Brebeuf Jesuit Arrow - Volume 52, Issue 5

Brebeuf jesuit preparatory school

Arrow graphic by John Loberger ’15

Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

2801 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis

Volume 52, Issue 5

Teacher spotlight

life, death, and math: The Mr. Franklin story

By Alianne Staruszkiewicz ‘15 Staff Writer

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ho would have thought that after encountering a near death experience in Algebra II class, someone would eventually choose to become a math teacher? Well, one of Brebeuf ’s newest Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-calculus teachers, Mr. Nick Franklin, did just that.

In a recent interview, Mr. Franklin explained exactly what happened when his life was almost taken away. It was his sophomore year at Warren Central and in the middle of taking an algebra test his shoulder started to hurt badly, he started sweating, and he had difficulty breathing. After going to the nurse and being accused of faking it, Franklin was picked up by his mom and taken to the emergency room.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctors told Franklin’s parents that their son’s right lung had almost entirely collapsed.

Mr. Franklin lived through the traumatic experience, but it marked the end of his high school swimming career. Even after he received the ok from his doctors, he explained, “I never could will myself to get back into the water because I was always afraid something would happen.”

Mr. Franklin ended up choosing a career as a math teacher, but that wasn’t always his plan. He originally thought he would become an orthopedic surgeon, but then realized, “You’re in school for a ridiculously long time.” Franklin went on to say, “Then I was going to be a pharmacist, until I realized it’s entirely chemistry.”

It wasn’t until his freshman year in high school that he knew he wanted to be a

math teacher. After graduating from IUPUI and earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics, Mr. Franklin taught at Brownsburg High School for 10 years.

When asked why he wanted to become a math teacher he replied, “I met too many math teachers who did not have a passion for mathematics, and students deserve a teacher who loves their subject.”

Outside of being a busy math teacher, he enjoys music, movies, and television. His favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption, and when asked about the types of music he listens too, he replied, “The kind of music I like is not very popular, but my favorite bands are Deftones, Helmet, and Tool.” He said the most interesting place he’s ever visited was Kassel, Germany. Dur-

Photo credit: Alianne Staruszkiewiez ‘15

ing Franklin’s second year of teaching at Brownsburg, he and the German teacher took the German club to Kassel for three weeks.

Mr. Franklin ended his interview by sharing a couple of quick pieces of advice to his students: “Always do what the teachers ask, and trust your teachers.”

Photo provided by Mr. Franklin

Poetry Out Loud

By Sarah Spence ‘14 Design Editor

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ifteen juniors and seniors showed up to compete by reciting memorized poetry on January 15th. Judges Mr. Hicks, Mrs. Huntington, Mrs. Hathaway, and Mr. Wagner scored each reader, and the top three highest scorers moved on to a second round of competition. Juniors Mac Ely, Nyree Modisette, and Caroline Lehman were the top scorers for the first round. Ely won the second round the next day and now advances to the State competition on February 22nd. Good luck Mac!

Photo credit: Eddie Free ‘14

Braves basketball update

Decatur Central ekes out victory over Braves

By Eddie Free ‘14 Staff Writer

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n a recent game against Decatur Central, senior Andrew Schmid plays defense against Lukayus McNeil. The game was a heated back-andforth scoring battle with numerous lead changes. It was a close game all the way until the final second when senior PJ Thompson narrowly missed a half-court shot that would have been for the win. The final score was 5049. The game was heartbreaking but very exciting nonetheless.

Photo credit all: Sarah Spence ‘14

Editorial 2

Wednesday, January 29th

The Arrow Staff

Why I hate sports

a non-athlete’s perspective

Editor-In-Chief Isak McCune ‘14

By Isak McCune ‘14 Editor-In-Chief

Design Editor

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Sarah Spence ‘14

Section Editors Opinion -- Sierra Witham ‘14 A&E -- Will Siderys ‘14 Features -- Kristen Henderson ‘14 News -- Maddie Morelock ‘14

Staff Writers Eddie Free ‘14 Gabby Phail ‘14 Alianne Staruszkiewicz ‘15 Ann Hourigan ‘15 William Beckman ‘16 Katherine Spence ‘16 Thomas Zelamanovitz ‘15

Advisor

Michael Armbruster

President

Father Jack Dennis

Mission As a student-written and student-edited high school newspaper, The Arrow strives to inform its readers thoroughly of the events and issues relevant to the students, staff, and community. Opinions in The Arrow are not necessarily shared by the BJPS staff, faculty, administration, or community.

Letters to the Editor

The Arrow encourages readers to share comments, suggestions, or complaints by submitting letters to the editor. Editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarification or for space limitations. Libelous or profane letters will not be published.

Email us at arrow@brebeuf.org

t Brebeuf, I’ve gotten in many conversations with my peers about the concept and intention of sports. For the most part, these conversations have taken turns into heated debates, mostly because of my particularly controversial opinions on the matter. See, I am inclined to view sports, particularly professional sports, as a pointless hindrance to society.

My primary grievance with professional and televised athletics relates to its worthless entertainment value. Millions of Americans pay (either for their television service or digital receiver) to sit on their couch every Sunday and waste 3 hours (at the least) watching twentytwo men tackle each other, for fun. These viewers gain no knowledge, nor do they produce anything during this time.

Many might argue that such set-aside time for entertainment is integral to relieving a person’s stresses. From personal experience, I disagree. I was once interested in sports; I used to watch ESPN and keep updated on my favorite teams, not to mention play sports video-games and learn all the players names and so on and so forth, and well, all this effort garnered little fruit (at least with respect to my favorite teams). The Colts won the Superbowl once, the Pacers were at their low point, and the Cubs were being the Cubs. I almost felt like my screaming at games and at the TV could change the outcome of the game. And by the way, all of the attention I gave to sports with such little return value turned out to be more of a stressor than anything else.

Isak McCune in 2007 Photo provided by the McCune family.

And sure, watching sports could be fun, and it could make one happy, but what’s the value in those things? Happiness is a mood; it is transient and achievable without external effort. One can choose to be happy at any moment; one doesn’t have to consume entertainment to feel pleasure. I understand that I may be alone in this perspective, but, were happiness a value, why wouldn’t we choose to be ignorant to life? Ignorance is bliss, after all. And to those readers of mine that argue, “yes, I am ignorant,” may I point out that you literate and affiliated with an educative community.

Now, on the subject on non-professional sports, that is, games people play for exercise and good health, I have many

fewer problems. I definitely agree that physical fitness is good for a healthy life; however, like all good things, I think too much investment in sports can become harmful.

Overindulgence in the competition of sports creates unnecessary, even stupid arguments between otherwise content parties. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard a Brebeufian say bad things about Chatard just because of our sports rivalry. I do not like the animosity inevitably created in even friendly sports.

Lastly, I should mention my disgust with the brute physicality behind sports. Athletics of all types imply to their participants that might really is right. They taunt that without strength, one has no power, no potential, no value to those physically superior. The short and skinny are cast aside as wimpy and geeky. While I am aware that my own lack of physical strength may pose a kind of bias on this subject, I believe this is unjust. No one should be picked on for lacking talent in a fundamentally dimwitted genre of entertainment.

What’s more, I believe such ideas are inherently regressive to the human spirit: such a value system is anti-evolutionary in that it takes us back to a state-of-nature mindset with regards to what really is important. Brawn before brain, in a sense. Preferably, competition would be used to produce a more efficient and more productive society, as is the case in our virtually free-market economy.

I’d like to offer as a kind of footnote: I am aware that in this edition of The Arrow, there is no Sports page. This is not the result of my own opinions nor the opinions of any member of the Brebeuf Community, rather, The Arrow has lost its primary sports writers, and therefore cannot offer as thorough coverage of the subject.

Sports: enough already

a two-time AAU All-American’s perspective

By Sierra Witham ‘14 Opinion Editor

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hen I was ten, athletics were advertised to me as a chance to develop characteristics that I hoped people would someday list to describe me, but over time, my sport became how people described me. I grew into an “excellent volleyball player,” not a “tenacious” or “disciplined” individual.

That reputation doesn’t shock me. What was originally proposed as an escape from life demanded too much and, eventually, morphed into my life. Being identified as an “excellent volleyball player” was the natural consequence of pouring hours and hours into a sport.

I originally lived at the gym because I aspired to be a stud. I wanted to play for a powerhouse D1 school, and I wanted people across the nation to know my name. One could say I was hungry for assurance that I mattered, and sports seemed like a relatively

easy avenue to stardom.

The path wasn’t as obstacle-free as I had predicted. The enjoyment I first felt for volleyball faded into a feeling of obligation.

Obligation isn’t a word I associate with a momentary lack of inspiration to train when I grimace at the sound of my alarm blaring in the wee hours of the morning.

Obligation is the dread that haunts me for hours, the constant thoughts of what I’d rather be doing after school. (Let me address a common misconception: “burning out” of a sport is not taking your capability for granted. “Burning out” is fearing that you’re cheating yourself out of a more fulfilling life.)

When I voice my desire to pursue other interests - an action that requires avoiding the time commitment a D1 coach expects - to spend my time in a way of which I’m proud, I usually hear the “too good” rebuttal. Family members, former coaches, and classmates with whom I rarely converse argue that I’m too good at volleyball to quit.

Their words hit me like an insult disguised as a compliment.

My problem with their rebuttal is its implication that I should determine how to spend my time by assessing how talented I am, not by how much I value the activity that consumes my time. And I’ve slowly realized that the extent to which Americans value sports is inappropriately immense.

Consider the Red Sox’s dedication of their World Series win to Boston Marathon victims. What kind of solace is that? I don’t think the surviving victims of that tragedy, the ones who suffered the loss of loved ones, feel comforted by Big Papi’s hitting percentage. The Onion piece titled “Red Sox Fan Dedicates Garbage Can He’s Lighting on Fire to Marathon Victims” is both characteristically satiric and unfortunately realistic.

The overemphasis doesn’t revolve exclusively around professional sports. As evident from coverage in September’s Time edition, Johnny “Football” Manziel, Texas

Sierra Witham celebrates a point with Mckena Estes, Olivia Hurst, and Maggie Sontag.

A&M’s redshirt sophomore quarterback and a likely 2014 first-round draft pick, resurfaced the argument that college athletes deserve salaries. Apparently their education pales in comparison to the money they could be “earning.”

About a thousand miles northeast of Texas A&M sits a college portrayed in its admissions site as “a medium-sized school in a big city with small classes.” You might be familiar with the university. Ever heard of Butler? According to Tom Weede, Butler’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, the number of applications to the school increased by 2,762 - roughly 40% - after its basketball team’s first Final Four victory.

Some of that growth can be accredited to admissions efforts and the recognition that accompanies post-season success, but I’m not convinced enthusiastic basketball jersey chasers aren’t included in that statistic. (Excuse the double negative.

The whole sentence is a negative.) I find it hard to believe no one chose where to pass four(+) years for the shot of dating a new Gordon Hayward, which is simultaneously sad and frustrating.

Feel free to scold me for my honesty, but the sport-centric mentality exists at Brebeuf as well. I’ve heard athletes at this school complain about non-athletes who confess to being tired.

Note: there are other hobbies that require energy. (If you consider “hobby” an inadequate word to describe what your sport means to you, I urge you to re-evaluate your priorities.) Sure, a non-athlete probably didn’t sprint fourteen suicides last night, but they may have been working, studying, traveling, etc. What makes exercise more mentally exhausting than an impassioned late-night fight with a parent? Who are you to criticize their state of mind?

I understand sports aren’t these traps into black holes of arrogance for everyone. Athletics provide a source of healthy competition and lasting friendship.

Trust me, I know. I also know America’s obsession with athletics has the power to rob players of the balance they, as humans, need.

A sport shouldn’t dominate anyone’s life; sports only matter because people let them matter. I’m not suggesting that we abandon athletics altogether. I’m suggesting that we start letting sports matter less.

Marijuana legalized in Colorado new law lights up debate

By William Beckman ‘16 Staff Writer

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n New Year’s Eve, people lined up for blocks outside of marijuana dispensaries in Colorado. They waited in the freezing cold to get the newly legal recreational marijuana.

Some oppose legalizing marijuana because it could potentially increase illegal sales, and according to the DEA, many others would begin using the drug.

With more people using the drug, the potential of marijuana abuse increases.

In Colorado schools there has been a sharp rise in the number of marijuana related disciplinary actions, including middle school kids coming to school with bags of weed on their person, according to The Denver Post.

Along with more young people using marijuana comes some potential mental

health problems. One argument against marijuana legalization is that it has many potential effects on health. According to a study done by Northwestern University, daily use of marijuana can negatively affect the developing brain. This can mean lower long term memory and changing the entire structure of the brain.

On the other side of the debate, supporters of legal marijuana claim that states could profit from the revenue that would be generated by legal sale of marijuana. Colorado has projected a profit of 70 million dollars in taxes, money that could go into education or into basic public works projects. It would also help the economy by creating new jobs and business that would be based around the sale of marijuana.

Another reason some people sup-

port legalized marijuana is that there are many non-violent offenders in prison for marijuana related offenses, and these people could be let out of prison if the drug were legalized. In a similar vein, police could focus their efforts on more serious crimes that take place. In the year 2011, over 13,000 marijuana related arrests were made in Indiana alone out of a total 663,032 marijuana related arrests in the country, according to the FBI. The legalization of marijuana has many pros and cons. Opponents of legalization argue that legalization would be bad for society as a whole. Proponents of the drug’s legalization conversely think that the potential problems that marijuana poses are far outweighed by the benefits.

Marijuana facts: • There are almost 2,000 slang terms for cannabis in the United State alone (i.e. weed, marijuana, pot, ganja, etc) • -Worldwide, it is estimated that about 162 million adults use marijuana at least once per year, and 22.5 million use the drug daily.

• Nearly half of drug arrests are for marijuana-related offenses.

• In 2012 there was one marijuana related arrest every 48 seconds.

• There are two different types of marijuana: Sativas and Indicas. Both types have different effects on the users

Resolutions

Photo credit: Casey McDonough

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Blues Week Blues

By Thomas Zelmanovitz ‘15 Staff Writer

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s a Brazilian-born immigrant to the United States, I feel that I will never understand you Americans’ obsession with celebrations. It seems that every time I turn my head, there is another holiday belligerently forcing its way into my life. I feel sickened and affronted by the constant festivity in this country.

I also notice the apparent uselessness of certain holidays. For example, this month you observe the January Blues Week. Frankly, you guys need to tone it down.

Blues Week is just ironic. You are celebrating your sadness. Now, I was Jewish for a time.

I understand that rationale, but this is a bit over the top. An entire week dedicated to ending your sadness is a dubious idea. Isn’t an afternoon of cookies and hot chocolate enough to chase away the winter blues? It’s always done the trick for me, so don’t tell me you need more than that. Perhaps this is just another manifestation of rampant capitalism and American consumerism, but what do I know? I don’t take Econ. But it is easy to see the spiral descent of The American Hyperpower.

Junior Joseph Krok has this to say about Blues Week “I don’t like blue. It should be Green Week.” A startlingly radical perspective from such a quiet student. Krok seems to suggest that we completely re-do the holiday in favor of a more attractive color. What a revolutionary idea, and one I must agree with 100%.

Some students demonstrate utter ignorance of this terrifying festivity. Joshua Solito said: “Wait, Blues Week was this week?” How I envy Joshua. One wishes one could escape the drudgery of American Holidays.

Mississippi Belle-icious

By Eddy Free ‘14 Staff Writer

hen I was 16, I made my first and last New Year’s Resolution. I resolved to quit drinking soft drinks. I was very skeptical about my own will to accomplish this goal, and sure enough, by January 5th I was drinking CocaCola again.

From this personal experience and my observations of other people’s annual attempts to change, I think I can safely say that the concept of an immediate personal change at the spur of a random date (i.e.

January 1st) is complete garbage.

Certainly I support the prospect of personal betterment and progression, but I think that the New Year’s Resolution is just a lie to oneself that incites temporary change that has no physical reminder or punishment for non-progressive action. You are the only person who can keep a promise to yourself.

Furthermore, the kinds of people who could follow through on their pledge probably have the willpower to do it any time of year; choosing the date of the New

Wednesday, January 29th

Ed’s Eats

just don’t do it

By Isak Andrew McCune ‘14 Editor-in-Chief

Editorial 3

Year is completely arbitrary. In addition, it should be mentioned that those with premeditated resolutions are in reality just procrastinating. If one considers a pledge of change, one should start carrying out that promise the moment one decides upon it.

Also, take a moment to notice the completely illogical placement of the New Year in the course of seasonal change. It would make much more sense to put the New Year at the beginning of spring or on a solstice, but whoever decided to place this change in year on the 11th day of winter obviously had not the time for sensible decisions.

If that logic isn’t enough to convince the average reader, you might be interested in the fact that, based on a study completed at the University of Bristol in 2007, 88% of New Year’s Resolutions are failures.

With all of this in mind, the concept of the New Year’s Resolution does not make any sense. If you want to change your ways, just do it. You don’t need the incentive of a yearly beginning. Your fate is not predetermined; you have free will.

So in 11 months, when the New Year comes back around, resolve to make no resolutions.

o far, this winter has been cold and harsh. I keep hearing people complaining about the cold and talking about how miserable they are. Obviously, the best cure for the winter blues is some warm weather and a nice summer drink. With no end to this arctic climate in sight, however, a great alternative cure for the blues is some good comfort food, specifically soul food.

Nothing makes me feel better in the winter than some good Southern fare. There are several soul food restaurants around the Indianapolis area, but Mississippi Belle was the restaurant that was recommended to me the most.

On a recent snowy evening my mother, my two cousins, and I decided we were in the mood for some Southern cooking.

When we first walked in to Mississippi Belle, a smiling and very welcoming woman greeted us. She told us to take a seat anywhere we wanted. We sat down and took our drink orders. I ordered a Mountain Dew, but everyone else ordered the homemade sweet tea (I am not a fan of tea). The drinks were brought out to us pretty quickly, and I decided to have a sip of the tea. It was very sweet, but I admit it was pretty good. The waitress came back to our table and asked us if we had dined at Mississippi Belle before.

We said no, and she began to describe how the restaurant works. Everyone at the table picks a meat option. The meat options are pan-fried chicken, baked chicken, smothered chicken, roasted pork, rubbed ribs, roast beef, and beef Manhattan. All entrees are about $15. Then the table decides on four side dishes, which are served family style.

One of my cousins and I both ordered fried chicken and my mother and my other cousin both ordered the rubbed ribs. We ordered collard greens, mashed potatoes, fried corn, and green beans for our sides. Everything is all you can eat, but once you ask for seconds, you can no longer get anything to go.

The food came out about fifteen minutes after we ordered it, and it looked incredibly good. The minute the food was put down on the table, I grabbed two drumsticks and a thigh and slopped down a scoop of collard greens and a scoop of mashed potatoes on my plate. I put a little

bit of hot sauce on my plate and dug into the chicken. The first bite of the chicken was incredible: perfectly fried and not too crispy. Each bite got better and better. A lot of fried chicken I have had in the past, only the crispy skin was the good part. At Mississippi Belle, the moist meat and the crispy skin were equally tasty. The hot sauce perfectly complimented the savory flavor of the meat. After I had finished my first drumstick, I took a bite of the collard greens.

They were decent, but they were a bit too bitter for me to spend much time on. The mashed potatoes, on the other hand, were fantastic. They were definitely homemade: creamy, rich, and with chunks of potatoes that created a perfect texture.

My time at Mississippi Belle was very enjoyable. The service was great, and although the atmosphere was a bit boring, the food was absolutely fantastic. I definitely recommend this place if one is in the mood for some good soul food. I will be going back.

If you go: • Bring at least $25 per person.

• They take CASH ONLY • Location: 2170 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220 • Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11-9; Sunday 11-7 • Phone: 4660522

Arts and Entertainmnet 4

Wednesday, January 29th

2014 pop culture

what to look forward to this year

By Sarah Spence ‘14 Design Editor

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014 appears to be the year of sequel and book-adaptation films. Many of the upcoming films for the coming year are sequels or sequels of sequels, which says something for the declining originality of Hollywood. Movies like 22 Jump Street, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 run the risk of disappointing fans with an unsatisfying continuation of their favorite stories.

Despite the many sequels, there will be some original movies coming out that are sure to interest people. Fans of WWII or historical films will be interested in upcoming movies like The Monument’s Men and The Imitation Game. Tim Burton fanatics will be pleased when viewing his upcoming movie Big Eyes; the film will focus on the life of the 1950s artist Walter Keane. Ryan Gosling makes his directing debut with the film

How to Catch a Monster starring Matt Smith and Eva Mendes.

The movie counterparts of some popular novels will be premiering throughout this year, leaving some die-hard fans in expectant anticipation. The obsession with dystopian worlds continues this year with Divergent and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 hitting the big screens in March and November respectively. Many of the bookto-movie films this year have huge cult followings which puts pressure on the movies to live up to the love of the books.

In 2014 music lovers of all genres will be pleased with big names like Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, and Ed Sheeran releasing new music. Along with some incredible upcoming albums, Indianapolis is going to see its fair share of concerts from a wide range of performers.

Movies

Music January 21—Young the Giant

Concerts February 9—Pentatonix

February 16-Emblem3 March 30—Demi Lovato April 11—Cher April 26—Christina Perri May 15—The Wanted Jul 23—The Plain White Tees August 14—Panic! At The Disco September 15—Michael Buble

January 28—Of Mice and Men February 4—Broken Bells February 17—Ed Sheeran

September 16—Imagine Dragons

February 25—The Fray, Schoolboy Q March 3—Imogen Heap TBA—Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, fun., Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey

October 5—Jack Johnson October 5—The Lumineers October 11—Drake October 18—Sara Barellies

February 7—The Monument’s Men March 21—Divergent April 4—Captain America: The Winter Soldier May 2—The Amazing Spider-Man 2 May 30—Maleficent, X-Men: Days of Future Past June 6—The Fault In Our Stars June 13—22 Jump Street, How to Train Your Dragon 2 June 27—Transformers 4: The Age of Extinction September 9—Maze Runner November 21—The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 December 17—The Hobbit: There and Back Again

Sherlock returns

elusive show begins... and ends

Thomas Zelmanovitz ‘15 Staff writer

binge-watching epidemic sweeps the nation

By Katherine Spence ‘16 Staff Writer

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hen you think about Netflix what words come to your mind?

Probably something like “procrastination,” “binging,” or even “laziness.” While many believe Netflix to be more harmful than helpful, this is not entirely the case. Netflix fans point out that it allows us to watch more of our favorite show’s episodes quickly, watch these shows with a purpose, and have open discussion about these TV shows with friends.

“Binge-watching” a TV show has been defined as watching 2-6 episodes of a show in one sitting, but binge-watching means different things to different people.

Others might think of it as watching all 5 seasons of Breaking Bad over winter break.

According to a survey done by cultural anthropologist Grant McCracken, 61 percent of all Netflix users binge-watch TV shows.

This survey also reports that 73 percent of these people who binge on their shows feel positive about this. Also, according to McCracken, binge watching shouldn’t be considered a bad thing in and of itself.

McCracken states that this actually a better way for many to view television because it makes us focus on one show at a time.

Netflix also allows for viewers to watch TV with a purpose. Gone are the days of sitting on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through the channels, trying to find out if anything good is on. Now, viewers usually have in mind what shows they want to watch as they sit down to watch them. Because of being able to watch with a

Photo credits: flickr

purpose, Netflix users get a sense that they are actually doing something productive, therefore making them feel less guilty about sitting on the couch all day. Watching with a purpose also allows them to become totally involved with the show mentally and emotionally.

Another reason why Netflix has gotten a bad rap is that many people believe that others will spoil the shows for them.

Everyone has been in a group of friends talking about a TV show with which you aren’t quite caught up yet and someone shouts, “Spoiler-alert!” One thing that is not taken into account when watching these TV shows, according to McCracken, is that the TV shows we watch now have more complicated story lines than shows of old.

Many shows today are so complex that even if a friend tells you that your favorite character on Game of Thrones dies, there is so much elaboration that it doesn’t destroy the point of watching the show. The complexity makes you want to watch the shows even if you had heard a spoiler.

All in all, many Netflix users will say that it is a good medium of entertainment.

It allows them to watch all of the episodes of our favorite shows, allows them to have a purpose when watching these shows, and allows them to connect with others through television. Next time you are thinking about watching an entire season of Pretty Little Liars, go ahead, watch to your heart’s content.

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herlock Holmes has terrorized the minds of idiots and criminals since the nineteenth century when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first penned the sociopathic crime fighter.

More than a century later, in 2010, the BBC launched the first episode of the television series Sherlock, starring actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Dr. John H. Watson) as the sleuthing duo. Now, four years and three seasons later, Sherlock has earned itself a legion of arguably insane fans. It’s worth mentioning the insanity present in fanbase because, other than Supernatural fans, they are the only ones who consider the villain of the series to be a favourite character, and actually cheer him on in his criminal exploits. Yes, the fallen angel Lucifer and James Moriarty aren’t exactly in the same league, philosophically speaking, but that hasn’t stopped the fans from thinking that.

Another notable fact of the Sherlock fandom is that most are insistent that the relationship between the two protagonists is much, much more than Platonic. With seventeen and a three quarters hours of film to analyze, some argue that love is the only answer to the question: “So what’s up with John and Sherlock?”.

Sherlock is a stereotypical asexual, and John Watson married a woman, Mary Morstan, but fans have found themselves in a frenzy over Dr. Watson’s devotion to Holmes. Here are the opinions of two students who stand on either side of the pairing, referred to as Johnlock.

Says Jess Ammeen ‘15, “I don’t believe they should be a romantic couple, because that’s not exactly Sherlock’s character. He’s distant, and says he has no need for friends. Therefore, having a friend is more important to him then having a lover, such as he found with

Irene A d l e r.”

An interesting viewpoint, which has a basis on solid facts. Even co-creator of the show, Steven Moffat, has stated that John and Sherlock would not be romantically involved in the show. Even more interesting is that other co-creator, Mark Gatiss, has written in copious amounts of homoerotic subtext into their relationship.

Junior Lizzy Bauserman addressed the relationship directly in stating her opinion: “I agree that Sherlock is very distanced from society, but the one person he doesn’t push away is John Watson. John, the one person who is willing to stick with Sherlock...and help him rehabilitate into society. True love is the only thing that I see here.”

While nothing is explicitly stated, many events hint at a romantic attachment throughout the series. And though Dr. Watson constantly defends his heterosexuality, he often finds it difficult, especially against criminal masterminds Magnussen and Adler, as demonstrated by this quote from “A Scandal in Belgravia:”

“Yes, and if anyone’s actually interested: I’m not gay!”

“Yes you are,” quipped Sherlock.

Arts and Entertainment 5

IMA inspires different views Will’s art insights

A couple weeks ago, Will and Eddie went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art to observe their modern installations. Because of their different personalities, they have come away from the experience quite differently. These are their reactions.

Wednesday, January 29th

Ed’s art insights

By Will Siderys ’14 Features Editor

By Eddie Free ‘14 Staff Writer

The number 6 shown is actually a part of a larger project called Indiana By The Numbers.

Originally commissioned in 1980 for the 20th anniversary of The Simon Group, famous artist Robert Indiana, whose other notable work includes the iconic LOVE statue out on the lawn of the IMA. I find it simply astounding that this artist can create art from something that seems so mundane and commonplace as numbers.

This first piece is from Robert Indiana’s series of “sculptures” entitled “Numbers.” To be honest, I do not see what this artist is trying to convey. I mean really? 6? It’s just a number.

Nothing about this piece shows any sort of symbolism. The green color is very basic and it just does not seem to represent anything. What is the point?

Cooking, cleaning, picking the kids up from school, making time for everyone else while silently bearing the weight of her family’s struggle on her shoulders, the subject of this piece symbolizes the everyday tasks that mothers must endure for the sake of their kin.

The women is pantomiming the crushing force, which, while we’re unable to see or even comprehend it, poses a major threat towards the underappreciated “rock” in everyone’s household.

The chrome-finished future I imagined as a child after watching The Jetsons for what seemed like a lifetime didn’t spawn from the minds of Hanna Barbera animators, but rather from everyday household appliances like this iron. It’s hard to believe nowadays that there was a time when even the most common of household appliances could have any artistic resonance. But that was a time before function overtook form.

Numbers 1-0 Robert Indiana

This sculpture is called “Lament,” and George Kolbe sculpted it. I will say, this piece definitely took more skill than “6,” but again, what is the artist trying to say? The woman does not have any details that indicate she was of any importance. It really reminds me of Charlie Sheen on the poster for Platoon.

Lament George Colby

Is this clothing iron even considered art? Sure, it looks to be higher quality than the irons one may find in their home, but is it really worthy of being on display at an art museum behind glass? This would be more fitting in my grandmother’s closet than here.

Clifford Brooks Stevens Petipoint Iron

I feel that it might be hard to fully understand why a Dyson vacuum and fan are present in a highly reputable art museum, and behind glass no less; however, within the context of the evolution of the design of household goods, it begins to make a lot more sense why the oddly shaped appliances take up real estate at the museum.

The designers at Dyson utilized a less-is-more ideology that not only has already proven to attract customers based solely on their forward thinking design, but also found a happy marriage between aesthetic intrigue and user-friendly interface.

Seriously, why are two Dyson products behind protective glass in an art museum? I can find these exact products at any Target retail store, and all I would have to do is spend a few hundred bucks to have two “works of art” sitting in my utility closet at my house.

The vacuum may be a high quality household appliance, but it is by no means art. As for the Dyson Air Multiplier, just because its bladeless fan “eliminates buffeting” does not mean it belongs among the ranks of beautiful oil paintings and antique pottery.

Dyson Vacuum James Dyson

Features 6 Wednesday, January 29th

Snowpacalypse settles over the city Snow way to escape the storm

By William Beckman ‘16 Staff Writer

Even with the cold, dogs still need to be let out, and if the elderly are walking around when it’s icy out, it wouldn’t be hard for them to slip and fall. This can be avoided: visit older relatives if possible, and if they have a dog or dogs then take them out. However, it isn’t possible to be at a grandparent’s house 24/7, so to help them out, shovel the sidewalk and put salt down to keep them from falling.

If you are spending a lot time outside, there is a higher risk of getting sick. While colds are not exactly deadly, they can be quite annoying and can be prevented.

To prevent a cold, take zinc to boost your immune system. Zinc can be found at most places where vitamins are sold and is pretty cheap.

When winter comes, you can be prepared for anything that could come at you. Just follow these tips and you should be able to get through some common winter situations.

O

n the first Sunday in January, over a foot of snow fell in most parts of Indianapolis and temperatures dropped to around -15 degrees. The mayor made it illegal to drive without emergency clearance and told schools to close down on Monday.

With the weather being how it is, there are some problems that everyone is faced with. From frozen pipes to grandparents falling on icy sidewalks, here are some tips that anyone can use as the weather gets worse.

If there is a sink in a cold bathroom, have it dripping slowly to make sure some water is getting through the pipes. If you are worried about your toilet, flush it every once in a while to make sure you can flush it when you need to.

A student battles with knee-deep snow.

Photo credit: Sarah Spence

Security leaves students insecure

By Kristen Henderson ‘14 Features Editor

2

014 has brought some changes that alarmed students. The security presence - whether in the form of an IMPD officer or a security guard from a private company - has become more visible. Students now encounter the officer in the mornings at the front desk, and he also patrols the parking lot during the day.

With the advent of the increased presence, students expressed apprehension about the increased visibility. Senior Sophie Hackett said of the change, “It seems like they’re here to police the students.” She added “I feel like it takes away from the openness of Brebeuf. I think we could use that money for other things.”

However, the administration denies these allegations. Principal Greg VanSlambrook says that “Zero percent of this is about policing the students...this is really not about policing you when you’re in the building or in the parking lot. We didn’t feel like we needed any increased monitoring of the students.” He instead emphasized that the presence is purely to protect against external threats, and also to reduce the “free for all” that getting into the school used to be.

Dean Adams noted that the more visible police presence is consistent with the administration’s original security policy.

“Once everyone got used to having [an officer] here, we intended to have them moving around the parking lot and on the grounds.” She clarified that the officer present in the morning is simply to help with checking IDs. “He’s in the lobby from about 7 to about 8 because that’s a weak spot for us.”

As for cost, VanSlambrook said he felt the guard’s payment was “manageable... and totally worth it.” While an exact figure was not disclosed, VanSlambrook simply said that “there’s a cost to it, but it’s probably not as expensive as people think.”

Some students are more ambivalent about the security policy. “I don’t really have any feelings on the subject. It doesn’t bother me,” commented junior Shivali Rao. Senior Luke Boes said, “I feel safe and warm!” regarding the increased presence. Others are more annoyed by teh added security measures. “Like why should I get a JUG for forgetting my ID?” said junior Kate Hahn.

what factors are most important?

By Gabby Phail ‘14 Staff Writer

S

econd semester can be a very stressful time for seniors despite the stereotyped image of the lazy, checked-out soonto-be graduate. The carefree personality attributed to the second semester senior really only applies to those who have already decided where they will be going to college.

For the rest of the seniors who are not as certain as to where they will be in less than a year, this time is anything but easy. The seniors who applied to colleges first semester have usually heard back from admissions around December, therefore the second semester is spent comparing one college to another.

Choosing a college is a long and strenuous process due to the multitude

of factors that weigh in on one’s decision.

Committing to a university is often very hard for students because of the finality that the decision presents—college is a defining period in one’s life and many people think that picking the wrong college could have detrimental effects on their future.

Depending on the student, certain factors may be more important than others, and one person’s must-have could be another person’s deal breaker.

The Arrow interviewed several Brebeuf seniors who are currently in the middle of the decision making process to see what different students look for in a college.

Below are factors that senior students think are important.

“Pretty Campus”

“Money”

“Sports”

“Greek Life” “Outreach in Community” “Student Life”

“Variety of Majors”

“Student Teacher Relationship”

Photo Credit: wikipedia.co

New security guards

Seniors decide on college

Indiana state house in downtown Indianapolis.

Braves rally for marriage equality

By Katherine Spence ‘16 Staff Writer

T

he past year has been full of huge leaps of equality for the LGBTQ community. With 17 states allowing gay marriage, our country is on the road to equal rights for all Americans. Still, there are some who would like to change that. In Indiana, HJR-3 (formerly known as HJR-6) is a proposed amendment that would change the State Constitution to deny marriage rights to LGBTQ citizens.

HJR-3 states that “Only a marriage

between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana,” and, “A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.” As this edition of The Arrow went to press, the State Legislature was voting on whether to put the amendment up to public vote.

The Brebeuf Allies Club has been actively participating in the opposition of this proposed amendment. Many have signed multiple petitions to show their displeasure with this amendment.

Others have volunteered with Freedom Indiana, an organization dedicated to shutting down this amendment. They volunteer at call banks that contact many lists of people asking them to contact their representatives to show their opposition to the amendment.

While many oppose this amendment, others are still undecided on whether they believe it is truly harmful.

Brebeuf Allies and Freedom Indiana hope to change the minds of the people who are on the fence.

Features 7

80’s fashion makes a comeback!

Wednesday, January 29th

By Gabby Phail ‘14 Staff Writer

F

ashion trends tend to come and go, and often times old styles reappear in later years. Today’s current style replicates that of the 80’s. Shoes such as Doc Martens and Chuck Taylor’s, which were originally popularized in the 80’s, are hot commodities amongst this generation’s teens. Oversized sweaters and high-waisted jeans are also blasts from the 80’s that have come back in style recently. The following pictures show some trendy Brebeuf students who demonstrate these styles from day to day.

Close up image of the Doc Martens worn by the Juniors to the left.

Adri and Lexi posing in their high-waisted jeans.

Junior Adriana Allman and Lexi Julovich show off their oversized sweaters. and Doc Martens

Seniors Megan Carmichael and Becca Anglen looking stylish in their unique Doc Martens.

STOP! Hammer time. These two juniors sport parachute pants also refered to as “hammer pants” (As made popular by MC Hammer)

Junior Lexi Julovich putting on her Chuck Taylor’s.

The spirit store: serving Braves since 1964 Alianne Staruszkiewicz Staff writer ‘15

B

rebeuf students know the Spirit Store as the place to go for purchasing anything maroon and gold, assignment notebooks, and other school necessities, but many don’t know it used to be a bookstore in a room that no longer exists. When Brebeuf was founded in 1964, the school had a bookstore where students bought all their books for the upcoming year. Up until about five years ago, the Spirit Store wasn’t nearly as elaborate as it is today.

Under the direction of store manager Karla Ralls, who joined the Brebeuf community in 2009, the little bookstore in a room behind the commons has been transformed into a flourishing outlet where students, parents, and teachers can find everything needed to show off their Brebeuf

spirit. Ralls’ dedication and love for her job shined through as she passionately told this Arrow reporter, “I’ve honestly got the best gig going.” She went on to explain, “I get to be creative and design things; I get to generate revenue for a place I dearly love; I get to visit with kids, faculty, and staff; and I get to meet their parents!” In a recent interview, she shared the design and ordering process, some of the store’s top purchases, and other facts that few might know.

A wide range of great merchandise is available in the Spirit Store, but one of the most sought after items are the crew neck sweatshirts. Although it might be the musthave style now, that hasn’t always been the case. During the interview Ms. Ralls shared, “When I came here five years ago, I couldn’t sell a crew neck to save my soul!” As far as the most popular item that isn’t a school sup-

ply or a garment, she said it’s the lanyards.

As the store manager, Ralls faces the daunting task of the design and ordering process for all the garments and accessories.

The design process is quite complex, involves a multitude of steps, and maybe most importantly, trial and error. Creating designs, choosing the best and where they go on the garment, and deciding which pieces of apparel should be ordered are just the beginning.

Ralls continued to explain that throughout the years she has learned a great deal of little design tricks that make the garments look the best they can, but this year her biggest challenge has been adjusting to the official change of the school’s gold in 2012. Many might not have noticed, but the gold is now more subtle, specifically “Vegas gold.” Ms. Ralls has found that something

Photo credits: Alianne Staruszkiewicz ‘15

as small as putting white behind the word “Brebeuf ” makes a world of a difference in the appearance of the garments. She discovered that white makes the words pop and easier to see, especially on the grey pieces.

Interested in contributing to the design process yourself ? Don’t hesitate to stop by the store and talk to Ms. Ralls. In the past, students have come to her with design ideas and helped her with the process. She added enthusiastically, “I think that’s fun; I think it’s fun to give ownership.” She went on to say, “I want students to come in and give me their opinion. I mean that’s what makes it theirs.”

As the interview came to a close, Ms. Ralls shared that she is currently hard at work on new designs and expects them to debut early next fall.

Page 8

Wednesday, January 29th

Tweets of the Week

Love it/Hate it Sierra Witham. editor of the opinion page, lets us know what she loves and hates this month.

“I don’t get people who say they need to pee like a race horse. I, for one, would not be comfortable urinating with someone on my back.” - @MrBigFists

Love it:

“Fox News is leading the way with fastbreaking, up-to-the-minute ignoring of the Chris Christie scandal.” -@ FrankConniff

-cuddling with my socially awkward dog -long-sleeved Hawaiian shirts

“Portland is Seattle’s beard.” - @birbigs “People want a ‘dislike’ button for Facebook but I say get specific like:

-Seth Rogen’s voice -bioluminescent plankton -roundabouts (specifically watching people yield to me)

‘eye-roll’ or ‘enough with the selfies’ or ‘I genuinely hate you!’” - @capricecrane “I’m not getting fat--I’m expanding my flesh portfolio.” - @RobertBuscemi “‘Chipotle? More like ChipNoWay!’ closing line of my scathing Chipotle review which sent shockwaves through the Yelp community” - @ thepatrickwelsh

“I’d rather be attacked by ax the weapon than Axe the body spray.” @ChaseMit “BREAKING: Fans shocked that man who spent 3 hours engaging in violent sporting activity for their entertainment seems vocally aggressive” - @RexHuppke

Student Snapshots

-attractive baristas

What was your most embarrassing username in middle school?

-the occupations in The Onion’s American Voices -the idea of paying for college by being a surrogate -neards Hate it: -the societal expectation to shower -hyperbole in serious conversations

“Tommykittycat36”Allison Drook, ‘16

-realizing the last person who occupied a public stall recently ate asparagus

“Supremeoverlordkittyofbagels”Noah Smith ‘16

“DiCapriofreak”-Bethany Driggers ‘14

-patriotism -the pretentiousness of arugula -when people refer to Isak McCune as anything but “Muscles McCune”

Skeptics Day “Insanegameposse”-Jalu Obeime ‘14

January 13 is International Skeptics Day. Not sure what to be skeptical about?

Here’s some ideas to get you started.

So This One Time at Sailing Camp

-Outer space -Apple juice -The South China Sea -Magnets -Times New Roman -Bing -Lorde -Rabbits (all) -Isak McCune -Romania -Whole milk -”Killer” whales -Brinner -Imaginary numbers -Fish breathing underwater -Beans (some) -Lasers -Yellow -The government -Organic peanut butter -Delta Airlines -Posideon -Delaware

“Soccergirlluvsblue”-Julia Ottenson ‘16

David Motsinger, guest writer, tells us a story.

With -40° wind chill, and Geist reservoir frozen shore-to-shore, I look out my window and feel like I’ve been living inside of a snow globe. To lift my spirits, I flip on the radio and the oldies’ tune California Dreamin starts playing, “I’d be safe and warm if I was in LA,” and I think to myself, ain’t that the truth! It’s not quite California, but I’ve had some great summers on the lake in Indianapolis. Some of my favorite memories are of when I was a camp counselor at the sailing club. I remember a few events in particular.

At the beginning of the season of my third year working at the club, I was given the riveting task of opening the covers of the boats after the long winter break. This may sound routine, but it’s an adventure in itself because you never know what you will find. Normally, it’s spiders or the occasional mouse, but I should’ve known better when the cover started moving as I began to open it. I ripped it off, and a full grown river otter sprang out at me! Perturbed by the loss of its safety, it quickly ran off into the weeds.

What I saw before me was so haunting, it sticks with me still. The otter had created a nest made of dirt, sticks, mud (it wasn’t mud), and an old

Page 8 created by Kristen Henderson, David Motsinger, Sierra Witham, Katherine Spence, and Will Siderys

camper’s t-shirt (RIP Timmy). It was so foul Davy Jones himself would not have stepped aboard.

It was a good day not to be an intern: And to think kids sailed it a week later!

I also was reminded of an incident earlier in my career, when I was being taught how to operate the safety boats. My friend, let’s call him Mac, was showing me the ropes when a hot-shot bay liner buzzed by close to where we were guarding. “Not on my watch!”

Mac yelled. He then sped over with the sirens on and said “watch this” over his shoulder.

In his best (it was absolutely terrible) Southern accent, Mac proceeded to ask for the boater’s license and registration. And he gave it to Mac! We looked superprofessional in our board shorts and cut offs. Mac then lectured the boater about his reckless driving, and made a big show of letting him off with a warning. “And Ah don’t wanna see yer face ‘round deze parts err again”. To my disbelief, the 40 year-old man slowly coasted back to his dock with his head down. We had saved the children, and were considered legends in the break room.

“Flowergirl249”-Tom Cook ‘14

Film Festivals I spent this past weekend in the picturesque Park City, Utah, enjoying Sundance Film Festival. Sundance is a celebration of indie film and the wonderful people who make it. But there’s other things than film to watch during film festivals: the people. So here’s a list of the type of people that show up at every film festival.

1. LA industry types: it’s easy to spot people from the West Coast at Sundance because of how completely unprepared for the weather they are. They’re the easiest to spot, as they are the only ones wearing fur hats, wedge sneakers, and leather pants. Basically, if you aren’t yelling at someone on the phone, why are you even on the phone?

2. Young filmmakers: another group that’s easy to identify, as they also dress in a certain way. Jeans in a cut that has been referred to as “filmmaker cut” and snow boots that don’t look like they are actually that warm are a trademark in this

group. Also: plaid is VERY important. If you want to attract this group, set out free food.

3.Middle aged film lovers-film festivals subsist on this set. Usually spotted in the waiting line for tickets, or stuffing their backpacks with food, this group is the antithesis of the young filmmaker fashion wise.

They’ve probably been to more film festivals than the industry types and sport bags covered in pins and badges from various movies. The motto: dress for warmth. (For more information on this section, refer to my mother.)

4. Volunteers: this battleworn group sports a hulking superiority complex and a lanyard that denotes them better than you. Their defining characteristic is the feeling that every festival patron is up to something suspicious. (That being said, I love and appreciate film festival volunteers. Also I am one) -Kristen Henderson