The Expendables 2

By Caleb King

The Expendables 2 The expendable 2 is the sequels to the 2010 film the expendables. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Liam Hemsworth, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger one would think that the expendables would be high adrenalin action from beginning to end with a thread bare story to tie it together, and they would be right.

While I personally enjoyed The Expendables I couldn’t help but notice that it felt familiar. The movie really didn’t introduce anything new, but that is not to say that the movie was stale. The core of the film was to be an action movie and I feel that it was accomplished many times over. While the action was spectacular the story was, as stated early, bare. The complex twist and turns that allow other movies to keep you on your toes was not present. The story was overly straightforward and blunt. The villain (Jean-Claude Van) stated his every intention for his plans and telegraphed his every action.
While the story was far from phenomenal I was surprised by the character development. If you had watched the first movie you may have noticed the minor hostilities that Stallone, Willis, and Schwarzenegger had for one another in the church seen, yet in the sequel not only did the three Willing work together they went out of there way to save each other, this along with one character’s view of the deeper meaning of his meal and one character’s surprising M.I.T degree showed that the writers really wanted to show a more human side to their characters.
The humor mostly relies on allusions to the actors others movies. With three “I’ll be back” references, a Yippy-KY-eh and a Chuck Norris joke the film is not afraid to poke fun at the actors including remarks about the age of the actors. Though these are small remarks are funny trying to rely all humor on these is simply not enough for the two hour movie and this is clear even to the writers as they recycle old gags from the first movie.
Though the movie has lacking in story and humor, I do believe it accomplished what it set out to do make a great action movie. With that in mind I would recommend this movie to anyone who loves action movies or remembers these actors from the 80’s and 90’s.

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Memorable Phrases

By Gray Forrester

We’ve all done it. You’re walking down the hall when you hear
something that makes you stop and just go, “Huh? Did I really
just hear that?”. After some intense research, and more than
couple phrases and words I wish I hadn’t heard, here is a list of
some of the more memorable hallway phrases from this school
year.

• Dude. You should’ve seen my dog dance last night!
• Why are you only wearing one shoe?
• Oh, here’s some incoming traffic *beep beep*
• Dangit! I could’ve sworn today was Thursday!
• Did you really not know your shirt is inside out?
• I intend to live forever. So far so good!
• If your hair wasn’t curly, I swear it’d be at least 6 feet.
• Whatever you do, don’t tell her about the tarantula.
• Do you think he’d notice if I brought a pillow and went to
• sleep in the back corner?
• Fluggernugget…

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Charger Goes Online

A new school year, a new start. And a new Charger editor, Colleen Ryan, bringing many prodigious changes to our CHS Charger paper and staff. Perhaps most remarkable of all is the setup of the online edition of the Charger- a first for the newspaper. Miss Ryan proudly states, “It's just the beginning for the Charger. You can expect many more important changes to come.” 

So what is so important about the online edition of the Charger? Just about everything! Not only will students be able to browse the current issue, they will also be enabled to read past issues that are no longer available in print. Aside from the reprinting of the issues online, students will be able to read articles that the Charger did not have room for in printing. A conglomeration of important information and events can be learned of, while previously they would have been tossed away and forgotten.

What else does the online edition of the Charger bring to students? An important insight into the lives of the editor and staff members here at CHS. A link to each member is provided, including a photograph, taken by head photographer Blake Gentry, and a short biography about the member. Not only that, but links to each member's previously written articles will be provided, so that students may read as many articles by their friends as they want.

Each CHS student should be sure to take a look around the new website. It can be found at www.thechscharger.blogspot.com

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Men's Fashion from a Woman's Perspective

By Abbie King

When describing their dream man, most ladies list the typical qualities they look for, such as handsome, funny, and compassionate. A quality many women search for but do not admit to, however, is well dressed. It is almost embarrassing to admit to liking a well dressed fellow because it appears silly and shallow. I, on the other hand, am not ashamed to admit that how a guy dresses is important to me, and I know that there are many girls in this school like myself. So, fellas, if impressing the ladies is something you strive to do, listen up. Here are some styling tips that are woman-approved and, never fear, socially acceptable.

A huge hit that has already made many appearances at CHS is bright colors. Whether is be bright blue pants or light pink shorts, these articles add contrast to any simple outfit. If you’re not one for the lime-light and being conspicuous, subtle additions to your wardrobe have the same effect. Adding deep purple to your wardrobe instead of black can make all the difference. A trend that hasn’t quite made its way to Cookeville yet is texture and pattern combinations. If your old striped tee is just not cutting it, try throwing a flannel button up over it. The same old denim getting you down? Try pin-striped or corduroys. Popular this fall and winter is layering. Adding a blazer, vest, or cardigan spices up any simple outfit. Pairing a collared shirt with a sweater is a great way to keep warm while remaining classy. Oh, and flip flops are never acceptable.

So next time you’re getting dress, step out of your comfort zone and try something new! Women will swoon.

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HOSA Starts RED OUT.

By Cody Thompson

HOSA, meaning Health Occupations Students of America, is a nationwide club for students interested in having an occupation in the medical field. HOSA’s mission is to “enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing
opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the health care community.” HOSA will be doing a fundraiser this year for the American Heart Association, called RED OUT for the first time ever.
RED OUT is a way to take a stand against heart disease. Heart disease is our nation’s number one cause of death. Since Cookeville High School is participating in this inspiring fundraiser this year, the AHA (American Heart Association) will be providing us with awesome t-shirts to start selling for the cause.
CHS will start selling the t-shits at the Cav Walk and continue to sell them till October 19th at the football game against Riverdale, which is when everyone that bought a shirt should wear it! Buying a t-shirt does not only mean you will be donating money to a great cause, but you will also be raising awareness just by wearing the shirt. If you are interested in buying a t-shirt, donating to the cause, or helping out in anyway, you can talk to Ms. Julie Smith, or talk to either one of HOSA’s presidents, Jennifer Montgomery and Taylor Logan. HOSA will love all the support that they can get this year!
HOSA will also be doing more fundraisers for different causes and themselves in the near future. If you hear anything about HOSA on the announcements in the future, be sure to listen up! Other important projects that HOSA has done and will be doing this year, include the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and Cystic Fibrosis, which HOSA will be selling ribbons for, so that students can get out of class early. Be sure to help out!

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Fashion by Alana: Accessories

By Alana Farley

Is your outfit complete? There are many ways that you can make your outfit complete using accessories. Fashion accessories can be held or worn. Worn accessories are accessories such as jewelry, jackets, ties, belts, sunglasses, etc. Carried accessories include handbags and clutches.

Earrings come in various shapes and sizes. Even though mostly females wear earrings, males are also seen wearing them. Common locations for piercings, other than the earlobe, consist of the rook, tragus, and across the helix.

Types of earrings include: studs, dangle, hoop, huggie, bojaran, and ear thread.
Stud earrings: A small simple earring that is attached to a post that goes through the ear with a back to hold it in place.
Dangle earrings: Dangle from the ear, designed to flow from the bottom of the earlobes.
Hoop earrings: Circular or semi-circular in design.
Huggie earrings: earring where the setting actually ‘hugs’ your earlobe. Usually in the shape of a heart or rectangle.
Bajoran earrings: Large chain earrings with an ear cuff.
Ear Thread: A chain that is thin enough to slip into the ear hole, and come back out, dangles.

No outfit is complete without accessories. It’s important not to overdo the accessories you wear, you don’t want to make too much of an impression. “Keep your heels, head, and standards.” -Unknown

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Ask Eustice

I always procrastinate and fail to give 100% towards my school work. Any advice?
-Those who settle for the low hanging branches miss out on the bountiful leaves high up above.

I want to be creative when asking the girl/boy I like to the dance. How?!
-You can never go wrong with an oversized stuffed animal!

I’m a Senior who is struggling with college decisions and I can’t choose. Help!
-Go for somewhere with endless grasslands and a plethora of towering trees.

Keeping up with fashion is impossible. What’s the latest trend?
-Spots are eternally fashionable.

How are you liking the new bell schedule?
-Even with these long legs of mine, I can barely make it to class in time.

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2012-2013 Student Congress

By Sarah Nisbet

You’ve heard his voice every day, but who is he? Surprisingly, few students at CHS know that the Student Body President, John Gleason, is on the announcements every day at 8:00 and at the beginning of lunch. He is also in charge of the entire Student Congress, one of the busiest student organizations at Cookeville High School. With 44 members, the group is responsible for the Homecoming Week schedule and organizing activities throughout the year such as the Spring Week and Cav Walk. While most of the responsibility falls on the Student Body President, fortunately John does receive help from the members listed below:


Student Body Officers:
John Gleason- Student Body President
Kirsten Alcorn- Student Body Vice President
Bailey Rose- Student Body Secretary
Libby Ligon- Student Body Treasurer

Senior Class:
Trey Fields- Senior Class President
Will Kelly- Senior Class Vice President
Abbie King- Senior Class Secretary
Ali Zekic- Senior Class Treasurer
Ben Jones, Nayshil Dalal, Elias Vaden, Josh Craig, Jeremy Craig, Kacie Maeda- Senior Class Representatives

Junior Class:
Josh Groves- Junior Class President
Austin Thomas- Junior Class Vice President
AJ Cochrane- Junior Class Secretary
Gray Forrester- Junior Class Treasurer
Amber Barnwell, Adam Cox, Molly Collins, Emine Fidan, Sydney Marek, Sarah Nisbet- Junior Class Representatives


Sophomore Class:
Olivia Jarvis- Sophomore Class President
Noah Crum- Sophomore Class Vice President
Emma Benjamin- Sophomore Class Secretary
Ethan Jones- Sophomore Class Treasurer
Justin Clemmons, Craig Collins, Logan Houston, Isaac Morris, Andrew Reed, Summer Stroud- Sophomore Class Representatives

Freshmen Class:
Nic Cruz- Freshmen Class President
Laura Cummins Gleason- Freshmen Class Vice President
Brianna Hellman- Freshmen Class Secretary
Hannah Agbunag- Freshmen Class Treasurer
Shelby Clement, Delaney Duncan, Jacob McCarter, Abby Putz, Andrea Ramirez, Cassidy Winchester- Freshmen Class Representatives

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Nettiquette

By Bethany Bray

Our generation is at a coming of age where we will never know an Internet- free existence. We will never know what it's like to phone a friend at 10:00 p.m. and politely ask if it's too late to call. We will never know what it's like to ride our bike over to our neighbor's house to ask for a cup of sugar for the cookies that our mother is baking. We won't understand the humor that our parents will talk about in the scene of “Clueless” where Cher and Dionne find each other in the high school hall way, mid- cell phone conversation. The majority of us don't even know what “Clueless” is. 

While us teenagers are staring into our heavily pixelated cell phone screens, the adult world is worried that we are missing the poignant moments of our “golden years.” We may have never thought of it before, but think of all of the things we have missed because we were texting, or Tweeting, or even Facebooking about the cute old couple that we saw at WalMart holding hands earlier that day. I bet some of you didn't see Gabby Douglas become the first African American gymnast to win the gold medal in the all- around gymnastics competition, because you were texting your best friend about what you were going to wear to school the next day. I bet some of you didn't witness the success of the Curiosity as it planted on the surface of Mars, because you were Instagramming a picture of your cat. 

Maybe the adult world is right. Maybe we do need to pause and observe what's happening around us without having an iPhone 4 in front of our face. So, with fading hope for future generations, they leave us their pleas. 

Stop texting so much. In 2010, the average teen was sending more than 3,000 texts a month. That's 3,000 moments that we had our heads ducked down away from our surroundings, fingers flailing, tongue protruding from the lower left side of our mouth ever so slightly, sending someone an obviously inane message when we could've been interacting with the people around us. Trust me, I know, we use our phones to steer clear of awkward situations, but have you thought that maybe staying quiet in the elevator with our nose in the phone screen makes things more awkward? Would you rather ask the person in the elevator with you how his or her day is doing, leading up to a nice conversation, or stand pigeon toed quietly beside he or she wishing that you could get to the sixth floor faster to avoid the awkward silence? Plus, our fingers would appreciate a much- needed break from the touch- screen. 

Get over your fear of the phone. Voice-to-voice communication is becoming a lost art, and that's kind of a huge bummer. Nowadays, only 14% of teens say they talk daily with friends on a landline, when it was 30% in 2009. 31% of teens say that they never talk on a landline anyway. The phone offers unparalleled access to the thoughts and feelings of the other person on the line. Only over the phone can you pick up on nuances, or soothe a spurned friend appropriately, and really get to the heart of why that breezy Jocelyn asked Greg to the Sadie Hawkins Dance when everyone on the whole first floor knew you were planning to. 

Maybe the rules and pleas that the adult world has left are selfish, but they just want the best for everyone, even for the know-at-alls, the ADD-addled, and the lightening-fingered.  

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Jenna Lee Stevens

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, rated PG-13, is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, hits select movie theatres on September 21st. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must-see film.

The plot involves a teenager under the alias of “Charlie,” who narrates his coming-of-age experiences through a series of letters to an anonymous person. This personal touch effectively captures the inevitable highs and lows of growing up.
Therefore, the obstacles he faces and awkward adolescent moments he endures in high school relate to teenagers everywhere.
The critically acclaimed novel often generates controversy because of its explicit content. In fact, the American Library Association’s list of the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2009 placed The Perks of Being a Wallflower third.
Many school systems banned the book for its subject matter, including drug use, sexual content, homosexuality, and suicide. However, supporters of the novel would argue that such references make the story more genuine. Despite this criticism, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an exceptional novel and a highly anticipated movie.

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Student Spotlight: The Crum Triplets

By Beth Kelly

As you may know, there are many different kinds of people in this world whether it be your average Joe or even a set of twins or triplets. At Cookeville High School there are three boys, Seth, Noah, and Zack Crum, who are triplets! Seth, Noah, and Zack were born on July 11 1996, in Lafayette, Indiana. They shortly after moved to Cookeville. This past July, they turned the sweet 16, and are now eligible to drive! Every year on their birthday, they usually just spend time with their family and have a relaxing day. Even though they are identical triplets, they each have their own unique style and personality. All three boys are active on the lacrosse team and very studious in school. Some studies show that there is a 1:200 million likelihood of having triplets. Other fun facts about triplets or multiples are that worldwide there are at least 125 million living multiples, and there is even a study that showed multiples have been known to develop their own “language” that only they understand. This is known as, cryptophasia or idioglossia. Overall Seth, Noah, and Zack Crum, enjoy being a set of 3 because it allows them to always have a friend wherever they may go.

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Teacher Spotlight: Kim Pack

By Aaron Phillips

In the spotlight this issue is that of Mrs. Kim Pack, a favorite of students in the science department we have here at CHS and winner of teacher of the year for 2010. I sat down to interview Mrs. Pack on her career in education and her opinions on famous science educators.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to go into the field of education?
A: In my sophomore year of college; I was a biochemistry major and my biology teacher
convinced me to tutor other biology students. I would’ve been going into research.

Q: Were there any other careers you had considered aside from biochemistry?
A: Yes, I had considered becoming a physician’s assistant.

Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Nine years, all of which here at CHS.

Q: Why did you choose to go into teaching the subject of science?
A: I just liked it. I had enjoyed it throughout high-school. I had thought about doing pure math,
but I preferred the combination of math to science that comes with chemistry.

Q: Any hobbies in your spare time?
A: Does taking care of kids count!? No, I like to read, and to play video-games when I have the
time. Lego video games, they aren’t violent, it’s just blocks.

Q:What was your favorite high-school course?
A: I would have to say anatomy and physiology.

Q: Thoughts on Bill Nye.
A: Love him.

Q: Carl Sagan?
A: Strange, kind of creepy.

Q: Steven Hawking
A: Fascinating.

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Parent Teachers

By Alex Camuti

There are many Cavaliers whose parents also spend their days at CHS.
I discussed with Bethany Bray, junior, what she thought about having parents that work in the same school she attends. She told me that it is pretty convienent because she can always find them when she needs help on something or wants to ask them a question. Bethany also told me that she might have mixed feelings towards having parents who work at the school if students did not like having them as teachers.

I asked her what her parents thought about having a child in the school, and she told me this. "They think it's very nice because if they need to talk to me about something they always know where I am and can come see me in a matter of minutes." She also said that it is nice because if her grades ever start slipping or a class isn't going too well, her parents can always come and talk to the teacher about what's going on and usually get it straightened out in a short period of time. 
When I talked to Mr. Teeters about what his thoughts regarding having a child in the same school that he works in, he said,"It's a lot less of a hassle than when Cameron used to go to a different school. I can always find him if I need to talk to him and it's nice to not have to drive to another school after work and pick my son up. But I doubt he would say the same thing." So overall, the students who have parents that work at Cookeville High School like it because it makes certain things a lot easier. The kids enjoy being able to eat in their parents rooms and talk to them whenever they want to.

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The Movers and Shakers: The Global Soap Project

By Sarah Foy

Every year an estimated 2.4 million children die from hygiene and sanitation related issues. Yes, you read correctly. Millions of children around the world are dying because of issues that can be prevented by a bar of soap.

Now, letʼs go to America. 2.9 million bars of soap are discarded from hotel rooms in the U.S. everyday, many of which have been used only once or twice. Derek Kayongo, a CNN Hero, found a way to connect the lack and the waste to derive a solution. He calls it the Global Soap Project. He and several different volunteers collect the soap, shave off the grimy, used layer of the soap, and purify and melt it down to form fresh bars of soap. Because of the soap collected for over 900 hotels in North America, the Global Soap Project sends bars to twenty-three countries around the world.
What can you do to help? Itʼs as simple as telling the hotel your family stays in on vacations about Derek Kayongo and his mission. You can also donate or organize a fundraiser. One of the best ways to help, though, is to visit their warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia and scrape the soap yourself! To find out more details or contact Derek Kayongo about helping, visit www.globalsoap.com.

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Where Are They Now? Aaron Carter

By Rachel Fox

“I want candy!” A song line no 90’s child will ever forget. Aaron Carter sang this nostalgic song. But where is he now? His career started at age 7 as the lead singer of Dead End. Two years later, he made his first solo appearance, opening for The Backstreet Boys. In 1997, his first single, “Crush On You” was released. In 2000, his album, Aaron’s Party was released. In 2001, he appeared on Lizzy McGuire singing “I Want Candy”.

Where is he now? In 2008, Aaron got into some legal trouble. On February 21, Carter was pulled over in Texas for speeding. Authorities found less than two ounces of marijuana in his car. In 2009, Carter joined reality series Dancing With the Stars. He was eliminated on November 10, 2009 along with his dance partner, Caring Smirnoff, finishing in fifth place. At this time, he teamed up with Flo Rida to kick off his singing career again. August 22, 2010, Carter made an appearance in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, performing at a benefit concert for Audrianna Bartol, a 3-year-old girl with Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer.
In 2011, Carter’s manager announced that he had entered rehab, “to heal some emotional and spiritual issues he was dealing with”. After entering rehab, Carter’s first statement to his fans was, “the main thing in his life is not to be afraid of being human”. In November of 2011, Carter starred in the off- Broadway production of The Fantasticks in New York City. He was cast as the role of Matt. In 2012, Carter was one of eight celebrities on the Food Network show Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off. He was eliminated on the first episode. Throughout 2012, Carter has made many single appearances. At age 24, Aaron Carter experienced a lot. That’s where he is today.

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Homecoming Week: Countries of the World or Superhero

Pictures courtesy of Blake Gentry

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Homecoming 2012

By Rebecca Kane and Kayla Hardin

Homecoming: An instance of returning home. When you think of homecoming, the first thing that comes to mind is probably "the big game" or hair and dressing up. Homecoming originated in the 1870s during the annual Harvard-Yale games. The schools invited many alumni to return 'home' for the big game. They didn't have "dress up week" or anything like that; they had activities like: rallies, parades, speeches and dances. Over the decades, homecoming has adopted more activities, culminating in our modern-day homecoming.

This year's homecoming theme is "Cavalier Olympics". The homecoming parade will be on Thursday, September 13th. Our opponent this year will be Warren County, who we will be playing on Friday, September 14th. Activities will include: Monday- doubles corn hole, Tuesday- egg balancing race, Wednesday- three legged race, Thursday- basketball shot from farthest distance, and last but not least, Friday- Pep Rally!
Our dress up days this year consist of: Monday- Superhero / Countries of the world, Tuesday- Hipster, Wednesday- Wacky Tacky / Twin Day, Thursday- Jersey Day, and Friday show your SPIRIT! - American Day.
Homecoming Representatives include Freshmen: Girls- Grace Cole and Andrea Ramrez, Boys- Nicolas Cruz and Taylor Hall, Sophomores: Girls- Sarah Sheets and Courtney Peirce, Boys- Jacob Hunt and Garrett Hawkins Junior: Girls- Emmie Acuff and Brandy McHenry, Boys- Seth Anderson and Gray Forrester and Seniors: Girls- Bailey Rose, Mariah Vinson, and Varsha Srinivasan; Boys: John Gleason, Coleman Hawkins, and Josh Craig.

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Sparta vs. Cookeville

By Stone Fagan

The Sparta against Cookeville rivalry has always been one of intense spirit, and usually domination by the latter. With new coach, Scott Cook leading the team this year, sights are high and intentions focused on success. The matchup was especially close this year, with Sparta sporting some impressive prospects, including quarterback Jake Young, along with Tommy Odom, Kayne Tollison, and River Boruff. However, Cookeville had Ryan Eberle leading the team as QB, making some key plays in passing yardage. “We always pride ourself in never giving up, and when it came down to crunch time we fought hard persevered, and were able to show Sparta who is still the best team around.”
Other players who made monumental contributions to the victory were Alex Sklavenitis, Chase Mabey, Cameron Germenis, Desmond Pincheon, and Jeff Riedel. The game was close, and Cookeville only pulled ahead in the last few minutes, beating the worthy opponent of Sparta.
Prior to the game was the first annual Cav Walk, a big hit, attracting many from the school, as well as representing many groups of the community. “It was pretty awesome. I got candy,” says Cookeville High Student Nathan Hammontree. Some clubs present were the Cookeville High swim team, Avery Trace football team, and most importantly, the Charger booth. Overall the night was a success, attracting much of the town, and achieving Cookeville’s 17th consecutive win against the Warriors

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Fall Funfest 2012

By Josh Huddleston

It’s about that time again, Cavaliers. The 17th annual Fall Funfest is coming to Cookeville September 7th and 8th. Presented by Operation CityScape, a state and nationally certified Main Street Program dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Cookeville’s downtown.

The festival offers food, music, arts and crafts, and events for kids and teens. It starts on Friday night, September 7th at 5:30 P.M and ends at 9:30 P.M, opening again at 9:30 A.M and ending at 9:30 P.M on Saturday. One major part of Fall Funfest is the Cookeville Cook-Off, put on by Kansas City Barbecue Society. Over 30 teams from Tennessee and other states will be competing for $1,000 in prize money and a place in the KCBS National Invitation.
If you’re a music lover there will be an assortment of live bands performing from a wide range of genres. Grammy-nominated Bluegrass band The Grascals will headline the event taking the stage at 8:00 P.M on Saturday. Local artisans will be set up selling jewelry, pottery, hand- blown glass, and woodworking. Over 80 different food items will be available ranging from churros to Greek food. For teens, the Skatepark is recently improved with a variety of new ramps.
For those who love to run, the Fun Fest 5K/10K FunRun begins at 7:00 A.M on Saturday morning with last-minute registration from 6:15 to 6:45 A.M. Awards will be given to the top male and female in each age group in addition to the top team. There will be $50 cash prizes for overall winners also. Several school organizations will be participating in Fall Funfest including the CHS Interact Club and Dance Team. Interact club will be picking up trash on Saturday. “ This is the biggest service project we do,” says Colleen Ryan, Interact Club President. “And our members highly anticipate it each year.”
Overall Fall Funfest will be an exciting weekend.

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