the herald Issue 2 - Vol. 9
harberherald.com
Har-Ber High School 300 Jones Road Springdale, AR
November 5, 2013
Attacker uses social media to expose sexual assault victim
Diamond Moore
Reporter
Social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Myspace, have always been outlets to connect with friends and family, creep all your favorite celebrities, and even market a business or organization. With all of the apps now available such as Vine, Instagram, Snapchat, and so on, social media users can login anywhere to watch a video or see a picture to get a quick laugh or whatever fits the mood. People turn to these websites and apps daily for leisure and enjoyment, but there’s one very hideous and dark side to all of this, a side that no one ever wants to be the victim of.
A side much worse than being tagged in a not-so flattering picture of yourself. A side you can do nothing but watch in complete terror and pray you don’t have nightmares after seeing it. On one of the very popular apps known as Vine, a Viner by the name of Johnny S., posted a series of videos of a girl. In the series of three videos, the viners first showed the girl becoming intoxicated with alcohol and unknown pills. The guys then showed the girl surrounded by a group of guys trying to perform sexual acts with her. The third video showed the girl unconscious on the sidewalk being raped by an unknown male, while the same viner mentioned earlier recorded the act. This video not only created chaos on
Vine and other social media website, but it ruffled the feathers of some of the students as well. “It made me sad to see that the world is coming to that,” said senior Tabitha Bacon who found out about the video via Twitter, “I had nothing to do with it and yet I felt disgusted with myself after seeing it.” Although the video created talk on the web and in school, if you were to search for the issue on google or any news websites, you would find nothing on the matter. When searching for it on Google or any other search engine it would show up similar cases in nearby cities, but never the exact incident. The same goes for the online news
cites that gave no information about the subject. “I hope the police take it seriously and not brush it off just because she looked intoxicated,” said Bacon. This is not the first time an incident like this has happened, in 2012 a young lady by the name of Amber Cole committed suicide after a video of her performing sexual acts was posted on Facebook and several other websites. This matter raises the question of the filter on some websites and the content they allow to be posted and/or viewed. “I think websites allow stuff like that to be posted because some people are just sick minded and it brings more attention to their website,” said senior Bridget Alderson. Continued on Page 2
Precautions to take when you’re on social media
1.
2.
Use caution when you click links that you receive in messages from your friends on your social website. Treat links in messages on these sites as you would links in email messages.
Know what you’ve posted about yourself. A common way that hackers break into financial or other accounts is by clicking the “Forgot your password?” link on the account login page. Make an original password.
3.
Don’t trust that a message is really from who it says it’s from. Hackers can break into accounts and send messages that look like they’re from your friends, but aren’t. If you suspect that a message is fraudulent, use an alternate method to contact your friend to find out.
4.
To avoid giving away email addresses of your friends, do not allow social networking services to scan your email address book.
5.
Type the address of your social networking site directly into your browser or use your personal bookmarks. If you click a link to your site through email or another website, you might be entering your account name and password into a fake site where your personal information could be stolen.
HungerPains
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/social-networking.aspx
Students take measures to satisfy their...
Jakob Garcia
Reporter
Sitting in geometry class senior Marco Rodriguez looks around cautiously making sure no teachers are watching and asks his friends if they’re hungry. They jump at the thought of filling their empty stomachs and quickly ask Rodriguez what he has. He busts out a backpack pouring over with a variety of candies, drinks, and bags of chips. Six students all whip out their wallets and quickly withdrawal as much money needed to end their hunger pains. At first glance Har-Ber seems to be a prestigious school filled with only the most elite students who abide by the policies set forth by the administration. However, with a closer look you will find there is a world of unauthorized solicitation, involving certain students who shall not be named. “The only selling of anything on campus
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever bought out of someones backpack?
“Once I purchased an origami power flower.” -Ashlynn Mayes, 12
has to be in a group or organization and approved by Dr. Brackett,” says senior principal Mrs. Tisher. However, students are bringing a variety of foods in their backpacks and soliciting them to other students during class. Despite these actions breaking the aforementioned policy two students continue to sell independently. One sophomore has decided to take candy sales into his own hands, by bringing up to forty packs of candy a day and distributing them to his fellow classmates. After about a month of selling his prohibited sweet treats he has accumulated over one hundred and fifty dollars in profits. “I make about forty dollars a week, selling about twenty five things a day,” said sophomore Adam*. The encouragement to sell came from his brother who had peddled similar sweets throughout his whole high school career. Candy isn’t the only thing being sold behind the scenes. Another sophomore has decided to purchase doughnuts and sell them to his fellow teammates after football practice. “I buy a dozen doughnuts in the morning and sell them for a dollar each, or three doughnuts for two dollars,” said sophomore Joe*. His inspiration for selling glazed treats is his lack of a job and absence of money in his wallet. Retired food salesman, Senior Marco
“Hot Wheels” -Brandon Babcock, 12
Rodriguez said, “I made about three hundred and fifty dollars from selling food for three months!” On top of all the money coming in from food sales, the risks of getting caught are particularly high also. “They only took my ID, they never gave it back though,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez got caught selling a variety of foods straight out of his backpack last year. Despite the administration catching him, Rodriguez showed no remorse and continued to sell just as he did before. The administration said nothing to him after their first encounter. “I got caught a couple weeks into it, but I continued to sell after they took my ID,” said Rodriguez. Sophomore Adam* has yet to be apprehended for his crimes. This candy caper sells his products during most of his classes, and even with the threat of getting caught and suspended looming over his shoulder at every candy transaction, Adam* says that he does not care. Adam* shows no sign of stopping his candy transactions anytime soon. He seems to have no fear of the consequences he faces for the unauthorized selling of candy. “I know that I can get suspended, but I’m not really afraid,” said sophomore Adam*, “I don’t think they would actually suspend me the first time I get caught.”
“A kitten.” -Travis Sherman Television Productions teacher
InsideScoop Talent show is big hit showcasing all kinds of amazing talents.
News 3
Bronies fad spreads throughout student body.
News 4
Har-Ber Band faces struggles at Cmpetition.
Sports 11
Defensive end Jake Hall commits to the U of A.
Sports 12
news
11.05.13
Whisper app allows users to ‘share confessions’ online lead to more or less Internet safety. “The world has always been dangerous,” Opinion Editor said Rice. “Now, as opposed to earlier days, children are being threatened Whisper is an all-new app that allows digitally. It’s no safer or less safe; just a users to “share confessions, express new battleground.” yourself, and meet new people”-- all It is this digital battleground in which anonymously. 65 percent of online sex offenders use to Users can group chat, or chat one-on- gather home and school information about one—also anonymously. It is mediums their victim, according to the Journal of such as this, that got Barry Gebhart, Adolescent Health. athletic director at Fayetteville High “Less safe, because obviously your School, arrested for the Internet stalking information is being put out there and it’s of a child. easier to find stuff out about people,” said Gebhart, a 50-year-old man, went Priest. “But it’s also a bit better because under the username “Big Dog” and sent kids are more aware that it [the internet] sexually explicit texts and pictures of is dangerous and bad things do happen.” himself to someone, he believed to be a Senior Mary Quinn took the side of 14-year-old girl. Priest. This 14-year-old girl “I would have to say was actually an undercover the Internet will become detective with the less safe because there Benton County Sheriff’s are so many more things Department who arrested you can get into even if “Big Dog” after they they look or seem secure,” arranged to meet up at the said Quinn. “Without a mall. lot of life knowledge and The aspect of Whisper so many things to get into that makes a first-time it’s hard to tell what’s viewer most skeptical is dangerous or not.” “meeting new people”. The federal -Abby Rice, 12 government has made According to itunes. apple.com, users can “meet several attempts at people, whether they’re looking for new extending their jurisdiction within the friends, searching for your soulmate, or Internet such as the Stop Online Piracy just someone to laugh with!” Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA), The ability to share one’s location to both of which met heavy protests from another anonymous user, causes one to Internet users. ponder the use for an app like this. What do students propose should be “The problem isn’t the app, but rather done regarding regulation that would the intent of some that use it,” said senior make for a safer Internet? Abby Rice. “I know it’s hard to regulate age on the “Anonymously speaking is no sin, computer but it [Whisper] should ask for and certainly any app that allows it anyways,” said Blackwell, “in order for a communications is fine by me,” she said. minor to think twice before he/she throws “It’s the implications of what could be their dirty laundry out on the lawn that is done should location be shared or pictures the Internet of today.” shown.” “They could make sure no serious Rice was not the only one who shared in private information is released and put skepticism, although junior Lindsey Priest out on the Internet or something,” said felt a bit more passionately on the matter. Priest. “Anonymous texting is cool or Blackwell offers one piece of advice for whatever, but location? That’s stupid,” all people using the Internet. said Priest. “Like, seriously, do you want “When it comes to maneuvering the to get killed?” Internet today, just be honest,” said An event such as this with an app that Blackwell. “If we are all honest and no focuses on anonymity such as Whisper one tries to be something they’re not or makes one question whether the new do something they know is wrong, then all technological growth in our society will problems would seemingly diminish.” Jacob Benson
“The
world has always been dangerous.”
assault
This Vine was more than a post of an innocent girl being violated for the whole world to see. It was a reality check to others that this can happen to absolutely anyone, even people closest to them. According to “rainn.org,” 44 percent of rape victims are under the age 18 and 80 percent are under the age of 30. They also reported that approximately two-thirds of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim and 38 percent of rapists are a friend or acquaintance. “If my sister was ever the victim of a sexual attack like this one, I would do whatever I could to make sure she felt safe and the person who did it would be gone forever,” said Alderson. The website also reported that every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. There is an average of -Bridget Alderson, 12 237,868 victims of rape and sexual assault each year; they fall under the ages of 12 and over. The website went on to say that thanks to the decline in sexual assault since 1993, the actual number of victims is about 4.2 million, and if it weren’t for the progress made in the last 20 years. An additional 5.5 million Americans would have
“It just made
me see that women go through so much, and it hurts to know that this can happen to anybody.”
Continued from Page 1
by the numbers 90% of teens and young adults use the internet .
Brazil is the largest active country on Facebook.
88%
believe that people are less polite on social media than in person.
73%
of people think that employees share too much online.
been victims of sexual violence. “I would be shocked if someone close to me were raped, because you would never think it could ever happen to your friends or family,” Bacon said. This story hit home for many parents as well. According to “911rape.org” teens who have been raped tend to refrain from telling their parents in order to spare them emotional pain. One of the most startling aspects of sex crimes, according “crimevictimservices. org,” is how many go unreported. One of every seven victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement agencies are under six years old. “If one of my children were raped, I would be destroyed,” said English teacher Katherine Moore, “I have a really strong morality code where I could never hurt or harm anyone, but in that situation that code would definitely be tested.” Simply bringing up the subject of rape makes for a very awkward and uneasy conversation, you can see people’s bodies turn from completely relaxed to stiff and very uncomfortable at just the mention of the word, you could only imagine how people felt when they watched it. Some people do things that others cannot understand and rape is definitely one of them, although they may never understand, they’ll always have an idea or theory. This video not only changed some people’s view on women, but on men too. “It just made me see that women go through so much, and it hurts to know that this can happen to somebody,” said Alderson, “It’s sad to see how little respect men have for women these days, they see them as toys.” 911rape.org reported that if you have a friend who has been through a sexual assault and is willing to report the crime, encourage her or him to contact the police as soon as possible. They also said the best way to help a friend or loved one recover from a sexual assault is to encourage them to get medical care and talk to a counselor at a rape treatment center. If your friend is not ready to talk to a counselor “in person,” encourage them to call a rape hotline and talk with a counselor on the telephone. “It would be really hard to give advice on this
2
page 5
Pope Bendict XVI joined twitter.
58%
of iPhone
users can’t go 1 hour without checking their phones. Spam is the biggest growing problem on social media. Pinterest is the fastest growing social media network in history, hitting 10 million new viewers per month.
matter because it’s such a personal issue, but I would tell them not to let their fear overcome them,” said Mrs. Moore, “They don’t have to feel like they’re taking on the world, their voices matter too.” This Vine is proof that the importance of values and not just respect for you, but for others is slowly fading away. Some people may never be able to understand or wrap their heads around the fact that this not only happened to someone, but was also made public for the world to see. “It shows that people don’t think anymore, they don’t realize that their actions affect other people, they think they can do whatever they want an get away with it,” said Bacon.
“I don’t put my personal information down, and I make sure I know the people following me.” -Hanna Dearing, 12
“I never give my personal information out to anyone.” -Alex Oropeza, 11
“I stay on good websites.” -Sheridan Ellis, 10
news
11.05.13
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Beatboxer wins at talent show Beatboxer wins at talent show
One of the sixteen talents, sophomore Alex Bryan, sang Remembering Sunday Reporter by Falling in Reverse for the show. Bryan is signed with NCK Talent Academy and A panel of five judges sits with thirty plus takes every chance to perform. Bryan students auditioning for the annual talent had been working on her act for a couple show, HarBer’s Got Talent. Mr. Brown, weeks before the show. Bryan said she the choir director said, “the show included was, “more excited than nervous” and also an assortment of singing, dancing, guitar said, “when performing I don’t think, I players, and even just do.” a beatboxer.” The Another talent in the actual show only show was sophomore included a total Hannah Moore, who of sixteen acts danced to Sail by and was run by AWOLNATION. Moore students. is involved with Impulse “There are Dance Company in few limitations Farmington. Moore to what the acts said, “I’ve performed in can include,” said front of large crowds at choir director Mr. competitions.” Moore Mr. Brown, Choir Brown. “Acts are had been working on her limited only to director act for about two to three anything artistic or weeks before the show. Moore said, “I was that requires thought.” fairly nervous, but excited to show what I The show was put together by a group can do.” of three students, Jacob Reynolds, Talent show first place winner, Jaclynn Pianalto, and Grace Hannon. sophomore Adriana Ruiz, was the final act Senior Jacob Reynolds said, “I was a little of the show as a beatboxer. Ruiz has been stressed, but all the talent seemed pretty beatboxing for about a year and a half. Ruiz reliable.” said, “my inspiration came from watching Reynolds was in charge of finding the YouTube videos of people beatboxing.” judges for the show and making sure all Ruiz said, “I never expected to be picked the talent is on time and ready to perform. as third or second place, especially not Reynolds said, “I’ve never been in the first.” Ruiz plans to continue beatboxing school talent show,” and also said, “I was as her hobby. very excited for the show.” Cidnie Lewis
Cidnie Lewis
Reporter
Ruiz said, “my inspiration came from watching YouTube videos of people beatboxing.” Ruiz said, “I never expected to be picked as third or second place, especially not first.”
“The show included
an assortment of singing, dancing, guitar players, and even a beatboxer.”
What was your favorite talent show act?
“Rock Band”
“Gage Lance”
“Nerd Dance”
-Joseph McCulley, 12
-Estephani Elias, 11
-Andrew Parker, 11
“Harpist”
-Russell Perez, 10
HBWN sweeps contests at festival
Struebing prepares for future in sports tv Jacob Garcia Reporter
Senior Sam Streubing relaxes back in his chair joking with his fellow classmates trying to keep his racing mind busy as the awards are being called out. He waits anxiously as they come up on his category. After they announced that he had won second and third for separate films he got knuckles and high fives all around the table. Spring Creek Arts Festival is being held Oct. 24th- 26th. This festival gives students from Kindergarten through college a chance to enter submissions into four different categories. Broadcast film, production, photography, live performance, and art are the main categories in the festival. Many students from Har-ber’s T.V. program have entered submissions into the festival. The festival will be held at The Jones Center in downtown Springdale. It’s being sponsored by such organizations as 40/29 News and Clear Energy. T.V. teacher Travis Sherman submitted work from certain students into the festival to be critiqued by a panel of judges. The festival began Oct. 24 with an opening ceremony in the gym of The Jones Center. The festival events will contain on-site
competitions such as the 180-minute video competition where teams will receive a prompt and from 5:00 to 8:00 film a short video and present it to the judges. They will be judged and awarded at the competition. Students from Har-ber were excited to attend the Spring Creek Arts Festival and have their submissions judged in hopes to win. “I’m ready to dress up, look good, and win,” said Junior Andrew Lisle. Streubing won two awards, one for second place in action sports along with his partner senior Brandon Buccheri, and the other was third place for an experimental film, also with Buccheri and senior Shawn Young. “I was really ecstatic when they called my name! I really wasn’t expecting to place in both videos so when they called my name twice I couldn’t believe it,” said Streubing. This was a good learning experience for students that just want to film in high school, but even more for ones who plan to carry on with it into college like Streubing. “My plan is to get a degree in marketing and use that to work for a professional sport franchise and be their video coordinator,” said Streubing. Students came out of this festival with new knowledge and confidence under their belts.
BEST OF SHOW: HAR-BER HIGH SCHOOL 1. 1st Place: Commercial/PSA: Robert Crisp 2. 1st Place: Sports: Cole Brothers, Robert Crisp, Carter Henson 3. 1st Place: News Story: Alexis Arenas, Kacey Sanders 4. 1st Place: Action Sports: Courtney Mansell 5. 1st Place: On Site: Commercial: Andrew Lisle 6. 2nd Place: On Site: Spot Feature: Cory Wood, Ashley Hidalgo 7. 2nd Place: On Site: Commercial: Jacob Benson, Justin Dhaliwal, Douglas Mathews 8. 2nd Place: Action Sports: Brandon Buccheri, Sam Struebing 9. 2nd Place: Commercial/PSA: STAFF 10. 2nd Place: Spot Feature: Cory Wood, Nick Sackett 11. 2nd Place: News Story: STAFF 12. 2nd Place: Sports: Daniel George, Carter Henson, Molly Luster 13. 3rd Place: Public Affairs: Alexis Arenas, Carter Henson 14. 3rd Place: Experimental: Brandon Buccheri, Sam Struebing,
Shawn Young
15. 3rd Place: Show Open: Kaleb Gilbert
news
11.5.13
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Students challenge gender What is secret norms with hobby choices your obsession?
Ashlynn Mayes
Feature Editor
One does not conventionally associate rainbows and prancing ponies christened Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle with the male gender. However, the aforementioned qualities are all staples of the family oriented television show “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” which has an increasingly popular male audience. In fact, an entirely male culture centered on the show’s overlaying themes of friendship and tolerance has stemmed from the show. These masculine adherents to the “My Little Pony” (MLP) culture are dubbed bronies and express their fondness for the show by simply watching the program, participating in online forums, enjoying music inspired by the show, either reading or creating fan-fiction, and engaging in fan-art. Bronies can also be known to purchase MLP merchandise to illustrate their devotion to the show. “I like to be weird and off from the mainstream, “ said Sophomore Brony Brian Zimmerman. Zimmerman first stumbled across MLP while on the website 4Chan, and was attracted by the program’s animation, story line, and sense of nostalgia. He is especially attracted to the variety of musical selections featured on the show. “They move across genres from folksy to rock ballads, “ said Zimmerman. Zimmerman currently cultivates his appreciation for the show by staying tuned into sites such as YouTube and Tumblr. He is especially captivated by fan-produced music inspired by the show. Like Zimmerman, sophomore Luis Rodriguez’s fondness for the show stems
from the animation. Rodriguez is also attracted to the family nature of the program. “It is nicely made as compared to lazy cartoons, and there is actually work put into it,” said Rodriguez, “Almost every aspect appeals to family, not one audience.” Rodriguez discovered MLP by watching the show with his younger siblings. While he identifies with the term brony, the extent of his involvement with the culture is limited to merely enjoying the show and occasionally viewing items on Reddit associated with the program. Senior Seth Parson also has an affinity with the show, although he does not take kindly to the term brony. “It is horrible Frankenstein of a word,” said Parson. Parson enjoys the show for its high quality animation, engaging writing, and witty humor. He also appreciates the contrast that the themes of tolerance and friendship impose in comparison to other television programs that seem to promote less cheery habits. Parson participates in the brony culture by reveling in the music, fan-produced fiction and animation. Parson has even served as an open source editor on MLP fan-fiction websites. Junior Keeghan Shriver’s attachment to the brony culture can be attributed to the emphasis on friendship that the program promotes. He connects with other bronies by meeting to discuss episodes and occasionally dresses to reflect his love for the show. While Shriver has encountered people, including his father, that receive his brony
status negatively due to the misconception that the show is solely feminine he remains unaffected and clings to the show’s positive message. “ I have learned from that [the show’s subtitle “Friendship is Magic”],” said Shriver, “That if you surround yourself with friends, your life will be magical.”
Johnny Football -Laura Arnold, 12
“American Horror Story” -McKenzie Williams, 12
Debate sweeps the competition Jakob Garcia
Reporter
Tears of joy streams down Senior Abby Rice’s face as she is announced first place in all of her events. She looks down into the crowd and sees her teammates and coach shouting and cheering for her. She stands wondering if this could all be true. The debate team attended a competition on in Little Rock. This event was held by Little Rock Hall High School. Junior and senior high schools alike competed in the event. The debate team competed in two of the three categories: debate and competitive speaking. Among those that competed are Abby Rice, junior Kerim Gales, senior Harlee Marcum, and sophomore Drew Dodson. Rice took first place in all her events. “To win any event period is impressive, but all of them? It just isn’t done,” said Rice. She was stunned when she found out
that she had won all of her events. “I just sort of stood there. It didn’t really register. I just stood there and thought about how cool it would be if it were all true,” Rice said. In the Springdale school district, debate teams are only formed at the high school level. However, in other parts of Arkansas they compete at a junior high level as well as high school. “Cabot high and their junior highs were competing. They start training their kids in middle school,” said debate leader Coach Marshall. Junior Kerim Gales qualified for state in two events at this competition: debate and extemporaneous speaking. To qualify for state, a competitor must make it to the semi-finals, which at this tournament meant making it into the elimination rounds and going onto the next round after that. Gales won three debates overall. The debate team was introduced to a different level of competition at this
Curriculum encourages group work despite students’ dislike Andrea Montes Business & Circulation Manager Group work is an inevitable situation in the classroom. It ranges from all subjects including English 12, AP Psychology, and even debate. When a teacher announces that they will be working with their peers and that a grade relies on someone other than just an individual, there are mixed feelings. “I hate doing group work honestly. My reaction is to groan because group work is usually not good,” said senior Brittanee Ross. Ross dislikes group projects due to some negative past experiences that resulted in her grade being affected badly because of her group not doing their work, while she still upheld her share. “When working on group projects in Spanish our music video project group didn’t get much done. So when we went we looked ridiculous and really dumb,” said Ross. Other students have had better luck when working with their peers. “This year I’ve had good experiences
so far. I recently finished a group project in AP Psychology and it went well. I had people in my group who did their part,” said senior Christy Deshong. In similar situations the grade of an individual has been affected due to others work ethic. “Past experiences vary from getting the work done and getting a good grade, to someone taking all the work for themselves, to someone making errors on the project or assignment,” said junior Kerim Gales. In a debate project assigned his sophomore year, Gales received an unsatisfactory grade. “We didn’t make a quality project and we ended up making a poor grade because of a lack of creativity and quality of work,” said Gales. Often times work is distributed unequally when divided between students. “I am normally saddled with all the work,” said senior Seth Parson. If students were given the choice many would choose to work by themselves. “I would work individually,” said Ross “or with people I know do their work.”
event. Last year the team competed at a collegiate level, until the IPDA decided that they only wanted college students in a collegiate circuit. The debate team was forced to start competing at only high school level, so this competition was very different for them. “This year we’re not doing as much debating as we have. Three rounds this year and we had six to eight last year so we’re becoming flexible in events such as extemporaneous speaking and oratory,” said Gales Overall, the team did very well at this new level of competition. Debate works not only to win but also on expanding their fields of competition and getting their new debaters experienced by competing in different forensics events along with the theater classes. “My first goal is to win. My second goal is to make sure we get our novice debaters experienced, and then my third goal is to get as many travelling as possible,” said Marshall.
“College Sports” -Gerrit Blankers, 12
“Mad Men Tv Show” -Joseph Mculley, 12
Hear me roar Elijah Cromwell Entertainment Editor As I lay there, into the abyss of glassshielded everything, I watch for the details. For each individual bird flying by. For the laughing of children, playing down the block. For the different color that each individual car vrooming by protrudes. I shudder as a sharp zephyr of a chill seeps through the window’s painful gash, encasing me in utter displeasure. I rise to my feet, still wrapped in my overpowering comforter. The call of my stomach has finally overcome the cries of my mind to not get up, forcing me to answer. I slowly jitter my feet into the kitchen and grab the first jar of peanut butter in sight. Screw spoons, no one else is around. Hastily unscrewing the red top, I noticed a smear of the scrumptious substance from yesterday’s repeated actions. I pause for a moment, realizing what I’m doing, how abhorrently stupid
I’ve been with my life for the past two months. Two whole freaking months of my life gone to waste. What kind of sick idea would lead me to believe that this would be okay? I feel disgusting. I could be so much more than this. I knew that then and I know it now. So why did I not see that this would be so ridiculously pointless? It’s time to cut the crap and do things right. Time to start doing what needs to be done. Time to forget about what everyone else thinks. It’s time to live my life. This is a story about the time I skipped two straight months of school.
Buy a yearbook before it’s too late! $65 to Rm A216
features
11.5.13
Teachers make good example inside and outside the classroom Macey Martinez Reporter Hand in hand with his beautiful fiancé, Physics teacher Stephen Needham crossed the finish line in four hours exactly. Exhaustion rushed over him as he realized that the 12 mile long race was finally over. “That was the hardest thing I have ever done so I’d rank it a 10 in my life,” said Mr. Needham, “But I’m positive that it wont be the last time I experience a 10.” But what kind of event was this? This was the Tough Mudder event. Tough Mudder events are die-hard obstacles courses driven to test one’s strength, mental grit, stamina, and camaraderie. “Right before the run you are surrounded by about 200 other people in your heat getting pumped and ready to go attack the course,” Mr. Needham said, “It was a surreal, but exciting feeling.” In the Touch Mudder, one will face firewalkers warrior carry, arctic enema, devils beard, electric eel, Everest, drag queen, ladder to hell, spider’s web and electroshock therapy. This is only the beginning. There are 36 obstacles. “Obstacles ranged from climbing a half-pipe to crawling on your stomach in water while being shocked by live wires,” said Mr. Needham. But theses’ obstacles are just the beginning. According to the Tough Mudder Official website, there are three facts: Marathon running is boring, mudders do not take themselves too seriously, and you cannot complete a touch mudder course alone. “You have to stay positive and willing to accept help from fellow runners. The mentally weak will not complete the course,” Mr. Needham said. Tough Mudder is not a race, but a personal challenge. The entire object of this race is to simply complete the course. “You never know your limits until you strive to find them every day. It is never too late to find and exceed your potential. Who knows, you might surprise yourself,” said Mr. Needham. Awaiting those who finished the challenge is a high-five, signature orange headband, and a Dos Equis beer followed by an after party with a kicking band. The
awards that are given away at the after party are best costume, worst costume, least clothing, and best mullet/Mohawk, according to Tough Mudder Official website. In addition to presenting a tough challenge to thrill seekers, Tough Mudder has raised more than $6 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. Mr. Needham is scheduled to run the race once again in Topeka, Kansas in May 4th. On the other side of marathons, AP Language and Composition teacher Katy Moore raced for her life as infected zombies desiring only her brain and guts chased her as she raced towards the finish line. “When I first got there, they ‘let the zombies out of the cage’ and that was funny and creepy,” said Mrs. Moore, “ I was actually nervous before the race started because I really didn’t want to ‘die.’” The Nightmare on Elm Street Zombie 5k is more than just a typical marathon run, but a run for one’s own life. In this race, the runners are given “life” (balloons) that zombies chase them for. “The worst were the big zombie hordes (about 7-10 people dressed like zombies) that covered the road!” Mrs. Moore said. “It was really fun once I got past the zombies.” Dressing up for the event was highly recommended according to the Official Facebook page of Nightmare on Elm Springs Zombie Run. They also plan on making it an annual event. “I would be prepared and be alert looking for zombies,” Mrs. Moore said, “I also think it was so much fun because I dressed up and was silly and let myself have fun and be scared.” Filled with mixed emotions like happiness, fear, excitement, and pride, Mrs. Moore completed the race in roughly 28 minutes. Mrs. Moore runs about five or six races a year depending on what charities are involved and how she feels. The proceeds from the race went to the Rogers Optimist Club. “I would love to get a group of students together to do this with,” said Mrs. Moore, “I think it would be so much fun!”
Run, Mudder, Run.
F o r e v e r Frazzled: Redefining Awkward
Ashlynn Mayes
Features Editor
A taunting amount of flab spilling over the delicate back of a bra. Thighs that clumsily brush together while walking and never seem to diminish. A waist that resembles the boxy build of a teenaged boy rather than the dainty figure of a woman. Brawny shoulders that seem to tower over everyone they encounter. All of the aforementioned self-deprecating observations have at one point or another infiltrated my mind and sent me into lugubrious tizzy. During these emotional storms prompted by poor self-image, I initially become hypercritical and explore the option of wearing oversized sweaters and leggings for the rest of my existence. Then
face firewalkers: running through 4 feet tall flames, one must then leap over the final pit of fire into ice cold water. warrior carry: For a 100 yards, one must fireman carry an associated Mudder then switching at a check point then going another 100 yards. arctic enema: One must fearlessly jump into a pool of freezing ice cub filled water then swim through the ice, swimming under a wooden plank, and then pulling ones self out. devils beard: Teamwork is need if one is to defeat the cargo net that is fastened to the ground, or one will be forced on their belly due to the weight. electric eel: Sliding on one’s belly through chilly water and sometimes even a layer of ice, live wires hang about one’s head that will give a shock. Everest: A muddy and greased quarter-
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I remember the dreaded muggy summer season and realize that sweaters are not a viable option to cover my body for life. This realistic, albeit disappointing, realization results in the resolution of desperately seeking affirmation from friends and doing a few extra squatjumps. My method of coping with mundane insecurity is certainly far from unhealthy, but is taxing on my emotional state nevertheless. In fact, body issues are my ultimate downfall and perhaps the only blockage in my perpetual pursuit of bliss. I know that I am not the only teenager that struggles with self-image, and am extremely curious as to why this pathetic condition exists within all of us. For me, my dismal perspective of my self is ironically ignited by my passion for health. I religiously scour health magazines for life tips, exercise daily, and have been on numerous diets. However, this love affair with my health causes me to be ultra-attuned to my body and thus a tad critical when I do not see results. Another source of my self-loathing is most definitely comments from others and the occasional “body envy”. Due to my height, I have been labeled as “big” and “large”. I have even been told that I cannot pursue crushes due to my size. While these words have been employed in factual or seemingly harmless ways, they cause me to feel depleted and once again swallowed by the brutal ogre that is self-doubt. But, it is not bleak as I have recently discovered a remedy to petty teenage worries and that is simply, breath. I know that something as banal as breathing seems like a rather obvious or even silly solution, but I feel it is often neglected and thus its powerful healing properties are not reaped. I first became acquainted with the majestic abilities of breath through my yoga practice, but have recently utilized the essential bodily function sans movement in order to improve confidence. In addition to taking at least five minutes a day to revel in breath, when faced with a worry I simply take a cleansing inhalation and expel the negativity with a purposeful exhale all the while dwelling on the splendid aspects of life. I invite everyone plagued with any type of emotional turmoil no matter the severity to apply this simple tactic and explore what the marvelous awareness of
pipe waits as one has to dash up sending one back down. One has to work together to help mudders defeat this steep mountain. drag queen: One has to for 100 yards, dragging a pair of tires leaving one exhausted and tired. ladder to hell: Fear of heights? One will have to climb an oversized ladder that is 15-20 feet in the air then reach the top and climb back down. spider’s web: Mocking a spider, one has to crawl up and over a cargo net. Don’t fall, because below sits a tangled web that is challenging to get out of. Electroshock therapy: A field of as many as 10,000 volts of electric shock of live wire awaits as one sprints through. Not hard enough? Watch out for deep mud and hay bales, they’ll trip one up and making one’s shock last longer.
Majors
Weird
Students pursue
Andrea Montes
Reporter The question has been asked since kindergarten. What do you want to be when you grow up? As students entered high school they were asked the same question, only worded in a different way. What are you going to major in? Many students plan on studying in unusual fields. Senior Bailey Parks is considering majoring in either fashion or Botany. “Fashion because I’ve always loved art and it’s been my passion for as long as I can remember. I’ve always thought a lot about how I dress and I like how simple or complex it can be,” said Parks, “Botany because so many people in my family have always loved it including me, but mainly because I love learning and applying all the uses for plants and herbs physically, mentally, and otherwise, and I find them beautiful in general as well.” Senior Seth Parson plans to major in History. “I’ve always had a real passion for history. I want to know how we got to this part. History is the grandest story ever told,” said Parson.
What’s your major?
“I want to
Parson is hoping to become a historian, archeologist, librarian, or teacher after obtaining a degree in history. “I want - Seth Parson to study Africa or Asia. I’m going to the U of A freshman year, but I don’t know after that,” said Parson. Senior Caleb Paschal is also planning on attending the U of A and will be majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in soil science. “We went on a field trip with Mr. Nokes and they compared the science degrees to the liberal arts degrees and the job demands and then the demand for soil scientists. That’s what I want to do. I want to be a soil chemist,” said Paschal. Senior Stephen Burns plans on attend-
know how we got to this part. History is the grandest story ever told.”
Biology Madison Knipe, 12
Follow us @TheHarBerHerald Student takes on challenge of first music video Aly Shuster
Sports Editor
For the typical teenager, music is more than just words put to rhythm. Music is an escape from the stress of the real world. Music is a gateway for teens to express thoughts and ideas that they are otherwise too afraid to admit. Music is more than just a sound to them. For senior Lindsay Will, music may become more even than that. In late October, Will recorded her first music video for her song “With My Eyes Closed.” “I wrote the song with two other writers in Nashville named Kathy Majeski and Billy Dawson,” said Will. “It’s about the first few weeks after meeting a guy that you really fall for. It’s something that every girl can relate to.” Making a music video is no small task. Will called upon her fellow students to help her out. Seniors Brandon Buccherri and Ashlynn Moore and juniors Andrew Lisle, Matthew Philpot, and Abelardo Alverlardo made up most of her video crew. “She really took direction well and had a good attitude about all the hard work it takes to get a music video done the right way,” said Buccherri of working with Will. “I would love to help her with any future music videos she wants to do.” Buccherri directed Will’s music video, but he didn’t do it alone. Junior Andrew Lisle was his director of Photography, assisting in all the visual aspects of the video and making sure all their ideas for
the music video are carried out. “Everyone worked really hard and I was lucky to work with them all,” said Will of her team. Will’s first experience with guitar work came about in her fourth grade year. “It was really hard for me the first year and I thought about quitting,” said Will. “But I stuck with it, and it became my passion.” Will went on to experiment with percussion in her 7th grade band program and onto the ukulele this past year. She started writing music at an early age. “I started writing in middle school, but I didn’t write a song that was strong enough to perform until 9th grade.” “I always dreamed of making a living out of music,” said Will. “And I’m still so far from my goal.” Though she is releasing her first EP album in two months, Will still has higher dreams for her future. “Next year I’m going to be attending Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It’s 30 minutes from Nashville and has an incredible music program.” Will looks forward to moving there permanently this next summer and will jump right in to writing music and performing live at as many venues as possible. “Lindsay was really fun to work with,” said Buccherri. “She made directing and filming a lot easier, no doubt.”
ing Pittsburg State and majoring in wood technology. “I enjoy putting things together with my hands and it can also help me in the other things I enjoy like theater tech,” said Burns, “There’s actually a really high demand for people in the construction industry in general. For every graduate from Pittsburg state there’s probably six companies that are looking for people with their talents so, you’re basically guaranteed a job straight out of college. It’s pretty sweet.” Burns has built shelves, tool cribs, and many other things. Parks also practices his passion on a regular basis. “In fashion, I sketch all the time and try to make designs for clothes frequently and I’ve actually been working on and making some shirts lately,” said Parks,”With Botany I help take care of my dad’s garden when in season and my mom’s plants and I read about different plants and things a lot.”
11.05.13
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Top 5 weirdest majors
1 2
Comic Book Art Comedy: Writing and Performance
3
Bowling Chasing
4
Retail Floristry
5
Teaching Brttanee Ross, 12
Management
Motorsports Science and Engineering
http://www.seventeen.com/college/advice/weirdest-college-majors#slide-1
features
Business Ariel Bagwell, 12
The best
hot drinks
Elizabeth Harp
around Co-editor
As the weather chills and the sun sets earlier in the day, flavors and seasons change. Get away from the cold and let these select hot drinks warm you from your head to your toes!
Press Room
Bentonville Low sultry light, quiet voices, and eclectic music greet you as you enter into the inviting environment of Press Room. Order a cup of Joe and you’ll receive a large white mug on a petite saucer, but this coffee is more than a fantastic beverage, it’s artwork and good for the soul.
Onyx Coffee Lab
Springdale A local gathering place for meetings ranging anywhere between study groups and meetings, Onyx Coffee Lab has more than just atmosphere, it’s got the best cider around.
Common Frounds Fayetteville With such a lively location as Dickson Street, it’s hard to feel under the weather. If that happens to be the case, or you’re feeling thirsty and cold, stopping off at Common Grounds for a cup of hot tea will be sure to soothe and satisfy.
a&e
11.05.13
music reviews
Cage the Elephant “Melophobia”
“I am the one you left for dead, You are the bullet in my head, And as you stand over my grave, You’ll pause the lips upon my face”. This vibrant sequence of tenor is the first verse of the song, “Spiderhead” on Cage the Elephant’s new album, Melophobia. The gifted and inspirational band has not released an album since their last one, “Thank You, Happy Birthday”, which was released in 2010. This new album is the band’s attempt at spacing themselves from the music that first inspired them to produce such creations. Melophobia incorporates new tones and sound into the already ripened
musical realm of Cage the Elephant, proving them to be a more esteemed, experienced band than most others. The eclecticity of the music entices the listener and sucks them in like a vacuum. Originating from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Cage the Elephant consists of five band members, singer Matt Shultz, guitarist Brad Shultz, guitarist Lincoln Parish, bassist Daniel Tichenor, and drummer Jared Champion. When the concept of creating a new album had been introduced to the band, each of the band members had their own idea of what they wanted it
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to be and sound like, each on completely adverse ends of the spectrum. This complicated things upon writing the music and made it difficult to assimilate everyone’s input. However, the mixture of such differing objectives has formed Melophobia into a glistening sea of color and luminance. The blistering raw sound of this alluringly electrifying band will enrapture and ensnare you with an energetic liveliness that is always sure to impress. So unless you have a real case of melophobia, try it out!
By Elijah Cromwell
Famous rapper, Eminem has recently released a new song, titled “Rap God”. However the title isn’t nearly as controversial as some of the lyrics. In this very lengthy, six minute song, the rapper seems to be venting; taking very clear and angry digs at some of his fellow colleagues in the “rap game”. He talks about how he’s beginning to feel like a rap god, which is surprising to me because I was under the Impression that he always was one. In one of the lines in the song, Eminem talks about how rappers have been having a hard time in the business since he left, leading me to wonder if this song and the title was an indirect attack on Kanye West, who recently referred to himself in an interview as a God. Eminem, also known as Slim Shady because of his infamous song “My Name Is”, went on in the song to say that him and other rappers have nothing in common. According to him,
Mac Miller By Samantha Stansbury
other rappers are poodles and he’s a doberman. He orders other rappers to pay homage to him and all that he’s done in the rap industry. There’s no denying that Eminem is a great rapper. He has broken a lot of records and set the bar high for other rappers, but I feel like he really set himself back with this record. Through out the whole song, between the insults and attacks on other rappers, Eminem was basically just blurting out random words that were catchy, taking your mind off the fact that the whole song was him throwing a little temper tantrum. In my opinion, I think he got a little butt hurt when he realized that other rappers were no longer calling him to hop on their records. And yet and still, he saw their careers blossoming while he was sitting on his couch, watching them and more than likely cursing them out behind his tv screen. To me, this song sounds like the
rant of a middle-aged, psychopath, who is currently going through a midlife crisis after taking a long hard look in the mirror and realizing that when people look back on his career, they see a man who spent the entirety of his rap career whining about how cruel the world was to him and and how his mommy didn’t love him enough. I’ve never been fond of Eminem, his nick name, or his music. I could never get through one of his songs without wanting to walk up to a complete stranger and blame them for all of my problems in life and then afterwards offer them a Prozac and some intense therapy to get over the wrath I would unleash on them. This song is perfect to listen to if you need a little encouragement to commit a crime or jump off of a bridge to get back at your mom for making you eat your vegetables. I think I’m just going to stick with my completely sane artists.
The independent and X-rated rapper, Mac Miller, is bringing his colorful vocabulary to Barnhill Stadium on November 7th. Courtesy of the University of Arkansas’ Office of Students’ Headliner Concerts Committee, the presentation is free to all U of A students, and fairly cheap to the public. The performance of his most recent album “Watching Movies with the Sound Off’ will be accompanied by the unique ballads of the alternative/indie rock band, The Neighbourhood. “Watching Movies with the Sound Off”, is Mac Miller’s second album, following the Billboard Chart topper “Blue Side Park.” In his new album, Miller exposes his deeper contemplations about life
and sets the mood with more serious undertones in songs like ‘The Star Room’. His retrospective lines aren’t without his usual joking though, incorporating his familiar vulgarity and humor in songs like ‘Avian’ and ‘Gees’. Taking a break from his routine rap style, Miller also channels his R&B side in songs like ‘Object in the Mirror’ and ‘Youforia’, proving the album has something for everyone. Mac Miller’s inclusion of different styles is matched with various featured artists like Tyler The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Odd Future, and Ab-Soul. The opening act of the concert will feature The Neighbourhood’s most popular single ‘Sweater Weather,’ along with other songs off their most recent
Eminem “Rap God” By Diamond Moore
album ‘I Love You’. The mix of Mac Miller’s and The Neighbourhood’s genres will create a concert with an unmatched and appealing aura that guarantees a good time.
Video games Through the Ages Elijah Cromwell
Entertainment Editor
What is it about video games that makes them so fun? Is it the captivating storylines, pulling you in like a good book, or is it the immersive technology that makes the game seem so life like that it’s like you’re playing someone else’s life? Today, video games are a big part of pop culture and play a major role in the average teenager’s life. But it wasn’t always this way. Early video games were obviously not as detailed and fulfilling as GTAV (Grand Theft Auto Five), but the release of them would soon revolutionize the way we entertain ourselves.
1958
The first video game to ever be invented, often mistaken for Pong, was Tennis for Two, a slower, more basic version of Pong. Created in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham, Tennis for Two was played on an oscilloscope, which is a type of electronic test instrument that allows observation of constantly varying signal voltages. Many today don’t consider this to even be a video game, but for the sake of technicality, we’ll say that it is because you are using a computer to play a game. However, this sparked the imagination of many other scientists, inspiring them to build their own inventions.
1972
After many generations of game making, the gaming industry became more organized and orderly. Games stopped being played on giant machines and began being played in wooden cabinets, hence the dawn of the arcade. In 1972, Pong was finally created, and with it, several competitors. By that time, entire companies had been constructed singularly for the production of video games. Large corporations such as Nintendo, Atari, Midway, Namco, Williams Co and countess others began to dominate the market on teenage entertainment with games like Donkey Kong, Pacman, Centipede and Defender. Teenagers quite often found themselves spending excessive amounts of money at arcades in order to top the highscore and reign supreme over games that now seem silly and basic. But with the expansion of arcade games, came the idea of a new kind of game. One you only had to pay for once.
continued on next page.
a&e
11.05.13
Time For A Fashion Change Blair Parson
News Editor
If the cold weather and pumpkin flavored everything hasn’t tipped you off, then maybe there new fall styles will. This season, designers express the many moods of fall with skillfully arranged collections of clothing that will enhance and enlighten customers’ outlooks as the colder months set in. Just as the leaves change in fall, so will the color pallets that go with this season. The colors can range from a multifaceted Emerald, to a linden green brightening even the darkest of fall day. Pairing either one with a Mykonos blue would give a bolder look to an
already sophisticated outfit. If you’re going for a more dramatic statement, go for a dazzling Samba red or even Koi, a decorative and shimmering orange. Paired with a deep Acai purple, add a touch of mystery to a brightly colored outfit. With all seasons come the “Do’s and Don’ts” of fashion. A statement-making outerwear is a must; think bold furs and cool leathers. Do not experiment with various lengths and textures; go simple while rocking those outerwear pieces. Embrace the classic prints of a simple plaid or a vertical line! These fabrics lend a chic and professional touch to your outfits. Do not bring floral themes into fall, save those for spring! Choose weather-
Fall Recipes Blair Parson
News Editor
appropriate staples such as chunky knits, jeans, and jackets that make sense in fall. This means tuck all those booty shorts away! Trust me, no one wants to see you in shorts, a hoodie, and Ugg boots, you’ll look ridiculous. Leather can be sporty, edgy or downright womanly depending on how its styled. Go for a colored leather piece every once a while. Do not try an allleather outfit unless you’re into that whole biker-babe look. Another great thing about seasonal changes, is of course, shopping; the only thing that can make the allergies bearable. If you want to spice up your fall wardrobe try visiting Francesca’s, Mason’s, or American Eagle! Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll find some great sales!
Foreign music jumps across the pond Elijah Cromwell
Entertainment Editor
Oreo Caramel Dipped Apples -5 apples -wooden stick -1pkg. Kraft caramel -wax paper -2 Tbsp. water -food coloring -12 oreo cookies, coarsely chopped -1 oz. Baker’s White Chocolate -Yellow and red food coloring
1.) Insert wooden popsicle stick into stem end of each apple 2.) Cook caramel and water in saucepan on medum-low heat until caramel is completeley melted. Stir frequantly
3.) Dip apples in caramel, then spoon enough of the remaining caramel over the apples until completleley coated 4.) Roll in chopped cookies, pressing cookies genty into caramel to secure
5.) place on waxed-papercovered baking sheet and let stand for 25 minutes 6.) Melt chocolate as directed on package 7.) Stir in 4 drops of yellow and 1 drop of red food coloring 8.) Drizzle over the apples and let stand for 10 minutes
I think I speak for many when I say that we all remember last school year’s favorite musical meme, “Gangnam Style”. It was for a time, and probably still is, an incredibly influential song for America’s pop culture and teenage society. But Psy, the creator of “Gangnam Style”, wasn’t the first to accomplish such a feat, and he certainly won’t be the last. A good example of some earlier popular foreign music would be AC/ DC. Not many people realize it, but this iconic rock n’ roll band is actually Australian. This applies to several other bands as well, such as Led Zeppelin, Coldplay, ADELE, Mumford & Sons, Daft Punk, and even Rihanna. Each of these artists have left a giant dent on the face of America’s popular music. Of course, AC/DC was not the first band to introduce foreign music to us, but trying to date back to the very first one would take us all the way back to when we first migrated here from Europe in 1492. All of our music is technically foreign except for Native American music if you think about it. It all derives from foreign roots anyway. But that doesn’t exactly tell us why we like modern music from other countries. So why do we? Truthfully, there is no answer. But personally, I think that most other foreign artists today are no longer trying to appeal to audiences within their own countries, but actually trying to appeal to us. America is not only the richest country in the entire world, but we also have quite a lot of people who can afford new music. So that leaves us with only one question left to answer. What does the fox say?
Video games through the ages continued 1972
Later in 1972, Magnavox created the very first console video game station, the Magnavox Odyssey. But console games wouldn’t become popular until Atari would preach it’s answer to the Odyssey, with it’s release of the Atari 2600 in 1980. From that point, video games would begin to evolve into more than just something to do after school. Game stations like the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and the Sega Genesis began molding video games into something much more intriguing with new stories and graphic advantages. Games like Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog and Megaman were released with new and improved graphic functions and gameplay outlines. This helps to better capture the player in the in-game universe and protrude the ideas and meaning behind the game.
1983
In 1983, Nintendo released the first ever portable game device, the GameBoy. This small yet ingeniousl new creation allowed players take their games with them wherever they went, making their connection with the game much more intimate and personal. Nintendo would later release several other handheld systems such as the GBC (GameBoy Color) and GBA (GameBoy Advance), dominating that spectrum of the market with game series like Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda. Sony would later enter the competition with its PSP (Playstation Portable), and bring a new playing field to the market. This would allow Sony to sell knock off versions of their original PSX, PS2 and PS3 games like the Crash Bandicoot reboot, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, and Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, increasing their popularity as a game company and putting them ahead in the game.
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Thunder Vibes: Our Muse
Elijah Cromwell Entertainment Editor
Today, our ears matter more to us than our eyes. Today, we hold closer our imaginative wanderings and ideas than our priorities and our obligations. We connect over things that in an outsider’s eyes would seem insignificant and minuscule. Things that we and we alone understand and even then we do in our own specific ways. So what is it about music that intrigues us so? What is it that compels us to devote so much time to this wonderful experience of stigmatic, emotional expression? And just what is it that inspires us to carry on such a defining legacy as being a musician. For most of us, it’s the meaning behind the lyrics. We search valiantly for things that we can relate to so that we feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. An idea we want to support. A moral value or belief maybe. Something that ties our souls to a concept that we agree upon or possibly even convinces us that we could have been wrong, for there is another perspective to see things through. Sometimes we listen for new experiences that our ears particularly enjoy. A certain guitar lick, a perfect bash on the snare drum, or even that moment of silence where you think that the song is over… but then it hastily sets back in motion and creates an aura that not even I can describe. We all have those specific little kinks that we enjoy, and the songs that induce them will forever be engraved in our hearts. We make sure to wring the juicy flavors of sound out of them until we’ve tasted every last note, and then keep squeezing. Sometimes we wander into the vast plains of our imaginations and find things that we never even knew we could come up with. Letting our creative sides take control can send us traveling into uncharted dimensions where we can freely speak what we want and not have to worry about those who oppose it. Let loose. Let your opus fly free in the outside world once in a while and who knows? You may find yourself as the one stirring the hearts of others, pleasing ears in ways unheard of.
CURRENT
At this point in time, video games were seen as pretty flipping awesome, so not many people expected any kinds of major improvements. With so many consoles made and each with an entire arsenal of games, what more could people ask for? Well how about the ability to play games over the internet with far away friends through their consoles (Microsoft’s Xbox Live)? Or what about touch-screen game play abilities (Nintendo DS)? Or maybe even motion sensing controls (Nintendo Wii)? Don’t like having a game controller or having push buttons? Microsoft can fix that too (Xbox 360 Kinect). Granted these aren’t major components of gaming, but it’s the little things that make the biggest differences. With such improvements, video games would soon grow to become the amazing and incredibly detailed works of art that they are seen as today.
opinion
11.05.13
Social media desensitizes public Elijah Cromwell
A&E Editor Today, the material we receive through the mass media is becoming increasingly profane in comparison to what used to be acceptable by society. In 2010, the amount of adult content on TV had skyrocketed since 2005. During this year’s Video Music Awards, Miley Cyrus wore a semi-nude outfit and choreographed one of the most sexually comprised performances in pop culture history. It is also widely accepted today for parents to influence their children with adult content at an earlier age. Obviously, there are people who have problems with these concepts, but “back in the day,” they would have never even been considered as something you could publicly impose. Looking back on television history, it never used to be as curt and unnecessarily obscene as it is today. With shows all across the spectrum, from the gory “Walking Dead,” to the dramatic “Switched at Birth,” to the scatological “MAD,” the content that we as viewers receive has grown much more obtuse. More shows nowadays utilize cursing and swearing more than ever before, whether it be for dramatic effect or for intense comedy. That being said, we as young adults are much more exposed to such behaviors. Just think of what will be on TV by the time our children are our age.
Another area of the mass media that widely affects us is the content of music. This probably affects us even more so, considering the amount of music we hear. We hear it on the radio, we hear it from our friends, and we even hear it from some of our role models. Music is always around us, and without the necessity of being at home on the couch; it becomes much easier to receive the increasingly explicit content within today’s music. There are countless numbers of musical artists that put out explicit material in their music. I’m not just talking about the occasional h-e-doublehockey sticks or sugar-honey-iced-tea. I mean full on songs about having sex, entire musical collections on how cool it is to sag your pants, disrespect others in the name of so called “originality,” or wave a gun around in someone else’s face like it doesn’t mean anything. And the worst part is that most of us like it. We think, “Well if those guys think it’s cool, I should too!” Instead of empowering and supporting these concepts, why are we as a generation not improving them? Why are we not exuding dignity and courteousness and integrity and all the other things that demonstrate exceptional character? Surely we can produce a higher caliber status quo for what’s “cool.” I believe so at least. As soon as we start to take the initiative to adjust things for the better, we can start living in a more profound, esteemed society. And it all starts with you.
Can I get fries with that?:
A bubbly love affair
Riegen Anderson Co-Editor
Homecoming week lacks spirit Avery Mackey
Reporter
As homecoming week came to a close, I wondered why we did not have spirit week. Homecoming is one of the biggest parts of the fall semester, and spirit week should be held during homecoming week. Instead, spirit week is during the week of the Springdale football game. There is no reason for this, as the Springdale game has become an annual win for the Wildcat football team. In fact, we have not lost to our hometown rival Springdale since the first year of Har-Ber’s existence. Don’t you
think that the homecoming game is now more important than the Springdale game? Homecoming is supposed to be a big deal, but instead, it felt like it had been just another week. I would have liked for my senior homecoming to feel at least a little important. It’s not a big deal to me personally, but I’m sure there are a lot of people who it means a lot to. The week would be a lot more fun if we had things like America Monday, Twin Tuesday, and White Trash Wednesday. Both Fayetteville High School and Bentonville High School had their spirit weeks during the week leading up to
homecoming. I feel like they made the right decision. When you think about it, Homecoming may be the biggest nonsport part of the fall semester, and there is no reason to not have spirit week for this occasion. I understand that Springdale is our cross-town rival, but don’t you think Har-Ber has a few bigger games than the Bulldogs? If they want to keep it during the week of the Springdale game, they could just have more than one spirit week. Next year, I feel like the people in charge of this should think more about when they schedule the spirit week.
spirit week themes Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: ‘Merica Crayola Wake Up Mathlete/ Monday Wednesday Athlete
Elizabeth Harp
My Harmless Addiction
To Coffee: Wanted: Missing Mermaid
Co-Editor
I step into the hot pool within my own bathroom one foot at a time, though I’m so anxious I could practically dive in. The moisture excites my Pisces soul as my heart swims in my chest at the joy of the total immersion as I slip in once again. As my body slides into place amidst the familiar warm water, only contained by the cheap plastic walls of a bathtub that know me so well, I feel at home again. A bath, to me, is quiet pleasure that brings me back every night, the ritual that I often daydream of as I nod off in class, and the activity that I’ll miss most when I’m off attending college. In that tub, I feel cleansed and refreshed. I feel like the “Bath time Belladonna,” the “Bathtub Baroness,” a “Shampoo Sultan,” and often, like a “Missing Mermaid.” I don’t have to be swimming, splashing water, or playing around to enjoy myself, though I do love doing so.
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Friday: White Out
Simply wading is all it takes to ease a wounded heart and my worried mind. The water and I are one. In that moment I am free, I am fluid, and I am fearless. Growing up, I was scared and insecure. At pool parties I kept my tomboy-ish clothes on and never jumped in. I was meek and mild, ever yearning for the splash against my smiling face as the chill grabbed my scrawny legs and pulled me under. In the quiet of my own steamed over bathroom, I find that same satisfaction. Droplets of water rolling over each other and my own skin are the only focus I have. Their rhythmic drip dropping rings new in my ears. I am like a child, still naïve and discovering myself. My eyes are wide and my heart is open, and I am vulnerable in the most wonderful kind of way. I feel like the kite who got away; I am redefined and up to my own interpretation. I feel as if I’m erasing my novel; I’m due for rewriting and editing, and can be anything I want. My heart has never been so full and content as it is when I’m again alone with the water.
Twisting open the cap, a wave of relief washes over me as I hear the familiar fizz from my beloved beverage companion. We’ve been through hell and back, but I’ve always trusted this bubbly brew to pick me up. We met years ago, and I can confidently admit that it has become a permanent part of my life. I was a mere seven years old, swinging my feet merrily as I ate my cheeseburger (with only pickle of course) happy meal while sitting with my family. I had chugged all of the water in my cup, which was way too small, and had gotten up to get a refill. As I walked to the soda fountain machine, I decided that I wanted to try something new. I knew that water was extremely healthy for you and all of that jazz, but I craved something different. And that’s when I saw it, perched upon the soda fountain, outstretching its hand in greeting. It introduced itself to me and I knew instantly that this was the start of a beautiful relationship. Mesmerized by its black and red face, which sat upon a gray complexion, I proceeded to fill my cup, which was still too small, with my new acquaintance’s product. It didn’t have to do much to convince me, for after taking my first sip, I was instantly hooked. The bubbly feeling that erupted in my stomach then raced its way up to my heart, flowing throughout my entire being, giving me an overwhelming sense of completion. I didn’t know it then, but that first drink would impact my life in ways I had never imagined. As the years passed and we both matured, we had our fair share of ups and downs. From fights with friends to bad grades on tests, my longtime comrade never left my side, offering me comfort and a tasty drink at the same time. It kept me company during late night study sessions and attempted “all-nighters” after purchasing the latest Call of Duty video game. But upon entering high school, I began to slowly see the distance being created between us. I discovered new temptations, like Powerade Zero, who had slithered its way into my life, consuming my every drink. I watched, helpless, as my oldest friend slowly faded into the background. I proceeded to go the next few years without seeing my former sidekick, except for a handful of times. It wasn’t until recently that I found my way back to my first companion. It was sitting in my fridge, for I had purchased it just a few days prior. As I left for school, I stopped by the fridge, plucked it from its slumber, and slipped it into my backpack. A few hours later, I pulled it from my backpack and twisted the cap open, taking the first sip. It was in that sip that I finally remembered everything that I cherished. Diet Coke. My first friend, and oldest companion. We had found our way back to each other, through all of the twists and turns that we call life. It was during this reunion that I was reminded of the famous quote from “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Steven Chbosky’s timeless novel. “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”
opinion
10
11.05.13
Don’t bag on the label Fight over
iar with this ‘brown bag’ practice, being a white person and therefore a racist.” After reading this, I proceeded to do my research, and found out that there was an actual thing called a “brown bag test” that was used by many throughout the 20th century. Apparently, it was traditionally used to judge skin color by certain African-American sororities and fraternities. They would hang a brown bag on the door to their establishment, and an individual was darker than the brown bag, they would not be admitted. So let me get this straight. There are Riegen Anderson some African Americans who are racist to Co-editor other African Americans, and yet no one can say “brown bag.” That makes perfect I thought we had moved past this old sense. battle. An issue long fought over, and To add to it, Seattle is also asking long ago resolved, seems to still haunt workers to refer to citizens as “residents,” our culture in ways both understandable, as to not offend those who aren’t legal yet often ridiculous. citizens living in Seattle. I have never fully realized the public’s I can’t help but laugh at this. While I sensitivity towards issues of race, even understand that many illegal “residents” after all this time. have jobs and are working hard, I don’t The Office for Civil Rights in Seattle, see how being called a citizen could be Washington, has recently begun asking offensive in the least! government workers to refrain from callWe are viewing those who live in this ing their bring-your-own-lunch meetings, country illegally as legal citizens. Maybe “brown bag lunch meetings” as it may be it’s just me, but I can’t seem to find the offensive to some people. insult there. My favorite columnist Jim Treacher, Are we going to have to change the who I agree with, stated, “I was unfamilname of combs or eyeglasses now, as to
“brown bag” turns silly
not offend those who are bald or blind? Is this what the U.S. has come to? Must we call “foul” every time our feelings are hurt or someone says something that we don’t like? Today, when people, such as myself, use the term “brown bag,” we aren’t using it as a racial slur, or to discriminate against others of a different skin color. People have apparently forgotten that perhaps we’re using it as a bag that we put food in. I don’t understand our society today. Everything is a race issue, with civil right’s groups just waiting for any opportunity to throw out the “race card.” You can probably offend an inanimate object if you tried hard enough. I personally think we have public leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton to thank for this, who are right in fighting for equality, but often drag the dirty politics into the mix as well. As Americans, we need to drop the kindergarten antics and grow up for once. This country wasn’t created just to be split into different groups and point fingers at each other because of varying skin colors. If that’s the case, let’s just get rid of the entire color spectrum all together, that way, there is no way that any human or even extraterrestrial could ever be offended.
, Mom
Holidays lose meaning
Elizabeth Harp
Between stuffing our faces, screaming Co-editor at referees’ bad calls through the television screen, and fighting tooth and nail The cool winds and changing leaves of in the dead of night over half price boots, October greet me with a slew of adverwhen do we schedule in time to be thanktisements for pumpkin spice coffee, ginful for what we have? gerbread flavored everything, and even By the time Christmas comes around, Christmas decorations. we’ve already seen Christmas decorations That’s right, the old school tale of in various Wal-Marts and K-Marts for Christmas in August grows more realistic over two months. as the commercialization of a once special Holly, garland, gold accents, giant holiday rips the meaning from its core. Christmas trees, eggnog dusted with Thanksgiving was once a holiday filled nutmeg, and presents piled to the ceilings with gratefulness and time spent being are some of the things that come to mind happy for what you have. Now filled with when we think about Christmas. Is that the lingering scent of gluttony in the air, I really what this day is all about? The day beg for an answer to the question, “What that is oh-so-important, or it so seems by will our children think Thanksgiving is the massive build up? actually all about?” For most families, the day begins with Commercials displaying big families children anxious to tear into presents, digging into huge piles of food flicker followed by huge meals, and traveling to across the tv between plays of Thanksgiv- visit all of the family only to receive more gifts and shove our faces everywhere we ing football games. go. But I know that this holiday’s meanWomen wait patiently to leave late at night and wait in long lines to battle it out ing is subjective. To many, it’s about the celebration over Black Friday sales. of the birth of Jesus, but to many other
families it is all about spending time with those that you love and showing them your love through gifts. But these gifts aren’t to be self-chosen. Many people go into the holiday with expectations and standards for gifts yet to be received and are only disappointed when they look into that unwrapped box to see a sweater and socks instead of the brand new iPad. Gifts from loved ones are not meant to be chosen by you. They are supposed to be sentimental. To know that when they saw that one thing, they thought about you and spent their money on you. I hate to be cliché, but it’s time to get back to the basics. For a lot of seniors who are soon to be headed off to college and leaving the nest, these are our last holidays to spend with our families while still living at home. Holidays after this will be different. Let’s spend this last one the way we should have spent them all: without expectations, giving thanks, and just taking time to soak in these precious moments
WERE SAYING “YO, WHERE’S JACOB’S COLUMN? I LOVE THAT DUDE, SON, HE SMELLS GREAT.” AND OTHER PEOPLE WERE SAYING, “YO JACOB? I DON’T LIKE THAT DUDE.” WELL I’M BACK. There’s a topic I was hoping to address over the past few months. Something that’s been occupying my mind, and I feel like it’s something that we can all relate to. I know that a lot of quirky girls say it as a joke to show off their super unique sense of humor on social networks, but I doubt that they’ve devoted as much thought process to it as yours truly: why is food so much better than people? I feel like it’s not even a close competition. Human interaction really has nothing against food. You know who’s a great listener? Pizza. All pizza can do is listen (they can’t talk, see.) You know who won’t steal your car? A medium-rare steak. You know who can’t say no when you ask them to prom, even though you already bought the suit and rented the limo, and now mom’s really upset because she thinks her son is a loser? Ice cream. Ice cream will go to prom to you. And you’ll definitely get lucky at the end of the night. Just think about it. Why do people go on dinner dates? Do you think guys go on dinner dates to hear some airheaded girl talk about why her and Monica are in a
huge fight, because she saw Monica with Todd at the park and they were, like, so totally holding hands? No way. There’s a meal involved. And who cares if you’re paying for it, THERE’S A MEAL INVOLVED. Or how about this, ladies? Do you really go to dinner with some sweaty, panicked teenager because they might produce a strong offspring? Of course not. They said, “Wanna go talk over pizza sometime?” But all you heard was “Want to watch me talk while you eat pizza for free?” Maybe I’m diluted, but that’s how I would look at it. To all my fellas locked in a relationship saying, “Jacob, you can’t cuddle with a batch of brownies,” you’re wrong. You couldn’t be more wrong. Anyone who says that you can’t cuddle with a batch of brownies hasn’t tried to cuddle with a batch of brownies. A batch of brownies could very well be the easiest thing to cuddle with. A batch of brownies doesn’t care that you didn’t shower, or didn’t brush your teeth. What’s better, they won’t talk-- perfect for when you want to watch a movie in peace. So, reader, I hope you consider what I’ve said, what points I’ve conveyed. If there’s something that I can leave you with it’s this: sure, you need human interaction to stay sane, but if you don’t eat, you’ll die. Choose wisely.
The Lounge with Jacob Benson: The fight between food and man
Jacob Benson
Opinion Editor
WHAT’S UP, WORLD? I’M BACK. I DIDN’T HAVE A COLUMN FOR THE LAST EDITION OF THE HAR-BER HERALD. I KNOW ALL OF MY FANS
What is your favorite comfort food?
“Chocolate with caramel. ” “Any kind of pizza.” -Autumn Buckmaster, 10 -Isaiah Coleman, 11
“Gummy Bears.” -Alec Harrison 12
“Any kind of chocolate.” -Anna Fisk, 12
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Never sugar coated: Black outs
Blair Parson
News Editor
Most black outs dealing with high school students are caused by drinking, drugs, or other idiotic endeavors. Mine on the other hand, are caused by some weird little brain impulse that never turns out well. Before every seizure I have I completely black out before and after for about ten minutes. In these ten minutes I have no idea what’s going on, I may be texting or giving a presentation in front of the class. These black outs are not thanks to a delightful fruity drink that makes you a little tipsy. They’re thanks to the stress and lack of sleep brought on by a not-so-delightful load of homework. My memory leaves me for at least a good 30 minutes during these socalled “episodes”, I am unable to recall even the slightest detail from memory. People always ask, “What is it like?” or “How do you handle it?” The only answer I can give is “I don’t know!” I am completely unconscious during my seizures. The only thing I can hope for is to wake up without a concussion. After finally waking up out of my head- splitting haze I only have one question, “What on earth happened?” Of course I knew I had a seizure, with the signature headache, sore muscles, and concerned expression on my mother’s face. The things I need to know are when, where and who was there. Blacking out is of course scary, but its apart of my life and my horrible medical record. Hopefully no one else knows what blacking feels like on a regular basis, and if you do, I wish you the best of luck and a soft place to land.
The Har-Ber Herald Staff 2012-2013 Elizabeth Harp Co-Editor Riegen Anderson Co-Editor Blair Parson News Editor Ashlynn Mayes Features Editor Aly Shuster Sports Editor Jacob Benson Opinion Editor Elijah Cromwell Entertainment Editor Andrea Montes Business & Circulation Manager Reporters Samantha Stansbury Macey Martinez Ryne Fletcher Jakob Garcia Diamond Moore Katie Jones Avery Mackey Cidnie Lewis Designers Kasie Wade Hayden Gadberry Karla Sprague Adviser
The Har-Ber Herald is written and designed by the journalism class. All opinions stated in The Har-Ber Herald are not necessarily the views of The Har-Ber Herald or HBHS. Letters To The Editor are welcome and appreciated. Letters are to be between 200-300 words long and must be signed. They can be hand delivered to room A-216, e-mailed to ksprague@ sdale.org, or placed in the Letters To The Editor box in the Library/Media Center. Names can be withheld upon request.
sports
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11.05.13
SPORTS BRIEFS
page 5
football Highlights: Against the Mounties: Senior quarterback Kyle Pi analto and senior receiver Gus Vitt’s connection against the Mounties was good for 55 yards – the longest such play in 7A/6A West this season. The offensive line was unstoppable. The boys will play their final conference game against the Springdale Bulldogs on the away side on November 8th.
volleyball
Har-Ber Band faces struggles at competition
The volleyball team traveled to state this past week. The girls won their first round, but were beat in 3 out of 5 sets by Bentonville on Wednesday. Congrats to the girls for a job well done and a strong season finish!
basketball Basketball starts off their 2013-2014 season on November 16th with a home game against Huntsville, following it up on November 19th with a home game against Farmington.
Blair Parson
News Editor
Senior Madison Knipe’s heart sank as she looked down just in time to see Senior Tabitha Lewis’s foot colliding with hers, causing her to fall backwards during the Northwest Arkansas Invitational Marching Classic at Siloam Springs. “During contest I fell because Tabitha stepped on my foot while I was back marching, which made her almost go down with me, but instead I went down,” said Knipe. However she did not let this small mishap affect her marching throughout the rest of the competition. Knipe kept her head up and did not let anything else shake her concentration.
Sports Editor
Between being the “leaders” of the school and dealing with the overwhelming task of deciding where to go and what to do for the next leg of their lives, seniors don’t seem to get nearly the amount of credit they deserve. However, there is a special night dedicated to recognizing the leaders of the school; Senior Night. Among the organizations that will be recognized on this special night are football members, band members, and the cheer and dance teams. For senior Anna Hudgeons, Senior Night is a huge honor and is greatly
cross country Highlights: Sophomore Elise Reina took the title of conference champ for cross-country. The boys’ cross-country team was the conference runner-up. Congrats to our runners on a job well done!
Sports Rotunda1 Greg Almonte Senior
Zack Vaughn Senior
Carter Mcdonald
Parachute
Flag football
Football
Favorite sports app
ESPN Scorecenter
ESPN
Deer Hunter 2014
Should the redskins change their name
No
No
No
Washington Tigers
Washinton Wildcats
Red Wolves
College Basketball
Razorback Games
NFL Games
Junior
Favorite game in P.E.
Favorite sports event to attend
a lot of competition,” said Senior Molly Spaeth. Conway, a new entry this year, won first place at Siloam Springs. “I think that Conway did a good job on their show and I am happy for them. However in my opinion, their show didn’t match up to ours difficulty wise,” said Spaeth. This upset of a new entry winning seemed well deserved, but some may have found others more deserving. “They’re a good band but their show, in my opinion, didn’t match up to ours. We knew going into competition that they were a very talented group with high expectations like us, “ said Knipe. Despite the hardships faced in the preliminaries the Wildcat band pulled off a hard earned third place at Siloam Springs.
Senior Night: It’s a Date Aly Shuster
What would their new name be
“You just have to get back up and have confidence to finish the show, “ said Knipe The key to a good show is to fix your mistakes and try not to make any more. “I tried to focus on the show after what happened,” said Lewis. Knipe and Lewis were not the only ones who has mistakes during this difficult performance. “There were multiple individual errors and very nervous feet throughout the whole band,” said Knipe. After years of success, the Wildcat Band was taken down a notch, coming in third at the Northwest Arkansas Invitational Marching Classic in Siloam Springs. “I feel like we had some trouble during the preliminaries, but came back and did our best for finals. We got third, but we had a very difficult show and there was
looked forward to. “It’s an honor to be recognized for making it through every year of school,” said Hudgeons. “Our senior class is a great class and Friday is going to be a special night.” Hudgeons will be recognized during halftime on Senior Night along with the rest of the senior marching band members for her placement as head drum major, among many other great achievements made throughout her high school career. Senior dance team member and clarinet drill captain July Emery will be recognized not once, but twice for her leadership and hard work in school. “It feels awesome to know that people will realize I’m in both,”
said Emery. “I hope I can be an inspiration to younger students that you can do more than one activity.” Senior football player Timmy Faubus holds bittersweet feelings for Senior Night. “It sucks knowing it’s my senior year and I’m missing most of it because of an injury,” explains Faubus. “I’ve looked forward to it ever since I started playing football in fourth grade, and now I’m missing out.” Despite his inability to participate, Senior Night is still an important night in Faubus’ opinion. “Seniors, for the most part, have been in their programs the longest and put a lot of work and time into the program, so it’s a big deal.” However, not all seniors share that view. “It’s just another football game to me,” said senior football player Sain Mathew. Mathew expressed his disappointment of one of the many things Senior Night stood for - the end of the senior’s last football season. “I just feel sick, honestly,” said Mathew. “What I’ve basically dedicated my whole life to is almost Anna Chancellor Anthony Caldera- over. It’s actually pretty frightening.” Junior Sophomore Senior Night drives all seniors to reflect on their beginning weeks of the current year. Some seniors look Tag Basketball back fondly, while others have a few regrets. “I was able to become a leader this year,” said Hudgeons. “As the oldest in school, sophomores and juniors, No Comment College Football especially in band, look up to me as a role model. I love helping out kids who were in the same position I was my sophomore year.” Mathew has few regrets. “I really No No wish I wouldn’t have injured my shoulder, and I wish I would have taken off-season more seriously. I feel like I could have had a better season.” Growling Warriors Guppies Despite these reservations, Mathew feels like his senior year is already off to a great start. “I feel like we [the football Basketball College team] did good, and we’ve worked Football hard. We just have to push ourselves harder if we want to win it all.”
sports
12
11.05.13
Hall to the Hogs
page 5
My snips don’t lie: Making Waves
Aly Shuster
Defensive end commits to UofA Katie Jones
D
reporter
uring the 2011 NFL draft, the Houston Texans picked J.J. Watt as number 99 to propel their defense line into full gear. This 24-year-old defensive end weighs in at 289 lbs. and was the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Along with holding many achievements in his career, Watt is senior Jake Hall’s role model. Hall, defensive end and fullback for the Wildcats, is focused on the final two conference games of the season, one against Fayetteville Nov. 1 and one against Springdale Nov. 8, but this future Razorback has bright lights in his future. Hall and his parents Jeff and Heather Hall met with Razorback head coach Bret Bielema and formally committed to the Hogs Oct. 27. Prior to his commitment, he and his family met with Coach Bielema to discuss his football future and the role he will serve with the Hogs. “My scholarship and a place to play for the Razorbacks is a great opportunity I’ve gotten from football,” said Hall. “It all just means a lot to me.” Coach Bielema found Hall’s work ethic on the field very impressive, and efforts to find a spot for him on the team ensued. After meeting with Coach Bielema, Hall shared the news of his commitment with his high school coaches. “I texted Coach Wood and Coach Moreland first to tell them the news. I was just really excited,” said Hall. Hall’s football career started in the 3rd grade, and then became more serious when he was in middle school. Playing defense is the more physical side of playing football, and I like hitting people. It comes from having a warrior mentality,” he said. This warrior mentality improved as he played football through the program
Player Stats
Solo Tackles: 19 Total Tackles: 50 Tackles Per Game: 6.3
Committed to Arkansas 10/27/13 at the Springdale Youth Center. Now this 6’6” lineman uses his 240 pound physique to power through opponents’ offensive lines and prove that he is one of the top defensive linemen in the 7A Conference. Despite the Wildcats going into the final two conferences games of the season with a 3-2, the Hall and the Wildcat defense must step up their game. “Our team has to come out swining from the start,” he said of the defense’s lackluster performance against conference opponent Rogers, where the Wildcats fell to the Mounties 59-42. Hall and the team work side by side to complete their task which results in a successful run or as the Cats head into the playoffs. The defensive line coach Travis Moreland has worked with Hall for three years. Coach Moreland describes Hall as a quiet and great individual, but on the field he finds his inner fire. “Jake Hall has desire, passion, a tremendous work ethic, and is one of those players coaches just dream of,” said Coach Moreland. Hall is a huge contributor to the football team, pushing them all to work harder each game. Fellow defensive lineman Ricky Dobbins, a junior, has experienced a lot
of playing time with Hall and he finds “greatness ahead” for his teammate Hall’s future. “He is a great athlete who works hard, which makes me work hard,” said Dobbins. Although sophomore football player, Treyton Baker, has only played with Hall for one year, he finds colossal inspiration from Hall. “Jake has massive footwork and amazing hand coordination. He really has tough shoes to fill when he is gone. I hope to be as good as him one day,” said Baker. Overall, Hall has impressed and inspired many. From coaches to fellow players, his hard work at practice and on the field has paid off. Hall’s parents, who are Razorback season ticket-holders are just as excited and supportive to Hall for his upcoming spot on the Razorback’s football team. After Hall’s last play of the season, fans will see him off to the Southeasten Conference to play with other elite college players. Until that departure, Hall will continue to work with great determination with the football team. Hall is locking in his focus to the upcoming game against Fayetteville. “We are not backing down,” he said. “And we will prove them [Fayetteville]
“Jake Hall has
desire, passion, tremendous work ethic, and is one of those players coaches dream of.”
Weekdays are the worst for me. I sit around idle, a dark cover over me, destroying any happy mood I might have otherwise. The sun is blocked from my view, and I feel like a fish out of water in this place. The cold season is my bane, and I fear it approaching. I only want to be on the water, feeling the sun beat down on my back. I want to see my summer friends again, and race and glide over the waves. When the weekend hits during the warm season, with crystal skies and searing temperatures, my mood is lifted. I finally shed that dreaded shell and prepare for my weekend under the burning sun while skimming over the refreshing waters of Beaver Lake. It always takes so much longer than I can bear to reach the lake. This is where I come alive. There is nothing I love more than to shoot over the surface of the water at top speed. There are no yellow or white lines I have to stay between - my only bounds are the sandy shores and towering bluffs that surround my territory. When I am out here, I constantly whirr with my freedom and excitement. I chase after others like me and we race, sometimes with a clear destination or finish in mind and other times without. Sometimes we form groups and show off our own tricks, kicking up fierce waves and splashing each other cooling off while showing off. I am devastated when it all comes to an end. Sunday evenings take away the lake, take away my freedom, and by the time I get home, all I have left of the lake are memories and grime from the waters near the boat ramp. I return back home, back to Springdale, where the gloomy, restricting cover returns, keeping my spirits repressed and trapped within its shadow. But under this cover, the real me shines, waiting to return to the lake and sparkle under the sun. This is a story about how I am most like my jet ski.
- Coach Moreland
#worldseries
Phillip Cebuhar @PhillipCebuhar
10/30/13
Camden Scott
10/30/13
“The @Cardinals are still the best, most upright, classy, and best organization in all of baseball. Gonna die a fan! Great Season!” #2013
@CamScott18
“THE RED SOX ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 2013”
Jake Washkowiak @Jake_Washkowiak 10/30/13
“Cardinals have so much young yalent... they’ll be great for years to come. Can’t wait #GoCards”
Andrew davis @bigdddydavis_3
“Screw the sox.”
10/30/13
Sports Editor
Timmy Faubus
@timmyfaubus26
“Seems like everyone is a Boston fan right now...”
10/30/13
God @TheTweetofGod
10/30/13
Matt Garrison @MattGarrison8
10/30/13
Matt Kimbel @mattrkimbel
10/30/13
“...and now, back to football.”
“Big Papi!” #MVP
“Cardinals #12in14”