March 2015

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Volume 55, Issue 5 EXPLORING

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Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

March 20, 2015

Technology’s scope spreads

see our website # TO KNOW

3.5

the number of teaching positions eliminated next year due to lower enrollment CHOWING

Top, left: A link on marylandpublicschools.org takes users to a Maryland State Department of Education page that shares the dates for PARCC testing, a message from the Maryland schools’ superintendent, a webinar for parents and an explanation for how curriculum connects to PARCC testing and more.

Top, right: The school’s 3-D printer resides in room 313 and is used by Project Lead the Way students. A grant paid for the helpful $17,000 device, engineering teacher Brian Bruneau said. “It lets you find out if your design actually looks how it’s supposed to.

We can even make robot parts that you can’t buy anywhere else.”

Bottom, left: Senior Adolfo Carvalho uses his laptop in his Advanced Placement Physics class as senior Steven Zhang completes paperwork March 11. Carvalho recieved the Apple laptop through his internship with the Johns Hopkins University Space Telescope Science Institute. photos by henry harsel, maya lapinski and marylandpublicschools.org

see page 9

# TO KNOW

1,787 the number of Advanced Placement test registrations (a record)

ILLUMINATING

see page 12

INDEX 2-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 sports 8-12 features

To see and hear students weigh in on whether the school system should provide laptops for every student, see technician Ruthvik Gali’s video on our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org.

New testing arrives; varied reactions ensue

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stephanie rountree, deputy editor hile student opinions of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test vary, proctors agree that the administration has suffered few glitches.

“It went as expected,” proctor and English chairman Jason Bowman said. “It wasn’t chaos.

It was organized. The students were great. They dealt with it. They worked hard.”

Among the most common glitches: a few students were unable to log in despite repeated attempts. Technology liaison Amanda Lattimore was summoned and the students were led to alternative computers elsewhere, proctors said.

PARCC testing, which replaces the algebra and English HSA, began March 3–delayed because of a snow day–and will run through March 27.

Two more snow days Week 1 were no problem because make-ups were embedded in the schedule, assistant principal Robert Murray said.

“It’s inconvenient but not difficult,” he said of shuffling students through designated computer

labs.

Sophomores taking the English PARCC this month receive passes to the library or room 203 or room 305 and spend a morning on the first parts of the test. They return for a writing portion that lasts about an hour on a subsequent day.

Students sharing frustrations have cited small on-screen boxes provided for narrative or essay writing sections. Concerns about the multiplechoice portion of the test–whether connected to literature, nonfiction or recorded material–have also surfaced.

“I liked it, but at the same time I hated it because if you make one mistake you get three questions wrong,” sophomore Hannah Bostwick said, referring to questions related to an earlier inference.

PARCC has presented a few technological obstacles during testing. Sophomore Abby Shimanek’s test didn’t produce colors needed to view highlighted words, forcing her to look over a classmate’s shoulder for information. A handful of students couldn’t hear a recording they had to answer questions about.

In addition to Murray’s efforts at scheduling, PARCC testing required days of preparation by Lattimore and her technology staff. It wasn’t simple.

Tech use grows despite detractors

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maya lapinski, deputy editor ockets of students are using laptops here routinely.

Senior Adolfo Carvalho brings a MacBook Pro. While he concedes that it can be distracting, he can easily enumerate benefits.

“You just have to check yourself. You have to remember that you’re using it as a tool for learning, note taking and completing assignments with more efficiency,” Carvalho said, adding that he uses his in English and physics. see TECHNOLOGY, page 2

Laptops SHOULD BCPS BUY STUDENTS LAPTOPS?

No 30%

Yes 70%

see TEST ARRIVES, page 2

FYI: Junior Prom ticket sales begin March 23 Outside Classic Cafeteria

“Carrie: the Musical” March 26-28 7:30 p.m.

Auditorium

NHS Induction March 31 7:30 p.m.

Auditorium

Third marking period ends April 1

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

School resumes following spring break April 13

Guitar Concert April 15 - 16 6 p.m.

Auditorium

2

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news

Test arrives; reactions ensue TEST ARRIVES, continued from page 1

“Two weeks ago this Friday the whole county was having issues and Internet Explorer was crashing everywhere,” Lattimore said after the first morning of testing. “We couldn’t even run the testing for it, so everything so got pushed to last week.”

She also expressed the need to rethink the timing of this computerized debut.

“I feel like nobody knows what’s going to happen next,” Lattimore said. “We’re jumping in

blindfolded with both feet.”

While proctors found that Gifted and Talented students finished sections within 30 minutes, they expressed concern about other students’ reaction to the new test.

“It will be tough for non-GT students,” proctor Alicia Drechsler said, citing long, difficult passages as factors. “They won’t want to write two essays either.”

Students not taking PARCC have also been affected. Creative writing teacher Meekah Hopkins’ intro class will remain without their com-

puter lab for the month. Though the class uses laptop carts in a regular classroom, the computers’ unreliable service and inability to print are detrimental to her students, she said.

“It’s a shame; 2A isn’t getting the same experience the other two classes are getting this month.”

But testing continues. Senior HSAs start after spring break, followed by end-of year PARCC May 4-15 and more HSAs May 18 through June 4, Murray said, adding that he hopes to avoid using all test dates scheduled.

Tech use grows despite detractors TECHNOLOGY, continued from page 1 Business classes have already been equipped with a set of laptops, allowing students to work more efficiently, according to business teacher Patrick Holt.

Business student and senior Tim Chesser agreed.

“Instead of all cramming around one desktop against the wall, we can all work from the same laptop and easily move it around,” he said.

The mobility of the laptops not only creates more efficiency in group work; it also allows for better communication between the students, Holt said.

But, even as the school system is set to give all high school students laptops in two years, students cite concerns.

“It’s pretty obvious that they are distracting,” junior and business student Larry Steele said.

“Anyone who says otherwise isn’t really telling the truth. From where I sit, I can see almost every screen filled with some game or another.”

Steele isn’t alone. USA Today reports that a Michigan State University study finds that students who use the Internet during class score lower on tests.

WEATHER, BLOCK HIKE DEMAND FOR ONLINE LESSONS Especially with snow days, history teacher John Wagner has been using podcasts for both his Advanced Placement history classes. These podcasts mimic his typical lecturebased classroom lessons.

“The best thing is that you can listen to it whenever,” Wagner’s student, Yasmine Abdelkader, a junior, said.

“It’s like having a mini Wagner in your pocket.”

While podcasts serve lecture-prone teachers well, teachers who rely more on problem-solving techniques have had to find other mediums.

“It’s like having a mini Wagner in your pocket.”

Math teacher Donna Weber has relied on posting lessons on YouTube.

Using a Mimio tablet and a screen-casting program, Weber is able to record her written work while using voiceover to walk her students through problems.

While Weber calls this a lifesaver this year, it has limits.

“If we have a question while watching, we can’t

just stop and ask the teacher,” AP Calculus AB student and junior Whitney Vong said.

QR CODES FIND THEIR WAY TO CLASS Math teacher Victoria Bracken employed QR codes earlier this month to allow her AP Statistics and Pre-College Math students to submit answers.

“She gave every student a paper with a QR code on it,” AP Statistics student and senior Preston Hamrick said. “Each side had a letter, and we would hold it so that the letter of the correct answer was on top. Then she’d take her phone and scan across the classroom, and it’d find out which answer we selected just like that. It’s not really necessary, but it’s interesting.”

Bracken noted benefits of the procedure.

“It’s easier than using the clickers all the time. All this requires is a piece of paper for each kid and multiple choice answers,” Bracken said. “The students love it.”

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY GETS FUTURISTIC EXPERIENCE Five years ago, through Project Lead the Way, the school received a grant funding equipment—including a $17,000 3-D printer housed in room 313,

“H

NEWS LINE ALUM MOURNED

“His accident was devastating,” history teacher John Wagner said of 2005 alumnus Philip Snodgrass, who died Feb. 23. “I’m struggling for words now.”

Snodgrass was killed walking to class at Georgetown Law Center when he was struck by a speeding car that drove onto the sidewalk.

Founder of the school’s History Club, 27-year-old Snodgrass was studying to obtain his Master’s degree in international economic and business law.

ARTFEST RETURNS Sequel will host ArtFest again this year, displaying poetry, paintings and other forms of art. Individual artists or clubs can exhibit their work by reserving a booth at the April 30 event. The extravaganza will be held in the auditorium lobby and amphitheater. Booths can be reserved by contacting Meekah Hopkins at mhopkins@bcps.org by March 26.

Booths are given on a first come, first serve basis.

above: Junior Ellie Jackson and senior Samantha Sesum complete classwork during accounting class this month.

FBLA ADVANCES

photo by chloe messier

right: A gear and train engine were created in the 3-D printer last year. photo by maya lapinski

EVALUATING SCHOOL COMPUTERS EXCELLENT 2% FAIR 57% POOR 41% Spot surveys: For this and the graph on page 1, reporters questioned 251 students in both cafeterias during all four lunch shifts. Students were asked to rate the performance of the computers in the building. engineering teacher Brian of something, you could Bruneau said. just print a whole new one.

The printer can recreate in I can even see people using plastic essentially anything it in their house to replace smaller than 6 inches in any parts that they’ve broken,” direction. he said.

It has practical applicaHe added that 3-D printtions, Bruneau said. ers like the school’s now “If you’re missing a part cost around $300 or $400.

Staff reacts to flack over superintendent

kira stiers, associate editor and christine condon, deputy editor ow can you hire a superintendent and say to him, ‘You’re not allowed to determine the schedule?’ I believe we give him the power and then we have to decide whether or not he’s doing a good job,” Advanced Placement economics teacher Phil Bressler said of proposed state legislation that would restrict the abilities of superintendents.

march 20, 2015

The bills would remove some of Superintendent Dallas Dance’s power in the decision-making process regarding school day scheduling for Baltimore County Public Schools. Instead, the Board of Education would approve schedules designed by the administration and principals at the school level.

Dance penned a letter to elected officials March 6 voicing his concerns with the bills, Senate Bill 123 and House Bill 407. In it, Dance rehashed the scheduling changes he orchestrated last year, and explained that allocating scheduling duties to the Board of Education rather than the superintendent would impede the capabilities of both the superintendent and the county.

“As my Board members often tell me, their job is not to manage the school system,” Dance wrote. “They have delegated this task to me.”

Teachers have reservations about the block schedule Dance imposed system-wide.

AP Biology teacher Marty Stranathan addressed the schedule’s shortcomings, and proposed that days missed due to inclement weather should be repeated rather than skipped. According to Stranathan, allowing more contributions to schedule decision-making could minimize issues like these.

“It’s reasonable to have community input on schools,” he said.

AP Calculus AB teacher Donna Weber expressed determination to keep her classes’ scores the same, despite the challenges brought on by the new schedule.

“Statistically we are going to get squashed, there is no way we can beat the schools that meet every day. Towson and Hereford’s AP Calculus AB classes meet every day for 90 minutes,” Weber said. “I’m going to win this battle, but I don’t know how I can win it.”

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Forty-five members of the Future Business Leaders of America have qualified for the annual state conference next month after competing in the Regional Conference at Catonsville High School Feb. 19. The participants will compete in several different categories, including marketing and accounting, at the April 23-25 event.

WRITERS WIN Two Griffin writers have won the Optimist Club International Essay Contest, which asked students to explain why optimism should be a priority. Junior Alexis Mejia won the Cockeysville chapter’s competition, writing about how she has overcome domestic friction.

Sophomore Will Sogge won the Timonium chapter’s competition, discussing the importance of remaining calm before getting a test back. Both writers advance to district competition and could win a $2,500 scholarship.

WATER FIX DEBATED The county may fix old fountains or install new devices, principal Lyn Whitlock said, but officials will likely opt to fix fountains since other options are too pricy or environmentally unsound. Officials have also considered bottle-filling stations like those at Perry Hall High School, assistant principal John Billingslea said.

SCHOLARS AWARDED Junior Cait BattleMcDonald has been selected as a 2015 Carson Scholar, earning a $1,000 scholarship. The Carson Scholars Fund honors students for their academics, service and leadership. Seniors Maya Hoke and PD Stein were honored as 2015 Recognized Carson Scholars.

3 news

Maybe it’s Maybelline in forensics class

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alex goldberg, managing editor on’t put it on your teeth! You’re not supposed to eat it,” one student said. Another said, “It’s threatening to the guys’ manhood.”

These may not sound like words you would hear during class, but during forensics and biology teacher Marci Phillips’ forensics classes, students said just that, and more, during a lab to learn about cheiloscopy.

What is cheiloscopy? The study of lip prints.

Yes, lip prints.

This lip-printing lab comes at the end of the

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march 20, 2015

forensic classes’ fingerprinting unit. And while fingerprinting is a well-known way of identification, lip printing is a lesser known method forensic analysts use to identify humans.

This lab involved students putting on lipstick and then pressing their lips to a piece of paper, so the details of the lips are easy to see and analyze.

It came with plenty of giggles and smiles, especially as some students, mainly the boys, had to ask “How do you put lipstick on?”

And if anybody was thinking about “being whiny babies” about putting on lipstick, Phil-

“It came with plenty of giggles and smiles... ‘How do you put lipstick on?’” lips had an ultimatum.

“Your choices are to do it or get a zero on that part of the assignment.”

This year, one student decided to take the zero, but most others were good sports about the whole lab, Phillips said.

Some students said the lab was a good laugh but that they weren’t interested in wearing the lipstick for the rest of they day.

“I did it just to get it over with,” one student said.

One of the funniest things that happened was when a “male student who requested ‘Taylor Swift Red’ lipstick from a female classmate strutted around the room a bit,” according to Phillips.

When senior Casey Proefrock had to help senior Bennett Heitt apply his lipstick, she said he “didn’t have a top lip.”

But while Heitt needed a little help, junior Samon Mirvisi was one of the first to apply his lipstick.

“Yeah, I did it with an audience,” Mirvisi said.

Associate editors Adam Hemmeter and Sophie Golden contributed to this report.

Above: Senior Bennett Heitt watches as senior Casey Proefrock applies lipstick to classmate and senior Maroof Neebir as part of a forensics lab where students learned how to analyze lip prints.

Top Left: Seniors Bennett Heitt and Maroof Neebir press their lipsticked mouths to their lab worksheets to analyze the resulting print. Forensics and biology teacher Marci Phillips told the boys in the class that they needed to put their lipstick on themselves or ask a female classmate for help.

Bottom Left: A lip print was created by senior Casey Proefrock during a cheiloscopy lab in forensics class. photos by adam hemmeter

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editors, In an increasingly connected and technology-centered world it is no surprise school systems have left teachers behind. More than ever, Baltimore County Public Schools is making a big mistake by investing in technology over teachers. Teachers make the difference in a student’s life. We all know those teachers that we will tell stories about at reunions.

We all know the teachers that have had an impact on our lives beyond the subject they taught. No one will remember the software we used to create physics simulations, but no Advanced Placement physics student will forget Mr. Shaw’s encouraging words in the face of failure.

The classes taught by teachers genuinely passionate about their subject are unforgettable because those teachers are the ones who inspire passion in their students. It’s not the AP test or curriculum that determines a class’ success but the teacher.

Technological advancements are necessary to widen educational opportunities but those opportunities do not outweigh the benefits of a good teacher.

A poor teacher can ruin a subject for a student. The school system could fund a 3-D printer for engineering students but if the teacher doesn’t care about his students or his subject, then that 3-D printer does little to inspire. Teachers shape the minds of students and future Americans. Teachers determine if a student gives up or perseveres. Teachers deserve recognition, and the good ones deserve a just reward.

BCPS needs to stop investing in technology they can control and start investing in good teachers.

—Michael McClelland, senior Dear Editors, There are a couple things I want to address this month: Firstly, please, whatever you do, never let TEDx die out.

That was such an amazing experience – I genuinely did not realize that there were that many amazing people in our school. Vaani Shah talked about how we need to lessen our use of technology – and she actually made me want to listen to her. Mr. Bressler spoke on the importance of perseverance, hard work, and grit. He brought in a video of Will Smith anecdotally promoting determination. It was so unbelievably inspiring and if you haven’t seen the talks, you have no excuse not to because they’re on the Internet. Find them. Watch them.

Live them. Succeed in life.

Secondly, PARCC was such an unbelievable disaster. It was terrible. Please, if you’re going to unleash these monstrosities on us, the least you could do was make sure that our computers are fully functional. Half of our class had to spend 30 minutes trying to get their computers to log on, and then at the end of the test, some people found out that their tests may not have saved, and they might have had to take them all over again – and some people actually did end up having to retake them. It was bad. Really, really bad.

—Tirzah Khan, sophomore

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the griffin Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 managing editors alex goldberg, henry harsel, maya hoke, ben merenbloom, kalie paranzino deputy editors christine condon, sarah feustle, maya lapinski, stephanie rountree, sumin woo adviser maria hiaasen

march 20, 2015

BCPS should rethink laptops sarah feustle, deputy editor and luke sturiale, staff writer y youngest sister, who is entering sixth grade at Cockeysville Middle School next year, will be supplied with a personal tablet. But I think we need to reconsider the importance of technology like this.

Glitches aside, the computers provided by Baltimore County Public Schools get the job done.

Computer labs and devices in the library give students the opportunity to access the Internet and work on school projects – and lots of students already have their own laptops and smartphones to use outside of school. Are we trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist?

The notion of handing out tablets to students has its issues. It’s commonly known that technology can be distracting, so why tempt students?

Humanities professors at the University of North Carolina have banned

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laptops in the classroom, according to an article on dailytarheel.com. Political science professor Jason Roberts said that when he requested that distracting laptops be put away in his classes, grades improved.

OP-ART: hanna bewley

Imagine high school students carrying tablets with them wherever they go. Some would benefit from the helpful functions at their fingertips, but just as many would struggle to stay focused in classes, and watch their grades plummet. We have to ask

whether the technological advancements are really worth the potential distraction from learning.

And there’s no guaranteeing that the technology will do what it’s supposed to. In 2014, the Los Angeles Unified School District struck a deal with Apple to give iPads with special software to every school. But the $1.3 billion project was cancelled: in addition to ethical concerns regarding the use of taxpayer money to fund it, the software had bugs, learning standards that weren’t correctly applied and missing features, according to a report by NPR. This just goes to show that technology isn’t perfect, and we could easily end up with sub-par tablets for students. That wouldn’t deter them from learning, but it would be a colossal waste of money that would be better off funding necessary building repairs.

Technology in schools is essential, but what we have now is sufficient.

Students are not in dire need of tablets or laptops of any kind.

Net neutrality proves invaluable Recently, the Federal Communications Commission made large strides to ensure an open Internet by ruling in favor of net neutrality and essentially classifying the Internet as a public utility rather than a private business field. In the months to come, the new rules established by the FCC will come into effect and much controversy is expected.

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adam hemmeter and sophie golden, associate editors t’s pervasive, versatile and invaluable. It’s also used by 87% of American adults, according to the Pew Research Center. What is this mysterious entity? The Internet. Despite its widespread relevance, however, few people understand its intricacies.

Recently, the largest Internet providers have been arguing whether it is within their rights to limit net neutrality, the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content regardless of its source.

This debate is becoming increasingly important in national politics. The central question remains: should users have to pay more for activities that use larger amounts of data?

Now that web-browsing is such an essential part of the

American lifestyle, limitations on the Internet would be catastrophic. This stance for open Internet would prevent the creation of “fast lanes” in which Internet providers could charge companies and consumers more to ensure better quality access.

Opponents of net neutrality argue that Internet service providers (ISPs) could offer customers specialized packages based on their needs. For example, a dedicated YouTube user could choose to pay more for a package that allows for faster uploading and viewing.

According to an article from Stanford University, “such a system would be too complicated to regulate,” and could foster the emergence of damaging monopolistic behavior.

A YouGov.com poll found that 63 percent of the country had never even heard of “net neutrality” as of May 2014.

If we continue to allow for this widespread ignorance, we will sacrifice the freedom of our Internet.

To combat the ISP lobbyists, public opinion on the issue must be united and robust, and this simply cannot happen when few have a solid understanding of the issue.

staff editorial: testing overtakes school

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tandardized testing has long been questioned as a meaningful and accurate method of assessing students’ achievements and intelligence.

And with the move to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness of College and Careers test, the new, computerized standardized test, there’s even more reason for questioning.

There has always been criticism of standardized tests: measuring students by a number, the impact they can have on a student’s future and how they reflect a school’s effectiveness.

PARCC deserves this same critique, but because of its medium, there is more to question.

Online tests, like PARCC, require computers, and lots of them.

The school is not equipped to provide computers for testing when the rooms needed for testing include computer labs where English and art electives reside. There are not enough comput-

ers here to allow for the completion of the test quickly and efficiently.

English teacher Meekah Hopkins’ Sequel classes have been moved for all of March except for the last four days, when make-up testing is scheduled in the library, several weeks in April and all of May. That makes us wonder: why is the test conducted electronically? According to the PARCC accessibility features and accommodations manual, there is a paper version of the test.

That is the option that should have been taken by schools lacking the necessary computer infrastructure rather than forcing classes that occupy the computer labs to be displaced and having to produce a complex testing schedule that lasts for weeks.

Another issue with the new test is the concern over students’ privacy.

The increasing threat of online hacking combined with a test that collects data from every decision the student makes during the test, such as mouse

associate editors jackie andrews, andres arbelaez, avalon bonlie, audrey fanshaw, justin fitzgerald, liz gillum, olivia golden, sophie golden, finn hasson, adam hemmeter, kristin meek, chloe messier, erin miller, katie nanasi, sierra prior, kira stiers, andrew sugarman, danielle zarachowicz photography editors jood ali, lucia tarantino web editor harrison bartlett deputy web editor natalie mozoki Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

clicks and long pauses, raises the issue of data mining followed by theft of that data.

In Union Township, N.J., administration of PARCC testing was postponed March 3 after a suspected hacking of the district’s network, according to nj.com.

Another district in New Jersey had to delay PARCC testing by one day because of the test’s faulty ‘start’ button, according to nj.com. One district delayed testing because the actual test had not downloaded onto computers properly. The phone line for the PARCC’s help center was down for a few hours at one point.

These issues with online standardized tests cause us to question whether PARCC is worth all the scrutiny that comes with standardized tests, the risk it has brought and time it has taken.

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.

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5 opinion

march 20, 2015

Microsoft’s wearable device entices yet troubles jordan nicolette, staff writer maya lapinski and sumin woo, associate editors n engineering teacher stops his lesson on bridge structures as he scans the crowd of confused students, none of them understanding the difference between cable-stayed and cantilevered bridges.

The teacher whips out his Microsoft HoloLens, puts the glasses on and pulls up 3D holograms of the two bridges, exciting his students as the holograms sit

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“It’s something straight out of the Jetsons...” on top of their desks.

It’s something straight out of the Jetsons, where our entire world is decked-out in shiny chrome technology and each family has a robot housemaid.

But the line between the virtual world and reality is getting scarily thin as we waste time and money on unnecessary technology.

For those unfamiliar with the HoloLens, it is a new hologram headset, similar to the Google Glass, that “goes further beyond the screen and your digital world is blended with your real world,” according to the official Microsoft HoloLens

website.

The Google Glass basically has the same functions as a cell phone, except they are displayed in front of your eyes, with uses for everyone.

HoloLens is a completely different ball game.

HoloLens submerges the user into virtual reality, opposed to augmented reality, in which holograms act as physical objects.

These big promises of radical life changes seem a little lofty considering the device’s applications are simply not practical. Not to mention, the price tag ranges up to $1,200.

Apple recently announced their new Apple Watch, with a price ranging from $349 to $17,000, yet another technological development that we just don’t need. With Google Glass, the HoloLens and now the Apple Watch, society is being pushed towards an excessive dependence on the next big thing.

Hololens has tons of creative design applications.

Some even allow the user to take designs from images and project them on objects around them, allowing for 3-D interaction via hologram.

Digital images and screens are displayed on the world around you once you put on the headset. Programs allow you to put pieces together out of thin air, and place digital objects onto real ones.

Teachers can provide instruction through visual cues overlaid on students’ vision

TRUTHS

Although flashy, tech advancements underwhelm in real time, according to Geek.com.

But is all of this completely necessary?

We have this obsession to always have the next best thing, even if it we don’t need it.

To combat this, PC and Tech Authority suggest that we ask ourselves if buying the item in question is essential.

According to PsychAlive.

“But is all of this completely necessary?” org, without the dynamic experience of face-to-face interaction, social skills may go underdeveloped.

The website warns that “the technology intended to improve the quality of our lives can instead lead to its deteri-

photo from microsoft.com

oration through social disconnection, cyber-bullying, loneliness and social and work place challenges.”

And that’s the scary part: complete disconnection from the world around us.

What do I see in our future?

Everyone walking around with one of these contraptions glued to their head, communicating solely with the person on their screen.

Not to mention, the superficial gaming and aesthetic features, such as the ability to project movies and TV shows onto your wall and to play 3-D games completely holographically, will inevitably constitute most of the device’s use.

Our obsession with highly unnecessary technology is getting out of hand.

After all, just because it’s there, doesn’t mean that we need it, and what we think is pulling us close together may be driving us apart.

Drones need regulation, will benefit all

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sophie golden, associate editor f you’re like me, the word “drone” conjures up images of military missiles and devastating explosions. But the same device that is used as an overseas tactic for destruction has a myriad of beneficial domestic uses.

A drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is simply “an aircraft piloted by a remote control or computer,” according to uav.com. Drones can be used for photography, security surveillance, deliveries, agricultural crop surveillance and so on. The possibilities are endless.

Although drones in everyday life may seem as far-fetched as scanners for our BCPSOne cards, they have already started to emerge. Last week’s episode of “Modern Family”, in which a OP-ART: vinny arciaga mysterious drone uses cameras to spy on Gloria while sunbathing, demonstrates both the relevance and danger of drones in today’s society.

International Drone Day was celebrated on March 14 with a festival in Nevada, featuring drone demonstrations and advertising with the phrase “Drones are good.”

Regular attendees of varsity boys basketball games may have noticed the small drone that circulates the gym taking photos and videos of the game. The drone is piloted by Ryan Webb, the son of assistant field hockey coach Patti Webb.

While it sounds cool to live in a Jetsons-esque age of technology in which Amazon packages are delivered to your door by machines and filmmakers attain breathtaking views by strapping cameras to their drones, it seems like a highly problematic idea. Essentially advanced remote-controlled airplanes, drones are inevitably prone to technological malfunctions and privacy invasions.

This past January, a man, who was allegedly drunk, accidently flew his small drone onto the grounds of the White House. The incident sparked concern from the U.S. Secret

Service over the ability of civilians to access the property.

One prudent perspective on domestic drones can be found at NoFlyZone.org, which states that drones “increasingly impact our lives positively” but cause “legitimate privacy concerns.” The website offers people an opportunity to prevent drones from flying over their property by adding their name and address to a list of properties that should be avoided by drone programmers.

The problem is that even this measure of precaution isn’t authenticated. There are no laws requiring drone controllers to recognize “no fly zones.” As drones become increasingly available, regulations need to be made to ensure that privacy is protected.

While I’ve never been overly concerned about the government’s ability to access phones, emails, computers, etc., it is unnerving to think that drones could be used to gain access to private property anywhere, not just by the government, but by anyone.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lays out regulations for drone ownership and usage, the policies are vague. The FAA website stipulates that specific UAV models be flown “strictly for hobby or recreational use” but fails to define what is considered a “hobby.”

Luckily, the FAA monitors drone usage by issuing Airworthiness Certificates specific to the drone model and intended purpose. Want to use your drone to cover stories for news media? You’ll need to apply for a special certificate and be exempted from existing rules. Also, Maryland lawmakers have discussed legislation that would allow only state-level legislators to make regulations about drone usage.

No matter the concerns, technological innovation is inevitable. The fact that drones will be used in expanding ways is unavoidable. With definitive regulations and respect for privacy, drones will benefit us all.

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stephanie rountree, columnist hough many applaud the massive amount of progress we have made in technology, there are a select few who are disappointed by the level of innovation in 2015: fans of the Back to the Future trilogy, who orate the return of the film’s main characters on Oct. 21 of this year. Yes, we may have smartphones, but where are our selftying shoelaces? What about pizza hydrators? Most importantly, when are we getting hoverboards?

While some are disappointed that our present doesn’t match up to the predictions made by a 26-year-old work of fiction, we have produced feats of technology worthy of commendation. Though flying cars and real estate on Mars would be nice, I can’t complain about our present advances. Watch out, Marty McFly—the future is nigh.

3-D Printer. Can it make bars of gold? No. Can it create a homework-eating dog? No. Can it design the perfect boyfriend of girlfriend? No—get help.

You might wonder why our school spent money to install a 3-D printer rather than new pipes or air conditioning, but think of all the good of which it’s capable—it can make toy trains! Even if the school finds that this was an extreme waste of money, we’ll have a revolutionary step stool cavemen would envy.

“Some have suggested that I open my eyes, but why would I do that when I have $400 lenses at my disposal? ” HoloLens. Though techies have preached the arrival of smart glasses for years, Microsoft’s HoloLens has finally fulfilled the prophecy. According to an article by CNET, “As a HoloLens wearer, you’ll still see the real world in front of you.” This is a relief, as I’ve attempted to see the real world in front of me, but have been met with complete failure. Some have suggested that I open my eyes, but why would I do that when I have $400 lenses at my disposal?

I’ll be able to see everything the world has to offer while looking like a Tron extra. Who could ask for more? If you’re looking for a way to further perpetuate the belief that you’re disinterested in experiencing the real world while vying for the “Most likely to be a dork” award, these gamechanging bifocals are for you!

Watches. With the release of the Apple watch, many are debating whether to purchase the innovative hardware. What does this watch provide consumers? It won’t provide you with the espionage capabilities of James Bond, but I’ve heard from insiders that it can tell time. It receives the same notifications as your phone, but it’s on your wrist. Sure, you can’t take calls or FaceTime people, but who cares? It’s on your wrist. I’d like to see the plebeians of the 20th century try to pull off beeper bracelets. They simply didn’t have the technology yet.

Personal Robots. 2015 is the year of domestic robots. Though they’re known for taking over the job force, they are slowly becoming beloved family members. No, they don’t have hearts, but you can bet they have better dance moves than your mom.

Their ability to detect our emotions and thoughts may be alarming, yet these emotions are instantly soothed by catching the adoring, eerie gaze of your robot. He will remember your kindness as he and his comrades take over the world, setting the sky ablaze with the ashes of the puny human race.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

month

VARSITY BASEBALL

march 20, 2015

Boys basketball sparks

Catcher’s dedication pays off kalie paranzino, managing editor e couldn’t even walk in a straight line as a freshman” varsity baseball coach Ryan Wolfsheimer said about senior catcher Andrew Sugarman. “He’s come a long way in three years.”

Sugarman says his glimmers of varsity experience as a ANDREW SUGARMAN freshman shifted his focus photo by kira stiers and realigned his priorities.

“I got really excited about baseball, and I really enjoyed it. I started putting a ton of work in,” Sugarman said. The work paid off when he made varsity sophomore year.

Sugarman, who started catching in his third grade rec league, says he evolved into the go-to catcher on his teams.

“The most important thing you do is prevent balls from getting to the backstop,” Sugarman said. “It’s my job to control the tempo of the game.”

Wolfsheimer adds that catcher is a tough but crucial position, one that Sugarman has filled well.

“He’s able to receive the ball extremely well. He understands how to call a game,” Wolfsheimer said. He said he sees Sugarman as a key component of the team.

Sugarman, who was appointed captain at the end of the 2014 season, has bolstered team unity by providing bonding opportunities throughout the off-season.

“He’ll get guys together and organize groups to do things outside and inside of school. He helps guys out with school work and organizational skills,” Wolfsheimer said.

Teammates note that Sugarman’s leadership and positive attitude help the team improve.

“He’s really vocal in a game setting. He’s always shouting out for either me to fix something or for someone else to,” senior pitcher Harris Lipinski said.

This year, Sugarman, an Oberlin College commit, plans to improve upon more than just his catching.

“Senior year my goal is to get on base as much as possible,” Sugarman said. “This year I have put a ton more emphasis on hitting.”

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top: Students hold up ‘spirit fingers’ in the Lions Den during the first quarter of the boys varsity basketball game March 9 against Springbrook High School. “When we get good cheering going during games, when our student section leads, it’s so much fun,” senior Jordan Clark said. Recent game themes include tropical, hillbilly and “Dulaney Pride.” Themes are decided by the Student Athlete Leadership Board and then tweeted by the SALB prior to the games.

“The student section has made home court a huge advantage. It gives a lot of energy to the team and makes it a lot of fun to play,” varsity basketball forward Ben Stevens, a senior, said. Senior guard Raynard McCamie agrees.

“Knowing that people want to see us play is extra motivation. By far, no one else’s student section compares,” he said. photos by kira stiers

top: Junior Joey O’Dwyer shoots a three poin Regional Championship game March 9 at h season 18-4. The loss did not deter O’dwye next year.

“We stuck together as a team and next ye make it to College Park,” O’Dwyer said.

JUNIOR VARSITY LACROSSE

Cheering others, pushing self kristin meek, associate editor o matter what the junior varsity boys lacrosse team is doing, you can find sophomore Jack Hermann encouraging his teammates.

“Jack has really stepped up as a leader this year. He encourages us to do well and gets us all talking on JACK HERMANN the field,” freshman and photo by kira stiers teammate Drew Milan said, adding that Hermann will also fall back on runs to help motivate teammates who are struggling.

Hermann has been playing as an attack player since he was a little kid. To continue improving in the offseason, Hermann runs indoor track to work on his speed, which he cites as his main weakness on the field. JV boys co-head coach, Rob Miller, said that he can see much improvement in Hermann’s leadership and stick skills.

“Jack’s always in the front of the laps. His stick work is better. He can go both hands and is more confident when dodging. [He is] more athletic, just an overall better player,” Miller said.

Hermann said his main goal for the season is to remain undefeated and return to the county championship, where the team captured last year’s title against Hereford after an undefeated season.

“At practice I’m going to give 100 percent every day and do my best in order to make that one goal happen,” Hermann said.

Out of all the aspects of the sport, Hermann finds that his favorite part is the team element.

“Just being there for your teammates and never letting them get down are the greatest rewards,” Hermann said.

Hermann’s natural leadership skills are benefits on and off the field. Fellow sophomore and teammate Lorenzo Pavoni said that Hermann leads by example with stellar athletic skill as well.

“Jack’s athletic in every way. He can catch, he can throw, he can run, he can pass, he can shoot. He can do it all. Just a good all around player,” Pavoni said.

left: Varsity boys basketball head coach Matt the second half of the boys varsity basketbal March 9. Lochte ended his 10th season as h ing to the Springbrook for the second consec playoffs.

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lions notebook: boys varsity basketball clos VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL lost in the regional finals to Springbrook High School to end their season with a final record of 18-4. A 63-62 overtime win over Catonsville High School March 7 in the sectional final culminating in a game-winning shot with nine seconds left by sophomore AJ Richardson gave the team momentum heading into its game against Springbrook March 9, but it was not enough as the Lions lost 45-69. Baltimore County Player of the Year Scott Harrelson scored 14 points in the effort, 12 less than his season average, and the team struggled to work the press against the Blue Devils.

Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. Seniors Adolfo Carvalho and Ben Huang and juniors Sam Doe, Austin Carey and Sean Smyth also partook in the meet.

VARSITY GIRLS INDOOR TRACK ended the season without winning any team titles, but had several athletes compete individually in the county, regional and state championships. Junior Kristin Meek headlined the individual accolades with her third place finish in the 1,600-meter run during the state title, and senior Kita Robinson placed fourth in the 300-meter dash. Seniors Carly Sniffen and Luanne Zimmerman, juniors Cristina Lopez and Kira Flemke, sophomore Emma Klein and freshman Dorrie Gaeng also competed in the event, all as part of a relay team.

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL ended their season with a record of 14-9 after losing in the sectional finals to Catonsville High School by a score of 37-39. Senior Ellie Mathey led players JUNIOR ERIC WALZ leads the pack during the 4A boys 3,200-me- VARSITY WRESTLING finished the seafrom both teams in points dur- ter run at the state championship. Walz finished with a son with a team record of 8-6, but didn’t advance to the county team ing the game, and was proud of time of 9:37 to win the state title. tournament. Senior Sean Hoffman her team’s effort even though photo from henrique carvalho won his 100th match, becoming the girls did not come out on top. “We played together and we played with heart. I the third wrestler in the last two years to do so, and placed couldn’t have asked for any more from the team,” she said. second in both the county and regional championships. Senior Fabrizio Scotto also finished second in the county tourVARSITY BOYS INDOOR TRACK won the 4A Central Regional Cham- nament. Hoffman qualified for the state tournament along pionship and finished second overall in the Baltimore with seniors Jessie Beall and Soman Khan.

County Championship. Junior Eric Walz became a state champion by winning the boys 3,200-meter run during For our season wrap-up on all junior varsity teams, including the the Maryland 4A State Championship Feb. 23 held at the undefeated girls junior varsity basketball county champions, visit our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

7

the griffin

sports

s spirit

march 20, 2015

athletes

month

VARSITY SOFTBALL

Versatility’s her strength jon comaromi, staff writer he remains optimistic through everything,” senior Audrey Fanshaw said of teammate junior Danielle Naumann. “She never lets the pressure get to her.”

The pressure comes from being able to play any position on the field, except for catcher.

DANIELLE NAUMANN But Naumann’s current focus photo by kira stiers is first base, a position that, unlike pitching, is new to her.

Naumann said that while playing first base is a challenge, she has embraced the learning curve of mastering the position.

She said she works on being a first baseman by having her coach throw balls all over the place at close range for her to practice catching.

Naumann also pitches for the team. She learned from her dad, a former baseball pitcher, who began to teach her batting and pitching when she was 5.

She picked up fielding through recreation and traveling teams.

And while Naumann credits her success to her own hard work and the relationships she has with her teammates, she has certain superstitions, like taking two swings of the bat outside the box before she bats.

“I feel like if I don’t do it, then I won’t be able to hit the right way,” Naumann said. “It helps me calm my nerves and just be ready to hit.”

With only five returning players from last year, the team is relying largely on underclassmen to play an important role in the success of the team this year. Naumann plans to lend her experienced hand.

“My expectation is to help the underclassman with their batting and their fielding,” Naumann said. “They can come to me and I’ll be able to help them.”

Fanshaw is confident that Naumann will do just that.

“She puts in a lot of work at practice. She worked so hard to get where she is,” Fanshaw said.

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Senior’s season ends at UMD Senior Sean Hoffman holds Stephen Decatur High School wrestler Brett Kim down during the state championships held at Cole Field House at the University of Maryland, College Park March 7. Hoffman lost the match, eliminating him from the state tournament, but finished his high school career with 141 wins, fourth in school history. photo from kim hoffman

Student swimmers shine at Maryland meet

Five of the school’s students competed at the Maryland LSC Senior Championships at St. Mary’s College of Maryland from Feb. 26 to March 1. Their results were compiled by Justin Fitzgerald.

SENIOR GRACE HANSEN SENIOR JASON EWART 1st in 200-yard freestyle relay and 200- 1st in 800-yard freestyle relay 6th in 200-yard butterfly yard backstroke 2nd in 400-yard medley relay, 100-yard 7th in 400-yard individual medley backstroke, 200-yard medley relay, 400- 13th in 200-yard breaststroke 17th in 200-yard backstroke yard freestyle relay 3rd in 200-yard freestyle 19th in 200-yard individual medley 5th in 100-yard butterfly

nt shot in the third quarter of the 4A North home. The Lions lost 45-69, ending their er from keeping his expectations high for

ear we are going to have the same goal—

tt Lochte squats to talk to his team during ll game against Springbrook High School head coach with a record of 18-4 after loscutive year in the same round of the state

JUNIOR HANNAH GOUGER 1st in 100-yard backstroke 2nd in 200-yard backstroke 3rd in 200-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard freestyle, 400-yard medley relay 4th in 800-yard freestyle relay 5th in 200-yard medley relay 7th in 100-yard butterfly 9th in 200-yard individual medley 10th in 100-yard freestyle

JUNIOR RAPHAEL BECHTOLD 3rd in 200-yard breaststroke 6th in 400-yard individual medley 10th in 100-yard breaststroke 16th in 200-yard butterfly 17th in 200-yard individual medley SENIOR JUSTIN FITZGERALD 12th in 200-yard breaststroke 16th in 100-yard breaststroke Gouger and Ewart both qualified for Junior Nationals in the 100-yard backstroke, to be held in Austin, Texas this summer.

ses winter sports, spring sports ready to roll VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE will be led by seniors Cameron Carter, Connor Benhoff, Burke McManus, Ben Stevens and Dominic Dachille. Carter, a United States Air Force Academy commit, and McManus, a Roanoke College commit, have been named captains of the team looking to improve on last year’s strong 14-3 record that included a regional title. Benhoff and junior Paul Junkin are both coming off of ACL tears during last year’s season, and are both expected to contribute in starting spots.

VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE is captained by seniors Ali Collie, Sarah Hampton and PD Stein. The team is looking to improve on its 6-6 record from last year. Collie and Hampton have committed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland and University of Mary Washington, respectively. The girls are looking to receive significant contributions from juniors and Robert Morris University commits Mel Gandy, Mackenzie Gandy and Annie Sachs. Two strong goalie options in junior Madison Hine and sophomore Hannah Slomkowski give the Lions depth and skill behind their defensive line.

VARSITY TENNIS will be led this year by returning players Andrew Abell, Kelsey Hill and Helen Sun. Abell, a captain, praised the work ethic of a very young team. Last year female doubles made states, but with seven open spots for the boys side of the team and two for the girls side, the team will have to work hard to both fill the spots and succeed. Senior Emma Patron and junior Will Paranzino, mixed doubles players, will bring technical skill and experience to the team.

VARSITY BOYS TRACK AND FIELD look to build off of a successful indoor track season highlighted by junior Eric Walz’s state title in the 3,200-meter run. Juniors Sam Doe and Malik Debow will attempt to fill the void left by alumnus Tionne Barmer.

Doe was an indoor state meet qualifier and also contributes in the field events. After getting a personal record of 12 feet at the indoor state championships for the pole vault, senior Ben Huang will be vaulting to new heights this spring.

VARSITY GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD will look to cope with the losses of alumnus Isabel Griffith, and indoor track state bronze medalist Kristin Meek, a junior, to a stress fracture in her tibia. Senior Kita Robinson is continuing to improve and dominate in a wide variety of sprinting events. Coming off of a fourth place finish in the 300-meter run at states, Robinson looks forward to outdoor for a strong finish to her running career. The girls indoor 4x400-meter relay comprised of Meek, Robinson, senior Carly Sniffen and junior Cristina Lopez will work to decrease their overall time with the goal to run under four minutes by the end of the season.

VARSITY BASEBALL will build its nucleus around seniors Ryan Wells, Andrew Sugarman, Jacob Sousa and Harris Lipinski.

Sousa, a pre-season All-State pick and Frostburg State University commit, will bring his powerful hitting and experience at the shortstop position to a team that finished 13-8 last year. The graduation of 2014 Baltimore County Player of the Year Kurtis Ewers leaves the team with a hole in the pitching rotation that Wells and Lipinski are looking to fill.

VARSITY SOFTBALL will form its lineup around seniors Audrey Fanshaw, Liz Gillum and Briana Briggs. Juniors Danielle Naumann and Emma Bevard will also carry considerable weight on this year’s squad. Captains have not yet been declared, but Fanshaw and Bevard are expected to be strong leaders.

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JUNIOR VARSITY LACROSSE

Cool, collected: she leads her team kristin meek, associate editor n control’ is the phrase that freshman and teammate Nica Padden would attribute to junior varsity girls lacrosse player sophomore Claire Podles on and off the field.

“Claire keeps us up to date on what to do and where to meet. Say if someone forgot to do something, like grab CLAIRE PODLES photo by kira stiers equipment, she takes over and does it,” Padden said.

Podles, who is entering her ninth year of playing lacrosse, said a strong, well-bonded team off the field is necessary to finding success during games.

“Good chemistry off the field makes it easier to move the ball. Lacrosse is a game of communication and having a good relationship with your teammates makes it easier to talk on the field, so I try my best to work on that skill,” Podles said.

Padden also said that Podles’ constant support during drills keeps the team motivated.

“We’ll be doing our exercises and doing sidewalk tours and she’ll be cheering us on,” Padden said.

Junior varsity girls lacrosse coach Kathleen Bryant added that Podles is a good role model and is always willing to be the first to volunteer for drills. Podles also uses her years of game experience to her advantage.

“My strength is definitely being a smart player. I can use strategy really effectively and pick off passes,” Podles said, citing that as a crucial skill when defending and adding that she hopes to improve her left-hand stick skills.

Podles, who has started on the varsity field hockey since she was a freshman, said that lacrosse provides a different experience than field hockey.

“Lacrosse is fast and competitive, but field hockey is my main sport. I can have fun with lacrosse without as much pressure,” she said. “I think with field hockey I get really stressed out, since I plan to play in college. It’s nice to take lacrosse seriously, but in a different way.”

Even though Podles aims to have a fun season, she still has set high goals for herself and her team.

“I really hope to win counties this year. We have a lot of potential,” Podles said.

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8 features

the griffin

march 20, 2015

REVIEWS:

Series plot turns bland

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alex tuerk, staff writer eason three of “House of Cards” had its merits—excellent cinematography cultivated over two seasons, a political plot that engages the show’s main character Frank Underwood with the new Russian leader, equal in caliber and ruthlessness—but what it fails in is its transition of character personalities from the lowly Representatives of season two to the eminently powerful leaders of the United States of season three.

Being a character-driven show, this awkward transition undermines the atmosphere of the first two seasons and creates a sense of discontinuity.

Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey)—a South Carolina democrat who rose from Representative to president of the United States by murdering and maneuvering past all those in his way—cries behind the Oval Office desk in one of the first episodes of the new season.

What gives? It seems like the writers made too much of a change when writing Frank’s lines and actions; during negotiations with the Russian President Viktor Petrov, played by Lars Mikkelsen, Frank looks directly into the camera in one of his famous breaking-the-fourth-wall monologues and tells the viewers that if he had the chance, he would push Petrov “down the stairs and light his broken body on fire.”

Maybe Frank could put Petrov out with his tears when his sudden pangs of con-

science reduce him to sobbing behind his desk? I understand that the writers want to show Frank’s soft underbelly, but his conversion was far too abrupt.

Give us quick peeps through the cracks of his façade, but don’t shatter and rebuild it in the span of only one episode.

Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), the first lady standing behind Frank, seems to have died and been reincarnated between seasons two and three in a character shift more stunning than that of her husband.

The woman who once condoned both of Frank’s murders now sabotages crucial peace agreements between the U.S. and Russia because her “morality” urges her to speak out against Rusphoto from blogs.indiewire.com sia’s imprisoning a gay rights activist, forcing Petrov to scrap the peace talks her husband had worked so hard for.

This is the same woman who threatened to let a coworker’s unborn baby “wither and die inside her” during her time managing a non-profit organization. I want the old, ferocious, terrifying Claire back.

Overall, season three left a bad taste in my mouth. Like a birthday cake you spent all year waiting for, only to cut into it and find it to be just plain vanilla. I used to love House of Cards but this season failed to reach the heights of the previous two.

OVERALL RATING:

photo from collider.com

Tina Fey’s new show delights

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jason fontelieu, staff writer fter 15 years in a cult, a young woman is released and moves to New York City.

Sounds ridiculous, right? No, hilarious.

This is exactly what happened in the first season of Tina Fey’s new show, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” which premiered on Netflix March 6.

The show centers around Ellie Kemper’s character, Kimmy Schmidt, the hopelessly optimistic cult escapee. From ages 15 to 29, Kimmy lives in an underground bunker and is made to believe by a deranged preacher that she and the other women were the remaining survivors of an apocalypse.

She is guided through her new city lifestyle by her friends, Titus, her wannabe Broadway star roommate and Lillian, her soon-to-be-mental-patient landlord.

Sadly, Fey is not a main character, but she does appear as a guest star later in the season (SPOILER ALERT) as Kimmy’s lawyer in the trial against the reverend (Jon Hamm) who kept her captive for so long.

But Fey’s influence shines prominently through the show’s writing.

Kimmy quickly starts off her life in the city by finding a place to live in a rundown neighborhood and getting a job as a nanny for the overwhelmingly rich Voorhees family.

The family is composed of the insanely

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insecure matriarch, Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski), her (SPOILER ALERT) unfaithful husband Julian, and their two kids, Xanthippe and Buckley, who constantly try to get Kimmy fired.

I’ve watched all 13 episodes, and each one is better than the next. The show is effortlessly funny because we get to admire Kimmy for her altruistic view of life, and laugh at her inability to understand modern objects such as handle-free sinks and touchscreen cell phones. (After all, she was cut off from the world for over a decade.)

(SPOILER ALERT) The plots are generally simple, usually revolving around everyday events that Kimmy gives a spin of her own, such as going on dates with a wealthy, senile old man, attempting to get her GED with the worst teacher ever and visiting a plastic surgeon with Jacqueline.

This show is great to watch after viewing other more grim shows like “House” or “The Walking Dead,” and the perfect show to cheer you up.

I love and connect to the show’s underlying message that you can power through anything in life, as long as you don’t give up.

Kimmy’s positive attitude toward everything and everyone is inspiring to anyone who watches this show. Overall, Kemper does a fantastic job filling Fey’s comedic shoes.

OVERALL RATING:

9 features

the griffin

march 20, 2015

Diner delights with funky, creative decor A REVIEWS:

erin miller, associate editor lime green man posing on top of a strangely colored cow was the first statue I saw as my friends and I entered into the Papermoon Diner in Remington, just south of Hampden.

I knew I was in for an interesting meal and that was before I saw the dangling doll heads and walls made of Pez dispensers inside the diner.

If you enjoy unique restaurants with delicious food, then this diner is the place for you.

I loved it there. It was like an I-spy book collided with a restaurant. A suitcase hung from a tree branch next to our table, while a unicycle perched in the corner of the room and across the diner in the opposite corner a mannequin posed with a wig.

The Papermoon Diner’s atmosphere is

eclectic to say the least, and they have food to match. From bananas Foster French toast, which is $12.50, to bacon milkshakes, which are $5.95, the choices are endless and different. To top everything off, breakfast is served all day.

I was a little less adventurous and got the grilled chicken breast with pesto; it cost $10.50. It came on ciabatta bread with arugula, fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese and was delicious.

My friends and I split the fried raviolis, which cost $6.50 and came with the best marinara sauce I have ever had. The crunchy outside combined perfectly with the cheesy ricotta inside.

The food complimented the atmosphere, and the service had its own quirks, too.

When we first got to our table, the host explained to us that we wouldn’t just have

one waiter or waitress, but all of the wait staff and hosting staff would help us. It was a different approach to the usual “where is my waiter” situation, but the difference was yet another thing that made the place unique.

Any time of the day, any time of the week, the Papermoon Diner is the perfect escape from reality that everyone needs once in a while.

OVERALL RATING: The Papermoon Diner 227 West 29th Street, Baltimore Hours of operation: Sunday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Closed Tuesday Friday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

One of the diner’s signature dishes is the fried ravioli, $6.50, served with marinara sauce. The pasta pillows are filled with smooth ricotta and topped with a sprinkle of Romano cheese. photo from lisa goldberg

Unique pie combines two beloved Italian dishes

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The spagheti pizza features a lattice crust to keep the pasta inside. A slice costs $4.25 and a whole pizza costs $18.95. photo by alexis mejia

alexis mejia, staff writer erpico Pizza and Pasta is a hidden gem, mostly unheard of to residents of the Timonium area. But if you drive north on York Road for a few miles past Hunt Valley, you’ll come to the pizza place, tucked into the corner of a shopping plaza that includes a fro-yo shop and a Dunkin’ Donuts.

The interior isn’t anything special. There are plenty of large booths available but the colors are dull and the lighting is dim.

Toward the back of the restaurant is the counter fom where you order.

There’s an assortment of pizzas to choose from; most are your typical pies: cheese, pepperoni, vegetable.

But at the end of the row, there’s an exceptionally thick pizza. It has strips of crust lying across the top with mounds of spaghetti peeking from underneath. Yes, spaghetti pizza.

I’m a regular at Serpico and this is my go-to pizza. The slices are massive and sometimes I can’t finish the whole thing, which makes it great for keeping as a leftover.

I’ve never bought a spaghetti pizza slice, for $4.25, from Serpico that was anything less than perfection. It’s the quintessential

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blend of pasta and cheese baked to ideal crispiness, with crust that isn’t too stiff or chewy.

But if spaghetti pizza doesn’t sound like your thing, Serpico still has a lot to offer. They have a wide selection of pastas, subs, salads and desserts to choose from, and I can personally vouch for their delicious chicken wings.

Having been to so many pizza places in Baltimore, I think Serpico easily contends with the likes of Joe Squared and Iggies. I recommend a visit the next time you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta or just downright delicious food.

OVERALL RATING: Serpico Pizza and Pasta 10 Fila Way, Sparks Hours of operation: Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

the griffin

10 features

march 20, 2015

Music ethics spark debate Juxtaposition,

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finn hasson, associate editor t’s that universal moment. You’re out with your friends and hear a catchy song. After Googling as many lyrics as you can catch, you open up iTunes and find it. But dampening your enthusiasm is that $1.29 label.

So, what can you do to get over this hurdle?

Junior Jessica Bishai would suggest creating a Spotify premium account. Although she didn’t purchase it for herself (it was a Christmas gift), she wants to continue using it.

She praises the site for its vast music library and finds that the $9.99 price tag for a premium account is well-worth the ability to listen to music without a computer and without using data.

“It’s really nice to be able to

listen to my entire Spotify playlist anywhere I go,” Bishai said.

Junior Whitney Vong also uses Spotify, but disagrees with Bishai on the merits of a

photo from imgkd.com

premium account.

“The only things you can’t do with unpaid Spotify are download and queue your own songs,” Vong said. “You still get to have your own music in your own playlists.”

NUMBER OF STUDENT RESPONSES

HOW STUDENTS OBTAIN MUSIC 42

27 19

23

23

It is worth noting, however, that a free account holder will experience ads and lower sound quality than a premium subscriber.

But neither of the Spotify methods addresses the elephant in the room.

An anonymous student said that any problems Spotify may have can be avoided entirely by downloading the music illegally from file-sharing websites.

The student boiled the process down to a simple threestep plan: search for the music, download the files and convert those files into a playable format. He said that the benefit he receives from listening to the music far outweighs any moral qualms he may hold with committing an act of piracy and the risks associated with downloading files from non-secure sites.

Is there a moral obligation to pay artists for their music?

Weigh in on our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org

Spot survey:

ITUNES SPOTIFY PANDORA YOUTUBE

ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS

Reporters questioned 77 students in both cafeterias during all four lunches. Students were asked to select each of the methods they use for getting music.

a conversation between differing individuals

W

hile their tastes differ drastically, freshman Ellie Drechsler and senior Ben Lee agree on at least one issue regarding popular music: it should be purchased, not illegally downloaded. The two met recently for a chat about iTunes, Sam Smith and more.

Lee and Drechsler share a love for music. Drechsler prefers modern pop music while Lee, who plays the cello, usually opts for classical, except for one favorite.

“My phone is filled with John Mayer songs because I’m a John Mayer fanboy,” Lee said.

Drechsler’s favorite artist at the moment is Sam Smith, who took home four Grammy awards Feb. 8. When asked what she would listen to if she were pulling out of the senior parking lot on the last day of school, Drechsler could think of only one song: Smith’s hit “I’m Not the Only One.” “It’s the perfect example of the type

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

photo by chloe messier

of music I listen to,” she said.

“I’d probably drive home to John Mayer’s rendition of ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’,” Lee said. “It’s a good song for head bobbing as you drive.”

Both Drechsler and Lee listen to music while doing homework, but while Drechsler finds lyrics helpful, Lee thinks they are distracting.

“I need to have classical music on. I can’t work with songs that have lyrics because I’ll end up singing with it and getting nothing done,” Lee said.

“I listen to straight up instrumentals.”

“I like the lyrics,” Drechsler said.

“They help me focus. I have to listen to music to get my homework done, or else I get distracted.”

Associate editor Chloe Messier and staff writer Jake Ebright transformed this conversation into the Juxtaposition blog, which can be viewed at dulaneygriffin.org.

11 features

the griffin

march 20, 2015

club spotlight:

Girl Up Club WHAT THEY DO

Girl Up is a campaign of the United Nations Foundation that advocates to make sure that girls are healthy, safe, educated and positioned to be leaders. They work primarily in Malawi, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Liberia. The club helps their mission, fundraises and advocates for girls around the world. Their meetings include educating others on some of the struggles of women and girls around the world. Along with education, they also advocate on behalf of the Girl Up campaign by calling senators and asking for sponsors and support on legislation in Congress.

RECENTLY

Students settled in to watch “Girl Rising,” a documentary that follows nine girls living in the developing world.

The screening raised over $100 and awareness for girls’ health and education worldwide.

ON THE HORIZON

“We’re thinking about doing some more fundraisers. For example, one of the world history classes last year did a tie dye fundraiser and we’re thinking about adopting that kind of thing,” club president and founder Jessica Bishai, a junior, said.

Club members listen as club president and junior Jessica Bishai reads statistics about education-deprived girls in developing countries. Bishai was appointed a National Teen Advisor by the United Nations last July and founded Dulaney Girl Up in October. photos by eunbin choi

ONE MEMBER’S VIEW

“I don’t think people realize how bad girls in undeveloped countries have it, and I think that’s something everyone needs to know. This club is a great opportunity to help these girls get an education and a safe life,” club member and junior Brady Sack said.

A LEADER’S TAKE

“The Girl Up Campaign uses an international club system to educate and empower girls in developed countries by teaching them about women’s and girls’ rights, and allowing them to develop advocacy and fundraising skills. Our club has called Congressmen, raised awareness and fundraised in support of the campaign,” Bishai said.

TIME AND PLACE

Next meeting is after school Wednesday, April 15 in room 105.

Junior Lisa McCullough and sophomore Johanna Zipp play a card game meant to teach about the life of an underpriveledged girl in Ethiopia.

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The cast and crew of “Carrie: The Musical” snapped this selfie March 9.

The crew has tweeted several selfies as they have counted down the days to opening night, which is March 26. photo by emma bartels-jones

Sticking selfies with ease

S

sumin woo, deputy editor enior Xaria Crawford got hers for her birthday.

Two months later, it’s broken, but she will replace it, she said.

The selfie stick is the newest technological rage. It’s popular for taking pictures with large groups or objects because the extension of the rod captures a wider background.

Fellow senior and selfie stick owner Emma Bartels-Jones praised the stick’s most useful ability—capturing many people at once.

“Instead of two or five people, you can get like 20 people at one time, which is really cool,” Bartels-Jones said.

Users can put their phones on the collapsible rod, extend the pole and set the self-timer on their cameras or snap using Bluetooth control.

Crawford’s taking hers to the University of Maryland in the fall.

“You’ll see pictures of Testudo all the time,” she said.

Priced around $10, selfie sticks are perfect for the avid cell phone photographer, Crawford said.

“It’s a necessity for a friend group,” Crawford said. “If you have one per for every five or 10 friends, that’s fine.”

Deputy editor Christine Condon contributed to this report.

the griffin

12 features

post S.T.A.T. TEACHER KIM CULBERTSON sat down with staff writers Hannah Milan and Arielle Williams to talk about “The Bachelor,” quinoa and Genius Hour.

Reading?

I just finished “The Glass Castle” from Mrs. Roeder’s class’ recommendation and also just started “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty. It’s about a husband who writes a note to his wife that’s supposed to be opened after he dies and spills out his darkest secrets, but she stumbles across it while he’s still alive.

Watching?

I watch “The Bachelor” and it just ended. I have to admit I’ve seen every single season of “The Bachelor” and this one is the worst, if I have to say. I just didn’t really like him. I also just finished binge watching “House of Cards.” I used to watch “Dexter,” but I had to stop because it just ate at me a little bit.

By t h e second to last season I was just like, ‘This is enough.’

Listening?

photo by lucia tarantino

I just listen to some of the mixes on Songza. They have genres like Pandora or Spotify do, but they also have activities. They know where you are, what time of day it is, what the weather’s like, so they’ll recommend different activities that you can be doing at that time. I like more indie music and I generally love anything new. I don’t like hearing the same thing over and over, so anything fresh.

Following?

I was following Justin Burke. He’s a local meteorologist who’s really accurate on the weather forecast, so of course, being a teacher, I want to stay up to date with the weather. I’m not really following a lot of people, but I follow my sister and brother-in-law on Instagram because they just had a pretty baby girl, so I get to see all their pictures.

I do not really use social media because in college an ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend stalked me on Facebook, so since then I’ve refused to create a Facebook account. Some companies require you to have a Facebook account to see their sites and stuff so I have a fake one under my dog’s name, so I secretly stalk people under my dog.

Eating?

I’m doing a lot of quinoa dishes lately, and I have a favorite quinoa and black bean dish that I love. Also I’m eating a lot of broccoli, cheese and chicken, you know warm things for the soul for the cold winter. And also I’m recently obsessed with those Chobani flips, the yogurt with crunchy stuff in them. But lemon poppy seed muffins are my new obsession too.

march 20, 2015

TEDx talks inspire

COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER AMANDA LATTIMORE discusses the importance of computer science in her TEDx talk Feb. 27. Lattimore brought the severe lack of minority and female students in Advanced Placement Computer Science to light while encouraging students, regardless of technological experience to enroll in one of the seven classes offered next year.

“Computer Science is the future,” Lattimore said. “Everyone will need to know how to code.” photos by christine mckinnie

SENIOR VINEET PANDE describes the oncoming technological era of quantum computing and the ways in which society will adapt to the advanced elements produced by the “Quantum Age.” Pande, a participant in quantam computing, explained that much of the work involves concepts of superposition and entanglement which play out in the real world.

Changing?

I just moved to the city, so there have been a lot of trials and tribulations with becoming a city dweller. With the recent snow our basement got flooded and my dog was hit by a car, and someone busted our garage. So, it’s been real fun.

In school, something new is Genius Hour with Mr. Bressler’s EPI class and Mrs. Baikauskas’ AVID 9 class, and it’s really successful. Genius is inspired by Google, and at Google they give their employees 20 percent of their work time to do whatever they want.

In Mr. Bressler’s EPI class and Mrs. Baikauskas’ AVID 9 class they have 20 percent of their instructional time to explore a passion of theirs.

All we ask is that they have something to deliver, kind of like FedEx, you have to deliver a package.

To view the TEDx Dulaney talks, visit: http://www.nfhsnetwork. com/schools/dulaneyhigh-school-timonium-md

an among us: Art, critical thinking combine to illuminate

will battle-mcdonald, staff writer enneth Fang is the ninja of the lighting crew,” theater teacher Susan Lev said. “He nimbly traverses the catwalks high above and you only need mention ‘Kenneth, I need more light in that spot downstage right’ when Bam! Whoosh! It’s taken care of!”

Junior Kenneth Fang’s career in lighting had an inauspicious start. He inherited the job at his former school by default.

“At my last school, a lot of the lighting people were graduating, so I had to learn everything for the upcoming year,” Fang said.

Like any artist, Fang works with colors, in his case, more than 100 gels to shade spotlights.

Once the actors’ faces are lit, Fang uses gels that slide in front of each lighting instrument to create colors that convey different moods. Fang uses colors such as magenta and orange to create a romantic mood, or blue for sadness, depression and darkness.

He also uses cyc lights to display mood and distort actors’ faces.

In “Carrie: The Musical,” he replaced yellow cyc lights with white to create diffusion, making the actors’ faces shadowy, he said.

“K

scene

dulaney

Above: Senior Jason Ewart bowls at Senior Bowling Night Feb. 22. Seniors raised $604 for their prom.

Class president Jake Ebright planned the event, inspired by a night of bowling with his brothers.

Although the lighting crew will only have six days to work in the booth, Fang has been preparing for “Carrie: The Musical” outside of the studio. He has found this stressful (his level of stress on a 1-10 scale is a 25), and has taken the initiative of working outside of school to relieve some of this pressure, he said.

Despite this proactive preparation, Fang said he anticipates spending as many hours as possible in the studio leading up to the show.

Engineering teacher David Schein, who worked with Fang throughout the production, said he admires Fang’s trustworthiness.

“Kenneth’s best character trait is his dependability. He communicates well and says when he’s available. You can set your clock by his presence,” Schein said.

While Fang is a valued and revered part of the play, his talents extend far beyond stage crew. He is enrolled in seven Advanced Placement classes and leads the saxaphone section of the marching band.

His drive sets him apart from his peers.

“He’s ambitious, talented and a natural leader,”stage manager and senior Jood Ali said.

“Kenneth gets things done quicker and more efficiently than anyone else could,” Ali said.

Carrie: The Musical

Below: Seniors Emma Bartels-Jones (left) and Audrey Fanshaw (right) exchange high-fives following Bartels-Jones’ strike.

When: March 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.

photos by grace landefeld

Where: Auditorium JUNIOR KENNETH FANG operates the lighting board for the fall play “The Good Times are Killing Me” Nov. 21. Fang is in training to become lighting chief for the upcoming year and will be designing the lighting for the spring musical with supervision from current chief, senior Anthony Vlahacos. photo by jood ali

Admission: $10 in advance $15 at the door photo by grace landefeld

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