September Issue

THE

NORTH STAR

Issue 1, Volume 28

Blue Valley North

Overland Park, KS

September 27, 2013

table of contents | 9.27.13

WHAT’S INSIDE

18 News 3

3 - Across the globe 4 - Lunchroom controversy: get the facts

Environmental Club President Zaara Baig plans to eliminate the usage of styrofoam trays in the cafeteria this year. Photo by Elizabeth Tran.

A passion for th

e planet

6

Sports

6 - Parading with the marching band 8 - Meet your new XC coach 9 - Day in the Life: Cheerleading

Football players line up for drills during practice. Photo by Austin Fultz.

20 Opinion 20 - Why we teach cursive 21 - Head to Head: tipping

7 2 | The North Star

10

Feature

10 - Travel shifts perspectives 11 - What’s new in the school store 14 - Witnessing a revolution 18 - Designing her future 19 - Funny people

22

Entertainment

22 - All about Ask.fm 23 - Your Teachers Recommend 24 - Freebirds versus Chipotle 25 - Popping the Homecoming question 26 - Reviews 28 - Starbucks’ Underground Menu

9.27.13 | News

Amateur’s guide to this month’s international stories

Sources: CNN and the Huffington Post Photos from CreativeCommons.com

Sarin gas attacks (Damascus) Photo illustration by Faryal Jafri

Syria T

he top story for this month has arguably been the situation in Syria. Here’s what you need to know: President Bashar Assad’s family has ruled Syria for years A civil war was triggered by Arab Spring in the spring of 2011.

The Syrian government retaliated to anti-regime protests by using violence to suppress the opposition.

In July 2011, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) was created as a sort of militia movement against the government.

The U.N. estimates that about 7,500 people have been killed in the Syrian uprising, others estimate the death toll to be thousands more.

The Syrian refugee population has fled to countries like Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

August of 2013 - Syrian government is accused of using chemical weapons against its people.

President Barack Obama responds by asking Congress to vote on the U.S.’s course of action. Many people believe that Obama had to respond somehow, because he drew a red line in a previous speech saying that chemical weapons would be it.

September 2013 - Russia proposes that the Syrian government turn over its chemical weapons to the international community. Syria seems interested.

The U.S. and Russia have agreed to work on the U.N. Security Council resolution together to secure and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.

Secretary of State John Kerry says that there is “unequivocal” evidence that President Assad was responsible for the chemical attacks.

Tensions rise over alledged Brazilian spying scandel

T

here have been growing tensions regarding the situation between Brazil and the U.S. The Brazilian government has summoned the U.S. over reports saying that the US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. Lawmakers in Brazil plan to speak directly to Edward Snowden, who allegedly leaked documents revealing US secrets. It is believed that Snowden sent the Brazilian media the documents that cite the espionage operations.

The allegations from earlier this month came from both Brazil and Mexico. President Obama responded by saying, “What I assured President Rousseff and President Peña Nieto is...that I take these allegations very seriously. I understand their concerns; I understand the concerns of the Mexican and Brazilian people, and that we will work with their teams to resolve what is a source of tension.”

Presumably because of the scandal, Brazilain president Rousseff has postponed an upcoming state visit to Washington.

Photo illustration by Faryal Jafri

September 12 Apple releases IPhone 5s

Illustration by Elizabeth Tran

September 12 NASA confirms that the spacecraft Voyager has left the solar system.

This makes it the first man-made object to enter interstellar space.

Brazil

Photo illustration by Faryal Jafri

September 18

“I’m so, so very sorry this has happened. My heart is broken,” Cathleen Alexis, mother of Washington Navy Yard gunman, told CNN the day after the fatal shooting that killed 13.

Photo illustration by Faryal Jafri

Faryal Jafri • Online editor •

www.bvnnews.com | 3

w

Death to ll: from Au 281-1,500 pe ople gust 21 attack

News | 9.27.13

Conflict in the commons

New lunch rules spark different responses from the faculty and student body

Students face problems in finding seats in the lunchroom due to the new policy that bans students from eating anywhere except the lunchroom and the front of the school. Photo by Vinnie Garimella

A

fter one week it was obvious that the way lunch operated was changed. Teachers were guarding the entrances as if they were secret service agents, there were no students to be found roaming the halls, and in the library, small chip bags were snuck in instead of plates full of food.

Due to the new lunch policies, the academic areas including the hallways, library and senior locker area are now off limits to anyone who wants to eat lunch there, along with the courtyard and the back entrance.

In lieu of this, the foyer and the front entrance have been opened up to students as designated eating areas. The faculty believes that the policies have been effective in solving problems from last year, but some students believe that the rules are a hinderance to studying and enjoying lunchtime.

The administration perspective: David Stubblefield

P

rincipal David Stubblefield explained that the reasons for all of these changes were issues with supervision and school cleanliness.

“It became a supervision issue,” Stubblefield said.

“Once students left the commons, it was difficult to keep track of where kids went and we started coming

4 | The North Star

across issues of students being where they shouldn’t be and finding food and trash all over our building.”

Stubblefield also explained that food eaten in the library, had became an issue for the janitorial staff.

“[The policies are] very effective. It’s a big change during lunch, not having students all over the building.”

“The library became a second cafeteria in terms of our custodians needing to go in and clean up, and the library has carpet, so we would have to steam clean it,” Stubblefield said. “It was a situation where we needed to look at alternatives.”

Students loitering in the hallways had become a disturbance to teachers and another issue that Stubblefield needed to fix.

Stubblefield noted that the new lunch rules have successfully fixed all of the problems from the lax policies of last year. “[The policies are] very effective. It’s a big change during lunch, not having students all over the building. Supervision is easier, the building is much safer, and students are where they are supposed to be.” Stubblefield said. “[The faculty] thanked me, they enjoy the way we are handling it now because it is a lot

less stressful in terms of cleaning up and interruptions, so the policy has been for the better.”

Although the policies have solved many problems, Stubblefield has had to address new problems such as the lack of seating for students.

“We brought up temporary chairs, ordered new chairs, opened up the foyer area and set up table and chairs,” Stubblefield said. “We allow students to go out front and eat, a privilege that students enjoy. It’s easier for us to supervise, and I think it’s a shorter distance from the courtyard and open to all students.”

Another problem that students have expressed is the inability to do homework while eating lunch in the library, which Stubblefield said was a sacrifice that was needed for the betterment of the school.

“We had to weigh what was best for the overall building. We still encourage students to use the library, but also to eat then utilize some time in the library. We’re just saying you can’t bring food in there,” Stubblefield said. “Some students eat quickly and go up to the library. We aren’t trying to impact them in terms of studying. I think it’s also healthy for students to enjoy lunch and down time so they don’t get burned out.”

Stubblefield says that the rules will be kept the same for the foreseeable future, but he is open to suggestions from the student body.

“I think for now, it’s going to stay the same, and there is a time where we can evaluate and reflect on best practices,” Stubblefield said. “I think our student body has done a great job with handling this change, and I am always opened to suggestions from our students.”

The StuCo perspective: Miranda Hall

A

lthough there has been a lot of change to the lunch system, All-Stuco President Miranda Hall believes that the student outlook towards the new policies is positive.

“The reaction from peers that I have witnessed has been minimal,” Hall said. “I know that some people and I myself would really like to be able to eat in the courtyard, but as of right now, everyone is being really positive and mature about waiting to figure that out and enjoying the temporary seating arrangement.”

Many sources such as the North Report and the StuCo Seniors Facebook page have provided information about the new policies which Hall said can allow more input from the student body.

“The North Report did a great story on the new eating arrangements and our senior class has been kept updated about the lunch room through Twitter and Facebook in particular our class 2014.

“We really want the student body to know about

9.27.13 | News what goes on, and be able to give their input so that we can get to work on making it happen because that is [StuCo]’s job.”

Hall said that for change to happen, it must come respectfully from the student body to Stubblefield or StuCo. “It needs to come from the students. And by act on it we mean responsibly and with maturity.

For example, write up a petition and bring it to Student Council, Stubblefield or come up with an idea in which we could make eating in the courtyard a privilege, but also respect the other teachers and faculty in the school,” Hall said.

“It needs to come from the students. And by act on it we mean responsible and with maturity...”

StuCo has been working on suggestions and compromises to help make the lunch policies more enjoyable for the student body.

“One idea [StuCo] presented Stubblefield was that if we, as the students, talk to and find enough teachers who are willing to give up their lunches to come supervise the courtyard for these last few months of good weather we could eat outside,” Hall said.

Hall believes that a close relationship between the student body and StuCo can help foster discussion about the ways the policies can be changed.

is more space in the library than the lunch room so you can spread your books around and work on homework and eat lunch where they wanted at the same time,” Frazier said.

Although Frazier agreed that “the school is much cleaner,” she said that taking away the rights of students was not the correct response.

“Students would have definitely kept the school clean. We could be this clean and still have lunch in the library.” Frazier said.

Frazier noted that the administration did not integrate the new lunch policies effectively and instead pushed too much change on the student body without warning. “[The office] did too much at once. There should have been a warning, or a year of change saying ‘if you can’t keep the library and the courtyard nice and tidy, then we will not have lunch in the library anymore’ than just banning all food from the library,” Frazier said.

Bringing in sack lunches is a compromise Frazier suggested to allow food in the library because many students with after school activities have to choose between eating lunch or doing homework instead of doing both. “[The adminstration] could change it back to the way it used to be, or only allow students to have sack lunches so that people can throw it all away.

I think not being able to eat and do homework might even stress kids out more because they don’t have enough time for after school activities, so they use lunch to get homework done,” Frazier

said. “It’s stressful to pick which is more important, lunch or homework, and if students are doing an after school activity, they need to nourish their bodies while getting their work done.”

Frazier indicated that the student body has not accepted the new policies well, and the policies will only introduce new problems of students sneaking food and having unhealthy diets.

“I’m definitely eating lunch in the library right now, I’m just being very secretive about it.”

“I think our student body doesn’t like being told what we can and can’t do, especially with something we have been doing for a while. Change doesn’t ever end well with the student body.”

Frazier said. “Students will sneak food and continue to do it until they get caught, or just not eat, which will end badly for some students.”

Frazier has gotten around the rules by hiding her sandwiches inside her bag.

“I’m definitely eating lunch in the library right now, I’m just being very secretive about it,” Frazier said.

Ram Sivakumar • News editor •

The student perspective: Phoebe Frazier

J

unior Phoebe Frazier, a student who goes to the library frequently during lunch, feels that the new lunch policies have affected the way she does her assignments during the lunch period.

“Lunch used to be a time when me and some of my friends could talk about our homework while eating lunch, so it was a way to get ideas about homework,” Frazier said.

Frazier argued that before the new policies, the library was a good place for doing homework because there was more space and the food helped the students do their assignments.

“Eating and doing homework can stimulate the brain, so [eating in the library] makes sense. There

Students eat lunch on the sidewalk in front of the school due to the lack of space caused by the new lunchroom policy. Photo by Vinnie Garimella

www.bvnnews.com | 5

Sports | 9.27.13

Marching to a New Beat

“T

he shows this year are different than anything we’ve done before,” said band director Dr. Marion Roberts.

Before every home football game, the marching band performs a show for the audience. They then play the National Anthem and the fight song.

When the first half is over, the band comes out again to do another show.

There are different bands that do the two different shows. The combined band is made up of all of the grades, while the upperclassman band is just sophomore through seniors.

“We try to find music for the combined band show that the students and crowd will like, and that is not terribly hard to play for the freshmen but is still somewhat challenging,” Dr. Roberts said. “The upperclassman show is for more of a contest setting so it is harder,” he said.

The upperclassman show has more visuals than before and also focuses

6 | The North Star

The marching band entertains the crowd during the halftime show at the Blue Valley North football game against Shawnee Mission South. Photo

by Austin Fultz.

more on marching. The show is called “This Just In” and depicts historical news stories throughout different decades. The production is told through the music as well as the announcements that will be projected through a microphone.

While other schools in Blue Valley perform one show, North does two.

The second show is performed as the combined band featuring the freshmen. The show is called “Latin Heat” and features Latin-inspired songs such as “El Cumbanchero” and “I Know You Want Me (Llorando Se Fue).”

This year the band is featuring its own dancers that perform with the dance team.

“By having some band members perform with the dance team, it adds flare to the beginning of the show,” senior drum major Brandi Bates said. “It’s going to look really cool.”

The band members are working harder than in years past to put on a more visually appealing performance.

“The kids this year are working much harder than before and are a stronger group than the last couple of years,” Dr. Roberts said.

As a senior, Kayla Shepherd reflects on how this year is different for the marching season. The band has focused a lot more on technique and making sure everyone is in step and in time.

“The upperclassman show has the potential to be really powerful and moving,” Shepherd said. “I hope we can get that message across successfully and do well.“ The difficulty of the shows presents many strengths and weaknesses in the band.

“Our best strength this year is being on task, and we are more talented than previous years. Our weakness is getting to morning rehearsal on time,” junior and trumpet section leader Wyatt Hursh said.

Students agree on many of the same strengths and weaknesses of the band.

“The upperclassman show has the potential to be really powerful and moving” “We are really strong music wise, and we have really amazing players. Our weaknesses are not being focused and locked in on the rehearsal,” Shepherd said.

The band hopes to get a 1, or superior, rating at the Kansas Marching Festival at the University of Kansas as well as the Kansas State Marching Festival at Kansas State University. Both festivals will be in October.

“I’m proud of the kids in the band, they really are a great group of people,” Dr. Roberts said.

Lauren Wolfe

• Social media manager •

9.27.13 | Sports

Football program revamped and revived Team anticipates strong season

I

n the last two years, the varsity football team has won one football game. Despite seeing so much failure, the student body has remained supporting of the team. This season, the team is planning to deliver on promises of the past and display a new and improved group of players.

Coaches started the year improving specific strategies.

“In the past, what’s caused us not to have as good a record as we’ve wanted was a lack of a run game,” senior co-captain Ben Brock said.

“We think that with our new offense and how hard we’ve been working, we have a good shot at winning a few games.”

Along with the new run game, there has also been an increase in coaching quality at the lower levels of play.

“Our developmental system is getting a lot better. Our middle schools are getting better coaching, and I think we’re on the right track,” sophomore kicker Emerson Womble said. “It may have started a little bit later than it should have, but we’re there now.”

During the Shawnee MissionSouth game, the varsity players take their positions at the offensive line, ready to make a touchdown pass. Photo by Austin Fultz.

Besides better coaching in the middle schools, there also seems to be a new sense of unity among the players.

“The problems in years past have been because of the attitude of the seniors and the seniors not being unified. It just trickles down,” Brock said.“If the seniors aren’t unified and working hard every single play at every single practice, then the In a timeout during the game against Bishop Meige , the varsity football team huddles to hear Coach McCall juniors and the sophomores aren’t give them tips on what to do next. Photo by Austin Fultz working as hard In the end, what’s going to have to happen is we’re either. So if we unify the team, and we have done going to have to go out, perform, do our jobs and that this year, then it’s all just going to trickle win some games. Then the student body will have down and the whole team’s going to be unified something to believe in.” and we’re all going to be working as hard as we Team members agreed that their success can be can.” highly impacted by the support of their peers.

In the opinion of some players, unifying the “I wish there were more people who came out to team will take some time. our games, and I think that if we had more school “Sometimes we don’t necessarily play as a team. spirit and everyone supported our team, we would We play as individuals, and it’s more do a lot better,” Womble said. of an ‘ I need to do my job Players are planning on being more successful, and he needs to do his but they need the support of their peers to get job’ situation,” junior there. running back Dante “I definitely see us winning multiple games Hanks said. “We need to this year and it’d be great to see some fans come together and make out there supporting us because any positive things work. However, encouragement is going to help the team’s morale,” that doesn’t always happen.

Some people, I feel, give up.” Brock said.

Hanks later explained that he believes the team needs to convince the school that they will have a successful team.

“The football team can say anything, but the thing is that actions speak louder than words.

Corey Minkoff • Staff writer •

www.bvnnews.com | 7

Sports | 9.27.13

on the

A

STARTING LINE

t the beginning of the track, cross country runners prepare to begin their workout. As they get in position, their coach gives them pointers for the day’s run. This year, however, the head coach is math teacher Laura Roxberg.

Roxberg, who began teaching at North this year, said being a cross country coach along with her teaching job was important to her.

“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to teach and I just couldn’t imagine teaching and not coaching because running has been such a large part of everything in my life, so I’ve always felt like it was something I was supposed to do,” Roxberg said.

For the students who have been on cross country in the past three years, shifting coaches has shown changes.

“It’s definitely a different atmosphere from the past three years of my cross country experience, but it’s been really positive,” Hillring said. “It’s great but definitely different. It’s hard to change from a coach you’ve had for three years, it’s hard to not have Buehler coaching me, but it has been

New cross country coach motivates the team

positive.”

Roxberg has been involved with cross country and track since she was im high school. She attended Blue Valley Northwest, where she was an 11-time state champion for cross-country and track. After graduating, she went to the University of Missouri, where she became twotime Big 12 champion and competed on the national level. Roxberg also competed at the U.S. Championships alongside Olympic runners.

Though she has experiences running with top Olympians, Roxberg said she can also remember what running in EKL and other high school races was like, so she can relate to what the students are doing.

“I understand what they’re doing because it hasn’t been that long since I stepped on a starting line,” Roxberg said. “I understand what it’s like to have a good practice, a terrible practice, be injured, so I think being young and being so not far-removed from running, I can totally understand how they’re feeling.”

With her experience from being on different teams, Roxberg has been able to pick different aspects of each team which she found to work best for her and her teammates and apply them to her coaching.

Some of these aspects include new and longer warm ups. Senior Marina Berkley said the warm ups this year involve more practice before they get to the actual workout.

Berkley also said Roxberg gives the runners a lot of encouragement during practice and races.

“She’s very motivational,” Berkley said. “It’s a good characteristic of hers. You can tell she really wants us to do well.”

Roxberg said she likes to move around during workouts to check up on everyone because she enjoys seeing how the students improve every run.

For her, the races are her favorite part because she can see every student’s work pay off.

“They’re a great group of kids,” Roxberg said.

“Even if I’m making them work really hard, they’re still laughing and having a great time so that’s really fun for me. I watched them work hard all summer in practice, so I’m finally getting to see them race and enjoy all the hard work they’ve done. It’s really nice being able to get that reward, so I love watching.”

Along with Roxberg, the team has three assistant coaches. Last year’s head coach Gregg Buehler returned this year to assist, along with Aaron Webb and Richard Attig.

“They’re all awesome and motivating and they give great pointers,” Hillring said. “It’s really great environment because the guidance of the coaches is really fantastic this year. I like that we have four and I’m really glad that Buehler came back to assist.”

With the cross country season still going and more races to come, the team continues to practice and improve.

“There’s definitely people on the team that are showing really good talent, and people that are putting all this hard work in,” Berkely said. “It’s really awesome to see that the team is doing well.”

Hayley Berger

Cross country headcoach Laura Roxberg interacts with the team before they begin the day’s workout. Photo by Austin Fultz.

8 | The North Star

• Co-editor-in-chief •

9.27.13 | Sports

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHEERLEADER

F

rom 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. I was a BVN cheerleader.

Every waking moment of my existence that day was dedicated to the cheer squad. I got ready in the morn-

ing, ate a special diet for lunch, and cheered with them at night. Here’s a recap of my day in the life of a cheerleader.

Sports editor Jake Goldman dances with the cheerleaders during the varsity soccer game. Photo by SCHOOL DAY: All day I wanted to get to Bishop Austin Fultz.

Miege and cheer. I was always on the edge of my seat waiting for the bell to ring. When it came time for THE MORNING: Wakey, wakey, Jakey Jakey! I lunch, I enjoyed a turkey sandwich; however, some of just woke up from a horrible night’ sleep, anxious for my fellow cheerleaders devoured some other items. the game day that lies ahead. I had always aspired to Many of the girls ate pasta while another cheerleader cheerlead and follow the footsteps of my mom; today ate something more interesting. Sophomore Mckenna was my chance to do so. I woke up 30 minutes earlier Trees, ate school spirit to prepare for the game. She than usual to get beautiful and dressed up. Then I said that she eats spirit three times a day. made my way downstairs for a nutritious breakfast: At 2 p.m. it was time for cheer practice, and my first Cheerios and a cinnamon roll. It’s a necessity to carb glance at the magic of the team. I did some stretching load for game day. By 7:15 a.m. I venture my way to so I wouldn’t hurt myself. The cheer team got into school. their stunt groups and practiced their routine for

“I eat spirit for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” the game and then for the Homecoming assembly.

The chemistry within the team was extremely close knit and energetic. Everyone helped one another to improve their overall performance.

“The moment I wake up, I snap into cheerleader mode. It’s not the bow or the outfit; it’s the mindset.”

GAME TIME: : At 6 o’clock it was back to game mode. All of the varsity cheerleaders met back at North dressed in full uniform. Most of the squad went to Panera for a little team dinner; however, junior Katy Claflin enjoyed a ritual of her own: a popsicle. I stuck with Chipotle which wasn’t the best idea when I was shaking my pompons at the game. Anyway, all of the team got on the bus and rode to Bishop Miege. I felt a lot of the enthusiasm from the team when we sang some interesting music on the bus. Finally, we arrived at the stadium at 6:40 p.m.

At Bishop Miege, everyone quickly stretched their hammys and got ready. Since it was the first football game of the season, a lot of hype was in the air. The girls (and myself) cheered “Mustang, Mustang,” “Bananas” and “We Got Spirit.” Our coaches, Chelsea Zantop and Stan Strecker said, “The biggest difficulty is staying focused, especially when being beat.” I would agree this was one of the hardest objectives.

North was down over 20 points at halftime. I was ready to leave by halftime, but cheer is a commitment; the girls are there to support North through thick

Varsity cheerleaders hold each other up during a cheer to energize fans and players alike. Photo by Austin Fultz. and thin. My legs were also wiped by halftime. Note: I couldn’t even do all the cheers so imagine what the real cheerleaders felt like. After losing 46-3 but putting on a stellar cheer performance, we headed back to North.

The night was exhausting and yet a thrill. I have so much appreciation for the cheer team. It’s amazing how hard this group of ladies work. Next time you see

a cheerleader after a game, thank her for all she does.

It’s a lot harder than it seems, trust me.

Jake Goldman • Sports editor •

www.bvnnews.com | 9

Feature | 9.27.13

International Living Shifts Perspectives

Dominican Republic

“W

hen I asked the young girls in my class what they wanted to do when they grew up, I received confused stares,” senior Maggie Anderson said.

Anderson is referring to the young kids that she taught while traveling with AMIGOS, a non-profit organization that allows students to volunteer in Latin America. Anderson taught children’s rights and equality and helped start a softball league for women in the Dominican Republic. Her eight week trip helped her understand how different other cultures are from the United States.

“Girls had this mindset that their only path in life is to stay at home and cook and clean. I was surprised by this becawuse I have so many opportunities to pursue a variety of careers here in the United States,” Anderson said.

Even though Anderson is thankful to live in America, she saod that she learned valuable lessons from the culture there as well. Anderson explains that people are less focused on the future, so stress and anxiety are not as prevalent there.

Instead they spend spend time with their community. Anderson explains that the moms cook dinner for every child that comes into their home because they want to help feed everyone.

“The other American volunteer had a host grandma who was living on her own. When she had a heart attack, the

whole community came together to make sure she was OK,” Anderson said.

Anderson appreciated that many people reached out to her and shared stories about their lives.

“When I walked down the street toward the school every day, it took me for forever because los donas [grandmothers] would share gossip and pieces of history about the culture,” Anderson said.

Since she has returned to the U.S., Anderson has worked on becoming closer with her friends and family. Her experience in the Dominican Republic has taught her to make time during the day to improve her relationships with family and friends.

“When my brother is playing video games, I will go out of my way to talk to him about his day. I have another brother in college, and I make it a point to call him once a week,” Anderson said.

“I’m not as concerned with participating in an activity when I’m with my friends.

I look forward to just hanging out and talking.”

Anderson also switched out of some of her honors courses to make more time to pursue activities that she is passionate about.

“I have a lot more freedom. I have become more active in some youth groups. I’m talking to Spanish teachers about giving a presentation on AMIGOS” Anderson said.

Anderson will be a trainer for incoming volunteers traveling with AMIGOS. She plans on going to Paraguay next summer with AMIGOS. “I want other students to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture and grow from their experience,” Anderson said.

Senior Maggie Anderson teaches students about lessons about equality and their rights.

Photo provided by Anderson.

10 | The North Star

France

“I

don’t think touring a country, seeing sights and leaving is as meaningful as actually living the life of whatever country you travel to,” senior Chloe Johnson said. “You have to experience their lives before you can have an understanding of life in that country.”

Johnson, along with senior Emily Antonenko, had the chance to live in France for two weeks. They each stayed with a different host family.

“My host sister is an acrobat. I got to do the trapeze with her and see her perform. She is so talented,;I learned so much from hanging out with her,” Antonenko said.

Johnson realized that she had more in common than she thought she would with her host sister.

“Before her dance recital, she had some friends come over and help her get ready. The whole time I was thinking that I would be doing the same thing with my friends half a world away,” Johnson said.

One key difference that Antonenko noticed between the cultures is that people there work in intervals. They go to work, but then they come home for a couple of hours in the middle of the day to relax and eat lunch, their biggest meal of the day.

“We woke up almost every morning to go to the local farmer’s market to pick out fresh ingredients for our meals.

Peopwwe in France are more concerned with eating healthy and they take their meals seriously,” Johnson said.

Antonenko expressed that living in a country with people of diverse backgrounds broadened her perspective.

“Standing on top of the Eiffel Tower and seeing the whole city from all angles was definitely an experience that has left a lasting impact on me,” Antonenko said. “I could see people of all different cultures interacting.”

Antonenko enjoyed visiting the Palace of the Popes in Avignon because of the history associated with the palace. One of the popes from the Great Schism stayed there. She also loved touring the Arena of Nimes because of the Roman

Seniors Chloe Johnson and Emily Antontonenko tour the Palace of Versailles on a day of sightseeing in France. Photo provided by Antonenko.

history.

“I thought it was insane that I was walking through a place where so many huge historical events took place,” Antonenko said.

Since they have returned, Johnson and Antonenko said that their travel experience has changed the way they see and interact with nearly every aspect of the world around them.

“The trip created a huge passion for French in me. I want to major in French now,” Johnson said. “I often find myself even talking to myself in French.”

Johnson’s travel experience has motivated her to experiment and try new things because she was constantly thrown into uncomfortable situations.

They are both still in contact with their host families “If you are given an opportunity to travel to another country, take the opportunity. I will always have the memories of this trip.” Antonenko said.

Sydney House • Co-editor-in-chief •

9.27.13 | Feature

INSIDE The Stampede

School store implements new changes

“W

e want people to remember ‘It’s a great day to be a mustang’ every time they look at one of those pictures. We are taking it to the next level,” Co-CEO of the Stampede and senior Emily Goldman said.

From the professional-looking advertisements posted up and down the hallways, to the high-tech spirit box, to the freshly-baked cookies, it is clear that our very own school store, the Stampede, is on the rise.

“It’s hard to believe that we started with just five student volunteers, and now we can’t even accept all the applications,” school store sponsor Barbara Lewis said.

This rapid success has progressed

The new spirit box has proved to be a successful investment so far this year. Photo by Elizabeth Tran.

just in the past five years since it was which we started last year, but this The spirit box not only allows created. students and parents to buy apparel, year basically every photography “From year to year, the students student ordered one. We provide but with ‘box bucks’ people are able who run the school store have to purchase anything inside the store photo paper, film, gloves, sharpie, something new to add, and every sheet protector and a towel year it just gets better and better,” so you don’t have to drive Lewis said. over to the store,” Goldman This year specifically, the school said. store staff has implemented Aside from the new several new changes that have products, the school store been extremely well-received team has made more of a throughout the student body, the conscious effort than years most notable being the spirit box. past to focus in on the “At first we couldn’t see the marketing aspect. worth of it when the DECA rep “Our marketing has presented the idea,” Lewis said. significantly improved since With some discussion, however, last year. We had a couple Co-CEO Carly Meacham stocks the shelves with items that range from the team realized that the spirit of ads but it was once calculators to spirit wear. Photo by Elizabeth Tran. box would expand the pool of during the school year and consumers and overall for our new stuff only,” Meacham as well. These small sheets of paper benefit the store. said. are located inside the spirit box.

“In years past By incorporating several ads that People can use a debit or credit card we have not been feature current students, using a to purchase the slips and then use allowed to take debit them as cash within the store. logo, and making an effort to make or credit cards, and the photos look professional, The “Your parents didn’t send you to so we lost business based school with cash? You can swipe Stampede continues on their track to on that because a lot of make a name for themselves. your card, use your box bucks and kids do not carry their “We are definitely trying to rebrand buy your PSAT book without a wallet. Instead, they a little bit. We never really had that problem,” Goldman said. carry credit cards with before this year.” Goldman said.

The addition of the spirit box is their license, so it allows In addition, the staff has recognized just one of the latest changes in The us to make more profits,” Stampede. The store is also selling the success of really including the Co-CEO and senior student body. chocolate chip cookies since they Carly Meacham said.

“We have tried to better identify have acquired their own oven.

Since the spirit box our target market and cater to their “Sales have been iffy because we is open 24 hours a day, wants and needs,” Meacham said. need to get the word out there, and seven days a week, parents I think that once it’s more regulated Overall, the Stampede has made and students can access selling every Friday, people will catch great strides this year and continues spirit wear with ease. to seek improvement. onto our trend,” Meacham said.

“If a parent is going to “This year we are really open to Not only are more accessible spirit game and they need North wear and tasty treats available this suggestions. We’d love to hear from apparel, they can just swipe year, but The Stampede has also the student body,” Goldman said. their card and get it right taken the initiative to make buying then and there,” Meacham school supplies easier.

Mallory Bodker said.

“We created photography packages • Opinion editor •

www.bvnnews.com | 11

Feature | 9.27.13

Passion for the Planet Seniors Zaara Baig and Brandi Bates have fun with the plants in the new rain garden next to the mobiles where they will plant more new native plants this year for Environmental Club. Photo by Elizabeth Tran.

“F

or me, [to] care about the environment, you don’t have to be an environmental teacher or a water quality sampler,” senior Zaara Baig said “It’s something you can apply in everything you do.”

Baig has taken this position and run with it, poised to make a difference in the school and the planet through her new position as president of the Environmental Club and hoping to show that anyone can make a difference in the environment. Her passion and drive come from her childhood experiences which have shaped her outlook on the world.

“My passion came from my piano teacher,” Baig said. “She has a huge love for the environment, and she got me started with my home garden, allowing me to have a connection with the food I eat and the world around me.”

These experiences sparked a

12 | The North Star

passion for the environment and the planet that led Baig to take charge of the club at the beginning of this year, seeing a clear need for leadership and change.

“I went to Mr. Ollig’s room and he said it kind of fell apart last year because there were some seniors that were really involved and there weren’t many underclassmen,” Baig said. “I asked if I could get it started again and just brought him some ideas of things we could accomplish, and we just started having meetings and started talking about ideas.”

Inspiration for revitalizing the club came from Baig’s experience at the Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab, a two-week summer camp, which allows students to learn about environmental issues and engage themselves in the study of environmental science.

“It [the program] was really cool because we were basically camping,” Baig said. “All the learning activities

were hands on, and I learned way more about issues. I came back really wanting to change things in my personal life and other people’s lives as well,” Baig said.

Baig immediately translated her experiences at the camp into the club, creating a clear platform for the organization that is focused on making a difference in the school and the community. A main goal for the group is the elimination of styrofoam trays from the cafeteria, something that Baig believes is very important.

“Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and won’t go away over a very long period of time,” Baig said. “I can’t believe our school contributes the amount of styrofoam we do to the environment and has done it for so long; I think it’s just disgusting.”

Apart from enouraging the use of plastic trays, Baig and the Environmental Club plan to participate in litter pick ups,

visit a recycling center and work with the Leawood City Sustainability Committee to promote environmental consciousness. All these projects, coupled with her leadership and hard work, have made Baig the subject of praise from her peers and fellow Environmental Club members.

“The Environmental Club could not ask for a better president,” senior and Environmental Club member Jessica Toney said. “Zaara is so determined and has really inspired everyone and brought so many new people to help. It’s amazing because as an underclassman I had never heard of the Environmental Club, but Zaara has put a lot of work into it,and the club has started making an impact.”

Baig’s leadership style is seen through her personality and motivation, which have both been instrumental in getting the club on its feet.

9.27.13 | Feature “Until Zaara came along, there was no one to push it,” Environmental Club sponsor Chris Ollig said. “She schedules everything, runs all the meetings and helps come up with the ideas. The real key is that she not only leads the club, but she welcomes in everyone that comes as an equal, and I think that’s a key attribute of a leader.”

Baig has become the driving force for the organization, pushing both the staff and students to change their view on the environment and understand the implications of their actions.

“I really want people to truly learn about the issues we are tackling and why we are trying to tackle them,” Baig said. “A lot of times people are confused when someone says, ‘Let’s save the world and go green.’

It’s vague– I want people to actually want to use the plastic trays and to be environmentally conscious and to change themselves.”

This change in attitude toward the environment however, won’t be something that happens overnight.

Baig insists that the key to a shift is showing everyone why it’s important and what’s at stake.

“It’s something that impacts all of us,” Baig said. “Environmental

issues like global warming are not things you see happen on a daily basis but they are happening and are going to affect everyone in the future.”

Baig believes that in making the environment and the community a better place, students don’t need to change their lives, but their perspectives.

“I want to have more people learn about these issues and care Senior Zaara Baig explores the different types of plants after an Environmental Club meeting in Mr. Ollig’s room. Photo by Elizaabout them,” Baig beth Tran. said. “You don’t to continue her study of the to live, the Earth provides us with so have to be someone who is totally environment and make a difference much and we have an obligation to involved in the club or cares about in not only her life, but in others’ protect it,” Baig said. “It just doesn’t environmental issues completely; lives as well, showing that everyone seem right to treat the planet with anyone can make a difference, and can play a role in changing the any less respect than it deserves.” anyone can take a small step like world. using a plastic tray.”

Vijay Ramasamy “From the food we eat to a place In the future, Baig wants • Business Manager•

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www.bvnnews.com | 13

Feature | 9.27.13

Living in history I

Student reflects on life in Egypt during the revolution

n January 2011, junior Paulo Sadek had the longest winter break of his life– six weeks without school.

While Sadek didn’t necessarily view this as a problem, the extended vacation was a side effect of a much bigger problem: the 25th of January Revolution in Egypt. Since then, another revolution and several temporary leaders in the country have created a less than ideal environment, causing Egyptians to be more cautious and causing others, like Sadek’s family, to leave Egypt altogether.

“All my life, I lived in Egypt… in Cairo,” Sadek said.

“I left Egypt in August of 2012. It wasn’t really safe there, but that’s not the only reason [why we left]. The main reason is, my dad’s business was getting really, really low and the economy was going down. We have relatives that told my dad he can make an investment with them, so we came here.”

Sadek left before the second revolution began, but he was there to witness the first revolution in January of 2011, in which the people fought to remove President Hosni Mubarak, who had been in power for 30 years.

Students who participated in the protests found the activity was not without risk. Many people were hurt and even killed in the turmoil.

“None of my friends got killed.

But there were a lot of people, friends of my friends who have been killed,” Sadek said. “Mubarak didn’t just say ‘I’m leaving,’ right after we protested. We started on Jan. 25, and he left on Feb. 11, so all this time there were police just shooting. A lot of people died in this revolution,” Sadek said.

The death toll for the 2011 revolution totaled over 840 people, with more than 6,000 injuries reported.

Egypt’s safety was impacted in other, more indirect ways as well. Because the security forces in the nation were preoccupied with the revolution, criminal activity skyrocketed.

“Once you get used to [the protests], it’s OK, but it’s not safe because of the fights and thieves. When everybody’s protesting, there’s not much security, so anybody can rob you,” Sadek said. “In 2011, the people that were in prison escaped, so from 2011 to 2012 there were thieves and criminals everywhere.”

The lack of security impacted everyone; parents feared for their children’s safety, and some children even began carrying weapons to fend off thieves and other criminals.

“It wasn’t really safe to go to school. A lot of my friends were stopped by criminals who told them, ‘If you don’t give us the money you have, we will hurt you.’ I had a knife to save myself– everyone had a little weapon,” Sadek said.

“It wasn’t really safe to go to school. I had a knife to save myself– everyone had a little weapon.”

The change begins

O

n Jan. 25, 2011, millions of Egyptians began demanding Mubarak’s resignation, complaining about police brutality, corruption and the poor economy.

“My dad was against the protesting because he said that the country was going to be unsafe. He didn’t want to remove [Mubarak]. I was kind of glad, but I was afraid of what was going to happen,” Sadek said.

Out of fear for his safety, Sadek’s parents discouraged him from participating in the protests.

“I went to one or two [protests]. My parents were afraid–when your parents turn on the TV and see people are being killed, they won’t let you [join in],” Sadek said.

Cause and effect

T

hough Sadek only actually attended one or two protests, the revolution affected his life in tangible ways.

“Everybody in school was talking about [the protests]. Some days your parents wouldn’t let you [attend school] even if the school was open because there were people protesting,” Sadek said.

14 | The North Star

A new beginning

A

of approved candidates emerged.

“In the end there were two: Morsi and Ahmed Shafik,” Sadek said. “[The vote] was half and half, 51 percent for Morsi and 49 percent for Ahmed Shafik.

My parents elected Ahmed Shafik because the Muslim Brotherhood does a lot of terrorism.”

Egyptians, however, soon became dissatisfied with Morsi’s rule.

“He was nice for the first two weeks, but we didn’t trust the Muslim Brotherhood, so we knew he was going to ruin the country– but we didn’t expect what he did,” Sadek said. “They [the Muslim Brotherhood] took all the money, they cut the electricity and the water and there wasn’t enough fuel. [Morsi] used to take the fuel and give it to the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Starting over

A

ngered by Morsi’s policies, Egyptian citizens began demonstrating in November 2012. These continued all the way to June 30, 2013, the one-year anniversary of Morsi’s election, when tens of thousands of people gathered in as many as 18 locations across Cairo and in other cities to protest.

“There were 30 or 40 million people in the streets,” Sadek said. “Nobody liked Morsi, and if I was in Egypt for the 30 June Revolution, I would have protested. I was kind of sad that I left. All my friends were in the street and everyone was protesting.”

On July 3, Gen. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi lead a coup d’état to depose Morsi. Judge Adly Mansour was then sworn in as interim president on July 4.

fter President Mubarak stepped down in February 2011, the military took over for a year until new presidential elections could be held.

“After they removed Mubarak, 30 thousand people wanted to be president,” Sadek said.

After the Supreme Presidential Electoral Commission (SPEC) reviewed the candidates’ qualifications, a shorter list Junior Paulo Sadek and his family pose for a picture on July 24, 2012, shortly before leaving Egypt.

Photo provided by Paulo Sadek.

9.27.13 | Feature

Sadek and his friend Ali Abouzeid pictured in their school uniforms in March 2012. Because of the protests, it was often unsafe for students to attend school. Photo provided by Paulo Sadek.

Though Sadek is no longer in Egypt, many of his friends and relatives still live there, and he gets information from them. The biggest change that’s recently come about is the state of emergency, which was declared on Aug. 14 following the expiration of the emergency law on May 31.

“The state of emergency says that from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., no one can move in the streets,” Sadek said.

“Everybody’s inside, and that’s really hard for us because Cairo’s active 24 hours, almost like New York.

The army is in all the streets. Regularly the street is really crowded, but you’ll only find four or five people moving in the street at 9 or 10 p.m.,” Sadek said.

Now violence is no longer as much of a concern, but other issues still discourage Sadek from returning to Egypt. The political turmoil took a heavy toll on the economy, and protesters damaged many public buildings, including the school Sadek attended.

“I want to visit, but not now. It takes years to be a good country after [a revolution]. Now, everybody is fighting. Every group wants something different in the constitution, and I don’t think it’s going to be right for seven, eight, 10 years,” Sadek said.

While Sadek will definitely visit Egypt in the future, he probably won’t move back.

“I can go back and forth [between Egypt and America], or if it’s really safe in Egypt, I could go live in my home country, but after 10 years, I will probably be American,” Sadek said.

Emily Levinson • Feature editor•

www.bvnnews.com | 15

“we’ve got spirit, yes we do”

5 “I want every game, every Blue Friday and every spirit day outrageous with crazy school spirit,” - Senior Emma Mikulecky “To get people excited for the games I make sure to tweet a lot and dress up. Go big or go home,” -Junior Joey Wise

2

6 1- Senior Jenny O’Grady proudly waves the spirit mustang at the first boys soccer game. O’Grady arrived at the DAC over an hour before kickoff.

“Don’t be that kid that just sits there during the game. Get up and cheer for your friends that are playing,” -Sophomore Will Vance “All of the upperclassmen on dance team always encourgae us to dress up for the spirit days,” -Freshman Gabby Wadley

2- Varsity soccer players pump up the crowd by throwing spirit wear into the stands.

7

3- Senior Dillon Clark winds up for a big kick and pushes the team closer to the goal. Clark has been playing defense for the North soccer program for the past four years.

4- The varsity cheer team hpyes up the crowd at the varsity soccer championship game. The BVN cheerleaders recently won first place at a competition.

3

5- The starting offense sets itself up on the line of scrimige at the first game against Miege. After revamping the program, the team is expecting a successful season.

6- Principal David Stubblefield represents the administration by standing on the field in front of the screaming fans before the varsity boys soccer game.

7- Senior Brian Euston, sporting an American flag morph suit, dances on the soccer field before leading the school in the rollercoaster cheer.

8 4

1

8- The team pep talk is given before every game by varsity captains senior Jonathan Bush and senior Andrew Rohleder.

“we’ve got spirit, how ’bout you?”

Feature | 9.27.13

Designing her future

“I

t means making your mistakes look beautiful,” senior Grace Daniel said. To Daniel, art is not about perfection, but about taking risks and making beauty out of errors.

This sort of bump in the road comes to her often, as with most artists. When she was drawing a portrait, she could not get the eye to look the way she had hoped, so she ended up making it into a hat, completely changing the portrait. In the end, the final product was a video game cover. The way she altered the painting by adding shading and light brought a depth to the piece that was even more than Daniel expected. She now considers it her favorite piece.

Art runs in the family

Daniel discovered her passion early in life.

“I was out in the front yard drawing and my mom was like, ‘Normal kids are out playing, and I didn’t think you even knew what an easel was,’” Daniel said.

Even though her newfound love at the time was uncommon for her age, she hasn’t let anyone stand in her way of making her dream a reality.

Daniel said that her family has always been her biggest support system. For birthdays, she is alwaysw given new design software or painting supplies.

Whenever she finishes a new piece of art, her family members are always the first to say they love the piece and share it on Facebook with friends and other family members.

A large amount of her interest and talent in art comes from her older sister. “I was always angry because [my sister] was always better than I was,” Daniel said. She said she has always been competitive with her siblings because they are so much older than she, making her want to be at their level of talent. She is unique in her family, however, because she is the only one who is interested in pursuing art as a career.

Full-time artist

Her time at North has given her a background with a variety of mediums. Having explored all types of art through the various classes she’s taken, she is focusing on web design. After thriving in her graphic design classes, Daniel knew that was the right place for her.

Her talent has earned her distinction, especially from her teachers.

Daniel’s Graphic Design teacher, Sharon Fate, sees a potential in her that is uncommon for an adolescent

18 | The North Star

Senior Grace Daniel uses many mediums to express herself through her art, including oil pastels. Daniel has been involved in the sSchoo’s art program since her freshman year. Photo by Elizabeth Tran

and admires her work ethic. “I know she’s passionate.

She was working every minute and it was almost hard for her to leave class,” Fate said. Fate believes that Daniel will flourish throughout her art career, and is already very successful. “She’s gone farther than any kid I’ve had in Graphic Design,” Fate said.

Looking to the future

Although the field is difficult and competitive to enter, Daniel hopes to one day enter the world of video game design to design the covers of the games.

“My favorite piece I’ve created is a cover for a fake video game I made on Photoshop” Daniel said. The piece was a cover for the game “Casting Shadows.”

The cover included a detailed and extremely accurate portrayal of one of the game’s main characters.

Daniel’s pieces have an intricacy that even some professionals haven’t accomplished. Her inspiration comes from the little things she sees in her everyday life that most people overlook. Simple things like the way light hits objects are most interesting to Daniel, and she tries to accomplish drawing simple yet complex aspects of life.

“The way that other people ignore those little things make them interesting and beautiful to me,” Daniel said.

Although creativity seems to come easily to Daniel, it is sometimes difficult to make people see what she sees.

“It takes inspiration and imagination to make something not look mundane,” Daniel said. To accomplish this, she tries to challenge herself by mixing styles and taking simple projects, like painting a bowl of fruit, and making them unique by experimenting with the color scheme or bringing in new dimensions. “[Those aspects] make you look twice at the painting,” Daniel said.

From her art, Daniel says she wants her audience to connect with her pieces in a personal way. “I want people to think of their own story from what I draw,” Daniel said.

Erica Richardson • Entertainment editor•

9.27.13 | Feature

Y N FUN

T

PEOPLE

he line was, “That’s three seconds of my life I’ll never get back.”

Senior Abbie Williams (then a junior) and her partner Steven Miles, class of 2013, had to improvise a scene based on this line during a show last year. Williams was unsure of what was going to happen, as Miles was leading the scene and she couldn’t do anything until he said the line. She waited for him to go, and then he kissed her in front of the whole audience, pulled away and said, “That’s three seconds of my life I’ll never get back.”

This is Comedy Troupe, where North students improvise scenes in games for their four shows each year.

“My parents and my grandparents were there. It was really embarrassing, but it was also really funny and made for a good reaction from the audience, which is what Comedy Troupe aims to do,” Williams said.

This year, Williams is a Comedy Troupe captain along with senior Joseph Bricker.

The two, who have both been in Comedy Troupe since their sophomore year, said they look forward to new the group, which has 14 people representing all four grades.

“I’m really excited about the group we have this year,” Bricker said. “I think we’re all really invested in the group.

We’re going to be able to accomplish a lot and put on shows that are going to be exciting for people.”

Though Williams and Bricker are captains, Williams said Comedy

Troupe is a collaborative effort. She said everyone brings something new to the group, and it’s all about having a dynamic.

As eight of the people on the team this year are new, the experience will be different from the past years for Williams and other returning members.

Each person brings something new to the group, so it’s never the same.

In addition to the new people on the team, Bricker and Williams said they hope to incorporate more long-form improv into their shows. Unlike short form, which is improv games like those seen on “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” long-form improv involves improvising whole scenes without set rules like those in short-form games.

Another goal for the team is to make more people aware of Comedy Troupe performances. In past years, Williams said friends and family of those in Comedy Troupe have attended, but she wants to make others in the school more aware of upcoming events. Comedy Troupe interacts with the audience a lot, getting suggestions for scenes from them for some games, so more people allow them to have more energy.

“I think the best part of the audience is their laughter and seeing that they are enjoying the show,” junior Cheyenne Ernst said. “If they’re having a good time, and they got their money’s worth and that they think we’re funny is what I love to see.”

The Comedy Life

For the students in Comedy Troupe, this isn’t their first attempt at improv.

Comedy Troupe members watch as senior Abbie Williams and junior Cheyenne Ernst improvise a scene during a practice. Photo by Elizabeth Tran.

Many of the members were involved in listen to comedians in many forms,” improv during middle school and have Cherkashyn said. “It’s something I’m attended theatre camps. Ernst said she really passionate about.” became interested in Comedy Troupe From their involvement in Comedy after a summer camp where she saw a Troupe, the members have been able different side to improv. to draw skills to help them in school “I saw how good of an environment it and throughout theatre. Through the was so I wanted to keep doing it,” Ernst troupe, members learn to think on their said. “I realized you don’t have to be the feet and be more comfortable both in funniest person. As long as you have theatre and with trying new things. energy and go for it, [the audience will] Being involved in Comedy Troupe commit to it if you commit to it.” during high school has also inspired Students also draw inspiration from students to stay involved with theatre comedians in Hollywood and other and improv groups after high school. places. Actors such as Tina Fey and “The idea of [those in Comedy Troupe Amy Poehler are some of Williams’s before me] has pushed me to want to favorites, while Bricker said he enjoys keep going,” Bricker said. “It’s definitely Jason Sudeikis. something I want to continue to do for “They’re always being creative and the rest of my life.” playing to the top of their intelligence, Williams also said she would want to which is something that can be continue to do comedy and improv forgotten really easily in beyond high school, but comedy and improv,” as of right now, she is Williams said. just looking forward Sophomore to what jokes this Archie year’s team will Cherkashyn, come up with. similar to “I just really Bricker and like getting to Williams, hang out with said he a bunch of follows the funny people,” work of many Williams said.

Tickets comedians “There’s never a $3 7 p.m. i who have dull moment.” n the inspired him to Little Th eater want to be involved with Comedy Troupe.

“I am a huge fan of Hayley Berger comedy, and from dawn till dusk I • Co-editor-in-chief •

SHOWS

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MARCH

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www.bvnnews.com | 19

Opinion | 9.27.13

= Emily Levinson • Feature editor•

T

HEAD TO HEAD SHOULD TIPPING BE BANNED?

ipping is a long-established practice, and one that some would advocate eliminating altogether. It’s awkward, they say. The rules are so ill-defined that it can be hard to know when and how much to tip. Sometimes, a tip is expected but not deserved. So why is tipping still common? The short answer is, the practice is not actually flawed.

Anyone claiming that tipping prompts greed or laziness clearly never worked in the service sector. In restaurants, for instance, people seem to think the process is linear: take the orders, bring the food, bring the bill. Simple, right?

Not quite. Waiters have to keep track of food and drink orders, keep the table clean, make sure patrons are happy and do this for four or five tables at a time.

Granted, not every server will be stellar, but patrons aren’t always a joy to serve either. While working in a restaurant, I met a wide range of characters.

Some were quite personable and pleasant to serve; however, many were less than polite. This is why restaurant turnover rates can be as high as 50 percent– people who have options choose not to stay in a high-stress, thankless job.

Workers who receive tips work hard for every dollar they earn- and that’s not much. Kansas is one of two states in the U.S. in which business owners can pay workers less than minimum wage if they can prove that workers earn enough in tips to put their total earnings above $7.25 per hour. Because of this, many workers depend on tips to supplement their $2 per hour salary. Waiters know that good service leads to bigger tips. Tipping, therefore, encourages hard work.

Tipping also isn’t even technically mandatory– just polite. Thus, there’s no need to ban tipping.

Patrons can adjust the tip based on the quality of the service.

You should consider, however, that some workers share their tips with others, such as cooks and dishwashers, who are just as important as waiters but don’t get a chance to earn tips directly. Thus, undertipping hurts employees who work behind the scenes.

One proposed alternative to tipping is to increase food and service prices and give workers higher base salaries. This strategy, howerve, would create problems rather than solve them. While most restaurants include a gratuity in the bill for large parties, forcing everyone to pay 15 or 20 percent more for food would upset customers. Plus, telling businesses how much to charge for their services goes against the core values of capitalism. Tipping, on the other hand, helps the economy by giving lower-income individuals nearly $40 billion each year. This increases demand for products, which causes the economy to expand.

While banning tipping might make life easier for some, it would ultimately hurt the economy and service-sector workers who depend on tips to make ends meet. Until workers are actually able to live on minimum wage, this is one practice we can’t afford to eliminate.

“Tipping helps the economy by giving lower-income individuals nearly $40 billion each year.”

20 | The North Star

I

< Jake Goldman • Sports editor •

n early September, an African American waitress at a Red Lobster in Franklin,Tenn. received no tip on a $45 meal. The receipt had the N-word written on it. This deserving waitress was left with zero dollars in tip because of the color of her skin. Despite this waitress’ hard work, she left the job with no change in her pocket due to a couple of racists.

Whether they’re waiting at a restaurant, cleaning your golf clubs or checking your bags at the airport, all serviceworkers expect tip. Tipping, however, has proved to be racist, biased and awkward. Therefore, tipping should be banned.

Let’s say you go to dinner at your favorite restaurant. Your waitress is a hot blonde, busty woman. Then let’s say you go back a week later hoping for the same waitress, but instead you are helped by a flat-chested brunette waitress with equally proficient service. Be honest.

Despite the waitresses who provide an equal quality of service, wouldn’t you tip the blonde woman more than the brunette? Welcome to the philosophy of Hooters, where all waitresses have voluptuous features. The fact that physique and attractiveness play a role in the amount tipped is unjustified. Tipping is supposed to be an “incentive;” however, much of it is based on factors unrelated to the quality of the service.

Besides tipping being biased and discriminatory, the practice is also awkward.

All of us have had a time when we have been waited on by an awful employee.

When it comes time to sign the bill we all ask ourselves, “do I still have to tip this ill-deserving waitress on top of what I already paid?” You feel bad if you don’t leave any money, or guilt if you feel that the employee didn’t deserve the extra amount you left her. Tipping shouldn’t be an obligation. In fact, many countries have already outlawed it.

Tipping is sought to be an incentive for workers; however, it is not necessarily healthy for the workplace. Tipping encourages “upselling” goods. Workers realize that most people tip an average amount of 15 percent; the only way to make more money is by selling more product. Instead of tipping promoting hard work, it nags customers to buy more goods. People work hard regardless of the tip. When you have a job and are responsible for something, you are still being supervised by a boss and you still earn a wage. You want to perform well because other people are depending on you, and you don’t want to be fired.

If people earned a “solid” salary, their accountability and value of their job would increase. Kansas is one of a few states in the U.S. that allows businesses to pay employees as low as $2 an hour. But what if it’s a slow night at the restaurant or golf course? That isn’t fair. With a constant wage, you can be assured a consistent income and a better experience, no tip necessary.

If tipping were banned, a busty waitress wouldn’t be tipped any more than a flat-chested waitress and an African American won’t be tipped any less than her white counterparts. Awkwardness and guilt would dissipate while the value of one’s job would increase improving their performance. Tipping isn’t capitalism.

It’s time for it to go.

“People work hard regardless of the tip.”

9.27.13 | Opinion

Aa-Bb-Cc-Dd-Ee-Ff-Gg-Hh-Ii-Jj-Kk-Ll-Mm-Nn-Oo-Pp-Qq-Rr-

P

keep cursive alive

lease sign your name below.

This common phrase can be found at the bottom of any official document, whether it’s a job appliczation, permission slip, contract or check. At first glance, this does not seem like a difficult task. Usually after filling out a long and complicated official form, this is the one line that you can be sure you have done correctly. When you read it once more, however, you realize that you are supposed to write your name in cursive. To many of us, this does not pose an issue, but for future generations, this seemingly simple instruction will leave them clueless.

As of 2010, the Common Core Standards do not include cursive writing in the curriculum. Since 45 out of 50 states are a part of these standards, the large majority of schools nationwide are not required to teach cursive. This is where the problem lies.

The art of cursive has been around for centuries, and there is a reason for that. This formal style of

68%!

writing connects us with our past.

Whenever I receive letters from my grandparents, I can be sure that they will be written only in cursive. This is true for many elderly people, so with younger generations becoming less and less familiar with cursive, this leaves few connecting links between generations.

Other than serving as a connection between the past and the future, cursive is also a fluid and practical form of penmanship. When you’re in class taking notes while the teacher is lecturing at a thousand miles an hour, standard printing doesn’t cut it.

It is impossible to record everything that is being said, or even just the main points because you just can’t write fast enough. Cursive provides an alternative to scribbling down a few sentences that probably won’t make sense to you the next day; it gives you a fluid method to quickly note what is needed.

Additionally, cursive functions as an equalizer of educational opportunity among students. For those who cannot afford a computer or do not have access, cursive remains an acceptable, formal writing style.

Although it may not compare to the typography of a keyboard, cursive

Kids (ages 8-18) that believe cursive should be taught

is viewed as both elegant and professional.

For formal essays that are written in class without a computer, cursive is a classic technique to make the paper States that do not follow the Common Core seem more Common Core Standards State Standards Initiatives sophisticated.

Most importantly, the practical use of cursive is unquestionable. A signature is required on any official document, and it is crucial that people are competent in these life skills. After all, the SAT requires that students write an oath in cursive.

As we grow into adulthood, tasks such as signing a check at the bank emphasize the necessity to know cursive. The alternative would be to eliminate signatures from society altogether. If this becomes the case, forging names on extremely important papers would become a piece of cake because printing can be imitated so easily.

The solution is clear; we must continue to teach and enforce http://www.prweb.com cursive writing within schools so that future generations will possess this essential skill.

Mallory Bodker

30% of adults and

25% of children view people who cannot read or write cursive as less literate and less intelligent

• Opinion editor •

http://www.prweb.com

Ss-Tt-Uu-Vv-Ww-Xx-Yy-Zz-Aa-Bb-Cc-Dd-Ee-Ff-Gg-Hh-Ii-Jjwww.bvnnews.com | 21

Entertainment | 9.27.13

ask.fm Asking Anonymously

15 answers

20

2

likes

gifts

The trials and tribulations of Ask.fm

I

f you have a Twitter or a Facebook, you’ve probably seen at least one of those “ask me questions!!!” posts. Whether you have an account or not, most may have heard of Ask.fm. For those of you who haven’t, Ask.fm is a popular app that allows users to ask each other questions anonymously and view each other’s answers. Starting around last May, kids in the area began linking their Ask.fm accounts to their Twitter and Facebook accounts, and the hype began to spread.

As the app gained popularity, controversy began to take shape. Speculation of cyberbullying through the app became more and more apparent as there were reports of overly personal questions, accusations, insults and blatant disrespect.

The anonymity element only made this worse. While many still feel that the app is harmless fun, others see it as a platform that simply makes bullying that much easier.

What types of questions do you get asked on Ask. fm?

“I don’t actually get asked a lot of questions. They just say statements like ‘you are cute’ and ‘hi.’ I don’t think most people actually get asked questions. People just like to be able to say things anonymously.”

7 minutes ago | Max Peterson, sophomore

Do you think people are truthful on Ask.fm?

“No, people almost always answer the questions as jokes. Really personal questions get answered with jokes back. I think a lot of people get the app to see if people are interested in their personal lives, and once they get a question, they just answer it in a joking way.”

16 minutes ago | Sophie Jerwick, junior

How do you feel about it being anonymous?

“I like it being anonymous because if anyone said anything bad, then you never have to know if it’s somebody you’re close to who had something to say.

But I do think it makes it easier to say mean things.

The questions that I’ve seen people get that have been really rude, you would never actually come up to someone in person and say that to their face.”

7 minutes ago | Max Peterson, sophomore

Do you think the fact that it’s anonymous makes it easier for people to be rude?

“Yeah, I do, because the fact that nobody knows who you are lets you get away with saying mean things or saying things that you’re too afraid to say to someone’s face. It can also hurt a lot more because you’re always wondering who it was who sent you questions like that.”

12 minutes ago | Brittany Ponder, junior

Would you recommend that people even start to use Ask.fm?

“I think anyone can use it if they want to because it can be fun, but if it gets to the point where they’re being harassed, they should just stop using it or deactivate it. There’s no point in keeping it if it’s not fun anymore.”

12 minutes ago | Brittany Ponder, junior

22 | The North Star

Why did you deactivate your Ask.fm?

“The questions just got really profane and inappropriate, and I felt very objectified sometimes.

Obviously I don’t want to be representing myself on social media like that, especially on a form like Ask.fm where it’s so public with virtually no privacy settings.

It’s really hard to get all those questions deleted once you deactivate your account. It’s not really something that you want to have colleges seeing.”

16 minutes ago | Sophie Jerwick, junior

Why don’t you want to get an Ask.fm?

“I’ve seen what people do and say on it, and I don’t really see the point of them. There are really three different things you can get on it: compliments, hate and weird questions that don’t need to be asked online. Nobody wants rude comments or inappropriate questions, and if you feel like you need anonymous compliments to be happy, you should probably re-evaluate your priorities.”

22 minutes ago | Addison Schlatter, freshman

Are there modifications that could be made to the site to improve it?

“I feel like if they monitored the app or prevented you from saying certain things, then people wouldn’t like it as much. I also don’t think that’s really the job of the people who run the site. They shouldn’t have to put restrictions on it, because people should have the common sense not to act like that online.”

26 minutes ago | Grace Foley, freshman

Kendall Avenia • Staff writer •

9.27.13 | Entertainment

TeachersTURNERS recommend bestTeachers reads recommend best reads PAGE

A

fter a stressful school day, many students relax by enjoying their weekly television show. With Netflix instant streaming, on demand channels and Hulu plus all available online and on TV, many students don’t bother picking up an old-fashioned paperback. Some of these books that these teachers recommend might surprise you. These reads will make you think, make you smarter and maybe even make you glad that you spent the time reading instead of on Twitter or Facebook.

“The Sunflower” by Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal, a holocaust survivor, poses a situation that he lived through where an Nazi officer is dying and he asks to speak to Wiesenthal before he dies. The officer confesses his crimes and asks for forgiveness on his deathbed, but Wiesenthal doesn’t respond and walks away. Throughout the rest of of the novel, the author questions if he should have forgiven the officer.

“I like that the novel made me think about my own abilities to forgive and my own morals,” social studies teacher Ashley Weaver said.

Theologians, politicians and other survivors of genocide are interviewed about what they would have done in that situation. There are 53 responses to the situation, so you get a world view on people’s attitudes on forgiveness.

Some genocide survivors said that they would grant the officer and their persecutors forgiveness.

“It puts into perspective who you choose to forgive in your own life. The fact that survivors of genocide were granting forgiveness made me reflect on how silly it is to hold a grudge against a friend,” Weaver said.

“Unwind” by Neal Shusterman

“Unwind” takes place in a society where parents can choose to have their children unwound. This process involves removing the organs and limbs of children and donating them to other people. The children are kept alive, but in a divided state.

“It really makes the subject of sacrifice and abortion personal. The idea of taking someone’s body parts off sounds graphic, but they do it in an interesting way, because the unwinding is symbolism for these bigger issues,” ELA teacher Maria Worthington said.

The novel follows the lives of three teenagers who are all brought together for the same reason, to try to escape their fate of being unwound. Connor is chosen to be unwound by his parents due to his behavior at school, while Lev has been raised to be unwound for religious reasons. Risa is forced to be unwound because the orphanage can’t afford to take care of her.

“I really identified with Risa because she is so talented at playing the piano, but talent isn’t enough to save her,” Worthington said.

The scenes of the novel describe the process of unwinding in a way that allows the reader to understand what the characters are thinking as their body parts are separated from them.

“You get the point of view of the guy who is getting unwound while the doctors are doing the process. You realize that, wow, they are taking away his body parts, but it isn’t gruesome,” Worthington said.

Worthington notes that her teenage daughter also enjoys the novel. It is sophisticated enough that teenagers and adults can appreciate it.

“The novel sticks with you. It doesn’t matter how long ago you have read it,” Worthington said.

“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green

“The Fault in Our Stars” follows Hazel and Augustus, who meet at a cancer support group. Although they fall in love, this isn’t your typical teen romance.

“So many authors write teenagers as flat people that don’t have feelings and emotions. Green writes characters that think maturely,” librarian Abby Cornelius said.

Hazel has an obsession with Peter Van Houten and his novel “An Imperial Affliction.” Augustus and Hazel both like the novel because they they can relate to Houten’s characters and appreciate his realistic commentary on death.

“My favorite part of the novel is when Augustus and Hazel go to Switzerland for Augustus’ Make a Wish trip so they can meet Van Houten. He turns out to be this complete douche, and they have to recover from it,” Cornelius said. “They realize that even though they idolize this guy, they are still better people than he is.”

Cornelius notes that Green also shows how the characters deal with the inevitability of death; they discover what it feels like to live, while knowing that you may die without making a difference.

“I like that his writing is genuine. I really identified with Augustus because he tries to make everything work out even when others don’t think things will work out,” Cornelius said.

Cornelius expresses that this novel teaches us to have hope. Even though Hazel and Augustus know that they have only a limited amount of time, they allow themselves to fall in love and experience life.

Sydney House • Co-editor-in-chief •

www.bvnnews.com | 23

Entertainment | 9.27.13

Burrito Battle Chipotle and Freebirds go head to head

Entertainment editor Erica Richardson prepares to try her Chipotle burrito for her Burrito Battle. Photo by Lauren Keller.

M

usic blaring, employees shouting and walls splashed with color: I walk into Freebirds, expectations set high, ready for the ultimate dining experience that everyone has been raving about.

When the new restaurant Freebirds came to Rosanna Square, the question on my mind was “which is better? Freebirds or Chipotle?”

When deciding whether or not a restaurant is to my liking, several factors come into play. Environment, taste and customer service are all components that impact my opinion.

Chipotle wins this food battle.

When walking into Freebirds, I was immediately disappointed. I approached the assembly line, and waited about five minutes before I was served. There were numerous employees working behind the counter, but none bothered to help me. They simply let me wait until one employee was done wrapping

24 | The North Star

up the last person’s burrito that was ahead of me. I started to pile on the toppings when I noticed how sloppy their assembly line looked. Food was splattered everywhere on the sides of the heated pans. I made my way to the end of the line, money in hand, when an employee redirected me to an entirely separate counter to pay. Um okay. Maybe I’m just picky, but I feel like that really messes up the flow of the traffic, and it’s just another line to wait in. I can say one positive thing about Freebirds, however; I do like their selection of burrito sizes. I can never finish a burrito at Chipotle, so I really liked that they had a smaller size.

I took a seat, ears ringing from the music, and headache approaching.

My family and I were forced to shout at each other just to carry out our conversation. The food was average.

Although they have a larger variety of toppings than Chipotle, the amount was almost overwhelming.

Needless to say, I was unimpressed with the restaurant.

The next stop was Chipotle. As always, regardless of the amount of traffic, time waiting in line is seemingly nonexistent. I get to their assembly line, immediately greeted by a warm face and cheerful hello.

I love the amount of emphasis Chipotle puts on customer service.

Every employee I have encountered has been extremely polite and enthusiastic. The music was at just the right decibel, loud enough to hear but quiet enough to just be background noise. The tables and chairs were spotless, and it’s apparent that they take pride in keeping things clean. Although the topping options are simple, all of the ingredients complement each other

nicely.

To me, it seems as though the Freebirds brand simply copied and pasted Chipotle’s idea, and spent too much time trying to throw together a bunch of different ideas, making the restaurant just look unkempt. I understand that it’s a new restaurant and is trying to figure out the kinks, but let’s just hope they clean up their act soon.

My overall ratings: Chipotle Freebirds

Erica Richardson • Entertainment editor•

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Bring in this ad and receive 10% off your first visit Dr. David Schlossman

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9.27.13 | Entertainment

DO’S and DON’TS of Homecoming

B

y now, you’ve hopefully asked way by getting a cookie cake with someone to be your date to “Will you go to homecoming Homecoming, and if you with me” written in Elvish with haven’t, it might be too late; but, icing. in the chance that you have a last “Cameron and I are huge minute idea, take a look below to see nerds for ‘Lord of the Rings,’ what some good and bad ideas and it was really cute are when asking your date to because we met because homecoming! of ‘Lord of the Rings’ and Junior, Katerina Kamberis that’s how we became was asked by Junior John friends. Now we are going Shapland on Sept. 8, when to Homecoming together,” her doorbell rang and she Davlantes said.A major discovered there was a sign contributing factor of with Kit-Kat bars that spelled whether your date will “HC?” answer “yes”, or “no” “It was really clever the way he depends on whether the came up with the Kit-Kat bars on person being asked feels Victoria Davlantes, Sophomore, the poster, because my nickname was asked to homecoming by like you really care about is Kat. My two best friends, Sarah Cameron Wall, Sophomore, going to Homecoming with with a cookie cake. Photo by Zoe him or her.

Lawrence and Meghan Lowry, Davlantes. were there with me, ” Kamberis “Don’t just text a girl said. asking them to go Sophomore, Molly to homecoming. It’s Pickert, was asked to rude, and shows that Homecoming in a way you really don’t care that was exactly what she about the person you’re wanted. asking,” Pickert said.

Sophomore, Max “They shouldn’t text Peterson, showed up in them or ask them over Pickert’s backyard and the phone because it’s sang “Your Song” by stupid and rude, but Elton John to ask her to they shouldn’t make Homecoming. too big of a deal of it “It was original and because girls might feel sweet. I thought it was forced to say yes. Don’t Molly Pickert, Sophomore, was asked to really brave of him to do homecoming by Max Peterson, Sophomore, through do it in public if it is song. Photo by Vivian Nazzaro. that,” Pickert said. something that’s really Sophomore, Cameron big like singing because Bentley Hulshof Wall, asked Sophomore, Victoria it can make them feel awkward,” • Staff writer • Davlantes, in a personalized Davlantes said.

Homecoming Actvities: Varsity Football Homecoming Game: Friday, Sept. 27 7 p.m. at the DAC Homecoming Dance: Saturday, Sept. 28 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

www.bvnnews.com | 25

Entertainment | 9.27.13

AT THE MOVIES

“Fruit vale Station”

O

n New Year’s Eve, Oscar Grant boarded a transit train with a few friends and his longtime girlfriend. Soon after the clock struck midnight, he got into an altercation with another passenger, and when the train stopped at Fruitvale Station, he and his friends were detained by the police. They were lined up against a wall where they supposedly resisted arrest. Then, for no apparent reasons other than being young and black, Officer Johannes Mehserle shot Grant in the back and killed him.

I don’t throw around the phrase “best movie I’ve ever seen;” that title is reserved for the movies I’ve seen countless times and can quote endlessly.

But as the credits rolled, I knew “Fruitvale Station” was the exception.

Heartbreaking, tragic and based on a true story, “Fruitvale Station” pulls you in with its opening scene, which is actual footage that witnesses captured on their cell phones. This harrowing footage can also be found on YouTube.

The movie follows Oscar as he goes about his day on Dec. 31, 2008. We see him as he attempts to become a better father to his young daughter, a better boyfriend to his longtime girlfriend and a better son to his hard-working mother. He quits dealing weed, pleads with his boss to get his job back at the local supermarket and makes plans for his mother’s birthday dinner that evening.

Evidently, he’s made mistakes in his past that he regrets, but he truly is trying to correct them. His genuineness is compelling, and that only makes the inevitable conclusion sadder.

If I had to make my Academy Award predictions now, I’d give Best Actor to Michael B. Jordan (“Chronicle”) for his portrayal of Grant and Supporting Actress to Octavia Spencer (“The Help”) for her role as Grant’s mother. Their performances evoke countless emotions. In a scene after his mom’s birthday dinner, he helps her with the dishes and tells her about his plans for the night. She makes him promise not to drink and drive and suggests he takes the train, foreshadowing what viewers know is to come.

Since he doesn’t want to worry her, he agrees to convince his friends not to drive. It’s an honest

26 | The North Star

look into the life of a troubled son and his experience, and it makes you think twice about worrisome mother, a rare moment where the love the prejudices you harbor. they have for each other is almost tangible.

Even though the movie falls just shy of 90 What I liked most and least about “Fruitvale minutes, which is really short for anything not Station” is how angry it made me. My friend and rated G, I promise that “Fruitvale Station” will be I left the theater that day feeling bitter about the the most powerful, thought-provoking film you world and so frustrated see all year. It’s the type of movie that that injustices like sticks with you for weeks after you Rated R for for some violence, this occur every day, see it, and you’ll be thinking about language throughout and some Oscar Grant long after you leave the yet most people are drug use oblivious to them. Oscar theater.

Run Time: 85 minutes Grant was killed merely Stars out of 4: four years ago and I still hadn’t heard of him until this summer. To say the least, watching Danny Rosenberg this movie is a humbling • Co-editor-in-chief •

Oscar Grant was pronounced dead on New Years Day in 2008 after being shot by a police officer. He is survived by his daughter and girlfriend. Photo from theobamacrat.com

9.27.13 | Entertainment

I

t’s the year 2154. You get out of bed, and instead of being surrounded with cell phones and air conditioning, you are surrounded by disease, poverty, pollution and hunger. While you’re living a hard life on good ol’ planet Earth, the rich one percent has taken the time to build a space ring called Elysium that houses a JoCo-like artificial environment.

Sounds like a pretty good idea for a movie, right? Unfortunately, if you tie in Hollywood level visuals and ideas with a lousy story and characters, you end up with a movie that doesn’t combine the best of both worlds.

We are first introduced to Max Da Costa (Matt Damon), a selfish and pedestrian man who is more fickle than a politician. His job is to build robots in a factory, and these robots act as policemen on both Elysium and Earth. More on these robots later.

Unfortunately, he gets in an accident and is hit by a lethal dose of radiation.Max realizes that to stay alive, he needs to go up to Elysium and find a bioscanner which can cure his radiation.

He talks to a seedy character named Spider who makes a deal to trade a ticket to Elysium for a bank account of a citizen from Elysium to make money.

At the same time, Elysium Secretary of Defense Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster), plans a coup (which through a few scenes of hilarious hijinks turns into a three-way coup) to take over Elysium from the more sympathetic president who is currently in power.

As I was watching, I noticed many problems.

The first problem that jumped out when the credits started rolling was “where did the robots go?” These killer robots that keep Elysium under control seem to disappear for 80 percent of the movie, and could have probably stopped the mess of a coup that occurs.

The second problem is that Delacourt plans the coup by enlisting the wealthy entrepreneur John Carlyle who is responsible for building and running the robots that are the authority figures on both Earth and Elysium. She promises to extend Elysium’s contract with Carlyle’s company for 200 years if he gives her a program to take control of all the robots.

If its so easy to just whip up a program in five minutes to change the leader of the entire human race, why hasn’t this been done before? The movie includes scenes of Earth citizens hacking into the Elysium citizen database and adding citizens. This shouldn’t be too hard of a challenge.

Next, everyone’s motives seem to spin in different directions. Max goes from a selfish jerk who almost screws over a lot of people to a hero in less than a transition. The leader of the coup, Delacourt, is quickly replaced with a mercenary named Kruger.

What is Kruger’s incentive to take control of Elysium? Aside from the fact that you only live once (even on the medically advanced Elysium), and that it would be a good time, he just becomes inspired to be a leader, takes a gun and starts shooting anything that

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bes

t of

moves.

The action scenes are pretty well shot until the end when Kruger and Max are duking it out in powerful exoskeletons. It turns into a fight filled with the shaky cam, which can ruin even the better choreographed action scenes.

On top of all these mistakes, the story lines make it sure that the audience doesn’t connect with the characters, except for maybe Kruger.

Matt Damon and Jodie Foster both put in average performances that didn’t make me excited or disappointed when the loose cannon plot threw something their way. Sharlto Copley (Kruger) on the other hand, did a good job with Kruger, and his change from a half-crazed mercenary into a full blown psychopath.

I would be doing an injustice to this movie if I didn’t talk about the effects and the art used in the movie. Elysium looks incredible on screen, and the computer effects on the robots and the Earth environment are great. It’s impossible to tell that the Elysium parts were shot on Earth.

Verdict: I gave this movie a 1.5/4. The effects

helped the movie excel, but fell flat with a storyline that didn’t make much sense. The characters didn’t put in great performances and the story was not at the same level that the effects truly deserved. If you admire a great storyline, then you will probably be disappointed.

Rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout Run Time: 109 minutes Stars out of 4: 1/2 Ram Sivakumar

Elysium R

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www.bvnnews.com | 27

9.27.13

The North Star Staff

Editors-in-chief Hayley Berger Sydney House Danny Rosenberg Online editor Faryal Jafri Photo and Design editor Erica Emert News editor Ram Sivakumar Feature editor Emily Levinson Sports editor Jake Goldman Entertainment editor Erica Richardson Opinion editor Mallory Bodker Business manager Vijay Ramasamy Social media manager Lauren Wolfe Photographers Austin Fultz Vinnie Garimella Lauren Keller Elizabeth Tran Staff writers Kendall Avenia Bentley Hulshof Corey Minkoff

Front row: Jake Goldman, Sydney House, Hayley Berger. Middle row: Emily Levinson, Erica Emert, Danny Rosenberg, Mallory Bodker, Faryal Jafri. Back row: Kendall Avenia, Bentley Hulshof, Elizabeth Tran, Lauren Keller, Erica Richardson, Ram Sivakumar, Austin Fultz, Corey Minkoff, Vinnie Garimella, Lauren Wolfe. Not pictured: Vijay Ramasamy.

Adviser Melinda Gilman The North Star is the official publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all students six times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication.

Letters to the editors are encouraged from students and non-students alike and should be less than 500 words in length. All letters must be signed and turned into room 411 at least one week prior to publication. All letters require a signature. Names will be published. The North Star reserves the right to edit with regard to libel, without changing the substance of the letter. The North Star will not publish obscene or libelous material.

The North Star Blue Valley North High School 12200 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 239-3000

28| The North Star

Letter from the editors

S

ince the minute that last year’s seniors left room 411 for the last time, we’ve been busy plotting this September issue. As you can probably tell, we’ve made quite a few changes to The North Star, changes that range from fonts of headlines to page designs to color usage. Since we switched printing companies, we had the option of changing the size of our pages. Every other Blue Valley school opted for a smaller, magazine-sized paper, but we decided to stick with our larger paper. The smaller size had its perks, but mostly we felt that stories looked too cramped and that we could do more with design on a larger paper. This new printing company also allowed us to increase the average number of pages per issue from 16 and 24 to 24 and 32, and it allowed us to put more pages in color beside just the cover, spread and back page.

In the past, page designs almost always seemed to follow the same pattern: two stories stacked on top of each other on one page with boxy pictures and an overflowing amount of text. After engaging the student body with focus groups and surveys, we made page designs one of our first priorities. Since we added eight pages, we were able to spread out our stories and be more creative with our pictures and their placement. Adapting to these new changes proved to be stressful at times, but we are proud of our new staff ’s first finished product, and we hope you had as much fun reading it as we did making it. As always, we are looking for ways to improve all aspects of the newspaper, so please don’t hesitate to tweet @bvnnews or write a letter to the editor.

Your editors, Hayley, Sydney and Danny

9.27.13

September & October The marching band drum line stays focused during an after-scchool practice at the DAC. Photo by Austin Fultz

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Homecoming Dance @BVN

Picture Make-up day V Football vs BVHS @DAC 7 p.m.

29 6 13 20

30

District Marching Band Festival @ DAC 7-9 p.m.

7

Varsity Girls Golf @ Lawrence Free State 1 p.m.

14

Varsity soccer @ Bishop Miege 6:30 p.m.

Regional Varsity Girls Golf 8 a.m.

21

Girls Golf @ State

At the first football game of the season, the band performs their Latin-themed music. Photo by Austin Fultz

1

Varsity Vball @ BVNW 6 p.m.

Varsity soccer vs KC Christian @ DAC 7 p.m.

8

Varsity soccer @ BVW 6:30 p.m.

V Vball vs BVW/ Bishop Miege 5 p.m.

Orchestra Concert PAC 7 p.m.

15

Varsity Vball vs.

Olathe North 6:30 p.m.

Mustang Voices Chorale Concert- PAC 7 p.m.

22

Varsity VBall @ Lawrence High 5 p.m.

Varsity Soccer senior night @ DAC 7 p.m.

2

Varstiy Girls Golf @ Aquinas 3 p.m.

Varsity golf @ BVSW 1 p.m.

9

16

PSAT and PLAN testing

23

Parent teacher conferences

8-11 p.m.

3

4

5

10

11

12

Varsity girls tennis Varsity Football vs Varsity Vball @ SMNW 3 p.m.

Aquinas @DAC @ Ottawa Varsity soccer vs 5:30 p.m.

Tournament 8 a.m.

BVSW 7 p.m.

Fall Play- A Flee in Her Ear- Little Theatre 7 p.m.

Varsity soccer vs.

Gardner @ DAC 7p.m.

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Fall Play- Little Theatre 7 p.m.

V Football @ Gardner 7 p.m.

NO SCHOOL- End of First Quarter

18

Fall Play- Little Theatre 7 p.m.

Heart of America Marching Festival @ KU Regional Tennis

V Football vs Olathe State tennis East @DAC 6:30 p.m.

BVN Debate Varsity Cross invitational 3:30Country @ EKL

24

Parent teacher conferences

9:00 p.m.

25

NO SCHOOL VFBall vs. SMS @ DAC- band, dance, cheer, football senior night 7 p.m.

19

KSU Marching Festival @ KSU State golf State tennis

26

Varsity Cross Country @ State (Lawrence, KS)

Lauren Wolfe

â&#x20AC;˘ Social media manager â&#x20AC;˘

www.bvnnews.com | 29

Ads | 9.27.13

30 | The North Star

9.27.13 | Entertainment

Starbucks Secret Menu

Secret recipes for you and your friends to enjoy henever I go to starbucks, I get lost in the monotony of ordering my Chocolate “usual,” a caramel frappuccino. To solve this problem, I tried some of these Pumpkin secret menu items that are yet to be on the actual menu. These drinks are fun to order, and you never know what the drink might taste like.

Frappuccino

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I went to the Starbucks by BVN and they were very cooperative. When ordering these drinks, I found that it was easiest to write down the recipes and give them to the baristas because it gets confusing with all of the ingredients. The three drinks I tried were delicious and I expect the others to be equally as good. My prediction is that some of these drinks will be added to the main Starbucks menu in time. An additional cost may be added varying upon the drink. If you would like to see more secret menu items check out starbuskssecretmenu.net.

Hipster Chai

If you love coffee, then this is the drink for you. It tasted very similar to the white chocolate mocha, except with a stronger blend of coffee. I could definitely feel the extra surge of energy after drinking this.

Caramel Apple Pie Frappuccino If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, then this is the drink for the job. The Caramel Apple Frappuccino tasted exactly like its name, with the caramel and apple mixed together. The baristas decided to make extra for them to try, and their exclamation was “Wow! This is really sweet.” I would definitely recommend this drink for the upcoming fall season.

After trying this drink, I found that it was the perfect combination of chocolate and pumpkin spice. I ordered a tall with one pump of chocolate. It tasted exactly like the pumpkin spice latte, except with a hint of chocolate. Just like the description says, if you liked the chocolate chip pumpkin bread, then you’ll love this even more.

Want the recipes? Scan this QR code to see these recipes and more that you can order.

Bentley Hulshof • Staff writer •

www.bvnnews.com | 31

n o i t i d e e l i b o m s new

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ter and

oard, twit b ip fl g in c u d intro

nnews.com

igned bv s e d ly w e n the

downloading the Flipboard app will give you access our best stories in a convenient, fun format that you can take with you wherever you go. Access it from your phone or computer by going to http://flip.it/bcgSi on your browser or by scanning the QR code.

follow the @bvnnews twitter and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be updated on the latest happenings of BVN directly. the new and improved website,

bvnnews.com, is the place to go to between newspaper issues. Here you can find features on noteworthy students and staff, photo-stories, videos and polls.

32 | The North Star

iPhone photos from creative commons