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Red Sox Make Splash in Early Offseason
December 9th, 2010
Carl Crawford
By: Trevor Owens
Staff Writer
If you can’t beat the Yankees playing their game, then join them. This is the approach that the Boston Red Sox are taking in their recent acquisition of highly touted free agent Carl Crawford, at a contract for $142 million over the span of seven years.
The deal was first reported on last night by The Boston Globe, and if the deal closes it will become the sixth-largest free-agent contract in total value in Major League Baseball’s history.
The only person that seems not to be surprised by the signing was Yankee’s General Manager Brian Cashman who said, “Great Move. Great Player. Boston’s got the money and they had a need.” This comes two seasons after the infamous bidding war that the Red Sox and Yankees participated in for first basemen Mark Teixeira, in which the Yankees won, leaving a bitter feeling in the minds of Sox fans.
Carl Crawford was reportedly given four offers one of which was by the Anaheim Angels who were the heavy favorites to ink Crawford, but a source close to the All Star outfielder stated, “It was a very difficult decision for Carl, in the end, it came down to his desire become a member of the Red Sox, move to Boston and the ability to win.”
The 29-year-old outfielder hit a career high 19 home-runs, and batted for a .307 average for a fellow American East rival Tampa Bay Ray’s, and his career average of .300 with 62 stolen bases at Fenway Park only mean good things for the Red Sox and their fans.
The Carl Crawford deal comes a few days after the much hyped Adrian Gonzalez trade, that sent the perennial MVP candidate to the Red Sox for three prospects. Although no contract agreement has been met by both parties, there is a contract in principle for the all star.
Adrian Gonzalez
These recent moves can only mean good things as the Red Sox try to return to the promise land of the World Series in 2011.
Bruins Begin Early Quest for Cup
November 19th, 2010
Trevor Owens
Staff Writer
With a 7-3-1 record, and a third place position in the North East Division, the Boston Bruins are battling the ever-tough grind of the NHL season in their hopes for Stanley Cup number six.
The team’s prospects are only heightened with the outstanding play from goalie Tim Thomas. Even through early season trade rumors, Thomas has dominated the NHL in major stats such as Save Percentage, Goals Against Average, and Shutouts.
Great play from newcomer Nathan Horton (team leader in points and goals), ageless wonder David Krejci (team assist leader), and Milan Lucic (second in multiple statistical categories), rounds off the Bruin’s offensive attack.
The Bruins finished off a strong season last year with a second round loss in seven games against the Philadelphia Flyers. “We got a little carried away from our game plan and lost our composure”, said team captain Zdeno Chara.
Heading into this season, the playoff loss seems to have been forgotten as the playing of the Bruins has risen to the challenge. The Bruins have become the favorite of many.They are predicted to be in the driver’s seat, heading towards the 2011 Stanley Cup.
Lil’ Wayne Continues Dominance Over the Rap Industry
October 29th, 2010
"I Am Not a Human Being" Album Cover
Lil’ Wayne Impresses with New Album
By: Trevor Owens
Even the shackles of jail could not stop rapper Lil’ Wayne as he recently cranked out his eighth studio album “I Am Not a Human Being,” which placed on the top 20 in the Billboard Top 100 on its debut. With featured artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Twist, Jay Sean, and T Streets, Lil’ Wayne continues his dominance over the rap industry, with yet another smash hit.
After being convicted of a gun charge, Lil’ Wayne is wrapping up a prison sentence of eight months, (since March 8th of 2010 till November 4th 2010). In that time Lil’ Wayne (also known as Lil’ Weezy), has continued to be featured in hit songs such as “Miss Me”, and “I Made It”, even while his jail stay continues.
This album does not give the impression of soul-searching individual such as fellow former imprisoned singer Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”, in which he describes his own prison experience. Lil’ Wayne’s album is as far away from the regular sounds and themes of prison music by any means, and he only continues to use the same subject matter that helped to make him one of the best rap artists to date.
Even with this jail stay coming to an end, one can not help to think if his music style has changed and if we would see a different side to Lil’ Wayne, and that seems to not be the case with this one. Immediately you are hit with song “Bill Gates”, in which Lil’ Weezy lays claim to the verb “Bill Gatin”. The hit song of the album is clearly “Right Above It”, featuring Drake, that opened at number one on the Billboard’s Hot Digital Song’s Chart.
As the end date for Lil Wayne’s prison term nears, fans around the world will be waiting to see if he can raise the bar from this masterful album.
Taylor Swift Returns with a Hit
October 29th, 2010Taylor Swift Returns with a Hit
By: Trevor Owens
Taylor Swift's new Album "Speak Now"
After a two-year wait Swift fans have reason to celebrate after the recent release of her third country album, Speak Now.
Speak Now consists of fourteen tracks that act as a diary to the past two years of the ups and downs of Swift’s life, since the previous release of her hit album Fearless. The most noted track on the album is Back to December, which ranks at number thirteen on the Top 100 Digital Songs, and Mean at number two.
After the past year of fluctuating press between the Kanye West outburst, and rumors of relationships with fellow singers John Mayer, Joe Jonas, and actor Taylor Lautner, this album release once again placed the attention of Swift’s singing career, ahead of all the other press. This fact was recently discussed when Swift stated that her relationships gave her inspiration for her music.
In a recent tweet Swift said,” People always haven’t been there for me but music has,” this idea seems to be a strong theme throughout another strong album.
WA girls soccer underway
October 11th, 2010
By Trevor Owens & Bjorn Burk
Staff Writers
After the Westford Academy Girls’ Soccer Team battled to a tie last Wednesday against Dual County League rival Acton-Boxborough, it was clear that girl’s soccer was off to a great start.
The team’s start of 5-2-1 (1-1-1 in DCL play) would not be possible without the strong play and battling from both sides of the ball.
Captain Meghan Reid in goal, Captain Katie Sheridan and Stephanie Sullivan have all made solid contributions on defense, amongst others.
Picking up on offense, Caitlyn Paltsios, Captain Jennifer Larrick, Hayley Katkowski, and Rachel Secrist, including help from additional players.
Due to well-rounded play the Grey Ghosts have accumulated wins against Chelmsford, Boston Latin, Arlington, and Weston.
Tough losses include Concord Carlisle, and Lincoln Sudbury. The only tie so far has been against Acton-Boxborough.
When asked how she felt about the outlook on the rest of the season, sophomore player Leah Giacalone said,” We’re very excited for a great run.”
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WA Boys Soccer kicks it into high gear
September 29th, 2010By Trevor Owens and Bjorn Burk
Staff Writers
Captain D.J. Keller and Joey Brunelle
Chris Mariano and Kurt Naugler
Lacking experience, Westford Academy varsity boys’ soccer team is kicking off this year’s season with questions. Read the rest of this entry “
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Latin is still alive with Mrs. Bjorkman
September 14th, 2010By Trevor Owens & Bjorn Burk
Staff Writers
Q: What was your favorite subject in high school?
A: No surprise, I really liked Latin. I had two really great teachers as well.
Q: What attracted you to Latin?
A: I love words, I love word origins. I like knowing where words come from.
Where did you attend college?
A: I went to Harvard.
What if any other schools have you taught at?
A: I taught at Hanover High School down on the South Shore for a couple years. Then I actually taught here for six years. Then lived in Sweden for a year. Then I taught at Concord Carlisle, and then I came back [to W.A.].
Q: What attracted you to W.A.?
A: For a Latin teacher it has a really strong Latin program, a really solid academic foundation, and really high expectations for teachers.
Q: Why did to come back to W.A. after your move to Europe?
A: I really missed being at this school. I missed the strength of the Latin program
Q: Favorite Hobbies?
A: I really like being in the outdoors and hiking. I also enjoy Genealogy.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere where would it be?
A: My husband and I want to go to all fifty states, we have been to about twenty-nine states so far. We would both like to go to Texas.
Q: How would you describe your teaching style?
A: I like to keep a very productive but at the same time a productive class. I like to use humor in my class as well.
Q: At the end of the school year how would you want your students to think of you?
A: I think most of all that I care about my students as people. That is what I really want them to think about me.
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