INSIDE: SWEARING see 7
INSIDE: TECHNOLOGY USE see 3 INSIDE: A CHORUS LINE see 16 November 2017
Bloomfield Hills High School
SCHOOL news Jills mark 60th anniversary by RIYA DOSHI Managing Editor
With their glittering bells and gloved hands, the Jills have reached their 60th anniversary as a choral ensemble. “It is crazy to think about. I have only participated in two years of the 60, but I feel like Jills is a part of me,” said senior Mycah Butler. “[Jills] has honestly taught me so much about music.” According to Bruce Snyder, the former Andover choral director of 35 years, the Jills were founded at the original Bloomfield Hills High School as a part of the curriculum as an honors vocal ensemble. Current director Jessica Riley added that “The Jills have always been known by the community. When you have something that is so specialized and has had such
Standardized test memes take over social by KAITLYN LUCKOFF Guest Writer
“I thought the memes were funny,” said junior Emma Gray who first saw the memes after taking the test in October. “I like seeing the memes because it’s a way to connect and relate to other students about the test in a fun way and takes away the competitive element after the test is done.’’ Students like Gray who have found amusement in these caricatures may not had been aware that the actions of their peers were criminal. Ed Colby, a senior
After turning in their bubble sheets, students taking the ACT on October 28, 2017 turned on their phones and prepared to see the test they just took in a different light. Using social media, students are not just talking about test questions specifically but creating memes, which are comical references with captions.
FOLLOW UP New school board member begins work by JUSTIN YAKER Section Editor
Photos by Skylar Raitt
Over 1,000 students attend annual Model UN event
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STUDENT VOICE Starbucks Reserve vs Birmingham Roast Two new coffee trends
For these stories and more, go to our website
BhhsToday.org
director of the ACT. makes it clear that any form of communication regarding the test is a direct violation of the rules and can lead to getting scores revoked. “General discussion about the testing experience is allowed by ACT, but describing specific questions and answers is not permitted,” he said. “If a student violates ACT’s rules, their scores may be cancelled and, in some cases, ACT may inform the colleges and universities to whom
Hosting
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With four months on the Bloomfield Hills School Board, trustee Jason Paulateer, Vice President of PNC Financial Services, updates his experience as the newest member. “It’s been really busy, busier than I would have imagined coming in,” he said. “It’s been a lot of learning and a lot of information sharing through the leadership team. I have had orientation with just about the entire leadership cabinet at the district. I think I maybe have one left to do, but the rest have been in and I have been to a couple conferences, so a lot learning going on.” In The Hawkeye’s September 5th article titled School Board Gains a New Member, Paulateer said that he “sees this school board opportunity as one to learn and contribute to the bright future of our district.”
Volume V-Issue II
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by ANDRES QUIROGA-ELIZONDO Guest Writer
he 22nd annual Southeastern Michigan Model United Nations Association Fall Conference, one of the largest Model UN conferences in Michigan, was held at Bloomfield Hills High School, hosting over 1,000 members from 35 different high schools and six universities and organizations. “While there are a lot of major award-driven conferences, this conference is designed kind of like a preseason event,” said Matthew MacLeod, Model UN director, “This is the first major event of the year, so the focus is on students developing their skills and abilities.” Junior Model UN member Patrick Henkel described how the size of the conference differed from previous conferences. “I’ve helped setup and run conferences, but this was definitely one of the bigger ones. We spent two hours the day before planning the logistics for a conference that would host over 1,000 delegates.” Despite the size of the con-
ference, junior member Emily Williams explained that the conference wasn’t as stressful as anticipated. “It wasn’t too intimidating because each of the committees was fairly small,” said Williams. “It’s not all 1,000 kids cramped together, it was spread out into 30-40 smaller committees.” In addition to being one of the largest conferences in the state, MacLeod explained how the conference was almost entirely led by the students and how they ultimately hosted a successful conference. “They designed the debate topics, organized the committees, and ultimately were the ones who executed the conference,” said MacLeod. “I was extremely proud. Our students stepped up and hosted what I believe is the best conference in the history of your graduation.” For more information on the Model UN season and how to join Model UN, email mmacleod@bloomfield.org.
that student has sent scores why their scores have been cancelled.” As some memes have gone viral and the testing site is paying more attention to the content on social media, Counselor Shayna Klein encourages all students to make the right choices online, as the repercussions are often unknown. “A student taking a standardized college entrance exam and being honest and upholding all
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SCHOOL news New online media platform
S E M M U N A
by EVAN STERN Managing Editor Bloomfield Hills High School’s three major news outlets, the Biff 88.1 FM, Bloomfield Hawkeye, and BHS-TV News, have joined forces to create a new website that will be the home of coverage from all three organizations, BHHSToday.org. “BHHS Today is the culmination of the three student-led publications. This will allow us to have a hub of all student work, print, TV, or [radio]. It allows the student body, the main audience, to have one place to go to get the local news,” said Hawkeye Co-Editor-in-Chief and senior Maximilian Helfman. All three publications determined it would be more organized and efficient to have BHS-TV, the Hawkeye, and the BIFF housed on one publication. “I’m really excited because BHHS Today is going to be a new publication at Bloomfield Hills High School, with the BIFF, the Hawkeye, and BHSTV to make a new publication with a wide variety of journalism from different students, whether it be broadcast, photo, regular, or [another type of journalism],” said Hawkeye Photographer, BIFF Operations Manager, and senior Kaylie Brooks. Many students, such as junior Kristin Lewis, who said that “[she likes] how the news is all in one place,” have already noticed and are visiting the website. For more information, visit bhhstoday.org.
FEATURE Teens face rising anxiety levels
Graphic by Hanna Halstead
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NOVEMBER NEWS
Community
For more of The Hawkeye, go to our website bhhstoday.org
The Hawkeye Highlights
Top Story: Google to Set Up Shop in Downtown Detroit in Spring 2018
Local and World News Local Reactions: Students and Social Media
Tweets: “Google has annonced their intent to move more than 100 employees into a 29,000 squarefoot office space.”
-Andrew Roth, via Twitter
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-Cassandra Milch, Sophomore
It is great that Google will now have an office in Detroit because Detroit is now evolving from the rundown city it once was to a new, more positive city.
-Megan Sun, Junior
Texas Church Shooting Inspires Local Debates
Following the shooting that occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, Metro Detroit religious leaders have engaged in a debate about gun control and other security issues. The attack in Texas, which killed 26 churchgoers, have promoted meetings amongst church members in multiple cities, such as in Warren and Bloomfield Hills, to go over what should happen if a similar situation should occur within their own churches.
Food Aid Stampede in Morocco Kills 15
As a recent drought has affected Morocco’s agricultural industry, prices of food have risen, leaving many without ways to provide meals for their families. Distributors of food aid have responded in many areas, giving food to those in need. However, a recent stampede at one of these sites killed 15 and has injured 5. The deadly stampede took place in the village of Sidi Boulalam.
President Trump Reestablishes Ban on Elephant Trophy Permits President Trump reversed his decision to lift the ban that the Obama administration put into place in 2014 to prohibit permits on the importation of elephant trophies from the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The President and his staff have decided that the conservation of the elephants is essential in maintaining their population, as to not further endanger the species.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-president-donald-trump-to-reverse-ban-on-elephant-trophies-from-africa-1776472 http://www.kerala9.com/images/news/Stampede-Amid-Food-Supply--Kills-15-in-Morocco-News46.jpg http://staugustine.com/sites/default/files/images/4717363_web1_1106ChurchAttack1.jpg http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2017/11/20/google-signs-office-lease-downtown-detroit/107869696/
New School Board Member (from page 1) Following up from this statement Paulateer added that he has “been getting a deeper understanding of all the issues that not only the administration has to deal with, and all the issues that are at play in public education. I think [these policies] will have a positive impact on this district in the future. Since the school board is tasked with setting policy and hiring the leader for the district, the policies that we set today will determine the future of this district.” School Board Secretary Jacqueline El-Sayed believes that “any time you add a new person to any working team that person offers fresh perspective. Jason has really provided us with that fresh perspective and reinvigorated us. I think that it has been very helpful and taken our board to the next level.” Adding to El-Sayed, Superintendent Robert Glass said that Paulateer’s presence on the board has gone as successfully as the board intended. “He’s been everything we envisioned. The things that we saw when we interviewed him for the job are the things we see happening. He’s a very quick learner [and] a great listener. He asks really insightful questions that get to the heart of an issue. He participates in the discussion, but he doesn’t dominate it with his thoughts. He makes room for everybody to participate. He interacts so that everyone has a chance to weigh in on something. He is positive; he takes a pro-
Have an opinion about the opening? Write a letter to the editor to be featured in the next issue of The Hawkeye!
As of Spring 2018, Google has oficially annonced that it will be opening in the office space bordering the Little Ceasar’s Arena, known as District Detroit.
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It will be nice to know that there is something [the Google office] local to help improve the technology that we have...it will help improve what is happening around Michigan, technology wise.
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an impact on the community, it is hard to get rid of that. It’s a part of our history as a district, meaning that budget or teacher changes are not going to stop that.” With a 60-year long history, Riley shared “Whenever I audition people, there’s always someone who says ‘My mom was a Jill, my aunt was a Jill. It’s a really awesome connection that runs for 60 years in our community’s history.” Junior Dani Pappal is one of these legacies. “My mom and my aunt were Jills. My mom talked to me all throughout my life, saying ‘Oh my gosh, I love the Jills. You should be a Jill.’ I thought to myself, ‘You know what, yeah, that would be really cool,’” said Pappal. “Now that I am a Jill, I want to carry out the tradition, so yeah, I’d want my daughter to be a Jill if I had one.” Along with legacies, another one of the longest lasting traditions of the Jills to Snyder is their caroling and handbell-ringing, specifically their rendition of the piece “Carol of the Bells,” which is performed at the annual Collage Concert (December 19 and 20). “A group as important as [the] Jills needs something to make a name for themselves. The Dallas cowboy cheerleaders have their famous kick line, and we have ‘Carol of the Bells,’” said Butler. “The feeling of teaching the Juniors how to do it is like passing down a legacy. It means a lot to me.” Looking to the future of the ensemble, Riley expresses her optimism towards the continuing success of the group. “I hope that the district continues to honor what an important thing the Jills have been. Even though it’s a smaller group, it has been here for 60 years, before Andover and Lahser even existed,” said Riley. “While traditions change, I think that there are some, especially in the arts, that should continue to be honored. I look forward to getting new groups and watching more friendships form.”
“
Jills Celebrate 60 years (from page 1)
active, positive approach to anything in front of him,” said Glass. “ If I give him background material, I know he is reading it and prepared. He’s not afraid to take his own position on things. But he is generally looking for a consensus, which is what you like to see. I also feel he does a good job allowing me to do my job. He allows me to lead on the day to day stuff. But at the same time he asks good questions to make sure I thought of things. So that’s what you like to see in a board member. He has been a great addition to our board of education.” Looking into the future Paulateer stated, “I think it’s going to be a good year. The administration is in the process of doing what they call a ‘data dig’ around many different topics in the district. I believe every building is going through this data dig actually later this week and expect to have a lot more information to work with in terms of where they find gaps and opportunities to improve education in our district for our students.” Continuing Paualteer’s thoughts, Glass said that the board is always looking at and mapping for new opportunities as well as “looking at certain policies, revising them and making sure they are in good shape. I look forward to Jason’s participation along with the rest of the board members in those areas.”
ACT Memes (from page 1)
“Policies that we set today will determine the future of this district.” Jason Paulateer BHSD School Board Trustee
To read the original article on Paulateer, go to bhhstoday.org.
“A student taking a standardized college entrance exam and being honest and upholding all the rules and expectations that the ACT would set, but also just in terms of their own character and having integrity,” said Klein. “We want our students to be good representations of themselves, and have good character, and posting information about an exam that isn’t supposed to be shared, I would always encourage a student to not do something like that.” For the future, assistant principal Sharida Lewis provides some advice for students who will be taking the test in the future. “Following the testing guidelines is the bottom line,” Lewis said. “We want to continue to move forward ethically and maintain the integrity of the test and also maintain the integrity of each individual that’s taking the test. We represent a great district and a great school and we want to maintain the standards that are set forth by the district as it relates to the agreement that we have with standardized tests such as ACT and SAT.”
NOVEMBER NEWS
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Onward and upward; the lifetime battle against dyslexia Students conquer learning disabilities by DEBRA MORAITIS Guest Writer Htis is how some stduents ahve seen the owrld theire entrie lives a chaotic mess of twistep lettesr. Every ady a battle against the alpahdet, everyday a struggle to deciper the worlp’s sybmols and signs. As the one in five American students with a language based learning disability, this is junior Ava Singer’s experience everyday. “I was always the last one to finish tests.” said Singer. “In elementary school I remember my friends being out at recess playing and I’d be stuck inside the classroom, struggling to finish what was supposed to be a simple task. For years, I knew there was something wrong so I opened up to my parents and I was finally diagnosed my sophomore year.” As defined by the International Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia is a fairly common learning disability, characterized by a difficulty in learning to read and decoding words, letters, and other symbols, but that does not affect general intelligence. “All my friends would be done with their assignments and I’d be there trying to revise my b’s and d’s and p’s. My old homework is packed with backwards letters,” said Singer. Ways to identify cases of dyslexia in academics include a prominent difficulty in handwriting and spelling along with reversals, rotations, and transpositions in reading and writing, creating a disconnect between students and self expression, published the Dyslexia Center of Utah. The DCU explained that the effects of this common disorder are varied: some emotional results include a low self esteem, social anxiety, and depression, which can ultimately lead to students giving up on their academics or even dropping out of school altogether. Despite these difficulties, dealing with dyslexia is “not impossible” for senior Sean Carraway, another student with the condition. “You’ve just gotta be determined. I read some“When I read When thing wrong, I’m something given the choice to either let it get wrong, I’m given me down or laugh the choice to ei- about it - so to me and my parents it’s ther let it get me funny sometimes. down or laugh It’s harder for me to focus on long textabout it” books and things, I just use visuals and review videos online -Sean Carraway and talk it through with my friends, Senior because that’s how I learn better.” Bloomfield Hills offers accommodations for these students with unique situations. “For students who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, the school provides supplemental aids and services that include extended time on tests, scribes for tests, dictation devices and recorders, and additional staff explaining information and i nstructions.” said Kathryn Rheaume, a teacher and counselor for students with learning disabilities. “Students can and will continue to conquer and acquire the skills that they are trying to obtain.” These methods to cope with dyslexia in the classroom are similarly recommended by the The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. Moreover, they recommend using apps and technology like the “Livescribe SmartPen” or “Read & Write Gold” for note-taking in class. However, while those techniques and tips have proven to be helpful, the YCD&C explained that the most important thing to do is believe in yourself and embrace your dyslexia: “It teaches you to budget your time and work hard, and that work ethic will help you no matter what you decide to do in life.” Singer explained that despite her difficulties she is hopeful for the future. “Dealing with dyslexia has made me so much stronger and so much more determined to succeed,” she said. “Doing well on assignments is like a weight off my shoulders to know that my disorder doesn’t define me.”
Photo by Skylar Raitt
Tiny tot tech troubles Technology’s progression doesn’t come without consequences by LARA JANOSZ Section Editor Fingers flying across a glowing screen and eyes wide with awe and amusement, the child reaches the second hour of succumbing to the clutches of the iPad, falling into a trance-like state, unaware of the real world. According to The Huffpost writer Cris Rowan in the article The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child, instead of going outside or taking the time to spend with their families, young children are beginning to become attached to their devices, as the average child spends about 7.5 hours using technology. Bloomfield Hills High School Biology Teacher Jennifer Novak, who has reached her 16th year of teaching this year, has also seen changes in her students over the years. “I feel like some of the creativity that I have seen decrease in that respect...people don’t really have original thoughts because it’s now so easy to see what other people think about a topic, or have an idea about something on the internet,” said Novak. Children are now becoming more involved with technology,
not just outside of school, but in school as well. According to Novak, many elementary school curriculums are moving online. “As a parent, as far as technology goes, I see that they do homework on the computer,” continued Novak, who has two elementary-aged sons, both of whom have integrated technology into their daily lives. “Now they’re more likely to type instead of handwrite something.” Sophomore Alexis Moss has noticed these changes in behavior and work ethic in her younger sibling. “As my little sister grows, she uses technology 24/7, she is less physically active...her tolerance for excessive usage of technology has increased ever since,” she said. “It does make me disappointed because nowadays, [little kids’] lives are all on their technology.” With this overusage at such a young age, of course, comes possible effects on a developing child’s health. According to Rowan’s article, sleeping disorders, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and
even autism have been proven to be effects of the overuse of technology at a young age. “I think there is more issues with sleeping because the bright screen and the blue light specifically from the screen doesn’t lend itself to falling asleep at night and you know when you are tired, it affects everything else that you do during the day,”said BHHS Media Specialist and mother Stephanie Bevier, who, as a media specialist, has seen this increased use of technology in young kids as well. “It is frustrating because you want kids to get out and move their body and to use it in the manner in which we were created to move.” Moss agrees, seeing a decrease in physical activity in her younger sibling, as well as in the children that she babysits. “It’s definitely heartbreaking because the kid that I babysit, she’s only in first grade and she knows all these things on how to use technology that I would never had figured out when I was younger and when I was her
age. She is just so attached to it, she never wants to play and it’s always either watching Netflix or going on YouTube. They’re just not very connected with the world now. They are just connected with technology.” As for the future and as technology usage among young children continues to grow, how younger generations will end up functioning in the future is unknown. However, Novak believes that putting limits on the overuse of technology will help to make this future more foreseeable. “I think that there is a place for technology and I can’t imagine a world now without it,” said Novak. “I think, as a parent or as a teacher there is a time to put limits on it and ensure that the youth does still have those experiences outside with friends, communicating one on one, and not always being in front of a screen.”
Spanish students connect through e-pals Spanish 300 students exchange letters with students in Spain by JAKE FOGEL Staff Writer Although thousands of miles separate them, students in Candice Toma’s Spanish 300 classes are trying to bring the world a little closer one letter at a time. Toma, who constructed the e-pal program, gave her Spanish 300 students the opportunity to communicate and exchange letters with students learning English in the town of Burjassot, Spain. “It [e-pal program] definitely helps broaden their perspectives and change the way they think. We’ve only written one letter each, but some cultural things come up even in that one letter. The Spanish having a more relaxed attitude, taking things easier, is a big cultural difference from the American lifestyle,” said Toma. “They’re actually communicating with somebody from another country, it’s a real person.” Sophomore Chloe Fischer, a student in
Spanish 300, said e-pals “are important because they allow us to experience other cultures and what they are like. It’s super neat to talk to someone and have someone correct your spanish or their english, or vice versa or whatever language you’re speaking.” Spanish 300 student Alan Zhang, after exchanging one letter with his e-pal, Hugo Escribano, agreed with Fischer about the importance of the program. “It was interesting to hear about their daily lives and how it differs from ours, yet at the same time, we have so much in common. It’s important to learn about other cultures, see other’s perspectives, and diversify your viewpoints,” said Alan. “It was interesting to hear what a Spanish student thought about the situation in Catalo-
nia and the differences in transportation methods, population, and school life.” Through seeing the effects of this program, Toma said for this past month the e-pal project has helped to widen her students’ perspectives of the world they live in. “We kind of live in a bubble here, so getting them out of that bubble is nice,” she said.
Generation Z’s struggle with anxiety Students reflect on the difficulties experienced in school and beyond, caused by anxiety by JAKE FOGEL Staff Writer
A
fter a day of school, an afternoon of ic anxiety disorder which means basically I musical practice, an evening of dance have panic attacks. And I’ll be like the walls class and a late night discussion about are closing in on me, and I can’t breathe and her grades during the ride home it’s an awful experience and my heart starts with her father she said she lost it. beating so fast that I think I’m having a heart “I went up stairs and started crying, I was on attack.” the floor sobbing, because I didn’t know what According to The Guardian, anxiety in stuto do, I’m stressed with school work, rehearsdent aged kids that fall into Generation Z al, dance, work and I’m trying to achieve what have changed a lot over the years making it siblings have. My sister went to a good private harder to understand and deal with. school, my brother went to a good private Reading articles like those from the Times school, and my one brother is extremely taland The Guardian, BHHS counselor Jim ented, singing, dancing, acting, and I feel like Fogle has keeping abreast of this topic by the one that has nothing,” said Sophomore Efi reading the latest research; however, he said Stavropoulos whose situation demonstrated that there doesn’t seem to be one single reathe severity of her anxiety. “It’s like a strugson for the increase of anxiety seen within gle everyday because you don’t know what the Generation X. day is gonna bring “There seems to be a along so you don’t variety of reasons,” he “It’s a struggle everyday beknow how your day said “One of them is will end up.” cause you don’t know what the about current students She shared that day is gonna bring along so you and kids under the age sometimes she is of 18. Their diets are don’t know how your day will different from what they so anxious that she finds herself being were a generation or two end up.” late to and someago. The food that they times even missing eat has a real impact on dance class. “I feel people, and the sugar Efi Stravopolous like the one that content that kids eat tohas nothing. How Sophomore day is actually light years am I supposed above what it was a gento be good?” she eration ago and that has said.”When I get really anxious, I feel like an impact.” someone’s choking me, when I get anxious, I’ll In the Times article, they published that “ In take whatever necklace I have on, off, because 1985, the Higher Education Research Instiit feels like someone’s there, and there’s a rope tute at U.C.L.A incoming college freshmen that I can’t physically pull, but it’s mentally th if they “felt overwhelmed by all I had to do” ere.” during the previous year. In 1985, 18 perThe American College Health Association recent said they did. By 2010, that number had ported an increase in anxiety to 62 percent of increased to 29 percent. Last year, it surged the students they surveyed a year ago from 50 to 41 percent” percent in 2011. “ It’s an awful experience, As a soon-to-be college undergraduate, Satamy heart starts beating so fast that I think I’m wa, agrees with this research. “The biggest having a heart attack. The effect that anxiety thing that brings me anxiety is that I have a has on my is a little bit different than Efi, but it lot of pressure on me, I’m going to play softstill has the same kind of effect,” shared Senior ball in college at the D2 level which is pretty Megan Satawa. “I have something called panhigh and I literally just signed my commit-
ment letter I’ve always had coaches and my parents and everyone putting these pressures on me. I try super hard to make everyone happy in my life no matter who it is, and you can’t make everyone happy in every decision that you make.” Adding to both Fogle and Satawa’s ideas, Stavropoulos said she believes social media is a large contributor. “You see all of these people ‘Oh my god, they’re so much better than me, blah blah blah” when in reality, they’re going through the exact same stuff that you are. When people actually talk to you then they can figure out who you are, but social media only gives the outside look of things. So that has a huge effect on it. You lose sight of who you actually are and what you actually believe in. Satawa agrees adding that the anxiety she and her peers face is so much different than “when my parents were kids. Like the things that I have to do, that I have to deal with today, my parents could even imagine doing. And all of the backstabbing and friendships that aren’t real like nobody has loyalties to anyone anymore. And I think that’s all because of social media because it really disconnects us which is why I agree with what Efi said, social media is a huge part of it and I have had panic attacks because of social media so I’ve literally had to turn it off sometimes, I literally will delete the apps off my phone or I’ll turn my phone off because they’re causing me so much stress, I just have to delete them and get out that world a little bit. I go on social media cleanses to, like I’ll have one of my friends keep my snapchat streaks for like a week and I’ll just stay off of it for like a whole week.” After being diagnosed, Stavropoulos said that having strategies has helped her. “Breathing techniques and walking away from whatever is making me anxious,” she said” I’ll hopefully breathe, and take time to relax and calm myself.”
Anx
Graphics by Vikram Lakshmanan Photo Illustration by Hanna Halstead Photos by Skylar Raitt
The parent’s side of the story Parents reflect on their children’s experience with anxiety by CAITLIN FINERTY Section Editor
M
others everywhere worry about what their child is texting about, but this mom just hopes it isn’t causing her daughter too much
all the time about the cost. If the students take all of these advanced classes that are impacting them by making them anxious or stressed I say ‘at what cost is the one adanxiety. vanced class you are taking.’” Reverend Susan Williams said, “[My daughter] Even if the student sees a doctor or theraspends a lot of time on her cell phone texting pist, their parents might want to know what and that makes me nervous. I have no idea if is happening in those sessions. those are helpful or negative conversations that “I check in with [Emily’s] therapist,” said Suendorse stress.” san. “I see a therapist in the same building So many students who grow up in the 21st cen- and so before and after the treatment we talk tury have some form of major stress or anxiety about goals and then how it went.” in their lives, but one Emily explained that thing that some may her parents are there “You need enough of the not realize is that these for her when she has classes that are higher and anxiety attacks and to student’s parents have to go everyday knowhelp her prevent them. enough that are lower so ing that their child has “My parents have been you can have a balance of really understanding anxiety. “I get anxiety attacks, throughout this whole selectional classes.” I get anxious, about a process. It is kind of a few different things: transition when they tests are a big problem, realized my outbursts of Dijana Micakaj things that I am not refrustration weren’t just BHHS Psychologist ally prepared for, peoa normal thing but they ple, large crowds who really help me get back aren’t being very cohesive or organized really to myself and help me calm down a lot,” said stress me out. My heart is racing just sitting Emily. here being interviewed,” said junior Emily Wil- Susan has a piece of advice for parents goliams, a student with anxiety. ing through the same things she has gone There are people to talk to, in school and out- through. side of school, that not only help with a child’s “Spend time, especially if your son or daughanxiety, but with their parents concern and ter just wants to tune you off, just gently find genuine interest in this disorder as well. ways to share your stories so they can maybe “Sometimes the parents feel the need to talk come out of the shell,” said Susan. “Someabout the child and having a balanced sched- times it’s hard for parents to say ‘I blew it ule,” said BHHS psychologist Dijana Micakaj. sometimes, I went through some bad phases’ “You need enough of the classes that are high- and that can be useful for kids to see that er and enough that are lower so you can have their parents know what anxiety feels like.” a balance of selectional classes. I talk to parents
xiety.
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The increased stress caused by
STAFF
TECHNOLOGY
Adviser Christina Hammitt Print Editors-in-Chief Brynn Elder Anish Tamhaney Web Editors-in-Chief Maximillian Helfman Jessica Kim Print Managing Editors Habib Bello Vivian Harber Jake Weitzman Web Managing Editors Riya Doshi Evan Stern Jonah Stone Section Editors Caitlin Finerty Lara Janosz Sadie Kirshner Brendan Lynn Jenny She Maddie Wein Justin Yaker Production Managers Ally Heath Lilly Swanson Illustrators Ember Stuart Emily Wang Graphics Manager Sydney Kalt Photographers Kaylie Brooks Skylar Raitt Social Media Managers Sarah Kenkel Maddy Moskus Sammi Trepeck Staff Writers Carly Armstrong Jake Fogel Hannah Halstead Darby Krugel Kaitlyn Luckoff Elena Ofiara Sarah Qureshi Andres Quiroga Ali Randal Alexis Rillema Ava Singer Georgia Zimmerman Guest Writers Chiara Abiadal Maya Alhusein Adrian Ashtari Rocky Bright Sophie Jackson Caelan Jansen Steven Krivitsky Vikram Lakshmanan Debra Moraitis Ben Mutz Erin Schwartz Sophie Sherbin Nick Spinale Sydney Stearns Srirama Varanasi
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the “State Champions - Tennis Team Finished An Undefeated Season”. As a member of Bloomfield Hills High School’s Varsity Tennis team, the article resonates with me. It clearly depicted an accurate account of the state championship. The final moments prior to victory are vividly portrayed conveying not only the facts, but also the emotions. While I was reading the article, I felt as if I was there again. While the article is spot on with what it states, I am compelled to share covert facts: only the team knows this information. Behind the scenes there is a plethora of preparation that takes place. Teamwork, dedication, commitment, hard work, rigor, and perseverance are imbedded in each tennis player, and all of these combined characteristics resulted in a winning tennis team. Bloomfield Hills Varsity A’s tennis team are well earned champions. -Donovan Brown (11) Dear Editor,
Illustration by Ember Stuart
Incessant notifications and access to information casue increased stress on society What we think With each passing moment we remain fixated on the glaring brightness of our phone screens, the anxiety grows. Day by day, notification by notification, our obsession with mass information (and expanded access to it) have alarmingly exacerbated the natural stress of high school. That impulse to continually check our phones stems from a dangerous, unspoken obligation: since we have an enhanced ability to communicate with others, disseminate our observations, and receive an infinity of answers to our most burning curiosities, we must indulge fully in these opportunities or risk a sense of isolation from the world. The omniscient power of our phones has its perks, but with so much sheer knowledge at our fingertips, we bear the nagging burden of not being able to process the oversaturation of information available. According to Business Insider, internet addiction often comes hand in hand with other issues such as mental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression.” The moment we feel the onset of a cold, we immediately turn to WebMD, a silly and impractical reflex which points to some rare fatal blood disease as the definite condition. Even our grades are accessible 24/7, allowing us to refresh the MiStar page endlessly until a certain test score appears. And who hasn’t felt the “phantom notification,” the message you know just buzzed on your phone, but isn’t there when you check? In fact, a poll by SecurEnvoy, 71% of women and 60% of men have phone separation anxiety. For all its obvious benefits, the smartphone has begun to wear us down as composed and communicative individuals.
The truth is, living life without our phones is feasible. It was the norm nearly 15 years ago. Sure, prying our gaze from our devices feels inconvenient and unnecessary, but the more involved and habitual this practice becomes, the more tangible its benefits. As the primary generation to have access to the immense power of technology at our fingertips, it is our responsibility to avoid abusing this power to our own detriment and set an example for future users. There are several ways to limit and improve smartphone use. The most effective is simply to take technology or social media hiatuses. Formally disconnecting ourselves from our screens familiarizes our minds with the sensation. The plentier and lengthier these breaks, the easier detachment will become. With this strategy comes hopefully similar behavior from others. The less you are on your phone, the more you will prefer face-toface contact. The spread of this solution cannot be underestimated. Moreover, we should encourage those around us, especially children, to avoid excessive device use. While a biochemical link between screen time and ADHD is yet to be found, a study from the University of Virginia determined that the correlation between the two is alarmingly high- too high to ignore, especially when considering the increasing availability of smart devices to the next generation. In implementing these solutions, we must establish that healthy technology use will not begin overnight and will require the efforts of millions around the world. Recognizing the anxiety and cognitive issues involved is the first step towards securing a brighter future for users.
I’m writing to you in regards to the article about Devin Holmes, the deaf sophomore on the varsity football team. As I read the article, I was very intrigued and interested because Devin was my teammate this season and I never had the opportunity to hear what he had to say about the whole experience because I do not know any ASL. But I was not disappointed as it was a great article for many reasons. I think it was great how there was an interview from Devin himself, another one of his teammates, and his mother was the cherry on top. But I did notice a small typo in the beginning where his last name was spelled “Homes”. Other than that, I thought it was a spectacular article and it was great to hear what his take on football was. -Tony Cohen (11) Dear Editor, This weekend, I had the pleasure of going to see the musical, “A Chorus Line” that was being put on by the school. It was truly amazing to see so many of my friends take part in the musical; not only on stage, but also as part of the crew and pit. It really surprised me to see how the actors were able to get up on stage and perform as if nobody was watching them. My favorite song in the musical was “Gimme the Ball”. I can’t wait to see what play we put on this year, but I know that it is going to be great. -Sudhakar Samuel (11)
We want to hear what you think. Write a 100-200 word letter to the editor and send it to us, bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com
What students think
“Electronics add on to my stress because I procrastinate too much on my work by being on electronics and I end up being behind.”
“Technology probably takes away from my stress because I work more efficiently and at a faster pace with technology.”
-Hanna Carrick (9)
-Sasha Tertzag (10)
“It is a 50/50 street. I feel like I can be distracted by it but it can also be a good tool to help with school work because a lot of teachers give assignments digitally.” -Stephanie Recknagel (11)
NOVEMBER OP/ED
Profanity:
7
Should it be allowed?
“Warning: This article contains very strong language that may offend some readers.” Aw S%!T. Language in itself, is an art. The complex ways we can communicate with one another, through inflection or diction, shapes who we are. The art of “swearing” is indeed an art. In society, we must have taboos, restrictions, for the people because if we do not, people will create them. The way swearing is portrayed in books, film, and T.V can be masterful (just watch Pulp Fiction). And swearing in general, can not only relieve pain, but make you a better person. Swearing, critics often argue, can make us seem uneducated, as if our parents did not educate us on what is “right” or “wrong” to say. This is false. On average, kids start swearing at age 6 or
7, and it’s not because their parents are swearing at them, it’s because of culture. Whether it be from overhearing a movie or song, an older sibling, or a classmate who is just repeating what they heard over the weekend, how society perceives swearing is dependent of our culture. And our culture is littered with swears. History shows the longevity of swearing in culture, going back all the way from when we started speaking language. Swearing can only help you communicate better. By swearing, we not only communicate the meaning of a sentence, but also our emotional opinion of it. It allows us to express emotions of anger, happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, pain, and more. This not only relieves anger or stress, but can prevent the need for physical violence. I would argue that it not only adds vari-
ety to communicating, but it can increase the effectiveness and persuasiveness of a message. In a 2014 study by psychologist Richard Stephens, he found that “when reading a blog post by a fictitious politician, the post with swear words increased the perceived informality of the language and improved people’s impressions of the source.” This is true for ANY source of information or statement. There are two types of people in this world. One who swears, and one who doesn’t. When someone who doesn’t swear swears, it can greatly affect what they are trying to convey, such as a parent yelling at a son or a teacher giving a lecture because the person on the opposite end of it is not used to that person swearing. On the other hand, the one who swears often, while losing the
effect of “rarity”, can make his or her language, artful. They can add diversity to their personality, and a little color. That is me. Anyone who knows me knows I love swearing, and while common sense plays a big role in knowing when to swear, it allows me to express myself in ways only I can think of. Amendment I of the Bill of Rights states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…” Swearing will never go away. Swearing will change, alter, and evolve just like it has for decades before. Until our world is taken over by aliens, a crazed dictator, or destroyed, we will always find a way to say what needs to said. Because that’s what humans do best right?
Swearing is everywhere, from our tv screens to the school hallways. Yet while it is clearly commonplace and its stigma has lessened in recent years, does that really make it a good decision to inject these choice words into your daily lexicon? Proby RAMA VARANASI fanity is often seen as a hallmark of grit Guest Writer or strength, but how impressive is it to unleash yourself at every challenge? Such strong language has an important place in spoken and written language, but it is a specific and reserved one. The everyday use of these words devalues their meaning, and in turn reduces our ability to express our full range of thoughts when we truly have to. But this language can also cause emotions within others that are tied to our own identities, and thus push people to react in a way other words simply cannot.
The wanton use swear words can insult and degrade racial, ethnic and cultural groups that can increase tension and degrade the very quality of conversation. From every angle it is clear that swearing and the everyday use of crude language reduces an individual’s ability to express themselves fully, can exacerbate social tensions in a unique way, and degrade the level of conversation. Swearing and its everyday use can limit an individual’s ability to truly express their frustration or emotions as they become more common. As the words are seen in everyday media they begin to carry less weight, and as this happens there is a less of a reaction for their use. As these words begin to lose their unique place in society, an
individual’s ability to truly label things in a way that is accurate to their emotions and opinions begins to fade. In fact it encourages a certain false comparison between some of the worst aspects of society and simply pet peeves that can get you worked up every once in awhile. To make those things equivalent weakens language’s power to express and hurts a person’s own ability to use words for their full emotional spectrum. Yet this is only where it begins for why the everyday use of swearing is damaging and hurtful to society. Swear words in large place hold their spot in society because they can cause so much offense to groups of people that they deserve a certain level of thought before their use. When that level of care isn’t used
it becomes exceptionally easy to lose control of a conversation. Instead of being able to carry on conversation in a constructive way, these words encourage anger and frustration. The use of profane language hurts our conversations both at a local and societal level. Take a look at the news today and it is clear the increased use of crude language has increased frustration and anger and a sense of divisiveness. Swearing is something that has been a part of society forever, but that doesn’t mean it should become a commonplace occurrence. It should maintain its rarified place in our language, and we need to do whatever we can to ensure that place is not lost.
Pro by MAX HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief
Con
EDITOR COLUMNS
Memories through music
Reverie is auditory collage of the past
by ANISH TAMHANEY Co-Editor-in-Chief
Living with an older brother Growing out of a shell
by BRYNN ELDER Co-Editor-in-Chief
Hands trembling, I adjusted my half-size Fender Squier until it fit comfortably on my thigh and began, with visible unease, to play. My right wrist swung wildly, the pick missing entirely its intended destination and my face twisting in annoyance. My left hand fingers thumped slowly and without coordination, inciting the occasional groan or shake of my head. I brooded intensely this way for hours, refusing to rest. Long after the skin of my fingertips had grown white and callused, I was on the verge of quitting. In a suddenly vivid moment, I recognized within the pained twangs of my strings an instantly recognizable tune. I shot up off the couch in absolute glee, exclaiming to the world my newfound achievement in rapid, wild syllables. I had finally learned “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. Learning to play the guitar has dramatically influence who I am, both as a musician and a person. Guitar is the sole catalyst for my distinct optimism and goofy elan, the force behind my methodical work ethic that extends far beyond the instrument itself, and the familiar companion I can invariably count on. After taking lessons for less than two years, I decided to explore my own creativity, stop learning from a book and pursue my own amateurish yet earnest ambitions.
Despite the chaotic splendor of writing my own music, I maximized the structure and discipline of my practice, a framework prodded by the notion that only I could define my own limits. The rigidity of that structure transcended playing guitar; it transformed into a standard of organization and self-control which I maintain across each aspect of my life. Just as I fine tune the intricacies of the chromatic scale before I start jamming, I establish neatly color-coded prioritization lists before I begin the host of school assignments which await me. Not only does the routine of playing with a metronome stabilize my miniscule movements on the fretboard, but it gives me a lasting sense of rhythm, one that is perhaps responsible for my tempered, tranquil tone of voice and personability. But guitar isn’t the same defining, cathartic experience for everyone. I am fortunate enough to have found a constant, a source of discipline in my life that I will always enjoy. For others, that source may range from cooking to running to simply reading the paper every morning. Regardless of their scope or specificity, determining our immutable passions and integrating them into daily regimen grants life enduring meaning.
Growing up with a sibling six years older than I always seemed to be a benefit. I had someone to look up to, to model my education after, and to inspire and motivate me. In elementary school I was known as “Max’s Little Sister,” I even had a sweatshirt with that phrase in place of my own name on the back. There were times when I felt overshadowed by my brother, but as it turns out this may not have been a bad thing. Growing up under him, I learned from what he did well and developed my own character and goals based on that. Although we are very different people, his sense of determination taught me how to approach education. In the earliest years, my brother and I began as polar opposites. He was outgoing, always looking to meet new people, make friends, and share his thoughts and ideas. I was so shy, I could barely speak without shaking. I spent preschool in my teacher’s lap, afraid to play with the other kids my age. Up through first grade it was so challenging for me to make friends that my mom came to school every day to eat lunch and sit through recess with me.
In contrast to me, my brother loved everything about elementary school. He was drawn to the playing, the learning, meeting new kids and getting to know them. Reflecting on this experience, I wish I would have been able to see the benefits of venturing out. As I grew older however, I learned to overcome my shyness and to feel comfortable enough to make friends and more importantly in education: communicate with adults and ask for help when needed. One of the main reasons I was able to make the change was seeing how this helped my brother make the most out of the opportunities he was given. After coming out of my shell I was able to emulate other aspects of my brother’s education experience that lead me to be the best I can be. In the past I have heard that comparing children can be demoralizing to their self worth, but from my experience I believe that I have only improved myself my comparing myself to my brother.
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8 Ethnic cleanising in myanmar Changing our response to crisis
by SOPHIE JACKSON Guest Writer I used to get lost in stories of the past, they seemed like no more than narrative fiction in my textbooks. This changed when I began to read the news. I was horrified by the discrimination, religious strife, and crimes against humanity that were happening in the present, not just in the far past. The Myanmar Rohingya crisis demonstrated all of these darker parts of humanity -- discriminatory laws reminiscent of Jim Crow, an exodus not so different from that of the Jews, and the killing of hundreds of thousands like in the Armenian Genocide. What struck me again was that this discrimination against the Rohingya Muslims in primarily Buddhist Myanmar had been occurring since 1962. Somehow though, it did not become global news until recently; the situation escalated when Myanmar’s army, in response to a militant Rohingya group, killed, raped and forced thousands out of their homes. Those who made it out alive have been traveling on foot to neighboring Bangladesh. This is important, not only because what’s going on is so wrong, but because it will have global ramifications. I believe history progresses in a chain of events, the mistakes of our past influence strife and struggles today. History as a simple story would be this: get a UN resolution, send in forces, occupy the country, and set up a “space” for Rohingya. Knowing history should mean we don’t just repeat it. Rather, we analyze and disrupt patterns. As evidenced by the lack of attention in Myanmar and recurrences of crisis like the one it now experiences, we have a tendency to plow through, as if each day is the same as the last. We expect that with our technological advancements, we are somehow better now, and immune to certain horrors. Indeed, one technological complication to the Rohingya situation is that Buddhist Monks are able to use Facebook to build up animus against those they would hurt. To remedy this we need our own social media campaign, one that will alert the nation to the issues here. The Rohingya plight could be turned to their advantage in American politics. Much of the American “right’ is tired of hearing about the struggles of the “other” or marginalized groups. In fact, the alt-right has flipped this rhetoric and started referring to themselves as a marginalized group. Why not flip this rhetoric back? Many might consider the Myanmar Buddhists, particularly the monks, as sympathetic “others.” In this case, though, they are the villains. Theoretically, this could appeal to the “right” -- tired as it is of narratives of marginalization -- and to the “left” -still wanting to “help” the Rohingya. The Rohingya situation, while tragic, could help short circuit some of the political divides here and create political support for action. What that action would be is new. It would not be an Iraq style call for American democracy or a call to help the marginalized group. It would be simply a call to help that would generate a new outline for how Americans should be in the world. I’d hope this “outline” would help others, if not myself, write a new kind of history-- one that people like me could look back on generations later as a template to prevent similar atrocities.
NOVEMBER OP/ED
Which birth order is best? The Oldest Sibling
The Middle Sibling
by BRENDAN LYNN Section Editor
by MADDIE WEIN Section Editor
When people refer to the oldest child as the smartest, they aren’t lying. Statistically proven, firstborns exhibit higher cognitive abilities and perform better than their younger siblings in school. Among from the facts, being the older sibling means I have more control than my younger sister when it comes to making decisions, simply because I’m the most credible. It’s very rare when I don’t get the first choice over her. The Journal Science analyzed the IQs of nearly 250,000 Norwegian 18- and 19-year-old draftees and found that older siblings had higher scores than younger siblings. According to the Huffington Post, older siblings are more responsible and loyal to their families. The Huffington Post said it is likely a result of the older sibling looking for traditional achievement. Older siblings are more knowledgeable when making decisions, stated by a 2015 study in a LiveScience article. From my experience, being the older sibling is more favorable, you get to decide the most important issues when there is disagreement about where to eat or when you want to leave somewhere. When I want to go somewhere and my sister wants to go to another place, 90 percent of the time I win this argument. I get first dibs to do activities and to choose specific things being the older sibling that my younger sister can’t get dibs for. Essentially, I am the boss as the older sibling. And that’s a privilege I gladly embrace.
You never hear much about the middle child right? Just stuck in between the oldest and the youngest with little wiggle room to flourish. However, of all the US presidents since 1787, no fewer than 52 percent were middle children.(DailyMail.co) One of the most successful entrepreneurs of modern times, the Microsoft genius Bill Gates, is also a middle, but not by a coincidence. His ability to think outside the box and take creative risks are attributes found in middle-borns. Just like the Brady Bunch, being stuck in the middle can actually help you develop strong leadership qualities later on in life. Between the siblings who receive resources first-hand and the ones who receive the hand-me-downs, middle children develop a strong niche in the family from vying for resources. “Research shows that as middles mature they gain self-confidence — this likely has to do with them recognizing and valuing innate strengths, and downplaying perceived weaknesses,” says Dr. Schumann from Insider Magazine. Evidently, middle-borns have the best of both worlds, an older sibling they can look up to and a younger sibling they can mold into their clone. Were the middle, the sometimes overlooked, not-so-special child who sets their own bars of expectations with a splash of color. But, we sure are the strongest of them all. We add the flair and the fringe to the pants handed down from the ones before us. We have to work hard and prove our place, asserting our special qualities that may be different from the oldest sibling, paving our own path. The middle child doesn’t get off from people telling them how wonderful he or she is. They work to make people see the strengths they are most proud of.
The Youngest Sibling
The Only Child
by SOPHIE SHERBIN Guest Writer
by MAX HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief
We are the youngest sibling- we have the last imprint on the family and are our parents last chance to make a child of their own happy. Sure, the youngest child has to put up with two or more siblings in the house (and yes this can be difficult) but, this means more experiences to learn from. If your siblings are awesome, you’ve got great role models to look up to… and if they aren’t, you will always look better by comparison! My brother and sister have taught me so many things, from what classes to take to what to say to mom and dad in order to get the least possible punishment for coming home at 2am on a Thursday night. I could have never been the person I am today without the high expectations often placed on the youngest child. My brother and sister both got good grades and attended U of M. This has pushed me to strive for my goals. According to a review of 200 birth order studies, “Youngest children can also become the most ambitious in the family...they strive to catch up with the older ones to prove they are no longer babies.” (Carlson et al.) Whether we like it or not, “So you’re the baby of the family.” will be heard constantly by the youngest child. Being the baby forever is a huge advantage. Not only do we never age in others’ minds, we are never too old for the things our parents wished they had done sooner. For example, this past summer, after a Disneyless childhood, my mom took me- her 16 year old- to Disneyland! Lastly, being the youngest has no doubt made me more social. According to The Odyssey online, “Since the youngest is used to being the center of attention, they tend to be much more social. They like being around other people, which makes them gregarious and extroverted.” We are the youngest sibling, the last impression on our families. We are not afraid to be social, we are motivated to exceed the high expectations, and most importantly we are forever young.
Growing up as an only child has been advantageously fantastic. With no one to compete with, I was able to grow into the person I want to be, the person I am today, in a free environment with no conflict from siblings. With my parents divorcing at a young age (through the inevitable conflict) it gave me more room to be an individual, to mature and work towards my goals. According to Bustle.com, a 20-year study proved that students in high school who grew up as only children, have more confidence in themselves compared to kids growing up with siblings. We don’t have years of older siblings taunting and calling us names, we develop our personality without others standing in the way. A common misconception of only-childs is that we are “spoiled”. I mean it would make sense right if all our gifts and presents are for us only! Wrong. According to Susan Newman, parenting expert and author, “The studies all show that only children are NOT spoiled.” In my case, my parents taught me to save up, to buy things myself. From doing little things around the house I earned things myself and made decisions myself. Finally, only-childs are more happier on average than their besiblinged peers. Because we do not have to compete for our parent’s affection, they lavish us with every opportunity; educational and such, that our hearts desired. We have no one to compete with, and no one to “butt” heads over materialistic items and little fights. Without a doubt, our lives are simply easier. Which is why growing as an only child, is the best way to grow up.
NOVEMBER OP/ED
It’s time to work on keeping our school clean It is imperative that we abandon leaving school a mess by EVAN STERN Managing Editor It is clear to see. Throughout the course of each school day, it seems that Bloomfield Hills High School students feel that our school is a dumping ground for their trash. Whether it be furniture scattered throughout the Learning Communities or lunch littered on the floor and tables, there appears to be a consistent feeling among many students -- but not all -- that we do not need to respect our new school building. But this is a completely false statement. Our school is a safe place for us to attend everyday to learn how to become better, educated citizens, as we enter the “real world.” Yet it is even more than this. Our school represents our community. It is “us,” shedding light on who we are, as a student body. Shouldn’t we want to be regarded as a responsible student body -- it wouldn’t appear this way when a prospective family tours a Learning Community immediately following lunch, as I and other students can clearly observe when heading back to class. The truth is, is that it is our duty, as students, to respect this building because it is in fact our school, and it should reflect who we are as a community. Thus: next time you finish your lunch... or for that matter, when you have made a mess, think twice after reading this before you simply leave a mountain of garbage. Because this is not the image we, as a student body, should convey to the world around us. It does not matter who you are. We all have a responsibility to ensure our school is as clean as possible.
9
Student analyzes depression Editor takes a retrospective view on her struggle with depression by JESSICA KIM Editor-in-Chief Frankly speaking, I don’t have a fancy, dramatic metaphor for depression. For some people it’s constantly seeing the world in shades of grey; others feel it’s like being expected to run a marathon with invisible shackles. For me, it’s just a lecture from the most boring, monotone teacher in a subject that you don’t even like, and glancing back to see the clock tick by in agonizing slowness. In relation to depression, the lecture is life. Watching the clock is wanting to skip forward seventy years straight into a coffin. And the only way to exit the lecture, sometimes, is death. Of course, in every class there’s always the One Annoying Kid who pipes up for the singularly unnecessary, unfunny, general comment in hopes of getting participation points. In depression, here’s what this kid says: You have a great life, so why are you depressed? It gets better. Suicide is not an option. Tell someone if you’re having suicidal
thoughts. Have you tried yoga? But people are born female, Have I tried yoga? Seriously. male, transgender, nonbinaI’ve heard this kid everywhere ry. People are born with their I go — in popular media, in wellsexual orientations. People are meaning adults, in derisive kids born with their hair color, the trying to compete for first place shape of their eyes, the color of in the I Have It their skin, and even Worse Olympics. if you try to change Truth of the “Truth of the matter all that through matter is, if hair dye or conpeople needed is, if people needed version therapy or a reason for surgery, the a reason for their plastic their brains to way you are born be screwed up, brains to be screwed doesn’t change. then I’d have no The fact that I was reason to be de- up, then I’d have no born with deprespressed. Objecreason to be de- sion — that I came tively speaking, out of the womb pressed.” my life is pretty thinking I wanted great. I’m doing to go back in, that fine academiI’ve been thinking cally, I have friends, I’m not bulabout death before I was even lied, I stay active and get those really aware of what it was, that “anti-depression” endorphins, I don’t see the point in living on and I live in the suburban Wall a daily basis — doesn’t change. Street where we bathe in BenDepression is knowing logijamins and experience precisely cally that it’s dumb to be jealous zero of life’s material disappointof Sleeping Beauty because she ments. slept for ten years. Depression
is hearing countless stories of “it gets better” and never really believing it for yourself. Depression is knowing suicide isn’t an option because it’s irreversible, but thinking suicide is an option because it’s a bright green exit sign from a boring lecture. I don’t get better because I tell someone about my thoughts. I’ve told dozens of people I’m depressed, and at best I’ll get a passionate rant about how I have so much to live for, and at worst a pained, awkward laugh. The thing is, people know about depression, just like how I know that there’s too much to live for. But they don’t understand it. Experiences with depression is unique for each person. It’s like love — there are symptoms, ways you can show it, but you can never really describe how it feels any different from platonic or familial or romantic. You can only try to relate it in awful, sappy metaphors.
Bloomfield Hills High School needs tissues Student is suprised by the lack of tissues by SARAH KENKEL Social Media Manager The tests are passed out. Students everywhere are silent except for the Number #2 pencils filling in bubbles. Not a creature is stirring but me. Sniffling. I have been sick for two years. Starting freshman year, I would get the casual cold, stuffy nose, or ER visit every month. Okay, maybe not so casual. Eventually things escalated, and I got mono the beginning of Sophomore year. Almost every month I was in the hospital, passing out in class, or sleeping. Lots of sleeping Between antibiotics and piles of homework I was catching up on, I only requested one thing: Tissues. Is that so difficult to ask? Such a simple concept, yet our school doesn’t seem to understand it. Junior year comes around and my anger about not having tissues is starting to boil, and speaking of bubbling, the question that keeps rattling my mind while I’m supposed to be filling in bubbles is why I can’t get one tissue. You’d think after a multi million dollar building, state of the art curriculums, and multiple TVs in every classroom, we could get a few tissue boxes. Unfortunately, you’d think wrong. If we’re concerned about student learning, I’d rather spend time still in the classroom then not having to walk halfway across the school to a bathroom stall so I can blow my nose. This is valuable class time. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to all of this missed learning opportunity. Tissues.
Seasonal depression in action
The dangerous influence of less sunlight by MADDY MOSKUS Social Media Manager Warm air from the fireplace carries the scent of peppermint, ornaments twinkle at every glance, gingerbread cookies dance on the tongue, Mariah Carey’s voice rings through my earbuds. The festivity can only mean one thing. Seasonal depression. While it sounds like a comical myth, science has proven seasonal depression to not only be real, but dangerous. As suicide rates increase during the holidays and dropping temperatures, it’s important to hold those you love closer. And not just because it’s cold. It’s very common for psychiatrists to prescribe antidepressants for just the winter, as the lack of sunlight decreases the serotonin produced in the brain. This affects mood quite heavily for many, to be specific, 3 million in the U.S. according to Mayo Clinic. The influence of light on mood is so much so that some have seasonal depression lamps that produce the light that triggers serotonin production. Seeing as thousands of people have purchased these lamps on Amazon and
left paragraph long reviews with five 5 star ratings, staring into a light is no laughing matter. No matter what gift giving holiday you take part in, a Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) Lamp may be a wise choice for your wish list. The other solution I have found to the not-so-happy holidays is to keep up the exercise. While taking a walk outside or kayaking with the Water Sports Alliance may no longer be a possibility, joining a gym or dancing around to 80’s bops in your basement is just as effective. Countless studies show the positive effect of exercise on mood, so use your creativity; Fighting off crowds for great deals on gifts, hanging lights until the entire subdivision can see your home or using all of your
strength to not go off on your aunt during the family reunion are all great exercises. Lastly, rely on the gift of friends. The low of depression often comes with numbness, and the best cure for a lack of feeling is quality time with people that make you laugh. ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ is a cliche because it’s true, and there’s nothing that makes spirits brighter than good company. Remember to keep in mind that seasonal depression is temporary, and though there is no complete cure, the low does end. I’m not always a glass half empty type of person, but in winter, the glass is frozen and there’s no way to drink it. For me and the millions affected by S.A.D., the wait for spring begins.
“The low of depression often comes with numbness, and the best cure for a lack of feeling is quality time with people that make you laugh.”
By Sydney Kalt
Section B SCHOOL news Senior all night party information
by BHSD
Planning has begun for the 2018 Senior All Night Party, set for Sunday June 10, 2018, from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Interested in volunteering? Contact Marcy Spitz at mspitzjd@gmail. com if you would like to help! Next meeting - Please come to our next planning meeting on Tuesday, December 5, at 7 p.m. in the Knowledge Market. Tickets - Please purchase your student’s ticket as soon as possible as the party needs funds immediately in order to start booking entertainment. Graduate lawn signs are also available for purchase. Please contact Julie Garcia at jcmgareth@gmail. com you have any questions. T-SHIRTS - Senior t-shirts are $20. Orders are being taken now through lunch the week of November 27 - December 1, 2017
RECORD BREAKERS Megan Threlkeld 200m freestyle Meghan Threlkeld, Sarah Lynch, Sydney Woods, and Mady Bishop 400m relay team Sydney Woods 50m Freestyle Michaela Piel 100m back stroke
Swimming team succeeds
Girls break school and district records by HABIB BELLO Managing Editor
After winning their third league title as in the 400 free relay at states with a school, the Bloomfield Girls’ swim- Meghan Threlkeld, Sarah Lynch, Sydney ming and diving team concluded the year Woods, and Mady Bishop placed 32nd. on November 18th at the “One of our assistant coaches MHSAA State tournament. Laura always tells us to ‘trust the “This year’s senior class is process’ and it’s been the motto a remarkable group of athfor the team this year”, said senior letes and individuals,” said Michaela Piel. “Swimming is such head coach David Zulkiewsa demanding sport and you have Bloomfield Hills High School ki. “They trusted the process, Girls Swimming team won the to trust all the work that you put league title for the third time worked hard every day, and into it and the results will come.” in school history. made the sacrifices each day “It was pretty cool being one to be successful at the end of the year.” of the two girls who qualified individually. I The 200m medley relay placed 16th also swim year round and a member of the and Sydney Woods placed 13th in the BBD National Team,” said Piel. “It was also state in her 100m backstroke. Also, so great to train with Sydney, she’s such a
great swimmer and teammate, so it made it fun!” For multiple senior swimmers not competing outside of school like Piel is, such as senior captain Sarah Lynch, the state tournament was their last time swimming competitively for Bloomfield Hills, leaving a bittersweet memory of their high school sports careers. “It was crazy to swim my last race at states because swimming has been a huge part of my life for 12 years,” said senior captain Sarah Lynch. “It was an honor to represent our team at states surrounded by some extremely fast swimmers, and it was just a really exciting experience to be there."
community News Price decrease in Costa Rica trip by BHSD
The Price has decreased for the Costa Rica trip! $2,650 for students and $3,050 for adults. The adventure includes: snorkeling, La Fortuna waterfall, canopy tour, thermal springs, all transfers, all meals, private rooms/ bathrooms and much more. For all the details go to eftours. com, tour number 1821673KW. If you have any questions please contact Angela Bitterman-Wenson (abitterman-wenson@ bloomfield.org) or Julie Honkala (jhonkala@bloomfield.org).
AP English Literature & Composition test by BHSD
Michigan State University is offering an AP literature test prep course for current high school students at Bowers Farm from January 15 - March 26, 2018. The course cost is $195. Space is limited. Register by Tuesday, December 19, 2017. Payment is due in full upon registration to reserve your spot. Notice of withdrawal from the program must be given by December 19 via email togifted@msu.edu. No refunds will be given after this date. Important: To take the AP Literature test in 2018, you will need to talk to your school counselor or AP coordinator in January 2018, to make sure you will meet your school’s deadlines for signing up for the AP test. You are responsible for paying the cost to take the exam, and the base cost is $94. The AP English Literature and Composition test will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 8 a.m.
online News Poms teams adopt girls For this story and more, go to our website
bhhstoday.org
Merger on the Rink Boys Junior Varsity teams from Clarkston and Bloomfield Hills will combine by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor Photo: Kaylie Brooks
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or the first time in school history, a Bloomfield sports program has combined teams with another school. The Boy’s Junior Varsity Hockey team has merged with Clarkston’s Junior Varsity team. “The reality of it is that Bloomfield nor Clarkston have enough boys to form their own team. We may have been able to an extremely small team that would struggle [with] any injuries or [players] missing for any other reason. You might end up having to cancel games,” said Athletic coordinator RJ Guizzetti of how the lack of participants in the sport prompted this joint solution. “In order to make sure that we had enough players to get them a full season of games, we felt that it was
the best option to go and do a cooperative agreement with another school who was in the same situation.” This isn’t the first time the lack of participation has impacted both teams. For the 2016-2017 season Bloomfield Hills did not have enough players to have a JV team and according to Varsity Team Manager Mary-Anne Wilson, Clarkston had similar struggle during that season as well. “Last year Clarkston actually attempted to merge with Cranbrook because they were also facing issues. However that ended up imploding and not doing well,” said Wilson. “The concept of merging isn’t new though. Oxford and Avondale did it, there are other schools that have done it as well, so it just made sense.” Since the merger, the team de-
feated Berkeley with a score of 2-1. “I saw a tremendous amount of [effort] during their first game and I was very, very pleased. I would say that they will definitely have a successful season,” BHHS Varsity Coach Bruce McAlister said. “I see kids on that team having an easy time stepping into varsity roles next year.” BHHS Varsity Hockey Captain Daniel Sternberg agreed with McAlister, saiying that he feels “really good about the merger of our JV teams. I think that It gives the younger kids an opportunity to practice and improve their skills so that they will ready to play at the higher level in future years.”
Boy’s Varsity Hockey December Schedule Farmington United vs BHHS:
West Bloomfield vs Oxford/Avondale vs Clarkston vs BHHS: BHHS: December 18 BHHS: December 1 Devember 7 December 21 Royal Oak Shrine: Royal Oak BHHS: Utica vs BHHS: Walled Lake Western December 3 December 9 November 30 vs BHHS:
December 18
NOVEMBER FEATURE
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The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading Snapshots from What I wish people knew about cheerleading Cheerleader reflects on what it means to be a the year part of the team 1
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By ROCKY BRIGHT Guest Writer It’s Friday night, the football field is roaring with fans and the cheerleaders are lined up on the track. “READY? READY, READY GO!” The Bloomfield Hills Cheerleading Team has been working hard since July and haven’t stopped since. With practices from Tuesday to Thursday and games on Fridays, cheerleaders don’t get much rest. The team got a new and incredibly passionate coach this year, Kimberly Edwards, who has brought nothing but success to the team. In addition, the team has been at it’s best in terms of positivity and working together. Over the season we spent countless nights, from 7-9pm, running, jumping, stunting and doing gymnastics until we couldn’t walk. Our bodies were sore but our hearts wanted more. Wednesdays, the toughest nights of the week, consisted of gymnastics. We all would dread those practices however it benefited us in the long run. 6 girls gained new skills in our short season along with everyone learning new stunts. And in the competitive season, starting this month, gives the team a chance to perfect and perform these skills. In the 2014 season, we won 1st place in the State Championships. After our 2017 Homecoming performance, we received raving reviews. These practices go beyond just stretching and practicing chants, they typically consist of conditioning and practicing new stunts for our games and competitions. The cheer team is more than just a pretty uniform and a bow, it’s hard work, extreme dedication and a second family. We become more than just a team, we become sisters. Spending the night at each other’s houses to teach chants, team dinners to bond and countless memories to look back on.
“It’s hard work, extreme dedication, and a second family.”
Alex Grant “I get to be active and I get to watch the games from right on the sidelines. We all get to be creative with our cheers, and not many teams get to say that”
Cindy Guo “I like that it is like a family that you can rely on.” Melina Suhy “I like tumbling and flipping, stunning is thrilling. I also have a great team supporting me.”
View of the sideline cheer season
“Why do I cheer?
Shavonne Hogan “It is a team sport that you can all get together. We all have a lot of school pride that is especially shown on the game days.”
Coach of cheer team looks back on the fall season by LARA JANOSZ News Editor
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Together they found a new spirit. “They [the cheer team] got a new coach at the end of August, Coach Kimberly Edwards,” said Dr. Christyne Lawson, President of the BHHS Sideline Cheer Moms and Mother of Senior Cheerleaders, Gabby Bright and Rocky Bright. “In spite of having no practices or cheer camp over the summer months, Coach Kim held tryouts, organized her team, and whipped those girls into shape.” According to Coach Edwards even though the sideline season “got off to a late start these girls were able to perform a solid routine at Homecoming that they learned in just a few weeks.” Continuing on she said that “each day these girls came to each practice with a coachable spirit and the eagerness to learn. In three short months we were able to accomplish
1: 2017-2018 Seniors of the BHHS Cheerleading team celebrate their last year of cheerleading in high school at “Senior Night”. 2: BHHS Cheer team begins stunts at football game. 3: Cheerleading team at their banquet. 4: Cheerleading team before the footbal game 5: The Cheerleading team performs at the BHHS football game against. 6: Senior cheer member performs at the BHHS football game at “Senior Night”.
learning more sheers and choreography, elite pyramids, and multiple new tumbling skills. In my seven years of coaching I can honestly say I have never coached a more respectful and coachable group of girls.” In addition to their new coaching staff, and new skills the girls adjusted to a new schedule. “The girls (and their families) had to accept a very late practice time due to their late start this school year but ALL of the team came to practice, so that they could perform at the games and support their BHHS football team this fall,” Lawson said. “In a mere 2-3 weeks of practice time and conditioning with Coach Kim, the BHHS Cheer team looked better than it’s looked in the entire three years that my twin girls have been on the team. They looked GREAT at all of the games, at the HoCo Pep
Rally, and at the 2017 Homecoming game. They made it work and they made it happen.” With this new spirit the team continued with traditional spirit celebrations such as decorating the football field with balloons and posters. In addition to contributing to the school spirit, the team believes they achieved one of their most successful seasons yet. “I am truly proud of how hard these girls worked this year and of how much they stepped up their ‘cheer game’” Lawson said. “ The 2017 BHHS Sideline Cheer Team deserves to be highlighted and praised for their work this season.” Adding on Edwards said, “The future of Bloomfield Hills Cheer program is bright and I’m honored to be a part of all their success in years to come.”
NOVEMBER SPORTS
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WINTER SPORTS Update Boys Basketball
By: Ben Mutz Photo: Kaylie Brooks
Coming off a 10-11 record, the Varsity Boys Basketball team looks to improve this upcoming season under a new head coach, Phil Kurajian. The team will open the season at home against Plymouth Christian on December 5th, tip-off at 7:00 p.m. Looking ahead, the team will play defending state champions Clarkson High School twice during the season, as well as rival school West Bloomfield. “I know our whole program is excited at the chance to surprise some people this year, compete for an OAA Red title, as well the ultimate goal - make a run in the MHSAA State Playoffs,” said Kurajian.
Boys Hockey
By: Jonah Stone Photo: Kaylie Brooks
With a new and improved attitude, the Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks Varsity Hockey team look to improve upon their 13-13-0 record from the 2016-2017 season. “Although we’ve lost some skilled seniors from last year, we’ve been lucky enough to gain some new players that will help us get where we want to go,” said Daniel Sternberg, the three year varsity player. “The other captains and I are confident that there is no team that [can] beat us. The only thing that can hold us back from winning is ourselves.”
Skiing
By: Adrian Ashtari Photo: Dan Teetor
The skiing team is coached by Head Coach Rob Brown and assistant coaches Paul Richardson, Russ Purdy, and Kelsey Griffin. With normal practice at Pine Knob, The 40 skiers began their training in November. Unfortunately, there is usually not enough snow for the team to practice right when the season starts, however towards December, they hit the snow and begin racing. The team hopes to repeat their success from last year by qualifying for states this season.
Bowling
By: Adrian Ashtari Photo: Kaylie Brooks
After a successful regional participation, the Bloomfield Hills Bowling Team is ready to strike it off with a new season. Practicing at Three Hundred Bowling alley from 3:30-5:00 PM, the team focuses on strengthening their skills. Last year, Derek Terner led the Boy’s team with an average of 198.67 while Rhiannon Young led the girl’s team with an average of 145.00. Senior Carson Davis is looking forward to positive results, “I’m really hoping I can stay relaxed during my match play. I am aiming for top three at states this year and if I don’t get distracted, I should be able to do that.”
Boys Swimming and Diving
By: Erin Schwartz Photo: Kaylie Brooks
The 32-student Bloomfield Hills High School Boy’s Swimming and Diving Team is back for practice and meets. There are eight meets throughout the season. The first meet is on December 8th at Seaholm. The last meet lasts three days on February 21st for swimming, February 22nd for diving, and February 23rd is the swimming finals. “The captains, Noah Ziegler, Sean McGowan, and Tommy Paulson, and I are very excited for the season to begin,” said sophomore varsity swimmer Ben Mashburn.
Wrestling
By: Brendan Lynn Photo: Lily Swanson
Coached by Anthony Scigliano and coming off a division one district win last year against North Farmington High School, the Bloomfield Hills High School wrestling team hopes to advance further in districts. They beat North Farmington 48-28, but came up short against Walled Lake Central High School. Varsity wrestler Ben Schuster said, “I hope we can get a few kids going to districts, which would be exciting. More kids should come in for next year to join the wrestling team if the team can achieve this.”
Girls Hockey
By: Sydney Stearns Photo: Johnathon Fischer
Coming off of a 7-7 season, the Varsity Girl’s hockey team is looking to improve throughout this season. Under their head coach Mick Singelyn, they have combined with the Birmingham hockey team. “I think overall we want to make it into the playoffs and make sure that everyone is doing the best they can. We are going to work on better plays and see what we can do to play the best game possible,” said Girl’s Varsity hockey player Sydney Crawford. The team will be playing Northville High School on November 29 at 4:30 pm at Eddie Edgar located off of Stark Road and Lyndon.
World in Sports
Football Injuries: The current NFL season has brought many surprises, many of which have been due to injuries. Stars such as J.J. Watt, Aaron Rodgers, Odell Beckham Jr., David Johnson, have gone down with season ending injuries. Rookie DeShaun Watson of the Houston Texans was an early Rookie of the Year candidate, however his season was cut short due to an acl tear. These injuries have great affected teams and divisions, allowing healthy teams such as the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, as well as several other teams. Although injuries are common and unexpected, the 2017 NFL season has seen an unprecedented amount of injuries, which unfortunately taint the game and hinder non injured players from showing their full potential. NBA Suprises: Although it is early in the year, the budding NBA season has already shown surprises. The young Boston Celtics have been leading the Eastern conference, while the pre-season favorite Cleveland Cavaliers struggled mightily at the beginning of the season, starting 5-7. Another shock of the NBA season has been the success of the Detroit Pistons. Starting off the season 10-3, they are ranked second in the Eastern conference, only behind the Boston Celtics. Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis has lead his team to a winning record, despite many predicting the opposite. As the season continues, many wonder whether these commonalities will continue, or if the NBA will return to being dominated by a selected, easy to predict few. LiAngelo Ball: Once again, the Ball family has made headlines (not a surprise). This time, it was middle son LiAngelo. While in China with the rest of his team, Ball, along with two other of his UCLA teammates, were arrested on shoplifting charges from a Louis Vuitton store in a mall near their hotel. The three were detained in China, while the rest of the UCLA players flew back home to start their season. After President Trump spoke out in support of the three players, they were released and flew back home. The players were suspended indefinitely after returning.
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NOVEMBER FEATURE
Being a Female Who Wrestles
Height Doesn’t Measure Heart Altuve captures the essence of ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’
A journey well worth the difficulty
by CHIARA ABIADAL Guest Writer
by MAX WITTENBERG Staff Writer Height doesn’t measure heart. Imagine going to a baseball tryout and having the coach look down at you, giving you a blank stare. Without showing how well you can hit or how fast you can throw, he draws a cross through your name. Jose Altuve, who at the time, a teenager from Venezuela, was cut from a tryout to make it to the MLB, because he was stated to be ‘too short’ by scouts and coaches. This stereotypical thought not only took out a baseball player, but a future MVP. Altuve in 2017 was listed as five feet, six inches tall, and led the entire MLB in batting average, and had the most hits and homeruns in playoff history, this past season. This man has inspired me throughout not only my baseball career, but also my life. Watching all of the six feet three, four, or even five inch athletes playing the game that I love really doesn’t leave much promise for my five foot seven self. Altuve plays the game with an incentive, some sort of drive that shows he’s playing for beyond success; he’s playing for pride. He has shown me that a 95 mile per hour fastball doesn’t need to only be hit by these physical specimens who could bench press hundreds of pounds. I have played baseball since I was five years old, and not until recently, has the thought of being too short affected the way I play the game. Standing up straight, getting every inch I possibly could to look more physically fit seemed as imperative to making the team, as hitting the ball over the fence. Altuve changed that. When watching an Astros game, very rarely is there a time that doesn’t go by where he is talking and smiling with opposing player. No trash talking. No fights. He has inspired me to play the game with more heart and fight, and to have a fun time doing it.
Symbolism Behind the Ink Taking a closer look into the meaning behind tattoos in our community. by ELENA OFIARA Staff Writer Some things are so meaningful that we want to keep them with us forever. “The way I look at tattoos in general is that I see my body as a canvas and I see my tattoos as essentially journal entries,” said English and AP Psychology teacher Marlowe B’sheart, who has four tattoos. “They document, mark, and record important moments in my life and important milestones, epiphanies, et cetera.” According to B’sheart, the tattoo on her left arm depicting a sunflower and butterflies with dancing figures is significant. “I see my life, as an individual and also as a parent, as being about nurturing the blossoming and thriving of my garden. Within my garden is figures of my children because it reminds me that they are the most important element of my garden,” said B’sheart. “The butterflies represent change and metamorphosis for me because they
are a reminder that we are constantly capable of change. I remind myself with the butterflies that I always have the opportunity to become a butterfly at any situation or moment when I feel like a caterpillar. That reminds me that I have the courage to take flights even if I do end up crashing.” Along with B’sheart, junior Michael Powers said that he sees tattoos as a form of artistic expression. “I’ve always been interested in art, and tattoos are a form of art,” said Powers who has a tattoo of the male symbol on his hipbone. “I got it because my gender is a big part of my identity. Sometimes you feel bad about yourself and need a reminder that you’re valid and that you are who you are, and that is what my tattoo does for me.” Senior Hawkeye illustrator Ember Stuart also has a tattoo that represents a meaningful part of her life. Stuart struggled
with self-harm in 8th grade and, consequently, has heavy scarring on her arm. Therefore, she got a tattoo of a fox covering the scars because foxes are a symbolic animal in her life. “Foxes are my favorite animal; they represent me in a way and I really relate to them,” said Stuart. “My tattoo represents me, my recovery, and becoming the best I can be because when I look at my arm, instead of looking at destruction, I look at this beautiful piece of artwork and it really keeps my mind straight.” B’sheart agreed that tattoos are important in regards to representing significant events in a person’s life, saying that tattoos are “all about honoring, celebrating, and marking important moments in my life. Even if what I’m marking is no longer true in my life, it was, and therefore it remains important.”
For more columns, go to our website
bhhstoday.org
The summer before sophomore year I sat in my room. A voice in the back of my head grew louder. Listening, I decided why not? That’s when I decided to wrestling. Room spinning, my stomach in knots, I stepped on the mat at the Waterford Invitational. Among approximately 500 people in the packed gym, it felt like only me, my opponent, and the ref. I blanked. What move should I do? What am I doing here? The ref slammed his hand on the mat. Even though I got pinned, I’ll never forget my first match. My wrestling journey isn’t about winning, it’s about proving myself. The first day of practice I had to show my coaches and teammates I can make it in the sport. I deserve to be there and am worthy. Before wrestling I was shy, didn’t stick up for myself and was insecure about my weight. After wrestling, I grew thick skin and lost 30 pounds. The first two weeks, I barely spoke. When we practiced I’d look around and be the person who was alone. I eventually understood moves and became confident. By the end of the season I’d grown close with my teammates and coaches. More importantly I’d grown as a person. My first year I had one goal: To score just one point. The first home meet. The first period was almost up, I was losing what strength I had left. I exploded up with as much force as possible. The ref blew his whistle. The period was over and I’d gotten that point. It stood for so much. It showed how much I improved over the course of the season. All the effort paid off. For all those times I almost threw up, cried, and thought of quitting, in the end I made it the entire season. I earned my place on the team. The past three years of have been life changing. I’ve learned more about myself. Whether you’re wrestling with a sport, weight, or weight of the world , it’s all about you and your goals. Go for the take down because you are worth it. ask for help, but no one would respond. I eventually picked up the moves and became more confident. I stuck to my guns, and by the end of the season I had grown closer with my teammates and coaches, but more importantly I had grown as a person. The first year I wrestled I had one goal. That was to score at least one point, even if that meant losing every single match. It was a home meet and the first period was almost up. I almost got pinned but I managed to avoid it and get to my base. From there I was starting to lose what strength I had left. So I got wrist control and exploded up with as much force as humanly possible. The ref blew his whistle. The period was up and I had gotten one point. That one point stood for so much. It showed how much I improved over the course of the season. That all the bloody noses and sprinting paid off. For all those times I almost threw up, I cried, and the thought of quitting crossed my mind, in the end I made it an entire season. I earned my place on the team. It’s my senior year and the past three years of wrestling have been a ride of a lifetime. I’ve learned more on the mat but even more about myself. Whether you’re wrestling with a sport, or your weight or wrestling with the weight of the world and the crowd against you, it’s all about you and your own goals. Go for the take down because you are worth it.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/4294670/most-popular-tattoos-2017-social-media/
The Road to Oxford BHHS senior is applying to the University of Oxford, and describes the process by VIVIAN HARBER Managing Editor She is preparing to go across the pond. “I’m currently in the process of applying to the University of Oxford, a school in England,” Senior Virginie de Smet said of her plans to apply to the first rank university in the World University Rankings for two years in a row. “When I visited Oxford, I was really impressed at how brilliant everyone is there. Tutors at Oxford are in all your classes and all have a Ph.D. and a lot of them are Nobel Prize winners. You have access to these people’s brains and their thoughts; I would be able to get one on one time with someone who is excelling in whatever field I want to go into.” According to Virginie’s mom, Birgit de Smet, the Oxford application “is rather complicated, especially because it is an international school.” She explained that applicants are required to submit a UCAS application (similar to the Common Application) with a 4,000 character personal statement, take a supplementary entrance exam, conduct an interview, and the school also requires certain AP/IB scores. “Something that’s really interesting about this application process is that, in terms of asking about your achievements, a lot of it is AP scores and IB scores, and academic achievements rather than extracurriculars,” said Virginie. “So there’s no section to talk about sports, leadership roles; its really specific to being good at what you want to do and really being the top
of the line in whatever department you want to apply for.” At the end of the first quarter, Virginie traveled to Piqua, Ohio to take a supplementary entrance exam, the Thinking Skills Assessment. “The supplementary entrance exams are provided all around the world, all taken on November 2nd,” said Virginie. “So, for me, I actually had to go all the way to Ohio to take this test because there wasn’t any near me. Oxford uses these test scores, along with everything else in your application, to determine whether or not you get an interview; they interview about two thirds of their applicants. Then once you get to the interview stage, less than a third of the interviewees make it. A lot of the departments force you to go in person because you get interviewed by a lot of different people: the department, dean of admissions, and then two different colleges within Oxford.” Virginie explained that the next step in the application process is to make the 3,695 mile trip to Oxford. Even though she’ll miss a week of school to conduct her interview in person she believes it is important. “I feel like there’s pressure in general to be a good student in terms of achieving in life and being able to get into a good college and then subsequently being able to get a good job and live a good life,” said Virginie. “But that pressure isn’t specifically to be good academically, but it’s more to just be proud with my
results and how I do in school. Pressure is what makes you do better and what helps you and what stimulates your want to do better,. If you don’t have that pressure and you don’t have those people that expect great things from you, you are a lot less likely to do great things and be able to achieve as much.”
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NOVEMBER FEATURE
Linda Robinson (right), mother of Marlowe B’sheart-Thomas (left) and grandmother of (Anais B’sheart-Thomas (middle) teaches on a whiteboard.
Dynasty in Bloomfield Three-generation family is working in the school by DARBY KRUGEL Staff Writer Walking down the hall towards her English and psychology classroom, Marlowe B’sheart-Thomas says hello as her mother prepares to sub for a math class. Rounding the corner, she smiles at her fifteen-year-old daughter who is on her way to her learning community. “It’s really a privilege and an honor to have three generations who are a part of the Bloomfield Hills High School community. [There are days] that all three of us are here and I just feel very lucky to have this experience,” Marlowe said. B’sheart’s mother Linda Robinson, a math teacher at Andover High School from 1979 to 2010, agreed that being a part of a three generation district family keeps things pleasant. “I’m just very pleased that my daugh-
“I’m delighted that she’s continuing our family tradition of educating the next generation.”
Linda Robinson ter is at Bloomfield Hills. I think it’s a good place for her,” she said. “I’m delighted that she’s continuing our family tradition of educating the next generation. I’m proud to be able to share that with her when I can.” Just as Linda enjoys seeing her daughter in school, Marlowe said she enjoys sharing the high school with her sophomore daughter, Anais. “I love that I get to see her during the day and ride together. [Recently it] was her birthday, so that was so fabulous that I got to spend the school day, little bits of it, with her. I love that when I talk about my job, when I talk about teaching, when I talk about this school, that’s something that we share, that’s a community that’s important to both of us,” she said. Anais B’sheart also enjoys sharing the school district with her family members. Although she laments the fact that both her mother and grandmother know everything that happens to her and “try to discuss it with me all the time,” she likes what it brings to her life: convenience, such as having the ability to “leave things with my mom or go ask for money for food,” and closeness to her family. While there are both benefits and disadvantages, Robinson emphasizes that being closely connected to Bloomfield Hills High School is a special experience that her family shares. “It gives us a lot in common. I think I’d be close to my daughter no matter what, but this gives us lots of things to talk about. We can eat lunch together in a professional capacity, and sometimes my granddaughter can join us, so it makes all of us even closer,” Robinson said. “And that’s very important to our family, to remain close.”
by VIKRAM LAKSHMANAN Staff Writer
Voice behind the stutter Students recount their resulting difficulties in and out of school by AVA SINGER Staff Writer Standing in front of his class, he takes in a most often in children between the ages of two and six deep breath and hopes he can find the words. as they are developing their language skills. Within “We were doing something in front of the class this time approximately five to ten percent of all chilwe had to present,” said senior Drew Frenzel who exdren will stutter for some period in their life, lasting plains that some weeks are better than others when from a few weeks to several years. Boys are two to three it comes to his stuttering. “That week times as likely to stutter as girls and as was a bad week for my stutter to bethey get older this gender difference ingin so I was already scared because creases; the number of boys who continI had to stand up. He stopped me ue to stutter is three to four times larger and he started to confront me about than the number of girls. Most children my stutter. Just in front of the whole outgrow stuttering. Approximately 75 class and I just broke down and I left percent of children recover from stutterthe class like I can’t do this right now. ing. For the remaining 25 percent who It was just embarrassing so I lost it.” continue to stutter, stuttering can persist According to doctors at the Mayo as a lifelong communication disorder.” Clinic, stuttering “which is also called “He stopped me and he During her fifteen years as a counstammering or childhood-onset fluency started to confront me selor at BHHS, Laura Hollyer-Madis disorder, is a speech disorder that inabout my stutter. It was justsaid she has had four students who have volves frequent and significant problems stuttered (counting Nathan and Jeremiwith normal fluency and flow of speech. embarrassing so I lost it.” ah). “Both boys are so similar in that Drew Frenzel People who stutter know what they want they have gained acceptance over their to say, but have difficulty saying it.” stuttering. When I first met them I was Senior Drew is one of the more immediately impressed by their level of than 70 million people worldwide who stutconfidence. As a counselor I see students struggle all ter. In the United States, that’s over three milthe time with communication skills and yet these two lion Americans. At Bloomfield, Drew is not alone. have good reason to want to hide and yet they don’t. I “Even now I still feel fearful of something as simple have watched both boys really develop as young men as saying ‘hi’ or making new friends. There’s a sort of and learners in our building. They both advocate anxiety in all of me,” said Junior Jeremiah Johnson for themselves in order to get their needs met in the who agrees with the National Stuttering Foundation classroom. They have been given the option to do when they reported that stuttering increases during classroom presentations with their teachers and yet a student’s interaction within various social enviboth boys refuse that accommodation. They get up ronments such as school. “For me anxiety is much in front of the classroom, no matter how anxious they worse [than my peers’] because I am worried about may be, and present just like their classmates. They something such as speaking, which is what everybody both told me they know in college and a job they are else does. If a teacher calls on me or if I’m in a group going to have to communicate so they just do it. I and I have to speak I feel the most social anxiety.” applaud their ability to work over this huge hurdle Concurring with his classmate, junior Nathan Jaand not allow stuttering to rob them of experiences in worski said that when he first met “people they would high school that are critical for them to be successful.” kind of make fun of it [my stutter] a little bit and Looking back on his experience, Drew said that then I said ‘hey just deal with it’ but they would “That moment helped me perk up a little bit beimitate it a little bit, but it didn’t affect me much.” cause I was sad right there but then it kind of made Researchers at the National Institute on Deafness and me want to never experience that again so it made me Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) report more confident in saying it doesn’t matter anymore.” that “stuttering affects people of all ages and occurs In search of strategies, Jaworski said that he
has “ had speech lessons all my life and those speech lessons have definitely helped me mature and overcome the problems I have.” Johnson added that “Patience, acceptance, and self confidence” are the answers to help cope with a stutter. “I try and stay controlled emotionally, not [be] easily swayed.” While still studying the causes of stuttering, researchers believe that developmental stuttering is caused by genetics or abnormalities in speech and motor control. Other causes can include neurogenic stuttering which develops from a traumatic brain injury, a stroke or other brain disorders that cause a slow down in the verbal processing. Psychogenic stuttering is often a result of emotional trauma. Regardless of the cause Julie Marsh, an elementary school teacher at Jane Addams and Drew’s mom shared that “As a mom, it was heartbreaking to witness. His dad and I were consistent with speech therapy and doing his speech homework, which consisted of fluency drills and game based activities to help him learn how to control his speech and get out of blocking situations where he just couldn’t get the words out. What people have to understand is it’s important to show grace and compassion. Stuttering ebbs and flows, often without rhyme or reason. At times when his words were difficult to understand, I appreciated teachers and others who heard the message being conveyed and allowed Drew to keep his dignity by valuing him as a person with something important to say.” As one of those educators, history teacher Jean Buford said that Johnson “is a role model because he does not let his issue prevent him from communicating with others. He is a very knowledgeable young man who has information to share and should keep doing it.” Adding on, Madias shared that she is “ so proud of these two young men and how they carry themselves in school and life. I know that where they are in life came with a great deal of hard work that was not always easy. I also know that their parents have been their biggest cheerleaders and pushed them to work around this challenge. In a nutshell, both have said communicating is unavoidable in life so they try not to worry and just do it. What awesome attitudes to have at such a young age.”
Forensics Team Auditions How to Audition:
What to bring:
Additional Info:
Fill out the audition sign-up spreadsheet
Filled out audition form
Auditions are December 4-7 after school
Fill out the audition form Arrive on time and with necessary materials
Wear formal clothes, as if for a job interview Script of your piece (non-limited preparation categories)
Email dtier@bloomfield.org if you have any questions or concerns!
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NOVEMBER FEATURE
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1: A Chorus Line cast forms a spinning circle of dancers in sparkling gold tuxedos at the end of the play. 2: (From left to right) senior Christian Kassab, senior Noah Streng, and Junior Ava Meyer tip their hats in a musical number. 3: Junior Connor Renusch argues with Senior Annaliese Wilbur about her prospects as a dancer for the chorus line. 4: Senior Arin Champati, who plays Paul San Marco, an aspiring Puerto Rican dancer, begins his monologue. 5: (From left to right) Freshmen Joey Rankin, Juniors Ava Meyer and Debra Moraitis pose during an emotional scene. 6: The full cast lines up in their sparkling gold tuxedos in the last scene of the play. 7:Junior Ava Meyer prepares for the show backstage. 8: A Chorus Line cast awaits their audition results at a key scene. 9: Standing in among the auditorium seats, junior Connor Renusch faces senior Annaliese Wilbur during her monologue.
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Reviews This month in the Recent sexual allegations harm the future of the film industry by MAX HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief Kevin Spacey. Louis C.K. Brett Ratner. Harvey Weinstein. Indeed, what a month in movies. Over the past month, Hollywood has seen one of the biggest turns ever. With more than 15 big name actors, directors, or studio execs being accused of sexual assault or harassment. New accusations against celebrities seem as though they are coming out every day. Media sources cite this surge in accusation to the saying “safety in numbers.” If multiple men and women are coming out with accusations against a single person with (in most cases) more power than them, chances are they don’t want to do it alone. This is caused by fear of not being believed, or being overcome by the accused fan base or sheer popularity. This is the reason we have seen so many names in the news. The downfall started with Harvey Weinstein, head of one of the biggest Hollywood studios, The Weinstein Company. The dominos started tumbling, fast, after that. Now, more people are coming out with accusations against not just Hollywood stars, but politicians also. Going into the 2020’s, I think it is imperative that we take a closer look at how we treat our women, and more importantly our people in
Justice Leauge leaves more to be desired Justice Leauge finally hits far for DC by MAX HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief
With the tragedy of Zack Snyder’s daughter, the reshoots with Joss Whedon, and the apparent mandate from Warner Bros. to make the movie under 2 hours, I am shocked that Justice League made its November release date. The DC cinematic universe has been less than stellar since it’s debut with 2013’s “Man of Steel” and the poorly received “BvS” and “Suicide Squad.” But Justice League was supposed to be the “big one,” the one that saved the company from bad press, the one to get everyone on board with the cinematic universe. Through its glaring flaws, Justice League somehow pulls off a fun, exciting, superhero movie-going experience that any fan of the genre would enjoy. Following Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, the team must unite and form the “Justice League” to stop the poorly developed villain of “Steppenwolf” from taking over the world as his own. The strongest aspect of this film is the performances of the Justice League. While Ben Affleck is still trying to weasel his way out of playing Batman, he still plays the part magnificently. Gal Gadot as Wonder Women is exactly as she was in the title film “Wonder Woman,” strong and confident. The newcomer Ezra Miller playing The Flash arguably steals the movie, causing for some of the best moments of the film. Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Ray Fisher as Cyborg are in the film less than the others, but give us a positive taste and introduction to the characters that will be getting stand alone films soon. The chemistry between all the characters, whether it be the squabbles or disagreements, is one of the highlights of the film. Again, adding the much needed light heartedness the franchise needed. Other than the characters, the rest of the film was O.K. The writing in some scenes was laughable. The majority of the special effects and green screen in the film looked unfinished. The villain especially looked like something out of a video game. I never thought I would say this, but there were too many action scenes in the movie. Rumor has it that Warner Bros. requested more action scenes in this film, which could have been a positive, but instead left me feeling like there were no stakes. Along with the throwaway villain that showed up out of nowhere, the film felt like a roller coaster ride that kept going in the same direction for two hours. DC needed a push with this film, they needed a leg up to show the world that they could make good superhero movies. Did they do it with Justice League? Sure, the movie was good, I enjoyed seeing all the DC heroes on the big screen together for the first time, but they have a long way to go. Justice League releases November 17th in theatres everywhere.
the entertainment business and around the world. I will be pursuing a career in film, in Hollywood, when I graduate college, and I don’t want to be joining an industry known for mistreating their women. I want to be part of an industry known for making art. For telling stories in ways no one has seen told before. The intention of some in Hollywood should not be to sexually assault men and women through their work, but to connect with audiences and build relationships with the people theywork with. To love what you do, and do what you love without worrying about being “groped” or talked down too. It is up to my generation, our generation, to continue on from High School into the workforce with the right mindset. In order to hit the reset button, people in the film industry and all else, must challenge the world they live in. Criticize what is happening around us. And take action. I want to make movies for everyone. I want to tell stories. I don’t want my industry to be tainted.
Wonder tugs at the heart Heartfelt kids movie touches the lives of many by SADIE KIRSHNER Section Editor From the moment I flipped to the first page of the novel, written by R.J. Palacio, when I was in sixth grade, I knew this was something special. Something that would change the lives of many one day and a fantastic read for anyone, like me, who doesn’t care to read all that much. This was something extraordinary and after waiting five whole years for this movie to finally come out, it exceeded all my expectations and it is for sure a must-see. Walking into the theater, I was so excited that I almost dropped the entire bag of popcorn. Then, just as I found my seat, the words came on the screen,“Wonder,” and everything from the book, that I read in sixth grade, came rushing back and I remembered every little detail. Wonder, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is about an extraordinary boy named August “Auggie” Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) who has a facial deformity. Auggie has had over 20 surgeries from the day he was born and is just about to begin the fifth grade. His mother had always homeschooled him but they thought it was time for him to meet the real world, so they enroll him in Beecher Prep School. The drama film mainly centers around Auggie and his journey through public school but the film also showcases the point of view of his older sister Olivia “Via” who is going through friend issues. It also showcases Auggie and Via’s parents, Isabel (Julia Roberts) and Nate (Owen Wilson) who work incredibly hard for their kids and also Auggie’s new friends from public school, Jack Will and Summer. What makes the film unique is that each little section is broken up into chapters where each different chapter focuses on a certain character’s point of view through different situations. This is one of the many reasons that the movie follows the book so well. Jacob Tremblay not only played Auggie in this outstanding film but, he has also acted in Oscar Nominated movie, Room. Two other memorable actors in the film were Auggie’s Parents played by none other than Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Roberts has starred in the classic, Pretty Woman, Eat Pray Love and My Best Friends Wedding. Wilson has been in the Zoolander series, Marley & Me and Wedding Crashers. This was hands down one of the best films I have ever seen. From the acting, to the emotion, to the storyline, to the way it came from the novel, all essential aspects that would have make the movie completely different if it wasn’t executed the way it was. I highly recommend going to see this movie. Since it recently came out on November 17th, it is playing at pretty much all movie theaters. It was truly one for the books. Because I loved the novel so much, I have to agree that this movie definitely did it justice.
Jeffrey Dahmer Is NOT your friend Movie shows unnerving sides to past serial killer by JESSICA KIM Editor-in-Chief
If I had to estimate, I go to the movies maybe three times a year, and that’s just to the theaters 20 minutes away. I have never gone 30 plus minutes out of my way to see a movie... Up until My Friend Dahmer. And man, was that hour drive worth it. My Friend Dahmer, in one word, is unnerving. As a person who loves learning about serial killers but hates gore, I was simultaneously excited and wary to walk into a theater where the movie revolves around the story of the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer. The fact that I read Dahmer’s biography about his gruesome murders minutes before the film didn’t help matters either. Yet the movie was surprisingly tame. There weren’t any jump scares, spurting blood from a sobbing victim, or even a single murder on screen. Instead, My Friend Dahmer was an intense, electrifying story of how a high school boy ended up as one of the most petrifying murderers in American history. For the most part, director Mark Meyers did a masterful job of taking little actions, and moments of dialogue to hint at Dahmer’s underlying dark character. Every single innocuous scene turned into a grenade waiting to go off and me gripping on the edge of my seat, awaiting for a murder to take place. Much of this was accomplished by the fantastic acting. Ross Lynch, known for his upbeat, charming boy roles in Disney Channel’s Austin and Ally and Teen Beach Movie, showed a complete reversal in his acting abilities as Jeffrey Dahmer. On the other hand, co-star Alex Wolff (Patriot’s Day and Naked Brother’s Band) as Dahmer’s friend seemed a little lackluster in comparison. To Wolff’s credit, his character as a whole wasn’t as dynamic as Lynch’s. However, he did a solid job in portraying a character that has the capability to push a normal person into being a serial killer with a few misplaced actions. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, someone frightened by gore looking for a clean scare, or even a bored student with gaping amounts of free time, My Friend Dahmer is the perfect movie for you.
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Reviews Bacco Ristorante by CARLY ARMSTRONG Staff Writer
When the Del Signore family imigrated to the US in 1955, they brought piece of Italy with them. Opened in 2002, Bacco Ristorante is an elegant restaurant with an authentic Italian feel. Since then, it has continued to thrive, and even won Restaurant of The Year in the 2013 Detroit Free Press. Having just vacationed in Italy, I am a selfproclaimed connoisseur of Italian food. The quality of service, along with the building itself, cultivates a charming atmosphere similar to many of the family owned restaurants I visited in Venice and Rome. Upon entering Bacco, I instantly felt hungry after smelling the delicious aromas of rosemary, basil, and oregano coming from the kitchen. When the waiter first came over and set down an entire loaf of steaming hot, freshly cooked bread on our table…I could not believe my eyes. After looking at the menu, I knew it would only get better from there. The $23 lasagna was decadent, layered to perfection with ricotta cheese and creamy tomato sauce, topped with a thick layer of mozzarella. The $21 Spaghetti Alle Vongole is another classic dish and my personal favorite. The sauce was tangy, mixed with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and basil, with Italian sausage and seasoning. It truly offers a genuine Italian flare to an otherwise ordinary dish. To end the meal, the waiter presented the table with cannolis, a scrumptious, cream-filled pastry with crispy outer-shell and a chocolate drizzle. I would absolutely recommend Bacco Ristorante to anyone looking for a taste of authentic Italy without embarking on the eight hour plane ride. Bacco Restaurant is located in Southfield at 29410 Northwestern Highway near Franklin Road.
2941 Street Food by SARAH QURESHI Staff Writer
Tucked between 6 Salon and Churchill’s Bistro, 2941 is a microcosm of the Middle East right in the heart of Birmingham. This Mediterranean Street Food restaurant is located on 176 Old Woodward, Birmingham putting it in an extremely convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat due to the efficient method of ordering food and the great service. As soon as I walked through the doors, I immediately embarked on an Arabian adventure on account of the authentic, traditional decor. The meticulous details of the restaraunt enhanced its Mediterranean theme as well as each customer’s experience. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the friendly faces of the workers behind the counter, eager to take my order and satisfy my hunger with their delicious Mediterranean food. I had the option to pick from a Honest Bowl, Mini Bowl, Samoon Sandwich, and Bazaar Meal, each choice allowing me to customize it to my culinary preference. Each menu choice caters to your personal appetite and portion size. An Honest Bowl gives you the choice of basmati rice or organic wheat and is served with protein, torshi, sauce, and salad. A Mini Bowl is a smaller portion size of the Honest Bowl, a Samoon Sandwich has the ingredients of the Honest Bowl in a sandwich, and a Bazaar Meal has nine compartment platters giving you a plethora of options in one dish. I decided to go with an Honest Bowl which consisted of their signature lamb sausage, garlic sauce, rice, button mushrooms, mixed vegetables and kaleboulleh. They also asked me if I would like Samoon bread with my order which they baked fresh in front of me. The staff was extremely helpful, as it was my first time there and they did not fail to inform me with useful advice that enhanced my experience. This colorful, vibrant, and appetizing bowl cost $11.50 which some may consider expensive however as soon as I took the first flavor-filled bite, I knew it was worth every single penny. The lamb was cooked to perfection and it was easy to tell that each ingredient in my bowl was fresh and a delicious. The popular and high-in demand food at 2941 results in it being busy and crowded at times so if you were to visit this restaurant which I highly recommend, I would avoid going during the lunch hour. The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. The variety of options, authentic atmosphere, and convenient location makes 2941 as a must-try mediterranean meal the next time you’re in Birmingham.
Without Warning by JONAH STONE Managing Editor Released to the music world with no advance, the new collaboration album, “Without Warning”, by 21 Savage, Offset, and Metro Boomin’, is aptly named. “Without Warning,” which was gifted to rap fans on October 31st, 2017, includes several instant hits and potential songs of the year, such as Ghostface Killers, Rap Saved Me, and Ric Flair Drip. Almost completely unheard of before the eve of the release, the first collaboration of the trio was wildly successful, peaking at number five on the Billboard top 100 list, only three weeks after being released. Despite the triumph of the album, many of the songs sound very similar, which has critics wondering just how good this album truly is. Starting the album off are three, immediate top-sellers. The first song, Ghostface Killers instantly sets the tone of the album; tough and unforgiving. The automatic classic is finished with a verse from one of the hottest rappers in the world right now, Travis Scott. This song contains starpower, meaningful lyrics, and a perfectly engineered beat, which are all crucial elements of a stand-out track. Ghostface Killers is followed up with song containing a rugged beat by producer Metro Boomin’ - Rap Saved Me - featuring Quavo, the leader of the rap group known as Migos. This song has become a fan favorite, and that is mostly due to the beat. Metro Boomin’, the producer and engineer of every beat of the album, is the reason this song is well liked. No, 21 Savage’s monotone gangster-rap lyrics don’t make this song good (because personally, his style of rapping gets slightly repetitive). The song is saved in the end by an energetic verse by Quavo. The third track of the album, Ric Flair Drip, only includes Offset, and he proves that he is, indeed, a top tier artist. This song stands out more than any other song on the album, mostly because 21 Savage doesn’t appear in the song, and Metro Boomin’ produced the absolute perfect beat. Aside from the these three notable songs (Ghostface Killers, Rap Saved Me, and Ric Flair Drip), the album has few memorable verses, beats or lyrics. However usually, collaboration albums showcase the best of the artists involved. The takeaway from this album? Offset is a rising star, and is ready to boast his lyrical skills. On the other hand, 21 Savage needs to change it up. He surprised listeners with the release of his album Issa Album, with his ability to dive deep into his rise to stardom and the hardships he has faced. Since then, however, he hasn’t continued that. Every verse he has dropped has sounded the same, and I’m starting to doubt 21 Savage’s skills. Nevertheless, I recommend that all rap fans purchase this album. Despite the majority of the album being unmemorable, Without Warning glimpses into the future of Offset, which undoubtedly will be bright. The album is available for $9.99 on iTunes, and for free on Spotify, Soundcloud, or Apple Music with a subscription.
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NOVEMBER ENTERTAINMENT
Crossword
From the Nest Every issue, the Hawkeye finds five standout faces at Bloomfield Hills High School. Here are their stories this Thanksgiving Season.
Aria Henneman
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I’m thankful for field hockey. Field hockey is a big part of my life and I really enjoy it. Without it, my life would not be the same.
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I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and Riverdale. I am also thankful for all the opportunities I’m allowed to have in this community and all the helpful caring people around me.
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I’m thankful for my family, and friends. I’m also thankful that I’ve been able to defy genetics, and maintain the majority of my hair into my mid 30’s.
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I’m thankful I got accepted into college. It’s been a really stressful process and I’m glad it paid off.
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I’m thankful for my family, for being alive, and for having the opportunities provided to me by this school.
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