THE
SURVEYOR Volume 58 Issue 4
Page 11: Digital Natives: A Look at Technology and the Mind
26 January 2015
meet the staff, but first lemme take a
selfie
editors
Bridget Williams, Editor-in-Chief Nicole Rizer, Photo Editor Courtney Squires, News Editor Andi Lawrence, Opinions Editor Christian Petersen, Business Manager Lauren Barber, Arts and Entertainment Editor Avery Novak, Profiles Editor Brandon Cullen, Sports Editor Betsy Smith, Webmaster adviser Braxton Leonord, Broadcasting Editor Kyle Phillips, CJE
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Bridget Williams Meet the Staff
What’s Inside// 5 News Charlie Hebdo, Iowa BIG, Delays, Snow Days, Half Days. oh my!, Fear the Flu, Horoscopes
8 Opinions Editorial “The Interview”, School Nutrition, Skipping is the New Attending
12 Feature Digital Natives
15 ProfIles Freshman Bachelor of the Month, Pyshedelic Psychedelic, A Day in the Life of DR, A Slovakian Love Story, Smoke Weed for a Living
17 A&E D’Angelo “Black Messiah” Review, Wall of Wonders, Movie Madness
20 Sports Stuart Scott, Patriots Vs Seahawks, The Years Paid Off, College Football Playoffs
24 backpage Nicole’s Life as a Warrior
mission The Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored designated forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. The staff will report as fairly and well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. The Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalism. Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. The Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: it is not libelous or obscene, it explains the material clearly, it is not longer than 500 words, and that it is signed.
non-discrimination policy
It is the policy of the Cedar Rapids Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. District employees with questions or a grievance related to this policy should contact Jill Cirivello, Director of Human Resources, 319558-2421; jcirivello@cr.k12.ia.us. Students and others should contact Rhoda Shepherd, Director of Student Services, 319-5582964; rshepherd@cr.k12.ia.us. The District mailing address is 2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1015.
affiliations Iowa High School Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Eduaction Association, Quill and Scroll
staff members Matthew Andersland Aaron Bissell Gunnar Bosking Emily Burke Reece Chadima Everett DeVaux Jack Foarde Austin Gregory Molly Hunter
What’s Inside Bridget Williams
Rielle Jones-Teske Madeline Knutson Emily LaGrange Claire McKinstry Jonathan Melander Kate Nash Braden Offerman-Mims Anna Rizer Addi Westpheling
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CHARLIE HEBDO On Wednesday, Jan 7, 12 people were killed when the Parisian offices of the satirical French newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, were attacked by two Muslim extremists, Cherif Kouachi, 32, and his brother Said, 34. Armed with automatic weapons, the Kouachi brothers entered the building and killed a receptionist on the main floor before storming the newsroom on the second level where the staff was in an editorial meeting. The brothers shot and killed eight journalists in the room, as well as a guest, and a police officer. As the brothers were leaving the building, they encountered and killed a second police officer just before escaping in a stolen car. Both Kouachi brothers were connected to Islamic extremists and terror organizations, and received training with al-Qaeda. They had been placed on the US no-fly list, and were carefully monitored for several years by the French government. In recent years, however, intelligence indicated that they were leading more normal lives, resulting in their reduced surveillance. Possibly connected to Cherif Kouachi was Amedy Coulibaly, 32. In 2010, the two participated in a failed plan to free an Algerian terrorist from prison. On Thursday, Jan 8, a third incident occurred, involving Coulibaly, who was a suspect in the murder of a police officer in southern Paris. It was believed that his wife, Hayat Boumeddiene, 26, was an accomplice to the shooting, but recent reports have shown she
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Photo courtesy of carnetdart.com
was out of the country at the time. On Friday, Jan 9, both Kouachi brothers were located in a printing plant in Dammartin-en-Goele, near Paris. The town was put on lockdown as French security forces moved into the building. Cherif and Said were killed in the raid. Coulibaly was also located on Friday, having taken hostages at a kosher supermarket in eastern Paris. Four died when he took over
the shop, and Coulibaly himself was killed when the store was raided. There were fifteen surviving hostages. Cherif Kouachi’s brother-inlaw, Hamyd Mourad, 18, was also allegedly involved in the Charlie attack. He turned himself in on Wednesday. Several eyewitnesses confirmed that he was in class during the shooting, and on Jan 9 he was released without charge. Before the raid, Coulibaly made demands for the Kouachi brothers’ freedom, and reportedly spoke to the French TV news network BFM, claiming to be in league with both the Islamic State, and the Kouachi brothers. On Thursday, the Islamic State’s radio applauded the Kouachi brothers as heroes, and on Friday
Molly Hunter Staff Writer
al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility for the assault on Charlie Hebdo. Normally, the Islamic State and al-Qaeda are rival organizations. “On a human level, [this] type of attack is really disheartening to see anywhere in the world,” said Kyle Phillips, the journalism teacher at Washington High School. But this isn’t the first time the paper’s received backlash. The offices have been fire-bombed, its computers have been hacked, and it’s not unusual for the publication’s contributors to receive death threats—but this is certainly the first incident of this magnitude. “I lived in France until I was three, and returned later to live there for four more years… [Satire] is definitely very present in French culture,” noted Alice Tosi (’16). In particular, Charlie Hebdo is known to have repeatedly published cartoons featuring the Prophet Mohammed, and most agree that these are what sparked the attack. “They definitely push the line, but they do so equally on many topics and against many groups…they treat everybody equally and fairly… In mocking the people in power, they’re trying to uphold what’s good about society,” said Lisa Nicol, a French teacher at Washington High School. Throughout it all, Charlie has persevered. The paper printed one million copies of the Wednesday, 1/14/2015 issue, compared to their usual 60,000. This was made possible thanks to an outpouring of support from French newspapers across the country.
Courtney Squires News
We saw them at the academic assembly in early January, but just who are these students at BIG and what do they do there? “BIG is a project-based learning school located in downtown Cedar Rapids in the Geonetric Building,” said Wash and BIG student, Amelia Rodriguez ’16. This hands-on learning environment expands opportunities for Cedar Rapids’ young minds. Students have the freedom to choose an existing project or, for those innovative entrepreneurs, the freedom to put their own ideas into action. Current projects include putting an orchard in Noelridge Park, using aquatic drones to research plastic waste in the ocean, and empowering young women through Success^She (Success to
Photo courtesy of iowabig.org
the Power of She). On Jan. 14, 2015, I went to Iowa BIG to get a glimpse of the school in action. The students I talked with gushed about BIG’s fun environment and how the students and faculty act like a family. The relaxed aura of the school is complete with a flexible schedule and Nerf battles in meetings. But don’t let these tales of shenanigans fool you. BIG is not an opportunity to skip out on the mandatory duties of a student. In order to get credit, students have to fulfill the requirements for the class they are replacing. “For every task that we do, the teacher goes back and sees how that relates to the curriculum,” said Maurice Arrington ’15. Iowa BIG seems to be the panacea for students who seek something more from their education than the standard classroom setting.
Photo courtesy of openclipart.org
Delays, snow days, half days, Oh my!
With winter upon us and January’s week-long string of delays and cancellations, the new scheduling plan for this school year is starting to become more important to understand. Instead of following the 180 day school year as was followed for years before, the district has switched to a plan that stipulates 1,080 hours per school year. This new plan, although seemingly painful, has many upsides. “This year, we will be allowed to add hours or minutes to our calendar due to cancellations or late starts in March, April, or May, allowing us to not add additional days into June,” said Mary Ellen Maske, Deputy Superintendent
“I think it [BIG] gave me more clarity on what I want to do for my career, and the projects I picked are projects that I could see myself doing in the future,” said TJ Vogel ’16. Attending a project-based school and being able to learn in a way that incorporates things you are interested in is the unique opportunity that BIG provides. “I’m interested in every project I’m in and I have a passion for every project I’m in because it’s something that I like to do,” said Keegan Moore ’15. It’s exciting to see students so enthralled with their school. It’s no question the future holds BIG things for these students.
Photo by Rielle Jones
Madeline Knutson Staff Writer
of the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD). These schedulers have long anticipated the gruesome Iowa winters, which attributes to the two days that are scheduled off-- they are for making up snow days, early dismissals due to weather, and even two-hour delays. “Staff development days can be used for making up for lost time,” said Dr. David Benson, District Superintendent of the CRCSD. So far this year, we have lost 10 hours of class time. Feb 16 will be a snow make-up day to get rid of 6 ½ of those hours. As far as determining how the remaining 3 ½ hours will
News Courtney Squires
be made up right now is unknown. It cannot be decided until the district is sure all of Iowa’s severe weather patterns have ceased. “First, we will use the two days stipulated on the calendar and I’ll wait for spring break to end,” said Benson. This isn’t the first time the district has found this to be a more accommodating plan. “When we asked the Iowa Department of Education to allow us to add minutes to our school day to make up the time [last year], the answer was no. Because of this, we had to add days and go several days into June,” said Maske. Emily LaGrange
Staff Writer
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FEAR THE FLU Addi Westphaling Staff Writer
The flu season is upon us and we all know it’s time to stock up on tissues, cough drops, and hand sanitizer This year will definitely need an extra trip to the grocery store due to the flu virus known as influenza A that cannot be prevented even with a flu shot. So that leads to the question on many peoples’ mind, what is the deal with all the flu talk this year? The CDC’s official rank for affected states has Iowa at a very low level for the number of flu cases worldwide. Every year, there is a prediction made as to what the flu strain will be for that year and vaccines are made accordingly. This year’s prediction was wrong which led to the rise in flu cases reported. According to the CDC, this year’s flu shot does not cover 52% of the influenza A strain. Locally, Dr. Shannon Throndson, M.D, stated that there have been more cases of the flu this year than previous years. In her office, many patients have been calling in
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for prescriptions like Tamaflu, rather than making appointments. Globally, there has been a shortage for the Tamaflu prescription, but that has not affected any of our local pharmacies. Dr. Ann McKinstry, M.D, explained that the flu season peaked right
According to the CDC, this year’s flu shot does not cover 52% of the influenza A strain.
around Christmas when she herself got sick with the flu. Now it is starting to gradually go down as far as the number of people getting sick. “The flu shot only protects from mostly influenza B and H1N1 viruses. This year the big strain going around is influenza A which many people are unprotected from it,” said Dr. Ann McKinstry.
HOROSCOPES Avery Novak Profiles Editor
Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19
A fire sign. As the moon aligns with Venus this month, it’s the perfect time for you to utilize your boisterous personality and nab that cutie you’ve been crushing on, they definitely feel the same way about you
Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20
The Earth is your element. When Jupiter and Earth come in close contact, a friend will attempt to drag you into a complicated and dramatic situation involving their mother’s mailman’s twice-removed cousin, testing your level headed ways.
Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20
An air sign. Don’t drink too much coffee this month- those around you will be irked by your bright and shiny personality while they’re in the winter slump. It’s OK, only two more months till spring!
Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22
Your element is water. Since you’re very in tune with your emotions, bring extra tissues to that new movie you wanted to see, it will strike up some tears, as the moon is crossing Saturn.
Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22
Fire is your element. Be careful this month, your charming personality will attract some admirers you really don’t need following you around. You won’t have a problem setting them straight, but try and let their poor hearts down easy.
Aquarius: Jan 20 - Feb 18
Your element is air. As the sun aligns with Mars this month, your independent soul and love of alone time will take a turn, when your mom calls you a hermit for staying in and watching too much Netflix. Stay social!
Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20
Water is your element. You’re empathetic and you put your heart into everything you do, but watch out when a black market organ seller literally wants to buy your kind heart. I know, I know $1,000,000 is a lot of money, but say NO.
Courtney Squires News
Editorial:
To the average movie-goer “The Interview” might seem like the classic Seth Rogen satire comedy film. However, underneath the first-glance silly appearance of the movie lies a serious political issue between the U.S. government and North Korean government. The main plot is about two American journalists who are instructed to assassinate the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un, after they book an interview with him. The main conflict was whether Sony would release the film in theatres or not, do to of fear of backlash from North Korea. North Korea released an official statement threatening merciless action against the U.S. government if they allowed Sony to release the movie. To respond to this, Sony pushed back the release date from Oct. 10 to Dec. 25 to edit the film and make it more acceptable for North Korea. Then Sony received another threat from a terrorist organization named the “Guardians of Peace”, believed to be associated with North Korea in some way, threatening terrorist attacks against any theaters that played “The
Interview”. After the threats were received the major movie theaters canceled the release of the movie. Only a few theaters decided to continue with the release and eventually Sony dropped the movie completely. “The Interview” was available for purchase online on sites like Google Play and Amazon. Wherenberg Theater in Cedar Rapids was the only movie theater in Iowa to still release the film. Instead of pulling the release from theaters based on a threat from North Korea and a rogue terrorist organization, we should have continued on with the normal release, possibly with increased security and caution. We as a country are very lucky to have freedom of speech and freedom of the press, we can’t pollute these values simply because North Korea isn’t happy. Sony’s decision to edit the film was influenced by the government because of North Korea’s statements, however when they canceled most of the release all together because of the terrorist threat, the government didn’t support them. Obama even
Opinions Andi Lawrence
Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
8/9 Editors support this went as far to say that Sony had made a mistake handling it the way they did because we can’t have a dictatorship imposing censorship here in the U.S.. Some might argue that Sony made the right decision by pulling the film because it could have caused a somewhat serious conflict with North Korea, while this is a possibility, we would have to address that situation when necessary. This makes us appear willing to work with governments like North Korea, and while it’s good for the U.S. to cooperate with other countries, North Korea probably shouldn’t be one of them. By pulling the film it’s possibly the first step in the U.S. compromising with other countries like North Korea to avoid conflict. We as a country have to draw a line at where we are willing and not willing to work with threatening countries like North Korea. By doing this we believe that it could open doors to other countries believing the U.S. is weak and easily manipulated, and that’s not an image we should present as a country.
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School Nutrition
Molly Hunter Staff Writer
Homework. PE class. Cafeteria food. There are certainly aspects of school which no one enjoys, but they are necessary evils--at least, that’s how most of us view them. Everyone has certainly endured boatloads of homework, and spent hours trapped inside smelly, stuffy gymnasiums. Needless to say, somewhere along the line, lunch meat was lumped in with spiders, politicians, the boogeyman, and all other terrifying creatures of the night. But that, along with the alarming trends in childhood obesity seen in recent years, clearly indicates that this problem needs a solution. Many health experts rave about the values of buying healthy foods, cooking at home, and packing our own lunches, in order to save money and maintain a better awareness of what we put in our bodies. Not every family can
afford that lifestyle. 16 million American kids struggle with getting enough to eat. In 2010, 19.3 percent of Iowa children were included in that figure. Of course, many school-aged children have access to a school meal plan, which often includes a free or reducedprice lunch option for low-income kids. Over one third of all Washington students take advantage of that option, and the numbers are even higher nationwide. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 70 percent of all students on a school lunch program during the 2012-2013 school year were on free or reducedprice lunch. For many of these children, school breakfast and lunch are the only meals they will receive. In recent years, the Bureau of Nutrition and Health in the Iowa Department of Education has been working to provide meals during summer vacation as well. They do
this by sponsoring summer lunch-and sometimes breakfast--“drives”. However, while the Summer Food Service Program’s reach is growing, only 10.1 percent of Iowa children on free and reduced-price lunch were receiving meals during the summer in 2011. What does a free or reduced-price meal plan look like? Students on free or reduced-price lunch may select a main entree, two fruit or veggie sides, and one milk. A second helping costs the standard amount. Breakfast is also available to these students, either for free, or at a lowered cost. But is that enough? And is it really nutritionally-charged enough to satisfy a growing child? Moreover, the food habits we learn now will stick with us for the rest of our lives. Are we learning to make healthy choices? The answer to all of these questions is, frankly, no. As Donald Riedesel,’16, says, “It’s burger basket--or should I say pink slime patties?”
Photos by Bridget Williams
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Andi Lawrence Opinions
Jack Foarde Staff Writer
Let’s be honest, everyone has thought of it. Everyone will do it. Everyone skips a class at some point. Be it for academic reasons (doing one of Duer’s million papers the period before it’s due in the library) or fun (sitting in the library being annoying, obnoxious teenagers getting screamed at by the librarian). Why are teachers and the administration trying to stop us from doing it (aside from the obvious reasons)? For example, I just got my notice that if I skip Surveyor anymore, I’ll be dropped from the class. What’s up with that? Why can’t I just skip in peace and quiet without a barrage
of complaints from everyone? And now I can’t even go into the library without signing in. Maybe I wanted to stay off the grid did you think of that? This is just some food for thought for all you kids out there. And I just have to warn you; Senioritis is a very real disease and one of the major symptoms is skipping class. It’s been scientifically PROVEN (I conducted this myself) that skipping class leads to having more fun AND
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can extend your life by at least 15 years. And that’s… good! So kids, go get that Kum and Go slushie you’ve been craving since 3rd period. Go get that paper done that you should’ve done two weeks ago.* If you don’t trust just my judgment on it, I have a quote from Tyler, the Creator’s song “Radicals”… wait wait wait I probably can’t publish any lyrics from that song in a high school newspaper.
*RANDOM DISCLAIMER: HEY. DON’T DO ANYTHING I SAY IN THIS COLUMN. IT’S FICTION. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS, DON’T BLAME ME ADMINISTRATION. Conveniently, the Board Policy 602 link on the CRCSD website wasn’t available.
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Opinions Andi Lawrence
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Stop. Sit. Savor. Begin again. 630 10th Street 573-2277 Mon 7 am to noon www.witsendcoffeehouse.com Tues-Sat 7 am to 2 pm Excellent espresso (and homemade pastries) in an eclectic environment.
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February 27th in the Little Theater at 7 P.M. $3 for a night of great student made movies. 10
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Digital Natives
< Messages
Details
A look at technology and the mind, with Washington AP Psychology teacher, Amy Jones Bridget Williams Editor-in-Chief
Q
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Which, with all of these things combined, simple things like waiting, and creativity, and how we socialize; these seem like big components that would change the way that we think and how we act?
A
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And potentially…stifle evolution in the human race,” said Amy Jones, AP Psychology teacher at Wash. “I mean right? It’s almost like a “Planet of the Apes” apocalyptic future, where we can’t communicate with one another without being overly
Text Message blunt and hostile, our creativity declines so we don’t continue to evolve technologically speaking or otherwise, and then the inability to wait, again sort of devolves into conflict…And that going along with waiting, the flip side of that, is persevering. The understanding that I may have to persevere through a period of waiting, where I don’t give up, but I continue to put out effort until I see the fruition of my efforts at a future date. That’s a major thing.” It sounds extreme, putting the digital age in the context of a “Planet of the Apes” apocalyptic plot, and maybe it is, but it isn’t beyond the scope of reason. In one aspect, there’s the effect technology has on sleep patterns and reading comprehension; and in another, there’s the effect it has on the basic building blocks of a person: memory, social interaction, creativity, perseverance. These components of the brain are showing to be digitized.
Feature Bridget Williams
Send Digitized, but to what degree? Behind Insta-book, and Face-gram, binge-watching, tweet crafting, snapping and chatting, are people changing? Are brains becoming rewired?
SLEEP A 2014 study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America concludes that the use of lightemitting electro devices before bed reduces melatonin secretion, initiates later timing of the circadian clock, and reduces next-morning alertness. In basic English: digital devices mess with our ability to fall sleep. Exposure to artificial light from a tablet or a cellphone, at least within a few hours before bed, puts people to sleep later and makes waking up harder.
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READING “The idea is that using digital devices, and I don’t mean reading on digital devices, but using, like watching TV, watching videos, things like that, uses your eyes differently, they stay straight focused. And like it sounds so silly, but so kids that watch a lot of things like that, they get weak eyes…You go to read and your eyes are moving side to side and they literally get tired faster, and so then they read less and they read slower,” said Jones. According to the National Endowment of the Arts’ findings they put out every couple of years, from surveys conducted in partnership by the U.S. Census Bureau, adult leisure reading has more or less stayed the same from 2002 to 2012 (56.6 percent to 54.5 percent). The research on adolescence is limited.
teachers that will FOLLOWERS DIRECT let kids put in their ear buds when it’s work time or after homework) to something else (their a test or something. No. Unless it’s phone). classical,” said Jones. “And so, in some magic world, Jones explains this in terms of maybe, tweeting has a [web-like memory formation and information connection] with some aspect of processing, with ‘lexicon symbols’ doing your calculus. Most likely no. and a ‘phonological loop.’ Basically, But now those random connections the deal is the loop manages language do sometimes exist…What we don’t or information, whether it’s auditory know, and what we’re trying to or written down, but the loop can only figure out, is exactly what synaptic manage five to nine of these pieces of connections are made and used when content at a time. you’re doing this digital stuff,” said “And so if you’re reading and Jones. you’re writing and you’re texting There isn’t a lot of verifiable and you’ve got music that has lyrics, evidence in what this ‘digital stuff’ these are all competing for those five does because the emerging generation to nine spots. You know what I’m is unprecedented. The generation born saying? So it’s always going to be a after the ‘80s, dubbed by researchers detriment, even if you’re someone as Digital Natives. that thinks you can do homework with “There’s no way in creation the TV on or the music playing…It’s that in anytime soon, [effects of ridiculous because it’s like saying ‘ok, technology] would be on the AP exam so here’s my brain…” because there’s no verifiable body As Jones starts creating mini of research yet. So gosh, the effects diagrams on Post-it notes, she on you are yet to be seen. I mean draws sort of this electrified seriously. There’s a lot of hypothesis web that’s going on in the and postulations about the negative brain. The scenario is a student impact it might have on you, and how doing math homework. you’ll age differently, and how you’re As the student is doing their math mind will age differently, but it’s all homework, potentially all of these conjecture at this point,” said Jones. connections are being made between neurons in the brain, but then the student’s phone buzzes. The student sees a tweet, interprets the tweet, responds to the tweet, and the charge is drawn from what the student was doing (their math
And potentially...stifle evolution in the human race. I mean right? \\
MEMORY + MULTITASKING “Can I do multiple conscious tasks at a time? Yes, but only, always, at the detriment of speed and proficiency. Always. So you can still say to someone, ‘I’m a good multitasker.’ You might be. You’re still not performing as quickly or as good as you would if you weren’t multitasking…There are some
CREATIVITY
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Bridget Williams Feature
When was the last time you were bored? Probably not since you and you’re smartphone got hitched. Digital devices have become the ultimate boredom-crushers used to fill in the space between one event and another, but being bored might be the key to creativity. “Because your mind is wandering. And so you’re imagining and you’re hypothesizing, and yeah, you’re day dreaming. And actually we talk about day dreaming in here not as a bad thing, but as a good thing. That’s where we plan, we strategize, and we create. And so you’re not daydreaming [when using digital devices],” said Jones.
meet a problem head on, you have to be able to look someone in the face, and tell them the honest truth. You have to be able to deal with conflict management, and what we’re seeing is that with the digital world, people can avoid that. You know, they just send out a message and you don’t actually even have to, like breaking up via text, saying something that’s been bother you, or insulting someone else that way. It’s depleting social skills,” said Jones.
DELAY OF
Where encyclopedias and reference books are on the verge of extinction, they’re more likely to create a memory, and this diminished delayed gratification could be a detriment to academic success.
CONNECTED Research is limited, and the extent to which the digital world will affect the up-and-coming generation is still to be seen, but what can be said is that similar to the digital world the effects on delay of gratification, social interaction, creativity, and memory, are connected. “Writing a paper, having to use encyclopedias, or having to do research the old fashioned way, that takes patience, perseverance, effort, creativity; all those things you’re talking about,” said Jones. “Typing it into Google doesn’t take any of those things. And what have you really learned? Doing it the old fashioned way requires so much more time and effort, all that time and effort is building synaptic connection. The thirty seconds it took me to Google it didn’t build [anything].”
GRATIFICATION SOCIAL
Delay of gratification is the ability to resist an immediate reward and wait for a better, future reward. “Because of the digital access and the constant, I mean you guys have instantaneous access to everything, you have no ability to delay of gratification or a severely diminished one. And you don’t understand the concept of having to wait,” said Jones. Searching online may get the information quicker, but it doesn’t build those web-like connection Jones is talking about. It’s search and done.
INTERACTION There are two parts of high school. The classes, where students are supposed to learn skills for the future; and the social aspect, friend groups, break ups, ‘angst,’ but both parts may be prevalent in preparation for the ‘real world’ stuff. “To be an adult, and to be successful, you have to be able to
Amy Jones Bachelors in Psychology, Sociology Masters in History, Social Studies Education Feature Bridget Williams
Doctorate in Curriculum Theory and Instruction
Teaches AP Psychology and AP US History at Wash, Psychology of Eating at Mount Mercy University
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Emily Burke Staff Writer
If you can’t find Leonard out on the golf course, he might be in the kitchen cooking up a delicious meal, or possibly relaxing on his couch while catching up on the newest episodes of “American Horror Story” and the “Walking Dead.” Wondering what he’s currently listening to? Lots of the 1975 and rap music, of course. If you’re interested in this 5’2” brown-haired, brown-eyed guy, don’t be afraid to approach him in the hallway and get a conversation going. With this suave, smoothtalking bachelor, there will never be a dull moment.
“Psychedelic, Psychedelic”
Many of us have heard of Washington’s very own aspiring rapper, Psychedelic, but who really is the man behind the music? Clayton Brecht,’16, found his way of expressing himself through his lyrics. “I believe its the best way to express yourself and with lyrics and music, thats when people really listen to it. I can say how I really feel on twitter and social media but with songs people can really listen to it and they can relate to your feelings.” Brecht believes that music should hold more of a message than just the typical “money, women and fame,” that most popular rappers write about. He explained to me
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of the Photo by Nicole Rizer
Freshman Bachelor Claire McKinstry Staff Writer Month As these dreadful, cold months of winter drag by, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to make each day a little more bearable? Well, lucky for you ladies, witty and charming Anthony Leonard is on the market and might just be that perfect someone. Leonard has some specific qualities that he looks for in a girl. “They’ve got to be cool and funny. (his favorite restaurant), and I don’t like a stale personality,” a movie. If that doesn’t sound he said, adding, “Looks are appealing, he even offered an always a plus, but it’s really the especially heartfelt alternative personality.” option, “If she wanted me to cook Leonard’s ideal date would be her something I probably would,” dinner, possibly at Sushi House he said.
how his lyrics come from “raw emotion” and that he wants to write something that means something to people. He tells me that “theres
nothing like pouring your heart out into a song or putting everything you have into a song or one specific line. Its like putting something out there that produces something
different.” Many people are familiar with Brecht’s SoundCloud, Psychedelic1990, however if you visit his page you will see that only a few of his older songs are still available. He tells me that he and several other Cedar Rapids rappers are helping him succeed in everything that he wants to accomplish this year. “My biggest thing is no looking back,” says Brecht. While each of us begins the new year with a new clean slate, so is Psychedelic as he starts his journey further developing his dream of being an artist with a fresh start. Photo courtesy of Clayton Brecht
Avery Novak Profiles
A Day in the Life of DR Matthew Andersland Staff Writer The majority of students at Washington have heard stories about the legendary DR, or Dan Rhine, a math teacher here at Wash. Whether people are saying he is a man who sleeps wrapped in palm leaves, or a man that owns a limited edition 2012 Chrysler 300C with only 500 made in the entire world, it’s likely many have heard something about him, true or not. Though he might not sleep wrapped in palm leaves, he does drive a limited edition Chrysler, and shows to be as interesting as the stories that circulate around him nevertheless. Rhine has been teaching for roughly 41 years, a much longer
Lauren Barber A&E Editor
coach for the varsity mens basketball team here at Wash. Outside of school, Rhine’s routine seems fairly regular to most, wake up read the paper, get ready to go to school, teach during the day, coach after school then go home and relax, watching the news, and maybe if there is a good ball game on he might “Show me your legendary face.” “Ok.” be interested in that as well. He is Photo by Bridget Williams interested in basketball, volleyball, as well as antiques and dogs, specifically teaching career than most teachers. the breed Doberman Pinscher. It is not unlikely that some of the “[Rhine] is the most, yet least people you see in the hallways might intimidating teacher I have and ever have parents that were taught by the had,” said Hannah Sherman ’17. legend himself. The majority of the students I “I teach because I like to educate asked about said that Rhine was an and be around kids,” said Rhine. excellent teacher, and that he has This year Rhine teaches two classes, done a very good job coaching the Pre-Calculus and Second Year basketball team. Algebra. Rhine also is the assistant
A Slovakian Love Story
“I had a dream I fell in love with Aside from the large time difference, him before I actually met him,” said their relationship is alive and well. Sophie Smith ‘15, “So after I had Smith recently just got back from a that dream I wanted to meet him so I trip to Slovakia to see Zachar. “At the talked to Anica Aguiar ‘15, who had been hanging out with them.” This is the beginning of the crazy love story of Sophie Smith and her Daniel Zachar, the Slovakian exchange student from the 2013-2014 school year. “We started dating last April, so we’ve been together for 8 or 9 months.” With the 7 hour time difference, communicating can be Photo courtesy of Sophie Smith kind of hard. “We communicate through texting and skyping a few times a week, the most difficult part beginning of the trip I was nervous is the time difference. When I’m because I thought I would have a hard getting home from school or work time communicating with people but he’s already asleep so that’s the worst everyone spoke English. When we part.” got there it was Christmas time so we
Profiles Avery Novak
spend a lot of time with his family and around New Years we went to a lot of parties to celebrate. Later in the trip we went to Vienna and explored the city...we went to the High Tetras (the highest mountains in Slovakia) with his friends and we stayed in a ski lodge.” “Are you guys gonna get married?” was the only question I felt the need to ask at the end of this interview and to my surprise there actually is a future plan in place. “He’s 19 but still a senior so he is going to be going to college next year and wants to be a doctor. Ideally he would come to the US for college and we would be together.” As the old saying goes, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and that certainly seems to be the case in this situation.
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Christian Petersen
Smoke weed for a living
Business Manager I recently had the opportunity to exchange emails with Jake Browne. Browne is a journalist and marijuana critic for The Cannabist, a Colorado publication that covers the marijuana industry both nationally and internationally. Browne attended Washington High School, and graduated from Metro High School in Cedar Rapids. He is the first marijuana critic for a major news publication, and has been featured on networks like CBS. Here are his responses to a few questions about the industry he works in.
How did you end up becoming a marijuana critic? I had worked as a blogger for several medical marijuana dispensaries, handling social media but also writing opinion pieces about the legal landscape back when it was less settled. From there, I had the opportunity to do freelance work and build up my resume as a critic, this time of pot instead of politics. How would your life had been different if you had not become a marijuana critic? Would the same opportunities have been available had you not become a marijuana critic? I’ve been extremely fortunate that there’s been so much interest in the position, and I’ve worked hard to take advantage of those opportunities. Now, I’m developing a TV show and working on my first book on top of my regular column. What are your biggest concerns or fears with the legalization of marijuana? I worry about the effect it’ll have on young people while their brains are still developing, as many recent studies are pretty conclusive about the damage it can do. Sure, marijuana may be safer than alcohol, but that doesn’t mean it’s without harm. It’s important to remember that abusing any substance comes with risk.
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What is your process when it comes to critiquing marijuana? Do you try to approach your review in a scientific way in which there are controls and variables? I worry about the effect it’ll have on young people while their brains are still developing, as many recent studies are pretty conclusive about the damage it can do. Sure, marijuana may be safer than alcohol, but that doesn’t mean it’s without harm. It’s important to remember that abusing any substance comes with risk. The most important aspects are helping people identify exactly what they’re buying. There’s no regulation on how different strains are named right now, so you could be buying anything. Examining structure, smell, and taste are similar to wine, whereas examining the effect is more comparable to coffee reviews. I try to always smoke the same amount, but with years of experience it’s fairly easy to process the experience and compare it to others I’ve had.
What’s the biggest obstacle in expansion of the marijuana industry in locations where recreational marijuana is legal? Local jurisdictions here in Colorado can ban recreational marijuana outright, which is clearly the largest obstacle. You have cities like Aurora who recently reversed their decision to ban because they see the tax revenue that their neighbors are making. Beyond that, licensing and application fees are incredibly expensive. When I first got involved, there were businesses like Denver Relief that were built on $4,000 and a half pound of marijuana. Now, you need seven figures to get into the market. Is there still a fear of government intervention in locations where recreational use is legal? The only reason to be afraid is if you’re doing something outside of the law. There hasn’t been a single case of federal intervention when it comes to a business that’s on the up-and-up. If you’re dodging your taxes or selling pot that’s going out of state, you’re going to be caught pretty quickly. That’s regulation working.
Mr. Browne also wanted to give a shout-out to Warren Sprouse for always believing in him.
Avery Novak Profiles
D’angelo “Black Messiah” Deep from the groovy depths of the soulful realm, one D’angelo; unphased by age, comes out of hiatus accompanied by The Vanguards to rock your ears with the same funky basslines and godlike falsetto that he’s been kicking for 20 years. One can ponder how you drop an album roughly 5-10 later and never miss a beat. With each melodious high note, it seems impossible that one could keep belting the same timeless sounds without an elixir infused with water from the fountain of youth; but I digress. D’angelo’s new album, entitled “Black Messiah” is a
splice between political passive aggressiveness and sexual hymns with horns resembling retro Bourbon St, and with a powerful and symbolic title like “Black Messiah,” you couldn’t expect any less. The album opens with “Ain’t
“If you’ve never felt the rhythm in your bones, this will have you feeling like the lost soul-child of the legendary James Brown himself.” That Easy” a bass strumming, care-free tune which sets the tone for the increasing levels of grimey ultimate funk throughout. Following is my personal favorite, “1000 Deaths.” If you’ve never felt the rhythm in your bones, this will have you feeling like the lost soul-child of the legendary James Brown himself. The groovy political
Braxton Leonard Staff Writer
testimony begins with an AlSharpton esque speech shooting down the classic portrayal of a fair-skinned Jesus, replacing him with the powerful alias of the “Black Messiah.” This piece strays quite far from the normal racy romance tunes from D’angelo, and moves into making a statement. The final track of the album, entitled “Another Life” slows it down with a casual romanticized tune that could plummet even the toughest into their feels. A conglomeration of strumming guitars and supper-club piano striking brings the album to a pleasant and smooth close. After 10 years of quiet hiatus by D’angelo, “Black Messiah” assures any listener that the master has been at work, and perfection cannot be rushed. From funkalicious instrumentals to mind-numbing vocals, chances are you’ll be brought to your feet to dance.
Photos Couresty Of: http:// en.wikipedia.org
A&E Lauren Barber
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Movie Madness Anna Rizer Staff Writer
Louis Zamperini was always running, whether it was from the cops, towards a dream, or for his life. We are first introduced to Louis Zamperini as a young boy, and learn of the events that would ultimately lead to his will for survival and coming out on top. Coming from an Italian family, Zamperini was forced to replace the stereotypes and critizcism by making a name from himself, which would only hurt rather than help. Stealing from stores and neighbors, he was constantly showing up on his parents door with two cops for escorts. After trial and failure of his parents trying to straighten him out, his brother Pete took it upon himself to
get his brother on the right track, racing track that is. He’d run all the way to the Olympics, coming short of a medal, and then set his sights on the next one in Tokyo. But as it would have it, he would be drafted into the Army Air Forces in World War II. He’d then be running not towards or away from something, but for his life. Unbroken will have you holding your breath for what comes next, as it is a beautifully told story of one mans struggle for survival. I give it a 4 out of 5 and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.
Ben Affleck stars as Nick Dunne in 2014’s “Gone Girl”. Nick Dunne is a man who works for a big city magazine, he loses his job which he blames it to the recession. On the night of his five year anniversary of his marriage with wife, Amy Dunne (played by Rosamund Pike), he visits his sister at her bar and after he is done visiting with her he returns to his house to find the it completely wrecked. His wife is no where to be found and the disappearance of his wife becomes a big news story around the country, and Nick begins to break down and starts acting weird. Everyone then begins to ask a very serious question: Could he have killed his wife? Everett Devaux Staff Writer
A&E Lauren Barber
Gone Girl Photo Courtesy Photos By: Nicole Rizer of http://www.imdb.com/
The movie “Selma” was recently released to theaters on Dec 25th, 2014. Based off the true story, “Selma” is about Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leading the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to gain voting rights for African Americans. Though public places were desegregated at this time, voting rights were still an issue. This march was one of the most important events during the Civil Rights Movement. This movie is powerful, inspirational, and a must see.
Kate Nash Staff Writer
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Stuart Scott Gunnar Bosking Staff Writer
July 19, 1965 - January 4, 2015
Think about this. Sportscasters have a much bigger effect on a game than anybody really ever knows. They might be the kind of person that has the perfect voice, the perfect flow, and the perfect word choice. Plenty of broadcasters come to mind. Joe Buck, Bob Costas, Vin Scully. But the thing that really set Stuart Scott apart was the fact that he had all of those qualities, but he urbanized them with his hip-hoppy style and his remarkable and memorable catchphrases. Sadly, he is no longer with us. A life that was cut short by cancer on Jan 4, 2015. Stuart Scott got his first major start in broadcasting when he was hired by ESPN in 1993. His blending of hip- hop with sports TV was a very different and unique feature. He soon became a regular on ESPN, covering mostly NBA and NFL games, and
a staple for ESPN as a lead host for their coverage of the NBA. It seems like the ones that have the biggest impact on all of us die so quickly. In 2007, Scott had his
appendix removed, and after the surgery, found out that the organ had been cancerous and that the cancer had spread. He was declared cancer free, but later was diagnosed again in 2011 and 2013. After a long battle, the disease finally beat him. He lost his fight on Jan 4, 2015. “His unwavering devotion to his work and his family while fighting the battle of his life left us in awe, and he leaves a void that can never be replaced,” said ESPN President John Skipper. His death has even hit people hard at Wash. Football coach and Language Arts teacher Tim Callahan definitely remembers him well. “I’d say the thing I remember him the most for is his catchphrases, something that no one else was really able to do.” Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
Stuart Scott’s Memorable Catchphrases
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As cool as the other side of the pillow He must be the bus driver cuz he was takin’ him to school Holla at a playa when you see him in the street Just call him butter ’cause he’s on a roll They Call Him the Windex Man ‘Cause He’s Always Cleaning the Glass You Ain’t Gotta Go Home, But You Gotta Get The Heck Outta Here.
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Super Bowl Pick ’Ems
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Courtney Squires
Bridget Williams
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Braxton Leonard
Sports Writer
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Editor in Chief
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The Years Paid Off
Anna Rizer Staff Writer
Every high school has their major sports: football, basketball, swimming, on and on. Some of the other sports sometimes get pushed into the shadows, along with their just as dedicated, if not more, athletes. Bryan Cline ’15, is one of these athletes who exceeds in bowling, a sport that has become popular at Washington. It is something that has stuck with him for quite some time. “In kindergarten, the school sent out these flyers, and me and this guy Eric where the two on the league, and 13 seasons later, here we are,” said Cline. The years would pay off as
Cline is now the varsity bowling captain and like a coach. “He plays a major part in coaching and is always really helpful,” said fellow bowler Chris Schuttloffel, ’17. Cline clearly loves his sport and can always find him in a bowling alley, whether it’s coaching or playing himself. “I’m bowling all the time,” said Cline. Something that may set bowling apart is the fact that it isn’t a huge spectator sport, but is just like all others when it comes to complication and a certain skill level required. “I love the opportunity to compete at a high
Sports Brandon Cullen
skill level that not everyone else has or is interested in,” said Cline, “but it’s different and you get a bunch of great friends and a bunch of great experiences.”
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College Football Playoffs
Reece Chadima Staff Writer
the incident where he stole crab legs this summer, he had to deal with a conduct violation after yelling a popular obscenity from the Internet on campus as well as having to deal with the ongoing situation involving rape allegations brought against him in his freshman year. And you can’t forget Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon’s incredible performance After nine weeks of the college against Nebraska, in which he ran football season, it was looking for 408 yards and beat Ladainian pretty bad for Ohio State’s title Tomlinson’s single game rushhopes. They had lost at home to a ing record of 406 yards that had mediocre Virginia Tech team and stood for a whopping 5,466 days. were sitting at #13 in the AP top Gordon wasn’t so lucky however, 25, well out of contention for the as his record stood a whole seven college football playoff. The center days before Oklahoma freshman of the college football world was Semaj Perine walked all over Kanin SEC country, and more spesas for 427 yards. cifically the state of Mississippi. After the loss to Virginia Tech, Three of the top four teams were everyone outside of Columbus from the SEC, and two were from (and probably a lot of people in Mississippi, in first ranked MisColumbus) counted the Bucksissippi State and third ranked Ole eyes out. They then reeled off 11 Miss. What happened after that straight wins, including a 59-0 was the type of madness that every stomping of Wisconsin in the Big sports fan loves. Ten Championship game, to narOhio State’s run to their first rowly edge Baylor and TCU for championship since the 2002-03 the last spot in the playoff. They season wasn’t the only madness lost their QB in the game before this year though. There was the that and were now relying on the circus that always seems to find third string QB from the beginit’s way to Jameis Winston. After
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ning of the season. “I saw Cardale Jones play against Illinois where he threw two TDs and hurdled a player, so I wasn’t worried,” said Craig (or Scott) McWhereter, Washington staff member and Ohio State fan. Jones and the Buckeyes then defeated one seed Alabama and two seed Oregon on the way to one of the most memorable and improbable championship runs in recent memory. “I was disappointed they didn’t win but they made it all the way to the championship and Christian had a good season so that was good,” said Keitasha Arnold ’15, an Oregon fan and cousin of Christian French, a defensive lineman for Oregon. Watch for Ohio State next season as they are the early favorite to repeat as champs.
Brandon Cullen Sports
Basketball and Wrestling Pictures
Photos by Nicole Rizer and Melanie Hoeger
Photos Nicole Rizer
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