P.1: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
the overachiever
FEBRUARY 2016 Vol. 11 Issue 5
international academy central student newspaper
$0.00
Celebrating Black History Month at the IA
Zika Virus Outbreak
The Black Students’ Association put on a phenomenal performance at this year’s passport. By Adithya Chandrasekaran (‘16)
The Zika virus has stirred fear into millions of people, especially women, in the southern United States and South America.
By Abrar Quazi (‘16)
Black History Month originated from a man named Carter G. Woodson. This Harvard-trained historian dedicated his life towards researching and promoting achievements by African Americans. After further research, Woodson felt that African Americans needed an outlet to celebrate black history, culture, dance, and people. Using the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Woodson used the organization to sponsor the first Black History Week in 1926. Woodson and the organization decided to choose the second week of February because it coincided with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. As the Civil Rights Movement later followed, African Americans started getting more exposure and identity. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford changed the normal Black History Week to a whole Black History Month. Every President after President Gerald R. Ford has recognized February as Black History Month. The history of Black History Month starts from the work of Carter G. Woodson, but the legacy of Black History Month lives on because of all the people who work to preserve black culture and its identity. This legacy continues to stay alive because of people like students from the International Academy. In the month of February, the Interna continued, PG.7 >>
Throughout the last few months, there has been a growing concern in the US, as well as other countries, of another epidemic-the Zika virus. So far there has been around 107 cases of the virus amongst travelers in the US, with the numbers only growing day by day. US territory Puerto Rico seems to be the hotspot and the most affected as CDC director Dr. Frieden states that there is a “potential for hundreds of thousands of cases of the virus”. If the rate of transmission continues, the World Health Organization predicts that as many as 4 million people could be affected by the end of this year. As these numbers speak the daunting nature of the Zika virus, what is even scarier are the effects of the virusespecially for pregnant women. It is important to understand that the Zika virus is a mosquito transmitted infection that comes from the same family as the infamous Dengue, West Nile, and Yellow fever. Mosquitotransmitted viruses like these have claimed the lives of more people than any war or natural disaster, proving that the Zika virus should not be taken lightly. The Zika mosquito originated in the forests of Africa and Asia, and recently started thriving in the same tropical atmospheres of Brazil last May. The recent occurrence means that continued, PG.2
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MORE INSIDE How did we come up with leap years? [P.3.]
Celebrities unite for Kesha [P.4.]
Photo Credits (left to right): clipart, thedailybest.com, artisticmanifesto.com
Our review of The Life of Pablo [P.6.]
P.2: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
WORLD NEWS
Staff PRINCIPAL Ms. Lynne Gibson
The Syrian Ceasefire
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
The conflict in Syria has costed the lives of millions of people, with no end in sight. However, there have been talks for a ceasefire in order to potentially bring a certain level of stability back in the region. By Aakash Beesabathuni (‘16) The Syrian Civil War is a conflict that has been occurring for the past few years, and now a ceasefire is being put into place in the country as of February 27, 2016. The ceasefire is based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 which was passed in December 2015. This resolution outlined 3 major commitments focusAfter years of violence, the truce has allowed proing on humanitarian tests to resume in the area (Aljazeera.com) needs, a ceasefire, and a political transition. All of these agreements were agreed on in Munich, Germany. “Almost 100 rebel factions have agreed to respect the truce” the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) says. The main parties that are concerned in the agreement are the International Syria Support Group as well as other international entities. The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) includes regional powers including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. Though the ISSG have come to an agreement over a ceasefire in Syria, many large international bodies, mainly the Russian Federation, still wish to use military force in the region. The Russian Federation wishes to continue using military force against ISIS and the al-Nusra Front as both groups are deemed terrorist groups by the United Nations. As such, the Russian Federation can still use military force within Syria, even though an ideal ceasefire would stop all kinds of military violence throughout the country. The Russian’s wish to continue to attack terrorist groups also puts many civilian areas at risk. The United States is working with the Russian Federation to designate continued, PG.7 >>
Zika Virus Outbreak (CONT. P.1) South Americans do not have the same level of immunity as people from Africa or Asia. This presents a serious problem as there is no vaccine against the virus yet and creating one would typically take many years and millions of dollars. Although the virus does not cause lasting harm to everyone, the main areas of concern and scientific inquiry are on the effects of pregnant women. Scientific evidence and research have shown that there is a possibility that the virus can affect the fetal development during pregnancies. The virus has been continuously linked to fetal brain damage, especially a disease called microcephaly. Babies born with this abnormality tend to have unusually small heads and undeveloped brains. This can lead to a variety of problems during a person's lifetime in speech, vision, hearing, processing, and other intellectual defects. Unfortunately,
Mr. Christopher Smith FACULTY FACILITATOR Ms. Sarah Clancy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rana-Armaghan K. Ahmad SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR
Neehar Haryadi WORLD NEWS EDITOR Abrar Quazi FEATURES EDITORS Sydney Rosen Alayna Wong ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Alaina Valente Megan Akins OPINIONS EDITOR Max Totsky SPORTS EDITOR Evan Kolin BACK PAGE EDITOR Sophia Kapur CONTRIBUTORS Aakash Beesabathuni Adithya Chandrasekaran Zoe Hunter Adrienne Joe Sophia Kim Payge Lindow Anthony Moss Richa Shah
there is no cure for microcephaly, thus creating a fear in pregnant women when travelling to Zika-infested countries. The virus can also lead into miscarriages as Dr. Frieden states “...Its [Zika’s] presence in the placenta is certainly suggestive that it may have (links to miscarriages)”. The CDC suggests that, in order to stop the virus from spreading, people should wear long sleeved shirts, stay in air-conditioned areas, and use mosquito nets. Since the virus also has the possibility of being transmitted sexually, the CDC has also set up guidelines telling women to have caution when coming in sexual contact with men who have recently travelled to Zika-infested areas. The best line of action for pregnant women, that the organization suggests, is to avoid travelling to countries where the outbreak is prevalent- at least until the virus is carefully contained.
P.3: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
FEATURES The Tradition of Leap Years
an extra month seven times every nineteen years. Superstitions around the world have resulted in unique traditions becoming associated with February 29 . Here are Thirty days has September, April, June and Novemsome of the Leap Year traditions from around the world: ber, all the rest have thirty-one, except February In Ireland and England, tradition has it that women can which has…twenty-eight…or twenty-nine propose to men during a leap year and that the man must By Sydney Rosen (‘16) accept. That tradition was demonstrated in the 2010 movWe all learn the eleie, Leap Year, where the main character traveled to Ireland mentary school rhythm to ask her boyfriend to marry her. In the United States, about the number of that tradition is carried on in the annual Sadie Hawkins Day days in each month, but Dance, where girls initiate dance proposals. how many of us know Special beliefs about leap year are found around the the real reason that world. In Greece, even getting married during a leap year February has 29 days is considered unlucky. A Danish tradition says that if a every fourth year or the man refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29th, he odd traditions associatmust buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The Russians believe that ed with Leap Year? leap years bring odd and erratic weather patterns. (overcomingbusy.com) For some, Leap Year is not just an extra day, but its an extra special birthday. We all have to admit – having a February is the shortest month because it lost two of its birthday once every four years would make the day a little days to the pride of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. The bit more exciting. The city of Anthony, Texas took the extra month named after him, August, had just 29 days. To step of proclaiming itself as Leap Year Capital of the World make August as long as July, named after Emperor Julius and sponsoring the Leap Year Birthday Parade. The Wall Caesar, Augustus added two of February’s days to August Street Journal calculates the odds of being born on Leap – leaving February with a standard 28 days. The simple Day as 1 in 1,471. The debate stands amongst the rare fact is that while a complete orbit of the earth around the few whose birthday fall on the day of whether to celebrate sun takes 365.2422 days to complete, the Gregorian calen- on February 28, March 1, or wait for February 29 to roll dar only has 365 full days. The remaining time is added around. IA senior Cailee Grzebienik (’16) says that if she together every fourth year to create an extra day in Febru- was born February 29 , she wouldn’t hesitate to celebrate ary, making every fourth year a “leap” year. both days. Other calendars such as Chinese and Hebrew don’t Whether you spent your extra day sleeping, studying, stop at one day – they add a whole month. The Chinese or maybe celebrating a birthday I hope you had a great calendar, based on the lunisolar calendar, adds an extra Leap Day. month. The Hebrew calendar, also a lunar calendar, adds th
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Goennounce Need a place to share all of the awesome things you are doing at school? Goennounce, a new school-related app, is the perfect place to do so. By Richa Shah (‘17) Have you ever wanted to brag a bit about one of your school accomplishments, but then at second thought you realize that it doesn’t really fit with the “vibe” of your account? Often, we as students resist posting school related activities and accomplishments even though they are things we want to share with others. Sometimes our resistance is for good reason-Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms serve as great outlets for all non-school related things. A new app called Goennounce serves as a platform where students can freely share any and all things re-
lated to school. Maybe you did an interesting experiment in chemistry about melting magnesium or you wrote a fascinating paper that took you hours for your history class about the Victorian era. Now, there is a new way to share your academic achievements and updates without feeling like it is cluttering your feed. On www.goennounce.com or the Goennounce app (available for iOS and Android) you can create an account and invite family members, mentors, and peers to follow your progress through school. Even if you aren’t one who cares to share “school stuff” with your
peers, Goennounce is a great way to keep inquisitive family members off your back-it will keep family “in the loop” with your life. Goennounce can also help you raise money for a school trip or club. All you have to do is create a “mission” that will then notify your followers so that they can help you out by donating. Lastly, as colleges are increasingly looking into applicants’ social media profiles, simply having an updated Goennounce profile can help set you apart from other applicants. A Goennounce profile will show colleges that you continued, PG.7 >>
P.4: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
ENTERTAINMENT #FreeKesha Singer Kesha is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with her producer Dr. Luke. Celebrities and fans have united to support her. By Alaina Valente (‘16) and Megan Akins (‘19)
IA in Vogue With Michigan weather in full effect, we should have our wardrobe ready for anything! By Payge Lindow (‘17)
This year March may entail less slush and more sun! Because this is Michigan, however, we should be presuit and reported pared for any weather. For the fashthat Dr. Luke emoionistas of the world, Sperry’s are a tionally, verbally, great choice. They are waterproof and physically and sexually abuse her. His work with socks or without. Sperry control and manipu- declared their latest trend to be black lation pushed her to and white patterns, whether it’s their short rubber boots great for the rain, such extremes that their classic boat shoes, or Vans-style she become very sneakers. IA has been seeing some close to taking her more skirts in the halls as well, bringown life. With the ing thoughts of spring. In addition to accusations crop tops, we can prepare with a new made, the court case deals with gen- strappy trend; found on a crisscross der violence, sexual shape on tank tops, and a pirate style Kesha cries in the courtroom upon hearing that she assault, sexual har- woven-tie top. These have also been won’t be released from her contract with Dr. Luke assment, infliction of transferred to dresses, found at places like Free People and American (thesun.co.uk) emotional distress, Eagle. Strappy bottomed leggings, or civil harassment, one’s with cutout sides are very popuThough there has been several violation of unfair business laws and noteworthy events in the entertainment negligent retention and supervision. Dr. lar at places like Lucy and Athleta, industry last month, there is one that is Luke responded by denying all accusanot only taking the music industry by tions and claiming that Kesha’s unwillstorm, but also the courtrooms: The ingness to record with him was based case of Kesha and Dr. Luke. On Febru- on over exaggeration of events and ary 19th, the judge denied Kesha’s that she just wanted the release of her ability to leave her recording label of contract. Sony Music and leave her current proOn Friday, February 19th, the ducer, Dr. Luke. judge ruled that Kesha could not be Dr. Luke is a exclusive musical released from her contract with Kemoswriter and producer for Kemosabe abe Records. In response, Sony Music Records, a branch of Sony Music. He stated that Kesha was able to record was the executive producer for both of music with them and without Dr. Luke Kesha’s albums, “Animal” and as a producer. However, this seems an “Warrior”, and even worked on some of unfair decision, considering creative her singles such as, “Tik Tok” and limitation and safety issues will always “Timber”. Though brilliant songs were be present if Kesha remains with Sony. created and Kesha’s musical career This particular court case no only was built to a large scale, the personal holds great significance for Kesha, but relationship between the two is abufor all women in society. When the sive. During 2013, Kesha was admitted social issues and injustices are present into rehab to treat an eating disorder. it is important for everyone to stand Many people have voiced that it was together for education and supSabrina Butcher (’17) sports a Dr.Luke who pressured her into losing port. Major celebrities, such as Taylor trendy button down corduroy skirt, weight. It was with this event that fans Swift and Adele, that are standing up with tights and boots to keep created the movement know as “Free for Kesha show that it is important to warm. Her tied top is a great exKesha”, where they are protesting to let others know that they are not alone ample of the strappy trend, found have the connection between Kesha in their troubles. Many of their fans are at Urban Outfitters. and Dr. Luke severed. However, this is also young teenagers, which is the not the only fallout that the two have largest target for sexual assault. They had. In light of 2014, Kesha filed a law- prove continued, PG.5 >>
P.5: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
Humans of IAC
#FreeKesha (CONT. P.4)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York” photo blog, “Humans of IAC” aims to share the stories of students and staff at the International Academy Central. By Sophia Kim (‘17)
you are never alone in these situations and it is necessary to speak up, not only for yourself, but for other victims that do not have the courage to come out for themselves.
“What was the weirdest experience since coming to IA this year?” “Like... people, in general. They were so different from what I was used to. I mean, not in a bad way or a good way, it’s just different; I don’t think it’s the same people that I would have found in other schools around here. - Marceau Crespo de Nogueira (’17)
“I just want people to understand that anime itself, and the stuff we watch, isn't always childish or noncomplex. - Ryan Goniwiecha (’16), Anime Club
On February 24th, Adele appeared at the Britt awards after the unfortunate glitches when she performed at the Grammy’s. “25” was her first album in about five years and it still topped charts all over the world. She won 4 awards and said "Not bad for a girl from Tottenham that don't like flying," as she accepted the Global Success Award. Adele also received trophies for the British single of the year with her song “Hello,” British female artist of the year with her album “25,” and British female solo artist.
In addition to her beautiful voice, Adele also has a very kind heart. She made a statement about the singer Kesha. She said, “To the other nominees, it’s an honor to be standing amongst you. I’d like to thank my management and record label for embracing the fact that I’m a woman and being encouraged by it. And I would like to take this moment to publicly support Kesha.” The singer has been trying to get out of her contract with Sony after accusing her record producer Dr. Luke of sexual assault. Kesha filled a suit back October of 2014 claiming that Dr. Luke drugged and raped her after her 18th birthday. She took this to court but unfortunately lost. On Wednesday, Kesha wrote a letter to her fans that said, “All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused. This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract – it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser.” A lot of other celebrities have also been showing their support for Kesha. Taylor Swift gave her $250,000 to help her with any court expenses. Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, and Ariana Grande have also taken to Instagram and Twitter showing their support. Hopefully, Kesha is set free.
P.6: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
OPINION
A Grade Above
Kanye West’s Latest Album Review Kanye’s highly anticipated album, The Life of Pablo, was released last month. By Max Totsky (‘16) How much of Kanye’s music The Life of Pablo, on the other should anyone be expected to put up hand, will probably not be a gamewith? In a career that has been defined changer. For the first time, Kanye has by high-profile shenanigans almost as become the curator, borrowing ideas to much as musical excellence, the lead form something that is broad and quinup to The Life of Pablo has especially tessential and making an album that reveled in its own confounding ambigu- seems to be homage to the vast array ity. Made clear by a hype cycle that of elements within his sound. You featured false release dates, false tihardly hear Kanye’s voice on songs tles, false track lists, false mission like “Fade” and “Waves”, but his creastatements, and a few questionable tive fingerprints are smeared all over publicity stunts thrown in there to fill in the tracks’ outer layer. Kanye embarks the gaps, basically nobody, not even on a rather obvious fusion with the new Kanye, knew how this album was goschool of innovators in hip-hop, but ing to pan out. Kanye set deadlines for what he does here is much further himself and failed to meet those dead- from attempted monopolization and lines. He made people wait a long time much closer to appreciation, an attifor an album that still sounds vaguely tude that is refreshing coming from unfinished. someone as historically dominant as It’s probably not on purpose that Kanye West. When Kanye first debuted The Life this sloppiness is situated right at core of The Life of Pablo’s appeal, but that of Pablo, the album’s bleak, chaotic doesn’t undermine the fact that its sonic narrative proved to be the alflaws are part of what make it so excit- bum’s most enticing possession. The ing. By turning this into everyone’s most distinctive musical elements here most anticipated album for well over are the sporadic waves of experimentwo years, Kanye dug himself into a bit tation that Kanye has been embracing of a hole because there was almost no ever since he wandered into the left way that this record could possibly live field on Yeezus. Many of Pablo’s best up to its hype. For a while I thought it tracks hardly linger on a single idea was going to be too short, now I think and are elevated by rushed exciteit’s a bit bloated. There’s not enough ment. The two-parter “Father Stretch Kanye, but sometimes, there’s too My Hands” has at least three or four much Kanye. The lyrics are phoned in. phases that could be stretched out into The album lacks focus. No matter how an entire song, but the glimpses we you feel about it, The Life of Pablo is get are much more compelling, from frustrating to the point where its bafthe luscious Kid Cudi groove that domfling qualities become complex. inates the first-half to the charged apThe unsteadiness of The Life of propriation of Designer's “Panda” on Pablo is absolutely vital to any under- the second. standing of the record in the context of Even “Ultralight Beam”, one of the 2016. However, even with the backfew songs on the record that most peoground removed, you are still left with ple could agree on, juxtaposes clatteran absolutely fascinating record that ing percussion, subdued synths, and diverges from Kanye’s career path to gospel maximalism for an effect that is make the type of statement he’s never both understated and remarkably granreally considered making; an embrace diose. Some of the highlights are unof a summative sound. Each of likely while others are brilliant ideas Kanye’s six solo albums have been executed to their full potential. Any first immensely individualistic and highly encounter with this album will leave innovative. Most rap artists today owe you consistently confused. The Life of a lot to at least one of Kanye’s records. Pablo calls back to both continued, PG.10 >>
School seems like it’s almost over, but it is vital that we push through the final months and finish strong. Keeping motivation is key By Zoe Hunter (‘16) Right now we’re in the middle of an academic slump. The months before the last day of school seem to take forever until they’re finally over, and sometimes you’ll find yourself burned out, numb, and completely exhausted from all the school work. Face it, you’re tired and bored and it just isn’t summer yet. So what are you supposed to do? What you need to do is, as iconic Parks and Recreation characters Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle put it: “Treat yo self.” It’s simple. You’ve worked hard, now it’s time to play hard. Here’s how the whole concept of ‘treating yo self’ goes: Step 1: Let go of all your concerns and just go for it (P.S. make sure you’re doing this on a night when your schedule is clear. Make separate time for work and play, so you’re not stressing out later!) Step 2: Take your mind off everything After following those easy steps, how you ‘treat yo self’ is up to you. Here are some example scenarios for how you can ‘treat yo self:’ Have you been eating super healthy lately? Treat yo self to a nice bowl of ice cream. Have you been hitting the books really hard? Treat yo self to a nice day of relaxing and some Netflix! Have you been saving up your money but don’t know what to do with it? Treat yo self to a nice day at the mall. Shopping + walking (AKA exercise) is a total win-win. Have you been lying on your bed surrounded by piles of homework papers? Treat yo self by getting out the house. Get some fresh air, and go hang out with a friend for a change.
P.7: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
Celebrating Black History Month at the IA (CONT. P.1) tional Academy’s Black Student Association gave a performance to remember for the entire school. The afternoon passport gave a glimpse of African American songs, dance, spoken word, history, and more. With students from all grade levels performing in the Black Students Association afternoon passport, the event showcased a wide variety of faces and perspectives.
The event began with a beautiful performance of “The Black National Anthem.” The song displayed strong-willed African Americans overcoming adversity and prevailing to gain the equality that they deserved. Many parents who attended the event to watch their sons and daughters perform for the BSA passport were in awe of the outstanding performance. As the passport continued, there were a variety of performances that made the show stand out. One of these performances included a Nigerian pop dance that featured many of the dancers wearing colorful skirt-like clothing. The colorful clothing focused in on their dancing and made it a more pleasurable experience to watch. When asked about the BSA passport Imran Quazi says, “I liked spoken words the best. The emotion the speakers put
behind the words was truly something to watch. Coming in as a freshman, I never knew what the International Academy had to offer; after the diverse black culture I learned about here [BSA passport], I knew I made the right decision in coming to the IA. I like the atmosphere. Everyone supports the passport, and it is a very friendly environment.” The unique environment the International Academy had to offer impressed Imran Quazi. He was mesmerized by how open-minded the school was to different cultures. The afternoon passport ended with acknowledgements to teachers and students from the BSA board members.
Daijha Morrow and the other board members explain the importance of black culture and identity, leaving the audience with some food for thought. Overall, it was a passport to remember, and it was the highlight of the day for all students.
The Syrian Ceasefire (CONT. P.2) which areas can be considered ceasefire-abiding. Currently there are no designated regions, thus allowing the Russians to have the freedom to attack any area and justify their attacks as targeting ISIS forces. Many political experts are saying that for these reasons, the ceasefire is unlikely to to hold. Also there are several small armed brigades within Syria that will likely use the cease fire to their advantage to grow in military and land power. This means that there will still be violence originating from the Syrians as well. Although the ceasefire may not hold, the possibility of humanitarian aid may still help many of the Syrians.
According to Al Jazeera, “Humanitarian airlifts are about to begin the delivery of relief to besieged areas, and there are agreements between regime and opposition forces to lift sieges imposed on specific towns and villages”. However, it is important to realize that the agreement has no conditions regarding humanitarian aid, something that is important for ISSG members to reinforce in order to maintain access points in the areas in need. The final aspect of the resolution and the ceasefire is political transition. Political experts are stating that it is very unlikely that there will be any political transition due to the ceasefire alone.
Goennounce (CONT. P.3) care about academics in your professional as well as personal life! IA students Kaitlyn Barr, Arav Agarwal, Matthew Schultz, and I are working for Goennounce as ambassadors to help launch this program here at our school! We converse weekly with co-founder Meghan Davis to come up with ideas to market Goennounce in the best way to high school students. On Wednesday, March 16th, we will all be in the Hexagon after-school with Chromebooks and treats! All you have to do is sign up for Goennounce (yes, it is free!) and you will get a brownie or cookie! We will also
be assisting you to sign up and answering any questions that you may have about the website in general. This is a great way to be informed about the program before you start using it and a nice opportunity to score free food! In the meantime, checkout Goennounce for yourself and email an ambassador team member with questions or feedback about the program. Goennounce is a great new platform for students where you can share all of the amazing things you are doing at the IA, so head over to the website and start “ennouncing”!
P.8: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
SPORTS Role of the NFL Running Back Every year, the NFL is becoming a more pass-happy league, diminishing the importance of a once seemed indispensable position; the running back By Anthony Moss (‘18)
Student Athlete of the Month Every month, a standout student athlete is chosen to be featured in this column. Not only does Spencer excel in the classroom-- he also dominates in two varsity sports! By Adrienne Joe (‘16)
In the 2000 NFL season, there were more running backs with at least 1,500 rushing yards than there were 2015 running backs with only 1,000. Now, this phenomenon seems to have an easy explanation; the talent level of the running back has simply decreased. However, with a closer look, we can see that this is just not the case. For example, in 2000 Michael Anderson was a 6th round pick, but only started in the NFL for two full seasons. The current face of the running back is Adrian Peterson. Despite having superstar status, Adrian Peterson amassed less yards this past season than Anderson did in 2000. So what accounts for the difference in era?
Name: Eliana McComas Grade: 11 Sports: Rhythmic Gymnastics Years Played: 7 Teams: Oakland Rhythmic Gymnastics Adrian Peterson symbolizes another memory of what the running back once was (Fansided.com) The answer can be divided into two main reasons; the will of the players, and the will of the team. On the team side, passing has become a more favorable aspect of the game. The allure of a large play with minimal physical effort has outweighed the once feared risk of turnover that came along with it. This can be demonstrated in the startling fact that the ratio of players with 300 rushes from 2000 to 2015 is an astounding 8:1. Additionally, teams are merely drafting less running backs. In 2000, five running backs were selected in the first round, opposed to only two in 2015, a year that was actually considered a great year for running backs. This means teams are demonstrating their lack of need for running backs. The reasons for the decrease in the number of skilled running backs currently playing are simple; the wear and tear of a running back is simply daunting. Every time a running back touches the ball, their body must endure damage since they are guaranteed to be hit, which decreases their shelf life. The goal for most players in the NFL is to get to their second contract and secure their financial future, and being a running back severely decreases that possibility. This, coupled with the harrowing new Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) information, makes being a running back seem less about flash and style, and more about pain and debt. Lastly, being a running back pays less than other positions. According to nfl.com, the salary for wide receivers is almost 20% more than that of running backs. Being a running back will hurt your paycheck. While it may seem like a depressing end to a rich era of ground and pound football, it is also a bright beginning to proficient air attacks in the NFL.
What does a rhythmic gymnastics competition like? There's not a lot of them, but they’re usually on the weekends. You go in, you have a timed warm up on the carpet, then you’ll go do your routines one at a time in front of the judges. For individual routines, you compete against people on other teams on the same level as you: Level 3 is the lowest, and 10 is the highest; I’m level 9. What are some important qualities for a gymnast to have? You have to be flexible, and strength is also important. You also need musicality and expression, along with good handling and technique, for tossing different apparatus. Is it ever difficult to balance your sport with school? Yes-- most people from our team at my level go to practice four days a week for 3-4 hours each day, but I only go three days a week so that I can balance my schoolwork. Will gymnastics hold a place in your future? I’ll probably stop gymnastics after high school, but I’d like to still do dance (or something similar) in the future!
P.9: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
MLB Season Preview With the MLB season around the corner, fans and experts are making their predictions for what will happen come November By Evan Kolin (‘18) AL MVP: Mike Trout, CF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim With Miguel Cabrera’s overall numbers deteriorating by the year, this award will be Trout’s to lose once again. His fivetool talent, combined with the weak competition he has for this award, make him the clear cut favorite to repeat as MVP. NL MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks Goldschmidt is one of the best all-around players in the game, but has long been overlooked due to his lack of success in Arizona. But with the Diamondbacks ready to take a step forward this year, expect their star first basemen to finally get the recognition he deserves. AL Cy Young: Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox After a dominant 2014 in which Sale posted a 2.17 ERA, he struggled this past season as that number jumped to a worrying 3.41. Sale will always be able to strike hitters out, and if he can keep that ERA number below 3, he has a good shot at reeling in his first Cy Young award. NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers Despite not winning this award in 2015 for the first time in three years, he still had a fantastic season, as he became the first pitcher to notch 300 strikeouts since 2002. He’s been the most consistent starter since the turn of the decade, and, like Trout, the Cy Young will be his to lose. AL Rookie of the Year Award: Byron Buxton, CF, Minnesota Twins Buxton struggled after he was called up last season, but has been one of the top prospects in baseball since being drafted 2nd overall in 2012. Buxton is a five tool talent, and should be ready to make the jump after a hungry offseason. NL Rookie of the Year Award: Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers Unlike Buxton, Seager hit well in his short stint in LA last year, hitting .337 in 27 games. He’s the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, and could soon be one of the best shortstops in the National League. Standings World Series Predictions NL East AL East 1.New York Mets 1.New York Yankees Chicago Cubs: 4 2.Washington Nationals 2.Boston Red Sox Houston Astros: 2 3.Miami Marlins 3.Toronto Blue Jays 4.Atlanta Braves 4.Tampa Bay Rays Finally, for the first time in 108 years, the Chi5.Philadelphia Phillies 5.Baltimore Orioles cago Cubs will be crowned World Series champions. Their combination of star pitching NL Central AL Central and young hitting will finally push this team to 1.St. Louis Cardinals 1.Kansas City Royals the top, somewhere Cubs fans thought they 2.Chicago Cubs 2.Detroit Tigers would never be. Houston, stacked with young 3.Pittsburgh Pirates 3.Chicago White Sox hitters such as Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, 4.Milwaukee Brewers 4.Minnesota Twins will be a tough matchup, but the Cubs should 5.Cincinnati Reds 5.Cleveland Indians be able to pull out the win in 6 games. Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester will form the 1-2 punch NL West AL West that the Cubs needed, and the longest cham1.San Francisco Giants 1.Houston Astros pionship drought in professional sports shall 2.Arizona Diamondbacks 2.Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim finally end. 3.Los Angeles Dodgers 3.Texas Rangers 4.San Diego Padres 4.Seattle Mariners World Series MVP: Jake Arrieta 5.Colorado Rockies 5.Oakland Athletics
P.10: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016
Kanye West’s Latest Album Review (CONT. P.6) Arthur Wilson and “Jumpman” and has moments that could sound at home during a Boiler Room DJ set and a Death Grips parody mixtape. Indeed, the album’s sketch-like quality lends itself to the fact that sonic diversity, whether intentional or not, seems to be at the core of Kanye’s artistic values. Once you look past Kanye’s musical ingenuity, you land on something that is even more relevant on The Life of Pablo; Kanye’s personal identity, or at least his place a public figure. And while conversations about his tweets have gotten pretty boring recently, the lyrics on The Life of Pablo are akin to a high stakes Twitter feed, and this absolutely works in Kanye’s favor. Pablo is practically devoid of any substance, and when it does touch on something rela-
Album cover for The Life of Pablo (theverge.com) tively human, like on ‘Real Friends’ or ‘FML’, it is almost immediately dismantled by his own narcissism. Excess is at the very center of what Kanye is striving to do lyrically, and although he’s not doing it in a very tasteful or clever way, it works for him because he knows how ready people are to react to what he’s going to say. . A complete embrace of Kanye’s crazed self-indulgence is almost ideal in a world where his social presence can be found in all corners of the media. For a man who has made headlines in the past few months both for running for president and claiming to be millions of dollars in debt, an album more focused and less spontaneous would feel out of place. The Life of Pablo is devoid of finishing touches, functioning as the rawest, most expressive exhibition of Kanye’s current paradigm. Even though it is also yet another complement to Kanye’s withstanding artistry, The Life of Pablo works best when considered as an album by Kanye about Kanye for Kanye, as Kanye is the only pop artist around who could be so publicly uneasy about his work that his insecurity turns into a selling point. The intrigue garnered by lack of confidence that dominates The Life of Pablo does more than just bail it out; it allows the album to become a vital aspect of one of pop culture’s most inescapable characters.
P.11: THE OVERACHIEVER / February 2016