February 2013

February 4, 2013 • Estd. 1892 • Vol. 121 • No.5• Published Monthly • www.ihstattler.com • Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY, 14850 • FREE PHOTO/\PROVIDED

An armed police officer stands in a high school in Marlboro, NJ as part of an SRO initiative.

IHS Will Not Be Getting a Police Officer On January 24 at the Board of Education’s (BoE) Facilities and Finance Committee, it was announced that IHS will not be getting a Student Resource Officer (SRO) due to budgetary concerns. The officer, who would have been jointly hired by the city and district, would have had a salary of around $100,000 a year and a contract from January to June. The city told the Board that it wouldn’t be willing to pay for this officer, because of rising fiscal pressures. The district is currently searching for new ways to improve school safety. At the January 22 BoE meeting, Superintendent Brown said that a “Plan B” is already being put in place.

Brown said that the plan has two options: either a consulting firm comes in and studies the high school and the district to analyze safety strategies, or the school maintains the system that’s currently in place.

“If you look at the data, with the significant decrease in skips and disciplinary issues, do we need to take other measures?”

Brown asked the Board on Tuesday. **Read the article “Powers’ Rationale and Others’ Opinions Behind Having an SRO” inside for more background details.

February 4, 2013

2012-2013

Editorial:

Editor-in-Chief

Let the Teachers Pick

Medeea Popescu ’13

Have you ever gotten something that you didn’t want? A bike, when you wanted a skateboard? The wrong video game? Imagine receiving a giant Smartboard when all you really needed was access to a mobile lab. Unfortunately, IHS teachers have been plagued by a similar problem. To avoid implementation of the wrong kind of technology in classrooms teachers need to be surveyed before the purchase of such big-ticket items.

Many times, the technology teacher receives is essentially useless to their class.

This year, for example, the school’s math lab has been cleared out and replaced by another classroom. With this lab gone, the programming students are left with two mobile labs, one of which is often booked by another class. The demand for these mobile labs is fairly high, leaving a class like Mr. Tuori’s AP Chemistry class without access. Instead, he was given a set of twelve Netbooks. Unfortunately, Tuori’s issue is that there is no real way to print from these computers, and any research done on them is hindered by an internet speed that is far from ideal. Their tendency to spontaneously turn off does not help their case. Each science class has been given these Netbooks, all twelve awkward to use and inefficient. “I just need a mobile lab that I can borrow,” said Tuori. While the intent of these Netbooks was to give pair of students technology that they could use, their inefficiency makes them money well squandered.

It’s too often the case that the wrong piece of equipment is given to a classroom.

Steve Weissburg was the boy who wanted a bike but got an overpowered, motorized all-terrain vehicle. “I wanted a ceiling projector, but got a Smartboard that was about five times more expensive,” said Weissburg. As in other classes, he believes, the Smartboard is mostly used as a projector, where a lot of the screen navigation is done on the computer, anyway. Regarding his computer, he mentions, “It’s hard to get the software you want. I have stuff I don’t want and need.”

Mansi Vohra ’13

editor@ihstattler.com

continued on p. 3

Correction: In the December issue of the Tattler, there was a factual error in the news article “First 5K Successful”. SWIS was not, as the article says, formed six years ago in order to help educate and protect women in Africa against female genital mutilation. The club was formed for the same reasons it exists today: to heighten awareness about feminist issues and promote education about strong women impacting society. A source of misconception is that SWIS has, in the past, raised and donated money to organizations in Africa which aid in helping women recover from FGM. We apologize for any confusion.

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February 4, 2013

LET THE TEACHERS PICK continued from p. 2

of Advertising for College

We modern American high school students face a perplexing predicament.

Upon our arrival as How do you fill this space? freshmen, everything from academics to personal character is judged and evaluated and finally pieced together to form the bundle of joy that is the college application process. Forget the four hard years of grades and tests we endure to get to this point; applying to college itself is like navigating as gracefully as possible through a trap-infested jungle, dodging vipers and trying not to get stuck in the quagmire.

A lot has been said about the quantitative aspects of the application. Our GPA, grades, and standardized exam scores all play sizable parts in our chances of being admitted, yet these numbers cannot accurately foretell our potential. In particular, studies have shown that the SAT predicts neither a student’s first-year performance nor their success after college. And the SAT certainly doesn’t demonstrate the other values colleges hold in high esteem, such as motivation, creativity, independent thought, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance. It is a good thing, then, that colleges recognize this and consider an applicant’s character and personality as well. Yes? Gone are the days of simplicity, when man was assessed on his merit through concrete means and track record. Nowadays, it’s not enough to have scored a 2350 on your SAT, or to have received straight A’s in the grueling AP classes of junior year. A strong academic record of high test scores and good marks doesn’t always suffice. Colleges, looking past the façade of academics of each applicant, look further for distinction, for quirky personalities that will diversify college campus, for individuals who nail their college essays and supplements and who, through their entire application, bespeak originality and a sense of identity. From this, the crafting of the college application has truly become an art form. How do you express your PHOTO/\PROVIDED

If the ultimate goal of placing these expensive pieces of equipment in classrooms is to engage students and expose them to technology, shouldn’t students be able use said equipment for more than just an occasional problem demonstration? “It would’ve been much better getting a mobile lab… more than one student can use it,” Weissburg said.

Instead, the students have to take turns using a Smartboard, as many boards do not allow multiple users. The touch feature is rarely used as it is. Yet again, by not allowing the teacher to pick the technology, a teacher is stuck with a fancy and expensive projector that is used about three times a week by all of his classes.

The solution is clear: to ensure that the right technology is purchased for a classroom, teachers must be given the option to select what they receive, or at the very least, the option to accept or decline what is coming. Up until 2011, a technology committee, chaired by Armin Heurich, met at IHS around eight times a year to discuss the budget for purchasing new equipment. Once the budget was checked off by the principal, the departments discussed how the resources would be most effectively used.

Such a system is exactly what IHS needs today. Teachers should have a place to convene and discuss what technology needs to be purchased, so the department that wants another Smartboard can request one and the teacher that wants a mobile lab can voice their opinions before a Smartboard shows up in their classroom.

The Art

Applying

entirety and your being in several measly pages of essays and responses to the most ridiculous questions? How do you be interesting? The enormous burden of not only having to be successful, but also having to be fascinating is one that keeps many an academically ambitious student up at night, tossing and turning over their own colorless and banal existence and fretting over the best way to be “unique.” In a sense, some people are forced to try and be “interesting” instead of just being themselves. Students who have never considered themselves funny or clever must now agonize over how to be witty. What if you really are someone who loves reading more than anything? Is it better to say instead that you like performing dance dares to random strangers at the public library?

One student, in response to the horrific question “What is an interesting activity you do in your free time?” fabricated her response of enjoying “monkey bar wars.”

Furthermore, the current medium for assessing personality is flawed. There is something inherently strange and wrong with the fact that the distressing years of scrounging for perfection, doing sports, playing instruments, and staying up past 2 am to study, all boil down to how you sell yourself and how you are perceived in a packet of paper. In this way, the college application is akin to a marketing scheme: the admissions officers are the investors and the application is the glossy student advertisement, rife with inflation, embellishment, and downright falsehood. Scores of techniques are employed to enhance the application, from euphemisms that bolster resumes by transforming the mundane to the extraordinary to the caking of obsequious praise towards the college. Some students make up stories for their essays with barely a hint of truth because on paper, lying becomes trivial. Sadly, it may very well be the flashiest advertisement that garners the greatest interest.

A better way to gauge personality and character that is less susceptible to lying is to interview students. Currently, the college interview is optional for many colleges and does not count for a lot in the application process.

It should though, as only through conversing with a person directly is one able to get a decent and truthful sense of their personality. Colleges would get to experience the real you, instead of what they imagine from your advertisement.

February 4, 2013

Opinion:

The Pledge of Allegiance: Why Say It? PHOTO/\PROVIDED

Once upon a time . . .

By BRIDGET FETSKO

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

We’re all used to hearing “Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.” We are also used to looking around the room and seeing everyone remain in their seats. Occasionally teachers will insist that we stand, but even then, the words don’t leave anyone’s mouths. Back in elementary school everyone stood, and most said the pledge. Why did this change? Every morning when the announcements come on, the Pledge of Allegiance is read. I spend this time talking to my friends, or getting out my homework. Some people laugh when we are asked to stand, others ignore it completely.

Even though I don’t feel the need to stand up and say the pledge, I wonder if anyone does. Why does no one say the pledge anymore? Are people scared of being made fun of? Do they disagree with what the pledge means? Are they just too

lazy to stand? It seems strange that in the transition from elementary to middle school, everybody stopped wanting to say the pledge. Now in high school, not even teachers say the pledge.

The pledge of allegiance stands for loyalty to our country.

It is supposed to symbolize that the United States of America is a unified country that believes in equality. The pledge does this, and more. There are many people who disagree with what the the pledge says. Some people don’t agree with the mention of religion; others disagree with the fact that the pledge talks about equality. The pledge does symbolizes equality, but that doesn’t mean equality has been achieved. The Pledge of Allegiance isn’t necessarily meant to say what our country is, but instead what our country strives to be.

If people want to say the pledge, they have every right to, but we should not be forced to say it. Whether or not you agree with what the pledge says, it is important to the country.

I believe we should be respectful of those who wish to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but in the end it is something that is done by choice.

February 4, 2013

North Korea

By HAERIN LEE

PHOTO/\PROVIDED

with propaganda that is used to make people believe the US is a threat to the nation. This method of concentrating hatred is What do you imagine when you hear the words North very effective; people believe that their institution of political Korea? Let me guess: communism, dictatorship, starvations, power is the only thing protecting them. nuclear weapons and widespread anti-US movements. Am I However, quite a number of North Koreans disagree and flee right? the country. They are known to be traitors by the government, North Korea is a 21st century nation where Stalinist Com- and they are severely punished when caught. These refugees munism still exists. The only valid political party in North Ko- travel to China for many reasons. Some begin working in China rea is the Communist Party, where the power is completely in to earn money for their suffering family, some purposely escape the hands of Kim Jong-Un, supreme leader of the North Korea for religious freedom and some for political or social asylum. and the first secretary of the Communist Party, and his few folBecause China does not recognize North Koreans as official lowers. Since the Cold War, any sort of communist country has refugees even if they fall under UN refugee status law, China been perceived as a direct threat to the United States, for its argues that North Koreans are illegal economic migrants. potential to strike Chinese officials against capitalistic do not want to alnations. Commulow North Korenism, in my opinans to stay perion, is not a terrible manently, arguing ideology to follow; they take away it means everyjobs and worsen one has an equal relations between amount of wealth the two countries. and social benefits Therefore, North in principle. HowKorean refugees ever, based on how need to make excommunist countended journeys tries were run and to Southeast Asian are still functioncountries to receive ing, the communist refugee status from country is marked embassies. When by a constant failure they are successto meet its ideologfully registered, ical goals.

While North Korea has impressive cities, many residents lack basic human rights. many resettle in So why does North Korea see the US as a threat? The answer other affluent countries, two major destinations being the US is quite simple: the US is a capitalistic country that functions and South Korea. as a natural adversary to a totalitarian regime. North Korea is Even if the media reporting about North Korea is factual, such a totalitarian regime - every piece information is censored there are some critical points that many people are missing. by the government, and the government has a complex web of What we should be focusing on is North Koreans, not North secret police to keep a watch on every single civilian, including Korea itself. We should not be judging the entire country by the party members. Since he is the absolute ruler of his state, one wrongs its government commits. One of issues that the UN has word by Kim Jong-Un can kick out even the highest-ranking professed to address is the need for freedom in various third officer. North Korea also has a chain of prison camps, where world countries. However, the organization needs to do more many North Koreans are sent for political opposition, negative than just support dissenters and send aid. One way we can help comments on the regime, or religious dissent. It is common to North Koreans is to support the journey of refugees, helping see officers in the government disappear without a trace or a them both financially and socially. family member to disappear without any warning.

There is an organization created to serve the needs of North North Korea lacks the fundamental human rights, such as Koreans who are struggling to earn their freedom called Libprotection of its citizens, that would stabilize its government. erty in North Korea. At IHS, there is a Rescue Team, which The rulers of North Korea work hard to keep the regime in- meets every Tuesday after school in room H214, to support the tact, but they need another systematic way to eliminate civilian organization and its cause. We fundraise money to help those distrust. The situation parallels the novel 1984, where the to- refugees make their journey to freedom safely and help spread talitarian ruler Big Brother portrayed Goldstein as a subject of word on human rights violations that so many North Koreans hatred, and induced in his followers supreme worship of the re- face on a daily basis. If you want to learn more about North gime. The logic is the same here; North Koreans are bombarded Korea, stop by a club meeting!

February 4, 2013

Gun Control

By ELIE KIRSHNER

prejudiced against certain groups.

In Texas, since the Newtown school shooting, several schools are now allowing teachers and any school staff with a gun permit to bring their weapons to school. It is alarming to think that their solution to gun violence and child safety is, simply put, to surround the children with guns.

And as funny as a shotgun-wielding cafeteria worker seems, that could very well be the reality for some schools in Texas. Overall, putting enforcement of the law in the hands of everyday citizens is dangerous. The increased presence of guns will only lead to more gun accidents and violence.

3. “If you take away all of our guns we will be at the mercy of the murderers who can acquire them illegally.”

This is the only argument that seems somewhat legitimate -- if guns were impossible for citizens to obtain legally, only criminals would obtain guns through illegal means. I will not take issue with people (who of course have gone through stringent background checks) having a low capacity pistol, which they use to defend their property. This especially makes sense in neighborhoods with very high crime rates where an armed break-in occurring is certainly a possibility. I also have no problem with weapons for hunting that meet this standard. But unless there are literally hoards of criminals at your door, you don’t need an assault weapon.

In conclusion, gun control needs to become more stringent to prohibit the possession of high capacity assault weapons. We must learn something from the horrific gun related tragedies that have occurred recently and do our best to ensure they never happen again.

PHOTO/\PROVIDED

It’s time gun control in America became an issue that was actually addressed. The horrific gun-related tragedies of the last five years have resulted in hundreds of deaths. We must now honor those who were killed and prevent others from suffering a similar fate by preventing the misguided individuals who commit these crimes from obtaining firearms.

The idea seems simple enough, and I am fairly certain that essentially everyone in America and here in Ithaca will support my “let’s not give disturbed people guns” slogan. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to tell who is dangerous, who will become dangerous, and who is just your everyday harmless gun-loving American.

For now, it seems the plan is to let everyone have guns and hope they turn out alright. Unsurprisingly, sometimes they don’t: from 1982 to 2012 there have been at least 62 mass shootings in the United States. Of the 142 guns possessed by these mass murderers, more than three quarters were obtained legally.

The arsenal includes dozens of highcapacity assault weapons and semiautomatic handguns. Most recently, a man (whose name I will leave out to avoid giving him any recognition he may have craved) used a legally obtained assault rifle along with three other legally obtained guns, and opened fire on his victims in a darkened movie theater. In Newtown, Connecticut, another man wielded yet another semiautomatic assault rifle (obtained legally by his mother) as he executed 20 schoolchildren and six adults. These horrifying crimes should lead to stricter background checks and much stronger restric-

tions on gun capacity and automatic weapons. Gun Rights advocates, namely the NRA, believe that they have a right to their own personal artillery, and that the more guns we have around the safer we are. There seem to be three main arguments that are made by these radical Gun Rights advocates: “The Constitution gives me the right to have any gun I want to protect myself.”

The National Rifle Association logo.

The idea that the Bill of Rights in any way gives you the right to a high capacity assault weapon is frankly idiotic. I’m sure James Madison had that in mind when he was writing about the right of militias to bear muskets against bears and British people.

2.“If everyone had guns, there would be no crime because we could just shoot whoever was committing the crime.”

This solution sounds a great deal like living in the Old West or even better, total anarchy. The idea that random citizens should essentially be left in charge of utilizing capital punishment sounds like a total disaster, especially when some people in this country remain racist and/or

February 4, 2013

Letter to the Editor: Stressing Out Over The Right College Hamilton and Tufts turned me down. Hopkins said I would be accepted in liberal arts, but not in premed. Then, horror of horrors, John’s Hopkins wait-listed me. It was beginning to look like I might end up at my safety school, Franklin & Marshall. The only person I knew from my school who went to F&M couldn’t have cared less about his studies. Except for the juvenile delinquents, Freddy was about the worst student in my school. With Hopkins keeping me waiting, I got my acceptance letter from F&M and did what any selfrespecting high school senior would do: I burst out crying.

So what was F&M like? I loved it.

I’ve never had more friends or fun. I had a triple major: psychology, philosophy and pre-med. Upon graduation I was leaning towards psychology graduate school but decided on med school when I got into a top school.

So what does my experience say about stressing out over getting into the best school?

First, it is understandable. We want to go to the college that we think will take us to the best place to be the most successful on life’s long jour-

ney. What I think my story illustrates is that actually we can’t really know where to start our college journey, because none of us really know what twist and turns our life will take. We may be totally certain that we know exactly what we want our lives to be like. But even if we get there, life tends to get messy and unruly. The longer we live, the more we may see that experiences we would never choose are crucial for our growth. We also may see that when our dreams come true, we may not feel fulfilled.

Related to anxieties over getting into the colleges we most want can be the personality trait of perfectionism. Perfectionists have to be, well, perfect. Worse yet, when perfectionists get what they want, their joy is short-lived and the next goal must be achieved to be “happy.” This is a treadmill marked by significant achievement but without any stable sense of success. Perfectionists only want to feel loved and have self-esteem. Typically the love they got wasn’t enough and wasn’t unconditional. I have had a very hard time taming my perfectionism. A good friend and my editor once reminded me that sometimes just OK is good

enough.

Sometimes we’ve grown up so fast that it can be hard to remember that from fetus to high school senior is an amazing leap. Living within our family, no matter how much we sometimes hate them, is all most seniors have known. So, perhaps behind senior stress is separation anxiety.

Maybe we are leaving a loving family, maybe a messed up family. But either way it is our home. Humans instinctively tend to cling to what is known and to fear the unknown. Leaving the nest, as exciting as we can imagine, never the less can be nostalgic and even a bit terrifying for both seniors and their families.

You can use the challenges you currently face as an opportunity to teach yourself new skills. Take a few moments to tune into the stress you’re feeling and allow it to just be.

Then, acknowledge that you’re not alone. Plenty of your classmates are feeling the same stress. The more you can move into a self-compassionate position now, the more capable you will be of facing challenges well into your adult life.

-Dr. Will Wittlin

Ithaca psychologist

National Dishonor Society

By SIMON BOHN

“The National Honor Society [is] the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students,” reads the website for the National Honor Society (NHS). However, what the NHS actually does is far from recognizing exceptional students: it is resumé padding, pure and simple. There is no doubt that the community service that NHS provides is valuable and members should be lauded for it. Said service, however, does not fit under the mission of the organization itself.

The NHS should recognize students who do service of their own volition, regardless of any ulterior motive. Any “community service” performed for NHS is merely self-

service with the side effect that it helps others. As to the claim that the society encourages people to live lives rich with community service, it teaches the wrong lesson: that service will be rewarded, not that it is worth doing of its own accord. The actual purpose is clear given the organization of our local chapter: students are only given the opportunity to join as seniors, drawn like flies to honey by the claim that it looks good on a college application.

Why does this organization purely for “recognizing outstanding students” conveniently not exist until college apps become front and center? The NHS dishonors the name of community service by taking valid acts of helping others and making them mere points on a college application.

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February 4, 2013

Student2Student Will Make Voices Heard

By ARYEH ZAX

PHOTO/\MAYA PATT

are currently about a dozen, mostly seniors - are required to go to two training sessions a week, about twice the fre Student2Student (S2S) is a group, started just this quency of the Cornell program. year, whose mission is to improve the student experience Goldstein hopes that S2S will continue to grow this year at IHS. It was behind the recent student survey on the and to leave the leadership role to a rising senior when he plan proposed by Principal Jarett Powers for a Student Re- graduates. source Officer (SRO) and in general seeks to give students “We’re going to make a big push to get juniors involved a voice while also providing a supportive environment for at the end of February,” said Goldstein. them to vent their frustrations.

Goldstein has both short- and long-term goals for S2S. “I saw on Law & Order SVU that they were talking “It’s not so much how many people we meet with, but to some girl and that people know she said she was that help is availa peer counable,” he said. “I selor,” says Roey know that I was Goldstein ’13, successful if I S2S founder. “I’d come back here never thought in three years and about it before. it’s still here.”

I thought that’d S2S isn’t be a cool way just a counseling to get involved service, however, and so I came in it’s also a student at the end of the advocacy prosummer, and gram. Most IHS asked if there students are fawas anything miliar with the like that going sorry state of the on in the school. school’s bathAnd they said rooms, which ‘No’, and I deoften lack soap cided I might dispensers, paas well create it. per towels, and I started to see toilet paper. S2S other problems drafted an extenin the school; sive summary of there was really the bathroom’s a lack of comconditions, with munication.”

The Hub, located by the girls’ locker room in D-Wing, is open to all students for counseling during school cost analysis and At its core, hours. recommendaStudent2Student is a peer listening program. Beginning tions for improvement. second semester, these peer listeners will be in The Hub, “Because it’s a high school, we might know the names a room near the girl’s locker room in D-Building, ready to [of the students who come in],” said Goldstein, howevlisten to students’ needs and concerns. er he was also quick to add that listeners will not ask for “I think of S2S as an onion - an onion has layers, and names of students that they speak with in order to ensure what we’re trying to do is peel off the layers,” says Roey that nothing sensitive leaves the room.

Peer counselors are exactly what they sound like: people “There really has to be a trust in whoever’s listening to who listen to and help others in their own age group. At keep what they hear, including names, in that room.” a typical S2S meeting that I attended, Goldstein discussed Goldstein noted that interest and support is extremely good listening strategies with other counselors. The S2S welcome, and for more information on the program, attraining booklet, adapted from Cornell’s Empathy, As- tend a meeting, held every Tuesday at 6:30 in the Hub, sistance & Referral Service (EARS) program, provides a located near the girls’ locker room in D-Building or conthorough guide for peer listeners. To help accelerate the tact Roey Goldstein at RoeyGold@gmail.com for more training process, all the peer counselors - of which there details.

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February 4, 2013

Ithacans Will Fight the Frack PHOTO/\K.C.ALVEY

New AP Hardesty Will Strive for Consistency

By MANSI VOHRA

On December 10, Martha Hardesty was appointed as new associate principal (AP) for last names M-Z. She replaced David Rutherford who served as an interim AP after Joseph Dhara.

Hardesty is a 1980 graduate from Ithaca High, and noted that being familiar with the layout of the building has helped her as an administrator.

“It’s a large population and the layout of the building, which I’m familiar with, is difficult to maintain.”

Directly before this, Hardesty worked in Trumansburg schools. She was a Dean of Students at the middle school and worked in both the high school and the elementary school. Before that, Hardesty taught in Brooklyn, NY at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology, providing expertise in the fields of Special Education, all K-12, and school administration.

Hardesty said that at IHS, she’d like to see more consistency across the board and in staffing, and acknowledged the high turnover rates the school has seen in recent years.

“I’d like to be able to see us all come together as a team,” Hardesty said.

“We can all bring our own pieces, but we’re all playing with the same deck of cards.”

Already as an AP, Hardesty has dealt with all sorts of issues, including bullying. “[It’s] a component that I deal with on a semi-regular basis,” Hardesty said.

She was proud to see that IHS, with the exception of the lockers, hasn’t changed much since she graduated thirty years ago.

“I’m glad to be back,” she said. “I played hockey here before you guys had a hockey team.”

AP Hardesty’s office is located in E23, and her school contact number is (607) 274-2147.

Citizens show their concern over fracking.

By ANNA KUCHER

On January 9, over 2,000 citizens representing hundreds of environmental coalitions converged in Albany for Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address. In total, nine buses full of protesters from across the state traveled to the capitol to rally for a ban on fracking and a movement towards green jobs and clean energy. While senators and guests entered The Egg for the State of the State, shouts of “Ban fracking now!” rang clear throughout the concourse.

Ironically, Governor Cuomo did not mention fracking, a pressing issue to many New Yorkers, in his speech. However, this remains a divisive, hotly debated issue among citizens of this community.

A few months prior, on November 28, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released revised draft rules and regulations on fracking. Following this release, there was a 30-day period during which individuals could write comments to the DEC detailing their concerns about the regulations.

Local activist Sandra Steingraber, along with Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and many individuals fundamental to the movement, delivered to the DEC over 204,000 comments on the proposed regulations. Among those delivering comments in Albany was Ren Ostry, a student at Ithaca College majoring in Environmental Studies. Along with members of the NY Green Umbrella, she helped to organize Homework Against Fracking, which generated about 150 handwritten comments from young people within 24 hours.

In speaking with Ren about her experience and how it felt to deliver comments

alongside Sandra Steingraber and Yoko Ono, she said, “It was reaffirming to know that a woman like Yoko Ono who has been doing social justice activism since long before I was born was standing beside me for the exact same reasons,” said Ren. “She and John Lennon bought a home in the Catskills and she wants to protect it just as much as I want to protect my home.”

Over the next month, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will review the comments. If they finalize the regulations, the process of issuing permits for drilling will begin in New York.

It is the hope of the anti-frackers that their onslaught of comments over the past month will cause the DEC to fail to meet the February 27 deadline for the release of the finalized regulations, causing the entire process to start over.

At a community meeting, K.C. Alvey, a coordinator with the NY Green Umbrella and 350.org stated, “We need to continue to build a powerful movement as we have been doing in the last four years or more that links the struggle against natural gas infrastructure to the political fight against fracking in New York.”

Reed Steberger, a senior at Cornell and an organizer with the NY Green Umbrella commented, “We need to start building bridges with other movements. It’s time for us to start talking about how this is an issue not just of the environment but an issue of justice.”

Ryan Clover-Owens, an organizer with Shaleshock, sums up the movement’s direction: “The whole situation with the DEC’s decision definitely carries a lot of weight with our movement,” he said. “For me what’s next is broadening our scope and remembering the context in which our movement exists.”

“Ultimately I feel like what we’re working on here is opposing exploitative and extractive industries which inherently damage the communities that they move into,” he said. “What’s next for us organizing in New York State is to think outside of the state lines and ask ourselves how we can best oppose this industry, the existing infrastructure like pipelines, compressor stations, and storage facilities, to try and stop fracking in the entire region. Then from there, how do we connect ourselves with even broader struggles to move toward a sustainable way of life?”

10

February 4, 2013

Powers’ Rationale and Others’ Opinions Behind an SRO

By ANNA KUCHER and CONOR COUTTS, Staff Writers

PHOTO/\MAYA PATT

Between January and November 2012, there were 157 calls placed from the high school to the Ithaca Police Department.

In light of this, at the December 4 Board of Education (BoE) meeting, Principal Powers initiated a community discussion around having a school resource officer (SRO) at IHS. He presented the idea as a proactive step towards addressing safety concerns. The discussion was continued at the next BoE meeting on December 18 when more details on the project were presented. Although the school board recently announced that IHS will not be getting an armed officer, students remain curious as to why this issue was broached in the first place.

This month we interviewed IHS Principal Jarett Powers to find out more about his rationale. We also spoke to art teacher Judy Cogan and student Felix FernandezPenny ’14 who expressed their opinions on the matter.

school. We have a pretty good handle on what goes on here, but there are situations when law enforcement needs to get involved. I think having not just the school being involved in keeping our kids safe, but having a resource officer in place to help keep our kids safe and make good choices would be an appropriate thing. An SRO would make it easier to provide help and support to our students.

Powers: Staunch Supporter of an SRO Anna Kucher: In your opinion, what makes a school safe?

Jarett Powers: The sense of community that exists inside a building. Kids need to feel like they belong, and that if something goes wrong there is someone they can talk with. They should feel that school is a respectful place. Beyond that, there are things that we do as a school and a community to talk about safety. We have places where kids can go to get increased support to continue to deal with some of the challenges they face.

AK: How will an SRO make IHS safer, what problems will they address, and what role will they play?

JP: I think there’s a false assumption that there’s a connection between getting an SRO and all of a sudden your problems are solved. That is not the situation here. I wouldn’t even say that there are problems necessarily to be solved; we’re a pretty safe

Principal Powers is seeking ways to make IHS as safe as it can be.

AK: In the Ithaca Journal, you mentioned that it is your preference to have the SRO armed; why do you feel this way?

JP: The police are here fairly regularly; they have their own parking spot out front.

Every time they respond anywhere a police officer is armed and uniformed. It’s part of who a police officer is.

AK: How do you plan to address the concerns of parents and students on this issue?

JP: This is certainly an issue that has caused some people to be really reflective about what school is and about what school should be. Our goal is to keep IHS as open a place as possible, to encourage community partnerships, and to really help build a sense of security for our kids. The police

are a part of our community; having them here shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a negative. This is about partnering with other community agencies to help us. Having conversations with students, parents, and community members, about what this individual is informing us of, what we’re learning from them, what they’re learning from us, and having kids talk about their experience with this individual I think all will work to assuage some of the nervousness and apprehension that exists around the position.

AK: What changes will students notice with the addition of an SRO to our school?

JP: You’ll certainly see the individual.

They will be involved in before and after school activities with students, helping to support in different ways at dismissal or arrival, and they’ll be working with students when there are issues that involve a need for law enforcement. They will be a part of the school community, another support avenue, another adult that kids can go to.

AK: What happened to the SRO the school used to have?

JP: The City of Ithaca had a budgetary issue in which they eliminated the funding for the position.

AK: With whom are you partnering to put an SRO in place and what effect will it have on the budget?

JP: The cost will be split. The exact percentages of the split haven’t been figured out quite yet. The district and city have both agreed to pay some portion of it.

AK: When will the SRO be put in place?

JP: This is subject to the board vote. If the board agrees to fund the position then we will go through a process of screening, interviewing, and hiring, and ultimately put someone in place. The board won’t vote until the end of January or beginning of February. I started on this project hoping that it would be sometime around the start of the second semester. I think you’re looking at late February at this point. continued on p. 11

11

February 4, 2013

POWERS PUSHES FOR A POLICE OFFICER, OTHERS MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD

AK: If the board votes against putting an SRO in place at IHS do you have alternate solutions to the problem the SRO would have addressed, or an alternate plan?

JP: A lot of the things that we would do are things that we are currently doing. We would continue to reach out to law enforcement and have them here as appropriate and necessary. We would continue to to work with students and families and advise them to go to law enforcement when situations warrant. We would certainly work to increase our own institutional capabilities and awareness on how to deal with school safety, how to respond in times of emergency, and determine the areas in which we can improve to help make the high school as safe as it can be.

Art Teacher Judy Cogan: An SRO Is One Part of the Solution Conor Coutts: In your opinion, what makes a school safe?

Judy Cogan: Schools are safe when students and adults have respectful, caring,

meaningful relationships with one another and when outsiders are screened and supervised when they come in.

CC: Would you feel safer at work with an SRO in place at IHS? JC: I think having an SRO who knows kids and adults and who is actively engaged in relationship-building would be helpful.

CC: Do you feel that an SRO is the best solution to the problems with safety in public education?

JC: No, but I think an SRO is one part of the solution.

CC: Do you believe the teachers had a voice on this issue?

JC: No, the only people who asked my opinion were the students.

CC: Would having an SRO at IHS have any effect on your teaching, classroom procedures, and rules?

JC: No. I can’t imagine it would change anything.

continued from p. 10

Student Response: An SRO Will Destroy the Learning Environment Conor Coutts: Would you feel threatened by an armed SRO? Felix Fernandez-Penny: No, however, I feel that the presence of such personnel would infringe on students ability to interact with one another...to be themselves at school.

CC: What makes a school safe?

FFP: While a school can be a strict working and learning environment, there should also be a degree of liberty and fun in order to maintain a balance. This balance is what allows students to feel at least somewhat safe and secure in school. I feel that the presence of an SRO, particularly an armed SRO, would violate a student’s right and ability to maintain this balance.

CC: Do you currently feel unsafe at IHS? FFP: No.

ICSD Discusses Protocol for Holding Students Back a Grade

By MANSI VOHRA

Retention of students has always been a touchy subject for most, a hotly debated one by all, and an issue that the the Board, school administrators, and educators are beginning to shape policy around. At their January 22 meeting, the BoE did a first reading of Policy 4750: Student Retention. Currently, the policy reads that if consensus cannot be achieved between the principal and caregiver, then the final decision must be made by the principal. The reading broached a number of questions by district administrators, such as what the pedagogical purpose of retaining students is, whether parents and caregivers are likely to appeal the decision, and if the verdict should be expanded to the superintendent level.

“We should look at retention as the absolute last resort,” said Board member Sean Eversley Bradwell.

So far, there have been eighteen retentions within the district, which Bradwell referred to as “eighteen too many.”

Board member Judy Maxwell argued that parents will be less likely to appeal the decision that is made, because in meetings, they’re fully informed and aware that there is

a problem in the first place.

“In my years I don’t think there’s been a case where a parent would have appealed,” Maxwell said. “If [they’re] present, the parent sees the necessity [for retention].”

Vice President of the Board Seth Peacock was in support of expanding the decision from the principal to the superintendent level. Peacock noted that the final decision is usually trivial, however, if it was made into a big decision, it would expand the conversation and ability to challenge it by parents and teachers.

“This is such an important topic, why restrict rather than broaden it?” Peacock asked the Board.

Other members such as Eldred Harris addressed resource implications. Harris expressed the concern that if the district does decide to move a child forward, would they have the appropriate infrastructure in place to ensure that the child catches up and doesn’t fall behind? Harris also noted that if the district does allow for appeal by parents and staff, it should be for a retention that’s not based on academics, but rather age and size.

“I’ve seen the light,” Superintendent Brown said. “These conversations have policy implications, [but] I don’t see a perfect policy.”

12

February 4, 2013

In Memoriam: Josh Endo PHOTO/\PROVIDED

Joshua Endo, former IHS student and graduate of the class of 2010, recently died on Saturday, January 20, 2013. His friends, family, and teachers will all remember him as a gifted musician, kind-hearted person, and an active volunteer in the community. At IHS, Joshua mastered the French Horn, guitar, and piano, and volunteered his time for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Rock the Arts. This year, Josh was a junior at Oberlin College in Ohio, and was in continual pursuit of music and his other passions. His memory will forever hold a place within the community.

-The Tattler Staff

Josh sits by a tree, enjoying nature and the sunshine.

PHOTO/\PROVIDED

Josh (right) proudly stands with a friend after graduating with the IHS Class of 2010.

The Deer Debacle

By JENSEN LO

PHOTO/SHANSHAN MEI

In the quaint village of Cayuga Heights, a vigorous debate is being waged that could have far-reaching consequences. The seemingly innocuous issue at hand: deer control.

The frequently contentious disagreement between the village trustees and many concerned residents was the subject of numerous court cases and a national story airing on CNN in 2010. Despite this controversy and publicity, few people outside of Cayuga Heights are aware of the situation, even though it could result in repercussions on such widely different topics as environmental protection and gun control.

The impetus behind the original deer control plan was the supposed widespread environmental destruction caused by the dramatic rise in the deer population since the 1900s.

As many in Cayuga Heights could tell you, deer have the habit of eating anything remotely edible when they are hungry, including gardens. In addition, collisions between cars and deer have also been a concern. Essentially both sides of the debate agree that some sort of wildlife management needs to be in place to ensure that deer and humans can coexist, but the way that management will be implemented is the point of contention.

Mayor Supron and the village trustees support a plan that involves the killing of the majority of the deer population and the sterilization of the remainder. As Cayuga Heights is a largely suburban community, traditional hunting cannot practically be employed. Thus over the years, the board has supported two main techniques recommended by the hired contractor, White Buffalo: Bait and Shoot, and Net and Bolt. The essential premise of bait and shoot is that deer

are lured into large and open grassy areas to be shot. However, obstacles have prevented the plan from being implemented. New York State law prohibits the use of firearms within 500 ft from a residence without the consent of the homeowner, and with the density of the neighborhood and the significant opposition to the deer control proposal, there were simply not enough suitable sites where all the nearby homeowners consented.

The second plan, Net and Bolt, involves the trapping of the deer in a net and firing a device that punches a steel bolt into the deer’s skull, often missing and causing significant pain to the deer. Net and Bolt is currently illegal in New York State and considered cruel and inhumane.

Other areas of Ithaca have significant deer populations as well, but do not face a similar problem with deer. Part of the reason is that in the town of Ithaca, fencing laws allow for fences sufficiently high to impede deer, unlike in Cayuga Heights. Opponents note the safety concerns that come from the Bait and Shoot plan; there have been reports of incidents across the country involving stray bullets fired during wildlife control programs. Some of these bullets traveled further than the 500 ft and considering Cayuga Heights’ close proximity to other neighborhoods, the safety issue affects them as well.

Other cheaper and non-lethal measures could be taken to reduce the impact of deer, such as reasonable fencing laws and removing obstructing shrubs along roads to allow drivers to spot incoming deer.

This article is by no means a full summary of this expansive issue, but hopefully it helped inform you about an important and pressing topic. For more information to both sides of the issue, visit www.cayuga-heights. ny.us and www.cayugadeer.org

Restaurant Review: Spicy Asian Restaurant

A great place for a delectable meal.

By DAVID STEIN Staff writer

Spicy Asian, located at 335 Elmira Road, boasts authentic Asian meals at reasonable prices. Not only do these traditional dishes incorporate a wide variety of flavors and aesthetics, but, for the most part, are reasonably priced for a student budget. As you enter this quaint and quiet testament to the popularity of Asian cuisine, you are immediately greeted by an array of aromas. The typical Asian-restaurant decorations coupled with a kitchen open to the dining room make for a slightly underwhelming décor, but don’t let a somewhat lackluster appearance turn you away; friendly servers and delicious food more than make up for it. The menu at Spicy Asian has a plethora of dishes in the Szechuan style. Presented on the menu in both Chinese and English, the possibilities are slightly overwhelming. Fortunately for you, the Tattler sent their very best restaurant reviewer and his mother to scope out the joint.

After a long and fruitless battle with the General Tso’s Chicken, I settled on, in what can accurately be described as a courageous move, the Salt and Pepper Squid. To my surprise and delight, the dish, while exotic, was superb.

The steaming plate piled with a generous portion of fried squid could easily have been split between two. Served over lettuce and mixed with fresh green peppers, it was both delicious and pleasing to the eye. With a crunch that contained the faintest hints of pepper, the Squid was light yet filling. Just as I felt I had pinned down its elusive flavor, the salt tickled its way past my taste buds, teasing them and leaving me wanting more. Washed down with a refreshing Lychee Bubble tea, it was a more than satisfying meal. If you’re looking for an affordable way to spice up your day, take a trip to Spicy Asian for lunch or dinner!

14

February 4, 2013

Doughnuts!

By RACHEL SALLY

PHOTO/\RACHEL SALLY

Valentine’s Day is as much, if not more, about chocolate as it is about love. Now, those of you who are madly in love are surely protesting, but let’s be completely honest with ourselves: after the ascetic month of January, we are all longing for sweets. We’re only human. Enter Valentine’s Day; it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in some much-needed decadence. If you’re not giving chocolate to your valentine, you’re just not doing it right. The only thing that may be more appreciated than a big box of truffles is a big box of homemade doughnuts. Don’t be intimidated; I promise that yours will come out vastly better than Dunkin’ Doughnuts’. I don’t know anyone whose heart wouldn’t be won over with pink, chocolatey doughnuts. Seriously.

Cherry Chocolate Doughnuts (Makes ten doughnuts) For the Doughnuts: Ingredients 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk, warmed to 110°F 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/8 teaspoons yeast 1 egg 5 tablespoons butter, melted 2 cups flour 1/8 teaspoon salt Vegetable oil for frying Rich doughnuty goodness.

Directions 1. Add sugar and yeast to warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Whisk the egg and butter into the yeast mixture in the bowl of a standing mixer (with a dough hook). Once mixed, add the salt, then the flour in in 1/4 cup increments.

3. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 6 minutes. Let the dough rest for 1 hour in the fridge.

4. Roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness, and working quickly, cut out as many rounds as you can. Place the rounds onto a greased baking sheet, cover lightly with a dish towel, and let rise in a warm place for an hour.

5. Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy, large pot until it reaches 375°F. Gently place the donuts in the oil and cook for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels, and dab the donut to remove excess oil. Remember to keep checking your oil’s temperature; do not let it get over 380 or below 365.

For the Chocolate Crémeux: Ingredients 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon gelatin 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips Directions Sprinkle the gelatin over the cream and allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat your chocolate gently until melted.

Whip the cream mixture to stiff peaks, then stir in the chocolate. Fill a pastry or Ziploc bag fitted with a large tip with the cream, then stick the tip into the side of the doughnut and fill until you feel the doughnut expanding.

For the Glaze: Ingredients ½ cup cherry preserves ¾ cup powdered sugar Up to 1/3 cup milk, as needed, to thin Directions Whisk the jam and sugar together, then drizzle in milk as needed until the consistency is like maple syrup. Dip the filled doughnuts, and top with sprinkles. Enjoy!

15

February 4, 2013

Teacher Feature: Ms. Petrillose

By CONOR COUTTS Staff Writer

PHOTO/\CASSANDRA PETRILLOSE

It’s her. She is the masterful biology educator, known for her insanity, her extreme homework assignments, and her love for biology- it is Cassandra Petrillose. Even the name “Petrillose” may be dreaded by some; she does not always go over well with her students. She’s famous for her very particular way of wanting things done - an “A” is sometimes impossible to earn in her class.

Her homework assignments are known to stress, challenge, and educate students. And her personality and teaching styles and expectations are almost always characterized as “crazy”. But, there is much more to this woman than just a tough teacher: there is a person - a person with philosophies, feelings, and experiences. I sat down with her to learn the method to her madness and ask the question, “Who is Ms. Petrillose?”

both parties. And what you need to do is really put yourself into the person’s shoes and see what the problem is like from their perspective. And then put yourself back in your own shoes- that helps me calculate if I am out of line or not out of line. I would always encourage students who have a problem with me to come and talk about so we can work to get it solved.

CC: Explain your methodology about teaching.

CP: That would take about 3 hours. You don’t get it; I can’t summarize that or break it down - it is so complicated. I guess one of my major components is to help people to learn how their brain works, to make their life easier for the rest of their life.

CC: What makes other people and yourself think you are crazy?

CP: That’s easy. I enjoy what I do and I want people to have fun while we do it. It probably has something to do with having 5 of the 6 kinds of ADD [attention deficit disorder]. But, mainly because I wanna have FUN. CC: Do you feel that you are sometimes too harsh on students?

CP: Usually the basis when there is a conflict like that is misinterpretations of

CC: What kinds of things do you do outside of school?

CP: Oh wow. Most people know I teach skiing and snowboarding on the weekends, I flo-ride in the summers, I am rebuilding a farmhouse- all by myself. I used to repair antique sports cars. I donate time to different organizations.

CC: What soothes you?

CP: Oh wow. I don’t know there are a lot of things: music, I listen from everything to rap to hard rock and even some country.

CC: Who is your favorite rap artist?

CP: I am blanking on his name - he was shot.

CC: Tupac?

CP: Yes.

Conor Coutts: Why do you teach?

Cassandra Petrillose: I love teaching.

It’s part of who I am and always will be. It’s great to help people start becoming proactive learners on their own.

CC: How long have you been teaching?

CP: This is year thirty-seven.

talk to them and work peacefully to solve the conflict.

Ms. Petrillose, biology teacher, enjoys the waves while surfing on vacation.

CC: Why do you love biology so much?

CP: Wow. Probably because I was a tomboy and lived in the woods when I was young - seriously. And then I fell in love with genetics in high school. And then when I got to college it just turned out to be the subject that made the most sense to me.

CC: How do you respond to the students who have conflicts with your academic demands and or teaching style?

CP: They are not demands - they are expectations. And the difficulty with freshmen coming in is that they have not been able to meet expectations before. So it is a big step for some, and for others it is a little easier. So I have to pick after 37 years what works for most kids. I am always going to leave kids out on both ends but whenever there is a problem for a student I go and

CP: What was the best decision you have ever made in your life?

CP: It may be too personal for the newspaper but leaving my husband, grabbing my kids, and running out the door.

CC: What is the worst decision you’ve ever made in your life?

CP: I am one of those people who sees the good and bad in everything. For example, I had spinal cord stroke and lost a lot of my nerves in my upper body when I was 50, so 9 years ago. I fake it really well; I am still very active. I lost all fast twitch muscles which make jumping and those kinds of things impossible. It reminded me that you can do a lot more than you think you can.

CC: If you could give one piece of advice to graduating seniors what would it be?

CP: Now that’s a good one - you did a nice job with that one. I guess the best one I have considering the social and economic time is for them to use the basic logic and problem solving and gathering of information that they have learned in high school and many subjects and apply it to the rest of their life in all situations.

A Christmas Carol Review

By MAYA PATT

Running to Places Theatre Company never ceases to impress their audience, and A Christmas Carol, performed at the State Theatre, was no exception to this reputation. A combination of dramatic special effects, excellent choreography, beautiful costumes and scenery, and impressive singing and acting made for a great holiday performance. Guest director Steven Dean Moore did an excellent job combining the talents of Running to Places cast members, alumni, and Ithaca College theater majors.

A Christmas Carol is notorious for its reputation as a dark Christmas story, full of ghosts and death contrasting with light stories about Santa and elves. However, the story does its job in capturing the generous and loving warmth of Christmas, and as a musical, brings shivers and excitement to the holiday season.

While the choreography, costumes, and scenery were no surprise, the effects used in the show were a very new addition to a Running to Places production. The effects included large projections onto the stage, a head falling off, and a very sudden disappearance. Director Steven Moore, a professional magician, ensured that each trick left the audience stunned.

After roughly ninety hours of rehearsals, the cast and crew were exhausted yet ecstatic at being able to show off their hard work and dedication. Felix Fernandez-Penny ‘14, who played the great Mr. Fezziwig, said “This show was a new experience compared to what I was accustomed to from other shows I’ve done with Running to Places. Working with a new director, choreographer, and music producer allowed cast members a break from the norm and to experience new methods. Nevertheless, this show and this cast shared some of the similarities that a cast member should expect from any rehearsal/performance process; a sense of community, family, and everlasting friendship. You really get to know your “wife” or “murderer” and develop new friendships with people you may not even appear on stage with. It’s just a different kind of bond, different from what you might find within a sports team.”

Shows such as these are known to bring together a variety of artists. Through the unity only long, late, work-filled hours together can give, the group comes together to create a memorable holiday special.

I Am Happy

By HAERIN LEE

Hey now I can use my computer Without her interrupting me Whenever I want or as long as I want I always said to her that I hate you For not letting me play the game as much as wished For not having a lot of money And I walked out repeating the same phrase Teacher said she died from a car crash this morning When I ran there I was the only family I could only stare at her still picture beside the coffin I came back to school the next day When I get home there will be no one to bother me When I turn on the computer for hours there will be no one There will only be me and some service people coming in My friends asked how I feel about losing her I said I am so happy Because now I have no one to bother me I yelled out aloud in class that I am so happy Now I can do whatever I wish to do Everyone stared at me as if I were a psycho But who cares I am just happy now I take her old wallet in the house My pocket is filled with money now I type in the forum that I am so happy that She is dead now and I can play as much as I wish They said I am crazy, mad, bad, weird, psychic But who cares I am happy I am so happy that I cry alone out of happiness Note: This poem was written with a specific fictional film in mind.

17

February 4, 2013

A&

One-Act Talent During the month of December, two completely student-run plays were put on. Two IHS students, Emma Plotkin ’13 and Emily Scarpulla ’14 directed two plays, “Accused of Comedy” (Directed

by EP) and “4 A.M.” (directed by ES).

I asked Ms. Scarpulla some questions about directing a play as a high schooler.

CC: What were some problems you faced while putting on this play?

ES: It was difficult to be in charge of a group of my peers. I was very worried that they would not see me as an authority figure in rehearsals but most of the time the actors listened because they cared just as much as I did about putting on a good show. Making sure we were ready for everything was really scary seeing as we had such a short period of time to put the show together but we managed to pull it off.

Emily Scarpulla, IHS junior and director.

Conor Coutts ’14: What inspired you to direct a play?

Emily Scarpulla: When I was a freshman, Ms. Tino told me that she was considering having student-directed one-acts in future years. I have always been one to give my opinions, especially when it came to acting and I knew that and opportunity like this was rare so I jumped at it.

CC: Why did you choose to put on “4 A.M”?

ES: I chose “4 A.M.” because, as teenagers, we generally have more opportunities to act in comedies and lighter pieces so I thought it would be nice to give the actors the opportunity to delve into something deeper and show the audience something different that they weren’t expecting.

CC: What was your role of director like?

ES: It was very difficult to be in charge of all of the big decisions. A director does a lot more than just boss actors around; there are so many things that I had to think about such as, lighting, sound, and

CC: Do you think you will go into directing later in life?

ES: I would like to have more opportunities to direct because it was a very rewarding experience and we had such a great time putting the show together.

CC: Did you feel guilty about not choosing a more well-known play?

ES: There aren’t too many wellknown one-act plays to begin with, but one of the great things about doing a show that no one has ever heard of is that no one knows what you had to work with in the original script, making it completely open to our interpretations of any of the scenes.

CC: How did the audience like it?

ES: We had a standing ovation the second night and I heard lots of nice things from audience members so I think they enjoyed it. Many said they liked that it was on such a deep topic and they were very impressed with the performance.

CC: Will there be more student-directed one-acts in the future?

ES: I think there will be considering how well this one went and I certainly hope people continue to be interested because I think it’s a really good experience in leadership and cooperation with peers, and it gives students the freedom to make a lot of choices that they wouldn’t get the opportunity to make in a normal school show.

Instrument

PHOTO/\PROVIDED

props but, in the end, it was very rewarding and a lot of fun.

PHOTO/\JAMES SCARPULLA

By CONOR COUTTS Staff Writer

Wacky

Concert musician or Star Trek set member?

By JENSEN LO

Only in Russia could such a strange and fascinating instrument as the Theremin be invented.

Born from the research of one of Russia’s many authoritarian regimes on proximity sensors, it completely failed at its original purpose, but turned out to have a knack for producing an eerie ghost-like sound. Around this time, the Communists overthrew the Russian government and the inventor of the Theremin (named Theremin, not coincidentally) fled the country. Where would someone with a “useless” invention and no money go?

Of course, he traveled to America to try and sell his Theremins in the old-time equivalent of infomercials on television: infomercials in person. Unfortunately for him, he ran into difficulties starting his company during the Great Depression and later returned to the Soviet Union, just in time to be imprisoned in one of Stalin’s gulags.

Despite its lack of business success, the Theremin proved to be very popular with audiences across the country. Out of all the instruments, the Theremin is probably the easiest to learn and the hardest to master. The reason for this is quite simple: there are essentially only two aspects to the instrument, volume and pitch. These are both controlled through the position of the hands relative to the detectors. This means that a performer can just wave her hands around randomly and still produce a pleasing sound, but to try and play a simple tune can take months of practice. It’s certainly something to try at least once in your life. If you need any more reasons for trying it, the Theremin was used in some scenes in Star Trek for that Sci-Fi feel.

Dolphin Auto Some of you may have come across the thought of why we picked Dolphin Auto as our name.

Let me tell you why. Each individual we have at our business, portrays a trait that a dolphin has. For example: Playfulness: Kenny Scofield, shop owner/manager, is very professional but loves to make the customer laugh and have a good time so you feel comfortable.

Gentleness: When you come to us for an estimate, we are going to be gentle with your prices. Intelligence: Our team has a combination of 50 years of experience between our two ASE master techs. We also cannot forget about our secretary Christal Scofield, who will work with you every way possible with your estimates and uhaul rentals. Friendship: Trust being one of the important qualities in a friendship, is what we want to gain with you, your trust. Community: We are a smaller business in a community new to us, except for one of our ASE master technicians, Randall Conley. Having lived in the community all of his life, Randall knows the area and is well respected and looked up to by many. Power: Sgt. Matthew Stinnett is a very important part of our team. He is currently over seas fighting to protect our country. He is also a very important part of our future as he will be leading the way in education for cars of the future. Come by for a free estimate, fifteen minutes of free diagnostics, or to just meet our team and to get an idea of what we are about! We are offering a free oil change with the service of $150.00 or more *up to 5 quarts conventional oil! So, come on down to Dolphin AutoMathnasium at 6010 South US Hwy 1 Grant, FL 321-984-8322 Ithaca High School half page (10 x 8)

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By RUBIN DANBERG-BIGGS

Steroids have changed the landscape of American sports. Every successful athlete is now subject to suspicion, and we sports fans live in constant fear of discovering that an old favorite has been caught. Of course it’s not all bad. I have now achieved my lifelong goal of tying with Lance Armstrong in Tour de France titles, but that remains the rare upside.

Armstrong is not the only one that’s been in the news lately for juice related reasons: Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Sammy Sosa all found themselves on the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame ballot for the first time and they, continuing the trend of athletes having things in common with me, will not be given a plaque in Cooperstown this year. These convicted steroid users pose a very interesting question for the MLB and its fans. Should players, whose

’Roid Reward statistics would otherwise guarantee that they waltz into the Hall of Fame, be inducted if they have been proven to have used steroids?

I think not. To come to grips with just how historically incredible these players were in their careers, a few statistics are probably necessary. Roger Clemens, a pitcher, is ninth all-time in baseball history in wins and 3rd all-time in strikeouts. Barry Bonds has the most home runs in history, and Sammy Sosa is eighth in that category. During their careers they were known as stone-cold locks for the Hall, but now it’s turned out that they were all about as clean as a subway restroom. Now, cheating is cheating, and it is undeniable that they were breaking the rules, but the question is, did it give them a substantial edge over the field or was everyone else doing it too? Well...no...they weren’t. Consider

this: in 2003 a no-risk, no-punishment, series of tests done by the MLB found between 5 and 7 percent of active players to be using steroids. This is not a case of excessive cheating resulting in a level playing field, but rather a top heavy group of excellent players sloppily cheating and all getting caught; thus resulting in the outward appearance of more widespread doping.

We can construct a Hall of Fame Part B and give all retired steroid users the chance of being inducted, but for now this is all we have. To allow cheaters to join figures such as Ruth, Mantle and Mays would irreparably dilute the meaning of the Hall. So until the commissioner is ready to hand out special plaques, giving every selected doper their very own ‘Roid Reward, Clemens, Bonds, and all the rest will just have to settle for pride in their “achievements”.

Wacky Sport

By DAVID STEIN Staff Writer

As anyone who has ever witnessed, or had the privilege to compete in a chess match will tell you, chess is a riveting sport complete with long, contemplative stares and… other things (well that’s about it actually). Fortunately for the lucid part of the population, the Europeans, displaying their usual knack for spectacle, have managed to turn what is undoubtedly the least exciting game to watch into a stimulating spectator sport that will satiate both the

mental and physical needs of any athletics fan. This sport is chess boxing. The hybrid fuses two extremes; players must have as much brain as they do brawn, making Chess Boxing interesting to plebeians and patricians alike.

Chess boxing was conceived relatively recently

by French graphic novelist Enki Bilal. The activity follows the basic conventions of both boxing and timed chess, with a few slight variations. Each match is 11 rounds long; beginning with a round of chess and followed by a round of boxing. When a competitor is

knocked out or checkmate is achieved the match ends, and the game is forfeited if a player exceeds his time limit in a chess round.

In order to compete in professional chess boxing, potential participants must meet certain requirements.

Competitors must be accomplished boxers, and achieve at least a Class A chess rating.

For example, Nikolai Sazhin, a one-time world champion chess boxer, fought in over 95 amateur boxing matches and received what would be considered a “professional level” chess rating. Chess boxing has also seen Grand

Master chess players participate.

The World Chess Boxing organization governs the sport and in 2003 the first ever Chess Boxing World Championships were held.

Although the game originated in Europe, it has been growing in popularity all over the world and especially in the U.S. If you are an avid pugilist and have a knack for strategy, visit the Chess Boxing website and show your support!in the U.S. If you are an avid pugilist and have a knack for strategy, visit the Chess Boxing website and show your support!

20

February 4, 2013

The Ideal Super Bowl

By PETER FREY Staff Writer

As the foremost authority on all things football-related, pundits and coaches alike have been approaching me this past week and asking me what I think the most exciting outcome for the Superbowl would be. This is a difficult decision either way, as both teams have players that are my close personal friends, and both teams have players that could be outplayed by a sprinkler on a good day. Here’s the rundown of which players you should be rooting for come Sunday.

Ray Lewis: This dude needs to stop crying all the time. Hundreds if not thousands of players retire every year, and about half of them make Super Bowl runs in the process. You’re not special, just take a seat. That said, I have to say that it’s fitting that this future Hall of Famer gets his moment in the sun.

Ed Reed: Ed Reed and Troy Pola-

malu have changed the way defense is played in the NFL. Since that one dude who always facemasked people in the 80’s, no one position has had such an impact on how offenses prepared for a game. Now, in his last year on the field, he’s making one last attempt at a victory in the postseason.

Definitely a top pick this year come Sunday.

Bernard Pollard: ESPN did a survey of people earlier this year, and after a random sample it turned out that 100% of people, including those who didn’t speak any English except “Bernard Pollard sucks” thought Bernard Pollard is an awful human being.

His mom was one of the people surveyed. 98% said given the opportunity they would beat Bernard Pollard even if it meant cutting off their own legs, and 2% didn’t have legs. Win or lose, I think fans of every team can agree that there’s only one thing to root for this year. A good clean game.

That, and Bernard Pollard’s crippling

career-ending injury.

Colin Kaepernick: I’m going to tell you a story, and you guess who it’s about. A guy dies on the cross, but is resurrected. He gets drafted at quarterback outside the first round, then rides pine for his first couple seasons.

However, He intervened, and the starting quarterback on his team got injured. This spunky up-and-comer takes over the team, leading a bedraggled group of misfits and Teddy Bruschi to a victorious Super Bowl.

It was Tom Brady. But you’ll notice there are some surprising similarities between him and Colin Kaepernick.

Just the taking over the team thing for the most part but still, I’d be OK with a Kaepernick win.

Clay Matthews: Get it? Because he sucks and will never make it to the Superbowl again. Contrary to most scientific hypotheses, it appears that soaking a person in a steroid bath does not make them as good as Jerod “Step to Dis” Mayo.

New York Knicks’ Resurgence and the Child That Owns Them

By ELIE KIRSCHNER

Prior to this season, when people thought about the once-proud New York Knicks franchise, it wasn’t a pretty picture. The blame for this fiasco of a team lies solely with Knicks owner James Dolan. From 2000 to 2009, the Knicks play was abysmal and in 2007, David Stern, in the most pleasant way possible, summed up Dolan’s management of the Knicks by saying: “they’re not a model of intelligent management.” Highlights from recent Knicks seasons include: Amare Stoudamire’s domestic dispute with a fire extinguisher (following a critical loss in the playoffs, the star power forward slammed his fist through the glass case of the safety device), former General Manager Isiah Thomas in the courthouse after losing a sexual harassment suit, and the roster-clearing trade that led to the acquisition of the “slightly heavy” Eddy Curry whose greatest achievement as a member of the Knicks may have been devouring a dozen hotdogs in one sitting (that last incident may have been embellished).

This season however, the Knicks are great. The team is playing more dynamic offense and has actually played defense under Head Coach Mike Woodson in his first full year in command. Tyson Chandler is playing great defense in

the paint, J.R. Smith has blossomed into a premiere clutch shooter, and someone in the Knicks organization must have sat star forward Carmelo Anthony down and given him “the talk” about passing the ball, a concept he previously failed to understand, because he spent the first half of this season making both himself and his teammates better basketball players. As a Knicks fan, this is all very exciting, but we must be sure to remember that Dolan’s tenure as owner has been an unparalleled disaster. He has directed the team like a kid screwing around in a basketball video game, lobbing money at players who all play the same position and coaches who probably shouldn’t have made it into an interview, all because he thinks they’re cool.

Things are going very well for the Knicks right now. This is due to the growth of the players primarily acquired by former general manager Donnie Walsh, who was fired because Dolan could not handle his independent thinking, and a new coaching scheme from Mike Woodson, which is functional on both ends of the court. The Knicks are a strong, exciting team that could make a deep playoff run this season, and we should credit this long awaited success to Walsh, Woodson, and the players, and not to childlike owner James Dolan.

Quiz - How Should You Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

By Tova Wilensky Staff Writer

1. What do you like to do with conversation candy hearts? a. Assemble a poem out of them b. Throw them at people c. Pass them out at school d. Decorate cakes with them e. Eat them, of course

c. Balloons d. Flowers e. A box of chocolates

2. Which event committee would you sign up for? a. Planning Committee b. Fundraising Committee c. Music Committee d. Decorating Committee e. Food Committee

5. Your friend invites you over to decorate their house for Valentine’s Day. They love decorating, so you decide to: a. Rearrange the furniture into a heart shape b. Hang up heart-shaped lights around their house c. Put heart stickers and decals all around their windows and walls d. Shake glitter all over everything e. Place bowls of candy in every corner

3. At the grocery store, there’s a big Valentine’s Day candy sale. You buy ten bags of: a. Smarties b. Gummy bears c. Fruit gummies d. Lollipops e. Gourmet chocolates

6. Your neighborhood is having a fair. You volunteer to run the: a. Fortune teller booth b. Dunk tank c. Cake walk d. Face painting booth e. Cotton candy stand

4. On Valentine’s Day, you’d love to get: a. A new book b. A teddy bear

7. On a school field trip to Paris, everyone is given money for souvenirs. You spend yours on a:

write

email editor@ihstattler.com

a. French-English dictionary b. Bicycle that was used by the seventh-place winner of the Tour de France c. Eiffel Tower snow globe d. Fancy French designer clothing e. French delicacies (e.g. frog legs!)

8. On Valentine’s Day as a kid, you loved: a. Reading the “roses are red” poem b. Having a party in class c. Giving valentines to EVERYONE d. Making homemade valentines e. Cherry lollipops 9. After midterms were finished, you: a. Studied for more tests coming up b. Ran around in circles c. Threw an “end of midterms” party d. Forgot everything you studied e. Slept for a week Results

This Valentine’s Day, you should...

Mostly A’s: Write a romantic novel. Use overly emotional and sentimental vocabulary, work in at least one vampire, and let your friends read it when it’s done.

Mostly B’s: Make lots of valentines and then spend the day riding your bike and stopping at random mailboxes to deliver them!

Mostly C’s: Learn the lyrics to a lot of love songs and sing them loudly through the hallways. Get your friends to join in and you might get everyone singing in the hallway!

Mostly D’s: Create a snazzy outfit using Valentine’s Day colors (red, pink, white) and wear to school. Go all out and decorate the outfit with hearts and other embellishments.

Mostly E’s: Invent a new candy. Experiment with different flavors and then bring your finished product to school to see if people like it.

Come up with an interesting name for it, too.

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22

February 4, 2013 PENULTIMATE

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If you like what you see (or don’t), submit your own content! Submit cartoons, photography, questions, comments, stories, letters of complaint (or praise), or literary pieces. Hey, maybe you’ll see your name printed on this page.

Drop off your stuff at Backpage Editor E-mail: backpage@ihstattler.com So what are you waiting for? I’m waiting for my soufflé of your thoughts. Chop chop.

23

February 4, 2013 PENULTIMATE

Dear Danelle:

Valentine’s Day Edition

As everyone who cares knows, Valentine’s day is Thursday, February 14. Different people are in different situations, so answering one person’s question would leave plenty in the dark in this pivotal moment of their love careers. As the wonderful person I am, I spent the extra time to make sure everyone’s dreams come true, or fail horribly and miserably enough so I have questions to answer in the future! Without further ado, we present:

Love Situationals Situational Alpha Vein Shine: Hey, I’m a typical high school girl who likes a typical high school guy, hoping to start a typical relationship. What should I do to get love this Valentine’s Day? What the hell? You’re playing standard, and he’s playing standard... why do you need help? Just buy flowers and chocolates and mistletoe and a restaurant and you’ll be fine.

Sometimes I wish you people would leave space for people who really need my help. I feel like you don’t even try... I mean think about all the starving children... *audio fades* Situational Escaping Featured Precision: I’ve noticed that this girl really likes me, but we haven’t talked much. She’s cute and I’ve caught her looking at me a few times. Should I make a move for Valentine’s Day? No, absolutely not. She’s plotting to take advantage of you. Her looking at you and cuteness have been coordinated by the CIA to seize control of you when you’re not looking. Making a move will only catalyze your demise. To escape: fall into their trap, and bring Liam Neeson to free you in an unfortunate dumb sequel.

If it is clear she’s not working with the FBI, go ahead and

send her some flowers. NonFBI girls like flowers.

Situational Mixture Hyphen Altruistic Levity: I know this guy is crushing on me, and he’s a sweet friend, but I really don’t like him. I actually like a different, amazing guy, and I’ve already made it pretty clear to him with subtle hand waves and clever facial expressions. I don’t know how to confess to my true love without hurting my friend. Help?

Why don’t you give me names? Ugh this is so confusing. Hmmm, let’s call the first guy Hopeless and the second guy Stupid.

Now that that’s clear, why are worried about hurting Stupid? You’ve already kicked him into the bottomless obscure pit of peril, a.k.a. the friend zone.

To put your worries at ease, just say blatantly offensive phrases to hopelessly stupid Hopeless and Stupid will stupidly support your hopelessly intelligent actions. Finally, hopeless Stupid will enjoy your hopelessly aggressive nature and you’ll be stupidly happy, know what I mean? I hope so, because I don’t.

Remember, if your relationships becomes abusive, please call the Advocacy Center. I’m serious.

Situational Shooting Airplane Wishes:

It’s our first Valentine’s Day as a couple. We’ve been happily dating for three months now, and we’re looking for a great way to celebrate this lovely day.

What should we do?

Skydive. It’s really fun, trust me. If you can’t manage that, go to an inappropriately horrible scary movie. One of those movies that tries to be thrilling but just sucks. When you’re done with that, you’ll be wishing you went skydiving.

Perhaps even...sky falling. Eh? Eh? Obviously, when that goes south, reserve a table in a fancy restaurant. Order steak, and passionately feed each other and... hold on, what? You guys are ALREADY a couple? Why do you need help? Save some for people celebrating Singles Awareness Day. Ugh, this is Situation Alpha Vein Shine all over again.

Situational Frayed Parting: I used to like this girl, but we haven’t talked in a long time.

Now, talking to her is really awkward and stilted. How should I bridge this gap?

When I’m bummed, I turn on Pandora and listen to music for advice. But why should you passively sit and listen to Taylor discuss her broken love life? Be Ms. Laurie Blue Adkins and write a song to show your feelings. Perform it, and watch your performance crash

and burn after you realize that songwriting is hard, no matter how emotional you are about it. It’s okay, it was worth it. Hahahahaha, no it wasn’t.

Alternatively, just go up to her and talk without being awkward. Seriously, don’t be so uncomfortable and insecure.

Confidence solves everyone’s problems. Even mine.

Situational Robust Enamoration: There’s this guy, and I’m head over heels for him. Seriously, every time I wear heels. I like everything about him, from his cute nervousness when he talks to me to his beautiful face. I really like him. What should I do to make Valentine’s Day special?

Actions speak louder than words. Do something, buy something, sing something, anything. Just show your appreciation and be yourself. Be honest, amazing, sensitive, awesome, resourceful, creative, smart, and daring. Don’t be afraid to fall, and he will catch you. Stop waiting and seize the day, because life is too short to be stalling. Happy Valentine’s day to you, and I honestly hope he calls you, maybe.

I hope these situationals helped. I love making up words.

Singles Unite!

Danelle Agular

Horoscopes

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18): You’ll make someone really happy today. When they thank you for your generosity, be really modest about it. If they try to be extremely thankful back, throw a cake and run away.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20): A power failure will strike, causing you to lose all of your electronics, even your cell phone (don’t ask). But school will be canceled, and you’ll have the day to yourself! Then, you’ll notice that there’s no food in the fridge. Fortunately, your friend will show up with a circus! I really have no idea where this is going.

Aries (March 21 to April 19): Right after the flu, pun fever will sweep over you.

Unfortunately, the flu will cause people to walk away, and the puns will cause people to run away.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20): Stressed? Fight through it by complimenting everyone you see. If that doesn’t work, take deep breaths and count

to 100. If you can’t count to 100, then you’re a toddler.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20): Don’t like swimming?

First, say, “I forgot to change today.” Next time, wear your swimsuit to school and change into your normal clothes for gym. That’ll show ‘em.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22): Light bulbs are bright, but not as lucid as your personality. Don’t let black holes force you into evanescence.

Seriously, you can save energy by using compact fluorescent lamps.

Leo (July 23 to August 22): Have you noticed that you can’t open school bus windows? They have been conspiring against you. For real. Trust me, it’s the only explanation. Nice thick, furry coat by the way.

Virgo (August 23 to September 22): A suspicious woman will hand you a mysterious package. Check what’s inside, take the money, and throw it all in her face.

Libra (September 23

to October 22): Be careful – anything sentimental you say to a friend can be stolen.

Be aware of suspicious people around you, especially if you’re tired. Something good you say may be used to torture the people you love, in the form of a “Critical Lens” on a state test.

Scorpio (October 23 to November 21): A series of serious questions will flood you all at once. To answer them correctly, choose the wrong choices and select the sentimental segway to illustrious alliteration that doesn’t always function, fukushima daiichi disaster.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21): Pandas they’re really cute. How does this relate to you, you ask?

Look behind you, right now!

Ha, made you look. Regardless, that was really stupid.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 19): How do I know your future? How do I know other people’s futures?

I’ll never tell you how I pull it out of thin air.

Sudoku

Pirates Everything on HBO Dear Abby Super Bowl XLVII John Green Mean Joe Green “Doctor Who” Christmas Special People who know what the debt ceiling is Smartphones that aren’t iPhones Manti Te’o’s girlfriend Pro Bowl

December Solution:

Michael Hall’s new glasses Board of Education