The Voice: Volume 17, Issue 4

Volume 17, Issue 4

Feb. 7, 2014

HUNTLEY INK

Students and teachers expose their ink and the stories behind them. (9-11) Will Johnny Manziel be succesful in the NFL? Our writers debate.

(18)

Sports www.huntleyvoice.com

Take an in-depth look at the new year’s hottest TV shows. (14)

A&E

Is reality TV a blessing or a curse?

Our writers share their opinions.

(7)

Opinion

13719 Harmony Rd Huntley, IL 60142

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Feb. 7, 2014 Community

From the classroom to the highway Health teacher Kathy Bilof hits the road on her motorcycle

By Holly Baldacci

I

Editor-in-Chief

magine yourself riding a bike down a hill. The wind is fast, violently fast, and you can feel it tearing at your face. The pavement below you is a blur of gray concrete and black tar, and the colors of the world around you combine as your eyes strain against the gusts, trying to absorb the beauty rushing by you. It’s pure joy. Now take that feeling and multiply it by a thousand.

That’s what health teacher Kathy Bilof feels every time she rides one of the many motorcycles that belong to her and her husband, Richard.

As a child in a small southwestern Wisconsin town near Platteville, Bilof had her first encounter with motorcycling when her brothers owned motorcycles for a short period of time, though she wouldn’t realize her passion for motorcycling until years later.

Bilof ’s childhood in Wisconsin also shaped another joy of hers: teaching. Despite Bilof ’s busy schedule and involvement in athletics and extracurricular activities like marching band, she enjoyed helping other students and was inspired by the good teachers she had in high school.

According to Bilof, teaching also runs in the family; her parents had both been teachers as well.

With a penchant for athletics and a desire to teach, Bilof decided to attend the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, which was a big school for physical education.

However, once she was there, she was having doubts about whether or not teaching was truly for her. At the suggestion of some friends working in Madison, Wis., Bilof decided to take a gap year to work for the state in the capital. While working in the social security office, Bilof met her future husband, who encouraged her to go back to school.

After receiving her degree and marrying Richard, Bilof and her husband bought their first bike together, a Honda.

“I was a little afraid, but at the same time I never, never experienced such a difference between riding in a vehicle and being on a bike,” said Bilof. “You’re in the environment.”

As their passion for cycling grew and they began to go on longer and longer rides, the Bilofs invested in a touring bike. Following long, faded strips of black road, they ventured throughout America in the open air. Their bike carried them to the Dakotas, to the craggy faces perched on Mount Rushmore. They’ve motorcycled through the winding roads of the Ozarks, and the searing, 100 degree heat of the Badlands. They’ve even crossed the border and ridden up into Canada to see the natural wonder of

“You could hear us roar down the roads,” said Bilof. “It gives me tingles, because when I remember back, you’d go over a hill, and you’d see [bikers] for a line like you wouldn’t believe.”

Each town the party rode through had been alerted to its presence, and as the group zipped through small town upon small town, it was greeted like a parade. Streets were blocked off, and families would swarm the edges of the roads with their children in tow to catch a glimpse of the flock of gleaming bikes.

Once they reached the border, they were escorted to a holding area to pass through customs more efficiently.

For about 45 minutes in boiling heat, hundreds of bikers waited together to have their passports checked, a delightful alternative to the six hours of waiting that would have ensued had the border police not known about the trip beforehand. People of all different backgrounds came together for that ride, from doctors, lawyers, and congressmen to engineers like Bilof ’s husband.

“I think it’s really important for young people to know that often there’s a stereotype about bikers and who they are, and sometimes it’s based on appearance,” said Bilof. “That’s where I realized, really, the different types of people that ride.”

After completing that trip, their adventures continued. Bilof ’s husband inspired her to attain her scuba diving license, and the couple also went on motorcycle trips with Bilof ’s brother and his wife. Along the way, Bilof would sometimes film their travels with a video camera, and her husband would then compile the clips and set them to music so they could preserve their memories forever.

“When you watch it, it’s like it brings back everything,” said Bilof. “[Richard] is the king Bilof and her family pose with Tommy Thompson. of rock n’ roll, in terms of knowing the artists Niagara Falls. and all that, which I never paid any attention to. He’d look The highlight of all of Bilof ’s travels was that Canada at the videos and he’d pick music that really emphasized trip. The then-governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson, whatever I was taping, so it was really fun.” invited Bilof and her husband to join over 1,000 bikers on As their travel experience increased, so did their knowlthe long trip north of the border. edge about motorcycling. While riding through the searing

heat of the Badlands, they learned a trick from another biker about how to deal with the boiling heat that accompanied wearing the proper riding gear of full leather and a helmet. By wetting down their clothes before adorning their leather, the Bilofs could basically create their own air conditioning driven by the wind flowing as they rode. They’ve also acquired multiple bikes, including a BMW touring bike, a Harley touring bike, and a Cavalcade, over their years of road trips and adventures.

To Bilof, the joy of a motorcycle is something that everyone should experience, with the proper safety precautions.

“It takes good judgment. My husband will not go out on a motorcycle at any time if the weather isn’t right,” said Bilof.

“Sometimes you get caught in bad weather, and we had to deal with that. Sometimes you have to decide to stop and wait and all kinds of decisions, just like with any motorized anything.”

Bilof also encourages safe motorcycling for her own family. When Bilof ’s son, Mike, turned 16, she took a motorcycle safety course with him and became qualified to ride by herself. Bilof also has two daughters, Catherine, a veterinarian, and Kelly, a nurse practitioner, and Mike works at Snap-on Tools.

While traveling and raising her family, Bilof continued to be drawn to teaching. She originally worked in business for several years, but returned to the profession she’d thought about for so long. After first working in Woodstock for 10 years, Bilof began working for District 158, and has been here for 15 years. Originally she taught a computer class, but her love of athletics and staying healthy inspired her to become a physical education teacher, and she has taught physical education at Chesak, Martin, and Conley. She currently teaches Health at HHS for the first three periods of the day and then commutes to Conley for the rest of the day.

“I really truly enjoy all of it, but I especially like working with young people, so I guess my favorite part is coming to work every day and looking forward to the challenge and enjoying the opportunity to do that,” said Bilof.

Whether teaching or motorcycling, Bilof always rises to the challenge.

Every time you lick a stamp, you’re consuming 1/10 of a calorie.

Photos courtesy of K. Bilof

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Feb. 7, 2014 Community

Lions and tigers and reptiles, oh my!

Dakotah Henn collects over 50 pets inside his Huntley home

By Rachel Brands

Staff Writer

Dakotah Henn was three when he adopted his first animal.

His father had a habit of taking Henn to the pet store when he was young to look at all the animals. One of the trips stood out from the others, and that was the day when Henn came upon the lizards.

Henn held the other lizard first, one so insignificant that the name could not be remembered. It was decided that this lizard was too big to be Henn’s first pet so he held the other lizard. That lizard was Spike and would soon become the first animal in Henn’s large collection. Henn still has Spike today, and the Uromastyx lizard will be turning 15 this summer.

Ever since then, Henn has fallen completely in love with adopting and caring for animals.

“I love animals so much because I like being able to care for them,” said Henn. “I like learning how each one lives differently in different environments.”

Once Henn adopted Spike, it seemed like he was in the habit of adopting animals.

Currently Henn owns six snakes, eight tortoises and turtles, eight salamanders, three newts, 10 frogs and toads, and one hedgehog named Blaze. The list is far from over, however; Henn also has two rats, five hamsters and gerbils, 12 lizards, two crabs, and a large variety of fish.

Oh, and a chameleon.

Every animal has a unique backstory that is dying to be told. Some are serious, such as the story of Marley, the bearded dragon Henn adopted after Marley’s owner re-

quired knee surgery and could not care for the poor dragon any more.

Other stories are lighter, like that of another one of Henn’s bearded dragons, Sling.

The story starts with Henn riding down his driveway on a swivel chair. Predictably, it did not go well. He hit a crack on the sidewalk and broke the fall with his arm. When Henn arrived at the pet store to buy crickets for all his other animals at home, his arm was broken and confined to a sling.

He did not intend to come home with yet another pet, but, of course, that is what happened. He spotted a bearded dragon that had a broken arm just like Henn. This was too good of an opportunity for Henn to pass up, and he left the store with a bearded dragon named Sling.

Henn decided to take his passion for animals, especially reptiles and amphibians, to Huntley High School when he created Reptile Club. This enabled him to get together with other students who shared the same interest as him.

“I’ve always had my heart set on exotic species ever since I was a kid,” said junior Mary Kate Thompson. “The moment I found out about the new club, I was so excited.”

Henn created the club in order to educate and teach the students at Huntley about reptiles and amphibians.

“I like educating anyone who wants to learn more about an animal, reptiles and amphibians,” said Henn.

Henn has got quite the collection of animals and seems to have a knack for caring for them. There is just something about them that entrances him and draws him in, and he would not trade that for the world.

Photos courtesy of D. Henn The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight, and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.

Feb. 7, 2014 Community

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Love is in the air at Huntley High Students and teachers share what they do on Valentine’s Day

By Megan Wilson

Community Editor

The Swartzloffs

Fun Facts about Valentine’s Day

You can make a reservation at White Castle for Valentine’s Day. It is illegal to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia.

“I usually bake something and then sit around and eat it.”

-Senior Adam Sundling India celebrates Children’s Day

nine months after Valentine’s Day, Nov. 14th.

Researchers recently turned brain scanners on people to find out the effects of love on the brain. Their findings? The time it takes for a person to fall in love is about one-fifth of a second.

They also found that 12 areas of the brain work together during the love process. They found that love’s effect on your brain is a high similar to the rush people get from cocaine.

141 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second-most popular greetingcard-giving occasion.

Facts from History and omgfacts.com

“We met in college at UW-Madison, and Mrs. S was my tour guide of the campus. We try to do stuff all year long instead of just having one cheesy day where we try... We try to do to stuff all the time...”-Todd “[We] like to go out to eat.” -Julie “We try to do stuff at least once a week. It just seems like an over-thetop commercialized holiday.” -T

“We celebrate it just because it’s Valentine’s Day. We go out to dinner and get each other cards, maybe candy.”

-Patti Westermeyer and her husband Troy

“I’d rather take the $50 of flowers and turn it into a couple of nice dinners. To me, that’s more fun.” -J “We try to do stuff more frequently so that Valentine’s Day doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.” -T “Plus, I have to get Phil stuff for Valentine’s Day. He is our Valentine. He has a Snoopy heart bandanna.” -J

Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.

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6

Feb. 7, 2014 Editorial

the

voice

Adviser..................Dennis Brown Editor in Chief..........Holly Baldacci Content Editor....Kyle Sommerfield Design Editor...........Kierra Renwick Community Editor....Megan Wilson Opinion Editor.....Angelica Cataldo Entertainment Editor...Kat Gorospe

Sports Editor.........Adam Reckamp Photo Editor............Katie Gallegos Business Manager....Tamara Funke Staff...... Rachel Brands, Trisha Fritz, Justin Gulati, Sarah Henderson, Kevin Klar, Darek Makowski, Shravan Panchal, Laura Pilat, Jaclyn Polit, Danielle Rivera, Hannah Rosso, Kanchan Sachchidanand, Chris Sawalski, Kyle Torp, Cullen Walsh, Jenny Bednarczyk, Zane Bridges, Alvin Wong, Menley Urban, Emily Vitacco

T

he HHS Media Editorial Policy pertains to all HHS media, including the newspaper, The Voice; the yearbook, Chieftain; and the website, huntleyvoice.com. The full editorial policy is available on huntleyvoice.com.

HHS Media are the official student-produced media of news and information published/ produced by HHS Media students. HHS Media have been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution.

Advisers may – and should coach and discuss content – during the writing process.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of HHS Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

Huntley’s cell phone epidemic strikes The white glow of a cell phone screen has almost become an enchantment. People of all ages and all occupations are enthralled by the growing capabilities of modern technology.

In a time where companies seem to develop new technological advances every day, the overuse of cell phones has become a particularly disturbing trend. It is a plague that affects all areas of life, but perhaps most importantly, social interactions.

In some circles, it is now socially acceptable to pull out a cell phone at the dinner table or while spending time with friends. This trend is not only rude, but it also severely hampers people’s social abilities. Talking with a cell phone instead of another person makes future interpersonal relations that much more difficult.

“We’re way more anti-social; we don’t communicate face to face,” said senior Jessica Chalas.

“I think we’re losing our communication skills because of that, and everything’s getting more awkward. You don’t like talking to people; you’re bad at giving speeches. [It’s] just social incompetence.”

That “social incompetence” goes far beyond making new friends or forming relationships; it is critical in furthering education and finding a job.

If students are unable to communicate with their peers and teachers, they will be unable to reach their full scholastic potential. If a person who is unable to communicate face-to-face interviews for a job, their chances of being chosen will be very slim.

Unfortunately, this problem is very prevalent in Huntley High School. Huntley students are constantly texting or listening to music in class. While most teachers only allow cell phone use when it is appropriate, the problem has not been remedied.

What is perhaps most disappointing about the abuse of cell phones is the fact that they can be used for educational purposes. Cell phones offer access to the internet and have several tools that can be used to assist in learning. Some teachers at Huntley have learned how to utilize these aspects of technology.

“In my classroom, I think the students know their expectations,” said math teacher Brian Thornley.

“It’s not appropriate to have a cell phone out during a conversation or a lesson or something, but if it’s for education or something important, I don’t think [cell phone use] is a bad thing.”

It also seems like the district has realized that it can take advantage of its students’ growing reliance on technology. Students in lower grades are now using iPads and other technology in their classes.

While this may teach students to rely even more on technology, it helps put it to good use.

In an ideal world, schools would have a zerotolerance policy on cell phone use, but in reality, students are never going to fully obey these rules.

If the district wants to deal with the growing use of technology in a proper way, it should continue on its current path and encourage the use of cell phones and other technology for educational purposes.

Illustration by Cullen Walsh

All fun facts courtesy of begent.org/funfact.

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Feb. 7, 2014 Opinion Reality TV is a “real” problem

Reality TV is not just for laughs

Why reality TV is poisoning our minds

Reality TV lets us see into the lives of others

By Danielle Rivera

By Jackie Polit

Staff Writer

Reality television is seen as an innocent method of entertainment. The purpose is to bring “enjoyment” to the viewing audience. We are able to peek into the lives of other human beings and connect with them.

Since reality TV has become a vital source of entertainment we tend to neglect the detrimental impact it has on our society. It is outrageous to believe that these shows are seen as “harmless” because that is far from the truth. Not many realize the tremendous damage reality TV has done.

Now more than ever, reality TV is an enormous part of American culture. Statistics show that Americans spend 1/3 of their free time watching television, and of that, 67 percent are reality shows.

This genre of television presents the lives of individuals, and films unscripted situations and actual occurrences. A majority of the criticism on reality television is focused on the word “reality,” because many critics have come to believe that most of the events occurring are actually scripted and staged to draw in more viewers.

Reality TV shows are so attractive to people because of the highlighted drama and conflicts occurring within these programs. Reality shows demonstrate poor behavior and glamorize vulgarity. Most of the content shown is violent and exaggerated for our own amusement.

“Bad Girls Club,” reeling in roughly over a million viewers, is about seven highly aggressive and quarrelsome women forced to live amongst each other. Each of them has psychological and behavioral issues.

Many homophobic and racial slurs have caught the attention of the media as well.

Programs such as these are known for their

bad-mannered casts.

Teenagers look at the characters of the TV shows as models even if their idols make poor decisions. Shows like “Teen Mom” glorify teen pregnancy and make young girls believe that it is perfectly fine to be a mother at such a young age.

Before it used to be if you were 16 and pregnant you would get in trouble, but now you are rewarded with a reality show.

Vast majorities of today’s youth are frequent viewers of reality shows and it has dumbed down our culture. Reality TV has altered what we find amusing and normal behavior.

Another defect this category of television possesses is that it creates celebrities out of untalented people who are only hungry for fame.

Some people are willing to do anything for the chance to be featured in a television show even if that means making a total fool of themselves. We as human beings tend to find it humorous whenever others are embarrassed and seem brainless.

In doing so we give publicity to those in programs such as “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” Honestly, they are nothing but ordinary people who happen to be complete morons. The only reason people actually tune in to the show is to laugh at their stupidity.

The impact that these shows have is mind blowing. Reality television is contributing to eating disorders in teenage girls. Eating disorders among teens have nearly tripled with programs such as “Are You Hot?” Shows like these hit the emotional health of those who are particularly vulnerable, such as teens and others prone to eating disorders.

As reality TV shows increase and gain more popularity it will only get worse as audiences become used to the genre.

Staff Writer

Reality television is trash. It is seen as representing America’s societal problems and “dumbed down” culture. These shows are bad for you and offer nothing but cons.

Little do we realize the benefit of reality TV. The benefits and the lessons it teaches us are mind blowing.

The number one benefit of reality TV is the entertainment. It gives us something to laugh at, someone to gossip about, and somebody to cheer for. It brightens the dreary reality we face.

It is something to take our minds off of the humdrum and stress we deal with in everyday life. We can relax and let our imaginations soar when shows represent real life situations and let us wonder what we would do.

We can also relate to most of the situations because they are real people experiencing what we do, so it gives a sense of connection.

Reality shows teach us lessons. Shows like “Teen Mom” can teach us what not to be.

And it has worked. Teen pregnancy rates have been lowered by 6 percent and safe sex has skyrocketed in the areas where it is watched most.

Programs that show us what we should not be also show us what we can be. They can inspire us to make healthier lifestyle choices and take action into our own hands.

“The Biggest Loser” is a good example of living and eating right.

Another benefit of this category of television is the opportunities it presents.

We have a chance of winning gargantuan amounts of money by becoming a contestant in “Who Want to be a Millionaire?”

All of the clocks in the movie “Pulp Fiction” are stuck on 4:20.

It gives us a chance to be famous, show off our talents, or let us fulfill our dreams.

Being in shows like “The Voice” has brought many talented people to fame.

Not only do reality shows present money and dream opportunities, but also jobs as well. These shows broaden our view of what careers exist and are available in the world, from snow trucking to duck hunting, dog whispering, and pawning.

These shows not only demonstrate what jobs exist but employ people as well. The people on screen need jobs like any other person.

If you are interested in a certain career, watching certain reality programs can help educate you on the subject.

If you like to cook or want to be a chef, watch “Top Chef.” If you love fashion, tune into “Say Yes to the Dress.” Whatever you enjoy or what career you want to pursue, there will most likely be a reality show that has the tips of the trade.

If reality TV still seems stupid, the secret messages it reveals speak otherwise. If America believes in freedom and free speech, these shows are an expression of popular and democratic taste. And the viewers no longer have to accept what broadcasters think is good for them.

To top off the benefits of reality TV, the programs make you thankful you are not as stupid as some of the main characters (we’re looking at you, Kardashians). My personal favorite benefit that these programs can show you is that ordinary people can become spectacular in their own way.

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Feb. 7, 2014 Opinion

Will Snapchat die like the rest?

Is this popular photo app just a fad like so many other apps?

By Kevin Klar

Staff Writer

O

“new” app is sure to be overused eventually and wither away. Surely such a dreary little app will fade just like its photos, right?

Not likely. According to businessinsider. com, the app alone is collectively hitting nearly 400 million “snaps” a day. That is a lot of 10-second pictures.

Snap, pause.

Smile.

Snap, pause.

ne of the newest and most popular social media magnets of our tech-filled generation known as Snapchat presents its users with a simple concept, “here today, gone today.”

This slogan refers to the app’s unique function to send a photo to someone else with its own “self destruct” timer, deleting the said photo in a matter of seconds after being sent.

Get your attention yet?

These time-bomb photos can vanish in a matter of 1 to 10 seconds if the sender wishes, and with this small moment of time you are given, 10 seconds could feel like a long time to some of us, depending on the photo’s level of appeal, of course.

We can leave it at that, but as much as I love receiving these 10-second little bundles-of-joy, it is a fleeting happiness that fades quickly.

Whether it is in the halls, through a passing period, or even during class, you have probably caught this app in action. With a smile, a snap, and a pause, the cycle is repeated by countless users everywhere.

With the repetitiveness, this The Voice staff and friends

Chuckle, snap.

That is half of us when using this app, and it is simply nothing short of enjoyable.

The appeal that Snapchat brings to its users is a light form of communication through pictures, without having to spend 15 minutes taking “that perfect shot.” Really the only way to respond to a Snapchat is with another Snapchat.

The time limits engage us more in the

conversations, pushing us to continue on with what can sometimes be turned into a game. With all of this going on, this app urges us to comfortably and spontaneously keep sending more “snaps” to each other.

So to all the veterans or future “snappers” out there saying that Snapchat will die, that is nothing but a farfetched statement. The app is still in its prime and still holds much fun to be had.

J. Bednarczyk

Fighting to stay stronger and survive Taking inspiration from tragedy, struggle, and drastic changes

By Kanchan Sachchidanand

“I

Staff Writer

walked into the hospital room with my mom. I remember the room being so cold that I didn’t want to change into the weird, uncomfortable paper gown the nurse gave me. My mom made fun of me when I sat down on the bed and made the paper crinkle loudly. Because of how long we waited, I ended up snapping, ‘It’s about time, jeez, man,’ at the poor doctor who came in.”

It all began with a simple headache. Isabel* would get these small headaches whenever the weather got colder, but this December was different. She woke up at 4 a.m. on a Monday with the worst migraine in the history of migraines. It was so bad, her parents ran in to hear her screaming. They went in, had some scans done, got her some pain meds, a pair of glasses, and the most bland iced tea possible to ease her migraine, and eventually it subsided.

Once the doctors finished all the scans, they sent Isabel home with a “We’ll call you,” and eventually, the trip was forgotten. Until that fateful Saturday, that is.

“He had this sad expression on his face that I look back and loathe. ‘Isabel, you need to look at something. And so does your mom.’ He gave us these scans of my brain and I

saw this weird gray lump near the front.” “‘What’s that?’ I looked up and his sad face turned to sympathy. ‘It’s a tumor.’ My mom looked at him for a few seconds, touched my face, and then left the room. I wanted to punch her, for leaving me, for making me feel alone when I needed her. I guess that was her way of telling me that she wasn’t strong enough to deal with this. Not when it

“

I could tell you some BS about feeling like I should take life more seriously but that is unfortunately not the case.

”

was her first kid. Not when it was me.”

“That day, I just sat on the couch and stared at the ceiling. I didn’t know what to do, what to say, or even what to think. I became a zombie the rest of the day. My phone buzzed, I didn’t respond. My computer beeped, I didn’t respond. If the world ended that day, I wouldn’t have

noticed.”

I can’t describe to you the look on Isabel’s face when she told me how she might die. She has big brown eyes, but that day they looked almost black as she tried to hide her feelings. But she could only talk about it for so long before she broke down.

“You don’t ever think about this type of thing at 17, you know? You worry about getting homework done, getting a boyfriend, finding the right shade of foundation. You don’t sit there and think, ‘I might have a tumor.’”

Although the diagnosis was very recent, her doctors have come up with a few of the most obvious ways to treat the tumor, and since it is not growing at a very rapid rate just yet, they have time to find her better options. The most frightening option for her is to have a surgery done. There is also chemotherapy, but with that there is a guarantee that she will lose her hair, unlike in surgery.

“I could tell you some BS about feeling like I should take life more seriously, but that is unfortunately not the case.

I will not let this cancer take over my life, and I will not change. I will always be this happy, loud, smiley girl I was, and I won’t let this or any other obstacle change who I am, no matter what happens.” *Name has been changed

A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time: 1/100th of a second.

Huntley Tattoos Students and teachers expose their ink and the stories behind them.

Interviewing by Angelica Cataldo Design by Kierra Renwick

TATTOO

Bridget Reagan

Nick Martinez Sam Craige

NTLEY NK

I’m not really sure. I just have loved owls since I was a little kid, and it was my first choice for a tattoo. I’ve know that I wanted a tattoo for a long time. It hurt so bad, but it was totally worth it in the end, though.

It’s a religious symbol, predating Christianity. My tattoo is Celtic. It’s probably Pagan, and it’s on those stones in Ireland. I’m Irish, and I have three kids, one for each circle. It’s kind of my relaxation symbol. My philosophy, I learned it from Oprah, is the 10-10 rule. If I’m upset about something, I’ll be upset about it for 10 minutes, but then I think, will it upset me in 10 days, or 10 months? I see my tattoo and it helps me remember that.

[My tattoo] is for my brother Alex Martinez. [He] recently passed away.

It says “semper fi” going down my ribs.

On my waist going across, it has my brother’s rank, name, birth date, and “rest in peace.”

The best way I can describe it is the feeling of having a piercing gun being put to your ribs and having it pierce you hundreds of times.

Callie Ochotniki

Kora Rea

w

My dad told me not to get on my ankle because, “It hurt the most,” but I always wanted it there. I love music, and I’ve had the design for the tattoo in my head for a while now.

When I look at [my tattoo], when I’m upset or something, I think, “Hey, I should sing ‘cause you’re kinda freaked out!” I’m a huge fan of music and it reminds me to stay strong.

HUN IN

I’ve always wanted a tattoo just because both of my parents have them. My mom has a butterfly on her back and my dad has a rose on his shoulder, Snoopy on his ankle, and his wedding band on his finger. Illinois has a law that a tattoo parlor cannot tattoo minors, anyone under 18. I have friends who know tattoo artists and have gotten them even though they aren’t 18.

I did some research on states nearby that tattoo minors and Indiana was the closest state. Their law is that a minor who is 16 or older can get a tattoo as long as a parent comes with. I told my parents that for my 17th birthday the only present I wanted was a tattoo. My mom was hesitant at first, but my dad told her, “You and I both have tattoos. If we can have them, so can she.”

So we scheduled a date for me to get my tattoo. We found a tattoo parlor in Hammond, Ind., which is about an hour and a half from where I live. I already had a design in mind. I wanted a Japanese cherry blossom branch on my side along my ribs. My grandmother is 100% Japanese, and she has done so much for me growing up. She has helped me pay for a lot of things, and is even helping me and my parents pay for college.

I love my grandma. I got a Japanese cherry blossom in honor of her and our Japanese heritage. When I told her about the tattoo, she loved the idea and was very proud.

Getting the tattoo hurt so badly. It was like having glass dug through your skin for two hours. In the end, it was completely worth it and I plan on getting more this summer. Tattoos are a way to express yourself and they are part of who you are.

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Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.

13

Feb. 7, 2014 A&E

Die, Frankenstein The new take on the classic horror story is a flop in Beattie’s film “I, Frankenstein”

By Chris Sawalski

F

Staff Writer

rankenstein. A legend first created by the mind of Mary Shelley in 1818 has come to life and taken on a whole new meaning in the movie directed

by Stuart Beattie.

Beattie has directed other movies such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” He took the idea from the original novel “I, Frankenstein,” written

by Kevin Grevioux, and put it on the big screen. He made the monster’s legend a never-ending ordeal, and put him into modernday life. Two hundred years after Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s creation, Adam, played by Aaron Eckhart, realizes that he plays a big part in humanity’s survival.

From the beginning, Adam is seen as a horrible monster, but he learned to cope with it and believes in himself. In an action movie where somebody is saving the world, you would hope that the protagonist is a likeable character. Adam was not.

Eckhart has proved that he can be hysterical and heart-felt in many films such as “The Rum Diary” and “No Reservations.” Even in the movie “Olympus Has Fallen,” he showed that he could be tough, action-filled, and still connect with the role. It seemed like he just didn’t quite fit the role of Adam Frankenstein though. I never felt like he connected with the audience and he never showed his affection. Maybe the part wasn’t deep enough, or Beattie should have seen that

he was not the man for the job.

I would’ve liked him to have some good inside of him that everybody could see, but he was just afraid of getting hurt. Instead, he was just a spiteful monster like most people would think of when they heard the name Frankenstein. However, this wasn’t Frankenstein.

They could’ve brought out a more human element to him. Since they gave him a human name, Adam, why not give him qualities to match it?

The special effects were obviously the best part of the movie. Without them, the movie

would have been a total bust. Between Adam fighting gargoyles, demons, and other creatures from the Underworld, the special effects were enough to make even the wisest man believe that the creatures were real.

He did not care for humanity and what happened to it.

He felt as if he was living in a hell that he could not overcome and he had just given up trying.

Hated by most critics, the overall consensus of the movie was that it was not well done or believeable.

I thought that the action was phenomenal and the fighting scenes were very good, but

other than that, I just didn’t understand the storyline.

It was hard to really get into and I didn’t really feel like the movie was that interesting. I found myself wondering when it would end, instead of hoping it wouldn’t.

Although the movie wasn’t interesting, I still think it is better than what most critics are giving it credit for. It had some good acting from Yvonne Strahovski from the hit TV show “Chuck.” She played Terra, who is a physiologist who was on the verge of resurrection, the key to eternity.

I’m not saying that it was an awful movie. I personally would give it a 3/5. Some people might love it, others might hate it. For those guys out there who love a movie with fighting and a lot of action, then this might be a great pick for you, but only if you’re with your boys. I don’t see very many ladies loving this movie. It may not be the greatest pick for this Valentine’s Day, but if it’s late at night, and there is nothing else on, this isn’t the worst movie to pick.

Don’t get your hopes up for this movie to be a fantastic thriller like I did, because you’ll just be disappointed.

(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)

The very first bomb dropped by the Allies on Berlin during World War II killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo.

15

Feb. 7, 2014 A&E

S

uperstar Jennifer Lopez, country artist Keith Urban and singer/actor Harry Connick Jr. are the three judges on the 13th season of the most famous singing competition on TV. Aired Jan. 15, the auditions started in Detroit, Michigan where contestants got a few final moments to calm their nerves in the new “waiting chamber.” Once the light turns green, the door opens and it’s their chance to either make it or break it. Find out which unknown talent will make it to stardom every Wednesday and Thursday night on FOX.

The Vampire Diaries

Y

our favorite trio is back with more blood, drama, and fighting. Bringing out its fifth season on Jan. 23 with its 100th episode, Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and vampire brothers Stefan & Damon Salvatore (Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder) face the problem of Gilbert’s doppelganger, Katerina Petrova, falling into a health scare. Later on, this affects Gilbert’s being as to whether or not she will have her own body back. To add to the problematic supernatural drama, an old friend by the name of Enzo (Michael Malarkey) is back and Caroline has a huge secret that could change everything. Find out what’s going on in Mystic Falls every Thursday night on The CW.

I

t has been renewed for a fifth season on AMC. The series introduces us to a sheriff's deputy better known as Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, who was wounded in a shootout with some armed criminals. When Grimes awakens weeks later from a coma in an abandoned and badly damaged hospital he finds a post-apocalyptic world overrun with “walkers” (zombies). Now, in the fourth season, several months after the governor's failed attack on the prison, life has become relatively peaceful for the enlarged group of survivors. When Grimes resigns as leader after all the losses, a council is formed consisting of Hershel Greene (Scott Wilson), Glenn Rhee (Steven Yuen), Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), and finally Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), who is secretly teaching the group's children how to handle weapons, to Grimes’s dismay. While drama ensues, Michonne (Dania Gurira), whom we first met second season bearing two trained walkers on chains and a machete, continues on her hunt for the governor. “The Walking Dead” tends to get better and better, and hopefully season five will as well.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

I

t’s the ninth season with the famous and fashionable family as they go through a day-to-day basis of surprises, drama, and new adjustments. With two couples splitting up, a new baby in the house, and a wedding in the works, there’s never a boring moment in that huge mansion. Watch what happens and live like a Kardashian every Sunday night on E! Don’t plan to? “You’re literally being so rude.”

More to come from television in 2014 Season

Date

Network

Winter Olympics

22

Feb. 7-23

NBC

Jerks with Cameras

1

Feb. 8

MTV

Tosh.O

6

Feb. 18

The Voice

6

Feb. 24

NBC

18

March 17

ABC

Show

Dancing with the Stars

Comedy Central

Bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women.

14

Feb. 7, 2014 A&E

Your favorite beautiful cast is back

Check out which of your favorite TV shows are ringing in the new year with new seasons, drama, and episodes that will leave you on the edge of your seat

By Trisha Fritz & Kat Gorospe

Staff Writer & Entertainment Editor

Teen Wolf

T

T

he TV show that is tweeted about non-stop every Tuesday night premiered on June 11, 2013 on ABC Family. Season 4 will feature 24 episodes like previous seasons. This season continues immediately after the events of the Season 3 Finale, where Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson), Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale), Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell), and Mona Vanderwaal (Janel Parrish) were rescued by the mysterious "Red Coat" from the burning of the Lodge at Thornhill. Spencer Hastings (Troian Bellisario), Marin, and Mona believe they saw Alison DiLaurentis (Sasha Pieterse) as "Red Coat" on the night of the fire. So many new characters have been introduced this season, including Detectives Gabriel Holbrook (Sean Faris) and Lieutenant Linda Tanner (Roma Maffia). It is easy to see what their motive is- to investigate the murders of Officer Garrett Reynolds (Yani Gellman) and Detective Darren Wilden (Bryce Johnson), more sleuthing to uncover the truth and determine whether there is a link between these murders and the DiLaurentis disappearance. If you are an avid watcher, hints have been dropped that DiLaurentis is still alive.

yler Posey became the heartthrob of many teenage girls when “Teen Wolf ” first aired on MTV in 2011. Jump to season three, and the students of Beacon Hills High return from their summer break as Scott McCall (Posey) and Allison Argent (Crystal Reed) are still on a break and Lydia Martin (Holland Roden) and Stiles Stilinski (Dylan O’Brien) come across some new-found abilities. Meanwhile, Derek Hale (Tyler Hoechlin), Isaac Lahey (Daniel Sharman), and Peter Hale (Ian Bohen) search for the Alpha Pack that has come to Beacon Hills and kidnapped both Boyd (Sinqua Walls) and Erica (Gage Golightly). Later, after rescuing Lahey from the hospital, Hale tells McCall and Stilinski about the Alpha Pack and its members Kali, (Felisha Terrell), Ennis (Brian Patrick Wade), and the twins Aiden and Ethan (Charlie Carver and Max Carver), along with the leader, a half blind werewolf with senses that match up, Deucalion (Gideon Emery). How will the group members escape all of the evil tossed their way?

Time to watch and find out.

I

n its sixth and final season, Dyrdek and his crew are leaving MTV with a bang. The final episodes consist of more laughs, pranks, and crazy adventures with their business franchise on the side. One day the group is dressing up in costumes, the next they’re blowing up a car, and then there’s a kangaroo in the office. You’ll never know what’s going to happen at the 25 thousand square foot Fantasy Factory, but catch the last of your favorite six before it’s over. Also, don’t forget to watch Dyrdek host the hilarious video show “Ridiculousness.”

The Bachelor

I

t is another game show that revolves around a single man, the bachelor, and a large choice of women, typically 25, who could be a potential wife for the bachelor.

The main drama can come from the inside and outside when the women are taken on dates and are soon eliminated on one-on-one dates in a ceremony including a rose.

Towards the end, there will be hometown visits with the families. When the women are whittled down to the final four, overnight dates, if they choose to accept, are held in exotic locations with the final three women. This includes interaction with the bachelor’s family. In many cases, the bachelor proposes to whoever is left over. On season 18, your bachelor is 32-year-old Juan Pablo Galavis, a former Venezuelan professional soccer player from Miami. He was also eliminated from season 6 of “The Bachelorette.”

O

n October 11, 2013, ABC Family renewed “The Fosters” for a second season that will premiere sometime in June this year. The show follows the lives of a lesbian couple, Lena Adams (Sherri Saum) and Stef Foster (Teri Polo), living in San Diego. Lena, a school administrator, and Stef, a police officer, are raising three children together: Stef ’s biological son, Brandon (David Lamber), along with adopted twins, Jesus (Jake T. Austin) and Marianna (Cierra Ramirez). Lena decides to adopt a troubled teen, Callie (Maia Mitchell), with an abusive past along with her younger brother, Jude (Hayden Byerly). Their ways turn the family lives upside down. This is not the end; their lives only get more complicated when Foster is partnered at work with ex-husband Mike (Danny Nucci). In tail comes Mariana secretly reaching out to her birth mother, who is a drug addict. The growing attraction between Callie and Brandon turns out to be an interesting run.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

T

he famous country pageant star and her family are back for a new season and a new night on TLC. After finally tying the knot last season, “Mama June” and “Sugar Bear” are headed toward a honeymoon while things in the relationship of Jessica “Chubbs” are taken to a whole new level. Watch what crazy antics the child star and the rest of her family get into in the third season of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” every Thursday night at 8 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Celebuzz, The Times, and The Fosters Wiki)

A rat can last longer without water than a camel.

Feb. 7, 2014 Advertisements

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Feb. 7, 2014 Sports

17

By Adam Reckamp

Sports Editor

By Kyle Sommerfield

Content Editor

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18

Feb. 7, 2013 Sports

Manziel will be an all-time great

Off-field issues will halt Manziel

By Adam Reckamp

By Kyle Sommerfield

Sports Editor

Johnny Manziel, not Teddy Bridgewater, should be the first pick in the NFL draft. Manziel is the most dynamic player in college football history. As a freshman, Manziel led Texas A&M to an 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory. He also became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman trophy, while also breaking the SEC record for most total yards in a season.

Contrary to popular belief, Manziel actually played better in his sophomore season. He led the Aggies to a 9-7 record and a bowl victory over Duke, even though the Aggies play in the toughest conference in football and had the 113th best defense in the nation. In his second season, defenses adjusted to Manziel’s amazing running ability. In response, Manziel threw for 4114 yards and 37 touchdowns, over 400 more yards and 11 more touchdowns than the year before.

Manizel’s passing stats last year are better than Andrew Luck’s passing stats in 2011. Luck was regarded as an amazing pocket passer in college, and Manziel threw for almost 600 more yards than Luck did with the same amount of touchdowns. Manizel’s passing stats were also better than Bridgewater’s in 2013. Manziel threw for 6 more touchdowns and 144 more yards than Bridgewater did. While he threw for more interceptions, Manziel played in the SEC, while Bridgewater played in the AAC. The difference in talent is extreme in these two conferences, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Manziel also stepped up in the big games in college, beating number one Alabama his freshman year and combining for 918 yards passing, 9 touchdowns, and 146 rushing yards against second-ranked Auburn and fourth-ranked Alabama in 2013. Manziel has a very accurate arm and could work really well in a West Coast offense relying on mobility and accurate throws. Manizel’s ability to run is also extremely beneficial as NFL offenses are relying more and more on mobile quarterbacks.

Manizel’s off-the-field issues should be taken with a grain of salt. Not only were they not that bad in the first place, they stopped as soon as the season started. The list of Manizel’s off-the-field troubles in 2013 were sleeping in at the Manning Passing Camp, getting a parking ticket, being kicked out of a frat party, and allegedly signing autographs for money.

All of those seem like pretty minor issues to me.

Overall, Manziel is one of the most electric quarterbacks to ever play in college and his skills will translate smoothly to the NFL, making him the best quarterback in the draft.

Content Editor

The millions of people around the world who watched Super Bowl XLVIII witnessed one of the most intriguing quarterback matchups in professional football: a seasoned veteran taking on an up-and-coming superstar. But Russel Wilson’s success shouldn’t be surprising.

From Indianapolis to San Francisco, young quarterbacks are taking the NFL by storm.

So, when I look at the 2014 quarterback draft class, I can’t help but wonder who’s next.

From the famous superstars like Alabama’s AJ McCarron to the unknown dark horses like Eastern Illinois’ Jimmy Garoppolo, the class offers a variety of talents.

And then there’s Johnny Manziel. The polarizing Texas A&M quarterback has climbed draft boards after his victory over Duke in the Chik-fil-A Bowl, even scoring the top pick in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft. But despite his collegiate success, there is no justification for him being considered a better prospect than Teddy Bridgewater.

Manziel’s playing style may not translate well to the NFL, but perhaps his biggest issues have nothing to do with his play. He was accused of taking money for autographs, was forced to leave the Manning Passing Camp, and has little regard for other players on the field. While these are often seen as the antics of a “regular college kid,” it won’t fly for someone looking to lead a professional football team.

When I hear the debate over Manziel, I can’t help but think back to the 1998 draft, where Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf were widely considered the two best players in the draft.

Manning was the safe pick while Leaf was the risk, lots of talent but a bad attitude. Now it’s clear that the Indianapolis Colts made the right decision by selecting Manning first.

I’m not suggesting that Manziel will follow Leaf ’s path into drugs and other criminal activity, but his irresponsibility in college is not a good sign. Also, Manziel’s on-field performance will be a huge gamble. NFL defensive players won’t be nearly so confused by his ability to scramble, so he’ll have to adjust his play to fit that of a professional scheme.

Bridgewater is the Manning of this draft. Once again, I’m not suggesting that he’ll be as talented as Manning, but he’s the safe pick. He has a strong arm, a decent pair of legs, and a head that keeps him out of trouble off the field. If I was able to choose for the Texans, I’d take Bridgewater and the security he brings with him.

Manning’s smarts put him ahead Brady’s titles set him over the top Peyton Manning has had the best season by a quarterback in NFL history. His numbers don’t lie; he shattered passing records, even those held by fellow elite quarterback Tom Brady. But despite Manning’s dominance on paper, Brady still is the better quarterback.

Brady is a two-time Super Bowl MVP, a two-time AP NFL MVP, and a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback. In addition to these individual accolades, he has won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. While Manning has a record-breaking four MVP awards, he only has won one Super Bowl. Based on these statistics, it is clear that Brady has the greater ability to perform when it counts.

Many people automatically consider Manning to be a better quarterback because he broke several of Brady’s records. But Brady has had seasons that have rivaled Manning’s historic season. It’s impressive enough that he had those records in the first place and even so, there’s more to the game than stats. Brady is an incredible leader who can lead his team to success even when he isn’t performing as the elite quarterback he is. A great example was when the Patriots sparked their offense at the end of the season by allowing LeGarrette Blount to rush the ball several times.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Brady’s resume is his ability to do something with nothing. Even though he has worked with some of the best receivers and tight ends in the game of football, he has astounded the athletic world with his remarkable success with unremarkable receiving squads.

The 2013 season has been a perfect example: Wes Welker going to the Broncos, Rob Gronkowski dealing with an injury, and Aaron Hernandez going to prison. But nevertheless, Brady led the Patriots to another AFC Championship game.

That’s what makes Brady one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play football. He wins when it’s all on the line and continues to do so when he has few weapons at his disposal.

Manning is one of the most talented players at his position, but his lack of playoff success puts a glaring hole in his resume. He’s on track right now with his 2014 playoff performance and if he is able to sustain that level of performance, he will be at Brady’s level. It will be interesting to see if Manning will be a regular in the playoffs over the next few years.

But as of now, Brady will go down in history as this generation’s elite quarterback.

In 2008, Tom Brady injured his left knee, and had to sit out the entire season. Matt Cassel, a seventh round draft pick, led the Patriots to the playoffs and a 11-5 record. The next season Cassel was traded to the Chiefs, and while in Kansas City, played poorly and lost the starting job.

In 2011, Manning went down with a neck injury, and had to sit out the entire season. But, unlike the Patriots, the Colts finished 1-15 and earned the number one pick in the draft.

The Patriots were a solid team without Brady. In the three seasons, the Patriots won the Super Bowl under Brady, and their defense was ranked first, second, and sixth. The season Manning won the Super Bowl, his defense was ranked 23rd in the NFL. Titles do not define a quarterback, or any other player in the NFL. Football is a game played with 11 players on each side of the ball, and that is not even counting special teams.

While the quarterback is a very important position, no quarterback can win a game by himself.

The main reason that Brady has won more Super Bowls than Manning is that he has had a better defense and supporting cast. Manning has had better individual stats than Brady. He has won five MVPs compared to Brady’s two. He also has the record for most yards and touchdowns in a single season.

Peyton Manning has overcome adversity in his career. He had multiple neck surgeries but instead of retiring like many others would, he came back and set multiple passing records last year. Peyton Manning is regarded as one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. He popularized the no-huddle offense and has been consistently great, having the second longest consecutive start streak of all time.

Peyton Manning also makes receivers around him better. Austin Collie is now a receiver constantly getting dropped and picked up by teams, having no real home. Under Manning, he was highly productive and averaged over 550 yards per season in three years. Without Manning, he has yet to get double digit receiving yards in a season.

Manning is a better statistical quarterback than Brady, while also being one of the smartest quarterbacks of all time. Brady’s advantage in Super Bowls means nothing, Manning is better than Brady and perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time.

Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil.

Feb. 7, 2014 Advertisements

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

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