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Recipe: Spiced Springtime Sugar Cookies

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Christy Dzubay

Around the holidays, cookies are always a must-have. It seems like there is always a family member or friend willing to help roll out dough and decorate with colored sprinkles and sugars. Well, rolled cookies aren’t just for Christmastime anymore! With this recipe, you can make a fantastic spiced sugar cookie that is perfect for any time of the year. I made these last weekend and decorated springtime shapes with bright frosting and they were a huge hit! Here’s the recipe, taken from McCormick:


Spiced Sugar Cookies:
2 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg, Ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

Colorful Cookie Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons milk
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
3 to 4 drops McCormick® Assorted Food Colors and Egg Dye or McCormick® Assorted NEON! Food Colors and Egg Dye


1. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat granulated sugar and butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight until firm.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with favorite cookie cutters. Place on greased baking sheets.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

4. For the Glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla in small bowl until smooth. Stir in corn syrup until glaze is smooth and glossy. (If glaze is too thick, stir in small amount of additional corn syrup.) Stir in 3 to 4 drops food color until evenly distributed and glaze is smooth. Add additional drops of food color until glaze is of desired color. To glaze cookies, hold a cookie by its edge and dip the top into the glaze. (Or spoon the glaze onto cookies using a teaspoon.) Place glazed cookies on wire rack to dry.

The only criticism I have for this recipe is that it didn’t make enough icing, so I would definitely double the recipe for that so that you have enough to make lots of colors and to decorate all of your cookies. Trust me when I say that this is a fantastic recipe to try with all of your friends and family at any time of the year!

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The Froyo is Coming! The Froyo is Coming!

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Nicole Mulready

Fans of frozen yogurt will have heard of the Peachwave that opened up in Newtown in March. This self-serve shop is soon to be eclipsed for Southbury residents by Froyo World, which is due to open sometime in the spring in the Southbury Plaza. Though definitive plans have yet to be stated as to when and where exactly it will open, according to Southbury Patch, it is due to open next to Panera Bread. The “self-proclaimed first self-serve frozen yogurt lounge in Connecticut,” lets the customer choose how much to put in their cup and then pay 49 cents per ounce. Offering more than 45 toppings and nearly as many flavors, Froyo World is bound to do well this summer by supplying many delicious frozen treats.

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Review: Disney’s Newsies On Broadway

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012
IMG_0551

By Christy Dzubay

Take a much-loved Disney movie. Transform it for the stage, hire some triple-threat actors, and you have yourself the fantastic Broadway show, Newsies.

This show takes place in 1899, New York City. It focuses on a group of teenage boys who earn their living by selling newspapers. Though they have never made much off of such a job, they are furious when the head of the newspaper decides to raise the price that they buy their papers for from 50 cents to 60 cents per 100 papers. To them, this is outrageous, as they have to sell even more papers just to make the same income. So, they decide to do something that has never been done before. They go on strike, demanding better wages and rights for “newsies” all over the city.

Newsies is the type of show that makes you want to jump on your feet and clap along with the music. The lead actors are phenomenal, each fully committing to their character. You really get the chance to connect with each of them, wanting them to succeed in their fight. Even the enemies, such as the head of the newspaper, portray their characters to be believable and realistic. Furthermore, the group musical numbers are absolutely fantastic. There is so much energy coming from every single member of the ensemble that you are practically thrown right into the scene. Not only do they impress with stunning vocals, but they are dancing at the same time. While most musical theater productions have dancing to some extent, Newsies brings an extra-special performance.

One of the most memorable dance numbers involves almost every member of the ensemble. While on strike, the newsies tear their newspapers in half in order to destroy them. Then, they proceed to use them as dance props. Not only do they do cartwheels while holding the paper pieces, but they also pirouette around the stage while standing on them. As a dancer, I can only imagine how much effort it must have taken to perfect this type of number. It is difficult enough to dance and sing at the same time, but adding a prop that affects your dancing increases the difficulty to the next level. The cast members nailed every part of this number and were able to provide an experience that was one of the most memorable of the entire production.

Overall, Disney’s Newsies has to be one of my new favorite shows that I have seen on Broadway. The cast as a whole was dedicated to creating a fabulous performance, with each actor committed to his specific role. I highly recommend this production for anyone looking for a fantastic way to spend an evening. Hurry, though, since Broadway’s Newsies is closing this summer on August 19th!

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Political Gaffe: Is Ted Nugent Going to Kill Barack Obama?

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Toby Amodeo

It’s campaign season, and that means it’s time for mudslinging, name-calling, underhanded tactics, horse race journalism, and the dreaded gaffes made by politicians and public figures. This campaign season has had no shortage of any of the above, but the past few weeks have given us some of the greatest gaffes of all time.

I’m referring, of course, to everyone’s favorite conservative rock star, Ted Nugent. Nugent has had his run-ins with the media before, from sleeping with a seventeen year old girl when he was thirty five to his comments in the last election. He told presidential-hopeful Barack Obama exactly what he could do with his machine gun, as Nugent is a staunch supporter of so-called “Second Amendment rights.” But this time, Nugent found a new low. At the National Rifle Association convention, Nugent proclaimed “If Barack Obama becomes the president in November again, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year.” Then, he compared Democrats to coyotes that should be shot, and exclaimed that conservative gun advocates must ride into battle and chop off the heads of the Democrats in November.

It is believed by many that, although free speech is a wonderful concept, this is a little absurd. When you threaten to kill the president of the United States, someone is going to knock on your door. And that is exactly what happened to Nugent. He was given a good talking to by the Secret Service (who, incidentally, were also given a good talking to about their recent behavior). According to Nugent, the issue has been resolved. Or has it?

According to GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney, it hasn’t. Romney received the unfortunate honor of being endorsed by Ted Nugent just before his remarks. Romney is now suffering from politician’s remorse. He sought the Nugent endorsement as it would balance out his campaign. May conservatives see Romney as too liberal and adding Nugent, the outspoken wannabe war hero, would add conservative flair to Romney’s campaign. But Romney now has to suffer being categorized with a lunatic, as Nugent has not retracted his remarks.

In fact, the presidential election is not all that’s at stake here. Many voters do not really care about the 2012 presidential election, as they see Romney and Obama as the same man in a different suit. No, the real concern here is American civil liberties. We enjoy an expansive freedom of speech in this country. However, our actions must be legal if we’re going to express ourselves. Traditionally, the Supreme Court has given greater protection to thoughts than to actions when it comes to free speech. Nugent’s comments would never stand up to the standards of the Court, especially not the incitement test for free speech. The incitement test sets guidelines for protection of speech by the Supreme Court. To be protected, the speech must not attempt to incite illegal action when spoken. This would raise an interesting question in this instance. Would Nugent’s comments be considered the idiotic ramblings of a rock star or a direct incitement of violence against the president? Luckily for Nugent, there is no case lined up against him. He would certainly face trouble in federal court, especially since his views on the Second Amendment border on fanatical. For now, however, we can just sit back and enjoy the coming storm of mistakes and insults. Happy campaign season!

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Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary Rejects Pension, Stirs Controversy

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Toby Amodeo

Waterbury mayor Neil O’Leary has agreed to reject the $91,000 annual police pension offered to him by the city of Waterbury. The mayor has finally completed this campaign promise, as he pledged to reject such an offer since he would already be receiving large sums of taxpayer dollars.

However, earlier in the week, O’Leary spoke out saying he would not reject the pension offer. This drew immense criticism from Waterbury residents and onlookers in outlying towns. O’Leary had promised to reject the offer so as to fulfill his pledge that he served the people, not himself. Plus, O’Leary takes home $119,000 each year already as the mayor of Waterbury, and many allegations surround his involvement in scandals involving the Waterbury Police Department. O’Leary had been a member of the department for over twenty five years, serving as a patrol officer and chief.

The mayor claimed he faced an unforeseen financial obstacle, which would make it necessary for him to accept the pension plan from the Police Department. He calls the incident a “momentary lapse of judgment,” and hopes his constituents will not be hard on him in the next election. He says he will take out a loan to cover any financial obstacle.

But what sort of obstacle would a man like Neil O’Leary have? His salary is certainly well above that of many Waterbury citizens. He served for more than twenty-five years on the Waterbury Police Force and is seen as a “crook” by many Waterbury residents. While he may serve on the Jane Doe No More Committee and have a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven, many see him as just another “slimy Waterbury politician.”

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Teacher Focus: Doc J

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012
Doc J

By Paulina Misiorek and Atish De


Phoenix: So for how many years have you been at Pomperaug?

Doc J: Approximately 13.


Phoenix: How has it changed over the years?

Doc J: I think the biggest change I’ve seen is that more students are interested in science and math and technology because the size my AP class has grown from about 11 before I started to 32 next year.


Phoenix: What were you doing before you were at Pomperaug?

Doc J: I was a senior research manager and Pfizer central research and I had essentially the dream job where they would give me 5 million dollars a year for research budget and I had to discover two new business areas a year for them and I did that for 20 years.


Phoenix: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about teaching in your career?

Doc J: The most important thing I learned about teaching: It’s not what I know, it’s what the students know.


Phoenix: What has been the craziest or most interesting thing that has ever happened in your classroom?

Doc J: Lots of interesting things have happened…I think the most interesting I saw or did was the first time the students saw me in my Halloween outfit and I did the Monster Mash. Their expressions were priceless.


Phoenix: If you could teach a non-physics subject, what would it be?

Doc J: It would be AP chemistry because I’m a chemist. But if I had my preference, it would be cultural geography because I think the world has to understand that different cultures have different beliefs and we need to understand cultures on a deeper level.


Phoenix: If you could have another job what would it be?

Doc J: Well I’ve had the two best jobs I could dream of, so if I had third job it would probably be a professional golfer, but that’s not realistic.


Phoenix: Where is the coolest place you’ve been to?

Doc J: That’s a big area, so let me think… Probably Paris, France. And the reason is that it was different than I thought. People said that sometimes people in France are not happy to see Americans or are comfortable with them, but they treated me very well, probably because my wife taught me a few words in French.


Phoenix: What are some of your favorite movies?

Doc J: That is an interesting question… Kelly’s Heroes is my favorite movie; you guys wouldn’t know too much about that one. Kelly’s Heroes is my number one movie. I was actually fascinated with the 3D effects in the new Green Lantern. I give those two as two different types of movies.


Phoenix: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

Doc J: Probably any Vietnamese or Thai restaurant that’s set up anywhere.


Phoenix: If you could have any superpower which one would you have?

Doc J: Probably Green Lantern’s ring.


Phoenix: Do you have any influential people that inspired you?

Doc J: John Kennedy, my mother, my father, and my PhD professor, John Schrag.


Phoenix: If you were running for president, which PHS faculty member would you select as your running mate?

Doc J: Bass.


Phoenix: Why?

Doc J: Because I like him.


Phoenix: If you could give any advice to PHS students, what would you say?

Doc J: Don’t be afraid to take risks; without risks nothing ever gets better.


Phoenix: If you could make one change in the world what would it be?

Doc J: Have a national energy policy and have the politicians be problem solvers and not bickerers.

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Students Shave Heads to Help Sick Classmate

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012
Shave2Save

By Chris Mulhall

It has been approximately one month since Tucker Gowen, a junior at Pomperaug, was diagnosed with leukemia. Shortly after he was diagnosed, the idea was concocted for people to keep their hair short in Tucker’s honor. Ryan Bartolotta, a junior, heard about this idea, and then suggested that we have a head-shaving event as a fundraiser for Tucker and his family. After receiving permission from the administration, the date was set for Tuesday, April 10.

The event, called “Shave2Save,” took place in the AP room after school on the previously listed date. Here, students would hand in a permission slip and make a donation ranging anywhere from $5 to $20. Following this, they would sit down in one of four chairs lined up along a wall to have their head shaved by a teacher or volunteer. What made the haircuts so meaningful was that for many students, it was their first time having short hair. One student reported never having buzzed his head before, but thinking this was a good time to try it. Another student reported having had the same haircut for three years, and that this would definitely be a big change for him. This truly demonstrated students’ willingness to do things they would not otherwise consider doing to help out a sick classmate.

In total, about twenty or thirty students, along with one teacher (Mr. Kimble), had their heads shaved. Some teachers and students that could not or chose not to have their hair cut stopped by and still donated money. Although I am unsure of what the final amount was, preliminary counts indicated that over $300 was raised, and this was not including donations given to Mrs. DeGregory by students who could not be at the actual event but still wanted to help out. Once the money was counted, half of it was donated to the Gowen family, and the other half was donated to a childhood leukemia charity. It only took about two hours, but the students of Pomperaug High School have once again helped out Tucker and many people in similar situations. I encourage everyone that’s reading this to get involved and keep up the support.

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Sports Report: 2012 MLB Season Preview

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Tim Cohn


The baseball season is underway after an exciting offseason. This season, the MLB has a new look, different teams are expected to achieve success, and others are vying for a coveted spot in the postseason. This year’s free agency has changed divisions dramatically, and put various teams in contention, most notably the Anaheim Angels. After making a free agency splash by signing first baseman, and talented hitter, Albert Pujoles from reigning World Series champions Cardinals, and pitcher C.J. Wilson from the division rival, and AL pennant winner, Texas Rangers. The rejuvenated Angels look to compete with the Rangers for the top spot in the AL West.

Meanwhile, the Rangers singed the highly anticipated Japanese pitcher, Yu Darvish. The Detroit Tigers are also looking to attain success after they surprised many people by signing notorious slugger Prince Fielder from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Red Sox are looking to turn things around after their momentous late season collapse, and the scandal involving players drinking in the clubhouse during games. The Red Sox are involved in arguably the hardest division in all of baseball, the AL East. Last season, the Sox, Yankees, and Rays all were competing for the division crown and the wild card spot for the AL. Expect this season to be no different because each of the three teams returns much of their talent. Bobby Valentine is at the helms in Boston and hopes to bring team unity, spirit, and passion to the game, as rival New York Yankees looking for their 28th World Series. The Tampa Bay Rays are not the only Florida based team to attract attention in the past few months. The Miami Marlins have a new stadium (hopefully to fill more than 300 seats per game), a new logo, new uniforms, new talent, and a new hope for the 2012 season. They too face a difficult division; the NL East features the Philadelphia Philies, the Atlanta Braves, and the Washington Nationals, who are out to a hot start. Baseball fans everywhere are excited about this season and everything that is in store. Look for lots of excitement and energized fan bases this season, and especially watch how the new, hot teams pan out in the coming weeks.

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Cohn’s Current Events 4/30/2012

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

By Elizabeth Cohn

Dick Clark Dies at Age 82

He was an American icon for a generation of music lovers. The host of American Bandstand and the New Years Eve Show in Times Square, Dick Clark, died this past week from a heart attack in California at 82 years old. Over the past week, fellow reporters have been paying homage to the departed “perpetual teenager” for his love of music and his ability to break barriers and showcase stars like the Jackson 5. Clark also suffered from a mild stroke in December of 2004 after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Trayvon Martin Shooter Released on Bond

George Zimmerman has been under arrest for the shooting and murder of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. He has been charged with second degree murder. However, he now has the option of going free for a bond of $150,000. This has sparked discussion on both sides of the issue, some saying that Zimmerman should not be allowed out on bail, while others think that the high bail price is enough for the crime and the individual in question. Zimmerman offered an official apology to the Martin family in response to the continued protests surrounding the incident and this has quickly become this time period’s racially charged trial, much like the OJ Simpson trial was.

Secret Service Scandal

In the wake of a damaging scandal in Columbia, six Secret Service agents have resigned from their posts. The scandal erupted when Secret Service agents stationed in Columbia before the arrival of the president of the United States had a confrontation with a prostitute over payment in a hotel. This has brought upon an internal investigation for the normally very secretive Secret Service and is bringing up new questions about the effectiveness and dedication of this organization.

The Syria Situation

Syria has been overcome with violence over the past few weeks. After a cease-fire was brought from the United Nations upon the country, the UN also agreed to send 300 unarmed military personnel to the nation in order to help restore peace. This mission of the monitoring forces of the UN is scheduled to last 90 days and they are trying to mask the presence of military officials as best they can in such a damaged environment.

Bahrain’s Grand Prix Death

Bahrain’s Grand Prix, which is set to take place in the near future, has been marred with peaceful protests, violent break-ups, and now the death of a man who was part of these protests, according to the opposition groups Al-Wefaq and the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights. The 36-year-old man is said to have been killed by police but there will need to be an autopsy and further investigation to prove this.

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4/30/2012 Editor’s Corner

Posted by No Author on May 1st, 2012

Dear Reader:

This is the fourth-to-last issue of the year. This may seem extremely insignificant, and in reality it probably is, but it just struck me how close I am to being done with my tenure as editor-in-chief. Next year, the two associate editors, Marlee Breakstone and Christy Dzubay, will be taking over as editors. I met with them over vacation to teach them how to do layout and other general editor-y things, and I realized that Issue 13 is the last issue where I’ll really be running the Phoenix myself. Soon, Marlee and Christy will be taking over more and more aspects of the Phoenix, in preparation for taking over fully next year. So while it’s stressing me out right now to be hunting down articles and finding photos and trying to force everything to fit right in layout, I’m also appreciating the process, and how much of a constant it’s been for me over the past two years. I also realize that this could get really sappy really fast, so out of consideration for you, I’ll hold back for now. On to this issue.

We’ve got all of our regular features—a teacher interview on page 6 (this time with Doc J), which I highly recommend you read; Cohn’s Current Events on page 4 to catch you up on world news; and a new edition of the “Top 5…” column on page 9. (I’ve yet to receive this article, so I couldn’t tell you the topic, but I’ve heard rumors about mushrooms…) You can also read about PHS students making a difference through two events—a blood drive and Shave2Save—on page 5.

After you’re done reading, maybe you’ll think to yourself, “Wow, I’m so glad the Phoenix is here to provide such entertaining and informative articles!” Or perhaps, “Wow, I don’t know what the purpose of the first 9 pages of this booklet thing is, but thank god for the sudoku at the back, or I’d never have anything to do in Physics class!” And then maybe you’ll think, “I wonder how the Phoenix is funded? How do they pay for printing? Can I help?” Since I’m sure you all had this very thought process, I’ll provide an answer. We raise money to cover printing costs through bake sales! In fact, we’re having a bake sale this weekend. How very convenient. We’ll be at Southbury Food Center on Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th, from 9am to 3pm, waiting with piles of cookies to beg people to support us. So if you’d like the Phoenix to keep publishing news and providing your biweekly sudoku fix, come on down and donate something toward our printing costs! I hope to see you there. Until then, happy reading!s

Sincerely,

Rebecca Beilinson

Editor

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The Perfect Playlist for the Perfect Summer

Posted by No Author on April 6th, 2012

By Blair Feller

With warm weather warming our bones and the sunshine brightening our moods, it’s hard not to want summer vacation to start tomorrow. But, never fear! School ends in about 60-70 days, and I’ve got the perfect playlist for you and your buddies to jam to until that day comes. This playlist is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.


Surfin’ Safari – The Beach Boys

Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini – Bryan Hyland

California Gurls – Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dog

School’s Out – Alice Cooper

Summer Nights – Rascal Flatts

Sunshine and Summertime – Faith Hill

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

How I Roll – Briteny Spears

Glad You Came – The Wanted

We Are Young – Travie McCoy

After Midnight – Travie McCoy

Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

Good Life – One Republic

The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy

Hey Ya! – OutKast

Jamming – Bob Marley

Dancing In The Street – Martha reeves and The Vandellas

Island in the Sun – Weezer

Toes – Zac Brown Band

Walkin’ On the Sun – Smash Mouth

Love Shack – The B-52’s

Summer Breeze – Jason Mraz

All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow

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