DANVILLE, May 7- Residents of Danville, Pennsylvania witnessed the rare beauty of a double rainbow in the Eastern skies after a thunderstorm on Thursday May 3.

The double rainbow is rare and one of the most beautiful events in the sky after a storm. It is more common to see a single rainbow.

The double rainbow was visible from different parts of Danville, like this one, the sencondary rainbow faded away after several minutes.

Danville High School Science Teacher Paul Dennehy said that a double rainbow is formed when the light is refracted twice. The second rainbow had reversed colors to the main rainbow.

Many students from Danville High School saw this beauty of nature including seniors, Rachel Gill, Brandon Bennet, Patrick Maloney and Travis Bordner.

It (the double rainbow) was so beautiful. As soon as I saw it, I ran out and took a picture of it,- Rachel Gill

Bordner said that he was driving his car when he saw the double rainbow. “I thought the double rainbow was the biggest one I have ever seen. I really liked it,” said Bordner.

A double rainbow is formed when the light is refracted twice in a raindrop, but the colors are inverted, like this one in Danville sky on thurs May 3rd.

According to Maloney, he was at work when the evening thunderstorm arrived. He came out from work when the storm was over and saw a rainbow. “I went inside after seeing the first rainbow then came back again after few minutes and saw the double rainbow,” stated Maloney.

Another senior, Bennet, thought that it was a sign of a good luck. He was on the Danville bridge when he saw it. “I bought a lottery ticket, but it was worthless,” said Bennet disappointedly.

Even though a beautiful double rainbow cannot be said as a lucky day, it can make the day colorful and special.

Duct tape's colorful qualities can be used for making many items such as flip flops.

By SARA NAESSIG

DANVILLE, May 10- As most people know, duct tape comes in a variety of different colors and designs, but it is less commonly known that it has an even more versatile array of uses.

Like many great technological achievements, duct tape was developed for military purposes. Sealing ammunition cases and providing quick repairs to jeeps, firearms, and air crafts were just some of its uses. Its durability and water resistance traits made it an attractive tool for just about anything. “Duct tape is a very resourceful way to fix broken toys,” claims Haley Spotts.

Duct tape in my house is the solution to all problems. -Rachel Yocum.

The new variety of color and design options has provided a more fashionable and exciting element to duct tape’s practical uses. Many students use duct tape to make wallets, flowers, flip flops, and even top hats. “I love all the different designs for duct tape. It allows me to make boring things fashionable,” states Rebecca Sabers

According to Addie Burkland, “making things out of duct tape takes me from thirty minutes to an hour depending what it is that I’m making.” People who are beginners and only make wallets, can turn out to be experts making very stylish purses. “The hardest thing that I’ve ever made was a bouquet of roses,” describes Rebecca Sabers.

Even though when duct tape was created as a quick fix, it has now turned into a hobby of making just about anything with its multi-colorful qualities.

DANVILLE, May 11 – Colored contacts, clothing, spray tans, hair dyes, makeup; just a few of the dozens of ways we try to use colors to change ourselves everyday. In a world so strung up on looks, it is no wonder the lengths people go to to get pink cheeks, a bronze glow, bright eyes. But has our obsession with beauty gone extreme? How much color is too much?

“I think colors can bring out our best natural features” states junior Bridget Keehan. The things companies have come up with to utilize colors to this affect is amazing. Lots of people wear contacts to correct their vision, but nowadays contacts are used as more than just glasses: they are a beauty statement. Natasha Baker is one student who chooses to wear colored contacts, “I just wanted something to change up my look” explains Baker. “People ask me about them at first. Like, ‘is that really your eye color? But after that it doesn’t really matter.” Most students are indifferent to colored contacts, except if they are really strange colors. “I think it would be kind of weird to be talking to someone with like, purple eyes. It’s just not real.” says Brody Mahafey.

One of the most obvious and universal means of changing appearances is makeup. Black mascara to make eyelashes darker and thicker. Pink blush for that ever-desired flush. And let’s not forget to pile on the foundation so no one can see our flaws. “I think makeup becomes too much when people start to focus on the makeup instead of the person” says Keehan, “most makeup companies already make makeup specific to eye color or skin tone so it’s easy to find the colors that work the best for you.” Keehan is right, there are so many options to look “naturally” pretty, however, the definition of “naturally” may differ from person to person. For Baker, “natural” might mean just enhancing her eye color with contacts, while for Keehan looking “natural” is just a touch of makeup.

The same could be said for almost every mean of changing appearances. For example, going tanning or using self-tanner could just be a way for someone to feel more confident about themselves. This is how Amber Rarig feels, “I just hate being so white!” she expresses. So if laying on the color is what makes us feel comfortable, is conforming to what society deems acceptable the right move?

The fact is, we have thousands of colors at our fingertips everyday. How we choose to use them is ultimately up to us. Pink, green, gold, the choices are unlimited to change the way the world views us. Through colors, we have the power to change.

DANVILLE, Apr. 24- On Apr. 11, Danville High School seniors who met certain academic standards were allowed to leave ninth or during a study hall as part of the senior inventive program. This program was newly introduced this year to reward seniors who have appropriately followed school rules and have had academic success throughout their high school career.

Jennifer Gurski, as a way to enforce seniors to finish this year strong, suggested the senior incentive program. Seniors that are eligible to participate in this opportunity are seniors that maintain senior status with a graduation date of Jun. 8 along with a compliance with attendance policy that includes less 20 days of absence for the 2011-2012 school year, achieved proficiency on the Pennsylvania State Department of Education’s PSSA testing or have successfully completed the PSSA project based assessment, have a conduct record which is free of majority disciplinary action, and any seniors who are not enrolled in any 9^th period class that receives a credit.

I do not leave ninth period even though I am eligible to, because I have track right after school, so there would be no point to leave and rush back.- Vade Majors

Despite this great opportunity, there are some pros and cons to the incentive program. Those students who are in band and chorus are not able to leave ninth period, and some students have such a packed schedule that they do not even have a study hall where they could partake in the “open incentive period.” On the other hand, the students that are able to leave during ninth period or during a study hall spend their time either going to Sheetz, going home, or hanging out with friends at the pizza parlor.

The incentive program will be going on next year too, so if any juniors would like to have the opportunity of leaving school, keep in mind that, ”It takes struggle, a goal, and enthusiasm to make a champion.”- Norman Vincent Peale

NHS students must maintain a 95 G.P.A. and participate in one school and community service per year.

By CALLAN SHERIDAN

DANVILLE, Apr. 10 – On Wednesday, Apr. 25 at 7pm in the Danville High School Gym, 58 students will be inducted into the National Honor Society, thanks to their hard work and good grades.

The Danville National Honor Society is a school organization for exceptional students. To be in the National Honor Society, a student must maintain a 95 G.P.A. and every year must complete one school and one community service. Members of the National Honor Society are stand-up students who work to improve their school, community, and selves.

At induction, inductees will walk across the stage and light a candle, sign their name to signify their membership, and receive a National Honor Society pin. Danville High School Class of 2006 alumni Cassie Andreychik will be speaking at induction, addressing the current and incoming members. Students are excited to be part of such an important club. “I’m ‘honored’ to be inducted into NHS” chuckles inductee Margaret Inverso. “It’s great” says Wesley Yeich. “It makes me feel smart” he jokes.  Jaycee Snyder agrees that the acknowledgment is satisfying, “it’s great to see that my work’s paid off” says the sophomore.

Current NHS members are reminded that their attendance at induction is highly requested, and anyone wishing to help or who has any questions should see Deborah Burger, NHS adviser. Congratulations to all inductees!

The inductees are as follow: Sophomores: Phillip Amarante, Calli Baranouski, Tyler Blue, Ian Bond, Shana Bordner, Shannon Bradley, Kyle Brady, Sean Cope, David Curry, Madison Diven, Samuel Dressler, Erin Raup, Sara Ford, Emily Haney, Ericka Heath, Seth Horvath, Christopher Humbert, Margaret Inverso, Caleb Jones, Trevor Karchner, Casey Clinger, Kyle Knotts, Zachary Kozich, Alec Leiby, Dalton Lupini, Luke Maffei, Colby McCarty, Meaghan McDonald, Alexander Mettler, Christopher Morgan, Megan Moro, Naba Mukhtar, Christina Murphy, Emma Olshefski, Komal Patel, Elizabeth Pavis, Remy Perez, Courtney Pope, Katelyn Quinn, Blake Remensnyder, Austin Renz, Olivia Ross, Alanna Schneck, Tristan Scott, Daniel Seebold, Maya Shenoy, Amanda Shultz, Jacey Snyder, Kristen Strachko, Nicholas Treon, Sara Turner, Marianna Wassmer, Sarah Weber, Alison Willoughby, Gabrielle Winger, Allison Wislock, Wesley Yeich. Junior: Hannah Anderson.

Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration, new ideas, and funny pictures.

By CALLAN SHERIDAN

DANVILLE, April 20. – The pinning sensation that is sweeping the nation, Pinterest, an online cork board, has been popping up everywhere. Those who use it say once you begin, the pinning never ends.

“I’m so addicted!” exclaims avid Pinterest pinner Taylor Mahaffey. The junior was invited to join the website a few weeks ago by a friend, and ever since then she has been hooked. Pinterest is a relatively new website that may best be described as an online cork board. Users can organize pretty much anything (pictures, their interests, quotes, inspiration…etc.) on “boards”. Similiar to Twitter, pinners can “follow” specific people on the site. They can find content by browsing the site, which automatically sets a user up to follow other users with similar interests. Pinterest also allows a user to follow his or her friends on Facebook or Twitter automatically.  There is a list of a broad categories like Art, Sports, and Humor that a user can filter through, or she can search a more specific category using the ‘Search’ bar. For example, if a user searched “desserts” she would be shown pictures of all different kinds of desserts, and possibly some recipes on how to make them.

“I’m on Pinterest almost everyday” confesses Mahaffey. It seems that when someone discovers Pinterest, there is a strong reaction. “I get to talk and look at all of my favorite things, and can express myself really easily” comments Mahaffey on why she likes Pinterest. Another avid user, Katie Finn, agrees that Pinterest is a great way to organize thoughts and entertain yourself, “it gives me ideas and distracts me when I’m really stressed” explains Finn. Both girls agree that the site is fairly user-friendly. “It didn’t take me a long time to figure it out” says Mahaffey. While skeptics may argue that another “social networking” site is excessive, Finn and Mahaffey would not quite categorize it as such. “I don’t really consider it a ‘social networking site,’” explains Mahaffey, “It’s more personal” she says. Finn agrees that Pinterest is a lot more specific than sites like Facebook.

Young or old, nerd or beauty queen, there is really something for everyone on Pinterest. It is a great forum for strangers and friends alike to share specific ideas and common thoughts. Sometimes, the reassurance that you are not the only one to be irrationally in love with something is extremely refreshing. To create an account on Pinterest, head to www.pinterest.com and click the “Request an Invite” button. Happy pinning!

DANVILLE, Apr. 20 – In Marvel’s new film The Avengers a secret military law enforcement agency puts together a team of superheroes to help combat an anti-hero threatening the safety of earth and all its people. The four superheroes include the Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and the first avenger, Captain America. The question remains, which of these heroes possesses the most power and could potential beat the others in a superhero battle?

“If the Avengers were to fight each other in combat, it would be a colossal battle.” – Jesse Witowaty

Nathan Lubeski insists that Thor would win a fight against Captain America, but Samatha Shoop disagrees, claiming that Captain America would be the victor.

Steve Rogers was an American soldier who was injected with a super-soldier serum which made him a master of speed, endurance, strength, and agility, thus creating Captain America. “Captain America would win, he’s the first and best avenger,” says Riley Donahoe. His abilities include the ability to run a mile in less than 73 seconds and bench press up to 1,200 pounds. He is a brilliant strategist and well trained in kickboxing, gymnastics, and judo. “He uses his defensive powers to wear out his opponents,” says Donahoe. Rodgers main weapon is his adamatium shield which is virtually impenetrable. Rodgers uses his shield not only defensively, but offensively as well when he throws it at his enemies. He has also been seen using a gun at times to take out opponents, which ironically leads to his main weakness. A shot from a gun or any other fire arm can leave Rodgers helpless, as he is still only human.

Dr. Bruce Banner is genius scientist who somehow managed to absorb a vast amount of gamma radiation when an experiment went terrible wrong. This radiation allows Banner to transform into a massive green super human know as the Hulk. The Hulk’s most powerful ability is his limitless strength which increases as he gets angrier. His incredible strength also leads him to jump higher and run fast, though, not as fast as Rodgers. The Hulk does not primarily use a weapon, though he can reflect most weapons and absorb their energy, such as bullets. “The more Hulk gets hurt, the stronger he gets,” says Jesse Wisowaty. Hulk’s main weakness is his bad temper, which means when his anger increases he tends to lose control of his power and massive intelligence. While Banner tends to think things through and develop strategies, his alter ego, Hulk, does not.

Tony Stark is a billionaire with a big brain. He used his money and intelligence to create a superhuman power suit which enables him greater strength, an array of weapons, and the ability to fly. “Iron Man would win,” says Brett Bergerstock, “He’s strong and powerful, his suit makes him almost invincible.” Stark’s suit possesses many powerful weapons including built in repulsor rays and an ultra-freon freeze ray. Stark himself is a genius when it comes to technology and can rig most any piece of machinery he finds into a weapon. Iron Man, however is not completely invisible. Stark’s suit quickly loses energy and is practically worthless when all it’s power has been drained. His suit also tends to malfunction at times, which can put Stark in a bad situation.

Thor is the god of thunder who was banished to earth after disobeying his father. “Thor is a god,” says Jackson Hunt, “Everyone else is just human.” He is an excellent hand to hand combatant and has very high stamina. The source of most of Thors power comes from his legendary hammer which can break through any known substance, cause earthquakes, and perform many other strong tasks. Without his hammer, Thor is much less of a threat. He possesses a minimal amount of strength compared to the others. Thor is also very cocky and arrogant, which causes him to not think plans through, such as the time he tried to destroy an enemy civilization simply because he was bored.

“If the Avengers were to fight each other in combat, it would be a colossal battle,” says Wisowaty. The winner of the fight could vary in multiple situations. If Thor had access to his hammer, he could easily take out all of his opponents as long as they did not escape him. If Thor, however did not have access to his hammer, he would most likely lose. Iron Man, though he has a good defense, has a weaker offense. Without access to technology, Stark is almost defenseless. “Without his suit, he doesn’t stand a chance,” says Bergerstock. Hulk may possess the most raw strength, but he can be easily outsmarted. “He may be the strongest, but not the smartest,” says Wisowaty. Captain America, however is a brilliant strategist who can use most anything surrounding him to his advantage. He has a perfect mix of speed, strength, and stamina. So, who would win the battle of the Avengers? Any of them could! It all depends on setting and circumstances.

Zack Meredick attempts to ask Siri on his IPhone 4S for directions, but is quickly upset when it does not give him the answer he was looking for.

By LAUREN CAMPBELL

DANVILLE, May 5 – Two lawsuits have recently been claimed against Apple. Points claimed were that their product, the IPhone 4S does not do all the things she does in the IPhone 4S commercials, such as making reminders, giving directions, playing music, giving the owner a name, and so on.

Both lawsuits claimed that Siri’s abilities are oversold in the commercials. They claim that Apple’s convincing commercials greatly differ from Siri’s actual functionality and operations. “I saw the IPhone 4S commercials and could not wait to try some of the things out, but I was really upset when they did not work,” stated Morgan Gallagher. Other points were that they feel Apple’s commercials are just marketing campaigns, and imply that Siri is much more intelligent then she actually is. Gallagher continued, “I asked Siri to look up a simple cookie recipe and she told me directions to the nearest bakery.”

I do agree with the lawsuits because when I tried the things on the commercials, they did not work. – Kollin Henrie

Ars magazine readers recently took a survey. The results showed that almost 30 percent of the 2,801 votes that were received said that they no longer use the assistant because they tried it and didn’t like it. Another 20 percent said they still use it but have complaints. “I would ask Siri simple questions and she would always ask me to ’web search’ it when I just needed a quick answer,” stated Tianna Pride. Apple stated that Siri is technically still in beta. The lawsuits replied that Apple should consider holding off on showing the commercials until Siri is no longer a beta, or until it becomes more functional and reliable for a larger group of people.

DANVILLE, Apr. 30 – Asthma is respiratory condition which is notorious for constricting one’s airways and can cause coughing and wheezing. Students at Danville High School share their struggles with asthma as well as how they deal with this condition.

Nate Adler uses an inhaler to help run long distances during track and cross-country.

Jessep Caravella is a sophomore at Danville High School who has been fighting asthma for all of his life. “Asthma is when the air tubes going to your lungs tighten,” says Caravella, “Asthma really affects my day to day life.” Caravella claims that mold is the cause of his asthma. “I can’t breath in moldy areas,” says Caravella, “It feels like I have something in my throat.” Ian Bond also has asthma, but his asthma is triggered by vigorous activity and playing certain sports. “Asthma makes it harder to do strenuous sports,” says Bond. Remy Perez has asthma that is triggered by intense physical activity as well. “I cannot run for a long period time,” says Perez. Unlike Caravella and Bond, Perez has only had her asthma for three years as opposed to her whole life. These students, however, are not alone. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology predicted that over eight percent of people in the United States suffer from asthma.

 ”I’m no different than anyone else, I don’t let asthma get in my way.” – Ian Bond

As much of a burden asthma is during time of hard physical activity, Bond does not let it stop him from doing sports. “I’m no different than anyone else,” says Bond “I don’t let asthma get in my way.” Bond has thrown shot-put and discus in track since middle school and continues to throw in his sophomore year. “It’s hard to breath at first, but you get used to it,” says Bond. Perez uses an inhaler to help control breathing and inflammation in her lungs. “Albertreal keeps my asthma controlled,” says Perez, ” my inhaler works wonders.” Caravella also keeps his inhaler close by when he goes to friends houses or far from home. He also stays fit by running and playing basketball, not letting his asthma keep him down. “It’s not too bad,” says Caravella, “Just get an inhaler.” Students who learn they have asthma may be worried at first, but with proper action and medication, they can continue to do the activities they love to do.

DANVILLE, May 10 – The mascot for Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog, has had many successes and failures in the past 20 years. Sega has published many games staring the speedy hedgehog which have either been loved or hated by gamers of all ages.

Sonic went from good, to bad, to worse, but now he’s getting better, again! – Jessep Caravella

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is often considered one of the greatest Sonic titles ever, while Sonic Heroes is known for is bad controls and multiple glitches. Sonic Colors brings 3D graphics, while still holding good game play.

At the beginning of 1991, game publisher Sega was being put to shame by other game companies making better games. This all changed in late June of 1991 when Sega released a new game for the Sega Genesis game console, titled Sonic the Hedgehog. The game was an instant hit across the world and the games spawned many sequels on the Genesis such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. “Sonic 3 was probably the greatest sonic game of all-time,” says Josh Houseknecht, “It was very revolutionary for it’s time.” It seemed like Sonic was one of the greatest gaming franchises in history, until the switch to 3D games.

The first Sonic games Sega created were considered side scrollers, which mean that the character only moved to the left and right of the screen, rather than all around a 3D environment. When Sega tried making 3D Sonic games, they were terrible. Critics criticized the first 3D Sonic games as being slow, difficult to play and flat out boring. This trend continued for years when many Sonic fans were unimpressed with Sonic games such as Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Adventure and Sonic Heroes. “Sonic Adventure was really boring,” says Jessep Caravella, “Sonic ran slow and nothing interesting ever happened.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (top) is a traditional side scrolling game which works well and is easy to play. Sonic Adventure (bottom) is a 3D Sonic game in which sonic is difficult to control and the game design is terrible.

Sega eventually learned from their mistakes and began making 3D sonic games that had controls similar to the early games. Sega took the risk of combining the 3D graphics with game play similar to the early Sonic games that fans liked. Sonic Colors, released in late 2010, saw many positive reviews. IGN called it “The best Sonic game in 18 years”. Sonic Generations was released in late 2011 to celebrate the Sonic Franchise’s 20th anniversary. “I bought Sonic Generations expecting it to be another bad Sonic game, but it turned out to be good.” says Houseknecht. The Sonic series is still far from over. Sonic 4: Episode 2 is set to be released in mid-May and many gamers hold high expectations for this game. The sonic series has seen great games, good games, and bad games. “Sonic went from good, to bad, to worse, but now he’s getting better again!” says Caravella. No matter how good or bad Sonic’s games get, the blue hedgehog keeps on running.