Gas could soon be gone so the demand is higher, as are the prices. Photo courtesy of http://www.blog.newsok.com/
Imagine no way to get to school, how are you gonna mow your lawn? And imagine a cold winter night with no heat.
Picture a world without gasoline, and a 100 year gap in between no gas and the solution for it.
That’s what the world is looking at in the year 2041, about 30 years from now.
Recently researchers from the University of California at Davis did research on current share prices of oil and alternative energy companies. Their goal was to predict when replacement fuels will be ready to replace the ever quickly disappearing oil.
Based on what the researchers found, their was no good news to tell.
If in 2008 the world use of oil reserves was 1.332 trillion barrels per year, oil could be depleted by 2041, says the study published online by Environmental Science and Technology.
Through research, UC- Davis researchers found that the depleted oil solution wont be solved until the middle of the next century. The researchers looked over the share prices of nearly 25 oil companies world wide.
Along with filling up our tanks, oil is also used to remove tar, and start fires, while Polybrominated Biphenyls could be used as a fire retarder.
Student’s at Penn Manor had different opinions on the matter.
“I find it highly unlikely,” Said Kevin Kann. Like many others he seems to think that saying we’ll run out of gas is just a trend.
“When I was your age in high school, I was told gas would run out in 2000, that was back in the sixties. Highly unlikely,” said James Yearsley. “We’re smart enough to find a solution. The Germans had a solution called synthetic gas during the World War (WWII), they weren’t smarter than us.”
Although the University of California thinks we won’t have a solution for a decade, Senior Jaquan Presbery thinks otherwise. “By the time we run out of gas we will have hoover cars, so it doesn’t matter.”
Over a year has gone by and she has yet to reappear.
In a case that is still being investigated, Toni Lee Sharpless, a 29-year-old nurse at Lancaster General, vanished.
A television drama recounting the disappearance of this local resident is planned for February.
The last time anyone saw her was last August in Lower Marion when her and a friend went to a club and then to a party at Willie Green’s home, a former Philadelphia 76ers basketball player.
Sharpless left the party after making an unpleasant remark to Green and drove away with her friend who she later kicked out of the car for being upset about what had happened.
Green was later cleared by police of any involvement.
“I search for her on a daily basis,” said Eileen Law, in a recent interview in Lancaster newspapers.
Law is the private detective that took her case. “I do absolutely believe she’s alive,” said Law.
About a month after she disappeared, a camera on a parked police car in Camden, New Jersey spotted a car with Sharpless’ license plate. Investigators on her case was not notified until days later.
They then sent Camden police and New Jersey State Police to the area where her plate was spotted and did a scope out of the entire area.
“They did a lot of work, going through neighborhoods, in hopes of finding it (the car) or finding it abandoned,” said Lt. Frank Higgins of Lower Marion Police Department. “Cars don’t usually disappear entirely. At some point in the future they turn up, whether it’s a junkyard or somewhere else.”
Not too long after their search, a non-profit organization for search and recoveries used sonar to scan the Schuylkill River to see if she accidentally drove into it, but were disappointed when nothing showed.
“We fear the worst because of the amount of time that has gone by, and, as a mom devoted to her daughter, it wouldn’t make sense for her to abandon her family,” said Higgins.
Law seems to think that Sharpless was spotted somewhere since she disappeared. She claims to have received 50 reports of people who say they saw her, and they all say they either saw her in Camden, Philadelphia or Lancaster.
Those who say they saw her say that she was with two men, one of which was a thin Hispanic man with a goatee and a large African-American with a build like a football player.
Law stated that she believes Sharpless is still alive but somewhere in another state and that drugs may play a part in her disappearance.
“I think Toni is a phenomenal person who has overcome a lot of things,” said Law. “She loves her daughter more than life itself.”
“But I sense that Toni thinks her daughter is better off now. I believe Toni feels she’s broken,” Law said.
“I don’t think she broken at all,” said Law. “I can’t wait for the day I meet her.”
Law has visited the areas where people think they have spotted her to hang posters and talk to the people.
She has also looked into all reports coming in about bodies that are found to see is they could be Sharpless.
“People want to know and we can’t give then any kind of closure,” said Higgins.
Law is determined to eventually give her family the news that they want, finding her.
A milestone for Penn Manor staff and board members alike was marked with coffee and muffins Friday morning in the high school library.
It was the first time all of the school board members and staff had an official meet-and-greet and the outcome was reportedly positive.
“This is the first year we’ve had a meet-and-greet,” said district superintendent Dr. Michael Leichliter. “Last month was the first meet-and-greet with the Marticville staff. Next month’s in Conestoga. It’s important for teachers and the school board to have an open and close relationship.”
Many teachers arrived early to get into the library for a quick bite and to shoot the breeze with school board members.
The newest school board member, Amber Green, who is filling a vacant position, was grateful for the chance to meet staff members as part of her responsibility to the board.
“It’s a very wonderful school board and there’s lots to learn, said Green, “I thought there would be drama, but there isn’t really. We work together to solve problems and they usually get resolved at the end of the meeting.
Teachers grab a quick bite during the high school's meet-and-greet Photo by Sarah Schaeffer
“There isn’t any cloak-and-dagger drama, like you see on TV,” added Green. “Everyone on the school board is really mellow.”
Green said she felt it was important for the school board to meet with the teachers and have a meeting that gave them some face time.
“Instead of just knowing their names,” said Green.
School board president Dr. Richard Frerichs said this was an opportune time to have a meeting with teachers and staff at various schools in the district.
Dr. Rich Frerichs addresses the board and faculty Friday morning. Photo by Sarah Schaeffer
“Now we have a governor that vowed to put money into public schools and we need partnerships with school board and teachers in order to make the best of things,” Frerichs said.
Staff members agreed.
“It’s helpful for a lot of teachers to gather,” said Teri Hay, an art teacher in the high school.
“There’s a lot of e-mail communication and open communication with Dr. Leichliter, Mr. Gale,” said Hay. “I don’t have the e-mail addresses of the board members but if I needed them, I know I’d be able to get in contact.”
“Because of how big the building is, it brings all the different departments together,” said Krista Cox, an administrator in her second year of being part of the staff at Penn Manor.
Willkommen bei Penn Manor! (Welcome to PM in German)
Visiting German teachers were welcomed to Penn Manor High School in late October. They were surprised at how different our schools are, but were excited to be here.
Initially, the simple desire to see a high school in a different culture brought them here.
Two of the teachers explained that they “always wanted to see an American high school” and that this opportunity was too good to pass them by.
The teachers traveled about 4,000 miles to get from Germany to Pennsylvania. Photo Courtesy of venere.com
One particular individual was Ulrike Schroen. She visited librarian Sue Hostetter in 1976 and they’ve kept in touch ever since.
But regardless of the previous visit, when the rest of the teachers arrived at the building, they noticed a sundry amount of differences.
Where they were from, they explained “about 1,000 students and 50 teachers” attended, which made Penn Manor High School seem very large compared to what they’re used too.
The biggest hit? Our Sanders P. McComsey library. All agreed that it was very impressive.
Surrounded by laptops and computer stations and a large selection of books, they couldn’t believe the size of our library. At their school they said they have few “separate computers” and “a little library.”
Throughout the day, the German teachers were able to observe classrooms and explained their levels. We have honors, college prep, and career prep level courses all in the same building, but in Germany, their level classes are in completely separate buildings.
The German teachers made comments about our library. Photo Courtesy of moodle.pennmanor.netThey questioned the number of students from career prep levels that go on to college here as well.
All of their students who are in career prep are college bound, contrary to those at Penn Manor High School.
In fact, they reported that all of their levels go to college because education is crucial in their culture.
Surprisingly the teachers were well equipped in their English speaking skills. They explained that “all (students) are required to learn English from third grade on.”
The teachers agreed the trip was worthwhile and the experience was one they will always remember.
“This is like a second home to us already,” said one.
They left Penn Manor humoring all who asked about their new cultural experience: “Your toilets are so nice-so clean.”
Everyone is getting ready for Black Friday, especially the Apple Store.
Their big one-day-only holiday event will not only consist of falling prices on their products, but will also leave jaws dropping to the floor. Whether you’re looking for iPods, an iMac, iPhones, or even an iPad, you will sure find a deal on Friday.
Many Penn Manor students have their eye on all kinds of products available at the Apple Store and hope to either get what’s on their wish list for Christmas. They will be roaming the store in just a few short hours due to this big sale.
“I think that they’ll have all their products on sale with decent prices,” said Penn Manor senior Josh Carle.
“I want an iPod car adaptor for Christmas,” said Laura Revelt.
Both Veronica Willig and Zach Campbell, seniors at Penn Manor, say they want the new iPhone for for Christmas.
“It will be a more reasonable price on Black Friday, and I think my parents would absolutely love to buy me one for Christmas,” jokes Willig.
Not only will the students at Penn Manor be checking out the Apple Store, but their parents as well.
Sophomore Linda Marie Olsen explained that her parents will probably be purchasing an Apple product for the holidays.
“I need a new phone and I want the iPhone, but they’ll probably give my older brother the iPhone or laptop, not me,” said Olsen.
Brandon Schuman will be Black Friday shopping at the Apple Store.
“I’ll check out the Apple Store, they’ll have all sorts of stuff on sale. I’m going to get the Macbook Air for myself,” said Schuman.
Even though many people have these products on their wish lists, some tend to run the other direction when it comes to Black Friday shopping.
“I won’t be going shopping,” says teacher Gordon Eck, “but I hope to eventually get an iPad. I already have an iPod though.”
As people are stuffing their turkey and greeting their family, mother nature is cooking up something a little different for our holiday weekend. Yes, we’re talking snow.
Experts from accuweather.com predict Thanksgiving day will only reach a high of 43 degrees and rain with possible sleet mixing in.
Thanksgiving Night will become windier in the evening, with a high of 47 but will feel like 39 degrees.
A period of rain and sleet and even possibly snow will be making it’s trip around parts of Pennsylvanian and New York state during Thanksgiving. A plunge in the temperature could lead to a freeze up of untreated wet areas over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Cites that could be affected by this wintry mix would include Altoona, State College, Williamsport, Bradford, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Pennsylvania and Elmira, Binghamton, Syracuse, Ithaca, Utica, and Albany in New York.
Many people are speculating about the weather during this extended weekend. It may be better to spend the day inside fighting over the wishing bone rather than who has to be the one spreading salt over the driveway.
Black Friday is approaching and Penn Manor students seem to be pretty excited to go, as they share their past experiences.
“Last year I saw two guys get into a fist fight,” said senior Dan Short. “I’m guessing it was either over something they both wanted, or they were just unhappy with each other.”
Students go for the good sales, getting their Christmas gifts at good prices, the company of friends, or just something to do.
Popular game systems can be found dirt cheap on Black Friday
Penn Manor students said they will spend anywhere from $20 to $250 on all sorts of different items.
“I usually go to get a good pair of shoes. Maybe a nice pair of Nikes,” said Brian Buckius.
Some students don’t even go to buy anything, just to walk around, meet new people and socialize.
“Black Friday is when I usually buy gifts for my family since I can get them at a cheap price,” said Jeremy Ostberg.
“I spent over $200 on Black Friday last year,” reported Abby Newport.
A lot of students go to get good prices on video games and video game systems, since the stores normally have good deals going on and these items are usually very expensive.
Black Friday gives students many opportunities, that don’t come around often.
All kinds of opportunities.
“I usually just go to check out the ladies,” said Brock Kauffman.
As they hitch hike rides into homes on clothing, luggage, and various other things, bed bugs have certainly upgraded their vaguely known name.
As of this fall, exterminators have been called out to treat bed bugs in all districts throughout Lancaster County, according to a local exterminating business, Kirchner’s Pest control.
“Over the past two years, our calls have increased majorly,” said Londa Weaver, owner of the business. “We average five calls per week. Ten years ago, we had none.
“We had four treatments done yesterday alone,” Weaver added.
Anne Butterfield, a nurse at Penn Manor High School, explained what she knew about bed bugs.
“They live in seams of mattresses and feed off human blood,” said Butterfield. “They
Bed bugs creep their way into beds. Photo courtesy of getridbedbugs.org
can give rashes as well as bites, and can survive in a whole range of temperatures. Last spring, I sent kids to their doctors concerning bites that may have been from bed bugs.
A science teacher at Penn Manor High School, Erick Dutchess, expressed his thoughts about bed bugs.
“Bed bugs are like Santa Claus, they are not real,” joked Dutchess.
“I am not worried about bed bugs because I’m clean and I wash my sheets once a week,” said senior Joey Carlyle.
“I change my sheets, and I’m not worried because I have a water bed. I suggest that everyone convert to a water bed,” said Tanner Kennedy.
Many people have that ex
Bed bugs survive on human blood. Photo courtesy of www.examiner.com
act misconception. Being clean and having water beds does not prevent bed bugs. Bed bugs can still infect water beds, according to killbedbugs.org.
Butterfield also explained the eradication procedures.
“They are pesticide and non-pesticide based, like mechanical approaches. Vacuuming, wrapping the mattress for a period of time and heat treatment,” said Butterfield.
According to bedbugplague.com, the thermal death temperature for bed bugs is approximately 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
At Kirchner’s Pest Control, they use the crack and crevice treatment.
“The guys on the job have to get rid of the infested mattresses, box springs, and any upholstered furniture,” said Weaver. ” It is much more expensive for people to have us do bed bug treatment. It’s more labor intensive and time consuming. Since bed bugs like to hide, the guys have to treat not only bed frames, but everything including picture frames that are hanging on the wall.”
The bridge between Millersville and Conestoga is officially open.
At 3:15 p.m. Friday, A spokesman for the state transportation office said the barriers were being dragged away to open the bridge.
It had to open in the next 24 hours for the construction contractor not to incur a daily fine for going over the Nov. 20 deadline.
“If they didn’t have the bridge open by Saturday, they have to pay a fee,” said Greg Penny, a local PennDot spokesman, who is pretty confident the deadline will be met.
So the bridge will open, for awhile and then close partially so extra work can be done, according to state officals.
“I’m excited,” said phys-ed teacher, Britney Clugston, about the bridge. “It will make getting to Conestoga more convenient, and getting to the the Y(MCA) in Lampeter.”
When the last work is done and the bridge opens, the 6000 people inconvenienced every day will soon be able to go back to their normal routine of driving straight into or out of Millersville instead of going the whole way around.
The bridge in the district has been under construction for five months. Photo by Liz Lawrence
Tons of people all over the district are excited, even if it doesn’t inconvenience them directly.
“Maybe people will start going that way instead of my way,” said Jeremy Ostberg of Willow Street.
“It’s gonna save me gas money, instead of going the whole way around,” said junior Cheyenne Weber. “It will convenience me with sports and getting to the high school.”
“My sister-in-law lives over there, so that’s the only time I go over there,” said physical education teacher David Hess. “It will be great for us because we go there for Christmas, instead of going the whole way around.”
The construction, being done by J.D. Eckman Inc, was down to it’s last step of fixing the road to the bridge and the guide rails.
“They’re still waiting for the guide rail crew to finish sometime this evening,” Penny said. “The bridge will open then but there is still work to be done.”
Penny said work on the overhang, “sort of like scaffolding” needs to be removed.
He said that work and sealing the deck of the bridge will have to wait until December, probably the week of Dec. 6.
“A lot of the guys on the crew go hunting,” said Penny. “So two days in December half the bridge (one lane) will be down in order to power wash the sealer and let it dry.”
He said the construction company would have to pay $3,500 in “liquidation damages” for every day past Nov. 20 that the bridge isn’t open.
For the most part, the construction project has proceeded routinely.
“I’m not aware of any construction problems,” said Penny, about the project’s time line.
The one big setback the workers faced throughout the last couple months of working on the bridge was when a 70-year-old elderly man died when he missed the warning signs and tried to walk across the bridge at 9 p.m. one night.
Police estimated the man had been in the water 20 to 25 minutes, according to a published report in Lancaster Newspapers.
New advances in the Internet world are being made. Expected to launch in early 2011, Super Wi-Fi will be the most recent “gadget” out there.
Even with traffic clogging the bandwidth at Penn Manor, technology experts here see other solutions to be more practical and accessible than Super Wi Fi.
Charlie Reisinger, head of the Penn Manor technology team, is well aware of the slow Internet connections at the high school.
“During marking period 1, we experienced a significant surge in Internet use” and “a large portion of the surge can be attributed to increased classroom use” of “Internet resources such as Moodle Tools, Study Island, Google Docs and streaming video sites,” said Reisinger.
“The surge in traffic exceeded our available bandwidth, which in turn caused the network to feel sluggish from time to time.”
To help fix this problem, the district has doubled the available Internet bandwidth by augmenting the current connection with additional connectivity from Comcast.
The tech staff has implemented a number of network changes to help increase web browsing speed. In the future, they are looking to expand the bandwidth even farther.
Chad Billman, a member of Penn Manor’s technology team, explained that “our Internet is provided by Millersville University. We have a direct fiber optic link to the campus.”
At Penn Manor, “we are already mostly wireless. At the high school alone we have 440 student laptops and 150 staff laptops that are all wireless,” explained Billman.
The FCC is a government agency that regulates communications. Photo courtesy of businesspundit.com
Super Wi-Fi is on the near horizon but probably not at Penn Manor, at least not this year.
“It seems very unlikely that we would utilize this type of technology for student/staff member computers. Even assuming Super Wi-Fi provided us with additional bandwidth, it will take a long time until the technology starts appearing as standard options on our laptops,” Billman said.
Even though Super Wi-Fi is not in use yet, many are already depending on its success.
Google, Dell and Microsoft are all preparing for newer developments which could possibly build into a multi-billion dollar market. This means our laptops, smart phones, and wireless doodads may see some big changes in available functions and quality of internet connections.
Many are wondering where the technology was discovered and developed. All credit goes to the Federal Communications Commission,the independent agency of the US government that works towards six goals: broadband, competition, spectrum, media, public safety and homeland security.
Just like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the proposal given by the FCC would enable white spaces to be available for free.
To enable this technology to be used, the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting needed to occur. Many people don’t realize that in 2009 when we had to update our televisions, we actually opened up the airwaves enough for the FCC to work with this new idea.
The problem? TV broadcasting signal disruption. This is expected to be resolved by what the FCC has been doing: mapping TV channels everywhere across the US. By figuring out where the interferences may occur, the company will set aside a few channels for minor uses of the wireless program, simply to avoid their airwaves.
Super Wi-Fi may change the way we use the internet in the future. Photo courtesy of udh.edu
The FCC is also focusing on bandwidth of Super Wi-Fi, but hasn’t increased its numbers yet. If this is accomplished, the connection will most likely catch on more quickly.
“The last I heard, the maximum bandwidth expected using Super Wi-FI is 15 Mbs-20 Mbs,” Billman said. “Even our oldest access points provide 54 Mbs of bandwidth. The current access points utilize 802.11n which theoretically provides up to 600 Mbs.”
But regardless of the current speeds and distances, this product is expected to be a great resource not just regular people, but authorities too.
Some uses such as home wireless networking, transferring videos back and forth from TV and computer, and supplying emergency services are expected by the technology companies. Another big perk would be the use of Super Wi-Fi to get high speed internet to those in places where the landlines are unable to get broadband. Also, some feeds will even include traffic and surveillance camera features.
“This will probably result in more internet enabled devices being available to the public,” commented Billman, “our new acceptable use policy would allow the personal devices to be used by students. This becomes a classroom management issue because more and more students would have access to unfiltered internet.”
Predictions have concluded that Super Wi-Fi will be just as popular as the original Wi-Fi connections.
