HOAX?

Scorched Barn Raises Widespread Speculation

By Angie Perez

Camera crews and reporters converged on Smallville hoping to catch a glimpse of what one resident called "the Area 51 of the Midwest." After pictures were published of a 10-foot tall undecipherable symbol scorched into the side of residents Jonathan and Martha Kent's barn, visitors from as far as Metropolis descended on the town.

For the past two days, it's been bedlam at the usually serene farm. Believers in paranormal phenomena continue to spout outrageous theories of signs and alien communication, but local authorities dismiss these claims and offer a far more practical explanation. "It's obviously just a clever prank that some high school or college boys have pulled," stated Sheriff Waid.

However, some Smallvillians are not too comfortable with the sheriff's attempt to brush aside the possibility of an actual alien message. Farmer Zeke Ketchum called the commotion at the Kent farm "spooky." "In all my years, I ain't never seen nothin' like it before," he added. His neighbor agreed, "Lately, there's a lot of weird stuff going on around these parts."
In an effort to dissuade further attention to his property, Jonathan Kent quickly nailed boards to cover the smoldering symbol. Onlookers will have to rely on the photographs captured by high school student Chloe Sullivan to speculate about the cryptic brand.

As so-called UFO experts ramble on about government cover-ups and hover nearby the Kent farm, our city leaders try to debunk the bizarre theories and reassure residents that there is no cause for alarm. Matthew Ziegler, a renowned science fiction writer, commented, "Since October 16, 1989, Smallville has been a hotbed of paranormal activity. It's just been kept under wraps from the public. It would not surprise me if an alien sighting occurred here. This was definitely not made by kids playing around."

Putting journalistic objectivity aside, I can't resist adding my own "two cents." What's next, people? Little green men? A flying saucer hidden in somebody's tool shed? Let's not create widespread panic à la "War of the Worlds," folks.

Many say the symbol resembles those painted in the recently discovered caves. Is this a warning from the Kawatche tribe? Maybe young Clark Kent, who's been spending untold hours below ground, arranged this stunt himself.

NEW GENERATION CAN
CHANGE THE WORLD
But Will They?
By Kathy Romita

Sociology studies have shown that it only takes three percent of a group to effect a change. Three percent is such a small amount, but a determined fraction of the whole has the ability to alter minds and actions.

Dr. Robert Mum, a sociologist at Metropolis University states, "Every generation faces its own unique challenges, and every individual must make his or her own choice--to confront the challenges or not. If you feel strongly about a situation, you will work to effect a change. It's the classic case of good versus evil. And doing nothing is doing something."

Although just a small number of people were members of the counter-culture of the 1960s, that tireless force succeeded in changing our society. Equal rights for women and civil rights for people of color are just two achievements that add to its legacy.

As our teenage generation matures, it faces a multitude of global obstacles: overpopulation, AIDS, environmental issues, culture clashes, terrorism. This generation must think on a much larger stage. Will they rise to the challenge?

What will their legacy be? Do they have a choice?

SMALLVILLE.NET
OPEN TO CD OWNERS
Chamber of Commerce Unveils Interactive Map

By George "The Streak" Talmer

Lost in the world of Smallville? Just come upon our little town online? Looking for a nice place to relocate to? Well, search no further. The innovative minds at the Smallville Chamber of Commerce are unveiling their grandest gig to date: Smallville.net.

Available now to anyone who purchases the latest Talon Mix CD, the interactive map of our town highlights some of Smallville's most intriguing locales. Such sites include The Talon, the Luthor Mansion, the Kent farm and the Ezra Small home. Aside from the features authored by the Chamber, Smallville companies (like LexCorp) link ads and sites to their corresponding structures on the map. Many of Smallville's pre-existing on-line sites like the Ledger and the Smallville High Torch link from the map as well.

"Smallville needed an on-line home--a top level that could help you navigate our whole menu of interactive options," explains B.B. Davenport, President of the Smallville Chamber of Commerce. "Plus we wanted to introduce those that aren't familiar with our town to all the wonderful possibilities Smallville has to offer."

"Looks like a game or something," commented Alex Wilson, a 9th grader at Smallville High, "this certainly isn't just a map." And Alex is right: With several interactive features imbedded into the Flash site, users have the opportunity to really dig deep into the world of Smallville.
You can take a sneak peak at the map by clicking here.

The Chamber welcomes your comments on the map. Please e-mail them at SCoC@digitalwave.com.

CATATONIA SILENCES
FAMED LINGUIST
Dr. Fredrick Walden Hospitalized

By Connor Stone, M.D.

One of the most internationally lauded scholars ever to set foot in Smallville lies in a hospital bed at the Smallville Medical Center frozen in a catatonic state. Dr. Fredrick Walden, author of Nominative Declension in Ancient Sumerian, Evolution of Cuneiform-based Writing Systems, Revelations in Stone: The Popol Vuh and Mayan Syntax, Blood and Stone: The Literature of Tenochtitlan and his most famous book, Deciphering the Mysteries of Hieroglyphics, known as the gold standard among linguists, has mysteriously taken ill with an unknown medical condition. Unable to move or communicate, Walden is transfixed with his cataract-ridden eyes wide open.

Hired by area businessman Lex Luthor to study the Kawatche Caves and decipher the cryptic codes, Walden postponed an important mission to Chile and has spent the last few weeks in Smallville.

Catatonia is normally seen in patients with schizophrenia and other severe mental problems, but Dr. Walden has no history of mental illness, according to his Metropolis physician, Dr. Harper Bayne, who was consulted immediately. Dr. Bayne, who has been treating Walden for years, also reported that the scholar did not have cataracts at his most recent check-up--only three weeks ago.

Walden was working in the caves when he became ill. A security guard stationed outside reportedly saw a blinding light emanating from the cavern, rushed inside and came to Walden's aid. Dr. Anthony Bright from SMC stated, "Walden suffered a grand mal seizure--a major seizure. The brain sends out small electrical impulses through the nerves. When normal signals from the brain are changed, a seizure can occur. Photogenic seizure can be brought on by light. Also, many outside forces can cause a seizure: drugs, sounds, a blow to the head. We're not ruling anything out at this moment."
Due to patient confidentiality, Dr. Bright would comment no further on the case.

Lex Luthor commented, "We don't know exactly what happened to Dr. Walden, but LexCorp will consult the finest medical minds in the world to help him."