MARCH 2013 by Dulaney Griffin

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 53, Issue 5 DVDS FOR BREAK

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March 13, 2013

Survey suggests healthy lifestyles

see our website

TO KNOW

WIRED. Sophomore Christian Franklyn plays “Assassin’s Creed III” in his home last month.

the number of state finalists in the Letters about Literature writing competition

photo from franklyn

Despite gore, games thrive

MORE OPTIONS?

STUDENTS say they make healthy choices, yet many are often seen eating chips and other vending machine snacks for lunch. photo by jen siegel

see page 7

# TO KNOW

the number of robotics club members attending April 17 VEX championship REGIONALS

isabel griffith, copy editor tudents are making healthy decisions about exercise and diet. At least, that is 4% what a February survey suggests. 23% Of the 300 surveyed, 23% 73 percent said they exercised at least once weekly. Roughly that same amount said 27% 26% they pack a healthy lunch each day and eat one to four servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And two- thirds of those surveyed said they considered their daily meals healthy. At least one teacher is skeptical. “For the most part they come in with a lot of

INDEX 2-5 6-7 8 9-12

news opinion sports features

see VIDEO GAMES, page 2

see HEALTH SURVEY, page 3

Teachers: Eating healthy versus on the run meghan reinhardt, copy editor & emily sweigart, staff writer s a gym teacher and lacrosse coach, Kyle Fiat said he loves the active lifestyle and encourages healthy eating habits in his students and lacrosse players by emphasizing the importance of fueling their bodies with the right foods. “If somebody could commit to finding just 10 minutes a day to prepare lunches then I think that

see page 8

junk,” food and nutrition teacher, Belinda Knott said, citing chips and cookies as notorious poor health choices students make. How As alternatives, she Often suggests baked sweet Students potato chips, kale chips, seaweed chips Exercise or sushi. “A lot of kids won’t try these because never they think they are occasionally 1-3 times weekly gross” Knott said. A 4-6 times weekly pescatarian herself (she eats a lot of quinoa saldaily ads and tuna fish), she confessed that frozen yogurt and cupcakes are her guilty pleasures. In her nutrition and foods class, she teaches

katy trosch, staff writer & malik peacock, copy editor ondemned by some for their violence, video games enjoy support here, where some students cite their benefits. “They teach you life lessons!” sophomore and Assassin’s Creed player Emilia Waters said. Sophomore Mandy Bilger - an avid Zelda and Final Fantasy player - agrees. “I have learned more from people who never existed than you can imagine,” Bilger said. “Books and video games teach you valuable lessons.” The December shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has brought new scrutiny to gaming, especially after the accused shooter, Adam Lanza, was said to have been obsessed with violent video games. In January, headlines documented Vice President Joe Biden’s Gun Violence Task Force meeting with video game executives. Even so, one local fan of Assassin’s Creed said that he receives multiple benefits from playing video games. “Besides improving my hand-eye coordination and letting my imagination roam free, it has given me a lot of confidence in myself,” sophomore Christian Franklyn said. “From the characters I interact with I learned confidence and perseverance. I emulate those characteristics in my own life.” Sophomore Michelle Ko said that, for her, video games serve as a distraction

would be a great first step,” Fiat said, adding that hard work and discipline are what it takes to maintain a healthy weight. Like Fiat, art teacher Dena Voluse said that healthy eating is her daily goal. She tries to keep a wellrounded diet by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and complete proteins. “I’ve always tried to eat healthy because of my mom’s desire to have at least three different col-

ors on my plate at every meal,” Voluse said. Some teachers think the school should take action to encourage healthy eating in its students. “We need to get rid of the soda vending machines and make them water. The cafeteria should provide fewer sugary snacks,” gym teacher and varsity baseball coach Ryan Wolfsheimer said. see EATING ON THE RUN, page 3

Biology teacher Marty Stranathan eats lunch from Panera Bread in his office March 5. photo by meghan reinhardt

FYI: spring musical “curtains” March 21-23 7:30 p.m. Auditorium

nhs induction March 27 7:30 p.m. Auditorium

spring break

March 29 - April 7 Schools close at end of day March 29

Find us on Edline under clubs.

guitar concert

April 11 7:30 p.m. Auditorium

third quarter ends April 12

junior prom April 13 7 - 10 p.m. Cafeteria & gym

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news

march 13, 2013

Despite gore, games thrive

NEWS LINE

SENIOR SCHOLARS Congratulations to the eight seniors advancing to National Merit Scholarship finalist status: Kushal Byatnal, Minwei Cao, Helen Gao, Kevin Jia, Casey Lim, Amanda Olsen, Lisa Ann Tang and Gabrielle Welsh.

VIDEO GAMES, continued from page 1 from life’s daily activities and struggles. Ko, described by peers as a petite, polite, intelligent and kind, said she favors Assassin’s Creed. “Video games are just a great way to de-stress and take out all my anger,” Ko said. Ko, a gamer since sixth grade, said she spends up to 10 hours a week playing video games during schools breaks. During the school year, Ko said she is usually too busy with school work to play. On a scale from one to 10, Ko rated Assassin’s Creed an eight in regards to violence. Players assume the position of Native Americans during the American Revolution. Players slay enemies with a variety of weapons. “It’s a mix of history, great graphics and great storytelling,” Ko said. Some consider graphic photo from pcmag.com violence in many video games detrimental to the mental health of youth. “I partially agree with the critics, but it’s silly to pin violence on video games alone and not on the media of today’s society in general,” Ko said. “Like any book or movie, kids are immersed in violent and crude atmospheres.” Franklyn agreed, condemning critics of violent video games as “absolutely insane.” “Virtual reality is not reality,” he said. Despite this, one student said her mother does not permit her family to play “M” rated games, or games intended for audiences ages 17 and up.

Violence in video games: Psychology teachers weigh in malik peacock, copy editor vidence condemning video games for violence is inconclusive, say psychology teachers Kendra Swam and Phil Bressler. Swam said most agree there is nothing linking video game violence and actual violence. “Overexposure to any one perspective could lead individuals to lose focus or to a skewed view of the world,” she said. B. F. Skinner, a behavioral psychologist who studied rewards and punishment, would look for reinforcement, Swam said. “Are individuals rewarded in the game for aggression? Are students rewarded culturally...for these games?” she asked. Swam said Skinner might relate the success a player feels while playing violent games to making actual violence seem acceptable. Whether violent people are attracted to these games or if the games make players violent is unknown, Bressler said. For him, the psychologist Albert Bandura, who says people learn from observation, comes to mind. But he does not necessarily agree. “I am against policies that restrict rights as a general political stance.”

MOCK TRIAL WINS

GROUP GAMING. Seniors Harry Zhang, Richard Buck, Josh Wei and Sun Jang battle it out on the online roleplaying game “League of Legends,” along with sophomore Daniel Shin and senior Justin Chung, after a Ravens game. photo from chung

“League of Legends” craze hits here

jessica hung, features editor t’s a new game sneaking around, penetrating our social network. Chances are you’ve heard the occasional “LoL” passed around. This “Lol” doesn’t mean “laugh out loud”— this one stands for “League of Legends.” “League of Legends” is a free massively multiplayer online role-playing game filled with semi-cartoonish fantasy and medieval champions—free or purchased characters— that change every week. The video feed is filled with vibrant colors of champions battling enemies with personal attacks or a turret – a stone pillar – zapping minions. One game lasts at least 20 minutes, where a team consisting of five players attempts to defeat another by destroying their nexus crystal—LoL-speak for home base. It’s not a violent game, ranging from a flurry of attacks to cartoon deaths. Freshman Hojin Yoon said that the game’s multiple champions is what makes the game all the more fun. “Each champion has its own unique abilities,” Yoon said. “You can choose to sit down and master a couple champions, or try them all out.” The game has taken the school by storm. Upperclassmen and underclassmen alike play “League of Legends” for its self-accomplishment and multiplayer option. Senior Justin Chung and sophomore Hayes Zhang say they enjoy the game because it allows for interaction and competition among friends. “It’s a lot easier for you to play with your real friends,” said Zhang. “I mainly just play it to pass time, get some laughs...and just be able to socialize with friends while playing.” Sophomore Andrew Abell was introduced to the game by his Chinese exchange student Eric Xia, who played with friends in China, and plays the game because he can battle them.

“It’s an addictive game,” Abell said. “I just want to get better.” A tournament started by Song, Zhang and fellow sophomore Samantha Sesum ran from December to Jan. 4. The winning team – Gentleman’s Club – was awarded $10 RP cards each for the game. Yoon said the amount of time spent on the game can be potentially harmful, but playing League is his ideal break. “It could be a downside that each game is likely to be 30 plus minutes,” Yoon said. “I enjoy it, as it makes me feel like being in a separate world.” Junior Alex Vecchioni, who uses the champion Katarina, admits that “League of Legends” is “repetitive,” but said this only helps with the game. “It’s a little different every time,” Vecchioni said. “But you know what you have to do every time so it never gets boring.” Sesum attributes the fascination over the game to “exciting player interaction” and an average ease to get into the game. The five team members can “goof off” or talk strategy across the chat system or Skype at the same time “You can chat to people across the team,” Sesum said. “And there are only five buttons you have to use. All you have to do is do your role.” Some students play the game for its competitiveness and the chance to go pro. Last year in the “League of Legends” World Finals, Taiwan’s Taipei Assassins beat South Korea’s Azubu Frost to win the $1 million prize. Chung said these professional gamers serve as an encouragement to others. “They’re like role models,” Chung said. “People want to play to get better and hopefully achieve the same fame as those players.” For a closer look at students playing video cames competitively in the hopes of earning money, see staff writer Will Clare’s story on our website.

Formal wear, new resumes, firm handshakes: junior interviews return

JUNIOR INTERVIEWS. A volunteer interviewer evaluates now-senior Stephanie Deise’s resume last year in the library.

photo by staff

kaeli o’connor & zoss assefa, staff writers ontinuing a school tradition that has existed for over 20 years, 475 juniors will sit down for their mock job interviews this year, hoping to learn a thing or

two about the real world. “A handshake is really important and I didn’t think it was,” said senior Erol Hoke, who participated in the interviews last year. “It has all the real life experience without the real life consequences,”

cooperative education department chairman Catherine Carter said in regard to the junior interviews. Carter, who has been conducting junior interviews for three years now, said she does not see this tradition leaving anytime soon. A huge smile spread across senior Alex Lui’s face when he received his post-interview assessment in English class. The interviewer had noted on Lui’s the grade sheet, “This kid can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.” Lui said he was not surprised by the positive feedback due to the smoothness of his interview. The experience gave him confidence, he said. English teacher Kathy Roeder, who instructs juniors on how to create interview resumes, said the interviews build student confidence. “Most students go in nervous,” she said, “but come out happy they did it.” Find us on Edline under clubs.

Her students bragged about their interviews for days, she said—but according to now-senior Rachel Snyder, they also slaved over finding the perfect formal interview outfits for days. She still ended up with a B in that section, she said. For most students, the junior interviews are a positive learning experience, but there is always the one interviewer who is “a little loony,” Roeder said. She remembered students coming back to class discussing their responses to the question,“If you were a vegetable what vegetable would you be?” During her interview last year, nowsenior Amy Hong found herself facing the curve-ball question, “What song best describes your life?” “Off the top of my head, I said ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ because it’s diverse,” she recalled. “But I was like—oh no, wait, that’s depressing.”

Mock Trial’s defense team defeated Havre de Grace High School Feb. 28. Attorney team, composed of sophomore Yusuf Mahmood, junior Shreya Vuchula and senior Anna Jensen, and their witnesses, sophomore Veena Sivaraman, junior Tionne Barmer and senior Alaina Getzenberg, won the playoff match 99-96. At press time, the team has an undefeated record and faces Towson High School this month.

ARTISTS AWARDED Four students received awards in the PTSA Reflections County-level competition. In literature, senior Minwei Cao won an Award of Excellence for “First Blade of a Leaf” and sophomore Chloe Messier won an Award of Merit for “Picture Perfect.” In the dance category, junior Ivy Gao won an Award of Excellence for “A Midnight Sky.” And junior Fareeha Syed won an Award of Excellence for “A Mother and a Child.”

JUNIORS TESTING Juniors will take a Baltimore County-funded SAT during the school day April 17. New this year, the in-school SAT will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. in first floor classrooms. Afterward, all juniors will eat during their own lunch shift until 1:25 p.m. and will attend seventh period. Students must bring their own calculators, number 2 pencils and snacks (if desired). If cell phones go off during testing, exams will be seized, assistant principal Randy Rothschild said.

SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT Of the 37 Baltimore Symphony Side-By-Side Concert members, 17 are students here. Freshmen Lifan Long, Jane Song, Joyce Song and Michelle Wu, sophomores Annie Brantigam, Ben Lee and Chan Park, and juniors Mark Hubbert, Anthony Konstant, Monica Kuo and Handong Park and seniors Yilin Feng, Shelby Hall, Heetaek Lim, Robert Mo, Matt Rafferty and Delia Shin. The students performed at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Feb. 28.

UPCOMING RACE Online registration is underway for the May 5 “All Out 4 All In” Lionheart 5K race, to be held in the school’s neighborhood. The All-In Committee will donate its proceeds to the American Cancer Society and fund updates to the fitness lab, assistant principal John Billingslea said. Any clubs or organizations interested in helping out with the race should contact him at jbillingslea@bcps.org.

news

march 13, 2013

the griffin

Survey suggests healthy lifestyles “Processed foods or mass-produced foods that are readily available at such a low cost are this country’s biggest probstudents how to make lem,” Voluse said. healthy meals in 30 She said that schools should be more directed towards minutes. Among organically cultivated foods. With these foods being served them is a green breakin cafeterias, schools could be infusing healthy eating habits fast smoothie (see and providing foods that are beneficial to our bodies. Smoothie Box on page In fact, 71 percent of students surveyed said that school 3). should play a bigger role in the fight against obesity. TeachA less healthy trend ers were mixed on this issue. revealed by the sur“I think that health classes encourage, but they have to vey regards bevermake the students buy into making it part of everyday life” ages. Roughly a fifth said government teacher Chad Boyle. of students say they Physical education teacher Kyle Fiat said as a coach he drink sports drinks tries to instill healthy eating habits for his players. photo by mariah chenowith daily. That same num“It is incredibly important to fuel your body,” he said. ber say they drink other sweetOn the other hand, physics ened beverages daily too. teacher Cristina Reitmeyer Like some coaches, Knott “Should schools play a bigger role said the school should not inno: 27 percent maintains that sports drinks in the fight against obesity?” terfere, because not everyone like Gatorade and Powerade is obese. yes: 71 percent contain too much sugar. “It’s really a parental thing,” “Think of a sandwich bag,” she said. about the survey: Knott said. “It’s almost half of In terms of activity outside a sandwich bag of just sugar in The anonymous, pen-and-paper survey of 344 of school, the survey found 4 each bottle. Yes, it’s providing students was conducted in a Standard, Honors and percent of students never exelectrolytes, but you can get Gifted & Talented or Advanced Placement class for ercise. those from fruit and water.” each grade level. Students were asked 19 multiple “I think the percentage of The survey shows 40 perchoice questions. never and occasionally exercent of students buy food or cising students is higher bebeverages besides water from cause people are mistaking vending machines sometimes; KNOTT’S SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS: the stairs for exercise,” senior 5 percent say they do so daily. Maya Hawkins said. • five to six frozen black cherries Not a great choice, says chemThe survey found 61 percent • half a frozen banana istry teacher Kimberly Culbof students try to control their • two tablespoons ground flax seed ertson. weight through diet and exer• about one cup soy milk “Most of the snacks currently cise together. • baby spinach to fill the rest of the blender in the vending machine do not But 4 percent of students atactually provide students and tempt to control their weight athletes with the energy that with pills, powders, or liqthey are looking for to enhance their performance.” uids. Vending machines are filled with processed, unhealthy “It is unfortunate that students are turning to this,” chemfoods, Culbertson said, adding that vending snacks falsely istry teacher Kim Culbertson said, “and even more unfortufill students and leave them satisfied with junk. nate that they have access to these chemicals.” The Griffin survey found that 84 percent of students know Boyle concurred. someone who is obese. “The only way to have a healthy lifestyle is to make it part Several teachers expressed no surprise. Among them, art of who you are,” Boyle said. teacher Dena Voluse.

HEALTH SURVEY, continued from page 1

Find us on Edline under clubs.

Eating healthy on the run EATING ON THE RUN, continued from page 1 Wolfsheimer, who works out six to seven days per week, suggests more students should involve themselves in gym electives or sports. But he confesses that he sometimes resorts to fast food. “It’s a tossup between Subway, Chipotle and Qdoba. Chipotle has the good guacamole and rice, but I mean, Qdoba has the chips and queso,” Wolfsheimer said. Like Wolfsheimer, Spanish teacher Maureen Burke watches her calorie intake, but sometimes allows herself a McDonald’s cheeseburger. “I know it’s bad for you, but it just tastes really good,” Burke said. “It’s not very often. You just want it.” Burke admits that she could do a better job, since she has to “inhale her lunch” and eat her breakfast on the way to work. “If I could have more time, it would be better,” Burke said. “But your food has to be ready to go.” On one end of the food spectrum, science teacher Martin Stranathan has been a vegetarian for 30 years and has tried a form of dieting called “juicing.” Juicers imbibe six to eight 12- to 16-ounce drinks of juice daily. In the three weeks that Stranathan juiced and maintained his exercise regime, he lost 15 pounds, he said. His confession? He enjoys watching NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” “It’s so motivating. It makes me want to gain weight just to be on it,” he said. Chemistry teacher Kim Culbertson is yet another healthy eater with tips to share. She makes her own juice out of carrots, oranges and strawberries. Culbertson said she aims for daily workouts and especially enjoys her hardcore workouts three to four times a week through “Slim in 6” from Beachbody—the makers of P90X. Fellow science teacher Cristina Reitmeyer confesses to a few imperfect habits. “If I go to an Orioles game, I’ll eat, like, six hot dogs,” she said. Reitmeyer admitted that she has a caffeinated diet soda habit, which started during her college years. But better eating is a goal. “This new year I have to make sure I eat fruit every day or vegetables because I’m not a good role model for my children.” Coach Ryan Wolfsheimer photo by emily sweigart

Staff writer Gina Lee contributed to this story.

the griffin

news

History club crowns Charlemagne REENACTING A CORONATION. Juniors Seyeon Kim, Maddy Brancati and Becca King reenact the Christmas Day coronation of Charlemagne by Pope Leo VI as juniors Kelly Goetz and Brandon Longest prepare their performance of the Opium Wars during a history club meeting on Feb. 20. Other members recreated events including the signing of the American constitution and the fatal duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. photo by alex wright

TEACHER? LAWYER? ENGINEER? NURSE?

Start College Now! It’s never too soon to start thinking about your future. The Community College of Baltimore County offers high school students the opportunity to get a jump start on their college education and career training with our Parallel Enrollment Program (PEP). Juniors and Seniors can enroll in college courses while still in high school. Talk to your parents and guidance counselors to see how you can start getting ready now.

Get Started at CCBC!

Request more information and get your own customized web page at ccbcmd.edu/requestinfo

The incredible value of education. www.ccbcmd.edu Find us on Edline under clubs.

march 13, 2013

Teams compete in Physics Olympics

Juniors Taylor Liu, Shreya Vuchula, Brandon Longest, Ben Gineow and Kyra Twohy build and attempt to balance a bridge made completely out of 2’ by 4’s at the 26th annual Physics Olympics held in the science wing Feb. 23. The team placed 24th in the four-hour competition. Another team of six juniors placed 13th in the competition, which included 30 other teams from 22 schools. photo by mazen knio

the griffin

news

march 13, 2013

Longer days downright therapeutic for some students

JUNIOR STEPHANIE FORD, seen here in her second period physics

class, was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder earlier during this school year. photo by katie walters

katie walters, opinion editor hink you’re anxious for spring? Try enduring winter with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Junior Stephanie Ford is part of the 6 percent of the population affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known by the acronym SAD. She keeps a countdown for spring in her agenda. SAD is a type of depression that occurs in winter, caused by the longer winter nights and lessened exposure to sunlight. It affects the level of serotonin and melatonin in the body, two chemicals that help regulate sleep cycles, energy and mood. “In the winter, you just want to sleep all the time,” Ford said. “I’ll be like, ‘Homework? Sleep. Friends? Sleep.’ You have no motivation.” Ford said she’s affected the most by SAD at the end of January when the New Year’s festivities die down. To combat her SAD, Ford takes vita-

OBITUARIES:

Cancer claims alumna, retiree

min D pills. She also uses a light box for a form of treatment called “light therapy.” It imitates sunlight and sunrises, aiding the body in creating serotonin chemicals, which are linked with sleep cycle regulation and positive energy. According to the National Public Library of Medicine, when someone is affected by SAD, levels of serotonin become imbalanced within the body, so light box therapy helps regulate these neurotransmission chemicals. Light box therapy is a common hero to many SAD victims. Take junior Emily Slaughter for example, who suffers from SAD as well. She recently purchased a therapeutic light box. “It makes you feel better because it mimics you being outside in the sunlight,” Slaughter said. “It just makes your mood elevated.” Slaughter added that the light box helped adjust her sleeping schedule. “Before I had it, I would just go to sleep

once I got home for like three hours,” she said. “Now, I stay awake.” Slaughter keeps the light box on for certain periods of time throughout the day, which keeps her energized, she said.

COUNTDOWN TO SPRING. Since January, junior Stephanie Ford’s agenda has featured this countdown to the end of her seasonal depression. photo by katie walters

Warming up for gender forum

Former Griffin editor made her mark in news

aysha khan, co-editor lass of 1981 alumna and Baltimore Sun director of content Mary Corey died Feb. 26 after a long battle against breast cancer. Corey, who led The Griffin as managing editor in her senior year, was remembered fondly by English teacher Brian Boston, former adviser of the student publication. “Mary Corey raised the bar among her peers,” Boston said. “Her zest for newswriting inspired those in her company.” Senior and Griffin co-editor Anna

Jensen said Corey was a close family friend and a role model. “I remember visiting her office with my dad one summer,” Jensen said. “I told her I was going to take journalism that school year and be a columnist. She smiled and said something like ‘The Griffin? You’re going to have so much fun.’” Corey made headlines in 2010 when she took the reins of the Baltimore Sun’s newsroom, the first woman to ever hold this position in the paper’s 176-year history. “Mary’s pivotal role in an otherwise male-dominated field inspires female writers at every level,” Boston said. “I readily share her accomplishments with our female students.” Corey’s memorial service was March 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. “A COURAGEOUS CONVERSATION.” Sophomore Kayla Glenn introduces moderator H. Lovell Smith, an assistant

LOCAL LEGEND. left: Alumna Mary Corey in her 1981 senior portrait far left: Mary Corey, shown here second to the right on the top row, poses for her Griffin staff photo. Corey was managing editor of the student paper during her senior year.

professor of sociology at Loyola University, at the Feb. 21 Youth Forum on gender. Seniors Angela George, Josh Wei, Julie Anderson and Trevor-Morgen-Westrick and junior J. Gourdin served as panelists and discussed topics like rape, double standards and sexuality before a crowd of around 50 people. The next forum, on relationships, is set for 2:30 p.m. March 26 in the auditorium. Among the speakers are junior and Griffin reporter Malik Peacock and senior Patricia Bai.

photo by ken shearman

photos from yearbook

Retired band instructor built relationships

“I

Class of 1996 alumna Erica Carpenter kyra twohy, business manager nspiring.” That’s how dance posted on The Hunt Valley-Cockeysville teacher Deborah McWilliams Patch blog, recalling Paxton as invaludescribes former band teacher able to her and other high school stuJim Paxton, who dents. taught here from “Like a lot of others, he helped the late 80s unme through a til 2004. Paxton very dark time by died of cancer Feb. 21. not only being an “He inspired amazing teacher, but he would paall of his stutiently listen to dents to be betanything I needed ter musicians, to talk about,” she students and people,” McWilsaid. liams said. “He A memorial coninspired his colcert is being organized by Franklin leagues to be Former band teacher Jim Paxton High School band better teachers. photo from yearbook He definitely inteacher and Paxspired his audiences to develop a love ton’s former student Brian Frazier. for music.” The concert is scheduled for March 15 Music Department chairman Brian at 7 p.m. at Westminster High School Dixon remembers Paxton as a friend and will feature speakers and a perforwho “impressed the importance of mak- mance by Paxton’s alumni. ing strong lasting friendships” on his Plans also include a scholarship bearcolleagues. ing Paxton’s name. Find us on Edline under clubs.

Slicing and dicing for a healthy cause Sophomore Mark Benzinger prepares an entree for the heart-healthy stir-fry competition Feb. 27 in the culinary classroom. Team Veg (nutrition instructor Belinda Knott, juniors Kuda Gwitira and Carolyn Taras, along with senior Destinee Dessesaure) won with their recipe for Indian “Veggie Delight.” For staff writer Sarah Fisher’s full story, see our website. photo by jen siegel

the griffin

opinion

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR After reading the February article titled “Forum launches conversation on race,” I was frustrated to find that I had been quoted in a way that left me feeling very uncomfortable and that would certainly leave your readers with an incorrect impression of my statements. Ms. Khan did correctly quote my words, but she presented them completely out of context and omitted a significant, and vital, portion of my statement. To end the article by quoting me as saying that racism doesn’t get better is to give a completely false impression of the sentiments I shared at the forum. What I actually said was that racism doesn’t just stop when one becomes an adult; it doesn’t automatically get better – but (and this is the important portion of my comment that was curiously left out) a person still has to carry on and not let racism interfere with what needs to be done and prevent one from achieving his/her goals. My actual comment at the forum was intended to leave the audience with a sense of hope and purpose; the way I was represented in the article seems to do exactly the opposite. I have long been a supporter of the Griffin and have consented to many interviews, both in person and in writing. I can’t express how upset I am to have been so misrepresented by the school paper. I live in this community and work in this school. It is extremely embarrassing and hurtful for this publication to give my neighbors, friends, and colleagues a false perception of my attitudes and beliefs. Thank you very much. - Jodi Wicks, English teacher

Editor’s response: We deeply regret and apologize for any misunderstandings that have stemmed from this unfortunate error. Due to limited space, the context for this quote only appeared online. There, the story reads,“But we must adapt to this reality of life, Wicks said, and learn to maintain professionalism and maturity even in the face of such discrimination.” The story in question is available at http:// my.hsj.org/577268. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years. But instead of meeting the need for increased physical education, schools are belittling its importance. Physical education benefits teens physically, emotionally, socially and academically. The CDC suggests 6 to18-year-olds do at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but not even a third of students meet these recommended levels. At home, a lack of time and money may result in convenient high-fat and high-sodium fast food and sedentary in-home activities like video games, television and computer-related activities. Schools need to step up. Schools are responsible for promoting cardiovascular activity and teaching students about the long term consequences of poor eating habits, just as schools emphasize basic arithmetic and literacy. - Veena Sivaraman, sophomore The virulent plague of childhood obesity will flatten our youth if we don’t take action. And it’s gaining steam. Teen obesity tripled in the past twenty years, according to Kathy Speregen’s “Physical Education in America’s Public Schools.” And it’s not hard to see why. Between the mountains of homework we complete every night, the standardized tests we stress and tear our hair follicles out over and our preoccupation with social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, it’s a wonder we even find the time to attend school every day. So how do we fight a growing epidemic when we barely have enough time to brush our hair in the morning? The answer is simple—gym class. Exercise can stimulate your brain, improve attention span and how fast you can process information and cognitive reasoning, as David Wright stressed on ABC News. And the perks don’t end there. Increased time for physical activity yields better concentration, better test scores and fewer bouts of disruptive behavior. - Casey Durmowiz, sophomore

@dulaneygriffin

the griffin Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 co-editors Aysha Khan, Anna Jensen deputy editor Alison Kochesfahani business managers Yejin Yoon, Kyra Twohy adviser Maria Hiaasen The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain.

march 13, 2013

Too early to link plastic to obesity

jenny ingliss, opinion editor s plastic making us fat? Recently, research published in the New York Times finds that endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in PVC plastics may be a contributor to the recent obesity epidemic. Researchers working with newborn mice exposed the mammals to minute amounts of chemicals commonly found in plastic. The mice were genetically identical. But the ones that received the treatment were the ones that packed on the pounds, and continued to do so through adulthood. In case you’re wondering, the mice were kept in identical environments. Both groups received the same amounts of food, and both groups got similar amounts of exercise. Conclusion? The chemicals were responsible for the drastic differences in the two mice’s weights. So here’s the (literally) multi-milliondollar question. Can we take these “warnings from a flabby mouse,” as

the New York Times article puts it, and apply them to people across the nation? Can these chemicals cause weight gain in children? As you’re probably aware, people are not mice. We’re bigger, louder and a whole lot less cute. And the differences carry over to the inside, too. Conditions and diseases shared between mice and humans might have the same underlying causes, but treatments that work on mice often fail miserably (meaning they have no beneficial ef- OP-ART: fect) in human trials. katie walters An example that comes to mind is cancer. In fact, curing it in mice is almost trivial. But despite our success with mice, scientists have yet to create a cure that has similar favorable results in people. Likewise, there is the possibility the chemicals used in

the research will not present the same danger to human beings. However, the time of exposure does have significance. The mice in the experiment were injected at birth, before their bodies had begun maturing. The same vulnerability is present with humans: we are far more susceptible to the adverse effects of artificial substances when we’re younger, even if those substances are only present in small concentrations. So while these chemicals are potentially harmful to newborn babies and young children, we still can’t conclude their exact effect until more research is presented. This also means that the rising obesity rates cannot currently be directly attributed to these chemicals. If you’ve taken statistics, this phrase will be familiar—correlation does not imply causation.

Formula for healthier teens takes two-pronged plan

kyra twohy, business manager ith the Centers for Disease Control reporting that 17 percent of children aged 2-19 are obese, there’s no disputing our generation’s problem. The solution ought to focus on physical education and food sold at school. With the recent drop of lab class, students here are losing another year of gym and hours of physical activity. Kudos to the county for requiring a full year’s gym credit despite the state’s mere half-year requirement. But truth be told, the old way we ran science classes here kept students more fit. Yes, the weekly lab period we once had for all but Standard science classes limited schedules for freshmen and sophomores because the school wouldn’t count four days of gym per week as a full credit. But that second year of gym was worth it for the sake of our collective health. If the administration won’t reconsider switching back to the old lab day system, I could see some merit in a sports requirement for all students, a la many local private schools. But too many students don’t have hours to commit to daily

after school practices and a full slate of home and away games. Perhaps there’s a happy medium. Intramural sports would make a viable alternative. What if we organized twice-weekly noncompetitive games of flag football, soccer, basketball, or lacrosse, depending on the season? With the Bigger, Faster, Stronger program becoming a class rather than an after school program next year, the school would be wise to offer some sort of after school physical activity. But physical education isn’t enough. We need fresher, healthier food options here. A classic cafeteria meal is a chicken patty, fries, applesauce, chocolate milk, and orange juice. From the outside this may look well rounded, but the potato wedges (89 calories) are carbohydrate fillers, with not enough vitamins and minerals. The chicken patty (349 calories) has calcium, vitamin A and protein but supplies 15 grams of fat. And while the milk (130 calories) is fat free, it has 22 grams of sugar, 2 grams more than the heart healthy daily recommendation for women. Don’t even get me started on the vending machines.

SEEKING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. far left: A typical school lunch often contains unexpected amounts of sugar and salt. left: Kellie Fialcowitz’s fifth period physical education class plays wallyball in the wrestling pit March 5. photos by christine mckinnie

EDITORIAL:

County should think twice on proposed ID cards

ow would you spend $2.5 million in school security improvements? Cameras for all school entrances? Metal detectors? Our guess is that you wouldn’t spend it on school identification cards. But the Baltimore County Schools Board of Education might. The Board is proposing a three phase plan to improve school security. Phase one calls for electronic entry systems, while the second calls for security cameras and student identification cards. But there are still several unknowns surrounding these plans; in particular, the proposed student ID cards are a point of concern. How will

these be different than the school identification cards we already have? Will we have to scan them to get into the building? What happens if someone leaves a card on their kitchen counter before running out the door? These are questions that demand answers before the board decides if the $2.5 million is worth it. Obviously school safety is worth it, and precautions need to be taken to protect students and staff. But we must evaluate the effectiveness of these ID cards. Although these cards can possibly stop outsiders from entering the building, it cannot stop a student from performing dangerous activity. This is

news editors Becca King, Mattie Gibbons features editors Jessica Hung, Thea Zurek opinion editors Jenny Ingliss, Katie Walters sports editors Drew Van Wagner, Joe Pezzulla chief technician Leander Bechtold deputy technicians Rashid Taleb, Alex Boellner photography editors Emily Park, Jen Siegel online coordinators Lily Klein, Beth Vita, Alicia Winton copy editors Malik Peacock, Isabel Griffith, Meghan Reinhardt, Nick Bond Find us on Edline under clubs.

a worrisome prospect, since the most recent spates of school violence were perpetrated by students. As such, it is difficult to imagine how these cards could prevent violence initiated by students. It does not stop them from doing what they want to do. These potential gaps in security will remain even after the new security systems are installed and need to be addressed before funding is approved. The $2.5 million price tag is a lot to spend on something that we’re not certain will improve our safety.

Weigh in on the issue. Tweet the editors (@DulaneyGriffin) with hashtag #DHSsecurity.

The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 115, placed in Maria Hiaasen’s mailbox in the office or emailed to dulaneygriffin@ bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions regarding content. Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.

the griffin

opinion

march 13, 2013

True ban needed for energy drinks breanna mcmillan, contributing writer mp. Red Bull. Monster. Full Throttle. Sounds like a list of your favorite energy drinks, right? You crack one open when you need a pick-meup—these drinks advertise a boost in mental energy with their high levels of sugar, vitamins, stimulant and supplements. But what these companies aren’t telling you is crucial, even dangerous. Since just last year, energy drink sales have increased exponentially. This can be blamed in part on advertisements targeting younger audiences with bright colors and designs. Companies like Monster regularly publish celebrity testimonials featuring extreme sports stars or rock bands. The athlete’s endorsements don’t seem different at all from basketball and football heroes showcased in Gatorade and Powerade ads. Teens often mistake ultra-caffeinated energy drinks with simple sports drinks with electrolytes. I’ll never forget once seeing someone drink three Red Bulls in a row. Within a few

minutes, she was hyperventilating. She recovered quickly, but it was scary to see. How could she put herself in such danger? Easy—she wasn’t aware of the excessively high level of caffeine contained in each can she

consumed. How can 50 to 500 mg of caffeine be good for your body? How can an energy drink improve physical performance with side effects like irregular heartbeat, stroke, sky-rocketing blood pressure and sudden death? What people never realize is that too much of these drinks can kill them. In a recent study, the New York Times linked Five Hour Energy drinks to the deaths of thirteen people over the past

two years. In late 2011, fourteen-year-old Anais Fournier drank two 24-ounce cans of Monster within 24 hours. But Fournier didn’t know she had a heart condition. Six days later, she was comatose in a hospital, brain dead.

that second can. And we can set an age limit on purchases of energy drinks. People under seventeen can’t buy ultra-violent video games, but they can buy energy drinks that could land them in an intensive care unit. You must be eighteen or older to buy a Snuggie from a TV ad, but anyone can buy a Monster at the local grocery store. The government should ban children under the age of eighteen from buying energy drinks. Canada, Mexico, France and Inphoto from timesunion.com dia are already How can we prevent such pushing these bans into law. senseless death? Though some say this is a Warning labels, for starters. drastic move that cuts into How many times have you our freedom, the government seen a teen pull an all-nighter needs to step in when it’s a with friends at a sleepover matter of safety. Teens can or playing the newest Call drink coffee or tea or some of Duty game, empty cans of other natural beverage to get Amp strewn about the floor? the boost they need in a much Teens abuse energy drinks healthier way. And if their regularly. But if cans came la- parents are willing to purbeled with a Surgeon Gener- chase a case of Amp, they can al’s warning the way alcohol have a reasonable amount and cigarettes do, teens may with parental permission. think twice about picking up

sleep depraved Welcoming new courses to 2013 phys ed roster anna jensen, co-editor

nvious of Bigger, Faster, Stronger’s incorporation into the growing list of physical education electives, other sports and activities demand their own cirrucula. Here are some recommendations for next year’s course registration: •

Extreme archery—2012 was undoubtedly the year of the archer. Inspired by arrow-slinging sensations like Clint Barton (“The Avengers”), Oliver Queen (“Arrow”) and Katniss Everdeen (“The Hunger Games”), this class incorporates all the techniques necessary to foil the plans of a God of Mischief and his alien invasion, to destroy crime in Starling City and to hide that the absurdly large number of arrows you’ve shot wouldn’t fit in your quiver in a million years. The final exam? Shoot an apple off your classmates’ heads, William Tell style.

•

Dodgeball—Or, as Darwin described in his magnum opus “On the Origin of Species,” natural selection. Dodgeball is a life skill—how else will we learn to dodge, dip, duck, dive and...dodge? In fact, this class is especially great for that one tall kid in your period who can’t resist smashing the wally-ball into the noses of the more vertically challenged.

•

Zombie apocalypse training (with Horror Flick Survival 101 as a prerequisite)—How does one ward off an onslaught of vicious cerebrum-swallowers armed with only an LL Bean knapsack, a peanut butter sandwich and a World History textbook? How does one judge the severity of zombie-virus? Has it spread through cell phone signals, water contamination, air pollution, broccoli spores, bad reality television, HSA testing…? This class is full of tips and tricks to survive zombie-geddon.

•

Zip-lining Techniques (with The Art of Sliding Down Banisters as a prerequisite)—Ever look up at a powerline and think, “Gee, it would be such a good idea to slide down that with a coat hanger”? Then this class is for you! Gym climbing-ropes, elevator cables, TV lines, silly string, bits of spider web…you name it. Once you learn the art of shimmying down inclined cables of various size and ridiculousness and Tarzan-shouting at the top of your lungs, the world is your oyster.

•

Mastering the Rube-Goldberg Machine—No one can ever tell me this is impractical. RubeGoldberg-ing involves intense concentration, innovation, creativity, determination and penchant for slapstick humor. What do you do when you need to spread Nutella on your whole grain toast and you haven’t an appropriate utensil in sight but you’ve got all these bowling balls? To pass with flying colors, students must defeat the Physics Olympics team in a game of Mouse Trap.

•

Intense Couponing—Contrary to popular belief, it’s a sport. Frankly, it’s a sport that’s so hardcore it could make all the other hardcore sports run home to their mothers. This class will teach the student to clip magazines at the speed of light, scrutinize the Internet with eagle eyes to find the best deals, sprint into grocery stores at the last minute for those crucial buy-one-get-one-free sales. And most importantly, students learn to conquer the masses at Black Friday sprees and use them for their own discounted ends. This class is not for the weak of heart.

Taming the monster known as weight control

mady bates, staff writer n my first day of middle school, a seventh grader I didn’t even know told me I was ugly. All the people who have since told me I was pretty or beautiful have been tromped by the people who told me I was ugly, or the people who made jokes about my not being able to see my toes. I was called a whale at the pool the summer between sixth and seventh grade, and between eighth and ninth I went a total of five times because I was so self-conscious. I entered the world, a blue-eyed, fuzzy headed, 9.8 pounder, nicknamed “Thunder Thighs” by the nurses. I’ve struggled with this my whole life. I’ve had doctors make me cry, telling me that I need to do this and that but giving no guidance. I’ve watched friends and my own sister shed the pounds almost effortlessly, while diet books litter my shelves. I accepted long ago that I was overweight. Few who are overweight want to be– even those who boast their curves stare at stretch marks in the mirror every day of their lives. Here’s the thing: even if you don’t think you look at me differently, you do. “Imagine a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not Anxiety.” That’s the motto of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, launched in 2004. It aims to enlighten the public about what

Rethink taking that vending machine snack break

true beauty is and create a generation of girls who can look past their curves and see who they really are. I hope all girls and women who are amazing, unique and beautiful will someday see that in themselves. I want people to understand that I’m not comfortable in my body. I don’t want to be overweight. I don’t want to OP-ART: kalie o’connor

face the inevitable health problems, diabetes and heart disease both run in my family. I don’t want to shop at special stores and shrink away from dressing rooms for the rest of my life. Obesity isn’t black and white. You can’t just do this one thing and magically become healthy. It took years of searching before I finally found something that has made a difference. I’ve gone down about

cent of the American Heart Association’s recommended amount of sugar for women per day (20 grams) if you eat only one. The Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t much better. The fourcookie serving size (and you know you katie boltz, staff writer eat more than four) contains quick nutritional 9 grams of sugar, nearly half analysis backs my the recommended daily sugsuspicion that the ar intake for women. vending machines here offer Don’t even think of the Sour many unhealthy choices. The Gummi Worms. One serving three worst offenders in that contains 19 grams of sugar. machine near the girls’ locker Think you’re safe with room appear to be a breakfast Cheez-Its? Check the sodium. offering, a cookie and candy. That little bag contains 300 Rethink those Kellogg’s photo from welchs.com milligrams of sodium, about Strawberry PopTarts. They’re a fifth of the salt you should im200 calories per pastry, each bibe in a day. with 16 grams of sugar. That’s 80 per-

a pants size this year and I’ve made little steps to shedding the pounds and keeping it off. What has really helped is being dedicated to tracking what I eat; I used to eat really healthy food, but ate way too much of it. I also get moving a lot more. I walk a mile to and from school about three or four times a week, which adds up, and I take longer walks in the afternoons with my dog. Finding workouts and healthy recipes on sites like Pinterest also helps. Last year I lost about 15 pounds, but I really didn’t see the loss. Since the New Year, I’m losing about a pound or two a week and it has added up. I have a long road to go, but I hope that someday I’ll be able to do everything I missed out on. I had been too self-conscious to have fun at or even attend dances, or do things outside of school with my friends. I’ll be a senior next year and my hope is to wear my dream dress to prom. It may sound silly, but I’ve missed a lot. If I could give advice to anybody in my shoes – just go for it. You lose out on a lot worrying about what others think. Being healthy and a good weight is extremely important to reduce the risk of a slew of health problems. But it’s not everything. Don’t miss high school because you’re too worried about what everyone else thinks.

These goodies aren’t leaving any time soon. Education Week reports that, if approved, new federal restrictions on sodium and sugar levels in vending machine and cafeteria food won’t kick in until the 2014-2015 school year.

Nutrition Facts The Centers for Disease Control suggests 20 grams daily for women and 36 grams for men and no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily; 1,500 milligrams is preferred.

Chocolate Éclair Bar Calories: 180 Sugar: 16 g Sodium: 95 mg

Welch’s Fruit Snacks Calories: 130 Sugar: 18 g Sodium: 15 mg

Find us on Edline under clubs.

Cool Ranch Doritos

Calories: 150 Sugar: less than 1 g Sodium: 180 mg

Funyuns

Calories: 140 Sugar: less than 1 g Sodium: 240 mg

I hope the P.E. department and the administration will take my suggestions seriously. If we truly care for our students, we will root in them the talents needed when finding a job, building a household, surviving a nuclear crisis and making a blooper reel that’ll attract billions of views of Youtube. And lastly, I’d like to remind everyone—classroom “Seven Up” could make an excellent varsity sport.

sports

march 13, 2013

the griffin

Lions end seasons with ups, downs

athletes

month

Sanders: BFS believer excels will evans, staff writer ranferring from Calvert Hall in his junior year, senior Tilghman Sanders immediately shined on the varsity lacrosse team. His athleticism and playing style were immediately distinguished, yet an unanswered question remained: What would he bring to the team? photo by jen siegel “He pretty much came out of nowhere,” junior Joe Fingles said. “But what he brings to the team is pretty amazing.” Sanders quickly found his spot on the team as the only underclassman on the starting offensive midfield line and in doing so, helped lead the Lions to a 12-5 season in 2012. Identified as a top candidate for captain, Sanders has already fully embraced the leadership role. Whether it is getting players together to shoot after school, or organizing workouts Sunday mornings, it is clear that Sanders has already set his sights on a state championship this season. According to fellow players, Sanders is a leader for a reason. “The amount of intensity that he pours into the program is truly inspiring,” senior Tate Berman said. Sanders attributes much of his success to the Bigger, Faster, Stronger program. “BFS is definitely the source of almost all improvement on the team,” Sanders said. “You can try to get in shape for the season yourself, but I don’t think anything gets you in shape like BFS does.” Coach Kyle Fiat has also noticed Sanders’s persistent work ethic. “He hasn’t missed a workout,” Fiat said. “Every bit of speed and strength that Tilghman has, he has worked for.” It is no secret that the Varsity Lacrosse team has something to prove this year. After an early elimination in the second round of the playoffs, Sanders hopes to lead the Lions much deeper into the state tournament. “We got knocked out of states way before it was our time last year,” said Sanders. “That’s all the motivation you need.”

POST-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS. above: Junior Dylan Ruiz gets an overhook on his opponent as he prepares to get the takedown at the state championship March 1. He placed fourth in the competition’s 120 lb. weight class. photo from facebook

right: Members of the varsity basketball game listen as their coach, Matt Lochte, outlines options for the final minutes of their March 5 regional championship game against Paint Branch High School. The Lions lost 64-54, finishing their regular season with a 20-2 record. photo by erin briggs

For a winter sports wrap-up, see our website.

Team managers bring spirit, diligence to the game

“H

University. zoss assefa & will evans, staff writers But as much as being a manager is a good experience; it is oly moly, the feeling of the Lion’s Den chanting your name really gets you fired up. I even got one not an easy job. Freshman Victoria Vandervest, manager of the field hockey team, attested to this. at the away game at Towson.” Vandervest said she has a lot of responsibilities as a manAt a glance, one might think this quote is from one of the star players on the boys’ varsity basketball team. Perhaps ager. During home games, she is in charge of keeping time, both on the scoreboard and on a smaller officaptains Gavan Scanlan or Jordan Williams. Think again. This quote is from senior Jeremy cial timer. She has to count fouls, goals, goals attempted, goals saved—even make note of Williams. Who is he? He is the man behind the and describe each goal that was made. She scenes, the one who brings it all together. He meticulously plots statistics for both teams on is the team manager. the field, so she said she can’t ever look away Williams can be found at every basketball from a game. game, dressed in his usual jacket and slacks, running the scoreboard and keeping the Managers are also tasked with arriving early to games and practices to help with anything books. He also covers filming games and the team or the coaches might need. helps to coordinate the other 6 managers on Junior varsity girls’ basketball manager staff. He loves his job and really feels like he is Chloe Messier said that one of the cons of the part of the team, and the players agree. “I have made some of the best friends of my job is that it takes up a lot of time and sometimes makes it hard to get homework done. high school career being team manager. I feel On the plus side, Messier and Williams like I’m part of the team. It’s definitely worth Basketball manager Jeremy it if you ask me,” Williams said. Senior Robert Williams, a senior, adjusts the pointed out, being a manager is a good way Picka, a player on the team, agreed that Wil- scoreboard at a home game in to get closer to people and make new friends. January. But that’s not the only perk. liams is just like another player on the team. photo by will evans Williams emphasized that being a manag“If you want to still be a part of the team, then it’s a good way to do that and it counts er is one of the better experiences of his high school career. He said he loves his job and hopes to continue as a season. So if you’re trying to be a 12-season athlete, it’s a his career managing the varsity basketball team at Salisbury good thing to do,” Messier said.

from

bleachers: Alum rises, stars fall

drew van wagner, sports editor lumnus Alex Stansbury has accomplished a feat that many young lacrosse players have dreamed of. After attending the University of Maryland this year, freshman Stansbury walkedon to the 2013 Maryland Terrapins lacrosse team. “My initial reaction was pure excitement. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents. After that wore off I became a little nervous because I realized I had to compete with the best players in the nation daily,” Stansbury said. The 5-foot 8-inch freshman goalie had led the Lions to the county championship game in the 2011 and 2012, was team captain, defensive MVP and a Baltimore County Senior All-Star before arriving at Maryland. “He’s an incredibly hard worker. When he was playing here, he was the first person to finish the sprints, a guy who was not willing to let anybody work harder than him,” physical education teacher Kyle Fiat, who coached Stansbury during his varsity lacrosse years, said. Stansbury will look to continue his journey on the topranked Maryland squad. “The Maryland organization is so special because of the great history of players. When you put the jersey on, no matter what number, an All-American probably wore it at some point,” Stansbury said. Stansbury attributed a lot of success to Fiat and the Bigger Faster Stronger program he participated in at Dulaney. “Whether it was through the BFS program or encouraging me to work on my own, they improved my play and effort,” Stansbury said. “He took control of the smaller things that he could control like winning sprints and giving an unbelievable effort,” Fiat said.

Stansbury will start off the season fourth on the depth chart, but said he hopes to raise this. He added that he is most looking forward to cheering on the tough Maryland lineup in every game. “For some people all they need is an opportunity. You got the opportunity—what are you going to do with it?” Fiat said.

s a child, you look up to famous sports figures Hank Aaron in the 60s, Wayne Gretzky in the 80s, Michael Jordan in the 90s. Hank Aaron’s homerun swing made you want to stop by the batting cages on Saturday afternoons. Gretzky’s monstrous slap shot made you want to lace up your hockey skates. Jordan’s title runs makes you want to dunk basketballs after class. But starting last year, the star athlete’s image has become tainted. That raises the question: are our golden sports heroes deserving of our attention? Even the most prolific, invincible athlete seems prone to mistakes. Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong confessed to the use of banned performance enhancing drugs, or doping, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Jan. 14. Golf champion Tiger Woods admitted to affairs with several woman during his marriage with Elin Nordegren from 2004-2010. Most recently, South Africa’s Olympic and Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius’ shot his girlfriend dead at his home after he mistook her for an intruder. Former NFL running back O.J. Simpson was caught up in a case over murder. Even though he was found not guilty, the ex-Bills and 49ers star was convicted for armed robbery and kidnapping in 2008. Simpson was sentenced to a total of thirty-three years in prison. While there are many athletes whom we should look up to, not all sports figures should be idolized. Woods, Armstrong, Pistorius and Simpson join many more athletes who have committed crimes off the playing field. A stellar athelete isn’t necessarily a hero off the field. Find us on Edline under clubs.

Meegan: Committed to lacrosse amanda bank, staff writer he top-ranked Boston University Women’s Lacrosse team will welcome senior Caroline Meegan next spring after three excelling years as our varsity goalie. Meanwhile, Meegan will light up the field this season. Varsity girl’s lacrosse coach Kristi Korrow photo by jen siegel listed Meegan’s strengths: quickness, communication, team spirit and field vision. “She takes quite a bit of a beating in the goal, but I’ll tell you, she’s always positive,” Korrow said. Defender and fellow senior Kaeli O’Connor said Meegan always stays composed. “Even if it’s a really close game, she always has her head on her shoulders,” O’Connor said. O’Connor recalls Meegan’s repose during stressful game situations. Senior Corinne Wood, who plays defense and midfield, also commended Meegan on her poise. “She never points the finger at anyone,” Wood said. Meegan started playing lacrosse in the third grade, after watching her brother play. “Once I got an opportunity to play, I jumped on it,” she said. Since then she hasn’t looked back. Meegan recalls her favorite memory from her sophomore season, a snowy game against our typical rival: Hereford. “We actually ended up having to call the game in overtime because it was snowing so hard,” Meegan said. Meegan would watch the men’s NCAA lacrosse championship every year growing up, and has learned a lot from watching the college athletes. Now, playing in a women’s NCAA championship game is one of Meegan’s dreams. Although Korrow said that Meegan’s footwork is exceptional and one of her better skills, but Meegan disagrees. “No matter where I am now with my footwork, I always want to keep on improving with it”

For junior varsity athletes of the month Eli Oliver and Maura Pezzulla, visit our website on Edline under clubs.

photos by christine mckinnie

features

the griffin

post

I think Rihanna is my favorite. I love her voice, the way she acts and all her videos are just pretty. And I like her personality. This is the first time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to see her so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty excited.

GIULIA DE MERICH, a junior, is an Italian

FOLLOWING? Since I came here, I have been follow-

exchange student who will be returning to her home in Chiavenna, a town just outside Milan, in July. Sports editor Joe Pezzulla and staff writer Gina Lee sat down with her to talk about what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been up to recently.

ing the Orioles and of course the Ravens. The first game was on my birthday. It was in September and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand anything then, so I had someone explain the rules to me. When I got it, I really enjoyed it. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have [American] football in Italy - we have rugby. But for the Ravens, I followed each game. So when they won the Super Bowl, I was really happy. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annoying in football that every five seconds they stop and go to a commercial. The first time I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really understand. And baseball - I just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand baseball at all! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to the Orioles game but I entered the stadium and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even realize the game was going on. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool. I also like soccer and I follow my team in Italy. I just saw the soccer game where my team Milan won over Barcelona in the first leg of a Champions League Round of 16 match.

READING? I read â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hunger Gamesâ&#x20AC;? [by Suzanne Collins]. I heard about it in Italy, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like trilogies because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too long, so at first I said I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to read it. But they were playing the movie on the plane here, so I wanted to watch it. But then I thought maybe I could read the book when I got to America. The writing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really good, but I liked the story. I liked the movie better. When I read the book, I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t good with English yet, so at some parts I got really lost. When I watched the movie, everything was clear. If I had known English better, I would have preferred the book. I also read the book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cold Sassy Treeâ&#x20AC;? [by Olive Ann Burns] for history, but it was kind of boring.

EATING? I eat at Chipotle often. It was my favorite, because it was the first time for me. We have Mexican food in Italy, but it is not really common. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have like Chipotle or Qdoba or photo by Taco Bell, things like that. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had burrijen siegel tos before. I like being able to take the bowl and mix the cheese and rice, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever finish it! I really like sushi too. I went to Edo Sushi and another sushi bar in Towson. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to Thai restaurants, and I love Chinese food. My friends recommended Strapazza, an Italian restaurant in Towson.

WATCHING? I recently watched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silver Lin-

ings Playbookâ&#x20AC;? with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. It was amazing. I loved it because during the movie, you have a lot of emotions at the same time. And all the actors were really good, like Cooper and De Niro. At the beginning it was kind of awkward, but at the end everybody was happy. And I watched the Oscars - Jennifer Lawrence won and I love her.

CHANGING? I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that just six months ago my

LISTENING? I usually listen to rock, pop and rap. I just listened to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thrift Shopâ&#x20AC;? by Macklemore. When I first came here, one of my friends let me listen to Trey Songz and I really like him. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m planning to go to a concert soon. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been listening to Frank Ocean. I love Rihanna. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to her concert in March.

life was so different! I left my family and all my friends, and to be honest, I was kind of nervous before arriving in United States. But once I met my host family and I survived the first week at school, everything has been fun! Everyday I have new experiences. I am more confident with the language, even though I have a strong accent! I miss a lot my life in Italy but at the same time I am really glad I came here.

march 13, 2013 REVIEW:

Assessing new players in educational blogosphere

andrew oh, staff writer he nationwide rise of technology is continuing its inevitable foray into the academic sphere. Two local educators embrace this change by writing their own blogs about education. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to start with social studies teacher Phil Bresslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new blog (http://psychologyeconomics.blogspot.com)â&#x20AC;&#x201C;it is an absolute delight to read, covering complex issues generally concerning the education system and its flaws, but it does so in swift, simplistic strides. Bressler drives his points in quick, concise strokes while retaining intrigue, and he gracefully balances informality with seriousness. Just look at the title: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Education by an Angry Old Man.â&#x20AC;? Sure, the blogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rife with grammatical errors, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter because it fits with Bresslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality. He even acknowledges that he is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;awful writer,â&#x20AC;? but he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let that stop him from voicing his views on education. The issues he brings up, like cheating, the educational cliff, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;thinly disguised contempt,â&#x20AC;? point out problems that we tend to find uncomfortable. Bressler asks many thought provoking questions to get the reader pondering the education systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems, and actively replies to his readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comments. Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superintendent Dallas Danceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deliberate Excellenceâ&#x20AC;? (http://deliberateexcellence.wordpress.com). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s straining to read some of the entries. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing inherently wrong with its content (in fact, the eclectic coterie of contributing writers lends itself to a wide range of discussed topics such as art, engineering, and school safety), but its ultra-formality is a barrier, reverberating the typical tics and tones of the academic authority. It leaves the impression that students have no say when it comes to policy. On the technical side, the blog is irregular. It started on July 27 and as of this writing, it contains thirteen entries, only two of which are actually written by Dance. Compare that with Bresslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog which started around winter break and already contained 11 entries as of mid-February. But proximity is a relevant difference. If you have a question concerning something Bressler wrote, you can walk down to room 107 and discuss. If you have a question about something from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deliberate Excellence,â&#x20AC;? youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to send an e-mail and hope for a response. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a deal breaker, but its definitely worth bringing up.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;EDUCATION BY AN ANGRY OLD MANâ&#x20AC;? rating: â&#x20AC;&#x153;DELIBERATE EXCELLENCEâ&#x20AC;? RATING:

THIS WEEK ON

the really good show On Episode 24 of the school podcast, the Really Good Show, assistant principal Tom Dugas details the deluge of duties he oversees, from responding to bus crashes to breaking up fights. The following are short excerpts from the interview: Q: How is this year different from last year? A: The biggest thing is comfort level. I know the students a lot better this year. They know me and my expectations. But also with the staff. The first year, everybody understands what needs to happen, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling each other out and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re learning each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; style. Not saying one wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than another, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all looking for the goal: to help students succeed and be as successful as possible and looking for the culmination to the event,

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which is graduation. Q: What is Dulaneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest strength? A: There is a very dynamic group of teachers here. You have some highly intelligent students. We demand a lot of the students, but they work hard to meet those demands. And they realize that every person here has their best interests at heart. Yes, sometimes it might be challenging, but I think through hard work they can see some lucrative opportunities. Q: How tall are you? A: I am 6-foot, 4-and-a-half-inches. Q: Do you have tall parents? A: My father â&#x20AC;&#x201C; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tall. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a half-inch taller than me. I always wanted to be taller when I was growing up, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got me by a half inch. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close. To listen to the full interview, visit: http://thereallygoodshow.com Follow The Really Good Show on Twitter: @dulaneypodcast

the griffin

10 features

march 13, 2013

Some students yield, others speed toward driver’s licences

“F

ali kochesfahani, deputy editor reedom, money and fun,” senior J.P. Schmelz said. “I figured the sooner I got everything done, the sooner I could get behind the wheel, which means I could be on my own schedule and get away from the dependence of my parents.” Like Schmelz, students aim to acquire their driver’s license as soon as those 60 hours of practice, 30 classroom hours and three drive times are completed. But increasing numbers of students are dragging their feet. According to a University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study, the percentage of students receiving their driver’s licenses has declined nationally. Seniors cite several reasons for the delay. “I procrastinated on getting my permit,” senior Jeremy Williams said. But for others, fear of driving is the source of the issue. “I got in a car accident with my permit and it was suspended for a while. Now I can get it, I’m just too scared,” senior Rebecca Turlington said. Turlington said she earned her permit last May and intends

to get her licence after the rush of senior pressures like college applications are over. Senior Natalie Snow said she jumped on the driving bandwagon late because she simply didn’t feel ready. “It’s a big responsibility to drive a car. I didn’t feel prepared for that yet,” she said. Alternately, seniors Rodger Yin and Maddie Sottak cited parents as the obstacle. Yin said his mom barred him from taking the wheel. “My mom doesn’t trust me driving her car. She thinks that once I start to drive I’ll take her car without permission,” Yin said. Sottak, who received her permit seven months late, said she had to visit the Motor Vehicle Administration three times before finally taking the test. “The first time I had missing papers, the second time my uncle took me which isn’t allowed and the third time the wait was too long so we had to leave,” she said. Sottak said her parents’ schedules weren’t flexible enough to take her to the MVA in between those visits.

“A good couple of months passed each time I got a chance to finally go,” she said. In the mean time, many seniors simply cope with the lack of mobility. “I walk a lot,” Yin said. “And I’ll pay people for rides to school, to friends’ houses, work and going out to eat.” “I live in Timbuktu so no one will drive me anywhere,” Williams said. But Williams said that on the nights he is able to find a ride to a friend’s house, he’ll resort to sleeping there. Both Turlington and Snow have friends who offer to pick the girls up, they said. But when friends don’t pull through, Snow said she asks her parents. “I’ve been driven around by my parents my whole life so it’s pretty much just routine,” Snow said. On the other hand, Turlington said living license-free is frustrating. She said she always gets stuck at places she’d rather not be, and to go out with friends means she has to make sure she has a ride home. “I feel so bad asking people,” she said.

OPPOSING PHILOSOPHIES. above: Senior Natalie Snow practices driving with her mother. Snow said she plans to take her driver’s license test this summer. left: Senior J.P. Schmelz proudly displays his driver’s license, which he got immediately upon eligibility. photos by ali kochesfahani

review:

Driving to D.C.? Spend a while at the Newseum

meghan reinhardt, copy editor e didn’t know where to start. We took the glass elevator up to the roof where there is a beautiful view of the capitol and the rest of Washington. We were on the fourth floor of the Newseum in Washington, DC. When you first walk up to this unique museum, you can find the front page of a newspaper from every state. One of my favorite exhibits in the NewsRecovered pieces of the Berlin Wall are on display at the uem was the exhibit on 9-11. When lookNewsuem. The informational display in front of the wall ing at the exhibit, you can’t help but be elucidates the importance of the Berlin Wall in history. overcome with emotions. I was only five photo by meghan reinhardt

when 9-11 happened, but seeing this reinforced for me exactly how bad it was. Another awesome exhibit was a room that had a timeline of journalism history. I saw papers describing the Sugar taxes when the colonies were first founded, all the way to articles about how the Navy SEALs killed Osama Bin Laden. There were so many facts in that single room that you could spend hours there alone. You don’t even take in the information as if it was a history lesson. It’s actually interesting. The Newseum had so many other exhibits like pieces of the Berlin Wall. It

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was so cool because you got to touch a piece of history. At the Newseum I also got to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a reporter. My cousin and I got one practice reading off the teleprompter and then we “reported it live.”It was hard, yet fun to try. The Newseum was the best museum I’ve ever been to. There were so many exhibits and a number of them were interactive. After only being at the Newseum for three hours and realizing I wanted more time there, I understood why the tickets are good for two days.

OVERALL RATING:

the griffin

11 features

march 13, 2013

MEMOIRS: Two staff writers weigh in driving’s benefits

It’s a bumpy road to this rite of passage

nick bond, copy editor very day I log onto Facebook to see another friend posting pictures proudly displaying a certain little plastic card that promises freedom and independence. The driver’s license is supposed to be a huge milestone for teenagers, but to be honest, I don’t really care about getting mine. Don’t get me wrong. Of course I want to be able to drive. Right now, though, I have more than a few things occupying my time. I constantly obsess over my calculus and U.S. history grades. I’m working on my Eagle Scout project, I run track year-round, I work on the weekends and sometimes I even try to have friends. It’s

already hard enough to balance everything on my plate. The last thing I need is one more commitment to stress over. When I earned my learner’s permit last November, I used to dread having to drive. Once I almost hit another car while changing lanes on York Road. I genuinely thought I was going to die for a second and it was the worst feeling in the entire world. I nearly gave myself a heart attack and completely lost all confidence in my driving ability. Since then, I’ve made progress toward obtaining my license. I actually feel comfortable in the driver’s seat now. I drive to school every day with my mom in the passenger seat, which

doesn’t actually help that much since I live five minutes from the school, but I still do it anyway. If I’m going to a friend’s house or running errands with my parents, then usually I’ll drive. What’s really holding me back now is the three required sessions with a driving instructor, which I’ve been putting off for months. To be honest, the only reason I haven’t scheduled my drive times yet is that I just don’t want to. The driving instructor intimidates me and I am petrified by the thought of operating a moving vehicle with him.Eh, I’ll get around to it eventually. Meanwhile, I’ll just pretend my Junior Nick Bond grips the wheel as his mother stands by. He said he still feels while driving. parents are my personal chauf- anxious photo from bond feurs.

Desire for independence drives junior

Junior Meghan Reinhardt seizes the wheel, embracing her new found freedom after a nerve-racking road to her license.

photo from reinhardt

meghan reinhardt, copy editor y hands were shaking. My body temperature spiked along with my heart rate as I sat in front of the touch screen computer-I was taking my permit test, attempting to grasp the first step towards independence. Exactly nine months and about 60 hours of practice after I got my permit I was back at the MVA, this time with an anxiety attack. The test was a blur and all I can remember is how I almost failed the parallel parking and texting everyone I knew to tell them I passed. I got my license two days later than I possibly could, and not because that was my choice. Getting your license is something you simply shouldn’t wait for. You can’t always rely on your friends or your parents to take you where you want to go. Your license is the ticket for going where you want when you want to. You might not get a car right when you get your

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license. But I’m sure you would have one to borrow for some of the times you need it. Plus, once you get a car, don’t you want to already have all the license stuff done? If you will get a car as soon as you get your license-what the heck are you waiting for?! You might be thinking “Isn’t having a car expensive?” True. Personally, I have to pay for gas and half of my car insurance. It takes about $35 to fill up my Toyota Avalon, and I usually have to fill it up every other week. Here’s a simple solution: Get. A. Job. Babysit pet-sit, mow someone’s lawn, or shovel snow for someone. I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you’ll find something. You might be stuck with picking up your little sibling or the groceries once in a while. But it will be worth all the times you’ll be able to grab your keys, tell your parents you’re leaving and drive away to wherever your heart desires. Please, get your license. I promise you won’t regret it.

the griffin

12 features

JUNIOR PETER FOLTZ (above) places the final touches on a clay bust of himself during his GT Studio I class last month. When drawing, he said he prefers to use graphite, as shown in the illustrations to the left “These Things Do Not Belong Together” (top left) and “Untitled” (bottom left). photo by erin briggs

march 13, 2013

among us:

Junior’s work melds realism, impressionism in unique style

erin briggs, staff writer f you were to walk into room 240, at the end of the art wing, during period seven you might find junior Peter Foltz busy working on his latest masterpiece. Foltz, whose work often contains biblical references and is heavily influenced his aspirations to become a youth minister, has a unique art style mixing Imitational and Impressionistic styles to make one of his own. “I have a loosely structured cartoon style, photorealism, and impressionistic art style,” said Foltz. Long-term substitute art teacher Jermaine Gordon says that Foltz respects and shows his appreciation for realism and expressionism through his work, such as Foltz’s “Watch Print,” and “Family Portrait”. Foltz’s favorite art medium is graphite because of its ability to be easily fixed when a mistake is made and because it’s easy to work with. That’s not it though, Foltz also dabbles in oil paints, charcoal, pastels (oil and chalk), watercolor paints, and other types of medium. “I’ve recently worked with oil paints, but I’m currently working with clay to create a bust of my head,” said Foltz. Foltz recalls his first experience with oil paint to be a struggle because it was difficult for him to control the

colors and values, but in the end created a successful piece. “I’ve learned through my experiences, and drawing with my father, that values are more important than color or composition,” said Foltz, whose dad is also an artist. Foltz said he became truly focused on art around sixth grade and since then has developed a strong passion for it. During his high school career Foltz has taken an art course every year, starting in his freshman year with Gifted and Talented Fundamentals of Art. Foltz has also taken Gifted and Talented Fine Arts and is currently taking Gifted and Talented Studio 1. Besides taking his art seriously Foltz is also a social butterfly, always trying to make people laugh. “Peter is serious about his art, but is still very social,” Gordon said. Foltz occasionally can be overheard trying to crack a joke or making smart guy comments, that typically end up making the whole table laugh. “He’s a fun-loving yet respectful determined student,” Gordon said. With his determined work ethic and constant persistence to be the best he can be, Foltz creates masterful art pieces that imitate the impressionistic art style. Foltz said he plans on majoring in theology or fine arts.

Chinese exchange students depart, memories in tow

kalie paranzino, staff writer ophomores Laura Hillard, Mandy Bilger, Emilia Waters, Andrew Abell and junior Ashley Schwanebeck have spent the past five weeks splashing some color into the lives of their Chinese exchange students. Conversation was difficult initially, to say the least. For Hillard, her relationship with Shadow started slowly and she worried they might never bond. But soon, they connected. “One day we walked home from school together. We talked the whole way about her life in China,” Hillard

scene

said. “I realized how different we were, but how very similar at the same time.” “We’re just like sisters,” Shadow agreed. Sophomore Andrew Abell knew beforehand that life in China was vastly different than life in America, but when Eric came, just like the rest of us, he learned how different our lives really are. “Eric has told me numerous times how lucky American kids are to have the freedom to do other things then just school,” Abell said. Abell plays tennis at least five days a week. Eric attends Abell’s matches and

dulaney

practices, watching every stroke with his nose pressed against the glass. A standout memory for Hillard is the group’s trip to Ocean City. The Chinese students, having never seen the ocean, tentatively reached their hands into the freezing water. Crash—a wave rushed in, completely soaking them. “I almost die,” one Chinese student said. Laughing, she turned and ran back into the freezing water. Soon, the six students from here will be crossing the Pacific to spend two months with their exchange students. CHINESE EXCHANGE STUDENTS Alice and Shadow share a laugh dur“Only ten more weeks,” Hillard said. For the full story, see our website.

review:

“The Hobbit” film adaptation not made for casual fans

SPANISH SALSA. Sophomores Marcus Gross and Elijah Loften and freshman Taylor Brown watch as freshmen Ruby King and Dejai Johnson practice the moves they learned from the salsa dance instructor in after school Spanish Club meeting in the classic cafeteria Feb.28

photo by jen siegel

ing Chinese Club’s New Year celebration last month.

photo by kalie paranzino

jenny ingliss, opinion editor f you’ve never seen, read, or heard of Lord of the Rings, it may be difficult to become invested in this unexpected journey. In a nutshell, it’s about twelve dwarves on a quest to kill a dragon, thereby winning back their homes and treasure. While that may sound appealing to fans of adventure and action, The Hobbit didn’t really meet expectations for either. On a scale of one to five, “The Hobbit” gets three stars. While the movie as a whole did have a logical progression (rising action, climax, ending), its sequence was liberally stuffed with filler and fluff. Minor setbacks, often of little significance, were treated as apocalyptic dilemmas and a cause for panic. These formed the backbone of the film’s plot, lending the impression that the movie was merely a collection of short scenes clumsily lumped together. It seemed to run in chapters, making for a strange rhythm more befitting of a novel than a major motion picture. Additionally, Bilbo’s character is drowned out by the sheer number of dwarves he travels with. He’s surrounded by all twelve for the vast majority of the movie. As a result, his character’s development is confined to a handful of awkwardly-scripted scenes; these are noticeably clunky and interrupt the movie’s

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overall flow. But if you have seen the trilogy movies, “The Hobbit” is noticeably easier to swallow. The deluge of fantasy creatures is less difficult to manage, and the twenty-minute riddle scene with Gollum is by far less confusing. Ironically, the movie neglects to explain Gollum’s backstory, since that was covered in narrated flashbacks in the main trilogy. Still, the much-anticipated prequel to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy doesn’t exactly begin with a bang. Like the main trilogy movies, “The Hobbit” opens with a lengthy sequence of events from the distant past, this time detailing the diaspora of the dwarves. While the attempt is wellmeant, the introduction fails to encapsulate the intrigue and energy achieved by the previous movies. But maybe you’re not a casual LOTR viewer. Maybe you’re an awesome literary guru who’s read the books several times over, or a Tolkien enthusiast who writes in Tengwar in their spare time. The movie certainly mirrors the roundabout, sensory writing style found in the books. It frequently generates stunningly realistic locations, photo from imdb.com races, and architecture at the drop of a hat; the CGI is impressive and well-integrated. So if you like effects and fantasy, this is the movie for you. You will get a 169-minute tour of Middle Earth, not to mention a hearty share of choreographed Dwarvish singing. Otherwise, “The Hobbit” doesn’t really muster the punch viewers expect, especially of such a highly anticipated film. “The Hobbit” DVD will hit stores March 19.

overall rating: