TheVedette
Volume 113, Issue #4
“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
-Voltaire
In This Issue... Joke Challenge!
Basketball Victory
Valentine’s...
Neighborhood 3
Small Things: the World
MUN: New Venues
STUDENT VOICE OF THE CULVER ACADEMIES FOR OVER A CENTURY
February 2010
the Vedette
a note from your
editors
s t a f f, N o v e m b e r :
Dear Culver Campus, The Groundhog saw its shadow, Cupid wings his way towards us, and Lincoln’s birthday was February 12. A good month altogether! This is a month when the little things ring through with particular importance. It is also important to remember that we are setting an example… even in the little things we do. You may not have been the loudest person at the Concert Series, but if you were talking, you contributed to the problem. You may not leave dishes in the Dining Hall, but if you don’t remind others to take their plates up, the issue will not be resolved. In every action, from putting on uniform to speaking to teachers to sitting in meetings, you are being observed by your peers and those younger than you. Set a good example. The little things are often what others remember the most. Fear not, though! There is always an upside. This means that you don’t have to be a superhero to have a positive influence. The words of encouragement, the few minutes of extra practice, or small revisions to a paper can make all the difference in the world. Your smallest actions can help create a better world. The little things are what truly define character, so let’s make an effort to stay conscientious in the details as well as the big picture. So stick true to your beliefs and know the small things that get you through the day. Remember to help others out in little ways by using just a bit of your time. This includes being respectful or greeting people you walk by on campus. The littlest thing can help brighten the day. Happy February and welcome to the ‘10’s! 2
Yours, Laura and Lindie
Editors-in-Chief: Lindie Wang and Laura Freymiller Layout: Alejandro Arroyo Yamin, Laura Freymiller, Claire Lee, Jake Kang, Alex Rodgers, Michelle Schlaubitz, Clancy Tripp, Lindie Wang Editors: Sharon Chen, Deanna Dilts, Laura Freymiller, Sam Gao, Cricket Gullickson, Caitlin Juricic, Jake Kang, Jessica Knox, Dani Krou, Mary McKinnis, Vanessa Morales, Elise Pare, Sihua Qiu, Alex Rodgers, Michelle Schlaubitz, Joy Shen, Erika Teahan, Clancy Tripp, Lindie Wang Writers: Alejandro Arroyo Yamin, Brandon Beaver, Lee Beck, Andrea Canacci, Deanna Dilts, Kate Feng, Laura Freymiller, Cricket Gullickson, Jake Kang, Jessica Knox, Vanessa Morales, Elise Pare, Alex Rodgers, Erika Teahan, Clancy Tripp Photographers: Cricket Gullickson, Laura Freymiller, Jake Kang, Melissa Ma, Paul Paré, Janet Sananixay, Hannah Smith, Mr. Tulungen Graph Creator: Clancy Tripp
about us: The Vedette is the student-run newspaper of the Culver Academies which seeks to provide a campuswide forum for discussion. The goal of The Vedette is to facilitate open and honest discussions between students, faculty, and administration, and to inform its readers of campus, local, and world news. We are open to letters, ideas for articles, photos, cartoons, and other contributions; if you have contructive criticism, please contact us. Campus papers are only as good as their contributors and we know you have something to say. Opinions expressed in The Vedette do not reflect the opinions of The Vedette staff, and their publication does not in any way imply an endorsement of these opinions by this magazine.
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Features
February 2010
Three Minutes The School for the Entrepreneur announced its 2nd annual elevator competition and winners just a few weeks ago. Because the competition’s rules may not be clear just by looking at the title, SFE has portrayed the competition rules as follows: “The average ride on an elevator lasts roughly 3 minutes. You don’t have a Big Idea if you can’t make your “pitch” to an investor in that time. Set in an imaginary elevator, contestants have exactly 3 minutes to sell their idea to an investor, who is along for the ride”. According to the School for the Entrepreneur, they are looking for ideas that can be developed into a product, service, or company generating profits and new jobs. It should be an idea that results in a viable service organization or social venture, an idea that creatively addresses a problem. Only 10 contestants were selected by two investment bankers who were the judges for this competition. The contestants were chosen based on creativity, originality, clarity of expression, and practicality. The winner of the 2nd annual elevator competition was Austin Welch, 2nd classman from Battery A. He took away the $500 first place prize with his idea of a new fangled, hi-tech blender. This is his second consecutive Elevator Competition win. Meanwhile, Sky Strycker took second place in the competition and won $250 with her idea of breakfast delivery service. This competition represents the worldwide need for creativity, empathy, and inventiveness. “Big Ideas” are key to success in the 21st century’s changing economy and face paced society. According to “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink. “We’ve moved from an economy built on people’s backs to an economy built on people’s left brains to what is emerging today: an economy and society built more and more on people’s right brains” (Pink, 50). Be creative, recognize patterns, and make new meanings; become the type of entrepreneur that the world needs. - Jake Kang ‘12
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Ciel girls make the best out of a Culver winter out on the slopes
Tick Tock on the Clock…
Culver = dancing a dangerous tango with time: you never know what is next. This symphony of meetings, stress, gym, homework, stress, meetings, gym, and emails seems infinite and overwhelming. Well, here are some simple and slightly ridiculous tips that will or have been helping Culver students slow down the tempo and give them some extra “time” to catch up with Lost (Season 6 is even more confusing!) 1. Familiarize yourself with technology. That means use Outlook to remind you of meetings, tasks, appointments, rendezvous etc. They’re simple to set up (takes the same time to: find a post-it note, find a pen,and write it down.) Trust me they’ll nag you until you suddenly start dreaming about your medical appointment in two Culver’s Ski Club at Timber Ridge; a fun way to utilize Culver time months…hmmm at least you won’t forget. 2. Apply the UPBD (Uniform-Post Office-Bookstore-Dorm) tour. It may sound stupid but it does make sense. After all, who likes going back and forth to and from the dorm during a free period? You start at the dining hall (if you have lunch) and then you continue this route until you get back to your room with no more things to do/pick up/buy. 3. Old one but useful for most of the guys. Taking your backpacks to breakfast when you have last BRC saves you from going up the 324534 (56732816 if you’re in Artillery) stairs to get to your room, grab your backpack, and rush to class. 4. Straight-line shortcut between Main Barracks and Troop. Even though it is not OK to step on the grass, most people avoid that little curve. CGA Basketball is all about the 5. Dining Hall-to go. Hungry but love. Despite the time conserva- too much homework? Traditionally a PB-J tion tips, we can still build close (Continued on next page) relationships
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F EAT U R E S
Make Room for Culver’s JSA
The Junior State of America (JSA) is a student-run, self-governing youth organization. This program was founded in 1934 by Professor E.A Rogers at the Montezuma Mountain School in Los Gatos, California. The students at Montezuma Mountain School formed their own government including executive branch, judicial branch and legislative branch. The students design, approve, and apply their own rules through these branches. JSA meetings host a variety of public speaking activities: debates, thought talks, and political discussions. It is similar to Model UN, but the focus is set on the topic
of government and politics, whereas Model UN focuses on global issues. JSA was brought to Culver by Kirstyn Petras’11 on December, 2009, and is sponsored by Mr. Kelley, a Humanities 10 instructor. There are currently six members on the club, but to be an official chapter defined by JSA, at least eight members are required. Anyone who is interested in politics and debate is welcomed to the club. During the summer, JSA and JSF (Junior Statesmen Foundation) offers a number of summer school programs at major universities such as Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern and Georgetown Universities. The 4-week program includes AP US Govern-
Tick Tock
(Continued from previous page) will save you time and will keep you awake for the next class. During the winter, hot cocoa is a classic. 6. Try to use alternative printing stations other than Academic Skills. The library is usually pretty vacant and so isthe one in Math & Science. 7. Organize your plates at dinner. Having no trays makes it hard to handle and put all the stuff back to the return area. Put your utensils and napkins inside the cups, small bowl inside the big bowl, and so on. Use your imagination but be careful.
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ment, and Politics and Speech & Political Communication, AP Macroeconomics, International Relations, and Constitutional Law. Every night, students will have a debate session and at the end of the term, the students have to write a 15-20 page term paper. JSA prepares young leaders to become active participants in public affairs. Through the summer programs offered by JSA and JSF, students will acquire highly developed public speaking skills as well as deep understanding of US government and politics. The simplest way to take the first step into JSA is to join the Culver JSA. Contact Petrask@culver. org with any questions you may have. - Jake Kang’12
Remember the little things add up.
8. Although it seems impossible, make a sacrifice -Alejandro Arroyo Yamin ‘10 and limit the time you spent on Facebook. If you do that, you’ll get at least half an hour back. 9. Clean your rooms before you go to bed. The next morning you won’t have to worry about that and you’ll have more time to eat breakfast. 10. And finally, another one for the guys. Get your hair cut during your free period; don’t go after school unless you’re willing to sit there for half an hour. If you do, don’t make an appearance at 3:59 and expect David Devries ‘11 competes in to be attended to. the 2nd annual Elevator Competition
February 2010
Va l e n t i n e ’s Gifts A wise person once said “We are all weird. And life is weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we call it love.” At this time of year where love is at its peak, there is nothing that is too weird, or too much. The question posed to couples for this Valentine’s Day is “what will you get your significant other?” Dan Reynolds: “I’m making her duct-tape roses.” Tenley Gillet: “I have no idea.” Elizabeth Becker : “I’m getting him a war kite and a water walking ball!”…but really “I’m getting him tickets to the Washington Capitals game.” Jack Mitzell: “I’m making her a giant heart that has 3 pages, and on the first page will be a picture of her, the second page a picture of myself, and on the back will be our top ten memories together.” Jessica Simon: “A gigantic card.” Meghan Grieves: “I’m getting him a grizzly bear…and a replica of the Eifel Tower…in chocolate…sized to scale!” Dave Surovchak - “Mike Goldstein……no I’m physically giving her Mike Goldstein.” I wonder if Mr. Goldstein knows about this exchange… - Andrea Canacci ‘11
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News
February 2010
Obama’s First Year: Already?
It has been more than a year since president Barrack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States on November 4th, 2008. Obama’s first year as president has not lived up to the high expectations. Even though Obama has 51 percent of approval rating as president, according to a poll released by CNN on January 2010, the rate has decreased by three points from last month. At the same time, the disapproval rate is marked 48 percent which is an increase of four points from December. According to CNN Polling Director, Keating Holland, the nations are somewhat satisfied with the way president Obama handles foreign policy. "On the plus side for Obama, he remains personally popular, and he gets decent ratings on foreign policy and national security issues” (Holland). It seems that Obama deals with foreign policy issues quite well, but there is another major issue that a majority of U.S citizens are still unsatisfied about: the economy. "Unfortunately for Obama, domestic issues -- led by the economy -- are far more important to the public than foreign policy issues, and a majority disapprove of how he is handling every single economic and domestic issue tested" (Holland). It is true that the economy didn’t get much better than that of former president George Bush’s time. Instead, the economy has become worse. According to LibertyWorks.com, Obama’s 1st year’s deficit is greater than all seven years of Bush deficits combined. Due to Obama’s troop surge in Afghanistan, the spending and deficits are much greater than the tax revenue. Before Obama was elected as the president – when he was competing against Senator John McCain – Obama denounced McCain for following the same path as George Bush. “Just like George Bush, McCain budget plan offers four more years of soaring deficits…the non-partisan Tax Policy Center said McCain’s tax plan would add $3.2 trillion to the debt over the next decade” (Obama’s campaign website). Paradoxically, Obama’s debt will add more than $3.2 trillion in less than two years. In addition, a controversy has been raised because Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo while he sent troops to Afghanistan. In his speech, Obama said that as a head of state, he cannot be guided by the “ideals” of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. alone. “Evil does exist in the world,” he said. “Negotiations cannot convince al Qaida’s leaders to lay down their arms” (Obama). With the awkwardly timed award, Obama’s attempt at peace may look even less consistent; however, in one sense he does strive to be a peaceful president as he immediately decided to help Haiti after the massive catastrophe. Great expectations lead to great disappointments.
President Obama recieving the controversial Nobel Peace Prize. Too soon? (Picture courtesy of: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01541/nobel-obama-summar_1541152c.jpg) Though we may not be satisfied with president Obama’s economic policy and domestic issues, we shouldn’t neglect that it’s only his first year. As Benjamin Franklin once said “He that can have Patience can have what he will.”Waiting with patience will resolve conflicts and bring people what they wish to have. -Jake Kang’12
A comparison of deficits. (Picture from http://libertyworks. com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/def-chart-december09.gif)
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NEWS
February 2010
Saving the World (Theoretically) In January six students joined together to form one devastatingly clever delegation and hit the big apple. One was assassinated, two called upon Batman to stem an imaginary economic crisis in China, and all six saved the hypothetical world several times over. Representatives from the Culver Model United Nations competed in a conference
hosted by Columbia University, called CMUNCE for short and affectionately referred to as C-Monkey. We stayed in a hotel overlooking Times Square, explored the city, and passionately debated issues with increasingly complicated acronyms. If you need someone to talk to about the WTO’s issues with NAFTA and RTA’s or CRTA’s take on
Article XXIV of the GATT. We are well versed and can speak coherently, or so we hope, on the topic. There were Model Un pickup lines sent on flowers and a delegate dance rife with socially awkward yet outgoing competitors. We raised our placards, scribbled resolutions, and when all else failed, nodded intelligently until our brains were functioning in
parliamentary procedure mode (motion to breathe, seconded) and our suits were like a second skin. When the plane hit Indianapolis and we returned to snow, school, and normality we were exhausted from a conference wellspent and a world protected from imaginary crisis. Culver’s delegation has done it again. - Clancy Tripp ‘11
Stay Alert, Stay Alive! The first installment of CGA Senior Seminar Series started off with a bang or should I say, a lot of screaming. The visit from Keri Kei Shibata, a Crime Prevention Officer, taught seniors simple tips to help us stay safe in college. Throughout the power point, Ms. Shibata mentioned “stay alert” several times. After those two words, the competition began. As soon as it registered, several girls shouted “Stay Alive!” The first to shout won. The prize: a keychain, but not just any keychain. This keychain doubled as a flashlight as well as have important safety information. The representative from the Notre Dame Security Police Department also passed out matching cups to all the seniors. Although this night was full of fun, it also taught seniors important safety tips that may save alife one day. Most importantly, we learned that staying alert can equal staying alive. On the 9th of February, the seniors learned to overcome their fear. There are two installments left of the Senior Seminar Series. To address reality, the seniors will watch a film titled, Haze. And finally, the seniors will hopefully learn to manage their money from Kristy MacDonald. The little tips we learn may mean the difference between life and death… or at least receiving a free keychain or not. -Jessica Knox ‘10
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Stay alert! Or penguin key chains may not be enough to save you! Picture courtesy of: http://mooreslore. corante.com/archives/images/linux%20 penguin%20key%20chain.jpg
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Op-Eds
February 2010
The Opinions of Valentine’s Day
“Be Mine” is Benign Bang. Here it is. The day is now. It is Valentine’s Day. Be prepared or be squared. Or cubed if you feel up to it. Every year Valentine’s Day is greeted with either a bashful smile or a punch to the jaw. Love it or hate it… or if you happen to live in a secluded area which does not acknowledge holidays, you really don’t care either way. What’s all the fuss about anyway? I think it all stems from the root of the day: love. So what is love? (Yes, half of you have now started doing the sideways head bang movement). Love in all its forms is an emotion so powerful that though (Continued on next page)
Courtesy of http://capslove.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/ candy-heart1.jpg
The Dark Side of the Day When I think about Valentine’s Day I wonder why we can’t just go back to the good old days when it was called Lupercalia and men wearing only wolf skins ran through the city whipping people. I guess I just get nostalgic sometimes. Valentine’s is a waste of calendar notation; in fact, we should skip right from the 13th to the 15th. No one would notice. I have no problem with the rampant commercialism; whether Hallmark loves me or you love me, I’d just like a card with glitter, thank you. No, I resent Valentine’s Day because of all the love it entails. I’m not going on a Singles’ Awareness Day rant or anything, but there is too much smiling, there is too much hand holding, and there are too many positive feelings involved in happy couples. Forget a revolution of basic human kindness and respect; I propose we form a rebellion of grumpy loveless people. If your friends receive roses, point out that the thorns are rather sharp. Throw rocks at happy people; they’re probably faking it anyway. If you see a couple making goo-goo eyes, remind them that the odds are stacked against them and 97% of high school relationships end in divorce or death. If you see some poor soul with heart shaped chocolates in her hands, pat her on the back and casually work into a conversation that the CDC has classified obesity as an epidemic. As for those people who believe in love and all that jazz, I hope they choke on their conversation hearts. - Clancy Tripp ‘11
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OPINIONS-EDITORIALS
February 2010
DataMatch: Finding “The One” I plan on meeting my soul mate through DataMatch. To the man who circled, “flying pig” we are destined to be wed. Through twenty multiple choice questions I poured out my soul; I laughed, I cried, I pondered. I deliberated over “where is your favorite place to go on a date” because the answers were not Dining Hall, Shack, and hockey game. I read into the symbolism and references to
existentialism in the query into my favorite pizza topping. Everyone knows that you find your true love in high school and I see no better way than through soul-probing questions like those we were privileged enough to contemplate. Unlike everyone else who receives their results, giggles uncomfortably, and then posts awkward “Guess who my number one Data-
Match is?” Facebook comments to people they’ve barely spoken to, I plan on forming a deep, fulfilling, mutual love-connection with the future father of my children. I challenge you loveless fools to take DataMatch seriously - there’s math behind it or something – and pursue a lasting relationship with your number one match. - Clancy Tripp ‘11
“Be Mine” is Benign
(Continued from previous page)
many have tried, few have been able to write down its true meaning. Perhaps it is a many feathered thing. Perhaps it is all we need. Insert other cheesy song/poem quote here. The point of Valentine’s Day though is to express love in all its variety. Not just the “love” between couples, but the love between friends, siblings, parents and children. Although we may not all grasp the true meaning of romantic love,. Wwe can all appreciate and experience the often forgotten, ordinary love. So Valentine’s Day is not really about the rush of sugar or (ick) passion, but rather about the slow steady love of hu-
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manity. As we join together to celebrate a day of hearts and “XOXOxxOO”, let’s not forget the common need of acceptance. Go out of your way to smile at the passing student, faculty member, dining hall worker, tourer and parents (especially if they look like they have money… kidding!), and maybe even that awkward couple over there. Because we all want to feel loved and Valentine’s Day gives the perfect opportunity to share this wonderful bond of appreciation. -Laura Freymiller ‘11
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OPINIONS-EDITORIALS
February 2010 Surely, you’ve noticed that the Dining Hall has chosen to go on a trayless alternative. Like a bad breakup, we cannot stop thinking about the familiar beige trays and their convenience, but we must all move on and realize that this is for the better. What must be understood is that the Dining Hall didn’t choose to go trayless to make anyone upset. No one should be sad. Rather, we should be happy that we are being so environmentally friendly! The Trayless Initiative is truly something that will benefit Culver in the long haul. Mr. Wilhite answered a few questions to clear up the rumors and questions that I heard several of my peers ask. Q: In a nutshell, what is the goal of going trayless? A: One of the goals is to save money, although money is not the real issue. We wanted to raise awareness of people and waste, or rather how much people waste. Everyone is always in a hurry so it’s always “get everything at once and if you finish, you finish. However, if you don’t just waste it and put it on the conveyor belt.” We want Culver to be aware of how much we waste since we don’t think about it. Q: What did you think that the reaction of the new trayless initiative was going to be? A: I knew that there was going to be animosity because it is a big change. So we tried just weekends to try to make people used to the idea. By getting smaller trays, we tried to get people prepared to go without a tray. I was prepared for animosity. Q: What did you think of the response (from the students, faculty/staff)? A: Like I said, I was prepared for the animosity, but I was a little upset with the plates in chairs. That was a major disappointment. Q: What will happen with the money saved on energy, water, electricity and other resources? Will we get tastier food, more silverware, more mid morning break, or will it go towards something unrelated to the Dining Hall? A: Saved money will definitely invest in food services. It will go towards everything. A conservative number before trayless was about $2500-3000 of food waste a week, totaling about $138-140,000 of
Vol. 113 Issue #4
The Truth
About Trayless
wasted food every school year. To be able to put that back into offering other things is another goal Q: It is rumored that the trays were replaced in order to buy the new convenient napkin dispensers at lunch…is this true? A: No, actually the napkin holders didn’t cost us a penny. We only pay for the napkins. Those were supplied by us because we know about how much napkins are used. This way, kids can take one napkin at a time instead of the usual chunk of napkins that the old dispensers allowed. Q: Why the new large cups? Won’t they be more wasteful since they are larger? A: The 16oz is perfect… it is like 2 glasses in 1. The thought process was to compromise. By choosing plastic over glass, we are also reducing the number of broken cups. It also is easier to wash 1 16oz glass as opposed to 2 glasses. We have seen savings in beverages in the 2 weeks we’ve had these glasses already. Q: So where are the trays being kept now? A: We are storing them, although I won’t tell you where. Students often ask to buy one, but that really defeats the purpose of going trayless. Q: Same with the old glass cups? A: Those are going to be stored, too. Those are actually going to be distributed to churches. Q: Many people are upset that we JUST got new trays and now they were taken away. Doesn’t that seem like money gone to waste? A: Since we buy in bulk, we get a rebate on almost everything. These new trays were bought through rebate. So in reality, we did not waste any money, since we didn’t really “buy” them, but rather got them through rebate. Q: Finally, I think the question everyone is dying to know the answer to-Will we ever see our beloved trays again? A: No, not anytime soon… Not through the trayless initiative. -Vanessa Morales ‘11
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February 2010
OPINIONS-EDITORIALS
Culver, College, and Beyond
Ringing! That tiny band of gold. So small. So shiny. Ringing. Many may be confused about this ceremony. What’s the big deal, you may ask yourself. Go ahead, I’ll wait... Now that you’re back: ringing is another of those steps towards the end. It signifies the transition of the juniors into their senior year. And, yes, it means we can add a little bling to our otherwise humdrum lives. Let’s give a breakdown of what’s going to happen. Step 1) The rising junior asks a senior/alumni/parent to ring them. Usually through notes, emails, or in the case of Han-
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nah Smith, class of 2011, “I asked them [her ringer] by painting a sign and hanging it under my bed for her to find while she was checking it for CWC.” But we can’t all be over achievers. Step 2) The senior/alumni/parent agrees. (Hopefully). Remember, if at first you don’t succeed… maybe you are just destined to fail Step 3) The ringer delivers their own Culver ring to the junior in time for them to wear it on the decided date. (Class of 2011, that would be February 25 …only a few more days!) Again there are many creative possibilities with this: candy grams, as Christmas presents,
care packages, or random visits involving much manly punching of arms and guffawing. All valid options. Step 4) The day arrives. The juniors put on their ringer’s ring, if it fits, and matches their outfit… and they haven’t lost it yet. Step 5) The period between the donning of the ring and Final Ball night; the ringer anxiously phones the junior to make sure that they have not lost, damaged, misplaced, or looked at the ring in an odd way. The junior has a minor panic attack and takes it out on the nearest new cadet or freshman. Step 6) Final Ball night. The sign for 2010 fades and is re-
placed by the sign for 2011. Juniors get their rings, a quick photo-op if they have nearby parents, and then the sprint/ UFC style fight to Beason.. Although Final Ball is still months away, and grad still sounds like a fairy tale, it is the little things that get us through. This ceremony grounds us in the now of Culver while reminding us that there will be a life hereafter. Juniors, remember to reflect on the good things, the happy memories of this place, because before you know it… we’ll be walking through that gate or arch ourselves. -Laura Freymiller ‘11
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Arts
February 2010
Small But Mighty: The Culver Orchestra
The Culver orchestra began as a string club, but eventually became an official class. It has always been small in number, but because of this, has become closely bonded. Only occasionally is our lack of participants an obstacle. For example, last year, there was only one violist, because the viola is not an incredibly popular instrument. However, this year, the viola section has tripled in size, to match the number of cellists. Our experience levels are diverse as well. Some of our classmates seem to have been playing since before birth, whereas others started 3 days before class began. This makes it slightly difficult to find pieces to suit everyone’s levels, but we play contrasting music. Some pieces are slow, others quick, some familiar, some totally unique. Just because our orchestra is small doesn’t mean we can’t do big things. Every year, the orchestra breaks up into small groups of three or four and prepares a piece to compete in ISSMA, which is an annual competition for all sorts of musical instruments, also known as Solo and Ensemble. Culver even hosts its own version of Solo and Ensemble, at which some groups recently performed.
Overall, orchestra is a really great class. We are not very well-known, we are small, but we are also mighty. -Elise Pare, ‘13
Orchestra showing their musical might, conducted by Mr. Gard. Picture by Paul Paré CMA ‘67
Winter Play Neighborhood 3:Requisition of Doom A cliche horror movie preview flashed. Intense music boomed through the auditorium. Some sank into their seats, covered their eyes and screamed like babies while others giggled at their peers. The preview for “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” left us elated after the rather somber note of the last All School Meeting, but absolutely clueless to what the play is actually about. I interviewed a member of the play, Kirstyn Petras, to give us some insight on what to expect to experience in Eppley Friday. Q: Who is your character in the play and what does she do? A: I play Makaela. She doesn’t have a large part, but she introduces the play and foreshadows something will go terribly wrong. Q: What is the play basically about? Why should people go? A: It’s a modern show about video games and zombies and what happens to a town when the virtual world mixes with reality. How could you not want to go? It’s a comedy- not slapstick- but more of a dark comedy. It touches on so many random points that almost every Culver kid can find something appealing about the story. Q: What was the most fun about doing this play opposed to other ones? A: It was fun to do a modern play ... it is easier for the audience as well as the cast to understand. I felt like I could make more of a connection with my character because she is a teenager and I am a teenager. I could relate with her thoughts and emotions on the same level.
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Opening night starts this Friday, February 12th at 7:30 P.M. in Eppley. Escape the gloom and doom of the Culver blues and enter into a world so false, yet completely real. -Alex Rodgers ‘10 John Lewis’s obsessive videogame playing as Annie Pettinga watches from a distance, from the Winter play “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom”.
More scenes from the Winter play showing other obssessive characters
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Travel
February
2009
BECAUSE THERE’S A WORLD BEYOND ACADEMY ROAD Konichiwa Culver, c’était un très long hiver and wir sind für den Frühling begierig. En un mes nosotros estaremos gozando del spring break, but before that, we’ll have the chance to spend some relaxing time during long weekend. 尽 管大部分都会回家,remember that your stories, tips, reci-
The Small Things In...
Germany
In Germany, everybody wears Lederhosen, has blue eyes and blond hair. The Germans love sauerkraut and sausages and spend most of their time watching soccer and drinking beer. WRONG. In fact, the majority of the people in Germany have brunette hair and brown eyes and nobody ever wears Lederhosen or Dirndls, I repeat: nobody. But soccer indeed plays an almost religious role in every man’s life and (of course) the Germans like to eat all of their 1500 different kinds of sausages. We Germans go gro-
pes, are always welcome to this section. Meanwhile, nos si is erant velle loco experimental suus Culverpolitan skills by setting up a little challenge. The first one to email one of us with the total translation of this parragraph into English, will get a secret prize. Удача! - Alexandria Rodgers ‘10 and Alejandro Arroyo Yamin ‘10
cery shopping every single day, celebrate Christmas on December 24, prefer French fries with mayonnaise and separate our trash in at least five different bins. In Berlin, they still keep some parts of the Berlin Wall, just for the tourists. And, no, there isn’t a speed limit on the Autobahn and the so-called “Geisterfahrer Phenomena”- someone who intentionally travels in the wrong direction on the Autobahn with an average speed of 180 km/h- occurs almost every day. So much for all the “little” things in Germany . . . -Lee Beck ‘11
Hong Kong According to Fast Food It amazes me just how small our world has become. Connected by a web of shared culture through a more-literal web of the Internet, tidbits of culture can be spread with a simple click of a button. But as our cultures begin to weave into one, it is even more imperative to find unique ways to “define” our respective cultures – ways that separate one people
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from another. Things like religion, race and language have historically been factors that characterize a country’s identify. But sometimes, it is the small things – simple every day traditions such as food and dining – that act as a gateway to the heart and soul of a people. They often say, “You are what you eat.” Last year, I had the opportunity to live out this
statement, spending one year abroad in Hong Kong, S.A.R. In Hong Kong, I experience a culture shockingly similar from the one back home in the States. But there were obviously major differences, especially when it came to dining. Consisting of a mainly Chinese population, most of the restaurants served to their ma(continued on next page)
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Fast Food (continued from previous page) jority demographic, selling Cantonese food. However, as I quickly learned in boarding the 14-hour flight to Hong Kong, it is a very diverse region. To compensate for its international inhabitants, everything in Hong Kong is always repeated in a minimum of three languages – if not more. Because of ethnic diversity of the region, Hong Kong is a breeding ground for international food options – the most common of them being, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. Although these fast food places may seem insignificant to the greater picture of Hong Kong, in reality, there is more that meets the eye when it comes to fast food.
Hong Kong. . . is a mixing pot of culture that’s decidedly unique and delicious I distinctly remember the first time I dined out at Pizza Hut in Hong Kong. I had expected pizza of the cheese and pepperoni varieties. Instead, I was greeted to an array of obscure toppings including spinach-covered shrimp, curry sauce and escargot – decidedly non-American pizza toppings. As revolted as I was, the ambiguous topping choices left me thoughtful. Hong Kong had reinvented this quintessential American classic into a new definition of pizza – a reinvention I would not recommend to any traditional pizza-lover. By burrowing the idea of pizza and redesigning it, the Pizza Hut of Hong Kong created something completely unique and completely their own. Although I personally did not take too fondly to the taste, others reveled in this mixing of Asian and American cuisine – a unique mix that mirrors the unique blend of the culture in Hong Kong. As a former long-time colony of the United Kingdom, many call Hong Kong the city where “east meets west”. Currently under Chinese rule, the culture of Hong Kong is very similar to that of China on the surface, but it also bears many striking differences that separate the island from the mainland. For example, vehicles in Hong Kong drive on the left side of the road, just as the British do. However, as in China, said vehicles still bear Chinese characters. Hong Kong also differs from China in many of their view on ideas such as censorship, education and politics. Just like their pizza, the culture of Hong Kong is a fusion of both western and eastern ideals. The result is a mixing pot of culture that’s decidedly unique and delicious – even when the food itself is not.
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French Fries the symbol of fast food the world over Picture from http:// weblog.greenpeace. org/climate/french_ fries.jpg
Although Pizza Hut is a formidable name in the world of fast-food, it is McDonald’s that reigns as king among all fast food chains. There is nothing more American than a juicy Big Mac, or so the people of Hong Kong would like to believe. Nevertheless, McDonald’s is still a popular dining choice for all Hong Kongers in a bustle. However, there is something distinctly unusual about the McDonald’s of Asia – the tiny proportions. In America, we are used to burgers the size of large rocks paired with a serving of fries that could feed a starving nation. Not to mention the 32 oz. cup of refilable carbonated sugar that is a must to any complete McDonald’s meal. But in Hong Kong, everything is almost excruciatingly smaller. My order of a double-cheeseburger had shrunken in size – now meager in comparison to the burgers I was used to. Worst of all – my 32 oz. drink I had grown so fond of was replaced by 12 oz. containers, with no free refills to speak of. Everything about the McDonald’s was smaller – even the size of the restaurant itself, due to lack of space. Although these small differences may seem insignificant at first, there is a greater meaning to be deciphered by strange difference in Hong Kong’s McDonald’s. Growing up, I’ve always been told that bigger was better – a belief that was challenged upon my move to Hong Kong. Everything from their burgers to their cars to the size of their homes to their environmental footprint, to even the average size of their people, is smaller. To reduce, reuse and recycle is the mantra of many Hong Kong. These people make a conscience effort to use less and to preserve their limited resources. In Hong Kong, bigger is not better. In fact big is bad, for is meant wasted resources. In a city overflowing in population, the people of Hong Kong cannot risk this waste. Even my school curriculum emphasizes this idea – I spent five entire months in Humanities class studying pollution and its effect on global environment. Living under these conditions reminded me that size is not everything. It reminded me that one does not need three minivans and five Hi-Def televisions to live the good life. It reminded me just how excessive the American lifestyle can sometimes be. -Alex Ding ‘13
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Sports
February 2010
Ten Simple Reasons Why You Should…RUN 1. The one and most obvious: to get in shape…especially in this awful weather. And yes, running outside is fun! It is actually easier to run in cold weathers than in hot weather! ! Why? Well, your body does not get as hot as fast as if you were running in hot weather.. The faster your body heats, the easier you dehydrate. My personal advice: If you’re running outside you MUST wear gloves and a hat…trust me, bad things happen when you do otherwise. 2. Running 1 mile burns 100 kcal regardless of your pace (you don’t have to sprint all the way)…so if you feel guilty about that Snickers you ate at lunch, run two and a half miles and that should do the trick.. One mile is 4 laps around the outdoor track, 12 laps around the outer lane of the fitness center track, close to 14 laps in the indoor track, and the distance from the end of the Naval Building to Linden and back. 3. Besides burning 100 kcal for every mile you run, your metabolism will still burn calories faster in order to replenish your muscles. Yes, after a run you should hydrate and feed yourself properly (chocolate milk is the best). 4. Running helps you get out of Culver, although it is a little ironic, since most of the school’s surroundings are beautiful places to run. Even though you might not value them, the golf course and the surrounding trails are a paradise for such activity. 5. Running = “You” time. There’s no better feeling that grabbing your iPod and going for a run after a long, and I repeat, LONG day at Culver. If you happen to fail your Spanish quiz or do horribly at stoichiometry, or if you want to go over your ideas and projects, put some running
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shoes on and clear your mind, it really does help…again personal experience. It is scientifically proven that stress can be reduced with physical activity…so there you go; I am not making this up...Google it if you don’t believe. 6. Running makes your heart work more efficiently. The more you run, the stronger your heart becomes (remember that the heart is a muscle). Why? Well running also increases your breathing capacity and thus your oxygen load. Because you can absorb more oxygen, your heart does not need to pump blood as fast but it rather does it slowly and more efficient. 7. Running makes you happy. Similar to other physical activities, running releases endorphins, which produce a pleasurable sensation in our body. Have you heard of the “Runner’s high”? Well that’s when your body, during a strong workout, releases plenty of endorphins blocking the pain receptors of your legs and making you feel you can run forever. However, by blocking the pain, your body, more specifically your legs, can be prone to other injuries. Don’t worry though this is a rare occurrence. 8. Running reduces the aging process by promoting the production of the growth hormone, which prevents muscle and bone loss, and enhances the glow of the face. 9. Running makes you more focused and determined since you’re always looking ahead for future challenges. It’s not only your body that gets stronger, your mind does as well. Running makes you more competitive, since you’re always looking to improve a second every time you run that mile. Running is the trigger for personal self-improvement. 10. Running is freedom, running is passion, running is recognizing that pain isn’t an obstacle. Pain can and will be overcome. -Alejandro Arroyo Yamin ‘10
One Big Win After a ten hour bus ride up, the Eagles arrived at Shattuck St. Mary’s. The long rivalry between the two boarding was about to change chapters, but not during the first game. The next day, January 17th, the Prep Hockey Team at Culver had its own Miracle beating the Shattuck St. Mary’s Sabres for the first time in several seasons. In the second game of the road-trip to Shattuck, the Eagles pulled off the 2-0 victory with goals from forwards Tieg Alward ‘10 and Drew Phillips ‘11. Shattuck would not allow the Eagles to just walk away with the victory neither would the refs. Culver played down a man in the final minutes of the game even ending the game with a 5 on 3 penalty kill. The exciting final minutes forced fans to hold their breath until the final buzzer sounded releasing screams from the few Culver fans in attendance. Nick Kulmanovsky, Prep’s starting goalie played an excellent game. Captain Connor Kucera commended Nick’s performance. “Nick played great giving us the opportunity to win.” Connor stated. The momentum from the victory has carried over. Culver’s Prep team continues performing on all cylinders with a 4-1-1 record since the Shattuck victory. -Brandon Beaver ‘10
Vol. 113 Issue #4
February 2010
Badminton I can hear my heart beat, sounding like horses galloping down a hill; I breath so hard that I feel like my lungs are burning; my skin is soaked with sweat and my leg is twitching. My body is forcing me to stop, but I can’t. Because in this game the winner will never think of giving up, because the result is one sound bite so I must concentrate, stick to my task, and plunge faster and faster, and finally, smash! What is this predominantly intense match? The answer is: Badminton. According to the perception of most of us, badminton is merely a leisurely activity or entertainment. We think about playing badminton on the fresh green grass of our backyard, or on the beach while we are enjoying the sun bath. But how much do you know about a badminton tournament? From January 15th to January 17th, the Culver badminton team experienced a competitive tournament in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Indiana Badminton Open was USA Badminton sanctioned tournament, and it hosted all levels of players, from beginner to professional players. The achievement and fun was beyond what any of us could have imagined. Yixing Shen and Jiayin Dai came up with 2nd place in their men and women single D group events. “The biggest challenge is that the competitors are all older and stronger than us.” said Shen, the captain of the team. “We were the only high school students. Even though most of the competitors are in college and member of USA National team, I had no fear of them, when they dash the birdie to me, I just hit it back harder!” said Jiang, full of energy. As we can see, it was a huge tournament with
SPORTS more than 100 competitors and without an age limit. Being young and relatively inexperienced, the members in Culver badminton club faced many challenges and obstacles. Fortunately, we learned a lot from the matches and had a huge step of improvement. Chi, a member who is dedicated to badminton said: “My strength is to hit the birdie as high and as far as possible. I am trying to developing my strength everyday in the gym, and I am looking forward to the next tournament!” Yes, there are several badminton tournaments coming up in February and March, and all of us are prompt! Thanks to the coaching from Mr. Tulungen, we shake off all of the boundaries around our goals. We practice hard in the gym every day, and we can always hear Mr. Tulungen yell: “Let’s leave them no mercy!” to encourage us. Badminton not only enlightens my life but also develops my confidence and perseverance. I never give up chasing the birdie, just like I never give up following my dreams. If a girl is facing some guy who is far bigger and stronger than her but still scurries as fast as possible and smashes the birdie right to his face, that same girl can at least try anything she wishes to attempt---and eventually succeed. With Mr. Tulungen’s “Don’t give them mercy!” echoing in our ears, we, the badminton members, are ready to rock. Thank you very much to Mr. Tony Giraldi from the International Development Office at Culver Academies for supporting the club and supporting the team’s participation in every tournament. For more information about the club and upcoming tournaments check out the club website: http://eaglenet.culver.org/BadmintonClub/ Home.html - Kate Feng’11
Chat with CMA Basketball’s Chier Ajou Chier Ajou is a new junior from Sudan, whose 7 foot 1 inch presence graces the Culver Academies basketball court. Not only is Chier recognized for his athletic ability while at Culver, but he also was named Indy’s number ten high school basketball player by ESPN Rise, a magazine that focuses on upcoming athletes. Q) When did you first start playing basketball? A) I started playing basketball three years ago. Q) In addition to Culver, where else have you played? A) I played for an AAU team called Indiana Elite. I also played for Alabama High School, which is where I went to school before I came to Culver. Q) How is Culver basketball different from other teams you have played with?
A) Culver basketball is good because it is competitive but lots of people get the chance to play and contribute to the team. Also, the coaching staff here is great, and they are helping to improve my game and that of my teammates. Q) What has been your favorite part about Culver basketball? A) The way that the team works hard in practice and the way we play together. It will help to make our team better. Everyone is nice on the team and encourages each other to do well. Q) Is there any additional information you would like to contribute to the article? A)I would like to talk about Coach Huss. He is really a great coach and a great person. He helps the team to improve both on and off the court. - Deanna Dilts ‘11
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SPORTS
February 2010
Crew team starts its pre-season conditioning
On January 25th, 2010, a small group of people gathered in the blue gym and began jogging; this group was Culver’s spring season Crew team. About 20 people, some from previous seasons along with a few new members, meet with Colonel Foersch and Mr. Weaser on a regular basis to increase their muscular strength and stamina for the upcoming season. Just by looking at their conditioning, one can feel their enthusiasm and hard work ethic which they will need to be successful in the demanding spring season. Crew is a sport that requires tremendous teamwork and diligence. Although each one of the team’s physical ability, mentality, personality and background may differ, when they are on the boat, they row for one reason: success. “It is definitely a great example of how differences don’t matter. In each stroke, we are in synchronization for our success. Indeed, that is what crew is all about. Perhaps, everything we do is all about teamwork,” says Kyle Lim, a 08/09 novice +4 Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship, bronze medalist stroke. Culver’s tradition of rowing goes originated in1921. With the location of the campus, Culver Military Academy cadets discovered a pleasant environment for practices and regattas on the handy Lake Maxinkuckee. In 1978, 7 years after CGA was founded, a girls’ crew team joined the Academy. In 1984, Culver hosted the first Midwest Scholastic Regatta. The season is approaching and the team members are filled with enthusi-
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2009 Spring season Crew team picture
Taken Courtesy of http://www.culver.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view& id=4388&Itemid=3954 asm and energy as they will start rowing on Lake Maxinkuckee. Crew is a sport of diversity and equality because it is not limited by race or gender. Each member must pull their own weight in order to succeed, and even the smallest change can mean the difference between success and a very long bus ride home. The level of equality means that each member has the same chance to prove their worth. “Although we are totally different from each other, we work under a single goal. It is definitely a great example of how differences don’t matter”, says Kyle Lim. The spring season usually has six regattas including one during Parents Weekend, so join the crew team to have some fun, travel, and be a part of something bigger Kley Reynolds, 2nd classman than what you are. - Jake Kang‘12 Picture by Jake Kang
Vol. 113 Issue #4
February 2010
THE MONTH IN NUMBERS 271- Number of girls attempting to work up the courage to ask a guy to Sadie Hawkins 272- Number of guys who are unaware that Sadie Hawkins is coming up (you’ve now been warned) 30- Average number of granola bars being consumed per person at the new “mid-morning” 0-Number of granola bars left in the boxes after 1 minute .003- Number of seconds during which each granola bar is eaten 576- Number of people “under the weather” aka coughing, sniffling, and covering campus with a layer of germs 21- Number of campus germophobes hiding in their rooms and spraying everyone who enters with at least a pint of germ-x ® 354- Number of people searching for their true soul mate through the magic of Datamatch 4- Number of snowflakes that are reportedly the same. Keep looking, snowflake skeptics. 3- Number of statistics in this week’s “Week in Numbers” that are about granola bars… 241- Number of juniors soon to receive their rings! 765- Number of carnations bought, given, traded, discarded amidst tears, eaten, and/or planted 2 million – Number of dollars raised in the Batten Challenge and number of dishes left unattended in the Dining Hall 1,000- Number of people who don’t want to talk about the C*nc*rt S*ries ever again 1-Number of times per year the groundhog makes his appearance. Well worth the wait! 7- Number of people who rapped at Benson Café (Hope you were there!) -Lindie Wang ’10, Alex Rodgers “10, Laura Freymiller ‘11, Cricket Gullickson ‘11, Vanessa Morales ’11, Jake Kang ‘12 Disclaimer: This is not a factual or research- based article, and does not in any way reflect the opinions of the Vedette staff.
How do you catch a special rabbit?? ? Unique up on it! Hahaha! Ok maybe not. Do you have better jokes? We sure hope so and would love to hear them. In the April Issue of the Vedette we will be printing the funniest jokes we can find. If you’ve got a “pun”chent for punny jokes, send them to us (if they are appropriate of course) and they may be published!
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you going to send some jokes now? Email wangl@culver.org or freymil@culver.org and get your jokes published!