Ladue Panorama December 2011 Volume 60, Issue 4

Panorama

ladue horton watkins high schoolw1201 s. warson roadwst. louis, mo 63124wvolume 60 issue 4wdecember 9, 2011

Population jumps to 7 billion on Halloween

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LIght up the night Tilles Park opened its 26th annual Winter Wonderland Nov. 23. Winter Wonderland

features holiday light displays and can be seen by car or carriage ride. It is open until Jan. 1, 2012. (photo

by Elizabeth Ornitz)

HAOHANG XU —news writer

he birth of Danica May Camacho, who was dubbed the Philippines’ symbolic seven billionth person, began celebrations across the country Oct. 31. Simultaneously, festivities commenced in India, where officials chose seven newborns as their own “seven billionth” to celebrate the day when, according to the United Nations, the world’s population reached 7 billion.

“It was really exciting,” junior Abby Shapiro said. “I was with friends with the time counting down for the BBC to hit 7 billion.”

Continued on page 5

St. Louis International Film Festival holds 20th annual event 24000 attendees, 400 films, 11 days contenders, such “The Descendants” and “The Artist” to films

LEO DICERA EMILY BELL by up-and-coming filmmakers across the nation. The festival —a&e/features writer —editor in chief brought in thousands of guests throughout the area and nation.

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ore than 300 stories from 65 countries were told in thousands of hours of film at the St. Louis International Film Festival, Nov. 10-20.

“My favorite part is always the opportunity to bring in film makers and great films in conjunction with those filmmakers; the opportunity to not only see the film but to meet the makers,” executive director Cliff Froehlich said. “That’s what defines the festival.”

The festival showcased a variety of feature length films, documentaries and shorts--everything from this years Oscar

INSIDE

News

Hustle 4 Hunger page 2

“We are known as a regional festival. We serve the St. Louis region primarily, a 120 mile radius, Columbia, Springfield, farther away, Nashville, Chicago and places of that kind,” Froehlich said. “Mostly what our festival does is try and bring film [to] our people in St. Louis and give them that opportunity to experience world cinema, to experience cinema in a way that they wouldn’t be able to if the festival didn’t exist.

Organized by the non-profit film organization, Cinema St. Louis, the 20th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) screened at locations in the St. Louis area, including the Tivoli Theater in the Delmar Loop, the Landmark Cinema

A&E/ Features DueProv show page 9

at Plaza Frontenac, and Brown Hall at Washington University.

With over 300 films selected to be screened over 450 times, this was one of its largest festivals to date, receiving 1,400 submissions from filmmakers.

“When an independent filmmaker deals with a subject that I find interesting they usually do so in an incredibly original and in-depth manner. I appreciate the artistry and thought that goes into making an independent film,” art teacher Michelle Graf said.

Of the more than 1,000 shorts that were submitted, only 150 made the cut, while of the 150 films submitted for both the documentary and feature film categories, only 24 and ten pieces made it respectively.

Continued on page 24

Opinions

Sports

Snow days?

Hockey

page 15

page 22

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PANORAMA

NEWS

C U E

DECEMBER 9, 2011

DECA’s Hustle 4 Hunger charity race supports Jewish Food Pantry e

Ladu

The Talking Rams attended the Parkway West Invitational Oct. 29-30. Senior Emily Bell placed second in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking and junior Sarah Allen placed first in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Junior Harika Upadhyayula placed third in Original Oratory. Junior Collin Christner placed second in Humorous Interpretation.

Senior Sayli Sant placed second in Radio Speaking.

Seniors Xunyi Gao and Rebecca Langsman placed second in Regular Public Forum Debate and Derek Bergman and Bell placed second in Champion Public Forum Debate. Senior David Streid and sophomore Michael Figenshau placed second in Policy Debate.

Christner placed third in Regular Lincoln-Douglas debate.

The Mathletes attended the Excellence in Mathematics competition at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Nov. 12. The sophomore team, which consisted of Stella Schindler, Emily Chu, Shira Morosohk, Paige Hibbard and Lea Jarrett, won first place. Individually, Schindler took first place among the sophomores while Chu placed 6th. Freshman Christine Yan placed 10th individually in the freshmen division and junior Julia Smith placed 6th among juniors.

Sophomore Jialin Ding qualified as a U.S. delegate to the World Youth Chess Championship in Brazil this November. The winner of the tournament will be invited to the 2012 U.S. Championship and the 2011 World Junior Championship.

Seniors Bea Dageforde, Tamarah Patterson and Fred Sanders, juniors Samantha Shanker and Samantha Weil and sophomores David Bilger, Austin Cox and Nadia Duncan covered the Association of Career &Technical Education convention Nov. 21 and 25 and created a website, which includes video of events and an interview with the key note speaker for the convention, Sir Ken Robinson.

Race entry fees and raffle items raised $3,000 Some members of DECA classes were in charge of calling local business, including Starbucks and Noodles and Company, to ask for donations. Others created and hung flyers to provide students and staff with information about the event. They also ordered medals for the winners.

ECA classes teamed up to host the second Hustle 4 Noodles and Company donated food for the DECA volunHunger 5K race and fun run. The event took place Nov. teers and there was a concession stand that sold beverages and a 12 to raise money for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish variety of snacks for all participants and spectators. The profits Food Pantry. from auctioned items and money made from the concession “The four DECA classes worked cohesively under the stand also went to the Jewish Food Pantry. direction of the class officers who worked tirelessly for the last “I believe this year was a lot more successful than last year month to make it the success that it was,” junior and DECA because we had a lot of participants. We had a lot of businesses president Andy Cohen said. donating towards the cause, and we made $3,000 which is The race began in the south lot of the high school and ran $1000 more than we made last year,” senior Enrique Peralta through the Briarwood neighborhood. Students paid $15 to said. participate in the race. Sixty-five participants began the race at Each DECA class is required to plan a fundraising event that 11:30 a.m. and most finished by 2:30 p.m. Sophomore Drew gives back to the community. Past events include cookie sales, a Hutchens took first place and senior Phillip Soncasie and freshDECA barbecue and the Beat man Austin Burton followed the Affton car fundraiser durclosely behind. DECA raised We chose to raise money for the Jewish ing homecoming week. $3,000 from this event.

Food Pantry because it is a charity that In the upcoming semester The Harvey Kornblum JewDECA will participate in a ish Food Pantry currently helps most students are familiar with, and durpot luck lunch for all teachers 4,000 families each month, ing the holiday season the pantry’s needs and staff, which involves the reaching between 12,000are at its peak. teachers making meals with 15,000 men, women, and a winter theme for each other children who would otherwise -junior Addie O’Neill while the DECA students go hungry. The overall mission host, serve and clean up. This of the Food Pantry is to treat allows the teachers to relax and enjoy each others cooking while every client equally and with respect, while providing food, students do the dirty work. personal care items, and community resource referrals to help These events all help members gain practical experience that individuals and families weather difficult times. sets DECA students apart in school today and the work places “We chose to raise money for the Jewish Food Pantry tomorrow,” Cohen said. because it is a charity that most students are familiar with, and Although the club started the year off with a new advisor, during the holiday season the pantry’s needs are at its peak,” students rose to the challenge and made Hustle 4 Hunger a sucjunior Addie O’Neill said. cess once again, raising more than in previous years. The event Along with the race, DECA organized a raffle with prizes will take place again next year with a greater fundraising goal. that included Sportsman’s Bar gift cards, MAC Designs merMembers hope to raise even more next year. chandise, and Pink Magnolia Gift Cards. All were donated in “I think this year was very successful. We had an excellent order to support the Jewish food pantry. turnout and Mrs. Erwin has really stepped up to the plate with “It was fun organizing the race, and the effort put into DECA, and everyone’s hard work paid off to benefit the food the event was instantly noticed and appreciated,” sophomore pantry,” senior Mariah Thoelke said. w Tommy Lee said.

DANA MAGRUDER —news writer

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Congratulations to sophomores Chloe An, Enze Chen, Jialin Ding, Austin Jennings, Stella Schindler and Toby Zhu, juniors Collin Christner, Runpeng Liu, Max Schindler, Harika Upadhyayula, Christine Wang, Victor Wang and Haohang Xu and seniors Sayli Sant, David Streid and Nan Zhong, who are members of this year’s Science Olympiad team.

BRINGIN’ HOME THE BACON (left) Hustle for Hunger race participants senior Phillip Soncasie, freshman Austin Burton, and sophomore Drew Hutchens cross the race’s finish line. The course circled through Briarwood and portions of campus, including two laps around the track. (Right) At the final stretch, sophomores Victoria Soncasie and Jessica Stromsdorfer pace each other. The pair finished before many of the 65 other racers. (photos by Lee Goodman)

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

NEWS

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New ski club offers students discounted Hidden Valley passes Middle school club moves to high school the high school, I thought I would go ahead and talk with the high school administration myself about getting something started,” Biernbaum said.

“They were okay with the idea, as it is being offered.”

High school students have two options to purchase a discounted ski pass through the new program. For $99, they can buy a “Pick a Day” pass that may be used once a week

“Once we understood the liability issues [associated with the program] there were no concerns,” principal he Ladue Ski Club has a Bridget Hermann new opportunity this year. It said. “We try to allows students to purchase a accommodate all discounted pass to ski and snowstudent interests.” board at Hidden Valley Resort.

Since Hidden Valley will “Kids have been asking me for open Dec. 17, some students are conmany years why we did cerned about a season not have a high school pass’s costs. Many program,” program Kids have been asking me for many students have expressed director and middle years why we did not have a high interest in the club. school Industrial school program... I thought I would go “I didn’t even know Technology teacher the program was being Mark Biernbaum said. ahead and talk with the administration offered, but I am most “I tried to get a high myself.

- teacher Mark Biernbaum definitely going to sign school sponsor for up now,” senior Mike several years ago with Walden said. no luck.” from Monday through Thursday, but A regular season pass to Hidden After some time, he realized not on the weekend.

Valley, including rental, costs $425. that implementing the ski club at The other option is a Friday only A “Pick a Day” pass including rental the high school was up to him. This pass for $150 that allows students to costs $355. By taking advantage of year, he began taking the necessary ski any Friday that Hidden Valley is the Ladue Ski Club discount, skiers steps to expand the program. open. Both passes include ski and can save over $200 regardless of “ Now that I have finished buildsnowboard rental. which pass they choose to purchase. ing our house and my daughter is at

MARINA MAY —news writer

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Dooley proposes major cuts in funding for public parks JEET DAS —news writer

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t a County Council meeting Oct. 31, County Executive Charlie A. Dooley presented a budget plan that would save the county ten million dollars a year which sparked an outcry of protest from civilians and conservationists across the St. Louis area.

To accomplish this plan, Dooley would like to eliminate 175 jobs, most of which are vacant, increase fees for construction permits and reduce snow removal services on subdivision streets in unincorporated St. Louis County.

The largest budget cuts would affect community parks, slashing over 4.3 million dollars from the Parks Department.

This would close 23 parks, including Lone Elk, George Winter and Greensfelder.

“It has become evident that the economic downturn is not just a passing storm, but it is our new reality,” Dooley said in the cover letter plan presented Oct. 31. “This budget should come as no surprise

art by BOWON JOUNG

to our county citizens, many of whom are struggling with stale wages, lack of work and steadily increasing food and fuel expenses.”

Many county council members claim the administration has exaggerated fiscal problems, and hope to consider other options. A special budget

art by ANDREW RUBIN

The reduced cost of a season pass is not the only reason students are attracted to the high school program.

Many students want a chance to relive their favorite moments of the middle school Ski Club.

“Racing down the slopes while sitting on the snowboard was definitely one of the best parts of my middle school Ski Club experience,” sophomore Matthew Hooper said.

“It’s hard to choose any one moment in particular because I had so many great times.”

The Ski Club does not offer high school students a way to get to Hid-

den Valley. Busses are provided for middle school students but this creates a need for teacher chaperones.

Replicating this program at the high school was not possible, so Biernbaum and administrators decided to simply sell the discounted passes.

Due to bus congestion and issues regarding chaperones, high school participants need their own ride to Hidden Valley.

“I have not spoken to any parents about [the Ski Club] yet, but I have talked with a few kids and they said they were thrilled for the opportunity,” Biernbaum said. w

Plan could save up to $10 million each year committee, led by council chairman Steve Stenger, has been formed to provide an accurate view of the budget.

“The purpose of the committee would be to invite and encourage true representation as to the state of our financial affairs,” Stenger said during a council meeting Nov. 1.

The greatest opposition has come from environmentalists, historical preservationists and other citizens who feel that a disproportionate amount of the budget is siphoned away from the Parks Department budget.

Forty-three percent of the money would be taken from parks.

“It’s unfair that one department bears the majority of the cuts,” park ranger Jeff Tribl said Nov. 1.

“We’re supposed to be a team.”

A demonstration took place outside the Nov. 15 budgetary hearing in Clayton. The event’s

Facebook page had over 130 people attending.

Another complaint against the budget plan is that the county administration undervalues the parks. Many people appreciate the benefits that the facilities can provide.

“In most urban centers, parks are especially important because they really need the green space, much more so than other places,” orchestra teacher Elizabeth Bresler said.

With so many different opinions on how much the parks are needed and used, the topic is highly debated.

“I don’t think they should close the park down because the forest is an important part of our lives,” junior Kennedy San said. “People can go to those places to leave the world behind them. Parks are the best thing to have in a city; it’s good for parents and their kids too.”

The Council will conduct meetings with the heads of the affected departments during the month of December to begin to resolve the issue. w

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NEWS

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

Global Update: A snapshot of the world today SARAH ALLEN —news editor

Italian prime minister resigns from office

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n the face of deteriorating economic prospects, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi resigned and was replaced by economist Mario Monti, who promised that his new technocrat government could find a remedy to Italy’s debt woes and restore faith in the faltering economies of the eurozone.

Italy has struggled financially in the face of a high ratio of GDP to national debt, while Berlusconi’s reputation has been tarnished by sex and corruption scandals. Berlusconi took advantage of his power as prime minister in order to avoid prosecution for various charges, fraud, bribery and having sex with an underage prostitute and is facing an onslaught of criminal trials now that he no longer holds office. w

Mexican president accused of war crimes

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he International Criminal Court received a complaint Nov. 25 that under president Felipe Calderón, the army and police committed hundreds of war crimes in Mexico’s drug war. The lawyer for the group that filed the complaint acknowledged that Mexico’s drug lords have also committed crimes against humanity in the battle between government and drug trafficking that has cost 35,000 to 40,000 lives over the past five years. Calderón’s government defended their security strategy, claiming that the war on drugs was not a traditional war and that law enforcement had not committed crimes against humanity.

NPR said Nov. 27 that a day before the complaint was filed, 26 corpses were found in Guadalajara, causing concern that the drug war was infiltrating the to date relatively peaceful city. w

Israel plans to release frozen Palestinian funds

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fter international pressure from the U.S., UN, and Europe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted Nov. 28 that Israel would soon unfreeze hundreds of millions of dollars in withheld tax funds owed to Palestinians. Israel collected the money on behalf of Palestine under previous peace deals, but refused to turn over the money to Palestine when Palestine petitioned the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization for recognition of statehood against Israel’s wishes. In the face of the missing funds, Palestine has been forced to borrow from banks in order to keep their government functioning.

Palestine applied for UNESCO membership in September 2011 and was accepted for membership Oct. 31. However, its application for recognition of statehood in the UN has since stalled in the face of Security Council deadlock Security Council, which must approve full membership. w

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Thailand struggles to cope with flooding

ver 600 have died so far in Thailand’s worst flood in 50 years, which has lasted four months thus far. To date, flood defenses in central Bangkok have successfully prevented the waters from reaching central Bangkok, Thailand’s financial center.

However, the same barricades have prevented flood water from draining from Bangkok’s suburbs, angering residents and creating controversy over whether safeguarding Bangkok is worth the inconveniences.

The disruptions in production of auto parts has led to an estimated loss of 30,000 cars from Ford Motor Co. alone. The floods have also destroyed 25 percent of Thailand’s rice crop and led to an increase in the global price of computer hard drives.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced an extra $10 million in flood relief Nov. 16. Clinton said that reopening Bangkok’s airport, which was the base for flood relief before it was forced shut down itself, was a major goal of the aid package. w

DECEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

World population reaches 7 billion HAOHANG XU —news writer Continued from page 1...

However, while some chose to celebrate the occasion, others see population growth less positively. Commemoration of the occasion was accompanied by worries about the world’s still increasing population numbers and the pressure they exert on the Earth’s resources.

“Population growth is the cause of all our problems,” science teacher Sweeney LaBarge said. “Natural resources, living room: how do we determine who gets what?”

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the world did not reach its first billion people until 1804, and only reached two billion in 1927. However, after that, population growth exploded, with the number of people reaching 3 billion in 1959, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1987, and 6 billion in 1999.

“Population growth is tricky because it’s exponential,” science teacher Ted Waterson said. “6 billion becomes 7 billion a lot quicker than 5 billion becomes 6 billion.”

However, demographers also say that the global population growth rate overall is decreasing. In fact, places such as Japan and France have almost constant levels of population growth.

Even populous countries that are often thought of as rapidly growing, such as China, actually have small growth rates relative to their existing populations.

One suggested reason for this decrease is the greater availability of education for women. As more women are educated they become more likely to enter the workforce or pursue higher education, which may delay marriage and childbirth.

NEWS

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Increasing human numbers cause concerns about sustainable living and conserving natural resources

“We see a clear relationship between education and population growth,” LaBarge said. “The way to mediate the huge population growth in developing countries is the education of women.”

Another trend lies with development and industrialization. Statistics have demonstrated that people in highly developed countries tend to have fewer children than families in poorer countries.

“Developed countries have a substantially lower growth rate than underdeveloped countries,” senior David Streid said. “When development spreads to most places on earth, then growth will start to slow down.”

Others think that more drastic measures need to be implemented to curb the population explosion. One such measure

could be the imposition of stricter population restrictions.

Ultimately, no one knows when the population will stop growing or how large it can grow. But until it does, countries worldwide must deal with the stresses on Earth’s resources.

“I think it’s going to come down to food,” Waterson said. “The population will stop growing when we are no longer able to grow enough food for everyone.”

While the global population continues to grow, countries worldwide must art by XUNYI GAO cope with the stresses on Earth’s resources. Long after the festivities of Oct. 31 have ended, the massive human population will remain a concern.

“Reaching a population of 7 billion is a major milestone of our growth and served as a wake-up call for those that don’t take our alarming growth seriously,” Streid said. w

Islamic militants terrorize Nigeria Government attempts to prevent further violence after attacks on United Nations building, police EMILY BIEST —news editor

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oko Haram, an Islamic militant group in Nigeria, reportedly caused the deaths of more than 136 people. Nigeria has experienced increased terrorism over the past year due to their violent actions.

The group, whose name translates to “Western education is forbidden,” has set off bombs and shot Nigerians. Their purported goal is to create a separate nation in northern Nigeria ruled by an Islamic government.

“This is another militant group in Africa, like Al-Shabab, that seeks to instill their religious beliefs over that of a democratic government,” junior David Abraham said. “I think it would be allowed under our constitution if it was nonviolent, but the car bombs and violent activities make it an internal terrorist organization.”

One of the largest and most publicized incidents occurred when a suicide car bomber attacked the UN headquarters in Abuja Aug. 26 and killed 21 people. A spokesperson for Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for this attack.

Recent shootings occurred in the capitals of Yobe State, Damaturu, and Maiduguri Nov. 5. The attack killed approximately 67 people, destroyed a new police headquarters and damaged government facilities.

In order to combat Boko Haram, the Nigerian government has employed various anti-terrorist tactics. Their latest attempts include door-to-door searches for weapons in civilian homes

along with deployment of approximately 20,000 members of the military to combat potential attacks. However, Boko Haram has survived government attempts to defeat and disband the organization.

“Goodluck Johnathan, the President of Nigeria, probably should ask for help from the African Union to fight them so that they do not join with Al-Shabab or start attacking Kenya, Somalia or Chad,” Abraham said.

Lawmakers are also establishing a security fund to help the military combat Boko Haram. The funds will go to task forces in the northern states with the goal of improving responses to bombings and shootings.

Jonathan originally proposed giving amnesty to all Boko Haram members to stop the attacks. This solution inspired rage from citizens and members of government. Based on discontent from this proposal, senators proposed a bid to give Jonathan a vote of no confidence Nov. 15, an action that was shut down by Senate President David Mark. This anger also came from feelings that Jonathan has not done enough to protect citizen’s lives from the attacks. To ease tensions, the Senate met with Jonathan to discuss security measures.

“I think also that there is an ongoing review which means that the measures will continue to be upgraded and improved with time,” Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said after the executive meeting Nov. 15, according to the Nigerian Voice. “This is a new phenomenon that has just come to Nigeria, and I am sure that the security agencies will handle the situation with time.”

Extremist groups Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram may be coordinating efforts. Some experts suspect that members may train

art by ANDREW RUBIN

together and that the groups have worked together in other areas as well.

“We have no doubts that coordination exists between Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda,” Algerian deputy foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel said, according to MSNBC Nov. 13. “The way both groups operate and intelligence reports show that there is cooperation.”

As of yet, cooperation between Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda is unconfirmed. However, as Boko Haram attacks continue, the Nigerian government continues to act against the violence. w

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PANORAMA

NEWS

DECEMBER 9, 2011

Election 2012

Three candidates on four issues Economy:

MIRANDA SIWAK —news editor

Romney plans to lower taxes, with less regulation, a bal-

President Barack Obama

anced budget and more trade deals to spur growth. He proposes to replace jobless benefits with unemployment savings accounts. He’s offering a repeal of the Dodd-Frank Act toughening financial-industry regulations and he wants to change the law tightening accounting regulations in response to corporate scandals, to ease the accountability burden on smaller businesses.

Perry wants to spur the economy by repealing regulations, Obama’s health care law and the law toughening financialindustry regulations after the meltdown in that sector. He plans to create jobs in the energy sector by removing obstacles to drilling and production. He also wants to cut corporate taxes.

Gingrich wants to repeal the 2010 financial industry and

consumer protection regulations that followed the Wall Street meltdown, and repeal the 2002 regulations enacted in response to the Enron and other corporate and accounting scandals. He aims to restrict the Federal Reserve Bank’s power to set interest rates artificially low. He seeks to make work training a condition of unemployment insurance and have states run it.

Health Care:

Romney promises to work for the repeal of the federal health care law, modeled after his universal health care achievement in Massachusetts. He aims to let insurance be sold across state lines to expand options, and restrict malpractice lawsuits to restrain health care costs. He plans to introduce undetermined subsidies to help future retirees buy private insurance, instead of Medicare. His Massachusetts plan requires people to have coverage, penalize those who don’t and penalize businesses of a certain size if they do not provide coverage to workers.

Perry plans to repeal the Obama health care law. He aims

to raise eligibility age for Medicare benefits, limit benefits for the wealthy and give people the choice of receiving federal aid. As Texas governor, he signed a law to allow Texas to band together with other states and take over the role of providing health care coverage for the elderly, the poor and the disabled.

Gingrich aims to repeal Obama's health care law. He plans to limit medical lawsuits to restrain health care costs and let people in one state buy policies in another. He plans to blockgrant Medicaid and send it back to the states. He previously supported proposals that would make people required to carry health insurance.

art by ANDREW RUBIN

When he first ran in 2007, his high priorities were health care for everyone, ending the war in Iraq and social security. While serving his first term as president, Obama signed several legislative pieces, such as the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal and the Affordable Care Act, into law.

Economy: He supports the American Jobs Act, which would cut payroll taxes and introduce work programs to reduce joblessness. Obama also wants to raise taxes on wealthy Americans.

Immigration: Obama supports the DREAM Act and immigration reform. However, his administration deported a record number of undocumented immigrants in 2010.

Health Care:

Obama supported the Affordable Care Act, which requires individuals to purchase health insurance, states to organize high-risk patient insurance exchanges, and prohibits insurance companies from dropping clients based on pre-existing conditions.

Foreign Policy: Obama has seen foreign policy successes with the death of Osama Bin Laden and the successful overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya after U.S.-backed NATO intervention. As promised in his 2008 campaign, Obama ended the combat mission in Iraq in August 2010.

Immigration:

Romney believes that immigrants who have been in the country

for many years should be able to sign up for permanent residency or citizenship, but those who want full citizenship should leave the country first until they are granted citizenship. On this issue, Romney claims to be the most conservative candidate in the nomination race. He wants to build a physical fence between the United States and Mexico.

Perry is endorsed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona because of his experience working to secure the Texas border, an unparalleled effort among the Republican candidates. As governor, he signed legislation to grant children of illegal immigrants in-state tuitions at some Texas universities.

Gingrich suggested that some illegal immigrants might earn

the right to become legal citizens. He suggested a modified draft system as a process of granting citizenship. He attacked Barack Obama for failing to control the Mexican border, as president and called for humane immigration policies, compared to the other Republican candidates. He believes immigrants in the U.S. should be tried on a case by case basis.

Foreign Policy:

Romney’s first foreign trip will be to Israel, to show the world

the country cares about that country and that region, because of the Obama administration’s handling of Israel on the campaign trail. Romney said Iran would obtain a nuclear weapon if Obama is reelected.

Perry repeatedly said that in his potential administration, foreign aid for all countries would “start at zero dollars.” He said Pakistan is sending messages that “they don’t deserve our foreign aid.” “It’s time for us as a country to say no to foreign aid to countries that don’t support the United States of America,” he said. “I don’t trust them.” Gingrich hailed Perry’s idea as exceptional.

Gingrich takes his foreign-policy beliefs from the 1980s, particularly the "Reagan-John Paul II-Thatcher strategy" of aggressive, rhetorical democracy promotion. Despite his goal of promoting democracy abroad, he is against U.S. intervention in the Libyan conflict, after altering his position in March.

Herman Cain

Following sexual harassment scandals and accusations of infidelity, businessman Herman Cain dropped out of the GOP presidential race Dec. 3. Despite his exit from the race, Cain denies that he sexually harassed female employees as leader of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s and that he conducted a 13-year extramarital affair with Ginger White. Cain said that he chose to suspend his campaign because he could no longer discuss policy issues with voters without questions over his personal life becoming involved. Cain said that he has always had a Plan B, and that he will soon launch a website called “The Cain Solution” in order to promote his 9-9-9 tax plan. He also announced that he will endorse another GOP candidate for the presidential nomination.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Texas Gov. Rick Perry

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

A&E/FEATURES

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2011 St. Louis Film Festival

s w e i v e R e Th

The Descendents

Burke & Hare SARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor

CHRISTINE WANG —a&e/features editor

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hat do you get when you combine dark humor and dead bodies? The movie “Burke and Hare.” Set in 1828, Edinburgh, England, the film, based on real events, centers around entrepreneurial partners William Burke and William Hare, played by Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis respectively, who are out of ideas and out of money. That is until they learn that the local medical school is in dire need of fresh cadavers to dissect for teaching purposes. Being the business men that they are, they decide that what’s really in demand is, naturally, corpses. At first, their “business” is harmless, as they merely get to the dead bodies of the elderly or unfortunate before the authorities, but when that doesn’t yield enough profit, Burke and Hare resort to murder.

It may not sound like a comedy in context, but Pegg and Serkis work wonders together. The dialogue between the duo is sharp and delivered precisely, allowing the audience to see the humor in their ill-fated plan, yet also see the underlying meaning of why they’ve resorted to homicide in the first place.

The hilarious Isla Fisher also shined as the energetic, aspiring actress who serves as the love interest for Burke.

Though the movie seems slow at times, as there is a lot of history to cover, and the main characters may seem too insensitive (but, I guess, they are murders), the film overall left me laughing and wanting to know more about the actual historical events of the Burke and Hare murders.

“Burke and Hare” was a part of the international sidebar of the 2011 St. Louis Film Festival, originating from the United Kingdom. The film was directed by John Landis, who also directed memorable movies like “Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers.” The dynamite cast of this film also includes Tom Wilkinson and Tim Curry. w

photo courtesy of moviephotogallery.com

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Butter photo courtesy of imdb.com

DENIS VOLOBUEV —business manager

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prostitute, orphaned black girl, and butter carving family head for disaster when they realize they are after the same prize: the butter title. The Picklers are a sweet, southern American family whose husband, Bob Pickler, played

by Ty Burrell, is the ultimate carver of butter in their small town of Iowa and is forced to step down. The wife, Laura Pickler, played by Jennifer Garner, becomes furious when the prestigious title that she works, lives and wears golf ball sized pearls for might be taken away, so she and decides to enter the competition for herself and win. The husband’s money crazed prostitute, Brooke Swinkowksi played by Olivia Wilde, enters the competition much to Laura’s dismay. Carving their way for the title, the mischievous characters fight their way to the top.

This comedy has three plotlines in the movie: the Pickler family, Destiny and her foster families, and the stripper. The beauty of this movie is how it combines all three of those plots with the famous butter competition. The sad tone comes from Laura because she feels like she does not have anything else in her life and needs the love and attention of others. Destiny’s hard and gruesome life of orphanage and foster homes makes her story that more touching and adding to the appeal of sweet melancholy. The prostitute is the just the motivator and fun aspect of the story, making it comedic. She makes everyone that much more crazy. She promotes competition, affairs, and poor judgement.

There are a lot of intimate scenes between the same sex and opposite sex. These intimate scenes are used to abuse and manipulate others which only adds to the abundant hilarity of the film. Dynamite actors like “Modern Family’s” Ty Burrell and Jennifer Garner help sell the reality of it. With all the sex, stripping, and sleazy actions this movie is simply a must-see. w

ardly ever does one expect to laugh in a movie centered around a coma, an affair and a broken family but in ‘The Descendants,” these aspects actually help make the movie comical. However, comedy is only one of the genres that this movie could fall into. “The Descendants” is packed with drama, emotion and surprisingly good performances by an ensemble cast, most namely Shailene Woodley.

Matt, played by George Clooney, is thrust into a catastrophic situation. His wife lies in a coma from a boating accident and Matt, self dubbed the “back-up parent,” must hold the fort down at home for his two rebellious daughters, 17-year-old Alex and 10-year-old Scottie played by Woodley and Amara Miller respectively. In addition, he also discovers that his wife was having an affair while also deciding whether to preserve a 25,000-acre family trust. With so many goings on in Matt’s life, he and his girls help and deal with each family ordeal.

Overall, the movie was phenomenal. Emotionally, “The Descendants” spanned widely from glee to despair and all felt strongly by the audience. The culture of Hawaii plays a major role in the movie; not only does the setting make a nice backdrop, the irony of a “land of paradise” and the major troubles the family goes through is hard to ignore.

Woodley’s “Secret Life” acting was nowhere to be found in this movie, thank goodness. She gave an emotionally provocative performance contrasting greatly from her acting in her bland television show. Clooney’s portrayal as a confused father was also done extremely well. His despair and anger are all felt by the audience and make for a truly riveting performance.

The bittersweet tones of “The Descendants” along with its intricate plot make this movie fundamentally outstanding. w

photo courtesy of imdb.com

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A&E/FEATURES

Half & Half:

The Whole Package

DECEMBER 9, 2011

One small dance for Ladue, One giant step for charity

Second annual dance raises over $1400 ozens of Ladue students spent an “out of this world” evening at the second annual Winter Informal, Dec. 2.

The event was popular last year, but there were a number of changes made this year.

The winter informal provided an easy way for Ladue students to give back to the community, while having a great time.

This year, the dance raised over $1400 for Kingdom House.

“I went last year and I thought it was alright,” senior Jake Goffstein. “The main problem was that we could not hear the

Vetter said. “The DJ was better so I could actually understand what song was playing. Plus, people wore a lot of neon, which glowed under the blacklight, so it looked really cool.”

But the dance was about more than just having fun. The planning process involved collaboration between many Ladue clubs and organizations. Clubs included Habitat for Humanity, StuCo, Blue Crew, LAASA and DueCare.

“StuCo is honored to have been able to set up and organize Winter Informal. We’re proud to be a part of the fundraising at Ladue,” senior Lucas Tamaren said.

Each club was put in charge a different aspect of the planning and set up process. Many of the senior leaders in charge of planning felt that the variety of groups involved actually helped

music, but this year we hired a professional DJ.” This year, the dance was held in the West Gym, rather than the Black Box Theater, in order to hold more students. Another difference this year was that all grade levels were allowed to attend the dance rather than just juniors and seniors. However, not everyone was happy with the turnout.

“The decorations were really cool, but I wish there had been more people there,” sophomore Claire Paddock said.

This year’s theme was Space Jam. “We wanted a really fun theme that would make people want to go all out for, and we thought Space Jam would do the trick,” senior Charlene Masona said.

The theme was well received by freshmen and seniors alike.

“I thought it was better than homecoming” senior Cecelia

to unify the effort.

“The idea to incorporate other clubs into the planning this year… made a huge difference,” senior Marina May said. “[We were] able to bring multiple groups of people together and appeal to a vast demographic of Ladue students which [helped] raise more money.“ Additionally, the proceeds from ticket sales went to a commendable cause. The organizing clubs decided to give the money to a local charity called Kingdom House. Kingdom House provides employment and training programs to help unemployed people get back on their feet. In addition, it provides daycare and many other services.

“It’s a really great feeling when we’re able to bring the school together for a great cause,” Greenberg said. w

SAYLI SANT —a&e/features writer

D art by AMY DAI

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CHRISTINE WANG —a&e/features editor

owntown Clayton is mostly littered with expensive bistros and fine dining restaurants. Half & Half nicely contrasts the typical Clayton scene by offering a refreshing breakfast/lunch place that is relatively inexpensive and still delicious.

Located in a prestigious strip of restaurants at 8135 Maryland Avenue, from the exterior, Half and Half is a pretty bland looking restaurant. Other than a few tables for outdoor dining and a modest looking sign nothing really seems special about it. Even on the inside, the decorating is minimal and most of the interior is plain with white, compromising a majority of the colors inside.

However, the decoration hasn’t deterred patrons from visiting the brunch spot. The place was jam-packed. Because Half & Half doesn’t take reservations, when I visited on a Sunday at 10:45 a.m., the average wait for a table was about 50 minutes. This was particularly frustrating especially because the waiting area compromised of two benches that were already filled.

Despite the decoration and wait, the rest of the visit was great. The waiters are helpful and the crowd is predominately young adults. There’s a fairly bountiful selection of items on the menu. The whole front of the menu contains breakfast items from the traditional French toast and oatmeal to crispy pork belly with eggs and fried chicken livers. The back is compromised of salads and sandwiches meant to be more lunch menu items. The prices are relatively cheap with the cheapest entree on the menu being granola for $5.50 and the most expensive one being a Nicoise salad for $15.50.

The servings are extremely generous. A regular French toast for $8 came with two giant, thick, heavily coated slices of toast, generously powdered with sugar and maple syrup. By the time the toast had gotten to our table, it was lukewarm at best and wasn’t as crisp, which was disappointing. However, it was still delicious; flavor-wise the toast was sweet and slightly salty. The slightly more complicated blackberry French toast for $10 included everything from the regular French toast but with a large portion of almost jam like blackberries with melted mascarpone cheese. It was definitely worth the $2 difference. The blackberries added a nice textural component and slightly sour flavor while the mascarpone counteracted it with its sweetness. When venturing over to the lunch geared part of the menu, the steak sandwich was a clear winner. For only $12, it came with a generous helping of home-fried chips, and the sandwich itself was piled high with thin fried onion strips, cheddar cheese and a thick but surprisingly tender piece of steak.

Other than blunt peppercorns that encrusted the steak, the sandwich was a perfect combination of texture and flavor.

Overall, Half & Half is a great, fairly new addition to the Clayton eatery scene. As an almost bistro-like brunch place, it definitely is unique. It’s not open on Mondays, but from Tuesday to Friday its hours are from 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday its open from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. w (this column reflects the opinion of the writer)

OUT OF THIS WORLD Ladue students of all grades join together in the West Gym on Dec. 2 for the second annual Winter Informal dance. Unlike last year, this year’s Winter Informal was held in the West Gym rather than the Black Box and students from all grades were allowed to go rather than just juniors and seniors. The dance raised over $1400 for a local charity named Kingdom House which provides employment, employment training and daycare service to unemployed people. (photo by Elyse Mack)

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

A&E/FEATURES

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Unrehearsed Comedy Ladue’s Improvisational Team, DueProv, opens third season with its Nov. 18 show members played games like “Superhero Eulogy” and “Countdown.”

“I think as a group we “Meaning [the actors] perform did pretty well,” Mitchell spontaneously off of the audience’s ead superheroes, playground said.

“We assess the perforendowments.

The unpredictability is bullies, fast-paced jokes and mance by the reaction of our what the audience find entertaining.” a lot of laughing comprised audience and we considered This year, DueProv consists of the improvisational team, DueProv’s it very good. It was nice to two teams with eight members each.

Nov. 18 showcase. The team aims see the new [memto compete in various bers] perform for the “games” and scenes We have a little motto we go by, which first time and really based off of sugis that truth is comedy, and when see their performing gestions from the technique and style.” audience, meaning the something is unrehearsed, it can be More than 150 performance is comvery funny. people bought tickets pletely unrehearsed.

-theatre director Janine Burmeister for the show, resultBeginning three ing in the set up of years ago, Ladue at least 50 additional Theater director Jachairs.

The show also nine Bumeister developed DueProv raised more than $400 for The captains for these teams, chosen after hearing about other high school the theater department’s upby Burmeister, are senior Alex theater departments who had similar coming production, “Little Mitchell and junior Leo Di Cera.

The teams. The idea drew lots of interest, Shop of Horrors.” group had their first show of the year and soon enough, Ladue’s team was “The show was very Nov. 18 in the Black Box, where coached by professionals and began entertaining,” WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (Top Right) While performing for the Burmeister said. audience on the Nov. 18 show, junior Melissa Ferrie and sophomore “I’d say it was the most success- Lily Kennedy give charade-like clues to other DueProv teammates in order for them to guess the “playground insult” selected by the audiful show, and I ence. In“Playgroud Insults,” the host tells each team to come up with hope to say that a verb, adjective and noun and each team must act out each word every time they for the dominant teammate to guess. (Bottom Left) In a comically perform.”

The show con- heated scene, seniors Charlene Masona and Stella Hoft face off on behalf of their teammates. (photos by Lee Goodman) sisted of various games, between Parkway South High School. The After the semester break, the only team members and event goes on for at least twelve group will be preparing for the a mix of the two teams. hours, beginning with workshops state competition in January held at Among the antics of the lead by professionals and ending Missouri State University, known as show were presidential with their performances, giving the “Improv Olympics.” There, five impersonations, accents members of DueProv will perform in students the opportunity to see proand spontaneous fainting. front of professional, improv judges. fessional improvisation in action.

“The show was really “We plan on practicing the differ- March 9, DueProv will hold their fun,” senior Stella Hoft ent games, using different techniques spring show. said. “We’re all friends “We have a little motto to go and placing different people in difso it feels like you can’t by,” Burmeister said. “Which is ferent positions until we find a way do anything wrong. I that truth is comedy, and when that works for us,” Mitchell said. really enjoyed the scene something is unrehearsed, it can be The team will also attend St. games, but I was nervous Louis Improv for Charity, hosted at very funny.” w for the joke rounds.” keeping regular schedules.

“[DueProv] is basically improSARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor visational acting,” Burmeister said.

D

”

Double Take

senior Marshall Rosga

skateboarder Tony Hawk

freshman Eva Adams

We have searched Ladue for students and faculty who are mirror images of famous actors or entertainers... and here they are! So now ask yourself, who do you go to school with?

actress Sarah Hyland

senior Jake Goffstein

actor Mark Ruffalo

photos courtesy of brooksinternational.com, hollywoodpix.net and eonline.com

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ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY

Dec. 5

The Fire

James Patterson

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Path of Totality

Switchfoot

The Pageant

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21

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Ladue’s own “Law & Order” Mock Trial team prepares for another successful season with new members and fresh cases

Although anyone is welcome to join, regular attendees include people who are involved in debate and/or theater.

“Much of what it takes to succeed in Mock Trial is being good in acting and argument. That’s where being in theater or ock Trial had its first meeting Oct. 31. This law-related debate helps,” Snidman said. “Many of our members are succlub is aimed at attracting students with a strong pascessful in either theater or in debate.” sion for public speaking and argumentative speech.

Compared to other clubs at Ladue, Mock Trial is different because it forces people to step in the shoes of a different character.

Each person is assigned a role in the trial: the witness or a lawyer, and together club members meet with other schools to act out a “mock trial.”

This year, the topic of the trial deals with freedom of speech.

“Most of the time people get to pick what they want to act,” Miller said. “However, there are times where they don’t get exactly what they want. Sometimes this causes people to drop out. We have tons of people the first round. Unfortunately, many of them drop by the second or third round.”

Those that stay are usually the most committed members of the Mock Trial team.

“In many ways Mock Trial is like debate,” Upadhyayuala said.

“We have a preassigned case and we OBJECTION During Mock Trial practice, senior Junye Hong (right) takes don’t know what side we’ll be taking a stand as he runs through his lines as the lawyer for a particular case. for the tournaments. But [unlike Mock Trial meets Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is sponsored debate] it is much more team coordiby social studies teachers Robert Snidman and Jeff Miller. (photo by Josh nated. Everyone has a part to play.”

Wolderufael) The club meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m., and prepares for tourna“Our first and foremost goal this year is to help students earn a strong sense of teamwork and cooperation,” said Snidman.

Other goals that Snidman and social studies teacher Jeff Miller have for the team include getting more organized, regular attendance and possibly attending the state tournament. Miller guesses that the club will achieve many of these goals throughout the season.

“Judging from our first meeting it looks like we’ll be having a large team his year,” Miller said.

Snidman believes many of these students are attracted to Mock Trial because they enjoy watching law shows on T.V. “It’s like a real life ‘Law & Order,’ but for teens. It’s great,” junior Harika Upadhyayula said.

BEZA GETAHUN —a&e/features writer

Korn

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DECEMBER 9, 2011

New Year’s Eve

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal

War Horse

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In the midst of this busy holiday season, the LHWHS Parent Association gives thanks for our amazing teachers and staff, for parents and guardians who have volunteered or contributed to our efforts, but most of all, for our students!

Good luck on finals and have a wonderful break.

Check out our website: www.LadueHighPA.com

LHWHSPA

ments at the St. Louis County courthouse. If the team does well, they can prepare for the state tournament.

“It was an intense experience,” senior Jordan Schack said. “I liked being able to work with teammates and enhance my public speaking. For people who want to do something legal it’s a good opportunity that will lead them to the right path. I’m glad Mr.Snidman told me to join Mock Trial, I had a lot of fun.” w

APPROACH THE BENCH While preparing her case, junior Sydney Petersen gets assistance from sponsor Robert Snidman as they discuss witness questions. In Mock Trial, members can be assigned the part of either a witness or a lawyer. (photo by Josh Wolderufael)

DECEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

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iss today goodbye, and point me t’ward tomorrow. We did what we had to do. Won’t forget, can’t regret.” These lyrics, from the song “What We Did for Love,” originated from Kelsey Bearman’s (below, rehearsing for Ladue Theater’s “Thoroughly Modern Milly”)favorite musical, “A Chorus Line.” The musical features a story of 16 young hopefuls auditioning for one of Broadway’s chorus lines.

“Honestly, [this musical] is what made me decide to pursue musical theater after high school,” Bearman said. “It shows the reality of how being a performer isn’t just something you take lightly. It’s hard on your body, emotions and mentality.”

Bearman knew she had a talent for music and performing at the age of three. Through her childhood and adolescence, she took singing, dance, piano and clarinet lessons, but didn’t unearth her love for musical theater until entering high school.

“I love the challenge of portraying a character that sometimes is like you and sometimes is nothing like you,” Bearman said. “[I] get to show [my] unique creation of that character.”

As well as being involved with Ladue Theater, Bearman is also a member of the selective a capella group TeamSTAGES. She must also prepare multiple monologues and songs for college auditions. Though it keeps her busy, she says it’s simply what she loves to do.

“Musical theater gives me that sense of juggling multiple things,” Bearman said. “It isn’t just singing, acting, or dancing, it’s all three. My dream is really just to perform all the time and be able to make a living doing what I love.” w

Kelsey Bearman SARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor

DANIEL GOLDE

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rt comes in many forms. Paint, sculpture, words, even dance. For Daniel Golde, art takes a different shape.

“Art has always been a passion of mine,” Golde said. “I love expressing myself without saying a word.”

Golde, who is adopted, believes the art gene in him comes from his biological mother, who he later learned was also an artist. As a child, Golde enjoyed finger painting and using color pencils in his work. In high school, he enrolled in many art classes like photography, drawing, and AP Studio Art. Now he is focused on building multi-media pieces.

“I make these abstract, wooden cards made up of scrap material I find,” Golde said. “Sometimes I go dumpster diving and find interesting stuff to use.”

Golde claims that one of the artists that has inspired his work is Ed Boxx, a notorious St. Louis graffiti artist. Boxx is most famous for his “4Give YoSelf” message scrawled on a building overlooking I-70 downtown. After high school, Golde plans on attending welding school which he believes will help with his metal working skills.

“Ed Boxx opened my eyes to using multimedia [in my artwork],” Golde said. “I like taking the things I can find and turning them into something.” w

SENIOR ambition

Four of many passionate seniors strive for unique goals beyond high school

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ERIC VENT

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riends. Family. Art. Limits. Laughter. Life. All these things are featured in Eric Vent’s video essay which he sent to various film schools as a part of the application process. The goal of this supplement was to create a self-introductory video essay that visually described Vent’s interests and personality, although he himself wasn’t allowed to be seen in the video.

“I thought a creative way [to make a video about myself] was to display things about me but also show some of my talents,” Vent said.

Vent’s interest for film directing was sparked at a young age, when he and his brother, Corey, would make videos with their parents. Vent then became part of a film production company known at Partial Vision Films which was founded by Vent, his brother and senior Joe Lombard.

Together they’ve produced many short films like “Killing Time” and “365.”

“We incorporated Partial Vision Films,” Vent said. “It’s pretty cool. We can gain connections among other film [directors] from this company that allows us to be a legitimate corporation.”

This hobby soon turned into a strong ambition as Vent has gone on to win prominent awards like “Best Film” at the 2010 Indianapolis 48 Hour Film Project with Corey and other cast and crew members. Many of his films feature face-paced action, with lots of suspense and intensity. “[What I like most about filmmaking is] the simple expression of a film,” Vent said. “It has the ability to spark such an emotional reaction from its audience that is unique to any art form.”

With the success and experience of Partial Vision Films, Vent plans on pursuing directing after high school, allowing him to express a kind of distinctive creativity that an audience can react to.

“Film can be interactive,” Vent said. “Although everyone is able to view the same film, they’re able to relate it to who they are and the life they’re living or the life they wish to live and [the audience] can take something away from it completely different from the next person.” w

ebster’s dictionary defines democracy as “government by the people.” Zoe Krause (below left) has made it her goal to help this model of government prosper.

“Democracy is sometimes a big, messy, beautiful screaming match about the will of the people and the decisions of the leaders,” Krause said.

Krause grew up with many mentors, including her parents, who inspired her and taught her that an individual can make a difference. When she was in fourth grade, Krause accompanied her mom to Washington, D.C., where they participated in a National Women’s Rights march.

“A common chant for one person to say was ‘Show me what democracy looks like!’ and for the crowd to respond with ‘This is what democracy looks like,’” Krause said. “The sentiment of that statement has never left me.”

Since then, opportunities for Krause to be an activist seemed to fall in her lap. She volunteered for President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and interned for Missouri senatorial candidate Robin Carnahan (below middle) in 2010. Recently, she interned for state representative candidate Tracy McCreery who won in the 83rd district Nov. 8, 2011.

“I also have been working with the political department of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region for the past four years,” Krause said. “I work between the youth program and the political program of PPSLR to relay news and establish activist projects.”

Beyond high school, Krause hopes to study public policy and work for the White House one day, particularly as the Communications Director. If not, Krause would be happy using her experience to work with non-profit organizations or on campaigns.

“I have never been able to excuse myself from speaking my mind and working for the change I want,” Krause said. “There are people working for change all over the world, [some are] jailed as dissidents, [but] I was born in a free country.” w

ZOE KRAUSE

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d ‘Tis the Season d

DECEMBER 9, 2011

DECEMBER 9, 2011

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Missouri Botanical Gardens Gardenland Express photos by Gretchen McCarthy and Elizabeth Ornitz

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OPINIONS

DECEMBER 9, 2011

District deserves a tax levy

Views from the Burrow

Increased funding for education enables continued acclaim CALEB ELLIS —editor in chief art by AUDREY KOCHER

Much ado about ethics MOLLY BURROUGHS —opinions editor

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or the past two and a half years my English classes have followed the exact same formula: read a novel, discuss chapters or sections in class, craft an essay.

Rinse, wash, repeat. You would think after writing 11 essays, 12 analysis paragraphs, nine reading responses and 10 semi-creative works in five semesters, I’d have a good sense of how to express my thoughts through writing. After reading classics such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Light in August,” and “To Kill A Mockingbird,” not to mention a mountain of poetry and a boatload of short stories, I should theoretically be able to describe and imitate some of the greatest techniques of the literary masterminds of the world.

Yet, when I skim my old essays, I don’t see any mention of Harper Lee’s symbolism describing the internal decay of society, or extensive analysis of Faulkner’s eccentric punctuation habits. My essay on “Romeo and Juliet” was about feminism. For both “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Light in August,” I wrote about innocence, coupled with the effects of racism and misogyny, respectively. Don’t get me wrong, they were good essays about current issues plaguing society. They just didn’t have a whole lot to do with the English language. Instead of teaching students how to craft elegant, thoughtful sentences with a clear message, they are spoon fed basic moral lessons like “lying is bad.”

Students need to debate their views on social issues but not always in English class. Instead, they could learn to avoid tired cliches, craft meaningful similies or metaphors and use devices like foreshadowing effectively.

Literature is a form of art. Just as photographers express themselves through snapshots and painters dabble in watercolors, writers use an assortment of tools to convey a message in a dramatic, lyrical and often breathtaking ways.

Like a ceramics instructor showing his students how to throw a pot instead of explaining the different uses of pots in various socioeconomic levels, an English teacher should help his or her pupils learn to form purposeful phrasing in their own individual style. One of the best ways to achieve this is through reading and studying writing and writers, then to write, not always entering into discussions of the underlying social issues.

Compare English classes to foreign language curriculas. Students learn how to best convey their intentions and view examples of a language in foreign culture without dwelling on the social issues within that culture. Ergo, authors’ personal views, while sometimes relevant and occasionally interesting, should not be the focus of an English class. Rather, examining the way writers express those views and using similar techniques should be.

Creating a separate class specifically designed for discussion of social issues such as poverty, the failings of our educational system and race and gender issues would free up English class for time to dedicate to deeper analysis of literary works. While teachers might fear the transformation of ethics class into another dull, required course for students, they shouldn’t. From the discussions I’ve heard, teens are willing to talk about issues they deem important, such as racism, poverty, and government policy. If only we had the time to be so concerned about our writing. w (This column represent the opinon of the writer.)

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here is no question that our school district has faced as much of the brunt of the economic downturn as anything.

Last year was marred by budget cuts that slashed everything from teachers to programs, and have left no room for development anywhere across the board.

The problems are many, and solutions are hard to isolate. People are always ready to be outraged at cuts of any sort, but hardly speak up when it comes to finding remedies. One problem that surfaced rather clearly in this instance, however, is that there simply is not enough money to go around.

That is why the community needs to support the new tax levy that Ladue is proposing.

A recent district survey reported that 47 percent of patrons within the district would either favor or strongly favor a tax levy for education. However, when asked about specific amounts (ranging from $538 to $698), the support dwindled down to the low and mid 40th percentile.

This is where the community needs to put its money where its mouth is. Last school year’s financial struggles materialized in a number of very publicized and tangible ways.

Students and parents alike were quick to express their distaste for the tactless dismissal of teachers, cutting of programs, and overall lack of funding.

That displeasure is by no means a bad thing, and is a result of the lofty standard that our school district sets for its students. Being hailed as one of, if not the, best public high

school in the state is an honor everyone would like to retain.

This new tax levy is a chance for us to do more than just vocalize our support for outstanding education, but to provide the school with the means to do exactly what we ask of it.

This is not an ultimatum, nor should it be. It is, more than anything, an opportunity to continue blazing down the path the school has been on. While we still boast phenomenal teachers and motivated students, two of the more important ingredients to a cohesive learning environment, we are a school that is falling behind in terms of technology and funds.

Across the country, the 1:1 computer to student ratio is becoming the premium, and many other schools in the St. Louis area have already adopted this practice. Additionally, we have seen many of the more distinguished clubs and organizations lose the financial resources that have kept them at the top. From our nationally recognized Debate team to our sports teams, groups that once could afford to invest their efforts purely in their craft are now forced to divert their attention to fundraising to hang on by the skin of their teeth.

In economic times like these, doling out more cash seems like the most unattractive option available.

But the people affiliated with the Ladue School District on every level need to take into account the price of education. That price, high as it may be, is affordable in the affluence of our community, and needs to be met with the art by AUDREY KOCHER same consideration we place on the sterling education that Ladue offers. w

Save paradise, put up a tax increase Parks provide recreational and economic benefit to community SARAH JACOB —opinions writer

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magine it’s a beautiful, sunny day. It’s just the right temperature outside with only a slight, cool breeze. Freshly mowed grass is green, leaves cast the perfect amount of shade, and the air feels light and fresh. This natural perfection is often found in parks. When they need to walk their dog, a path to bike down, or a playground to entertain their kids, people rely on parks for entertainment.

But if County Executive Charlie Dooley’s plan to close 23 of 50 active parks in St. Louis is approved, all of this will be no more. Closing parks may save a substantial amount of money in next year’s budget but is not the most efficient method.

art by BOWON JOUNG

Bonnie Lorenz, a spokeswoman at the public meeting about parks, said that people who can’t afford to go to places for entertainment rely on parks as their source of fun.

Parks also serve as a place for sports and physical activity. For many students, the beginning of their athletic careers start from park clubs like the Olivette Recreational League. Parks are also used for fun events such as Parties in the Park, Creve Coeur Days or the Humane Society’s Bark in the Park.

Another benefit of parks is that they encourage people to exercise.

“The Benefits of Parks” by Erica Gies said that playgrounds, paths, and trails keep Americans and their communities fit and healthy. A study also found that people with access to parks are more inclined to participate in physical activity; causing the Center for Disease and Control to call for more playgrounds and parks, not fewer.

Parks are a part of our community, and just like schools, they contribute to the value of houses in the area. Kathleen Logan Smith told the Post-Dispatch that people put a higher value on houses which are located near parks.

The closure of parks also would affect wildlife. For example, some propose to sell Lone Elk Park located in Valley Park, which provides a habitat for the elk, deer and bison that live in it. Taking away yet another safe haven for wildlife is not only distasteful but morally wrong.

Walter Crawford, the executive director of the World Bird Sanctuary said that it’s our job to protect the habitat for the animals. He also said that it was up to the community to decide whether these parks should be sold because they belong to the community’s citizens.

Luckily, a majority of the County Parks Board has stated that they will not approve Dooley’s proposal unless it is seriously revised. In addition, in an attempt to prevent the closure of the 23 parks, one board member, Bob Nelson, has suggested a two cent raise in the county’s park tax rate.

Parks are a luxury that the community has taken for granted for many years. If we want to keep these parks afloat we have to support them financially. It’s up to the people in the community to contribute to the parks and keep the spirit and services that they provide alive. w

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

OPINIONS

15

Absolutely! Late start days resolve Should late start days issues with scheduling; sleep habits replace full snow days?

HANNAH SCHWARTZ —opinions writer

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art by AUDREY KOCHER

Ladue Logic Honestly, it’s just nice to see our school pop up on the TV and get all excited about having a day off of school.

– sophomore Neeti Shenoy

I think that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. How do they expect me to go sledding in the morning and then get to school on time?

– senior Grant Schalk

I get what the hope is, that we need to make travel as safe as possible, and if we give crews time to clean the roads, then we can salvage a school day.

– English teacher Kim Gutchewsky

ALEX SHIMONY —opinions writer

O

ver the past few years, Ladue students have enjoyed quite a few snow days. Although they are a student’s dream, the administration worries that too many snow days in a single year may lead to extra days being added. The administration has expressed an interest in changing snow days to late start days. While every kid will surely be up in arms about the prospect of losing precious time to play in the snow and get a day off, there are actually legitimate reasons to keep snow days.

There are a few problems associated with late start days.

Transportation is a key issue when it comes to snow days. Last year Ladue got at least one snow day based on the fact that the buses were covered in ice and couldn’t be driven safely. Granted, the buses potentially could have been ready for use later in the day, but what happens when even that isn’t enough time to remove the ice from all the buses?

Another issue, that plagues the district as a whole, is many parents drive their children to school in the morning. Working

hough the arrival of winter brings frigid temperatures, laziness, and unattractive clothing, it does have one powerful appeal that saves it from being the worst season of the year--snow days. Nothing can compare to the suspense and excitement felt on a cold, snowy evening when practically every student in the city longs for a day of freedom and relaxation.

Snow days bring happiness to the otherwise dreary winter, but after weighing all options, late start days would prove more beneficial to the district’s well-being.

The 2010-2011 school year faced so many snow and ice storms that a number of St. Louis area schools overdrafted on their snow day allowances. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Missouri schools must log 1,044 hours of student attendance yearly. Ladue was one of numerous districts in the St. Louis area to fall short of this required time, and was forced to make up these hours.

Two options emerged for these schools: add hours onto school days, or extend the established school year. Fortunately, Ladue chose the former, replacing the finals week early releases with full days. Some unluckier schools decided on a longer school year, stretching into June. Though snow days possess fantastic qualities, summer remains the most precious time of a teenager’s life and should never be threatened. Late start days grant students the separation from school they desire, while protecting summer from any school-related interruptions.

The bus company Ladue uses begins running at around 6:45 a.m. each day. In many cases of inclement weather, road cleaning vehicles cannot efficiently clear streets before this time, and neither students nor bus drivers are able to travel to school safely. The district then cancels school, but

mere hours later the roads are completely snow and ice free.

When this happens, most students gleefully decide they’ve discovered a flaw in the system.

When students’ parents work, however, families with elementary or preschool aged children face an issue of leaving young ones home alone. If the school district puts late start days in place, working parents won’t have to skip an important day of work to watch their children for no reason.

Similarly, late start days would allow students to extend their sleeping time by at least an hour. For some students, a combination of academics and extracurriculars leaves them sleep-deprived and exhausted. A survey of more than three thousand students by psychologists Amy R. Wolfson,PhD and Mary A. Carskadon, PhD found that “students who reported that they were getting C’s, D’s, and F’s in school obtained about twenty-five minutes less sleep... than students who reported they were getting A’s and B’s.”

In the past, students have relied on snow days as a reprieve from sleep deprivation, but late start days permit students to sleep in while accumulating class time. Therefore, more shortened days can be implemented, ultimately giving students more time to sleep and relax.

Late starts also prevent students from wasting the entire day sleeping. Oversleeping can have physical effects equally as unfortunate as a lack of sleep.

Snow days also pose an issue to teachers and their curricula. Last year, every snow day occurred on a blue day. Unevenness of cancelled school days caused some classes to be days behind the same class on a different day.

Even though they may seem unfavorable to the average teen, late start days would prove a viable option in keeping bus drivers and teens safe on the road, allotting an appropriate amount of sleep time, and helping both students and parents stay as productive as possible.

Absolutely Not! Snow days keep

faculty and students safe on roads

parents won’t be able to take their kids to school on their way to work? How are they supposed to get their children to school for a late start day?

A few years ago, the district experimented with a late start day taking the place of a usual early release day. They tried it once and have since not implemented anything. Clearly the late start day was problematic, or else for the past few years we would be sleeping till 11:00 and leaving school at 2:20 on half days. The parents caused an uproar fighting the late start days,

and for a good reason. It isn’t practical to expect people to supervise their children the entire morning while they should be at work. Now people might argue against this point with the fact that the buses run through the whole district and so for late start days, children who usually get driven could simply take the bus to school. However, recent budget cuts have left the districts

with fewer and fewer buses and routes. If everyone were to suddenly hop on the bus in the morning, there wouldn’t be enough room. Also, houses within a mile radius of the schools no longer get a bus stop so those kids would be forced to walk to school through the snow and cold.

Another issue that arises is the fact that many teachers live outside of the district, and some in places without adequate snow plowing services. If there was a late start day, numerous teachers probably wouldn’t be able to make it to school anyway, and everyone knows how much work gets done when there’s a substitute teacher. Forcing teachers to drive on dangerous road merely to get an extra half-day of school in seems ridiculous.

All in all this push for late start days sounds poorly planned. There have been a large amount of snow days the past couple of years, but irregularities shouldn’t be the cause of an overhaul in the school’s policy. The school should just wait longer to call school for a snow day, as at least one time last year a snow day was called for the following day when the next morning arrived there was only an inch or two of snow on the ground. Everyone likes snow days; they are fun and most importantly keep students and faculty away from the dangers of icy roads. w

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OPINIONS

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Monkey Bars, Disney, and Naptime Dreams CHLOE AN —opinions editor

D

o you remember when “shut up” was a bad word?

Or when the biggest incentive was to win a Good Citizen Award? When naptime and recess were a regular part of the day? The good ol’ days of elementary school. How easy life was back then, a time where our biggest worries were whether we would get that toy for our birthday and if we would finally be able to cross those monkey bars.

Oh, how I miss those days of naptime, Disney movies, and play dates. Unfortunately, turning back the clock isn’t an option. As we’ve aged, so have our responsibilities. No more homework assignments of coloring the monkey, or the “chore” of making the bed. And with everything going on in our lives, somewhere along the way, we got lost.

Knee deep in assignments to finish and things to take care of, we’ve lost sight of everything joyful and bright in the world. And yet young children, barely 6 or 7, seem to enjoy life more than us. It’s almost as if kindergarteners know the secret to happiness better than we do.

And it’s not just pure joy that we’ve lost with age. With every milestone we reach in life, we lose some things we can never get back. Innocence, and with it, curiosity of what everything is and how everything works. Objectiveness, and accepting everyone, no matter what background, without judgment. And most of all, imagination. And I’m not talking about just the I’m-a-creative-person kind. I’m talking about the I-can-make-up-a-story-right-now-from-the-top-of-myhead-and-it’ll-make-sense (but be absolutely absurd and crazy) kind. Or the I-have-an imaginary-friend kind. The kind only little kids seem to be able to fully grasp.

All of this begs the question, what would the world be like if it were run by 5-year-olds? They have characteristics of good leaders—optimistic, confident, resourceful, and open to new ideas and new people. Perhaps we might find ourselves trapped in a chaotic mess of crashing stock markets, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited resources. But then again, perhaps we might finally find a way to work together and understand one another. After all, kids seem to be able to tell everyone what they think in a way that makes you see things from their point of view rather than trying to shove it down your throat, something we could all learn.

So how do we go back to carefree times of yesteryears?

The solution is simple, and literally—living simplistically.

Spend less time on the computer and smartphone and more in front of the fire with hot chocolate and friends. Take evening strolls around the neighborhood, and stay out afterwards to watch the sunset. No matter how old you get, never hesitate to jump in puddles or catch fireflies. Stop and smell the flowers, and always eat chocolate. Oh, and teachers? It wouldn’t hurt to assign less homework. Less work for you to grade anyway.

We are the future, but we are also our past. We have pushed ourselves so far that it’s an acomplishment to have only slept for three hours a night. So now its time to step back and take a little me time to reminise on the days of kindegarten, Disney movies, monkey bars, and naptime dreams. w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

PANORAMA How capitalism stole Christmas

DECEMBER 9, 2011

Give Mother Earth the gift of sustainable spending HANNAH CROPF —opinions writer

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ith the holiday season now upon us, we are constantly reminded of the seasonal cliche: “the meaning of Christmas.”

From Charles Dickens to Dr. Seuss, there have been enough lessons about peace on Earth and good will towards man to last generations. Yet every year, the red tag sales come back to taunt us with capitalism’s own interpretation of holiday cheer.

Christmas is commercial. Anyone can see it in the Black Friday bargains and winter blow-out sales, the million-dollar holiday jingles and endless stream of cataloges brimming with every sellable item for every possible person in our lives.

And it’s not just cell phones, either. How many clothing labels say “Made in China?” Sweatshops aren’t a thing of the past: they’re all around us, in the clothes we buy and the shoes we wear. According to the National Labor Organization, an estimated 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are put to work in developing nations, the monolith of human rights violations.

Now that the reality of Christmas consumerism has sunk in, what can one do to celebrate the gift of giving without the environmental and social repercussions? The answer is sustainable spending. One does not need to forego shopping completely, but maintaining an awareness of what and where one buys can make an enormous difference.

Instead of hitting the mall, where flocks of people will make shopping sprees

resale store on Brentwood does. The Scholar Shop, another resale store located on Clayton Road, also uses its profits to fund a greater cause: providing post-secondary education opportunities to those who otherwise would not be financially viable for them. Across the board, resale stores provide excellent shopping alternatives, offering all the luxuries of major brands at affordable prices by recycling clothing and accessories instead of sending them straight to the landfill.

Then again, one needn’t spend anything at all. There are other ways of recycling, and any online search for a Do-It-Yourself project yields thousands of results. Sometimes all it takes to make a meaningful present is a quick sweep through the house--old clothing scraps can transform into twist-tie scarves or even whole new garments with the help of a sewing machine and a little

art by BOWON JOUNG

We’ve heard that this consumerist attitude corrupts our morals, but it’s bigger even than that.

Toys, clothes, electronics and stocking-stuffers take energy and resources to make. With Earth’s population now at 7 billion, that leaves less resources for more people.

Naturally, these people require basic services like food and water, which in turn requires energy. But so do the companies that manufacture toys and other goods. According to the Worldwatch Institute, as of 2010, the most developed nations took up 68 percent of the world’s energy.

Not only does over-consumerism strain environmental resources, it degenerates fundamental human rights.

That new phone on everybody’s wish list? The mineral in its metal, columbite-tantalite, very likely came from illegal mining operations in Africa. Although legitimate tantalite mines exist in Canada, Australia, and Brazil, phone companies seek blood-soaked, cheaper sources of the material because of the increasing demand for their product.

miserable anyway, make gift lists at stores that support international development. For instance, Plowsharing Crafts, a nonprofit store in the Delmar Loop, offers hundreds of artisan gift options from over 40 developing countries. Look for the words “fair trade,” which denote companies that pay and treat their workers fairly. Fair trade also comes with environmental benefits, since small farmers tend to use organic methods and artisans work with material native to their region.

Another shopping option is the St. Louis Fair Trade Market at Manchester United Methodist Church, one of the largest fair trade bazaars in the nation. Though it takes place through the week of Thanksgiving, it’s worth keeping in mind for next year’s round of holiday shopping.

Fair trade isn’t the only answer to the buy-it-all mantra of the holidays.

Choosing local retailers over chain stores supports the community in more ways than one, especially when said retailers donate their profits to charity, as the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition’s [Re]Fresh

creativity. Leftover ingredients can become holiday treats, photos can go into personalized albums or digital scrapbooks...it may sound like a cliche, but who doesn’t love some imaginative flair in their presents?

If one must buy something, consider making a donation to a charity in somebody’s honor, such as the Heifer International. The organization provides families in developing nations with animals as well as training over how to care for them, supplying them both with a stable food source and an opportunity for self-reliance. Just a $10 donation can purchase a share of a sheep or goat for a struggling family.

Buying isn’t a bad thing-in fact, in developing nations, businesses help otherwise at-risk get families on their feet. Closer to home, small businesses support the local economy and, in some cases, give back to the community. So this year, don’t let those tired expressions of the gift of giving go unrecognizedshop sustainably, and the Christmas cheer will follow. Christmas only happens once a year, but environmental impact is forever. w

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

OPINIONS

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[staff] EDITORIAL

Precarious Places art by ANDREW RUBIN

November Corrections

Panorama is produced nine times per school year by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 • (314)-993-6447 ext. 5463 • www. laduepanorama.com Panorama strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama editors, not necessarily the school or school district. Signed editorials represent the writer’s opinion.

Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. Signed letters of 300 words or fewer should be brought to Room 216. Panorama reserves the right to edit as long as the intent remains unchanged.

Photo Editors Gretchen McCarthy Elizabeth Ornitz

A&E/Features Editors Sarah Kloepple Christine Wang

Sports Editors Hamm Hooper Jason Kaplan

News Editors Sarah Allen Emily Biest Miranda Siwak

Business manager Denis Volobuev

Opinions Editors Chloe An Molly Burroughs

Writers Hannah Cropf Jeet Das Leonardo DiCera Mike Figenshau

Karen Figenshau Beza Getahun Sarah Jacob Bram Levy Dana Magruder Marina May Tari Nussinov Mackenzie Pass Nathan Perlmutter Hannah Schwartz Alex Shimony Haohang Xu Photographers Tyler Christner Lee Goodman

should provide an outlet for them to channel their energy productively.

Had the players of Knockout been given tools to succeed, they would not have resorted to this game of murder. Many places in St. Louis, like the Innovative Concept Academy and Lift for Life Academy and Gym offer a place to keep children in a safe environment. We need to come together as a community and provide an outlet for these teens to be creative and explore themselves so they do not feel the need to “knock out” random people in this “game.”

Police cited attacks from the “knockout game” in years prior, as well. In 2009, a teenage boy was ambushed by a group of kids playing the game in Columbia, Mo. The attackers told the police that in this instance they were trying to crown the “Knockout King,” a barbaric title to match its namesake.

In a later instance, Hoang D. Nguyen was walking home when four teenagers approached them, proceeding to punch him in the head and abdomen; he later died in the hospital. While beating Nguyen, the teens also punched his wife in the eye, inflicting an eye socket fracture.

Former players of the game told the Riverfront Times that one was never supposed to hit an elderly person,

only young people in their mid-twenties. Therein lies a core problem, that any group of people can justify or constitute the attack of another citizen. This random attack on an innocent bystander appears to only be a game to the bored teenagers who play it.

On YouTube, one can find and replay videos of teens laughing and punching someone down to the point of injury. Instead of filming these attacks, they should channel their creativity into something productive. If they are interested in filming, joining clubs can help them learn to hone their skill and fill their time.

These teens need a place to offer chess, creative writing, soccer and other activities to teach them that violence is not the answer and to give them a creative outlet. These activities can help them in school, which will help them into adulthood.

We need to offer a place of learning and creativity to keep these kids off the streets and teach them that they can achieve and believe that they are more than just a troubled child.

Teens in St. Louis City who play this game are motivated by glory, boredom,and peer pressure. We need to enact solutions sooner than later, not just treat the symptoms, as this game spins out of control.

[staff] EDITORIAL (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Panorama editorial staff)

w on page 2, the value of the check is actually $1,000 instead of $10,000 as the caption indicated, and Maureen Moore, a Peabody consultant, was misidentified w on page 11, Marisa Drewes was misidentified w on page 16, Taylor Petersen’s name was misspelled w on page 18, the photo was by Julia Novack

EDITORS IN CHIEF Emily Bell Caleb Ellis

It all starts with a punch. A new game titled “Knockout” has gained popularity with teenagers in St. Louis City, in which the object of the game is to “knock out” a random pedestrian; a poor decision developed out of boredom.

Retired Sgt. Don Pizzo told KMOX that this game was typically involved a group of African American males, and one would try to knock the victim out in one punch. Pizzo says that most attackers usually play the game on an older person walking alone.

Matt Quain was walking home Oct. 21 with a friend when six 13-year-olds attacked him, leaving him with a broken jaw, a black eye and stitches on his face. How is this game ‘fun’ if it kills or brutally injures someone in the process?

Murder is a serious offense that should not be taken lightly by anyone, especially not teenagers who are bored and strive to keep up with their poorly behaved peers. Once the leaders of these groups realize that this game is morally wrong, others will soon follow.

Students at Roosevelt High School told the Post Dispatch they played “Knockout” out of boredom.

If they are so bored to play a game that can hurt people, then society

Elyse Mack Julia Novack Carrie Seleman Danielle Thompson Jeanne Wilkinson Joshua Wolderufael Artists Amy Dai Xunyi Gao Bowon Joung Audrey Kocher Andrew Rubin Adviser Jillian Proehl

PLEASE RECYCLE

In an effort to combat an ever rising divorce rate, Mexico City politicians have come up with a new twist on “until death do us part.” According to a proposed bill, couples could sign up for a two-year marriage designed to make potential separations easier. It’s understandable, even commendable, that someone would try to find a solution to divorce. Still, weakening the validity of a commitment that is supposed to last a lifetime is not the solution.

Mexican legislator Leonel Luna proposed the bill as a way to make couples’ separation less painful and clearer cut. Instead of going through intense legal battles over custody of children and property ownership, newlyweds would decide on all issues beforehand, and if after two years a husband or wife was dissatisfied, he or she could simply walk away. Luna’s solution to the marriage crisis is logical, well-reasoned, and it has the statistics to support it.

However, the value of a promise, the most intangible yet significant part of marriage, is not accounted for.

The modern world has commitment issues. From showing up late to class or doctor’s appointments to backing out of so-called serious relationships, people never seem to follow through on what they signed up for. Still, when a petulant child

refuses to go to bed on time, you don’t give in and let him go to sleep whenever he wants. All that teaches the child is that there are no consequences for not following the rules.

When a couple decides to separate, their choice doesn’t just affect the two of them. Often, kids, friends and family members are forced to take sides no matter how “consensual” the split is. The only way to avoid the messiness of divorce is for couples to be truly committed to each other when they make their vows and every day after. Putting an expiration date on new marriages might lessen the side effects of separation, but it won’t solve the underlying problem.

In theory, a two-year marriage sounds an awful lot like moving in with a partner, now considered a step in serious dating. Both involve shared living quarters, greater interaction between the two people, and a certain exclusiveness. Since a dry-run with a potential spouse seems like a great way to detect and circumvent problems within couples, it should be encouraged on all sides.

What people forget is that moving in together lacks any binding promise or assurance. However, once people start signing paperwork and claiming to be married, they should know that they are signing up for a

lifetime of watching each other floss and dealing with quirks. Seperation should be treated as state-ofemergency last resorts, not an easy way out when one partner gets bored with the relationship. If people are allowed to enter a marriage believing that bailing out halfway through is simple, even acceptable, then our culture has destroyed the fundamental concept of a marriage.

The best way to regulate divorces and separations is to force them to be quick. Drawn-out divorces help no one, especially when the most promising thing one can do afterward is move on. Forcing divorce lawsuits to finalize within one year of filing the complaint would not only force the justice system to streamline its process, but would also minimize the side effects of separations as Luna’s bill aims to do.

If today’s world wants marriages to work, then people need to be committed to their relationships. If someone has doubts, then he needs to act on them before he swears to stand by his wife. If she decides she doesn’t want the responsibility that comes with such a high level of commitment, she shouldn’t sign up for it. When people get married, they need to be aware of what they are agreeing to and be dedicated to sticking by it.

(Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Panorama editorial staff)

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PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

SPORTS

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Rams are coming up big and ready to dominate the court Varsity basketball team looks to fill voids with new talent LEVI GREENBERG —sports writer

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he varsity boys basketball team has the right mind set to move in a positive direction this year. They started earlier with new off-season workouts aimed to get players stronger and in better shape.

The team has put an emphasis on defense this year. They are switching to a more up tempo style of play including man-toman full court defense. The defense shined on opening night as the Rams knocked John Burroughs by 14 points. The Rams will continue to use defensive pressure, with their big test Dec. 13 when they host Parkway South. At last year’s meeting, Parkway South defeated the Rams with a buzzer beating shot.

“We spent a lot of time during the fall preseason doing high-impact workouts to get stronger as a program,” head coach Chad Anderson said. “The style of play we plan on implementing requires well-conditioned players and our players put in a lot of effort and commitment to get in better shape.”

After graduating a huge presence on the court in Will Childs-Klein and two other senior starters, Mitch Montaldo and Malcolm Early, the team is faced with a rebuilding year. New faces will have to step up on this year’s team to carry the load.

“This year’s team has some good talent, but the biggest difference from last year to this year is varsity experience,” Anderson said.

New styles of scoring will have to be enforced in order to score baskets. The adjustment from having a 6-foot-11-inch center to now having two tall starters, Austin Da Gue, 6 feet 9 inches, and Andrew Maddock, 6 feet 7 inches will create a big difference this year.

“It’s going to be harder for us to just get easy buckets. Now we’re going to have to run through our full sets, not just quick hitters to our big man,” Johnston said. “We’re going to have to make smart plays.”

Sophomore Andrew Maddock is excited to be back in Ladue after playing at Chaminade last year. Maddock appreciates the opportunity in coming back to play with Johnston.

“As much as I enjoyed my time at Chaminade, it’s great to be back,” Maddock said. “Everyone has been very welcoming, from the coaches and players to all my old friends. Also, when I found out I was going to get to play with Cornell I was pumped.

He’s probably the best point guard I’ve played with and can really make plays.”

Being 6 feet 7 inches puts Maddock in a position between the forward and center position. The versatility he brings to the court will be key to the team’s success.

“Joining Austin Da Gue in the front court, I can really help take the pressure off of him, meaning defenders can’t just double him in the post because they have to respect my ability to score and vise versa. Also I’m another solid defender and rebounder, that can strengthen our defensive minded approach,” Maddock said.

HEADS UP As senior John Thom-

Senior guard Ryan Daniels is looking forward to having a good season and improving the team’s record. In addition to the team needing to implement set plays, each player is working on their own skills for the upcoming season.

“I focus on working on my handles [ball handling], and trying to be a better leader,” Daniels said.

A common goal among the players and coaches of the varsity team is to take home a conference title, and make a run at winning state. The team last year came in second place in the conference after losing to the Clayton Greyhounds at Washington University. To make a run at state the team will have to battle through a tough district. Ladue’s district is also traditionally one of the strongest in the area with teams such as St. Louis University High, Chaminade, Christian Brothers College, Roosevelt and Webster Groves.

“With many other teams in our district’s bracket going through rebuilding years, we have a shot to make something happen this year,” Maddock said.

Assistant coach Todd Basler recognizes the determination displayed in his players. Their hard work and determined work habits stand out to Basler and the coaching staff. Practices are geared to be extremely competitive and physically challenging as the team works on drills to prepare them for different in-game situations.

“With little experience, the kids are going to have to be patient with themselves.” Basler said. “They need to listen to their coaches and continue to work hard.” w

SET ON SCORING While eyeing the basket, junior Austin Da Gue prepares to take a shot. He has been a varsity contributer since his sophomore year, scoring 42 points last season.

as jumps to make a layup, sophomore Andrew Maddock watches. Maddock returned to Ladue after attending Chaminade for two years.

EYE ON THE PRIZE While he stares

down the rim, senior shooting guard Ryan Daniels drives to the basket. Daniels led the team with 11 points in their opening game and victory against Burroughs. (photos by Jeanne Wilkinson)

BUNNY HOPS As he leaps into air, junior

Adakeem Brown does a layup during a scrimmage. Brown is also an outside linebacker on the football team, and got off to a slower start for the basketball season due to his football dedication.

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SPORTS

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

Strong upperclassmen plan on leading team to state Wrestling looks for strong season with four returning state qualifiers GRETCHEN MCCARTHY —photo editor NATHAN PERLMUTTER —sports writers

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his year’s boys wrestling team is looking to build on last year’s success with new leaders and fresh, young talent.

This is Kevin Clawson’s fifth year of coaching the boys varsity team. He is assisted by Adam Durham and Brian Archibald. While the latter may deal with the junior varsity, all three coaches work together on both teams to try and reach an elite level of wrestling.

One major loss from last year was Owen Blyth, the senior captain who placed third in state. Although he was a major powerhouse for the team, the coaches feel they have numerous wrestlers to fill the void. This year’s team has a solid junior class to go along with a steady senior class.

“This year we have great juniors and seniors such as Evan Morrison, Chris Shirley, Grant Sachs and Justin Mann. They will be primary leaders in this years team success,” Clawson said.

Seniors Evan Morrison and Chris Shirley have been working on their skills throughout the off-season. Over the summer, they attended a wrestling camp in Minnesota, which not only was tiring with all of its physical work, but also took a mental toll on the wrestlers. Although wrestling may seem like a very physical sport, state qualifier Shirley claims it is more mental than most believe it is. As the body wears down from the constant physical strains of wrestling, a wrestler needs a strong metal focus in order to succeed.

“The toughest part of the camp was staying mentally focused. After many drills to strengthen our endurance, we would have to listen and follow directions that were difficult to acknowledge because we were so tired,” Shirley said.

Practices before the season are a key part of any sports’ success. In wrestling, practices are built around maintaining endurance along with live competition, which puts each wrestler against one another. Live competition allows wrestlers to get a match like experience while in practice and also allows them to practice against wrestlers who may be bigger or stronger.

“At around 2:45 [p.m.] we start with warmups, then we move into live takedowns – this means that every player runs around the mats for five minutes or so, and then all at once they pick another teammate and start to wrestle. The technique and live situations are done near the end, all with cardio mixed in through out each drill, the practice usually ends around 5:00 each day,” Clawson said.

Since Morrison is one of the senior captains, he takes a lot of responsibility in leading the team.

He chooses to do this through leading by example.

Young wrestlers watching him work hard will hopefully inspire them to do the same and develop good habits.

“One key to this team’s success is to not quit, and wrestle in future years. That is how you develop as a wrestler. If I work hard, and then do well, hopefully that will lead to the younger guys to work hard, because they will think that they can do well,” Morrison said.

Most wrestlers feel mental preparation is the most important key to success as individuals and as a team. If a wrestler goes into a match feeling confident, he will be less afraid of his opponent which will help him bring home a victory for the team as a whole.

In wrestling, there are 14 weight classes, and even though there are 35-45 people on the team, they do not necessarily fill all of slots. Last year, there was only one person wrestling in the 103-weight class, compared to this year where there has been addition of three more people competing for that same spot. The lack of spots on the team has developed intense practices with wrestlers competing hard for the starting spot.

“One of the most important part of practices is when there is competition within the team, although many people do not like to be better or worse than anyone else, this not only is best for practice, but also for determining the best way for each person to be placed,” Shirley said.

This year the team has nine meets with multiple teams, the first of which is on November 29. Meets usually involve three different schools and the team with the most points wins the meet. Along with the nine meets, the team is involved in six tournaments throughout the year.

This year’s team is hoping to build off the success they had last year and carry it into another successful season.

“We have four returning state qualifiers, and hope to make it five this year. We can defiantly go undefeated along with placing

in many of the tournaments we will compete in.” Clawson said.

This year’s team is looking forward to another winless season made possible by hard work in the off-season and mental toughness during each meet by every player.

A DAY AT WRESTLING PRACTICE (Top) Two teammates wrestle each other during live competition at practice. Junior Grant Sachs practices his moves against senior Charles Berry. Live competition allows wrestlers to compete against other weight classes for bonus experience.

(Bottom Left) Practice is built around numerous conditioning drills to help competitors maintain weight.

Senior Peter Ecklemann carries fellow senior Evan Morrison across the mats.

TAKE DOWN Wrestler Matan Gazit works on his moves as he takes down his fellow teammate. Gazit wrestles in the 195 pound classw. (Above) Assistant coach Brian Archibald shows two wrestlers the proper form of a takedown.

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

SPORTS

21

Strong senior class plans to propel team to state College recruits, Wall and Ogbevoen take charge HAMM HOOPER —sports editor

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s the girls swim and dive team kick-offs the season, the squad is looking to a strong senior class to lead the team.

Dartmouth bound senior Maddie Wall and senior Etinosa Ogbevoen lead the team and both hold numerous Ladue swimming records. Seniors Helen You, Jasmine Park and Clare Canepa also provide strong leadership for the younger swimmers and divers.

“The seniors have the most experience so this year they are really trying to stress team bonding,” junior Rebecca Schactman said. “In past years this has not been as strong and the seniors are already doing a good job of making sure the team is close-knit.”

Head coach Tricia Garvey, who’s in her fifth year as Ladue’s head coach, also realizes the importance of a strong senior class. As with any sport, leadership is important to the success of the team.

“Having a strong senior class is incredibly important not only because of the amount of talent and experience that they bring to the team, but also the leadership qualities that they bring,” Garvey said.

“We have many new girls, some who have never swam competitively

before and our juniors and seniors are making them feel comfortable and encouraged.”

With a solid senior class and a strong group of swimmers overall, the team has set itself high expectations for the upcoming season, both indvidually and as a team. The team is focusing on succeeding in the relay races.

“One of the team goals for this year is to finish in the top eight in three relays,” Ogbevoen said. “I also want to win the 50 and 100 meter free style in state.”

The team has three larger swim meets that it competes at every year; the Ladue, Lindbergh and Rockwood Summit Invitationals. Garvey has set her eye on these three meets and expects a strong finish from her team.

“For the first time, we really have depth on our team. With that depth we could possibly take a top two finish at the Ladue, Lindbergh, and Rockwood Summit invitational,” Garvey said. “I would also love to see the team finish in the top three at the Conference meet and have a strong finish at state. Of course, every swimmer/diver sets individual goals for herself, so I would love to see them all reach their individual goal.”

While swimming might seem like an individual sport, it is the opposite.

The times of individual swimmers and divers all help to try and win the

meet as a team.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Coming up for a breath, sophomore Riley “Even though people Merdinian works on her butterfly stroke. Stroke technique is extremely think it’s an individual important especially in butterfly which was one of the toughest strokes sport, it’s a team sport to learn. (photo by Elizabeth Ornitz) because you can’t win a you can just point your meet with a couple great individual fingers a little more at swims,” Wall said. “You need the the finish or take one whole team to do well and with this less breath going into comes a lot of cheering and standing you last lap you may be behind your team.” able to out touch someEmphasizing team goals over inone. Its even the little dividual ones could have been a tall things like that they task for Garvey, but with this group [the coaches] correct of girls it has not been a problem. during practice that are This year’s team has already bought so crucial. One of the into the team aspect of the sport. most important thinks “Luckily, with the amazing group that Garvey has taught of girls we have this year, focusing us is that practice of the team as well as the individual doesn’t make perfect, performance is a big priority for perfect practice makes everyone,” Garvey said. “They all prefect.” realize that the potential for team The girls’ team will success is there this year and that look to get off to a perthe team is going to need more than fect start on Dec. 12 as a few individuals to achieve that they travel to Mehlville success. They are all making small to begin the season. w sacrifices for the good of the team.”

The team also benefits greatly SWAN DIVE The from the coach’s expertise in the diving team also technique of swimming. Both Garplays a key role in vey and assistant coach Hap Gentry the overall sucess have a wealth of knowledge in the of the team at the sport and readily share with their meet. Sophomore swimmers.

Morgan Heibel “The slightest changes can make readies herself bethe biggest difference. In swimming fore she dives into every single millisecond counts,” the pool. (photo by sophomore Riley Merdinian said. “If Elizabeth Ornitz)

Mark YOUR CALENDAR Save the date and saddle up to go cheer on your Rams at these marquee matchups:

lDec. 10 - Boys Hockey vs. Priory

lDec. 13- Boys Basetball vs. Parkway South lDec.14- Wrestling @ Mehlville lDec. 16- Girls Basketball @ Pattonville

22

SPORTS

PANORAMA

DECEMBER 9, 2011

Rams return to the rink

High expectations and a strong group of returning players headline hockey season KAREN FIGENSHAU —sports writer

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rmed with veteran leadership and young talent, the hockey team is ready to come back on top and build on last season’s success. Players expect an ambitious season with fresh talent and young players to step up.

“I think we can definitely build on what we had last year and have a competitive season,” sophomore Matthew Gould said. “We are a very talented team with a lot of potential, and we’re looking to be very competitive this year.”

The Rams made several substantial changes for the 2011-2012 season. Notably, a brand new set of coaches have reinvigorated the team.

“Our new head coach is John Hodgins, and our new assistant coaches are Mike Hawkins, Jerry Carter, and Jim Schulmann,” junior Alex Schott said. “Coach Hodgins has turned our team around. He has focused our team around chemistry and hard work.”

The players have been very receptive to the new coaches. The team’s chemistry has improved mightily with an experienced staff.

“I am very fond of the new coaches, and I am proud to play for them and listen to everything they say,” sophomore Eric Heidenreich said.

Furthermore, captains take the coaches’ commands to the ice. Senior Caleb Ellis is captain, and Schott and junior Charlie Jonas are assistant captains.

“Our goals as captains are to create a good team atmosphere, and on top of everything, to win games,” Schott said.

The Rams are already preparing for the upcoming season with various types of training during intense practices.

“We have been working very hard not only on the ice but off the ice doing everything we can to improve from last year,” Schott said.

Practices are an hour long. Players have worked hard on learning and mastering the new offensive, defensive and special teams schemes.

“In practices, we usually have ten minutes of skating CRUISING AND BRUISING warmups,” Heidenreich said. (above) As he turns away Next, we move into 30 to 45 from a defender, senior and minutes of game situations, captain Caleb Ellis protects which is the most important part the puck. In addition to Ellis, of practice. The last five minutes juniors Alex Schott and Charare usually a fun game, like a lie Jonas serve as assistant shootout.” captains. (left) As he controls The coaches have implement- the puck, junior Jeremy Wright ed a new high octane offensive races to the goal. The team system. Wingers station themis very optimistic about their selves higher up on the boards talent and work ethic this seato springs their linemates out son. (right) While watching an on fast breaks and breakaways, opposing player, sophomore creating more scoring chances.

Eric Heidenreich performs a “With our new coach, we spend poke-check. Heidenreich is most of our practices working in one of the players who make a system,” senior Grant Schalk up the young nucleus. (phosaid. “Our new plays have a lot tos courtesy of Mark Shevitz) of winger and center movement.

There’s lots of misdirection that individual responsibilities which they carry out. No one on our makes it hard for opposing defensemen to follow.

Even the goalies have a part, we have to read the other team and team has to put the team on his back.”

Sophomores and juniors are ready to take on the tasks of the call out certain breakouts.” seniors from last season. The Rams have plenty of young talent The new philosophy has worked well, as the Rams have to have another good season. already played a few games and seen an improvement from last “We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we’re still really close year. The team has already noticed significant improvements as a team” Heidenreich said. “The sophomore and junior classes over last season. are both skilled. My goal is to score 10 points, but most impor“This season looks good so far,” Schalk said. “This year, tantly, I want to be a good teammate.” we’re 1-1 for the first time in a long time, and we’re coming With new coaches, boundless camaraderie, and ambitious off one of the best games I’ve seen Ladue play in a long time, players, Ladue hockey is surely set to have a successful season. better than last season.”

“We have excellent potential to have a winning record, esAmong the biggest factors in the team’s positive outlook is pecially when the team is healthy, because as a young team, we chemistry among players and coaches alike. A new team spirit are fast and physical,” Schott said. “In the postseason, we could pushes all members to play to the best of their abilities, and definitely win the Wickenheiser Cup or the Founders’ Cup.” w holds the team together.

“We have a great group of kids this season. We all get along great, and the chemistry is awesome,” Schott said.

The team’s camaraderie is high and players have bonded and become a family. The new spirit makes the team enjoy the season.

“The team is the closest I’ve seen in years,” Schalk said. “Everyone has each other’s back, and we can all count on each other on and off the ice. All the players have

HERE COMES THE BOOM While delivering

a bone crushing body check, junior and assistant captain Alex Schott hits an opposing player. Ice hockey is a fast paced sport that combines technical skill and physicality. (photo courtesy of Mark Shevitz)

DECEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

SPORTS

Special Olympics unites athletes and volunteers

Participants thrive with their buddies in friendly competition, games and snacks

ALL-STAR ATHLETES (left) Freshmen Michael Wielansky and Jane Nelson pose with their buddy. The ath-

letes regrouped and enjoyed many activities in the auto lab. (right) While lining up the team, freshmen volunteers aid their buddies before the volleyball games begin. Players had a blast at the Olympics, making it a very rewarding day for all participants. (photos by Danielle Thompson)

MIKE FIGENSHAU —sports writer

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reshman volunteers helped Special Olympics athletes compete in Ladue’s annual volleyball tournament, Nov. 10.

Organized by English teacher Wendy Guhr, the tournament was a huge success for participants.

“The event ran smoothly, and our leaders and buddies did an excellent job hosting the event,” Guhr said.

The volleyball tournament included participants from Ladue Middle School, Hixson Middle School, and the St. Louis Special School District. It is organized by select freshman.

“This event is student-led,” Guhr said. “We have a Games Management Committee that organizes the buddies, captains and the overall running of the event.”

With meticulous planning and enthusiastic buddies, the tournament was fun for everyone. Careful planning was key.

“The management committee did an amazing job of planning everything to be just right,” freshman Rees Williams said. “There were no scheduling or time issues, and we really came into the tournament stress-free because of all their work.”

The day began with an elaborate opening ceremony. Volunteers gave an opening speech, lit the torch, and celebrated the Olympic spirit.

“The opening ceremony really got the day off to a great start,” Williams said. “It began with an opening speech, then the Athlete’s Oath, which a lot of athletes knew by heart. Then a freshman lit the torch and ran it all around the gym, just like a real opening ceremony.”

Soon, the players took to the court and began competing. The first games were challenging, but the athletes quickly improved.

“The first games started off pretty rough,” freshman Joel Burda said. “We had to teach a few rules, but once the actual playing techniques were synthesized throughout the individual players, they began to play more as teams.”

Volunteers were amazed with the athletes’ abilities. This made game play smooth, fair, and enjoyable.

“All the athletes played to the best of their abilities, which the volunteers really admired,” Williams said. “I was really impressed with how well they were doing. Some of the athletes were in

BURN BABY BURN During the opening ceremony, freshman Mackenzie Gratz walks with her buddy as he carries the torch. The Athlete’s Oath had already been recited and the games were about to begin. “This day was amazing,” Gratz said. (photo by Danielle Thompson) wheelchairs, but they played as best as they could, and it was truly amazing to watch. Throughout the games, we were continually surprised with

moments of excellence from almost every player.”

After several games, the athletes and volunteers enjoyed lunch in the Performing Arts Center lobby and the cafeteria. Most volunteers bonded with their athletes during this face-to-face interaction.

“Lunch was a unique time for athletes and volunteers because each volunteer was able to talk face-toface with his buddy,” Williams said.

“It was so nice to have a peaceful conversation somewhere besides the crowded, hot gym.”

After the final games, the athletes were able to relax with arts and crafts or continue to duke it out in basketball games. The GMC opened many rooms for other activities.

Beyond the volleyball competition, freshman volunteers bonded with the athletes on deep levels. The vibe of friendly competition was felt throughout the day as the athletes played harder and harder.

“My buddy’s name was Briana,” Williams said. “She was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and took nothing for granted.”

The tournament has a strong influence on all participants. Its altruism keeps volunteers reminiscing for years, and provides an everlasting sense of belonging for the athletes.

“Every year the students tell us how exhausted they are at the end of the day,” Guhr said. “Additionally, they ask if they can participate again next year. I think the biggest impact is kids helping, learning from, accepting, befriending, and supporting other kids. My favorite part of the tournament is watching our students positively interact with students with special needs. Both the athletes and the students greatly benefit from this experience.” w

23

HOOP’S HUDDLE Not So Happy Valley

C

HAMM HOOPER —sports editor

ollege football fans are used to hearing about allegations against top programs, whether it’s a USC recruiting scandal or a suspension of LSU players for smoking marijuana. But it’s rare to hear of something so morally wrong as what has transpired at Penn State, ironically located in Happy Valley.

Nine victims accused former defensive coach, Jerry Sandusky, of sexual assault Nov. 7. According to ESPN, Sandusky allegedly molested nine boys from 1998 to 2005 in the Penn State athletic facilities through his charitable foundation for at-risk youths, The Second Mile. More information began to leak including the fact that head coach, Joe Paterno, knew of the atrocious acts, but did not take action to stop Sandusky. Once the university learned of these allegations, the Penn State Board of Trustees has fired nearly every person that knew of Sandusky’s alleged crimes and failed to stop them, including athletic director Tim Curley, vice president Gary Shultz, president Graham Spainer, and yes, head coach of 46 years, Joe Paterno.

This is something fans of Penn State and the entire college football nation thought they would never hear: Joe Paterno fired. The grandfather of college football being forced to step away from the game with his reputation tarnished by the horrible actions of his trusted assistant coach. A man who has accumulated the most Divison-One wins with 409 through his 46 years of coaching, all at Penn State. One of the few football coaches that people could trust to do it right, until now.

In 2002, when graduate assistant Mike McQueary informed Paterno that he had witnessed Sandusky sexually molesting a boy in the team shower room, Paterno did the bare legal minimum by relaying the information to his superior, university president Graham Spainer. Spainer however, did not do anything with the information, unless you count taking away Sandusky’s locker room keys.

While Paterno did not do anything legally wrong, he most certainly failed morally. Paterno should have immediately gone to the police and reported Sandusky for sexual assault. Who knows why he didn’t. Maybe he didn’t believe the information given to him was strong enough to convict Sandusky. Maybe he didn’t think a man he trusted could commit such an evil crime or maybe he didn’t want to tarnish the reputation of Penn State; a reputation he had for more than 40 years. But the sad truth is, Paterno did not take decisive action and the Board of Trustees made the right decision by firing him. His games on the sidelines were already limited, even if the allegations hadn’t popped up. Health has taken its toll on the 84-year-old and many believed this would be his last year coaching anyway. Paterno’s support at the stadium would have been enormous and the thought of players and fans carrying Paterno off the field after what has just happened with Sandusky was too much for the Board of Trustees. While there is overwhelming support for Paterno from Penn State students and many others, the Board of Trustees realized that the majority of people knew that Paterno did not do enough to stop Sandusky’s disgusting acts and were angry.

Time will tell what this scandal will do to Paterno’s legacy, but it will certainly be hard to look at his career without remembering his actions. Paterno has had an amazing run at Penn State and is one of the most respected people in the game of football. When Paterno first took over the coaching job, he undertook what he called “The Great Experiment,” a plan to balance academics and athletics. Paterno’s success created one of the most successful programs in all of college athletics. I always used to view Joe Paterno as a happy little old man who loved football and Penn State more than life itself, but now when I think about Paterno and his staff, I picture Herbert from “Family Guy” and his sexual attempts at Chris and Stewie. Hopefully more information will rise to put Paterno in a better light, but until then he will be remembered as the man who did not do enough. w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

24

PANORAMA

COVER

DECEMBER 9, 2011

SLIFF: past and present Plaza Frontenac

WashU

photo by Elizabeth Ornitz

photo by Elizabeth Ornitz

St. Louis became film hot-spot Nov. 10-20 Film festival showed shorts, documentaries, features LEO DICERA —a&e/features writer

EMILY BELL —editor in chief

Continued from page 1 Brian Woodman, co-curator for the documentary sidebar, said that he typically screens over 15 films a week in the summer in an effort to view the hundreds of submissions by September 15th, the date when the companies were notified about their selection.

“I feel like independent films are more about the telling the story, rather than who’s in it,” senior Bonnie Silver said.

“People go watch Hollywood films more for the actors, but for indie film you go to see the plot.”

The films shown at the festival, however, were not solely based on the submissions received, as a few films were selected by being followed in the national film festival circuit. Film festivals such as Sundance in Salt Lake City in the spring, and Telluride, CO were monitored to track down what films were getting attention and could potentially be screened in St. Louis.

However, if a chosen film was picked up for distribution before the festival, the film was not be allowed to air at SLIFF. The film festival also takes pride in the number of international films they show each year.

After the initial screenings, the films were then divided into sidebars: groups based on the content or origin of the films.

Popular sidebars were the African American sidebar, British Isles sidebar, and the LGBTQ sidebar. Sidebars were also created in response to the St. Louis community. The Eastern European sidebar was created in regards to St. Louis’ large Bosnian community. Some new sidebars were the architecture and environment sidebars, created because of the amount of films pertaining to these subjects.

The human rights sidebar films, mostly documentaries, were free to the public. This was done with the intention of getting as many people as possible to go see the film. Froehlich, who is also in charge of documentary programming, said that “there are certain subjects that need to be addressed in each festival: environmental issues, human rights issues.”

Shorts were similarly divided, but into clusters of six to eight which added up to two hours, the typical length of a featurefilm. The shorts had target audiences including “Animation: Family” and “Animation: Absurd” in which the films were more edgy. Shorts were not only grouped by age, but also by interest.

Divisions like “Sex & Gender,” and “Arts and Issues” both oriented around a specific audience.

Additionally, the festival also featured a side project called Cinema For Students, where films oriented towards students are broadcasted during the day. These films included documentaries such as The Bully Project, which highlights the bullying epidemic in the country. Students either traveled to one of the SLIFF venues, or the films were brought to their schools. Often, English and history classes would see these films, and afterwords, follow up with an activity in class.

Seniors David Mullis and Dennis Wong attended the festival last year for extra credit in film analysis and Wong said they went this year “because last year was pretty enjoyable.”

“With independent films you get a lot more variety in how they approach it and there’s not a formula, there’s a lot more leniency in them and cooler stuff,” Mullis, who saw seven films, said.

The festival also featured many free events, adding to the tradition set by St. Louis for being second, following D.C., as the city with the most accommodating and complementary attractions. This feature was made possible by corporate sponsors such as Stella Artois and American Airlines. Stella Artois approached Cinema St. Louis three years ago as a principal sponsor and has been ever since. They support the festival financially and also provided refreshments for film parties and screenings. American Airlines assisted by providing complimentary transportation for filmmakers and actors. Prominent local companies and individuals also sponsored screenings, as many of the films showed multiple nights.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout, the response, and the thoughtful questions that were put forth during the Q & A session that followed. The festival is extremely well run, and everyone was most hospitable,” said Tom Rasky, executive producer from the documentary, “A People Uncounted.”

Webster University Tivoli Theater

photo by Gretchen McCarthy

photo by Josh Wolderufael

Established in 1992, the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) was created with the purpose of producing, promoting and presenting annual film events to advance film as an art form in St. Louis. In comparison to other film festivals across the country, SLIFF is located in the middle of the country, at the midpoint of New York and Los Angeles. While film is also one of the top in the Midwest, right behind Chicago, Cleveland and SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin,TX, and unlike it’s counterparts, SLIFF is more focused on showcasing great film to people, rather than finding distributors to release films.

Regardless of this difference, the festival has had many famous directors pass through the circuit.

Past SLIFF alumni include directors Jason Reitman (“Juno” and “Up In the Air” –Juno won audience choice award at SLIFF in 2007), Tate Taylor (“The Help”), and Drake Doremus (“Like Crazy”). All of these filmmakers took part in the New Filmmaker’s Forum panel. The New Filmmakers Forum features five first-time directors, who have shown promise/exceptional quality in their work, and a have a long career ahead, answer questions brought by the audience about their films and their work as directors.

Cinema St. Louis also hosts StlShowcase, a festival dedicated to films shot locally or by local filmmakers, QFest, an LGBTQ film festival, a French film festival and CinemaSpoke, a screen-writing competition.

Like Rasky, who’s film tells the untold story of the Roma in World War II, many directors, actors, producers and cast and crew came to the screenings and stayed for question and answer sessions to talk directly with the audience. Another film, “23 Minutes To Sunrise”, was screened as a work in progress, and the cast and crew were present to hear what the audience had to say. Freshman Lee Goodman was on the production staff.

“I think the screening worked as a great barometer. We knew that the film was not totally where it needed to be. But, it was good to get early feedback and an audience point of view before the film is actually released in 2012,” “23 Minutes” actor Dingani Beza said. “I feel our team now has a better understanding of the things that worked, didn’t work, or needs to be tweaked. I think in all it was a win/win situation for the project.”

Though the festival is over, Cinema St. Louis has goals for next year, primarily maintaining and increasing the quality of the programming while increasing attendance Froehlich said.

“We hope that people also come for the experience of getting to watch these films with an audience: a community of people,” Cinema St. Louis Operations Supervisor, Brian Spath said. “That’s something that Blockbuster, Netflix and IFC cannot replace.” w

photo by Josh Wolderufael