North Pointe Vol. 48, Issue 9- Feb. 10, 2016

Page 1

SPORTS PAGE 11 Left: Boys and girls varsity hockey teams are hosting a joint game to benefit children’s cancer research. Read more on page 11. LAUREN SEXTON

NORTH

KENNEDY WILLIAMS

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

POINTE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2016

SINCE 1968

Co-op program allows students to work during school By Anu Subramanium EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Early morning coffee, cars that need gas, friends that like to go out, pending college expenses and off-campus lunches add up. Many students often subsidize the full high school experience with a part-time job that can range from two to 40 hours a week. Following the Great Recession, jobs for teenagers became more and more competitive. For millennials, job competition is higher than when they were born, and is only predicted to get worse. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 52.7 percent of teenagers ages 1624 are employed as of 2015. July is usually the peak season for youth employment as not having school frees up teens’ schedule. When school resumes, many working teens take a pay cut, but for senior Emily Harder, taking co-op has helped her get closer to her summer wage. Harder works for Alexander & Polen Meat Market on Mack Avenue. “You’re not at school for straight seven hours, and you’re making more money than you are having to work at school sitting at a desk,” Harder said. Co-op is a program run by business teacher Michelle Davis that gives students the opportunity to maintain a parttime job while still attending school. Students split their day between school and work, which allows them to get more hours in than if they were just working after school. A co-op student must turn in their schedule to Davis and at the end of each quarter, they receive an evaluation from their employer. Students in co-op are involved in various jobs including working at doctors’ offices, lawyers’ offices, landscaping companies, etc. “I believe the opportunity to work in the community offers more than just a paycheck for students,” Davis said. “It provides them with a chance to see how things work in the real world and can connect the curriculum presented in their classes to hands-on experience.” However, because co-op is only available for seniors, juniors like Trent Lacroix are only able to work after school. Lacroix cashiers and cleans at Woods Wholesale Wine and can work anywhere between 8-40 hours a week depending on his sports schedule and whether or not he is in school. Lacroix began working to start making his own money. He finds his job suited to his goal and appropriate for a high schooler. “They are very flexible with my schedule, they know I play sports and am very busy with school so they basically let me pick the certain times that I can work,” Lacroix said. “Disadvantages would be that sometimes the days go by very slow.” The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics does not take teenagers who babysit or tutor into account for its statistics. Students who cannot accommodate a parttime job into their schedule often turn to other means of making money, such as summer jobs, tutoring or babysitting. Junior Ben Sliwinski lifeguards during the summer and tutors during the school year. Though he finds both jobs are good ways to make money, he feels tutoring is more rewarding. “Overall, I like lifeguarding better be

ANU SUBRAMANIAM

cause the hours are more dependable. I can work up to 40 hours a week in the summer versus two during the school year when I have a busier schedule,” Sliwinski said. “I think (tutoring is) one of the best ways to make money, especially when you’re tutoring younger kids … you get to see your own effort manifest in something, like the kid’s grade, so it’s a little more rewarding in that aspect. At the same time it’s less physical labor which is always a plus to me.” One advantage of tutoring or babysitting is that taxes are not deducted from one’s paycheck. Junior Lauren Miller saw babysitting as a good job opportunity in eighth grade and has been able to capital-

IDEAS - PAGE 9

ize on the opportunity. “I started out working a few times a month, but now I work about 15-25 hours a week, depending on when I’m needed. My pay is usually between $8-$15 an hour, depending on the family and how many kids they have,” Miller said. “This is the perfect job to make money, especially because you don’t need to take out taxes, it’s all cash. Advantages of being a babysitter (are) you get to choose when you want to work and it’s always nice to have some extra cash.” According to The Washington Post, student job opportunities are the “leftovers.” The amount of teenagers with a job has decreased starting in the early 90s, lead-

NEWS- PAGE 3

“We need more stories featuring people of all colors, genders and sexual orientations. More importantly, we need to see them being awarded for their talent.”

The dance team will be hosting a kids clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 10. Read more on page 3. LESLIE GENEST

@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

VOLUME 48 | ISSUE 9

Calendar | 2 News | 3

On Campus | 4 Life | 5-6

Reviews | 7 On Pointe| 8

ing to today’s highest teenage unemployment rate. Many experts associate this to the demanding nature of college admissions that doesn’t leave much time to make extra cash, and to the economy which now consists of mostly older adults working minimum wage jobs. For the students that do have jobs, Davis believes that they enjoy the extra cash, but most of them are saving for college. Harder took the opportunity for more hours to help save up before she went to college. “I knew a lot of my friends from the previous year had done it and they said it was really good to get money before college and basically kind of break up your day a little bit,” Harder said.

IDEAS - PAGE 7

“We are entitled to a certain amount of understanding when our entire futures rest on how well our brains decide to interpret and retain information.” Editorial | 9 Sports | 10-11

PTB | 12


NEWS

2 – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – North Pointe

School Board and Michigan officials reject Public Act 269 By Lindsey Ramsdell & Tommy Teftsis ASSISTANT EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

When senior Josh Lupo turned 18 earlier this year, his voting eligibility was something he looked forward to. But a bill passed last month has him worried about making uninformed decisions. Passed on Jan. 6, Public Act 269 states that public officials cannot use public funds or resources for communicating about a ballot through radio, television, mail or phone 60 days in advance of the question appearing on a ballot. This concerns Lupo. “I would want to be fully informed before I made any kind of decision, especially when it deals with money being provided to our school system,” Lupo said. It also concerned members of the School Board. At their Jan. 25 meeting, they took the first step in seeking reform of

Shakespeare class plans trip to Chicago By Michal Ruprecht & Montana Paton STAFF REPORTERS

ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS, AND VISIONARIES.

A trip to Chicago opened new opportunities for Shakespeare students to expand their knowledge outside the classroom. The trip will be March 18-20, and for just under $300, students will get the chance to learn more about Shakespeare and his plays. English teachers Jonathan Byrne and Geoffrey Young will chaperone the trip. The main purpose is for students to see Othello, a Shakespearean play they read in class, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Students will also see a comedic play set in 1879 called The Explorer’s Club. Senior Ingrid Carabulea is eager to see a different interpretation of the play she read in class. “I’m excited to see Othello because we saw the film, but we’ve never seen it live so I’m excited to see it live,” she said. “I think it may help us get a different interpretation of it (and) learn how other people may decide to direct the play from Shakespeare’s writing of the scrips.” Senior Matt Hilu is looking forward to the trip because of his love for Chicago and the class. He hopes a different interpretation of the plays will help him understand Shakespeare more. “I just love the city of Chicago, there’s so much to do there,” Hilu said. “The first reason I wanted to go on the trip was because I really enjoy the class. I enjoyed Shakespeare, I enjoyed reading the plays (and) Mr. Byrne is one of my

Possible is everything.

the law when they unanimously adopted a resolution which denounces the act and will be sent to the governor and state congress. In so doing, they joined 100 municipalities across the state to form a coalition against the act. Some members of the Michigan Congress were wary of the act’s implications but voted yes, hoping that it would be revised soon. It was signed by Governor Rick Snyder, and revisions have not followed as many had hoped. With spring elections approaching in March, the act has caught the attention of local and state officials. “It’s an act that the Senate and House put in place for a millage or bond issue,” school board president Judy Gafa said. “(Public officials are) not allowed to use any taxpayer funds to promote the bond or millage which was already a law, and you cannot talk about it if you’re not an elected official. The superintendent, administration and staff cannot talk about it 60 days prior to the election.” This particular section was hastily tacked on to Senate Bill 571 as it was being sent through Congress. According to supporting legislators, the addition creating confusion was designed to prevent local governments from using taxpayer money to support ballot acts to raise taxes. Before Public Act 269 went into effect, public officials were only allowed to provide factual information about a proposal. This way they could not try to persuade voters one way or another. Now, they aren’t even able to provide factual infor-

favorite teachers in the school.” In addition to the two performances, the group will also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo and Newberry Library, which houses Shakespeare’s first quarto material. After Byrne began teaching the class, he tweaked the trip to his liking by adding an architectural tour of Chicago to showcase a unique view of the city. Byrne hopes the trip will give students a dramatic taste of Shakespeare and that it will further their understanding of the performing arts.

I think just studying Shakespeare and theatre in general is a worthwhile pursuit. Jonathan Byrne ENGLISH TEACHER

“Students will get the chance to see one director’s view of how the play could be produced, but I think it will also open their appreciation to the study of drama,” Byrne said. Young believes that being exposed to a city full of culture will help the students grasp a new perspective that will last years outside of the class. “It’s an excellent cultural experience. Previous students who took the course and went on the trip still remember it and talk about it. Some of them were students in the class over 10 years ago,” he said. “When they come back to North to visit, they still want to talk about the trip like it was yesterday.”

mation within those 60 days before the vote. A few state officials in Michigan have determined this act unconstitutional and have taken measures against it. “Eighteen people around the state have filed a class action suit against the state, claiming that it violates their right to share information,” social studies teacher Dan Quinn said. “The superintendent in Warren Consolidated (Schools), and I think the mayor of Warren are two of the people involved in the lawsuit.” They argue that the law contradicts the First Amendment by prohibiting the free flow of neutral, core political speech, according to the U.S. Eastern District Court. By asking for a temporary restraining order on the act, they aim to return to normal campaigning for the spring election until the Public Act 269 can be officially revised. Quinn feels although the law was passed so officials could not use tax funded resources to advocate for bond issues, it deprives families and community members of useful information. Without being able to easily receive facts during a crucial time of the elections, the act could leave some voters unaware of how to vote in order to best suit their needs. As a soon-to-be voter himself, Lupo agrees with the lawsuit. “The law is unconstitutional,” he said. “It purposefully withholds information from the public which breaks our freedom of speech and the right to knowledge.”

Byrne hopes this trip will provide the students with a cultural and literary experience. He also hopes it gives them a foundation for their future studies of live theatre and drama. “I think just studying Shakespeare and theatre in general is a worthwhile pursuit,” he said. “It helps students grow both academically in their English skills, but also culturally, and so I think that’s important in teaching the whole student.” Carabulea believes today’s fast-paced lifestyle hinders students’ understanding of culture. “I think many of us, myself included, lack knowledge of culture, especially considering this rushed life,” Carabulea said. “As Chicago is a city thriving in culture, spending time there for a few days will expose us to more of the diversity and history that surrounds us and hopefully offer some new sights and experiences for us to grow upon.” Senior Andrew Nurmi originally took the class knowing little about Shakespeare, but he believes he has taken a lot from the class and hopes that the trip will further his knowledge. “I learned a lot of really cool things in the class. I learned that Shakespeare is a really cool author. Going into the class, I thought that Shakespeare was just old fashioned and boring, but I learned really cool things about his writing, and he’s really fascinating,” he said. “It’s probably something I’ll be really interested in for the rest of my life.” Carabulea feels that her attendance will further her understanding of Shakespeare’s works. “We’ve read about it in class how it’s so universal, how everyone reads it still and you see references to it everywhere,” she said. “And so I think seeing it live will help solidify that.”

WWW.THEATREINCHICAGO.COM

ABOVE: Shakespeare students will be viewing an interpretation of Othello at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater during their class trip in March.

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NEWS Dance team holds kids clinic The varsity dance team will be hosting a kids clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 10. The children who attend the clinic will learn a dance that they will perform during the North vs. Roseville High School basketball game Friday, Feb. 12. The idea to host a clinic was inspired by Coach Leslie Genest’s previous coaching experiences. She put the responsibility of running it on the team so they can earn the money themselves. Genest sees the clinic as benefitting the team in two ways. “It’s a really great fundraiser for the team. It’s a great way to earn money for camp, gear and potentially competitions if the team wants to compete,” she said. “It’s also a good way to engage in other potential future dancers for the dance team and again the idea of being a role model for the community.” With her years of dance experience, sophomore and second-year team member Fiona Byrne will be choreographing the dance for the children. “I like working with kids a lot so it will be really fun to get to teach them

North Pointe – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – 3

and kind of be silly but also teach them something fun, and hopefully they have a good time,” Byrne said. Freshman Shella McNamara is excited for the clinic because of her love for youngsters. She is looking forward to working with them and gaining teaching skills. “(I) like working with kids and seeing how much they can pick up from (the team) trying to teach somebody else the dance,” McNamara said. Byrne hopes the clinic will expand the dance team for the future. “I hope that the kids really just have fun and hopefully some of the middle schoolers—especially the eighth graders—will consider trying out for dance team next year,” Byrne said. The dance team will teach the children to do basic dance moves and skills like leaps and turns. They will get experience performing for an audience while they dance. “The best part is when the little ones actually go out and perform,” Genest said. “They are so excited and proud to dance in front of the crowd.” By Allison Lackner & Caitlin Bush

CALENDAR STUDENT COUNT DAY

Wednesday, Feb. 10

PARENT CLUB MEETING

Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 7-9 p.m. in the Union

MIDWINTER BREAK

No school Monday, Feb. 15 to Friday, Feb. 19

CLOSE-UP TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C. LAUREN SEXTON

ABOVE: Dance team performing their pom routine Friday, Jan. 29 at the North vs. Stevenson High School basketball game.

Journalism and enviromental programs recieve grants The journalism and environmental science programs have each been selected to receive $1,000 from Michigan State University’s Knight Foundation, a program aimed at student newspapers to help them learn how to properly cover the outside world. “We wrote a proposal back a few months ago to see if students in environmental science and journalism program can work more collaboratively with studying water quality of the Great

Lakes Watershed and disseminating the results in a more effective fashion,” environmental science teacher Christopher Skowronski said. “Water quality is a central topic to society and is a cornerstone of the environmental science curriculum. We asked the Knight (Foundation) for the grant to assist with resource acquisition.” The foundation only grants the money to three high schools throughout the state. Another goal of the foundation is to help promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The grant the foundation gives is a way to simultaneously encourage environmental awareness and improve communication throughout high school publications. Journalism students will work with two mentors, Nancy Hanus, the director of digital strategy at Crain’s Detroit Business and Michael Happy, the digital director at Fox Sports Detroit’s website.

“The money should be used to see through the ideas put forth in the proposal that earned Grosse Pointe North the grant,” Hanus said. “So whether it’s to facilitate trips to do water testing or to access reports or to pay for an interactive platform to present the data that is gathered—it should be something that goes toward the project.” Senior Olyvia Shimko, an officer of Students Against Environmental Violations (SAVE) looks forward to getting additional funding. “I think that the grant is great, and this grant is going to be very profitable and we’re gonna get a very round idea of what environmental science is,” Shimko said. “I hope that they would utilize that (the grant) in having labs and show students a new perspective in learning.”

BAND AND ORCHESTRA BOOSTER

Tuesday, March 1 from 6-8 p.m.

SPORTS EVENTS FIGURE SKATING

Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. at Port Huron

By Erin Kaled & Asia Simmons

Jimmy John’s sponsors athlete of the week North athletes now have the chance to receive something priceless when they deliver their A-game. With help from Jimmy John’s, coaches can nominate a player from their team for Athlete of the Week. Honorees will receive a free sub card. The first winners were senior basketball players Mitchell Zacharias and Emily McPharlin. Zacharias found out about the news from a friend and was excited to be one of the first winners. “I think it’s a great idea,” Zacharias said. “It’ll get people to play better, play well. Now they have something to look forward to after the games are over. So, I think it’s a great idea.” The Jimmy John’s logo can be seen on the turf’s scoreboard during some fall games. Now, the company is in the gym to promote its subs during winter sports, too. “(Jimmy John’s) are a sponsor for us on our scoreboards, and so they look for other opportunities to sponsor our school, and this was the idea they came up with,” Athletic Director Brian Shelson said. Shelson is working on putting a bulletin board by the gym. Jimmy John’s will be contributing to its backdrop that will showcase the current Athlete of the Week as well as smaller photos of the athletes that have received it throughout the year. Coach Ron Kochan chose Zacharias because of his demonstrated leadership and his ability to watch the ball in tough situations. “Well, I mean, first of all, he’s averaging 20 points a game on the season,” Kochan said. “He’s shooting a very high percentage.”

Departs Sunday, Feb. 21

HOCKEY GAME

Home on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. against Regina High School

GIRLS BASKETBALL WWW.GPNORTHATHLETICS.COM

ABOVE: The Jimmy John’s Feaky Fast Athlete of the Week poster feauturing Senior Emily McPharlin and Senior Mitchell Zacharias. Kochan believes that this new weekly reward gives more than just motivation to athletes. “It’s a good way to recognize all athletes for all their hard work they put in,” he said. “I mean they put in so much time and effort into what they’re doing, and it’s a good way to give recognition.”

Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at Romeo High

BASKETBALL GAME

Home against Roseville High School on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.

Instant Norseman Instant Norsemen Updates Do You Know “Better?” Updates By Emma Brock

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ON CAMPUS

4 – North Pointe – Wed., Feb. 10, 2016

Tech producers bring musical set to life Students work behind the scenes to produce musical props

FACES IN THE CROWD

Teddy Prokop

By Sarah Wietecha

Being a member of the Boy Scouts of America goes beyond selling popcorn and earning badges. Freshman Teddy Prokop makes a difference in the community, and his goal is to become an Eagle Scout. “Being an Eagle Scout is the last rank. It is the objective,” Prokop said. “There isn’t much difference. It’s just like a Boy Scout is trying to become an Eagle Scout. Once you’re an Eagle Scout, you’re kind of done after that.” To earn the honor, Eagle Scouts must complete a certain amount of community service, including things like memorial ceremonies and food drives. Boy Scouts also keeps Prokop busy with unique events. “We do campouts once every month of the year, and we do a week at summer camp,” he said. “There is also other camps for older scouts, like I am doing this 80-mile hike in New Mexico this summer with my Boy Scouts. It is a backpack trip.”

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Jennifer Wiederkehr ABOVE: “We add spatter to it to add speckle marks to it, then we put it on the wall and then myself and a couple other people we go across and we put cracks in it and divots. We started this about a month ago, but we do other shows too. “

LEFT: Techie Adam Ferkovich paints bricks onto a wall for the Secret Garden set. “The theme of the Secret Garden is nature taking over the modern era. It’s a nature revolution. So, we’re going with very industrial-like themes that are slowly degrading and a former glory. We’re watching nature take over as the show unfolds, lots of steel, lots of brick, but everything is very diluted. Nothing’s new. Everything’s older, a little bit past its prime, rusted and cracked.”

American’s don’t typically use malaria pills or get yellow fever or typhoid shots. But junior Jennifer Wieder had them all before her trip to Africa. In summer of 2012, Wiederkehr, her mom and her aunt spent two weeks in Kenya. “My mom had always dreamed of going to Africa and stuff, like going on a safari,” Wiederkehr said. Although the trip was an opportunity of a lifetime, Wiederkehr had some frightening experiences. “There was a couple times at this one place where we had to stay in this big tent, and next to us there was a hippo at night, and it was making really weird noises,” Wiederkehr said. “My aunt told me that is could knock down the tent, which was scary.” Not everything was terrifying, though. Wiederkehr and her family stayed at the giraffe manor. “In the morning, giraffes came through the windows, and we got to feed them and stuff.”

Hunter Levick

ABOVE: GPPSS employee Christine Karpinski helps paint the set for the musical. “I love seeing everyone’s hard work come together as one complete show,” Karpinski said.”It’s kind of gratifying seeing everything pay off.”

ABOVE: For people interested in theatre design, Wayne State University offers an excellent program. “There are a number of people that come through here that go on to being stage managers, working in lighting design,”Ferkovich said. “Some have actually come back here to continue helping with this.”

Rather than ringing in the New Year with friends and watching the ball drop, freshman Hunter Levick spent his New Year’s Eve in surgery, getting his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed. Levick tore his ACL during his first basketball game as a Norseman. “There was like two minutes left in the game, and I did this one move,” Levick said. “After that, I just couldn’t feel my knee anymore, and that is when I knew something was up.” As expected, Levick’s surgery came with pain. “The three days after the surgery, that is when I felt a lot of pain. After that it was just a lot of physical therapy, and now it takes me out of baseball and basketball for a full year.”

By Trevor Mieckowski

FIVE MINUTES WITH

DREAM VACATION

My dream vacation is probably Patagonia – hiking in Patagonia (Argentina).

PAST JOBS

My first job ever was to pass out candy canes on the Holiday Trolly that ran from the Village to the Hill — so that was pretty serious. Let’s see, I tutored the athletes at (the university of ) Michigan, which was pretty awesome because some of them are like celebrities. And let’s see, substitute teaching that is very eclectic. I don’t know that is pretty (much) it for cool stuff.

SPECIAL TALENTS

I did win the teacher dance-off at my old school. I don’t like to brag about it, but it is pretty much my only claim to fame. Oh, and I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

SPORTS WHEN YOUNGER

I did track when I was in high school. I was a sprinter and a pole vaulter, and I did all the other regular stuff until I was 6 like everyone else did, and then they realize they are not going to be a professional.

Long-term substitute Allison Dunn By Billy Moin EDITOR

When she’s not grading essays and teaching vocab, long-term substitute Allison Dunn is navigating her way around the bow and arrow. Dunn recently took up archery and has been taking beginner-level lessons at the War Memorial sponsored by Our Global Kids. “I never went to a summer camp, so I feel like I really missed out on the classic horseback riding, archery sort of thing,” Dunn said. “It seems like everyone has done it in their life, and I have never done it, and it just seemed different.” For Dunn, there are several appealing aspects to archery. “I like that (it) is not typical, and not a lot of people do it, so I feel kind of like I am doing something unique to me,” Dunn said. “I like that it is a sport, but I can catch my breath during it, and I like that it is really easy and simple to see how quickly you are advancing. When you have a target you can see every single time, you can see if you are getting better and closer and it is not just baby steps.” After about a month’s worth of

weekly lessons, Dunn said she is confident she could already teach the sport to someone else. However, that does not mean archery is easy. “There are so many things you have to keep track of at once,” Dunn said. “You kind of have to remind yourself to maybe practice two or three things before you take on more ... because if you adjust your hands half an inch, it is going to change the (path of the) arrow by like five inches, and so you have to be very precise in that situation.” At the moment, Dunn’s class is focusing on having consistency in their sets, or the groups of arrows they shoot. Their goal is keep their three shots within a small grouping, aiming for precision instead of the bullseye. According to Dunn, attaining consistency is crucial before trying to shoot for the middle. As she is still new to the sport, Dunn isn’t sure how capable she will be. However, she hopes to stick with it. “I basically like to try new things until my beginner’s luck wears off and move on to something else,” Dunn said. “I hope eventually, even though my beginner’s luck runs out, that actual talent kicks in.”

ABOVE: English teacher Allison Dunn currently uses a compound bow but hopes to transition to a recurve bow in the future. “There is lots of different styles and the compound bow is the only one I have used,” Dunn said. “I just want to see if it is more comfortable for me to try something else.”


LIFE

North Pointe - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016– 5

Senior aids education and health in Haiti By Olivia Asimakis MANAGING EDITOR

Instead of waves crashing on a beach, senior Meghan Mitchell heard the pounding of a hammer during her week-long mission trip. Her first trip to the tropics was spent in Petit-Goâve, Haiti as part of an initiative with Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. Mitchell spent her time building a classroom for a school and volunteering at a free medical clinic. She’s participated in mission trips before, but nothing at this level. Mitchell felt the experience would show her the world beyond the scope of Grosse Pointe. “I enjoy helping people, and I thought it would be a really nice experience to see a different culture and see different people than my daily people,” she said. Although it was her first mission trip outside of the country, she has traveled to Frakes, Kentucky to do the same type of construction work. Mitchell noticed the difference between poverty in America and poverty in countries like Haiti. “Even though (the city in Kentucky is) the third poorest city in America, Haiti is so much worse off than that. It kind of puts it in proportion,” Mitchell said. “So even though one city is bad, Haiti is so much worse.” In the past, she has gone on these mission trips with Reverend Dan Hart. He was the group leader on the Haiti trip, and he appreciates Mitchell’s work ethic and diligence. “It’s great working with Meghan. I’ve helped lead youth trips before where Meghan was a participant, and I knew that she was a strong worker and a very mature person,” Hart said. “So I got to see that side of her again.” Hart has been reassigned to a different church, so Mitchell felt the trip to Haiti was especially special because it would be their last undertaking together. Being exposed to a new culture can be exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Mitchell’s mother, Louise, recognized this and was concerned for Meghan’s safety, but she also understood that she was in the best hands. “I did have a bit of trepidation about it, but she likes to be involved, especially in community activities and things where she can help people who aren’t as fortunate,” Louise said. “I didn’t want to discourage her from doing that.” One of the most apparent and drastic differences Meghan noticed besides the poverty was politics. She witnessed a riot as a result of government corruption. Meghan stayed with Reverend Jean Lesly Dorcely, who helped explain Haiti’s current situation. “He says in big countries, you get to vote. In little countries, they give you your politician, and I think it’s appall-

ing,” Meghan said. “It’s a lot different to see a political campaign there than here.” Another eye-opening experience for Meghan was her friendship with Valandia, the group’s translator. “I bonded with her because she was around my age. It was inspiring to me because she had learned English, and she was a translator to make money for herself, and she’s teaching her brother. She’s just really intelligent for someone who has limited resources,” Meghan said. “I ended up giving her my pair of work boots because she was our translator, but she ended up working with us, kind of, and she was wearing black f lats at this work site where we’re carrying buckets of concrete up to this building, and it was just crazy.” Besides working on construction, Meghan worked alongside Dr. Paul Thomas at the clinic. Thomas is currently in his last year of residency specializing in family medicine at Oakwood Healthcare. Thomas noted that while there may be expectations of foreign diseases running rampant in other countries, many of their health concerns are similar to ours. “It’s a tropical country, so you may think tropical diseases, but the majority of it is really similar to what Americans come to their doctors for,” Thomas said. “They have chronic problems ... chronic back pain from lifting. They have to carry water from a water source to their home, and they usually do it on their heads so they can have a lot of chronic musculoskeletal pain.” The clinic saw approximately 45 patients a day, so Meghan’s help was greatly appreciated by Thomas. “Working with Meghan was great. She’s sharp and works hard. When she was there, she would help me take notes on the patients, what they came in with, what they were diagnosed with and what we treated them with,” Thomas said. “We try to maximize our time, so having Meghan there was essential in facilitating the work f low in the clinic.” Meghan feels that if she had not gone on this trip, she would not have had these opportunities and would not be as aware about the world. “It was really eye-opening. It’s a completely different world there. We take a lot for granted where we are, especially water, food, healthcare and voting,” Meghan said. “I would do it again, for sure. I met so many nice people, and what I really wanted was to experience a new culture and to not be stuck in the bubble of Grosse Pointe. We are all involved in our own lives, and I wanted to branch out and see other people. The world doesn’t revolve around us.”

MEGHAN MITCHELL

ABOVE: Mitchell poses for a picture alongside one of the children in the village. Her work days were long and extensive, but she enjoyed them. “We woke up around 7 a.m., and we had breakfast at 7:30, then we drove straight to the work site. Then we came back for lunch at about noon, then we went back to the work site, and then we came back around 4:30 p.m., and dinner is around 6:30 p.m., so we had a couple of hours to relax then we would do some type of evening activity together as a group,” Mitchell said.

MEGHAN MITCHELL

ABOVE: Mitchell working with children in the village. “They (the villagers) can say hello, but really I think they felt disrespected if you were making them speak English,” she said. “You’re coming into their hometown and you’re a foreigner and they expect you to make the effort to try and communicate with them in their own language, which is reasonable.”

Adult coloring books relieve stress By Katelynn Mulder and Trevor Mieczkowski

What was once regarded to as a child’s menial pastime has now blossomed into a legitamate therapy for disorders like depression and anxiety

STAFF REPORTERS

While most children enjoy coloring inside the lines, older audiences have now embraced what was once something meant for children— adult coloring books. Featuring intricate designs for those looking to relieve stress, the books harken back to a childhood hobby. Intrigued by this new trend, many students are going out and purchasing adult books of their own. Sophomore Kate Wozniak is a part of this group. “It really helps me relieve stress because what really helped me relieve stress when I was younger was coloring or drawing,” Wozniak said. “At the same time, it is fun to just do it.” These adult coloring books are rapidly increasing in popularity because of their ability to act as a form of art therapy. The books offer an outlet for frustration. Art is commonly used to help those suffering from anxiety, depression and other disorders such as Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Coloring is a quiet, still, focused activity allowing the person to focus on one thing, thereby concentrating and quieting the mind,” social worker Julie Brewster said. The activity is similar to taking time to meditate, according to www.medicaldaily.com. The activity allows one to concentrate on coloring, rather than focusing on other diversions. Junior Sophie O’Hara enjoys using adult coloring books. Like Wozniak, she is drawn in by nostalgia. “I think adult coloring books are so appealing to older audiences because almost every-

one loved coloring as a kid, and as we got older the pictures became less challenging and eventually became boring,” O’Hara said via email. “Adult coloring books are more challenging with a wider range of pictures to color.” However, coloring books are not meant for everyone. While they can be therapeutic and relaxing, so can other activities that may be more entertaining. “Adult coloring is a fun activity and usually easy for most people. But, like with many tools for stress relief what works for one may not for another,” Brewster said. “People who do not like art or find it stressful and would rather do mindfulness, yoga or run should do that.” Brewster also advises that while the activity may work for some, it is not for everyone. “Adult coloring is not therapy. There is a lot on the internet to investigate. It is not proven scientifically to relieve stress, though we do know that a calm mind and body reduces stress,” she said. “It is important for adults to try different things to see what works best for their personal needs.”

ADULTCOLORINGWORLDWIDE.COM


LIFE

6– Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016– North Pointe

The school vending machines are dominated by low calorie and “diet” soda options, but they may not be the healthiest choice

By Mora Downs, Anna Post & Katelynn Mulder EDITOR, ASSITANT EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

When trying to lose weight, the word diet trumps all. Diet sodas are consumed to cut calorie counts and maintain healthy weights. However, researchers have concluded that beverages with fewer calories are more of a damage to our diet than many may think. While regular soda is loaded with real sugar, diet sodas are filled with artificial sugars, thus virtually no calories. These artificial sugars actually make the brain crave real sugar when the sugar in regular soda isn’t present. This can lead to more weight gain as consumers are tempted to eat foods with a higher sugar content. According to a study from the University of Miami, 2,465 participants were asked to document what beverages they drink and how often they drink them. The results showed that nine years later, the participants were 48 percent more likely to have heart-related problems than to those who drank regular beverages. Junior Annelise Hofmann sees the advantages and disadvantages of drinking diet beverages but prefers to not drink soda at all due to the health risks. “I feel like that even though it doesn’t have the calories in it, it still has artificial sweeteners in it, and I don’t believe in that stuff,” Hofmann said. In 2014, the federal Smart School Bond Act limited the amount of fat and calorie count in school-provided foods. The change in school nutrition standards resulted in banning all sugary snacks and beverages. This meant no regular sodas could be sold in school, only diet ones—despite the proven long-term effects diet drinks have on one’s health. Student activities director Pat Gast expresses concern regarding her inability to sell regular sodas in the school. “You’ll notice I can sell apple juice,” Gast said. “Yes, that’s a sugar, but they consider it to be a natural sugar.” Restricted by the government guidelines, Gast is only allowed to sell 10-ounce portions of the juices. She also sells diet sodas. “I used to sell regular pop, and I actually think regular pop is better for you than diet pop because then you know what your calorie count is and that you’re drinking real sugar irregardless of some of the food coloring going into it or the sodium. I think you have to look at that.” Selling these sodas has also put a strain on Gast financially. The money from the Union’s

C8 H10 N4 O2

Flavoring: citric acid specifically can harm enamel in large enough amounts, but it’s added for taste.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: a processed sweetener made of corn starch

Nutritive Sweetener: has calories and is present in regular soda. It has also been blamed for obesity.

Water: present in all soda.

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Non nutritive sweeteners: low-calorie sugar alternatives. These are super sweet, so less of the substance is required, and the body can’t process it completely, both of which decrease the calories they contribute.

vending machine served as Gast’s only income for things like banner paper and ink for posters. The diet alternatives have cut into this budget. Most people might perceive diet drinks to be a healthier option because of what the name suggests. However, experiments have shown the artificial sugar in them causes an abnormally high spike in blood pressure. These sweeteners have also been linked to Type 2 diabetes and altered metabolism. “Neither has any kind of nutritional value and come with a few pros and a lot more cons.” health teacher Ann Starinsky said via email. However, both diet and regular pop have their drawbacks. For example, diet pop can reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach, making one intolerant to glucose, which can cause drowsiness, blurred vision and loss of muscle mass. Meanwhile, in some studies, regular pop has been proven to negatively affect the chemicals in the brain that have to do with learning and memory. This is because the sugar in the product lowers the chemical brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Low BDNF levels cause poor performance on spatial and memory tasks according to www.livestrong.com. “Neither has any kind of nutritional value and come with a few pros and a lot more cons,” Starinsky said. “If students could adhere to the idea of ‘moderation,’ then I would feel better about them drinking either kind of soda, diet or regular. Unfortunately, most teens don’t.” Whether diet pop is better for someone or not, the best alternative to regular soda is no soda. School vending machines also sell non-pop products that are healthier than both kinds of soft drinks. “I have gone to the Arnold Palmer Lites because that’s low in sugar, and that’s also just tea and water and also natural lemon juice and flavoring, I believe. We had a lot of leftover Sunny D’s from the bagel sales, so I purchased the Sunny D at cost from the other classes, and I’m trying it out here,” Gast said. “I think everyone should limit the amount of sugar. I wouldn’t go for a Big Gulp or a Slurpee.”

Stimulant: meant to increase alertness and is present in most sodas. It has both positive and negative health effects.

REY KAM

REY KAM


North Pointe – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – 7

IDEAS

#

ON POINTE

The top 10 things to know about Black History Month

black lives ma t t e r

By Sydney Benson & Olivia Robinson PHOTO EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

2

1

You may have read his poems “A Dream Deferred” or “The Author Negro Speaks of LANGSTON HUGHES Rivers” in your English 1920S class this year. If you haven’t, you should read his poems that inspired the nation in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural revival that swept through the United States in the 1920s.

Social Media

#BLACKLIVESMATTER 2013

You may not realize it, but your generation is creating history in big ways. #BlackLivesMatter is a movement that erupted on social media after the death of unarmed African Americans across the country like Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown and Tamir Rice. The hashtag primarily advocates for the protection of African Americans from police brutality but has expanded to also support giving a voice to those that aren’t able to exercise their First Amendment rights.

5

Take a walk through any record store or flip through your grandparents’ vinyl collection, and you’re likely to see an album by Ella Fitzgerald. She was the first African American woman to win coveted Grammy Award. If you don’t recognize the name, listen to “Dream A Little Dream of Me,” and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve heard it a million times before.

In 1957, nine African American students from Flim Little Rock, Arkansas NINE FROM LITTLE ROCK enrolled in their local, 1964 segregated high school in an effort towards equal educational opportunities. This documentary film showcases their lives and their footprint in history. The month of February is a perfect opportunity to watch documentaries that go beyond the superficial stereotypes of black history.

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7

HULUIM.COM EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Place

CHARLES H. WRIGHT MUSEUM 1965

WWW.FLICKR.COM

People

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM 1968 Did you know that in 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. She served seven terms, representing New York’s twelfth Congressional District. If that’s not impressive enough, she also was the first black Presidential candidate for a major party when she ran as a Democrat in 1972.

UPLOAD.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

You may have gone to the Detroit Institute of Art and Detroit Historical Museum, but the Charles H. Wright Museum is a hidden gem that most people have yet to discover. This is the ideal place to broaden your knowledge of Black History and get lost in the abundance of art and African American culture. The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 315 East Warren Ave. at Brush Street. Admission $8 for adults, $5 for children.

Hanging in there By Giuseppe Parison INTERN

I am terrified of my future. Ever y day, I wake up hoping that I don’t do any thing to negatively alter the successful path that I am set on. One bad grade, one forgotten assignment, one dish left in the sink instead of put in the dishwasher. A ll of these things feel like setbacks that I must account for. As teenagers, we have many responsibilities to bear. Many adults seem to be under the assumption that we have nothing to stress about for the simple fact that we “have it easy,” or so they say. A large number of us do not have jobs, nor do we pay bills, therefore, we cannot complain or be tired. We cannot lie dow n after a long day of school and rest. We must tend to other obligations: take the garbage

out, put dishes away. We must do these things without complaint.

4 8

Music

ELLA FITZGERALD 1958

THEDAILYBEAST.COM

3

Music

HARRY BELAFONTE 1956

In the modern world, it’s common to see artists rack in millions of sales, but in 1956, Harry Belafonte was the first single artist to sell over one million copies with his album Calypso.

9

CINEMASTATIONBLOG.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM

Events

MILLION MAN MARCH 1995 BAYAREALLSTAR.COM On Oct. 16, 1995, Washington D.C. witnessed one of the largest demonstrations in American history. The Million Man March was a mosaic of over 1 million men from all religions and social classes dedicated to establishing a spirit of reflection and camaraderie among African Americans. Key note speakers included Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King III. The event assembled again in 2015 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the first march. To see these powerful displays of human companionship, dozens of videos exist of the speeches and can be found on Google.

BAYAREALLSTAR.COM

Science

DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER 1910S Even though Carver is miscredited for creating the recipe for peanut butter (it was actually the Aztecs), he still found creative ways to infuse the peanut into our daily lives. His methods are used to make peanut-based milk, plastics, soap, cosmetics—the list goes on and on. UPLOAD.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

10 Flim

RACE 2015

Based on the life of Olympic runner Jesse Owens, this movie tells the story of Owens’ heroic victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games and his ability to race at the highest level possible while battling stereotypes.

However, I believe they misunderstand the ease of our ex istence. For seven hours a day our brains are expected to take in information and retain it, then are subsequently expected to be completely accurate in reciting that information. Seven classes, five

days a week. That’s 35 hours a week of us under these conditions.

We are entitled to a certain amount of understanding when our entire futures rest on how well our brains decide to interpret and retain information. W hen the fate of the prosperity of our lives —nay, the world— rests on something that we

ultimately cannot control. Brains that are unpredictable, stubborn, easily distracted. Brains that are ultimately human.

So forgive me for feeling slightly over whelmed by my current situation, but can you blame me when crucial things are missing from that mass of info? Things that modern mandator y classes do not teach me. Things such as how to balance a checkbook, how to fill out college applications, take out a mortgage or what a mortgage even is, how to attain insurance, how to vote. I could go on for a considerable amount of this page however, for the sake of word count, I must digress. There are many things to consider when it comes to a mind that is just coming up on voting age. There

GSTATIC.COM

are many responsibilities that we as an age group must take on. There are many pressures, stresses and hardships to overcome. Despite this, the resources that are allocated to us to overcome these hardships are lacking at best and completely nonex istent at worst. At this point in time, a complete curriculum change is out of the question for our generation. However, for future generations, there needs to be a paradigm shift. More emphasis must be put on core education that attributes to real world skills and not arbitrar y mathematical formulas that teachers struggle to find applications for when asked how they can be useful. If the teachers themselves do not have a full grasp of how these things they’re teaching can be useful to us, how are they ever going to expect us to have faith in this system? However, all is not lost, do whatever you can to prepare yourself for what school has not. Talk to family, ask people who have gone through the processes to lend assistance and get pointers on how to be an adult. If worse comes to worst, use Google. Bottom line: if mandator y education w ill not teach critical skills then it is up to us to take charge.


REVIEWS

8 – Wednesday, Feb. 10 2016 – North Pointe

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By Addison Toutant STAFF REPORTER

One of the most popular shows of its time, Fox’s The X-Files was a huge influence on not only the science fiction genre, but pop culture as a whole. The original ran nine seasons, 1993-2002. With its recent revival, the show manages to stick to what made it so unique while still attempting to incorporate modern elements to keep it fresh. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return in their roles as agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. They’re joined by newcomers like Joel McHale (NBC’s Community). Years after the X-File division of the FBI was shut down, agents Mulder and Scully have moved on with their lives. That is, until they receive a call from Tad O’Malley (McHale), a conspiracy theorist who enlists their help. He gives the former agents solid evidence of a planned world takeover by the government, and the two agree to help him investigate. It’s the same overarching plot from the original run, and there lies the problem. Mulder is the type of character who is expected to be obsessed with the idea of internet surveillance, but he’s not. The show hasn’t evolved to include modern technology such as smartphones or social media, and that may be a detraction for some. For others, it’s a breath of fresh air, being able to experience more of what made the original show so great. There’s also the “Monster of the Week” formula present in most of the series (episode “Humbug,” for example) which breaks up the main plot. Some have very interesting ideas, such as

telepathically linked siblings. These are enjoyable stand-alone stories, don’t include a lot of modern technology and make the show seem more dated than it really is. The writing is strong, and the delivery of the lines is equally strong. Through every episode, each actor does a fantastic job. By far the best written episode is the third. Written by Darin Morgan, it’s a throwback to episodes he wrote in the original series and is explicitly comedic, poking fun at the fact that Mulder comes up with with such crazy ideas and is somehow right every single time. The music is atmospheric, but not memorable. There’s a lot of overlying strings to most of the pieces, but besides the main theme, none of the songs are recognizable. In comparison to the original series, Season 10 is not as enjoyable. What was intriguing about the original nine seasons was that they played off the fears society had at the time. The new season doesn’t do that. Current topics today when it comes to the government are surveillance, drones and gun control. Those don’t come up more than once. In spite of its shortcomings, this reboot of The X-Files is acceptable. It’s a suitable send-off to one of the most inf luential shows of the 90s, with great acting and a good script. The truth is out there: this is a show worth watching.

X-FILES 2015 TV-14 FOX

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TV SHOW

BOOK

APP

ALBUM

THE MAGICIANS

THE NATURALS

BLOCKY FOOTBALL- ENDLESS ARCADE RINNER

MATTER

Syfy, the network that gave viewers the two extravagant TV series Dominion and Defiance, has come out with yet another: The Magicians. This fantasy crePLAY.GOOGLE.COM ation takes place in New York, Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) and friend Julia Wicker (Stella Maeve), two struggling graduate students who suddenly get thrust in the intricate world of magic practitioning. It kickstarts with a familiar twist. Instead of starting with Coldwater, the series introduces the mysterious antagonist. It also foreshadows Coldwater’s importance to the story, a recycled tactic viewers see all too often. Once it switches to Coldwater’s point of view, The Magicians delves into his life, creating a mood reminiscent of Harry Potter, but it doesn’t engage. There’s a lack of intriguing characters, too. They don’t have backstories that get viewers invested, which makes the show drag. It can be argued that the characters’ relatable situation, prior to the magic bit, outweighs the lack of viewer connectivity, but it’s not enough. The series does have some new concepts that can overcome the slow plot. Coldwater practices real-life optical illusion magic prior to discovering Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy (cough, cough Hogwarts), the school for people to practice magic. That ends up tying into the show’s interesting lore. However, viewers don’t get it all in one sitting. The lore centers around the books Coldwater and his childhood friend, Wicker, read to learn “magic” as kids. Along with new story details, The Magicians has strong graphics, but that’s expected because of its magical theme. The show creates a nice balance of both in the beginning by including some real magic, like disappearing coin illusions and card tricks, with the computer-generated magic. The card tricks give the series a little reality to its completely fictional scenario. The Magicians has some enjoyable qualities, but it seems too much like Harry Potter to thrive on its own. It’s a show that should be watched by viewers who are just looking for some time to kill.

Fans of classic mystery and crime stories will certainly find themselves unable to put down The Naturals. Author Jennifer Lynn Barnes goes GOODREADS.COM beyond the reader’s expectations and creates amazing characters. All of the characters have interesting backstories and their own, reasons that keep them working with the FBI throughout the novel. The main character Cassandra Hobbes’ life is interrupted when she is recruited to work alongside the FBI as part of a training program for young teenagers. She is labeled a “Natural.” A Natural is someone who is naturally talented at profiling or other skills that would come in handy for solving cases. As a Natural, Hobbes is offered the chance to move to Washington D.C. to train with others like her. In return, she must use her skills to help solve cold cases. Her own mother’s death even comes back to haunt her. With a cast of fully realized characters, The Naturals sets itself apart from other mysteries. Instead of accidentally stumbling upon the case, Cassandra and her friends seek it out with the assistance of the FBI. The Naturals sets itself further aparts as the protagonists are not modeled after everyday normal teenagers who are not qualified to chase down serial killers. Instead, each character in The Naturals has a unique skill. These talents range from being able to profile a person at a glance to being able to detect lies. Many of the teenagers even have past experience with killers. The only noticeable problem is that the character development seems to be rushed in some parts of the book. However, this is a small problem. It does not occur that often, and the plot more than makes up for it. Setting up Cassandra to solve her mother’s murder adds to the suspenseful action that takes place during the book. With surprising revelations, readers will find themselves unable to put this book down. A real page-turner, this first book in the series is certain to entertain any fans of mystery or suspense.

Coming to join Full Fat’s loaded collection of sports game apps is Blocky Football-Endless Arcade Runner. Blocky Football centers around the special teams WWW.148APPS.COM aspect of football, specifically the kickoff. The player’s goal is to gain as many points as possible, which can be achieved by returning kickoffs and then kicking extra points. When it comes to returning kickoffs, players have five lanes to move among on the way to the end-zone. As they run, they must avoid both opponents and even their own blockers, as running into either will end the return. As a player progresses from level to level, kickoffs get longer. At the same time, enemies become faster and more plentiful, making for added obstacles along the extended path. After returning the kickoff, you can earn the extra point. Kicking the extra point involves a bar with red, green and gold sections and an arrow on it, shifting from left to right. To make the kick, tap the screen when the arrow is on either a green or gold section of the bar. Another game feature is unlocking characters using keys, which can be obtained by kicking extra points when the arrow is on the gold section of the bar. Once the player has three keys, the game presents six lockers, each with one of two different icons inside it. In shell-game fashion, the lockers close and shift around, and it is the player’s job to pick three holding the same icon. Success will unlock a new character, while failure offers no consolation. However, all is not lost. The game will allow players the chance to open more lockers after watching a 30 second-long advertisement. But even then, the shell game is near impossible to win, which makes trying to unlock characters more annoying than anything else. Another nuisance is the intrusive advertising, a common issue with free games. An adfree version is $2, though ironically, Full Fat offers a 10-minute reprieve from watching ads in exchange for watching another. In the end, despite its irritating ads, Blocky Football provides an entertaining challenge that is great for some cheap fun.

Riding the success of his debut album When the Night, St. Lucia (Jean-Philip Grobler) has released yet another album where 80s synthpop meets ITUNES.APPLE.COM modern day alternative music. Matter rings in an irresistible hybrid sound that will appeal to listeners of all ages. Grobler’s distinct style sets himself apart from the countless other nostalgically funky indie artists on the scene. The South Africa native knows himself, and his approach is distinct. His vibrant sound and sun-drenched style blend together, manifesting his zippy appearance directly into the album. Tracks like “The Winds of Change” and “Love Somebody” take listeners back in time with a heavily synthesized sound paired with Grobler’s swooping, affected vocals. Grobler mimics the renowned voices of the 80s, bringing big names like Tears for Fears and Duran Duran to mind. “The Winds of Change” especially serves as a blast from the past, with an upbeat tempo juxtaposing discordant lyrics that launch into a heroic chorus. The immediate knee-jerk reaction to the album is to write it off as just a spunky, bouncy attempt to travel back to when it would’ve been all the rage—but Matter is more than that. Grobler’s tracks never waste a second. Every note and every run serves a purpose. They’re not self indulgent or aimless, but artful pop that is mostly designed to get listeners out on the dance f loor. Matter has something for everyone— from the single “Dancing On Glass” that airs on the more Top 40 side, to the eclectic track “Help Me Run Away.” The entire album is designed to get people up and dancing, not to communicate complex messages. Listeners in search of an album that will get them up on their feet and have a good time will find exactly what they need with Matter.

The Magicians; 2015; N/A; Syfy

The Naturals; 2013; Jennifer Lynn Barnes; 308 pgs; $9.99

Blocky Football - Endless Arcade Runner; Full Fat; 2016; Available for Apple & Android; Free

Matter; Sony Music Entertainment; iTunes; $8.99 2016

By Josie Bennett

By Katelynn Mulder

By Wilson Moin

By Abbey Cadieux


IDEAS Don’t let leaded pipes give you tunnel vision

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – North Pointe – 9

“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.”

By Radiance Cooper ASSISTAINT EDITOR

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Anu Subramaniam EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Olivia Asimakis MANAGING EDITOR

Katelyn Carney SPORTS EDITOR

Billy Moin NEWS EDITOR

Mora Downs LIFE EDITOR

Gowri Yerramalli BUSINESS MANAGER

Emma Puglia WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ritika Sanikommu IDEAS EDITOR Katelynn Mulder STAFF REPORTER

Yena Berhane EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Radiance Cooper ASSISTANT EDITOR

Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Anu Subramaniam MANAGING EDITOR: Olivia Asimakis MANAGING EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Jennifer Kusch EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Yena Berhane, Rey Kam SECTION EDITORS: Katelyn Carney, Mora Downs, Billy Moin, Ritika Sanikommu WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Emma Puglia BUSINESS MANAGERS: Gowri Yerramalli PHOTO EDITORS: Sydney Benson, Dalaney Bradley, Ava Deloach, Bella DeSandy, Erinne Lubienski MULIMEDIA EDITOR: Lauren Sexton ASSISTANT EDITORS: Emma Brock, Caitlin Bush, Abbey Cadieux, Radiance Cooper, Allison Lackner, Lindsey Ramsdell, Anna Post, Sarah Wietecha STAFF REPORTERS: Josie Bennett, Alex Harring, Bella Lawson, Nathan Lonczynski, Trevor Mieczkowski, Katelynn Mulder, Sonny Mulpuri, Montana Paton, Olivia Robinson, Michal Ruprecht, Billy Steigelman, Tommy Teftsis, Addison Toutant INTERNS: Darcy Graham, Erin Kaled, Joey Parison, Asia Simmons The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review. Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at northpointenow.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper. CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Phone: 313.432.3248 Email: northpointe@gpschools.org Twitter: @thenorthpointe Website: NorthPointeNow.org FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, MJE

#OscarsSoWhite

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM

From the cover of Time magazine to the front pages of local newspapers, Flint is dominating the media. Celebrities are flocking to the poisoned city, donating thousands of dollars worth of water bottles to help remedy the city’s mistake. Rappers Wiz Khalifa, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Eminem joined up with actor Mark Wahlberg through the company AQUAhydrate to give one million bottles to the struggling city. In addition to the press and celebrity donations, schools all over the state are hosting water bottle drives to help ease Flint’s burden. The pressure to help Flint is high, especially since the problem is so close to us. It’s hard to sit idle when children are suffering from high lead levels and are becoming ill as a result. But it isn’t just on us to rectify the situation. The state has allocated $30 million from a surplus budget to help Flint recover. Also, residents of the state will probably see some of their tax money go towards fixing the problem over the next couple of years, if their taxes aren’t raised to help cover the overheads. As residents of the state of Michigan, we are making a contribution to Flint, at least financially, but that shouldn’t dissuade us from helping out more. Yes, it was the state’s mistake, and yes many celebrities are helping out, but Flint has 102,000 residents who need over two million water bottles just to fuel their daily intake. The donation of water bottles in itself creates problems, as now Flint is having trouble disposing of the non-biodegradable plastic that has been flooding their city. The magnitude of this problem reaches city and state levels, as those are the governing bodies that contract the pipe-building company and the waste companies that deal with the new problematic plastic. Much of the situation is above us, but non-residents and Michiganders alike are doing what they can to help out. Many people flocked to Twitter, claiming that Flint isn’t receiving the help it needs. Though the problem could have been avoided, we can only look

“I’m informed. The people that are in Black History Month have made a big influence on our world now.” Cherrell HardonJoseph-Hall FRESHMAN

forward rather than thinking about what-ifs. As residents of the same state, it is our job to provide support, whatever that means. We shouldn’t feel burdened to break our piggy banks, or buy out Krogers’ water bottles to donate, but we should feel compelled to offer our support to a city that is a mere 40 minutes from us. Students Against Violations of the Environment is already on board, hosting a fundraising hat day during the week of March 6. The problem itself seems all-consuming, and overwhelming with the way it is covered in the media and the way people are rushing to the aid of Flint residents. But we can’t let just one problem blind us from all. As of Oct. 23, Los Angeles experienced a serious gas leak. Though it isn’t plastered all over social media, this gas leak exposed over 27,000 children to high levels of lead, already killing 10. The leak can cause far more permanent and severe environmental complications and could potentially be a long-term issue. People should be upset about Flint. It is a tragedy. But we shouldn’t put on blinders to the rest of the world just because we see one problem. We are one state, and we are supporting them, but what about the 27,000 other children who are suffering from higher lead levels than the children in Flint—do they fall to the wayside because their state didn’t ignore the problem? The lead levels in Flint are dangerous. No child should be exposed to those kinds of life-altering conditions. Many of our grandparents lived in houses with paint that had five times the lead content, but they turned out okay, and that is what we can hope for in these natural disasters. However, as members of the Great Lakes state we turn to problems close to home. Flint hits hard because of our proximity, but that doesn’t mean we ignore what is happening 2,300 miles away. We can support our fellow Michiganders, and we can raise awareness for the not-so-close Californians who are suffering the same way.

“Mildly (informed). I feel like it’s important because, black people are a minority, and this gives us time to appreciate them and it’s a time where black people feel empowered.” Tyler Foster SOPHOMORE

“I’m informed. I don’t know a whole lot about it but I know what it stands for, like what the month means.” Samantha Saigh JUNIOR

Instant Norseman YOUR TURN: Are you informed about Black History Month? Instant Norsemen Updates Updates By Gowri Yerramalli BUSINESS MANAGER

Every year, people gather around TVs to watch the grandest display of achievement in film: the Academy Awards. This year marks the 88th ceremony celebrating excellence in filmmaking and the second consecutive year with an all-white list of nominees. Outrage over the Academy’s disregard for minority talent has spurred a revival of last years hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. It’s disappointing that major films featuring minorities were overlooked. Creed’s success wasn’t enough to get nods for its lead actor (Michael B. Jordan) or director (Ryan Coogler), both black. Naturally, it was enough to get Sylvester Stallone one for best supporting actor. Straight Outta Compton was number one at the box office for three weeks but was snubbed in every category except best original screenplay (a product of two white screenwriters). The Academy has made strides towards diversity, but there is still this disparity. Only 15 black actors have won Oscars since it began handing out awards in 1929. In 1939, Hattie McDaniels was the first minority to win, and 27 years passed before Sidney Poitier won best actor in 1963. The the first and only time two African Americans won the top acting categories was 2002, when Halle Berry and Denzel Washington took home best acting honors. Nominations for other minorities are few and far between. The only Hispanic man to win best actor was in 1950, and no Hispanic woman has ever taken home an Oscar for best actress. Only one Asian woman has ever been nominated for a best actress award, and only one has won best supporting, both happening over 50 years ago. It’s starkly clear that the Academy doesn’t reflect the real face of America. Hollywood has traditionally been very Caucasian, very male. We need more stories featuring people of all colors, genders and sexual orientations. More importantly, we need to see them being rewarded for their talent. Some actors are calling for a boycott of this year’s award show and encouraging minorities to create separate venues for their own work instead of begging for recognition. But I don’t want separate. I want inclusion. If the reality is that Michael Fassbender’s performance was simply better that Michael B. Jordan’s, I can live with that. I would rather see someone genuinely earn the honor than see the Academy turn over its reputation for choosing the best by implementing a quota system to make sure everyone is satisfied. The underlying issue is that there simply aren’t enough projects featuring minorities in Hollywood to choose from, and unless it is Oscar quality, it won’t be recognized. Here’s what I think: The film industry should take a page from television’s notebook. With shows like Jane the Virgin, Blackish and Fresh Off The Boat airing in prime time on major networks, executives can see shows about minorities are not only viable but popular with the mainstream. Seeing this new formula’s success, they’re that much more likely to create shows focused on minorities in the future. The same can happen in film if Hollywood would simply try something new. Watching motion pictures has long been one of America’s favorite pastimes, but there are many movie lovers who would love to see people like themselves on the big screen and in award shows. We can’t do that if only one group is represented in our very talented melting pot.

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“Very much informed. My dad is actually involved in the community in Detroit. He is a professor at Wayne State University. But I very much do involve myself in that sort of black community in Detroit, so I do understand what’s going on right now.”

“Well of course. I think that society in general, we give a month of importance to a certain group or a religion, race, ethnicity, whatever it may be. But I think that’s not enough. I feel like there’s more to it.”

“I (know) that this is Black History Month. I don’t look at it as a one month kind of thing. I think we need to include it in the entire study of our history. I try to put it in all the time, not just in Black History Month.”

Chris Collins SENIOR

Ambareen Ameenuddin HISTORY TEACHER

Patrick Hicks SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER


10 – North Pointe – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016

SPORTS

BLUEJACKETS.NHL.COM

ABOVE: North alumnus Zach Werenski stick handles the puck while playing for Team USA.

Going for the goal

I SK EN ER W

At just 17, Zach Werenski had made it. On June 23, Werenski stood at the NHL draft surrounded by f lashing cameras. His name was called in the first round, and the 2014 alumnus was drafted eighth overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. But this fulfillment was not unexpected for the hockey player. “I told him—my sophomore year, his freshman year—‘I have a feeling you’re going to go in the first round,’” longtime friend CJ Kusch said. “I fully knew he was going to go to the NHL and get drafted. It was just a matter of where and when.” From the first time he put on skates, it was clear that Werenski was a different breed of hockey player. His size and speed were highlighted on the ice, and he climbed through the most competitive leagues in metro Detroit, joining teams with players much older than him—and winning. “(Being drafted) was probably the best moment of my hockey career and of my life so far,” Werenski said. “You know that’s ultimately my goal ... and being drafted for the NHL is just one step closer to playing in it. You know it was an exciting day. I had my family down there, my best friend Ryan Babcock made the trip, and it was a pretty fun day. Once you hear your name called, it’s pretty special, and that has to be my biggest accomplishment so far.” Werenski didn’t sign a professional contract follow ing the draft. He is currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan and has been playing for Coach Arthur “Red” Berenson for two seasons. His collegiate career has garnered acclaim, w ith his defensive play earning him spots on the 2014-15 Big Ten A ll-Freshman Team and the A ll-Big Ten First Team his freshman season. He picked the University of Michigan because of its close proximity to his family and because Berenson has had 32 years of coaching experience. Growing up in Grosse Pointe, Werenski had always been a fan of the school and graduated early so he could pursue a higher level of play. “I wasn’t really sure where I fit in on the team at first. I was 17 at Michigan my freshman year. There were some guys that were 24 years old, so it was definitely different, but I went out there and was just myself, and the guys were great to me, and I fit right in. So you know it was different at first, but in the end, it all worked out, and the guys were great to me.” Through hockey, Werenski has been able to travel and make lifelong connections. His parents and friends have supported him through the process by pushing him and helping him stay focused. Werenski feels his older brother, Brad Werenski, is one of his biggest supporters. Werenski played with his brother and other older skaters in programs like the Grosse Pointe Bulldogs and the Little Caesars Midget Major team. He left to pursue a season on the National Team Developmental Program and skate with the U.S. National U17 and U18 teams. These experiences challenged him and exposed Werenski to older players. Werenski also feels like his parents have really helped him pursue hockey, a demanding and time-consuming sport for all involved. “They just tell me every day to go out there and enjoy it, and there is a lot of people, they tell me, that would like to be in my shoes and just not to take it for granted, and to work hard every day and just enjoy hockey,” Werenski said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the stuff I’ve been doing, so just to take it all in and enjoy it and have as much fun as possible with it.” In addition to playing on University of Michigan’s team, Werenski is also captain of Team USA at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. He was named the best defenseman at the tournament by the International Ice Hockey Federation and made the tourna-

ment’s All-Star team. Werenski is the second-youngest captain to ever be named for Team USA, only junior to his predecessor Jack Eichel of Massachusetts. “It was a special feeling to walk into the locker room and see a C on the jersey, you know, and to be a fill-in and play for your country, be the captain of the team. That’s something you can only dream of, and it was really exciting,” Werenski said. As his sophomore season at Michigan reaches its peak, Werenski has set his sights on a career outside the walls of Michigan’s Yost Ice Arena. While he had originally postponed a career in the NHL, Werenski feels prepared to leave Ann Arbor next year and forgo his junior year studies to pursue a professional career on the ice. His parents left the decision of playing for a professional team or going back to the University of Michigan up to Werenski and feel that he made the right choice. “He really always said that his game plan was to at least go (to college) for two years—he wants to win a National Championship with Michigan—so, he decided to go back to school, and as a parent, of course you want your kid to get as much education as possible, so we were pretty happy,” Kristen Werenski, Zach’s mom, said. Kristen feels that Zach has an old soul and leads by example, helping make him a strong leader and a strong player. Zach was the highest draft pick to come out of the University of Michigan’s hockey program since 2005 when Jack Johnson was picked third overall. As a freshman, Werenski led all Big Ten defensemen with nine goa ls. He a lso led t he tea m w it h 59 shots blocked. Assistant coach to the University of Michigan mens hockey team, Brian Wiseman has worked with Zach for two years and feels he is a stand-out player. “I think the sky’s the limit probably for Zach Werenski and hockey. I can see the Columbus Blue Jackets think that as well, as we did when we recruited Zach when he was still at Grosse Pointe North back in tenth grade,” Wiseman said. “You saw great signs of a very mature individual, and it comes from a great family and has great hockey attributes, even back in the tenth grade.” Zach feels that without working hard, nothing he has achieved would have been possible. He feels that he did a lot of growing, and that his two years helped him mature enough and prepared to leave home at 16 to pursue hockey.

CH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CO-MANAGING EDITOR

ZA

By Anu Subramaniam & Jen Kusch

Former student, Zach Werenski, continues to pursue his dreams of reaching the NHL, while obtaining other milestione goals along the way Working with a top-tier coach and having teammates like current Red Wings player Dylan Larkin has also helped Werenski grow as a player, but it was the time and effort that he put into the sport that produced results. After he finishes his sophomore year at the University of Michigan, Werenski will play for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team that drafted him in 2015. “I just kind of said I’m going to put all my eggs in one basket and work really hard to get drafted high, and that’s kind of what I did,” Werenski said. “Now it’s even closer to becoming a reality, so I just keep working hard every day.”


SPORTS

North Pointe – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – 11

Living up to the legacy Continuing on a family tradition, senior Tristin Richardson will be taking his bat and helmet to Adrian College to pursue his dream of collegiate baseball

By Sonny Mulpuri & Billy Steigelman STAFF REPORTERS

Adria n College r uns in senior Tristin Richa rdson’s blood. As his senior baseba ll season approaches, Richa rdson is prepa ring to follow in his t hree siblings’ footsteps by committing to play baseba ll at Adria n. Richa rdson was intrig ued by Adria n since his t wo older sisters a nd older brot her attended t he school to play sof tba ll a nd baseba ll, respectively. His brot her, Josh Richa rdson, is now going into his second yea r as a n assista nt coach on Nort h’s va rsit y baseba ll tea m a nd gets to see his younger brot her play ever y ga me. “I get on him at times a litt le more t ha n some of t he ot her k ids just because I k now he ca n ha ndle it,” Josh sa id. “Sometimes, it ca n be ha rder to coach him because I have to control my emotions more w it h him.” Tristin has been on t he va rsit y tea m for t hree yea rs but has k now n t hat he wa nted to play in college since he was in eight h grade. Since members of Tristin’s fa mily went to Adria n in t he past, it isn’t a n unfa milia r place for him to be, a nd he is content w it h his decision. “I’ve been on t he ca mpus a lot because of t hem, but for me it was just where I was comfortable w it h,” Tristin sa id. W h i le Tr i st i n k new he w a nted to play col lege ba seba l l si nce ea rly on, h i s dad, Joh n R icha rdson, d id n’t rea l i z e h i s son had a f ut u re i n ba seba l l u nt i l h i s sophomore yea r w here he saw

a n i mprovement w it h h i s batt i ng abi l it ies. “I think I realized in tenth grade, by the way he was hitting better pitching, that he could make it to the next level,” John said. The biggest asset t hat Josh has been able to see in Tristin is his bra in for t he ga me. “One t hing I’ve seen about him is t hat he’s a sma rt baseba ll player,” Josh sa id. “He’s prett y intelligent w it h reads of t he baseba ll a nd k nows when to stea l a base, which is importa nt at higher levels of baseba ll.” Over t he yea rs, va rsit y baseba ll coach Fra nk Sumbera has had ma ny ex periences helping players tra nsition to t he collegiate level. He k nows college baseba ll players w ill have to ba la nce t heir schedule w it h t heir academics a nd baseba ll while focusing equa lly as ha rd on bot h. “You have to rea lly love play ing baseba ll a nd rea lly wa nt to work ha rd in season a nd in t he of fseason,” Sumbera sa id v ia ema il. “There a re no pretenders at t he college level.” Sumbera has helped Tristin get his hat into t he ring by submitting his resumé to accommodate some of t he t hings he looks for in colleges. Tristin a lso considered play ing at Heidelberg Universit y, India napolis Universit y a nd Pfeif fer Universit y in Nort h Ca rolina. “I sent his bio out to a ll schools t hat he likes or has a n interest in academica lly,” Sumbera sa id. “The college must f it his needs a nd be a place t hat he likes.” Since he w itnessed his brot her go t hrough it, Tristin was a lready

awa re of what t he cha llenges t hat awa it him, such as t he tough schedule a nd tra ining regimen ex pected of at hletes. “I k now from some people on t he tea m t hat t he tra ining is diff icult but wort h it. If it was too bad, t hey wouldn’t have college sports, but I’m just going to have to motivate myself to be able to do bot h baseba ll a nd academics,” Tristin sa id. “I k now it w ill be ha rder because t here a ren’t a ny pa rents to push me. Josh understa nds t hat t he tra nsition w ill be a dif f icult one for Tristin, as college baseba ll life is a lot dif ferent t ha n t hat of a high school at hlete. He believes t hat sacrif icing numerous hours of sleep was wort h it for four yea rs of baseba ll, which y ielded four conference cha mpionships t hroughout his ca reer t here. W hile Nort h baseba ll is in t he spring a nd summer, t he college season is more time consuming a nd requires more commitment. “Baseba ll-w ise, just adjusting to t he dif ferent lifest yle. You travel a lot a nd spend a lot of your time w it h baseba ll,” Josh sa id. Tristin has been able to comprehend what t he Adria n baseba ll progra m is about for close to 10 yea rs a nd has seen it grow in t hat timespa n. He’s been able to see t he tea m play ma ny times a nd k nows t hat it’s a w inning progra m, which is somet hing t hat he has wa nted to be a pa rt of. “It feels prett y good being able to keep t he legacy going on at Adria n,” Tristin sa id. “I’ll be the fourth one in my family to go there.”

MICHIGAN HEAT

ABOVE: Senior Tristin Richardson slides into home base. BELOW: Richardson poses with his brother Josh Richardson on the field.

TRISTIN RICHARDSON

ELIZABETH GALLAGHER

Hockey teams face off for good cause By Ritika Sanikommu EDITOR

The battle of the sexes will be overturned as the boys and girls hockey teams join forces to benefit St. Judes Children’s Research hospital in a Skate for a Cure game Saturday, Feb.13. Captains from the boys and girls teams chose St. Jude’s to be the beneficiary of the donations raised at the game because the money will benefit children. Both the boys and girls teams will integrate and play against each other. The event will feature activities such as chuck-a-puck, a 50-50 drawing, a concession stand and a bake sale. Girls team captain Elizabeth Gallagher presented the idea to boys hockey captain Andrew Tomasi. He presented the idea to his team members, and the idea met with approval. The teams put out flyers to advertise the fundraiser. Girls hockey head coach Joe Lucchese said that he did not involve himself too extensively in the organization of the fundraiser, as he wanted to allow the students to lead it.

The donations will help to derail the hospital’s daily costs. “In a pamphlet that I got it said something as to it costs $1,400 per day to run the hospital per person,” Gallagher said. “So donating $500 could be half of what it takes to keep a kid healthy for a day.” Likewise, Lucchese is hopeful for the community’s support. “I think it’s great. I think especially here in Grosse Pointe, everyone here is very fortunate and blessed, and I’m a firm believer in giving back, so any time student athletes can give something back, I think that’s wonderful,” Lucchese said. Gallagher is anticipating a successful run for the first-run event. “I think it’s going to be really successful,” Gallagher said. “I think a lot of families and parents will come, and hopefully a lot of students.” Lucchese agrees. “I hope it’s tremendously successful,” he said. “It’s a great way for the boys and girls to get together on something and for the parents and community to get behind it, and show their support and their generosity, and I think it’ll be very successful.”


12 – Wednesday, Feb. 10 2016– North Pointe

Popping the bubble

IDEAS

Each week we bring you fresh activities and places to try outside the Grosse Pointe Community

HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN ANN ARBOR

EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

By Anu Subramanium

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If you are looking for a quieter side of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan’s William W. Cook Law and Research Library is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the little downtown. Located on Monroe Street in the heart of Ann Arbor, the law library is a part of the University of Michigan’s campus. A trip there is almost like taking a stroll in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, as the gothic architecture resembles that of the fictitious Hogwarts. This theme continues inside, as the library has a very similar setup to the one in the movies. Rows of tables and rows of books fully stock halls lit by candle-laden chandeliers. The mood set is very calm, and peaceful and it’s made for studying with ample desk space, resources

and places to charge phones and laptops. There is no need to feel intimidated by the aspiring lawyers flipping through dense pages of law textbooks. The library is separated into two parts—one is for law students, and one welcomes the general public. As you venture farther back on either side of the library, it progressively gets quieter, almost to the point where you can hear a pin drop (except even if one did, the insulated floors would muffle the sound to help maintain the peaceful, quiet environment). Even if you aren’t going to study, visiting the beautiful building should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s the perfect way to kill an hour, and being at the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus opens up more opportunities to explore and really see students in action. WWW.PINTEREST.COM

By Emma Puglia WEB-EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

keys. Museum dwellers can choose from a variety of toy-like learning experiences, from physical fitness to light and optics to the science behind telecommunications and the Internet. Visitor favorites include whisper dishes,which show how sound travels from one plate to another, the Laser Harp, an instrument with laser “strings” and the Bubble Capsule, where people attempt to create a bubbles around themselves. WWW.AAHOM.ORG After building up an appetite experimenting with sound, the building’s An underrated symbol of unbridled curiosity, the Ann Arbor Hands-On location on Ann Street is beneficial for those looking beyond vending maMuseum offers interactive exhibits explaining how each machine works. chines, the only food the museum offers. Restaurants such as Mani Osteria Although the eclectic spot is geared toward kids ages 2 to 12, it serves as a and Zingerman’s Delicatessen are all nearby. throwback to the golden days of childhood, or as an opportunity to become Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. most days, the $12 admission the favorite babysitter. price is worth a day exploring the science of the world through a child’s eyes. Stepping inside, one is engulfed by the color displayed on the walls and As the website boasts, “You are never too old to ignite your imagination.” laughter from overjoyed children stepping up stairs that sound like piano By Mora Downs SECTION EDITOR

If you love shopping at stores like Urban Outfitters or American Apparel but want a break from their outrageous prices, Pitaya is worth a look.

Walking into Pitaya has a similar feeling to walking into Charming Charlie’s—the clothes are grouped together by color, making the store aesthetically pleasing and products easy to find. The boutique offers everything from basic white tank tops to next year’s homecoming dress, all for a reasonable price. Sizes range from XS-XL, and Pitaya’s wares aren’t strictly limited to clothes. They also sell shoes and jewelry However, if you’re searching for sneakers or flats, Pitaya is not your best bet. Items range from $6-$64, and sales cut prices even more, making it affordable, even for high schoolers. Pitaya is the perfect place to buy a gift or gift card because of the prices and variety of products, and it’s even just a great place to browse to escape the cold. In addition to their South Street location, Pitaya has shops in Royal Oak and East Lansing. The Ann Arbor boutique is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. -8 p.m.

STYLESIZZLE.COM

By Lauren Sexton MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

WWW.TVFOODMAPS.COM

After its debut in 2010 on the Discovery Channel’s Man vs Food, Tios Mexican Cafe became a gem right in the heart of Ann Arbor. Tios welcomes students, families, food enthusiasts—anyone craving authentic Mexican food. Located on Liberty Street only blocks away from University of Michigan’s Big House, Tios is an nice place for dinner before or after a game. The restaurant’s decor feels warm and welcoming with its millennial genera-

tion looks and old Mexican taste. Tios is the place to go whether going out for a birthday, anniversary, post- or even pre-game in the downtown area of the University of Michigan. The cafe has an authentic ambiance and a modern day take on Mexican cafe. It is a nice restaurant to dine at lunch or a night. The menu is probably what makes the cafe stand out. Not only does it taste authentic, but it is made in-house, and everything comes out piping hot. With today’s modern generation of picky eaters and diners with allergies, Tios makes all of their consumers welcome by adjusting menu items and offering alternatives such as gluten- free chips and tortilla shells as well as a dairy-free dip. Considering the taste, the prices are exceptional. Three classic Americano tacos cost only $7.29 and tacos, fajitas, salads and the other countless options are about the same. Tios made the map with their in-house 5-lb. Mount Nacheesmo Challenge and for using famous Professor Payne Indeass’s Sphincter Shrinker Butt Blazin’ Recipe #2 X X X-Hot Sauce. But it’s really the authentic Mexican cuisine that shouldn’t be missed.


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