This issue of Smoke Signals from March 2014 features articles on the spring musical The Wiz at Peters Township High School, advice for choosing between the SAT and ACT standardized tests, profiles of baseball player Max Augenstein and the boys lacrosse team as they prepare for the upcoming season, and memories from senior lacrosse player Allison Hurley. It also includes introductions to the editorial staff and sections for various content.

1. Smoke Signals
March 2014/Vol. 5 Issue 4
That’ll
Leave a
Mark
pg. 11
Faculty Face-Off: Winner Revealed

2. Josh Glicksman
Editorial Team Leader
Cassi Deluca
Layout Editor-in-Chief
Kristin Slomiany
Layout Editor-in-Chief
Shane Dazen
Print Editor-in-Chief
Jenna Taimuty
Print Editor-in-Chief
Jesse Eby
Section Editor-Student Content
Andrew Stroud
Section Editor-Student Content
Rebecca Perryman
Web Editor-in-Chief
Casey Kirwan
Web Editor-in-Chief
Andrea Salizzoni
Web Editor-in-Chief
Nicole Torchio
Business Editor-in-Chief
JC Brush
Section Editor-Sports
Kelsey Hunter
Section Editor-Sports
Elise Jozwiak
Section Editor-Entertainment
MeettheSeniorEditors
Kassianna Politis- #connect Editor
Natalie Rihmland- Business Editor-in-Chief
Nicole Spindler- Business Editor-in-Chief
Nicole Folino- Section Editor: Life and Style
Maria Hoge- Section Editor: News
Madi Start- Section Editor: PT Focus
Vanessa Scoulos- Section Editor: Student Content
Meet the Junior Editors
Nicole Beichner
Naomi Burke
EmmaLee Ducoeur
Bailey Fink
Olivia Glod
Alana Hiner
Jill Kovac
Maddy Lampert
Emilou Landas
Natalie Leven
Kourtney Martin
Valerie Mikec
Deidra Moran
Tori Piscatelli
Joanna Pollock
Karen Richtar
Maddie Woodrow
Brenna Woodside
Staff

3. Sports:
Entertainment: PT Focus:
Life and Style:
Student Work:
Teacher:
67
4
18
11
8
22-23
24
Table of Contents
Mission Statement
Smoke Signals is produced six times a school year by the students of
Media II, III, IV Journalism Staff at Peters Township High School.
The staff adviser is Mrs. N. Sitler.
Commentaries, reviews, and opinion columns are the expressed opin-
ion of the author and not of Smoke Signals, its adviser, or the Peters
Township School District.
#Connect:
12-13
16-17
People Features:
14
Athletes of the Month
Faculty Face-Off
PT Lax
The Wiz
Subject to Change:
That’ll Leave a Mark
Spring Throwback Pics
Blackhurst Says Yes to the Dress
Proma Teaching 101: Mr. Kuhn
Netflix vs. Hulu

5. Volume 5 Issue 2
Peters Township High School
264 East McMurray Road
McMurray, PA 15317
724-941-6250
www.ptmedia.net
Smoke Signals
Layout by Kristin Slomiany

6. 04 Layout by Val Mikec
PT Focus // March 2014PTHS
POWER RANKINGS: Top 5 Reasons Your
Bracket Will Bust
Keep dreaming for the billion dollars from Warren Buffet, everybody. I promise you that this isn’t your year. Sorry
‘bout it.
5. You Forgot About That Scottie Reynolds Moment
Sorry Pitt fans, this is aimed directly at you. How many years in a row have the Panthers choked and
underperformed at the dance? Too many. It’s a yearly process: Pitt has a strong season and gets the fans hopes up
before the tourney. The seemingly rational hope then leads to over commitment when filling out brackets. This
leads to a disappointing loss too early in the Round of 32 for the Panthers, leaving Pitt fans with another year’s
bracket down the tubes. The Panthers are almost as keen for heartbreaking losses as the Northwestern Wildcats (say
hello to Tyler Ennis for me, Pitt fans). So before you all rush to place the Panthers way too far in the tournament,
just picture Scottie Reynolds going coast-to-coast untouched for a game-winning lay-up back in 2009.
4. You Forgot About That Controversial Call in the Duke Game
Like it or not, it’s bound to happen. I’m 64.78% sure (and hey, that’s a passing grade, right?) that it’ll come in a Duke
match-up. Let’s be honest: the Blue Devils win controversial calls more often than not. With the Rodney Hood call
going against them vs. Syracuse back in February, I highly doubt they will miss two calls in a row. Something about a
5’10”, 67-year-old coach with a ridiculously difficult last name to spell/pronounce must strike fear into NCAA Men’s
Basketball referees. Even if it doesn’t come in the Duke game, somewhere along the line your bracket will be heavily
affected by a ref. Let’s just hope for your sake that Tim Donaghy chose the same thirteen over four upset that you did.
3. You Forgot About That Favorite Falling Early
It’s always safe to pick the favorites, right? Definitely not. I still haven’t gotten over the fact that Norfolk
State (a fifteen seed) beat Missouri (a two seed, and my national champion) back in 2012. That same year,
another two-seeded Duke lost to another fifteen-seeded Lehigh. My advice, and keep in mind that I’m
historically awful at these things, is to avoid influence from the “gurus.” I’m surprised Dick Vitale even
knows how to form sentences anymore, let alone be an “expert picker.” If you want to follow the picks of
Digger Phelps, just keep in mind that you’re listening to someone who has the first name of Digger. Make
up your own mind. On a final note for favorites, just remember: the popular pick is incorrect more often
than not.
2. You Forgot About That Underdog Pulling a “George Mason”
Raise your hand if you had Wichita State in your final four last year. Raise your hand if you had Florida Gulf
Coast in the sweet 16 last year. If you raised your hand either time, not only did you raise your hand while
reading a magazine, making you look like an idiot, but you’re also a liar. Honestly, with the way the last two
years of March Madness have played out, just spin a wheel. You can read all the magazines, watch all the videos,
even fly to every school’s campus to get scouting reports on every player in the tourney—you will still be wrong.
March Madness upsets are God’s way of saying, “you’re not me. Don’t try to be.”
1. You Forgot Buffalo Wild Wings Was Open
If you haven’t heard already, Warren Buffet is offering ONE BILLION DOLLARS to anyone with a perfect bracket
this year. That’s him telling the rest of us that’s he so confident no one will get it, he’s willing to offer generations of
fortune for it. It’s also his way of telling us “I’m rich!!!!” Anyway, it’s absolutely impossible to record a perfect bracket
in today’s world of March Madness, let alone even have a bracket that isn’t torn to shreds by the third round. You’re
better off picking the better jerseys, better mascots, better team name, etc. than you are actually trying to base your
picks off science. The craziness is inevitable. The craziness is upon us. Are you ready?
Josh Glicksman|Editor-in-Chief
Photos from AP Images

7. Singing and dancing and acting, oh my! The spring mu-
sical, The Wiz, arrived. The story followed the main plotline of The
Wizard of Oz, but with a twist and a very different style of music.
Music teacher Mr. Cygrymus directed the production.
The cast and crew worked harder than ever to bring the
production together. Long evenings of rehearsals and hours of
practice made the auditorium a second home for many of the stu-
dents. Of course the many school cancellations didn’t help, forcing
everyone to work twice as hard and twice as fast. It was exhaust-
ing, but well worth it when performance night came around. The
musical starred senior Rachael Ferraco as Dorothy Gale, sopho-
more Cullen Browell as the Scarecrow, sophomore Charlie Meyers
as the Tin Man, senior Hayden Bennett as the Lion, and senior
Stephen Rothhaar as the Wiz.
Everyone working on the play definitely became really
close.
“I’ve loved being a part of such a committed and talented
cast, and being able to make special memories with them!” said
Ferraco.
“The best part about working on the musical was being
able to work with the cast. I loved being a part of the #Fear-
Casey Kirwan|Web Editor-in-Chief
Wonderful Work on the Wiz
someFoursome,” said Browell. This
“Fearsome Foursome” referred to
Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, and the
Scarecrow.
Along with this great
bonding experience, the cast also
had a lot of fun. They all loved the
music and dance numbers that were
featured in the show.
“‘Born on the Day Yesterday’ is my favorite song. It was
my first solo in high school and working with the crew made it
even better,” Browell stated. A scene called “The Funky Mon-
key” was another very popular musical number among the cast
members.
“The ‘Funky Monkey’ scene is probably my favorite
[scene] because it involves some of the more intense choreogra-
phy and was a really fun scene to perform,” said Ferraco.
The musical was a big success and everyone in the cast
was very pleased with the final performances. Although tired
and relieved of all the stress, the cast and crew will look back on
all the long rehearsals as fond memories and will surely cherish
them.
As the end of the school year is approaching, juniors are becoming increasingly stressed by taking or preparing
for required standardized tests that impact their futures. Students obviously want to be accepted into their dream
college, but how exactly do they reach that ultimate goal? Standardized tests can influence college admission up to
eighty percent at certain schools according to the Princeton Review. It is important to be familiar with the differences
between the ACT and the SAT to know which one suits you better.
There are quite a few differences between the two tests that could help students choose which one to take. First
off, keep in mind that the ACTs are more of a content-based test while the SATs are more of a logic-based test.
Furthermore, ACT questions seem to be more straightforward rather than the mind-twisting SAT questions that take
time to think about and answer. The SAT allows omitting about two questions for every eight and the ability to still
get a decent grade, while guessing an incorrect answer has a one-fourth point penalty attached to it. However, no question should be
left blank on the ACT because there is no point penalty and absolutely no reason to not take an educated guess.
Attention all science wizards: the ACT has a science section whereas the SAT does not. The ACTs also test more advanced
mathematical concepts if you desire to pursue a major in the math and science field. Additionally, the ACT is more of a “big picture”
exam. If someone is weak on one subject, there is still a good chance they could do well on the overall test and score high.
On the other hand, if vocabulary is your strong attribute, then look into the SATs since this test
emphasizes the importance of vocabulary a bit more. SATs are broken up into multiple sections of each subject,
whereas in the ACTs, an individual subject is tackled all at once. Think to yourself, does jumping from subject to
subject confuse you or keep you alert?
So, the real question is which standardized test should you take? The best way to ensure acceptance is to
score as high as possible, so choose the test that you believe you can score the best on. In the end, it all depends on
numbers. If you are still unsure about which you should take, just take both. In fact, you have a better chance at
getting into your dream school if you indeed do take both because you never know for sure which you will score
higher on. After all, what can it hurt?
Nicole Folino| PT Life&Style Editor
Choosing Between the SAT and
the ACT
Photo by Ering Sullivan and Erin Fitzgerald
Photo by Kayla Damazo

8. 06 Layout by Kristin Slomiany
PTHS Sports // March 2014
Baseball has
always played
a vital role in
senior Max Au-
genstein’s life.
He is looking to
finish his high school career with
a successful season. As the starting
pitcher, he continues to be a promi-
nent leader on the team. As their
season kicks off, the team hopes to
improve their performance from
last year by making the most out of
every practice. Augenstein has high
expectations for this season and is
already setting big goals.
“A goal is to win our sec-
tion and make a run in the playoffs,”
said Augenstein.
Not only is it Augen-
stein’s goal, but it is also the team’s
goal. The baseball team plans to
pursue this goal by working as ef-
ficiently as possible at every prac-
tice and focusing on each little step
in order to reach the big picture,
Athletes of the Month:
Max Augenstein
which is the playoffs. After last year’s
disappointing season, the boys are
more motivated than ever to achieve
the goal. Some have different ways of
going about this than others. Some
athletes have different pregame ritu-
als, but Augenstein’s just happens to
be a little different.
“On days I’m going to
pitch, I wear a certain pair of socks,”
said Augenstein.
Augenstein’s dedication
and determination on the field is fu-
eled by his commitment to his team-
mates.
“It’s a team sport as well as
an individual sport. I’ve been playing
each day with the same guys since I
was a kid,” said Augenstein.
Although Augenstein has
played baseball for over twelve years,
he does not plan to play in college.
Augenstein will focus on his academ-
ics at either Penn State University or
Purdue University. Best of luck to the
baseball team this season.
Allison Hurley
PT Lax Wanting it All in 2014
“I wish we would have played harder in the semis,” said senior
Derek Bacchiochi. “Our defense could have been stronger.” Bac-
chiochi is referencing the 2013 WPIAL semifinal game against
Mt. Lebanon. This loss put a devastating halt to the Indian’s la-
crosse season.
“Last year was a disappointment in the semis, but we
can only hope that we have the determination to go all the way
this year,” said senior and potential captain Cody Sheetz.
With the sting of last year’s loss fresh in their minds, se-
nior lacrosse players are convinced that 2014 will have a different
outcome. As winter comes to an end, the lacrosse team is pre-
paring for the grueling upcoming season with one goal: earning
their spot in the WPIAL Championship.
The seniors plan to challenge the underclassmen to
work hard in practice and maintain focus during the season so
they can perform better as a team, increasing their chances of go-
ing deeper in the playoffs.
“Everyone on our team is pretty close. Since I’m a se-
nior, I’ve been playing with some of these boys for years now,”
said Bacchiochi. “I love reuniting with my team on the field and
getting ourselves prepared for what the season will bring.”
The team is hoping that their close bond off the field will
translate to success on the field.
“This season we
hope to be an undefeated
team,” said Sheetz. “Our
biggest goal for the year is
to beat Mt. Lebanon.”
Although the
lacrosse team has many
goals for the season, they
never let the meaning of
the game slip away from
them.
“In the end, the only thing that matters is that we are hav-
ing fun. The day a teammate becomes greedy and selfish is the day
that they forget the meaning of the game,” said senior attackman
Connor Pike. “We have very high hopes for what this season will
bring. Make sure to come out and support PT Lax starting at the end
of the month.”
NicoleBeichner|StaffWriter
NicoleTorchio|BusinessEditor-in-Chief BrennaWoodside|StaffWriter
Hurley numer-
ous unforget-
table moments.
Her favorite mo-
ments include
team bonding,
practices, and bus rides home.
“My favorite memory
was when I wore a neck brace on the
bus before our WIPIAL champion-
ship game and tricked the coaches
into thinking I broke my neck. Also,
when “Boo Rad” (Olivia Glod) got
taken out by the referee and former
coach, Jerry Morrow,” stated Hurley.
Since this is her last year,
Hurley dreads parting with her team-
mates. From warm ups to drills and
practices to games, her teammates
became extremely close and it will
be hard to imagine not seeing them
every day.
“What I will miss most
about high school lacrosse is obvi-
ously my teammates and all our fond
memories and inside jokes,” stated
Hurley.
Senior Allison Hurley has
been playing lacrosse for the past six
years and enjoys every moment of
it. It has taught her to never give up,
learn responsibility, and to hold per-
severance. These lessons have pro-
duced success on the lacrosse field
ultimately leading her earning a spot
as varsity captain.
Hurley plans to continue
playing lacrosse in college. She can-
not even image her life without it.
One of the benefits of playing a sport
in college is that you get to auto-
matically make friends and feel more
comfortable in a new environment.
“I enjoy lacrosse because
I am able to see my teammates every
day, as well as winning titles and ac-
complishing goals.” stated Hurley.
Last year the girl’s lacrosse
team won in the WIPAL Champion-
ship, which was an unforgettable mo-
ment that show cased all of their hard
work and dedication.
Throughout the past six
years, playing lacrosse has given
All photos by Media Department

9. 07
Who’s in: The current top three teams in each division are
going to hold up and make it into the playoffs. However, the wild
card race could be the most interesting race heading down the
stretch. The Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and the Vancouver Ca-
nucks are all in a tight race, but in the end, Dallas will most likely
grab the final playoff spot. They simply have too many weapons to
overlook. Tyler Seguin, who was acquired over the offseason, is an
underrated player in the league and can bring playoff experience for
the Stars. The Coyotes are simply not good enough and Vancouver
is having a nightmare of a season. Expect the Stars to be in the NHL
playoffs.
Who’s out: Vancouver is a team who finished with the best
record in the league back-to-back seasons just a couple of years ago.
Under new head coach John Tortorella, the team has had to deal
with a lot of drama on and off the ice. Besides the drama, the Ca-
nucks don’t have that firepower offense that they used to. The Ca-
nucks have suffered a seven game losing streak prior to the Olympic
break. Expect the Canucks to miss the playoffs for the first time in
seven years.
Surprise Team: The Colorado Avalanche haven’t made
the playoffs since 2008. This team used to be a dynasty and a real
force in the NHL. In the off-season, the team hired new coach, Pat-
rick Roy, and then shortly shocked the whole league, with a 13-2
record in October. For a while it seemed that this was Colorado’s
year, but as the season progressed, the team has slowly fallen in the
standings. They now comfortably
hold the third place seeding in the
central division. However, coming
playoff time, watch this team make
a run. They have the talent and the
potential. Roy has made a team not
only realize their talents and poten-
tial, but has made a team believe in
each other. They’re not going to win
it all, but expect them to make it far
in the playoffs.
Stanley Cup Final Prediction: When it’s all said
and done, the Anaheim Ducks will be making the Stanley
Cup Final for the Western Conference. Under head coach
Bruce Boudreau, the team has dominated the league this
year and is showing no sign of slowing down. They have ex-
perience and talent and come playoff time, no one will come
close to bringing them down.
NHL Playoff Predictions
JesseEby&AndrewStoud|StudentContentEditors
The NHL playoffs are unlike any other professional tournament. Two months of pure battle and determination, through pain and
will for just one prize…The Stanley Cup. This April has the potential of a great playoff show. With the new playoff format the league put into
play before the season, there will be more exciting and intense competition. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been dominating the Eastern
Conference for the past six years and are looking for their fourth title. The Anaheim Ducks, under their new head coach have taken control
of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team that many spectators wouldn’t even give a chance, could possibly
squeeze in a spot in the dance and make a run for it. Who knows?! Who’s in? Who’s out?
Who’s In: There are two powerhouses in the Eastern Con-
ference. Anyone can predict that Pittsburgh and Boston will be a
lock for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The other six spots in the race for
the Cup are a different story. Teams are going to have to battle for
every point in order to earn their spot.
The Metropolitan Division, led by the Pittsburgh Penguins,
is one of the most competitive divisions in the NHL with only eleven
points separating an 8th place team from the 3rd place playoff team.
The two other teams that are going to take the final two playoff spots
are the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers.
The Atlantic Division has a similar story to the Metropoli-
tan. It’s a very tight division, with the exception of the plundering
Buffalo Sabres. The Boston Bruins hold the top spot in the Atlantic,
leaving two other spots in the top three. The teams to populate those
spots are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning,
leaving the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens with
the wild card spots to complete the playoff picture.
Who’s out: With a conference as deep and dynamic as the
East, there are going to be some legitimate teams that won’t make the
cut. Two of those teams are the Philidelphia Flyers and the Detroit
Red Wings. The Flyers just haven’t been the intimidating, fast team
they’ve showed they can be in the past. The Red Wings, despite their
22 year playoff appearance streak, do not have enough young talent
in their lineup to compete with the offensive juggernauts in their
division.
Surprise Team: Every year there is one team that takes the
league by surprise and starts to pick up their game when it matters
in order to compete for the Cup. This year, that team will be the
Carolina Hurricanes. They have all of the key ingredients of a win-
ning team: talent, experience, and hunger. The Canes haven’t won
a Stanley Cup in ten years and their captain Eric Staal, along with
his other teammates, definitely want to put that streak to an end.
Stanley Cup Prediction: There really
isn’t a team that can compete offensively
with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their com-
bination of size, speed, and skill is unlike
any other team in the NHL. The help of the
two best players in the world, Crosby and
Malkin, doesn’t hurt either. Even if you do
size up with their offense, you have to get
through Marc-Andre Fleury, who has the
most wins among goaltenders this season.
The 2014 Penguins are a special team, a team that could turn into a
dynasty if they do what they are capable of doing.
Eastern Conference PredictionWestern Conference Prediction
AP Images Nick Wass and Gene J. Puskar

10. PTHS #connect// March 2014
08
Jessie James Decker Builds An EmpireJenna Taimuty|Print Editor-In-Chief
If you have not yet heard about Eric Decker, let me clue
you in. He is the Mr.GQ of the NFL world and also the wide
receiver for the Denver Broncos. The fact that he lost the Super
Bowl means nothing. He is still a winner, as he gets to call Jes-
sie James Decker his wife. James is creating her own successful
empire one step at a time. She is becoming
a huge inspiration to women of all ages all
over the world through the internet, social
media outlets, and television.
James is a perfect example of
a working woman. Aside from being
nine months pregnant, she has man-
aged to record an entire new country al-
bum, attend all of her husband’s football
games,completed interviews with Good
Morning America and E! News, and pose
for multiple photo shoots in various maga-
zines. Along with that, the Deckers have a
new reality show on E! News called “Eric and Jes-
sie: Game On.” The show just wrapped up season
one and season two is set to air in March. The show gives you
insight on the couple’s crazy, entertaining life and gives fans a
chance to see what they are really like.
Aside from her real jobs, James manages to make her fans a
number one priority (other than her man). James has a YouTube
account in which she posts hair and makeup tutorials and funny
videos that show how down-to-earth she really is. Believe it or
not, James does all her own hair and makeup and is known for
her signature eyebrows. Her channel gives her an opportunity to
share all of her tips and tricks with her fans
all over the world. This is creating an em-
pire for James, whether people realize it or
not.
Social media plays another factor in
James’ popularity. She constantly tweets
whatever is on her mind, which makes her
relatable to her fans. She replies to many
fans as well, retweeting pictures they tweet
her of their hair or makeup after they fol-
lowed her tutorials. She also responds to
fans that tweet about Eric or any aspect of
her life. James Instagrams multiple photos
a day with captions explaining what she is doing.
James’ relationship with her fans, along with her
drive and work ethic, will ensure that her empire will only con-
tinue to grow. She is an open book with the world, which makes
her marketable and likable to not only to current fans, but to the
many more that will soon jump on the Jessie Bandwagon.
Photo from AP Images
#springthrowback

11. 09
PowerSchool
Your Name, Grade
Grades and Attendance
Reality Check: Quarter 3 Edition
KassiannaPolitis|#connect Editor
As the third nine weeks is in full swing, spring is hopefully arriving (probably not, but one can dream). Students
have become accustomed to the life of their respective grade levels. However, every grade faces unique challenges in the
dreaded third nine weeks. Students and teachers concur that the third quarter is without a doubt the most difficult one of all.
Freshmeat! By now you are probably accustomed to the name-calling but don’t worry,
it gets better. You are stuck in the bubble for four years so you might as well make the best of
it. Freshmen, you probably heard this a million times before, but ninth grade is truly the time
where students learn the ropes as they begin the new chapter of their lives. If high school ever
overwhelms you, just remember that we’ve all been there; walked in the wrong classroom,
traveled on the wrong side of the hall, carried the heavy water jug to practice, etc. When you
look back on it, you will realize that freshman year wasn’t that bad. Just hold on for three more
months and soon it will be your turn to tell the incoming freshmen that Biology is in room 410.
Look out, everyone, because here comes another cycle of new drivers. As students look
back on their sophomore year, one of the most memorable moments is passing their permit
and/or licenses tests, getting one step closer to freedom. As you have experienced the first six
months of being a sophomore, you probably are in some sort of denial but let’s face the facts,
tenth graders are just kind of there. By the second year of high school, students know the ropes
but still are not classified as a “cool” upperclassman yet. However, enjoy the last few months of
actually having a social life because once junior year arrives you’ll be hitting the books.
Bring on the SATs, AP tests, college research, and prepare yourself for the most difficult
year of all. The third nine weeks is extremely challenging for anyone, but for juniors, well if you
haven’t already, you’ll find out soon enough. You’re finally an upperclassman but still not the top
dogs of the school. You can finally drive but probably won’t get a parking pass. You hear all this
talk about college, but still probably have no clue what you want to be or even major in. That’s
junior year in a nut shell, good luck!
Senioritis is coming to town. It keeps you lazy and sleeping, it makes you distracted
when you’re awake, it knows when you’re trying to work, so just give up for goodness sake!
During the first two nine weeks, seniors still somewhat care about school as they stress about
being accepted into college. However, by the third nine weeks senioritis is in full swing.
Symptoms include laziness, an over-excessive wearing of sweatpants, a lack of studying, and
repeated absences. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact your
local teacher. Teachers may be of some help but the only true cure of this infamous disease is
none other than graduation.
9(Freshman)
10(Sophomore)
11(Junior)
12(Senior)
Grade
Layout by EmmaLee Ducoeur

12. 10 Layout by Naomi Burke
PTHS Life & Style // March 2014
Been Waiting for Forever:
The Village Renovates
As the winter weather breaks and spring shopping begins,
malls and stores prepare for their grand sales. However, South Hills
Village has other plans this spring; they will undergo a multimil-
lion-dollar renovation as part of its owner’s plan to spruce up some
of his shopping centers. They are definitely in need of a make-over,
having been open since 1964 with very few updates.
The 2014 mall renovation will consist of new interior/ex-
terior features and amenities including: redesigned mall entrances,
an updated dining area, additional vertical transportation, up-
dated restrooms, flooring upgrades, glass railing features, energy-
efficient lighting, and a modern color scheme.
Along with the
renovation plans, South
Hills Village will be
announcing several retailer
additions, expansions, and
renovations. All work per-
formed during the renova-
tion will be done in such a
way as to minimize interfer-
ence or inconvenience to the customer.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by Novem-
ber 2014. Some new retailers opening in 2014 include Forever 21,
Soma, Color Me Mine, and Primadonna. Forever 21 is the popu-
lar, trend-savvy store for the style-conscious. Soma is where beauty
begins underneath with luxurious lingerie and personal, custom-
ized service. Color Me Mine is where guests can select and paint a
one-of-a-kind ceramic masterpiece and Primadonna is a unique
boutique specializing in fabulous shoes and accessories.
Being the number one shopping center in Pittsburgh’s
south suburbs, it is a necessity that South Hills Village adds stores
like Forever 21. It is one of the top trending clothing stores in the
world, but the closest store is in downtown Pittsburgh. People can
only dream of having a four-story Forever 21 like there is in Chi-
cago, San Francisco, and New York. Forever 21 is the authority on
fashion and the go-to retailer for the latest trends, must-have styles
and the hottest deals. It is definitely a place to shop when spring
rolls in.
The wait is almost over. By the end of 2014, the south sub-
urbs of Pittsburgh will enjoy the updated South Hills Village mall.
Why We Love J. LawBaileyFink|StaffWriter&AlanaHiner|StaffWriter
One of the most
talked about actresses, Jenni-
fer Lawrence, starred in two
hit movies in 2013. Lawrence
has become a beloved actor,
a fashion icon, and a burst of
energy for her fans. She is pas-
sionate about her work, sends
a positive message about being
independent, does not engage
in negative behavior, and is
the perfect
idol for
teens.
Start-
ing back
in 2012,
J e n n i f e r
Lawrence made a name for
herself by shocking Hunger
Games fans with her ability to
bring Katniss Everdeen to life.
She continued to entertain in
Silver Linings Playbook even
winning an Oscar for her per-
formance as Tiffany. If anyone
doubted her ability to act in
2012, she proved them wrong in
2013 with hit movies “Catching
Fire” and “American Hustle.”
Lawrence attempts to send
a positive message through her
interviews and movies. She will
not let fame change her person-
ality and this is apparent in her
actions and words. Her normal
lifestyle and non-conforming
actions just might be what is
so special about this charming
actress.
Lawrence has publicly
stated that she will not change
her body image for movies.
The producers of “The Hun-
ger Games” asked her to lose
weight for the role of Katniss,
but she adamantly refused to
do so. She vocalized the impor-
tance of being herself and not
letting the media influence her
choices. Despite her fame, she
is down to earth which allows
young girls to relate to her.
“J. Law encourages girls
my age to be themselves and
not care what others think. I al-
ways hear positive things about
her,” sophomore Lauren DiCel-
lo states.
It’s common for celebrities
to take to Twitter with their ev-
ery thought and opinion. Law-
rence has steered clear from
this negativity by staying off of
Twitter and other social media.
She does not fuel the public me-
dia fire burning with negativity.
In the midst of the Holly-
wood chaos,
L aw re n c e
is a breath
of fresh
air to the
entertain-
ment world
because she
seems to live
the most
normal life possible. She lives
a healthy lifestyle that is differ-
ent from most actors by eating
what she wants and work-
ing out to stay fit. As a role
model, Lawrence’s behavior
encourages young girls to ac-
cept their bodies and not pres-
sure themselves to lose weight.
Fans are hopeful that she will
not conform to Hollywood’s
standards and will continue to
add her unique personality to
movies in the future.
All Photos from AP Images
NicoleSpindler|Business Editor-in-Chief

13. Subject to Change: That’ll leave a mark…EliseJozwiak|EntertainmentEditor&AndiSalizzoni|OnlineEditor-in-Chief
As time triumphs on, it’s necessary to acknowledge and appreciate the blemishes everlasting on the face of celebrity history by those
who will be forever remembered for their, for lack of a better word, boo-boos.
Ozzy Osbourne bites head off bat 1982
If you want to talk about weird dieting techniques, this one goes down in the books. Singer Ozzy Osbourne
found himself gnawing on the head of a dead bat at his Des Moines, Iowa concert. As a crowd pleaser, Osbourne
would occasionally throw pieces of raw meat at the crowd before the band would play, and they happen to throw
some back at times. One courageous fan thought it necessary to toss a bat up stage as an offering to “the heavy
metal rock god.” Now Osbourne, being the-off-the wall singer he is, took the bat and bit its head off thinking
it was rubber. He was then rushed to the hospital and pumped full of anti-rabies injections. At least he got his
serving of protein for the day.
Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction 2004
It is safe to say the Jackson family has quite a history with the press, and younger sister Janet did not do the
best job of keeping her face off the news. Super Bowl XXXVIII’s halftime show goes down in history with Richard Nixon’s Watergate
Scandal, but this major boo-boo is commonly referred to as “The Nipplegate Scandal of 2004.” During her halftime performance with
Justin Timberlake, Janet went a little too hard in the paint and exposed a little too much “woman” for the audience’s virgin eyes. Maybe
a leather corset isn’t the best outfit for moon walking and pop n’ lockin’. Don’t worry Janet; you’ll take this one to the grave.
OJ Simpson Scandal 2006
Alright, everyone; this one is a given. If you’re not aware of the biggest scandal in celebrity history, you might
want to watch more TMZ… or maybe read more Cosmo. For those of you who are in need of one MAJOR cul-
ture shock, the OJ Simpson ordeal sparked when professional football player and actor Orenthal James (O.J.)
Simpson was acquitted after being tried for the murders of ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and friend, Ronald
Goldman. Sometime after Simpson’s initial trial, he was arrested on charges of robbery, and later started suspi-
cion over possible drug trafficking. Long story short, I do not think they manufacture Band Aids big enough to
cover up this tremendous celebrity boo-boo.
Ryan Seacrest high fiving a blind man 2009
Yes, we all have one of “those days” every once in a while, but I guarantee after hearing about this, you’ll never feel as low as Ryan
Seacrest. Mr. Seacrest is kind of like a Kardashian, although he has an actual claim to fame, being the host of everything. What could
Seacrest have done to get so much negative attention? I suppose it was just a lapse in judgment when Seacrest attempted to high-five
blind “American Idol” contestant, 23-year-old Scott MacIntyre. Seacrest managed to keep his cool and played it off like it was NBD, but
trust me; this boo boo will need some healing time.
Kanye West stealing Taylor Swift’s mic 2009
“Imma let you finish” Andi, but before we go any further, let’s just address how singer and songwriter
Kanye West, aka “The God,” decided it would be best to voice his opinion to the world. During the 2009
Video Music Awards, rambunctious Kanye West let Taylor Swift know he was “really happy” for her but
“Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” If that isn’t a slap in the face, I don’t know what is. Taylor
kept her sweet, girlish charm alive, laughed and went along with it. But let’s face it; it is hard to come back
from a third degree burn on national television. Please apply cold water to the affected area.
The Nelson Mandela Signer 2013
We’re all aware of the recent death of Nelson Mandela, the man responsible for revolutionizing South Africa and setting up the African
National Congress. Although Mandela’s story is one to be carried on for centuries to come, the little “mess up” at his funeral is some-
thing to remember as well. Thamsanqa Jantjie, the man responsible for performing the sign language at Mandela’s funeral, has been
found to be, more or less, a complete fake. This solemn, reflective ceremony lost its touch by the major malfunction, thanks to Jantjie.
Jantjie showed absolutely no knowledge of how to sign, when his hands made unrelated shapes and movements. It didn’t take long for
people to realize this huge mishap had just fallen on one of the biggest global events in 2013.
Olympic ring not opening 2014
Let us review this one, since our gullible minds continuously fall victim to the totally false stories of the media. True: The Olympic ring
DID fail to open during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. False: The man responsible for the ring mishap was
found dead. I mean, the failure of the fifth ring to open was obvious to everyone; but didn’t it seem fishy when a man was supposedly
found dead a day after the mishap? Curse you, Dinkleberg!...I mean media.
All Photos from AP Images

14. Round of 64:
Who would get the
highest score on
Flappy Bird?
Round of 32:
Who would be the
ultimate Pokémon
master?
Sweet Sixteen:
Who would win a
street race?
Elite Eight:
Who would beat
Morgan Freeman
in an audition for a
voice over?
Final Four:
Who would be the
best backup dancer
for Beyoncé?
Powell
Wilkinson
Farrell
Vavala
Polard
Canfield
Sussman
Burns
Barefoot
Deliere
Mr. Pinto
Palermo
Cervenak
Peterson
Blackhurst
Kuharcik
Ansell
Zippay
Wilmus
Mrs.Pinto
Livingston
Berger
Bastos
Ingham
Gearhart
Wolfe
Veltri
Barney
Lane
Walsh
Kocan
Ring
LGI
CAFETERIA
Facu
Face
201
CHAMP
Fin
Who w
the best cro

15. Elite Eight:
Who would beat Morgan
Freeman in an audition
for a voice over?
Sweet Sixteen:
Who would win a
street race?
Round of 32:
Who would be the
ultimate Pokémon
master?
Round of 64:
Who would get the
highest score on
Flappy Bird?
Final Four:
Who would be the
best backup dancer
for Beyoncé?
Antonelli
Good
Hickle
Betschart
Vollmer
Brado
Demascal
Redilla
Perotte
Camody
Seckar
Clagett
Lacey
Gunther
McKenna
Corbin
Mrs. Kuhn
Kendrick
Mr. Kuhn
Wentzel
Ripepi
Guerra
Lamb
Hanley
Cifelli-McDonald
Miller
Kazalas
Keller
Corsinelli
Ludwig
Hlebinsky
Baker
GYM
LIBRARY
ulty
e-Off
14
PION
nal:
would be
owd surfer?

16. After months of common apps and anxiously waiting by the mailbox for acceptance
letters, most of the senior class can finally look forward to graduation in a relaxing manner
rather than an indecisive panic of where they will further their education. However, as the
worry begins to fade away for the class of 2014, stress levels are rising for the junior class,
especially for student athletes considering playing sports at the collegiate level.
Choosing a college for academics is difficult enough, but throwing sports into the mix
makes it an even more challenging task. Deciding between a Division I, II, or III school is
the first challenge. Aspects such as the size of a scholarship and distance from home are two
huge factors for a student athlete to consider. While choosing a Division I or II University
over a Division III school provides opportunities for an athletic – not academic- scholarship,
a well-known name and divine athletic gear. It can also create a divide between excelling in sports
and academics.
“My main concern for playing a Division I sport is how much time I’m going to have
to dedicate to soccer, especially in the preseason,” said senior and future University of Virginia
soccer player Veronica Latsko.
Every athlete dreams of playing for a Division I school, but realistically there are few who
can truly handle the pressure. Many athletes that roster for a Division I team do not realize that
preseason requires more time and commitment than a typical high school varsity team. Student
athletes that have transferred, dropped scholarships, or quit the sport they played because of
the tremendous time management issue. Student athletes found it too difficult juggling two-a-
day practices and maintaining a GPA that meets their standards. However, for most athletes,
overcoming brutal physical activity only creates more determination to tackle an academic
obstacle. Those who are successful in Division I,
or even Division II, sports possess qualities that lead to an extremely bright future.
There is an alternative route for those who wish to continue their passion for whichever
sport they may play. Division III schools are known for having a less demanding
schedule while providing a structured and competitive organization. Division III also
provides the opportunity to participate in a sport an athlete is not willing to give up
after high school.
“I knew I wanted to play Division III because I’m majoring in biochemistry as
well as taking pre med courses,” said senior Rachel Windmueller. Windmueller will
further her education at a Division III school so she is able to play lacrosse.
“The stress and time commitment of playing Division I or Division II would
have been too much in combination with my academics,” stated Windmueller.
However, unlike Division I schools, preseason begins only a short period
of time prior to official
practices and games. In addition, Division III schools are unable to
grant students athletic scholarships, although recruits are typically
known for being provided with an academic scholarship and a spot on
the roster.
“Overall, the recruiting process is frightening, particularly if
you choose the wrong school,” says Latsko. “But in the end, deciding
to play a sport in college is an accomplishment I could not be more
proud of.”
14
PTHS People Features// March 2014
National Collegiate Athlete Anxiety
OliviaGlod|StaffWriter
Layout by Jesse Eby
Photos by Claire Relich and High School Athletic Dept.

17. Let’s face it: there isn’t
enough time in the school day
to schedule every class you’d
like to take. Even if you do
have room to spare, schedul-
ing conflicts with other cours-
es and classes that are already
filled to maximum capacity
could keep you from enroll-
ing in your favorite electives.
If you have been missing a
creative outlet in the midst of
all your challenging, required
core classes, a solution has ar-
rived in the form of a brand
new after-school art club.
Why didn’t art club
exist before this year? It was
not for lack of effort. For years,
art and ceramics teachers Ms.
McCutcheon, Ms. Kazalas,
and Ms. DeGiovanni have
been attempting to persuade
administrators to organize
two separate after-school clubs
dedicated to art. However,
their requests were denied and
each proposal was met with
resounding defeat. Frustrated
students began to push for the
club to materialize; Liz Hall,
Kayla Lewis, Bryce Hancock,
and Holly Hanna, who are
now the officers of the art club,
once again pitched the idea in
a meeting with administrators
and finally succeeded in gain-
ing approval for the club.
The recently founded
art club is divided into two
sections, 2D and 3D. How-
ever, a small fee of $20 allows
students to participate in both
throughout the year. Both
programs stress individual-
ity and creativity. Sign up
sheets are placed outside the
art rooms about a week in ad-
vance of the clubs’ meetings.
This ensures that no meeting
will be overcrowded. It also
provides flexibility for students
because there is no require-
ment for how many meetings
a member must attend. If you
are too busy to be there one
week, you can go the next. 2D
meetings are typically held on
Mondays. 3D meetings usually
occur once a week, alternating
between Tuesdays and Thurs-
days, barring any scheduling
conflicts for the advisers. To
keep members updated on
changes to the schedule, there
is an Edmodo account for the
club.
The 2D art club, run
by Ms. Kazalas, has a very re-
laxed atmosphere. Monday
club meetings usually stretch
from 2:20 to 3:30. Students are
free to sit where they like while
they work on their current
projects. Although group proj-
ects are possible in the future,
Ms. Kazalas has chosen to
start with a project that gives
the artists complete creative
control. Club members are to
locate a subject they would like
to sketch and will continue on
from there. They are free to
paint or go in a different direc-
tion with the sketch; use of the
art supplies is included in the
club fee. With aid from their
adviser, students can take ad-
vantage of the new club to cre-
ate a masterpiece.
Sketching not your
style? Then 3D art club might
be for you. Led by Ms. Mc-
Cutcheon and Ms. DeGiovan-
ni, meetings focus purely on
ceramics and occur directly
after school on either a Tues-
day or Thursday. It doesn’t
matter if you have never taken
a ceramics class in your life or
if you are a master at molding
magnificent clay pieces. Stu-
dents are given the freedom to
work on whatever project their
heart desires.
The addition of an
art club to after-school activ-
ity options is beneficial for all
students who have even the
slightest interest in art. Hope-
fully, the club will find success
as more students gain knowl-
edge about it. What are you
waiting for? Release your in-
ner artist and go create a won-
derful work of art.
Art Club Gives Students Creative Outlet KarenRichtar|StaffWriter
Ms. Blackhurst Said Yes to a DressMadiStart|PTFocusEditor
Students know Ms. Blackhurst, whether you have had
her for class or because you have noticed her stellar style in the
hallways. However, she won’t be Ms. Blackhurst for much longer.
Chad, her fiancée, proposed this past
year.
“Chad proposed on my grandma’s
birthday on October 23 to be exact. My
grandma went completely blind in May
of 2013 so he wanted it to be special
for her too,” said Blackhurst.” He had
125 LED candles lighting up the path
from his garage to his great room and
already had the ring out on the table when I got there. It was very
sweet and it was just the two of us – exactly how I would have
wanted it. I was completely surprised.” Wedding planning always
starts with the wedding dress.
After shopping at Kleinfield for her dream wedding dress,
Ms. Blackhurst opens up about her fairytale experience on TLC’s
Say Yes to the Dress. Blackhurst only saw the show once before
applying to be on it. This past January, she made a trip up to New
York City to shop at Kleinfield and find her dream wedding dress.
“I was so excited to be at Kleinfeld. It’s 35,000 square feet
of the most beautiful designer gowns in the world. Randy was our
consultant, he actually pulled my dress,” said Blackhurst.
Everyone who has seen the show knows that Randy is the
spirit of Kleinfield and if anyone is going to find you the perfect
dress, it will be him. With all of the different dresses in various
prices ranges, it was hard for Blackhurst to pick out her favorite
dress.
“I loved every dress that I tried on… I said yes to a dress,”
said Ms. Blackhurst.
The designer Pnina Tornai was at the store the day Ms.
Blackhurst was buying her dress. Tornai’s dresses are high fashion
and include some of the most gorgeous dresses in the store. Black-
hurst, being the fashionista that she is, ended up buying a dress by
Tornai.
“I ended up choosing a Pnina Tornai gown. She was there
from Israel to fit it for me. I was in heaven,” said Blackhurst.
Not only was her appointment where she found her dress
filmed, but her alterations, and possibly even her wedding, will be
filmed too.
“The wedding is going to be at Atlantis in the Bahamas.
I have been there before and I loved it,”
said Blackurst.
Blackhurst’s wedding will con-
sist of about 50 people and will take place
this summer. A fun fact about Ms. Black-
hurst’s fiancée is that he used to teach
physics at PTHS with Mrs. Hlebinksy
and Mrs. Kendrick.
Blackhurst plans on having
a premiere party with her family and
friends to watch the episode. Ms. Black-
hurst’s episode of Say Yes to the Dress
that will air sometime this fall between
September and November.
Photo by Holly Hanna
Photos below by Ms. Blackhurst

18. Avoiding the PRAMA
We all know that prom can be a drama filled evening. Here are some handy tips on how to
avoid the proma. Be sure to look this over when preparing for the big night.
Register your dress- Yikes! Awkward! Is she wearing
my dress?! Wearing the same item as someone at the same time
and place is never good but on prom night this can be especially
devastating. The entire night you will be wondering if people
think you or her wore it better. Prevent this from happening by
registering your dress. Sure, some people will still be able
to buy the same dress at a different store but this will
greatly lower the chances that people will be seeing
double.
Make appointments well in advance- Girls, always re-
member, it’s never too early, but it can be too late. Hair and nail salons allow
bookings months in advance; seize the opportunity.
Don’t procrastinate until the week of because chances
are you’ll be painting your own nails and curling your
own lovely locks. Prom is a time for self-pampering and
feeling good. Don’t create unnecessary stress during
this busy time of year. If you are unsure of your at-
tendance to the dance, keep in mind appointments
can be canceled.
Layout by Cassi DeLuca
JillKovac|StaffWriter ToriPiscatelli|StaffWriter
Don’t go with a stranger-
Prom was not intended for high schoolers to go
solo. Girls, you know whom you want to be asked
by and guys you know who you want to ask. Girls,
if you don’t get asked then don’t get upset about
it because it was probably for the best. Unless you
are in a relationship, most people will find out
that their prom dates went with them just to go to
prom. If the person you want to ask you does not
do so, do not just say yes to any random person
because odds are you will not have fun. You will
probably spend your whole night hiding in the
bathroom because you are creeped out by your
date.

19. Pack the essentials-
Hair or wardrobe malfunctions are an easy fix
when you are equipped with the proper sup-
plies. Bobby pins and safety pins are a must have.
Other handy supplies to bring include, but are
not limited to, lip gloss, mini deodorant, perfume,
oil absorbing sheets, and Band-Aids (for those
night ruining blisters from those oh-so-cute shoes). Before you leave for a night of glamour
and dancing be sure to check these items off your list of essentials. You won’t want to be
caught without them.
Buy your tickets early- Many
of us learned this lesson last year when we
found ourselves at a table with strangers.
It is important to sign up early for table
assignments if you want to sit with close
friends. You don’t want to be awkwardly
eating your salad in silence. Also, you don’t
want to start off your night by arguing with your date about how they should’ve
bought the tickets earlier. Be proactive and prevent all these possible issues by pur-
chasing early. It is also a good idea to plan with your friends what table to sign up
for.
Pack a snack-Do you like cold meat?
No? Well then I recommend not going to prom.
You sit there and wait for your food and by the
time you get it it’s a bit chilly. You sit there and
wait, so if you are not going to eat before prom
here’s a tip, pack little snacks before because
you probably won’t like the food. If you aren’t
patient while waiting for food then eating a
snack is a good idea. It looks appetizing, but
once you take your first bite won’t you want to
eat anymore.
17

20. 18 Layout by Natalie Rihmland
PTHS Entertainment // March 2014
There is an ongoing
debate about which website is
better between avid Netflix and
Hulu Plus viewers. Although
the price for both is the same
($7.99/month), their stats set
them apart.
Netflix started back in
1997 with hopes of providing
on-demand shows and movies.
It currently has over 38
million subscribers including
international subscribers while
Hulu only has about three
million subscribers. Basic use
of Hulu is free, but does not
offer many features that Hulu
Plus does, granting access to
more content and streaming via
Smart Phone, iPad, and TV.
The biggest difference
between these two websites is
their TV shows. Hulu updates
more often; they add episodes
Netflix vs. Hulu Plus
NatalieRihmland|BusinessEditor-In-Chief
about a day after they air. This
allowstheiruserstokeepupwith
current shows. Netflix contains
older seasons of popular shows
such as “The Big Bang Theory”
and “How I Met Your Mother”.
It also contains original shows
created specifically for Netflix.
These shows include Arrested
Development, Orange is The
New Black, and House of
Cards. Hulu Plus also offers
original shows, but are not
as popular. Along with these
shows, Netflix’s library includes
around 100,000 movies and
shows combined. Hulu only has
around 1,650 shows and 2,500
movies.
Hulu subscribers
have noted the annoyance of
advertisements on the website.
This occurs because it is ad-
supported in order to cover
the cost of non-premium
Hulu users. It runs shows as
if they are broadcasted on
satellite TV with commercials
showing every few minutes.
Ad banners are also a common
occurrence. This can be very
irritating to viewers who only
use the website to catch up on
their shows. Luckily for Netflix
subscribers, it does not play any
commercials.
A convenient service
offered by Netflix is their DVD
and Blu-ray disc delivery by
mail. This costs an additional
$7.99 and an additional $2 per
month for Blu-ray discs. Hulu
does not offer this service.
The bottom line is that
if you are looking to catch up
on a TV show that you missed
last night and forgot to DVR it,
Hulu Plus will be a beneficial
website for you. Netflix is a
service for access to a wide
variety of movies and allows
you to binge watch four seasons
of the same show on a Friday
night with a gallon of ice cream
instead of socializing.
Photo from AP Images
Dumb Starbucks
wasn’t such a dumb idea for
creator and TV personality
Nathan Fielder. Fielder opened
Dumb Starbucks in Los Feliz,
California using everything
Starbucks has, just with the
word “dumb” in front of it.
Dumb Starbucks Not So Dumb
MaddieWoodrow|StaffWriter
Opening weekend was a
success, with people lining up
to get free drinks and to see
what Dumb Starbucks was all
about. However after only just
one weekend, Dumb Starbucks
was shut down due to not
having the proper permits.
Turns out, the business
was a big stunt. Fielder created
the shop to be a part of his
Comedy Central show, “Nathan
For You,” which is centered on
Fielder giving false advice to
small businesses. Fielder even
had a second location for Dumb
Starbucks planned in Brooklyn,
New York.
Dumb Starbucks
created an initial buzz, mostly
because it looked identical to
Starbucks. Everything down
to their drink sizes were the
same as Starbucks. Although
Starbucks was not happy about
this, it was legal under copyright
laws due to the parody clause.
With the word “dumb” in front
of all of their items, Fielder
could claim that it was an art
gallery and their drinks were
the art.
Despite the company
being closed down after only
a weekend of being open, it
did its job; it got attention for
Fielder’s show. Not only was
this a good idea from a business
standpoint, but also it marketed
for “Nathan For You.”
Photos from AP Images

21. 19
My App Store
Addiction
AndreaSalizzoni|OnlineEditor-In-Chief
The App Store for the iPhone is otherwise known as the
destination for all of your procrastination inevitabilities. From
the simplistic yet forever frustrating game of Flappy Birds, to the
personalized radio app of Pandora, the App Store opens up a door to
which the victimized may never find a way out. The perpetual question
that remains is, what are the apps to avoid your impending addiction,
and if already sucked in to this mindless world, how do you get out of it?
The one and only Flappy Bird will ultimately lead to a world
dominated by frustration and anger management problems. What
most people look past is the simple concept, but if you don’t know the
strategy of the game, then you might as well throw your phone or tablet
at the wall to avoid the irritation and twenty minutes of your precious
time. For those who are ready to waste the $300 spent on their device by
introducing it to the wall, try to sit back and realize that it’s just a game.
Consider yourself lucky if you never downloaded it in the first place.
Another contribution to the epidemic of the App Store
addiction is a slightly less “I’m going to throw you at the wall kind of
game, Candy Crush, requires you to make three-in-a-row with various
candies while also trying to clear the jelly. Although this game is less
frustrating, it still makes you question your place in society, since you
can’t even match three candies up. Let’s just face it; there is no way to rid
the pending addiction that remains to be Candy Crush.
Steeringawayfromgames,thelifestyleorientedappsofWanelo
and Pinterest can be a girls worst nightmare. The first controversy that
stands is do you say it Wa-nel-oh or Wah-knee-low; the world may never
know. You’re just about as accurate as the owl from the “How many
licks of the lollipop?” dilemma. Getting into these apps are pretty much
the same thing as saying, “Though I have no free time and should be
doing my homework, I am going to spend the rest of my night looking
at clothes, shoes, and people that have better abs than me, keeping in
mind it won’t benefit my life at all anyway.”
To avoid that feeling of defeat when your bird hits the pipe, you
can’t make three-in-a-row, and you start reevaluating your life choices,
just occupy your time with something that will make you maybe a little
bit more productive; listening to music on Pandora. Some may find that
this app may be the most beneficial to those who are about as good
at keeping time as Justin Bieber is at making people like him. There
are several versions of the free music station app, such as iHeartRadio,
Spotify, and many others. All of these provide the opportunity to let
you listen to your favorite music at any time of the day, since you’re too
lazy to go buy songs on itunes. Bottom line, these apps are probably
your best chance at coping with your addiction, and will save you a few
hundred bucks when you avoid throwing your phone at the wall.
Overall, here is the best solution to getting a handle on your App Store
Addiction...Put your phone down.
March can be a boring month for all of us. The
weather is still cold, summer is still far off in the distance, and
everyone seems to be stuck in a rut. Here are some ideas to
spice up your month of March.
For more than 140 years, Pittsburgh’s St Patrick’s
Day Parade has marched up and down the streets of the city.
Starting on Liberty Avenue and ending at Common Wealth
Place, this parade is a must see. A variety of local marching
bands, floats, and Irish dancers are sure to bring the luck of
the Irish.
Following the St. Patty’s day theme, you need to
drink at least one Shamrock shake this month. You will either
love or hate it. Join the masses and sample McDonalds’ minty
creation.
Don’t forget about school. The end of March
wraps up third quarter. Keep those grades up, and don’t
lose motivation. Try to keep your mind active by doing fun
activities. Sign up for a painting class, play Sudoku, walk the
dog, etc. At this point in the year, anything helps.
Come support your school and buy tickets to this
year’s musical: The Wiz. This show is a funky remix of The
Wizard of Oz. It runs from March 6 through 8. Both evening
shows start at 7pm while the Sunday matinees start at 2
pm. The cast and musicians have been working hard since
December.
March Must List
VanessaScoulos|StudentContentEditor

22. PTHS Outside the Bubble // March 2014
Spring CleansingRebeccaPerryman|WebsiteEditor-in-ChiefKelseyHunter|SectionEditor
Every year it gets tougher to get in shape for summer after a long winter of hibernation. The struggle of sluggishness usually be-
gins with holiday feasting and carries out throughout the brutal, seemingly endless winter months. Before you know it, you’ve gained
ten pounds and your jeans are too tight. Achieving optimal health is something we’ve probably all strived to accomplish at least once
in our life- in fact, we’ve probably spent more time just thinking about it than actually doing anything about it. There are multiple
factors that contribute to this unhealthy trap. Stress, dehydration, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep are very common obstacles that
can force us into a downward spiral.
According to Psychology Today, the average high school student today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric
patient in the early 1950s, proving that us “kids” are under copious amounts of pressure. Between choosing colleges or classes for
next year and keeping your grades up, stress is inevitable. The challenging part is learning how to cope with anxiety and developing
ways to maintain healthy levels of stress. Instead of freaking out about everything you have to do, stay organized and use a planner. If
you do so, you are more likely to get it done on time. If a written planner isn’t doing the job, try setting alerts on your phone. We’re
all addicted to our phones anyway, so why not use it for a notification system?
When completing school work, take breaks. Give yourself a five minute break every half-hour and you will feel less burnt out
while still getting everything done. When trying to reduce stress, always keep in mind the importance of sleep. It is a proven fact
that if you study for a only a few hours before sleeping for six hours, you will do better on an exam than if you stay up all night to
study. Chances are, you will get distracted, start stress-eating and end up crashing towards the end of the night.
Stress management and exercise go hand-in-hand. Exercising releases endorphins which are hormones released in the brain
that relieve pain and bring a sense of well-being to the body. Working out is clinically proven to reduce the risks of depression and
weight gain due to stress. Additionally, with exercise generally comes an improved physique, ultimately leading to improved self-
esteem.
Sometimes we just don’t know what style of exercise to partake in. There are so many op-
tions: running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and the list goes on. The
simple solution is to experiment and see which activities give you the best results. Cardio activities
are great for increasing your lung capacity, reducing stress and losing pesky body fat. Lifting tones
your body by tightening and building muscle. Also, each extra
pound of muscle you gain burns 30-50 extra calories a day. Pair
high intensity cardio workouts with weight training routines to
get the best of both worlds. Be sure to stretch before and after
doing any type of exercise. Your muscles will thank you later.
It’s an understatement to say that drinking fluids is important. Our bodies are approximately
60% percent water. To figure out exactly how many ounces of water you should drink per day,
divide your weight in half. If you are exercising, make sure to hydrate more frequently for muscle
recovery and replenishment of lost fluid due to sweat. Drinking enough water will flush toxins out
of your body, and surprisingly, appropriate hydration will cure most headaches as well. Over 80%
percent of headaches are from not drinking enough water. Water is also imperative for weight loss
as our bodies often confuse hunger for thirst. To avoid this classic mix-up, drink a full glass of water
fifteen minutes before and after a meal.
Exercise alone is not enough to shred the winter weight gain. In fact, it should be the icing on the cake. Changing what you
put into your body is truly what will change how you look and feel. Googling different diet plans can be a long and arduous process
as many studies conflict. Some studies say to eat three large meals, some say to eat six small meals, some say to eat a huge breakfast
and gradually decrease your food intake throughout the day. We won’t know the true answer. Everybody’s metabolism and lifestyle
is different. But one thing stays constant: weight loss ultimately results from a calorie deficit. Do what works best for you to achieve
that calorie deficit, whether its eating several small meals throughout the day or eating the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Simple swaps to cut calories can include a bag of all natural apple chips instead of a bag of greasy potato chips, high-protein,
low-fat granola instead of sugary cereal, high-protein, low-calorie eggs instead of a carb-heavy bagel, and low-fat chocolate milk
instead of that high-calorie chocolate bar you’ve been craving.
Baby steps are key to dieting. Don’t jump to unrealistic goals, and ladies, don’t go on those crazy I-just-want-to-fit-in-my-prom-
dress diets. Obtaining overall health is a long, gradual process. It’s a total lifestyle change. Start somewhere this spring. You only get
one body and ultimately it’s up to you whether to build it up or tear it down.
Photos by AP Images
20 Layout by Maddie Lampert

23. The 2013 Guinness Book World Records features over
4,000 impressive accomplishments. Out of the 4,000, there is
nothing in regards to the classic game of checkers, unti now. 540
fanatics gathered in Reno, Nevada, to attempt to set the record
for the highest number of people playing the game simultane-
ously.
The founder of Oddka, Witt Oddoski, held a wacky
inventions competition in London on February 6. Among the
300 inventions entered, the $16,000 prize went to 19-year-old
Sam Hunter Baxter. Baxter’s winning idea was a wearable top
hat that has the capability of automatically brushing your teeth
when ordered to do so. Apparently Baxter came up with this
bizarre idea one day when he failed to multitask while brushing
his teeth. Other noteworthy items entered in the contest were
heels that have a storage compartment for keys in and an um-
brella that is able to pop up to form a toilet cubicle.
Dogs. We love them, but let’s face it, they don’t always
behave as we would like, especially when they chew up our im-
portant possessions. Luce, a four-year-old Border Collie, had
been the perfect, lovable dog, up until
the weekend that she chewed her way
through her owner’s $130,000 Aston
Martin motorcar, specifically the ex-
terior part by the front tire. Surpris-
ingly, the owner was able to laugh it
off, even though the damage from
Luce’s snack has been calculated to be approximately $5,000.
Nearly 58 years ago, scientist Dean Bumpus was busy
releasing hundreds of thousands of glass bottles into the Atlan-
tic Ocean as a part of his study of surface and bottom currents.
Over the past couple of years, approximately ten percent of the
300,000 bottles have been found. The most recent one was dis-
covered in the beginning of February this year by biologist War-
ren Joyce who was studying grey seals off Nova Scotia about 300
miles from where the experiment started. Joyce recognized it
because of the note inside that said, “Break this bottle,” and con-
tacted the company.
All Photos from AP Images
21
MariaHoge|NewsEditor
Athletes have the responsibility of controlling their emo-
tions on and off the floor. College and professional athletes are role
models to children all over the world and must understand that
they are idolized. Setting a good example establishes a positive rep-
utation. Fans are great for sports; they provide energy and excite-
ment while giving athletes that extra motivation to perform at the
highest level. A fan also has the responsibility of acting appropri-
ately and not crossing the line with athletes verbally or physically.
Back on February 8, Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State
65-61, but the upset was erased by the actions of Oklahoma State
sophomore guard Marcus Smart. With six seconds left, Smart
fouled an opposing player and flew into the stands after it appeared
an older gentleman said something to Smart. The guard stood up
and retaliated by shoving the fan; his teammates proceeded to pull
him back to prevent anything else from escalating.
After the game, Smart went on to
say that the day wasn’t one of his proudest
moments. He went on to say that he lost
his composure and left his team hanging.
He apologized to his team and promised
that it wouldn’t happen again. The next
day The All-American NBA draft prospect
was suspended for the following three
games. The fan pushed by Smart said he
did not make a racial comment but did
go on to admit to calling Smart “a piece of
crap.”
College basketball has some of the most intense moments
in sports. Student athletes always have to deal with crazed student
sections and trash talking by opposing teams’ fans. Having pas-
sionate fans and students at the game is great for college sports,
but there is a fine line between trying to get in an athlete’s head and
making a comment that is personal and disrespectful.
It is safe to say that the Texas Tech fan did not say anything
overboard. Smart overreacted and his actions were unacceptable.
There should never be physical altercations between an athlete and
a fan. Athletes need to hold their emotions in check and block out
opposing teams’ fans because at the end of the day it is a distraction
keeping them from performing at their full potential.
Smart was wrong for what he did and received a fair pun-
ishment for his actions. This incident could hurt Smart’s NBA stock
down the road. He was easily a top five pick for the 2014 NBA draft,
but general managers do not want a hot head with an anger issue.
Smart’s skill level is undeniable, but he must keep his emotions in
check as all athletes need to do when dealing with fans.
Crossing the Line:
Athlete and Fan
JCBrush|SportsEditor

24. Brian Hanlon, 12
Morgan Weimer, 11
Katy Gaudlip, 11
Alexius Mysza, 12
March of the Artist
F
rom gorgeous photos to incredible clay pieces to eye-catching paintings, there is no denying the talent displayed
here. Enjoy these innovative works that were produced for various media, art, and ceramics classes. “I love having
the freedom to go out and take pictures. In all your projects you have to be creative in many different ways. You are
never being told what to do. You are being independent,” said junior Morgan Weimer.

25. Garrett Murray, 11
Maria Carbonara, 12
Sam Abraham, 11
Hannah Foster, 12
Holly Hanna, 12
Cassi DeLuca, 12

26. Lesson One: Staying Fit
I follow the diet that is in the book Primal Blueprint
by Mark Sisson. In a nutshell, it involves getting back
to a way of life that’s more in touch with our genetic
heritage. You eliminate all carbohydrates and pro-
cessed foods, and in turn you strengthen the body
and spirit. I personally chose to follow the diet so I
could live a healthy lifestyle and have more energy
throughout the day.
Lesson Two: Stellar Style
I’d say “it’s just me.” I’ve always liked colors and I have
always enjoyed having a little fun with it. I also never
worry about what others think so I wear what I feel.
My style and outfits have evolved over time; I would
say that I’m probably a mixture of Ralph Lauren and
Brooks Brothers.
Lesson Three: Making the Most of
Every Day
I enjoy getting to the high school at around 7:10 and
teaching AP Psychology and Leadership throughout
the day. After school, I teach private golf lessons in my
indoor golf learning center. On the weekends, I enjoy
skiing and visiting my parents and siblings. When
school is out, I spend my time teaching, playing
golf, and jet skiing with my family. One thing people
wouldn’t expect from me is that I enjoy woodworking.
Lesson Four: On the Course
Golf has played a key role in my life. While I was in
high school and college, I played a lot of baseball, but
then I found golf. Since some pretty severe injuries
ended my baseball dreams, golf was there for me. I
gained much more focus and discipline, and some
great mentors who have taught me valuable lessons.
I really enjoy helping others improve their game and
use golf to be a success in their life. Without golf in
my life, I would never be where I am today.
Lesson Five: Words of Wisdom
I’d have to say that I am truly a case of “don’t judge a
book by its cover.” I’d also have to say that I’m more
than what I seem to be on the outside. I’m an ex-
tremely competitive person who’s a diehard Pitt fan.
I have a lot more inner and mental toughness than
most people who judge me by my Polo shirt or fancy
colored pants would ever know. Something most
people would find interesting is that I have never
consumed alcohol or used any type of drug. One last
thing, I would have to say that I am a very loyal friend
who would help the people that I care about in any
possible way.
Kourtney Martin|Staff Writer
Layout by Natalie Leven
MR.
KUHN
MR.
KUHN
Teacher 101Teacher 101