocoa powder to form a thin paste without lumps; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla and the red cocoa paste, scraping down the bowl with a spatula as you go. Add one third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat well, then beat in half of the buttermilk. Beat in another third of flour mixture, then second half of buttermilk. End with the last third of the flour mixture, beat until well combined, making sure to scrape down the bowl with a spatula.

4. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda. Yes, it will fizz! Add vinegar mixture to the cake batter and stir well to combine. Using an ice cream scoop, fill cupcake cups with cake batter (they should be 2/3 – 3/4 full). You may not fill all the cups, I ended up with 20 cupcakes. Place muffin tins on the middle rack of a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check early and don’t overbake!

5. Cool the cupcakes in their tins on a wire rack for 10 minutes then remove and allow to cool completely before frosting. Frost cupcakes with cream cheese icing (recipe below) and decorate with red sprinkles if desired. The cupcakes above were decorated using the Wilton Cupcake Decorating Kit and Valentine’s Sprinkles. They can usually be found at craft stores like Michaels or Joann.

6. Enjoy the cupcakes with those you love!

Recipe Notes: *Sift cake flour once before measuring, then sift again with the other dry ingredients per recipe instructions. Wear an apron and be careful with the red food coloring–no matter how hard I try, I always end up staining something! As you’re mixing the cake batter, use a spatula to scrape down the bowl frequently throughout the entire process. Since the batter is fairly thick, I have found that an old-fashioned ice cream scoop works best for filling the cupcake wells (also great for muffin batter!). Since all ovens are different, make sure you check the cupcakes a little early. Mine were ready in just over 2o minutes, yours may be done sooner, or they may take a minute or two longer.

Cream Cheese Frosting

16 oz. cream cheese (2 packages), softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick), softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted pinch of salt

With an electric mixer, blend together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Turn mixer to low speed and blend in powdered sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Turn mixer on high and beat until light and fluffy. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. If refrigerated, the frosting will need to be brought to room temperature before using (after frosting softens up, beat with mixer until smooth).

Recipe Notes: If you prefer a sweeter and/or stiffer frosting, more powdered sugar can be added (up to four cups). But remember, the more sugar you add, the less you’ll be able to taste the tangy cream cheese!

We asked Mrs. Hesmer some questions and here they are.

When did you begin counseling?

“I started last year August of 2009 at a high school.”

When did you decide to pursue counseling?

“I found out in my senior year of college I wanted to start counseling.”

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

“In middle school when I was playing basketball and I scored in the wrong goal.”

If you could visit any place (mythical or real) what would it be?

“Definitely China”

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

"I have two brothers one is older and one is younger.”

Where are you from?

“Wilson NC.”

Do you have any obsessions?

“I love eating white rice.”

What’s the best part about being a school counselor?

“I love working with so many students.”

What’s your favorite quote and why?

“Treat others the way you wish to be treated.”

Why did you decide to go to MMS?

“August of 2010 after an internship here.”

What jobs did you have before you became a counselor?

“I was a nanny and a camp counselor.”

What super power would you want and why?

“I would love mind reading.”

What’s your favorite movie?

“Father of the Bride.”

What’s you favorite food?

“I love rice!”

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

“A mix of vanilla and chocolate.”

` ON BULLYING

Do you think the bullying percentage has increased over the past year?

“Not necessarily I just think we have become more aware.”

How do you thing we can help?

“I think if you or a friend is experiencing bullying problems you need to talk or encourage them to talk to an adult.”

So it seems that maybe there’s more to Ms. Hesmer than we thought!

Justin Bieber’s new movie came out Friday February 11th, 2011.It was a story about Justin Bieber’s life. Like how he became famous, how his life has changed since he has been famous and his fans, friends, and family (FFF). The movie was the bomb. I saw it with my friends and I even met some new ones.

(Sydney) What did you think of the movie?

“Justin Bieber is so amazing and his movie was so awesome because I love him so much and he’s so hot and I love his hair flip! The movie was really fun… I wish I could meet him because he’s the hottest person I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m pretty much obsessed with him <3.”

What was your favorite part of the movie?

“My favorite part of the movie was when they talked to us.”

(Jasmine) What did you think of the movie?

“It was SOOOOO HHHHOOOOTTTT!!! It was amazing. I had a good time with my friends it was entertaining and informative. It shows that not only girls like him and his music, and that he really has talent. His voice is not just robotic and not edited like crazy. He is naturally talented and has been since the age of two when he learned to play the drums.”

What is your favorite part of the movie?

“My favorite part in the movie was when Justin Bieber took off his shirt. He has a nice body.”