Inklings Nov. 2011

INKLINGS November 28, 2011 - Volume 76 Issue 3 - Crown Point High School - 1500 S. Main Street - inklings@cps.k12.in.us

This Issue: News

CPTV CPHS students introduce a new broadcasting show Page 3

Feature

Holiday shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer super savings for holiday shoppers Page 9

Arts Skyrim review The long anticipated video game excites gamers Page 11

Sports New coach The girls basketball team gets a new coach: CP basketball legend Anne Equihua Page 13

Opinion

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Social media websites can be used for productive change or could ruin someones life. Thus it is a tool that must be handled with care by students.

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Visit us online at inklingsonline.org

Saving

face

What’s posted on social media sites now can be traced years down the road

By Olivia Graham / Melanie Zdanowicz entertainment editor / co-feature editor

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

ocial media has become one of the most common methods teenagers use to communicate in today’s technology-wired world. Thirty billion pieces of content are shared on Facebook alone each month. However, in spite of this common usage, some teens may be unknowingly naive about the type of content they are posting on these websites.

Business teacher Mary Bachnak stresses the importance of positively portraying one’s self online.

“All employers go on your (Facebook) page,” Bachnak said. “If you have inappropriate things, they will not hire you.”

Dean DeLisle, the CEO of Forward Progress came on Nov. 1 for the third year to speak to Bachnak’s Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education class, which spends half of the day at school and half of the day working. Forward Progress, a company based out of Chicago, aims to teach students how to develop a positive online presence.

“Social media is definitely a key deciding factor for being admitted into the college or career of your choice especially the higher paying job or higher level school. This will shortly be the norm if not already,” DeLisle said. “We have seen this grow over 1,000 percent in the last year and believe there is more data not even reported on this. In fact, we have a student who followed this practice and has yielded his first job before he graduated making over $60,000 per year for his first job, not bad for just being socially responsible.”

Sophomore Emily Anderson has a simple thought process when about to post something on Facebook or Twitter. See “Post” on page 3

1 in 5 teens have sent or posted sexually explicit pictures of themselves

1 in 9 people on the earth is on 1 in 9 people on Earth has a Facebook Facebook profile

3,500 images are uploaded to Flickr per minute

Students, teachers reflect on technology

By Dylan Taylor opinion editor

In the age of digital communications, the current generation of teenagers has more access to technology than any other generation in history. For many teens, tools like the internet, phones and computers have become a simple fact of life.

Statistics also show an increasing presence of technology in teens’ lives. According to the Pew Research center in 2009, 93 percent of teens use the internet, and 75 percent use a cell phone. Young adults are also experiencing this exposure to technology younger and younger each year. Fifty-eight percent of American 12-year-olds own a cell phone.

School psychologist Dr. Kathryn Huls believes that this exposure is a necessary feature

of teens’ development.

“I think that teens have evolved with the technology. It would be very difficult to survive and keep up with our rapidly changing world without our cell phones, internet access and social networking,” Huls said. “In some cases, teens may need to balance their time a little better, but overall, I think reliance upon technology has become a necessity for this generation.”

Principal Eric Ban echoes the opinion of Huls.

“In a 21st century setting, we simply cannot do our work without technology,” Ban said. “Technology gives us tools to help us do our work better.”

See “Technology” on page 3

If Facebook were a country, it If Facebook were a country, it would be the third most would be the third largest populated country in the world country in the world.

Canad a

Russia

f http://www.jeffbullas.com/2011/09/02/20-stunning-social-media-statistics http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Season of giving begins

in the know

Blood drive, food drive, Angel Tree assists those in need

Student Union sponsors exchange visit with Hammond

By Maggie Gelon staff reporter

Representatives of the Inklings staff accept honors awarded at the NSPA convention in Minneapolis.

Inklings staff wins second consecutive Pacemaker award For the second consecutive year, Inklings has earned a national Pacemaker award.

The Pacemaker honors those who break new ground in student journalism and set the pace for other publications to emulate according to the National Scholastic Press Association.

The NSPA sponsors the award along with the Newspaper Association of America. Inklings is the only Indiana publication of the 18 newspapers and 7 newsmagazines honored as Pacemakers.

Entries Inklings are judged on joins 17 coverage and content; quality other of writing news and editing; papers leadership on the opinion from the page; evidence U.S. and of in-depth London reporting; layout, as a design and recipient photography of the and art and award graphics.

Inklings also took sixth place in the NSPA convention’s Best of Show competition for newspapers of 13 to 16 pages.

Ten newspaper students and seven yearbook students attended the convention.

Six took individual honors in Write-Off competition.

Alyssa Blahunka earned an excellent in newspaper design.

Honorable mentions went to Hannah Colby, review writing; Abigail Eineman, news/feature photography; Olivia Graham, feature writing; Alexis Hesser, yearbook inside page; and Dylan Taylor, commentary writing.

photo by donnella casillas

Senior Kevin Nichols donates blood. Nichols participated last year as well. “Giving a little bit of my blood isn’t really that much of a price to pay to help someone else out,” Nichols said.

By Katrina Zdanowicz the most items as a class at total One hundred eighty three co-feature editor

of 977, therefore winning a free pints of blood were collected from Students are taking ‘season breakfast from the ProStart class. the drive, which is expected to of giving’ to heart by setting aside Student Council sponsored save the lives of 549 people actime to participate in charity the Nov. 11 blood drive in the cording to Student Council sponevents in an effort to have a fieldhouse. sor Shannon Weber. positive effect on the community.

“I decided to donate because National Honor Society The food drive benefitted I wanted to help people in need. (NHS) is organizing donations for struggling families in the area. The blood I give can save three the Angel Tree Project. The AnStudents hoped that the recipients lives, and I think that’s amazing,” gel Tree Program, often known of the food would be able to enjoy senior Jake Ivers said. simply as “Angel Tree,” is a chara full Thanksgiving ity program where dinner. donors sponsor difMany don’t realize the number of people Senior Cheyferent “angels,” or rein need in our very own neighborhoods. enne Donaldson cipients. Sponsoring realizes the impact entails buying gifts for Amanda Campos NHS sponsor a food drive can the angels, who are make. children of families “I know of people in my By participating in the blood that do not have the means to buy family who are having money drive, students gave up a few Christmas gifts. Smaller groups struggles, so it personally warms hours in class and a pint of blood. within NHS and individual classmy heart to be able to help others Students who donated said the ex- rooms at CPHS are participating. suffering with similar problems,” perience of joining together was NHS sponsor Amanda CamDonaldson said. well worth what they gave up. pos is leading the school’s Angel Multiple clubs volunteered “The camaraderie between Tree effort for the first time. time and skills for the food drive. my classmates was very cool; we “Angel Tree is an excellent Jan Rattazzi’s ProStart class led all came together as a group to way to give back in our own comthe effort. Special needs students support the Red Cross,” senior munity. Many don’t realize the sorted the cans and boxes. Fellow- Jessica Haverstock said. number of people in need in our ship of Christian Athletes (FCA) In addition to the height and very own neighborhoods,” Camhelped distribute collection bags weight requirements, Gina Avila, pos said. to classrooms and LEAD Council the American Red Cross’s repreCPHS is sponsoring 48 anwas in charge of advertising. sentative for Lake County, said gels. The program will end on The food, delivered on Nov. that students needed to be sen- Dec. 2. Students who want to do18, was divided between Bethel sible before donating blood. nate must turn in their items by and First Christian Reformed “Eat a wholesome breakfast. that date. Students in classrooms Churches in Crown Point.

Stay hydrated throughout the day, that are not sponsoring angels can English teacher John Lam- even after you’ve given blood,” still contribute individually by visbersie’s first period brought in Avila said. iting Campos’ classroom, D209.

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decembercalendar

decemberfacts • The first day of winter is Wed., Dec. 21.

• More than all other months, December has the shortest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Julius Caesar added two days to December in 46 B.C.

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CPHS Band Holiday Concert -CPHS Auditorium7 p.m.

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World Language Christmas Caroling Party -CPHS Media Center2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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CPHS Orchestra Holiday Concerts -CPHS Auditorium2 p.m.

4 p.m.

7 p.m.

CPHS Choir Holiday Concert -CPHS Auditorium7 p.m.

Attending a school with a population of 750 is vastly different than one with 2,600.

Student Union recently experienced that during its annual student exchange. The club partnered with a Hammond High School (HHS) sociology class as well as a few HHS student government members.

“A student exchange is going to a different school, shadowing a student and seeing how the school works,” sophomore Tyna Wright said.

Although the two schools are less than 30 miles apart, students and Hammond teachers observed striking High differences School when comhas a paring the two schools. mandatory Among the uniform clearest difpolicy for ferences was students sheer size and how population and size can affect a school’s atmosphere.

“They all interact like a family. They don’t leave people out, they don’t have cliques and it’s really inclusive,” Wright said.

HHS students also noticed several significant differences.

“From a teacher’s perspective, I found that more Crown Point students are academically focused and well-behaved than HHS students,” HHS Student Government sponsor and sociology teacher Anita Cox said.

Participants believe that the exchange was a valuable experience and organizers thought that the exchange would not be an average field trip.

“I hope that the exchange broke down stereotypes and gave students on both ends new ideas to improve their schools and their relationships with their peers and teachers,” Cox said.

CPHS students, however, were left with a new appreciation for their school.

“I learned to appreciate all the opportunities our school has,” Barraza said.

19-31 Winter Break No School School Resumes Jan. 3, 2012

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Student-run show “CPTV” launches

Mass Media students produce news magazine program replacing “FYI”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRENT BARBER

Senior Shana Wrigley goes over Crown Point High School sports news on the first ever CPTV show on Thursday, Nov. 17.

The student-run news program has taken the place of “FYI.” Wrigley is currently the primary sports anchor.

By Mary-Katherine Lemon news editor

With a new set, approach and focus, “CPTV” came to students two weeks ago with its first broadcast on Thursday, Nov. 17. Produced by Mass Media students, “CPTV” is a news magazine show that, according to anchor Chris Shipps, has a studentoriented approach.

Senior Shipps said, “It’s student-oriented, so we have a lot of views from students so we can … make it more interesting.”

The brand-new set was designed by “CPTV” co-adviser Chris Gloff and built by industrial technology teacher Ed Topp and his Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturing II students.

Senior Kyle Rodd composed the show’s theme music.

“CPTV” has been in the works for about two months, according to co-adviser Lisa Landgrebe.

“Taping (the show) was one day,” Landgrebe said.

“CPTV” anchor Chris Shipps said, “I got involved with

Technology

continued from page 1 Still, others, such as Orchestra director Jim Deal, recognize flaws in teen technology usage. “(Technology) can take over our lives.

For many people, especially teens, it is a central focus – that is unhealthy,” Deal said. “Digital communication makes you lose a personal touch with others, and our society is becoming less personal because of that.”

Despite recognizing the necessity of digital technology, Huls also believes overuse of technology to be unhealthy and

‘CPTV’ through CPHS ‘Showtime’ ... Gloff came in with a bunch of new ideas from (Principal) Dr. (Eric) Ban. (Gloff) really wanted to create a better show, so that’s how CPTV came about.”

Landgrebe advises students who are interested in being involved with the show to enroll in the Mass Media class. Mass Media is the class in which “Showtime” and “CPTV” are produced.

Students must receive approval from a guidance counselor to be in the class. An application is also required. “(Interested students) could potentially come in second semester,” Langrebe said.

In addition to Gloff and Landgrebe, Brent Barber is also a co-adviser for the program.

Shipps is enthusiastic about the new program. “I want everybody to enjoy it as much as we enjoy putting it together. I want people to actually go out and be like, ‘Can you please turn on ‘CPTV’?’,” the anchor said.

“CPTV” airs every Wednesday during second period.

even dangerous.

“One is much more likely to say something antagonistic online or via text than if they are face to face with an individual,” Huls said. “We need to continue to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and show empathy, even if we’re not looking at them eye to eye.”

Senior Sam Al-Nimri, however, doesn’t believe that his peers are overusing technology. “(Technology) is just a part of our lives; my parents use it more than I do,” Al-Nimri said.

Junior Izzy Dutton disagrees. “I just hate it when someone texts while they’re talking to me; all my friends do it. I feel

like people are below technology for some of these people,” Dutton said.

Still, most experts agree that moderation is the key for teens using technology. “(The healthy amount of technology teens use) would depend upon the amount of technology that is needed for the teen’s homework and/or part-time work,” Huls said. “Aside from that, I would recommend a 50/50 balance of ‘screen time’ and ‘live’ social activities.”

Deal, despite his avoidance of overusing technology, also believes in balancing technology and the real world. “Tech is not a substitute for life. You need to smell the roses sometimes,” Deal said.

Post

continued from page 1 Sophomore Emily Anderson has a simple thought process when about to post something on Facebook or Twitter.

“My mom always tells me to think, ‘would my family member approve of me saying this?’’ Anderson said. “Posting your problems in personal relationships is too personal to post. Everyone shouldn’t see that.”

Students may not understand that posts are not able to be deleted.

“Your posts never go away, even if you delete them. When you put something out there, Google keeps the information on servers and sells the information so companies can market to you,” Bachnak said. In today’s interconnected world, some are able to find out information about others without ever having to meet face-to-face. A risqué photo or bashing post of another student may wind up on the screen of a stranger.

Junior Kyle Feller realizes the importance of thinking before posting on social media sites. “When people post inappropriate things, I just wonder why in the world they would do that,” Feller said. “It’s just weird.”

Anderson agrees with Feller. She believes that posting everything one is doing or feeling is just too much information. “The first thing I think when I see an inappropriate post is that it is too much information.

I did not need to know that, and I lose respect for the person,” Anderson said.

Another possibly detrimental action to engage in online is “cyber bullying.” Cyber bullying is intentional hostility to someone usually by means of technology. According to The National Crime Prevention Council, over half of all American teens have been cyber-bullied. “Cyber bullying is a big deal because people are brave on Facebook and have the courage to say things they couldn’t in person,” Anderson said.

Since internet usage for teenagers is sometimes unmonitored, one may question whether the administration of a student’s school should become involved with harassment on social media.

Anderson has seen fights on Facebook which end up leading to altercations at school, so she says that negative interactions on social media sites should concern school officials. “The administration should be (more) involved with cyber-bullying because if they don’t, it could be almost out of control,” Anderson said.

When posting things online, DeLisle and Bachnak stress to not engage in cyberbullying and to not connect with inappropriate friends. “Remember that the ‘WWW’ means the ‘World Wide Web,’” Bachnak said. “If you put negative information (on your social networks), then you’re portraying yourself negatively.”

Views on news Student reaction to events in our world Area Bears quarterback injured At Nov. 20’s game against the Chargers, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler broke his right thumb. Despite the pain, Cutler continued to play, helping the team win 31-20. Coach Lovie Smith has stated that Cutler will be out for an extended amount of time but may be back in this season.

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As a Bears fan, it’s pretty upsetting.

(Cutler) is a crucial part of the Bears’ offensive line.

Cameron Tanner senior

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State Purdue may carry guns Student government senior Zach Briggs is working on legislation to permit carrying guns on campus. Students would be required to take an eight-hour course to carry concealed firearms. If the legislation passes, it would be voted on

by University Senate and the Board of Trustees.

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I’m against having guns on campus. I feel like all that would do is cause problems.

Rebecca Chromey freshman

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Nation Penn State officials fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and President Graham Spanier were fired due to supposedly ignoring charges brought to them regarding Assistant Coach Jerry Sandusky’s alleged molestation of young boys over 15 years. Sandusky was arrested and is charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse.

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Joe Paterno should have spoke up. It was his job not only as a coach but as a person.

Tylor Worley sophomore

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World Baseball star murdered Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death in Rotterdam, Netherlands on Nov. 21. Dutch police arrested and are questioning 24 year old Halman’s brother in connection with the crime. Some Dutch baseball players described Halman as an icon in Dutch baseball. No charges have been filed yet.

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It’s just really sad to hear about because I’m such a huge fan of baseball.

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Alli Dillingham junior

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Open lunch hour would cause hassle

Inklings

By Kayla Martisek design editor The possibility of students being able to travel out of school boundaries to get lunch seems like a dream come true. After all, no one is happy with school lunch 100 percent of the time. We can all remember an instance when we weren’t ecstatic about the thought of burnt chicken tenders and greasy pizza. But while the thought of being able to leave school during lunch seems promising, it comes with major drawbacks.

It takes about 15 minutes for the majority of the school to exit the building at 2:27 p.m.

While only about 30 percent of the student body would be able to drive, that still takes a significant chunk out of Crown Point’s half-hour lunch period.

Half an hour seems like enough time to eat lunch, but when you factor the time it takes to exit the school lot and wait in the traffic on Main Street, students are actually left with very little to no time to eat.

Not only does time escape before one can actually get to eating, but the food entering the body is not the most beneficial.

The only outlets that can get food to the students quickly feature fast food. Filled with hundreds of calories, it is not the best source of nutrition for teenagers. School lunches beat fast food in healthiness by about 100 calories. If students constantly went to fast food joints five days out of the week, there is no doubt that they would gain weight.

Think about how many students wouldn’t come back after lunch. It would be so much easier just to go back home or visit the mall instead of come back to school for another hour or two. I’ll admit it would even be hard for me to come back after an outside lunch. Even if the administration allowed it, so few would return that the privilege would be revoked almost immediately.

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Cartoon By Ellie Burrell

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Information posted on social media sites are there forever, so it’s important to be cautious online

Think before posting

A hammer can be used to build a house or to hit someone. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to give someone a home or to severely injure them.

These are two very different end results; however they have one thing in common: they both have a definite level of permanence.

Likewise, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are tools that can cause huge changes, good and bad. Just as a hammer is a tool that must be handled with care, so must social media. Thus, it is imperative that students think before they post.

Social media has become an outlet for many teens. Some vent about problems, rave about thoughts and ideas, display talents, and even rise to fame. In such ways social media serves as a positive and creative outlet for many teens. Also, if looked at from a larger scale, social media has been used to organize many of the revolutions that occurred in the Middle East, helping to overthrow dictatorships and restore freedom to entire nations. These accomplishments are nothing to belittle, and truly show the productive power of social media.

However, though social media can bring much positive change, it can also be dangerous. There are sexual predators on-line that look for people who put up enough information for them to find them. Facebook drama can turn into full scale fights and can even push one to drastic measures, such as self-harm.

These are extreme situations; however they are not uncommon results of social media drama.

Not only can social media cause trouble in the present, but it could also prevent one from getting a job in the future. Employers are known to look up applicants on social media, and if they find something shady, they can and will reject them.

Teens and adults must realize that the internet is not something to be taken lightly. Yes, it can be a productive outlet and can make great changes, but it can also do the opposite. When one wishes to post something, he should make sure that he is 100 percent okay with the entire world seeing it forever, because the reality is that anyone could see it at any time.

editorial

Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty, and staff of Crown Point High School.

Opinions expressed in Inklings do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS faculty, staff, or administration.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates, available from Inklings advertising department.

Inklings welcomes letters-to-theeditor, provided they are signed and submitted to E109 or via email one week prior to date of publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space and clarity as well as to make decisions on which letters will be printed.

Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Association Hoosier Star, an National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown and a Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup publication.

Contact Inklings by emailing inklings@cps.k12.in.us or by phoning 219-663-4885.

Haajar Shaaban editor-in-chief Alyssa Blahunka creative director Garret Hogan senior editor Kelsey Lennon managing editor Abby Elston RaeAnna Morgan copy editors Mary-Katherine Lemon news editor Katrina Zdanowicz Melanie Zdanowicz feature editors Olivia Graham entertainment editor Dylan Taylor opinion editor Samuel Beishuizen Alex McLean sports editors Kara Biernat Alexa Grady sports assistants Kayla Martisek design editor Ashley Downing web editor Samantha Wright advertising editor Yazzmyne Lopez advertising assistant Donnella Casillas chief photographer Abigail Eineman Aleks Kajmakoski Trisha Semplinski photographers Rachael Bokota Ellie Burrell Hannah Colby Maggie Gelon Molly Grace Danielle McCuan Mona Nour Brittany Pedersen Shannon Rostin Katie Sherman staff Julie Elston adviser

speakup How are you giving back this holiday season?

Ashlyn Tabloff freshman

Ben Miller sophomore

Emily Brown junior

Pat Limbaugh senior

“I’m giving back this holiday season by donating to the Angel Tree.”

“I helped out by (donating my time) at the blood drive. I had friends that were donating blood, but I was too young.”

“I’m a volunteer at St. Jude’s house. I’ve gone through a meeting, so I can help with donations that come in.”

“In my club, Charity Finders, we do the Angel Tree for families in need that are in our area.”

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11.28.2011 Inklings

We’ve got lights, sparkles and music... Come on, guys! Get in the spirit, Christmas only comes once a year!

Wait, what about me?!

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Cartoon by Ellie Burrell

ssue: Holiday hype here too soon?

It seems that as soon as the leaves began to change colors, winter holiday decorations, music and spirit begins popping up everywhere. But is it too much too soon?

Each holiday has its own month for a reason, and Christmas should abide by that

Christmas is a special time of year, and it is not too soon to celebrate this season’s spirit

By Rachael Bokota staff reporter

By Abby Elston copy editor

It is not the most wonderful time of the year. It’s November.

Christmas should not come so early into our commercials, stores and homes.

Christmas is considered by many to be a very special holiday.

But what makes it any better than, say, Thanksgiving or Halloween?

This is the question that comes to mind when one goes into a store to shop for Halloween supplies and instead finds friendly Santa merchandise. Some may find it aggravating to have the Christmas season pushed upon them so soon. One should be able to enjoy each holiday individually without a mixture of feelings and seasons.

Stores should not short-change the autumn holidays to make way for the Christmas season.

Christmas itself is a tradition. It has certain elements and feelings associated with it. The idea of glistening snow and cozy, familyfilled nights are simply a part of the Christmas season. One doesn’t need all the Christmas hype in October. By starting the Christmas season so early, the feelings and singularity of Christmas, as well as Halloween, are lost. By celebrating too soon, we may lose the true meaning of the season and thus lose that yearned-for feeling of Christmas altogether. Being able to drink egg-nog in early November is not worth the death of this beautiful holiday.

The leaves are crunching under the feet of streetwalkers, and bonfires are still a regular occurence. Simultaneously, “Sleigh Ride” starts playing on the radio and TV shows two different trailers for a new Christmas movie. The Christmas hype has begun- finally.

The Christmas season is truly the “most wonderful time of the year.” Everyone is in the giving mood and willing to help one another. All worries and grudges seem to fade away with the warm weather. The town is exquisitely decorated with traditional decorations that are oh-so-familiar and comfortable.Why would anyone want to delay this feeling?

Some may say that it is in fact such a special season that it should only be celebrated in moderation, so it is not overdone.

But the Christmas feeling can only be experienced for such a small portion out of the entire year. It only makes sense to cherish what little time actually can be spent celebrating it. Even if one does not celebrate Christmas, the feelings of the Christmas season are not discriminatory towards religion. Anyone can join in and sing “Winter Wonderland” and feel joyful.

All in all, people who do not enjoy the holiday season coming “too early” can not truly appreciate the season and may be forgetting to appreciate its exuberance.

11 Inklings staffers agree Sasha Cucuz

sophomore “People forget about Thanksgiving, and by the time Christmas comes, the spirit dies.”

22 Inklings staffers agree Bryan Trippeer Biology teacher “All my wife wants to do is buy more Christmas stuff for the house, so for my wife’s sake, I’m all for Christmas hype early in the season.”

“Stalking” redefined by social media

By Dylan Taylor opinion editor

Before the age of social networking, stalking was a chore. It could have taken hours for any pre-internet creep to rifle through phone books, drive circles around neighborhoods and pinpoint locations. Troublingly, these days, the malicious act of stalking is only a few clicks away.

The mainstream prevalence of social media in 21st century society has led to a social situation that may as well be breeding stalkers. On a whole, people have simply never been more open about themselves; sites like Twitter are built on updating every happening of one’s life, and any respectable Facebook page thrives on placing all of one’s interests, activities and backstories into one convenient “info” section. Social networks are essentially designed to facilitate stalking.

On the flip side, as the idea of openness on the internet changes, so does the idea of stalking itself. Pre-internet, knowing what a person’s favorite band and place of employment was before even talking to them would have certainly warranted one being branded a “creep.”

In the context of the current generation, however, that would not be considered necessarily intrusive. What essentially may have been “stalking” 20 years ago is now simply considered “looking.” But it is quickly leading to a generation marked by social vulnerability.

A society that considers it acceptable to post when one leaves the house is one that, essentially, considers vulnerability to be acceptable as well. Social media is conditioning the current generation for a crisis in excessive openness and naive exposure. Teens need to learn to guard themselves on these sites to prevent a stalking crisis.

Did you get a flu shot?

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164 students polled

Yes

Michael Gonzalez

Spanish teacher

“It’s not that I’m against the holiday spirit, but it’s better to wait to bring out all the Christmas stuff in order to enjoy the season more.”

Martin Mitreski junior “I really like seeing the Christmas decor out early. It puts me in the holiday spirit.”

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PHOTO BY Abby eineman

Senior Jacob Barber and freshman Sam Barber perform in the fall play, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

11.28.2011 Inklings

on

A page capturing the essence of student life

Holiday meals with interesting twist

Students enjoy holiday dinners despite different dietary limitations

Lactose intolerance

By Haajar Shaaban editor-in-chief

The mouth-watering aroma of turkey and mashed potatoes waft in from the kitchen. A soft pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream sits at the dining table. The family floods to the table to have their fill. But one person stops, turns away and goes for the vegetarian options. Food limitations can sometimes be a hassle when it comes to holiday dinners. However, alternatives can be substituted for those who cannot or do not eat certain foods to ensure that they are not left out of the celebration.

Vegetarianism Turkey is basically the face of Thanksgiving dinner. It seems that no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without the giant bronzed bird. Vegetarians do not eat meat, thus a large part of holiday dinners are sacrificed. However, some vegetarians take this challenge in stride.

“My favorite part of Thanksgiving is definitely the food,” senior Kevin Nichols said. “I know that sounds bad, but it’s not the family because I see my family all the time and eating all that delicious vegetarian food isn’t something that happens every day.”

Nichols has been vegetarian for almost a year and has found alternatives to many non-vegetarian foods. One popular vegetarian alternative includes turkey substitute Tofurkey. “(Tofurkey) is super good. I can eat it every day for dinner forever, and I would never get tired of it,” Nichols said.

Junior Sarah Reed is also a vegetarian. Reed thinks that her family doesn’t quite understand why she is vegetarian but accommodate her regardless around the holidays.

“My family likes meat a lot. They don’t understand why I’m vegetarian,” Reed said. “My cousins make fun of me for being vegetarian because they love meat too. When my mom makes dinner, she’ll make sure I have something that’s not meat to eat.”

Nichols believes that contrary to popular beliefs, being vegetarian enhances his holiday experience.

“Dietary restrictions don’t really bother me. Probably a lot of people would say that it’s a huge restriction and that it really impedes on your life, but I actually enjoy it and I think that it leads to a more quality life for me,” Nichols said.

fastfacts Facts obtained by the Inklings staff

Imagine eliminating milk, yogurt, cheese and butter from the holiday dinner. People who are lactose intolerant cannot eat any dairy products or they become violently sick.

Senior Nicole LaMantia has been lactose intolerant for two years and has often found herself frustrated by it.

“As far as lactose intolerance, I definitely (feel limited),” LaMantia said. “I always want to eat ice cream, and I love cheese, and it’s just really annoying that I can’t have it.

There are good lactose-free substitutes but they’re just not as good as the real thing.”

LaMantia’s grandpa, mom and sister are all lactose intolerant, so holiday dinners at the LaMantia household always include lactose-free options.

“My mom just has to make two of everything pretty much. She makes a potato casserole with cheese in it and she makes one with fake cheese in it. She does everything twice so that we can eat it and everybody else can have what they want,” LaMantia said.

LaMantia is also vegetarian, so she has additional food limitations to abide by. However, she doesn’t have much of a difficult time not eating meat. LaMantia’s typical holiday dinner includes a potato casserole with fake cheese, corn and asparagus with fake butter, canned cranberry sauce and lactose-free cake.

Diabetes Many look forward to the pies, cakes and cookies following holiday dinner. However, people with diabetes have to limit their intake of sugar and carbohydrates, so when dessert rolls around, a person with diabetes must avoid most of the options.

Health teacher Lindsay Hattendorf was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2009, which means she’s insulin dependent for the rest of her life.

“Christmas is harder than Thanksgiving because on Thanksgiving I don’t really care for pumpkin pie and all that stuff so I don’t really eat desserts, but Christmas gets really hard because of the desserts,” Hattendorf said. “I’ll let myself have one or two cookies, so when I do that, I know that I need more insulin than I would normally give myself.”

Although many desserts are sugar-filled, there are alter-

Vegetarianism Vegetarians abstain from eating meat. This includes food products that animals have been slaughtered to produce.

Lactose-intolerance People who are lactoseintolerant can’t eat any dairy products including cheese, butter and ice cream.

natives that are healthier. Portion control is also an option for those watching their sugar and carb intake.

“There are many wonderful dessert recipes available for diabetic patients from the American Diabetes Association.

However, if an individual with diabetes wants to consume the more ‘traditional’ holiday sweets, portion control is very important to limit the amount of carbohydrates consumed,” Crown Point dietician Ellen Mckay said.

Sophomore Morgan Stepnoski also has type one diabetes. She was diagnosed when she was four but has gotten used to the limitations.

“In the beginning it was really hard (to deal with the food limitation), because we were new to everything, and I was on insulin shots until age seven. But when I got an insulin pump, it gave me so much more freedom,” Stepnoski said. “I’m 16 now, so I’ve had it for pretty much 12 years, so it’s pretty routine now.”

Gluten-free No breads, pastas or soups. So is the life of senior Cassie Andrews. Andrews has Celiac disease, which means that she cannot eat foods with gluten in it.

“A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye,” Mckay said.

Foods with gluten include bread, gravies, croutons, pastas, stuffing, cakes and pies. Although this covers a wide array of foods, alternatives do exist.

“Alternatives to the traditional stuffing include cornbread made with gluten-free flour, brown and wild rice stuffing, potato stuffing or stuffing made from cubed winter squash,” Mckay said. “Using gluten-free flours in baked goods allows for the inclusion of the traditional sweets during the holidays.”

Especially when it’s dessert time, Andrews has trouble avoiding gluten-filled products. However, since Andrews’ sister also has Celiac disease, her family continues to cater to her needs.

“The dessert alternatives are the hardest. All pies typically have crust which we automatically can’t eat. My sister and I actually really like ice cream which isn’t very typical to have at Thanksgiving for my family, but my grandma always makes sure it’s around just for us,” Andrews said.

Diabetes

Diabetics have to regulate the amount of sugar and carbs they eat because of inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas.

Gluten-free People with Celiac disease must abide a gluten-free diet. This means wheat, barley and rye are off-limits.

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Nothing but a number

Despite differences in ages, closeness still evident in sibling relationships

By Mary-Katherine Lemon / Abby Eineman mature,” Raymond said. news editor / staff reporter Senior Jon Robbins is the youngest of

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“Sibling rivalry” evokes imagery of competition between children, young ones constantly striving to outdo elders’ accomplishments while the elders lose parental favor.

Different dynamics emerge when siblings are born ten or even twenty years apart.

“There are some experts who say that if there is a gap between children larger than, say, seven years … the child that is separated by that gap is essentially ‘raised’ as an ‘only’ child, especially if they are the youngest,” Leah Travis, a therapist at New Leaf Resources in Crown Point said.

Senior David Raymond has a six and ten year age difference between him and his siblings.

His brother Matthew is 24; his sister Heather is 28. Neither lives with him. “(The age difference) makes it like being an only child,” Raymond said.

Raymond said, “I see my sister pretty often. She only lives a few minutes away,” while Raymond’s brother lives in Chicago. “I see him every few weeks.”

Age-gapped siblings may miss out on some experiences together due to the difference, but to English teacher Vince Bauters, it does not matter much.

“My youngest brother Jacob is only ten years old and he sees me kind of like a parental figure. At the same time I don’t view him any differently than I view my brother (that) is 22 years old,” he said.

Bauters is the oldest of seven siblings and there is a 14 year gap between him and Jacob.

Raymond believes that being around older people for much of his life was beneficial for him. “I definitely think it made me more

four siblings. His half-brother Brian is 39, sister Faith is 31 and brother David is 21.

Robbins is 18. Robbins says that his parents never needed to hire a babysitter. He said that his sister often took the role of “mom.”

As the 17-year-old sister of a six-year old, junior Alexis Hesser has found herself in Robbins’ sister’s position. Hesser said, “I get in trouble a lot by my mom being like, ‘You’re not the parent!’”

Travis suggests that can be harmful for younger siblings to compare themselves to older siblings, and offers this advice: “Your parents ... have a lot of ideas about what kids do and what they are like, but don’t take it personally if you find them comparing you to your older siblings. Remind them and yourself that you are your own person.”

Raymond, however, compares his upbringing with his siblings’. Raymond believes his childhood was more relaxed. Raymond’s parents have never given him a curfew while his siblings always had one. “Now they’re more lenient,” Raymond said of his parents.

Hesser said, “I think that by having all the older siblings, (my brother is) really spoiled because he is the first boy and the youngest.”

Age gaps aside, Hesser, Raymond and Robbins maintain close relationships with their siblings. Though none of his siblings live with him anymore, Robbins said, “We’re as close as we always were.”

Raymond is in the same situation: “We’re all friendly.”

Hesser still lives with her brother but has high hopes for the future. “I hope that when I go away (to college), we can still be close.”

Though “experts” may theorize about the serious effects of sibling age gaps, the kids themselves seem to have a more lighthearted mindset.

“I think, ‘wow, I have a brother so old that he’s losing his hair and I’m still growing. People (my age) have dads that are 40,’” Robbins said.

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Dreams give insight to student hopes, ambitions By interpreting dreams, students may be able to focus on improving their lives

By Mona Nour staff reporter

D

reams do come true. Disney movies might not have been referring to dream interpretation, but to some people, that is literally the case. One usually has four to five dreams per night, depending on how long they sleep. What are the chances that at least one of those dreams is a message from the subconscious? In ancient societies, dreams were thought to be a means of connecting with the inner-self and portrayal of internal conflicts as well as imminent events. Many years later, some still believe that dreams should be interpreted to find out more about one’s self.

Before one can look for a meaning behind their dreams, they must understand what exactly a dream is.

“The word ‘dream’ is used to describe experiences that occur while we sleep, as well as hopes we have for our waking lives,” said dream specialist and Executive Director of The DREAMS Foundation Craig Webb.

“The two are actually linked since many of the wishes we have for our future are seeded by visions or feelings we experience in nighttime dreams.”

The reason why dreams are believed to have a connection to the subconscious is because they are beyond one’s control. By interpreting dreams, one can possibly discover problems and solutions that can be applied to their waking life. “(Dreams) reflect lessons we need to learn, healings we need to have, or choices we need to look at in our lives,” Webb said.

“On one level they sometimes come mainly to ‘let off emotional pressure’ of feelings we haven’t acknowledged in waking life.”

Senior Kinsey Jeremiah believes that dreams truly hold a connection to one’s life.

“I think dream interpretation could be useful,” Jeremiah said. “You dream about

things in your life and it makes sense that they could relate to relevant issues.”

Dreams recurring for several nights can bring attention to a specific problem within one’s life. “(Dreams) offer important insights about habits or beliefs or thinking we need to change so as not to continue both the recurring situation and the recurring dreams,” Webb said.

Although everyone has uniquely different dreams that are personal to their life, there are some common reoccurring dreams that have been interpreted for specific meanings.

“Some common reoccurring dreams are chase or pursuit dreams, falling, flying, stuck in slow motion or Jell-O or unable to speak or move, naked or scantily dressed in public, meeting a deceased loved one and many others,” Webb said.

Dreams hold a very personal meaning to the dreamer. Only the dreamer can pick out specific events or problems that are occurring in their waking life that could connect to symbols or situations in their dreams.

“One technique (to interpret your

own dream) is to make as many associations to each symbol, character and feeling in the dream and then combine the new insights into a summary picture of what the dream might be about,” Webb said.

Interpreting dreams may also help one confront issues within sleep. Lucid dreaming is a way of becoming aware that one is dreaming as they are in a dream. With lucid dreaming, one can have experiences that are not possible within the world because of their ability to “control” the dream. “(Lucid dreaming) is not an on or off type of thing but rather a spectrum of increased conscious awareness while asleep that can include waking reasoning ability and memory of daily life. It is usually a very exciting and powerful experience for most people,” Webb said.

Junior Alex Nickla has experienced lucid dreams several times.

“I’ve been aware that I’m dreaming during dreams, but I couldn’t control it,” Nickla said. “I just didn’t know it was called lucid dreaming.”

Like in many cases, practice makes perfect. The more often one interprets their dreams, the more precise their understanding of the connection between waking life and the

dream world becomes.

“The last dream of the morning before we awaken for the day is often the most important one to contemplate,” Webb said.

Interpreting what happens during a dream will ultimately benefit one’s life if done continuously. With practice, one can master the art and actually begin to relate dreams with reality.

“Learning more about dreams and practice are really the best long term way to begin to know which dreams are most important to look at,” Webb said.

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Sales and BOGOs and price cuts- oh my!

Extreme shoppers search for super savings on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

By Shannon Rostin / Hannah Colby staff reporters

For many holiday shoppers and avid money savers, the chaos of the holiday season started on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, when shoppers began before dawn for incredible savings.

Shoppers fought through crowds for a good spot in seemingly never ending lines for marked down prices on gifts for the holidays. The spirit of gifting continued on Cyber Monday, when shoppers took to their computers for even more savings and deals.

“I get so excited for the Black Friday sales. It is one of the highlights of the holidays for me,” sophomore Kara Ford said. “Everything is so cheap and it makes holiday shopping easy.”

Some shoppers participate in Black Fridays for super savings on gifts for friends and family while others go simply for the thrill and excitement of the day. Among these shoppers were many students. Especially in this economic downturn, students may be interested in saving money. Stores lower their prices to compete for the best sale and the most shoppers.

There are many types of Black Friday shoppers. There is the type of mapped-out shopper who spends hours, even days, planning out their purchases and thoughtfully charting their course for the day.

“For the past six years, my family has gone to Black Friday sales. We have always planned out our shopping ahead of time,” Ford said. “That way you know where the good deals are and you can have more of a plan to get to every sale.”

For other shoppers, a more spontaneous approach is preferred. Said shoppers will go to a store with nothing specific in mind but come out with gifts they saved a fortune on. These shoppers are more inclined to make impulsive buys as they are distracted by advertisements and in store deals.

“The best part of the Black Friday experience is being out late shopping. There is just something cool and different about being at the mall buying gifts at three in the morning,” senior Sarah Maddack said.

Black Friday can be viewed as both tiring and exhilarating for shoppers. Few students realize what Black Friday is like

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GRAPHIC BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

from the employee’s point of view.

“People think it wouldn’t be fun to work Black Friday because you don’t get to shop that day. But it’s actually a lot of fun,” senior Elizabeth Szafarczyk. “You get to help people buy their gifts and you can convince them to purchase great things. I love helping people get good sales on things.”

Szafarczyk is a one-year employee of American Eagle, in Westfield Mall. Last year’s Black Friday was her first day on the job. Szafarczyk was not overwhelmed by this because there were many other helpful employees, and the first experience was made enjoyable for her.

“This year, American Eagle had over 100 employees scheduled to work the sale, which makes everything go better and makes it much easier on us,” Szafarczyk said.

Getting bargains and saving money is the focus of Black Friday for some. However, the energy and excitement of the day makes the overall shopping experience a thrill for other shoppers.

“I love the whole atmosphere of the sales. It makes the day so great it’s just crazy and exciting. It’s a lot of fun to be in the middle of it all,” senior Marlea Nelson said.

This year however gave a new definition to early risers, some not sleeping until after they got home from a long

night of shopping and saving. To accommodate shoppers and to make the Black Friday experience even more satisfying, stores opened even earlier for Black Friday 2011. Stores such as Target, Macy’s and Best Buy opened at midnight. The Westfield mall also opened its doors to shoppers at midnight.

“I get super excited for these sales. This Black Friday, my friends and I stayed up all night and went shopping around 3 a.m. It was such a fun time with shopping, big sales and of course Starbucks to keep us awake,”junior Anna Adams said.

Not all shoppers are as open to the hectic environment and masses of people. For them, there is Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday offers huge savings and sales for online shoppers. Online sales and deals such as free shipping are offered on this Monday following Black Friday. This offers a money-saving alternative to the typical Black Friday chaos.

Cyber Monday offers shoppers the same discounts of up to 90 percent without the stress and over excitement of Black Friday. It is much simpler for shoppers with this opinion to stay home, shop online and have their gifts shipped to them before the holidays. Shoppers have found many benefits to this day of online savings.

With rising gas prices, shoppers prefer the alternative of staying at home to make the same purchases. Stores offer the same products online as they do in their in-store sales and they are at the same low price. Clothing, accessories, electronics and a variety of other gifts are on extreme discount.

The day of savings is growing as more and more people are beginning to take to Cyber Monday for their holiday shopping. Many of the biggest retailers are participating as stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Delia’s, Best Buy and others. This day is even greater for online stores and web based businesses. The large savings, free shipping, buy one get one and special online offers make Cyber Monday even more desirable to those trying to avoid the massive crowds.

“I love Black Friday because you have an entire day dedicated to shopping. You get to wake up early and shop for 24 hours,” senior Jeremey Kolavo. “My mom especially likes Cyber Monday because she isn’t a fan of the big crowds so online deals are great for her.”

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Vaccines: necessary or not worth the hassle?

During the season of sickness, vaccines prompt questions of risks and benefits

By Brittany Pederson / Katie Sherman staff reporters

With winter weather and the beginning of flu season quickly approaching, many students are trying to arm themselves against sickness.

Chicken noodle soup and a warm blanket are the classic ways to fight the flu, but recently, flu vaccines have gained popularity as a way to stay healthy all season. However, some are questioning whether the flu vaccine will help this season.

Junior Megan Henry already received the vaccine to try to prevent herself from getting sick.

“I got the flu two years ago, and I hated it,” Henry said.

Henry realized the positives of getting vaccinated early.

“The benefit for me is that the flu vaccine allows me to not miss any school and keep my grades up,” she said.

Others, however, do not see any benefits. Sophomore Kyle Siemers does not plan on receiving the vaccination this year.

“In my personal opinion, it doesn’t work,” Siemers said. “I got the flu after I had gotten (the flu vaccine) in the past.”

Nurse practitioner Donna Ricard believes that even though a person may get a strain of the flu virus, the case will not be as severe if one received the flu shot already.

“Although the person may still get the flu, it is possible to have an illness that is ‘not as bad’ as it would be without the vaccine,” Ricard said.

Symptoms of the flu include: high fever; severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles; weakness; warm, flushed skin; watery eyes; headache; dry cough; and sore throat. These symptoms can be worse in people with weakened immune systems. “(I recommend getting the flu shot) for those people who are susceptible to disease due to age, poor health, or having to take medications for a condition that lowers the immune system,” Ricard said.

The flu vaccine is just one of the many vaccinations that people observe the potential risks that come with taking it.

A common concern for people is a severe reaction to the

HEAL H & WELLNESS

FACTS

ingredients in the vaccine.

“There are several vaccines that have unfortunately caused some people to have severe reactions; usually these cases are made public and this causes people to fear them,” Ricard said.

The public’s worry is not unwarranted though. Gardasil, a vaccine which protects against certain human papilloma virus, has been making news for its disturbing acute reactions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 30, 2008, there have been 9,749 VAERS reports of adverse events following the Gardasil vaccination.

Of these, 94 percent were classified as reports of non-serious

“

I have a horrible fear of shots.

Sam Lacy freshman

”

events, and 6 percent as serious events.

“I have only been witness to one case where a young lady had a severe reaction to Gardasil. She developed Gillian Barre syndrome and went into respiratory failure and was incubated for several days,” Ricard said. “I have hesitation in getting the Gar- da- sil vaccine for my daughter after seeing what it did to my patient. Who wouldn’t?”

Based on data available as of May 2009, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration determined that Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks.

However, parents still worry that their child will be a part of the small percentage of the population that reacts negatively.

The chances of major side effects from a shot are lower than the potential damage to your health if contracted with the disease.

“Parents are fearful of most vaccines because of the increased number of children with allergies and the ‘fear of the unknown’ – not knowing if the child has an allergy to an ingredient found in the vaccines,” Ricard said.

For some, the idea of having a shot injected into the body in order to prevent a disease is not an appealing one.

Freshman Sam Lacy has a terrible fear of getting vaccinated.

“I have a horrible fear of shots. I don’t like watching them (needles) go in,” Lacy said.

Despite this fear, Lacy said she still receives the vaccination in order to stay healthy.

Some people may be uncomfortable with vaccines, yet others consider the benefits and believe this is enough to give vaccines a try.

“Vaccines prevent infectious diseases, either before or after the patient is exposed to the disease,” Ricard said.

“Immunizations induce an artificial active immunity, many of which can cause lifelong immunity.”

Henry agrees with Ricard. She noticed how being sick affected her grades and work in school and made the decision that would benefit her in the long-run.

“Getting vaccinated is really important because most people get sick right around the end of the semester,” Henry said. “I can’t afford to miss school right around finals.”

One new method of vaccination is the jet injector, which delivers medication through high speed liquid penetration of the skin.

Over 200,000 U.S. citizens are hospitalized each year due to flu related symptoms and the estimate is shown to be increasing.

Facts obtained by the Inklings staff

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inreview Coach 4 stars The newest addition to the Westfield Shopping Center in Hobart did not quite live up to its high expectations.

Although the room is elegant, compared to other Coach stores, it is relativeley small.The store is nothing compared to a Coach Factory, but for a mall like Westfield, it fits in perfectly.

Pizzeria Leoni

5 stars Pizzeria Leoni is a

top-notch addition to Crown Point’s array of eateries. They offer all the commonality of salads and sides that any other pizzeria would offer, but the menu is diverse enough to offer true options for the pizza connoisseur. It’s a take-out success.

Hype over biggest phenomena As the two best profit films come to a close fans argue which is better

By RaeAnna Morgan copy editor

In a little over a decade, two of the most memorable series came to life first through written word then onto the big screen. The frenzy began in 1998 when the novel “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers’ Stone” was released and continued until 2005. Then again in 2005, another magical series was introduced to the public. Instead of wizards and witches, “Twilight” brought a different kind of magic to light: vampires.

Thus begins the highly debated fan war.

W h i c h mystical series is better than the oth-

Once Upon a Time 4 stars If reading fairytales in

books wasn’t enough to bring one’s imagination to life, watching the show ‘Once Upon A Time” is. The show puts a 21st-century twist on classics like Snow White, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood w h i l e maintaining the basic story lines. “Once Upon A Time” plays on TLC on Sundays at 6 p.m.

Immortals 1 star “Immortals”, due to its

11/11/11 release, had some excited to see this myth-inspired film.

“Immortals” utterly lacked a story line, making it almost unbearable to watch. To top this off, the film did not stay true to the classic myths of Greece as expected.

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11.27.2011 Inklings 11.28.2011

er? With the summer 2011 release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two” and the very recent release of “Breaking Dawn Part One,” the hype for the very popular bookturned-movie series are already being compared.

Both series have outrageously loyal fans that waited in long lines to be some of the first to see the premiere of the movies at midnight, and proudly display their love for the series with shirts and memorabilia of all sorts. But when all is said and done, Harry Potter fans have come out on top. The opening weekend for the second part of the seventh installment brought in 168.5 million dollars, while the first part of “Breaking Dawn” fell short, bringing in only 139.5 million dollars. “Harry Potter” did have the advantage. It offered fans the option to see the final movie in 3D, which was not given to “Twilight” fans. Many think this is the reason “Breaking Dawn Part One” did not do as well in the box office as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two.” Nevertheless, at each premiere of the highly climatic end to two of the most beloved bookturned-movie series, there were crowds of anxious fans, each one waiting to see how the epic endings were going to be portrayed.

Nonstop action and twists to the plot keep both types of viewers on their toes until the very end. Both were well-received, but after six years, the sorcerer has finally outdone the immortal vampire.

“Breaking Dawn” was, without a doubt, the overall best installment to the series. Not only did the book give a fantas-

tic ending, but the film portrayal stayed true to the novel. Although many say it was unrealistic and too far out of the realm of possibility, the special effects made it all seem real. Seeing the plot twisting scenes was like looking into the mind of Stephanie Meyer, the series’ creator.

Each twist and turn kept audience members who had not read the book hooked all the way through. And for those who had previously read the novel, the anticipation of changes kept the movie exciting.

The movie definitely lived up to the expectations and even surpassed them. Any avid “Twilight” fan would be pleased with the job well done on the movie.

Harry Potter vs. Twilight 7 books 8 movies $7,701,234,647 total worldwide from films 10 video games

4 books 5 movies $1,792,300,241 total worldwide from films 1 video game

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim highly exceeds its prequels

By Alex McLean sports editor

Skyrim, the brutal and unforgiving land, burns a fire that no role-playing game prior has come close to matching. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was announced by Bethesda in Dec. 2010. After 11 months of anticipation for gamers, Skyrim was released on Nov. 11, taking the gaming world by storm.

It is impossible to overlook the exquisite detail put into the game. The depth of this creativity forces the gamer into the world of The Elder Scrolls. Gamers can specify everything from the shape of the character’s nose to the centimeters that his ears stick out.

As expected, Skyrim’s graphics are stunning, but have a few minor kinks such as glitches when loading new environments. However, these slight glitches do not take away from the overall gameplaying.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Skyrim’s prequel, was hailed for its detailed story line that allowed the character to complete other quest lines with no penalty. This hailed feature was enhanced even more for Skyrim. Players are thrust into a civil war. This war is the final event in a series of prophecies encountered leading up to the return of dragon Alduin, the God of Destruction. Characters are given the role of the last person of the Dovahkiin. They

are a race of people born with dragon souls, who are the last hope for stopping destruction at the hands of dragons. However, one can complete hundreds of hours of gameplay without completing a single quest from the main story.

Skyrim’s nonlinear gameplay allows the player to complete what they are capable of: leaving most of the gameplay completely openended. What separates Skyrim from similar RPG’s is the game’s ability to have the world adapt and react to the player’s actions. Side quests are masterfully woven into the main plot. The freedom to make independent decisions makes this game worth purchasing.

a few of our

Authentic techcessories

Infinity scarves As winter approaches, the newest styles in winter gear are surfacing. Infinity scarves have an appropriate name; they are one long circle that keeps one warm while being fashionable at the same time.

They come in thousands of different colors and are made of endless different types of fabric. Infinity scarves can be found almost anywhere.

The third installment to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series has proven to be a success. It is the direct sequel to the 2009’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Set in the future during the third World War, the gamer has a first “shooter” perspective on each mission one is sent on. As seen through the number of sales, video gamers have definitely shown an interest.

studentpick

American Eagle has introduced the latest accessories to assist technology. The store is now selling a knitted winter hat that has ear buds in it so one can listen to their favorite music while staying warm. Also being sold are gloves with metal plates making it possible to text on a touch screen cell phone. Techcessories come in several different colors and styles, matching any winter accessory.

favoritethings

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Hidden treasures found around town

The “Square,” filled with fascinating stores, hosts much more than the Courthouse

Miller’s “Blue Slide Park” impresses

By Sam Beishuizen sports editor

By Ashley Downing web editor

The Antique Mall

Not Tu-Tu Shabby

Whether one is uptown searching for a quick bite to eat, a new outfit to wear or unique antiques, the “Square” has a store to suit everyone’s interests regardless of age. The “Square” features anything from brand new restaurants to the small shops in the historic courthouse basement.

A popular tourist attraction, the three-story antique mall houses many booths and shelves filled with an interesting assortment of items.

One may have the intention of staying for only a few minutes and end up shopping for a couple of hours. A variety of jewelry, clothing, holiday items and classic rock records can be found dating back as far as World War II while sleuth-

ing through the aged goods.

From boutiques that suit any dog’s fashion sense to mouth-watering jars of candy, the Courthouse basement has all kinds of different shops. Gepetto’s is a small boutique filled with delicate, hand-made clothing. Down the hall, Not TuTu Shabby overflows with fluffy tu-tus that are a great gift for any little girl.

If one is feeling a bit hungry, Valentino’s Café & Ice Cream Parlor is familyrun and has many delicious recipes to cure any sweet tooth. On-the-go sweets can also be attained from the Candy Shop. These stores are only some of the few that are located in the basement of the Courthouse.

Chic Unlimited, located across the street from the Courthouse, is a space filled with cute bags, accessories

and clothing. Chic Unlimited looks as if it could have come straight out of the mall, but it has the convenience of being directly uptown. The store is aimed for the female consumer, its collection of bright and fashionable clothing makes the store very appealing to girls of all ages.

A retro-themed ice cream parlor, What’s the Scoop, is the perfect place for a quiet, intimate date.

The room is decorated with vintage Crown Point sports equipment and photographs.

There is also an area of the building that is filled with arcade games for entertainment. Many different flavors of ice cream are offered along with sandwiches, salads and soups. If one believes the “Square” is dull, one may need to reconsider.

Valentino’s

Chic Unlimited

Chic Unlimited

Chic Unlimited

“Confessions” gives interesting glimpse into Snooki’s life

By Kelsey Lennon executive editor

I had my tease comb, hair spray and bronzer ready when Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s second book, “Confessions of a Guidette,” came out on Oct. 25.

This book is a must for any fan of Polizzi or the “Jersey Shore” cast. Polizzi is already a New York Times Best-Selling Author as a result of her novel “A Shore Thing,” but her new book has a much different feel.

“Confessions of a

Guidette,” is basically an autobiography and handbook to life in one hot pink, cheetah-covered package. The first chapter consists of rules on how to be a guidette. For those who are not familiar with “Jersey Shore” terminology, a guidette is the girl version of a guido which is one who has a high fascination with going to the gym, tanning and doing laundry; they are also usually Italian.

(Although Polizzi believes nationality should not be a factor in determining who is a guido or guidette). She

In your face

then continues to provide helpful make-up and fashion tips for dressing as a guidette. And, as expected, animal print and sparkles

are a main theme throughout the book.

The book continues into a deeper look into Polizzi’s life. She gives personal anecdotes about her family, friends and rise to fame.

Readers get to take a look into Polizzi’s life with pictures of her room and others she took herself. There are also stories and Polizzi’s personal opinion on her “Jersey Shore” roommates. The funny narrative is easy to read and the book provides plenty of memorable Snooki quotes and fun photos.

One must be a definite “Jersey Shore” or Snooki fan to enjoy this book, though.

For myself, I personally use it as a “Guide to Living Everyday Life” but others may find it pointless and just another ploy for Polizzi to make money. The book was at some points repetitive, and the grammar was not always 100 percent, yet it was real, and I could tell Polizzi didn’t tell someone else to write the book, she did it herself, which just made me like “Confessions of a Guidette” even more.

With millions of hits on YouTube, it feels like Mac Miller has been around making music for a while, but the self-made internet rapping sensation has just released his first studio album, “Blue Slide Park.”

The album consists of 16 tracks that make an obvious attempt at showing the different sides of Miller.

Tracks like “Missed Calls” showcase the hardships, anger and frustration within Miller’s relationships due to a growing touring schedule and musical constraints, but songs like “Up All Night” and “Party On Fifth Ave.” remind the listener that Miller is still the same funloving care-free “frat rapper” that his fans are used to.

Lyrically, most of the album is average-at-best. There is only so much that a rapper can say about partying with friends and being the greatest rapper alive. Even with that said, Miller still has a knack for writing witty couplets that will leave the listener impressed enough to almost make them forget about the somewhat average nature of the rhymes and lyrical content.

To compliment his wit, Miller takes full advantage of the beats that he uses in his tracks. Miller samples DJ Kool’s “Let Me Clear My Throat” in his single “Party On Fifth Ave.” and creates his own unique style by using unusual sounds such as children playing in a park in “English Lane.”

Love him or hate him, Mac Miller is here to stay.

Considering that this 19 year-old has over one million Twitter followers and a number one album on iTunes under his belt without a major record label backing him, Miller seems poised to be at the forefront of hip hop music for years to come.

What was your most recent facebook status?

Tristen Andersen freshman

Zoki Najdeski sophomore

It’s no fun watching my dad play Xbox all day.

Shooting around and getting ready for the weekend.

Claire Atherton junior

Leslie Doneff senior

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Snow… On Thursday?!

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New coaching staff revitalizes girls basketball Former Bulldog returns to lead the girls into the new season

By Alex McLean sports editor

Bulldog spirit never dies. This was proved true by Anne Equihua, the pride of the 1985 state championship team, when she returned to Crown Point take over the reigns as head coach of the girls varsity basketball team.

“The girls are what brought me back,” Equihua said. “I have coached these girls in the past; I know they are a great group.”

On the Lady ‘Dogs roster are three of Equihua’s relatives, including her daughter, Taylor. However, Equihua does not believe family ties will interfere.

“My direct family has no impact

on our play,” Equihua said. “The whole team is a family. We need to have the support and trust of a family if we want to succeed.”

Equihua helped lead the team to two consecutive state championships in 1984 and 1985. After placing second in Miss Basketball, she received a scholarship to Purdue, where she was an All-American.

The response to her return could not have been better. More girls tried out for this year’s team than any year since Tom May, Equihua’s high school coach, was the head coach.

“I was incredibly pleased by my reception,” Equihua said. “It makes me feel right at home already.”

Equihua’s niece, sophomore Abby Kvachkoff, is encouraged by her

Aunt leading the team.

“It gives us a little confidence knowing our coach has the experience. All the girls love her.” Kvachkoff said.

The Lady ‘Dogs opened the year at Kankakee Valley. The team quickly distanced themselves from the Kougars, ending the first half with a 30-10 lead. The ‘Dogs never looked back, winning 63-37. The new high pressure defense forced 23 turnovers.

“We have been working on putting more pressure on the ball. It has been hard to adjust to the new tempo, but the girls are doing well and it is helping us win,” Equihua said.

Andrean came to town for the Bulldogs’ first home game of the year.

Once again the team found strength

in their defense. The 59ers turned the ball over five times before they sunk their first shot. Nine different girls found the net on route to a big 75-27 win.

“It was a huge game for us,” Kvachkoff said. “We found a really good rhythm on both offense and defense. It definitely helped our confidence.”

The girls traveled to Chesterton last Friday, but results were not available at press time.

Tomorrow the Lady ‘Dogs will travel to Lowell before hosting LaPorte Friday.

“I see a lot of potential in our girls,” Equihua said. “If we keep improving at the rate we have been, who knows how far we can go.”

“Winning state was great, but that’s in the past. Now I’m just trying to get these girls to that goal.”

Anne Equihua head coach Left: Head coach Anne Equihua surveys a game this season.

Right: Equihua shoots a free throw during the 1983-84 season.

AnneEquihua

PHOTO BY Donnella Casillas

SwimmingAway

Position: Varsity Girls Basketball Coach College: Purdue University Accomplishments: • Second Place in “Miss Basketball” in 1985 • Back- to- Back State Champion 1984 & 1985 • 1984 & 1985 AP Final Four MVP • 1985 NHSCA & Converse All- American • Reached 1,910 points in her Bulldog career

BoysBasketballAway GirlsBasketballHome HockeyHome

11.28.2011

12.2.2011

12.2.2011

Crown Point at Chesterton

Crown Point at Hammond Morton

Crown Point (3-0) vs.

LaPorte (5-3)

7:00 p.m.

inklings file photo

6:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

12.3.2011 4:30 p.m.

Zionsville (1-5-0) at Crown Point (7-3-3)

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Swimming dives into the new season

By Kara Biernat staff reporter

With the swim season slowly beginning to get under way, the boys and girls swim teams have been preparing to make a big impact in the DAC this year on a quest for a state championship.

The boys have been conditioning throughout the year in preparation of building onto last season’s success where they finished the year with a 9-1 record. Head coach Doug Norris believes that focusing on team goals will help get them accomplished.

“Your focus is your reality,” Norris preaches to the team.

The boys have developed a new team wide outlook for the new season. Norris wants his swimmers to concentrate on capitalizing whenever the team faces “big moments.”

“The only thing that matters is how prepared and healthy you are for the big moments,” Norris said. “It’s those big moments that count.”

Norris admits that he has taken on a whole new approach to coaching his team this season in order to get the most out of his swimmers.

“I’m going to be the toughest coach I have ever been as a coach this year,” Norris said. “I see a lot of potential and I know this team is capable of succeeding.”

Junior Johnny Lynk has his sights set on the big picture, winning in sectionals, but admits it will take work.

“We have to keep working hard to reach our goal: winning at sectionals.”

Lynk will be competing in the 100 meter and 200 meter free this year along with the 200 meter and 400 meter free relay.

In order to compete, Lynk says he needs to get in proper physical shape.

“Getting back in shape and working hard with weights is my main focus right now,” Lynk said.

For the boys, the first home meet of the season will come against Chesterton on Nov 29. However, the girls have already begun swimming as the season has taken off.

The year has started off well when they tied the top five state-ranked Munster Mustangs in the first meet of the year.

Coach Bryan Trippeer was pleased with the team results.

“Tying Munster was a big success for us,” Trippeer said.

Trippeer has already planned out how he wants the season to end.

“Our main goal is to go undefeated and place top ten at state,” Trippeer said.

Senior Hayley Balko, who competes in the 100 meter fly and 100 meter back as well as the 200 meter medley and 400 meter free relays, has her mind set on improving her personal lap times in her events +throughout the year.

“My main goal is to break a minute in my 100 fly time,” Balko said.

Even though the sea-

inbrief Tsirtsis commits to Northwestern Senior Jason Tsirstis has verbally committed to wrestle at Northwestern University.

Oklahoma State, Michigan, and Wisconsin were among the other schools interested in Tsirtsis, but the Wildcats won out in the end. Tsirstis will enter the 2011-12 wrestling season as three time returning state champion. A championship this year would make Tsirstis only the eighth four-time state champion in Indiana high school wrestling history.

Boys soccer become state champs for first time

Photo By Ashley Downing

Junior Cara Click makes laps in the pool during a recent team practice. Click is entering her third year swimming for the Lady ‘Dogs swim team and has been preparing to make a splash in the new season as the girls eye a success.

son is still young, the lady ‘Dogs are already looking forward to the postseason.

“One thing our team is really looking forward to is competing as a team in sectional competition,”

sophomore Holly Schuster said.

Schuster competes in the 200 meter individual medley and the 500 meter free, and she feels like the team has become close over the year which excites

her.

“Our team is really close and excited about achieving our goals this season.”

The girls next meet will be on Nov. 29 against Chesterton.

Crown Point soccer surpassed all expectations by winning the state championship.

The championship was won when the boys beat Columbus North in penalty kicks. A hard fought defensive game led to a 0-0 tie at the end of regulation. In penalty kicks, late addition to the team senior goalie Christian Lomeli made the game winning saves while junior Alex Fenn netted the game winning goal.

The win was the first state champion- Senior Dan Naumoski ship in boys soccer history and the last state win since wrestling won state two years ago.

‘Dogs basketball starts season with new look, big hopes

By Sam Beishuizen sports editor

Walk into the basketball gym and there is an eerie difference; one will not find star point guard Spike Albrecht shooting jumpers, Navy center Jared Smoot dunking, or Evan Langbehn working on his defense.

Those players were all part of one of the better senior classes in recent years for Bulldog basketball.

“We had a very good class of senior players last year that we relied on heavily,” head coach Clint Swan said. “When you take them out, you aren’t necessarily sure how you will do without them.”

One player that will be facing the pressure to fill the shoes of players leaving is sophomore Bret Barclay. “(To me) pressure is being unprepared,” Barclay said. “I think that I’ll fit in well with the team this year.”

Former JV players like Barclay have to show up ready to play with the best players in the area. Swan believes that it is up to the players themselves to show

how prepared they are to play.

“Our guys need to come this season ready to be plugged into certain roles,” Swan said. “Part of that comes from what they do in the summer on their own. Whether that be working in the driveway or at the YMCA or wherever they can play.”

Barclay will be relying on the experience that he gained through an AAU National Championship that he won this past summer. Barclay was key in hitting the game-winning shot as time ran down in the semi-final game.

“AAU was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Barclay said. “It definitely prepared me for any situation (throughout this season).

This years team might end up playing radically different than last years.

Players will be faced with new expectations.

“The biggest thing that happens from one year to the next is that the roles change,” Swan said. “If those roles don’t work out, we realize we need to change some things. While situations do totally

change, the way we approach them as a program will remain the same.”

Fans should be out on the look for a quick and physical squad throughout the year.

“Our offense is going to be very fast and athletic. Our defense is going to be physical and man to man,” Swan said.

“We have a lot of interchangeable parts.

Our guys are all athletic and are about the same size which will give other teams a problem.”

As for the final outcome, Swan never likes to put a specific number of wins out on the table because he wants to win them all.

“If we can be at the top half of the conference by the time the first half of the round robin ends, we will be in a good position,” Swan said.

Barclay has his eyes set on the prize.

“All we talk about is winning sectionals,” Barclay said. “That is one major team goal (this season).”

The ‘Dogs will start their attempt at a postseason run when the season tips off Dec. 2.

2011Schedule Nov. 19 Rescheduled

Dec. 2 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Jan. 20 Jan. 21 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Feb. 3 Feb. 9 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 24

vs. Munster (Scrimmage) vs. South Bend Washington at LaPorte at Hammond Morton vs. Lake Central vs. Valparaiso at Michigan City vs. Griffith at Merrillville at Portage vs. Chesterton at Lake Central vs. Michigan City at East Chicago Central at Valparaiso vs. Boone Grove vs. Merrillville vs. LaPorte vs. Portage at Lowell at Chesterton

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11.28.2011 Inklings

a second with

Sam

Auto racing will always be dangerous Sam Beishuizen sports editor

There is an old saying that boxing and auto racing are the only true sports because the shadow of death looms around the competitors. That shadow found two-time Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon who died in a 15-car crash at Las Vegas motor speedway. His passing is a sad reminder that racing, no matter how many safety improvements are made, is still dangerous. But where does Indycar go from here?

Some blame for the death is being placed on the physical features of the cars themselves.

The open cockpit leaves the driver’s head unprotected.

Indycar officials have already announced looking into placing clear plexiglass over the driver so that they are not in immediate danger of having head collisions like Wheldon’s.

I am very much against the idea of taking the open cockpit out of Indycar. Part of the excitement of the racing is seeing the drivers muscle their cars around the track.

The new DW2012 chassis, named in honor of Wheldon, will make accidents like this far less likely. The rear wheels are now covered which will end wheel-to-wheel collisions sending the cars flying through the air as Wheldon’s did. Also to be added is an impact reducing foam in the sides of the cars.

There is no need for any drastic changes in Indycar.

Death is an unfortunate part of auto racing. The sport cannot stop moving with the death of a driver. Wheldon should be remembered for the person he was, not the cause of the demise of the sport he loved.

Sports are about passion.

Racing was Wheldon’s passion. He died because of it, but take it away from him and would he have ever felt alive?

PHOTO BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

Senior Colton Saroff grapples with a sparring partner during a recent practice. Saroff has been part of the last trips to the state championship and will be relied on for his experience throughout the year. The next meet for the ‘Dogs is the Stagg Invite on Dec. 3.

By Alex McLean sports editor

A five-point deficit separated the Bulldog wrestling team from advancing in last years team state championship. Not only was their team state championship hope diminished, but their undefeated season came to a disappointing end.

However, head coach Scott Vlink thinks that is all behind them.

“I don’t think the guys still dwell on it. It happened when it happened, now it’s time to move on to this year,” Vlink said.

The ‘Dogs also lost a big part of the team last year in Eric Roach, who had accumulated four individual state medals in his tenure at Crown Point. Senior Jason Tsirtsis, who has impressive hardware himself, will be filling the hole Roach left in the 145 pound weight class. “(Tsirtsis) really does a great job leading

By Alexa Grady asst. sports editor

Since the beginning of September the Gymnastics team has been working hard to make this season one to remember. With countless hours put into the gym, the girls are ready to take on what is in store for them this year.

“We do intense endurance workouts, as well as conditioning on bars,” junior Megan Supan said.

The girls fell short last year in the bars category, so this year they are really focused on improving their skills as well as difficulty.

“Our scores were low last year in bars, so this year we really hope to jump in front of Portage and LaPorte,” senior Stephanie Scott said.

In addition to working on skills and endurance, head coach Ami Pysh wants the girls to stay on track in the classroom.

Denard Robinson

Tyrann Mathieu

37 Andrew Luck

7 0

113

Case Keenum

Trent Richardson

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48 60

knows how good he is, but we know he needs to keep putting in the hard work. Anything can happen. In a blink of an eye, he could get injured and his season will end,” Vlink said.

The Bulldogs will host LaPorte, a team that has not given the ‘Dogs much trouble in the past, this Wednesday for the first meet of the year.

The past two years, the ‘Dogs have found themselves exiting the post-season earlier than they had hoped. Vlink thinks this can be changed this year.

“We have come close these past two years.

But close is not good enough,” Vlink said.

“We weren’t the best team in the state last year.

I think this year we can be.”

Vlink will know for sure whether or not the ‘Dogs are on par with the previous state teams after a few meets this season. The next meet is the Stagg Invite on Dec. 3.

“I would like to improve our high team score of 106 and possibly defeat some teams that we often lose to, but most importantly I’d like the girls to excel in the classroom in order to set a good example of our team for CPHS,” Pysh said.

Another thing Pysh wants to see in the girls is that they start out strong and hit their peak early in the season. In order to do that, Quiana Scott has joined the team as an assistant coach. She graduated from Ball State after attending there with a full gymnastics scholarship. The girls will take on the LaPorte Pairs on Dec. 17 in hopes to come out on top and leave a good impression on upcoming competitors.

“We will be able to match up four sets of gymnasts who share an all-around score. For example, one gymnast does bars and beam and her partner does vault and floor,” Pysh said.

Sophomore Natalie Groff works on her routine during a gymastics practice.

Gymnastics team prepares for new season

Who is your favorite to win the Heisman trophy this year?

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the team,” sophomore Tyler Nixon said. “Heand the other seniors- do a good job pulling us together.”

Tsirtsis has proven himself to be one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Bulldog history. Last year he went undefeated moving on to Indianapolis, where he claimed his third individual title in three years.

Tsirtsis’ only career loss came as a freshman, but he still helped the Bulldogs win a team state championship and earned himself his first individual championship.

“A guy like Tsirtsis does not come around very often,” Vlink said. “He matches his natural skill with iron will and a determination. He is a special kid.”

Vlink feels confident that Tsirtsis will match his past success this year, but he knows nothing is guaranteed.

“He cannot get complacent. Everybody

80

Out of 213 students polled

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Photo by Ashley downing

inside The NCAA As the NCAA season winds down, Heisman front-runners have emerged.

Michigan dual threat Denard Robertson has been the heart and soul of Michigan football. “Shoelace” has baffled defenses with his versatility all year.

LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is arguably the best in the NCAA. “The Honeybadger” has racked up 60 tackles and two interceptions for the Tigers.

Potential number one draft pick Andrew Luck has proven to be head and

shoulders above the rest of the prospects.

With over 3000 yards and 30 touchdowns, it is obvious that any pro team would love to pick him up.

Case Keenum has been the surprise of the year. The quarterback from the undefeated Houston squad has nearly 40 touchdowns and 4,000 yards.

Trent Richardson has proven to be the most dominating back in the NCAA. With eight games with at least 100 yards, he has helped ‘Bama to a 10-1 record.

Alex says “When fans are begging their teams to ‘Suck for Luck,’ you know the kid has talent. He had the hardware locked up before the season starts, no way will anybody beside Luck win.”

Sam says “Luck is by far the most pro-ready player in the NCAA, but the Heisman goes to the best college player. Trent Richardson is the heart of the Alabama offense.”

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11.28.2011 Inklings

Ellingsen strums to success

TakeFive

Sophomore Sydney Ellingsen performs locally with hopes of being a professional singer

By Abby Elston copy editor

For some, singing is simply just a hobby; it is something to do while taking a shower or just to cure everyday boredom.

However, for sophomore Sydney Ellingsen, it is a passion and a chosen career path.

“I would like to do this as a future career, definitely. My main goal is to be able to create music,” Ellingsen said. “I would like to become famous one day. Right now, I’m just a solo act, but I would like to be in a band.”

Sometimes when people dream big, they can talk the talk, but hardly ever do they walk the walk as well. Ellingsen is not just a dreamer though; she has already started to make her goal a reality.

“I just started playing shows, maybe a month ago,” Ellingsen said. “So far I have played at Potbelly’s and Northwoods, and I have one coming up at the Cornucopia Coffee Company in Valparaiso (performed on Nov. 12).”

Though she has just started performing in front of crowds, Ellingsen has always been singing.

“I’ve always been able to sing, but I never really pursued it until my brother told me I should. He told me I should take advantage of it,” Ellingsen said.

Taking the advice of

her brother, Ellingsen is pursuing her dream. By doing so, she has decided to advertise her singing by creating various profiles on different media sites. So far, it seems, this method of obtaining fans has been effective.

“I have a YouTube channel and a Facebook page and a Twitter. I have a couple followers on there, so I just post on there. It’s working so far,” Ellingsen said.

To keep her fans entertained, not only does she do her own unique covers, but she also writes her own songs.

“I do write my own songs, but I like to do covers because I can change songs and make them my own. My favorite, I’d have to say, is ‘How to Love’

by Lil Wayne. It’s not your typical white girl song,” Ellingsen said.

In addition to singing, Ellingsen has also learned how to play instruments to accompany her voice.

“I bought a guitar probably like eight months ago. I taught myself how to play that and the piano,” Ellingsen said.

By playing other instruments, she has strengthened her focus on her dream of being a musician. In fact, Ellingsen has even cut down on other past hobbies to stay concentrated on singing. “(Singing is) definitely my main focus. I even quit basketball to do music,” Ellingsen said.

To become a truly great singer, one often seeks inspiration to spark an interest, and Ellingsen has had her fair share of motivation.

“I just always wanted to be like my grandpa who can basically pick up any instrument and play it. My grandpa is super musically talented and is always pushing me to play music, and my brother said I was basically wasting my talent and should pursue it,” Ellingsen said.

Senior Josh Ealy

Quality Time I wish I could have more time to hangout with friends.

World Books My favorite class is world literature. I love to read and the books this year are actually interesting.

I’m a Believer I am extremely gullible. Almost to the point that I’ll believe anything.

Going Vogue I have to coordinate my clothes. I feel like I look terrible if my clothes clash.

So Bored I get bored easily, but I try my hardest not to show it.

My favorite holiday tradition is...

Watching football with my family.

Trisha Kaszak junior Seeing my family and spending time with them.

Shelby Kiger sophomore Going shopping on Black Friday.

Having an annual wrestling match with my cousin.

Chris Benton senior

Matt Honeycutt freshman Photos by Trisha Semplinski