October 2014
FANTASY
POLITICS Who’s your pick to run the country?
CONTENTS
FANTASY POLITICS 16-17 Center With both election and football season raging, who would you pick to win in Fantasy Politics?
NEWS
FEATURES
OPINIONS
REVIEWS
(4) Election Stances (5) New Clubs (6) The Crucible Returns (7) Flipped Classrooms and FCCLA Fall Festival
(8) The Dangers of Envy and Gender Inequality (9) Fashion Changes and Hipster Becoming The ‘Norm’ (10) Changing For a Grade and ACT Prep Classes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZACH GABBERT
MANAGING EDITOR
(11) Fall Favorites (13) Different Religions (14) Superstitions (18) Mrs. Connelly Ticket Story and Driving Tips
(20) Sushi: Mikato, Wild Ginger and Hiko-a-Mon (22) Rockey Horror and American Horror Story Freakshow (24) Evolution of Music and Gone Girl
SPORTS EDITOR
COLUMNIST
SPORTS EDITOR
STAFF WRITERS
ABIGAIL STEWART
NEWS EDITOR
ALLEN CLARK
OPINIONS EDITOR
AUGUST GRAVATTE
ONLINE EDITOR
FEATURES EDITOR
RANDY HEITE
BUSINESS MANAGER
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
CIRCULATION MANAGER
ABBY PADGETT
KENDALL ATCHISON NIC MOORE
(26) Gender Dominated Sports (27) Roller Derby: Sophia Drury (28) Player Rituals and Reviewing Plays (29) Volleyball Success (30) Heart of Football
THE CLARION COLONEL STAFF
BRIDGET KELLY
REAGAN GAVIN
SPORTS
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
BETHANY LAWSON
ALISHA MALHOTRA
NICOLE BROWNING
KYLIE COCHRAN LEEA COLLARD ALLISON DAVIDSON TORI HAFNER ALLY HICKS ASPEN JARRETT SPENCER JOHNSON EMILY KOONTZ REED PERCEFULL MARY RUMSEY JORDAN SLIGAR RACHAEL STONE EMILY URBAN EMMA WADE OLIVIA WHORF MARIA WILLIAMS
ADVISER
JOAN THOMPSON
The Clarion Colonel welcomes letters to the editor. Letters can be submitted to Mrs. Joan Thompson’s mailbox, emailed to joan.thompson@oldham.kyschools.us or be sent to: Newspaper, Oldham County High School, P.O. Box 187, Buckner, KY 40010. The Clarion Colonel is published monthly by the students of Oldham County High School. Oldham County High School is not responsible for the accuracy of opinions or claims appearing in The Clarion Colonel. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the staff or its publisher. The appearance of any advertisement does not constitute endorsement of any product in The Clarion Colonel.
2 The Clarion Colonel
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR I ZACH GABBERT ll EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
am a bubble boy. The society I live in, with its infrastructure and high sanitation rates, seals me off from any “real” infections. Because of this relative safety in which I am surrounded, I have no idea what a real “epidemic” is like or how to deal with one if it should come my way. From sharing drinks to kissing one’s significant other, sharing germs is typically a part of teenage life. We don’t worry about getting sick because we honestly don’t have to worry. I may catch the occasional cold from someone, but I don’t fear contracting Ebola from the girl sneezing in the back of the room. The fact that we can make jokes about someone having Ebola proves that we have never really had any true concern for our health. The worst I’ve ever felt in my life was when I got food poisoning from a sketchy Mexican restaurant in LaGrange. I knew before I did it that I shouldn’t have touched anything there, much less consumed their food. And yet, there I was at 2 a.m., wishing I could turn back time and have eaten at Qdoba instead. In retrospect, that so called “bubble” remained un-popped; as bad as I felt in that moment, I subconsciously knew I would get better, and that I wouldn’t feel that way forever. On a larger scale, Americans treat illness as inconvenience more than anything severe and for good reason – we have never needed to think of it any differently. From commercials to hospital signs, the message isn’t “cover up to save a life,” but rather, “cover up
so not to ruin someone else’s day.” If thousands were to be infected in any given area, we have plenty of medical professionals available, but most are largely used to having easy fixes to easy problems. Cold? Plenty of rest. Headache? Tylenol. Most of a physician’s encounters with patients typically are not overly complicated diagnoses. That isn’t to say those men and women don’t work hard at their jobs or have complicated patients, but the environment we live in has “mass outbreaks” as mere drills that even those who take them seriously take them with a grain of salt. As the Ebola virus makes its way to the United States, reports have emerged that modern 21st century hospitals, with their millions spent on equipment and care, don’t really know how they would treat a mass outbreak of virus infection. Really? Culturally, we have been raised not to fear getting sick; we worry, sure, but a cough, for us, is merely that – a cough. The largest of outbreaks can start with a cough, a cold, a fever, but how many of us would ever consider it any more than that? Especially if it subsides after a couple days, very few of us would even raise an eyebrow. The solutions lies, of course, in general hygiene, but also in the realization that with hundreds of flights a day in and out of the country and millions of hands interacting throughout the world, an epidemic is no longer a crazy idea. By taking that to heart, we may think twice before we pop that bubble we are so used to calling home.
credits Cover Design: Nicole Browning and Zach Gabbert Pg. 5: Photo by Abby Padgett Pg. 6: Photos by August Gravatte and Zach Gabbert Pg. 7: Photo by Bridget Kelly Pg. 9: Photo by Zach Gabbert Pg 10: Illustration by Nicole Browning Pg. 13: Photos by August Gravatte Pg. 14: Photos by August Gravatte Pg. 18: Photo by August Gravatte Pgs. 20-21: Photos by Alisha Malhotra, Bethany Lawson and Jordan Sligar Pg. 26: Photo by August Gravatte Pg. 27: Photo submitted Pg. 28: Photo by August Gravatte Pg. 29: Photos by Abigail Stewart Pg. 30: Photo submitted
The Clarion Colonel 3
Where do they Stand? The Nov. 4 election for Senate has been a long and heated battle between Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes. Each candidate must take a stand as some of the most hot-button topics come to light.
Your Local
Statesman
RANDY HEITE ll ONLINE EDITOR
State Senator Ernie Harris Who she is:
Who he is:
Age: 35 years Born: Maysville, Ky. Political Party: Democratic Current Position: Secretary of State of Kentucky (since Jan. 2, 2012).
Age: 72 years Born: Sheffield, Ala. Political Party: Republican Current Position: United States Senate Minority Leader (since Jan 3, 2007).
Interesting Personal Facts: • Grimes is a native of Maysville, Ky. • She received a B.A. in political science from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. • Grimes obtained her law degree from American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C.
Interesting Personal Facts: • McConnell’s first name is Addison. • He received a B.A. in political science from the University of Louisville. • McConnell obtained his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in Lexington, Ky.
Platforms:
• No Opinion on the legalization of marijuana. • Strongly For rights for women and abortion. • Strongly For same-sex marriage. • Strongly For absolute right to gun ownership. • For higher taxes on wealthy. • For a distinct pathway for citizenship for illegal aliens. • Favors expanding the military.
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Platforms:
• Strongly Opposes on the legalization of marijuana. •Strongly Opposes women’s reproductive rights. •Strongly Against same-sex marriage. •Strongly for absolute right to gun ownership. • Strongly Against higher taxes on wealthy. • Opposes a distinct pathway for citizenship for illegal aliens. • Strongly Favors expanding the military.
Ernie Harris (R - Crestwood) is Oldham County’s local statesman, representing Senate District 26. First elected in 1995, Harris has served Oldham County for 20 consecutive years, including being an active member in organizations such as the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce and the Oldham County Farm Bureau. He has also achieved a number of accomplishments outside of Oldham County, such as winning a Golden Staff Award in 1996 and being given the title of “Taxpayer’s Best Friend” by the Kentucky Staffing Services Association. Harris was a pilot for UPS and is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant. If you would like to contact Senator Harris, he can be reached by telephone at 502241-8307.
The moon
shines bright
on religious organization ABBY PADGETT ll NEWS EDITOR The Crescent Moon Club, a group that welcomes those who wish to learn about the religion of Wiccans and Pagans, is open to any student. The organization hopes to bring religious tolerance into the school and decrease persecution of Wiccans and Pagans. “Other religious groups have clubs, so I thought as Wiccans, we don’t have a club,” Shai Pearcy, senior, said. “I’ve been trying since freshman year to get this started. Basically, it’s a place for Wiccans and Pagans to go and learn and become better people and make their skills better. This summer, I was initiated as a Wiccan priestess, so I’m probably the most qualified person in the building to teach these people. We’re going to be doing a bunch of service projects. We are going to help the homeless, clean up parks and stuff like that.” Other students sitting in on the group’s meetings had various reasons for why they decided to join the club, and what
CLOSE TIES -- Club leader Shai Pearcy (right) and member Victoria Tharpe (left) create a personal holy book. they were expecting to get out of it. “It seemed like a good place in which we could show others that, ‘Hey we’re not the way we’re stereotyped,’ so, this is a completely different direction,” Victoria Tharpe, junior, said. As the club is just starting, members hope to get a feel for the types of discussion and what the main focus of content will contain. “For those who only want to observe, they don’t have to participate in anything they don’t want to do. They can just listen and ask questions,” Tharpe said. To become a Wiccan, a student’s parents must first sign a permission slip. After a signed form is turned in, a student can decide whether or not to join
the religion. If not, the club is still open for those who want to observe what the group has to offer. Students do not need a form if they wish to sit in on meetings to ask questions. Federal guidelines exist regarding religious expression in public schools. This includes the stipulation that religion classes cannot be taught, but classes can learn about a religion in relation to history, art, music, etc. The Crescent Moon Club’s primary focus is on tolerance of diverse beliefs. “[Wiccans] focus more on trust and love. They accept you and focus on the world and helping everybody else,” Samantha Gray, senior, said. The Crescent Moon club meets after school every Thursday in Room 102.
very into it,” Springer said. The club currently has about 12 members and is focusing on the direction for the year. “Everyone is very different, yet we can all come together to work on a common goal,” Zachary T. Taylor, senior and club president, said. So far, members have talked about ways to get involved in the community and school, as well as fundraising ideas. They have also been working with different types of computers, technological systems, and even video games.
“I have learned that I don’t know everything about technology,” Taylor said. Some students joined the Tech Club because it will help them achieve their future goals. “It is an interest of mine and the field I am planning on pursuing in my life requires it,” Phoenix Bell-Yates, senior, said. The club welcomes anyone interested in technology to join. “It is a very welcoming community where we all come together with the same passions,” Bell-Yates said.
Gadgets and gizmos galore
TORI HAFNER ll STAFF WRITER
A new and improved computer club is evolving this school year. The Tech Club meets with Adam Springer in Room 250 on Tuesdays after school, with occasional Thursday meetings. “This is an avenue for students who are interested in any type of technology to share their interests and learn,” Springer, social studies teacher and club adviser, said. Club members convinced Springer to be their adviser because he is a great advocate for technology. “The most interesting thing about it is the energy they have for it; they are all
News 5
Traditional fall production returns to the stage EMILY KOONTZ ll STAFF WRITER
The fall play, “The Crucible”, a dark tale of witchcraft that contrasts productions of different genres that have been done in the past, is set to be produced Nov. 6 through Nov. 8. “Typically, our fall plays tend to be not as well known, whereas “The Crucible” draws a large crowd and is geared toward an older audience,” Haley Snyder, senior student director, said. Based on the famous Salem Witch Trials, the plot centers around a woman named Abigail Williams, played by senior Audrey Riggs, who conducts witchcraft with a group of females, stirring up the town with rumors of magic. “On the surface, Abigail seems evil, but she has a motive for everything that she does. I was intrigued by her character,” Riggs said. The rumors of witchcraft started by Ms. Williams are formed to get revenge on John Proctor, a man with whom she
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had an affair. Williams worked for the Proctors, and Proctor’s wife Elizabeth fired her when she learned of the affair. “Although the script has been creatively adapted, the story is based off of real people and real events,” Snyder said. The girls are soon caught by the town’s minister, and in order to save themselves, they claim to be possessed by the devil. “The play is set in Puritan New England where even to laugh, or dance, or read a book other than the Bible was taboo,” Melanie Kidwell, director, said. “The Crucible” is a complete genre flip from last year’s fall production, the children’s play, “Wiley and The Hairy Man.” Both the cast and crew have enjoyed playing with the eerie style of “The Crucible,” especially since it is set to be performed just after Halloween. “The Crucible” is a classic. It has common conflicts, such as the targeting
of different groups of people, love, and adultery,” Kidwell said. Not only does the show consist of a partially student-led cast and crew, but it is under the direction of Kidwell, humanities teacher, and Michael Dillon, English teacher. “Working with Mr. Dillon was exciting. He is extremely passionate about this play and teaches the script every year to juniors,” Kidwell said. Dillon’s juniors have to read the play, but the stage adaptation gives students a chance to really immerse themselves in the plot. “I think that performing a play is the sincerest form of education,” Dillon said.
DEPPILF Classrooms
MARY ELIZABETH RUMSEY ll STAFF WRITER
Flipped classrooms are a new teaching format that is being implemented in some math classes this year. Algebra 1 and 2 teachers have adopted this changed structure for their classrooms. “The idea is that students will watch a video at night and the video includes the lecture and some examples. Because they come into class with that, they’re then able to do the homework in class,” Conan Brooks, algebra teacher, said. The course style is favored by some students. “I like it a lot,” Rachel Gibson, freshman, said. “It’s nice not to have to rush and take notes because you’re able to pause the videos.” One of the goals of the structure change is to further students’ understanding of the curriculum.
Fall fun
“We don’t want students doing work at home alone where they don’t have resources. When they do their homework in class, they can work in groups and they can rely on and help each other,” Brooks said. While the flipped classroom structure usually depends on videos made by organizations such as Kaplan, math teachers have taken a different approach. “We’ve been making the videos ourselves. There are a lot of good videos out there, but I think it adds something when students can hear our voices and we can tailor it specifically to what we’ve been doing in class,” Brooks said. Not everyone is pleased with the new structure. Lesson formats remain a big change for many students who are used to more traditional classroom structure.
“I don’t really like it. It’s kind of like going to school and then going home and going to school again. It feels like we are wasting time during class,” Tom Grogan, sophomore, said. Teachers recognize that not all students are embracing this method. “It’s very good for some students, but not as effective for others,” Brooks said. “The concern is always if students will actually watch the videos.” Math teachers meet often to make adjustments that will accommodate the students as they become familiar with the new structure. “I will do an abbreviated review of the video during class which still leaves time in class to work, but students have to work together or they have to go back and watch the video later,” Brooks said.
for a favorable cause
ALLISON DAVIDSON ll STAFF WRITER
On Oct. 11, FCCLA held their second fall festival from 2-5 p.m. All students and their families were invited to attend this free festival. “This [activity] benefits the Pennies for Patients foundation, which helps children with leukemia,” Taylor Lewis, senior and FCCLA vice-president of community service, said. The festival and all of the autumnal activities were made possible by donations from anonymous sponsors to buy supplies needed to hold the festival. The only cost was donations made toward the Pennies for Patients foundation. “We encouraged teachers to bring their children as well as invited kids in kindergarten from Buckner and the [Little Colonels Daycare],” Laurie Abbott, junior and FCCLA president, said. The festival is a practice for families to bond and to take a break from their chaotic lifestyles. FCCLA planned early for this festival. The decision to enact the festival was made by current club officers.
“We had so many activities this year that happened from the beginning to the end of the festival like painting the little baby pumpkins, and a station for popcorn where you could make your own bag of goodies,” Lewis said. Some other activities included a hayride, costume contest, arts and crafts station, and cake walk. “Each club has to do at least one community service project, and Taylor Lewis said we just had to do the festival
again this year,” Rebekah Rufra, FCCLA adviser and FACS teacher, said. Multiple student volunteers came together from FCCLA, from the art club for painting faces, and from the BETA club for any activity that needed someone to manage the station. “Since we were so successful for these past two festivals, we’ll probably do it next year. It all just depends on who will be in charge next year,” Sierra Hibbard, senior and first vice-president, said.
News 7
Seven Deadly Sins of the American Teenager: Can girls and guys be just friends without jealousy getting in the way? NICOLE BROWNING ll COLUMNIST
M
any teens think that two people of the opposite sex can never be just friends. Girls often become envious if their boyfriend is talking to another girl, and vice versa. So, what is the difference between an insecure girlfriend/boyfriend and a relationship problem? Are two people of the opposite sex allowed to be friends if one is in a relationship? Just because two people are great friends doesn’t mean that they feel anything more for one another. If your girlfriend or boyfriend has recently made a new friend of the opposite sex, that doesn’t give you permission to control or manipulate that friendship. On the other
hand, there are boundaries that should be respected in any relationship concerning friends of the opposite sex: 1) Your partner always comes first. It is perfectly fine to talk, text, and even hang out with someone of the opposite sex, so long as you are spending the majority of your time with your partner. It is NOT okay to blow off your girlfriend or boyfriend to hang out with another girl or guy. The purpose of being involved in a romantic relationship is to share yourself with that person, and if you are spending the bulk of your time talking to someone else, then maybe a committed relationship isn’t for you. 2) Look, don’t touch. Of course, a friendly hug is okay now and again. As a general rule, if you know that someone is in a relationship, be respectful of that and follow a general “hands off” policy. Even if you don’t mean anything by it, it could be perceived in the wrong way. Likewise, don’t go around touching other girls or guys if you are in a relationship, and never allow yourself to be touched if it makes you uncomfortable. 3) Always communicate. If something
on the topic of gender
ALLY HICKS ll STAFF WRITER
A
s the issue of gender equality has been heavily debated, the validity of women’s discrimination has been proven accurate time and time again. While many people argue against the very existence of gender inequality, the most blatant example has been hiding in plain sight—in our schools. With typical stereotypes prevalent in our society’s psyche and a malecentered curriculum, our schools are subliminally creating a male-dominant environment that reinforces the prominence of typical gender roles. How can educational systems condone the injustice by catering to the male gender? The only way to create a future where both genders have equal opportunities to succeed is to break the tradition of a past plagued with gender inequality. As we examine the past in our history classes, we learn about influential people who shaped our world. Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, and Charles Darwin are all revolutionaries that made lifechanging contributions to our society, and all of them, men. The fact that we are taught about a past where men are the trailblazers and
8 Opinions
about the way your partner interacts with people who are “just friends” bothers you, tell him or her how you feel. Respectfully ask what is going on, but don’t go on keeping your feelings inside of you for long periods of time. This will eventually lead to irrational thoughts and feelings of jealousy, and will cause more problems in the long run. Along the same lines, if you suspect your friendship with someone is causing problems in his or her relationship, inquire about it. Reassure the couple that you mean no harm by it, and do your best to keep a safe distance. 4) Trust. If your partner has never been dishonest, you have no reason not to trust. Trust is one of the most important things you can have in any relationship, as it sets the foundation for the connection you build in the future. Assuming that you haven’t noticed anything suspicious, and your significant other tells you that he or she is only friends with whomever it is that is causing concern, the best thing that you can do is believe it, and not let blinding jealousy get in the way.
inequality
where men save society from destruction further reinforces the social stigma that women are subservient. As the focus of history is aimed toward men, women learn from childhood that if we want to be remembered, if we want to change the world, we should’ve been born a male. Where are the lessons of influential females who are rarely discussed? Being born a woman comes attached with innate stereotypes that are so prevalent in our society that they are often hard to recognize. Common opinion asserts that men are typically superior in math and science, therefore showing more interest in the teaching of males in these core subjects. This method of unequal teaching leads to a growing sense of apprehension displayed by women. With these stereotypes targeted against females, we feel like the odds are stacked against us, that society expects us to lag behind our male counterparts. As the world begins to form suspicions about our abilities, we begin to doubt ourselves. According to Verizon, 44 percent
of fourth grade girls admit to liking math and science, but only 18 percent of engineering majors are female. Society’s preconcieved opinions about which gender excels in regard to specific subjects are to blame for the low percentage of women majoring in math and science-based fields. It is common sense that both genders should be given the same encouragement and treatment. These subliminally transmitted messages and stereotypes are enough to make six out of 10 women feel inadequate in school. To truly give both men and women equal opportunities in our educational system, it is imperative that we change our curriculum to learn about equal numbers of male and female groundbreakers and eliminate the stereotypes when it comes to dominance in subjects. Only when we make great strides to eradicate gender biases will the dream of total gender equality in schools become a reality.
DOn’T Go With The Flow
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JORDAN SLIGAR ll STAFF WRITER Attire for the lazy, summer months was revitalized with a hot new trend: flowy pants. The return of these pants from our ancestral fashion goddesses of the 60’s began a few years ago in Western Europe, and last season, they finally trickled down to local retail stores. We love these pants for their bohemian chic vibe, their slimming and elongating look, and that they offer both unrestricted movement and just enough of a breeze to maintain the perfect temperature in the stifling heat. They come in all colors and patterns, which makes them an ideal universalizing addition for all different style types, while their unique shape and brightness make them a daring piece that creates a splash. They lend themselves so easily to that effortlessly-cool appearance and they look so stylish paired with a simple fitted tee and a chucky statement necklace for a fun but classy look perfect for both poolside relaxation and exhilarating nightlife. However, as the temperature is dropping and we are cozying up in our study nooks with a favorite fall
...‘tis the season to fold up those flowy pants...
beverage, girls seeking to escape from the discomfort of skinny jeans for a day are caught between these new, exotic pants and their long-beloved yoga pants and leggings. With OC’s ban against all things spandex, yoga pants aren’t practical for everyday wear. Some are wondering if fashion’s summer fling with flowy pants will prove to last the wintry weather and replace our steady attachment to these tighter, simpler pants. The answer to these ponderings is no. Flowy pants were a sizzling love affair for the warmer months, but the fact is they can’t provide us what yoga pants and leggings do. You know how we adored that flowy pants breathed this August, when we were grateful our inner
thighs weren’t sticking together (or to a car seat) with perspiration? When the November winds are gusting below 40 degrees, we won’t be nearly as grateful. Those pants are thin and loose, and, therefore, protect very little against the cold. Their loud patterns that highlighted our summer freedom and entertainment are all wrong for winter, when we should be embracing muted jewel tones, cotton-candy pastels, and the timeless duo of black and white. Sorry, girls, but ‘tis the season to fold up those flowy pants for the year and hope they’ll be back in for another love affair in the spring. So, what’s the solution to our search for cozy, appropriate pants to wear during the snowy season? Wear your leggings, ladies! …And pair them with an oversized sweater. These are perfect for snuggling up against the cold and are super “in” right now, giving you a look that’s both practical and fashionable. Tuck them into an A-line skirt to dress up the ensemble, or throw on a scarf and your favorite boots to rock those leggings solo for a more effortless vibe. Just remember to stay in dress code!
Is Hipster Becoming too Mainstream? OLIVIA WHORF ll STAFF WRITER
Get out your taped “nerdy” glasses and you’ll see multiple examples of Aztec prints, high-waisted jeans, crop tops, and flower crowns. Who is wearing these items in that halls? Hipsters. Sounds harmless, doesn’t it? What some of us don’t know is that at the root of this American-obsession is the desire to be individualistic—not trendy. The Urban Dictionary definition of hipster is as follows: “Hipsters are a subculture of men and women in their 20s and 30s that value independent thinking, counter culture…creativity, intelligence and witty banter.” The second definition—my personal favorite—seems to fit better: “Definitions are too mainstream.” Continue reading and you’ll get a feel for the average American hipster. (Still not sure if it’s okay to use average when describing a hipster, but we’ll just let this one go.) I’m not going to say that I’m not part of the wannabe hipster epidemic. Sometimes I’m so far gone that I can feel my white sneakers gleaming. That
doesn’t mean that I can’t find the whole “hipster” trend baffling and ironic. There’s a little hipster in all of us. Most humans are all searching for something to set them apart or to be their own, and through this, they all become the same. While some try to be hipster, some people are just different (and inevitably hipster). Although there are some true hipsters out there, there is a larger population of hipster followers. There are no two people who are EXACTLY the same, but people are trying so hard to be seen as different, causing them to conform to the same styles, trends and what is cool. The hipster trend—even if it’s just clothing style—is used so often that it is becoming far too mainstream. How long can we truly call
hipsters “hipsters?” Even a casual Google search of the word hipster can bring you to articles telling you how to become hipster and the things that they wear or like. If this is not a sign of popular culture, I don’t know what is. “Under the guise of ‘irony,’ hipsterism fetishizes the authentic and regurgitates it with a winking inauthenticity,” Christian Lorentzen said in the article “Why the hipster must die.” This encompasses the entirety of what the modern-day hipster is—someone who says they love the idea of originality but shows none.
Opinions 9
Changing for the Grade BETHANY LAWSON ll BUSINESS MANAGER
“Write a well-organized essay in which you express your opinion on...” are words one is likely to hear during an English or history class, on a standardized test, or for a college scholarship application. As students tackle an argumentative essay, many are forced to decide what they believe and why, but, more importantly, what the audience wants to hear.
While schools mandate that students practice articulating their opinions, it is apparent that those judging these essays are often looking for what they think everyone should believe, and often grade accordingly. For example, a teacher may not want to hear that you believe there is a definite right or wrong way of thinking about hot button topics. Instead, they want to hear that you truly accept everyone for who they are, that the school is doing everything well, and that your politics match up to theirs. When writing or speaking, one soon finds that when the opinion matches that of the one in authority, a good grade is more likely to follow. Is it right to change beliefs just to earn something? Furthermore, if you can’t think of a viable defense for your gut belief, but can for the opposing side, is it okay to pretend you think that way? First, it is important to decipher what the dilemma in these situations is actually about. If you express your true opinion, you are affirming yourself in your beliefs, illustrating that you believe the truth is more important than anything else. If you change for the teacher or reader, you are lying and denying your thoughts,
ultimately reflecting that you see the reward or outcome as more important than anything. When worded this way, it is easy to say that one should obviously avoid lying and stay true to self. However, being strong in your identity in the moment is often difficult to put into action, especially for a high achiever whose GPA means everything. Staying true to yourself sounds good; it’s not always realistic. Instead, what may matter more is the importance of the topic. Changing one’s opinion about dress code and changing thinking about gay rights are on two different levels, and, therefore, reflect a different strength of conviction. Although strict opinions, like what we wear, is a matter right now, it has no larger significance. Yet, putting one’s morals into practice in a situation, like physical abuse or abortion, has a much larger application. Moral opinions have more impact down the road if you decide not to stand up for yourself. Instead of changing for teachers, or being stubborn in your thoughts, find compromise in which you learn to stand when it truly matters. Before changing your view, give thought to when, how, and why it is changing, and then decide.
who don’t have a general understanding of writing mechanics and pre-algebra concepts. For students who don’t have the money to spend on an ACT prep class outside of school, a prep class in the high school curriculum could be used to aid
to take a test as an excuse for getting a bad grade. It is not a student’s lack of content knowledge that causes them to get a bad grade, but rather their inability to take a test. The ACT was created to challenge students in their knowledge of content as well as in their ability to take a test. It emphasizes strategies like educated guessing and prioritizing questions based on a student’s ability to answer them correctly. Teachers also should be focusing on skills that students will actually use. Students could only benefit from the integration of an ACT prep class. A prep class could be used to review old material and teach test-taking strategies. Students who use study hall as a relaxing class could be benefiting from such an opportunity. The ACT is such an essential component of preparing for college and life after high school that it seems only fitting that the school emphasize this material.
The proof is in the numbers 21, 15, 33. A number can become your whole life and has the power to determine you future. As a standardized test, the ACT is used by colleges to determine a student’s preparedness. The ACT is the gateway into studies beyond high school and can be the difference between acceptance or denial. It’s importance can’t be stressed enough, which is why our school should offer ACT prep classes. There are many programs that offer ACT prep classes, such as Kaplan or Torchprep. Most classes outside of school start as low as $300. Not to say that money you pay isn’t worth the score improvement, but it should be the school’s responsibility to prepare students. A typical ACT prep class is used as a review to examine and relearn old concepts. This is hard to do when some students haven’t learned the information initially. There are some high school students
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KENDALL ATCHISON ll OPINIONS EDITOR
A number can become your whole life...
the students in the areas in which they struggle. The ACT is not focused solely on a student’s background knowledge. The test also stresses the importance of testtaking strategies with the reading and science portions of the test. Too often, students use their inability
AUGUST GRAVATTE ll PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
F
all is the most pleasant time of the year. The air grows cool and crisp, drinks get warmer, clothing choices become cozier and there are new activities to experience during this delightful season. From traveling to a different state to staying in your own home, here are some of the best treats, styles and activities autumn has to offer.
Fun
PUMPKIN PANCAKES – Sample a flavorful twist on an everyday breakfast food. Use a regular maple syrup or a caramel drizzle.
WOMEN’S WEAR – Combat, knee high or Timberland boots with layers of oversized cardigans/sweaters and chunky knit scarves should be a necessity of your wardrobe this fall. Solid-colored skater skirts with tights underneath will match perfectly.
MEN’S WEAR – Cardigans and solid pullovers in the colors of burgundy, burnt orange and deep gray are very popular items. They look best in combination with deep denim jeans, khaki pants, and distressed combat boots.
Food
SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA – One sip and you will fall in love with its sweet but salty zest.
APPLE CRISPS – This is not your grandma’s ordinary apple pie. Eat it warmed and top it with homemade whipped cream. The crumbly coating will make you want another slice CHAI TEA LATTE– The extra hint of spice makes this drink an everyday kick-start.
Fashion
Fall Favorites
It’s not officially fall until you visit a pumpkin patch, but there are alternative activities to spice up your fall season. Visiting the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular located at Iroquois Park from Oct. 9 – Nov. 2 is the perfect way to kick off Halloween. Walking through the ¼- mile trail filled with 5,000 uniquely carved pumpkins will be a time you will never forget.
During chilly nights, it is always enjoyable to sit around a campfire with your best friends. Playing games, roasting marshmallows for making s’mores and telling ghost stories are great fall activities you can do over and over again as the season flows into winter.
If you are looking for a place to watch the leaves change from green to the various shades of orange, red and yellow, Bernheim Forest is the place for you. This forest located in Clermont, Ky., is just under an hour drive from Buckner. It features a 14,000 acre arboretum and nature preserve to explore on a beautiful fall day.
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12 The Clarion Colonel
diverse beliefs, unique practices
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MARIA WILLIAMS ll STAFF WRITER
or many of us, religion is what motivates and guides every part of life. For others, it is a ritualistic gathering once a week. Altogether, religion is meaningful to many people in this school, as evident in these varied beliefs and convictions.
Mormonism
Islam
Judaism
Lexi Beauchamp, junior “My dad was raised Catholic and my mom was born Jewish, but we did not practice any religion for a while. Then, we tried Catholicism until I was seven, but and I didn’t enjoy it. I started practicing Judaism and going to Temple school; then my family got into it. I love Judaism because it’s a family I can go home to instead of simply a religion.”
Bryanna Neal, senior “My religion is my whole life, so when I wake up, my family and I have family prayer and scripture. Each morning, I wake up at 5:30 a.m. because I go to a church class in the mornings called seminary. We have lots of modesty rules and stuff like that. I would never drink or do drugs, and for a lot of people in high school when you hang out, that’s what you do. In the summer, people wear skimpier clothes and it’s hard sometimes to not be a part of that.”
Laith Al Asad, junior “I have different rules and traditions than a lot of people. I can’t drink or eat pork. I also pray five times a day, but because of school, I miss prayers. There is a rule in Islam that allows you to make up a missed prayer by saying it with your next prayer, so that’s what I do. It bothers me a lot when people say that all Muslims are terrorists. We aren’t all terrorists, and we have a mostly peaceful religion. Muslims are a lot like Christians; we believe in the same values.”
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ORIGINS OF SUPERSTITIONS REAGAN GAVIN ll FEATURES EDITOR
Superstitions exist to explain the connections between nature and spirits. Different behaviors are believed to bring either positive or negative fortunes. While modern science and hard facts disprove superstitions, many individuals still have some respect for unfounded beliefs.
Bird poop on your property Looking into mirrors will steal your soul, and taking is a sign of good luck someone’s picture will steal and future riches. their soul. “I will stay inside the whole night on Halloween. I’m afraid that people will find out where I live and stalk me; not even the dog will go outside.” Myah Underwood, senior “I always give my starting Pokemon the name Diego because it’s good luck, and he’ll always win for me.” CJ Wiessner, freshman “Before I do the dishes, everything has to be in a perfect square line or something will break.” Lydia Tri, sophomore
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Black Cats
Knocking on Wood
In the Middle Ages, it was thought This practice stems from an ancient that single women with cats were belief that positive spirits live in actually witches who could transform trees, and by knocking on a tree or themselves into cats. This led to the something made of wood, one was idea that a black cat could possibly directly calling on those spirits be a witch in disguise. for protection.
Famous people die in threes. For example: Robin Williams (Aug. 11,2014), Lauren Bacall (Aug. 12, 2014), Joan Rivers (Sep. 4, 2014).
The Greeks believed that a shooting star is a falling human soul, and that it’s lucky to wish on them. Having an itchy palm is associated with being greedy and having a desire for money.
Ringing bells at weddings and other events is thought to scare away evil spirits.
Horseshoes
Since horseshoes have seven holes in them (a number that is considered fortunate) many think of horseshoes as lucky.
Walking under a Ladder Emerging from ancient Egypt, the belief is that a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, which Egyptians found sacred. Triangles represented the trinity of the gods, and to pass through one was to insult them.
Wedding Day
The older gift is thought to represent permanence and the new item is a symbol of hope and the future. The borrowed item is for happiness and the blue item is thought to bring purity to the newlyweds’ relationship.
Four Leaf Clovers Four leaf clovers are believed to be powerful plants and they can be used to ward off evil. Sources: discovermagazine.com encyclopedia.com ibtimes.com
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T
he United States is home to a population of over 300,000,000 citizens, with Kentucky having a little over 4,000,000 of those citizens. Making up a mere 1.3 percent of the country’s population, it is easy to feel like we have little impact on national political decisions. With just two of the 100 senators and only six of the 435 members of the House of Representatives, our voice can seem so small that it’s almost non-existent. However, if a native-born Kentuckian were to be in control of the United States, our impact may be a little larger. Here are some Kentuckyborn celebrities running for election in The Clarion Colonel Fantasy Politics Election. Who would get your vote?
ZACH GABBERT ll EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BRIDGET KELLY ll MANAGING EDITOR
d i s e Pr
What if. .?
Jennifer Lawrence
A brave, strong leader, Lawrence is often underestimated because of her youth. However, her mature roles can intimidate while being fair. She is not afraid to speak her mind and cares deeply for the well-being of those around her. She is also a Louisville Cards fan!
Who would be
your pick?
dIANE SAWYER
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A kind soul, he helps the common man and wants to better society. He truly cares about equality. And he’s a Cats fan!
gEORGE CLOONEY Born in Lexington and known for charismatic roles, Clooney would use his sharp tongue to fight for those less fortunate. Plus, he’s handsome!
Senator
Governor
Josh Hutcherson
Not afraid to ask hard questions, she focuses on the truth and knows how to handle the press. E.P. Tom Sawyer Park is named for her father.
MUHAMMAD aLI
Famous for his peace work around the world, the Lousiville favorite would take his “fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee” campaign to D.C.
Presidents’ takes
sident Johnny Depp Depp has played quirky and intelligent leaders over his career. He may seem secretive, but always works behind the scenes to make sure the needs of the people are met. He was born in Owensboro near the Ohio River, which might explain his love of pirate ships.
ALLIE HOUK - ASB President
“I would choose Brad Pitt because then Angelina Jolie would be the First Lady. She would adopt all of the children in the country into her family which would strengthen the nation. We would all be united as one under Brad Pitt and his wife.”
class officers make
their celeb picks
DEVIN MCDONOUGH - Senior Class President
RACHEL GIBSON- Freshman Class President
“My choice would be Dave Stone, a preacher at Southeast Christian Church because he is a good Christian leader and believes in always helping others.”
“My vote would be for Angelina Jolie because she’s a humanitarian and is always adopting kids and that’s what she would do for our country; she would adopt all of the children and would do a great job taking care of everyone and making sure they grow up to be great people.”
ANNA WEBER - Sophomore Class President
“I would go with Beyoncé because the world would be glitter. There would always be music playing and we would all wake up flawless.”
SHANNON RUSH - Junior Class President “My candidate is Jennifer Aniston because she has lots of ‘friends.’”
MARY BAKER- Junior Class President “Ellen Degeneres would get my vote because she seems like a very fair person and I really like her ideas.
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TIPS FOR NEW DRIVERS
* Obey the speed limit. Going the speed limit or a little under will give you more time to react to what is going on around you on the road.
* Be aware of everything
going on around you, and be considerate of other drivers on the road.
* Know when it is safe to pass
Speeding into traffic school EMMA WADE ll STAFF WRITER
D
riving is a part of everyday life. People need to get to different places and be on
time. In the stress of a commute to make an appointment or when bad weather is at hand, it can be really easy for drivers of any experience level to go over the speed limit or do something wrong on the road when alone in the car just minding their own business. Amber Connelly, psychology teacher, had a negative experience in her early driving years by not paying close attention to the speed limit.
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I got my first ticket for excessive speeding on South Watterson Trail on my way to the mall after school, I worked in a home decoration store. At the time, I had just turned 17 years old. The speed limit was 35 m.p.h. I was doing like 60, not aware of what the original speed limit was or how fast I was even going. When the cop pulled me over, I knew I was going to get in trouble, but I was still scared and knew my parents were going to kill me. Since it was my first time in trouble, and I was a new driver, he gave me a stern talking to for at least 20 minutes. I only had to go to four hours of traffic school and pay off the ticket. Overall, it was a horrible experience.
other cars and wear your seat belt.
* When driving in bad
weather, remain calm. If it is raining too hard for you to see adequately, find a safe place to pull over and wait. * Don’t be distracted by your cellphone, with putting on makeup, or using the radio. Turn the sound off on your phone and put it in a non-visible spot such as your console. Never remove your eyes from the road to apply makeup. Pick a radio station before you start to move and leave it there. Also, don’t turn your tunes up so loud that you can’t hear anything else that may occur while driving.
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Sushi reigns
supreme Mikato ALISHA MALHOTRA ll CIRCULATION MANAGER
Sushi lovers may have a new place to call home in Crestwood across from the South Oldham campus. Mikato is a small venue with booths, tables and a sushi bar, which can be used for quick meals. The menu offers 28 sushi selections. The California, Dragon, Volcano, and shrimp tempura rolls manage to have an original take on classic dishes. Prices range from $5.50 to $15 for small to more expensive rolls that are larger and have more complicated ingredients. The genuine flavors of my sushi selections were abundant and the presentation was eye-catching, especially that of the Kentucky Roll that was wrapped with cucumber instead of seaweed with no rice. Other rolls such as the Nichole Roll had plenty of sauces on top, with fillings that worked together to accomplish a taste that was new and different. Mikato also has packages for nigiri and sashimi sushi that are reasonably priced for fans who love raw fish. The service was great. The sushi came out right away, and the rolls were unique and executed nicely. The staff can help diners understand the rolls and choose the perfect dish that will suit the appetite of each customer. While Mikato is primarily a sushi restaurant, hibachi items can be ordered as well. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 11p.m. on weekends. For those who don’t enjoy sushi, there are also options such as fried rice and meat and seafood selections that are also delicious. The location is very convenient for a quick bite to eat. Mikato is definitely recommended if you want to enjoy a lovely, authentic Japanese meal.
20 Reviews
M
Hiko-A-Mon: Sunset roll, Las Vegas roll, Surf ‘n Turf, Philadelphia roll, Crunch Munch
Wild Ginger Sushi Fusion BETHANY LAWSON ll BUSINESS MANAGER As families, students, teenagers, and adults alike head to Bardstown Road to find some of the most diverse and best tasting food in Louisville, “Wild Ginger Sushi Fusion” fights for attention. Located at 1700 Bardstown Road, and open Tuesday through Sunday, Wild Ginger offers great variety in a relaxed atmosphere, but with a frustrating process of getting there. The sushi options were extensive, offering every type one could want with
classics like the “Crunch Munch,” with shrimp, crab, and cucumber, or signature items like the “Wild Ginger Roll,” filled with spicy crab, shrimp, baked eel, and a signature sauce. Yet, all of this was hard to fully enjoy due to the high prices of both the menu items and the gas used to get there. Despite the excellent service and distinctive flavors, after the 45-minute drive, not to mention the $28 bill for just two people due to prices ranging from $12 to $26, I found myself wishing I
had stayed closer to home, especially when compared to a local Crestwood favorite like Rikishi where one can find a range of prices more like $8 to $14, with an equally fresh taste. Walking up, one is greeted by a stunning mural that fills the outside brick wall with smiling faces of all types of people, adding to the artistic vibe of the entire street, definitely something one can’t find in Oldham County. Although a cool experience, the venue wasn’t worth the price-tag that came with it.
Mikato: Nichole and Kentucky rolls
Hiko-a-Mon JORDAN SLIGAR ll STAFF WRITER
Students craving a new dining experience should stroll through the charming Westport Village and find their niche at local Japanese restaurant, Hiko-a-mon, which presents visitors with the appeal of a sleek, modern experience and a delicious menu that distinguishes it from its less exotic competitors. Upon entering the establishment, patrons will at once be impressed with the chic, sophisticated ambiance of the restaurant, and will find themselves at home in attire ranging from the upper side of casual to business casual. The dim lighting and low volume contribute
Wild Ginger: Dan’s Geisha to the intimate quality of the setting, making Hiko-a-mon a great place to unwind with some close company. The sushi was delicious, and the menu offered American favorites like the “Las Vegas” (a fried tempura roll with a cream cheese based center) and authentic options like a wide assortment of Nigiri rolls (cold sushi that contains uncooked seafood) for any customer, both available for about $10 a roll (eight pieces). The
only hamartia of Hiko-a-mon was the fact that it’s located about 25 minutes from Buckner. Due to its relative remoteness, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant for a quick fix to your sushi hankering on a school night. However, it presents a great option for a fun time out with your crew, a special occasion, or a trendy way for you and your significant other to spice up a date night.
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the r0CKY hORROR sPECTACULAR REED PERCEFULL ll STAFF WRITER
Acting Against Cancer, known for their brilliantly performed plays and musicals, has taken on the great challenge of re-creating the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Show.” After two lovers, Brad and Janet, portrayed by Alex Haydon and Charlotte Campbell, have their car break down, they find themselves stranded along with other strange residents of the castle of a crazed, transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, portrayed by Karter Louis. Directed by Remy Sisk, AAC’s interpretation of “The Rocky Horror Show” was, a great rendition of the original 1975 Broadway version. The actors represented their roles tremendously well. Being a newcomer to the show, I thoroughly enjoyed the depictions of each character. Louis’ portrayal of Frank was hilarious, using a deep tone of voice and a scandalous attitude to create a character very close to the original performance staged by Tim Curry. The leads Haydon and Campbell were also very impressive, capturing all the fear of normal, everyday people caught in this bizzare world.
The musical aspects of the show were remarkable. Directed by Charlie Meredith, the music included the incredible ensemble and an accompaniment of a live band. Songs such as “Time Warp,” “Sweet Transvestite,” and “Floor Show” were depicted with all the craziness and hilarity of the film. The ensemble, which included 10 members, was exceptionally honorable. While most musicals leave a good 10-minute dialogue sequence in between each number, I was happily surprised that “The Rocky Horror Show” was a party that never stopped. All of this is not to say “The Rocky Horror Show” didn’t get a bit rocky at times. Toward the middle of Act Two, the show began to sluggishly
pull itself along, losing some charisma gained throughout the much superior Act One, until it reached the end. Yet, overall, AAC’s staging of “The Rocky Horror Show” was an exceptional rendition of the original production.
Who took the horror out of Ahs? EMILY URBAN ll STAFF WRITER
Come, one come all, to the 1952 Freak Show! In the fourth season of FX’s “American Horror Story” that premiered on Oct. 8, director Ryan Murphy takes viewers to the world of one of the last remaining American freak shows in the country. Set in Jupiter, Fla., a troupe of truly bizarre and horrific “freaks” has gathered under the leadership of Elsa Mars, played by Jessica Lange. Elsa, with the help of her entourage, is aiming to make
22 Reviews
her freak show a success by pursuing naturally deformed performers, such as a woman with no legs, a man with phocomelia (seal-like arms), and the world’s smallest woman. In the introduction to the show, the production seems to be drastically less twisted than the first three seasons. In previous years, the first episode always kicked off a continuous chain of horrific events, whereas the scariest character known to us this year is a killer clown with underlying intention to his actions. This season has a prominent conflict of unique people and forces that don’t understand them, which I feel may have replaced the horror aspect of the show. Fortunately, this could be a positive change for the hit TV show; for some viewers, this may make the show more relatable and pleasing to watch. The heartwarming sense of family among the “freaks” connects the audience to the characters, giving the show a solid foundation that previous seasons lacked. Horror fans watching it simply for the scary content may find themselves
disappointed if the season progresses the way it started. Overall, “American Horror Story: Freak Show” has captivating characters that could make the show worth watching, but, seems to be the only thing the show has going for it. The graphics are done fairly well, especially for Bette and Dot (Siamese twins played by Sarah Paulson) which Murphy has revealed was achieved by Paulson wearing a fake head on her left while doing coverage for Dot, and on the right for Bette. Also, the show’s pilot feautured an excellent musical performance of “Life on Mars” by David Bowie, covered by Jessica Lange, which closed the show marvelously. Ryan Murphy has said there are to be more covers done by Lange in upcoming episodes, including a performance of a Lana Del Rey song. The fourth season of the highly anticipated series has a lot in store, but will it live up to its name? With fan expectations unmet, the first episode falls below average; but with the remainder of the season yet to come, there is always a chance for a change of heart.
YOU DON’T NEED AN AGENT TO
GO TO THE PROS. BaptistHealthLaGrange.com Even if you’re not a professional athlete, be seen by the pros in sports medicine. Baptist Health La Grange’s sports therapy experts can help you get back in action and perform at your best. We also provide full-time certified athletic trainers at all Oldham County high schools and Henry County High School. It’s complete sports medicine including orthopedic surgery, short-term rehab, outpatient physical therapy and the only therapists in Oldham County certified to provide kinesiotaping. For more on La Grange’s professional sports team, call (502) 222-3627 or toll-free at 1-888-222-8071, or visit BaptistHealthLaGrange.com.
GO OLDHAM COUNTY CHEERLEADING! reviews 23
NIC MOORE ll ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR In a day and age where an album begins and ends at just the music, artists have begun to stray away from creating an auditory experience only, implementing different mediums that move the artist’s genre into new directions. Take the rightfully titled album “Because the Internet” for example, released by Atlanta artist Childish Gambino, which is a project constructed by, subsequently, the Internet. It is accompanied by an array of online platforms, including a website solely dedicated to a 72-page screenplay that correlates to the narrative of the actual music, and a short film which was
RACHAEL STONE ll STAFF WRITER Written by Gillian Flynn, the bestselling novel “Gone Girl” was published in June of 2012 and was released as a feature film on Oct. 3rd. The story explores the struggling marriage of Amy and Nick Dunne over several years until Amy goes missing on their 5th wedding anniversary. When Nick is accused of Amy’s murder, he furiously works to find his missing wife, learning several secrets about his marriage as her disappearance becomes more perplexing. This film, much like the novel, retells the story through past entries in Amy’s diary and present events occurring in Nick’s life.
24 Reviews
released prior to the album as well. STN MTN/KAUAI, the latest project from Gambino, which released earlier this month, continues the same narrative from BTI. Divided into two halves, one side contains a free 11-track mixtape (STN MTN,) and the other an EP which you can buy on iTunes (KAUAI.) The two have a contrasting sound to one another, with the STN MTN side having a traditional southern rap vibe, while the KAUAI end contains much more of an R&B-esque atmosphere. As far as the music is concerned, KAUAI is superior over its lesser half for the sole fact it manages to successfully venture into creative territory from a lyrical and a production standpoint. While STN MTN isn’t necessarily a bad project, it unfortunately lacks sonic
originality. Despite its flaws, I still respect the concept the entire project follows. Beginning with a dream the protagonist is having in the first half, he then awakens in Kauai, one of the main Hawaiian Islands (the profits for the EP sales actually go to cleaning up the island.) This shift toward a more immense take on music is one that I completely support, making the music more enjoyable. New music is released week by week; of those, a handful of songs will make it on to the radio, soon to be replaced. The question is, what can an artist do to ensure his or her hard work doesn’t become a part of that endless cycle? Well, I think Childish Gambino already found the answer.
Director David Fincher, known for directing “The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo,” did a great job in clarifying the timeline of events, as well as creating a viewer-friendly film for audiences that have not read the novel. Actors Rosamund Pike, playing Amy, and Ben Affleck, playing Nick, complement each other extremely well and do a solid job in communicating their characters’ true personalities. Supporting actors Neil Patrick Harris, playing Desi Collings, and Carrie Coon, playing Margo Dunne, really make the film by adding bits of comedy in this highly dramatic film. All the actors in this film play their roles extremely well and portray their characters in ways much like the original book characters. Although aspects of this book aren’t stressed in the movie, the film follows the events of the book very closely. I
would not recommend this film for the whole family, due to language and some violent scenes; it’s great if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful drama. Overall, the movie was one of the more successful book to movie adaptations. The film stays true to the original plot of the book, while keeping the action fast-paced ensuring viewers wouldn’t get bored. The film leaves out key character development that in the book is an essential part of the reader’s enjoyment. The intensity of certain scenes in the movie were over dramatized as compared to the book, making scenes unrealistic.
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Gender, Does it matter? KYLIE COCHRAN ll STAFF WRITER
R
egulations for gender in sports are an underlying factor because we generalize based on gender rather than forming co-ed teams. When associating a gender with a sport, we set an ideal view for what it should be. Passionate athletes should be able to participate fairly in any chosen sport. Surely, many fans would consider the majority of sports as gender-dominated. Those individuals participating as the minority feel strongly about their sport, but they should not have to feel bad about what they do. Brandon Rioux, sophomore, is about to start cheering at All About Kids. “I have not less, but more opportunities as a male in a female dominated sport,” Rioux said. Rioux speaks for a lot of individuals. Many will pursue the sport they wish to because the sport allows them to do something they love. Rioux plans to try out for the school cheer team as a junior next year. The fact that he is willing to try and achieve what he wishes to do despite being a male displays how gender in sports should be portrayed; it shouldn’t ever matter. Society has already placed judgment on sports, and for some, it affects their decision to participate. When we think of football, baseball, and wrestling, most of us would agree there are more males than females involved. Girls could have an equal opportunity in these sports as well, but instead we place a specific role for them. They could have this opportunity if they felt comfortable in the sport. Why we associate gender with sport comes down to what the sport has to offer. More enduring sports which involve strength and stamina are often more relatable to males even if females can perform the same exact action. Have you ever heard of a girl playing baseball or maybe even football? In some cases, girls will join these sports, but usually end up going a different way because they are the minority. Feeling uncomfortable in situations makes it very difficult for athletes to continue. Prejudgment hurts all sports. This could also go the same
26 Sports
way with female dominance in sports. Cheerleading, volleyball, and gymnastics typically include very few males. Reflecting upon our childhoods, most of us played t-ball, girls and boys together. As we grow older, it leans toward males. Although sports history highlights more male participants, women were eventually honored. Have we simply kept the same standards as the world around us changed? Although we have a surplus of sports, limiting the stereotypes would help sports to reach new standards. Imagine the team filled with athletes of all demographics. Society should learn to embrace the differences while cheering for every athlete.
SophiA Drury: Derby Diva LEEA COLLARD ll STAFF WRITER
It’s intense. Skates scraping against the slick wooden floor, cheers erupting as points are scored, body to body aggression from pushing and pulling in order to score and prevent the scoring of opponents. According to the Texas Rollergirls Organization, roller derby is a contact sport that is played by five members of two teams in a head-to-head competition. The positions include jammer, pivot, and blocker. The goal of roller derby is to outscore the opposing team by lapping the opposition. Each roller derby play is divided into rounds called “jams,” in which each jam lasts two minutes. “It’s not all aggression,” Sophia Drury, freshman, said. “There are a lot of tactics involved, and I think that is my favorite part of roller derby.” Drury, who has been active in roller derby for a year, plays for Derby City Roller Girls. She became interested in the sport through her cousin who had prior experiences with roller derby. In roller derby, points are rewarded for the number of “laps” around the opposing team by the jammer, one of the
positions held by Drury; she is also a blocker. A team’s jammer scores the points, and has authority to stop the jam at any time. According to Health Guide Info and Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, a blocker is both an offensive and a defensive position. A blocker makes it difficult for the opposing team’s jammer to score, and makes a pathway for their own jammer to score. “If you are a jammer, you can’t push a blocker on another team over, because that’s not what your position does,” Drury said. Roller derby, a sport that claims numerous injuries annually, has yet to injure Drury. From broken bones to floor burns, these injuries are typically caused by illegal blocks and dents in the floor. “There have been a lot of girls on teams that get really aggressive, and paramedics are sometimes called in,”
Drury said. “Once, during a jam, I legally hit someone out and she fell wrong. The paramedics were called in and the entire jam stopped.” On a team comprised of 14 girls, Drury enjoys the strategic thought that goes into the sport, not only the aggression. Drury is also a member of the Lady Colonellettes dance team. “Both dance and roller derby are important to me because it’s a change in my everyday routine,” Drury said.
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Traditions for the ages ASPEN JARRETT ll STAFF WRITER
Sacred Towel Guidelines
P
layer rituals are 1. The towel can only an important be washed once a year. part of the sports world. They help players relieve stress or get lucky and sometimes are serious traditions. Team sports focus on the unity of their players and most rituals find a way to connect all participants. Logan Parker, sophomore cross country runner, is the third recipient of the boy’s Cross Country Towel. Starting with a senior, the towel gets passed down to a freshman to keep throughout high school. The towel tradition started when senior Ryan Riopell, 2006 cross country graduate, gave then freshman, Tyler Lega, 2014 graduate, the giant blue beach towel. The towel-receiving freshman must show qualities of leadership, passion, and dedication. While keeping a cross country bond strong, the towel has rules that the 3. The towel can only be keeper must follow. used for cross country and nothing else, including track.
play it again ALLEN CLARK ll SPORTS EDITOR
Choose any sport, any skill level, any venue or whatever other variable you wish to include and there will certainly always be an officiating controversy. Fans often encounter a missed call that would have changed the game. It’s completely unrealistic to expect referees to call a perfect game using just the naked eye. It’s a good thing they don’t have to. In the past few years, officials have been given the advanced technology to review any play they may view as questionable. Despite this, refs still draw criticism from viewers. When it’s not a factor, there are complaints about the incorrect call. When it’s there and the right calls are made, anger still erupts as it temporarily pauses the game and any momentum that may have been occurring. On Sept. 13, at the end of the first overtime, the Florida Gators were trailing the Kentucky Wildcats 2720, potentially losing to them for the first time since 1986. The Gators were
28 Sports
2. The towel has to be present at every cross country event.
Other player rituals include the basketball players’ dance huddle before games to pump themselves up, with dancers Kyle Eldridge, senior, and Brandon Johnson, junior, leading the circle. The volleyball players use a stomp crowd to celebrate victories. Baseball team members avoid stepping on lines at the field for good luck. Either done individually or as a group, player rituals can reduce stress by taking focus away from the competition. No matter what the sport, they are an excellent way to bring teams closer to create bonds on and off the 4. The towel must be passed court. down senior year to the most deserving freshman.
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attempting a fourth and seven from the eight yard line while rushing to snap the ball before the play clock hit zero. Florida redshirt junior quarterback, Jeff Driskel, snapped the ball within milliseconds of time running out. It appeared they didn’t get the ball off, the play resumed and ended with Driskel tossing an over-the-shoulder lob to sophomore receiver Demarcus Robinson for the equalizer. The call was never reviewed, and it infuriated all who were rooting for the Wildcats. It would have taken a simple review to see that the play should have triggered a five-yard penalty for delay of game, but that process was skipped, and the game eventually reached a three overtime 36-30 victory by the Gators. Weeks later, one can still hear the complaints about the no-call that could have easily preserved Kentucky’s perfect season as well as earn their first victory over their conference rival in 27 years. Despite the help of making the correct call, many believe play review is still a
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liability because it can halt momentum for a certain team, which can’t be controlled by a human. Reviewing plays can also create momentum for the beneficiary. During the 2012 NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers led the New York Giants 14-10 with 11:06 left in the fourth quarter. The 49ers were about to receive possession off a punt and had a great opportunity to advance to the Super Bowl, only to have the ball barely scrape San Francisco returner Kyle Williams’ knee and be recovered by the Giants. The review took more time than preferred by many, including myself, but the officials eventually determined the ball to be live and gave the Giants possession. After that incident, the Giants went on to win the game 20-17 in overtime. Saying extended replays should be taken away because they can stop the flow of the game is like complaining that a roller coaster should be out of order because of maintenance for safety purposes. They will help more than hurt.
Spiking down the competition ABIGAIL STEWART ll SPORTS EDITOR One word to describe the girls’ volleyball team is domination. The team has been on a strong run since the beginning of the season, only losing three games. The Lady Colonels are ranked statewide at No. 5 and nationally at No. 65, according to prepvolleyball.com rankings. Players say that determination and motivation will help them strive toward the state tournament in November. Head coach, Vince McDonough, in his third year at OC, has a varsity team consisting of 15 players. “We have a lot of good talent on the team this year. We have gained so much strength from hard practices and conditioning,” Myah Underwood, senior right side, said. Last year, the team maintained a record of 32-9, according to KHSAA, beating North in the region championship. This year, the team is 29-3, only losing to North on Sept. 30 and Oct. 4. “In previous years, we have not been as close and that’s really important because other than having the ability to play, you need to have that connection with your teammates,” Kelsey Miller, junior outside hitter, said. Team members agree that their motivation comes from within. They rely on each other to stay positive and keep moving forward. Practices are taken seriously as each is an opportunity for them to improve and grow as a team. “We communicate really well on the court and it just clicks,” Madelyn Burgess, freshman right side, said.
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AT THE HEART OF FOOTBALL SPENCER JOHNSON ll STAFF WRITER In any school, one can find a handful of athletes or physically capable kids that most would think would play football, but chose not to because they would rather work or focus on another sport. Ask any high school football coach what he would do to get a kid to try out for the team and he would most likely tell you forget him, believing that if he doesn’t have the heart to play, then he isn’t wanted on the team. Football is not a sport for everyone; it takes a very specific set of skills to be successful—not speed and not even strength, although those characteristics can provide a significant advantage. Football requires heart. It requires mental toughness, the ability to lay one’s body on the line and to do his job, not for the glory or the accolades, but for the guy next to him. Some guys can lift every weight in the gym, or run the fastest hundred-meter dash, but when you give him pads and a responsibility, he can’t handle it. In football, it takes all 11 players on the
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field to be successful. Of course it hurts, it’s time consuming and stressful, and players run the high risk of permanently damaging their bodies for something that they might never play again beyond high school, but that is the greatest aspect of football. When a man is grown and has a family and a career, he can always go shoot basketball or enjoy a round of golf, but rarely can he ever again put on a pair of pads and play football. He will never again experience those feelings or just go and hit somebody. That’s why football’s such a sacred sport to so many; it’s something to be respected and a tradition to be upheld. For many high school athletes, football is all they have. It’s their sanctuary…it’s an outlet for them to vent the stress of everyday life. For those few that decide to play and stick with it, they go through months of pain and exhaustion because they know, on Friday night under the lights, they will take the field with their brothers, and face adversity together.
They will go one on one with another person, with another man, another human being who has the same goals and the same objectives as him, and will beat him mano y mano. Football players win as a team. Everything they’ve worked on for so long, all that they’ve sweat, fumbled and fought through together is worth every bruise, painful step, and sleepless night. There is no feeling greater in life than that of being a member of a football team—it is one that mere words cannot describe. As Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath once said, “Football is an honest game. It’s true to life. It’s about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.”
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