2/6/09

(I,ITE . . .

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

inside the issue

• Dance Marathon to raise money for Riley Hospital, Page 2 • Ramps closed off to students without disabilities, B1 • Students persevere through ailments in sports, B2

Acumen A look at photography through the ages, from dark rooms to digital Section C

www.hilite.org

520 E. Main Street

Carmel, IN 46032

Volume 54, Issue 9

February 6, 2009

Lenten traditions observed not only

by Catholics Shireen Korkzan skorkzan@hilite.org

Lost in Translation staff / graphic

Government mandates switch to digital by Feb. 17

E

verbatim

very night, while he completes school assignments, senior Tom Chen multitasks and watches a couple of his favorite television shows. He said he typically watches large broadcasting networks with programs such as “The Office,” “Two-and-a-half Men,” “Chuck” and other comedic shows. On average, Chen said he watches television for about 14 hours a week.

Though Chen usually watches his family’s high definition television (HDTV), the rest of the televisions in his house will soon be antiquated.

Without making necessary changes, those analog sets will soon receive nothing but static.

This is due to an impor tant change the government will enforce come this month. Officially, Feb. 17 will be the last date any television station can send out analog broadcasts, and the last date any analog television can receive them.

Chen, like many others in this community, said the switch to digital television will affect him minimally, since he prefers the better quality of his HDTV. “I was already watching (television) in HD anyway,” he said.

But, while people like Chen may make the switch with minimal disruption, it may not be the case for the rest of America. Recently, this seemingly faultless transition has come under direct fire from congressional Democrats. Many feared that Americans would not have the resources to make the transition. According to Time magazine, the Nielsen Media Research group estimates that 6.5 million Americans will not be prepared. On Jan. 28, though the bill to delay the transition to June 12 passed in the Senate, House Republicans defeated it.

Their argument was that the delay would needlessly confuse the general public. Thus, the transition date remains Feb. 17.

According to the government-provided Web site for the digital transition, dtv.gov, this process began in 1996, when Congress approved stations to broadcast an additional digital signal, along with their original analog signals. Then, in 2005, Congress began requiring public stations to completely switch to digital.

Constantine Linos, customer assistant of the home theater department at Best Buy in West Carmel, said, “(The government is) basically buying up all the analog signals, and they’re going to sell them off to the cell phone companies.” In addition, dtv.gov says some of the analog signals will go toward police, firefighter and rescue squad communication networks.

There is a win-win situation in this transition for almost everyone.

Consumers will receive “a much better signal quality,” according to Linos; the government can raise profits through the sale of analog signals and have a wider range of channels to communicate on; and wireless companies can expand their services by purchasing analog signals.

CHTV adviser Hal Espey said, “I think some of this (idea) came out of 9/11. The fire crews that I think were in some of those towers couldn’t hear their base commanders.”

The only people who may not benefit are the television stations themselves. “As far as broadcasters go, they’ve had to spend a lot of money for these new transmitters, which is mandated by the government. That does not necessarily mean that their revenues are going to go up because of this digital transformation,” Espey said.

However, in order for people like Chen and his family to receive digital signals, they must have purchased a new television after March 1, 2007 or buy a digital converter box.

This converter box is one of the reasons impeding 6.5 million Americans from receiving television signals after Feb. 17. In order to reduce the costs of purchasing a converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (which is under the Department of Commerce) mailed out two coupons for a converter box to each household that requested them.

Each coupon is worth $40 but expires three months after mailing. These boxes, on average, cost $40 to $70

michelle hu / photo

AND ACTION: Junior W ill Stephens operates camera three on the CHTV set for video announcements. Though most professional television stations now broadcast exclusively in digital, this school’s station will not transition since it broadcasts on a cable channel. Students must purchase a digital converter box if they want to watch major broadcasting networks on their SEE DIGITAL TELEVISION ON PAGE 3 analog televisions.

lent at a glance Theme: 40-day liturgical season of fasting and praying, representing the time Jesus spent in the wilderness Dates: Begins on Feb. 25 and ends on April 11 Color: In most churches, the decorations are purple, the royal color, to prepare for the King Special Days: Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent); Laetare Sunday (fourth Lenten Sunday); Passion or Palm Sunday (fifth Lenten Sunday); Palm Sunday (sixth Lenten Sunday, beginning of Holy Week); Spy Wednesday (Wednesday of Holy Week); Maundy or Holy Thursday (Thursday of Holy Week); Good Friday (Friday of Holy Week) newadvent.org / source

“I didn’t even buy a dress. I am really, really shocked.” -Meryl Streep, while accepting the Screen Actors Guild award for best actress for her role in “Doubt.”

“I was born a bull fighter and I will die one.” -Michel LaGravere, 11, after killing six bulls in a single fight in southern Mexico, reportedly making him the world’s youngest matador to achieve the feat.

“They want the same hat, but they understand it’s for the ‘Queen’ only.”

-Luke Song, who created Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration hat in his Detroit store. He has received hundreds of requests for the custom-made hat since the event. Song is honoring requests for something similar. time magazine / source

For complete stories, see pages B3 and B4.

The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke F

A

The Best Deals on Flowers guide

A The Best Deal on Chocolates and Treats

guide

go online

Valentine’s Day for the Single Ladies column

As always, you can find the latest reviews on the most popular movies, CDs, restaurants and books online.

www.hilite.org

By michelle Hu and Lauren Burdick mhu@hilite.org, lburdick@hilite.org

On Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday, freshman Julie Gaylor won’t receive ashes on her forehead, but she will soon begin her 40 days and 40 nights of fasting. During this time, she will abstain from any junk food and soda and not eat meat on all Fridays. She will continue following this ritual until April 12, Easter Sunday. This is because Gaylor celebrates Lent, a Christian holiday based on the liturgical calendar that has lasted for over 2000 years. This holiday is mandatory for the Roman Catholic Church while some other Christian denominations still choose to participate.

But Gaylor is not Catholic. She is part of a group of only 5 percent of people who attend Lenten services and 20 to 30 percent of non-Catholics who attend mass on Easter Sunday, according to Father Mel Bennett, Senior Associate at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church on Haverstick Road. Bennett said most of these non-Catholics who attend services during the Lenten season come mainly because of the historical and traditional rituals, such as the prayers that have been spoken for centuries.

According to Bennett, the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent represent the 40 days and 40 nights of the fasting and abstinence of Christ before He was resurrected. During this time, the Christians who participate in the holiday also reflect on the life and passion of Christ while abstaining from something, such as candy, during the season. All followers have to abstain from meat on all Fridays during this period of time. Lent is officially over on Holy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper where Jesus claimed he would be betrayed and killed the following day (Good Friday).

Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the day worshippers receive ashes of the burning crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, in the shape of a cross on their foreheads.

While Lent is mandatory in the Roman Catholic Church, some churches believe in following this routine all year round as opposed to just 40 days and 40 nights. Northview Christian Life Church on 131st street is one such church with this belief, according to Pastor of Assimilation Douglas Starkey. However, Northview, a non-denominational church, believes there is no “right way” or “wrong way,” just as long as the faithful experience the concept of denying themselves for the sake of others, according to Starkey.

Because of this, there is not a lot of emphasis on Lent during services this time of year. Instead, Northview emphasizes “denying thyself” and reflecting every day instead of just 40 days and 40 nights in the year.

However, Starkey said Northview is not opposed to others celebrating Lent and is supportive.

“There is no right way or wrong way,” Starkey, who has personally celebrated Lent in the past, said.

“The value of denying ourselves and thinking of others is something to embrace. It is good for anyone to get that experience.”

Bennett said the Roman Catholic Church is much more traditional in the practice of Lent because, he said, “we are obligated to follow the tradition of the Church as it was given by Christ to the Apostles, but at the same time (the Roman Catholic Church) is respectful to other denominations.”

Both Bennett and Starkey agreed every Christian should at least experience Lent and its practice once in their life, but to Gaylor, it doesn’t matter.

“It depends on what you believe in,” Gaylor said.

“It’s not like I’m forced to do it. I just feel it’s the right thing to do.”

Page 2 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • News

GREYHOUND NEWS BRIEFS Principal A team of trained administrators and teachers will visit this school on March 10. They will evaluate the school on seven standards set by AdvancED for accreditation.

“We’ve always been accredited as a school, but now we want to be accredited as a district,” Assistant Principal Ronda Eshleman said.

This is the first year that the Carmel Clay Schools district has sought accreditation as a district, which is more work according to Eshleman.

Principal John Williams said the school is not worried. “We’re pretty confident that what we do serves kids well, but at the same time, you don’t want to take that for granted,” he said.

Senior Hannah Chiasson said the school should be accredited. “It is good because our school is worthy of being accredited,” she said.

According to Eshleman, this accreditation demonstrates how well the educational process is connected throughout the district.

“We want to show that as a district we are all working to the same goals and vision to all of our students,” Eshleman said. By Amy Flis

Dance Marathon undeterred by global economic recession

House, Senate rely on individual donations to exceed last year’s goal as corporations lose financial power to donate as extensively

Superintendent Piled in closets and offices throughout the district are boxes of records of every past students and employees. Accor ding to Superintendent Barbara Underwood, the district is required to keep all of its old paperwork and as the district continues to grow, a problem has occurred in lack of storage space and organization for these records.

“We have been for years ver y concerned about storage of records because we have to keep students’ files forever,” Underwood said.

There is a solution though.

Underwood said that after looking into many options and struggling for at least three years to find a way to manage all of the papers, the board has finally decided on a company who stores records for many universities and companies to store the records. The company the district is hiring is Cintas.

Cintas has several locations, one being over near the airport, which Underwood said was impressive.

“They actually organize them and index them into the computer,” she said. If a past student wants to find a copy of a transcript that is a paper copy in 10 years, then this company will look it up in the computer and find their name and then find the paper transcript and send a copy.

Beginning with the current year, the company would just digitize the records and destroy the paper copy.

Currently if a person who has been gone from the high school five years calls, it will take some time to find the record.

This program is also relatively inexpensive as compared to other ideas that the board has looked into during the past few years. One such idea that was struck down was to add a building on to the administrative offices.

“The cost is very reasonable,” Underwood said. “The first year will be the most expensive because they have to organize and index. That will be $15,000. That comes out of our CPS fund anyway, so it’s not out of our general fund,” she said.

In subsequent years it will be about $5,000 per year.

U n d e r w o o d s a i d , “ We a r e excited. That was a big deal for us.”

By Brittani Wheeler

Kate Grumme / Photos

FOR THE KIDS: House Cabinet members organize dancer registration packets at the Jan. 21 House meeting in Greyhound Station, which resulted in over 900 registrations.

Though each dancer must submit $75 or more, 12 percent of the funds raised last year came from corporations, which will possibly decline due to the recession.

L

By Susie Chen susiechen@hilite.org

a s t y e a r, h u n d r e d s o f s t u d e n t s par ticipating in Dance Marathon gathered in the Freshman Cafeteria, where it was revealed that $129,866.31 had been raised for Riley Hospital.

Around 12 percent of this donation came from corporate sponsorships.

It’s possible that the current recession negatively affect corporate donations for this years Dance Marathon; however, cosponsor Sarah Wolff said that at this point, it is hard to tell.

“A lot of our dancers use their corporate donations as their own individual dancer money, so we don’t see it until dancer fees are due. (The recession) could very well affect it. I don’t know at this point whether or not we will exceed last year’s goal. It’s very hard to tell,” she said.

Sophomore Rithvi Melanta, who has been on Senate since her freshman year, said that while most of the larger donations come from corporations, both corporate and student donations are important.

“Without both of them, Carmel Dance Marathon would not be as successful as it is. In order to raise more money for this worthwhile cause, student donations are essential,” she said.

Last year, 11 businesses donated to Dance Marathon, the largest donation coming from Ingersall Rand. This security technologies company donated $15,000 along a three-year donation, meaning that the company donates $5,000 a year starting from last year’s event. Some companies, however, do not donate money; rather, they donate products, such as food and drink, to supply the dancers during the six-hour dance marathon.

Coca-Cola will provide the drinks this year, while

Carmel Clay Education Foundation to host telethon amidst troubled time for charities but I hope it doesn’t.”

The telethon has been profitable in the past, helping the CCEF give In the midst of an economic over $400,000 in grants since 1995 r e c e s s i o n , n o t - f o r - p r o f i t to the school system, according to organizations are in a pinch for Lorri Brune, Executive Director of money and charitable donations. the CCEF. However, there is still Economics teacher Dan Bates worry that the economy might have said the economy has had a an effect on donations. negative effect on donations to Brune said, “Our hope is that the t h e s e o r g a n i z a t i o n s . “ F o r economic downturn will not affect most charitable contributions, our telethon. We have a strong donor donations are discretionar y. base to solicit contributions.”

The current economic situation Last year, the telethon raised is making charitable donations about $27,000 for the CCEF’s grant decrease,” he said. program for teacher and students, With the economic crisis, fund- according to Brune. raisers such as the annual Carmel The statistics, however, show that Clay Educational Foundation’s the economy does have an effect on (CCEF) Telethon may be in a these types of organizations. pinch for money because they will According to Bates, “Nonprofit receive smaller donations. organizations’ funding comes solely This year’s telethon is set for from donations. Food pantries are February 19 from 6 p.m. until empty, and they’re taking a hit like 9 p.m., with National Honor any other nonprofit organization, Society (NHS) students calling which is the same general idea of people who have donated in the what could happen here.” past from Feb. 17 until the end of In order to help offset the losses, the telethon. other possibilities to raise money Kyle Borcherding, CHTV staff can be put into effect. According member and senior, said, “I really to Espey, “We might try to have have no idea if the economy will personal testimonies of past winners have an effect on (the telethon), during the telethon. It couldn’t

By Tommy Sneider

CORRECTIONS and clarifications From the 1.23 issue In the cutline at the bottom of page B1, freshman Lauren Kahre was misidentified as junior Jennifer Hosek.

A shortened version of “New year’s resolutions prove easy to make, more difficult to keep” ran in copy. The full version is available online.

The news story “NHS to host carnation sale at lunch” should have included yellow carnations in flower options and Main Cafeteria in sale areas.

The Rotary Interact beat should have read “who really need them,” not “who really need it.”

Domino’s will provide the pizzas.

Although corporate donations last year accounted for $10,000 to $15,000 of the total contribution, the majority of the money came from students. Dancers must have a minimum of $75 to participate in the event, and Wolff said that it is the dedication of the students, not the support of corporate businesses, that helps contribute to the success of the event.

“We rely on kids who want to give to sustain our giving this year. If everybody asked someone they knew for money, we wouldn’t need to have corporate donations. You have to find it in yourself to go above and beyond,” she said.

Melanta said that Dance Marathon would not be as successful as it is without help from family and friends.

“We stand for kids at Riley who can’t. Every year, Carmel Dance Marathon proves to be more successful than the previous year, and this year will prove to be no different,” she said.

Wolff said while it may be possible that the recession influences how many corporate donations come through this year, she said she thinks it is more likely that business sponsorships will not be affected.

She said, “Most of the companies we get are because of our personal connections through students. Some companies we lose because the students graduate, but we’ll get some new sponsors through new students.”

Company donations could be affected by the recession, but Melanta said she thinks that student donations are more valuable. She said there have been more fund-raisers this year, with more students attending, because they are tr ying to surpass last year’ws total of nearly $130,000.

“Students participate because it’s a great cause, and students can dance, eat, socialize and meet Riley patients,” she said. “It’s a great way to know that there is something so meaningful we, the students, can do to give back to our community.”

tsneider@hlite.org

hurt. Any time there is a personal testimony people know the money is helping someone and that makes it more meaningful.”

In addition, Espey said the telethon features elementary and middle school students whose parents typically attend the event, since their children cannot drive. “ I n s t a n t l y, w e h a v e a n auditorium audience that is larger than you might think,” he said.

Bates said that people donate less because they believe they need that money to feel economically secure and that other necessities become more important when money is in short supply.

“We now live in a society where a cell phone is a necessity.

People don’t see donations as a necessity; they donate because of how it makes them feel for doing it,” Bates said.

Even though the United States is in a recession, the telethon will nonetheless receive money to benefit the school.

Brune said, “The donations are typically not large amounts, so we are hopeful that families will still determine that the CCEF is a very worthwhile organization.”

FOR THE KIDS: Student Body President Weston Luzadder gives a speech about Dance Marathon behind the Senate. Senate and House members must raise at least $250 in funds.

District provides opportunities for teacher recognition

By Sara Rogers and Michelle Hu srogers@hilite.org, mhu@hilite.org Carmel Clay Education Foundation, in addition to the telethon, also sponsors the Educator Honor Roll.

According to the foundation, students or parents may nominate a teacher, bus driver, coach, principal or school secretary by making a charitable, tax-deductible donation to the CCEF. Recipients of the award will have their names on the official list online and receive a certificate. The form to nominate a staff member can be found online at hilite.org.

CHTV sponsor Hal Espey said that the telethon also raises money for teachers’ grants. “Just the fact that you are given money to do a project (means) they’re thinking positively that you’re doing a good job,” Espey said.

A final method for teacher recognition is the Carmel Clay Teacher of the Year nominations, which must be submitted to Dr. Jeff Swensson, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment by March 2.

According to the district’s Web site, the nomination should include a short, 200 word or less essay on why the educator should be considered. The chosen winner will continue on to represent the district in the selections for Indiana Teacher of the Year.

Math teacher Janice Mitchener, a past winner, said, “You get recognition all around Carmel. It’s a personal honor. You can’t even describe the personal satisfaction and the honor of being selected.”

News / Ads • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Page 3

Digital Television, from Page 1 each.

However, 2.6 million Americans are currently on a waiting list, and they will not be taken off by the deadline. The coupon only pays for one box, so households with two or more televisions must pay out of their own pockets for extra boxes.

In addition, the Commerce Department has already run out of money for coupons. The federal government granted $1.34 billion in subsidies for the American public, but those funds have run dry. This has caused Democrats and the Obama administration to try and postpone the upcoming deadline.

At this school’s television station, students will continue to broadcast in analog due to the enormous costs of switching to digital equipment. According to Espey, broadcasting in a digital television signal requires every single piece of equipment to be digital, which includes visual and audio.

“It is true that in our remodel we got some digital video equipment that was part of the renovation,” Espey said, “but the actual transmitting device is not a digital transmitter like people will experience when they watch channel 13 or 8 or 6.”

In addition, the cable company with which the school transmits must change its equipment. All in all, Espey said that the costs are not worth the transition. “For us, it’s business as usual because we are connected to Bright House and anybody that is connected to Bright House will be able to see us even after the transition takes place to digital,” he said.

For the general public, a converter box is a better financial decision, but Linos suggested that consumers who have the resources make the larger jump to a digital television. He said the majority of technology has already made the switch.

“Everything right now is digital. All our sound is

Purdue Glee Club to perform here Feb. 21 Exclusively male chorus group features three Carmel alumni in annual performance

By Steven Chen

here, and his brother John Foerster, a freshman at stevenchen@hilite.org Purdue, is a high tenor in the Glee Club. Foerster also said freshman Tim Harris and junior Ryan McLean, Imagine a cello — deep, rich, full — one both Carmel alumni, are also part of the Glee Club. glorious instrument.” That’s how the Purdue “It’s one of the most prestigious chorus groups Music Organizations (PMO) Web site in the nation among colleges,” Mark said. “They sing describes the 57 members but not only (do they) sing but of the Purdue Varsity Glee they are encouraged to be better Club, which will perform at the Dale people. After performances, they E. Graham Auditorium on Feb. 21 even go up to people they don’t at 7:30 p.m. even know and say thank you Choir Director Lamonte Kuskye for coming and thank you for said the Glee Club is a male-only supporting us.

• $10 general admission, chorus at Purdue. “Purdue does not Kuskye said, “Purdue Glee $15 reserved seats. have a school of music. You can’t Club has been around for many major or minor in music at Purdue years and it’s their most popular because of and most famous (group). It’s • Tickets can be purchased bylaws, however ver y associated with Purdue in front of the Dale E. they do have the because they have a very strong Graham Auditorium or Purdue Music organization, and they tour all over by sending a stamped, Organization,” the world. It’s truly one of the self-addressed envelope to he said. finest choruses in the country.”

Judy Van Houten, Glee Club According to The performance is also on pmojo.com, the the same date as Carmel Dance Tickets, 3705 E. Carmel Glee Club has Marathon. It will simply be a Dr., Carmel, IN 46033. been performing fund-raiser for the PTO, which has Mark Foerster for more than always sponsored the performance 110 years. It at this school. Since it is a fundtravels around the world, inspiring raiser, the PTO members said that they are looking for audiences from Asia to Africa. The Web site also said that sponsors to help pay the cost of have the Glee Club major performances were at Carnegie Hall and during perform. Mark said the show will be about an hour presidential inaugurations. and a half and will contain a series of songs the Glee In addition, the Glee Club custom-fits its broad shows Club performed throughout the year. to entertain its diverse audiences. Some previous Glee According to the PTO’s newsletter, the Glee Club Club performances can be viewed at youtube.com. performs a broad range of genres of music ranging from Junior Mark Foerster currently works with Kuskye classical to contemporary to country to hip-hop.

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digital, (and) all our movies are going to be digital. So (DTV) is just going to be more compatible,” he said.

Linos said in the long run, it is worth it to upgrade an analog television. “Most analog TVs…are already pretty much outdated,” he said. “You probably need to get an upgraded TV because DVDs soon are going to switch all over to Blu-Ray. And, if you don’t have a TV that can support a Blu-Ray player, you won’t be able to watch DVDs or anything.”

Luckily, Chen’s family purchased its HDTV about one-and-a-half years ago. In addition, Chen said his father already purchased a converter box for each of their family’s analog televisions over the summer.

Chen said though the transition will have little effect on his own family, it will be beneficial for the public in the long run.

“It’s like when radio started having FM,” he said. “I think it’s a step forward, at least.”

By the Numbers 11 days until the digital transition 1996: first year stations began

broadcasting in digital signals

2005: start of transition $40-70: cost of converter box $40: amount government

subsidizes for converter box

dtv.gov / source

Academic Decathlon team qualifies for State competition

By Afra Hussain ahussain@hilite.org Senior Jonathan Callahan knows a lot about Latin American music, art and literature. However this is not because he takes a class on Latin America. Most of what he does know about the subjects stem from hours of research at the library.

This is because Callahan is one of the seven members of the Academic Decathlon team.

On Feb. 13 and 14, the school’s Academic Decathlon team competes at Purdue University for the state competition. The team members will be leaving immediately after school and return around 9 p.m. on Feb. 13. February 14 consists of all-day events for the team.

The theme for the competition this year is Latin America. The team did well last year, placing third, and members said they hope to do just as well this year.

“We just tell them to do their best,” sponsor Charles Sinclair said. The competition is divided into two days.

On Feb. 13, there are three speech events consisting of a prepared speech, an impromptu speech and an interview.

Callahan said he does not do as well on the speech events because he considers himself a long-winded speaker. The next day is an all-day academic event with the main event being a science competition. Some other categories include music, history, art and literature.

Callahan has been a member

of Academic Decathlon since the beginning of the school year. He said he enjoys what he does.

“First of f, I think it’s more intellectually driven than a sport. It’s a place where I can let my talents shine,” he said.

Callahan said his favorite subjects include music, art and literature.

“I hope my track record in liberal arts holds out. I’m going to study harder and listen to Academic Decathlon music CD harder,” Callahan said.

Students have been practicing for the competition for a long time.

In order to practice for the music event, they must listen to a music CD given by the Decathlon and answer questions about the style, origin and composer.

According to Callahan, the competition is more of an individual event than an actual team effort.

Members can receive gold, silver and bronze medals so as to commend their efforts.

Callahan said he has received many gold medals. He said he practices for the event simply by studying in his room. On average, Callahan said he practices about five hours a week.

“We have a lot of work to do because competition is keener at State,” Sinclair said. The team placed seventh at the Regional competition at Fort Wayne-Sneider last Jan. 24.

Callahan said, “I hope I do well.

I hope that at some point my Irish luck kicks in.”

Topics Tested Latin American: Art Economics Language Literature Math Music Social Science usad.org / source

PAGE 4 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009 • BEATS / ADS

Clubs and Activities at a Glance For more info, go online to hilite.org and click on ‘Beats’ ASL CLUB

This Issue @ HiLite Online

“

BLOGS

Before I begin, I’d like to let everyone know that I am not attempting to write formally with these blog entries. So, that’s why this blog comes across as a random rant most of the time. Just a heads up.

Now, without further ado, here are my initial thoughts on the 2009 Oscar nominations…

“

By Sam Watermeir

To finish reading Sam’s blog and to leave a comment on it, go to hilite.org.

The ASL Club has many events planned for the near future.

To m o r r o w t h e I n d i a n a p o l i s Reparatory Theater will be showing the play adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at 2 p.m. It will be ASL-interpreted and tickets will be available by calling 635-5252.

Many sporting events are also coming up at the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD).

Basketball teams have their homecoming games against Illinois tomorrow. Varsity men’s is at 7 p.m., JV men’s at 3 p.m., and Varsity women’s at 5 p.m.. Also women’s swimming has sectionals at Franklin Central High School at 5:30 p.m.

“On deafhoosiers.com, there’s the schedule for plays and different events,” Joseph Wheeler, ASL Club sponsor, said via translator.

The site also includes the athletic schedule for ISD and other updated events. The site helps students keep up with what is going on at ISD. There are various weekly events as well. Every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. there is Deaf Bowling at the 96th Street Woodland Bowl.

“Deaf Bowling is exactly what it sounds like,” Nathan Krieger, ASL Club member and sophomore, said.

Also there is Creekside, which is a deaf church the club members can visit on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

“ASL Club is a blast,” Krieger said. “Just stop by and visit sometime.” By Yameen Hameed

CHOIR

ONLINE CALENDAR

The Accents and Ambassadors choir groups continue to prepare for the upcoming show choir competitions at Huntington North on Feb. 28, Fort Wayne Carroll on March 7 and Pike on March 14.

Details of the events will be known as the date of the competitions approach.

Choir director Ann Conrad said students and parents are welcome to attend the competitions and tickets

can be purchased at the host school on the day of the contest.

To prepare for the upcoming competitions, Conrad said, “In addition to class rehearsals, both groups are rehearsing Monday and Wednesday evenings (from) 6 to 9 p.m. They will also rehearse on President’s Day (from) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both groups (will) have o u t s t a n d i n g s h o w s . ” By Jade Schwarting

WINTER GUARD Tomorrow the winter guard is scheduled to travel to Dayton, OH for its first competition of the season, the W inter Guard International Regional.

According to Michael Pote, Associate Director of Bands, the winter guard started intense practice before winter break in preparation for Tarp with the start of the three and competition four leaf season. clovers and “In addition lucky pennies to practicing every gold SALLY WARE / day during SOURCE fifth period, the winter guard practices Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.,” Pote said. “They also practice on most Saturdays when they don’t have any competitions.”

On Saturday morning, winter guar d members will travel to Dayton and compete in the preliminary round of the Regional, scheduled for Saturday night. The team plans to spend the night in Dayton before competing in the Regional Finals on Sunday.

Sally Ware, winter guard member and freshman, said the theme for this year’s winter guard show is “GoodLuck.” War e described the costumes as being a deep red color and partly plaid, with a oneshouldered top. By Nina Underman

SHOW PROPS

COMEDYSPORTZ

TECHHOUNDS

The ComedySportz team will compete against Guerin at its first home match on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre. Michael Gospel, team captain and senior, said the he has been through the match process before.

According to sponsor of ComedySportz James Peterson, there are different types of games including head-to-head, scenic and gimmick games played at matches.

A head-to-head game is where players face off against the other team one-on-one.

“A match consists of two halves.

The first half starts with an opening game that is head-to-head between the two teams. After the head-tohead game, each team plays an individual team game, then a final head-to-head game. The team that is behind in the score at the end of game so far plays a game called “5 Things”. At that time, there’s halftime, which is an intermission,” Gospel said.

“The second half starts with another head-to-head game. Then, each team plays an individual game.

A final wrap-up game is played with both teams before the winners are announced.” By Amanda Nguyen

Five weeks into the build season, t h e Te c h H O U N D S t e a m , also known as Robotics team 868, is nearly finished with the construction of the robot they will submit for the three major competitions this year.

Until the day the team will ship the finished robot out on Feb. 17 to Cinncinati for the first competition, team members are working daily on the project.

Meera Chander, co-captain of the TechHOUNDS and junior, said team members have done a substantial amount of work in the past five weeks. “The first few weeks we did a lot of brainstorming for how we wanted the robot to operate, we built a wooden prototype, and now we’re working on the actual robot with real metal and other materials,” she said.

More specifically, according t o Te c h H O U N D S s p o n s o r George Giltner, the members have completely finished the drive train, which consists of the wheels and frame of the robot, as well as the props for this year’s objective and the competition floor. Every competing robotics team around the world builds their own stage.

This year, Giltner said, the team’s focus is how well the robot’s hard wheels will work on the hard plastic floor. “It’s very slick, very slippery, and we’re going to have to watch that,” he said.

The first competition is in Cleveland, OH, which is from Feb. 26 to 28. Chander said that the Ohio competition is important, but it’s more regional (though open internationally) and will gauge the team’s progress for the Atlanta, GA, which is the largest competition of them all.

Despite not having any competitions under their belt yet, the team has already secured a spot in the largest, and final, comeptition in Georgia, which is from April 16 through 18. By Beverly Jenkins

PTO The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking to attract a large crowd for the 2009 Purdue Varsity Glee Club concert, scheduled for Feb. 21. PTO president Amy Kline leads the organization in creating what she says she hopes will be a fun night for people of all ages.

According to Kline, the concert is a long-standing tradition in Carmel that is not only popular to students and staff within CHS, but also to the community. The show is scheduled to be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium lasting about an hour and a half to two hours. Reserved seating costs $15 and general admission costs $10. By Alex Mackall

F E AT U R E D B E AT : C H T V

Find dates of events happening in clubs and around the school on the online calendar at hilite.org.

AND MUCH MORE For daily updates, photos, stories and calendar, go online now to www.hilite.org. You can also subscribe to HiLite Online to receive notifications when new stories are posted.

WEEKEND PATROL

CHTV prepares for annual telethon on Feb. 19

BY TOMMY SNEIDER tsneider@hilite.org Preparations for this year’s Carmel Clay Education Foundation (CCEF) Telethon continue for CHTV. The telethon is on Feb. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. with the National Honor Society setting up phone banks for people to call in and donate to the cause.

CHTV teacher Hal Espey said the auditorium events are open to the public, where donations can be made, and are also broadcast on CHTV. Espey said, “There are mostly different groups from the middle schools and elementary schools who perform.”

While the performances occur in the auditorium, Espey said there are testimonials in the studio given by past winners from the grants and other money the CCEF provides.

Kyle Borcherding, CHTV crew member and senior, said the testimonials help people see what the telethon can do and how it helps.

“It just helps people see that the money actually goes somewhere good and that (the money) can really help other people,” Borcherding said.

Saturday

Borcherding said the event is good since the money goes to a good cause. He said, “It’s just nice to see not only elementary and middle school kids get some time on stage but also to have the money donated go to a cause that helps a lot of people.”

Great Lakes Spirit Speedway National Championship for Cheerleading and Dance at the Pepsi Coliseum from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Family Fun” Concert at Westfield High School starting at 3 p.m.

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS STEVEN CHEN / PHOTO

THE FIRST DAY: CHTV students shoot video announcements during SRT. This was the first video announcement of the year.

Feb. 7: Charles Dickens Feb. 12: Abraham Lincoln Feb. 22: George Washington FAMOUSBIRTHDAYS.COM / SOURCE

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Page 6 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Ads

Sports • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Page 7

IHSAA mulls class change Sports organization to evaluate reducing basketball divisions from four to three for 2010-2011, decision to be in March

I

by audrey bailey abailey@hilite.org

t could be argued that the last Indiana high school basketball team to tr uly win a State championship was Bloomington North in 1997. After the Cougars won, high school basketball in this state would never be the same. The following year, Indiana basketball was divided into four different classes. And even though Indiana withheld changing high school basketball to a class system longer than most states, this organization still segregates our high school basketball to this day.

However, this spring, members of the athletic administration will vote on whether or not to change the four class system to three; if voted on, this new system could take effect as soon as the 2010-2011 school year.

Athletics Director Jim Inskeep contributed his own personal thoughts to the idea of limiting the number of class divisions.

“I have of fered my opinions to our state athletic administrator association. Carmel High School’s administration is in favor of the drop from four classes to three classes,” Inskeep said.

According to Inskeep, the reduction would benefit schools by limiting the amount of travel during Sectional time and balancing the amount of teams at each Sectional.

This new system would consist of four schools at each Sectional throughout the state instead of four, five, six, seven, or even nine-team Sectionals across the state. Inskeep said that limiting four classes to three would not necessarily save money, but instead, increase interest and attendance during Sectionals due to the proximity of other participating schools, inevitably increasing the amount of revenue.

“I personally think that it would be financially more lucrative for us to have four- team Sectionals,” Inskeep said.

Besides the factual contributions

elizabeth trancik / photo

A FINAL WORD: The women’s basketball team meets at center court before a game against Noblesville earlier this season. The Hounds play in the Class 4A Sectional on Tuesday, but according to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep, the IHSAA’s class system could change from four divisions to three in the coming years. that changing class basketball would have, there still are atmosphere changes that occurred when Indiana got rid of the one-class system.

“The environment of the tournament has changed. It was never broken this way,” Scott Bowen, head coach of the women’s basketball team, said.

Bowen said that limiting the number of divisions is a starting point to reach how high school basketball used to be, but overall, he said this change would be minor for his team.

He said, “I don’t think it will change our route (in the State playoffs).”

Right now, the Indiana High

School Athletics Associatoin (IHSAA) is in the pr ocess of surveying school principals around the state to see if further action should be taken by the IHSAA Board of Directors.

“A preliminary survey of athletic directors across the state showed 58 percent of responding individuals in favor of three classes with 42 percent in favor of keeping the existing format,” Inskeep said.

According to Inskeep, the final survey results are expected to be released by late March, determining whether or not the proposal will be looked at by the Board of Directors

and possibly voted on. Depending on how the Board of Directors vote, high school basketball could remain the same or change to a three-class system in the future.

Although high school basketball may never return to the old days of a one-class system, Bowen said the years prior to the class division were filled with more satisfying high school basketball. Small, rural schools had the chance to claim a State title over Indiana’s largest high schools, like the story that inspired the movie Hoosiers, when tiny Milan High School beat Muncie Central for the State title in 1954.

Women prepare for Sectional by david zheng dzheng@hilite.org With the regular season ending this past Tuesday, this school’s women’s varsity basketball team is preparing to open Sectional play on Tuesday. Their first game is to be played at Zionsville at 6 p.m.

The team faces a strong Sectional, which includes Number-3 Hamilton Southeastern and Number-5 Fishers. “We have our hands full, but we feel like with the conference and schedule we have, we can play with about anybody,” said Head Coach Scott Bowen.

“HSE and Fishers will be tough teams in Sectionals, and looking Chrissy down the road to Regionals, Ben Steffen Davis will be,” Chrissy Steffen, varsity player and senior, said. “Every team shows up for tournament play, so anything can happen.”

According to Bowen, the team doesn’t change much to get ready for tournament play. “Sometimes we even back off the intensity a little bit, and we talk more through things as a team and make sure our kids are on the right page,” Bowen said. “It’s been a long season and you want the kids to be playing at their peak as far as athleticism calls, so we either back off the intensity of a drill or the length of practices.”

Despite last season’s success, Bowen said he hopes the team does not feel any added pressure to repeat. “I think the thing about being here at Carmel is that all of our teams aspire to win the State championship, so I don’t think our team makes it any added pressure,” Bowen said. “I hope our kids attack the tournament the same way we did last year.”

Although the team won State last season, Steffen said this is a new year and a new basketball team.

“We just keep playing like we know how and don’t concentrate a lot on what we did last year,” Steffen said. “(Winning State last year) does give us confidence, so it can be used as motivation for us to play hard and not be intimidated by any team.”

Bowen also acknowledged the importance of entering the Sectional with momentum. “I think you want to be playing good basketball and entering Sectional on a win,” Bowen said. “I think our kids understand that...if we come in and do the things we’ve been doing, then we’ve got as good of a chance as anybody.”

“I think it is really important, especially dating back to last year, when we ended our regular season playing really well and ending it with a big win,” Steffen said. “It gives you a lot of momentum and the confidence that we are ready for tournament play.” “(Last year, the team) went in, carried out each game and game plan and just took the next game as it came,” Bowen said. “If we can keep that mindset, then we’ll be in pretty good shape.”

Page 8 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Sports

Waiting Games midwest sports talk by daniyal habib We all know the old adage “persistence pays,” or even “Good things come to those who wait.”

Why, then, do important sports decision makers have such short patience with their players and coaches?

Tony Dungy just completed a marvelous sevenyear career as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Through all seven years, he had the same offensive and defensive coordinators. He had the same boss, general manager Bill Polian. The quarterback? Peyton Manning. Manning has had his favorite receiver, Marvin Harrison, his entire career.

See the pattern?

Examine other floundering sports franchises, and you will see that this is certainly not the case.

The San Francisco 49ers have had four head coaches in the same span since 2002. They will be on their third offensive coordinator in three years. Is it any wonder they have shown minimal improvement?

And it’s not just a trend in football. In the NBA, Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan has been there for 21 years.

The result? In 12 of those seasons, he has won at least 50 games and has compiled a winning percentage of 60 percent, through 33 games this season.

Struggling franchises are not doing themselves favors by repeatedly firing coaches and cutting players season after season. How can you perform your best under the pressure of knowing when you slip up once, you’re out of town?

Seven coaches, or about one of every four and possibly more to come, have already been fired in the NBA this season. Do they really think constantly installing a new coach and team philosophy will breed success? All it breeds is frustration and confusion.

If a player or coach has consistently underperformed year after year, then sure, do what’s best for the team and find someone better.

But even fans think there is always some magic quick fix for a team’s problems: fire the coach. The problems usually lie deeper, like the team’s mental state.

Let’s appreciate that Polian had the patience to give all the Colts their due time despite a few playoff flameouts. It got us a Super Bowl title eventually.

Let’s also appreciate that Larry Bird has given Pacers coach Jim O’Brien his utmost confidence, even though the Pacers are struggling and are near the bottom of the standings.

IU basketball is one of the most storied programs in America. They looked on their way to another deep NCAA tournament run last year, but in just a few weeks, former head coach Kelvin Sampson discovered the three way call feature on his phone, and now, many player dismissals and transfers later, IU sits at the bottom of the Big Ten. In such a short time, IU basketball had much of their legacy ripped down.

It’s a fact that we are a quick-fix society.

We expect miracles from President Obama, but with two wars, an economy in the garbage, and as much partisanship as ever, how much can really be expected in just four years?

Just because something can break quickly, doesn’t mean it can quickly be fixed. In fact, if it can quickly be fixed, it might be a cheap product in the first place.

Obviously, these issues are more important than sports. But the principles apply anyway. When you hurry and expect magic, you gloss over details and eventually fail.

Pacers fans are seeing the process before their own eyes. Danny Granger came into the NBA four years ago and was a minimal offensive player, averaging just seven points per game despite ample playing time in his rookie season--it is mildly disappointing for someone drafted in the first round of the draft.

Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh gave Granger his time, and what is the result? Granger is now an NBA All-Star and is averaging over 26 points per game.

He’s on the verge of becoming the first player in NBA history to increase his scoring average by five points in four consecutive seasons. Their patience is paying off.

So as sports fans, and as people in general, let’s have some more patience. The facts say that there are no Billy Mays-endorsed quick fixes to everything.

And remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Many successful sports franchises win because of their patience with the coaches, rather than ones who hire new coaches annually.

kaitlyn lampe / photo

HOSED DOWN: Students get splashed with water during the football team’s season opener against Cathedral. Fans like these support the team, even through coaching changes and new incoming players.

kate grumme / photo

WATER LESSONS: Jillian Bonanne, varsity swimmer and senior, and her teammates look at a sheet during one of their practices after school. Because most swimmers spend countless hours perfecting their swimming techniques, it has helped them prepare for the ultimate challenge: a State title.

All for one and one for all Although team unity and confidence are key this season, swim team feels strains in bid for another State title

By maggie brandenburg mbrandenburg@hilite.org

W

ith the state tournament starting with their Sectional meet tomorrow, it is officially go time for the women’s swim team. With the ever present pressure from being the 23rd team in 22 State title streak program increasing with each step the team takes toward the State title meet, the women must keep up the momentum they have gained over the course of their regular season and their recent Metropolitan Interscholastic Championship (MIC) win.

“It’s reassuring when you are going fast times, and (previous meets) it just reassures me that I’m ready for what’s coming up,” Rhi Sheets, varsity swimmer and sophomore, said of the momentum the team has coming in the Sectional meet.

According to Head Coach Chris Plumb, the recent MIC competition has a very similar feel to State meets

and can only give the team more confidence heading into the Sectional meet at Noblesville High School.

Plumb said, “The MIC meet has a very championship type atmosphere to it with the crowd, and with the teams, so being successful there will help us be successful later in other meets.”

The Greyhounds have high expectations entering the Sectional meet at Noblesville, and according to Plumb, the team’s goal is to “do awesome,” and in order to do that, he said he isn’t worried about any other team than his own and making sure they perform their best.

“Winning is always a really good feeling. It’s just kind of like a snowball rolling down a hill, it just keeps getting bigger,” Logan Mason, varsity swimmer and senior, said.

When it comes to the pressure put on the team and its coaches to obtain the women’s swimming program’s 23rd State title, both Mason and Sheets agreed that there is a lot riding on the shoulders of this

year’s team to keep the tradition going, and while Mason prefers to face the pressure with a positive attitude, Sheets tries to not think about it too much. She said, “I use (the pressure) to motivate me, but then, if I think about it too much, it gets me really nervous, and I try to just not think about it and just think about what I really have to do and that’s just go out there and race.”

As the team nears its chance at continuing its streak, the pressure does not solely lie on the athletes themselves, the coaching staff always feels the pressure just as much as their athletes or even more in some cases to make sure their teams perform to the best of their ability. And while many coaches could crack under that pressure, Plumb sees it a different way than most would.

Plumb said, “We don’t view it as pressure, we view it as support. There’s 22 years of girls behind us cheering us on, creating that tradition and we just view it as our job to continue that tradition of excellence.”

state dominance Different 2008 to 2009 athletics awards

MIC Championship Teams Men’s Cross-Country Men’s Tennis Football Women’s Cross-Country Women’s Golf Women’s Soccer IHSAA State Finalists Women’s Golf - 9th Place State Championship Teams Men’s Cross-Country Women’s Cross-Country CCS.K12.IN.US / SOURCE

Swim Your Race

Sectional swimmers and their events 50-yard freestyle

100-yard freestyle

200-yard freestyle

100-yard breaststroke

100-yard backstroke

100-yard freestyle

200-yard medley relay

100-yard free 200-yard medley relay megan detro

200-yard free relay

joshua jordan

michael greenberg

lauren stauder

Hounds looking for State tournament run

By Ryan Duffy rduffy@hilite.org The men’s varsity basketball team hits the road tonight to play rival Lawrence North. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $5.

H e a d Va r s i t y C o a c h M a r k Galloway said he is pretty happy with the team’s performance at this point this season. “We are still not where we want to be, but we are getting better every day in practice competing against each other,” Galloway said.

“Our conference and non-conference schedule does a great job of preparing us for the State tournament.”

For ward and senior Morgan Newton said he is happy with the team’s improvement over the course of the year, even though at times play has been on and off. “The team has played well at times and not so well at other times,” Newton said.

“Players are gaining large amounts of experience and everyone is getting better at knowing each others strengths and weaknesses.”

A few weeks ago, this team lost to Cathedral at the buzzer in overtime.

Galloway said that was a good learning experience for the team.

“We learned that we need to finish

a team off when you have that kind of lead,” Galloway said. “It takes four quarters of concentration and execution to beat a good team.”

Newton said he agreed with Galloway, and that the loss helped the team grow and learn. He said, “We learned that we can play with about anyone but that we have to be better at closing out games.”

With the post-season coming soon, the team can’t be focused on its success in the regular season. Come post-season time, the records of every team are 0-0, and the first hurdle for this team will be the Metropolitan Interscholastic Championship.

With eight games left, Galloway said he is more worried about finishing out the regular season strong and going into the tournament strong. “We still have eight games left and four of those are MIC games,” Galloway said. “To be honest, our focus is to get better tomorrow in practice and prepare for upcoming games.”

Newton said he feels MIC game victories are top priority for the team, and that they need to keep winning MIC games and stringing together victories.

Galloway said that playing roles will

determine the team’s success when the post-season comes around. He said, “We must continue to accept our roles and our success will be a reflection of our teamwork.”

Newton said that the fans will be the “X” factor in how well the team does throughout the rest of the season. “Fans, keep coming out and supporting. We need everyone

to make a run for another Carmel State championship,” he said.

Galloway said it’s too early to be talking about the State c h a m p i o n s h i p , b u t s a i d , “ We look at last year’s State champion, (Brownsburg) as a model. Hopefully it will help our team understand that it is most important to be playing your best basketball in March.”

Kaitlyn lampe / photo

FIGHT AS ONE: The men’s varsity basketball team huddles before their game against Terre Haute South. Head Coach Mark Galloway said teamwork will be an important factor in the Hounds’ postseason success.

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

3POT,ITE

Stop and Smell the Roses Celebrate the season on a budget

Page B3

www.hilite.org

520 E. Main Street • Carmel,IN 46032 • Volume 54, Issue 9 • February 6, 2009

Ramping up efforts for awareness Student with physical disability takes action by placing “No Walking” signs on handicap-accessible ramp to help those who are in need

By Michelle Yun myun@hilite.org

S

tanding by the ramp with his cane up, sophomore Jordan Reel tried to reserve this ramp for only those who needed to use it. Since early December, he said he put up “No Walking” signs and asked Principal John Williams to make an announcement about the ramp. After seeing his friends having difficulties getting on the ramp by the planetarium, he decided to take action about the crowded ramps.

“My friends had trouble getting up the ramp in their wheelchairs. It was difficult for them to make it to class on time and it was dangerous,” Reel said. “I walk with a cane and was afraid someone would knock me down and I would break a bone going up the ramp.

It was also dangerous for the people that would walk into the wheelchairs.”

According to statistics by the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities, 19,330 people in Hamilton County have a type of disability.

At this school, there are students who have physical disabilities, some which require using the ramp.

Susan Kruse works with Reel and is the teacher and consultant of the orthopedically impaired students not only for CHS but also for the city of Carmel. Kruse described the problem. “The problem with the ramp is it’s very narrow and when the kids that are in wheelchairs or walkers tried to access it, many times, before [Reel] started his little campaign, you could not even get through the ramp,” Kruse said. “People and students were coming down three, two students wide and then the kids in the wheelchairs would just have to wait and they could not get up the ramp at all.”

Williams said the school might make the ramp near the auditorium wider or make the entire area a ramp. But this construction would not happen until the summer or next school year.

“We are going to look at ways to make that more userfriendly for all our students,” Williams said.

Kruse said the problem with the ramp has always been present, but for whatever reason, Reel decided to work on making a change.

“He was constantly printing off signs and taping them up. Then custodians would take them down and he would put them back up,” Kruse said. “He was very involved in that.”

Senior Mike Davis, who uses a wheelchair, said the crowded ramp would irritate him and was glad that Reel took action. “[The crowded ramp] was just aggravating,” Davis said. “I just wanted to yell at people. The main problem

was, during dismissal, it was really busy and we had a lot of trouble getting through because the people were rushing down the ramp. It was really irritating because we had to just sit there for like five minutes because no one would move out of the way and the buses leave. They don’t wait because they leave early anyway. So, they leave at 3:15 if we’re not out there.”

Reel also said he was angry with crowded ramps and would continue with this “campaign” until permanent signs are put up.

“I feared I would get injured and I was upset at the school,” Reel said. “Most students will spend 12 years at public schools and the schools cannot take half an hour to educate people to stay out of the way of ramps so those who need them can use them.”

According to Kruse, ramps, automatic doors and other devices were initially for individuals who were disabled. However, they have now become what is known as universal design because everybody uses the automatic systems.

“When your arms are full, you hit the automatic door button. You know if you have something to carry, you go down the ramp.”

Kruse said. “But the way this ramp is and a couple of the others, they are so narrow that the kids who actually need them can’t go up them because everyone else is using them. If Jinny Zhang / photo the stairs were taken and that whole area was stand up: Sophomore Jordan Reel stands at the top of the ramp outside the E Rooms ramp, then it wouldn’t be such a concern.”

According to Kruse, the newer sections guarding the ramp from use. Reel noticed that it was difficult and dangerous for his friends of CHS were renovated conforming to the to use the ramp when other students were, often making them late to class.

American Disabilities Act standards, while the older parts of the building did not.

“There is a ramp in the freshman center going to the cafeteria and one near Greyhound Station. These ramps meet code which states width and also what the incline needs to be ( measured in inches per feet),” Kruse said. “There are two ramps in the E building that do not meet code in terms of steepness. Those Handicap Impairment did not need to be revised as they were not part of new The disadvantage caused by the Anatomic or functional construction.” abnormality or loss which disability. This is understood Reel said most students and teachers were supportive of may or may not result in a as the social consequence. what he does. Junior Aysenaz Esen, however, said people should be allowed to use the ramps. She said she tried to get disability. This is understood The handicap is therefore on the ramp only to be stopped by Reel who said she couldn’t an artificial barrier which as the medical condition. pass and blocked the way. Esen said she felt this was a great can usually be avoided with inconvenience especially when people are rushing to class and insight and proper planning for Disability it is hard to get by. both the physical environment The loss or reduction of “I think that if there are disabled people then people who functional ability which results and the provision of services. are not handicapped should allow them to use the ramp,” Esen said. “But, I think (blocking the ramp) is discrimination from an impairment. This is People are only handicapped against people who have nothing wrong with them.” understood as the functional when the community and its Kruse said students do not intentionally block the ramp, consequence of a medical representatives fail to consider but as they are going back and forth and chatting with their the needs of people with condition.

Jinny Zhang / photo friends, they are just oblivious. disabilities - it has nothing to “The other day I was around, there was no one on the ramp Roll Out: Senior Mike Davis rolls up the ramp at the end of and it was passing period so [Reel] did make a difference,” do with the disability itself.

SRT on his way to his next class. Although physically disabled Kruse said. “So I think that it’s not necessarily needed as students have ramps available for easier movement around the intense as he was. But he thinks that if he doesn’t keep doing pdcnsw.org / source school, they are not always immediately accesible. it, people will go back to (walking on the ramp).

Terminology

Twin rivalry provides healthy competition between siblings

BY AMANDA NGUYEN anguyen@hilite.org

junior steven brisley

junior matt brisley

For twins and juniors Matt and Steven Brisley, rivalry is ubiquitous.

Although they have their differences in sports, academics and social life, they agree on certain topics including their rivalry.

But Matt said even though rivalry is beneficial at times, it can also be harmful. He said, “It’s beneficial because it motivates you to do better, and you always have someone to do stuff with. It’s harmful if you’re a lot worse than the other twin because it can lower your self-esteem.”

And according to talk-abouttwins.com, Matt’s latter assessment may not be far of f the mark.

Comparing twins can be hurtful, according to the organization, because people judge which twin is the “better” one. When people

compare twins, they assume that one twin is the standard while they compare the other twin to him. To avoid comparisons, de-emphasizing bir th order will benefit twins’ relationship in the long run. “(Birth order) affects our twin rivalry a little bit because I can play the ‘I’m older’ trick,” Matt, who was born one minute before his brother, said.

Likewise, Steven said, “Matt used to say ‘I’m older, so I get the stuff first,’ but as we get older, a minute doesn’t make much of a difference.”

When Matt and Steven decide who is better, they said they reach a middle ground. “We used to compete in everything. (Matt) is a lot better in sports, but I’m better in academics,” Steven said.

Matt said, “In academics, (Steven) completely overshadows me, but I take pride in being

more athletic, being more social and fun, and having more street smarts.”

From counselor Rich Allen’s experience in dealing with twins, he said via e-mail, “Some twins are closer in compatibility than others. My advice would be for the twins to do or act as they feel comfortable with one another. I would encourage each twin to act as an individual and follow their own interests or hobbies regardless of what their twin is pursuing.”

According to talk-about-twins. com, twins competing in the same activities can create problems. Some twins can work their problems out while others cannot. Parents need to inter vene in the rivalr y when one twin feels like he can never win or that his brother is always better than him.

R yan Ringenberg, identical twin and social studies teacher,

said, “It probably depends on how strong the twin relationship is. My brother, Brent, and I were good friends, so we could get over the tension.”

Steven said twins should do dif ferent activities if they want to avoid conflicts, but Matt said he has a different view. He said, “Twins should compete in whatever interests them regardless if the other twin competes too.”

Allen said, “All individuals have strengths and non strengths, which includes twins. The twins I have known in life seem to be comfortable with who they are as individuals. Most twins will seek their own paths in life separate from one another. Most of the time, any rivalry is short lived.”

Twins shouldn’t let rivalry get in the way of their relationship, accor ding to Ringenberg. He said, “Remember friendship first

because you’ll have to know the person the rest of your life. Rivalry is a temporar y thing. You don’t want it to damage a long-term friendship.”

As for his current relationship with his brother, Ringenberg said, “We’ve overcome our rivalry and we’re still best friends.”

Matt and Steven said that even though they have some twin rivalr y conflicts here and there, they have a strong bond and hope to keep it. “ E v e n t h o u g h w e f i g h t sometimes, I think that we both respect each other’s decisions, and because of that, ever ything usually works out in the end,” Steven said.

Agreeing with Steven, Matt said, “Even with the difficulties of being attached by a last name, having a twin means that there is someone always there for you.”

Page B2 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Feature

Economy inspires some to shop thrift

Cultural Conflict

Students from different backgrounds find a challenge in combining traditional values, like arranged marriages, with American practices

by renny logan rlogan@hilite.org Accor ding to such ar ticles as MSNBC’s “Is Fr ugal the New Black?” and New York Times’ “Thrift Shops Thriving, but Running Low on Stock,” more families are choosing to shop at thrift stores due to the recession. For senior Tobi Haslett, thrift store shopping became a habit of his in eighth grade.

“My parents have this ingrained immigrant thriftiness about them so nothing really had to change (due to the economy),” Haslett said.

Haslett’s mother immigrated from Africa and, he said, has been used to having little. “(My mom’s) just really t h r i f t y, a l m o s t junior ann unnecessarily nwosu so. But I guess it’s coming in handy.”

Junior Ann Nwosu said she also frequents thrift stores like Salvation Army and has since she was in middle school. However, frugality isn’t an issue. Her habit began as an opportunity to spend time with her sister, Nwosu said, and manifested into a way to socialize with friends and find the clothing she likes.

For Haslett, thrift shopping is not a social experience. He said, “I never r eally have thrifting expeditions. It’s not really an activity; it’s just something I do from time to time.”

Nwosu said she shops at thrift stores for an opportunity to find discount retro fashions. She said if customers shop carefully and have a good eye, these fashions can be found at thrift stores. Often, she looks for belts and dresses with the retro look.

Her list of stores includes Salvation Army, Thrifty Threads and Value Village. Lately, she said she has been dissatisfied with her options and resorts to her favorite retro store, Broad Ripple Vintage.

“The thing with (Broad Ripple Vintage) is that it sells unique (retro fashions) but the prices aren’t always as low as thrift stores,” Nwosu said.

“Price-wise, the (best thrift stores) would be Salvation Army or Value Village.”

But the search for vintage fashions isn’t new, Anne James, fashion and textiles teacher, said. She also said that she doesn’t believe the vintage trend is the result of the economy influencing students to shop at thrift stores.

She said students in her classes have always shopped for bargains as well as quality. She said her students not only shop thrift, but also have commented on shopping at discount malls.

“I see people thinking, ‘Why do I have to pay retail prices when I can get the same goods at other places?’”

James said.

While Nwosu and Haslett both shop at thrift stores out of habit and not as a result of the economy, Jennifer Durham, Thrifty Threads store manager, said the store has increased in customer diversity as well as sales.

Thrifty Threads opened in 1997 as part of the Julian Center, a center for domestic abuse, as a local nonprofit organization. According to juliancenter.org, “shelter residents shop free of charge” and all proceeds from public purchases go to the center. “(Thrifty Threads) is stocked by donations and ever ything we do stays here in the community,” Durham said.

Haslett, who said he does not typically shop at Thrifty Threads, said he does occasionally volunteer there. He tags and hangs clothes, as well as other menial tasks.

While Durham said she could not report on exact sales figures, she did say that the store’s sales currently run higher than the retail average. “(Thrifty Threads) has a doubledigits sales increase over the prior year,” Durham said.

Although Durham was not an employee of Thrifty Threads last year, she said she has noticed the store getting busier since the time she began working there.

Customers have been “more diverse in ethnicity and socioeconomic” standing, Durham said.

“More people are making the choice to shop here over other (stores).”

I

meher ahmad / photo

male interaction: Junior Ketki Tamhankar talks to a friend in the hallway during passing period. Tamhankar said she plans to choose her own spouse, unlike her parents who had an arranged marriage.

by amanda nguyen anguyen@hilite.org

magine knowing the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with at age 6. It’s a Hindu tradition that has carried on for years, but for Hindu and junior Ketki Tamhankar, she said she doesn’t agree with the tradition.

Fortunately for her, her parents don’t enforce it.

“It’s dif ficult to have (an arranged marriage) in America,” she said. “I don’t agree with it because I was brought up in America. I believe that we’re supposed to pick our own fate.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Ta m h a n k a r, Hindu culture is becoming more Americanized. “The flow of western culture is more and more prominent everyday in India, so that means that the traditional ways of marriage are less prominent,” she said.

Tamhankar said most arranged marriages were practiced to help financial issues. It would also connect families for political purposes. People would marry into higher families.

Arranged marriages were thought to lessen the burden of children finding a compatible match.

“It was originally practiced, but it’s not required anymore. Things have really changed a lot. It has a lot to do with the atmosphere,” Tamhankar said.

Much of that change is in how families make the arrangements in the first place. Tamhankar said people advertise their information in newspapers and special magazines looking for marriage. They make a profile of their hobbies, likes, dislikes and other impor tant information. The process is similar to that of online dating ser vices such as match.com.

But for Tamhankar, that selection process is a problem. “I can’t pick someone to spend the rest of my life with through a magazine,” she said.

According to Vasudha Tamhankar, Ketki’s mother, the female’s family would meet with the male’s family around three or four times and, if there was a connection, they would get married.

“If two families have the same values and standards, the children

will marry. It’s better that way,” Mrs. Tamhankar said.

Because interpersonal relations teacher Lila Torp has had several students who could potentially be involved with arranged marriages in her class, she said she partially knows how those individuals feel. “In my experience, some prefer having an arranged marriage to ‘having to find someone on their own.’ They trust their parents and loved ones to do what is best for them. Others would prefer to reject that custom, sometimes to the point of running away,” Torp said.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are multiple advantages in having an arranged marriage.

“I think seeking counsel from more experienced people who have wisdom about you, your personality and relationships just makes sense,” Torp said. “Perhaps if we took the time to seek the advice of our elders who know us best, we could avoid relationships that are destined to be fraught with difficulties.”

Mrs. Tamhankar had an arranged marriage. She said her parents worked their magic in picking her husband and her marriage is working out perfectly.

“Arranged marriages are a good thing. In India, families want their kids to get married so they talk to friends and relatives to know if their kids would be a good match,” Mrs. Tamhankar said.

Torp said that the conception of marriage in America can be deceptive because people think that if the marriage doesn’t work out, they can get a divorce.

“I do think that as a society, many could and should put more thought and take more time in selecting a mate. If that happened, perhaps we would not have the high divorce rate, or increasing number of people who choose to live together and/ or have a family without getting married,” Torp said.

Even though it is Hindu custom and there are some advantages to it, Ketki said she is opposed to the thought of having parents arrange marriages. She said, “It’s a weird concept to have your parents pick who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. I just don’t think it’s right.”

Athletic induced asthma goes unrecognized, more common than students realize by maddi bourgerie mbourgerie@hilite.org It was a normal early Saturday morning for the 11year-old athlete. The soccer fields were full of young athletes dressed in jerseys, soccer shorts and cleats; all focusing in on the main goal, to win. But when one boy dropped to his knees and was gulping for a breath, a horrible wheezing sound caught everyone’s attention. Everyone stopped and the focus was now on him. Taylor Wagner went to his doctor, who later diagnosed him with athletic induced asthma (AIA).

“I was worried that asthma would get in the way of my future in sports,” said Wagner, who is now a senior football player and an elite athlete who has played four successful years on the football team. He said his AIA didn’t stand in his way.

According to Riley Asthma Care Center, asthma is a respirator y disorder caused by narrowing or obstruction of the airways or breathing tubes. AIA has the same symptoms but only takes affect when one is active. About 10 percent of the general population without asthma has AIA when they exercise. Dawn Robertson, an athletic trainer for this school’s sport teams said she sees about one to two players per

stephanie coleman / photo

shooting hoops: Senior Taylor Wagner plays basketball with some friends in the fieldhouse. Wagner has Athletic Induced Asthma and sometimes has to stop and catch his breath.

sports teams with this disorder.

“There are many people who don’t play sports that may have this disorder and don’t realize it,” Robertson said.

Elite athletes are diagnosed more often because they push themselves to a level of activity that most people wouldn’t, causing symptoms to be recognized.

This mostly includes the people who are active at a slower pace, like running on treadmills or elipticals.

When working out most people look for the wrong symptoms. “Many people think asthma has to do with your lungs and you just can’t catch your breath. It actually involves the throat closing up,” Wagner said.

The Riley Asthma Care Center states that symptoms can be mild or severe. Some symptoms include: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, tightness and occasionally tiredness. Asthma attacks, which is when the body quickly reacts to the lose of breath, can also play a part. “They are scar y, I couldn’t catch my breath. Nothing was coming in or out,” Wagner said.

“If students or athletes are feeling shortness of breath or feel like they are breathing through a straw while working out, they need to speak with me and I can help get in to see a physician who can diagnose them and treat their condition,” Robertson said.

There are many different treatments for AIA. According to Riley Asthma Care Center, the goal of treatment for this condition is to allow participation in physical activities without triggering asthma symptoms.

Treatment is three-fold and includes medications, modified training techniques and monitoring. The most common treatment is the inhaler.

“When I use my inhaler I can see a big difference, I last much longer in the game. If I don’t take it I have trouble breathing from the get-go,” Wagner said. “It used to worry me. Now my asthma is just another part of my routine.”

Medications and treatment only work if they are taken consistently. “People with this condition need to make sure they are taking their medication.

Many think they don’t need it, all people with AIA need to use their prescribed treatment before being active. Also, if they don’t they need to immediately stop and take their rescue inhaler and work on their breathing. Tr ying to ‘tough it out’ only makes it worse,” Robertson said. “AIA affects many athletes, along with other non-athletes who may not realize they even have the condition. The good thing is there are treatments and preventions that can help these active people with their condition.”

ENTERTAINMENT • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009 • PAGE B3

All the Single Ladies GET HAPPY

BY MEHER AHMAD It can be said with certainty that high school is one of the most traumatic times of any adolescence. Making friends, fitting in, wearing the right clothes, talking the right way, the list goes on. The most traumatic of this laundry list of traumas? Dating.

Middle school was a playground for dating, an experimental time where having a boyfriend consisted of holding hands occasionally in the hallway and a slew of awkward moments. High school, slowly but steadily, introduces the casual dater to a more serious taste of relationships. Not that I would actually know.

It seems that, during this whirlwind of hormones and societal pressures, I somehow managed to remain single throughout middle school, high school and elementary school. After countless sleepovers and introspective discussions, several theories have accumulated to explain this permanent relationship drought.

The first, and easiest to jump to, is sexual orientation. “You could be, like, a lesbian…or something,” was the first thing that came out of most people’s mouths. For a short time, I convinced myself I was. Then asexuality was easier to throw down. “Yeah, like, you don’t like, like, anyone, you know?,” was the second explanation. Either way, it explained my lack of interest in the opposite sex, or lack of interest in any relationship.

The second theory involved intimidation.

I’ve heard this told not only to me, but to several girls and women alike. Supposedly, girls who are headstrong and intelligent tend to scare boys away from them. This is not to claim that I am headstrong and intimidatingly intelligent. In fact, I would say I am far from that description, so this theory does not hold in my case.

The third theory, the one that I like to stick to, relates to maturity. “Ugh, high school boys. They’re so immature!,” is a phrase every high school girl must utter at least once from freshmen to senior year, most likely repeatedly.

From making fart jokes to belching, many teenage girls claim they could “never” date someone so immature. “Yeah, just wait till you’re in college, I’m sure you’ll totally find guys there,” is the senior year phrase many girls are telling themselves like a mantra.

What concerns me the most about these theories isn’t that they’re far fetched and ridiculous, but that high school girls have to come up with them to begin with. Teen Vogue and Seventeen both pin the blame on the media, which supposedly pushes us into believing relationships are necessary for happiness. Although, as you may already know, I have not had the opportunity to experience a true relationship, I can testify that I feel content without a boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, etc. I still watch Gossip Girl and witness the intense couple that is with Serena and Dan, both of whom are meant to represent high school seniors. I feel no urge to mimic their relationship. To me, television is fiction, a mirror of someone else’s stories, not my own life.

Maybe I’m unique in that sense, but I’d prefer to think not. It doesn’t take a lot of common sense to see that television doesn’t represent our lives. One Tree Hill and The OC reflect my life about as much as Lost or Making The Band III does. In my opinion, other girls cajoling their friends into believing relationships are mandatory are the main reason most girls feel compelled to seek out boyfriends in the first place.

Never dating someone is almost considered taboo in high school. Relationships, no matter how awkward or forced, are deemed necessary not only by Girl Law but by societal standards.

Because of these unwritten rules, I find that many girls convince themselves that their boyfriends are worth the trouble and drama simply because it’s better to have a boyfriend than not. So many girls carry out the motions of a relationship, holding hands, pecking a kiss before class, without having any real similarities with their boyfriends.

I say all of this with skepticism, though, as I cannot seem to stress enough, because I have never, I repeat, never been in a ‘serious’ relationship. Regardless, to all my single ladies, I have one bit of cheesy yet true advice: relationships are not mandatory. If you don’t have a boyfriend, it isn’t because you’re not pretty enough, because you’re too pretty, because you’re not cool enough, because you’re too smart, because you don’t like anyone, because you smell bad or because you’re annoying. Well, maybe the last one. It’s because you don’t feel attracted to anyone of the people around you. Don’t let yourself be tricked into a relationship by your surroundings, do it for you!

Now please write this on your mirrors, put it on your lockers, write in on your binders, etc. etc. Being single shouldn’t be a crime, or something justified with countless reasons.

It shouldn’t even be something girls should worry themselves with! As the beautiful Beyonce Knowles/Sasha Fierce says, “All the single ladies…oh oh oh!” I think I might have explained it better, but I would never challenge the bodacious Sasha herself… Meher Ahmad is a reporter for the HiLite. Contact her at mahmad@hilite.org

All You Need Is Lovely Things When “I Love You” can’t make the point, the HiLite offers some tips and ideas to spice up the Season of Love, without the pain of expenses. Compiled by Aili Arnell, Celina Wu THE BEST DEALS ON...

Flowers MEIJER

JADE LUO / PHOTOS

• Tulips – Eight per bouquet; on sale for $12 for two bouquets; assorted colors including yellow, pink, orange or purple • Mixed flowers – Already arranged bouquets consisting of a variety of flowers ranging from $6.99 to $9.99

OWEN WILLIAMSON / PHOTO

MCNAMARA • Carnations – $8 a stem with greenery such as baby’s breath included • Tulips – Variety of sizes and colors for prices ranging from $2.50 to $5 a stem • Roses – Long stems, which can be up to three feet tall with a large bud, go for $10.95 a stem; sweetheart roses, which are shorter and have smaller buds, are priced at $5.95 a stem

KROGER • Multiple variations of already arranged colorful bouquets costing $7.99, $9.99, $10 or $11.99 • Carnations – Assorted colors of orange, yellow, purple or pink for $1 per stem • Roses – Single red roses for $2.99 a stem

THE BEST DEALS ON...

Chocolates & Treats

EASY

MEDIUM

D I F F I C U LT

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

PUPPY CHOW

BETTY CROCKER CUPCAKES

Ingredients: Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie dough (makes 24) Tools: Tray and non-stick spray Price: $2.39 Time: 8 to 12 minutes

Instructions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the desired amount of cookie dough on tray. Spread them apart 1 to 2 inches.

3. Place the tray in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes.

4. Take out when cookies turn golden brown.

Tips: Watch the cookies carefully for the change of color. No one likes burnt cookies!

AILI ARNELL / PHOTOS

Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup butter 1 cup chocolate chips 9 cups Crispix cereal (any flavor) 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar Tools: Large bowl, spoon, measuring cup Price: $10 Time: About 15 minutes

Ingredients: Betty Crocker cake mix and icing 1-1/2 cups water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs Tools: Whisk or blender, large mixing bowl, cupcake tray, nonstick spray Price: Betty Crocker mix- $1.29, Betty Croker icing- $1.09 Time: About 45 minutes

Instructions: 1. Combine peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.

2. Microwave for one minute then stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Stir well.

3. Place the 9 cups of Crispix cereal in a very large bowl.

4. Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss evenly, making sure all the cereal gets a good covering.

5. Coat with powdered sugar, sprinkling evenly over the cereal and tossing as you sprinkle to cover each piece well.

Tips: Use a spoon not a whisk. The ingredients will get stuck inside the whisk.

Instructions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix the water, vegetable oil, and eggs together.

3. Pour cake mix in.

4. Whisk or blend the mix thoroughly.

5. Spray pan, and then pour mix into pan.

6. Place in the oven.

7. Remove when cupcake turn golden brown.

8. Ice and decorate the cupcakes as desired when they are cooled.

Tips: Wait until cupcakes are fully cooled before icing.

Page B4 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Entertainment

Reviews ‘The Wrestler’ puts Rourke back on A-list by sam watermeier swatermeier@hilite.org

“The Wrestler” follows one of the most tragic, compelling characters in recent memory: a washedup wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke). Like Rourke himself, Randy was a big star in the ‘80s whose life and career gradually went downhill. When he’s not wrestling for measly crowds, he’s working behind a deli counter or hanging around lonely strip clubs. Randy is a man desperately searching for love and acceptance whether it is from his estranged teenage daughter (Evan Rachel Wood), a similarly damaged stripper, or his fans (the few he has left).

The raw emotional power of this film is a result of its truthful performances and unobtrusive direction.

Great acting, like great editing, is the kind you do not notice. Rourke’s portrayal is so low-key and naturalistic that viewers will forget they are watching an actor and become completely engaged in his character. The way he delivers his lines feels like improvisation. It is a raw, vulnerable performance that is nothing short of inspiring. Marisa Tomei, an underrated film actress, also delivers a surprisingly realistic performance as the stripper Cassidy. Her character could have easily been the “Adrian” to Rourke’s “Rocky:” overwhelmingly supportive and unconditionally loving. Instead, Tomei shows genuine stress, frustration and panic around Randy. Even more surprising than these towering performances is Darren Aronofsky’s understated direction.

With “The Wrestler,” Aronofsky restrains himself visually, allowing filmgoers to immerse themselves in the story and characters. This is a refreshing artistic change for Aronofsky since he is known for his flashy visual style and frenetic pacing evident in such directorial efforts as “Requiem for a Dream” and “Pi.” Although appealing to the eye, the look of those films often distracts the audience, making viewers too aware that they are watching a movie. The camerawork in “The Wrestler,” on the other hand, is so smooth and subtle that the film often takes on the quality of a documentary or reality television. Viewers will feel like they are eavesdropping on the characters especially in the scene chronicling Randy’s daily routine: bleaching his hair, tanning, shopping for weapons to use in the ring (a moment that is awkwardly realistic and equally comic). Here, Aronofsky separates the film from “Rocky” and “Ali” in the way he brings Randy down to a gritty human level, never exposing him in an overly heroic light, revealing warts and all. The film has more in common with “Raging Bull” in that sense that it is not really about an athlete in all his glory, but about his day-to-day life. Having said that, the scenes involving wrestling are still incredibly engrossing.

Aronofsky somehow manages to make the fights exciting and horrifying to watch at the same time.

There is an exhilarating energy and brutality to them.

They also take on an entertaining, otherworldly quality as they become more and more extreme. We see Randy attacked by staple guns and forks, wielding audience members’ prosthetic limbs as weapons, throwing trash cans, etc. He is severely bruised and battered, but none of these injuries match his emotional scars (a point Aronofsky really drives home in the film’s powerful, devastating conclusion).

“The Wrestler,” although simplistic in plot and predictable, never fails to deliver. Its elemental power enables viewers to overlook its flaws (it is definitely not without a few). Although the film may not be perfect, it manages to transcend the typical “battered athlete fighting for redemption” (i.e. “Rocky,” “This Sporting Life”) and stand as a unique movie-going experience with its sense of harsh realism in both the performances and direction.

‘The Wrestler’ Directed by: Darren Aronofsky Rated: R Overall: A

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood

Books. Movies. Food. Music. Shopping. Previews.

And the winner should be...

www.rottentomatoes.com / photos

The Contenders: Clockwise From top left - Heath Ledger as the Joker in “The Dark Knight;” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button;” Viola Davis in “Doubt;” Colin Farrel in “In Bruges;” Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight;” Josh Brolin in “W.;” Kate Winslet in “The Reader”

The Oscars have a history of awarding films that may not be the best choice. Sam Watermeier gives his opinion on who should walk away with the gold this year

BEST ACTOR

Best picture

BEST DIRECTOR

Should Win: JOSH BROLIN (“W.”) Brolin takes one of our least popular presidents and one of the most satirized people in the world, George W. Bush, and surprisingly creates a tragic, sympathetic character. The sympathy comes from the pensive quality Brolin brings to the role, making Bush seem like he is harshly judging himself at all times.

Should Win: “THE DARK KNIGHT” This is the kind of movie the Academy should be recognizing: a film that seamlessly blends “popcorn entertainment” with profound social and psychological analysis. Director Christopher Nolan brings authenticity to the material, transcending the comic book genre and placing the “Batman” franchise in the realm of gritty crime dramas such as “Heat” and “Seven.”

Should Win: DAVID FINCHER (“THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON”) Fincher should be recognized due to the fact that “Button” is a much more ambitious undertaking than “Slumdog Millionaire.” Also, Fincher takes the biggest leap forward out of all the nominees. He dares himself to new depths with “Button,” showing a tender, vulnerable side as a filmmaker. Huge change from such raw, violent directorial efforts as “Fight Club” and “Zodiac.”

Will Win: MICKEY ROURKE (“THE WRESTLER”) The Academy loves physical transformations (case in point, “Raging Bull”). People also love tragic underdog characters and Rourke’s Randy “The Ram” Robinson is one of the most memorable ones.

BEST ACTRESS Best supporting actor Should and Will Win: HEATH LEDGER (“THE DARK KNIGHT”) In the role of the Joker, the late Ledger created a screen villain for the ages. He is simply, sadly, brilliant. He captures the sadomasochism of the Joker from the “Batman” comics, yet manages to never stray too far from reality with his quirkiness.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

thewrestlermovie.com / photo

Will Win: “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE” This is the exact type of contrivedly uplifting, sentimental movie the Academy drools over.

Should Win: “THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON”- Epic, adventurous tale that never loses sight of the characters or their emotions. This separates the film from most epics that spread themselves thin when it comes to human emotion and focus on spectacle. Style does not triumph over substance here.

Will Win: “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE”- I’ll admit that the plot of the film is original and uniquely structured. However, the characters are not given enough depth.

Should Win: KATE WINSLET (“THE READER”) With every performance including this one, Winslet shows maturity and experience beyond her years. She’s only been in the business for a little over a decade yet she already has the demanding screen presence of Meryl Streep.

Will Win: ANNE HATHAWAY (“RACHEL GETTING MARRIED”) Hathaway’s naturalistic performance as a quirky drug addict is overwhelmingly the critics’ favorite.

best supporting actress Should and Will Win: VIOLA DAVIS (“DOUBT”) Davis is only on screen for roughly ten minutes yet she leaves a lasting impression with this complex and heartbreaking performance. She also manages to hold her own against the all-powerful Meryl Streep in their one scene together.

Will Win: DANNY BOYLE (“SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE”)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Should Win: “IN BRUGES” I still maintain that this film is the best comedy of 2008. There is real truth and poignancy behind the humor. The film never reduces itself to one-liners like most comedies.

This is sly, intricate material.

Will Win: “MILK” It is highly unlikely at this point that this film will win Best Picture, Director, Actor or Supporting Actor.

Therefore, this is the only category it really has a chance of sweeping.

Plus, this true story of one man’s fight for human rights never feels manipulative or contrived. This film evokes genuine inspiration, unlike “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Student Section • Friday, February 6, 2008 • Page B5

Follow the signs

Hiking incident teaches junior wilderness survival lesson

Test your Lingo We asked CHS students to use some common lingo in a sentence to test their urban vocabulary. Here is what they said.

By Beverly Jenkins and Elizabeth Trancik

Textually Frustrated: Kyle Impini, freshman - “What that person said made me so textually frustrated, I could hardly think.”

Brickberry: Alexis Paris, senior - “I ate a lot of brickberries.”

Kitchenheimers: Taylor Stair, junior - “Last night I went into the kitchen and used a kitchenheimers.”

Resolution Rush: Abby Snivley, freshman - “My grandfather participated in a resolution rush.”

Slow Burn: Josh Abvaita, freshman - “The pain on my arm was beginning to take a slow burn.”

Sargasm:

Min Qiao/ Photo illustration

F

Kelsey Binion kbinion@hilite.org

or junior Leo Amanse, being in a sticky situation was somewhat disconcerting.

Accor ding to him, the events were not disturbing just out of the ordinar y.

H o w e v e r , knowing what to do in a tough situation, he said, was key to coming out safely and unscathed.

“One obscure and scar y incident that LEO AMANSE pops out into my mind was when I was living in California. I was 11, and I went to Griffith Park with my dad and my brother,” Amanse said.

“We went hiking at that park every weekend. We were all tired and getting bored of walking on the same trail, so we went on our own trail and found our own way around. We were high up in the in mountains and there were some bushes filling the path,” “I was walking past and through the bushes, when I came to one bush that had a steep drop. I fell down the hill and I tried to grab on to things as I fell. Fortunately, when it came to the end of the fall I was able to grab to a branch,” he said.

Falling was scary, Amanse said,

but that wasn’t the scariest part.

“I was full of dust and dirt, and luckily no broken bones or scratches.

I looked up and I saw my dad and brother coming slowly and carefully down the hill, but ended up slipping, too. As I was dusting myself off I saw in front of me a log, but under the log was a large coiled snake,” Amanse said. “I was so scared that I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t say anything, I couldn’t think, and I even lost feeling my legs.”

According to Amanse, at that point, all he did was run the opposite way. He jumped over the log and didn’t look back.

According to hikingtrailer.com , hiking on mountains is not possible in Indiana, but there are hiking trails locally. Someone that hikes frequently, like Amanse, should always prepare himself for an unusual situation. Even if someone has been on the same hiking trail repeatedly, one should always prepare for the worst.

The Web site, suggests that one should remember the acronym, “essentials”, when packing for a hike or an adventure that could result in a major incident.

The E stands for emergencies, S for sustenance, S for shelter, E for extras, N for navigation, T for toiletries, I for incidentals, A for attitude, L for light and S for something to carry it all in.

Some important supplies could consist of a map if one is unfamiliar

with the area or if the area is quite large and there is a potential chance of getting lost. A flashlight, extra clothing, plenty of food and water, and a first aid kit are some of the main components that should be in a backpack while traveling.

“It depends on how you define essentials,” Jordan Fleming, a sales associate at Extreme Outfitters, said.

“And also it depends on how long you are traveling when packing for a hike. Some people just take the basics – water, granola bars at a local grocery store and correct shoes – but some people also just grab a simple first aid kit. You always want to take whatever you think is necessar y.

Sometimes it will help if you take a little more than you think you will need just in case something out of the ordinary should happen.”

Despite some of the risk factors when hiking, Amanse and his family decided to continue their adventure.

“I was so afraid of the snake that I did not know what to do, and that is why I acted the way I did. My dad, brother, and I should have stayed on the trail or gone to a different hiking spot, so things like that don’t occur. Hiking in an unfamiliar area is something I would leave to a professional climber,” Amanse said.

Fleming said, “It is important to pay attention to the trail signs. It doesn’t matter how advanced you are to go off on an unmarked area, unless you are in an adventure race.

Again, you never know what will happen in the wild and what you will be faced with.”

According to Amanse, ever since that incident, he has now learned to stay on the trail advised and to act rational when a potential harmful situation occurs.

Amanse said, “Whether I am on a mountain, at school or around the Carmel area and something out of the ordinary occurs, I know that I need to act calm, analyze situation and act accordingly.”

Everybody Has a story

Rhiannon Sheets, sophomore - “My swim coach has a great sense of sargasm.”

Clapathy: Grant Schlenger, senior - “Show some clapathy for his loss / their victory.”

Bagside: Lauren Jordan, sophomore - “The goldfish bagsided the shark.”

Academic Bulimia: Mark Hodges, junior - “I had academic bulimia this morning when I studied for my math test; I cant remember anything!”

According to the HiLite student name list, there were 4,199 students registered at CHS as of the first day of school. We plan to cover some of them randomly. This week, we feature number

72

For more information on our selection, visit www.hilite.org

In the IPOD...

Econnosieur : Audrey Leech, junior “Donald Trump is an econnosieur because he’s good with business and money.”

Sophomore Divya Pathak tells the story behind her iPod. Compiled by Tracy Sun

Listening Time: “I try to every morning on my way to the bus and on the bus. I usually listen to it during quiet time that the teacher gives you or when I do my homework. In total, probably about 20 to 30 minutes a day.”

Music: “I definitely couldn’t live without my iPod. I couldn’t imagine studying without music or the same, boring songs on the radio station that my bus driver puts on.

It’s a good way to tune people out too.”

Favorite Artists: • Coldplay: “I have like every one of their songs, 92 songs by them. Some people say they copy people’s lyrics, but I don’t care.”

Nick Johnson / Photo • John Mayer: “I have like 52 songs by him. He’s really good.”

Easy Listening: Sophomore Divya •

U2: “I really like them and their style.”

Pathak sits in the hall listening to her iPod. She mainly uses her iPod Favorite Songs: to do homework and on the bus.

• ‘Yellow’: “I love this song; I love Coldplay.”

• ‘St. Patrick’s Day’: “John Mayer is a really good artist.”

• ‘Let it Be,’ ‘Day in the Life’: “I love the Beatles’ songs a lot. These are probably my favorite.”

Playlists: “Most of mine are randomly named or something I just typed on the keyboard.”

• Classical: “I listen to this while I’m studying or when I want to go to sleep.”

• Playlist 1: “I pick songs I listen to the most. It saves time, so I don’t have to go and look for them.”

• Various Artists: “This one has a lot of Coldplay, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, ‘Carousel’ from Iron and Wine, ‘The Sweetest Thing’ by U2 and ‘1979’ by the Smashing Pumpkins.”

Favorite Genre: “I’m not a huge fan of rap or overly popular music.

I like really classic music that doesn’t go out of style. I don’t like anything too hard like screamo but nothing too soft either. Something between rock and alternative and classical. Probably rock or acoustic because it’s easy on the ears, nothing like stupid degrading rap. Some is okay, but if it’s just some idiot talking about sex, it’s a waste of my time.”

Favorite Album: “I love ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ by Coldplay. It’s really good.”

Favorite Album Art: “I like the cover of ‘Plans’ by Death Cab for Cutie.”

Videos: “On my old iPod I had ‘Finding Nemo,’ ‘The Notebook,’ ‘Happy Gilmore’ and ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’”

The Real Definitions Textually Frustrated.

When texting with someone over IM or SMS that takes too long to reply leaving you waiting and frustrated...

“She takes forever; texting with Sara leaves me textually frustrated” Brickberry A term for the old, outdated phone you have to use when your current phone breaks.

“It takes me ten minutes to type a text message on this brickberry now that my iPhone broke, but at least I get to play snake.”

Kitchenhiemer’s When you’re in the kitchen going around in circles because you can’t remember what you were doing there....

iPod: “I’ve had this (iPod) for a couple of months. I used to have an 8G green one, but I lost it. I had that one for a year, and it had like 800 to 900 songs on it. I miss it. I’m mad at myself because I could have saved some money if I bought an older one with more space, too.”

For more definitions, see www.hilite.org

PAGE B6 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009 • PERSPECTIVES STAFF PERSPECTIVE

“

Christian students, faculty deserve SPEAK UP respect on Ash Wednesday WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO FOR Compiled by Maria LaMagna and Mackenzie Madison

N

OUR STAND Regardless of how students choose to participate in Ash Wednesday, it is most important that the student body and administration be accepting and respectful of these religious beliefs.

ot too far in the future, Feb. 25, some Christians at this school will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For some, the observation will be more obvious. If they choose to partake in religious ceremonies before school, they may have a black or gray marking of ashes on their foreheads, a sign of humility and repentance in Christianity. Others will not have the outward mark, but will begin a Lenten fast or “giving up” a food or activity they might otherwise enjoy. Regardless of how students choose to participate in Ash Wednesday, it is most important that the student body and administration be accepting and respectful of these religious beliefs.

According to christianity.about.com, mostly Christians of Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic denominations observe Ash Wednesday ceremonies, though not all of them have the same tradition of displaying humility through wearing ashes throughout this day. Still, other denominations observe the 40 days of Lent through fasting and abstaining from foods or activities that they choose, or committing themselves to extra service and prayer in preparation to celebrate Easter.

Like every other day of the year, every student should respect the religious beliefs of students and

administrators on Ash Wednesday. While this school is largely Christian, people still may not understand nor appreciate the significance of this day in the Christian calendar. Students should refrain from derogatory remarks and disrespect, instead striving for showing reverence for another’s religious beliefs.

To deepen their understanding, it would be better for students to research the tradition, or even ask fellow students and teachers for explanations of the practices of Ash Wednesday.

Of course, this tolerance should extend to every other religion people at this school practice.

Whether it is outwardly observable or not, every religion deserves and demands the same respect that students are urged to give Christians during their day of outwardly proclaiming their beliefs.

Students who practice Islam, Judaism, and any other religion here deserve the same respect and acceptance every day of the year.

Students here should use Feb. 25 as a day of deeper understanding, whether they observe Ash Wednesday as a religious ceremony or not. Christian students may choose to educate those around them about their beliefs, and non-Christians should allow them to practice with dignity. Students who do not call themselves Christian may even benefit by taking some of the Lenten messages of sacrifice, repentance, and humility to heart.

VALENTINE’S DAY?

Unfortunately I’ll be out of town but last year I went out to dinner with my boyfriend.

” “ ” “ ” “ JUNIOR STEPHANIE SHOOK

I’ll probably take my mom out to dinner.

I love my mom.

REBECCA XU / ART

Sports fan signs look to stay alive CHOMPIN’ AT THE BIT

BY LILY ZHAO Following President Barack Obama’s recent and historical inauguration, I couldn’t help but wonder how cataclysmic the freedoms of speech and press are nowadays. As citizens, we’re allowed to express our opinions on television, within the confines of a classroom and out in the open with peers. However, why aren’t these same kinds of freedoms allowed on the football or basketball fields?

Recently, the Universities of Virginia and Central Florida decided to ban sports fan signs (however, after receiving backlashes from fans

and students alike, both universities rescinded their bans, albeit there are still stipulations). These are the same signs that allow normal Joes the opportunity of 15 seconds of fame and give others a good laugh. And let’s be honest, some signs are just ingenious: “Bench it like Beckham”- during one of the soccer games David Beckham sat out.

“Forget the DOW, in VEST with Tressel”- Ohio State fan.

“Do you smell cor ndogs?”making fun of a Louisiana State University fan.

Apparently, the Virginia athletics department did not like the signs made by students who were ver y vocal in their dislike toward football head coach Al Groh. The Virginia administration stressed that it wanted a “healthy environment” for its students, players and fans, which is totally ironic,

considering Thomas Jefferson founded the university and also coincidentally was one of the fathers of the Constitution. And in the Constitution, he stresses the freedoms of speech and press. But seriously, what’s a fan have to do to have fun at Virginia when on some Saturdays, scanning the crowd for a clever sign is probably going to be the best part of the game?

On the other hand, the Central Florida staf f also had the same argument, banning any sign that was “negative” from its Bright House Networks football stadium. But this ban is probably warranted at UCF when fans created signs threatening to severely hurt the University of South Florida quarterback, Matt Grothe’s mother. But thousands of students shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes of one or two others. So now in order to have an acceptable sign among the

crowd, UCF’s athletic department enforced a couple of requirements: “(The sign) cannot exceed 22X28 inches, may not be attached to posts or sticks and must be used in a safe manner, etc.” Having these kinds of restrictions really has put a damper on what a true sporting event should be.

So what’s happened to the good old days of sports where signs were just another accessory to the game? They are paper forms of entertainment; they add another element to the game, just as announcers and analysts do. They allow fans to show school spirit, to come up with clever remarks and to chaff with opposing fans. And they are the one thing that has kept all us sports nuts laughing when the scoreboard sometimes makes us want to keep crying. Lily Zhao is a sports editor for the HiLite. Contact her at lzhao@hilite.org.

Like it or not, China plays key role in aiding U.S. economy WORLD’S LARGEST COMPANIES

GLOBAL VIEWS

1. Wal-Mart, U.S. 2. Exxon Mobil, U.S. 3. Royal Dutch Shell, Netherlands 4. British Petroleum, Britain 5. Toyota Motors, Japan 6. Chevron, U.S. 7. ING Group, Netherlands 8. Total, France 9. General Motors, U.S. 10. ConocoPhillips, U.S. FORTUNE 500 / SOURCE

BY MACKENZIE MADISON Ten trillion dollars in debt. Yeah, that’s a lot. That is a one followed by 13 zeros. To put that number into perspective, our current population is roughly 300 million. In order for us to get out of debt, each person in the United States would have to come up with around $50,000. Sounds rough, right? Good news is, the United States is not in this alone. One of our biggest contributors to take this heavy weight off our shoulders is China. And whether you believe it or not, China is the most important country for the United States.

After our history of conflicting governments and the fact that we’re one of China’s biggest competitors in the race to have the largest GDP, why would China want anything to do with the United States? The answer is simple: while we might be China’s biggest competitor, we’re also the biggest patrons of Chinese goods. In other words, they have too much money invested in us to watch us go further and further into debt. Virtually everything we buy in America is made in China: Nike, Jansport, Mac (Apple), just to name a few.

But the animosity we see on the surface doesn’t always carry to the rest of the population. This past summer, I spent a month traveling China with my family and I was simply amazed. The cities were beautiful, the countr yside was breathtaking and to my surprise, the air was clean. So where were all those clichés of China: busy dirty cities, poor country sides and a restrictive government? Not once while I was there did I feel like I was in a communist country. The Chinese people never made me feel like I was not welcome in their country or that they hated Americans; people wanted to speak English with us and take pictures together. They made us feel extremely welcome, and oddly enough, I sort of felt like I was at home.

But on the other hand, I have to be cynical about these impressions. We are a consumer based society obsessed with mass consumption, and China is helping fuel that. And despite differences in culture and government, it’s a symbiotic relationship, and we need each other to sur vive. The United States does not support the type of government in China, but it works for them. If China did not have such a repressive government, they would not necessarily have such an outstanding GDP. Without this massive GDP, a lot of our daily items would not be so readily available or as inexpensive. Mackenzie Madison is a sports reporter for the HiLite. Contact her a mmadison@hilite.org.

SENIOR JAMES SUN

Usually I go to Wal-Mart or something and either buy or make cards for all my friends.

FRESHMAN KATIE BOSLER

I’ll probably take my girlfriend out to dinner and surprise her with a gift.

SENIOR CURTIS PITTMAN

Perspectives • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Page B7

Personal health trumps academic stress that’s what she said by maria lamagna This will not be shocking news, but if you haven’t heard, students here are stressed out. Swimmers don’t see sunlight during the winter months because they’re at practice so early and stay so late.

During Holiday Spectacular week, students call in “sick” and miss school because they’re exhausted from extensive rehearsals that keep them up late and often unable to finish their homework. This should never, never happen, and ever yone claims that “school comes first.” How did we get to this point?

I believe it relates strongly to our school’s reputation and expectations.

Collectively, we must be excellent at sports, academics, art, performance and every competition we enter. This sounds intimidating, but with over 4,000 students we should be able to handle it, right? Wrong. Because 4,000 students are not spread out conquering these tasks separately.

A much smaller percentage of the student body is working on these tasks simultaneously, causing the large amounts of stress that they experience. I really don’t think it’s our fault.

We receive so many messages that tell us to spread ourselves thin. We’ve heard colleges like to see students who are involved in school activities while they maintain a strong repor t card.

Coaches will stop at nothing until we’re victorious in our spor ts, and I challenge you to find many coaches at this school who actually think our grades should come first.

Our parents even remind us what they balanced at our age. College Board and selective colleges recommend that we’ve taken four to six AP courses, or at least taken full advantage of what our school offers. Even the Distinguished Graduate program creates a need to involve ourselves in many different activities in addition to getting top scores and grades.

Whose job is it to tell us when enough is enough?

We’re taking on too much and here’s why: The expectations are unrealistic because this school is not the norm.

Most students who are heavily involved in their schools, and are applying to the same colleges we are, don’t go to schools with 4,000 students. Call me naïve, but I think when admissions officers gauge the size of our school, they realize it’s not that realistic for us to make two varsity teams while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Although some of us do it. And our parents probably didn’t go to schools this large, so when they say they know exactly what we’re going through, they probably didn’t encounter the same level of competition.

If you want to go to a selective college, grades really do come first. Take it upon yourself to assure this because your coach or choir director won’t. They have to win, and you’re just a piece of the overall machine. It’s no skin off their back if you’re up until 2 a.m. consistently or don’t get into the college of your choice, and for them, there’s always next year.

I don’t believe you have to load your schedule with AP courses, though I’ve done my fair share of it.

Stick to subject areas that actually interest you. When colleges say “take advantage of the AP courses your school offers,” they aren’t expecting that your school offers almost ever y AP course known to man. Plus, College Board is a business, a business that charges over $80 per test you take in May. High schools across the nation are slowly realizing some of these complexes. Scarsdale High School in New York, one of the highest-achieving public schools in the nation, has phased out AP courses completely, allowing them to have their own curriculum and spend time on the subjects they choose to study, and not have to be finished by early May. Some schools have even instated antistress sessions during the school day, with meditation and scheduled relaxation. Maybe it’s time we took a page out of their books.

Maria LaMagna is a perspectives editor for the HiLite. Contact her at mlamagna@hilite.org.

Senioritis: Symptoms, Side Effects and a Perfect Cure oh yes he did! by bennett fuson It’s been my dad’s worst fear and his most constant reminder of how not to live my life, yet here I sit, barely bringing myself to do anything.

I, Bennett Fuson, am a victim of senioritis.

As I sit, forcing myself word after word to finish this column, I can’t help but feel like the victim of a heinous and horrible travesty. So, as a final will and testament to my work ethic, I feel that it is my duty to warn others so that they won’t fall into the same trap as me.

For starters, I never actually thought senioritis existed. I had heard people last year and the year before blowing of f their schoolwork due to “senioritis.”

But, being the elitist that I am, I always labeled these people as slackers and degenerates.

(Those that know me would, at this point, note that I am typically lazy myself. To them I say, “Shut up and let me finish my story. If you have something to say, get your own column.”)

Anyway, first semester of senior year came and went with very little conflict. Then, after the holidays, I noticed the first signs. Rather than focusing on the theory of concavity, all I could think about in calculus class was how sometimes, if you say words fast enough, they sound like awkward, hilarious profanity.

Even now, as I write this column that was due 3 days,

11 hours and 8 minutes ago (but who’s counting), I keep getting distracted by “Bad Boys.” Seriously, when was the last time that Martin Lawrence has been in any good movie after “Bad Boys?” Will Smith clearly got the better end of the deal.

I digress. Back to the subject of senioritis, I have decided that there is absolutely no cure at all. Sorry teachers, I know you would want me to say that it is a test of character to stay focused throughout the final semester of high school, but in all honesty, no one wants to hear that. It’s easier to say that there is no cure, so that everyone can move on.

There are ways to cope, which I fully embrace. Senioritis can be a great state of mind to hold if you know how best to deal with it. It is important to keep the brain stimulated so that achievement, if desired, can be easily… achieved. Here are a few brilliant ideas to keep those old cogs working: 1. Solve “Lost.” Does anyone actually know what’s going on? This will surely keep you up for hours, until you admit defeat.

2. Figure out what Bob Dylan actually talks about in “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Then try to explain it by changing the words to prove your point. The catch: you have to sing “Subterranean Homesick Blues” with the new lyrics.

3. Go for a walk. Kidding! That’s way too much work.

The list goes on, and I would continue it, but something bright and shiny distracted me. Anyway, for those of you hoping for witty political banter or biting satire, sorry, lost your chance this time. Maybe next issue I’ll feel more inspired. For now, begin your existential quest in the senioritis way of life by establishing what else you should have done instead of reading this. Bennett Fuson is an entertainment editor for the HiLite. Contact him at bfuson@hilite.org.

I never actually thought senioritis existed. I had heard people last year and the year before blowing off their schoolwork due to “senioritis.” But, being the elitist that I am, I always labeled these people as slackers and degenerates.

graphic perspective

Contact information Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Web site: www.hilite.org E-mail: Staff members of the HiLite may be contacted by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org. For example, Amy Flis will receive mail sent to aflis@hilite.org.

Responding to the HiLite

Letters to the editor will be accepted for the Feb. 27 issue no later than Feb. 20. Letters may be submitted in Room C147, placed in the mailbox of Jim Streisel, e-mailed to letters@hilite.org or mailed to school. All letters must be signed.

Names will be published. (Letters sent via e-mail will be taken to a student’s SRT for him to sign.)

Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

Purpose The HiLite is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School, with a press run of 4,500. Copies are distributed to every school in the Carmel Clay district as well as the Chamber of Commerce, city hall and the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The paper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for both the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of CHS nor the Carmel Clay system faculty, staff or administration.

Credentials The HiLite belongs to the Indiana High School Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Advertising Businesses may advertise in the HiLite if their ads adhere to guidelines. The advertising policy is available in Room C147 or at www.hilite.org.

Editor in Chief Managing Editors Accountant Acumen 15 Minutes of Fame Ads Manager Artist Beats/Calendar Entertainment Feature Front Page Graphics News Perspectives Photography Sports

Renny logan / art

Student Section Videographer Web Writing Coaches Adviser Principal Superintendent

Store owner disagrees with review Dear Editor;

I am writing about a recent article that was published in your newspaper: “More Cup than Cake” by Lexi Muir.

Let me start by introducing myself: I am Karen Sutton, Owner and Proprietor of Holy Cow, Cupcakes!, the target of the above-mentioned article. Also, let me preface my questions and comments with the statement that I have absolutely no problem with any type of business review written for publication. Please be certain that I am not writing about the overall concept of the review nor my “grade” of C. As a matter of fact, we immensely appreciate and welcome ANY feedback.

We are always looking to please our customers and improve our product in any way that we can.

However, I am concerned about the way the research, or lack thereof, was executed.

First of all, my permission was not given to take pictures of my product nor my store. Also, if proper research had been done, some of the falsehoods that were listed would have been negated. For example, Miss Muir said she saw “a rather bare lime-green wall that was covered with some sort of writing that I did not observe too closely.” Had she asked about this or observed more closely, she would have had the answer to her quandary: the writing is lovely lamenting about HCC! and pictures drawn from the littlest ones. Her statement is one that demonstrates the lack of research done for this article. Also, in the article Miss Muir refers to the fact that patrons are unable to sit and eat the cupcakes inside the business; again, research would have given the answer to this.

The reason we do not have seats is that it would be a Hamilton County Health Department violation for us to allow patrons to remain in the business to consume the cupcakes. This is due to the fact that there is not an accessible restroom for customers. We are looking to expand the business and add space for patrons in the future. Finally, in reference to the statement, “Because of this rather secluded and odd location, few people know about this cupcake shop and even fewer can actually find it,” I frequently sell out of my product (normally 1218 dozen are presented at a time) numerous times in the day and must make more. Had she asked for that type of information, even in an off-handed, non-interview type of manner, she would probably have known that a statement like that is false. I am hopeful that this lack of research was an honest mistake that should have been caught by the teacher or administrator in charge of HiLite Newspaper. After all, Miss Muir is a student and is there to learn the proper way to write an article from someone her senior.

As far as the review, as I said before, we are happy to have Miss Muir’s opinions and have already taken them into consideration. We are now working on getting a new bakery case that will hopefully combat the dry air that is impacting our cupcakes. We would love to have Miss Muir and her family and friends come by at any time after we get this new case to give us a second chance. We are most certainly not asking for or expecting another review, but we would love to have the chance to make a Holy Cow, Cupcakes! fan out of Miss Muir.

Sincerely, Karen Sutton

We are always looking to please our customers and improve our product in any way that we can.

However, I am concerned about the way the research, or lack thereof, was executed.

Amy Flis Cathy Chen Brittani Wheeler Charlie Duncan Ariel Aisen Jinny Zhang Stephanie Hodgin Beth Brookie Renny Logan Hera Ashraf Bennett Fuson Jade Luo Rosemary Boeglin Sarah Sheafer Tim Chai Matthew Kanitra Steven Chen Michelle Hu Michael Wang Reid Conner Maria LaMagna Evelyn Forbes Kaitlyn Lampe Andrew Browning Lily Zhao Min Qiao Brian Bondus Yon-Sue Choi Shireen Korkzan Renny Logan Jim Streisel John Williams Barbara Underwood

Reporters Meher Ahmad Aili Arnell Kelsey Binion Maddi Bourgerie Hope Boyer Maggie Brandenburg

Lexi Muir Faith Mwalwa Amanda Nguyen Tatum Outlaw Monica Rice Mitch Ringenberg

Lauren Burdick

Erum Rizvi

Steven Chen

Sara Rogers

Susie Chen

Jade Schwarting

Ryan Duffy Ellie Seta Cassie Dugan

Tommy Sneider

Daniyal Habib

Mallory St. Claire

Jon Haslam Afra Hussain Beverly Jenkins Julie Kippenbrock Erin Lowe

Tracy Sun Sam Watermeier Tyler Wright Celina Wu Rebecca Xu

Mac Madison Michelle Yun Lauren Mugavin David Zheng

Photographers Arjuna Capulong

Kate Grumme

Shirley Chen

Nick Johnson

Stephanie Coleman

Pooja Mathur

Lizzy Grubbs

Elizabeth Trancik Owen Williamson

Webmasters Michael Luo Mike Jiang Nishanth Samala

Jimmy Sun Alex Yin

Page B8 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • 15 Minutes of Fame

Student dedication to sport may lead to future burnout by mackenzie madison mmadison@hilite.org There are many components of high school that would make an athlete want to want to quit his or her sport: heavy academic work load, jobs, lack of motivation or simply not having enough time. But many athletes experience something beyond these components that force them to quit.

“It just got to be too much,” Erin Eckstein, former swimmer and sophomore, said. “Day after day, practice after practice, lap after lap, I just grew tired of the same things and the repetition.”

During her freshman year, Eckstein

experienced what many call athletic burnout. Athletes became tired of their sport for many reasons, mostly repetition and constant pressure to perform at their best, according to educatedsportsparenting.com.

This can be a serious problem to student athletes because it sometimes creates discouragement from continuing sports at all. Luckily for Eckstein, that is not the case. She has continued playing sports and plays women’s softball. Unfortunately though, she had intentions of continuing swimming in college along with playing softball too.

“I have been swimming since I was three or four and started when I lived in St. Louis. I continued when

I moved here and did summer swim teams. I loved it, but when I swam for the school team, it was a whole different ball game,” Eckstein said.

“Everything was different. It lacked the fun factor it used to; it was a lot more serious. The competition wasn’t as hard during the summer. You came across the good swimmers and the beginners and everyone in between. I think it was a lot more fun this way because you never knew who the competition was going to be.”

Athletic burnout is very common with swimmers and runners because of the high amounts of repetition and the competition.

“I think it can be (easy to get

burned out on swimming); we do practice a lot. It helps out a lot though,” Elizabeth Shafer, assistant swim coach and science teacher, said. “But we keep things different everyday; we have dry land three times a week. We switch types of workouts; we switch it around so they don’t always swim in the same lanes with the same people.”

Shafer, being a swimmer herself, understands the feeling of burnout.

“I continued on and swam in college because I love to swim. It’s a part of who I am. I’m just happy when I’m in the pool.” “(Students continue swimming in college for) the love of the sport.

Having a routine, that’s probably

why I continued.” Shafer said. “You put so many hours into it. It becomes a part of your daily routine, and your day feels incomplete without it.”

Swimmer and sophomore Carly Marshall said she shares the same feelings with Shafer. “Swimming is a great opportunity to learn a lot of life lessons. I’ve learned how to interact and communicate with people. Over time, I learned to manage my time as far as balancing school with swimming and social stuff. I love swimming because of the challenges it presents me with and the friends I’ve made over the years. There’s no question that I’m planning on continuing the sport through college.”

“

It just got to be so much.

Day after day, practice after practice, lap after lap, I just grew tired of the same things and the repitition. erin eckstein

kate grumme / photos

To submit nominations for 15 Minutes of Fame, email Stephanie Hodgin at shodgin@hilite.org

DILIGENCE

Senior Jessie Hammes swims every day before and after school, is going to Stanford on a swimming scholarship, and even went to the Olympic trials

by cassie dugan cdugan@hilite.org How long have you been swimming?

I’ve been doing neighborhood (swimming) since I was 4 years old. I started year-round (swimming) when I was 8.

What got you interested in swimming?

That’s hard. I joined the neighborhood league just because I was little, and I liked the water. Then parents who had kids that swam year-round said, “Hey you might want to look at year-round swimming. You’re a good swimmer; you have a lot of talent so you might want to do something with it.” So, I decided to join the year-round team and it’s just kind of gone from there.

I’ve been swimming year-round since I was 8, so that’s 10 years now.

Congratulations on being accepted into Stanford. Are you going for swimming?

Yes, I’m going for swimming. I had to apply as a regular student. I’ve wanted to go to Stanford since I was 7 years old; it’s been my life goal forever to swim for them. I got recruited by them so I’m going to be a part of that team next year.

With your intense swimming schedule how are you able to maintain a high enough GPA?

It’s a lot of work. I just have to set aside time for studying. I get home around 6:30 at night, have dinner and then it’s kind of straight to the books. I make good use of my SRTs and my weekends. Weekends are really big for me; I try to catch up as much as I can then.

As far as your attendance at Olympic Trials, how does that all work?

Do you have a favorite or specialty event that you participate in?

Well, there is a time that you have to achieve in whatever event you want to qualify for. You have right after the Olympics of 2004 right up to that date (when the trials are conducted) to swim the time that you need to swim.

Then if you qualify then you get to go to the meet. They pick the Olympic team from the top two.

Walk me through an average weekday’s schedule including swimming, homework and anything else.

Against how many other qualifiers were you competing?

In high school I swim the 100-back, 100-fly and 50back on the medley relay. My favorite event is probably the 100-back.

I get up at 4:40 a.m. Practice starts at 5:15 and lasts until 7:05 a.m. Then there is school all day. Practice starts at 3:20, and we get out at 6 p.m. I get home around 6:30 p.m., have dinner and then do homework while trying to get to bed as early as I can. I probably go to bed between 10 and 11 p.m. Sometimes it’s earlier and then sometimes it’s 11:30 p.m., and I’m still awake. I just try to get to bed as soon as I can. I try to get ahead as much as I can on the weekends so I don’t have as much to do during the week.

There were about 130 (qualifiers) in my event. I swam the 100-meter backstroke. Total, I want to say about 800 people where there.

And you’ve met Michael Phelps?

Well, kind of. I was actually in a hot tub with him. I didn’t really talk to him. It was at a meet, and swimmers just kind of get in the hot tub. So I was in a close vicinity. Before he was really good I got his autograph, talked to him a little bit and got his picture and stuff, but I don’t know him on a personal level.

”

Carmel High School’s News Magazine

The

Photography Issue

IB Film... Page 2 I Photo Art... Page 3 I Darkroom vs. Digital... Pages 4 & 5 I Professional Photographers... Page 6 I Visually Effective Films... Page 7 I Photo Tips... Page 8 Carmel High School . Volume 5 . Issue 4 . February 6, 2009

PAGE C2 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009

Purpose Acumen is an occasional publication serving to supplement the HiLite. Acumen is distributed to the students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School. This publication operates as a public forum for the school and community.

Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those held by CHS, the Carmel Clay system faculty, staff or administration.

Responding to Acumen Letters in response to this issue of Acumen will be considered for publication in the HiLite.

All letters must be submitted to Room C147, placed in the mailbox of Jim Streisel, e-mailed to letters@hilite.org or mailed to the school.

Letters must be signed; names will be published.

(Letters submitted through e-mail will be taken to a student’s SRT for him to sign.) Letters must not include personal attacks against an individual and may be subject to editing.

Staff Editor Associate Editor Writers / Photographers

Ariel Aisen Jinny Zhang Arjuna Capulong Stephanie Coleman Reid Conner Cassie Dugan Evelyn Forbes Nick Johnson Shireen Korkzan Kaitlyn Lampe Renny Logan Erum Rizvi Ellie Seta Sam Watermeier HiLite Editor in chief Amy Flis HiLite Managing editors Cathy Chen Brittani Wheeler Adviser Jim Streisel Principal John Williams Superintendent Barbara Underwood

ACUMEN

Student takes skills from class, creates short film for contest

S

BY REID CONNER rconner@hilite.org

enior Ellis Noto is one of the many students here taking IB Film. However, unlike the average student, Noto has been creating films outside the classroom since sixth grade and plans on entering his recent film, “A Choice,” into the eXceL Awards Scholarship Program to help pay for film school.

“After high school, I’m not 100 percent sure (what I want to do). I’m trying to get into film school at Full Sail University,” Noto said.

Noto is not the only IB Film student trying to gain a little recognition for his work. According to IB Film teacher Jim Peterson, seniors Kyle McBane and Sarah Donaldson are two other students who plan to enter work into film contests.

Although the average student doesn’t plan on doing this kind of work with film, Peterson said the class can teach students invaluable skills for the future.

Peterson said taking IB Film opens up many opportunities for students wanting to pursue film after high school. “The class makes them more aware of film schools and contests.

They will be more comfortable and confident with the idea of film,” he said.

In This Issue

Ariel Aisen Acumen Editor

Corrections

COVER DESIGN: Photo illustration by Ariel Aisen and Evelyn Forbes.

GO ONLINE!

To see all of senior Ellis Noto’s 8-minute contest entry film, “A Choice,” visit

WWW.HILITE.ORG

Dear readers, Cameras can be used to create a plethora of different types of art, communication and exhibition. From videography to photographic art, that which one sees through the lens can provide priceless knowledge and experience.

According to Jason Sipe from the “Putting on a Show” story, soldering is more involved in electronics and lighting than in set construction.

Natalie Cappucci from that story said that she spends her time during shows backstage or in the booth.

Students learn a wide variety of skills in IB Film. According to Peterson, the goal of IB Film is to teach students techniques in film production, appreciation of film, history of film and theory of film production. “It is an introduction to the theory and techniques. Students learn the basics of editing and film production,” Peterson said.

Noto is proof of these claims. “(IB Film) has been good for connecting with people who share my passion for film. I’ve been working on a film with some people that we’re going to enter in the Hartland Film Festival,” he said.

Noto’s film, titled “A Choice,” is about an 18-year-old kid who goes to a party, gets drunk and ends up having to go pick up his little brother to take home. On the way home, he gets in an accident, killing his brother in the process. Throughout the short film, he contemplates suicide but eventually gets involved with the Big Brother Big Sister program, which gives him something to live for.

Although Noto did not write the story, he directed it and played a large role in the editing. “(Juniors) Peter Loomis and Myles McCoy approached me with the idea and asked me to direct it,” he said. “(The film) has been finished for a while now. We submitted it to the Project eXceL Contest,” Noto said.

According to him, the first round of judging takes place today, the next round is next Friday and the state finalists will be announced the Friday after. The state winners will be announced on March 16.

Noto said he received a lot of help from locals in making the film. “We used school police and actual firefighters from the Carmel Fire Department for the police and firefighters in the film.” School officers Gene Stilts and Shane VanNatter played the two police officers, while the main character was played by junior Matt Young.

For students like Noto, IB Film provides invaluable opportunities to get a glimpse into the world of film. “Mr. Peterson has speakers and guests come in who have had experience in the film industry. It’s a good opportunity to learn from people who have prior experience,” Noto said. It has also presented him with the opportunities to enter his films into multiple contests.

Entering the film into the eXceL contest and submitting it to Full Sail University in Florida are not the only plans Noto has. “I’m going to try to encourage the family and consumer science department to show it in classes since it has to do with drunk driving and making good choices,” he said.

Noto is already looking ahead to his next work. “We’re in the pre-production for my next film, which will be used as my final project for IB Film,” he said. According to Noto, they are still in the planning process and no definite details have emerged.

Both Noto and Peterson said being successful in film doesn’t mean being in Hollywood. Noto said, “With today’s industry, you can get recognized pretty much anywhere.”

KAITLYN LAMPE / PHOTO

CAMERA READY: Senior Ellis Noto tests out his video camera. He has created films during his free time since the sixth grade.

ACUMEN

Friday, February 6, 2009 • Page C3

Photographer Photography used as artistic expression

By Ellie Seta eseta@hilite.org

S

enior Breana Whitaker is an artist; however, she is not your average painter or sculptor. Whitaker considers her photography to be a form of art. Whitaker, who has taken photography classes since her sophomore year, said she plans to pursue a photography major in college and has already been accepted into the School of Art Institute in Chicago, Ball State and Herron School of the Arts.

Breana It was not until in 1940 when the Whitaker Museum of Modern Art in New York City opened an exhibit for the purpose of photography, showing photography was officially accepted as an art form. But art photography has a relatively short history compared to other art forms like drawing, painting and sculpture.

However, Whitaker cautioned that not all photography, such as photojournalism, should be considered art.

According to Whitaker, compared to a photo journalistic photo, which is essentially just candid snapshots, artistic photography not only takes longer to set up but also sends a specific message. And Whitaker, who has seen both sides of photography, speaks from experience. After taking a photojournalism class her sophomore year, she decided she did not like it as much as she thought she would. Not wanting to give up on photography entirely, Whitaker tried media arts her junior year and later came to the conclusion that she preferred the artistic aspects of media arts better.

Although both are forms of photography, Whitaker said she does not consider photojournalism to be an art form.

“Photojournalism is about capturing a moment,” Whitaker said. “Media arts allows for more artistic license.”

Media arts teacher Kevin Daly, who has 15 years of photography experience, said art is individual and artists can’t force someone to think photography is art.

“Originally, photography was used as a drawing aid,” Daly said. “And looked at as just snap shots that froze moments in time.” Daly said once people began to have strong emotional reactions to pictures they started viewing photography as art.

“Art is personal,” Daly said.

Whitaker said she aspires to be a fashion photographer.

She said she does not have one source of inspiration but said that she often gets ideas from magazines. She said she usually builds ideas off of one idea and then lets her imagination create a great idea.

“I go for something that is different and almost makes you uncomfortable,” Whitaker said. “My goal is that (my photos) get attention even if it is negative.”

Whitaker said she definitely considers herself an artist even though she does not study a traditional form of art.

But overall her passion for photography is evident.

“I love photography,” Whitaker said. “It is a way to tell a story through a picture.”

Breana Whitaker / Submitted photos

PHOTOGENIC: Senior Julia Bonnett poses in a collection of photos taken by senior Breana Whitaker. Whitaker said she plans to pursue a career in photography in college.

ACUMEN

PAGE C4 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009

Killed the

Star

While darkroom photography is becoming scarce in journalism, it’s still appreciated in art

O ARIEL AISEN AND EVELYN FORBES / PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

BY CASSIE DUGAN cdugan@hilite.org

ver the years, the constant advancement of technology has eliminated the relevance of many products. The computer replaced the typewriter. The CD player has been replaced with the iPod. And it is predicted that soon digital photography will replace darkroom photography. However, this prediction doesn’t seem to be holding true here, with every Photography 1 and 2 class bursting at the seams with student enrollment. While use for film photography is declining in the world of journalism, the interest in it as an art form has not decreased in the slightest.

According to Cathy Shoup, who has taught both darkroom and digital photojournalism here for 12 years, darkroom photography no longer has a place in photojournalism and hasn’t for a while.

As an example, she said in 2006, the Pinnacle produced its first yearbook with all digital images.

“The reason digital (photography) is such a wonderful thing for photojournalism is that the photographs can be taken on the scene and uploaded to the computer instantly where an editor is sitting ready to put the photograph in and it can be used within minutes,” Shoup said.

“It takes a long time to produce a black-and-white print. The film has to get back to a darkroom. It has to be developed, dried and cut up. Then you have to go in and make a print. We’re talking about several hours.

So for journalism purposes, darkroom is probably dead.”

Lindsay Sloan is a senior who is currently is taking Photography 1 and 2 and photojournalism. Sloan said she plans to go to Ball State University for photography and she actually prefers darkroom photography to digital despite some of the advantages digital offers.

“It’s just so much more exciting. You put so much time into one print and you kind of feel like it’s yours,” Sloan said. “You don’t feel like just anybody could do it because not a lot of people do do it.”

Several factors contribute to why some people are still holding on to darkroom, according to Sarah Wolff, Photography 1 and 2 and independent study teacher. The process required for film photography that has eliminated it from the fi eld of journalism is actually the reason why it is still around.

Wolff said, “There is something to be said about a darkroom process that digital just doesn’t offer. As a teacher, it’s the excitement that students have the first time they see a print show up rather than just pressing print on a computer.”

The darkroom process is more tactile than that of digital. Wolff said she believes this is part of the reason people enjoy it more.

“I think that when you are in the darkroom, being in the ‘zone’ offers more of a hands-on creative outlet instead of putting a file into a computer and uploading it,” Wolff said. “If you’re looking for speed, digital has that advantage. But to me, it shouldn’t be about being fast. If you’re looking to manipulate something from reality, digital is the way to go.”

Wolff added that over her nine years of working here, there has been no true visible trend of interest in the photo classes. She said that some years there are more students enrolled than others but that it has not been a steady incline or decline. This leads her to believe film photography will always be around.

“As long as we have the same number of students to sign up, there is obviously still an interest in the student body,” Wolff said.

Both Wolff and Shoup said they think darkroom photography will always be around and that it will always be appreciated in art, regardless of its disappearing act in photojournalism.

“As far as an art form, I think (film photography) will always be here,” Shoup said. “There will always still be people interested.”

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009 • PAGE C5 EXPRESS YOURSELF (LEFT): Digital photography is often associated with photojournalism because of its speed in the workroom, but can also be used for expression in artistic photography, such as in this photo of sophomores Jessica Tanella and Lindsey Perlstein.

ANTI-GLAMOUR (BELOW LEFT): Lighting and composition while shooting are key, but final touches in Photoshop helped reinforce the surrealistic feel in this photo of sophomore Samantha Hou. CHICAGO AVE (BELOW RIGHT): The contrast and grainy feel in this digital photo is reminiscent to artistic film photography.

ARJUNA CAPULONG / PHOTOS

ACUMEN

Page C6 • Friday, February 6, 2009

Many opportunities exist for professional photographers

A

By Erum Rizvi erizvi@hilite.org

lthough it only takes a millisecond to press the button on the camera to take a picture, there is much more involved with the process in taking pictures from professional photography companies.

Senior Kathleen Keller said she had a great time at the photo shoot at Cripe Photography where she had her senior portraits taken. She said there were some aspects about the photo shoot she had not known about before the experience.

“I had to bring about six different outfits as well as some make up. The photographers had me take pictures indoors and outdoors to make the pictures look really spectacular,” Keller said.

Most photography studios in the area like to get a feel of the personality behind the people they are photographing.

According to Master Photographer Sheila Kneringer, photography sessions at Studio K are all about the client.

“We never schedule more than one client at a time. We have music playing, fresh flowers in the dressing room, and the photographer does a wonderful job making sure the client is comfortable. We work hard to capture your personality as well as your inner beauty,” Kneringer said.

Sophomore Haley Breeden had photographs taken by Wyant Photography for the “Peter Pan” play. She said the photographers made the process easy and comfortable.

“I felt really relaxed when getting my picture taken,” Breeden said. “I think it’s good that photographers try to get to know their clients personalities because that helps them take better pictures,” Breeden said.

In order for people to have photography sessions,

they must first schedule an appointment with the photography company. According to Lois Wyant, the master photographer at Wyant Photography, people can contact their company through their Web site, which has a calendar to let clients know what days are open. Clients can also call the company to schedule.

Besides everything that goes into a photography session and scheduling appointments, photographers are vital in the process. According to Wyant, her photographers kept working with photography in order to turn it into a professional career.

Wyant herself is a testament to that dedication.

“I studied photography in college and have loved it from the beginning. That’s why I have been in this business for 26 years now. There’s something about the art of photography that has a quicker gratification that I get when I take a picture.

It’s different from painting because that art takes much longer than the instant photograph you take,” Wyant said.

Junior Sonia “Sonnie” Irons said she has been interested in perusing a future career in photography. She is currently in the independent media arts class at this school and has previously taken a photojournalism class.

“I have wanted to become a photographer since I was in the fifth grade. I love how there is so much you can do with pictures as they are everywhere. I want to continue studying photography in school so that one day I can open a company and even travel and take pictures,” Irons said.

Wyant said students interested in photography careers should continue to study photography, and also study business and marketing.

Wyant said, “You have to know how to market if you want to start a business in photography. With the economy so bad today, you have to know how to market to survive.”

Nick Johnson / photo

PICTURE PERFECT: Lois Wyant, the Master Photographer at Wyant Photography, shoots a headshot of sophomore Haley Breeden for the Peter Pan production. According to Wyant, people can contact the company for appointments through the Web site.

Photography loses integrity with new technology You Just Lost the Game

by Evelyn Forbes Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist George F. Will was once quoted saying, “The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.” His skepticism is understandable, especially in the world of photography. No longer is seeing necessarily believing as the popularity of Photoshop and similar photoediting tools abounds.

As technology improves and becomes more available to the everyday person, the realism of edited photos evolves and has the ability to impress, caricature and horrify. However, progressive as this software may be, it is slowly destroying the integrity of normal photography and photojournalism.

This goes beyond editing the brightness of the shot-there is a difference between subtly improving on a frame for quality and altering it to the extent that it betrays the picture’s original composition and message.

In the world of online journalism, the degradation of photography is becoming more prominent. As recently as the 2008 Presidential Election, Photoshop has played a role in distorting the public’s view of political candidates, specifically Sarah Palin. A photo of what appeared to be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee scantily clad in an American flag-patterned bikini and bearing a hunting rifle infected cyberspace with an extremely splayed view of the Alaskan governor. In fact, this was the work of a Photoshop deviant, who switched the original bikini-wearing, guntoting subject of the photo’s head out for Palin’s.

Even after the hoax was revealed, for many it was too late to reverse the damage. While I cannot say I am a fan of Palin, the representation of the candidate was unfair and did nothing but help undermine her credibility, as well as that of photojournalism.

This is not the only recent occurrence of Photoshop trickery in the news. Iran’s nuclear capability has always been the stuff of suspicion, but in July, when the country launched a missiles test, its case was not helped when the picture released of the launch was discovered to have been altered. Iranian officials had edited a fourth missile into the picture after it failed to effectively launch.

An acclaimed photographer of the Toledo Blade was recently found to have used Photoshop to advance his career when Ohioans noticed a missing pair of legs in one of his photos. FOX and Time Magazine have both been known to edit pictures to add emphasis to their stories and visual appeal to their subjects.

Of course, Photoshop is not all bad. It can remove red-eye, add visual impact via color adjustments and make for entertaining web comics (i.e. the self-explanatory garfieldminusgarfield), just to name a few of its many advantages. Nevertheless, it must be used judiciously.

Since photography’s origin, the fabrication of pictures has existed. Technology has made this ability to falsify images substantially easier and corrupted photography’s integrity. The next time something appears too incredible to be true, take a second glance; it just might be. Evelyn Forbes is a photography editor for the HiLite. Contact her at eforbes@hilite.org.

DID YOU KNOW? This school’s photography club, CHS Aperture, is having its next meeting Feb. 23. Visit www.hilite.org to read more about the club.

ACUMEN

Friday, February 6, 2009 • Page C7

5 Most Visually Effective

Films in Recent Memory

“T

he Bourne Ultimatum.” “Quantum of Solace.” These films are (in)famous for their frenetic camera work. Their styles are intended to give the films a sense of gritty realism when in reality, it makes viewers even more aware they are watching a movie. All illusion is lost due to consciousness of the purposely sloppy style of the camera work. Many people are unable to differentiate between good and bad cinematography. When it comes to cinematography, these days, less truly is more. Here are some recent examples of great, understated cinematography

By Sam Watermeier

“The Wrestler” (2008)

The restraint director Darren Aronofsky shows with this film is truly shocking. He is known for his flashy visual style which ultimately distracts the audience in films such as “Requiem for a Dream,” “Pi” and “The Fountain.” However, with “The Wrestler,” he holds back visually, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story and characters. He exposes the main character, wrestler Randy Robinson, in a harsh, gritty light, bringing him down to a human level. This separates the film from other sports dramas such as “Rocky” and “Ali” which make their subjects appear overwhelmingly heroic and larger than life. “The Wrestler,” with its naturalistic camera work, also takes on the quality of a documentary or reality television.

This film is infused with truthfulness.

“There will be blood” (2007)

It is strange for such a violent, intense film to be shot so gracefully. This film proves that ferocious subject matter does not have to give way to frenetic camera work. Stillness can be just as unsettling as relentlessness. More importantly, the serenity of Robert Elswit’s cinematography here mirrors the composure of the main character, Daniel Plainview, as an oilman. The fact that the look of the film never evolves also reflects Plainview’s stubbornness and drive in business. rottentomatoes.com / photos

“The Dark KNight” (2008) This is one of the few action films of late not to feature shaky, hectic camera work. The grace of the camera work adds to the majestic quality of the comic book material.

“Fargo” (1996)

This is another film that contrasts violence with beauty both visually and thematically. Its dark material and grim, wintry setting contrast with its beautiful cinematography.

More importantly, though, “Fargo’s” plot contrasts people’s capacity for good with capacity for evil, a theme reflected in the camera work.

“Cache” (2007)

Many complain that the stillness of this thriller made it boring and frustrating. However, those critics fail to realize that this film is intended to be a radical “anti-thriller.” It refuses to please the audience with instant stimulation like most American thrillers.

It forces the viewers to wait and think. If you’re up for the challenge, this is a uniquely powerful film experience.

ACUMEN

Page C8 • Friday, February 6, 2009

Tips for better photographs Compiled by Shireen Korkzan and Jinny Zhang

Cathy shoup: Darkroom and Digital photojournalism teacher 1) Take more photos than necessary.

2) Hold the camera steady.

3) Learn how to change the resolution.

4) Buy a rechargeable battery.

5) Set the ISO to match the intensity of available light.

6) Use the zoom lens to vary angles of view.

7) Take advantage of automatic shooting options.

8) Set the white balance to match the lighting.

9) Handle digital cameras with care.

10) Give the photos a “wow” factor.

6.

Junior Steven Brisley: CHS Aperture club president

Sophomore arjuna Capulong: Hilite Staff Photographer

1) Use the right aperture- smaller f-stop numbers for smaller depths of field (portraits and close-ups) and vise versa (landscapes).

2) Use shadows to compliment, not distract.

3) Use a tripod to prevent blurry pictures in low light situations.

4) Lock the focus. If using an automatic camera, you may need to center the subject, press halfway down on the shutter button, and recompose your image before pushing the button all the way down.

5) Use the sun! It is the best source of lighting.

1) Read the camera manual.

2) Learn about how light works and learn how to use it.

3) Look at other artists’ work - not necessarily photographers’.

4) Take ideas from others’ artwork when you’re first starting out.

5) Learn the Rule of Thirds, then break it. It’s actually a guideline, not a rule.

6) Jimi Hendrix isn’t famous because of the guitar he uses. Your camera is simply a tool that helps you express yourself.

7) Experiment with different angles.

4.

7.

Stephanie Coleman / photos

Current hits by popular music artists bomb in videos the song lost its beauty. The video’s potential to represent the song seems like it was lost to an artist’s whim. While most of the video focuses on gaudy wardrobes and flashy cinematography, the sections of the video that actually relate to the song are too literal. Not to mention the awkward scene where Pink makes out with herself, whatever the symbolism, just seems random.

Eye of the Beholder

E

by REnny Logan

veryone has a favorite song, one that, when it comes on they have to turn the volume up. And a few things can destroy it. Like a really bad music video, for example.

Listeners tend to get an idea in their head as to what a song’s about and sometimes music videos can taint that vision forever.

Here are some of my least favorite music videos, most of which for that very reason.

5 - “Sober” by Pink When I first picked up Pink’s latest CD, “Funhouse,” this song caught my ears initially. But when it became the second single off the CD and earned a music video of its own,

amazon.com / photos

4 - “Gotta Be Somebody” by Nickelback Unfortunately for this song, cliché lyrical content yields a cliché music video. It’s just how it goes. How many songs have been written about searching the world for someone to love? Too many. So the symbolism is obvious: the band plays in a few locations around the world, we get it. But what distracts the viewer more than the random scenery is the crumbling noises of a random earthquake.

So maybe the earthquake symbolizes the instability of the lyricist’s world without love, but the continual sound effects are more than annoying.

3 - “Afterlife” by Avenged Sevenfold I love Avenged Sevenfold; the band and its music have a guaranteed spot on my list of all time favorite bands. That’s probably what makes adding them to this list so hard, but I have to face the facts. No matter how much I love this song,

I don’t have a clue what the video means. Random clips of each member reveals an either extremely esoteric or a simply meaningless message. In between each clip, film of the band playing has been supplemented. Overall, the creation of the video represents time and money wasted.

2 - “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West Kanye West sings this song in a white house with random African tribes dancing in and out of the frame. Have I said enough? Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool in an odd way; I just don’t get what message he’s trying to send. Sometimes art is beautiful enough to serve no other purpose than aesthetics, but other times if people don’t get it they just won’t like it.

I don’t get this music video, hence, I don’t like it.

1 - “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga Lady Gaga seems to think that just being in her own music video is enough to gain viewer interest. The reality? Okay, for her male fans, that probably is enough considering she more than flaunts her assets. As for the majority of her fan base, us girls aren’t so distracted. Her crazy outfits look like they’re fun to wear, but quite frankly if I wanted to watch a fashion show I‘d look elsewhere. I just don’t see the point in a music video with some leather-clad girl dancing by a pool side with some Great Danes. Renny Logan is a writing coach for the Hilite. Contact her at rlogan@hilite.org.