Andover Shield December 2010 by Andover Shield Newspaper

r ve d l do e An i Sh December 2010 | www.AndoverShield.com | Vol XLVIII Issue III

shield|ads

December 2010

shield|life

December 2010

The Rundown shield|YVSR

December 2010

Join the Club: International Cooking Club Sponsor Dayana Schemel-Gord and Alex Samardzich give the scoop on the new club Noah Newman Staff Writer

Q: What is the International Cooking Club? Dayana Schemel-Gord: The International Cooking Club is a club where we get together and taste the foods of different cultures, countries, and regions. We pick a region in the world and volunteers cook the food before the meeting. They bring in their recipe and they talk a little bit about what they cooked and what it means. Then we eat the food all together, and at the end we decide what region we’re going to do for the next meeting. The food must be homemade. It can’t be store bought. Q: What goes on at the average meeting? Alex Samardzich: At the start of the meeting, all of the people line up the food that they brought in on the table. Then, we have each one of them come up one by one to talk about how they prepared their food, what the food is, and why it is typical of the region that we are exploring that day. After that, we all come up and eat the food and decide what region we will do next week and who’s going to bring in the food. Q: What makes the International Cooking Club unique from other clubs? SG: The special aspect of the International Cooking Club is of course the international part of it. We explore different regions and cultures of the world, and we also have people in the club that are from dif ferent

places like Kevin Ahn, who brought a very authentic Korean dish. AS: What makes the club unique is that everyone has to participate. There are some clubs that people just come to the meetings and don’t participate, but in the International Cooking Club, if you’re going to eat the food, then you have to bring silverware or you have to cook the food. Another thing that’s interesting is that we talk about diversity. There is diversity club, but that’s more about people’s cultures and you have to be born into a culture. It’s about expanding your horizons and learning about new cultures that make International Cooking Club special. Q: Where did the idea for this club come from? And why are you interested in this topic? AS: I got the idea for the International Cooking Club in my Spanish class. We were sitting down and I decided that I wanted to start a club but I didn’t know what type of club I wanted to

President Alex Samardzich samples classic French foods.

Testimonial “It’s a great way to learn about different cultures and to enjoy fabulous food.” -Mac Bank Freshman

make it. I was talking to my friend Kevin Ahn and he said that you should make a club where you just eat food and I thought that would be a great idea. Obviously, you can’t just make a club where you just eat, so I decided to have an International Cooking Club where you explore different foods from different cultures so that it’s a little more educational and has a little more substance to it than cooking food and eating it. I was interested in this topic because I like cooking a lot and I like to watch the Food Network but I never have time to cook, so I thought it might be a good idea to make a club that’s all about cooking where I’d be somewhat forced to cook. In the International Cooking Club, the work you put is rewarded immediately with comments by the other people. Q: Why should I join the International Cooking Club? SG: You should join the International Cooking Club because, first of all, it is fun, and second, because you should learn about other culture’s foods. The International Cooking Club opens your mind and your palate to things that you have never experienced before. If you’re eating hamburgers everyday, then it would be nice to try some Korean, try some Italian, try some French cuisine. Basically, the International Cooking Club is supposed to have you taste new things and have you learn about different cultures. AS: On a more basic level, it’s a club where you can get together with your friends and you get to eat food so there is not much of a better premise for a club than that. Also, you get to cook, which is a fantastic skill. When kids get into college, they’re going to be in a new environment, and they’re not necessarily going to have all of the same restaurants around them that they are used to. They’re not going to have their mother or father around there to cook for them. So now this provides the opportunity to see that you can just go online to see some recipe for Italian food that you can make for yourself. And this way, they can broaden their horizons so that they can feed themselves in college. It helps build skills as well as being social with others and just enjoying food.

Sponsor Dayana Schemel-Gord samples traditional foods of the French cuisine.

Two younger members of the club are taught the unique qualities of the French menu.

Sophomores Natalie Labes and Maddy Lorenz enjoy their time spent at the International Cooking Club. Photos by: Sophia Garfinkel

Photo by: Sarah Harris

Favorite Foods

Regions Sampled

Things to Know

•Pan Fried Pot Stickers •Korean Noodle Stir Fry •Asian Pears •Italian Lasagna •Italian Pasta •Pita Bread •Asian Fried Rice

• Mexican - South American • Korean - Asian • Italian - Southern European • French - Eastern European

• Meets Mondays after school • Advisor: Dayana Schemel-Gord • President and Co-Founder: Alex Samardzich • Co-Founder: Kevin Ahn

shield|YVSR

December 2010

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About

1 3 5 7 9

2 4 6 8

What was your favorite subject? Sewing. They offered foods class when I was in high school, but I loved the teacher so much that I loved sewing. I made a straight skirt in 1965 that is to die for, and it still fits!

Her middle name is Ann My mother’s name was Ann and my daughter’s middle name is Ann. Hopefully it will be passed down generation to generation.

Her favorite recipe is Nanimo Bars. It’s a chocolatey desert with three layers. My mom used to make it for us at Christmas. She got it from her friend and passed it down to me and my sister-in-laws. We usually compare our bars at Christmas.

Who was your favorite super hero when you were a kid? Betsy Ross. She was the woman who made the first American flag. Back in the day they didn’t really have female superheroes. All we could look up to was nurses and mothers.

What are the three most important things in life? My family is first, then my relationships with everyone and the new people I meet, and lastly my feeling of security in my home, car, and work.

Name one thing that not many people know about you. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 40 years. We first met in college, and my best friend was there when my husband proposed. I got back to my dorm room all excited.

What is your greatest achievment? My children, because they’re wonderful people, kind, and responsible. My daughter is now raising a family of her own. I see a lot of her in me...I like that.

If you had a billion dollars, what would you do with it? I would start refurbishing a family home in Albion. I would provide for my children and family, and church, and finally charities. Design by: Derek Wolfe

Her favorite book is Moby Dick. I read it in high school, but I had to re-read it for my Masters Degree. When I re-read it I noticed it was full of magic and had thoughtprovoking ideas about life.

Photo and Interview by: Sarah Harris

shield|YVSR

She collects glassware. I collect any type of glass that is unique. Different shapes, sizes...but I usually stick to clear glass, It’s so pretty.

December 2010

Christmas Trees:

Black Eyed Peas have returned

Fans have a lot to live up to with their new album The Beginning Bianca Lazar Opinion Editor

Real

The E.N.D. was just a preview of The Beginning. After four years of being out of the game, the Black Eyed Peas have reinvented themselves from their previous hip hop tunes to new techno, club-destined, dance tracks. After selling 11 million copies worldwide, The E.N.D. is succeeded by the group’s anticipated sixth full-length album The Beginning, which is expected to follow in its footsteps. With crowds of dedicated fans, the new album, released on November 30, premiered with a bang. Although sounding much like their previous album, it is a flipside to the old songs. Their first single “The Time (Dirty Bit)” is a cover of an admired oldie The new album, re“(I’ve Had) The leased on NovemTime of My Life” ber 30. from the hit ’80s film Dirty Dancing. As a lover of originals and a tough critic of covers, the track was simply better in its original Dancing glory. Tracks like the four minute “Love You Long Time” consists only of Will. I.Am and Fergie alternating parts, constantly singing the title in computer enhanced voices. Yes, one of the more boring songs. Those huge sing-along moments, like the omnipresent ones that solidified The E.N.D. on the Billboard Top 100, were scarce in The Beginning. This is probably the quartet’s most destitute album yet, probably released a little too early, only a mere eighteen months after their last album’s release. Despite these letdowns, the rest of the album is likable. Although there are many repetitive lyrics and recycled beats, there is a general catchy sound, something worth at least a first listen. In the end, the two singles “The Time (Dirty Bit)” and “Light Up the Night” suggest that the Black Eyed Peas are still as popular as ever. The group even won the American Music Award this year for “Favorite Band, Duo, or Group”1 and had the opportunity of performing “The Time (Dirty Bit)” during the show on Sunday, November 21. And yes, they are probably already conjuring up the next album, most likely titled The Middle.

vs. Fake

Ashley Pikula

Will Neef

Assistant Managing Editor

Guest Writer

There’s something special about a real Christmas tree. Whether it’s the smell, the sight, or the memories it inspires, it’s special. These assorted spruces, pines, and firs serve as beacons, symbols of the holiday spirit that permeates the Christmas season. The assorted metal and plastic material artificial Christmas trees just doesn’t measure up to the magic of Christmas. Besides, “Rockin’ Around the Artificial Christmas Tree” just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. The search for a fresh tree is more meaningful than a quick trip to Home Depot for a fake one. It’s destined to sit in the Christmas basement closet, gathering dust, trees need until someone realizes it’s time to dig it out again. After all, purchasing character, a fake tree is like buying a fake which only diamond to propose. Something comes from real always has more meaning decorating it than something artificial. Time spent with family putting up the yourself. A real tree is unmatched. Unloading tree must not the tree brings the family together be a stranger, just as a warm home brings them but rather together on the day of celebration. a welcomed Absurdly, countless artificial trees come pre-decorated. A prefamily memdecorated Christmas tree is like a ber. Betty Crocker boxed cake. Sure it’s tasty, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the real thing. Sure a pre-decorated tree may look nice, but it’s the “cookie cutter” nice. Christmas trees need character, which only comes from decorating it yourself. A tree must not be a stranger, but rather a welcomed family member. Most striking are the characteristics of a real tree. The smell of pine fills the house, turning any ordinary room into a holiday forest and the soft feel of its needles only make it more spectacular. And when it is lit up and decorated, star on top and all, it radiates its astonishing natural beauty. When the day to celebrate finally arrives it’s the perfect place for Santa to unload gifts and for family and friends to “rock” around. And when the season passes and it’s time to take it down, there will be no need for a spot in the basement. It can do as natural does and make its exit to the curb, until next year when a new tree’s magic is experienced all over again.

The moment where one has to stop and stare, just because of the sight before them, is when one sees a brightly lit, decorated Christmas tree. The sight is mesmerizing, whether it is the 60-foot tall Norway Spruce in downtown Detroit or a six-foot tall evergreen in your living room. In the cold months of December, the snow begins to fall (despite global warming), as thousands begin to put up their artificial Christmas trees along with all other holiday décor. Families feel the warmth of the bright flashy bulbs alongside the nearby fire roasting-chestnuts, with the soft hymns of Christmas music in the background. The golden star, colorful beads, and ornaments The “artifiexpress the joy and comfort of the holiday season, wrapping around cial” tree, is the tree, expressing the same love the better opthat those around it have for each tion for a multiother (perhaps in some instances with help from the nearby mistletoe). tude of safety, The Christmas tree has been a holiday practical, and favorite for hundreds of years, a “staple environmental item” for the joyous season, and will reasons. continue to represent not only the world’s most practiced religion, but also those who are humbled by its beauty. With ingenuity, the original natural Christmas tree is no longer the only option, and its counterpart, the “artificial” tree, is the better option for a multitude of safety, practical, and environmental reasons, none taking away the majestic, “natural” looks of a real tree. Artificial Christmas trees were first produced two decades ago when real trees were involved in a wide range of accidents: catching on fire burning houses down, falling down causing injury or other damage, and falling off vehicles (equal blame perhaps on the transporter). Regardless, real trees cause more troubles than this, spilling their needles all over the floor, dying without constant care, and of course the fact that they neither last nor hold their original state. Artificial trees are now mass manufactured, but you would not know from the detail and realism of each and every one, with the ability to place anything in its outstretched branches. The true value of artificial Christmas trees does not lie only in the physical manageability it provides, but more in the intangible gains received throughout endless unforgettable memories it provides.

“

”

“

”

shield|YVSR

December 2010

It’s about time for new seats Auditorium chairs cause disgust and aggravation

Cartoon by: Summer Krinsky

Rachel LeFevre

“Isn’t technology wonderful?”

Sims Expansion Pack adds excitement Quick Read -Late Night Expansion Pack allows Sims to play multiple instruments -New careers and aspirations are now available

Late Night edition creates new experience Anna Zambelli Life Section Editor

A struggling line cook bribes a bouncer and gets into the hottest exclusive lounge. She meets and impresses a famous actor. They fall in love, move into his downtown penthouse, and have a piano protégé for a daughter. This is one of the infinite possibilities in The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion Pack. From hardcore gamers to those who struggle to find the power button, The Sims offers something for everyone.

The game was taken to a new level when EA Games released the Late Night Expansion Pack. The $40 game flooded gaming stores on November 26. I went to Target that day to purchase the game and then immediately went home to try out the new software. I was able to use my previous game and move it into the neighborhood with which Late Night comes. The entire game immediately changed. I now can explore multiple lounges, dance clubs and dive bars. My Sims can now play multiple instruments and attain the bar tending skill. There are many new furniture and clothing objects as well as new careers and aspirations. There are

a countless number of new prospects. In contrast with the Ambitions Expansion Pack, this game creates a whole new realm for players to explore. I never lose interest because there are so many new features available. There are a few glitches in completing certain opportunities. I assume these will be fixed with a downloaded patch once the game has been out for a while. At $40 it may seem pricey for an expansion pack, but Late Night is really like a completely new game. And the new aspects of the game are worth every penny. EA Games continues to feed my addiction.

New website sparks charitable change Jumo brings a new aspect to social action Jarred Bratley Staff Writer

Jumo will in no way compete with Facebook; conversely, Jumo will work in concert with Facebook. The website Jumo, founded by Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and Chief Digital Organizer for Barack Obama, aims to act as a social network for social activists, connecting these individuals to charitable organizations. Hughes’s expertise for constructing on-line communities makes Jumo a great tool for easily discovering organizations. When the site was launched on November 24, there were more than 3,500 seeded organizations

Join the Club

Whip up some fun with the International Cooking Club Page 7

Ten Things

Find out what’s cooking with Foods Teacher Barbara Lange Pages 8 and 14

Versus

Debating Christmas Trees and Holiday Cards

2010-2011 Andover Shield Staff Writers Jarred Bratley Steven Goldenthal Sam Gordon Rachel LeFevre Noah Newman

Guest Writers Leslie Alter Stephanie Fotouhi Rachel Gorosh Tessa LeWitt Will Neef Zack Neff Ryan Rosenberg Eve Sherbin Calvin Williams Marly Zack Tim Zobl

Photographers Sarah Harris Matt Rosner Alex Wolf Zach Wolfe David Yu MIPA Spartan Award 2007, 2008, 2010 NSPA Pacemaker Award CSPA Bronze Medal 2006-2007 NSPA All-American 2005-2006, 20072008 Member Quill & Scroll Society Member NSPA Member MIPA

Photo courtesy of Interscope Records

Graphic by: Brian Margosian Photo courtsey of: Halle Mares

Page 4

to follow, but that number is increasing quickly. By joining Jumo, I was able to view the entire social stream of a non-profit organization’s project in one place. The site is set up similarly to that of other social networks, with profiles for individuals, pages for organizations, and forums. The benevolence so apparent in the aftermath of an event like the Haiti Earthquake cannot be seen for the majority of the year. Jumo was released, it seems, to extend charitable efforts, and is accomplishing its job. The only troubling experience I had with the site during my first visit, as I later found out, was related to technical issues caused by the unexpectedly high number of people wanting access.

Jumo is not entirely unique though. A Facebook application called Causes and a website called Global Giving are examples of the other ways to support charities online, but using these sites only allows raising money for organizations already discovered. Jumo helps the public truly discover charitable projects and aims to create long standing relationships. And since Jumo is exceptionally easy to use, public support for causes should increase where it was not existent before because little work is required to support an issue. The launch of the site during the holiday season, when philanthropy is high, may have helped the sites initial release, but success should continue. Jumo is the most forward step for an online charitable platform.

Quick Read -Jumo was created to bring awareness to charitable organizations - Jumo only permits organizations certified as tax exempt to use the site for donations

Guest Writer

This is me sitting in a chair. This is me sitting in a chair in Andover’s auditorium. And this is me not being happy about it. For two years one thought has crossed my mind every single seminar: do we have an assembly? When yes, the room is filled with groans making it sound like the entire sophomore class is dying. Are the assemblies necessary? Not at all. Often they are the most uninformative presentations, containing minuscule amounts of information I could get from a handout. Yet the problem goes beyond the assemblies themselves. The thought of having to sit in those chairs, those disgusting, outdated, insipid chairs, wasting my entire seminar, is the more urgent matter. The stains, the smell (yes I smelled them), the feel, the fact that there is no way those chairs have been cleaned. Various spill marks dot the surface, which my germaphobe brain automatically assumes to be bodily fluids. Think about that; no wonder I cannot sit still. Not only are the smell and texture of the chairs a problem, but the fabric itself is a turnoff. Orange is a great color-it has its season-but it should never be the primary color in a room. Along with the lighting and painting in the auditorium, the room already looks like a clementine, but the burnt orange, shag fabric of the chairs is a bit much for my twenty-first century eyes to handle. With all seriousness, I don’t mind sitting in those chairs, provided I close my eyes and breathe through my mouth to shut out their unpleasantness. Maybe all they need is a little tender love and care or perhaps a good steam cleaning. Maybe then the assemblies will be tolerable, not anymore useful, not anymore productive, but at least a little more bearable in the eyes of a resident germophobe. This is me sitting in a chair. This is me sitting in a chair in Andover’s auditorium. And this is me putting in my two cents.

Front Cover Design by: Brian Margosian

Pages 17, 18, 19, and 20

Reviews

Find out the best things to eat, see, and do this break

Editorial Policy The Andover Shield is a student publication distributed free of charge to 1000-1500 Andover students, faculty, and alumni as well as local community members and businesses. We strive to inform, entertain, and provide a limited open forum for community opinions while continuing a tradition of journalistic excellence. Life design by: Marley Kalt and Derek Wolfe

shield|life

December 2010

Join the Club: International Cooking Club Sponsor and President Samardzich give the scoop on the new club Noah Newman Staff Writer

President Alex Samardzich samples classic French foods.

Testi“It’s a great way to learn about different cultures and to enjoy fabulous food.” -Mac Bank Freshman

Photo by: Sarah Harris

Sponsor Dayana Schemel-Gord samples traditional foods of the French cuisine.

Two younger members of the club are taught the unique qualities of the French menu.

Sophomores Natalie Labes and Maddy Lorenz enjoy their time spent at the International Cooking Club. Photos by: Sophia Garfinkel

Favorite Foods

Regions Sampled

Things to Know

•Pan Fried Pot Stickers •Korean Noodle Stir Fry •Asian Pears •Italian Lasagna •Italian Pasta •Pita Bread •Asian Fried Rice

• • • •

• Meets Mondays after school • Advisor: Dayana Schemel-Gord • President and Co-Founder: Alex Samardzich • Co-Founder: Kevin Ahn

Mexican - South American Korean - Asian Italian - Southern European French - Eastern European

December 2010

shield|sports

HOCKEY CENTRAL

December 18 January 7 January 8 January 9 January 14 January 15 January 20 January 22 January 23 January 27 January 29 February 4 February 9 February 11 February 12 February 17 February 22 February 25 February 26

@ Oxford High School @ Fraser Ice Arena @ Fraser Ice Arena @ Fraser Ice Arena @ Midland Dow High School vs. Forest Hills Central vs. Troy High School vs. Royal Oak High School @ Berkley High School vs. Oxford High School @ Birmingham Ice Arena @ Onyx Arena @ Avondale High School @ MI Public H.S. Tournament @ MI Public H.S. Tournament vs. Lincoln Park @ Berkley High School @ Walled Lake Central vs. West Bloomfield

Spot the Six

Boys Varsity Ice Hockey Season Schedule

Can you find the six differences in these pictures of the Bloomfield boys hockey team at practice?

1. Stripes removed from player’s sock. 2. Pucks removed. 3. Light added to ceiling. 4. Sliding player relocated. 5. Banner moved. 6. School acronym “DSC” rearranged.

shield|sports

December 2010

Winter Sports Coach Al Break Down Cuthrell

The winter sports season continues as student athletes excel in their Coach: Rick Reed Captain: Niel Krentz respective sports Rival Opponents: West Bloomfield and Catholic Central

Boys Hockey

Current Power ranking in the state is number eight out of over 70

Girls Basketball

Coach: Jeff Rubin Captains: Sophia Garfinkel, Kiki Van Acker, and Rachel Rea Rival Opponents: Royal Oak Went undefeated last last year

Skiing

Next race: 1/4 league wide race @ Pine Knob

Swimming and Diving Next meet: 1/6 vs Athens & Oxford @ Oxford

Girls Hockey Next game: 1/24 vs Regina Saddelites @ Royal Oak

Wrestling

Coach: Tony Scigliano Captains: Jon Williams, Brody Wagerson, and Delano McKenzie Rival Opponents: Lahser Won over four tournaments and 11 dual meets

Boys Basketball

Coach: Jeff Rubin Captains Robbie Small, Even Brewer, and Michell Werner Rival Opponents: Cranbrook and Lahser One all-confrence player for all of the past five seasons Design by: Noah Newman

Photos by: Sophia Garfinkel, Lori Garfinkel and Zach Wolfe

Cheerleaders welcome new coaches New coaches pick up the intensity for barons cheerleading Meagan Danielak Assistant Managing Editor “Our competitive cheerleading program is about to become intense,” says Freshman Ashley Schnaar. After winning several high school and college cheerleading titles, Brooke Miller and Claire Mozer are preparing for their first year as coaches of Andover’s Competitive Cheerleading Team. “I’m looking forward to building a program here,” says Mozer. “[Andover] hasn’t had a competitive cheer program since 2007 or 2008 I think, so it will be good to teach the girls the competitive-

ness of the sport.” Sophomore Molly Singer-Miller, who was on the previous season’s team, adds, “They’re both really experienced, and they know their stuff. They know what cheer is about.” Since the week of November 8, Miller and Mozer have been practicing with the girls while also coaching cheer teams at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills, whose varsity team won the state championships last year. According to Miller, she and Mozer are happily anticipating building competitive cheer at Andover, which is why they decided to accept the coaching positions. “We condition almost every day but we try to make [the drills] interesting. Instead of just being in the weight room, we will make conditioning into contests,” Miller says.

Miller adds, “I’m looking forward to the girls having a good time because I think they have not experienced what competitive cheer is. It’s a whole new sport and a lot different than cheering for games.” New cheerleaders are welcome to join up until the first competition on January 8 at Oxford High School. Speaking of what she hopes to do with her fellow coach, Miller says,“Our goal is really just to go out there and make sure that we have the absolute best [competition] rounds we can put together. We can never really predict how good the team is going to be by the end of the season at the beginning, but we will just set goals for ourselves, and once we reach them, we’ll set higher ones.”

“

“I’m looking forward to the girls having a good time because I think they have not experienced what competitive cheer is.

”

Molly Singer-Miller Sophomore

Q & A:

Rachel Gorosh

Staff Writer

Q: How long have you been coaching? A: Well this is my 49th year coaching high school racing. Q: How many generations of kids at Andover have you coached? A: I think this is about my 28th year here, something like that. That might be off a year or so but I started here in 1985. Q: When did you start skiing? A: Well when I was in high school they had these skis with straps with great big long poles and baskets and if you could find a hill you would just ski down it. It’s not like the kind of Al Cuthrell Head Ski Coach skiing you have now. As far as personal skiing, I haven’t been doing much of it. But on and off with the ski team, you know at practice, and I also ski with my kids and grandchildren. I would say probably around 1960, sometime like that, is when I started. Q: Where is your favorite place to ski? A: Oh I think probably out West: Copper Mountain (tips down hat that says Copper Mountain on it). That’s where some of our kids are right now for race camp. I thought that was a very fine place to ski. And around here I’ve enjoyed Pine Knob quite a bit. Q: How do you feel about having a ski race named after you? A: Oh I’ve gotten a kick out of it. It’s called the Cuthy Challenge. This will be probably the seventh year they’ve had it. Q: On the day of a race, what kind of routine do you have? A: The night before a race I e-mail who is racing the next day and give them their bib numbers. And we load up on the bus the next day and I hand out the bib numbers to the kids. I don’t do that before because it’s easy to drop one or to lose one and we only have one per person. I treat them a little bit like little children, you know I give them their bus pass. And then we load up and go home on the bus. Q: Who is your biggest skiing idol? A: Well one really famous skier is Bode Miller but he isn’t really consistent. I feel like if he is the best skier he should be number one all the time.

December 2010

shield|life

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About

1 3 5 7 9

What are the three most important things in life? My family is first, then my relationships with everyone and the new people I meet, and lastly my feeling of security in my home, car, and work.

What is your greatest achievment? My children, because they’re wonderful people, kind, and responsible. My daughter is now raising a family of her own. I see a lot of her in me...I like that.

2 4 6 8

Her middle name is Ann My mother’s name was Ann and my daughter’s middle name is Ann. Hopefully it will be passed down generation to generation.

Her favorite book is Moby Dick. I read it in high school, but I had to re-read it for my Masters Degree. When I re-read it I noticed it was full of magic and had thoughtprovoking ideas about life.

She collects glassware. I collect any type of glass that is unique. Different shapes, sizes...but I usually stick to clear glass, It’s so pretty. Photo and Interview by: Sarah Harris

shield|life

December 2010

Giving the gift of holiday joy

Hallmark

Your Turn: Are Hallmark or homemade cards better for the holidays?

vs. Rachel Gorosh

Guest Writer

The typical parent tells their child to always open their card before their present. But let’s be frank here, most of us really only care to see what’s underneath all that colorful wrapping paper. Yet nothing is better than opening a crisp new Hallmark card and hearing the tune of a popular holiday song or reading a catchy poem. It’s simple, really. Why waste a minute of precious time making a card when there are hundreds of pre-made cards lined up at the nearest drug store just waiting to be bought? Face it: walking down the card aisle and finding the perfect card can It’s simple, take ages. There are so many difreally, why ferent varieties of cards: birthdays, anniversaries, Father’s/Mother’s waste a Day, New Year’s, thank you cards, minute of sympathy cards, and even cards precious just to say “hi.” Name any occatime maksion, and there is a Hallmark card ing a card for it. The variety of cards to choose from makes it extremely tempting when there are hundreds to splurge for a few holiday cards to give to your loved ones this year. of pre-made Although it seems that store cards lined bought cards are less personal than up at the homemade, this is not the truth. Hallmark has created the new renearest drug cordable cards where it is possible store just waiting to be to “give the gift of your voice” and record a message on the card. It bought? doesn’t get more personal than that. During the holiday season, there is so much work to be done: buying, wrapping, giving and even returning gifts. There is just not enough time in the day to sit and create cards for every family member and friend. This holiday season, loved ones will definitely be impressed by their store bought cards before tossing them aside in search of their gift.

“

”

Homemade Leslie Alter

“ I like Hallmark cards because they are easy to get and straight to the point.” Cammy Swartz

Guest Writer

Freshman

Preparing for the holiday season, I pull out my shoebox of my favorite holiday cards, filled with words of wisdom from grandma and mom’s magical messages, all homemade. Holiday season is here; time for hot cocoa, fuzzy sweaters, starting up the fireplace, and unfortunately overpriced cards. But there is a solution to the latter. There is no comparison between the thoughtfulness of a homemade card and one that is store bought and filled with cheesy clichés. Besides, what meaning do words have if they are not your own? This type of card is much more heartfelt coming from the gift giver, The fact not the printing industry. Not only are store bought cards impersonal, that these they are also ridiculously overpriced. beloved A piece of folded paper with some holidays are glitter and a picture of Santa Claus becoming should not cost more than a salad known as from Coney, not to mention the gas “Hallmark to get to and from the store. Buying a petting zoo or hiring a cir- Holidays” cus is equally as much of a waste of demonstrates money as buying cards for that an- that they are noying cousin or the shut-in uncle losing their seen once a year. In time for the holidays, Hallmark cheer to a is raking in the cash for four-dollar corporation. cards that can be easily replaced by a one-of-a-kind homemade card. The fact that these beloved holidays are becoming known as “Hallmark Holidays” demonstrates that they are losing their cheer to a corporation. The perfect card cannot always be found, but making one at home is a great way to give the right message. With the ability to personalize it with your own two hands, the outcome portrays exactly how you feel. When it comes to choosing a card, put away your piggy banks, leave the car keys elsewhere, grab Crayola markers, and get ready to create a card that will light up this holiday season.

“

“ Homemade cards are

great because they have the holiday spirit in them!

”

Alexander Madias Sophomore

”

Photos by: Sarah Harris

“ I like Hallmark cards be-

cause they’re funny, and I like it when the cards sing to me.

”

Josh Morof

Junior

shield|life

December 2010

Multiple director sustains injury during musical Senior Marly Zack overcomes broken foot to lead multiple through practice Rachael Gerendasy

Distribution Manager

“All I could think was, ‘Oh, crap. This is going to be really bad,” Senior Marly Zack, who played Tracey Turnblad in the fall production of Hairspray, recalls of the day she fractured her right foot. “During the sneak preview for the school, I was running up the stairs, and I came down on my foot the wrong way,” says Zack. “After I did my song, I went off stage and cried because it was hurting so badly. Then, of course I had to go back on stage for the last song.” As the director for the forensics multiple “The Laramie Project,” Zack’s injury is still foremost in her mind. However, she is adamant that her injury will not come in the way of her multiple’s success. “My foot very well might affect forensics; however, when the time comes for my first competition, I will be taking off my boot and doing whatever blocking I have to to make sure my multiple is incredible,” says Zack. “I will not compromise [my multiple] by either wearing a boot or any pain that [my foot] may cause. I will break the gosh darn thing again if that’s what it takes.” Looking ahead to the 2010-2011 forensics season, Assistant Coach Jan Frank does not believe that forensics will be

-About 6.8 million broken bones come to medical attention each year in the United States

Photo by: Alex Wolf

affected by Zack’s injury. “[Our] first competition will be sometime in late January and then our season kind of picks up from there. State finals, which hopefully all of our team members will make, don’t occur until the first weekend in May. I don’t think [her injury] will [affect forensics] because I think she will be fully recovered by the time our season hits high gear.” Head Forensics Coach Danielle Harsh shares a similar view. “[Her injury] really has not come into play too much,” she says. “At this early part of the season, its easy for us to plan around it, because blocking, the way the kids move in their pieces, is a planned event. Even if an injury constricts movement, we just block so that they don’t do what they can’t do. Right now, I just see it as being an obstacle, not a huge problem.” Zack and fellow directors Greg Strasser and Maddie Meehan have begun the blocking process, keeping Zack’s injury in mind. “I don’t think [her injury] is going to affect forensics just because forensics isn’t as demanding as musical in the way of dancing and movement,” Strasser says. “Of course there will be blocking, but it’s mostly just arms and stuff like that. I don’t think Marly will have that much trouble with it.” “I never worry about Marly being able to perform effectively,” Frank continues. “She did an amazing job [during Hairspray]. She’s a real team player and tries her hardest all the time. I know that will be the same for forensics.” Of Zack’s circumstance, Frank says,

an actual break. “I felt so badly for her because I knew “It ended up being a hairline fracture,” she wanted nothing more than to be one says Brenda Zack, Marly’s mother. “But hundred percent on her opening night Marly just said, ‘Oh well, it’s going to of the play, but I was still impressed, as have to wait.’” usual, with the energy she put into it, “Saturday night she was amazing,” even with her injury.” Brenda says. “Saturday night Junior Multiple Director she was like, ‘To hell with it, my and fellow Hairspray cast I never foot’s going to survive. Whatmember Maddie Meehan ever it is, I’m doing it.’ Each day, recalls how she felt when worry about because I saw her every day, first hearing of Zack’s in- Marly bewas better.” jury. ing able to The doctor has an unknown “Truthfully, [I was] recovery time for Zack, but it is perform scared,” Meehan says. “I certain that her participation in found out during Hairspray, effectively. forensics will interfere with her and I was really nervous Jan Frank Assistant Forensics Coach recovery. Even so, Zack has her that she would sustain furmother’s support. ther injury dancing on her “I knew it meant too much to foot and I was also nervous about the her,” says Brenda. “She cried Thursday state of the show, since it is a dance because she was in pain and freaking show, and it’s about a girl who’s a really out, but [not performing was] not an good dancer.” option. That’s the difference between “At the end of the day on Friday [the a high school student who happens to week of the show] , I went to the dochave the lead in the play, and a high tor and he said ‘You’ve got a really bad school performer. There was no way stress fracture, I want you to wear a boot she was not going to do it.” and I don’t want you walking on it.’ and “[Marly’s] really good at what she I said, ‘No, next option,’” Zack explains. does,” Strasser says. “I have whole con“I could not do the show with a boot. I fidence in what she’s going to do. I’m not had to be this crazy wonderful dancer; afraid of this at all. I think she’s going to clearly I could not perform with a boot. put together a really great product.” Basically he said, ‘Well, take Advil and “Please,” Zack says. “Nothing could wrap up your foot,’ and my father, who stop me.” used to be a football coach, wrapped up my foot like an athletic player and put some Advil in my system.” Because of Zack’s choice to go against the doctor’s orders and participate in the musical, what had begun as a stress fracture was exacerbated to the point of

“

”

Foot Notes -The average person has two broken bones during their life

-Marly plans on doing forensics, which will interfere with recovery time even more

-Marly will not let her foot get in the way of her forensics performances

-Marly Zack injured her foot running up the stairs during Andover’s production of Hairspray

As a result of her foot injury, Zack must wear a removable short leg fracture brace to support her broken foot. It is expected that she will have to wear the boot for six weeks.

shield|life

December 2010

Student prepares to face surgery Senior Melissa Welsh to undergo treatment for overproducing thyroid Leah Shepherd

Guest Writer

A scheduled surgery has one student in the hospital over the holidays instead of near the Christmas tree. “This is just a lot to deal with,” says senior Melissa Welsh. “It’s an adult disease and even my doctor said I shouldn’t have to be going through this at seventeen.” Melissa was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, which affects her thyroid, and explains, “Patients who have Graves’ usually aren’t this young. It’s just a lot to take on.” During her required physical for the Powder Puff game, Melissa received the news. “My doctor asked me if anyone ever told me I have a huge thyroid gland, and I said, ‘No,’” tells Melissa. “She started feeling around on it, and we realized I had a lot of symptoms that led to different things. The endocrinologist I saw knew as soon as I told him about all my symptoms it was Graves’ Disease. I was told I have a goiter which creates a thyroid disease and causes my thyroid to overproduce hormones.” According to Pediatrician Joy Owens, “Graves’ Disease usually presents in later adolescence or young adulthood. I would say I usually diagnose a case a year or ever other year. Usually the signs are pretty slow in onset, so the teenager may not notice it. If they come to see me and I haven’t seen them for a few months I may notice their eyes look too big or they have developed a goiter, but frequently, the patient himself does not notice the changes.” For Melissa, her symptoms were sporadic, which is common. “[They] go away for a while and then they will come back and are really bad,” she says. “I’m always tired, antsy, and shaky. I’m on a new medicine for my heart that is making me act really loopy because it slows my whole body down.” Along with the reoccurring symptoms, Graves’ can also create a cancerous tumor on the thyroid with which the size of Melissa’s thyroid was a concern for her doctor.

“A normal thyroid is the size of a quarter, but mine is the size of a golf ball,” Melissa explains. “When we thought I had cancer my mom freaked out and basically put me in bubble wrap for a day. I stayed home and was not going anywhere for a while. I was kind of nervous because cancer would suck. I was scared, but when I found out it wasn’t cancer I was relieved.” “When she told me it could be cancerous I was really nervous and really hoping it wasn’t,” Melissa’s boyfriend Cole Turczyn says. “I knew her near future only held bad events and I’ve been supporting her [trying to make] everything seem better than it actually is and trying to make everything better.” Although the Welsh family opted for surgery versus the alternative radioactive treatment, Owens explains that this is not a common procedure for patients like Melissa. “In most cases, [Graves’] is controlled medically and not surgically, [especially] in kids.” Melissa explains that, “[Usually patients] can [get rid of the tumor] by drinking a radioactive substance that kills the tumor off, but the problem with me is my nodule is so big [that my doctors] are afraid the substance will go around it and kill the other side of my thyroid. So instead they are going in to get rid of the nodule.” “It’s a risky surgery because it goes right through your vocal chords,” explains Melissa’s mother Tracey. “[The doctors] will basically take her vocal chords and push them to the side and then they will take her salivary gland and pull that aside and after they pull those out of the area they will be removing the entire left thyroid gland. It’s risky but the option of removing it radioactively will make the chances of Melissa getting cancer in twenty years very high.” Melissa adds, “I’m nervous about the surgery because it’s really risky, but [Graves’] is not life threatening, and I can live without my thyroid so it’s not that scary.” “At first I was kind of happy because I didn’t want to be the only person in the family with a problem,” tells James Welsh, Melissa’s brother who has diabetes. “I wasn’t really worried until the doctors thought that it was cancerous.” One reason for scheduling

Melissa’s surgery in the near future is because her mom wants to help her daughter regulate the medicine. “The surgery has to be before she goes to college so we know how the medication affects her before she goes away and lives that wild and crazy college life,” Tracey explains. “I suspect that a great time to have [the surgery] will be over the Christmas holiday because she has already missed so much school and she doesn’t need to miss anymore. Hopefully Melissa will understand the seriousness of the medication and she needs to take it every day and cannot miss taking it, and when she goes onto college she continues to do that.” “I’m going to be on a medication to replace my thyroid for the rest of my life,” says Melissa. “Cancer can kill me, but the surgery has all physical [effects]. And it kind of sucks that I have to get surgery because I already have a scar on my chest from chicken pox, and now I’ll have one across my neck; but it’s a scar or cancer.” “I [was] afraid she [would be] selfconscious about the scar,” Turczyn explains, “but I think this is going to make her stronger in the long run. The hardest part [so far] is once when I was with her she started crying and her heart was beating so fast and she had a migraine. She had to take seven different pills. It was just hard to see her react like that.” During the past nine months since Melissa’s diagnosis, Tracey believes the experience has brought her family closer.

“This has made us more open and honest with each other about what is going on in our lives,” the mother of four says. “[Melissa’s situation] has brought the kids and I closer together. Out of my four kids two of them suffer from an autoimmune disease and it just makes it easier that the two aren’t alone.” “It’s cool with James, my brother, because he has diabetes and I have this now, so we can kind of bond,” tells Welsh. “But I’ve missed two full weeks of school because I have been to so many doctors. I get really behind in all my classes and it’s a lot of work. I’m always really tired [and] I can’t sleep. I also have a hard time concentrating. I’m into some colleges but they keep track of your attendance and I don’t want my admissions to be pulled.” “You worry about your kids even when they are healthy,” says Tracey. “This has just become another worry. Yet, I think Melissa is a confident strong person.”

“I’m al-

ways tired, antsy, and shaky. I’m on a new medicine for my heart that is making me act really loopy because it slows my whole body down.”

Melissa Welsh Senior

Thyroid Quick Facts -Graves’ Disease affects the thyroid, producing an excessive amount of hormones -It is not common for a high school student like Melissa Welsh to suffer from this disease -Graves’ is a rare disease as about only 1.12% of Americans suffer from it -Melissa has missed over 2 weeks of school in total from multiple doctorsappointments this semester -Graves’ Disease is 10 times more common in women than men -Radioactive treatment is one way to treat Graves’ Disease and is more common for children than surgery

December 2010

shield|life

We all have Words to the Wise Politics is in secrets Evaluating the desire a broken sea to gather information James Feuereisen Co-Editor-in-Chief

Derek Wolfe

Life Section Editor

There is just something so tempting about a secret. Maybe it’s knowing something somebody else doesn’t know. Or trying to get an advantage over someone else. I suffer through this daily. I have an inclination to know everything. The good, bad, or the ugly. I want to know. And while I probably shouldn’t be the one telling this, I will anyways. The truth is that some things should not be known. Because when that one secret gets, everyone can suffer. The latest case can be seen with the now infamous organization, WikiLeaks. It gained its fame by leaking classified documents and videos that deservedly defame many countries, including the United States. However, there were some that should not have been released, with names of sources whose lives are now in danger. There’s a fine line between transparency and secrecy. And I believe it’s time for The truth the government to start admitting is that its faults (because some things we will forgive). However, I do recshould not ognize why some be known. things, especially when lives are at Because stake, need to be when that kept under wraps. people one secret These named in those gets, evdocuments were eryone can trying to help, but now their lives suffer. have been flipped upside down forever thanks to our secret-searching society. This lesson goes far beyond our relationship with government. More important, it’s about our relationships with the ones closest to us. Through WikiLeaks, I now understand why my friends don’t want to tell me something. Because it could be the one that does much more harm than good.

Feuereisen discusses “ When not the ever common in the spot- occurance of hypocrisy

light, they decide to fly around in exclusive private jets, live in luxurious mansions, and be chauffeured in gas guzzling vehicles.”

A curse is upon us. A curse that sucks the souls of mankind like a black hole. A curse that makes the concept of trust and personal initiative go into obliteration. Unfortunately, mankind has a curse of hypocrisy. Politicians seem to be the ones most afflicted by this curse. To put it simply, they do whatever it takes to get elected and remain in office. On the campaign trail, they gloat about all the wonders they will perform if elected. But do they? Absolutely not. How often their ‘ideals’ turn into traditional Washington politics. They say they are for fiscal discipline, but then openly vote for tax cuts that increase the federal deficit with no source of funding and refuse

“

”

Upcoming Events 12/19 through 1/3/11: December Break 1/10: Financial Aid Night 1/13: Incoming Freshman Orientation 1/11: ACT Test 1/17: No school-Martin Luther King Jr. Day 1/25 through 1/28: Semester Finals 1/31: Start of second semester

Linda Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship:

The school is attempting to raise a total of $10,000 for a memorial scholarship in the name of Linda Hutchinson, who was the secretary of Model High School for 12 years. She passed away unexpectedly in fall 2009. The money will be used to create a permanent endowment that will allow a graduating senior from Model will receive an award every year – forever. Contact the Canton Community Foundation to donate.

Mock Book Election at Library: The Youth Services Department at the Bloomfield Township Public Library is hosting a Mock Caldecott Award Election throughout the month of

to compromise on any proposal that lowers the deficit like reduced Medicare payments or national defense spending. They say they are for earmark reform, but then decide to fund a project, conveniently named after them of course. They say they are for immigration reform, but then are found to have had connections with firms that used illegal immigrants or themselves are the product of open immigration laws. They say they are adherents of the constitution, but then seemingly ignore it when crafting legislation they say will ‘benefit’ the nation. So much for 200 years of constitutional law guiding governmental actions. They say they are for tax reform, but then somehow magically pay taxes at a lower rate than the typical American (even though many are wealthier than most Americans) through their exploitation of tax loopholes, which of course has become a cornerstone campaign talking point. They say they go to Washington to better the nation, but refuse any necessary bipartisanship for fear of scolding from their political base, who refuse the acknowledgement of other viewpoints. They say they are for transparency,

but then cry wolf when any document puts them in a negative spotlight. Yet political pundits are even worse in their rhetoric. Conservative pundits proudly broadcast their firm support for strong national security, but then chastise The Department of Homeland Security’s use of advanced airport screening. In fact these pundits have pretty much attacked every single action the Democratic administration has taken solely to fire up their supporters and boost their ratings. Most actions have indeed been under a liberal pretense, but not all. Closing Guantanamo Bay prison, once a rallying call for President Obama, still remains open. Yet rather than praise this fact, the pundits have found a way to attack the decision. Nevertheless, liberal pundits are just as guilty of wrongdoing. Many have vehemently attacked politicians for their lack of action on environmental policy and routinely predict the coming doom of the planet. Fine, it’s great they want to help out the environment. But when not in the spotlight, they decide to fly around in exclusive private jets, live in luxurious mansions, and be chauffeured in gas guzzling vehicles; I’m pretty sure none of these actions are part of the ‘green’ guidebook. In the modern age, the value of words spoken by individuals has turned to dust. Time to sweep.

aron Briefs

December. Voters are choosing their favorite 2010 illustrated children’s book, with the possibility of voter’s receiving a free copy of their selected book. In addition, the library is encouraging residents to take advantage of free classes in computer skills.

National Honor Society: Juniors interested

in applying for National Honor Society must have completed 30 hours of community service by January 28, 2011

Distinguished Service and Support Staff Awards: Nominations for the annual Distin-

guished Service Awards and Support Staff Awards from Bloomfield Hills Schools will be accepted in the Community Relations office until Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Any member of the school community may make a nomination. Forms are available at each school office or from the Community Relations office. Importantly, a letter of recommendation for the nominee must identify how the individual exemplifies at least one of the District’s core values. Two individuals must nominate each candidate separately.

Smoke in theatre: During third hour on Fri-

day December 10, students were evacuated from the building after smoke was created by a malfunction in a motor underneath the theatre. When the alarm initially went off, students went to their designated fire alarm locations, and then returned to their classrooms. However, a later announcement ordered students to return outside. Eventually, students were moved into the Field House due to the cold temperatures. Fire trucks were on sight to handle the smoke, though there was no damage within the theatre.

shield|life

12 One reviewer wrote this is “the sickest shoe in the world!”

Looking for an upgrade this holiday season? Check out popular new smartphones!

Nike 6.0 Dunk SE Men’s Shoe: $75, Nike.com

BlackBerry Torch 9800: $499.99 (without a contract), Best Buy stores Apple® iPhone 4 (16GB): $599.99 (without a contract), Best Buy stores Also see the Motorola Droid 2: $599.99 (without a contract), Best Buy stores

A glamourous Juicy starter bracelet to collect all the new holiday charms! Gold Starter Charm Bracelet: $42, Macy’s stores

Bundle up for winter with matching accessory sets! Ribbed Knit Gloves: $24.50, J. Crew stores Cashmere Rib-Trim Hat: $48, J. Crew stores Ribbed Scarf: $49.50, J. Crew stores

Sweet smelling for the holidays! Get wrapped up in assorted boxes of Lush bath bombs, bubble bars, and treats. Pre-wrapped gift boxes: $9.95 $199.95, Lush stores

e iP

hon

For a Kindle, new or old, a case is a great way to keep the Kindle protected and stylish.

y err ckB Bla 800 e Th rch 9 To

Woolen slippers with leather soles, mukluks are the perfect way to keep feet warm during cold winter months!

Speck Dust Jacket for Kindle: $29.99, Target stores

Mukluks: $11.88, Amazon.com

This winter headband has built-in speakers, and a hidden pouch for your iPod nano or shuffle! i360 Headphone Polarband: $19.95 (holiday

The newest edition to the Call of Duty series will undeniably go over with the gamer you know.

Giving Made Easy price), ithreesixty.com

Look amazing while listening to your tunes in enchanced audio! Skullcandy Hesh Headphones: $45.49, Target Stores Or try: Skullcandy Dub Earbuds: $9.99, Target Stores

Call of Duty: Black Ops for Xbox 360 or PS3: $59.99, Best Buy stores

Whether your gift shopping list is a mile long or you’re looking to treat yourself, the Shield’s gift guide will help you find the perfect presents this holiday For one who’s New Year’s resolution is always to be season. more active, the new Ki-

nect for Xbox 360 is sure Kinect

Design and photos by: Marley Kalt

for

Xbox

360:

Can’t find the perfect gift? Groupon.com offers daily deals worth twice what you pay, for (according to its website) “anybody who needs to get out more.” For your cinephile friend, a Netflix subscription starts at $7.99 a month, so they can watch unlimited movies on almost any internet-capable device. Invite someone on a memorable day out with tickets to a sporting event or museum. Feeling philanthropic this year? Try giving a donation in a friend or family member’s name in lieu of a conventional gift. Invest in an airplane ticket to bring that far-away friend on a trip closer to you.

shield|life

Christmas Trees:

December 2010

Black Eyed Peas have returned

Fans have a lot to live up to with their new album The Beginning Bianca Lazar Opinion Editor

Real

vs. Fake

Ashley Pikula

Will Neef

Assistant Managing Editor

“

”

Graphic by: Brian Margosian Photo courtsey of: Halle Mares

Guest Writer

“

”

December 2010

shield|life

Game Plan

What smart Barons should do this holiday season

Explore

Watch

Donate

The Detroit Institute of Arts exhibitions

Little Fockers, out December 22

To Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit

Outdoor Ice Skating In Birmingham

This holiday season we can all strive to make a difference. Gleaners Food Bank, located in Detroit on Beaufait Street, is partnering with Art Van Furniture and WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 News as part of the Together We Can annual event. Involvement is simple. Drop off non-perishable food items to any of Art Van Furniture’s 17 locations until December 12, including the Bloomfield Hills location on Telegraph Road. Last year the Together We Can Food Drive raised over 85,000 pounds of food. After December 12, we can ensure a great holiday season for families that are less fortunate by collecting additional non-perishable items and donations and delivering them directly to Gleaners Food Bank. According to a study on the Gleaners Food Bank website, in Oakland County alone, more than six thousand clients receive assistance each week. For more information on Gleaners Food Bank and volunteer opportunities visit www.gcfb.org.

Think you can’t have quality family bonding time outside this break? Think again. For the first time ever, residents of Birmingham have pooled together $12,000 to build an outdoor ice arena right next to Barnum Park, located on the corner of Frank and Pierce Street. This non-refrigerated rink was built primarily for family use and will be open December 15 through February 15, weather permitting. The temporary arena is conveniently located right near the shops and restaurants of Birmingham, so there are food options within walking distance after an afternoon family skate. Starbucks, a hot winter spot, is only five short blocks away. Since funding was 75 percent donation based, admission is free and skaters must bring their own skates. Not to worry, the arena will not be used for sports or organized events so families will always have access to the rink. When your family is looking for some outdoor fun this break, head over to the new outdoor rink in Birmingham.

Staying home for the holiday season? The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) may be calling your name. Located in Detroit on Woodward Avenue, the DIA is open Wednesday through Saturday. This family-friendly museum features exhibits for all ages with options from student and children tours to adult and teen galleries focusing on sparking creativity and higher levels of thinking. One showcased exhibit featured over the holidays is, “In Your dreams: 500 Years of Imaginary Prints.” This celebration of the ideas and art of European and American imaginary prints includes selections from Albrecht Dürer, Francisco Goya, Odilon Redon, and other founders of imagination art. Another exhibition on display is “Fakes, Forgeries, and Mysteries.” With this exhibit, patrons will be able to see all the behind the scenes action of the museum using science, technology, and art historical research. Learn more about these exhibits ready to be explored over winter break at www.dia.org.

Looking for comedy this holiday season? Little Fockers, premiering on December 22, is the sequel to Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers. According to www.imdb. com, the storyline follows Greg (Ben Stiller) becoming acquainted with his paranoid father-in-law Jack (Robert De Niro) after several years. By having two children and overcoming obstacles, his trustworthiness is once again in question. When Greg takes a job at a shady drug company, Jack begins to question his sonin-law and nurse. Greg has to prove to Jack that he is the man of the house. After misunderstandings and secret missions, Greg has to pass Jack’s one final test. Afterwards, Jack has an answer. What will happen to the famous family circle of trust? Find out in any local theater this winter. Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers combined have brought in over $800 million to the worldwide box office. Little Fockers is rated PG13 for mild profanity and intense scenes.

Enjoy

http://americajr.com/contests/monettodalidia1006.html Photos by: The Garfinkel Family

shield|life

Below: Mike Cass, lead singer of Lights Out!, serenades the crowd after a fuse blows early into the band’s set. Senior Brianna Shamsuddoha says at first she was in panic; however, looking back on it she was happy it happened because it made the night memorable.

Below: Bassist Doug Schoenberg of Lights Out! jams out during the benefit concert. Other members of the band are Mike Cass, Ryan Bissell, and Chris Bissell. The band members are all from Richmond, Michigan.

Benefit concert held for the Michigan Humane Society Zack Neff Guest Writer

On Friday, December 3, the Andover Helping Animals Club held a benefit concert for the Michigan Humane Society, one of the largest animal benefit charities in the state. Live the Dash, which includes Andover’s Amir Edwards and Summer Krinsky, A Letter to You, and Lights Out! were all bands featured at the concert. “A large number of the club really

December 2010

enjoys music and we thought it would be a great idea to mix our support for animals with our love of music,” says Andover Helping Animals President Brianna Shamsuddoha. “Last year we had a benefit concert and we raised $1000 and this year we really wanted to donate to the Michigan Humane Society because of the great work they do.” Band member Summer Krinsky was happy to play in the concert because she believes it is a good cause. Krinsky also played in the 2009 show and is looking forward to next year’s fundraiser.

Below: A Letter to You plays at the Andover Helping Animals Benefit concert on Friday, December 3. The band plays Rock, Alternative, and Pop music and features Drew Erwin (Vocals/Guitar), Trevor Bell (Bass), Evan Rudman (Drums), Dillon Gorden (Guitar), and Jay Saper (Piano).

Above: Juniors Meghan Ludwick and Jasmin Kick cheer on the bands during the Rock’N’Rescue benefit concert for the Michigan Humane Society. Students from as far as Bowling Green State University were in attendance.

Above: Lead singer, Drew Irwin, of A Letter to You sings a song off the band’s new album AIMLESS, which has recently been released on iTunes.

Rock’N’Rescue Concert Right: Trevor Bell from East Lansing, Michigan plays on his rockin’ blue bass. Bell is a part of A Letter to You.

Left: Ryan Bissell, Guitarist for Lights Out! head bangs while playing. The head bang has been a classic move by rockers for decades.

Photos by: Sophia Garfinkel

December 2010

shield|life

Part one of Harry Potter 7 delivers magic The end of an era gets off to a good start Ryan Rosenberg Guest Writer

Walking into United Artists Commerce Movie Theater in Walled Lake, an entire year of well built-up anticipation finally ended. In case you have been hiding under a rock for the last nine years, J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter (HP) books, all of which have been turned into eight movies, have grossed over six billion dollars worldwide so far. Not only have the movies created huge careers for three child stars, but also they have gotten children all around the world addicted to the magical story line that is Harry Potter.

For 147 minutes, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is back with his best friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), who helps him fight off evil yet again. The previous movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, ended with a cliffhanger. Even with the movie numbers increasing, the suspense for the next one climbs as well, which keeps HP fans always coming back. The last HP movie also introduced darker, less kid-friendly magic. During the movie, Potter, Weasley, and Granger go on a very dangerous expedition to defeat Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). With the movies getting more mature, I wasn’t sure how the producers were going to handle the sophisticated story line for the young

audience. Although some parts of the movie were light and youthful, the movie seemed a little too scary for a kid in elementary school. The movie presents funny lines to break the tension, and surprising twists and turns that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. My favorite part of the movie was the return of Dobby the house elf from the earlier movies. Dobby quickly becomes a crowd favorite by helping out Potter and his friends defeat Voldemort, and looking cute and cuddly along the way. Overall, part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a success. With so many devoted fans and the series coming to a close, it is hard to disappoint with such a great story line. I highly recommend this movie.

Film Facts

Aronofsky’s Black Swan

“

”

MacIntyre (Winona Ryder). As Nina

perfectly personifies the grace of the White Swan, new company member Lily (Mila Kunis) embodies the role of the sensual seductive Black Swan. Through out the 108 minutes the two girls form a complicated relationship, and combined with Nina’s overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey), leads Sayers to the edge. Portman’s portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination and I predict Oscar buzz. Her dramatic transformation from a naïve young ballerina to a paranoid star performer left me in shock right until the movie’s end. Kunis’ perfect foil to Nina’s vulnerability earned her a Golden Globe nod for supporting actress.

True Believer is nothing more than a bore

-147 minutes long

Turning the last page of True Believer by Nicholas Sparks, I think to myself how poorly the book was written and how overjoyed I am to finally be done with it. The story was repetitive and boring and as I read, I found myself constantly finding excuses not to continue, such as procrastinating and “losing” my Kindle. The author, Nicholas Sparks, has published 16 books, including The Notebook, The Last Song, and At First Sight, the sequel to True Believer. The 480 page paperback is available for $8 at the Borders’ website. In True Believer, published by Warner Books in 2005, Jeremy Marsh, a scientific investigator and journalist, is assigned to discover the Nicholas Sparks’ mystery behind True Believer, ghosts in Boone released in 2005. Creek, North Carolina. Upon his arrival he meets and falls in love with a charming southern woman, Lexie Darnell. Throughout the book he fights for her love, and in the end must choose between her and his ascending career in his hometown, New York City. When I first began to read, I thought that only the beginning of the story would be slow; but as I continued, I realized the plot as a whole is dreadfully drawn out, apart from several minor climaxes, which still did not make the story appealing. Written in third person, the emotions of the characters are neither captured nor realistic. However, the author does a respectable job adding depth and personality to the characters such as, the way characters react to situations in the novel. The book does not effectively appeal to teenagers because both main characters are older than 30 and do not relate well to the average high school student. Overall, the book did not meet my standards and although it was not an entirely worthless read, many current books for young adults are much more appealing. Hopefully the movie based on True Believer, which will premiere in 2011, will not be as awful as the book.

-Part 2 of Harry Potter 7 to be released July 15, 2010

As a ballet dancer myself, I was particularly critical on the movie’s accuracy. Generalizations like the dancers’ cattiness, the rampant selfdestruction, the mutilation of the pointe shoes were present but overall, I was impressed with Aronofsky’s accuracy of the dedication, stress, and commitment to perfection ballet dancers possess. In limited release at the beginning of December and nationwide release December 22, this dramatic thriller showing at Royal Oak’s Main Theater results in some horror movie-like sequences, sexual content and language thus providing the R rating. Regardless, Black Swan comes close to perfection – just like Nina aspires.

New addition to Xbox 360 entertains

Kinect adds something special for gamers Gabe Menchaca Co Editor-In-Chief

In the five years since the launch of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 gaming console, the company has invested untold amounts of money to make gaming accessible to the casual user. With Kinect for Xbox 360, they may just have succeeded. Retailing at a hefty $150 for the standalone package (Xbox 360 not included), the sleek black box will fit in with most modern entertainment centers—particularly important because it needs to be placed prominently for it to work as intended. Vaguely reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s HAL9000, the Kinect’s two cameras map the room and allow

gamers to be the controllers themselves. An array of four microphones and an infrared camera serve to complete the three dimensional mapping of users in real time. The entire apparatus connects to the Xbox 360 console via existing USB ports, and should be placed, ideally, under the television being used. In Kinect Adventures, a collection of mini-games bundled with the equipment, players can use their entire bodies to plug leaks, pilot a raft, play handball, race each other, and pop space bubbles in pursuit of ‘adventure pins.’ In addition, there are also 20 fullfledged games that have been released to date which make use of the Kinect. These range from exercise to sport simulators to dancing games, all controlled by the player’s body. Lacking from these titles, however, is the sort of big-budget flagship title with which

regular gamers typically associate Controls are smooth and intuitive— the lack of a controller helps to flatten the learning curve for the occasional gamer. Where the Kinect really excels, however, is in menu navigation and user interface: using your body to control menus and functions in the Xbox feels as natural as gesturing to another person. At the moment, though, the purchase of the Kinect is a bet on its potential and not the reality. The reality is that customers are being asked to pay $150 for a setup with only enough content for the occasional diversion. The potential for innovation in this system, however, is certainly present. Ultimately, the concept is there and the hardware is functional. If cost is not an object, it may be an interesting gadget to have, but consumers may be better off waiting and watching how the situation plays out.

Sparks’ novel sinks

-Harry Potter 7 was released on November 19

Golden Globe Nominee dances into theaters I was performs spectacularly impressed with Gabi Stone Assistant Managing Editor Aronofsky’s Black Swan takes the traditional accuracy stereotype of fragile innocent girls in of the pink tutus and throws it off the stage. dedication, Director Darren Aronofsky’s (2008 The Wrestler) new thriller nominated stress, and commitment for Golden Globe Best Picture, centers on Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a to perfection ballet dancer chosen as the role of ballet the “Swan Queen” in director Thomas Leroy’s (Vincent Cassel) adaptation of dancers Swan Lake, replacing aging star Beth possess.

Quick Read -First launched on November 4 -Originally known by the code name “Project Natal” -About 2.5 million Kinect sensors have been sold

Jaclyn Nagel

Sports Section Editor

Five Guys gets five stars With outstanding American fast food, restaurant is a hit

Tim Zobl

Guest Writer

Whether it’s the mouth-watering hamburgers or the salty fries, the Five Guys staples will never disappoint. Driving to the Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Maple and Orchard Lake Road, I thought that it was just going to be a typical burger experience. Yet my experience of going into Five Guys is one that I will never forget. Driving into the parking lot, I saw the people lined up waiting to order. I got the immediate sense that I was going to be waiting for my dinner for an unbearably long time. But waiting for me at the door, there were boxes of peanuts to eat as I stood in line. This little snack took my mind off of my hunger and was just what I Five Guys has needed as I waited for my food. more than The menu on 670 locations which includes, the wall showed this was not a restaurants in normal fast food West Bloomrestaurant. With field, Southseventeen different field, Rochestoppings to put on ter, Troy, and their burgers, Five Livonia Guys truly lets you have it your way. Personally, I am not one to overload my burger with toppings, so I got a plain cheeseburger and french fries. Within minutes my food was ready. After my first bite of the cheeseburger, I was amazed with how delicious it was. The burger was very juicy and it mixed perfectly with the cheese. It was by far the best cheeseburger that I have ever had at a fast food restaurant, and the french fries were out of this world. And a regular sized order of them could feed a family of four. For the quality of the food, I was very willing to pay $4.79 for my cheeseburger and $2.69 for my french fries. Although the new location of Five Guys might be inconvenient because of the traffic on Orchard Lake, I will definitely be going there again.

shield|life

December 2010

Radio killed the 21st century star

“

Dialing in to most commercial radio stations, today’s listeners are bombarded by music written for mass consumption and divided up into clean, tidy little. blocks.

”

Menchaca questions the relevancy of radio

Gabe Menchaca Co-Editor-in-Chief

“K-L-O-N Los Angeles KLONE Radio, We play the songs that sound more like everyone else than anyone else.” While these words come not from a radio station but the opening to Queens of the Stone Age’s 2002 album, Songs for the Deaf, they wouldn’t seem out of place in most radio broadcasts in 2010. Dialing in to most commercial radio stations, today’s listeners are bombarded by music written for mass consumption and divided up into clean, tidy little blocks. Punctuating the monotony is the periodic aesthetic assault of advertisements streaming

from your speakers. This scene is seemingly repeated every time boredom wins out and I turn on the radio, and it begs one important question: Is radio relevant anymore? It used to be that radio stations were the primary way for bands to get the word out about new songs or albums. However, with the advent of Youtube and entire websites dedicated to music journalism, this doesn’t seem like a viable business model any more. A kid with a webcam can be in America’s living rooms within minutes and on his way to a studio in a matter of weeks. The 21st century provides immense possibilities for creative genesis at the cost of 20th century profits for record companies. The institutional anachronism of radio serves to stifle that creativity by providing an outlet for mass-market music grown under the microscope of marketing executives.

Furthermore, the FCC’s rules about profanity and content serve to smother the original intent of the artist when broadcast over the radio, making it a modern medium uniquely unsuited to the free flow of art (which is what music really is) from person to person. But it is ultimately the iPod which will drive the final stake through the heart of radio. In a way impossible 20 years ago, fans can now carry their entire music library in their pocket, ready for instant access. No longer are listeners held captive to DJs in the hope that their favorite song will come on. And, with the recent installation of MP3 adapters standard in many new cars, radio is fast losing ground in the one territory where it once ran supreme: America’s highways and streets. As we move into the second decade of the 21st century, commercial radio may find itself singing a different tune: no longer plastic pop, but their own dirge.

Shopping for clothes not a number game Society obsessed with the size on the tag

Rachel Rohr

Managing Editor/Copy Editor Zero. It used to have such negative connotations. Nothing. Worthless. A person or thing of no significance. But now young women have the unfortunate goal of being able to define themselves with this previously hated word. Wearing size 0 pants now seems to be the ultimate bragging right. While shopping with my friend at dELiA*s at the beginning of the school year, I witnessed the horrific pressure young women feel to meet the ridiculous expectation of seeing a “0” on their tags. As I waited for an available fitting room, I sat next to a mother who was the spectator of a fashion show by her two middle school girls as they tried the wide variety of dELiA*s jeans. The older one smiled as she strut the tall, skinny, size 0 jeans which she obviously had slid into effortlessly. She then requested to try super skinny size 00 jeans (who knew such a size

existed) and sent a saleswoman off to find them. The other daughter then stepped hesitantly out of her dressing room. I thought she looked fantastic, but her mother made a face. Though the jeans fit her absolutely perfectly, it was the sticker on them with a row of 7’s that made the mother cringe. She exclaimed, “That simply can’t be right!” and ordered a different saleswoman to go find a 3. Though the beautiful size 7 daughter was able to squeeze into the smaller pants, her face became worse than her mother’s. It was apparent that she simply wasn’t comfortable. Her expression made me so sad, I wanted to get up and hug her. The mom should have complimented her daughter’s curves instead of pretending they don’t exist. My sadness turned to disgust as the mother snapped at a saleswoman again, demanding her daughter now try a size 0 skinny jean. The daughter emerged from the dressing room once more, this time barely even fitting into the jeans into which she was being forced. Strangely enough, the mother declared them to be perfect and bought two pairs for her now horribly unhappy younger daughter. Regretfully, this incident is just the tip of the skinny iceberg. I recently stumbled across the clothing website “Size-0.com.” The company states

The Roar

without shame: “Size 0 has quickly become one of the hottest statements a woman can make. Size 0 says that a woman has treated her body like a temple, working out and dieting smartly to achieve a beautiful figure that complements the strong woman beneath the surface.” No, this is not an exclusive website for size 0 women. Jeans are available through size 13. Instead, it’s a genius marketing strategy that allows their customers, no matter what size, to boast that they are wearing “Size-0 jeans!” It is truly genius because the obsession society has with the number 0 and even the size XS has become unbelievably out of control. Parents and friends alike cause young women to be embarrassed with the size of the clothes they wear. I know too many girls who are forced to diet by their moms. Too many girls are ashamed by the number or letter on their clothes. I like larges. They’re comfortable. Yet too often I’ve even found myself hesitant to share that I do in fact own clothes with that frightful “L.” I don’t need to be ashamed. And neither should anybody else. Be proud of the shape you are; whether that shape requires size 7 or size 14 jeans is unimportant. To that size 7 daughter, I hope you can tell your mom that it’s ok to be who you are. Squeezing into a size 0 just doesn’t add up.

“

Parents and friends alike cause young women to be embarrassed with the size of the clothes they wear. I know too many girls who are forced to diet by their moms. Too many girls are ashamed by the number or letter on their clothes.

”

December 2010

shield|life

An ode to my circle scarf: the circle of love The high-fashion accessory has multiple stylish uses

Marly Zack Guest Writer

I never leave home without it, can’t imagine my day without it, and can’t remember my life without it. Clearly, I am talking about my circle scarf. My American Apparel circle scarves are my favorite items of clothing. And yes, I mean ‘clothing.’ Not just an accessory, the circle scarf can be worn over 100 ways. My mission? To wear it every way. Although that

may take a while, I’ve heard it’s good to have concrete goals. On my summer road trip to New York City, I unthinkingly forgot clothing to bring in the car with me. This could have been a smelly and wrinkly fashion disaster, but fortunately I was wearing my circle scarf. Once a simple scarf, the teal fabric transformed effortlessly and stylishly into an adorable dress. Another triumph for the circle scarf came in the form of rescuing my sister. While Elayna’s skinny jeans were very cute, they would not roll up far enough to avoid the water necessary for her pedicure appointment. Of course I was wearing my circle scarf, and it once again took on a new role (this time an ideal skirt) to save the day. With the ever-changing temperature of Andover, my classrooms could

be anywhere from sweltering to resembling the arctic tundra. For the classrooms that make my teeth chatter, the roomy fabric is wrapped around my arms and torso to create a blanketlike piece. When the heater is on full blast, I can take off my jacket and make a breezy cardigan that still covers my shoulders. The perfect addition to any moment in life, my circle scarf is absolutely the one thing I get complimented on the most (besides my stellar wit, beauty and ever-present humility). My personal recommendation for the ultimate circle scarf lies with American Apparel, available anywhere from $28.00 to $37.00. Available in a myriad of colors, a circle scarf matches anything and everything, as long as it is worn with confidence and flair.

“ Of

course I was wearing my circle scarf, and it once again took on a new role to save the day. ”

BCS busts Michigan State’s bowl dream “ The

men of the Michigan State football team fully deserve a BCS bowl game, but this year they will not receive it.

”

MSU football team gets cheated out of BCS bowl game

Sam Gordon & Steven Goldenthal Staff Writers

Michigan State University got ripped off. The Spartans finished the season 11-1 and were Co-Big Ten Champions, yet they are not going to a big money BCS bowl. A team that goes to a BCS bowl receives millions of dollars in compensation, as opposed to the little payment given to teams in less important bowl games. Instead, fifth-

ranked Wisconsin, who Michigan State defeated earlier in the season, will play Texas Christian University in the vaunted Rose Bowl Game. And the other Co-Big Ten Champion, sixthranked Ohio State University will play the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, another big money game. But Michigan State, with a strong 34-24 win over Rose Bowl-bound Wisconsin and the only team to hold a tiebreaker over another Co-Champion, will not receive a BCS bowl bid. So, even though Michigan State defeated a BCS Bowl team, they will be delegated to the Capital One Bowl, where the Spartans will face the sixteenth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide are the reigning NCAA Champions and are a very tough opponent. The Capital One Bowl is the best non-BCS bowl in existence, but it still does not make up

The Andover Shield staff wishes our readers a happy and safe holiday.

We’ll see you in 2011!

for the big money game that Michigan State lost. And the reason for this atrocity? There is an outdated practice where no more than two teams from a single conference may go to a BCS bowl. Even if Michigan State was ranked third behind two other Big Ten teams, they would still not be allowed at a BCS game. Is that not insane? This is the same tradition that allows an unranked University of Connecticut team to enter a BCS game. The only reason they were invited was because they won a very weak Big East conference with an 8-4 record. This practice of putting division winners in a Big Bowl Game is known as automatic qualifying. This practice is obsolete and antiquated. The men of the Michigan State football team fully deserve a BCS bowl game, but this year they will not receive it.

The Crime of Crowded Halls Students stopping in the hallway causes commotion

Nicole Kiester

Sports Section Editor

The entire student body is the victim. The crime? Stopping directly in each others’ paths. Walking through the congested hallway, and squeezing past clusters of people who are standing directly in the way of others passing by, the hallway quickly transforms into a mosh-pit; pushing and shoving from all directions with nowhere to turn, hugging the surrounding walls ends in disaster as you’re smashed into the hard surface; walking through the middle causes you to bounce off of shoulder after shoulder as you try to make your way to seminar. If you’re craving something from the vending machine, forget it. It’s practically impossible to part the sea of students. When you finally find the opening and make the escape, the two-minute bell rings. What causes this sudden failure of muscle function? What contagious disease flows through the air that causes students to simultaneously make conversation while taking up as much room as possible, and then sneer at the inconvenienced students attempting to press through? No logical human being can process such a dense action. The motive is undetermined. Yet the crime is committed on a daily basis. The evidence shows students ranging from ages 13 to 18 partake in the illegal act of “delaying or stopping without cause.” These acts could be summed up in one word: unnecessary. Who benefits from crowding walkways? Stopping in the hallways does not serve a purpose. Given any day, an officer navigating through the halls could issue several dozen citations to students caught in the act or attempting to delay. Measures are taken each day to avoid the annoying offense. If a law were to be made banning the misdemeanor, the tension in the halls would subside. And students wouldn’t have to take the long way around, steering clear of the mass of people creating a traffic jam. The laws punishing drivers for impeding traffic should be applied to the criminals whose feet are planted in the halls disrupting the flow of traffic. It all boils down to common courtesy to abolish said crime.

shield|life

December 2010

It’s about time for new seats Auditorium chairs cause disgust and aggravation

Cartoon by: Summer Krinsky

Rachel LeFevre

“Isn’t technology wonderful?”

Sims Expansion Pack adds excitement Quick Read -Late Night Expansion Pack allows Sims to play multiple instruments -New careers and aspirations are now available

Late Night edition creates new experience Anna Zambelli Life Section Editor

Sims offers something for everyone. The game was taken to a new level when EA Games released the Late Night Expansion Pack. The $40 game flooded gaming stores on November 26. I went to Target that day to purchase the game and then immediately went home to try out the new software. I was able to use my previous game and move it into the neighborhood with which Late Night comes. The entire game immediately changed. I now can explore multiple lounges, dance clubs and dive bars. My Sims can now play multiple instruments and attain the bar tending skill. There are many new furniture and clothing objects as

well as new careers and aspirations. There are a countless number of new prospects. In contrast with the Ambitions Expansion Pack, this game creates a whole new realm for players to explore. I never lose interest because there are so many new features available. There are a few glitches in completing certain opportunities. I assume these will be fixed with a downloaded patch once the game has been out for a while. At $40 it may seem pricey for an expansion pack, but Late Night is really like a completely new game. And the new aspects of the game are worth every penny. EA Games continues to feed my addiction.

New website sparks charitable change Jumo brings a new aspect to social action Jarred Bratley Staff Writer

Quick Read -Jumo was created to bring awareness to charitable organizations - Jumo only permits organizations certified as tax exempt to use the site for donations

Guest Writer

December 2010 Our Turn:

shield|life

Give us a break

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Gabe Menchaca Co-Editor-in-Chief

Rachel Rohr

Managing/Copy Editor

Brian Margosian Design/Web Editor

Ashley DuBois

Too much of vacation is spent studying for that one important test and reading that “great” piece of literature. A break should be treated as it is defined: time off from the day-to-day grind of school, not continue it. Fourteen days off will not make or break an AP score. Our developing minds need a chance to unwind and live (even a little bit). The purpose of this is not to denounce the importance of school. On the contrary, allowing a break would replenish the desire to be successful (since the world would end if one didn’t get the “A”). If having sympathy for the student isn’t enough (although we really deserve it), one must live break through the eyes of a parent. Many parents spend thousands of dollars treating their kids to experience the wonders of the world seen live, not through a history book. A trip to the Himalayas should not be spent locked in a hotel room because AP Government takes precedence. It’s morally and fiscally wrong. And isn’t first-hand experience best? Vacation should be used to climb real mountains, not mountains of books. Despite years and years of moaning and groaning by students, change has yet to come. Yes, we know homework is not the priority for the school board considering the district’s financial future is at stake. But if not now, when? We encourage the administration to take action. Trust us, the note taking can wait.

News Section Editor

Andrew Pan

News Section Editor

Marley Kalt

Life Section Editor

Derek Wolfe

Life Section Editor

Anna Zambelli

Life Section Editor

Nicole Kiester

Sports Section Editor

Jaclyn Nagel

Sports Section Editor Cartoon by: Summer Krinsky

Whoever thinks going to bed at 3am is a good thing is koo-koo...for schoolwork. In Gabe Menchaca’s column, “Examining Workloads in High School,” while being extremely well written and interesting, I did not agree with it at all. He mentions, “There is no feeling more satisfying than climbing into bed at three in the morning.” It would be impossible for me as a student to go to sleep so late, wake up at six, and be expected to be a totally functional human being for the rest of the day. Deadlines are one of the worst things for the typical day-to-day procrastinator. Our brains are constantly telling us that, yes, it is OK to finish up the last of our television show and to wait another day to start that huge essay assigned two weeks ago due tomorrow. The constant taunting of that deadline (two days, one more day, tomorrow) distracts us all day long and keeps us up late at night. The whole point is off and does not fit most of the Andover population. We pick AP classes to get into college; not to stay up until two in the morning.

Maddie Baczkowski

Junior

The Editorial in the November issue of The Shield regarding progress reports being printed out was well thought-out and supported. I was interested to read it because I try to “be green” and the editorial brought the wasted paper to my attention, and before I read it, I had not considered the waste. Though I do recycle my progress reports, I am sure there are many students who do not and waste natural resources. Also, my progress report does not even make it to my parents sometimes. If the faculty wants to communicate grades, emailing the parents is the best way to inform how their child is doing.

Giving Thanks

I have always enjoyed Thanksgiving, but CoEditor-in-Chief James Feureisen made me realize why. Whether staying at home or going away, the holiday is a time to relax and spend time with family. James points out that it is a good time to slow down and remind ourselves of what is important. Thanksgiving is a time to make memories and for everyone to enjoy.

Dana Goldberg Sophomore

Cost of Tuition Absurd

When reading “Baron Becomes Blue Raider” by Nicole Kiester, I learned that Andover High School has a legitimate Division I college volleyball player. Andover has a very well-respected coach in Bob Hurdle, and if he says that Paula is good enough to play a Division I sport in college, then she definitely is.

In response to Ashley DuBois’s article “Paying Tuition for Public High School,” I think it is absurd for parents to have to pay over $11,000 for a public high school education. Furthermore, many of those who must pay this outrageous fee are residing in West Bloomfield or Bloomfield, but live on the ‘wrong side of the road.’ In addition, for the price the district is charging parents, many could choose to send their child(ren) to a private school instead. In these hard economic times where families are leaving the district, why give them extra incentive to leave?

Junior

Senior

Sydney Rosen Sophomore

Our Own Blue Raider

Darren Weiss

Bianca Lazar Opinion Editor

Letters to the Editor

Waste of Paper

2010-2011 Editorial Board

James Feuereisen

We condemn the what-should-becriminal act of teachers assigning copious amounts of time-consuming homework over our cherished Holiday Break.

Koo-koo for Schoolwork

Mary Pickard

Meagan Danielak

Assistant Managing Editor

Ashley Pikula Assistant Managing Editor

Gabi Stone

Assistant Managing Editor

Sophia Garfinkel

Photographer-in-Chief

Mara Stein Web Editor

Rachel Gerendasy Distribution Manager

Zach Wolfe

Advertising Manager

Christina Hammitt Faculty Advisor

shield|ads

Orchard Lake Road

Pontiac Trail

Lone Pine (17 Mile) Business Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am - 10:00pm Sunday 4:30 - 9:00pm

December 2010

shield|Ads

Bloomfield Nails and Spa

’I’m ’ 19’’.

COUPON

Manicure Pedicure

I’m a published researcher.

Just one reason why we’re the highest ranked Michigan institution in our U.S.News & World Report category.

Monday thru Wednesday only. With this coupon. Exp. 7/31/10

COUPON

Opi Axium Gel Nail Application Color that lasts up to 2 weeks. Doesn't chip or peel. Applied to your real nails.

Reg $20

Visit us.

Take our virtual tour any time at www.udmercy.edu/virtualvisit.

$3 OFF

Monday thru Thursday only. With this coupon. Exp. 7/31/10

Shoulder and Back Massages and Waxing Available 248-593-9968

We want great things for you. udmercy.edu/great

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

4036 Telegraph Rd. at Corner of Long Lake Rd. (Next to Starbuck’s at SW Corner)

248-593-9968

School Closing Information available at: Radio: WBFH 88.1 FM, WWJ 950 AM, or WJR 760 AM; TV: Channels 2, 4, or 7 Internet: www.clickondetroit.com and www.bloomfield.org

0335-1027

Mon. - Sat. 9:30am - 7:30pm • Sunday 12pm - 5pm Walk-Ins Welcome www.bloomfieldnails.com

shield|life

December 2010

holiday favorites movie

accessory

beverage

Hot Cider

food

activity

song

choose your favorites! test your knowledge 1

How many tree farms are there in the US? a. 10,000 b. 21,000 c. 54,000 d. 62,000

Which state gets the most snow? a. Colorado b. Alaska c. Utah d. Maine

quiz

When did the Christmas tree tradition start? a. 1400’s b. 1500’s c. 1700’s d. 1800’s

Design by: Ashley DuBois

When did Hanukkah start? a. 300BC b. 271BC c. 197BC d. 165BC

did 5 When Kwanzaa start? a. 1805 b. 1917 c. 1954 d. 1966

Photos by Petr Kratochvil & Ashley DuBois// New Line Cinema; Universal Studios; David Foster; Bobby Helms; publicdomainpictures.net

tall was the tallest 6 How Chistmas tree ever?

is the last place to 8 Where celebrate the New Year?

a. 270 ft b. 109 ft c. 321 ft d. 92 ft

How much does the New Year’s ball weigh? a. 450 lbs b. 625 lbs c. 875 lbs d. 1,215 lbs

a. Sydney, Australia b. Bejing, China c. Apia, Samoa d. Tokyo, Japan

Answers: 1. b / 2. b / 3. a / 4. d / 5. d / 6. a / 7.c / 8. c

On Friday, December 3, newspaper staff handed out a survey to 100 Andover students. Students chose their holiday favorites and the results above show their top two choices in each category.