January2011Copy

HiLIFE January 2011- Issue 4 Volume 87 2305 East Main, League City,TX 77573

In this issue: “The Wiz” hits Creek auditorium Blood Drive at Creek pg 7

Diddy Review pg 12

Interview with AllStar Weekend pg 17

Madison Williams Clear Creek High School put on the musical The Wiz, January 26-30, in the auditorium. This show dazzled audience with its outstanding cast, modern hip-hop dances, and seventies music.

The Wiz, written by Mark Samuels, is a modern day take on a children’s classic.

Based off the Wizard of Oz, audiences can expect to see some of the same characters along with a few new ones in a drastically different setting.

Dorothy is a kindergarten teacher who is swept away by a snowstorm while chasing her dog Toto. She is transported to the “Land of Oz” which looks a lot like the run-down Manhattan of the seventies. When Dorothy first lands, she is greeted by munchkins who peel themselves from a graffiti mural and sing to her about the Wiz who lives in Emerald City. Dorothy is told she must go to Emerald City to see the powerful wizard if she has any hope of returning home.

Clear Creek High School was the first school in the district to put on a musical. “It has been done every year since then and is a student activity part of our culture that we like to promote and continue,” Mary Latuilippe said. Now following in the footsteps of Clear Creek every school in the district puts on an annual musical.

The director of the musical this year is Kathy Davis, who has directed Clear Lake’s musicals for the past three

apply.

One night during the five shows, the judges will come and watch the show.

Senior, Jamie Henderson is playing the lead role of Dorothy. She is also involved in Clear Creek’s symphonic and chamber choir directed by Kyle Pullen. Mr. Pullen also helped with the direction and teaching of the very difficult music in The Wiz.

Henderson put on an amazing show opening night. Her voice was loud and clear as she rocked the auditorium. Her acting was also outstanding with her great facial expressions and cute Dorothy act. Junior, Bobby Hewitt also impressed audiences with his sweet high tenor voice and spunky character. Hewitt made the scarecrow come to life in the show. Senior, Brandon Rumann entertained audiences with his impeccable acting and childish character, he made the character incredibly playful and humorous.

Senior, Aaron Wilson perfected the movement of the tin man as he danced around the stage sending the audience into an uproar.

The costumes for these three characters were stunning in detail and intricacy. The tin man was completely painted silver along with his tin suit, the scarecrow wore rag-like clothes stuffed with hay, and Dorothy wore her traditional blue dress.

The cast and the director did a fantastic job and their hard work showed in their performance of The Wiz.

Jamie Henderson and Christos Patelis perform in The Wiz.

Photo taken by Emily Cruz Photo illustration by Kaitlyn Blake

MLK Day celebrated in Houston Shannon O’Neil

Boys Basketball 1st in District pg 19

years. Davis is the coordinator of the Language Arts department in CCISD. Clear Creek High School competes in the Tommy Tunes program. This program provides a great opportunity to students participating in the musical by offering them the chance to win scholarships and highly prestigous awards which are awarded by the Tommy Tunes Foundation.

Tommy Tunes is open to the whole city of Houston, but each school that is interested in competing m u s t

The third Monday of January is reserved to honor one of America’s most well known heroes, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. This year Martin Luther King, MLK, Day of Service was on January 17 which was the 25th anniversary of the holiday.

The date of the holiday follows King’s birthday, which was January 15 1929.

MLK Day of Service first began in 1986 and instead of being an ordinary holiday where people lay back and relax, MLK Day of Service is a day of service.

This day is dedicating to serving others.

King became a preacher after his father, and he dedicated a lot of his time to the Civil Rights Movement. King gave many famous speeches including, I Have a Dream. King was devoted to his dream of equality. King was arrested 30 times and shot on April 4 1968, according to mlkday.gov King was a nonviolent protester following these views of Mahatma Ghandi, refraining from guns and firearms. King used his words to gain supporters and protested calm­ly. His journey in the public eye of a civil rights activist began in 1955 when he was chosen to lead the bus boycott after Rosa

Parks, a fellow African American, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger.

Around Houston, there were numerous activities in honor of King. A parade began at 10 am at Minute Maid Park to kick of the start of a Monday filled of remembrance of King. The parade consisted of over 700 floats and over 40 bands. The parade lasted around two hours, according to abc.com.

Soon after the parade, celebrators enjoyed concerts and high school groups participate in a Battle of the Bands. Another parade began at 2 pm near Allen Parkway.

A hot spot for children, The Museum for Children of Houston also created a special event for the day, allowing kids to hear I have a Dream and be part of a peace rally by marching through the m u s e u m , promoting King’s message.

The museum

also gave children the opportunity to share one of their dreams on the dream wall.

The city of Galveston also participated in the MLK festivities and held a special prayer group to meet and pray in King’s honor.

Participants in the 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March turn onto Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, January 17, 2011. (Ted Richardson/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT)

2

Opinion HEY CREEK

!

What was you

Freshmen

r favorite par t about Winter Break ?

“Going to New York and seeing snow.”

-Nikki Alvarez “Going on a cruise to Cozumel, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman”

-Sarah Morlan “My favorite part was my trip to California to see my friends and grandmother.”

-Sarah Timmons “My favorite part about winter breaak was spending time with my family.”

-Julie Vaughn

SOPHOMORES “ I went to Sweden and saw family.”

-Anna Hamilton “My favorite part of winter break was going to feed the hungry because I got to hang out with people and it was a great experience.”

- Alayna Peña-Mendez “Feeding dead fish to the bottle-nosed dolphins at Sea World.”

-Casey Dervay “My favorite part of Winter Break was spending time with my family for Christmas.”

-Kelsey McMahon “My favorite part was going to the Bahamas.”

-Will Rose “My favorite part was the basketball tournament.”

-John Thomey

Juniors “I went to Disney World with family and friends for New Years.”

-Taylor Brown “I was finally able to eat all of the delicous holiday food.”

-John Batterson “Having my sister home from college for the month.”

-Savannah Looper “I went up to Oregon and got to play in really deep snow in the mountains.”

-Sidney Riley “My favorite part would have to be New Years Eve because I got to hang out with family, friends, and light fireworks.”

-Jessica Garcia “Christmas Caroling and going to Chicago with my family.”

-Luca Camposano

“Going out of town to our ranch in Reklaw, TX.”

-Brandon Sanders

“Going to New York and Puerto Rico.”

-Jacob Linderman “Going snowboarding in New Mexico.”

-Cody Waggett “Visiting my family in Mexico.”

-Jackie Chavez “Christmas day in New York.”

-John Rhodes “I finally finished my college applications.”

-Shefa Moten “Spending time with my family and sleeping in.”

-Karla Banic

1

1 0 2 10

HiLife Staff

20

Principal: Advisor: Executive Editor: Editors-in-Chief:

Advertising Manager: Centerspread Editor: Features Editor: News Editor: Teen Interest Editor: Sports Editors:

Around Creek Editor: Creek Speaks Editor: Online Editor: Photo Editor: Staff: Ashley Barba Morgan Geenen Marie Nelson Gabrielle Renwall Madison Williams

Scott Bockart Wynette Jameson Jan O’Neil Amber Arnold Kaitlyn Blake Shannon O’Neil Ashley Farmer Ellen Gaudet Tracey Griffith Stephanie Johnson Madison Borowitz Jacob Arredondo Derek Gay Hannnah Brinsko Ashley Farmer Mary Veedell Shauna Fererro-Donahue

Tianah Brewer Emily Cruz Brooke Griffis Kara Loewenthal Selina Olivas Olivia Payne Aimee Sierra Sara Wallace Valerie Hellinghausen

Email us at: Creekhilife@gmail.com Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0581

3

Editorial Shannon’s Space

“My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” - Charles F. Kettering

Shannon O’Neil High School is one of the most exciting times in a teenager’s life, as well as one of the most horrifying. It is the time when we grow from young and naïve children to adults. We start to understand how unprepared we are for the outside world.

We are faced with the choice of attending a university or getting a full time job. Some students already work a fulltime job, but for others it will be a first time experience.

Most importantly, in high school, we learn who we are and what really matters.

For many students, they see high school as the pinnacle of their life, when it is only a small part of their entire life.

As high school students, small dramatic issues can seem like the end of the world.

Students see a relationship breakup as something that they did wrong or a flaw in their character. They let breakups devastate them instead of realizing that

this moment in time is temporary, and the only mistake they’ve made is growing up.

When I look back on my freshman year, I surprise myself by how I’ve matured; well at least in some aspects. I still like to goof off and have fun with my friends, but I see the end of high school and the future slowly creeping up on me.

I am starting to realize that a lot of high school issues are insignificant compared to the choices I have to make about college.

I see college as the next step in my future and one of the high points in my life. High school will not be my high point in my life.

Already accepted into three major universities, I know I am luckier than a lot of my peers. However, I do attribute my success to dedication to my schoolwork.

My one advice for freshman, do the work, learn the material, make good grades.

High school is a time to have fun but preparing for the next step in life is crucial.

Sure there are many jobs that students can get right out of high school, or are there? With the economy crashing, jobs are becoming more and more scarce.

With a college degree, chances of finding a steady high paying job increase.

Whether I like it or not, as I enter the adult world, I need to have a job. So the question arises. What do I want to do?

Fortunately for me, I have an answer. I can

remember always wanting to be a doctor of some kind. When I found out how much schooling and time that would consume, I changed my mind. I thought about forensic science, but then I thought too many dead people. A teacher? Too many kids.

Finally, I’ve decided to study nursing.

I want to work in the neonatal intensive care unit, which is for sick babies. I am able to combine two of my passions, medicine and babies. Whenever I get bogged down in history homework or any other homework, I look forward to knowing that in a few months this will be in my past. I look forward to going to college. I know that this will be hard work, but I think doctors and nurses should go through intense training.

I believe I have learned a lot in high school, not only academically but also about life. I learned that sometimes the drama in high school can lead to a great learning experience. I have been rejected by friends and boyfriends. I’ve been made fun off. I’ve been laughed at. Though at the time these things seemed overwhelming and devastating, I now know what I have learned.

I learned that although I may lose a friend, I have become more independent and not rely on others for my own selfconfidence. I learned that when students are rejected or made fun of by others, students blame themselves. They think something is

wrong with them. I’ve learned that this is not true. Many times it’s the bullies who are hurting inside. Bullies try to make others feel bad to help themselves feel better.

I learned that I can be strong and take care of myself. Though no one wants to go through days without friends, I proved that I can. I remember going home and having nobody to talk to. I remember eating lunch by myself. It’s a huge learning experience.

I had to branch out and make new friends.

I learned that though some people did not like me for standing up for myself, other people did. I learned that there were people in band that shared my similar interests and goals. I became close to these people and devoted time to talk and interact with them.

This also helped me gain more social skills.

I learned high school can be awful, fun, and overwhelming. I would not trade my experiences for an easy ride.

These experiences have made me who I am today and have shown me that high school is temporary. I look forward to the future, graduating college, starting my career. Everything I’ve learned in high school to improve my character and make me even more strong in the long run. I look forward for my real future to start.

Guest Editorial: Tracey Griffith Don’t let fear keep you from living your life

Tracey Griffith I think that the closer to graduation I get, the more terrified I become. Don’t get me wrong, I have been looking forward to the moment I walk across the stage and receive my diploma since I was a little girl.

It’s a moment I dreamed about from the minute I started my school career. When I was younger that moment seemed like a lifetime away, but to think that moment is almost here is astonishing. I’m ready to be done with this chapter of my life and move on to bigger and better things, yet the future has so many possibilities that I find it exciting but also intimidating.

When I was younger, the jump from intermediate to high school, and even elementary to intermediate school, was scary at first, but the actual change in lifestyle is very small. Classes became a bit

more challenging, I am gradually allowed more responsibility and freedom as I got older, and I made new friends and had new teachers. But the change in lifestyle from high school to college is quite a leap.

When students turn eighteen, they become legally responsible for themselves.

Then they go off to college, and if they are living in a dorm, become completely independent of not only their parents, but also all of their friends and familiar faces.

Suddenly, you are alone to either become successful or to suffer from failures on your own. The taking on of such responsibility is different than anything most students have had to take on in the past, and thus is a daunting concept to grasp.

But the lifestyle is different not only because of the independence, but also because school itself changes vastly. Learning becomes more focused as students decide what career option they wish to pursue in life. Professors hold students far more accountable for their own education. And in high school, the worst thing a student has to suffer for failing is to have to retake the course. But college is an education you are paying for, and

failure results in money lost. Many students will have scholarships that can easily be lost because of unsuccessful grades.

I think that the reason college and the future are so frightening to me is not because of a fear of responsibility or of being on my own, although that will certainly take some getting used to, but the possibility that I will fail to live the life I want. I have always been a dreamer with wonderful and high expectations of the world. I know the course that I would like my life to take. But all of these changes create possibilities for life to take different courses. There are infinite amounts of outcomes possible in life, some positive and some negative. And it is the possibility of these negative outcomes that is always lingering in the back of my mind. I like to be in control of my life, and so many things are possible at this turning point in our lives that I find it overwhelming.

So I have decided that this is the time to become more open about life. I will use determination and hard work to achieve as many of my goals as possible, but there will always be failures and unexpected changes. Instead of looking at these future failures and changes in my

life as scary or crippling, I will look at them as opportunities to take a course that might otherwise have been unavailable, or in other cases simply as opportunities to help me grow and mature as a person.

I want the shift in my life from high school to college to be as positive of an experience as possible, and I am determined to make it that way. I refuse to let distance from my friends and family, or the changing of my environment, or the new responsibilities to be a negative thing. I think the best way to make a new beginning pleasant is to begin it with an optimistic outlook, to focus on all of the good opportunities and chances instead of the bad.

I think that any big change in life mixed with regret or doubtful thoughts is a recipe for disaster. So I am a firm believer in swallowing your fears and taking the leap with a smile on your face. Life is too short to let fear get in the way of success.

There will always be leaps to take, blocks in the road, bad days, and times that are overwhelming, but what I think is the key to success is a bright and confident attitude.

4

News

Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords shot on 1/8 Tracey Griffith On Saturday, January 8, 2011, a gunman shot Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona along with 18 other people. The shooting took place at around ten o’ clock in the morning in Tucson, Arizona at an event called “Congress on Your Corner” which took place outside of a local Safeway grocery store.

Giffords participated in events like “Congress on Your Corner” frequently as a way of communicating with her constituents.

Giffords was seriously injured, shot point blanc through the head, but is heading towards recovery and is now in a stable condition in the hospital. She was in an induced coma but able to respond to basic commands, but has now opened her eyes and is able to move all limbs of her body. Her recovery has been surprisingly quick considering the extent of her injuries.

Six of the eighteen shot, though, were killed including John M. Roll, a federal judge of Arizona, and a 9-year-old girl, selected to attend the event by her school.

Several memorial services have taken place in their honor, including a service lead by President Obama at the University of Arizona. Obama also honored a member of Congresswoman Gifford’s staff who

Jared Loughner is charged with trying to assassinate U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in a shooting rampage that killed six people and wounded 14, Saturday, January 8, 2011. (Will Seberger/MCT) Captain Mark Kelly clutches Rep. Gabrielle Gifford’s hand as she lays in the ICU at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, January 9, 2011, the day after she was shot while appearing at a community event in Tucson. (Courtesy of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Office/MCT)

heroically came to Gifford’s aid after she was shot, holding a towel to her head to staunch the bleeding. This action perhaps helped to save the congresswoman’s life.

After the shooting, the gunman tried to escape, but was tackled by a member of the audience and taken into custody. The gunman was identified as twenty-twoyear old Jared Lee Loughner. Loughner’s

motive for the shooting is unclear, but it appears that Congresswoman Giffords was the target for the attack. Loughner has been described as having strange behavior in the past, for example, a series of internet postings discussing things such as mind control, and photos of him posing with guns similar to the one he used in the attack. Loughner is being on the federal charges of murder, attempted murder, and attempting to kill a member of Congress, according to cnn. com. He is being held without bail.

Congresswoman Giffords is married to League City resident, and astronaut, Mark Kelly. Giffords has two stepchildren, Claire Kelly and Claudia Kelly, who attended Clear Creek High School. Mr. Kelly’s brother, also an astronaut, gave quotes concerning the shooting while in space.

M a n y politicians have raised question of political motive in the shooting.

Some liberal politicians say that violent rhetoric of the Tea Party inspired the hatred and violence that they believe caused the attack. But no known motive for the attacks has been found, other than Loughner’s disturbed mental state.

New cancer treatments used to help patients

Valerie Hellinghausen

While cancer is typically thought to entail multiple invasive, long-term procedures in the past, on Monday, January 3, Boston scientists including chief of Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Daniel Haber and his colleagues have teamed up with the support of Johnson & Johnson to revolutionize the methods currently used to track and find cancer within patients. The new test does not fight or treat cancer, but its rapidly processed results are predicted to help monitor and catch cancer faster than monthly or annual tests. In fact, scientists say that a patient is able to go in, have blood drawn and a drug prescribed, but have another blood sample drawn the next day to check its response to the drug. While cancer may have meant long term, and sometimes incurable results this new ‘liquid biopsy’

may revolutionize treatment later in 2011.

“We’ve been taking tissue biopsies for decades but we still haven’t made much progress against cancer. This suggests that the information in the tumor may not be that valuable. It may be these cells that tell us more,” said chief oncologist at Philadelphia’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, Massimo Cristofanilli.

The test examines a blood sample that can spot an estimated one cancer cell out of a billion or more healthy cells within the sample. This new test will help patients avoid painfully drawn tissue samples, as well aid doctors in getting a proactive edge on cancer by being able to track progression of cancerous cells before allowing them to progress into later, more difficult to treat stages.

Scientists also state that the test provides a more accurate sample, as tissue biopsies

usually provide a limited testing sample leaving patients with inaccurate results.

“If you could find out quickly, ‘this drug is working, stay on it,’ or ‘this drug is not working, try something else,’ that would be huge,” said Dr. Haber.

Doctors say the test will begin being observed in cancer treatment within several cancer centers throughout the country before it hits the market. Company officials say that no price has yet to be determined on the procedure, but is expected to be lower than the currently used test also sponsored by Johnson & Johnson’s Veridex, CellSearch, which costs several hundred dollars. But while the test may be both easier on the patient’s health and wallets, it may also aid in preventing the spread of already present tumors. Studies have shown that while cancer may appear to be confined to one tumor area, these stray cells can be found

within other parts of the body as well.

“It is very big. It has the potential to turn cancer into a chronic disease, because we can monitor patients individually and respond with treatment to the genetic makeup of their cancer,” said Dr. Mehmet Toner, director of the BioMicroElectroMechanical Systems Resource Center in Massachusetts General’s Center for Engineering in Medicine.

While the test may not completely suspend the use of other cancer treatment and diagnosis methods, it is expected to aide mammograms, colonoscopies and other forms of precautions taken to stay on top of cancer. With cancer being responsible for more approximately 23% of deaths in Americans, scientists are actively planning to implement the test in treatments concerning breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer in the near future this year.

News Mysterious bird deaths confuse scientists Amber Arnold According to CNN, over the New Year’s weekend, there were sudden, mass deaths of birds in two states. According to the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission, 5,000 red winged blackbirds and starlings fell from the sky in one square mile area in less than an hour.

The National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin is receiving samples from Arkansas,to test and see if any of the birds may have had a disease.

Experts believe a loud noise was the cause of the mass death.

According to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Georgia, the bang came from a square-mile area in Beebe, Arkansas, 40 miles northeast of Little Rock. According to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, tests done on the birds showed that they died from blunt-force trauma.

New Year’s Eve fireworks in the area may have caused massive deaths by forcing the birds to fly at a lower altitude than normal, causing them to hit houses, vehicles, and trees.

Blackbirds have poor night vision and

typically don’t fly at night. At this time of year, blackbirds are in huge roosts

throughout the southeastern United States.

Around 500 birds were found next

A Red-winged Blackbird is nestled among the brush along the Lynch Reservior at the Lynch Canyon open spaces in Solano County, California. (Renee C. Byer/Sacramento Bee/MCT)

5

to a highway northwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana on January 3, 2011. The birds were sent to laboratories for testing, and the cause of death is still unknown.

X-rays of those birds found hemorrhaging consistent with traumatic death, and the birds apparently flew into stationary objects and power lines.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the birds showed evidence of trauma in the breast tissue, with blood clots in the body cavity and a lot of internal bleeding.

All major organs were normal.

Another cause of death could be by a lightening strike from a strong storm system in Arkansas earlier in the day on New Year’s Eve. Arkansas officials are investigating the death of an estimated 100,000 drum fish in the state’s northwest area, but the deaths are not related to the bird deaths.

There is still not a cause of death for fish that were washed ashore on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand.

Around 8,000 turtle doves in Italy died and all of the birds had a blue stain on their beaks when they hit the ground.

Power Balance Bracelet may be misleading Madison Borowitz

Power Balance Bracelets have become the latest athletic accessory after hitting stores in 2007. With the premire of the new merchandise, endorsement from celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Shaquille O` Neil, and David Beckam wearing them, contribute to the costly price of $30 per bracelet. According to the Californiabased company producing the bracelets, and now necklaces, and pendants as well, the embedded hologram in the center is designed to work with, and help stabilize, the natural energy flow of your body thus improving brain function, enhancing muscle response and improving balance.

The web site states, “When the Static Power Balance Hologram comes in contact with your body’s energy field it begins to resonation accordance with each individuals biology, creating a harmonic loop that optomizes your energy field and maintains energy flow while clearing the pathways so electrochemical exchange functions like the welltuned generators they were meant to be” In early January , however, the Accossiated Press released the company’s confession that there is no scientific proof of these claims. They have offered a refund to customers who feel they have been deceived. According to CBC news, The Austrailian Competiton and Consumer

Commission stepped in and discovered that the message there company was sending to buyers. Power Balance was forced them to remove claims that the bracelets would boost strength, balance and flexibility.

The balance demos used to convince people to buy the bracelets are the same ones that companies use to sell orthotic products such as ankle splints and braces.

Most athletes argue wearing one gives them a boost. Some professional athletes like Kobe Bryant and ad Kevin Durant are even sporting them on the court.

With the new disclosure as a threat to their sales, which reached $35 million in 2010, power balance is changing their marketing plan. A Representative for the company,

Adam Selwyn, stated, “Power Balance, for its part, doesn’t claim to have science on its side, instead depends on user approval.”

A certified athletic trainer, and the director at St. Vincent Sports Performance in Indianapolis, claims to see at least a third of his new and professional athletes wearing the bracelets.

Reiff also thinks that there may not be any physiological benefit from wearing them, but the benefit can be phycological.

New Zodiac sign shifts others in the star chart Amber Arnold

Parke Kunkle from the Minnesota Planetarium Society has proof that the Zodiac sign people have always identified themselves with is inaccurate. Instead of having 12 Zodiac signs, there are now 13.

The new sign is Ophiuchus. The changes in the Zodiac occured because of the changes to the constellations. There is a tilt of the earth’s axis as it revolves around the sun.Ophiuchus use to be counted between Scorpio and Sagittarius, but it was discarded by the Babylonians because they wanted 12 signs per year. People born between November 30th-December 17th are now under the new sign Ophiuchus. If you were an Aquarius, you are now a Capricorn.

Every sign just moved up one month.

The astrological chart created 3,000 year ago does not account for how the earth’s position has changed over thousands of years. The old chart is a series of symbols arranged in a wheel that creates a statement or series of statements.

The stars have how moved to a different position. According to BBC News, every 26,000 years the earth movies in a circle.

According to CNN, the sun doesn’t align with the constellations at the same time of the year that it did a millennia ago.

The new changes affect people born after or in the year 2009. Those born before 2009 reamin under the zodiac signs even if the changes are recognized by the international organization.

The new symbol for Ophiuchus is a man holding a snake and it symbolizes “Imhotep” of Egypt with the snake symbolizing the medicine. The snake is sometimes depicted wrapped around a staff. Someone was born under Ophiuchus, is said to be interested in wisdom and peace, have musical talents, and is likely to be a tax collector and wear plaid. The study shows that an Ophiuchus will live a good life and make a difference in the world.

Astrological signs are determined by the position of the sun on the day

on birth. The reason Ophiuchus was onginally by the Babylonians discarded was because its name is impossible to pronounce and because the sun has been spending its time in Ophiuchus’ sphere.

6

Blood Drive

Around Creek

7

Students Creek welcomes newest CLASS AP participate in Blood drive

a good kind of different” says Gonzalez Though Mr. Gonzales is an unfamiliar face at Creek, he has already made connections with the staff, and student body.

“I have seen Mr. Gonzalez in the cafeteria, and in the hallways when he opens the door for me. He is really nice and seems like a pretty cool AP”, commented sophomore Wildcat Justin Lane.

Although this is the last year for SLC`s, Gonzalez has plans to remain at Creek into the 2011-2012 school year. However his duties for the future are yet to be determined.

Mr. Gonzales has stated that he would like to one day become the head principal of a school.

Madi Borowitz

Jacob Mancini The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Blood Bank hosted a blood drive at Creek Friday, January 21.

Many people never realize how giving just a pint of blood can impact somebody’s life. The American Red Cross reports that every two seconds somebody in the United States needs a blood transfusion.

MD Anderson hosted the blood drive at Creek for cancer patients who are a part of that statistic. Those battling cancer often rely on lifesaving blood cells, platelets or plasma products that cannot be created for them; they must be donated.

Whether a patient needs blood because chemotherapy diminished their platelet supply, a child with leukemia needs blood transfusions, or a cancer survivor has an organ transplant and needs blood, there are many patients that are helped every time a student gives blood.

From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Creek students filed in and out of the donation buses to give blood. There were four buses total parked in the horseshoe.

The requirements for donating blood on the school campus are that students must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and have a picture I.D. The process for giving blood at Creek takes about an hour, depending on the number of students waiting to donate. Students wishing to donate must sign up during their lunch.

If students do not know their blood type, they will be tested before giving blood. All blood types are accepted and needed, as people will all blood types can have cancer.

During Creek’s blood drive in September of 2010, 235 students gave blood on site and 186 units of blood were collected to provide for cancer patients. That was the largest blood drive at Creek ever. In fact, of all of the high schools in the Houston

The start of the new year, and the second semester brings with it new Clear Creek staff, and a new Assistant Principal as well.

After Mr. Heochten retired in December 2010, Mr. Alex Gonzalez is filling his place as the Assistant Principal of the Health and Science Technology small learning community.

With a CCISD background as an assistant principal at League City Intermediate for more than 4 years, Mr. Gonzalez was prepared for the job, and claimed he was very excited to start working at CCHS. “I also taught summer school for 3 years”, Gonzalez mentioned, “and then I decided it was time for the full high school experience” Since the arrival of January, Mr. Gonzalez can now be seen in the Health and Science technology SLC (C200`s) and throughout the halls of creek working in his new position.

“Im loving it so far. Its very different than at League City Intermediate, but its really

Metropolitan area that MD Anderson hosts blood drives at, there are more students that donate blood at Clear Creek High School.

“High school students account for 30 percent of the blood given to MD Anderson. These high school students who donate their blood are very important because they are willing to come out, do what they think is right, and save lives,” Andrea Johnson, community representative (high schools), said.

At Creek’s latest blood drive, many students signed up for the blood drive.

T-shirts and snacks were given to those who donated their blood to boost their energy and thank them for their generosity.

“Giving blood is important because it truly benefits somebody’s life,” Robert Wergrzyn said.

“You were given enough blood to share with other people. That’s why I’ll give my blood every time I can. It’s the right thing to do,” Dane Chronister said.

“I love that we saved three lives,” Windy Wike, Taylor Dunn, and Andrea Arnoa.

“I’ve given blood three years in a row at Creek, so I guess I’ve saved nine lives,” Whitnie Parker said.

“If you can save lives, why not do it?” Brian Ottman said.

“I’m O positive and I can only donate to other people with O positive so I give as much as I can,” Danielle Vonrhienien said.

“I will definitely donate blood again because it makes me feel very good about myself knowing that somehow I’m saving someone’s life,” Jeannette Gonzolez said.

The next blood drive at Creek will be in fall 2011.

A student gives blood at the last blood drive.

Photo By: Shauna FererroDonahue Photo Illustration by: Hannah Brinsko

New assistant principle Alex Gonzalez

Photo By: Emily Cruz Photo Illustration by: Shannon O’Neil

Houston water radiation hits high Hannah Brinsko

An investigative report was recently published by the local news station KHOU over the high radiation levels in the Houston Area, which increase the risk of illnesses, particularly cancer. Although other major Texas cities such as Dallas, Beaumont, Austin, Fort Worth, and Arlington have consistently reported no trace of radiation in their water, Houston has had a problem that has escalated over recent years.

Houston water has high levels of alpha particle radiation. This typically comes from areas of groundwater with natural deposits of uranium or radium.

Many of Houston’s aquifers are located close to natural deposits of uranium.

Some cities in the Houston Area, such as Katy are served almost exclusively by groundwater from these aquifers.

The Harris County Municipal Utility District has tested waters in Houston for radiation for over thirty years. Houston has consistently had a significant amount of alpha particles in the tap water, but the water has been close to the legal limit for alpha particles in the most recent years. Some areas have broken the legal limit, but the city average has remained within the boundaries. The legal limit is fifteen pico curies, a measurement for radiation, per liter of water for alpha particles. If the city reaches above that level the Environmental Protection Agency will step in to aid the situation.

In 2009, Houston city officers sent out a letter to all residents reporting the high radiation levels in their tap water, however the situation was not an emergency.

The letter stated people did not need to seek out an alternative water source.

Although Houston’s water is within the legal limit, Dr. David Ozonoff, an environmental health professor and chair emeritus of the Boston University School

of Public Health, says drinking any alpha particles raises a personís risk for health problems such as cancer, even if the amount is far below the federal limit. There is little chance of disease, but every bit is a potential trigger. Drinking the alpha particles is particularly dangerous because the water goes to organs, which can damage DNA. After KHOU released this information, the Houston City Council Water Committee met, debating on how to inform residents of their water condition, and whether the state or local government should handle the water radiation problem.

Council member Jolanda Jones stated that though the city still meets water standards is close to the limits, and members of higher rated neighborhoods should be informed of their water’s radiation. The Chasewood neighborhood in Houston that has repeatedly tested over the legal limit for alpha particles. Further discussion of advancing beyond EPA standards for notifying citizens of water radiation has been added to the next meeting’s agenda.

Some Council members, including Brenda Stardig of Spring Branch, thought it was the federal governmentís responsibility to regulate the water, and so the problem should no longer take up the cityís time. Other members countered that because the city provided the water, they should be the ones to take action.

“Water should be handled by the state, because the federal government has more important things to handle than water of the fifty states,” said sophomore Shawn Ling.

Some progress has been made in alleviating the alpha particle radiation.

Two radioactive groundwater wells have been turned off, one in Spring Branch and Jersey Village, however the most radioactive wells are still in use.

8

Ad

Features Prince William proposes to Kate Middleton Madison Williams After on and off dating for eight years Kate Middleton and Prince William have recently announced their engagement via twitter to the world. The wedding date is set for April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s story is a modern day fairy tale.

Middleton is the daughter of a selfmade millionaire. Her father worked for an airline and her mother was a flight attendant before starting a mail-order business specializing in children’s parties, which is run from their farm in southern England.

Prince William and Kate met at St. Andrews University in 2001 when both of them first enrolled at the school. They lived in shared housing together and quickly became friends. Prince William discovered that Kate was a friend that he could lean on and confide in. She even discouraged him from dropping out of St. Andrews at one point, saving the royal family from scandal.

It is rumored that Prince William finally started looking at Kate in a romantic light after a fashion show for charity where she was one of the models. By 2004 the couple was officially “dating” after being seen kissing on the ski slopes of Switzerland.

According to The Today Show, the wedding will draw the most viewers on TV for the entire year. Over 2,000 people are expected to be in attendance for the marriage ceremony, including their close personal friends, aristocracy, and

a few people who will win invitations to the event in a lottery system.

Prince William proposed to Kate in Africa. He gave her the wedding ring that his mother, Princess Diana, once wore. The ring is an 18-carat sapphire and diamond oval. CBS N e w s reports that when Prince William was asked why he chose this ring, he said, “This was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.”

Prince William and Kate have even chosen to have their wedding at Westminster Abbey where Princess Diana’s funeral was held after her tragic death in 1997.

Breaking from tradition, Kate has chosen not to use the glass carriage for her transportation during the wedding procession to the church. Instead, she has opted for a car but will use the glass carriage on the way to the palace.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds

Verizon to get iPhone Madi Borowitz

On Tuesday, January 11 Verizon announced their alliance with Apple. While AT&T was the only choice for iPhone consumers, things will change on Febuary 10 when Verizon releases thier new version of the iPhone 4. Verizon users can order the new iPhone 4 online starting on F e b u a r y.

CEO of Verizon, L o w e l l McAdam, revealed the news as he accompanied Apple COO Tim Cook on the stage at a press confrence at Jazz at Lincoln center in New York City. Joining them onstage was Dan Mead, CEO of Verizon Wireless, encouraging consumers that use the new iPhone 4 that they will have an “absolutely terrific” experience.

McAdam also admitted that they started to discussion on the iPhone in 2008.

“This is just the beginning of a great relationship between Verizon and Apple,” stated Tim Cook, according to USA Today.

The flip-side to the good news is that there are slight modifications to Verizons version the iPhone 4. It will have a 3G network, Modifications in the design in the iPhone would be required to support 4G. Although the network won`t be 4G, Verizon’s iPhone 4 will have personal

hotspot capabilities that will enable it to share its 3G network with as many as five neighboring WiFi accessories.

Prices for the iPhone will not change. A two year service plan with a 16GB iPhone will continue to be priced at $199.99 and a 32GB i P h o n e will still be $299.99.

AT&T is bracing for the new competition and is going to drop its prices for the device, bt ATT&T will continue its penalty fees.

The competiton might not remain between Verizon and AT&T. The iPhone may be available from Sprint as well.

Tim Bajarin, president of the anylist firm Creative Strategies predicts that with Verizon stepping into the scene it will “double Apples iPhone sales in the U.S.”

Verizon Wireless President and CEO Dan Mead was onstage in New York City for the announcement that his company and Apple have teamed up to deliver the iPhone 4 on Verizon. (Joe Vericker/Verizon/MCT)

will head back to the royal palace and share a kiss on the balcony in the same spot as Prince Charles and his wife Princess Diana.

Then they will attend a lavish dinner and dance that Prince Charles is throwing for his son. This party will consist of their 300 closest friends and creates a dilemma on just who to invite. A famous guest singer will also be brought in but a name has yet to be released.

The following morning, the Queen will host the traditional wedding

9

breakfast with a few close family friends and government officials.

The location of the honeymoon has not been disclosed but it has been confirmed it will be out of the public eye and somewhere remote.

KRT FOOD STORY SLUGGED: WEDDINGWEAR KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID WOO/DALLAS MORNING NEWS (KRT107-May 20) Jewelers report that many new brides are opting for a single wedding band instead of the traditional two rings. (From left), a 1920’s estate ring with diamond baguettes, $7,300, and a pair of Michael Beaudry heirloominspired rings with princess-cut diamonds, $4,350 and $6,850; all from William Noble Rare Jewels in Dallas. (DA) PL (jak72141) 1998 (COLOR) NO MAGS, NO SALES

Classic book censored Kaitlyn Blake

will choose to ban Huck Finn, South The latest controversy in the “book Books Publishing Company is going to world” is whether or not The Adventures release an updated version of the 1885 of Huckleberry Finn should be censored. novel. South Books will also be updating Written by the classic author Mark Twain in Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

1885, Huckleberry Finn is considered one These books have been updated by Alan of the greatest and first American novels. Gribben, a Twain scholar at Auburn Twain’s novel is about a young boy in University. The updated versions will have the 1830s who travels down a river with the word “slave” in place of any racially a runaway slave. Huck is running away d e g r a d i n g or offensive word. The book is scheduled from home by traveling to be released down the Mississippi next month, and River with Jim, who is only 7,500 copies also running away. His of the book journey down the river will be printed on a raft is literally his in its first run. journey of unlearning If parents are his racism and becoming concerned about more independent their children from his family. reading Huck It is understandable Finn because that parents and of the racism, guardians would not want censoring a few their children exposed words in a novel to the high amount of isn’t going to racism present in Huck change the theme Finn. However, even of the book. though The Adventures Huck Finn is a of Huckleberry Finn is piece of history. politically incorrect and The words and has many racial slurs, to references used censor the novel would in Huck Finn be like censoring one reiterate the way of Michelangelo’s people in the 1830s masterpieces. Without the Copy of the Adventures of spoke. It was the racism present in the novel, Huckleberry Finn culture of the times, the growth of Huck Finn Photo by Mary Veedell and it seems degrading throughout the novel would Photo illustration by to change the way that be greatly minimized.

Twain was portraying Because of public Shannon O’ Neil his characters. attention and conflict, the Huck Finn is New York City Board of Education removed Huck Finn from an endearing story about a young boy elementary and junior high reading lists who begins to grow up and learns not and curriculums in 1957. Other books to be racist. The story teaches readers a that parents are concerned about are valuable lesson about America’s history The Catcher in the Rye, Roll of Thunder and culture, as well as valuable lessons Hear My Cry, The Giver, The Chocolate about morals and how to live their lives.

War, and the Harry Potter series.

Regardless of whether or not schools

12

Creek Speaks

Pdiddy releases album Derek Gay In an attempt to re-kindle his lost music career, Pdiddy has created a new musical work he calls Diddy-Dirty Money. Though most fans have awaited the arrival of his newest album, Last Train to Paris, they will most likely be strongly disappointed with the result of this new project.

Though Diddy and his crew produced a full 18 tracks, 16 of which will probably never be heard by anyone with a decent sense for music, and the other two will only be heard unwillingly on the radio.

The first song I listened to on this album was Strobe lights because this song features Lil Wayne. Its hard to go wrong when an artist features another artist with a music career as highly developed as Lil Wayne’s career. The song doesn’t have any qualities that makes it irresistible to the listener, but it is listenable.

The next song I randomly selected was Looking for Love. The song has driving

deep bass that stays consistent for the majority of the song with little variation.

Like the majority of the sons on this album it features one or more well established artists. This particular song features usher, and sounds like any other hip-hop song would. It doesn’t give the listener any reason to listen to it. It doesn’t sound like it was produced by a musical genius.

Yesterday, featuring Chris Brown, has a sound and mood comparable to R&B music such as Beyonce. It is one of the slower songs on the album, and has the potential to lull the listener to sleep.

Diddy brings in all the stars he can for Shades. It features Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake, and James Fauntleroy. It has the same effect as a movie that stars as many big names as it can handle. Usually the trailer looks decent, but the movie leaves the viewers disappointed considering the amount of talent involved in the production. This track had the same effect.

Angels was one of the first singles

released by Diddy before the album released. This song features Rick Ross, but it should star him considering the time he takes up for the track. Pdiddy only comes into the track for approximately a minute and a half for this four minute track while Ross show cases his musical talent.

Hello Good Morning features T.I., and it is one of the more enjoyable songs on the album. It keeps a fast beat through out the song and offers good fast paced lyrics rapping throughout most of the track.

Near the end of the song, it does a complete u turn passing the microphone to Pdiddy where he makes his second appearance in the song. This is a good way to change the sound of the entire track. The entire album should have taken the creativity from this track and applied it to all of the songs.

most likely going to become my new favorite burger place. I liked the small menu because it was really easy to read and the food came out fast. My only complaint is that it was too small.”

The restaurant is a small one roomed schoolhouse looking place that is always bustling with new customers. Diners should expect a short wait when you go but it is well worth it. The staff is

friendly but a little frazzled as they lead you to your table and take your drink order.

The inside of the restaurant is quaint with its wood paneling and homemade furniture. The quarters are a little tight as diners weave in between the tables heading towards the one available table.

The menu layout is simple and easy to read. There are plenty off choices but not too overwhelming. The menu

Diddy Dirty Money’s new album features new songs including Coming Home featuring Skylar Gray.

Photo courtesy of: gomoxie. org

New restaurant Stomp’s receives great review Madison Williams Keeping the spirit of Tookies alive and well the former Tookies’ chef has taken up residence at a new restaurant right off FM 146 in Baycliff, Stomp’s. The chef uses the same recipes and makes the burgers exactly like Tookies use to. Their coveted wine marinade is still used and keeps Tookies’ faithful customers coming back every time.

After Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston coastline in 2008 businesses are still struggling to reopen. Tookies was inundated with six feet of water during the storm. All of the damage caused by Hurricane Ike totaled about 15 billion.

According to b-4youeat.com FM146 is due for expansion and Tookies would have lost their property even if they had reopened.

Junior from Clear Creek High School, Bobby Miller talks about his experience at Stomp’s. “I thought the food was very good, and it is

includes many of Tookies’ coveted burgers.

The burgers are not overly expensive but it is not cheap either. The fries and drinks are separate so even though the $5 burgers look cheap the price of the meal can quickly add up.

The food came out quickly, hot and steaming. The food was delicious but our waitress forgot about us in the hustle and bustle of the lunch rush. It is so crowded that diners may feel rushed to eat sometimes so that another family can have the table.

The bill is laid on the table well before we were done so that we were able to leave at our convenience and pay at the old fashion cash register at the front. Overall, Stomp’s is a family friendly place that allows diners to enjoy an old fashion burger and support an up and coming local business.

Stomp’s is a new burger joint.

Photo By: Tianah Brewer Photo Illustration By: Ashley Farmer

Creek Speaks

13

Apple applications renewed for the new year Jacob Mancini

Recently, Apple rolled out iLife ’11, the company’s latest version of classic applications such as iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, and the Mac App Store. iPhoto is a Mac program that organizes and helps share digital pictures. iPhoto uses what Apple calls Fces, Places, and Events to organize pictures. Faces sorts a photo library by the people in the pictures.

Using facial detection and recognition technologies, Faces can pick faces out of an action shot or from the background. The groups of pictures for individuals’ faces can be viewed on a clipboard in iPhoto.

Places sorts a photo library by plotting the location where pictures were taken on a Google map. This feature of iPhoto is

made possible by GPS-enabled iPhones and cameras but locations can be inserted into Places manually as well. iPhoto

automatically organizes all the photos in a library into Events.

When pictures are imported, they are separated by the day they were taken. The Events can be combined or further refined by click-and-drag.

New features for iPhoto as a part of iLife ’11 include a full-screen mode, Facebook enhancements, new slideshows, and improved ways to publish pictures by albums and letterpress cards. iMovie has been a standard video-editing application on Macs for years. Similar to other editing tools, iMovie uses templates, transitions, music, titles, and more to create original films. It also stores and organizes all the videos and clips on the computer. iLife ’11 has movie trailers, new audioediting, one-step effects, People Finder, and improved ways to share publications.

The one-step effects make it easier to add instant replays and slow motion or fast motion clips into the video. People Finder identifies the parts with people in them and tells you how many are in each scene. It helps keep up with all of the cast.

GarageBand is a Mac application that serves as a recording studio and the software to write music, mix tracks, edit songs, create ringtones, and produce masterpieces.

New in GarageBand as a part of iLife ’11 are Flex Time, Groove Matching, new guitar amp and stompbox effects, and new music lessons for piano and guitar. Flex Time and Groove Matching aid in tightening the timing of a song and smoothing out the tone of multiple instruments playing at once. GarageBand is designed to accommodate musicians in their composition and learning journey.

Launched on January 6, 2011, the Mac App Store is a part of Apple’s next operation system, Mac OSX Lion. The store is making over 1000 computer apps available for download. Apps such as Pages, Bejeweled 3, Angry Birds, and Aperture are all available.

The idea for the Mac App Store was founded on the innovation of iPad and iPhone, where a screen containing apps is the desktop. In OSX Lion, Launchpad will be the screen that holds Mac store applications while the desktop remains intact for its original use.

Photos courtesy of: apple.com Photo Illustration By: Ashley Farmer

Paramore splits and shocks fans worldwide Emily Cruz

In 2004, famous alternative rock band Paramore was created by three local teenagers from Franklin, Tennessee. It all began when sixteen year old front woman Hayley Nichole Williams moved to the Nashville suburb and met up with the Farro brothers, Josh (lead guitarist) and Zac (drummer). Eventually, Taylor York (guitarist) and Jeremy Davis (bassist) also joined on and their popularity increased when they started playing for the local public. By April of 2005, they became signed by CEO and co-founder of the music label Fueled By Ramen, John Janick. It didn’t take long before Paramore was nominated for their first break out album All We Know Is Falling, which was released later that summer.

As the years went by, Paramore only grew more and more famous around the nation. Especially when the group went on a nonstop touring spree in 2006 (Warped Tour). The band never slowed their roll. In 2007 they released their sophomore album RIOT! which sold nearly forty-five thousand copies in the United States. Going Platinum in the United States and the United Kingdom, the band became so called industry darlings, and became famous for

nearly all of their singles such as Misery Business, Crushcrushcrush, That’s What You Get, Pressure, Emergency, and many more. Although struggling with fame and rumors that the group was breaking up, Paramore took the time to contribute two songs for the 2008 movie soundtrack of Twilight, featuring Kristen Stewart (Speak,

with sales of one hundred seventy-five thousand copies, beating Mariah Carey’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. In the next year, the band teamed up with Honda Civic and went throughout North America on the Honda Civic Tour 2010, in order to establish a more “Going Green” effect.

Slowly but surely, all good things must come to an end. I n

the last few Catch That Kid, Photo By: Tianah Brewer months of The Cake Eaters) as a teenage girl who Photo Illustration By: Ashley Farmer 2010, the Farro brothers made risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire. Their quite a scene when posting a blog that single, Decode made Top 40 and soon af- stunned the rest of the group, and its fans.

“A manufactured product” is what ter that the group presented their live album which was entitiled as The Final Riot! twenty-three year old Josh Farro described By 2009, the group issued their latest Williams and the music group Paramore. and most famous album, Brand New Eyes. Josh Farro expressed his beliefs of WilThe album contained the group’s most liams on his blog (joshfarro.blogspot. powerful lyrics and Williams powerhouse com) on Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 vocals. The album debuted at number two titling it “Josh and Zac’s Exit Statement”.

He begins the blog entry by apologizing to his fans. Josh later then tells of how Williams and the manager would work alone, before meeting with the rest of the group. Eventually she began writing lyrics that sent a negative message and was against the Farro brothers’ religion.

“After a lot a prayer and counsel Zac and I came to the decision that it was time to leave the band. We truly feel that God is leading us elsewhere and is going to do great things with us. The intention of this statement was not to belittle or disgrace the rest of the band, it was simply to clarify our decision for leaving and our desire to finally tell you guys the truth” states Josh Farro, a former member of Paramore.

“The three of us are still here, we’re not going anywhere. We will definitely release songs [in 2011]. who knows if a full album will come out of it?

We definitely want to put stuff out for our fans to come party with us,” says Williams.

The remaining band members discuss of how much of a shock and devastation it was to read the Farro brothers’ “Exit Statement”. Yet even though Farro’s words were not meant to disgrace the band, “manufactured” struck the group in a negative manner.

14

Ad

Ad

15

16

Teen Interest

Green Hornet proves disappointing to viewers Valerie Hellinghausen While the dreaded weekend after the Christmas holiday has passed for movie theatres, the opening of The Green Hornet has done little to satisfy this viewer. The film may have scored a lot of “green” over its opening weekend starting on January 14 bringing in a projected $40 million, but it failed to fully capture a diverse range of audience members.

Despite its opportunic opening over the three-day MLK holiday weekend, it appeared to be more of a waste of time and money.

The Green Hornet was originally a radio serial from 1936 and was followed up by a TV show in the 1960s along with comic books. These were a hit, but the movie fell short. In The Green Hornet, Seth Rogen stars as Britt Reid, a filthy rich party-boy whose lavish lifestyle and a boyhood memories of his father have kept him from caring about anything but girls and a good cup of coffee.

After the sudden death of his father, the owner of the Daily Sentinel newspaper, Britt becomes closer to one of his father’s workers, Kato. While Kato can make the best cup of coffee, his other talent that makes him a “human Swiss Army knife” seems to mask those of the clumsy, comical Britt.

After a night out in the movie’s most prized gadget, Black Beauty, the two come across a chance to save the

changes up the typical boy mantra we have seen silver screen throughout the Marvel comeback.

While is said to hold similarities to its predecessor, The Green Hornet, Gondry and Rogen have devised a new plan to take over how the superhero saves the day, and the role a superhero’s partner plays.

The movie, however, despite its new quirks, has failed to save itself in terms of an enjoyable experience. Seth Rogen scored several laughs, but his self-written lines for the character of Britt Reid were not familiar, but it has provided the instantly funny despite his other audience with several new, refreshing twists. appearances in comedy movies. His Seth Rogen and Michael Gondry partner, however, managed to earn claim that they worked to add depth to several smiles from his lack of the the classic superhero story that English language, and his brilliant moves audience has yet to see. In The as well as several amusing lines.

The Green Hornet, the film addresses the Green Hornet was a predictable slapstick, strong bond between a superhero and his partner, as well as the importance crude comedy movie. For those going in, there was no of keeping a cover not only trouble picking to the citizens but to their enemies as well. Photo of Seth Rogen in the apart the clichéd The undesirable and Green Hornet courtesy of story line. The characters, while unpredictable nature MCT Campus attempting to of Reid’s character day, and from there they decide to create a venture to stop crime in Los Angeles by posing as villains as a cover to a network of gangs. The story line may sound nauseatingly

also wonder on the entire Batman

provide a new face for the role of hero, villain, and sidekick, failed to fill the shoes of those required roles and go beyond it with a new angle.

Kato, Britt Reid’s trusted sidekick, played by Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou saved the show in his first American debut more so than Britt Reid. This twist was not, however, as groan-inducing as the villain, who somehow managed to take over all of Los Angeles’ crime without being terrifying. While Chudnofsky’s (Christoph Waltz) double barreled gun and multiple goons were intimidating, it left more to be desired. His catch phrase “Am I not scary?” added comic relief to the overused villain role, but didn’t give off enough edge to provide the movie with a believable villain. He would have made Don Vito Corleone of The Godfather embarrassed to call him a mafia leader.

As for the rest of the film’s aspects, there was little to applaud.

The fight scenes, tedious meaningless dialogue and 3D visuals would have made even an avid comic book fan yawn. Superhero movies may continue to be made, but it’s safe to say the Green Hornet is one hero that can hang up his cape, and fade into the background as others save the day and its audience from this humdrum performance.

Teen Interest

17

Allstar Weekend heads for a change of scene Shannon O`Neil

Allstar Weekend is a new and upcoming band with fantastic talent and great potential. The journalism department was lucky enough to have an opportunity to interview the members of Allstar Weekend. Guitarist Nathan Darmody and bassist Cameron Quiseng were personable and excited to talk to all the students participating in the group interview. However, management was not as personable. The interview was late and rushed which caused stress on all the interviewers, but the concert soon made up for the disappointment.

Throughout the interview Darmody and Quiseng were questioned about numerous things ranging from their favorite candy to where they want to be in ten years. All members of Allstar Weekend are around the age of twenty and in one of their songs Catching Up To Do, the group explains how they want to live their life to the fullest while they can. Like most teenage boys, girls are always on their mind.

Quiseng believes if he were not in Allstar Weekend he would be a teacher, while Darmody could

see

himself being a psychiatrist.

Allstar weekend is all about having fun and enjoying their ride as long as they can. Dance Forever, also Darmody and Quiseng’s favorite song to perform, embodies the bands message. Another song that holds this similar message about being young is The Weekend, which gives the

ultimate teenage mentality, enjoying the weekend.

Allstar Weekend tries to meet all their fans, knowing that they are who has gotten them this far. Allstar Weekend visits schools and stays after their shows to meet as many fans as they can.

When Allstar Weekend took the

Tourist couple unique Ashley Farmer The Tourist, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, premiered December 10, 2010. Despite its star cast, the movie did not do as well as expected, ranking second during premier weekend, behind The Chronicles of Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3D. The movie faced many negative reviews from critics, but certainly had its positive aspects. Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp make a dazzling, although slightly awkward pair in The Tourist.

Johnny Depp plays Frank, a tourist from America, on his way to Italy while Jolie plays Elise, a woman using Frank to make her way back to a man she was once in love with, who is now being hunted by French and American authorities. Frank and Elise’s first encounter consists of a lengthy scene in a train car during which the characters get to know one another and engage in playful coquetry. Their meeting seems to be random, but Elise has purposefully chosen Frank out of the crowd. Frank views his mysterious meeting with this beautiful woman on the train as intriguing, like something out of a spy novel. Elise perceives this characteristic romanticism and uses to her advantage. She takes advantage of her time on the train, using it to build his interest, and ensure he will part from her with many questions and thoughts of their meeting.

Through his performance in this endearing, although not very engaging, role of Frank, Johnny Depp seems to break the mold of his previous characters.

Frank is sensitive and caring and would do anything to protect his romantic interest and leading lady, Elise. As we dwelve further into analysis of the character, however, we see that Frank shares Depp’s signiture characteristics. Frank exhibits the quirky humor and many of the mannerisms that are distinctive to Depp, such as his way of running, which can be seen in all of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the rooftop scenes in The Tourist. Towards the end, however, some trickery and deception help to liven Depp’s character and provide excitement.

Angelina Jolie plays a character common to those stashed in her repertoire.

Elise is bold and demanding, many times taking control of situations and does not like to be ordered around. In many of her encounters with Frank, she is controlling and manipulative. Although she is following the orders of an unseen character in the movie, Elise gives the allusion of being in power and obeying at her own will. She is, as Jolie always is, torn between two circumstances, these two being two romantic interests. Her relationship with Frank is developing, but she is still caught up in feelings for her previous love.

Although Jolie and Depp had little chemistry on set and the predictable plot was lacking much of the action and suspense movie-goers today crave, the two actors made a unique pair and the movie was interesting to watch. The extras in the movie were used to adequately enhance the intrigue of the characters and the movie had a nice blend of romance and humor.

stage, the group transformed from four young adults to true musicians whose passion flowed from the speakers. The concert started of with an up-tempo song A Different Side of Me. Lead singer Zach Porter stole the stage with his incredible live vocal range and energy that pumped up the entire crowed. Drummer Michael Martinez is behind all the action providing a

steady rhythm for each slow and fast song.

The group preformed many of the songs off their album including a crowd favorite, Dance Forever. Darmody wrote Dance Forever when he was just 16 and the band has enjoyed watching the song grow into a favorite of young and old.

Hey Princess describes a teenage love with fairytale metaphors. It is one of the more heartfelt songs within the album with good music behind the lyrics.

Come Down With Love is a pop song

that is all about that feeling teenagers have when falling in love. It is a catchy tune that also portrays a true feeling.

Clock Runs Out helps release that anger felt in a break up. It is one of those songs that everyone has someone they would like to sing it to. There is softer side of the album with Journey To The End Of My Life, which is about looking into the future wondering how everything will turn out.

A lot of young people can relate to this song.

Everyone wants to know what tomorrow will bring and especially how their life will pan out. In concert this song was played acoustically with the entire group adding different harmonies to the song, transforming the song into another masterpiece.

A l l s t a r Weekend has produced a fantastic 11-track album showing their f u n , vulnerable, and artistic sides. With this album Allstar Weekend can turn from just a small group of guys from Disney Channel to full blown pop stars in the entire music industry.

Allstar Weekend performing onstage at the House of Blues

Photo taken by Shannon O`Neil

Pets of the Month!

Charmer

Gender: Male- neutered Age: about 9 months old Black coat w/ pretty green eyes Charmer was found in May 2010 as a kitten with his t wo siblings that were quickly adopted from the shelter. He is very friendly and “charming,” and needs a good home!

Chelsea

Gender: Female Age: estimated 5-6 years old Breed: Choclate lab mix Chelsea loves to play and is full of energy and has a big heart. She even knows how to sit! She has been at the shelter since November 3rd and would love to have a family!

PLEASE ADOPT US TODAY! Where can you adopt these animals?

League City Animal Shelter 821 North Kansas Street League City TX 77573

How much are the adoption fees? $75 includes: * Spay/Nueter * Rabies Shot *Microchip

Come check them out, as well as other animals! you can also check them out on www.leaguecityanimalshelter.com

18

Sports

Creek’s athletes of the month January 2011

Tre Webb Boy Athlete of the Month Photo taken by Mary Veedell

Jacob Arredondo

Jacob Arredondo

Tre Webb is a 6’4’’ forward for Creek’s Mens’ Varsity Basketball Team. He has been one of the main scoring threats, defensive players, and unselfish leader of the team. From his junior year, Webb has improved in points per game, rebounds per game, steals per game and blocks per game. He also leads in team in those four categories averaging 14.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks.

Webb has had 12 doubledoubles through out the season, leading the district.

With six more games in district play, Webb’s presence on the team gives Creek a great chance to make another district champion run and winning a playoff game in the post season.

Brentney Branch is a sophomore point guard has been in the headlines during the off-season, impressing many scouts with her young talent. Branch leads Creek’s Womens’ Varsity Basketball team with 17.8 points per game, along with 3 steals per game. Branch was a key part of last year’s district champion team and brings experience to a basketball team with young players.

Branch has scored at least twenty points, six times this season, along with two 33-point games. When not playing for Creek, Branch plays for the Cy-Fair Texans, the largest girl’s basketball program in Texas.

Brentney Branch Girl Athlete of the Month Photo taken by Mary Veedell

Wrestling prepares for the district tournament

Jacob Arredondo

With a week left until the district meet, the Clear Creek Wildcats wrestling team is preparing for another chance to be district champions. The wrestling team acquired a new coach this year, former assistant coach Chris Billot. Creek is also bringing back 7 varsity wrestlers, including Hayley Mitchell, a three-time state qualifier, and regional qualifiers, John Batterson and Austin Mata.

At last year’s district meet, the Clear Creek boys took forth place with 140 points. The girls team took second. It was the first time that neither team took first place in district, and the captains of this year’s team are working so it won’t happen again.

This year’s captains include senior Troy Paylow, who is a 152-pound wrestler, John Batterson, who is the 130-pound wrestler, and Hayley Mitchell who is the captain for the girls. Paylow is a three-year letterman and is currently seeded second in the district at his weight class. This season he has a record of 29 wins and 10 losses and an overall record of 7826. His role as a captain isn’t just a title to him; he strives to help out younger and inexperience wrestlers by coaching them with enthusiasm and precision.

“This year has been a transition, not only losing our coach but also losing all of

our seniors. This year our team is young, and I want to help them out by preparing them for next year, while becoming better myself,” said Paylow .

Batterson is also a three-year letterman, making it his freshmen year at the 103-weight class, the lightest in the 15 different weight classes.

Batterson wants to live up to his role as captain; he is the first nonsenior to ever be named a captain in Creek’s wrestling history. “We are all working hard to reach our goal as district champions,” said Batterson, who was also on the second place team.

Batterson is no stranger to wrestling success, as he w a s

on the last boy’s team to win second place at the district tournament. “My goal is going to be tough; I want to make it to state,” said Batterson. With only the top two in each district

guaranteed a spot at the regional meet, it’s a challenge for every wrestler in the district. Batterson is also seeded second in his weight class at the district level.

The team is at a record of 8-10 in team

duals, wrestling teams all around Houston and the district. Along with team duals against other schools, Creek has sent their wrestlers to tournaments to prepare for the district meet.

The largest tournament that the Wildcats participated in was at the Cy-Fair

Invitational.

It hosted over 125 boy and girls teams in two 12-hour days. Three Creek wrestlers advanced to the second day, Batterson went 6-2, Paylow went 5-2, and senior 145-pound wrestler Adrian DeLoach went 4-2.

Creek also participated in the Woodshed Team Duals at Brazoswood High School.

This was an important tournament that seeded all the wrestlers because it featured 9 of the 12 teams in District 24. Creek placed fourth at the tournament, finishing the day at 3-1.

Photos By Tianah Brewer Photo Illustrations by Shannon O’Neil and Kaitlyn Blake

Sports

19

Clear Creek wins Brook game at buzzer 64-63 Jacob Arredondo The boys’ basketball team was invited to play in the Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tennessee. But before they could participate in the tournament, Creek had to play their first district opponent of the season, the Dickinson Gators. Creek only had a three point lead in the first half of the game, but ended up beating the Gators, 7262. Dustin Hobaugh led Clear Creek, dropping 21 points on Dickinson. Tre Webb contributed to the Creek win with 18 points and lead with 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 4 assists. Four Creek players scored in double figures, while limiting the Gator’s percentage of field goals to 39% and forcing 14 turnovers. This pushed the Creek record to 10-4 and was the perfect warm-up before playing in an international tournament.

The Arby’s Classic featured teams from Germany, the Bahamas, the Georgia 3-A state champion and a team from Alaska. Creek started the tournament off on the right foot by defeating the tournament hosts, Tennessee High School, 5741. Senior Ian Hill led all scorers, scoring 24 points for the Wildcats while going 73% from the field, and going 6 for 9 beyond the arc. Hill also had 5 steals, 4 assists and 2 rebounds for the Wildcats. Webb also put up a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds, he also added to the win with 2 blocks, and 3 assists.

After the win, Creek took on Urspring from Ulm, Germany. Despite the 20-point performance by Hobaugh, the

Wildcats lost to the German squad 5144. This gave Creek a 1-1 record for the tournament, sending them to the consolation round, making the Wildcats fight for survival. The Wildcats then played against the Huss Huskies form Gastonia, North Carolina in a do-or-die game. Webb has a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but it didn’t get the Wildcats the win over Huss. Creek lost the game 52-39 and were eliminated from the tournament.

After the tournament, Creek got back on the path of making its second straight playoff appearance for 24-5A. Creek played Clear Brook in its first game back in district play. A back in forth game was settled in the final seconds when junior guard, Dion Lewis, scored a game winning shot to give Creek the victory 64-63. Hobaugh led the Creek scorers with 20 points, and also had 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

Webb scored 16 points and grabbed 8 boards in the win. Creek then played Brazoswood and out lasted the Buccaneers to a final of 68-59.

Hobaugh had another great game, scoring 30 points, hitting 4 three pointers and dishing out 2 assists. Webb scored 16 points and

had 9 rebounds, while Kendrick Whitaker led the team with 5 assists. Against Pearland, Creek controlled the entire game forcing 12 turnovers, cruising to a 57-42 win.

Hill led Creek with 14 points, shooting 80% from the field. Against the Alvin Yellowjackets, Creek controlled the majority of the game and beat the Yellowjackets 6831. Every player scored at least once, with Devin Caskey leading Creek with 11 points.

Creek played a big game against district rival, Clear Springs. Both teams were undefeated in district play, with the winner gaining sole possession of first place in the district. The Creek defense controlled Springs through out the game, setting the tempo, and forcing turnovers. Webb had another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Hobaugh led all scorers with 17 points.

The Lady Wildcats used the Clear Creek ISD Peggy Whitley Classic as their tune-up for the upcoming district games. Creek dropped its first game against Fort Bend Elkins 42-36. Sophomore’s Brentney Branch and Taylor Longley combined for 30 points, 9 steals, and 8 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to get by the Knights. The Lady Wildcats bounced back in their next game beating Beaumont West Brook 53 to 48. Branch had 20 points in the win along with 13 points from senior Callie Parsley.

Creek then took on Clear Lake consolation semi-finals; Branch’s 18 points gave the Lady Wildcats the win, 51-47. The win earned Creek in the third place game in the consolation finals. Creek took on another district opponent, Clear Brook, and beat the Lady Wolverines 59-45. Creek forced 11 turnovers against Brook, along with 19 points from Branch. The win put Creek in third place at the tournament.

In district play, Creek lost its first game against district rival Clear Lake by a score of 39-34. Since the first lost in district, the girls went on a four game winning streak against Dickinson, Clear Brook, Brazoswood and Pearland. Branch scored 18 points in the 50-42 win over Dickinson. Amber Harris grabbed 9 boards with 2 points in the 49-37 win over Brook. The Lady Wildcats used their suffocating defense against Brazoswood to limit them to only 27 points in their 47-27 win.

Against Pearland, Creek had a dominating third quarter to keep the game out of reach. Creek won the game 62-44 with a game against 1st place Clear Springs looming. The Lady Wildcats were down early in the game, but with a big third quarter, Creek was back in the game.

With the score tied at 54 all, Springs hit a three pointer with six seconds left on the clock. The bucket gave Springs the win and put Creek third place in district.

Photos by Gaby Renwall Photo Illustrations by Shannon O’Neil and Kaitlyn Blake

Creek swimming starts regionals for 2011 Hannah Brinsko The Clear Creek Swim teams finished strong January 10 in their last home meet of the season. The girl’s varsity team defeated Baytown Sterling 170-121 and the boy’s varsity also won 146-130.

Several members of the girl’s team excelled during the meet. Senior Traci Williams placed first in the 200 meter freestyle with a time of 2:11.76. Junior Helena Terrell won first place in the 100 meter freestyle with a time of 1:03.24. These two girls along with Junior Olivia Zinobile placed first in the 400 meter freestyle relay with a time of 4:21.19. Additionally Olivia Todd took first in the 100 meter breaststroke, clocking in at 1:18.76.

Peter Silkowski represented the boy’s varsity team well, placing first in the 100 meter backstroke with a time of 1:00.80 and in the 200 meter freestyle with a time of 1:55.70.

In diving Samantha Lera took first place in female diving scoring 193.8 while Brandon Casey placed first

in male diving with a score of 88.15.

All members of the swim team are also on water polo. Last year the girl’s team took fourth at state, while the boy’s team narrowly lost to Clear Lake for the state title. Currently, water polo is in off season, but will be restarting in February. Many swimmers consider water polo to be much more enjoyable than swim team. Many

believe water polo puts a plot and purpose into swimming, but at a risk, as many players have been injured in the past due to water polo. Many swimmers are awaiting the thrill of the game, and the traditional team trips to Freebirds after a meet.

“I think swimming is a lot harder than most other sports because you can’t miss a single day,” said Megan Todd,

who lettered last year as a freshman on varsity, “I like swimming because it helps me stay active, and build character.

Swim is not just a sport but a way of life.”

The Baytown meet was also Senior night. All of the seniors on both teams received flowers, and they all had photos taken. The stands were filled with parents and members of the student body who came out to support the team. The seniors had the opportunity to choose which individual races they wanted to swim for their last home meet, not only of the season.

The Friday after the teams faced Baytown Sterling, they competed in the Friendswood Invitational Swim and Dive meet at the Friendswood Natatorium with the boy’s and girl’s varsity teams both placed second. Varsity then had two weeks off to prepare their upcoming drive to the state championship over the next several weeks, starting with District Finals at the Pearland Creek’s swim team practicing for meets.

Photo by Aimee Sierra

20

Photofinish