By Maisie Anderson
Staff Writer

With the winter season there are always unexpected problems. However, there are many easy ways to stay safe on the road through all of winter’s conditions.

PennDOT recommends these driving tips for staying safe on the road:

• Prepare your vehicle.

• Wear your seat belt and reduce your speed.

• Ensure that battery, lights, emergency flashers and wiper blades work properly.
• Check and maintain fluids and ensure your gas tank is full before traveling.
• Ensure tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Prepare an emergency kit containing a cell phone, heavy blanket, gloves, salt or sand, a flashlight, water and non-perishable food.
• Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, and beware of black ice.
• Use your low beams in bad weather.
• Remove ice and snow from windows, mirrors, lights, hood, and roof as often as needed.
• Make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive.

PennDOT also has a quiz on their website for safe driving in winter conditions and more tips on safety behind the wheel.

By Brandon Laveau
Staff Writer

From the dawn of man, and till the end of time, there is one thing that has followed us through the ages; Beards. This facial growth has been a sign of wealth, power, masculinity, and honor. 

Let’s get one thing straight, beards must be interpreted on a case by case basis and broad generalizations are often inaccurate. 

Dihydrotestosterone is the hormone present in males responsible for facial hair and ironically hair loss. Most post-pubescent men can achieve a beard in time. Some men though still have trouble with it:

“I wish I could grow a full one, but it can be scruffy,” substitute teacher Mr. Duttera said.

Scientists believe that beards at one point served a practical purpose rather than modern aesthetics. Beards in early man could have been for warmth, and even for intimidation of rivals to show masculinity, similar to a male lion’s mane.

Fast forward to early civilizations, such as Rome, when a boy’s beard came in he was then considered a man. In ancient Rome and even in today’s Amish culture beards are a sort of trophy, and the removal of another man’s beard is considered disgraceful and the ultimate act of dishonor. In medieval times the touching of a man’s beard without permission was a reason to fight to the death in a duel.

Today, there has been a silent war in America against these furry faces. Recent studies have shown only 33% of american males have facial hair compared to 55% worldwide! It is also shown that women have suggested full bearded men to be only 66% as attractive as clean shaven men. There is some good news though, these same people interviewed said beards show a man is powerful, of higher status, and more respected. Beards are part of us, and no matter how much you try to get rid of them, they will always come back.

By Marquice Phillips
Senior Editor

Initially only being a swearing in ceremony, it has evolved into a day long event that now includes balls, parades and other celebrations. 

As the 57th Presidential Inauguration comes to pass, it’s hard to imagine that traditions over 300 years ago are still persistent to this day. The only custom that the U.S constitution actually mandates is the President’s oath into office.

Since Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth swore in John Adams, no other chief justice has missed an inauguration. Simple traditions such as these have withstood the test of time and show the immense respect that each president has when taking office. Even though many traditions have survived the years, the event has still managed to change dramatically over time.

The second term of President Barack Obama was celebrated on January 21. Since the early 1900’s the inauguration ceremonies have been overseen by the Congressional Committee. They oversee all events for that day so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

The Inauguration ball that the president attends is given top priority when planning the days events. Senators and Congressmen are all given a limited number of tickets that they are allowed to give out at their discretion. A common misconception is that such tickets can be bought, however anyone claiming to sell these tickets are frauds.

Like any other event the President attends, his safety and the safety of his family is extremely important. The inauguration day is no different. The security that day consists of not only the Secret Service, but other Federal law enforcement agencies as well as immigration and customs enforcement. The safety of all government officials is always a major concern. All of these different facets have changed the face of the Presidential Inauguration which took place only 300 years ago

By Seth Crider
Staff Writer
       
A remarkable trend of indifference and habitual destruction is leaking into the minds, and drinking water, of a select group of Pennsylvania landowners who are susceptible to the promises of industry.


Hydraulic Fracturing is a method of harvesting, or increasing the production of natural gas in well systems by opening small fissures with a cocktail of chemicals, water, and sand. The hope is that the sand left behind will act as a proppant to the existing cracks and effectively leave behind increased gas flow from within these separations.

Pennsylvania is the unfortunate bearer of a specific type of natural rock perfect for the development of Hydrofracking. Marcellus Shale, as it is named, forms a ribbon that cuts through most of northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as western sections, and accounts for 64 percent of the state. The business of fracking accounts for a 30 billion dollar industry, according to pacwest, and is growing at a continual steadfast rate.

Communities contained within the area have experienced small economic “booms” that are perfect for transforming any small community into industrial centers with enormous amounts of unskilled labor jobs. According to the Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development of Wilkes University, and their study for Socio-economics in Marcellus Shale Communities 41 percent of people reported improvement in the availability of jobs, as well as a 56.4 percent individual belief that extraction should be encouraged to decrease reliance on imports.

The details of the study correspond with universal concerns about the reality of United States domestic troubles and economic instability. A predictable and ingrained pattern of primarily rural communities accepting the arrival of new business with little acumen and apprehension fits with the perception that patriotism means international independence and industrial focus on native soil, and justifiably so. However the cost of local economic security may jeopardize the health of Pennsylvania habitat, including those citizens that accompany it.

Fracking is developing into an environmental parasite that may slowly, but surely, mature into a unique deadly mix of toxicity and political agenda. Flow water, or well runoff consisting of the aftermath chemicals used to break the shale, has been found in local ponds and lakes around gas wells where companies have struggled to regulate efficient methods in dispensing of the waste. Not to mention a litany of occurrences in which the gas, and in some cases the runoff, have penetrated water tables used by families on well water.

Studies conducted by the Duke University and California State Polytechnic University at Panoma have shown “evidence of methane contamination of shallow drinking water systems in at least 3 areas of the region and suggest important environmental risks accompanying shale gas exploration worldwide.” Some cases have been so severe that families within these regions have been able to light their faucet water on fire.

According to NPR’s Christopher Joyce, a study in 2008 concluded that with the introduction of “5000 new wells into Pennsylvania over 700 violations of state law related to water have occurred, with fines amounting to about 1.5 million dollars.”

It is an unfortunate reality that -- even with all the evidence supporting a halt to drilling -- major progressive consideration about the adverse side effects of Fracking has ceased. Chris Tucker, a spokesman for gas industry trade group Energy in Depth says, “What's controversial is attempting to argue that these migrations occur as a result of industry activities, and on a time scale that actually matters to humanity.”

The argument and final solution may boil down to what we deem as more important communally: public health or local economics?

By Hannah Price
Copy Editor

 It’s that time of year again, when everyone is breaking out the Ugg boots and cute scarves that their grandmothers knitted for them. It’s sometimes hard to be fashionable when wearing that big bulky spacesuit of a coat, but here at Red Lion, students have found a way to look nice while also keeping warm this winter. 

Whether it’s ankle booties, or thigh-highs, boots have become a very popular choice of footwear this season. Sophomore Mandy Walker said that she likes to wear boots because they are “warm and comfy.” 

It seems that the Ugg boots will make it through another winter season this year.  They are loved so much that they even make an appearance in the summer season.

Scarves are another winter classic. While keeping your neck nice and toasty, you can also spice it up a bit with fun designs and textures. No one can never go wrong with a scarf.

From bomber, parka, trench, or cropped, your choice in jacket can reflect a lot about your personality. It seem that no matter what type, jackets will always be in style. Northface jackets are very popular now. “It’s soft, warm and pretty,” said sophomore Jenna Innerst when asked why she likes her Northface jacket. The biggest decision to make this winter is whether to stick to the classics or try something new.

So take advantage of these last few months of winter to try out some of these fashion trends. Some might love them, and some might wish to stick with their old favorites. Either way, each person’s fashion choices, whether it be scarves, boots or jackets, are all great ways to express themselves this winter season.

By Maisie Anderson
Staff Writer

Recently, a lot of our own Red Lion Area students have been participating in something that, knowingly or not, can majorly help the environment: carpooling.

There are many ways carpooling with friends can be beneficial not only to the environment but also to the students participating. Students end up using less gas, they don’t have to ride the bus, and they are able sleep in longer. Also, they can enjoy the company of others. “I get to spend time with my friends when I drive them home, and we get to catch up on things that go on in each other’s lives,” says senior Amanda Brown.

However, a few conflicts can arise when debating carpooling such as who drives whom and who pays for gas. Many times there is one designated driver, seeing as some people might not have their own car. As for gas, the cost is usually divided between the people carpooling in order to be fair. Senior Cary Anderson said that “it is a shared effort,” whereas Amanda Brown explained that her friends give her about ten dollars a month to drive them to and from school.

There are also a few drawbacks of carpooling with friends. “People don’t stick to schedules like buses do,” said senior Jake Owens. Students are left to depend on other students rather than a bus driver or themselves. Also, cars are not always dependable and can break down if they’re older, which would be a huge hassle when trying to get to school or home. On the other hand, many students said that they could not think of much they disliked about the whole thing.