CMYK
December 2009
Kings off and rolling By Logan Hood
Just as the snow begins to fall, we enter a new season: not winter, but basketball. The River Kings began their season against Cedar Rapids Jefferson. The game had a strong start but the Kings ended up losing a close game right at the end. The boys then went on to play at their own River City Classic. The Kings hosted teams from across the area which includes Camanche, Fulton, and Prince of Peace. The Clinton hoopsters drove right through the Fulton Steamers in the first round as was expected by the King’s fans, with a 56 to 36. The next night they took on the Camanche Indians. This game started off brilliantly by Clinton’s own Dylan Burn who was unstoppable, having a remarkable 11 points in the first quarter. Burn definitely brought the “Drano” as he dropped three after three. This fired up the fans, as well as outstanding performances from seniors David Johnson, Mo Walker, Wade Klooster, Jake Mangler, Evan Kenney, and junior Patrick Hess. The Kings finished off winning the tournament with a score of 67 to 53 over the Indians. The fans rose to their feet for the presentation of awards. Johnson, Burn, and Walker were awarded with All Tournament Team accolades and the tournament MVP was taken by Sean Mulholland of Prince of Peace. River King basketball is now off to a start, so this is a call to all fans: please pack Yourd Gym all season as they enter their con-
Striking out towards college By Alison Sullivan
A year before college, most seniors find themselves sitting in the same classrooms they have occupied for four years, counting down the infinite days left until graduation. Greg Young, a would-be senior at Clinton High, is doing so, but with a beachfront view. Last summer, Young was approached at a Missouri summer camp by a coach who suggested to him and his family to attend a baseball academy in Puerto Rico. “My parents and I actually laughed at it [at first] and said no way,” reflected Young. After participating in a baseball tournament in South Carolina he was contacted once again by the coach to pursue the academy. This time the coach managed to convince Young and his family, and a mere two weeks later he was off to Cayey, Puerto Rico. Living in a place with an average winter temperature of 88 degrees isn’t all fun and games. Well, maybe more of the latter. A typical weekday for the players in the academy requires a seven o’clock
rise and shine and a quick breakfast before heading out for a two and a half hour practice. After lunch, Young and his thirteen other housemates don polo’s and gather into a computer lab for online course work for four hours. After dinner comes one more work out session with weight lifting, more baseball practice, or a game. Why travel all the way to Puerto Rico? The Academy Young attends focuses on baseball and to prep students for future careers, college and beyond, in the profession. The diligent focus on the sport attracts scouts from various schools throughout the country and gives the players optimal opportunities to attend prominent baseball oriented colleges and universities, as well as obtain scholarships. Young puts his skills to the test and takes a crack at the ball. The coaches do not help the students with just their tional experience. baseball. Cubs. If not, he also has batting techniques but their Young, now home for the As far as future plans go, made a backup plan for himconcentration on and off the holidays, is enjoying time Young wishes to continue his self and is interested in purfield. If players are strug- spent reuniting once again education at a college or suing a career in the field of gling in school, the coaches with friends and family. University while playing criminal law. make sure to keep them on While still in the states, he baseball. He hopes to one Senioritis? "Well not realtrack and give any advice or also plans on visiting a few day become a professional ly. I feel more like a college tutoring needed to stay on top potential colleges before baseball player, hopefully as student than in high school," of all aspects of their educa- heading back down to resume a pitcher for the Chicago admits Young.
CHS yearbook's thankless work By Alison Sullivan
At the end of each school year comes the sacred signing of the yearbooks. Friends pass them out between one another to inscribe within the pages their fondest memories from the previous year, recall comical inside jokes, and wish the owner the best of luck in the future: “You rock, never change.” Since as far back as the 1920’s, Clinton High has produced a publication each year highlighting the issues and events that defined the times. Over the past few years, the CHS yearbook staff has been a small but mighty force that has always seemed to pull together in combining the tidbits of the year into a masterful presentation and work of art. It is a grueling task, however, and each year seems to bring a smaller returning staff. This year is no exception. Lone editor, Arti Bhakta, who has been involved in yearbook since freshman year, conducts the enormous job alongside yearbook advisor Ms. Wilson, aided by a meager staff of
annual contributors. She admits it is disheartening to witness such a lack of interest in something that is so important to the students and faculty of the school. “Managing a publication so huge…it’s not easy. The whole student population doesn’t [realize] what it takes to put together a yearbook.” In a long process which begins the summer prior to the start of the upcoming school year, the staff brainstorms an idea and attends a two day workshop where they put it together. The theme must be submitted to Jostens by the beginning of September and this year’s theme is “Exchange” which addresses the change the school is undergoing, such as new athletic complexes including a new stadium, softball complexes and swimming pool. ‘X,’ the Roman numeral for 10, incorporates the start of the new decade. There is also a lot of decision-making in the process as well. Besides selecting a theme, the procedure includes cover designs, CONTINUE PG 2
Global affairs hit home security Thomson Thomson, a place which Correctional Center, built in normally carries on its busi- 2001. Thomson is located ness without much notice, in Carroll County, Illinois, has recently been subjected with a population of about to much media attention 600 and the unemployment from all over the globe. rate close to 10.5 percent. This small town could soon Some local residents in be faced with a big respon- Thomson believe that sellsibility, taking care of some ing the jail to the federal of the U.S.'s most formida- government would put their ble prisoners. securities at risk. Many, Recently, the Obama adminisAre you concerned about your tration has prosafety? posed a plan to 10% m o v e Guantanamo Bay I don’t detainees to the care Thomson Jail. They hope to 19% Yes close down the Guantanamo Bay 71% No camp by this No u p c o m i n g January, and transfer all the prisoners to maximum security jails throughout the U.S. The nearlyunoccupied 1,600cell prison is currently being viewed as one however, say they’re not of the optimal places for concerned about their secustoring the detainees. rities if the federal governOn Monday, November ment decides to purchase 15, 2009, the administration the jail. For many, the numofficials visited the top ber of jobs that will be By Phong Duong
Student celebrates heritage By Alison Sullivan
For many, winter and the start of the ‘holiday season’ mark the beginning of Christmas, the holiday celebrated by followers of the Christian faith. Stockings are hung, trees are decorated, Christmas gifts are selected and wrapped to be placed underneath the tree. While marketing during this time of year highlights all things Christmas, there is also another holiday being celebrated here in the very city of Clinton as well as throughout the world: Hanukkah. Hannah Gettes, a junior at CHS, and her family celebrate their Jewish heritage
and partake in Hanukkah each year. “We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, since only my dad is Jewish,” explains Gettes. “My family and I recite the blessings and light the candles on our menorah. My sisters and I also get gifts but since we also celebrate Christmas, they are pretty small like a DVD or something.” Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is also known as the “Festival of Lights.” The holiday celebrates the miracle when a lamp with only one day worth of olive oil to burn lasted eight days, just enough time to make more. Thus, the duration of Hanukkah lasts eight days
and begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. One of the most recognized symbols of Hanukkah is the menorah, a nine branched lamp which is used to hold eight candles and one candle is lit as each day progresses during the season. The ninth candle is called a shamash, which means ‘servant’, and is used to light each of the candles. On the first night three blessings are recited as one of the candles is lit and only the first two blessings are recited then on. Gettes and her family use a menorah given to them by her grandparents. Hanukkah is not only about remembrance but fun
as well. Each night children receive a gift and many play games with dreidels and eat delicious fried foods such as latkes (potato cakes.) “My dad has made potato cakes before…but we don’t usually make them.” Gettes has also enjoyed playing with a dreidel when she and her sisters were younger. “I feel lucky because there are not many people around here who get to participate in something like this as a part of their heritage. It’s a cool thing,” admits Gettes. GETTES AND FAMILY TAKES PRIDE IN THEIR FAMILY TRADITIONS.
created by the installation of the detainees weighs more prominent than security concerns. The plan promises about 3,000 new jobs for area workers. Republican lawmakers argued that the prisoners are best held in Cuba. Transferring them to northwestern Illinois could make rural areas a target for their allies. Other places in the US that are being considered include Colorado and Montana. The number of detainees in Guantanamo Bay is 215, with 116 eligible to be transferred to other countries. The administrators acknowledged that there will be a limit to the number of detainees being transferred to the US, possibly less than 100. After being transferred into the US, the prisoners will be tried in a New York federal court. The administration announced that it will indeed house the detainees this past Monday. The federal government will most likely purchase the prison and fill the rest of it with federal inmates.
CMYK
December 2009
An average story, for average people By Tara Geary
The internet has so many great uses, one including expressing your life, no matter how mundane it may sometimes seem. A newly found website whose popularity has swept through Clinton High like a tidal wave is "My Life Is Average" (MLIA). It has instantly become a procrastinator’s go-to website among the CHS population. It ranks top along with other websites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and others that allow the same personal expression. The website "My life is Average" is not only for the teenage communities. While the majority of stories are published by the teen population, teachers and adults have also been noted to publish stories on the website. The stories are not farfetched from an everyday person's life. Sydney Heppner, a sophomore at Clinton High, says, "I love reading MLIA
because I like to read about other people's lives, and all their funny little incidents that are just so… average." Another fellow reader of the website, Allison Cruthis, says, "I love it because it’s things that actually happen to everyday people! It always brightens my day!" The website is, for lack of a better word, average. It has a monotonous purple/ gray layout with almost no graphics. This layout, however, is suiting: the bland look and the dull simplicity represent that of the "average" person’s life. Although the looks of the website are plain and boring, the stories are far from it. The stories are credited to be true and are normally a situation anyone may encounter. The truth and honesty to the stories make them enjoyable to read and never fail to put a smile on its readers. In order to better develop that sense of community, the website includes a sec-
tion where readers can vote on stories that others have
from the previous days, which allows for easy
Average Submissions "Today, I saw a commercial for the Snuggie. I thought it was [a] stupid idea but I couldn't change the channel because I was under a blanket and I didn't want my arms to get cold. MLIA" "Today, I realized that the word "short" is longer than the word "long". MLIA" "Today, I received a txt from my dad saying, 'your cat has passed away. Lol.' He thinks it stands for lots of love. MLIA"
"Today, a telemarketer called trying to sell me a new phone plan. I politely declined, telling him that I don't own any phones. He thanked me for my time and then hung up. I wonder if he's figured it out yet. MLIA" submitted. The stories deemed best by the readers are published on the homepage along with best stories
access to the best and most average stories. Also, a reader can comment on the stories, allowing any user a
chance to share their own opinion on each story. The publishers behind the site prefer to remain anonymous. The reference on MLIA as to who is in charge states, “We are. We are assisted by computers, food, water, and tiny amounts of sleep. Also, by a diligent team of monkeys specially trained to replace the pronoun ‘i’ with ‘I’”. This is the only piece of information alluding to the site’s creators and operators. In an age that upholds glamour, luxury, and perfection with examples ranging from the Obama family to Brad Pitt, as well as celebrities who bask in the rays of publicity stunts, society’s youth proves it is not fooled for a minute. It turns instead to the very lives it witnesses everyday to find humor from what it can relate to; a sense of realism that is often hidden by a culture of outrageous and over-the-top lifestyles.
A gobbling good time By Amber Elkins
This past month, Student Venture celebrated the joys of Thanksgiving and hosted their first Turkey Bowl. “What is a turkey bowl?” Well, the members of Student Venture got together on November 23rd just to have some fun, to share stories, and express their thankfulness. The evening included a pie eating contest, door prizes, the turkey bowl (of course), an impromptu game of musical chairs, all run by one amazing emcee. Brenda Walker opened by shared her testimony with the group as well as one of her amazing jokes. Mr. Haan was also there and spoke to the group. After the speakers, the real games began and it was time to bowl, Student Venture style of course. “Freshmen are going to win this whole thing, you’ll see,” taunted Jacob Kruse before the bowling c o m m e n c e d . Unfortunately for Kruse,
the freshman saw no such victory. With amazing throws by all of the students and faculty, Mr.
the faculty (and put a turkey size hole in a table). Everyone did, however, walk away with a prize
were and one step closer to fully understanding their purpose on earth. "It was awesome! It was
enjoy themselves. I hope they got as much out of the event as we hope they did,” commented senior Allison Kimmer. Student Venture would like to send a personal thank you to all who came to the event and hopes it isn’t the last. Also thank you to all of the businesses and people who donated things to give as door prizes and to contribute to the fun. A final thanks goes out to Mr. Andy Haan, Mrs. Monica Clarke, Mr. Kevin Trettin, Mr. Ben Lischwe, and Noelle Haan for making the event a great success. See you all next year at the 2nd annual Turkey Bowl. Remember that Student Venture meets every Monday at 6:30 in Mr. Andy Haan’s room, room 216.
Trettin finally brought the game to an end with the final throw that won it for
that night, either from a material item or a better understanding of who they
cool to see some faces that I haven't seen before and I was happy to see them
Students take their best shot at turkey bowling, celebrating the Thanksgiving season.
Lyons Walk brings holiday cheer By Tara Geary
For those who attended the Lyons holiday walk this year, it was a scene almost straight out of a movie. The cheer was vibrantly alive, streaming through the streets. There were constant holiday festivities, from musicals performances by Clinton High School's Orchestra, Santa Clause taking pictures with all the boys and girls, to free food and drinks that warm someone straight to the bones. While walking down the streets many businesses and organizations were passing out hot chocolate, cookies and apple cider to spread the holiday cheer to the adults and children. The fire department, alongside the Boy Scouts, was passing out free hot dogs with chili and hot
chocolate. The refreshments warmed people inside and out. The weather this year, unlike last, was perfect. It was coat weather, but the cold didn't bite at uncovered hands and faces. The Clinton High Orchestra has been performing in the Lyons walk for years now and has done a great job every time. Senior orchestra player, Kendra Evers, says, "This year went really great. Usually we [the orchestra] kind of get ahead of ourselves or push the tempo, but we stayed together for every song." The orchestra also got to play in a different store window than last year. Kendra comments, "Playing at Don's [Jewelry] was so nice this year. The windows are bigger and there was more room
for us to play. It was really nice of the owners to let us use their store." The orchestra kids were nice and comfortable while playing stunning music to onlookers outside. For the other students from Clinton High that were just there to listen to the holiday cheer, and to walk around with their friends, the fun was not lost. Paige Barsema says, "It was great to be around all the people there, it really showed that people can come together as a community, and show their holiday spirit.
Plus, I got to sit on Santa’s lap, which is always a plus!" Holiday spirit is never lacking from Clinton High students, or the community of Clinton, Iowa. Happy Holidays Everyone!
YEARBOOK finding the type of grain, folios, the page designs, writing articles, finding pictures, selecting fonts, and devising headlines, all which only skim the surface of the tasks involved. On top of it all, the organization has designated deadlines due ranging anywhere from forty to fifty pages a month between November and January. These deadlines are crucial and the staff needs to abide by these deadlines or else they will have to pay a fine. The fine can equate out to roughly $20 per page per day, which can add up quickly. Bhakta goes on to confess that it is hard to deal with students who criticize their efforts when the book is finally published. Instead of complaining, maybe they could do something about it and help out. And indeed there are ways the students can help out. “Turn in your senior pictures on time, if you’re asked for photos, deliver them right away, and tell your friends to buy a yearbook,” encourages Bhakta. These help both the yearbook and ensure that the staff can do their job. Students, staff members, and coaches can also provide an immense amount of help by eagerly cooperating with the staff with things such as interviews, photos, and anything else that is to be contributed to make the yearbook the best quality it can be. For both the school newspaper and yearbook, numbers are small and there is a definitive call for people to step up and take on a task that is of utmost importance to the school. Could you imagine a year without a yearbook to reflect on? What would it be like if you stood in front of your bookshelf thirty years from now and there was no 2009/2010 volume celebrating your youth and the joys that you encountered? While this scenario won’t transpire, the reality of students’ reliance on this small staff is real and an immense task.
Like what you see? Let us know! Send all questions, comments, and concerns to chsclintonian@ gmail.com
Ian Black, a cellist at CHS performs Christmas carols at the Lyons walk.
The Clintonian Promise: The Clintonian's highest priority is its students and to accurately portray their thoughts, feelings, and lives by seeking truth and breaking the barrier between publication and its readers. We will strive for accuracy and excellence in all areas of publishing all while creating an entertaining and enjoyable product.
Look who's turning 29!
CMYK
December 2009
Health care reform still in the works By: Phong Duong
Lately it seems like every news segment we see on TV talks about the health care bill and its reform. But what exactly is the healthcare bill and healthcare reform? Why are they such a hot issue right now? What will happen if the bill is passed? In a couple of years, it is likely that we will not have the same health insurance we have right now, because members of congress are preparing to reform the U.S. health care system. Virtually, there are 46 million Americans who don’t have insurance and 25 million more under-covered. A major problem is that many
employers have stopped offering insurance to their employees due to high cost. Many people are also turned down by insurance providers because of their pre-existing conditions. The United States’ President Barack Obama has set out a plan to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would be an option to all Americans. The President plans to pay for this by cutting down tax deductions for highincome Americans. Some Republicans don’t agree with the proposal of having a governmentsponsored health insurance available for all
Americans. They worry that employers will choose government-run insurance over private insurance because of the lower cost. Some doctors also disagreed with the reform saying that it would cut down on their earnings, while others agree, stating that it’ll help create an affordable coverage for all patients. On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed an act called The Affordable Health Care for America Act. This includes a bill that will allow small businesses to purchase insurance for their employees, offer health insurance for
all Americans, and make sure private insurance companies can’t deny a candidate based on their pre-existing conditions. Recently, the Senate announced possible negotiations for dropping the government-run public option. Obama, despite past support of the public option, still commended the Senate for pushing the bill onward. There are, however, still skeptics from Republicans and moderate democrats. Democrats who support the public option are also concerned at the news of potentially leaving the public option on the cutting room floor.
Flu season visits CHS early By Alison Sullivan
As the cold, blustery season of winter begins so does that other kind of cold season. With the outbreak of the H1N1 (alias Swine Flu) earlier this year came many uncertainties of the notorious flu season to come in the winter. The flu season got off to an early start and swept through the halls of Clinton High early November. While some of the outbreaks may have been H1N1 related, a majority were Influenza A. What is the difference between Influenza A and
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Free living
Fun-loving Forever there
Really caring
Run to help Relive everything
Intelligent
Important In your heart
Enjoy the time
Everlasting friendships Endangered art
Never gone
“Nothing” talks Nice
Down to earth
Doesn’t care about the little things Darling in every way
So nice
Soft hearts Special friends -Amber Elkins
H1N1, which have the same symptoms? H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A. The influenza (flu) is mainly categorized into three types: A, B, and C, A being the most common. So as you can see, it’s hard to tell what Influenza A is and what is H1N1. For an H1N1 case to be confirmed, a test needs to be taken, by a nasal swab, and sent off to a lab, returning in three to five weeks with results. By the results’ return, most patients, whether positive or not, will be well recovered. In addition, doctors are faced with a limited amount of tests that they are allowed
to send off to the lab, so most patients suffering from flu-like symptoms are diagnosed with Influenza A. At the beginning of December, two vaccination clinics were held for select students, six months to twenty-four years of age, as well as anyone with serious health concerns. The state of Iowa has recently announced that starting this month vaccines will be available to the general public. Will receiving the vaccination result in getting sick as your body reacts to the vaccination? Many rumors have spread on the
very topic. Mrs. Fox, the nurse at CHS, says, “No, not at all. The next day after I had my shot I didn’t feel a thing. I forgot that I had even had the shot.” While the winter season is still in its early stages, there is a chance for the flu, both seasonal and H1N1, to make one more appearance within the upcoming months. It is best to practice smart habits to stay healthy. If you are feeling under the weather, the nurse’s office has available hygienic kits which include hand sanitizer, mask, gloves, and Kleenexes, all provided by the Iowa Public Health Department.
Swimmers set bar high By Sean Determan
The Clinton River Kings are already off to a strong start for the 2009-2010 season. They have beaten both Davenport North and Bettendorf in only week two of competition. Despite these early-season victories, the River Kings are not looking past any teams this year. They’re going to swim strong every meet and hope for a winning season, aiming to achieve a high rank in the MAC. The next big event for this year’s team will be the Holiday Christmas Relays on December 19th hosted by Clinton High school at 10:00 AM at the Howard Judd Pool. The Holiday
Relays should prove to be a good test for the young team to gauge how far they have come since last year’s season. Not only will there be fierce competition but there will also be some entertainment from the River Kings. The freshmen and new swimmers will perform “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” during the first break. Let’s hope the new swimmers sing as well as they have adapted to their first year of River King swimming. The new swimmers have already acclimated well to the intense training and have worked very hard. They, so far, have continued to dish out fast times as a testament
to the latter statement. The captains this year are cracking down and making sure everybody continues to practice hard and gives nothing less than their absolute best at practice. The captains this year are seniors Cameron Hansen and Sean Determan, as well as sophomore Matt Boyd. Though still the very beginning of the season, the River Kings have already set their sights on reaching state by the end of the season. They are also hoping to come together as a team by the end of the season, demolishing their set goals by rising above and beyond the bars they have set.
Clintonian Staff: In this issue... Editor-in-Chief: Alison Sullivan Layout: Alison Sullivan Advertisement: CHS FBLA Reporters: Logan Hood Phong Duong Taylor Mckee Amber Elkins Kristina Armstrong Sean Determan
Horoscopes By Kristina Armstrong
Aries 3/21-4/19 You have a lot of different thoughts on your mind. Try each one out just a little before choosing just one. Love: Flirting comes in many different ways. Fighting a bit doesn’t always mean the end; spice thing’s up a bit. Taurus 4/20-5/20 Whatever you’ve been doing, keep doing it! People around you are praising you for it; you just might not know it. Love: When it comes to relationship advice, seek it from someone with a kind heart. Not someone who will backstab you. Gemini 5/21-6/21 Once you have a plan, stick to it! Don’t try and change it, just be really flexible! Love: The one you’re attracted to has been ever so seductive lately. Make sure they are in it for all of the right reasons! Cancer 6/22-7/22 Something important in your life is missing. Take a step back and stop being so oblivious to whatever it is! Love: Romantic relationships are important, but you should be focusing on those lost ties with family and friends. After all, Christmas is just around the corner. Leo 7/23-8/22 They always can tell when something’s wrong. Just be honest with your friends and family, that way they can help you through your difficult times. Love: Be careful about relationship gossip. You don’t want to be caught in a nasty love triangle. Virgo 8/23-9/22 Don’t give up just yet! Your about to achieve one of your lifelong goals. Persistence is key. Love: Your natural stubbornness needs to be
pushed out the door. Love like there’s no tomorrow. Libra 9/23-10/22 You think highly of yourself this month which makes your self confidence really shine! Love: Chatting the night away? You might think that talking with your crush 24/7 is a bad thing, think again! Find out everything you can about them before trying out a relationship. Scorpio 10/23-11/21 Stop trying so hard to impress everybody. Everybody will be more impressed when you’re just being yourself! Love: Rekindling that old flame would just be too easy. Try something more complex and you’re sure to find a keeper! Sagittarius 11/22-12/21 You can’t fight every battle. Step away and let them figure this one out on their own. Love: Keep your mind open. Don’t look for certain “types.” Capricorn 12/22-1/19 Try and express yourself more clearly. This way others won’t misunderstand. Love: They’ve had their eye on you for quite some time. Your crush will soon reveal themselves to you! Aquarius 1/20-2/18 You’re very persuasive. Everyone is starting to see your point of view. Keep up the good work! Love: Romance doesn’t have to always be serious unless you want it to be. Flirting will help you see how many fish really are in the sea. Pisces 2/19-3/20 Pulling off that great idea you have is easier than you may think. Get started on it immediately! Love: Don’t poor out your entire life story on the first date. They might see it as overwhelming and unattractive.
"Men Who Stare..." receives disappointing glances By Taylor Mckee
Most recently, I took a trip to the cinema to see a movie that was hyped up as sure to be the next cult classic. The movie “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” for me proved to be not a cult classic but a classic example of great cinematic disappointment. The movie is based on the book of the same name
by Jon Ronson. The film stars Ewan McGregor, a reporter trying to find his “big story” after his life ends up in shambles. What better place for a reporter to find himself than right in the middle of the grit and grime of the Iraq war? Once he finds himself in the Middle East, he meets George Clooney’s character, a special agent that can
attack people with his mind. McGregor’s character slowly finds out that there is a group of agents just like Clooney, who were trained to try to kill people with their minds, or find people who had been kidnapped. The two go on a “mission,” which seemed to me more like a futile attempt at soul searching. Though Clooney and
McGregor have collaborated with many fine films in the past, “The Men Who Stare…” should not be included in their “best of” repertoire anytime soon. Despite my overall opinion, the movie’s basic plot and general idea had potential to make quite an entertaining movie. In fact, it is actually based on Ronson’s research of US
military attempts to use physic forces. The finished product, however, failed to deliver its full potential and left me little to savor. The inflated hype over the movie was too much and it simply drowned in the high expectations set for it. The movie gets one out of four stars from this disappointed movie-goer.