April 2009

Volume 4—Issue 6

April 2009

PHOTO

VOLUME

SPREAD

4—ISSUE

PAGE

6

BEAR

2

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

3

Networking Sites: Facebook and Myspace The Pros

Ok, let’s just admit it. We all LOVE Facebook and Myspace! No how matter annoyed we get when Facebook is having technical difficulties (which seems to be about 80% of the time), we have an obsession.

But why? What’s so great about Facebook and Myspace?

According to onlineearnings.net, social networking can be a good thing.

That is, if it is used properly. This website says that networking is a good way for long lost friends and friends who live far apart from each other to keep in touch and keep a good relationship. It also says that Facebook is a typical social networking site where people can add profiles, update their pages daily, and post messages to their friends. People can add photos and different applications to spice up their profile. Friends

The Cons There are many dangers associated with networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace. Along with talking to friends from school, you could also be attracting a networking predator. Even if your page is “private,” personal information can still be leaked.

According To MSNBC, in 2006 Detective Frank Dannahey did an experiment on Myspace to show how dangerous networking sites really are. He posed as Matt, a nineteen-year-old, and found that he could get any information he wanted by getting onto teens’ “friends lists.” At one point Detective Dannahey had gotten many home addresses, pictures, and names and location of schools.

Harassment is often wideVOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

can battle each other in games and take each other’s quizzes. Facebook members can also join as many groups as they want, and they can relate to the other people in the same group.

According to facebookblog.org, Facebook can possibly help people find jobs. This is because people can connect to different people from several companies and contact them regarding an opening for a job in their company. This site also states that Facebook is a great way to promote organized events and get other people informed of your event. People can post pictures and update news about these events for all to see. This leads to more events being established and more people attending

these events on a regular basis.

Of course, there are some downsides to using these networking sites, but if we use them carefully and only put limited information online, then they are harmless. It is also important to make sure that we know who all of our friends are and not just to add people with who we are not familiar . Facebook and Myspace are great ways to knockout some of that extra time that we have and when we want to take breaks from our homework. These networking sites are just pure fun!

Maddie Riggio Bear Facts Staff Writer

spread on these sites. Harassment takes the form, in this case, of verbal threats and hurtful words in messaging. According to the Today show in 2006 Megan Meier committed suicide after many vicious words had been written to her and about her online. The “boy” who had been harassing her for no reason turned out to be an older female neighbor who wanted to know what Megan was saying about her daughter.

Another danger is knowing the age of the people you meet online.

Predators will lie about their age in order to meet with victims online. They will lie about everything just to gain the trust of their victim.

There are not any filters on these networking sites. Many bad im-

ages and words will pop up due to the lack of a filter.

Once you put something on Myspace or Facebook, it can never be fully deleted and will always remain on the site’s server. The company then has rights to use whatever information you have posted and can sell it to advertisers. MySpace stated in a interview with Dateline that they are a “completely anonymous website” but still monitor pages.

The last major drawback to these websites is the fact that employers check pages of potential employees.

If they see anything questionable, it can cost the person a job.

Nicole Farmer Bear Facts Staff Writer

BEAR

FACTS

NEWS

PAGE

4

The Gift of Art For Generations Within the next year, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC will have the daunting, but exceedingly rewarding task of distributing 2500 contemporary artworks to every state in the nation.

These 2500 art pieces are part of Dorothy and Herbert Vogel’s much larger art collection, which they have been collecting for years and storing, sometimes inconveniently, in every possible space of their New York apartment. Dorothy and Herbert Vogel decided to share 2500 pieces of their art collection with the American public by giving the pieces of the collection to a selected museum in each state. Called the Fifty Works for Fifty States collection, this national gifts program aspires to instill the Vogels’ appreciation and passion for art in people across the nation.

The Vogels continued to collect over 4000 pieces and place them in their apartment to the point where artwork began to replace furniture. While the couple loved being surrounded by the works, they chose to move the collection to the National Gallery of Art. However, due to their collection’s enormity, the National Gallery could not possibly display the collection in its entirety. The solution came in a simple, yet profound idea for a special collection of contemporary art that would span the nation.

Fifty Works for Fifty States is being supported by two federal government cultural arts agencies. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, is funding the shipping of the pieces and supporting the creation of the website resource to accompany the collection. The National Endowment for the Arts is supporting the creation of a printed catalogue that highlights the artworks. Ms. Abigail Swetz, a Program Specialist for the Institute of Museum VOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

and Library Services, said that the IMLS became involved with Vogels in partnership with the National Gallery and has been working with the Vogels to refine the vision since 1991. Ms. Swetz noted that when the IMLS learned of the collection, they knew it was a project they wanted to be involved in because of the enormous value this collection would provide to the nation’s museums and their communities.

During the art collection process, the Vogels often developed personal relationships with artists, particularly Dan Graham, whose original drawing, For Laumier Sculpture Park, St. Louis, will be included in Missouri’s portion of the Fifty Works for Fifty States collection that the St. Louis Art Museum will receive. Among the 27 artists represented in Missouri’s gift are Michael Lucero and Claudia de Monte.

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Museum will receive Illinois’s share of the Vogel collection. “As you can imagine we were surprised and honored,” Carbondale Curator and Director Dona Bachman said. “At this point, we anticipate doing a separate exhibit on the Vogel works.” In preparation for their arrival, Curator Bachman said the museum will evaluate “how much fund raising we will need to do in order to frame some of the work.”

The art “will be placed by the end of 2009, with several shipments per month,” said Ms. Swetz in a phone interview. She noted that in the past, many of our nation’s libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions were supported by “wealthy tycoons” that used their money to invest back into the community. What makes the Vogels’ project truly heartwarming and inspiring, she said, is that to make an impact on the entire nation they “didn’t have to build the railroad or start the Standard Oil Company.” Dorothy, now 73 years old, and Herbert, now 86, both come from a humble background. Herb was employed as a postal worker when he took college art classes while Doro-

thy worked at the Brooklyn Public Library. “Herb and Dorothy did not really amass this collection for their own profit,” Ms. Swetz said of the Vogel’s remarkable and selfless story. “It is truly a gift to the nation.”

The idea of community and connection that intertwines the entire 50x50 project is reinforced in the IMLSsupported website www.vogel50x50.org.

It will become an “information center, virtual exhibition area, and educational resource for teachers, students, scholars, and the general public,” said Ms. Swetz. Already the site lists an incredible number of the contemporary featured artists . Over 170 artists are included, all working in an amazing variety of mediums that range from steel, wood, and aluminum, to graphite, crayon, and gouache. Ms. Swetz acknowledged that contemporary art may be intimidating for some, but that the online resource will make art more accessible through new technology. Additionally, the online resource will unify the collection eternally in cyberspace.

Ms. Swetz noted that through the 50x50 collection and corresponding website, the Vogel collection has the incredible “ability to have a local and national impact” on generations of young artists and museum visitors.

Mr. and Mrs. Vogel noted, “It makes us feel good to know how much it’s appreciated.” “Art is a way to express yourself,” said Sarah Brown, a current Ursuline sophomore, about the importance of art in students’ lives. Colleen Judge, a St. Louis area high school art teacher, agrees that art expresses creativity for students. “It helps them to develop right brain skills and exposes them to culture,” reflected the teacher and lifetime artist. “Art also shows students that there is not just one solution to the problem; it shows them that there are different, individual interpretations.”

Caitlin Zera Bear Facts Staff Reporter BEAR

FACTS

EDITORIAL

PAGE

5

Editorial:“Serviam Is Not Just from 8-3” Ursuline Academy is typically known for all the work and service done by its students in the community. Seeing that our motto is “Serviam”, it would only make sense that our tradition of service work is done everyday at Ursuline.

When I was a freshman at Ursuline, I was overwhelmed with anticipation, wondering how many different ways I could get involved. I was assured that I would learn all about our clubs at UA at our club fair. This year we didn’t have a club fair, and I am questioning if that is a reason for the lack of involvement from students this year. Seniors are thankful for all the help and participation from the students involved, but are afraid of what is going to happen next year.

Clubs such as Ultimate Fris-

bee, FCA, Club for Uganda, and Peace and Justice are struggling to get people involved. Sometimes they only have four people at a meeting, the majority of them seniors with a few exceptions. I also know when it comes time for a dance, girls have trouble getting volunteers to help set up the gym or arrange T-shirts and other plans.

There are girls at UA and faculty and staff members who put all their time into Ursuline, trying to make things fun and enjoyable for students. There are others who have sports and jobs, so can’t be as involved as they would like to, but they participate as much as they can.

Then there are others who complain about the way everything is done and don’t do anything about it.

If you don’t like the way

something is done, get involved; there is nothing else to it. If you don’t like the clubs here at UA, start one; all you need is a moderator. It does not take a lot of time or energy to be involved. Showing up for a sporting event to cheer on your team could even be your first step.

Hopefully things will build back up the rest of this year, preparing things for next school year like POSSE, STUCO, and the Environmental Club has. It is frightening to see great things fall apart after we have watched them build up the past four years. So remember to get involved and help out anyway possible, because Serviam is not just between the hours of eight and three.

Nicole Bruenning Bear Facts Staff Writer

Get Involved around UA!!!

-Run for student council. Help plan events around the school such as dances or Serviam Week.

-Join POSSE. This way you can help spread school spirit, plan pep rallies, and cheer on the UA Bears to victory.

-Join the Environmental Club. Help keep UA clean and green.

-Visit Campus Ministry for service opportunities. You only need 120 hours to graduate, but going beyond that number is showing what Serviam is all about.

-If there is not a club you want to join, form one.

rately of all events and issues found to be relative and interesting to the students, staff, and community.

2. To provide a public forum for students’ opinions through its editorials and letters to the editor.

3. To entertain readers with focus and feature items.

Student staff members will decide the content of each issue and will write and edit all printed material. Editorials with by-lines will reflect the views of the individual student writer. Editorials without by-lines will reflect views of the student staff as a whole. Editorials do not

necessarily reflect the opinions of individual students, the newspaper adviser, school administration, and faculty members.

Bear Facts encourages readers to share comments, suggestions, or complaints by submitting letters to the editor. In order to be considered for publication, letters to the editor must include the author’s signature. Names can be withheld only at the request of the author and with the approval of the editorial board. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarification or for space limitation. Libelous or profane letters will not be published.

Editorial Policy Bear Facts is a news magazine published seven to eight times a year by the Journalism class of Ursuline Academy at 341 S. Sappington Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122.

Bear Facts is distributed to the students, faculty and staff of Ursuline Academy.

As a student written and edited high school news magazine, Bear Facts will strive to perform three functions.

1. To inform readers thoroughly and accu-

VOLUME

5—ISSUE

6

BEAR

FACTS

FEATURE

PAGE

6

Gaming: The Boys Take On Girl Gamers The gaming world is a male-dominated society. Gamers are cocky and aggressive in front of an animated screen and often times don’t allow females inside their virtual circle. Many girls became involved in the Video Game Phenomenon because of brothers, boyfriends, or male friends, but my start was a little different. When the Gameboy first exploded on the scene, my mom got one for my family to play and enjoy, but rather than give it to us directly, she spent an entire month trying to beat Donkey Kong.

I’ve spent many hours of my life playing handheld games like Pokemon to the intense, and often scary, action games like Call of Duty. Family time in my house is spent battling on the Mario Raceway. But every time I try to have a conversation around my wonderful yet pathetic hobby, I get stubbed down by the boys who believe they could beat me in a game of Need for Speed, and ,as a girl, I could never be considered a serious gamer. But to give gamers the benefit of the doubt, I sat down with a pair of brothers who live life from game to game.

Glenn, a sophomore at Chaminade, and Neil, an eighth grader at Chaminade, spend a considerable amount of time with their Nintendo 64, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 2, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. Both brothers play ten to fifteen hours a week, but Glenn boasted a record low for that day. “I’ve only played thirty minutes

Most Anticipated Games of 2009 VOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

today. No an hour. Chicka Chicka Yeah,” said Glenn. Their sister Emily and dad, Mr. Thornburg, sat down to join the interview.

Bear Facts: How many hours a week do you play, Neil?

Neil: Five hours a week.

Glenn: No, don’t even write that!

Emily: Oh, my God, like 10-15 hours a week!

Neil: Actually my record of straight playing time for Call of Duty is four days total.

When asked about girls playing video games, the brothers disagreed.

Bear Facts: What do you think of girls playing video games?

Glenn: I don’t know. Sure, girls can play video games.

Bear Facts: Could I beat you?

Glenn: Sure, yeah. Well it depends on the game.

Bear Facts: Could a girl beat you at video games, Neil?

Neil: No. Never.

Emily: Dad! Mr. Thornburg: Neil, a girl could beat you in arm wrestling.

Bear Facts: So a girl couldn’t beat you in Call of Duty?

Neil: No. I will challenge you! I will challenge any girl! Put my number in there; they can Facebook chat me.

According to these adolescents, a girl being involved in video

• • • • • •

Punch Out (Wii) Infamous (PS3) Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) The Beatles Game (Multiplatform) Warhammer 40,000 (Windows) Bioshock 2:Sea of

games is somewhat of a joke. I also sat down with Joe Leritz, a junior at DeSmet, who spends only seven hours a week in front of the screen, but is a known gamer. While he is a selfproclaimed Nintendo fanatic, he plays the most popular games on his XBox, and Joe says the first thing he does with every game is sit down and beat it.

Bear Facts: Do you ever play with girls?

Joe: Why would I? There’s no challenge.

Bear Facts: Could a girl ever beat you?

Joe: Absolutely 100% no!

But Joe deserves the benefit of the doubt because he is a video game snob and believes no one could beat him.

The three boys interviewed also play online where gaming becomes truly competitive. If you don’t understand online gaming, it happens when several boys crowd around the TV with their headsets on, playing people they’ve never met from all over the country and the world. None of them have ever come across girls online, and they’ve been playing a long time.

While boys discourage girls from playing games, girls’ gaming is an up and coming norm. So don’t be dispirited when you want to play; we can put a woman in space, so we can blow up German Tanks in Call of Duty.

• • • •

Dreams (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) Dark Void (Xbox 360, PS3, Windows) Starcraft 2 (Windows, Mac) Killzone 2 (PS3) Rhythm Nation (N DS) BEAR

FACTS

FEATURE

PAGE

7

Girls Who Game: Nerdy or the Next Big Thing?

Video games have had a place in society for many years. From watching your brothers and sisters play, to being told they were “bad news” by your parents, video games are a part of nearly everyone’s childhood.

But for most, girls video gaming seems like something only boys are into.

“They’re wrong,” says freshman Nicole Mueller. “I love playing video games.

They are entertaining, and it’s fun to just hang out and play with friends.”

Up until recently, the majority of gamers were boys because the game industry created games that didn’t appeal to many girls. Somewhere along the line, marketers must have realized that nearly 50% of the world’s population was largely being over looked in the game world. As a result, inventions like Rock Band and Wii brought with them games that could appeal more to both genders. These games along with others, like Wii Fit and Mario Cart, created a more interactive and appealing genre of games that women can enjoy.

With more games to play, girls’

interest in the gaming world increased.

According to reuters.com, the number of girls playing games has increased 5% in the past 5 years. And with this changed perspective of the whole thought of gaming, girls are seeing “boys’ games” in a new light and with open interest.

Now girls are not only playing the gender neutral games, but also games that had been previously marketed to only boys. Games like Halo, God of War, and Prince of Persia are no longer played only by the male population. However, not all girls are coming around to this new opinion of video games. Some still have the mindset that games are a waste of time and stupid.

Whichever you believe, neither side can deny the spread of the video game industry. Even boys agree that girls are definitely becoming part of the gaming world. “It’s weird seeing girls interested in shooting games, but I guess it was bound to happen sometime,” said freshman Allan Benson at Webster Groves High School. So it seems that it doesn’t matter whether or not men are

ready for women to join them in playing, women are going to continue to game anyway.

Video games are a way to let go, enjoy yourself, and connect with other people who enjoy the same things you do. From playing alone to having a huge gaming party, video games are now in nearly every household in America.

Cinnamon Mullins Bear Facts Staff Writer

Sales of newest handheld gaming system units in dollars as of Feb. 2009 Sales of newest console gaming system units in dollars as of Feb. 2009 All sales figures according to VG Chartz

Top Selling Games of 2008

VOLUME

1.

4—ISSUE

2.

6

3.

4.

5.

BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

8

A Diamond in the Rough: Junior Ring Junior Ring Week has come and gone and was a main topic of discussion. If you walked past a junior lunch table or junior lockers, you were almost guaranteed to hear talk about Junior Ring, whether the talk was about the actual ring, the ceremony, the dance, or any of the other parts of Junior Ring. One thing was for sure: the juniors had the week of March 2-6 on their minds.

Everyone who was involved with any of the junior week festivities had been hard at work trying to make the week special and memorable for all of the juniors. Both teachers and students were involved with almost every aspect of the events that took place during Junior Ring Week.

Many committees were formed to try to complete everything smoothly and efficiently before the big week. Tshirts, themes, along with other things, were voted on by all of the juniors at Ursuline, allowing things to be up to the

junior class.

With a whole week dedicated to the junior class, all the students at Ursuline were curious as to what went on and other specific aspects about junior week. Thursday night, March 5, occurred the ceremony, at which the juniors actually received their school rings. While many girls opted for the traditional school ring, many others customized their ring with symbols that will remind them of the things they did and time spent at Ursuline.

The following day, Friday, March 6, the juniors had a half-day so they would have time to go home and prepare for the big dance.

The theme of the dance was “A Diamond in the Rough,” an Arabian nights style theme. The dance will took place in the old gym.

Lexi Warner and her decoration committee worked hard to make the decorations perfect.

Each junior was allowed to bring three guests to the dance. The night was full of fun and dancing for all the juniors!

Laura King Bear Facts Staff Writer

National Eating Disorder Week at UA National Eating Disorders Week, which was February 22 through February 27, was a week in which Ursuline students became aware of the different eating disorders suffered by people around the world. We celebrated National Eating Disorders Week in hopes not only to prevent eating disorders from happening, but also to prevent existing eating disorders from getting worse.

The key to prevention is the understanding that you can make a difference and that you can affect the people around you. It is important to focus on health and well-being, no matter what size you are, knowing the risk factors for problems with food and weight.

DeeDee Dayhoff, staff therapist with Counseling and Psychological Services at the IU Health Center, said that in women, 75 % are dissatisfied with VOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

their appearance and wish their bodies were different, whereas 54 % of males feel this way. Dayhoff also noted that 40 to 60 % of college women will experiment with eating disorder symptoms, such as vomiting, overexercising, binge eating or laxative use at one point in their lives.

Around 5-10% of postpubertal girls and women are suffering from an eating disorder or borderline condition. This means that 4-5 million girls and women are suffering from full-blown eating disorders or borderline variations.

Eating disorders are not only serious problems but also complex problems. “Their expression, causes,

and treatment typically have physical, personal, and social dimensions,” stated Dayhoff. Consequently, it is very important to avoid even thinking of them in simple terms such as "anorexia is just a plea for attention" or "bulimia is just an addiction to food." Prevention efforts will fail if concentration is solely on warning parents and children about signs, symptoms, and dangers of the eating disorders. It is necessary to also take steps towards a better and healthier life style.

Kailey Beckett Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

9

Service Over Spring Break: March 23-27 "Serviam.” To some, a way of life; to others, just our school motto.

Even though we are taking a break from school this spring, it does not mean that we should take a break from performing service.

We're off school anyway; what better time to go and help out a charity?

Now some of you might say, "But I'm going out of town! I don't have time to do service!" or "Can't we just take a break?" If you have the time or have already made arrangements to help out somewhere in need, then great!

If you're motivated, but

stumped on where you can lend a hand, stop by Campus Ministry to ask for help or go to the Ursuline website and look under "Service Opportunities."

But doing service does not necessarily mean going to a homeless shelter or handing out food for multiple hours a day.

Take advantage of the little things you already plan on doing. Spring cleaning? How about when you go pick up that bottle of Windex, grab two.

Take one home and donate the other to a charity you think could use it. Cleaning out your closet? Instead of just dumping your old clothes in the trashcan, take an extra trip and donate to a local shelter. Parents making you mow the lawn or walk the dog? Offer to

mow your neighbor's lawn as well and take their dog with yours around the park.

Simply defined, service is a simple act of helpful activity. We perform service every single day, oftentimes without even realizing it. We do service just by holding a door open for someone, or even cheering them up if they have had a rough day.

A few organizations you could check out are Catch a Falling Star, Circle of Concern, or Habitat for Humanity. Take advantage of the little opportunities given to you over break that could really help out someone in need.

Kelli Riddle Bear Facts Staff Writer

How did you feel when you got into UA? I jumped up and down and screamed with excitement. –Caroline Grewe

I was very excited and almost cried.

My mom and sister were proud of me! -Emily Brand

I was really excited to spend my four years at UA and meet new people. Gabi Hitch

I was really excited and jumped for joy! My parents were happy for me and gave me a hug. –Sami Voss

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

4

BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

10

Music: Blink 182 is Back in Business Recently, rumors have been floating around that the world-famous punk rock band, Blink-182, is getting back together.

On the night of the 2009 Grammy Awards, the rumors were officially confirmed by the band themselves as they presented the award for Best Rock Album. The setting for their announcement was very appropriate. “We’re back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some, in the studio writing and recording a new album, preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. Seventeen years deep in our legacy. Thanks and get ready,” the band stated after their appearance at the Grammys. It was featured on their official website and Mark Hoppus’s blog.

This announcement brought hope back to millions of fans and left them with anticipation for this summer.

The band has been separated since 2005, a total of four years. After being apart for so long without communication, it was not likely that the band would reunite. But when the band’s drummer, Travis Barker, was in a severe plane crash which came close to killing him, the three friends began to communicate again. Although the plane crash brought severe third-degree burns to Barker, it also brought three friends back together.

While the band was on hiatus, the members still continued to be successful in music. Vocalist and guitarist, Tom Delonge, left Blink-182 to form another band called Angels & Airwaves.

Mark Hoppus, vocalist and bassist, continued to play music with Travis Barker and the band +44. Both bands had a few hit singles here and there but nowhere near the number released by Blink-182.

The talented musicians were able to achieve success when separated, so who knows what they can achieve now that they have reunited? Together, the band released hit singles such as “All the Small Things”, “What’s My Age Again?”, and “Adam’s Song” in the 1990’s, which were so popular that even today many still have all the lyrics to those songs memorized. Their success didn’t stop in the 90’s. Blink-182’s most recent singles, “Feeling This”, “Down”, and “I Miss You”, were from their last album released in 2003. These songs were so popular that they played across radio stations everywhere and were consistent in being #1 on MTV’s music video countdown show, TRL. This lively band gave us catchy melodies and feel good songs that we will always remember, and they are expected to bring us more in the future. They will be given a warm welcome back into the music world by the millions of fans who have remained loyal to them all of these years.

Kimie Leach Bear Facts Staff Writer

Steroid Scandal Rocks MLB Again The recent flurry of turmoil regarding steroid usage among major league baseball players sparked a recent investigation with shocking results.

According to ESPN, Kevin Hallinan took on his position as VP of MLB Security in early 2003 and remained there until his early retirement in November 2007 under Commissioner Bud Selig. At the time of his retirement, Hallinan was on the list of MLB personnel to appear in front of the Senate Hearings for questioning about steroid abuse.

Major League Baseball has turned its back on the drug problem and has completely ignored it. Hallinan stated, “Anytime you realize you have a problem, the longer you go without addressing that problem, then when you VOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

do decide to address it, the tougher it is to do. I think that's where we are with baseball."

According to an anonymous source who worked for nearly a decade under Mr. Hallinan, the source and many of his colleagues along with Mr. Hallinan’s immediate subordinates informed Hallinan of the apparent steroid usage going on in MLB locker rooms.

However, they never found action taken.

When the source was asked why he or any of his colleagues did not go above Mr. Hallinan with this information, he explained to Bear Facts that many of these security officers were also policemen. Mr. Hallinan is a very powerful person and well connected. It

would be very easy for him to make it difficult if anyone was to create trouble.

This is just one example of the rampant drug usage in baseball. If steroids are being used, they are usually overlooked. The new motto of the MLB seems to be, “what you don’t know, won’t kill you.”

Steroids have become increasingly popular in major league baseball within the past 20 years. In 2007, 62 baseball players had allegedly used steroids. It seems that America’s wholesome pass time has become infected with drugs and dishonesty. According to the anonymous source, the chances of MLB players sobering up are quite slim.

Mallory Krugman Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

11

Keep up with Spring fashion trends!

Spring is nearly in the air and with a new season comes a chance for a new look! Look in your closets and see what you have, what you need, and what your wardrobe can do without. Spring is the perfect time of year to express your personal style! You can find awesome new ways to find clothes, with fun and helpful fashion tips. Hang up the winter clothing, and let’s get ready for spring.

Every girl loves accessories!

Awesome new accessories can help show off an outfit and make you look good as well. Earrings can highlight your facial features, and so can a hot pink scarf. Bangles are a cute way to express your outfit, and headbands can highlight your hair while keeping it out of your face. Handbags, wristlets, and clutch purses can help to get you noticed and show others that you know fashion. A new trend that is going around is beaded bracelets! This compliments any bright colored outfit.

A

Outfits vary in many different styles and designs. Not all designs look great on all girls. Shop around; ask others, and you’ll get the right look. Bright colors such as orange, tangerine, mandarin, peach, yellow, and citrus green are the new spring colors. Florals are popular and a cute item to wear as well.

You can choose in between many different florals; roses are a big fashion statement and can go with your spring attire.

If you’re out on a cool spring day in a summer-style dress, don’t cover your dress with a coat; put on a cute leg warmers or leggings to help keep warm.

Polka dots, different patterns you create, animal, and feather fabrics are a new trend that is coming alive.

New and trendy clothes that have come out in style are jump suits and blazers. These can help express your personal style. You can also add a skinny belt to it and make it look sheik.

Another fashion trend is new gladiator

sandals! Throw away your flip flops, and hop into a new pair of gladiators. Fuller skirts and narrower dresses can also bring life to your attire and fuller skirt can go with a simple shirt. Draped dresses can also go with high heels and a cute wristlet for a night out. If you’re looking for a simple blouse, the newest style out for them is tiered ruffles. With the blouse you can add trousers or colored skinny jeans!

There are still many other things you can do to improve your style.

Go out and find the perfect sunglasses to compliment your spring and summer look. Even if you cannot afford the latest trends or styles today, don’t worry.

This is a recession; thus, prices today might not be the prices tomorrow. You can take a few months to update your spring wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Brooke Messmer Bear Facts Staff Writer

C

E

A. Floral dress . Forever 21. $26.90

B

D

B. Gladiator Sandals. Forever 21. $15.80 C. Colored Skinny Jeans. Delias. $49.50 D. Summer Clutch. Forever 21. $18.80 E. Textured Scarf. Delias. $19.50

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

6

BEAR

FACTS

Hotties of the Month

Hugh Dancy

Justin Bruening How Do You Sleep? - Jesse McCartney Righ Round– Flo Rida Dead and Gone– T.I. ft. J.T. Scummy– Artic Monkeys You Don’t Know Me– Ben Folds

Our favorite OC Star, Ryan Atwood, is back on T.V.! Premiering April 9, 2009 Benjamin McKenzie will be appearing in Southland, a new drama on NBC! We can’t wait...

In case you haven’t heard Britney is traveling through the states on her “Circus” tour. If you’re lucky, you may still be able to get tickets!

We’re bummed though because she’s skipping over St. Louis.

BESTEST MONTH EVER

WORSTEST MONTH EVER

Congratulations to everyone and anyone who contributed to Slumdog Millionaire; you are having the Bestest Month Ever! If winning too many Oscars to count on one hand wasn’t enough, then add on the fact that your movie had top rank in the box offices for weeks on end.

Everyone is talking about you and your sudden success.

Christopher, Christopher... it’s not a surprise you’re still having a horrible month. Hands down it’s the worstest out of any other celebrity, or person, in the country. Your bad temper has been the talk of tabloids for weeks now. How could you do this?

Where did our cute, boy-next-door Chris Brown go?? We’re disappointed. End of story.