Arapahoe Herald December Issue 2014 by Arapahoe Herald

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Friday, December 12, 2014

Arapahoe High School | Centennial, Colorado

Volume 51| Number 3

CONTENTS

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

Eli Bachali, 12, photographs students forming the words “Arapahoe Thanks You” on the football field on Dec. 10. Photo by Jordyn Pettys, Calumet Yearbook. On the cover: Photo illustration by Maddie Dorman and Mason Steiner.

NEWS & SPORTS

3 GIVING BACK

Coverage of Arapahoe’s “Deliberate Acts of Love & Kindness” campaign. By Erica Martinez & Paige Paulsen

5 THE REBOUND

A look at the start of girl’s and boy’s basketball. By Katie Franklin, Connor Scott

FOCUS & FEATURE

7 COUNTING SHEEP

Examining the sleeping habits of students and teachers. By Alissa Brown, Maddie Dorman, Brian Heissenbuttel &

The Wrestling season so far in photographs.

11 SEASON’S GREETINGS

“Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays.” By Abigail Guadnola & Anna Zeek

Madison Wacaser

12 HALF-BAKED

First–time bakers share recipes for holiday treats. Oh, and they’re teenaged boys. Keegan Fulwider & Quinn Trask

& Anna Zeek

6 FLOOR TO MAT

OPINION & CRITICAL REVIEW

13 DIY ON THE FLY

Seasonal manicures for beginners. By Lindsey Archipley

15 WHAT’S UP, LOLLICUP

Bet your bucks on the best boba in town. By Mason Steiner

16 LET’S GET GRAPHIC

Graphic novels for your reading and viewing pleasure. By Emily Cunningham

By Anna Zeek

Member of CHSPA, CSPA, NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll. Arapahoe Herald is a student publication and operates as an open forum. If you have any comments, questions, concerns or guest content you would like to share with the Arapahoe Herald, write a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor can be emailed to arapahoeherald@gmail.com or submitted to room E8.

Adviser: Greg Anderson Editor-in-Chief: Maddie Dorman Managing Editors: Anna Zeek Brian Heissenbuttel Copy Editor: Lindsey Archipley Design Editors: Mason Steiner, Carrie McDaniel Photo Editor: Emily Cunningham Distribution Manager: Erica Martinez Sports Manager: Quinn Trask Publicity Officer: Monica Splain Reporters: Alissa Brown Mackenzie Callahan Reid Conant Katie Franklin Keegan Fulwider Abigail Guadnola Paige Paulsen Connor Scott Madison Wacaser

EDITORS & STAFF

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

News

Community resiliency boosted by student campaign by Paige Paulsen single, kind word can go a long way. A small act of compassion may mean the world to someone. Now, imagine what happens when thousands of people share in that experience of kindness. This is the goal of the student initiated “Deliberate Acts of Love and Kindness” campaign which was implemented during the first weeks of November by the student council. “The purpose of this project is, in the short term, to help ease stress and help out those around us. Paying it forward can be a really good way of brightening your day, as well as that of those around you. Long term, we hope to create an Arapahoe tradition of new events and giving,” student body president, Sanjay Patil said.

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the effort, but all of the school’s clubs are involved in the campaign. Also, every single Arapahoe student should be involved in every event, so really everyone is!” Patil said. Tokens of love and kindness can be found throughout the campus. Members of DECA taped candy canes to lockers on Dec. 2, while students have also been encouraged to spread the love over social media with #heartofawarrior, leaving messages such as “Take the good with the bad, and leave the rest,” posted by Kariss Lynch (@Kariss_Lynch) and “This is what the #heartofawarrior looks like…kind, patient, and gentle, all wrapped in confidence and strength,” by Stephanie Skinner (@ SSTheScrapper). Because this is such a sensitive

Because this is such a sensitive event, everyone involved in the planning process has been willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the initiative.”

After meeting with the school principal, Natalie Pramenko, club leaders made the decision to launch the project in an effort to unite the community as the one year anniversary of last year’s shooting approaches. “I think the anniversary is going to be hard for everyone no matter what, but I am hoping [the campaign] will make things easier like build us up as a community,” Link Crew commissioner, Paige Johnson said. “I love the idea of the deliberate acts and doing random kindnesses for people you do not know. It creates a community that people want to be in.” These plans have motivated students and staff to engage in gestures of love as preparation for the major events scheduled in the days leading up to the anniversary. There have also been small organized events including two movie nights in the cafeteria and asking students to write thank you cards to staff members who make a difference in their lives. This distribution of good will can be credited to the clubs and a long list of other students who donated hours of their time to the cause. Sports teams have also contributed their fair share of time and energy to the project. “Student Council spearheaded

event, everyone involved in the planning process has been willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the initiative. While the labors of their love have yet to be been recognized by all of the students, this has not slowed their efforts to spread the impact of the campaign so it is felt by the entire Warrior community. “I think it will help show the community that we are using this time of year to move forward and help others, showing the Warrior spirit that we have,” Patil said. Although the initial priority of the campaign was to foster a secure environment as the community comes face to face with the first anniversary of last year’s incident, the club leaders have expressed the desire to keep the campaign going into the next semester and beyond their lives on campus. “The long term goal is that students will carry this kindness and love in other aspects of their life as well as when they move on from Arapahoe. I hope people can see that we are stronger together and that we all need to take care of one another. I hope the generosity, love and kindness spread into next semester,” senior vice president and Link Crew leader, Natalie Betts said.

Deliberate Acts Love Kindness of

and

NOV. 14 Movie Night

Pillows and blankets lined the cafeteria floor as students spent the evening together eating snacks and watching the Disney movie “Up.”

NOV. 17 Thank You Postcards

DEC. 3 & 4

Students were encouraged to write notes to staff members to show their appreciation and to thank them for all of their help and understanding.

Resiliency Events

Duke University’s Bryan Sexton, Ph.D., hosted a program to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of students, parents and 2014 graduates at local churches.

DEC. 8 Link Crew Notes

DEC. 10

Link Crew delivered inspiring notes with the message of “a big bear hug” along with a bag of gummy bears to students during first period.

Thank You Project A picture where students spelled out “Arapahoe Thanks You” was taken and will be given to local community members to thank them for their support last December.

DEC. 12 Black & Gold Day

DEC. 13

Arapahoe students, other people in LPS high schools and the community wear black and gold to show solidarity and encouragement for one another.

Commemoration at Clarity Commons A ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Clarity Commons. Michael and Desiree Davis will be speaking at the event, as well as student body president, Sanjay Patil. Gov. John Hickenlooper may also attend the ceremony. The evening will conclude with a balloon release and candle lighting.

DEC. 13 Ceremony of Restoration

JAN. 9 Library Open House Students and staff line up together to spell out “Arapahoe Thanks You.” The picture is to be handed out as a token of gratitude to members of the community. Photo by Jordan Pettys, Calumet Yearbook

The newly renovated library will be open to the graduates from the class of 2014 and other alumni, who will have the chance to view the changes made.

This is an opportunity for students, parents and people of the community to share their experiences of Dec. 13 and how it has shaped their lives over the past year. This healing event will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mission Hills Church, located at 620 Southpark Dr., Littleton, CO 80120.

Information compiled by Erica Martinez

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

News

Choir, Orchestra perform during holiday season On Monday, Dec. 15, they will be carolling the halls at school; a long-standing tradition. On Dec. 17 the Arapahoe Singers will be singing at the Toys for Tots Delivery. The next day, Dec. 18, they will perform at Craig Hospital and later that night at the Denver Zoo for the Zoo Lights event. They will perform on the radio today on KOSI 101.1 and KEZW 1430 live around 8:45 and will be replayed on the radio periodically throughout the day. The Singers will also be singing the National Anthem at the Denver Nuggets game on Feb. 27. “I am really excited about singing the National Anthem at the Nuggets game because we’ve never gotten to do anything like this before,” senior Macy Conant said. “Our holiday season is very busy, but it is full of fun performances.” The Choralettes sang at the Swedish Adult Daycare on Dec. 3 and are singing at the Englewood Meridian on Dec. 16. Concert Choir is performing on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 as well, singing a total of six songs. “I really like the songs that we are singing. Arapahoe choral tradition is very strong and our songs reflect that really well,” junior Alexandra Larsen said. “I like the environment that Concert Choir has. I have a lot of friends in the class and it is generally a good time.” This holiday season is packed full of events for both the choir and orchestra program so make sure you go out and support them around town at their different performances.

by Reid Conant he Arapahoe Choir and Orchestra are preparing for the busy holiday season, kicking off with a performance on Wednesday Dec. 10 and Thursday Dec. 11. The choir is broken up into five different groups: Choralettes, Men’s choir, Women’s choir, Singers and Concert Choir. Ms. Kelly Parmenter has been directing the choir and orchestra programs at Arapahoe for the last 32 years. The Orchestra is looking forward to performing during this holiday season. This year, the orchestra had the District Orchestra concert on Nov. 8, and also performed on Dec. 11. “Orchestra is great, we have such a large group this year, and it’s amazing.” senior Heidemarie Streicher said. “Orchestra is filled with so many different personalities but we all bond over our love for playing music” Streicher said. The Arapahoe Singers is a group of the best Junior and Senior singers at Arapahoe chosen by Ms. Parmenter. The Arapahoe Singers have multiple, of ten traditional, events coming up throughout the holiday season. They performed at two different nursing homes on Dec. 5 and 6, and then they will be singing all day around the Streets of Southglenn on Saturday Dec. 13. “I enjoy going to the assisted living and helping homes because before and after each set we talk with the residents and get to know them a bit. They are so sweet and loving.” senior Brooke Engel said.

1. The Arapahoe Singers perform in their knickers during the holiday concert. 2. The concert choir boys sing the opening song of the holiday concert. Photos by Caleb Locke

Students spread love and kindness through gratitude by Paige Paulsen The “Deliberate Acts of Love and Kindness” campaign has not been solely focused on drawing attention to a positive environment. As much as the community benefits from the efforts to spread love and compassion, the initiative would be incomplete without gratitude. In honor of the faculty that dedicates so much time to the school, each student was asked to write a personal thank you note to a staff member. While there were some who could not find the words to express their appreciation, others passed out cards to multiple teachers and other staff. Those involved in the planning of this event were especially keen on the idea of sending notes to staff other than teachers. They organized the thank you cards with the hopes that students would recognize those who work behind the scenes to keep the school running smoothly. Students did not disappoint. “I was out one day and when I came back the next day [the card] was [on my desk]. It was a very

nice surprise, I really appreciate it,” attendance office clerk, Linda Ayres said. So far the campaign has a seen success as the community continues to participate. Many of the staff have voiced their own gratitude for work the students have put into the Pay It Forward initiative. For students, the thank you cards are a chance to communicate the gratitude that would usually go unsaid. “I think it is an honor to receive [a card]. It is touching. It is something we should be better at doing and I think people make excuses, like ‘we are too busy,’ so it is nice that we have been given this opportunity to pause and express appreciation,” social studies teacher, Jacqueline Price said. Though the anniversary nears and the majority of the scheduled events have come and gone, there is still hope that the atmosphere of gratitude will stick around. As difficult as it can be to slow down and take a closer look at the things that make our lives meaningful, taking the time to say thank you is worth every breath.

Students express their appreciation with handwritten cards. Photo by Paige Paulsen

Holiday season of generosity begins with Toys for Tots Eagleton Elementary students

460

1,325 Toys collected

Money Raised

$1,000+

Students delivering gifts

Years of Toys for Tots at AHS

Arapahoe students will be travelling to Eagleton Elementary to deliver toys collected through Toys for Tots on Friday, Dec. 19. Permission slips are available in the Main Office for students who wish to join. Graphic Illustration by Erica Martinez

Hopp’s Auto Body Patrick Callahan Phone: 303-789-1302 Fax: 303-761-8678 Email: Pat-hoppsautobody@hotmail.com 2045 W Hampden Sheridan, CO 80110e

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

Sports

Pinning down wrestling season after Invitational 3. In the first meet of the season, the referee signals that junior Jacob Reed won the bout in the Warriors first home meet against Grandview on Friday, Dec. 5. Despite the Warrior’s effort, the team went on to lose the meet 30–51. 4. Senior captain Matt Borsic sizes up his opponent from Thunderridge High School during the Warrior Invitational. Varsity Wrestling placed 9th overall in the tournament on Saturday Dec. 6. Photo Illustration by Anna Zeek

2 1 1. Senior captain John Daniel squares off against his opponent from Douglas County High School at the 38th Annual Warrior Invitational on Dec. 6. Daniel went on to place 2nd in the 132 lbs. weight class. 2. Junior Dakota Gutierrez grapples with his Douglas County High School opponent at the Warrior Invitational. Gutierrez finished 4th in the 106 lbs. weight class.

Girls swim team hopes to continue last years success by Anna Zeek he Lady Swim and Dive Warriors are making a splash in their 2014–2015 season. They are hoping to continue their success from last season as they placed 6th overall at State with 15 state qualifiers and then, junior Ella Moynihan earned a spot on the Allstate Swim team for the 200 free. Leading the swim team this year are senior captains: Anna Hansen, Emily Hemcomovich and Paige Johnson. “I was so excited to be elected as a captain,” Johnson said. “I have always wanted to be one and the day that we voted, I had no idea who would be captains.” With the annual traditions of eating

breakfast at the Egg and I before the first meet or participating in the activity of “Big Sister/ Little Sister,” the swim captains are interested in adding more opportunities for team bonding to

“We are trying to plan a day over winter break to skip practice and volunteer. As for team bonding, Coach Richmond is trying to schedule yoga classes in the wrestling room over winter break.”

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We have a lot of good freshman girls that joined and the rest are making huge improvements. We are hoping for top three at state this year and to beat Creek.” – Senior Captain Anna Hansen

further unite the team. “There is so much that I want to do with the team like volunteering and team bonding that I cannot wait for this season,” Johnson said.

YOU CAN

The team will spend Winter Break finetuning their technique and hopefully shaving seconds off of their race time for the meets at the start of the semester.

“We have a lot of good freshman girls that joined and the rest are making huge improvements so we are hoping for top three at state this year and to beat Creek,” Hansen said. “With a lot of the training we do and fast swimming we could be really good this year.” At the start of the spring semester, the Girls Swim and Dive team will have a meet on Tuesday Jan. 6 against Regis Jesuit. This meet will be a good way to determine how good the team will be as they stack up against last year’s State Champion. They will also compete against Cherry Creek High School for a second time this season on Jan. 27 before A league on Feb. 7 and State on Feb. 13. at EPIC in Fort Collins.

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Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

sports

Girls basketball team hopes to win league by Katie Franklin he lady Warriors are storming the court this winter. With the basketball season gearing up, the girls are excited to get their game on. So far in the regular season, the team’s record is 0–1 having played Highlands Ranch High School. Varsity also participated in a tournament at school in the first week of December they played George Washington High School, Ralston Valley and Cherry Creek High School, and came out 2-1. Last year, the varsity team made their way to the League Championship, only to rank second. However, this year, they are ready to fight hard and win their way to first place this season. The girls are looking to play even better than they did last year. Setting goals week by week will help them effectively work towards achieving them, hopefully to finish what they started at the League Championship game last year. Team captains, Jennah Knafelc and Annabelle Brewer, are excited to play with this year’s varsity team. “We’re not as close as we’ve been in the past,” Knafelc said. “Lots of past teams were like family. We’ve just recently been getting a lot closer.” The team is full of sophomores and juniors who did not get as much floor time last year. Captains are looking forward to seeing these girls compete more this season. Though the team is relatively young this year, looks can be deceiving.

In the first home game of the season on Dec. 1, junior Ryan King blocks a Ponderosa shot, meanwhile senior captain Trevor Johnson stands ready, in witness of the defensive play. The team went on to win against Ponderosa 66–48 and went on to go 2–1 in tournament play. Photo by Connor Scott

Boys basketball team tips off season with new coach by Connor Scott & Anna Zeek As basketball season rolls around again, the 2014–2015 boys basketball team looks to live up to the expectations set by their predecessors. Last season, the Warriors made it to the Great 8 before they were defeated by Fossil Ridge 58–68. This year’s team is looking good for the long run as there have been clear progress in the team dynamic as the team learns how to play together. “We have a whole new team and coach so we have a lot to prove,” senior captain Trevor Johnson said. As the team falls into a rhythm, varsity head coach Brad Jansen expects a lot out of the team this season. “The ability for us to get up and down the floor is something we really need to utilize, Jansen said. We preach defense as being the heart of who we are. If we can play tough defense, it will be hard to stop.” The running game, combined with good defense, a balanced offense and hard work in practice has given the team the success they have had. As a relatively young, light and small team, the players are using speed to overcome their bigger opponents. “We tailor our game to running and pressing,” Jansen said. “Our offense isn’t a post offense, it’s got a lot of running and cutting.” With only two seniors on the team, Coach Jansen depends on the nine juniors to show leadership and to replenish the amount

of energy and competitive spirit when the captains are not on the court. “The depth of our team is really good,” Jansen said. “We can use that to our advantage to run and play tough defense and interchange people. We have 5 starters and the next five guys coming in for us are pretty strong so that’s a big benefit for us. We say reinforcements, not substitutions.” As the team bonds and plays more like a unit, Johnson has set high standards that he believes the team can meet. “I think that we are going to have a good team this year,” Johnson said. “We put in a lot of work this offseason because we only have two seniors and are only returning two players from last year’s team.” Working towards the goal of surpassing last year’s results, the team will need to overcome their size difference and use their strengths to their advantage.

“We’re going to come out swinging,” Knafelc said. Head coach Jerry Knafelc agrees that though the team is young on paper with only four returning varsity players, they are not as inexperienced as the age would suggest. The team has been practicing together since the summer, so they are prepared to go out hard. Coach Knafelc also stresses the importance of each player’s role and how each fits into the whole to create a winning team. “If we take care of these bigger goals first, playing as a team and understanding our roles, then we’ll be able to do that,” Knafelc said, referring to winning the League Championship. The ladies are itching for a great season this year. Their next game is at 7 p.m. tonight at Heritage High School. Look forward to hopefully a League Championship in the upcoming year.

Upcoming Games: 12/12: Arapahoe @ Heritage (7 p.m.) 12/16 Arapahoe @ Chaparral (7 p.m.) 12/18: Arapahoe vs. Palmer (AHS at 6 p.m.) 12/20: Arapahoe vs. Dakota Ridge (AHS at 12:30 p. m.)

Upcoming Games: 12/13: Arapahoe vs. Heritage (AHS 1 p.m.) 12/17 Arapahoe @ Heritage (7 p.m.) 12/20: Arapahoe vs. Dakota Ridge (AHS at 2 p.m.) 1/03: Arapahoe vs. Grandview (AHS at 7 p. m.)

After rebounding the ball in the third quarter, junior Jordyn Vega breaks away and sprints down the court for a lay-up against George Washington High School on Dec. 2. The team went on to defeat the Patriots 77–54 in the first round of the Arapahoe Tournament. Photo by Anna Zeek

College athletes find more than money to play for

In college sports, athletes play for no money, go to class, study and eat off of meal plans. In the pros, every player plays for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars and eats whatever they want for dinner. So why do the pros find fans turning their attention towards athletes who live like the rest of the world? The answer is the heart. College athletes have everything on the line during every game. Their draft stock, which is as

good as a lottery ticket these days, depends on every game. Every outing is another addition to a resume that every team will be looking at come draft day. But until then they play for the love of the game. College players have the passion that professional sports lack so much these days. The legends of sports are admired for not only their talent but for their passion that they played with in their careers. Like Michael Jordan’s flu game in game 5 of the 1997 NBA

finals where he dropped 38 points along with seven rebounds or Kirk Gibson hitting the walk off homerun in the 1988 World Series with a stomach virus and two injured legs, these players showed immense passion that is very rarely seen in the pros nowadays. Though college sports stars often are undeveloped athletes, their intensity and love for the game takes them to the next level. Passion is the reason that two-star recruit Scooby Wright III has five-star stats and won the Bronko Nagurski trophy for the best linebacker in college football. Upsets are so much more common in college sports than the pros because the players have nothing to lose. If they get blown out by a team much better than them, who cares? But if a team upsets another, it puts the school on the map. People know Mercer as the team that upset Duke, not the 8,300 student school in Macon, Georgia. College kids have reasons to play: school pride, family and education. It seems

that in professional sports they only play for the money. For example, Jacoby Ellsbury left the Boston Red Sox after a championship season to go to arch rival New York Yankees. For what you may ask? Money. That is the reason why fans pay more attention to March Madness than the NBA playoffs. There is no big three and no protecting the stars, just talent on talent and heart on heart. That is why you see teams like Dayton last year and NC State in 1983 make miraculous runs out of nowhere to inspire the nation and put their school on the map. So when fans are caught wondering why they were more drawn to the March Madness tournament than the NBA playoffs, just remember what each player is playing for. Who will play harder for their team? The player playing for his education, draft stock and school pride or the one playing for a couple more million dollars?

COFFEE

STRESS

S A Y S A E AS

FA L L I N G A S LEEP

Graphic design by Brian Heissenbuttel

A two-time Pacemaker Award winner.

Friday, December 12, 2014

ARAPAHOE HIGH SCHOOL | CENTENNIAL, COLORADO

“Today’s news is tomorrow’s history.”

Volume 51 | Number 3

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

OPINIONS

WALKING What is the worst Christmas gift you have ever received?

Thinking back, looking forward

omorrow, we will remember. We will remember, and we will come together again on the one year anniversary of a terrible tragedy. We will remember Claire. We will remember Karl. We will remember everyone who reached out to our school: the businesses which donated candles, the schools that made us posters, the Linus Project volunteers and their blankets that gave us comfort and so many others. We will remember those who gave us a shoulder to cry on and their ear when we needed to talk. We will remember, but we will also reflect on how far we have come. Dec. 13th was one of the hardest days that our community has ever faced, but we have grown from it. We are stronger people than we were last November. Our school is kinder, closer and more resilient. After facing and overcoming

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all of the challenges thrown our way, there is not much we cannot handle. We faced the challenge of walking past news vans and reporters just to get lunch. We faced the challenge of hearing our school’s name on the radio more than once followed by the word “tragedy.” We faced these challenges and so many more by relying on each other and our community.

working towards that; healing is a journey, and there are a thousand ways to get there. Tomorrow is uncharted territory for us all, and it is important to know that even though some of us may feel as if we are in a good place, tomorrow could very well resurrect old feelings and memories that we thought had passed. Let them in, know that your feelings are valid, reach out for support – try to heal. All you can do is try. No matter what, know that there is a massive web of support surrounding you, and you can take advantage of that network whenever you need. We will get through this the way we have gotten through every challenge that we have faced this past year –– together. You are not alone.

We are stronger people than we were last November. Our school is kinder, closer and more resilient.”

“My grandma got me elderly therapeutic socks with arches and lotion. I got them a long time ago and don’t know where they are.” – Abby Skoda, 12

Tomorrow is no different. Sometimes it is strange to think that it really has been an entire year – for many, it feels like just yesterday. And perhaps it will always feel like that, but that is okay. Whether you went to Writer Strong and healed with coffee and poetry, with the help of a school counselor or through the patience and understanding of friends, we all healed differently. Some of us are still

This editorial represents the views of a majority of the Arapahoe Herald Staff

“At a white elephant I got a real stuffed crocodile head.. ” – Jennifer Groene , 11

Graphic Illistration by Monica Splain Principal Natalie Pramenko links arms with Elizabeth Petersen, 11, and Lauren Goldy, 9 during the “thank you” photograph for businesses on Dec. 10. Photo by Jordyn Pettys, Calumet Yearbook

Staying true to who you are matters Need a rolemodel? The person you are searching for may be yourself

“I went to a white elephant party and I needed to get a gift for my other friends who is obsessed with squirrels. I asked some random guy if I could have his present and so I took squirrel boxers home” – Schuyler Wilson, 10

“My aunt got me footie pajamas and they were leopard print. I’ve worn them once for her sake.” – Meghan McDonald, 9

by Mackenzie Callahan Someone once asked me, “Who are we supposed to be in this complicated world?” Mothers want us to be lawyers, fathers want us to be astronauts or racecar drivers, teachers want us to be teachers and friends want us to be rich and famous. My generation grew up with the images of a Disney happily ever after. We grew up surrounded by magazine covers with photoshopped models telling us to be something we cannot be. “Be more like this celebrity because she is pretty. Be a little more like Barbie because she is perfect. Be a little more like G.I. Joe because he is strong. Be like this superhero because everyone looks up to him.” Not once can I recall media or the packaging on my new Barbie telling me to be myself. People need to realize the childhood toys we grew up with should not be considered realistic role models. Barbie was not stamping heartfelt quotes on being yourself across her forehead. G.I. Joe was not a shining example of reality due to his chiseled eight pack. We should teach children at a young age

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that there is nothing better than being yourself. Yes, it is incredibly clichéd, and yes, the phrase is overused, but it is still a message that needs to be heard. You too can try and become like the cool kids and you can buy everything they are wearing and mimic everything they are saying, but in no way can you make yourself into someone you are not. As we mature into our young adult lives,

her makeup done. No, not every popular or “perfect girl” is always happy. When you adopt someone else’s identity and trying to walk in their shoes, eyes are opened to the other side of their life. You see the side where there may be every other emotion but happiness. If you are trying to be happy, instead of trying on someone else, dust off yourself. When you are you, there are so many doors to happiness you would not have been able to open if you were someone else. I could name a thousand celebrities who you are “supposed to be like.” Taylor Swift is pretty and has a successful music career. She went from the girl who sang songs in her room to the girl who sings songs in arenas. Michael Jordan was an incredibly successful basketball player. In his sophomore year, he tried out for the varsity team, but they said he was too short to play. Both did not attain fame and happiness by being someone else. Yes, you can want to be like Taylor Swift or Michael Jordan, but you cannot be them. Maybe much of the phrase “be yourself ” has lost its significance, but being yourself has not.

There is no version of you that is exactly like someone else,which is a good thing. Diversity is not a bad thing. Being an indivual is not a bad thing. But attempting to be like someone else is like putting on a mask, and it does not make you happier.” we are shown images of who we are “supposed” to be. They are skinnier, prettier, more successful and cooler than we are, so we need to be like them. Wrong. There is no version of you that is exactly like someone else, which is a good thing. Diversity is not bad thing. Being an individual is not a bad thing. But attempting to be like someone else is like putting on a mask, and it does not make you happier. No, Kim Kardashian’s face does not look like that all the time. She spent hours getting

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

opinions

A seasonal showdown: Preferred holiday greetings

‘Tis the season for snow, scarves, Santa Claus, shopping and the ongoing debate on how exactly to greet strangers on the

sidewalk during the holidays/Christmas season. This topic has boggled numerous minds and started several arguments over

the years. That is not the goal here. We simply desire to present two opposing sides of the debate that has plagued the

21st century. Hopefully, this will help you determine what you think is the appropriate way address to your loved ones this season.

Merry Christmas by Abigail Guadnola I pushed open the door to Starbucks and allowed the familiar aroma of coffee and baked goods to fill me with excitement for the snack to come. When it was my turn to order and without hesitation I ordered my usual: a grande Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and a peppermint cake pop. With all of the Christmas cheer and decorations around me, it came as a slight surprise when, after I paid, the barista called out, “Thank you! Happy Holidays!” I faltered for a moment at the irony of a store decorated for Christmas would not acknowledge the holiday, then proceeded to wait for my drink while quickly responding with a cheery, “Thank you! Merry Christmas.” The walk back to school was spent pondering my experience. To most this would have been a typical trek to Starbucks. However, I simply could not wrap my head around the irony of why a store would decorate for Christmas, sell Christmas drinks and fill the air with Christmas cheer but not allow their employees to say “Merry Christmas.” Starbucks is not the only store guilty of this; many stores disregard the decor they place around their shop and make the general statement “Happy Holidays.” Our 21st

century need to never offend anyone has created a society in which we lack the courage to say exactly what we mean for fear of offending someone else or even worse, being labeled as intolerant. But why has the “most wonderful time of the year” been turned into a battlefield of political correctness? Should we not join together in “peace on earth and good will to men?” When considering the argument about how to greet people during the Christmas season, something to be taken into consideration is that Christmas is popular because of the different aspects of the holiday. While it is a Christian holiday, Christmas has grown to encompass more than just the religious aspect of the holiday. Most children grow up with tales of “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” which encompass the secular side of Christmas, offering those who do not wish to partake in the religious aspects to still participate in the joyful time of year. Not only has Christmas grown to allow people to celebrate the holiday without the religious aspects, Christmas is a federally declared holiday which is why the day (if not more than a day) is given for schools, government facilities, banks and other companies

to have off. Not only do businesses have time off for Christmas, the holiday has been known to put wars on hold globally. In 1914 German soldiers and the Allied soldiers ceased fighting to celebrate Christmas with each other, further strengthening the power of Christmas and exemplifying the peace it brings worldwide. Christmas is a time to remember all of our blessings and to give, to share hope and to be together. Regardless of your beliefs, Christmas allows everyone to participate in the holiday and spread extra compassion to others. Our society is afraid of saying the simple greeting that those before us said, in spite of Christmas being a federally declared holiday and the fact that a majority of Americans celebrate the holiday. Political correctness and extreme sensitivity has taken over America, from simple everyday statements to limiting the most popular and widely celebrated holiday in the world that has brought millions together for over 2000 years.

VS. Happy Holidays by Anna Zeek When walking down the sidewalk on a chilly December night, when my breath fogs the night sky and my hat, jacket and gloves keep out winter’s chill, I find it natural to say “Happy Holidays” when I walk past strangers. Yes, I recognize that with walking down the street during the month of December, I encounter plenty of manger scenes and references to the Christian religion while peeking in store windows and at malls with signs that say “Merry Christmas.” But, when I say “Happy Holidays” to others, I am able to acknowledge all of the holidays that are celebrated in the month of December and not just Christmas. Looking through this country’s history, it is easy to discern exactly why Christmas is a federal holiday and as the one that most people recognize in the month of December. Children recognize that Christmas occurs over their twoweek-long break from school and that

presents are the result of this holiday. It can be implied that the foundation of this country was based on Christian morals, as in the United States Pledge of Allegiance we use the phrase “One nation, under God.” I understand that some Christians choose to say “Merry Christmas” over “Happy Holidays”–they see it as a way to celebrate and recognize Jesus’ birth. However, not everyone is Christian and not all denominations of Christianity nor everyone on this planet celebrates Christmas. Even though Christmas is a widely recognized holiday, it should not be an excuse to not acknowledge other religions. How many people today say “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa” and do not receive questionable looks from people? In the United States, there is both freedom of speech and freedom of religion, so citizens are free to say whichever they prefer. This is beneficial

because different beliefs are allowed to coexist in our country. While growing up, I made the choice to say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” due to being respectful to others. I feel that it is necessary to respect other peoples’ beliefs and acknowledge the fact that they might not celebrate Christmas. Saying “Happy Holidays” is a more welcoming way of greeting people during this season. I do not mind if people say “Merry Christmas” because it is their choice whether or not to do so. I am a practicing Catholic and I do celebrate Christmas, I just do not think that there is anything wrong with saying “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas.” So, if you happen to see me in the mall or walking in the hallway, I will simply say “Happy Holidays” to you during the holiday season. I respect those who say “Merry Christmas” but as I respect your holiday greeting, please respect mine.

Graphic Illistration by Abigail Guadnola

Poetry: not just for deep dudes and sad girls anymore

The other day, my grandmother sat at the coffee table with my neighbor, reminiscing (as grandmothers are wont to do) on days when grandparent-ing was still uncharted territory. She has gotten pretty good at it these days, now that she has ten of them. She laughed as she spoke of my brothers and I as little kids – Joe liked to wrestle footballs and throw food, Brian was fond of lions and screaming and I enjoyed taking walks while composing poems about the neighbor’s breadfruit tree. Obviously, I have always been this cool.

I can’t really remember a time when I was not writing or reading poetry. Even if the stuff is seriously awful (looking at you, seventh grade Maddie), poetry helps me process the world around me. For me, poetry is written emotion. Listing or writing out the bad stuff just doesn’t really encapsulate the entire scenario. It doesn’t have to be just about the sadness or anger, though. Poetry can be hilarious and self-deprecating or celebratory and triumphant. Poetry can get you through a breakup, too. For example: Once upon a time, I liked a boy:

“He says he likes the way I walk. It’s funny, I’ve never felt my feet touch the ground when he was near.” Once upon a time, I really did not like the boy: “I was penitent at the altar of your attention span – praying for absolution for every imaginary sin that made you give up.” Most people see teenage poetry as depressing, secondhand embarrassment-inducing mush (see above). But why is that a bad thing? Poetry helps people – I could probably find someone who would tell you that it has saved his or her life. Sure, sometimes people won’t get it, and how could they? Most poetry is intensely personal and completely emotional. But writing poetry for yourself in your journal isn’t where today’s poetry ends. Today, poetry is...well, cool. There was once a time when some guy admitting to writing poetry about his feelings may have seemed a little weird. Nowadays, I’d probably want

his number. Seriously though, rapping blonde guy from that one time at the Merc in 2012, call me. One of the fastest-growing mediums for the artform is spoken word poetry. We are lucky enough to live in one of the most exciting and active places for spoken word in the country, where you can pretty much find a slam or an open mic any week. Just four years ago, the district began the tradition of our own Poetry Slam competition, which has become incredibly popular. I’ve gone every year. Mostly for the incredible talent of students from my school, partly to see Jovan Mays, spoken word superhero and pretty much who I want to be when I grow up. Seriously, google him. This year, it was won by Max Huey, a transgender student. Their (that’s not a typo – “their” is their preferred pronoun) story exemplifies why poetry is so powerful. Without it, I never would have heard a story like theirs. Poetry gives people a platform to

tell their stories, the ones that most of us would never hear in our daily lives. It makes you think about things you never would have had to consider: through poetry, I feel like I have a better understanding of what it’s like to be bullied as a child because you have alopecia, about how it feels to be a young black man in America, what it’s like growing up poor in a trailer park addicted to Adderall, what “transgender” looks like when it’s in your mirror – all things I have never and will never experience. *Cue dim lights in smoky cafe, initiate slow snaps.* I’ll leave with (what else?) my favorite line of poetry, from “Tonight I can write the saddest lines” by Pablo Neruda. “Es tan corto al amor, y es tan largo el olvido,” “Love is so short, forgetting is so long.” Poetry makes you feel. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

FEATUREs

A Holiday Cooking Guide For Beginners F by Keegan Fulwider and Quinn Trask or us males, cooking may not be our strong suit. But with the holiday season approaching, guys might get called into the kitchen do not know any easy ways to make holiday appropriate treats. Luckily, our guide for inexperienced chefs will provide kitchen-challenged guys with three delicious and easy to make holiday dishes that are great for the family, yourself or that special girl you are trying to impress. Before we begin cooking, we will need to start with the basics. The number one priority in the kitchen is safety. Consult the safety tips below before cooking. After recognizing the safe ways to cook, it is time to gather supplies. Read over the recipe and ensure that all ingredients, pots, pans and ovens are accessible before the actual cooking. No holiday season is complete without freshbaked cookies. Snickerdoodle cookies are an easy-to-make treat and are ideal for cold winter days. These cookies are an option for those in a crunch for time, as they only take 20 minutes to make. However, we suggest underbaking by a couple minutes to get that soft, chewy texture. Everyone loves a caramel apple, and this caramelapple cupcake recipe puts a twist on that flavor. Sliced apples in caramel-apple cupcake batter make for a unique cupcake that is great for the holiday season. A red velvet cheesecake is a great choice for a Christmas Eve dessert. Although making cheesecake is a lot of work, there is a recipe suitable for an inexperienced baker. The red velvet filling is accented with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. The holiday season is a special time of year, and it is time to turn those inexperienced chefs into the bakers that they have always dreamt of being. However much cooking experience they have, our guide for inexperienced cookers will provide essential tips to satisfy guests. Whether you want easy-to-decorate family favorites, or gifts for friends and neighbors, each of these holiday treat recipes is a guaranteed success.

Ingredients: 17 oreos, crushed 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon sugar Filling: 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons baking cocoa 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 ounce of red food coloring

Directions: In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, buttermilk, cocoa and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in food coloring. Pour over crust. Bake at 325 °F for 60-70 minutes.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Ingredients: 2/3 cup room temperature unsalted butter 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ginger 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 apples, Gala or other baking apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small pieces (about 2 cups)

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 °F Use an electric hand mixer, mix the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla and egg and mix until incorporated. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Slowly incorporate the mix into the wet ingredients on low speed until well blended. Fold in the apple pieces. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes for regular-sized cupcakes.

Snickerdoodle Cookies: Directions: Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350 Dough: °F Combine butter and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened granulated sugar, brown 1/2 cup granulated sugar sugar then beat together. 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed Add the egg, vanilla, and 1 large egg beat until well combined. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add the flour, baking soda, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour cream of tartar, salt and beat until dough is formed 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Roll dough into balls and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and flatten slightly. In a bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon to taste and stir. Coat each mound For Rolling: of dough in cinnamon-sugar. 1/4 cup granulated Place dough mounds on sugar baking sheet and bake for 2 teaspoons cinnamon nine minutes.

Red Velvet Cheescake:

H H 5 Tips for Safe Holiday Cooking

Have a fire extinguisher handy. (It might be necessary) Smother grease fires with a lid. Do not put out grease fires with water.

Take your time and do not rush. Have the fire department, police department and poison control center’s contact information in case things get out of hand.

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

FEATURES

Holiday DIY nail art made easy for amateurs by Lindsey Archipley ith the holiday season now in full swing, nearly everything is decorated to reflect the time of year. People dress in seasonal sweaters and deck their houses with lights, trees and sparkly decorations to express their holiday cheer. While I personally enjoy participating in this over-the-top expression of spirit, I prefer to take it one step further. Anybody can wear a red sweater and a Santa hat, but why not express yourself in a more unique way? Nail art is a growing trend, yet many

girls think they are not artistic enough to pull off an eye-catching DIY manicure. Fortunately, there are ways to do your nails in a fun and simple way that will definitely have all of your girlfriends asking you to do their nails as well. All you need is some patience and a few cheap materials, so next time you find yourself feeling self-conscious about the state of your nails, skip the salon and follow the tips and steps below. Be patient, have fun and do not give up if it is not perfect!

Nail art b eads and other decorations are available o n Amazon (n o worries, th ey cost less than $ 5).

Snowman

nails Essie Mint C a n dy Ap Sinful Colo rs Snow M ple, $8.49 e White, $ 1.99

What you’ll need

Cut strips of scotch tape

Make sure the edge is sealed

OPI The Thrill of Brazil, $9.59

Tape all but ring ﬁngers

r nails e t a e w s y Holida 9.59

Paint nails

$ l of Brazil, , $1.99 il r h T e h T I OP hite now Me W S s r lo o C l u Sinf

Peel up & back slowly

Remove tape after 20-30 min.

Paint ring ﬁngers nude

Sinful Colors Snow Me White, $1.99

Coat the pinhead in paint

Dot the top of each triangle

Optional

Dot the edges of nails

Paint ring ﬁngers

set of Purchase a shes. nail art bru per They are su make cheap and all painting sm uch details so m ilable easier! Ava for on Amazon 5. less than $

OR use green, red & silver to make Christmas trees instead

Allow to dry, apply topcoat

9 T IPS FOR THE PERFECT DIY MANI

1 2

Soak your nails in olive oil for 15 minutes once a week for smoother, healthier-looking nails.

Buy a nail art dotting pen or make one yourself by simply sticking a sewing pin into the eraser of an old pencil. It makes perfect polka-dots every time!

Keep your nails short and ﬁle them straight across, then round the corners.

Remember, the more expensive the polish, the higher the quality and the better your manicure will be! If you cannot justify spending $8 on a color, at least invest in a higher quality top coat because it will prevent chipping and make the cheaper polish look smoother.

5 6

Be patient when painting your nails and remember that practice makes perfect! Do not fret about small mistakes. Wait at least an hour to apply your top coat to avoid smearing.

Buy a pump dispenser bottle for nail polish remover to avoid spills. Available at Target.

8 9

Do not paint your nails before going to bed. You may think they are dry, but you will wake up with fabric imprints on your nails. Speed up the drying time of your nails by dunking your ﬁngers in ice water for three to ﬁve minutes. (Warning: It will not dry them completely!)

Photos & graphic illustrations by Lindsey Archipley

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December12, 2014

CRITICAL REVIEWs

Mall Santas take over the world by Carrie McDaniel hristmas time nears and kids all around the world are scrambling to get in lines at the mall to tell Santa what gifts they want under the tree. As I child, I was terrified of sitting on Santa’s lap.

This santa was very friendly and looked authentic. After talking to him, he was very open about how much he enjoys talking to the kids. It was important for him to have a genuine conversation with every kid and have them leave with a good experience. He also told me that many different types of people have taken pictures with him, ranging from very young children to ladies in their early 90s. The “elves” were very nice and informational about the prices of the pictures. The prices were reasonable and were lower than Cherry Creek mall and Park Meadows mall.The Christmas decorations were limited because Southwest Plaza mall is under construction.

The idea of being perched on an old man’s lap and having an awkward conversation about my wish list did not excite me. Perhaps it was because I watched the movie “A Christmas Story” too much and seeing Ralphie get kicked down the slide was a traumatic experience.

But as a senior, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to get over my fears and visit Santa at the mall. I went to Southwest Plaza, Park Meadows, and Cherry Creek Mall and reviewed the scenery, elves and of course the man himself. I urge you to channel your inner kid and visit St. Nick for the holidays.

1. The mall santa scenery at Southwest Plaza with the construction taking place above it. Photo by Carrie McDaniel 2. Three Arapahoe Herald staff memebers sitting on the Southwest Plaza mall santa’a lap. Photo courtsey of MyAlbumPics.com

Cherry Creek mall had a “Frozen” themed setting for their mall santa decorations. It was an impressive site to see if you are a fan of the movies, but those looking for classic Christmas decorations will be disappointed. In my opinion, the setting was a little overdone and it seemed a little late to have a “Frozen” theme, since the movie was released a year ago. The prices ranged from $12-$49 and were the most expensive out of the three malls. Also, Santa goes on a break for long periods during the day, so make sure you do not miss him. Overall, Cherry Creek didn’t give me the classic winter wonderland l was looking for, but the young kids enjoyed seeing the grand site.

The decorations at Park Meadows were classic and traditional. The scenery was warm and inviting and it reminded me of a winter wonderland. The Santa seemed very welcoming and the kids seemed in awe of the jolly old man, but his look was not as authentic because of his short beard. Also, the “elves” were very friendly and the line moved fast. The prices for the pictures were expensive but not overly excessive. If you are not willing to pay money for a picture with Santa, then you can catch him walking around outside by the vistas on Wednesday nights and take a picture with him for free.

1. The entrance to Cherry Creeks “Ice Palace” completed with “Frozen” themed decorations 2. An overview of the mall santa set up from the glass elevators. Photos by Mason Steiner

The welcoming entrance for the Park Meadows Mall completed with traditional Christmas decorations. You can find Santa near the entrance doors to the vistas. Photo by Carrie McDaniel

Activities with Santa Are you looking for something to do to celebrate the Christmas season? Lace up your skates and hit the rink with Santa! You can avoid the mall lines and sitting on his lap. Skate with Santa at Southglenn on Wednesday Dec. 17 from 4pm-8pm and at the Belmar mall on Saturday Dec. 20 from 1pm-3pm.

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

CRITICAL REVIEWs

Lollicup offers up great tasting “bubble tea” by Mason Steiner inter is coming, and if you are like everyone else at Arapahoe, you have probably made a trip to Starbucks for one of their overpriced, calorie rich coffee beverages. Of course there are other coffee places to choose from, but if you truly want a change of pace, look to Lollicup Denver.

BE ST SL US H

Located off of Colorado and I-25, Lollicup offers an alternative, fun atmosphere in addition to their Southeast Asian style of “bubble tea.” Bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea based beverage. There are four choices of this tea to choose from: snow bubble, slush, milk tea, English black tea and jasmine green tea, with over 18 flavors per

type of tea. A snow bubble tea is a creamy, smoothie-like drink. A slush is an icy blended drink, similar in texture to a Frappuccino from Starbucks. Milk tea sounds strange, byt is a milky, creamy tea that is usually served over ice. They also offer English black tea and jasmine green tea that is served either hot or cold.

This sweet tea is a great way to cool off during days when the sun shines. While it does begin to clump up into lumps of ice towards the end, it is a great taste that should be experienced by all at least once.

The Dos and Don’ts of Lollicup

A Unique, warm, and delicious, hot TE K L MI rose tea is a must in the cold T S BE T weather of Colorado. This rich, NU O C CO sweet, red tea with boba is one of the best teas from Lollicup, in my This tea has a very tropical taste, providing opinion. a welcome change in the world of winter. A This drink, though, was emptied fairly TE T HO quickly. If you are a speed drinker who T S BE would rather savor their tea, I would SE RO advise against milk tea.

This coffee drink is an amazing substitute to what you may receive at Starbucks, if you are looking for coffee. It is creamy, and not overly bitter. I would recommend this to anyone who is in the mood for coffee, but does not want to conform to the world of Starbucks.

Do: Stab the straw into the top to avoid explosion Don't: Chew your straw (or your boba might clog!) Do: Get Yan yan or pocky as a snack Don't: pass up the opportunity to play board games Do: try a new flavor every time

NOW BEST S

CC : CAPPU E L B B U B

INO

Photos by Mason Steiner

“The Imitation Game” revives classic movie genre

All classic movie fans remember the scene: as the cell doors open on another dreary day at Shawshank penitentiary, all prisoners step out for count. All but one: Andy Dufresne. After the guard angrily marches to his cell, he realizes that Andy has vanished. As the warden angrily throws rocks around Andy’s cell, he inadvertently discovers the tunnel that Andy dug. Andy Dufresne escaped Shawshank prison.

As a big movie fan, I can happily admit that the first time I saw “The Shawshank Redemption” was the best time. Seeing the entirety of Andy Dufresne’s genius plan unfold in a flashback after his escape really made the movie a classic. This movie is extremely special because it is not until after the climax that the fan finally gets a look inside the mind of the protagonist. I could talk about how great

“The Shawshank Redemption” is for the rest of this column, but the sad truth is that movies like this are now a dying breed. With updated technology, computer generated special effects and animation, so many movies are a part of the action genre. The rise of directors such as Michael Bay has paved a path towards continuing this trend of over-the-top special effects in the future. While this situation is all fine for contemporary movie fans, those like myself who appreciate older movies lose the type of films that share similarities with “The Shawshank Redemption.” This genre (or subgenre if “Shawshank” is considered a drama before anything else) I like to refer to as “amazing minds” movies, where the protagonists (and sometimes antagonists) have

incredible plots in mind that the viewer is not enlightened on until their plan has been carried out. While this breed seems to be fading, it still exists. The new movie “The Imitation Game,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the British mathematician Alan Turing, is a promising new chapter to the genre of “Shawshank.” Turing was the mathematician who cracked the Nazi enigma code during World War II. This film has already been released in select theaters, but it will open in theaters in Colorado on Dec. 25. As a fan of such movies, it is vital to the genre that the film succeeds. Already, audiences have given it a 4.4/5 star rating from the “Rotten Tomatoes” movie review website, which is higher than “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1” and “Interstellar.”

Assuming that the audiences across the nation have similar thoughts on the film as those who already have the picture in their local theaters, “The Imitation Game” should be a great success. As with all modern movies, this style will almost certainly be hybridized with modern technology. As it takes place during World War II, it is safe to expect a fair share of special effects for the bombings of London, an apparent trend of all movies in the genre. As long as there are directors willing to stray from the Michael Bay-style action movie genre with new technology, this class of movies will never die. As it hit its peak inside the walls of Shawshank penitentiary, movies such as “The Imitation Game” will keep it alive.

Arapahoe Herald | Friday, December 12, 2014

FEATURES

Graphic novels creatively mix literature and art

by Emily Cunningham

usually think of graphic novels as an acquired taste. When coming across this genre at a bookstore, one might think they’re just comic books with superheros or Japanese anime, two things that I’ve never had any interest in. But recently, I read a graphic novel, “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi, about growing up in Iran during the

Islamic Revolution and it completely changed my opinion of graphic novels. There is something amazing about reading a story while also looking at the small illustrations depicting the words. I’ve always been interested in reading, but even more interested in art. Graphic novels are the perfect way to integrate both disciplines.

I found that I had an interest in the graphic novels that were biographies regarding historical events. These books cover topics ranging from 9/11, to empowering women, to childhood stories revolving around playing in an old beat up yellow car. My advice to everyone would be to give graphic novels a chance.My advice to everyone would be to give graphic novels a chance.

•Persepolis•

•Ghost World • This graphic novel is definitely for an older crowd. This racy book, written and illustrated by Daniel Clowes, was published first in 1997. It’s an oldie but a goodie, and a big-time cult classic. The book is about two friends, Enid and Rebecca, who just graduated from high school and their transition into adulthood. They mostly just go around town being cynical and criticizing other people.

SAY WHAT?!

Ridiculous, out-of-context comments overheard throughout the school.

“How are we going to start a cult without dancing? “ - Cafeteria

“Today will be as useless as the “g” in lasagna.” - Cafeteria

This autobiographical graphic novel about the Islamic Revolution in 1980, written by Marijane Satrapi, is beautiful and empowering. Written in 2003, “Persepolis” depicts the revolution in such an interesting way by telling her story about what it was like to grow up as a defiant and determined young woman during such a controversial time. She explains the troubles of being forced to wear a hijab and believe in a religion she didn’t want to believe in. She tells an amazing story of the time she went out to buy tapes with American Music wearing a jean jacket and pins while the Guardians of the Revolution sent her to the committee for being improperly veiled and for wearing “punk” shoes. By far, the most emotional part of the book is when Marijane believes her house was bombed and her family has died. She comes home to see that her house is safe, but instead her neighbor’s house was destroyed and her friend was killed by the missile. This book is all about individuality and the troubles that are met for a young girl and how she must revolt to stay true to herself. Every drawing in the book is done in black and white, but they are incredibly powerful and the use of negative space is amazing.

“First you steal my belt, then you steal my life.” - East Hall

“How about you delete that attitude.” - E8

“Shakespeare was a Trekkie.” -C14