January 2011 Issue

Page 1

Inside This Issue

Miraculous cure for HIV

p.2

Although new advancements and coincidence cure a Berlin man of HIV, the cure is not as widespread as portrayed in the media.

Showdown preview p.8 Read up on how both the boys and girls varisty basketball teams are preparing for the Crosstown Showdown against Adams on February 4.

Drug survey results

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New study finds teen marijuana use on : the rise, binge drinking on the decline

Emily Hayward Feature Editor

n December 14, the federal survey “Monitoring the Future� revealed that marijuana usage in teens increased while binge drinking decreased. Teens who admitted to using marijuana at least once a month increased from 19.2 percent in 2009 to 21.4 percent in 2010. On the other hand, the amount of teens drinking in excess seems to be declining, as only 23.2 percent of teens reported they had been binge drinking, or consuming five or more alcoholic beverages in a single occasion, within the past week – a two percent decrease from last year’s survey. For St. Joe Medical Building nurse Mrs. Terri Taylor, these results were saddening but not shocking. “I wasn’t surprised,� Mrs. Taylor said. “With the legalization of marijuana for medical use, many people believe this means society has accepted the drug, so it’s okay to take it. This is sad because it simply is not true, but it doesn’t really surprise me that people might think it isn’t a big deal anymore.� Some students, like junior Ray Renaud, were also not surprised by the survey. “I’m not shocked by [the results] at all,� Renaud said. “I see people smoking all the time now. There are very few people I know who don’t smoke.� However, other students said they were extremely

The use of marijuana peaked in high school classes of 1978, with 10.7 % of seniors reporting daily use.

Marijuana use

More students smoke marijuana than cigarettes.

Binge drinking is consuming five or more alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is the leading cause of death among teenagers.

41.2 % of seniors in 1980 reported binge drinking, the higest the rates have ever been.

11,318 American youths try alcohol for the first time each day. discouraged by the results. “I initially felt pretty depressed when I saw the survey,â€? junior Katie Cox said. “It’s a good thing that the number of teens who binge drink is lowering, but it’s just so horrible to see that more teens are using marijuana. And these are just the ‘known’ numbers – who knows how many teens are hiding and getting away with using drugs?â€? Cox said she was most sorry by not only how common drugs seem in teenagers, but in the idea that many teens seem to ignore the risks. “It seems these days that teens just never listen,â€? Cox said. “No matter how many presentations they see or how many pictures of the damage done by these drugs they view, teens still do drugs and act as if it will never happen to them.â€? However, Renaud said alcohol and marijuana seem to be “saferâ€? than other drugs. “As long as you do them smart, I don’t think alcohol and marijuana are really a problem,â€? Renaud said. “Smoking has actually been proven WR JLYH KHDOWK EHQHÂżWV ZKHQ XVHG RFFDVLRQDOO\

1.2 % of eighth graders report daily use of marijuana.

750,000 Americans are arrested annually for possession of marijuana.

Binge Drinking Source: www.healthland.time.com

Use of drinks like four loko fell to 47.9% in 2010. and as long as you only drink once in a while, \RX VKRXOG EH ÂżQH ´ While Mrs. Taylor agreed that marijuana is a fairly safe drug, she also said both drugs can still be lethal. “Both drugs are dangerous,â€? Mrs. Taylor said. “But I’d have to say that alcohol is probably more dangerous than marijuana. Alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs, and using just 10 times more than intended can lead to death, whereas it takes 1,000 times of a higher dose of marijuana to be lethal. However, marijuana can be extremely dangerous if you get it off the street; you never know what you’re getting that way.â€? Still, Renaud said safety may not be a teen’s main incentive when choosing between illegal substances. “I think more teens are looking toward marijuana because it’s easier to obtain,â€? Renaud said. “Everyone knows someone who they can get it from. To me, it seems like alcohol is harder to get.â€? But Mrs. Taylor said that once people gain access to a drug and try it out, the consequences

may be deadly, especially for teens. Âł:KHQ SHRSOH VSHFLÂżFDOO\ \RXQJ SHRSOH start using alcohol or marijuana regularly, they often lose interest in their activities and are not motivated to do their schoolwork,â€? Mrs. Taylor said. “The effects of both drugs can interfere with learning by impairing thinking, reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical skills.â€? For Mrs. Taylor, one of the most important things is for teens to realize the possible longterm effects using drugs could have. Âł7HHQV DUH RIWHQ ORRNLQJ IRU D TXLFN Âż[ WR forget things or make themselves feel better,â€? Mrs. Taylor said. “But the answer is not drugs. Each drug has bad side effects, even if it’s considered a ‘safe drug.’ But of course, it’s ultimately going to be completely up to teens to be informed and make decisions. But they have to ask themselves: do I want to live in a world with all drunks and stoners? If you want to grow XS DQG EHFRPH VRPHWKLQJ WKHQ \RX GHÂżQLWHO\ shouldn’t jeopardize all of that with drugs.â€?

Random drug searches prevent further abuse need help making good decisions.â€? Drug dogs are just one of many things done to prevent students from bringing drugs to school, as students 'XULQJ ÂżUVW KRXU RQ 'HFHPEHU are taught about the dangers of drugs 15, principal Ms. Wendy Zdeb came and can receive help in making on the PA and announced a partial decisions. Still, some choose to bring lockdown. First hour was lengthened to drugs to school – and that’s when the accommodate the random interruption: drug dogs are needed. a drug search. Dogs and policemen “Because of their ability to sense patrolled the hallway, searching for DQG VPHOO DQG ÂżQG WKLQJV LQ YHU\ paraphernalia, hoping to further the well hidden places, [the dogs] are ÂżJKW DJDLQVW VWXGHQW GUXJ XVH very effective,â€? police liaison Deputy “I think that [the searches] are just Alyssa Gooding said. one piece of what we need to do as Deputy Gooding said drug dogs are a school for drug intervention,â€? Ms. so effective that they can sense when Zdeb said. “Our wellness classes do a person has touched or been near a a great job of providing students with drug, even if the person doesn’t have good information about drugs and their possession of the drug. According negative effects. We also have our to Ms. Zdeb, this skill can be useful, choices program to help students that but can sometimes cause alarms on an

innocent party. “[This search] was pretty typical,â€? Ms. Zdeb said. “We had a [few] more hits, but a lot of them were false alarms.â€? When students are caught with a drug, Deputy Gooding said the consequences may vary. “Procedure is still the same,â€? Deputy Gooding said. “If I search VRPHERG\ DQG ÂżQG LOOHJDO GUXJV WKH person will face school discipline and possible criminal charges.â€? Ms. Zdeb explained the school punishment for possession of drugs. “[Students face at least a] three day suspension, [but it] depends on the amount [of the drug found],â€? Ms. Zdeb said. “If they are found with multiple baggies of a drug, then they would obviously have a longer suspention.â€?

When the dogs signify a student may be in possession of drugs, Ms. Zdeb said there is a strict policy that must be followed. “If a dog hits on a student belonging, ZH EULQJ LW WR WKH RIÂżFH >DQG VHDUFK LW@ ´ Mrs. Zdeb said. “If a drug is found, it goes to the Oakland County sheriff.â€? Deputy Gooding said there are a couple things that may happen after WKH GUXJ LV FRQÂżVFDWHG Âł7KH GUXJ LV FRQÂżVFDWHG DQG SODFHG in a property room to be used as evidence in a criminal case,â€? Deputy Gooding said. “If it is not used as evidence when the case is over, it is destroyed.â€? In addition to searching the hallways, the dogs also search classrooms that are selected at random. During the search, students are supposed to leave

their belongings in the classroom and go out in the hall. Among one of the classrooms selected to search in December was Ms. Erin Burke’s A.P. English Language class. Though it may have been inconvenient, Ms. Burke said she believes that the searches are good to have. “The search wasn’t that big of a deal and the class wasn’t disrupted,� Ms. Burke said. “I think that it is a good thing to have these searches and it keeps kids on their toes.� Junior Maryssa Mercer, who was in Ms. Burke’s class at the time of the search, said she agrees. “I have never been in a search before but I think that it is a good procedure,� Mercer said. “I think that people with drugs should be [intimidated].�

News

2

Talon the

January 2011

News Briefs Robotics team faces a challenge

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Senior Alyssa Franklin peruses TIME magazine’s Person of the Year issue. Photo by Madison Reitzel

The winner

The runners-up

Mark Zuckerburg was named person of the year 2010 by TIME magazine. Photo Source: Creative Commons

Clockwise top left: Julian Assage, the Tea Party, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the Chilean Miners. Photo Source: Creative Commons

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Transplant cures German man of HIV Worldwide, there is an estimated 33 million people infected with human LPPXQRGHÂżFLHQF\ YLUXV (HIV). Of those infected, 50,000 die after the disease’s progression into acquired LPPXQH GHÂżFLHQF\ V\QGURPH (AIDS). 2XW RI WKH PLOOLRQ WKHUH KDV RQO\ EHHQ RQH SHUVRQ WR EH FRPSOHWHO\ FXUHG RI +,9 7LPRWK\ 5D\ %URZQ RU WKH Âł%HUOLQ 3DWLHQW ´ ZHQW WKURXJK D series of stem cell transplants intended to treat leukemia. As an unexpected UHVXOW WKH %HUOLQ 3DWLHQW ZDV ULG RI ERWK FDQFHU DQG +,9 +RZHYHU WKH WUHDWPHQW KDV EHHQ IRXQG WR EH VSHFLÂżF WR %URZQÂśV FDVH DQG QRW D ZRUOGZLGH cure for HIV. Âł7KH WUHDWPHQW LV KLJK ULVN ´ GRFWRU -HVVLFD 5LGJZD\ ZKR FRPSOHWHG KHU UHVLGHQF\ DQG LV D )HOORZ LQ ,QIHFWLRXV Disease, said. “It works better than UHJXODU FKHPRWKHUDS\ DQG LQYROYHV bone marrow transplants. The marrow LV WDNHQ IURP GRQRUV DQG WKHQ \RX DUH matched with a person. You then take WKHLU VWHP FHOOV DQG LQIXVH WKH ERG\ LQWR

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y nc 56,300 people were e n i a ic infected with HIV in 2006 Hum nodef u In 2008 1,870 teens ages Imm s 15-19 were infected with HIV u Vir s t Fac et e Th lanie Swe w e o Kn Graphic by M

Ă€X ´ 'U 5LGJZD\ VDLG Âł%XW ZH DUH D ZD\V DZD\ IURP DFWXDOO\ ÂżQGLQJ D FXUH >7KH Âľ%HUOLQ SDWLHQWÂś@ ZDV UDUH Using the bone marrow transplant is DFWXDOO\ D UHDOO\ EDG LGHD 8QGHUJRLQJ WKH WUHDWPHQW LV WRR ULVN\ LI LWÂśV QRW IRU FXULQJ OHXNHPLD ,I \RX KDSSHQ WR KDYH OHXNHPLD KDSSHQ WR KDYH +,9 KDSSHQ WR ÂżQG D GRQRU ZKR PDWFKHV \RX DQG has the mutations, then that works. 2WKHUZLVH LWÂśV QRW UHFRPPHQGHG ´ 0DQ\ OLNH VHQLRU &DUOD 5DPLUH] agree that using bone marrow is not a treatment that should be widespread. “There are endless factors that must EH FRQVLGHUHG HVSHFLDOO\ ZLWK RQH OLNH WKLV , GRQÂśW WKLQN LW LV UHSHDWDEOH \HW ´ 5DPLUH] VDLG Âł&RQVLGHULQJ LW ZDV

21 % go undiagnosed

Source: www.cdc.gov

unintentional, doctors will not use it RQ WKH JHQHUDO SXEOLF XQWLO WKH\ KDYH D XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI KRZ LW DOO ZRUNV ´ 2YHUDOO WKH WUHDWPHQW LV DQ DGYDQFHPHQW LQ VWHP FHOO WHFKQRORJ\ DV ZHOO DV WUHDWPHQWV IRU +,9 +RZHYHU RWKHU RSWLRQV DYDLODEOH DUH IRXQG WR EH OHVV KLJK ULVN DQG VWLOO HIIHFWLYH “Although this treatment is exciting, SHRSOH DUH PXFK PRUH OLNHO\ WR OLYH ORQJ DQG KDSS\ OLYHV ZLWK +,9 ZKLOH taking the suppressant drugs rather than risking it and going through with WKH VWHP FHOO WUDQVSODQW ´ 'U 5LGJZD\ VDLG Âł%HFDXVH WKH WUHDWPHQW LV QRW applicable to the general population, it is not quite the ‘cure’ that the media LQLWLDOO\ PDGH LW RXW WR EH ´

On January 11, the Falcon Engineering Design Solution (FEDS) kicked off their season along with over 3,000 other FRC teams. The team now has six weeks to design and build a robot to fulfill this year’s challenge, Logo Motion. “The game this year is to hang inflatable versions the shapes used in the FIRST logo on a peg board on your side of the field,� Robotics mentor Mrs. Sara Rosell said. “Depending on where you hang the shape you get a certain amount of points. Make the FIRST logo on the peg board and your score doubles.� The game this year is very similar to the 2007 game “Rack n’ Roll� using similar inflatables and concepts. “They added a new twist to the game this year though, minibots,� said Mrs. Rosell. “The minibots are little independent robots that must climb a slippery steel poles within the last 10 seconds of the match.� The point values vary and the rules, contained within the manual, are strict. The FEDS are very excited for this year’s game and are looking forward to a successful season, making it to St. Louis Missouri for the World Championship. By Justin Murphy, Staff Writer

Teachers donate to Toys for Tots

Excitedly, math teacher Mrs. Lisa Gotko walks down every isle of the store, trying to find a teapot fit for a little girl. Although she is actually buying the gift with business teacher Mrs. Karen Malsbury in mind, the toy will eventually be given to the Salvation Army’s “Toy’s for Tots� program. This annual donation has become a tradition for the staff members at RHS. They each receive the name of another staff member, along with things that person is interested in. After they buy a toy based on that person’s interests, the staff member will open it and try to guess who it is from. Finally, the toys are donated to charity. According to Mrs. Gotko, this tradition is beneficial in many different ways. “Honestly, it’s an awesome idea,� Mrs. Gotko said. “It’s like a win-win situation for us. You still get to shop, pick out something fun and wrap it all up, and then the toys are given for a good cause.� As Mrs. Gotko finally settles on a pink and purple teapot that resembles “The Beauty of the Beast� character Mrs. Potts, She said she realized the importance of giving in any situation. “It’s important to donate something somewhere,� Mrs. Gotko said. “It doesn’t have to be a holiday. It can be toys, money, time-anything. It’s just a great way to give back and help out.� By Emily Hayward, Feature Editor

Vaccines complicate flu season

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized annually for conditions associated with influenza. Some of these hospital visits could have been avoided with a simple vaccine. Though commonly injected, the influenza vaccine is also available in a nasal spray for those who don’t like needles. “There is a nasal vaccine available for kids over three years,� Dr. Sybil Rodrigues, M.D., of Henry Ford Medical Group said. “It is a spray in the nose. Since it is a live vaccine as opposed to the killed vaccine in the shot, it cannot be given to kids with lung, heart, kidney disease and those with immune deficiency such as those receiving cancer medications [or] steroids.� Whether it is by a nasal vaccine or with a traditional needle, getting a flu shot is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many reasons as to why one may shy away from a flu vaccine. “Someone in [the student’s] family had a reaction to vaccine or heard of a reaction causing them to avoid the vaccine,� Dr. Rodrigues said. “[As well as] not understanding how the flu disease can affect you adversely and lead to complications more than if a vaccine was given.� Even if one chooses not to get the flu shot this season, there are still several steps that he or she should take to avoid getting sick. “Taking antiviral medication if patient is high risk as soon as they have the flu [is important],� Dr. Rodrigues said. “Strict hand washing, proper way of covering nose when sneezing [and] staying at home if sick to avoid spreading the virus are also ways to prevent flu.� By Melanie Sweet, Lifestyles Editor

Feature

Talon the

January 2011

African American parents step up

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Concerned parents strive to close achievement gap

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Every month, the Rochester African American Parent Network (RAAPN) has a meeting, which is open to anyone who would like to attend. At a typical meeting, members hear about the academic achievement gap and what can be done to decrease it. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Marcus Foreman

Last August, the RAAPN had its fall kick-off meeting. Back row (left to right): Adrian Dews, Angelo Jones, Michael Behermman, Greg Hunter, Marcus Foreman, Jerrii Moore and Charles Roland. Front row: Ayana Knox-Potts, Terra Dews, Alison Jones, Alesia Flye, Tawana Nettles-Robinson, Diane Hunter, Suzanne Bobbitt, Gabriela Darris, Kimberly Jordan and Tracy Murray-Foreman. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Marcus Foreman

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Students are invited to the RAAPN meetings as well. One of the main goals of the RAAPN is to advocate for the advancement of African Ameriacn students, which involves informing parents and students. In the end, the RAAPN hopes to decrease or even eliminate the achievement gap between Caucasion and African American students. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Marcus Foreman

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Gresham Seasonal Services employee Mr. Lee Higginbottom displays one of the vehicles he frequently uses to clear snow. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Jason Steckel

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Entertainment

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Talon the

Rochester Pizza:

January 2011

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Who’s the Big Cheese

America loves its pizza. Although its ancestors are Italian, America has adopted pizza and morphed it into something that screams red white and blue. Chicago is famous for its deep-dish, while New York gave birth to the Brooklyn thin slice. Closer to home, Rochester has its fair share of top-rate pizzerias that make for either a fun night on the town, or a relaxed movie night at home. And so the quest begins for the perfect slice in Rochester- the big cheese, if you will.

The restaurant Zaa! wins the rookie of the year award. Its grand opening was only December 3, but many are already impressed. Located across the street from RHS between Kroger and Ace Hardware, Zaa! is a step up from the chain, CiCi’s, but with a similar atmosphere. It is one of the few high-quality, buffet-style pizzerias around, and for only five dollars for the buffet and a drink, it keeps the wallet happy too.

When subpar “cardboard� pizza such as Little Caesar’s doesn’t cut it, there are plenty of excellent options in nearby downtown Rochester. Tower Pizza is a downtown Rochester classic. This cool little hole-in-thewall sometimes goes unnoticed because of its lack of extravagance, but anyone who has bitten into a slice is immediately hooked. Tower Pizza has a timelessness that has spread by word of mouth across town, and has seeped into the culture of Rochester.

Perhaps the most notable of all of downtown Rochester’s pizzerias is Kruse and Muer pizza, which caters as both a nicer sit-down restaurant as well as take out. What makes Kruse and Muer special is its unique seasoned crust. This gives their pizza an originality that is unmatched by any other local restaurants.

Although relatively new, Georgio’s Pizzeria has been a hit. Here, the somewhat long wait for the food is justified by the fact that one can see the owner tossing the dough and sending the pie through the wood-burning oven while waiting. Georgio’s is the ticket for an authentic Italian-style experience, and an unforgettable pizza. Favorites include the sauceless ‘Bianca’ pizza and the classic cheese slice for only 99 cents on Tuesdays.

Zaa! Simply Unique

Tower Pizza

Kruse and Muer

Georgio’s Pizza

The Super Tower Any Four Toppings The Hawaiian Pineapple, Canadian Bacon The Veggie Black Olives, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Onions, Tomatoes The Mexican Seasoned Ground Beef, Jalapenos, Black Olives, Onions Margherita Fresh Basil, Garlic, Tomatoes B. B. Q. Chicken Skinless Chicken Breast, Red Onions, BBQ Sauce

THE ZAA ! Sauce and Mozzarella THE POPEYE ZAA ! Loaded with Spinach, Mozzarella, Garlic, and Spices THE LIBERAL ZAA ! Mozzarella, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil The Conservative ZAA ! Sauce lots of it, and a Sprinkle of Parmesan The Old School ZAA ! Fresh Mozzarella, lots of Sauce, Parmesan, and Basil The Virgin Sampler ZAA ! 1/4 Liberal, 1/4 Popeye, 1/4 Zaa, 1/4 Old School !

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Cheese Pizza Topping Selections: Pepperoni. Italian Sausage, Pineapple, Green Pepper, Black Forest Ham, Onions, Black Olives, Mushrooms Rocky's Creation With Cajun Gulf shrimp, diced tomatoes, garlic butter, artichoke hearts & cheese Red Wing Spinach, pineapple, grilled chicken, red peppers, garlic butter, tomatoes & cheese "The Main" Special Black Forest ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green pepper & cheese

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‘Yogi Bear’ ‘Little Fockers’ is an average bear seems redundant A remake of the popular television series, “Yogi Bearâ€? is a classic kid’s animated movie. Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake star as the voices of Yogi and Boo Boo, along with Anna Faris and Tom Cavanagh as Rachel and Ranger Smith. The actors do their best in a predictable plot and FRUQ\ PRPHQW ÂżOOHG PRYLH The movie starts out with Yogi and Boo Boo trying to steal picnic baskets from the many families eating in Jellystone National Park. With lots clever contraptions, such as the “Basket Nabber 2000,â€? the movie uses clever dialogue and jokes young kids will like. Yogi, being “smarter than the average bear,â€? draws kids in to the story. The plot is unoriginal with Mayor Brown trying to close the park down to further his career. This will mean that Yogi Bear and Boo Boo will lose their home in the park. Ranger Smith and Yogi have to get along to save the park from being shut down. Hollywood uses the typical idea of the environmentalists being the good guys and the tree cutters as the bad guys. The best part of the movie is the visual effects of the bears. The bears are animated and interact with the characters in the movie. The visual effect supervisors are creative with characters and the scenes look very realistic. .LGV ZLOO HQMR\ WKH PRYLH EXW WHHQV DQG SDUHQWV ZLOO ÂżQG WKH movie predictable and unimaginative.

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,Q D ER[ RIÂżFH KLW 0HHW the Parents came to theaters, because of the movies sarcastic humor it became very popular and director Jay Roach decided to continue the storyline with “Meet the Fockersâ€? in 2004. With both movies being successes, Roach DGGHG WKH QH[W PRYLH Âł/LWWOH )RFNHUV´ LQ Âł /LWWOH )RFNHUV´ IROORZHG WKH VDUFDVWLF KXPRU DV WKH ÂżUVW WZR DQG NHSW DQ XS EHDW atmosphere throughout the whole movie. ,Q WKH PRYLH *UHJ )RFNHU SOD\HG E\ %HQ 6WLOOHU FRQWLQXHV RQ ZLWK WKH EDWWOH ZLWK KLV LQIDPRXV IDWKHU LQ ODZ -DFN %\UQHV SOD\HG E\ 5REHUW 'LQHUR %XW ZLWK *UHJV WZR NLGV WKURZQ LQWR WKH PL[ -DFN ÂżQGV KLPVHOI HYHQ PRUH FRQFHUQHG IRU KLV GDXJKWHUÂśV IDPLO\ and tensions rise between the two characters. With tempers building *UHJ DQG -DFN JHW WKHPVHOYHV LQWR HYHQ PRUH KLODULRXV VLWXDWLRQV that keep up with the tradition of the previous movies and give YLHZHUV WKH VDPH HQMR\DEOH H[SHULHQFH WKH\ DUH XVHG WR The movie consistently keeps you laughing and allows for many of the viewers to relate to what the characters are going through. Âł/LWWOH )RONHUV´ DOVR KDV D YHU\ GLIIHUHQW VWRU\ OLQH WKDQ WKH ÂżUVW WZR PRYLHV OHDYLQJ YLHZHUV ZRQGHULQJ ZKDW ZLOO KDSSHQ QH[W DQG NHHSV them interested to see what happens throughout the whole movie. $V WKH PRYLH FRQWLQXHV *UHJ ÂżQGV KLPVHOI VHOI FRQVFLRXV DERXW KLV PDUULDJH DQG ÂżQGV KLPVHOI TXHVWLRQLQJ KRZ KH IHHOV DERXW KLV family and faces new temptations such as co-workers. The plot gives viewers something to relate to and leaves them questioning if this movie will have the same endings as “Meet Parentsâ€? and “Meet the Fockersâ€?. With a balance between humor used throughout each of the movies, new situations, and new characters “ Little Fockersâ€? does not disappoint. The movie keeps up and maintains the hilarious reputation loved by all fans.

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BBQ Chicken Sweet BBQ sauce, Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Onion and a Three Cheese Blend Supreme Pepperoni, Onion, Green pepper, Mushroom and Italian Sausage White Gourmet White Garlic Sauce, Herbs, Grilled Chicken, Onion, Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper The Works Pepperoni, Onion, Green Pepper, Mushroom, Black Olive, Italian Sausage, Ham and Ground Beef

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‘Black Swan’ amazes Everyone knew that to be a ballet dancer, it takes more than just frilly pink lace and ridiculous footwear. Darren Aronofsky’s most recent caper, ‘Black Swan’ daringly delves deeper than what’s on the surface. “Swanâ€? is Aronofsky’s take on a dance movie. And being an Aronofsky signature piece, it is completely packed with gritty, sometimes even arrestingly shocking subject matter. Aronofsky’s heroine, the prudish Nina Sayers, brilliantly portrayed by Natalie Portman, is a young dancer who nabs the leading role in a re-vamped version of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Throughout the course of the ÂżOP WKH YLHZHU HVVHQWLDOO\ EHFRPHV 1LQDÂśV H\HV H[SHULHQFLQJ WKH rigorous rehearsals, brutal physical consequences, and ultimately, a complete mental upheaval. Starting off at an appropriate pace, it is not long before Nina is seeing doubles and t h e IHDWKHUV OLWHUDOO\ VWDUW Ă€\LQJ 'R QRW EH FRQIXVHG This is, without a doubt, a dance movie. +RZHYHU Âł6ZDQ´ H[FHOV ZKHUH QHDUO\ HYHU\ other dance movie fails miserably: it is actually interesting. The way Aronofsky combines the genres of psychological thriller and dance LV JHQLXV 7KURXJK 3RUWPDQÂśV H[FHSWLRQDO performance and Aronofsky’s inspired direction, the viewer is taken on a beautiful, sometimes GLIÂżFXOW WR ZDWFK MRXUQH\ LQWR WKH ZRUOG RI WKH ballet and the psyches of its players. )URP WKH PRPHQW WKH ÂżOP VWDUWV WR WKH very last second, it is obvious how much dedication and hard work was put into FUHDWLQJ WKLV ÂżOP 1RW RQO\ LV WKH DFWLQJ spot on, but so too is every other aspect RI WKH ÂżOP ,Q WKH ZRUGV RI 1LQD Âł,W was perfect.â€? !

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Entertainment

Talon the

January 2011

5

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Smith Westerns ‘Dye It Blond’ Second album demonstrates promising future

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Photo Source: Creative Commons

‘Funny as a Crutch’ preview Caitlyn McGoldrick Staff Writer

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Smith Westerns perform in London in 2010. Photo Courtesy of Aurelien Guichard

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Lead singer Petie Pizarro performs for Amely. Photo Courtesy of Anna Ladd

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Lifestyles

6

Talon the

January 2011

Horseback riding proves therapeutic It’s a common sight to see sports trophies of all kinds decorating the bedrooms of teenagers. For freshman Emily Jacobs, the trophies on her wall are for being a part of the therapeutic riding program at Banbury Cross in Oxford, Michigan. For over three years, Jacobs has ridden in a program that is designed to help people with all forms of mental and physical disabilities. “It’s really fun to ride in the horse shows and have my family come and watch,” Jacobs said. “At the horse show, you have to do things like weave in and out of cones and play basketball on the horse. I have four trophies.” Mrs. Nancy Huessner, founder of Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles (O.A.T.S.), says therapeutic riding serves many purposes. “Therapeutic riding with the use of the horse helps individuals improve with balance, posture, strength, speech and most of all their self-esteem,” Mrs. Huessner said. “The goals are individual but [are generally] to improve their lives, strengthen their bodies and promote happiness.” However, Mrs. Huessner believes that the greatest result of riding is not in the strength gained, but in the mental changes she sees. “Therapeutic riding became my life when I watched the smiles of individuals who could not speak,” Mrs. Huessner said. “And watching the riders who could not walk ride a horse through the woods with a great big smile.”

The horses are crucial to therapeutic riding, and bring enjoyment to those who ride. “I love riding the horses,” Jacobs said. “I like doing obstacle courses [and playing] games. I [also] like to pet the horses after I ride.” Junior Ashley Jacobs, a volunteer at Banbury Cross, feels that the horses that participate in these programs are special. “The horses seemed to know they had to be careful around the riders,” Ashley Jacobs said. “They’re extremely calm and never get frightened.” Often, the horses that make up therapeutic riding programs have been donated to the stables. Whatever the reason for their arrival, these horses are what make the therapeutic riding experience possible. Horses in this line of work need to be exceptionally mellow; they must not get frightened and run the risk of unseating or scaring their rider. “Horses that are rescued and put to good use are the heroes of our program,” Mrs. Huessner said. “They’re what carry the precious cargo. Many of our horses are well into their 20’s. We even have one that is 34 and still working.” Mrs. Linda Watson, owner and instructor at Pretty Pony Pastures in Davisburg, Michigan, said she also feels the horses need to be prepared for almost anything. “The horses have to be very accepting of persons who may not have good balance, may have spastic muscles, or may make movements or sounds that are out of the ordinary,” Mrs. Watson said. “It also requires volunteers to lead and walk alongside

Left: freshman Emily Jacobs celebrates winning a trophy at a horse show held by Banbury Cross. Right: Jacobs riding Mocha at Banbury Cross. Photos Courtesy of Ashley Jacobs

the riders.” Volunteers at therapeutic riding centers often do several different jobs. “[When I volunteered], I groomed horses and got them ready to be ridden,” Ashley Jacobs said. “Then, I was either a side walker or a leader.” Each horse is equipped with a leader, or volunteer who directs the horse, and a side walker or two, someone who helps keep the rider secure and steady in the saddle. Once they feel comfortable, riders do a variety of exercises.

“I get on the horse, say ‘walk on’ and walk around the arena,” Jacobs said. “Sometimes we trot [and] 2-point over poles on the ground. We [also] play basketball and hoops on the horses.” Although there are many different activities that riders participate in, Mrs. Watson said she believes that some people might not understand how much goes into therapeutic riding. “There are still a lot of people who don’t know that therapeutic riding exists or understand how it works,”

Mrs. Watson said. “Some people think we are just giving kids pony rides, but we are not. The riders are working their muscles and their minds.” Overall, Ashley Jacobs agrees and said that she feels that these programs have a positive effect on the rider. “It’s amazing to see the difference that the horses make,” Ashley Jacobs VDLG ³,QVWHDG RI EHLQJ FRQ¿QHG WR D wheelchair or not having great mobility, the horses free [the riders] and allow them to experience something they normally wouldn’t.”

Jewish community overcomes stereotypes

World religion students examine the Torah, which are the first five books of the Jewish Bible, while on a fieldtrip. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

With Christmas carols and Secret Santa exchanges running rampant, the winter months are often considered the holiday season. However, Christmas is far from the only holiday in December; for example, those who practice Judaism also celebrate Hanukkah. Junior Aaron Yanich is only one of many Jewish students in the Rochester area, and says his religious choice was partly due to family. “I identify as Jewish because I’ve grown up with Jewish culture from my dad’s side of the family,” Yanich said. Although Yanich, like many others, has embraced the Jewish culture, senior Alyssa Franklin believes that there are many people who don’t respect the religion. “People are really ignorant,” Franklin said. “Once, a guy called me a Jew, and said that even if it didn’t bother me, the entire society looked down on me for it. It was really stupid.” Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek also feels that there are incorrect assumptions that people can make about Judaism.

“I believe there are common misconceptions about all minority groups,” Rabbi Starr said. “Jews, as less than 2 percent of this country and less than .2 percent of the world’s population, have been for centuries subject to ridicule, oppression, persecution and murder because of common misconceptions all, I might add, a result of true ignorance.” Yanich thinks that there are certain aspects of Judaism that are commonly misunderstood. “Like most other religions, Judaism encompasses multiple sets of beliefs united by a few general ideas,” Yanich said. “I think it’s easy to mistake a single part of it as broadly representative of the whole. For example, though kosher dietary laws are strongly associated with Judaism in general, relatively few Jews in America keep strictly kosher.” Franklin believes that one unknown thing about Judaism may be traditions surrounding holidays. “[People don’t know that] all of our holidays start at sundown and end at sundown the next day,” Franklin said. Despite having features that are commonly misunderstood, world religions teacher Mrs. Sarah Miesch feels that there are a lot of aspects

of Judaism that draw people to the religion. “People like the tradition [of Judaism], like with the holidays,” Mrs. Miesch said. “It has a rich history and people like to be part of a group that has been around for a long time.” Rabbi Starr feels the same. “I think there are a number of ideas, beliefs, and behaviors that draw people to Judaism,” Rabbi Starr said. “First, being Jewish is genetic, that is to say, one is born into being Jewish. As such, when a Jew participates in his or her Judaism he is connecting to his ancestors and his children at the same time in a profound way. Second, Judaism offers a rich and vast cultural heritage, from food to music to prayer and everything in between. Third, Judaism offers a meaningful and engaging way of life: in this crazy, hustle bustle world, Judaism provides a structure in which to live and a framework for making meaning out of a seemingly senseless universe.” Franklin said she agrees with Rabbi Starr and feels that Judaism has left an impact on her. “As with every other religion, Judaism affects how I act and what I say,” Franklin said. “I try to follow the commandments, and treat others fairly. It also gives me hope because I know someone is out there, looking out for me.”

Talon the

January 2011

Staff Editorial:

Opinion

7 The Talon

Drug dogs seem unnecessary Five to six years ago, the district decided to begin random searches throughout the school, searching students’ lockers for drugs. There is no denying that the searches are VRPHWKLQJ WKDW RXU VFKRRO FDQ EHQH¿W from, but the fact that it has come to the point where they are needed at all is ridiculous. There is the potential to face charges from the police, it is easy to get caught and there is no reason to use whatever is brought during the day. It makes absolutely no sense to have drugs during a school day. Putting aside opinions on whether drugs are bad or not, having them at school is not a good move. First off, it is illegal. Getting caught with drugs is QRW OLNH D WHDFKHU ¿QGLQJ D FKHDW VKHHW When caught, the student does not just have to take a zero. He or she faces repercussions that are decided by the Rochester Police Department. Another bullet on the list of why bringing drugs to school is not a particularly good life choice: you will get caught. The chances of getting busted are ridiculously high, whether by a staff member investigating a rumor, a locker partner with loose lips RU WKH GUXJ VQLI¿QJ GRJV WKDW FRPH around

without notice. People must think that they are super stealthy and that they will not be the ones to get in trouble. This is not true. If a person consistently has a drug stash sitting in their locker, chances are that it will get found out sometime in their high school career. The biggest component is that having drugs in school is not necessary. Once again ignoring pro/con drug stances, why is it needed at school? School is one of the least private places a person could store anything, let alone drugs. Also, using the drugs at school is completely ridiculous. The concept of sitting at a locker popping pills or rolling a joint is absurd, so it has no business being in school if it’s not being used. Some opposed to the drug searches will say that what is in a student’s locker is his own business and the school has no right to search personal property, when in reality it has everything to do with the school. It is against school rules (and obviously the law) to be in possession of illegal substances. Having them endangers both the student in possession and in some cases those around them, which makes having drugs in lockers entirely the school’s business. Overall, the fact that schools need to be searched is outrageous because bringing drugs to school is just dumb. Not only can those guilty face criminal charges, but it is easy to get caught and there is no reason to have drugs at the ready in the middle of the school day.

Feature Editor Emily Hayward

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I don’t see the need to have drugs in school, but it also shouldn’t feel like they’re in an airport.

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People shouldn’t do drugs at all, but if you’re going to at least do them in the privacy of home.

Brian Palmer, sophomore

Jenna Rocco senior

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If the world was perfect we wouldn’t need them, but it’s not perfect so we do. Someone is bound to break the rules.

Austin Bowerman, sophomore

News Editor Nate Barton

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School shouldn’t just be here to get high. If you can’t wait until after school to do drugs then you should get caught.

Melanie Sweet, junior

â€? â€? File-sharing is the way of the future Throughout the past century, as music traversed from records to CD’s DQG ÂżQDOO\ WR PS ÂśV LW ZDV FRPPRQ belief that the sky was falling, and there was nothing to be done to stop it. They were right. This generation has been witness to a music revolution with a similar magnitude as the There is no denying that technology British Invasion in the 1960’s. About has changed the music industry. A ten years ago, in the year 2000, the long time ago, the music industry was record business was at an all-time convinced that records would destroy high with the teen-pop superstars, live music because, hey, who wants ‘NSync, selling 2.4 million copies of to go listen to live music when they “No Strings Attachedâ€? in just a single can listen to the Beatles in their own week. Then, overnight it seemed, the home? Later, the conspiracy was that industry buckled under the weight of recordable cassette tapes would ruin the its own gluttony and excess. But out success of records, and CD’s followed of the rubble of a dying industry came suit. Well, time moved on, and music ÂżHUFH QHZ EDQGV WKDW GHÂżHG WKH UXOHV is still alive. Today, the industry has of conventionalism and spat on the the world convinced that mp3’s and Top 40’s junk that was playing on the ÂżOH VKDULQJ VRIWZDUHV ZLOO OHDYH ZKDW radio. Among them, The Strokes, The is great about music in shambles. White Stripes and the Hives burst onto But music is still alive, and with all the scene, cranking their amps to 11 the focus on the negative aspects of DQG Ă€RRGLQJ SHRSOHÂśV QHZO\ GHYLVHG websites such as Limewire, it is funny iPods with guitar noise and rebellion. that while the music industry suffered Soon, as the ways that people got some enormous blows, the grassroots and listened to music changed, another movement that resulted from the variable entered the conversation. dismantled industry is precisely what With the rise of the Internet, shrewd saved Rock and Roll. computer geeks learned how to share

PXVLF ¿OHV DQG VHQG WKHP DOO RYHU WKH world with a network called Gnutella. By far the most well known program used to access the Gnutella network began in August of 2000, and was named Limewire. The software became WKH PRVW ZLGHO\ XVHG ¿OH VKDULQJ softwares around. Soon, as anyone with a computer could access an almost unlimited supply of music with the touch of a button, sales plummeted. The music industry declared war on this abomination, but much of it was in vain. People listened to more music than ever; they just didn’t pay for it For the music industry, this is a sad story about the loss of jobs, and the loss of the promise of future superstars like the Beatles and U2. Chances are, there will not be superstars on the same level as Michael Jackson or Elvis in the near future. However, there is an upside to this decentralization of power. Firstoff, the idea that music is an industry that should be milked for cash is, thankfully, on the decline. When the Internet changed everything, rock got small. Obscure and unknown indie bands were able to spread their songs around the globe. For example, in 1998 Death Cab For Cutie was a

band that was gasping for breath with a minor record label. By 2003, they were discovered on the Internet and went on to become one of the most successful Indie Rock bands around. While the pop music scene and Hollywood became increasingly meshed, people who got on the radio had to either write a disgustingly over the top dance single, or wear a dress made of meat. Morally, stealing is wrong. And downloading music off the Internet is stealing. However, if the record industry had continued in the horrendous direction it was headed in the early 2000’s, it would have bordered on an entirely different kind of wrong. True music-lovers craved the feeling of rebellion that the industry wasn’t offering. So they tore down the music industry and built it back up again to resemble what music was supposed to EH LQ WKH ÂżUVW SODFH 6R DUH ÂżOH VKDULQJ softwares as detrimental to music as the experts predicted they would be? In the words of Thom Yorke of Radiohead, “When the corporate industry dies, it will be no great loss to the world. So, I guess I would say don’t tie yourself to the sinking ship because believe me it’s sinking.â€?

Final exam studying tips and tricks

Each year around the time of exams, I see kids making the same mistakes when it comes to studying. Aside from the student caught-up by thinking “I paid attention, I think I’ll do okay without studying,� there are a few other key mistakes made that could potentially lead to GPA downfall. In the ill-prepared family we have the Night-Before-Studier and the Last-Minute Crammer. In the over-prepared, over-stressed family we have the Every-Word-Note-Taker and the Textbook-Over-Thinker. Finally, we have the miscellaneous mistakes family, including the Too-Much-Music-Kid, the Easily-Distracted-Kid and the BadEnvironment-Kid. So let’s break it down one-by-one and eliminate these common mistakes. 1. Night-Before-Studier Don’t put off studying until the night before the exam. This move is

procrastination gone terribly wrong, and could easily lead to a failing grade on the next day’s exam. 2. Last-Minute-Crammer Very similar to the Night-Before-Studier, this study technique fools you into thinking it will help you when in reality it will do nothing but damage. Although looking over your notes before taking the exam is a helpful review, trying to study a lot at one time can be stressful and overwhelming, making it impossible to remember anything at all. Solution: At the end of the semester, WU\ WR ¿QG PRWLYDWLRQ LQ WKH IDFW WKDW RQFH \RX ¿QLVK VWXG\LQJ IRU DQG WDNLQJ \RXU exam, you will be done with the class (or, if it’s a full year class, done with that part of the class.) Try to spread your studying across a wider span of time, studying for 30 minutes or an hour each day for at least a week. You will retain information EHWWHU DQG \RX ZRQœW ¿QG \RXUVHOI TXLWH as stressed the night before. 3. Every-Word-Note-Taker Although seemingly thorough at the time, WDNLQJ QRWHV WKDW DUH WRR VSHFL¿F FRXOG mean getting hung up on unnecessary details when it comes to study time. 4. Textbook-Over-Thinker

Editor in Chief Max Kleiner

Re-reading chapters in your textbook will only overwhelm the reader with out-of-date statistics and examples, and like the Every-Word-Note-Taker, you FRXOG HDVLO\ ¿QG \RXUVHOI ORVW LQ D ZHE of information. Looking over textbooks can be a good idea, but usually that’s at the beginning of the study process. Solution: Although looking over key terms is a good idea, memorizing every detail the teacher brushed on throughout the semester is impossible, not to mention extremely tiring and frustrating. Instead, take notes with key ideas and key examples. If you’ve already taken notes on every word, try going through your notes and condensing them for studying purposes. The editing process may even help you remember some terms. 5. Too-Much-Music-Kid Loud music can distract from your thought process. It’s that simple. 6. Bad-Environment-Kid Studying while in commute, in a big group of friends, at an uncomfortable location, or a location lacking the necessary tools can be fatal. If the location’s temperature is too cold or hot, it can distract from the studying process. 7. Easily-Distracted-Kid

Another problem commonly faced is WKH ¿JKW WR UHVLVW WKH WHPSWDWLRQV RI your surroundings. If you’re at home, Facebook and television can be a huge distraction. You may think multi-tasking is a good idea, but it’s not. Solution: If you need to listen to music to focus, try using a quieter music genre or just simply turning it down. Second, try studying at a desk. Although not necessary, having a solid surface to work with can be a helpful assistance to an otherwise draining process. If there are too many distractions at your house, try going to the Rochester Public /LEUDU\ 2Q WKH VHFRQG ÀRRU WKHUH DUH plenty of desks and chairs spread about for public use. The quiet atmosphere can help you study, not to mention the fact that you are in a place full of answers to any questions you may have. So there you have it. Six common mistakes, corrected to helpprevent \RX IURP D IDWDO ¿QLVK ,Q FRQFOXVLRQ generally try to spread your studying across a wide-span of time, do not RYHUZKHOP \RXUVHOI ZLWK GHWDLO DQG ¿QG a comfortable environment in which you can do your studying. Then all you have to do is show up on test day.

Lifestyles Editor Melanie Sweet Entertainment Editor Katie Ziraldo Opinion Editor Amy Mackens Sports Editor Katie Krako Website Editor Aaron Kuhn Website Designer Justin Murphy Staff Writers Carolyn Berwick Austin Bowerman Taylor Holmes Steven McConnell Caitlyn McGoldrick Brian Palmer Madison Reitzel Jenna Rocco Ben Simko Adviser Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Mission Statement The Talon presents an open forum for student expression to be used by the Rochester High School community to promote and express thought and action. The stories, opinions, and bylined content in The Talon do not necessarily represent and should not be interpreted as the views of the Rochester Community School Board of Education or any of its staff, faculty, or employees. Unless otherwise noted, all stories and opinions expressed here are the views of The Talon staff which is comprised of students in the Journalism II class of Rochester High School. The Talon believes it is its duty and right to inform, educate, influence and entertain its readers and will do this by exercising the First Amendment Rights as defined in the Constitution of the United States of America. The Talon is devoted to professional journalism and fairness in all reporting. The Talon will adhere to a standard of responsible journalism and will refrain from publishing material which is legally libelous, obscene or could disrupt the operation of the school.

Letters The Talon accepts letters to the editor from all concerned parties. The Talon reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board. Mailing address: The Talon 180 S. Livernois Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307 E-mail: jsatterthwaite@rochester.k12. mi.us

8 Sports Preparing for 2011 Crosstown Showdown Junior Taylor Perry going down the court at the 2010 Showdown. Photo by Amy Mackens

Girls varsity working hard Carolyn Berwick Staff Writer

When the girl’s varsity basketball team looks ahead at their upcoming schedule, one game stands out: playing Adams in the Crosstown Showdown. Head Coach Adam Sheldon wants his team to be focused along with being excited for the Showdown. “The girls work hard in practice every day to prepare for our games and I really hope that they are able to come out and play to the best of their abilities,� coach Sheldon said. “ The intensity level is raised for this game so I hope we are able to stay composed, play hard and most importantly have fun doing so.� Coach Sheldon expects his team to have a good chance of winning their game. “Our girls play hard. We are pretty young in terms of experience, but our work ethic and competitive nature as a team gives us a chance to compete every night,� coach Sheldon said. “If we control what we can control and play our game we should have a great chance to be successful.� The game against rival Rochester Adams high school is played at Oakland University. “I think playing at Oakland University is a great experience

for the kids,â€? coach Sheldon said. “It shows them a behind the scenes look at a great college facility and gives them the opportunity to play a rival school on a big stage. Oakland University does a great job and I really think it is fun for the fans, the kids and the coaches.â€? Players on the team expect to play hard, as though they are defending their home court. “I don’t think there will be much difference playing at Oakland University rather than playing at home,â€? junior Jocelyn Kidder said. “We will want to play harder because it’s in front of so many people.â€? Sophomore and returning varsity player Zhana Randolph is looking forward to the game. “The best part is beating our rival,â€? Randolph said. “I feel like it’s a professional basketball game. It’s wild and crazy.â€? As long as the girls play their game, they hope to be successful in beating Adams. “The stage is a little different for this game, but at the end of the day WKH SOD\ RQ WKH Ă€RRU ZLOO GHFLGH the outcome,â€? coach Sheldon said. “As a coach I think you are always a little nervous that you have done everything you can to prepare your players for success, but nerves show you care. Nerves show you are anxious and want to succeed.â€?

Boys relying on experience Aaron Kuhn Website Editor

While the coaches and players on the boy’s varsity basketball team say the Crosstown Showdown is just another game, when one adds up the pressure from the crowd, playing rival Adams and having not ever won, it’s clear it isn’t. “We say we don’t treat the Showdown differently, but there is really something special too it,� head coach John Pleasant said. “As far as preparation wise, it’s the same as any game. But the kids, I think, are a little more amped up. Regardless of winning or losing, it’s a great atmosphere to give the players.� According to two-year captain junior Paris Pereria, playing smart will be essential for a Falcon victory. “The main thing is to play good defense and play smart against AHS,� Pereria said. “We just have to out play them and outsmart them since they’re really well coached.� The team has multiple players that will be playing in their second Showdown and two in their third: juniors Pereria and Taylor Perry. “We have a great group of guys returning who have been there before,� coach Pleasant said. “They won’t be nervous as much. But after you get a minute into it, it’s just

EDVNHWEDOO EXW WKDW ÂżUVW PLQXWH LV nerve-wracking.â€? Some players think the crowd will give the players a boost. “[Having showdown experiance] helps a lot since you know what you’re walking into instead of being shocked when you get there,â€? senior Elisha Marshall said. “The crowd should a energize us, if anything.â€? Pereria agrees and believes experience will help cut down on mistakes. “It will help keep our team calmer in the game situation,â€? Pereria said. “We’ll be able to play smarter and minimize our mistakes: things like turnovers, defensive lapses and communication since it will be so loud in [the O’Rena].â€? Winning the Showdown for the ÂżUVW WLPH ZRXOG EH D KXJH PRUDO victory. “Winning would mean a whole lot to me,â€? Marshall said, “And I would love to have the legacy of ZLQQLQJ WKH ÂżUVW VKRZGRZQ ´ Win or lose, according to coach Pleasant, the game will be a success. “For our district to do this and give our players a chance to play in front of three thousand people at a nice college arena makes this game already a success,â€? coach Pleasant said. “As long as we go out and play hard, a win would be a cherry on top.â€?

Swim team hopeful with new coach have a great coach and were all highly motivated. I also want us to beat every diver we meet in the regular swim season.â€? The boys varsity swim and dive According to coach Karas, the team team is beginning their season with 29 has many strong swimmers. swimmers and three divers. This year, “The longer races are our strong the boys team has a new coach, Paul points,â€? Coach Karas said. “I think we Karas, with a new assistant, Bonnie have state meet potentials are Jacob Karas, along with four-year dive coach Carl, Jai Singh, Austin Kilpatrick, Mike Ledma. Senior and co-captain %UDLQ 0RIÂżWW DQG GLYHU 5D\ 5HQDXG ´ Michael Zuke offers his perspective Swimming is partly an individual on the new leadership. sport with all the personal best times “This year I’m a captain, which going toward the team’s points. The has laid a lot more pressure on my WHDP VHHPV XQLÂżHG shoulders, but mainly the biggest “Our team has a lot unity,â€? junior change has been our new coach,â€? Andrew Hsu said. “So we’re all pretty senior Michael Zuke said. “[The new close with each other. Not to mention, coach] Paul Karas was a 1973 RHS we have some pretty strong swimmers grad a top-notch college swimmer is who help teach the newbies.â€? our new coach.â€? Although the season has just started Coach Karas is also the coach Junior Matthew Lipphardt mid pike dive at practice. Photo by Caitlyn McGoldrick with a record of 2-2, the team hopes to for the girls varsity swim team. He get better and win it all. WHDP RI ÂżYH RU VL] DOVR DOO RI XV KDYH explains his perspective on the boys for the team.â€? “My goals consist of taking my The boys dive team is smaller than dived and done well in the past so we own individual event as well as a few swim team. “Over Christmas break there were the swim team, but this could be a have a lot of experience.â€? relays to the Division 1 State Meet and Some of the goals for the whole hopefully placing well,â€? Zuke said. “I 19 non-mandatory swim practices, strength for the dive team. “Strengths for the dive team are that dive team are to make states this year. just want to make my senior season the over half a dozen swimmers made it “This year I’m hoping for all of one to remember. The four years have to all of them,â€? coach Karas said. “It there are only three of us on the team,â€? was very encouraging that they would junior Matthew Lipphardt said. “This us divers to make it to state meet and FKDQJHG P\ OLIH DQG ,ÂśP FRQÂżGHQW WKH FRPH WKLV RIWHQ ,W VKRZV WKH VDFULÂżFHV allows for more practice time and actually place highly there,â€? Lipphardt season will be the one I will reminisce their families and the kids have made makes us a lot easier to coach then a said. “This is very possible because we on later in life.â€?

Talon the

January 2011

Sports Briefs Freshman cheerleaders hope to start strong

Every year girls on the freshmen cheer team find themselves stressed and nervous for their first high school competition, as well as up holding the admirable reputation of the Rochester cheer team as a whole. Their first competition was on January 17. After coming back from break, the girls only had two weeks to practice until competition, which put pressure on the team. “I am very nervous for competition because I don’t want to mess up in front of the other teams and our fans,� freshman captain Nicole White said. Even though the team probably has butterflies about competition, they are still very confident in some of their specific skills, and hope to do well in their upcoming competition. “ I hope our team does well,� White said, “And can keep up with the Rochester cheer team legacy.� By Katie Krako, Sports Editor

Boys swim works to improve

This swim season, the boys swim and dive team has been working hard and practicing multiple times a week and over Christmas break to improve the team and get stronger, according to senior Saleem Salie. “We just beat West Bloomfield for the most part it was evenly matched,� Salie said. “But I don’t think that would have been the outcome if it wasn’t for all the practices.� Salie thinks practices can be difficult at times; however it is worth the hard work. “Practices are pretty hard but their kind of fun,� Salie said. “They are fun because the swim team is like a family.� By Jenna Rocco, Staff Writer

Varisty cheer shoots for State Championshp

With rival Stoney Creek taking the competitive cheer state championship last year, the RHS cheer team is driven to reclaim the title. “Our expectation is to win a state title,� senior Rachel Horton said. “We won’t accept anything less.� The team looks poised to accomplish their goal. “We have a pretty good team,� senior Cara Williams said. “As long as we work hard we should be fine.� According to Horton, the team will use their experience to their advantage. “The team has to be smart enough to learn cheers, listen to directions, take criticism and do a good job,� Horton said. “Without that, we won’t win.� By Aaron Kuhn, Website Editor

Lacrosse training sarts

Lacrosse season is about to start and senior Emily Skubic can’t wait for it to start. “I think we are going to have a good season,� Skubic said. “We have a lot of returning varsity members who bring a special aspect to the team.� Even though the season has not started, they are still working to improve. “We’re doing conditioning right now,� Skubic said. “A lot of girls are showing up to get ready for tryouts in March. It’s looking very promising.� As a four year senior, it’s very bittersweet for Skubic. “I love lacrosse and it’s such a big part of my life,� Skubic said. “I’m probably not going to play in college so this is it.� By Madison Reitzel, Staff Writer

CHAMBER CHOIR

EXPERIENCES

SUCCESS

Choral director Mrs. Jolene Plotzke and the Chamber Choir have plenty to smile about. They will be closing the Michigan Music Conference (MMC) concert in Grand Rapids on Friday, January 21. Photo by Amy Mackens

The The Hatchling Hatchling Januar y 2010 January 2011

JANUARY 19, 2011 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5 ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

The Hatchling January 2011

3

2

Q&A

CHAMBER CHOIR

TO PERFORM IN

MICHIGAN MUSIC

CONFERENCE

Q: What is your colllege/musical training? A: Central Michigan University Bachelors in Music Education, courses at Oakland and Michigan State University on choral conducting, vocal pedagogy, choral literature

Chamber choir has been given the opportunity to perform in the MMC

alongside other Michigan music students, and will be performing senior

Q: How long have you been teaching at RHS? A: 7th year

Collin Whitfield’s original composition, “I Love You.” The conference, which is held in Grand Rapids from January 20 to January 22, is both a showcase for Michigan’s musical talent as well as an opportunity to attend workshops geared towards improving musical education.

From top left to right: senior Jameson Joyce, senior Trevor Johnson, senior Brady Crites, senior Mike Kulikowski, senior Michael Lordon, sophomore John Doroshewitz, senior Tanner Ellsworth, senior Nick Bruewer, senior Matthew Waszkiewicz, senior Collin Whitfield, junior Craig Renny, senior Adam Malinowski, senior Mitch McFee, senior Connor Antenucci, sophomore Thomas Tapner, senior Earle Leighton. From bottom left to right: senior Marlaine McArthur senior Nicole Armold, sophomore Lauren Ellsworth, senior Jessica Glaser, senior Nyelah Shah, senior Kate Berry, junior Emily Lekich, junior Amanda Walker, senior Taylor Devilling, sophomore Carrie Drummond, senior Kristina Kim, junior Rachel Lohmeier, junior Danae Cota Avila, junior Sarah Brzyski, senior Kelsey Bammel, senior Lauren Stayer, senior Brittany Taylor, junior Leah Brzyski, junior Sarah Brzyski. Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Jolene Plotzke

Q: How has the program changed since you got here? A: I inherited it in good shape already and just took it to a higher level. I select advanced literature that gives the students a musical experience that’s challenging but still within their grasp. My literature selections are text driven. If the text isn’t applicable to the students, then I feel they won’t respond to it. The program is about the students’ success. I make it about people, human emotions and life experiences. Q: What is your part? A: I sing everything except Bass 2…No seriously, I do! I would say that I am a soprano with a really low range. Q: What are other instruments you play or your musical experience? A: Percussion

Junior

Sarah Brzyski Part: Alto Other Instruments/Musical Experience: School, musicals, contouring at church, accompanist, marching, band, piano, trumpet, guitar, ukulele, xylophone Who is your “musical” hero?: Mrs. Plotzke. She never settles for anything less than our best and pushes us to excellence. Favorite song(s) to sing in choir: “The Coolin’” written by Stoney music director, “I Love You” by Collin Whitfield Favorite song(s) to sign outside of choir: Acoustic music and anything I can sing with my twin, Leah Favorite choir moment so far: Choir camp – We all bonded and grew into such a family. Staff Concert – The 1st moment I really felt united with everyone at a performance. Future musical plans after high school: I plan to go into choral music education and composition in college. Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: Such excitement! It’s one of the most prestigious music conferences in Michigan and I can’t wait to get on the stage! Up till a few days ago all I felt was nerves but we’ve improved exponentially this past week, I know we’re going to be amazing! Anything else you’d like the Talon readers to know about you: Music is one of the most important aspects of my life. It fills me with such joy and I love sharing it with others. Guys, Join Choir.

Sophomore

John Doroshewitz Part: Tenor Other Instruments/Musical Experience: Piano Who is your “musical” hero?: The Gibbses Favorite song(s) to sing in choir: “The Coolin” and Collin’s song Favorite song(s) to sign outside of choir: I sing anything, ask my friends. Favorite choir moment so far: Going to retreat in November Future musical plans after high school: I don’t have any current plans but possibly take some classes in music Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: I am extremely excited. To sing at this event is huge and it will be awesome to show our talent to the biggest choral names in the state.

Senior

Jessica Glaser Part: Alto Other Instruments/Musical Experience: 10 years of violin, Aida in Summer Music Theatre’s AIDA and other various roles in shows Who is your “musical” hero?: Everyone in Chamber Choir, including Mrs. Plotzke and Ms. Oswald. I’m so blessed that I get to make music with them everyday. Favorite song(s) to sing in choir: “I Love You” by Collin Whitfield Favorite song(s) to sing outside of choir: Anything and everything Favorite choir moment so far: My most memorable moment could be recognized by Chamber Choir as “The Lake,” but there are little moments every day. You hear a chord lock or you finally nail a phrase in a foreign language. I’m sure there are many more moments in store! Future musical plans after high school: Currently auditioning for music schools to go into Choral Music Education. Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: We still have some work ahead of us, but it will be such an honor to perform at such a prestigious event. The past choirs of RHS worked so hard to get us there, and we’re so lucky to be the ones that get to go. Anything else you’d like the Talon readers to know about you: Join choir, you won’t regret it. People from all walks of life are part of RHS choirs, and there is a place for everyone.

Senior

Collin Whitfield Part: Tenor Other Instruments/Musical Experience: Pianist (played since 7) and composer Who is your “musical” hero?: Among many heroes, my greatest would probably be Beethoven. Favorite song(s) to sing in choir: “A Boy and a Girl,”“My Flight to Heaven,”“Jericho,”“I Love You,”“The Coolin’” Favorite song(s) to sing outside of choir: In other vocal groups, I like to sing “Love Song,”“Livin’ on a Prayer,” and a piece by a friend of mine called “Sing Your Praise.” Favorite choir moment so far: At the choir retreat in the fall, the chamber choir sang the piece I wrote, “I Love You,” at the edge of a vast, beautiful lake. The sound reverberated across it in the most perfect and ethereal way imaginable. Future musical plans after high school: To become a composer. I would like to write music for theatrical productions, film and television, commercials, radio, and maybe even college and high school bands and choirs. Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the RHS Chamber Choir. This talent is rarely found in high school students. The event will be a reflection of that talent. I am also extremely excited about hearing a choral work I wrote, “I Love You,” to be premiered at the event. At 18, I couldn’t be luckier to have such exposure.

Sophomore

Carrie Drummond Part: Soprano Other Instruments/Musical Experience: Alto Saxophone and clarinet Who is your “musical” hero?: My voice teachers Alta Dantzler and Mrs. Plotzke Favorite song to sing in choir: “I Love You” and “The Coolin’” Favorite song to sing outside of choir: Anything by Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles Favorite choir moment so far: Singing out by the lake at the choir retreat. Future musical plans after high school: I plan to study vocal performance, music education or musical theater. Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: I’m very excited and I can’t wait for sunch an amazing experience. Anything else you’d like the Talon readers to know about you: I feel very blessed to make beautiful music with my choir family everyday. I’m truly proud of each and every one of them.

Senior

Nick Bruewer Part: Bass Other Instruments/Musical Experience: Alto Saxophone in band and marching band Who is your “musical” hero?: Elton John and Howard Keel Favorite song to sing in choir: “I Love You” by Collin Whitfield Favorite song to sing outside of choir: “This Train Don’t Step There Anymore” byElton John, “What’s my name” by Rihanna, Theme from “New York, New York”, “Scream,” and Zac Effron’s “Troy Bolton” Favorite choir moment so far: When we were all on retreat and we sang Collin’s piece over the lake. The echo that returned was beautiful. Future musical plans after high school: I am planning on studying Film at State so look for me to be directing many music videos. Hell, I write some songs now so look for me singing, acting and directing my own music videos! I’ll be touring with Drake and Eminem, living in Holly wood as a part time Film maker. Watch and listen for me. Feelings about January 21 event in Grand Rapids: I am stoked for it! It will be fun once we tear the whole score up. I’m looking forward to the bonding time we have with each other. Anything else you’d like the Talon readers to know about you: I have big dreams; I want to make it big. I’ll be somewhere acting, writing, singing, rapping, directing or maybe doing all of the above.

Q: Who is your “musical” hero? A: My musical hero is my choir/band director from high school. Q: What is your favorite song to sing in choir? A: Jericho by Stuart Scott Q: Breifly explain the different choirs you direct at RHS. A: Treble Choir is for female singers in high school who want to learn more about their voices, singing in a choir, age appropriate tone and literature, as well as reading music. We have 4-5 concerts each year. Concert Choir is for our newer men in the program and the second level for our women. The literature is more difficult to read and the musical aptitude is higher in this choir. There are 5-6 performances a year. Chorale is for the advanced women in our choral program and admittance is by audition only. They learn to stand on their own as strong solo singers through rehearsing and performing the most difficult level of music. They have a larger performance calendar and sing a very diverse range of literature. Chamber Choir is for the advanced men and women in our program and admittance is by audition only. The Chamber students sing the most advanced literature available to high school and college level ensembles. There is a sense of family and team among these students which nurtures their ability to express text and musical nuance beyond many Chamber ensembles. Q: Favorite chamber choir moment so far? A: My favorite moment in Chamber Choir was at camp when we were having a heart to heart meeting late into the evening about

The Hatchling January 2011

Mrs. Jolene Plotzke what music and being part of choir has meant to us. It was the “ah-ha” moment for all of us when we connected as people from different walks of life but with one similar goal. Q: How did the chamber choir get to be the “closers” at the January 21 concert in Grand Rapids? A: Hard work for the past three years! We had Chorale go to the MMC in 2008 and we started becoming known for being the best place for Women’s ensembles. But our men were fantastic and we spent much of our time developing a new sense of tone in our men’s ensembles. Our choristers from years past have truly paved the way for these kids to be in the program they are in today. Now it’s about maintenance and charting unknown territory. Q: How do you feel about the chamber choir’s success this year? A: I love them and we have done this by believing in one another and by never settling for mediocre. Q: What makes this group of students so special? A: The leadership is unlike anything I’ve ever seen at RHS. The students encourage, demonstrate, run rehearsals and plan activities to be social any chance they get. They have a high musical aptitude and possess special talents: composing, acting, performing, teaching and mentoring. Q: How do you choose soloists for songs? A: Auditions…Unless there is a particular sound I want for a big event where I know what the audience is looking for. Q: What is the biggest challenge about being a choir director? A: Giving everyone the attention they need to be self-assured and encouraged to succeed is difficult when everyone enters the room with different challenges. If I could give each one of them private lessons, I would. Q: What is the biggest benefit of being a choir director? A: The sound is like a huge hug that wraps around the conductor and the audience. I tell the kids that it is an addiction for me. I have special moments in a performance when I meet eye to eye with my students. There is a connection as an artist that is hard to explain. It’s something that keeps me coming back for more. Q: Anything else you’d like the Talon readers to know about you? A: The academic and social challenges that lie in a choir or band class are unlike anything else. Students should make room in their schedule to be in a class where they can express themselves as an artist, performer and individual! It is no surprise to me that valedictorians, top ten scholars, athletes and kids from every clique in the school are found in one of our choir classes. It’s a melting pot of talent and we are looking for new students to continue the tradition!

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Talon Love Quiz

Want a classy lassy? Take this quiz. If you choose mostly A’s, your Talon love is Katie Krako

If you choose mostly B’s, your Talon love is Madison Reitzel

2. What do you want for Valentine’s Day? a.) Edward Cullen b.) Your number c.) Nothing. Money. d.) Uh…no e.) A teddy bear the size of a house 3. If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be? a.) Australia, so I could see all the Kangaroos b.) Hershey, Pennsylvania c.) Liverpool. The Beatles memories! d.) Narnia e.) Greece & great food!

If you choose mostly C’s, your Talon love is Katie Ziraldo

If you choose mostly D’s, your Talon love is Amy Mackens

If you choose mostly E’s, your Talon love is Taylor Holmes

1. What’s your favorite pick up line? a.) Was that an earthquake or did you just rock my world? b.) Hey baby, wanna create a disturbance in the FORCE? c.) If I were to look into the mirror of Erised, I’d see the two of us together. d.) Did you fart? Because you just blew me away. e.) Excuse me, I just noticed you noticing me and I just wanted to give you notice that I noticed you too.

The Hatchling January 2011

Want a manly man? Take this quiz. 1. What’s your favorite pick up line? a.) Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again? b.) Hi! c.) Does this rag smell like chloroform to you? d.) I have a cat. He really wants to meet you. e.) Hi, my name’s Right…Mr. Right. 2. What do you want for Valentine’s Day? a.) A girlfriend and some candy b.) You c.) Lots and lots of chocolate d.) A field of colorful flowers e.) My two front teeth 3. If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be? a.) St. Lucia and Austin, Texas b.) Sarah Palin’s house to view Russia c.) Italy d.) Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood e.) Any of the 50 states, besides Michigan.

4. What celebrity could be your twin? a.) Matthew Broderick ‘Ferris Bueller’ style b.) Alex Albrecht 4. What celebrity could be your twin? c.) Daniel Radcliff a.) Hannah Montana! d.) Seth Rogen b.) Jayma Mays of Glee e.) Drew Carey c.) Hayley Williams of Paramore d.) Hermione e.) Definitely Oprah … yea, definitely 5. What is the first thing you notice about a guy/girl? her! a.) Personality b.) Eyes 5. What is the first thing you notice c.) Hair about a guy/girl? d.) Chin a.) The color of their eyes e.) Gender b.) The color of their lightsaber c.) The eyes d.) Face e.) Smiles-dental hygiene is essential!

If you choose mostly A’s, your Talon love is Aaron Kuhn

If you choose mostly B’s, your Talon love is Justin Murphy

If you choose mostly C’s your Talon love is Nate Barton

If you choose mostly D’s, your Talon love is Steven McConnell

If you choose mostly E’s, your Talon love is Max Kleiner

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