February Issue of the Sycamore Leaf by Sycamore High School

leaf

the

DANNY DUKART, 12, QUICKLY moves toward the puck in a recent game. Led by Dukart, who is captain, the varsity hockey team began the state tournament last weekend and hopes for the greatest success. To find out more about their scores and their successful season, turn to page 26.

FRIDAY February 22, 2008 Volume LVIV Issue VII 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 513 686. 1770 ext. 3089

High school seniors to

newsbytes

college sophomores?

See1 Concert Make sure to come to the See1 Concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the main auditorium. Mark Wood and Jeff Plate of the TransSiberian Orchestra will be performing with the students. Tickets are $10, and if there are any seats left, you can purchase your tickets at lunch.

Governor Strickland proposes plan for seniors to take college classes at in-state universities

BEN DHIMAN

staff writer

Blood Drive The annual Hoxworth blood drive is taking place today from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Gregory Center. Staff and students over the age of 17 who weigh at least 110 pounds are invited to “share a little blood to save many.”

Pancake Day Check out Fine Arts Festival from March 1-2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artwork from students of all grades will be showcased in the gym. Pancake Day will be in conjunction with the Fine Arts Festival the first day, on Saturday March 1. One plate of pancakes costs $5 and includes one complimentary order.

Odd Couples Ball The Harry Potter-themed Odd Couples Ball will be held on March 8 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the High School. Dinner will be served in the gymnasium, while the dance will be in the Commons. The featured music guests are the Re-Bops.

Spring Vacation Day Spring Break is starting early this year. The first day of break will be Friday, March 19, Spring Vacation Day, and school will resume Monday, March 31. Have fun and be safe.

OGT Week OGT Week will be from March 10-14. Juniors and seniors are to report to school at 9:55 a.m. If they come before then, they have to report to the Gregory Center. Visit www.goaves.org for a detailed schedule for the week, especially if you have late arrival.

2-4 5-11 fun&games 12 diversity 13 feature 14-21 22-24 a&e sports 26-30 calendar 31 32 spotlight

inside

news opinion

THE BODIES EXHIBIT, now at the Cincinnati Museum Center, has stirred controversy throughout the world. Students in AP Psychology and Anatomy and Physiology classes will be visiting the exhibit, which showcases real human bodies, in March. Check out page 20 for more.

ROSALIE WEI, 10, CONSIDERS Strickland’s proposal, which would allow her to take college courses as a senior and enter college as a sophomore. The proposal has pros and cons, but is an interesting new plan that may be beneficial to students.

new plan proposed by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is revolutionizing the education system. The proposal, called Seniors to Sophomores, combines the senior year of high school with the freshman year of college by allowing seniors to take courses on in-state college campuses for both college and high school credit. Many of the details about the program are unclear, but students and educators alike acknowledge that Seniors to Sophomores has both pros and cons. The tuition for college classes taken during senior year will be covered by the state, so a total of one-fourth of students’ total college tuition will be paid for by the state. “Its goal is to raise the aspirations of all students, to challenge students who might feel disengaged from their high school studies, and to help

students who want to accelerate their college education,” said Strickland to The Columbus Dispatch. “And just think about the effect on the family’s budget when they save the cost of an entire year of college tuition.” Though the burden may be taken off families, high school officials have expressed concerns about state funding for their schools. Under the proposed plan, state aid provided for each high school student may be lessened due to the additional aid given to public colleges. However, families are asked to pay fees for books and other supplies, which would lighten the burden on the state. Another positive is that the plan allows students to participate in extra-curricular programs at their high school while earning both college credit and a high school diploma going into their next year of college. “I think that it is a good idea,” said Omar Refaei, 11. “Students get to experience a

>> SENIORS TO SOPHOMORES: PAGE 2

Science Bowl Team trounces competition, places first in region Winning team advances to national tournament in Washington D.C. JENNIFER LEE editor-in-chief

“What is the hybridization of boron triflouride?” Not many high school students could answer this question. But this was just one of many advanced science questions answered correctly—and quickly—by the Science Bowl Team, who placed first in the Cincinnati Regional Championship. “I was really excited when we won,” said Lizzy Wei, 12. “I couldn’t believe it for the longest time. We were all just staring at the scoreboard in disbelief.” 24 teams from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana competed at the regional tournament, which was held at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College on Saturday, February 2. The winning team was comprised of seniors

Gabriel Ng, Lizzy Wei, and Samantha Sekar, and juniors Nate Eckman and Eric Schwartz. “We worked really well under pressure,” said Samy Sekar, 12. “We beat Centerville twice in the double elimination, which was really exciting.” The Science Bowl Team will advance to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl with teacher-coach Mrs. Cindy Parrott on May 1-6 to compete against 66 other teams in Washington D.C. “It’s going to be so much fun. It’s sort of crazy. We’re going to meet all these people from all these other schools who are really smart, and it’s going to be stiff competition,” said Wei.

The Science Bowl quizzes students on all science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and astronomy, as well as math. Members of the Science Bowl teams are encouraged to pursue careers in science and math. “Not only do you have to answer the questions correctly, you have to be really fast and buzz in first, and that’s the hard part,” said Wei. The high school team has advanced to the national competition seven times under the guidance of Parrott. “This is a great way to end senior year— except I’m missing three AP exams for it,” said Sekar.

28 students receive acknowledgment for academic success

National Merit Finalists announced ALEXA FOGLER associate editor

28 seniors were named National Merit Finalists on February 14: James Austrow, Philip Brodrick, Justin Butler, Rohan Chaudhary, Sanjay Choudhury, Jill Cohen, Mark Dapkins, Peter Dobler, Sanya Dosani, Adam Finke, Erica Kao, Jason Kao, Jennifer Kissinger, Jennifer Lee, Kate Moore, Weili (Bill) Pan, Rohan Patel, Chelsae Plageman, Jessa Ramsey, Alexander

Rock, Rebecca Tsevat, Jessica Tufts, Laura Tufts, Harini Venkitarama, Elizabeth Wei, Thomas Zajdel, Wenjun Zhang, Viona Zhang. 8,200 Finalists nationwide were selected out of the 15,000 Semifinalists announced in September. All selected finalists are eligible for National Merit Scholarships for college available at a later date.

Eight seniors make plans for future

Four football players sign with universities, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt appoints four to military academies CASEY MANNING

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

A&E chief

On January 31, four seniors attended a ceremony celebrating their appointments to various military academies by Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. Joe Alemagno was appointed to the Naval Academy; Scott Ferris to the Air Force Academy; Jack Liu and Lauren Lynn, both to West

Point. The appointment, unlike sports signings, is not a binding commitment. National Signing Day on February 5 was a successful day for senior football players. Dwight Evans and Alden Olverson both signed with Tennessee Tech, Dante Johnson with Wittenberg, and Caleb Lipsey with Cal-Pa.

MIKE MATTHEWS, ‘02, Super Bowl champion and tight end for the New York Giants, came back to visit the high school on February 8. Matthews was warmly welcomed-- even by Patriots fans-- and spoke a few words of motivation to students. “It really feels good to come back, especially when there’s so much love for you, so much support for you... This is where it all really started,” said Matthews. “Being here as a student, as an athlete, I really learned about pride.” Matthews was presented with an imitation Super Bowl trophy engraved with a special message from Sycamore. “Mike Matthews is proof that... what the mind can conceive, you can achieve,” said Mr. Jim Stoll, athletic director.

news

02.22.08

Art students capture regional Scholastic awards

photos courtesy of melodie jeng

MELODIE JENG

opinion chief

Gold key winners continue to national competition

he days leading up to the weekend of January 19 were full of preparation and anticipation for art students. Over that weekend, the regional Scholastic Art Awards judging occurred and the school once again came out with multiple honors. The most outstanding works of art in each category are awarded Gold Keys. These pieces become national qualifiers. Other forms of regional recognition are Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, and Viewers Choice Awards. Over 4000 pieces were submitted in the region and approximately 600 were chosen. “This goes to show if you work hard and you like it, someone else will like it just as much,” said Ryan Davis, 12. The portfolio competition is open only to seniors and only Gold Keys are awarded. However, if a portfolio is not selected, individual pieces may be selected and eligible for other

awards. Seniors Lisa Li (art), Bryan Brown (photography) and Marty Rossman (photography), earned prestigious Gold Key Portfolios. They, along with individual Gold Keys winners, will send their works digitally to New York for the national competition. “I was surprised when I found out my portfolio won. I thought a lot other people from our school had the talent ot win, too,” said Li. “I’m happy and excited for the New York competition.” Awards at the national level include, but are not limited to, Gold and Silver, similar to the regional level. The competition can also lead to 1.5 million in tuition scholarships from arts colleges and general national exposure. A selection of national award-winning works is also included in the national catalog and annual anthology. “I was so excited when I found out I recieved a Gold Key and I think it will help with college.

Parents, students prepare for magical Odd Couples dance MARY ANN JIANG

business manager

(LEFT) RIMA TAKIEDDINE, 12, helps Mrs. Kat Rakel-Ferguson place a piece in the Scholastics gallery. Students spent time in and out of class to prepare their works and properly mat them. After works were selected, Ferguson and regional Scholastic coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Baldwin, spent many hours organizing the gallery and entering information on computers. (Right) Liz Avery, 11, Lisa Li, 12, and Claire Rickards, 11 make sketches during the February 6 field trip. Students were required to document and discuss certain images. “There were a few portfolios that really inspired me to work harder on my own art. It was definitely a great time to spend the day with people in other art classes and I had a lot of fun,” said Megan Taylor, 12.

Anyone who has ever watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and thought, “I have no idea why I ever liked Harry or Ron; they would be the lousiest dates ever,” will now get the chance to experience a “muggle,” or non-magic, version of the Yule Ball with slightly more exciting escorts. On March 8, Odd Couples will serve dinner and fun for students and their guests of honor, typically parents. At this Harry Potter themed function, daughters with their fathers and sons with their mothers may grace the floor for a unique experience. “It’s funny to see parents at a dance because sometimes they act so much like their kids,” said Bridget Handkins, 11. Between 6:30 and 11 p.m., students and guests may mingle with friends and enjoy an uncommon occasion. For 25 dollars per person or 50 per couple, have dinner at a table of ten which can be organized to seat a group of friends. “My mom wants me to go and my sister wants me to go, but I don’t want to go,” said Chas Fiorenza, 9. Although parents or students may have their qualms about knowing other families, those who attend find it favorable and make friends and family memories. “I’m going,” said Roxanne Demarest, 11. “It’s so much fun.”

My parents are really proud of me and so am I,” said Sara Rabin, 10. Regionally selected pieces were displayed at the Marx Gallery in Covington from February 1 to February 15. The regional Scholastics exhibition is one of the largest venues in the Southern Ohio/Northern Kentucky region and allows stdents to see works by peers. AP Art, AP Photo, and Painting classes visited the exhibition and the Art Academy of Cincinnati on February 6. The Awards Ceremony was held February 15. “I think Sycamore was represented very well. I’m very proud of our students whether they got work in or not,” said Mrs. Kat Rakel-Ferguson, art teacher. This is the 85th year of the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. With multiple gold winners, student artists hope to move on in the competition.

Regional Scholastic award winners Portfolio Gold Keys

Lisa Li, 12 (art)

Bryan Brown, 12 (photo)

Marty Rossman, 12 (photo)

Regional Gold Keys Romy Darbitz, 12 (apparel)

Allen Streck, 12 (photo)

Ryan Davis, 12 (art)

Megan Taylor, 12 (photo)

Erica Kao, 12 (art)

Sharon Wagner, 11 (art)

Sara Rabin, 10 (illustration)

Anna Zabaglio, 12 (art)

Regional Silver Keys Shannon Powell, 12 (photo)

Laurie Taragano, 12 (architecture)

Honorable Mention

Adam Finke, 12 (photo)

Anjali Alm-Basu, 12 (photo)

Donald Hoeper, 12 (photo)

Courtney Bernard, 10 (drawing)

Alex Spivak, 12 (photo)

Annie Brant, 10 (photo)

Jarann Pan, 10 (drawing)

Caitlin Camfield, 10 (photo)

Mackenzie Stevens, 12 (photo)

Ryan Davis, 12 (graphic design)

Megan Taylor, 12 (photo)

‘Good old Classical fun’

Latin club heads to convention JILL COHEN a&e chief

While many clubs host monthly installments of free food and fun - Chipotle Day, for one, comes to mind - none can offer the excitement and energy that is Latin Convention. On Friday March 8, 20 members of Latin Club will travel to Columbus for a three day extravaganza hosted by Ohio Junior Classical League. Attending convention is a long-standing tradition for both the high school and the junior high clubs; this year, two eighth graders are joining the delegation. However, perhaps the most unique situation is that of Alex Bidwell, 12 at Chaparral High School in Parker Colorado. Having moved away this past summer, she is planning to spend her Spring Break at Latin Convention, completing a six year legacy at the event. “I’ve been going to convention since seventh grade, so I couldn’t miss it my senior year,” said Bidwell. “I’ve been looking forward to this for awhile.” In essence, convention is a con-

test between the Latin clubs of schools all over the state. Clubs accumulate points by submitting projects they previously created and by entering various contests throughout the weekend. This club, however, often focuses more on having fun together than on coming in first place. Their most anticipated event is the spirit contest. Though its reward is only a gag gift, members annually don green and gold while cheering until their throats are sore. “I have never been to convention before, but this year I decided to put everything else aside and go have some good old Classical fun,” said Alex Rock, 12. “This is the biggest event for Latin club, and I’m looking forward to representing Sycamore.” Last week, girls from Mount Notre Dame’s two-year-old Latin program visited the high school to learn about convention. While students offered several good tips, their most crucial advice: bring a lot of extra food.

SENIORS TO SOPHOMORES: BEHIND THE NEW PROPOSAL

CONT. FROM FRONT

college campus before attending full-time.” Some feel that jumping into college early may be influential for many students. “Hopefully it will encourage people who never wanted to go to college to take a closer look,” said Kate Christobek, president of Ohio State’s student body to The Columbus Dispatch. However, there are a few downsides to the proposal. For instance, those who wish to attend out-of-state colleges many not be able to participate in this program. Because the program would only be enforced in Ohio, credits earned may not be transferable. Additionally, some students feel that they deserve a break before college. Seniors also may no longer be able to experience much-anticipated privileges and events, such as Senior Halloween Dress-Up Day and late arrival or early dismissal. “A great high school experience is displayed here at Sycamore,” said Mr. Chris Davis, principal. “The extent to which the community would want this program would be fairly low as students wish to experience senior year.” While the classes will be financially covered, the place from where the funds will come is uncertain. “We’d love to get these students, but we don’t know where we’re going to have to start them. Do we have the resources to do it, and will we get the resources in Columbus?” said Caroline Miller, UC’s senior associate vice president for enrollment management to The Cincinnati Enquirer. The new proposal may have deficiencies, but it provides a basis for what may be a beneficial program.

>> STAFF EDITORIAL: PAGE 5

news

02.22.08

Successful Environmental Awareness Week

Saving world through sales, education DAPHNE HSU

staff writer

nvironmental Club’s very first Environmental Awareness Week was an earth warming-shattering success. Throughout the week of January 28, the school was educated in simple ways to live a more eco-friendly life. “We reached out to a lot of people who aren’t consciously green and really got them interested in green initiatives,” said Meena Thatikunta, 11, Environmental Club president. Here is a briefing of the week’s structure and impact.

Anatomy of week

Each day, a new environmental fact (for example, the energy saved from one recycled aluminum can is enough to operate a television for three hours) was written on a banner and posted in the Commons. A table was set up during lunch that sold bracelets, shirts, and goodies; a poster that students could sign and write what environmentally-friendly habit they practice hung behind the table. On Friday, Environmental Club teamed-up with Film Club to show Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

What was sold

Bracelets hand-woven by villagers in Ecuador; t-shirts made of organic cotton warning “There is no Planet B”; baked-goods made from organic ingredients; and pencils and other rubber bracelets advising the wearer to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” donated by the City of Montgomery were all sold during lunch. Students can still purchase a t-shirt for $15 and hand-woven bracelets for $2 through Environmental Club.

Final tally

The money made from sales during lunch amounted to about $800. Combined with profits from last year, Environmental Club will be able to donate over $1000 to

financially aid the Ecuadorian villagers who made the bracelets and protect parts of the Cloud Forest, a rainforest in Ecuador, through non-profit organization Rainforest Rescue. Every $200 raised can buy one hectare of land, or roughly two-and-a-half acres, so Environmental Club will be able to save six hectares (15 acres) of rainforest.

Impact

On Friday, paper plates were provided to lunch-buying students as an alternative to the Styrofoam trays, which take thousands of years to decompose. According to janitorial estimates, 60 to 80 pounds of trash were saved compared to a normal day. Funds were also collected to help Ecuadorians and buy a portion of rainforest for preservation. The student body as a whole was made more aware of their affects on the environment.

What comes next

Environmental Club plans to continue having Environmental Awareness Weeks in future years – possibly with an assembly or a benefit concert. Later this year, the club will plant trees and plans to have a Solar Pizza Day. They will also be collaborating with other clubs to hold a World Wake Up Week, tentatively scheduled for April.

How to get involved

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Environmental Club can send an e-mail to enviroclub.aves@ gmail.com to receive the latest updates or talk to Mr. Ron Hochstrasser, teacher adviser of the club. Everyone can help preserve the environment by changing wasteful and harmful habits and getting involved in green initiatives, like raising money to save the rainforest, implementing a recycling program at places that do not have one, or changing all the light bulbs at home to energy efficient compact fluorescent lights. photo by daphne hsu

Annual Pancake Day, art exhibit showcase students’ talent SANYA DOSANI

spotlight editor

photo by staff

Great food, great music, and great art make Pancake Day one of the most worthwhile school events. The art show and musical performances are free of charge, but tickets for pancakes are six dollars apiece. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through a band or orchestra member.

Music, art, pancakes attract large crowd

What is the only thing better than live entertainment and an art show all at the same place? Adding pancakes into the mix! On March 1, young musicians and artists ages five to 18 will display their talents to a large, pancakeeating audience. Beginning at 8 a.m., a different band or orchestra ensemble will perform in the Commons every 30 minutes. Not only will the regular bands and orchestras (from Fifth Grade Strings to the High School Big Band) play, but smaller groups such as Jazz Ensemble and Wind Symphony will also perform. “Pancake Day is always so much fun,” said Allie Coleman, 12. “It’s one of the only times you get to hear all the bands and orchestras from all the different grades.” In addition to the music, the art show will be on display in the gymnasium the whole day. This exhibit features artwork, photography, fashion design, architecture, and

models from kindergarten to 12th grade. “I love looking at the elementary kids’ art in the art show,” said Harini Venkitarama, 12. “It reminds me of the good old days.” Attending Pancake Day is completely free, but to get the full experience, eating pancakes is a definite recommendation. Tickets for pancakes are six dollars per person, and proceeds go towards the Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters Association. Buy a ticket at the door or ask a band or orchestra member for one. Pancakes are served until 2 p.m., which is also when the last musical performance starts. However, the art show will remain open after this. “Pancake Day is one of my favorite concerts,” said Colin Murray, 9. “I would go even if I didn’t have to – just for the pancakes.”

‘Most students did as good a job as many laywers’

Mock trial team attends competition ALEXA FOGLER

associate editor

The mock trial team traveled downtown to the court house on February 5 to contend in this year’s regional competition against Cincinnati high schools. Mock trial is an activity where students hoping to improve their public speaking and research skills argue a fictional case developed by real lawyers. This year’s case was The People’s Church v. The City of Urbanopolis where students had to decide whether a church which housed homeless people on its property could be deemed a public nuisance. The contest is set-up similarly to the sophomore debates held at the high school. Teams from different schools argue the same case through single elimination rounds until there is one final state-wide competition. Ten students made up the plaintiff and defense side of the Sycamore team. Arguing on behalf of the church were attorneys Divya Indrakanti, 11, and Samy Sekar, 12, and their witnesses Evan Lind, 11, and Abhi Singh, 11. Representing the city were attorneys Daniel Boger, 11, and Jill Cohen, 12, and their witnesses Alexa Fogler, 12, and Elise Gelwicks, 10. Time keepers Leah Burgin, 11, and Kenny Charriez, 11, participated as well. After the mock trial team missed their competition last year due to several snow days, adviser Ms. Clare Taylor,

English teacher, was committed to finding a dedicated group and a new strategy for this year’s contest. The newest editions to mock trial were the team’s two legal consultants Mrs. Sallee Fry and Mrs. Beth Silverman, two Sycamore moms who volunteered many hours a week with the team. “In the past we’ve had attorneys who could only come every so often,” said Sekar. “But Beth and Sallee were very enthusiastic, took everything really seriously, and kept us on task.” Though the group got off to a late start in comparison to other schools, they made up for lost time with two to three meetings a week from December up to the week of the trial. “With the little time we had to practice I thought our team worked hard, pulled through, and ended up being successful,” said Gelwicks. Though the scores are not announced for a few more weeks, Gelwicks received recognition as an outstanding witness. “I didn’t know what to expect coming in, but Sallee and I agreed that most of the students did as good a job as many lawyers do,” said Silverman.

photo by alexa fogler

Daniel Boger, 11, ATTORNEY for the defense, prepares for his opening speech. Boger and his co-counsel Jill Cohen, 12, represented the city of Urbanopolis in this year’s fictional mock trial case The People’s Church v. The City of Urbanopolis, which took place on February 5.

news

02.22.08

Welcome back...or not? Some networks eager to resume top shows, while others pull the plug NBC series- As Scrubs is in the final season, creator Bill Lawerence is insistent that the last six episodes air somehow - whether on the usual NBC, picked up by ABC, or on DVD. The Office may extend past the usual mark of May to air as many episodes as possible. The second season of Heroes seems to be over. Even if new episodes are put into production, the show’s reliance on special effects will most likely prevent it from airing until next fall.

photo courtesy of greysanatomyinsider.com

photo courtesy of www.nbc.com

photo courtesy of www.fox.com

With the strike over, the major television networks are shuffling around their schedules. Grey’s Anatomy is going to resume production immediately, but other shows are not so lucky. NBC’s Heroes is likely at its end. House will resume in April, and episodes of The Office may continue into May in order to maximize airtime.

Strike out, T.V. shows in SANYA DOSANI

news chief

he ballots are in, and the results are overwhelming: the writers’ strike is officially over. After the 100-day walkout, over 90 percent of the Writers Guild of America members voted on Tuesday February 12 to end the strike and return to work. “It will be all hands on deck for the writing staff,” said Chris Mundy, co-executive producer of the CBS drama Criminal Minds to the San Francisco Chronicle. The terms of their new three year contract – the initial reason for the strike – will be solidified on February 25, and will grant them a share of the revenue generated when their T.V. shows, movies, and other creative works are distributed over the Internet. However, the contract does fall short of the writers’ demands, but both sides had to make

Screenwriters return to work, new episodes expected in April

compromises. And many experts say that the strike resulted in a victory that cannot be measured. “They successfully faced down six multinational media conglomerates and established a beachhead on the Internet,” said Jonathan Handel, former associate counsel for the Writers Guild of America, West to the Los Angeles Times. “When you consider what they were initially offered and the enormous odds they faced, that’s quite an achievement.” Many shows are resuming production as soon as possible; some may be returning to their scheduled times as early as April. Short comedies anticipate around nine new episodes, while hour-long shows will try for four to six. However, some shows like 24, dependent on episodes being aired close to each other, will not be continued until next season.

The end of the strike also averts a possible boycott of the February 24 Academy Awards by actors that would have forced Disney’s ABC to air a show of film clips and Oscar history. Chief executive officers of companies such as CBS, Twentieth Century Fox, and Walt Disney Co. all expressed immense relief at the news. Broadcasters lost about 10 percent of their viewers to cable, the Internet and video games. During the writers’ strike, people watched a record number of online videos. Teens spent more time on social networking websites such as Facebook. Online game-playing surged. And even DVD sales, which had been in slow decline, increased. “I’m glad the strike is over,” said Deena Schwen, 12. “Now I can go back to watching my normal shows.”

ABC Dramas- Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy are both resuming production as soon as possible with four to six new episodes in April. Extended seasons may be required. FOX series- Further airing of Bones is unknown, but House is scheduled to air four to six episodes beginning in April. However, 24, perhaps the most hurt by the strike, will likely stay off the air until January 2009. Being unable to have a complete 24 episode season would ruin the concept of the show. CBS comedies- The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men are planning nine more episodes each. Newbies- Most shows that debuted this season and were cut short because of the strike, including Bionic Woman and Pushing Daisies, will likely just begin a second season this fall rather than attempt to complete the season.

McCain takes commanding lead in GOP Ways to stay ahead Obama, Clinton split among Democrats of pump pressure JARED KAMRASS sports editor

The race for the White House took a defining turn on February 5, commonly known as Super Tuesday, as 23 states held caucuses, primaries, or conventions. Going into the most significant day thus far in deciding the 2008 nominees, Republican hopeful John McCain (R-AZ) had a small lead in delegates over Mitt Romney (R-MA), Mike Huckabee (R-AR), and Ron Paul (R-TX). On the other side of the aisle, Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) were neck and neck, each hoping to pull ahead with an impressive showing on Super Tuesday. However, by the time the polls closed in every state, and the major news networks began to wind down their coverage, the picture was even murkier. After each won their respective home states, Obama took Connecticut, Alabama, Georgia and Missouri while Clinton took Massachusetts, Tennessee, and delegate-rich California. Clinton found herself in a slight lead in the delegate

tally due to her accumulated ‘super delegates’, who determine for whom they will vote based on personal preference. McCain all but wrapped up the nomination by sweeping California, New York, Arizona and many Eastern seaboard states. McCain benefitted with Huckabee and Romney taking votes from each other as they both fought of the support of the conservative base of the party. McCain, however, still has a way to go as he needs to secure close to 500 more delegates to guarantee his party’s nomination. With both nominations still up in the air, Ohio’s primary on March 4 will have more influence on the election than previously thought. A win in Ohio for either candidate would catapult them to front runner status. Students can vote in the primary if they will be 18 years of age before November 2008. Therefore, even students who will be 17 at the time of the March primary are eligible to vote.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center controversy

Private institution requests additional taxpayer funding NATE DEEMER staff writer

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a private organization, is again seeking taxpayer dollars. The Freedom Center posted another substantial negative balance for the second year in a row. 15 jobs were cut this year, yet without the public money, the cuts would have been much deeper and could have crippled the organization. The Freedom Center exhibits Cincinnati’s rich cultural heritage, reaching to the city’s roots as a gateway of the Underground Railroad. As an idea it, is wonderful. As an institution, however, it is highly mismanaged. The Freedom Center was supposed to be entirely run by private donations. Then it asked for taxpayer money, which was earnestly furnished. The problem arose, however, when few other donations

came in. The institution had made itself far too large and soon became publicly dependant. The museum’s expenses are not being covered, despite the double-dipping that occurs when charging entrance fees for visitors who already support the center through taxes. Now the city wants some land that it gave the Freedom Center (for free) in order for construction for the Banks to begin. The Freedom Center, however, wants the city and county to each pay $500,000 (a total of $1,000,000) to buy back the land. The Center is non-sustainable as it presently exists. Income from the admission is very low because of the nominal amount of visitors.

JACOB KATZ

staff writer

This is not the first time in history that fuel prices have skyrocketed. An oil embargo in 1973 accelerated the rise in gas prices, and an energy crisis in the late 1970s almost brought prices up to today’s levels. More recently, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many southern fuel refineries, causing prices to soar overnight. Still, there is no need to panic if one simply adheres to a full simple rules to stay above the rising gas prices. Smaller, more economical cars are a wise choice, with hybrids getting the greatest fuel efficiency. Cars with manual transmissions, or stick shifts, get better fuel economy than those with automatic transmissions. This also widens the options when choosing a car. Before buying gas, look around at the prices offered by various gas stations. Prices do not just vary from company to company; one Sunoco does not always charge as much as another Sunoco down the street. Find out if a gas station charges extra for credit cards. If so, remember to pay with cash or avoid that station altogether. Carpooling is a less expensive method of transportation, and is also environmentally friendly. Avoid making numerous trips when running errands. Try to combine stops and minimized the number of times the car is started and stopped. There are also many websites that offer this kind of information. Some have general information that applies across the United States, and others are more specific for Cincinnati.

opinion

10.25.07

politically

incorrect

Huck does not suck Chuck votes for Huck DAVID DANNENBERG opinion chief

leafing through the masses

“ “ “ “

What do you think about Governor Strickland’s new Seniors to Sophomore program?

I’m very happy that we have a Governor who’s talking and thinking about education. However, I need to know a lot more about the program to know if it is going to be a superduper one. - Mrs. Judy Klefas, English Teacher

It opens up opportunities for people who might not have the chance to pursue higher education. - Viona Zhang, 12

Going to college early is not a good idea not only because some students haven’t gained all the academic knowledge to succeed in college, but they are not emotionally mature enough to be in a college environment. - Jeff Silverstein, 9

The four years of high school is an experience that you can’t make up. - Sarah Schneider, 11

the

leaf

staff editorial

hen the final year of high school arrives, some seniors begin a war with six or seven Advanced Placement classes; some seniors become diagnosed with a common disease called senioritis; some seniors continue as before, planning to work until after graduation. For most, the prospect of college becomes a clear heaven and students cannot wait to exit the adolescent monotony of high school. However, there is also a dark cloud that appears. With tuition rising each year to nearly $40,000 in some private schools, and closing toward $10,000 in-state, parents and students are feeling the penny pinch. However, with Governor Ted Strickland’s new program, Seniors to Sophomores, seniors can enter college during their last year of high school – for free. This not only allows college-ready seniors to begin their higher education earlier but opens doors to students who were financially unable before. There would be no more “senioritis” as students fill the year with studies and there is no fear when one begins their first year at college, into which they now have enough credits to enter as a sophomore. As we progress toward a society in which college degrees are the new high school diplomas, the importance of higher education is stressed. Seniors to Sophomores allows students to jumpstart their careers in a fast-paced 21st century. It is a terrific opportunity for seniors to combine their senior year of high school with their freshman year of college and put them in a valuable position for the rest of their college career. No longer would a student have to be labeled as “Advanced Placement” or “International Baccalaureate” to earn college credit. Seniors to Sophomores allows students of all financial and academic ability to pursue higher education. And there is no test either. Strickland’s forward-thinking program prepares students who, simply put, want to learn. To pursue their dreams and study without the strain of cost. Yes, like all new plans and goals, problems will arise and implementation is not easy. However, with careful planning, communication, and time, high schools and colleges within Ohio will soon be providing an innovative educational pathway for all. This new plan would provide students in Ohio with a choice that would be beneficial to their educational career and encourage them to go on to do great things.

Editor-in-chief: Jennifer Lee Associate editor: Alexa Fogler Managing editor: Kate Moore Business managers: Mary Ann Jiang & Gabirose Keeton

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

Mission Statement: The Sycamore Leaf, the official newspaper of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists to provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national, and world issues, to provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population. Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent and controversy. Students cannot publish material that is obscene, libelous, or will cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or

discussion is not included in this definition. The Sycamore Leaf operates as an open forum for the healthy, robust exchange of ideas. Opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the Sycamore Leaf staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed. The letters, not to exceed 300 words, may be edited for clarity, spelling, and grammar. Letters may be placed in Mrs. Jardine’s mailbox, dropped off in Room 115, or e-mailed to: sycamoreleaf@gmail.com The Sycamore Leaf reserves the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness, and circumstances decided on by the editorial board. In cases that the editorial board decides not to cover a death, letters to the editor in regard to that death will be printed. The Sycamore Leaf’s complete editorial policies can be found at http://goaves. sycamoreschools.org

Ronald Reagan once said: “Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.” Unfortunately for everyone who supports one of the four major candidates or Ron Paul for President, each of them have authored or co-authored multiple books, summarily disgracing themselves in the process. No need to pass the disgrace here; everyone’s had their fill. Whoops. It seems that I am looking too far into the election. The disgrace phase will not commence until early August. Now, it is endorsement time. Every candidate has their share of high profile endorsements, but one candidate stands out from the rest. No, not the black one. Not the one without a Y chromosome. That white guy. No, not the old guy; the other one. What’s his name again? Oh yeah, Mike Huckabee. Nobody would blame anyone else for not remembering- on the surface, Huckabee may appear to be forgettable; just another right-wing religious nut, like Mitt Romney was. But Romney did not have what has never been deemed to be the most important thing in politics: Chuck Norris. The legendary actor, who, according to the internet meme, can divide by zero, can slam a revolving door, and has counted to infinity – twice, recently announced his endorsement for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Huckabee, in embracing Norris’ endorsement, created what is, in my honest and humble opinion, the most brilliant political advertisement ever created. Go to YouTube and search “HuckChuckFacts” to see the ad, which is about 60 seconds long- also equivalent to the time it takes for Chuck Norris to run entirely around the globe. Regardless of personal political views, Huckabee certainly deserves kudos for having an ad that is original, to say the least. Few would agree that political ads are generally copasetic, and most have reservations of some sort about them, whether it is the negativity, the ridiculous, melodramatic music, or the distortion of reality. Needless to say, the Chuck Norris ad is different. The ad is not negative. It takes a more lighthearted approach to politics than the traditional advertisement, which may turn off some people who strangely savor the ennui, but that is fine. They can stick to their whine and cheese parties, which I am sure Chuck Norris will not be attending. And nor will I. Huckabee ’08, Chuck Norris forever.

News Wenjun Zhang Sanya Dosani Opinion David Dannenberg Melodie Jeng Fun & Games Rob Friedman Feature Libby Henning Sharon Wagner Diversity Bobby Jungerwirth Rashmi Borah A&E Casey Manning Jill Cohen Sports Nadia Khan Will Johnston Calendar Kavya Reddy Spotlight Jacy Cagle Michela Tindera

Staff Writers Tyler Albl Brittanny Argyriou Noa Bellilti Kim Bernie Karen Buenavides Leah Burgin Jacy Cagle Jane Chernyak Electra Chronis Sam Cleary Nathan Deemer Ben Dhiman Ben Estes Samantha Grubbs Elizabeth Henning Elizabeth Hoopes Daphne Hsu Kye Isaac Molly Johnson Jared Kamrass Jacob Katz Mandi Kipner Ashleigh Louderback

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Photographer Jeremy McDaniel Adviser Cheralyn Jardine About us Professional memberships: •Columbia Scholastic Press Association. •Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association. •Journalism Association of Ohio Schools. • Journalism Education Association. •National Scholastic High School Press Association. •Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers). •Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary.

opinion

02.22.08

MTV:

Misguided television Will johnston sports chief

The word “pathetic” is tossed around a lot these days. One might use it to describe the weather right now, their grade point average, or even the Miami Heat. But at certain times, some words should be reserved for particular circumstances. At this point, the best association with the word pathetic would be the programming of MTV. MTV started out in 1981 with the original purpose of broadcasting music videos and popular soundtracks. Over the better part of the three decades since the network’s inception, its objectives have undergone a noticeable change from its former goals. MTV has long since departed from playing the music that made it popular in the first place (one can now only find music videos on the station in the wee hours of the morning), to now actively cultivating the identity of American youth. In place of the videos that brought MTV its fame, such as Michael Jackson’s mega-hit “Thriller” in 1983, the network gradually began to integrate reality shows into its daily lineup in the 1990s, particularly after the success of its first forays The Real World and Road Rules. Today, the network fills out its schedule almost entirely with reality shows of dubious entertainment and moral quality. Quite frankly, MTV’s shows do not demonstrate much in the way of ethical standards, to say nothing of entertainment value. Programs such as My Super Sweet Sixteen exhort nauseatingly materialistic values, while others like NEXT, Room Raiders, and many more showcase wanton sexual activity. Violence and frequent drug use have also become staples of MTV programs. The network has become the whipping boy of the Parents Television Counsel (PTC) over recent years. The PTC has described MTV as “teen targeted TV smut” and “pro-sex, anti-family…pro-drug culture.” In 2002 they listed five of its shows as the least family-friendly on air. Still others have described MTV as “pornography for children.” While groups such as the PTC are inherently biased, they do have a point. The programming of MTV is corrosive to the values of American youth, and the age groups that this content reaches seemingly dips lower every year. Forgive me if I sound like a card-carrying member of the Overprotective Mothers Commission, but it bothers me that my nine-year-old cousin knows exactly what contraceptives are and for what they are used. For the sake of us all, let’s hope that MTV decides to alter the content of its programming, because believe me they know exactly what they are doing. At the very least they could be true to their name and, in the words of Justin Timberlake, “play more damn videos.”

“

If I was a parent, I would not want to expose my children to the smut that is on MTV. - Josh Samuels, 11

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From arrests to deaths to rehab, the media covers every move celebrities make. Some of these stars are even receiving preferential treatment in the judicial system. But have people become too obsessed with what stars are doing with their lives?

Celebrity obsessions

People care way too much about those they do not know ROB FRIEDMAN

W fun & games chief

ith news on celebrity rumors and scandals taking up an inordinate amount of time and space on the news and in papers, I have become rather annoyed with how obsessive Americans have become with celebrities. From giving them preferential treatment in a supposedly unbiased court of law to spending way too much time reporting their dramatic situations, the American media has become way too obsessed with celebrities. The latest piece of celebrity news over which the American consumer culture has sunk its teeth into is the death of Australian-born actor Heath Ledger. Ledger, 28, was found dead on January 22 and the media has yet to let it rest. Within 24 hours of his death becoming publicized, there were well over 150 Facebook® groups, almost all with the title “RIP Heath Ledger: We Miss You.” After counting over 150 groups, I simply got bored. The fact that so many people are in mourning for a celebrity star they do not even know personally, is…quite simply…pathetic. In all honestly to the people who have created the groups with the “R.I.P Heath Ledger – I love you and will miss you forever!” type of groups - get a life…seriously. In two months, you will become obsessed with a new celebrity and will completely forget about your “eternal love” for him. If people are going to pull their hair out over one person whom they do not really know, they should treat everyone equally and mourn just as intensely the millions

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that die around the world every day, such as those in Darfur or Kenya. It is sad that someone died; however millions do every day. So leave the mourning to those who actually knew him – his friends, family, and co-workers. I am 75 percent sure that by the time school ends, and 95 percent sure that by the middle of summer, the media will not be mentioning Ledger anymore and will instead focus on a new celebrity. After all, it has been a year since Anna Nicole Smith died, and it has been a very long time since anyone heard any news about the controversy about her. Perhaps the most common topic of discussion for the celebrity-obsessed media is Britney Spears. I have never been a fan of Spears and honestly do not care if she has custody over her babies or not. Seriously. Let Spears lead her troubled life in peace. I am sure that the world will move on. Similarly, I do not care how many times Lindsay Lohan goes to rehab. I am also sick of the ability of celebrities to get out of going to jail for DUIs and such. This includes all forms of celebrities, from Paris Hilton all the way to Chris Henry. So what if they are famous? They are still people and should not be given preferential treatment by our justice system, which is supposed to be unbiased. I was very happy when Hilton and Martha Stewart were sentenced to jail and was also pleased that Michael Vick was not let off of the hook. It was perhaps the first time which I can remember when celebrities were not treated preferentially. However, my hopes were shot once Vick got a deal to shorten his sentence and Hilton’s punishment came to nothing.

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opinion

02.22.08

Get your own view Lack of knowledge, interest not deterrant to growing politically independent BRANDON SOSNA

staff writer

What are your thoughts on the economy? The war in Iraq? What about health care? Are you prolife or pro-choice? What is your opinion on gay marriage? If you cannot answer those questions, keep reading. Everyone has their pet peeves: a minor annoyance that causes someone great distress. Although politics play a very limited role in my life, as I am not eligible to vote, one of my biggest pet peeves is when teenagers choose where they fall on the political spectrum based on where their parents fall. Now, some of you may be thinking: I do not know the least bit about politics, so I just go with what my parents say. That is great, at least you admit your politically unfamiliarity, but if you are, why go with other’s views? Why not be impartial? There is absolutely nothing wrong with recognizing that politics is not a main interest because there are people just like you next to you in class, on the bus, and at the same parties. When people tell you to do something, do you do it blindly? Most of the time, you do not. So why go along with beliefs that are not actually your own? You might as well just take your time, gain understanding of politics, because you never know when you might actually land on the opposite side of the spectrum. One famous movie character once said: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” In some strange, odd way, this applies to minds like yours and mine. Dare to open up that box of chocolates, your own mind, and be surprised with what political beliefs you might find.

image by alexa fogler

People are marching because of the jailed students in Jena. There are many examples across the country of racism and anti-racism movements.

Relentless racism:

Examining Jena march, MLK day, Nationalist Movement demonstration BEN ESTES

staff writer

n our country, January and February hold the special honor of hosting a myriad of holidays such as New Years, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and leap day. Perhaps more significant than these somewhat trite occasions is the fact that January contains Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as well as MLK Day and all of February is Black History Month. Instead of being victorious occasions to celebrate the equality and acceptance of the traditionally denigrated race (which is no doubt what civil rights leaders would have hoped to be the case now), we are reminded every year of how far from reality this truly is. We know the back-story of the racial tensions in Jena, Louisiana: the noose put up to intimidate black students, the ensuing

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attacks on white kids, and the protested, unfair punishments for the black attackers. Last month, on MLK Day no less, the Learned, Mississippi-based “pro-majority” (white supremacist) National Movement held a demonstration in response to the proAfrican American Jena march and MLK Day itself. Nationalist Movement members chanted racial slurs and carried guns, attempting to terrorize blacks in Jena and look tough for counter-demonstrators in the town as well. It was a sickening scene, something out of Lord of the Flies; the human race exhibited at its worst. People openly protested the holiday which honors a peaceful, legendary figure. The incident is harsh reminder of the sordid condition of race relations in the U.S. True, African-Americans have gained much more respect and many more rights than

previously held. But there are still those who think the Civil War is not over, the Civil Rights Movement never happened. There is a population of Americans who, despite remaining rather quiet, secretly believe blacks to be inferior. Many of you reading this may have heard insults or slurs directed at AfricanAmericans, spat behind their backs. Racism has been a sad constant in United States history, a tragic American motif that seemingly will never be eradicated. It is not on the surface in these present times, but unfortunately, it is there lurking below. It will not be gone, either, until the general qualities of hate and ignorance are eliminated as well. Regrettably, the near future does not portend anything remotely close.

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opinion

‘I only ask for respect’ Tales from behind coffee shop counter JACY CAGLE

W spotlight editor

hile visiting the local coffee shop, one would assume that the apron clad person behind the counter has a rather effortless occupation: he or she takes an order then pours the coffee. Sounds easy, right? Au contraire, my friends, it is quite the opposite. That is not to say that this job could possibly measure up to that of one at the local library, because as I have heard that shelving books is a fairly torturous task. However, a job at a coffee shop does contain various responsibilities quite beyond that of pouring coffee. I have been employed at a local coffee shop for seven months now and cannot even begin to recount the miniscule details nor the daily occurrences that I have experienced at my job. First, let me explain the simple mission of taking the trash out: I empty the trash cans, take the bags to dumpster, then, mission complete. Unless, of course, the giant trash can which carries the bags has wheels and these wheels feel the need to pop off the can on a regular basis. Many a time have I found myself standing by the dumpster outside, in the freezing cold, attempting to reattach the faulty wheels to the trash can after having lost control of it while unsuccessfully balancing the four full bags sitting inside. I must not forget to mention the thrill I experience when emptying the trash cans inside of the shop only to find that the bag has not only failed me, leaving leftover coffee at the bottom, but also that the bag feels the need to not remove itself from the can. Thus, I stand by the trash can, pulling at the garbage bag for approximately 10 minutes, with no resulting victory.

Downfall of American men’s tennis

Lackluster performance stirs doubt of next American ‘great’ NADIA KHAN sports chief

Despite taking the treacherous trash out, I do love my job. I work with amazing people, and have a hilarious story to tell after each shift. For example, there has been many a time during the Monday lull when my fellow coworkers and I have broken out into song or dance, creating a routine which choreographers wish they could produce in their dreams. Then, there are the customers, my personal favorite being those who love to talk. Do not get me wrong; I am aware that my job entails being a sales person and engaging in conversation with our guests.

anning salon ad raises questions

roubling claims prompt investigation

MICHELA TINDERA

However, to me, engaging in conversation is defined as chatting merely about the weather or discussing what would be the best coffee drink on the menu for that specific person to order. Nevertheless, there are those who take it upon themselves to disclose to me details about their lives that, unfortunately, I do not care to know. I have discussed family cats, sewage problems, and children. So, next time when visiting the nearest coffee shop, I only ask for respect; because, though it may seem an easy job to pour the coffee, we apron-wearers behind the counter have a much greater responsibility.

Prolific villain:

Analyzing legend of Coach Bobby Knight EVAN ROMANSKY

spotlight editor

Are you stuck in those winter doldrums, or perhaps just feeling a bit under the weather, and are unsure of how to get out? Well the answer is here. Just step into a relaxing, warm tanning bed where you can get a fresh summer glow and improve your body’s health. This may sound like some kind of Bizzaro World advertisement where tanning booths benefit one’s health, but scarily enough, this is actually very similar to an ad I heard a few weeks ago for Cincinnati Tan, one of the Cincinnati area’s largest tanning salon chains. I was completely shocked by this ludicrous statement that I was hearing. Tanning beds, a health benefit? How could this be true? So of course, after hearing this advertisement I had to investigate. Not to sound old fashioned or anything, but I was brought up in a household that taught me that tanning beds caused age spots, premature wrinkling, and skin cancer, not prevention of osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, and even some cancers. A tanning bed that prevents cancer? Now this I have to see. According to the Cincinnati Tan website, they claim, “Exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.”

02.22.08

However, they somehow forgot to mention how harmful UV rays are to one’s skin. And the fact that one can still get more than an adequate amount of vitamin D from a variety of foods. Cincinnati Tan also comments, “FDA regulations at the present time prevent the indoor tanning industry from making any medical representations or claims related to indoor tanning exposure.” And the reason for this is...? As reported by the FDA on their government website, “UV radiation from the sun and artificial tanning devices such as tanning beds and tanning lamps are carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances.” Bottom line: tanning beds are not healthy for you. Obviously there is a reason that legislation has been passed in 29 states banning use of a tanning bed by minors without a doctor’s note. The Tanning Accountability and Notification (TAN) Act was signed into law in September 2007 to ensure that warning labels effectively communicate the risk of irreversible damage to the eyes and skin. I am astonished that there would be even a possibility that some person would actually believe these claims and risk their health thinking that they were doing something good for their body.

staff writer

Bobby Knight is someone people love to hate. He is to college basketball what the villain is to horror movies. People cannot get enough of the villain and are left wanting more. Face it: the movie would not be the same without that villain. If someone says he or she loves Knight, that person most likely lives in the state of Indiana. As coach of the Hoosiers, Knight has 661 victories, including three national championships. He is the crown jewel of Indiana. Some people love to be hated, and Knight is one of them. He thrives in the spotlight of hatred because he knows one thing: we all respect him. It is hard not to when a man is that successful. Yet his demeanor on and off the court comes off as harsh, vile, and straight up despicable. He is a chair throwing, player choking, and officer assaulting Hall of Fame coach. Whenever someone brings up Knight’s name in a conversation, everyone has a story. His press conferences are unique – or, I should say, terrifying at best. You hear about the one reporter with enough guts to question a move Knight made in the previous game. The reporter’s voice trembles in direct fear of the agitated response he may get from “The General.” Then Knight’s response pours

from his lips as his face tenses up and he says something like, “I don’t have to wait until the next morning to regret something I did that was kinda dumb.” He then stares down the reporter until the reporter regrets saying anything and quietly sits down. Knight, in one word, can be described as enigmatic. He is a mysterious and perplexing man who comes off as stringent and terrifying, but also brilliant. Everything Knight has done in his long and strenuous career has been nothing short of resplendent. Knight had 20 NCAA tournament appearances, five Final Four appearances, three national championships, 902 career wins, one assault charge, a chair throw (good distance I should say), and one incident of playing the most dangerous game while hunting (allegedly shooting at a man’s house). No matter how much I or anyone else may dislike Knight, he is the greatest coach of all time, next to John Wooden, in college basketball. Knight is fierce, tough, and daunting, yet a mastermind of his own profession. It was the great Knight that once said, “When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, and my critics can kiss my…”

Pete Sampras. Andre Agassi. John McEnroe. Jimmy Connors. The list goes on—but not for long. These are some of the tennis greats who come from America, but the current state of tennis affairs seems to show a dwindling in the American category. Sure, we have Andy Roddick, the number six player in the world, and James Blake, the number 12 player in the world, but without a grand slam win by an American man since Roddick won the 2003 US Open—well, things just do not look so good. There was a time, though it did not last long, when Roddick was world number one, but even as the number one player in the world in 2004, he just did not seem to be as good as some other players, mainly Roger Federer. Albeit, when Roddick first stepped onto the scene with his immature, McEnroe-esque behavior, I expected great things from him. He came out firing the ball with such force as has never been seen before. But being able to hit the ball at such great speed does not make a legend. It is the ability to defeat the best that rewrites history and commands attention. That ability is something that both Roddick and Blake lack. Roddick is 1-15 against Federer, and in eight tries, Blake has never beaten the man that some call the greatest tennis player to have ever played the game. Every time that Roddick and Federer play, I think that Roddick might have a chance, that this will be the match, but almost every time (except that once), I am wrong. Now, I might just think optimistically because as a loyal Roddick fan, I am blinded by the obvious truth. But as much as it pains me to say: Federer is a legend. The one redeeming factor for American men’s tennis came when the United States won the Davis Cup in December 2007 for the first time since 1995. But then again, Federer’s Switzerland team is not much of a threat considering the next best player is ranked 44th in the world. So, the American men can work together and defeat other countries’ best. But these players definitely have a lot of work to do because if they want to go down in the history books as some of the best, they are going to have to start winning some tournaments on the biggest stages. As for now, the days of the American greats are over. The days of Federer began the minute he defeated Sampras in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001. Until an American man can step up, defeat Federer, and actively contest the top players in the world, that list of American “greats” will have to wait.

opinion

02.22.08

THE HONDA INSIGHT is just one of many hybrid cars now on the market. With all the choices of hybrid cars available, all the new incentives for hybrid car owners, and the car’s positive effect on both the environment and consumers’ wallets, purchasing a hybrid is now not only an environmentally friendly move, but a smart one.

Fatal oversight:

Magazine leaves Sycamore out of rankings BEN DHIMAN staff writer

photo courtesy of hybridcars.com

carbon footprint, Green wheels: Lessen reap benefits with hybrid car KAVYA REDDY

photo courtesy of hybridcars.com

calendar chief

e all look forward to that one day when we become independent from our guardians. When those keys fall into our hands and our dads say, “now be careful out there.” That ripe old age of sixteen when we become drivers on the highway of toxic pollution. In fact, driving a car is the single most polluting thing that most of us do. Cars, trucks minivans and pickups emit more than 300 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year in the U.S. alone, and believe it or not, transportation is responsible for one-third of our nation’s total production of carbon dioxide. Currently, I am spending more money on gas than I spend on

anything else. And I am not the only one. Facebook shows that there are at least 13 groups in support of the hybrid car, which would save drivers money. With this environmentally friendly car, we no longer have to be dependent on foreign oil because we will be using less of it. The hybrid car features a fuelefficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The car cuts the engine during idle stops to reduce emissions, and the car kicks on when the accelerator is depressed again. In addition, some states are offering incentives for hybrid car owners. Colorado grants an additional state tax credit, and Connecticut offers a sales tax exemption for buyers of hybrid cars with an EPA rating of at least 40 mpg.

Some states are also allowing single-occupancy driving of hybrid cars in HOV (highoccupancy vehicle) carpool lanes. It is nice to know that state and local governments are offering motivation to reward hybrid car owners for doing their part to save the environment. With all these new incentives in place, and a public more concerned than ever about the price of gas at the pump, automakers are unveiling more and more models. Car dealers are making just about every kind of hybrid car: Toyota Prius, Lexus LS600H, Mercury Mariner, Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn VUE, Honda Civic, and many others. With all these options and rewards, it seems more foolish than ever not to purchase a hybrid car.

Does it seem surprising to anyone else that Sycamore High School is not mentioned in the top 100 high schools in the country? Does it seem fair that a school with the most National Merit Scholars in its state does not receive a single acknowledgment as one of the top high schools in the country? Not only did the US and World Report not put Sycamore High School in the top 100 schools, but Ohio high schools also received a rating of “B-.” Sycamore has, as of late, been notoriously underrated. From our athletics to academics, it seems Sycamore has no shot. When considering the best high schools in the city, names like Walnut Hills, Wyoming, and Indian Hill appear. Sycamore, as always, is left under the radar, and undetected for its academic and newly discovered athletic prestige. Searching for the answer as to why Sycamore is not a top 100 school proves two things: that the criteria for these ratings lack some very important factors, and that Sycamore will never be in the top 100 schools until this criteria is altered. This proves that counting how many seniors take AP exams and using this as the methodology for deciding how well schools are prepared for college lacks depth. Does no one recognize the strength of the students in the school? The answer is no. The extremely broad generalizations

made, especially by US and World Report, post no intention of creating a system that picks out how well the accelerated/ AP students achieve. Instead, they focus in on the entire school population. Yes they account slightly for the lower-end students, but the spotlight is focused on how the entire student body does on standardized tests. It does seem unfair in more obvious ways because schools, like Walnut Hills, require students to pass an entrance exam, in order to attend. Now, I do not recommend that Sycamore adopts this policy due to the goods diversity does for the school, and how it creates an environment unlike another. All I recommend is that the best high schools should be judged on the best students, those students who take AP American and struggle through AP Chemistry. Most importantly, students take the ACT and SAT for one reason: to get into college. Why would these scores not be examined as criteria for college readiness? These test scores represent how well students and a school is competing nationally. What better way of proving college readiness than to have the most National Merit Finalists in the state? Sycamore has a reputation to build for itself--a reputation of a diversified school, brimming with spirit, and being considered an elite (top 100) high school in the country.

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opinion

02.22.08

you may not be able to vote, but

these elections

still matter

diversity chief

ovember 4, 2008: the election. Process-wise, it is more or less the same as the last two or three we have been alive for. States are holding their primaries or caucuses, the candidates debate, one per party will rise above the rest, the election is held, etc. So why is this election so important?

Need for Change

Across the board, the candidates this year have agreed that a change in policy is needed. Many candidates have expressed displeasure at how the White House handled issues between 2001 and 2009, when President George W. Bush was in office. This disapproval is supported by the voters, as well; according to ABC News, Bush as a 32 percent overall approval rating, and Vice President Dick Cheney has an approval rating of 9 percent. As issues like the economy, the war in Iraq, education and health care become more vocal, voters are paying particular attention to not only the opinion that candidates express, but how they plan to support their claims. While topics such as health care and education seem irrelevant to today’s high school students, the topics discussed during this election season are particularly important to high school and college students as well as college graduates. Although most are not of voting age, the issues that are brought forth during this election are ones that will change within the next four years, affecting every current high school student. Though many of us are far from being adults, these issues will start to affect us in just a few years.

““ “ “

Our economy

why students care

Various news sources, such as TIME magazine and

The thing about elections that I pay attention to most is the number of primaries. -Jeremy Reckelhoff, 11 I care because I know [in the future] whoever is president will influence me a lot. -Lina Goldenberg, 12 I care...because the [president] has the most individual power in the country...it’s kind of sad if you don’t care -Noel Ripberger, 10

It’s our future...I mean, we should know what’s going to happen to us. -Jarann Pan, 10

ohio primaries:

CNN News, have stated that the plight of the economy will be the most important deciding factor for voters during this election. In the last year, concern for the national debt has risen, with the debt nearing $10 trillion, an amount that calculates to almost $31,000 per individual in the United States. The debate over taxes has also been one of concern, with many candidates disagreeing with Bush’s tax cut plans. Currently, some citizens fear increased taxes, while others fear a decrease in government spending in certain areas. “I know if I have a job, if taxes are raised, that could [be a problem],” said Lina Goldenberg, 12. In November of 2007, the New York Times reported that the consumer confidence index was down 18 percent from 2006, which means a continued decrease in consumer spending is all but inevitable. This is part of the reason the economy is heading towards a recession. During the Bush Administration, the government debt rose significantly along with the fiscal budget deficits, but increasing revenue during this time as a result of tax cuts was able to keep the economy afloat. So what could happen for the next four years? Many of the tax cuts that were instilled during the Bush Administration may not be continued during the next four years. Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have opposed extension of the Bush tax cuts through 2010. Obama also supports an elimination of tax cuts for those earning over $250,000 per year. Republican candidate Mike Huckabee proposed a different plan called the FairTax Plan, which would eliminate income taxes and the Internal Revenue Service, and instead have a national retail tax.

Education reform

Since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) many have felt that the measured that the act

spotlight on: education reform

RASHMI BORAH

requires are counterproductive and need reform. Former Democratic Candidate Bill Richardson even went as far as to say that he would scrap the act entirely during the South Carolina debates, and wanted to propose a new plan. What politicians have pointed out is that this system is counterproductive by giving excellent schools more funding and decreasing funding from subpar schools. Focus is currently on reading and math skills, which is tested for graduation in the tenth grade. Obama’s plan would shift the focus to math and science, while Huckabee’s focus would be on art and music, which, according to CNN News, is “as important as math and science.” Republican candidate John McCain supports NCLB with minor reforms. Looking more locally, Ohio governor Ted Strickland unveiled his “Seniors to Sophomores” plan, which he hoped would challenge high school students by allowing them to take college courses during their senior year. “I think it’s a good idea only if you know what your major will be in college...because once you have to go in, you have to declare your major, [so] you should be sure of what you want to do,” said Jenni Williamson, 10. Other issues that were brought up were whether or not the state should pay for higher education, and how to alter standardized testing. The candidates have made it clear in debates that education will be one of the priorities during their term if they are elected. As we are still in school, the changes made in the future regarding education will directly influence us. It is vital that we start paying attention. “I care about elections because I follow politics. I watch the debates and see how they relate to me,” said Daniel Boger, 11.

seniors to sophomores program

photo by rashmi borah

THERE HAS BEEN an increase in people wanting education reform, especially after the possible flaws of the No Child Left Behind Act were brought to light. In response to this, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland introduced a new educational program, called “Seniors to Sophomores,” which, according to The Lantern of the Ohio State University, could take place this fall. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, “it would allow students who meet admission standards to complete their final year of high school and first year of college at the same time, with the state covering tuition.” Many have voiced their opinions on this issue, including support of the state paying tuition, and concern that some may not be too young to handle college a year earlier than usual. Strickland was quoted by the Cincinnati Enquirer as saying “Its goal is to raise the aspirations of all students, to challenge students who feel disengaged from their high-school studies, and to help students who want to accelerate their college education.”

election date:

March 4th November 4th

opinion

02.22.08

‘Aww...you are so short, that is so adorable’

Height on other end of spectrum MOLLY JOHNSON

staff writer

mall fry, shorty, midget, short stuff, munchkin, hobbit, etc. Anyone who has ever been called “short” knows these names, and probably more. However, there may be more added to the list for more personal nicknames. “Being short has definite advantages: I can walk in the hall totally unnoticed among the stampede of students and hear all the gossip about parties, romance, teachers, etc. I can hide under my desk, behind pillars, and coke machines to surprise unsuspecting students. The down side is that I’m at armpit height and can tell if someone forgot to use deodorant!” said Mrs. Christine Allen, English teacher. What does it take to be considered “short”? In order to be “short”, one obviously must be less tall than the average height of a person in that particular place or country. In the high school, it seems that there are varied view points and thoughts concerning the meaning of the term “short.” The meaning of being “short” for guys seems to range a good seven inches, depending on who is asked. Some say that any boy under 5’3’’ is short, while others believe that “short” encompasses any guy under 5’10’’. “My mother always used to tell me that I was not short, everyone else was just tall,” said Negin Fallahi, 11. The meaning of being “short” for girls also ranges seven inches also depending on who is asked. There are those who say that any girl under 4’9’’ is short, and there are those who say that “short” is any girl under 5’4’’. While the thought that any boy under 5’3’’ and any girl under 4’9’’ is short is pretty reasonable, under 5’10’’ as “short” just sounds a little absurd to someone considered “vertically challenged”. To those who have some difficulty reaching the higher shelves of the pantry, to be 5’10’’ would be giant. Those who can boast 5’10’’ are considered to be “tall” according to the national height average inthe United States, as well as in several other countries. Personally, I myself enjoy being “short”, I do not have any particular reason why, I just always have. Height has never really been of much real concern to me, I am what I am. Even though there are some negatives to being “short”, it is not really so bad, and since when does height really matter anyway? However, there are plenty of positives to go along with the negatives. Who would not want to be able to navigate the busy halls between bells more quickly because they have somewhat of an easier time weaving in and out of the taller people? “I like being short, it’s easier to get through crowds and to sneak up on people. I can act like an idiot in public, and people will attribute it to my ‘youthful immaturity’. I have less surface area to wash in the shower. I can be in and out of there in five minutes,” said Fallahi, “And I can use people to get things for me that I can’t reach.” Though some of the nicknames and the jokes can be hurtful, I, as well as other people deemed “short”, have learned to either ignore them, or even to make up our own. After all, it is better to laugh at yourself before anyone else can.

image by molly johnson

IT IS NEVER much fun to have something pointed out about you that you already knew. Height is no different; if one is short, there is no need to be constantly reminded. There is nothing wrong with being short, but the comments are not always about being “so cute”.

Average height of men, women around world Australia

Canada

America

China

Japan

Men

5’8.2’’

5’8.5’’

5’9.2’’

5’4.8’’

5’7.8’’

5’8.9’’

Women

5’4.2’’

5’3.4’’

5’3.77’’

5’

5’2.6’’

5’3.5’’

United Kingdom

Some advantages, disadvantages of being short • For girls: it is easier to find a taller boy • For guys: girls think you are cute because you are short • Less distance between you and the ground • It is easier to shorten clothes than make them longer • Two words: high heels • Less vulnerable/noticeable in laser tag • Easier to hide (hide and go seek) • You can fit into smaller areas • You have a valid excuse to move in front of people (you cannot see) • It is easier to get through crowds/hallways • Never have to duck when walking under trees/through doors • You can get people to get you things for you

• You may always need to your hem pants • You cannot see over people • You cannot sit in the back of class • People have a tendency to use your head as an armrest • People sometimes feel the need to touch your head or pet you • Harder to reach the higher shelves • Somewhat easier to knock over • People can pick you up and move you with ease • Harder to find people in crowds • Harder for people to find you in a crowd • People often mistake you being younger than you are • Backpacks can be gigantic • Conversations can be literally over your head

fun&games

02.22.08

Multiple names for multiple months February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month MARK RUBEO

staff writer

Sudoku Fun

ROB FRIEDMAN

grid form

6 9

8 4 9

4 2 7 2

3 2

5 9

8 1

Fill in each box so that every row, column, and box has the numbers 1-9. Make sure that there are no repeats!

3 4

9 1

JILL COHEN

Unscramble the letters, then write one in each box to form common words.

IM BENE

OCINARTM

TUSROI

GNAAMTE

kiss me

PEHPWID

text me

What are two birds in love called?

“

you’re cool

Now, take each circled letter and rearrange to answer this question:

6 8 2

J UMBLE

i♥u

a&e chief

fun&games chief

tep aside, Black History Month. There is a new observance in town, and it has something centuries of history cannot possibly top: a mascot you can make pie out of. This month is dedicated to celebration of the fabulous strawberries of Florida (as opposed to the regular strawberries of Florida). The origins of this dedication are a mystery to all but the most zealous of Google-searchers, but it matters not; this month is for the strawberries. However, if the little bite sized delicacies are not your thing, there are other equally important observances taking place this February. Everyone knows about National Get to Know an Independent Real Estate Banker month, and there’s National Pet Dental Health month for our furry friends out there. If it is another tiny red fruit you want, National Cherry Pie month is for you. It is sweet potato month as well, and, of course, it’s our civic duty to observe Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month. And who could forget that February is National Laugh-Friendly month? February is not alone in the fun. January was National Mail Order Gardening month, and March is National Cheerleading Safety Month, among other celebrations. March is both Emotional Overreacting Month and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Month. May is National Correct Posture Month (so be sure to stand up straight), and June is Potty Training Awareness month. July is dedicated to both the sandwich generation and the bikini, while August is Happiness Happens Month. September counters August’s happiness with Subliminal Communication month and Shameless Promotion month. In October you are encouraged to “Go Hog Wild – Eat Country Ham.” November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month. Lastly, December is Bingo’s Birthday Month, as well as National Tie Month.

” (answers available on goaves.org)

Some riddles to tickle your mind. . . GABIROSE KEETON business manager

If you have it, you want to share it. If you share it, you don’t have it. What is it?

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What are they?

What has to be broken before it can be used? - An egg!

How many bricks does it take What can you catch but not throw? to complete a building made of - A cold! brick? - Only one, the last one! David’s father has three sons: Snap, Crackle, and ? How much dirt is in a hole four

- A secret!

What goes up and never comes down?

- Footsteps!

- David

- Your age!

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

What goes around the world yet stays in a corner? - A postage stamp on an envelope!

feet deep and two feet wide? - There is no dirt in a hole!

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

02.22.08

diversity

Investigating milk allergy, intolerance ROBERT JUNGERWIRTH

diversity chief

veryone has caught wind of someone being allergic to milk, or being lactose intolerant. However, few actually understand the reality and biological aspects of the condition save those who have had firsthand experience with it. “There are 61 students here with all different types of food allergies, six of whom have milkrelated allergies,” said Ms. Susan Murphy, R.N. “One reason that there has not been a severe allergic reaction to milk at school is that those students are aware of and manage the risks themselves.”

Differences

Many people confuse the terms milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and milk protein intolerance. In fact, they are different in their cause, the systems of the body they affect, and more. “One way to tell the difference between someone who has a milk protein allergy and someone who has a lactose intolerance is that people who have lactose intolerance can eat yogurt because the lactose is broken up in yogurt,” said Samy Sekar, 12. The intolerance, as opposed to the allergy, does not affect or involve the immune system. It, however, typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or bloating. Moreover, lactose intolerance is different from milk protein intolerance because it is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose (the predominant sugar in milk). The milk protein allergy causes the body to attack the milk protein itself. The immune system responds to incorrect signals which identify the milk protein as hazardous, and attempts to fight it. In addition, milk protein intolerance is a response caused by another antibody, and it is not able to be found using allergy blood tests. Even though milk allergies occur most often in infants and youths, it can affect people at any age.

“You can eat something for years and all of a sudden have an allergic reaction to it,” said Ms. Murphy.

Symptoms

In response to consuming any type of milk, there can be various symptoms caused by the milk allergen. Although there are many reactions, not everyone with the allergy responds in the same way or with the exact same symptoms. There are generally three main areas in which a person with such a milk allergy can react: gastrointestinal, dermatological, and respiratory. Some of common gastrointestinal effects of a reaction to the consumption of milk are vomiting, constipation, and bloody diarrhea. Moreover, different types of rashes can begin to appear on the skin. Some of the different varieties of dermatological effects include atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria (hives). The respiratory effects of reactions can include wheezing and, in acute responses, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction caused by chemicals which cause the constriction of airways (which could lead to respiratory arrest), shock, low blood pressure, and more. Immediate treatment is required, such as the administration of epinephrine.

Dangers

Many students are not aware of the dangers that having a severe milk allergy presents. For instance, if a severely allergic person sat at a lunch table after someone that just ate something with cheese and even touched it, they could go into anaphylaxis and die without the correct medication. People with such an allergy need to be vigilant in ensuring that they do not come into contact with milk products at lunch, at restaurants, and everywhere they go.

common sites for symptoms of an allergic reaction to milk respiratory

wheezing, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis

dermatological atopic eczema (inflammation of the skin), urticaria (hives, raised skin welts)

gastrointestinal

vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea

feature

Winter dance monopolizes students

Party on Park Place Avenue

02.22.08

HIGHLIGHTS this month in feature

ELIZABETH HOOPES & RASHMI BORAH staff writer

diversity chief

Study abroad in high school

page 394 Bodies THE WINTER FORMAL dance, held on January 26th, 2008, one of the four major formal events that the high school holds, is noted for its “Sadie Hawkins” style of invitation. Below: This year, the dance was themed off of the popular board game Monopoly, and the decorations were reminiscent of the pieces, locations and effects the game presents. Left: Peter Dobler, 12 and his date Becca Tsevat, 12 pause for the camera while dancing. Right: dancing was the primary activity that took place during the dance; by the end of the night almost everyone had danced at least once, to fast and slow songs. The center dance floor was where students packed to dance to songs from various genres, including country, rock, and rap, intermingled with slow songs. Regardless of how one spent his or her evening at the Winter formal, there was a general positive feeling after the dance ended, and many were sad to leave.

summon worldwide curiosity, controversy

page 989

the

ART

of being

You Said It...

UNIQUE If you were caught in a food fight,

what would be your weapon of choice? LEAH BURGIN & DAPHNE HSU staff writer

7599 Kenwood Rd (across from Kenwood Towne Center) 513.891.2020

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“I’d probably use ketchup because it’s in a bottle and fun to squirt.” - Christina Bell, 11 I would throw an apple because it’s easy to throw.” - Soo-Young Yoon, 12 “I would use chili because it splatters all over the place.” - Brian Boyle, 9 “I’m thinking chocolate syrup or whipped cream because you can just spray it and people can eat it.” - Sukhada Kulkarni, 10 “Probably ice cream because it’s mushy and sticky.” - Lindsey Rothe, 9

“Mustard because it stains.” - Alex Schatz, 10 “A tray so I wouldn’t get hit by food – I’d be more on the defensive in a food fight.” - Aaron Fried, 12 “Mashed potatoes or sour cream because they splatter.” - Bryan Bader, 11 “I would say pizza or spaghetti sauce because messier is better.” - Christina Noland, 12

“Stapler because it’s versatile, colorful, and unexpected in a food fight.” - Evan Lind, 11

“Apple sauce for maximum splattering potential.” - Caroline Pineo, 9

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feature

2.22.08

Dents in wallets cause misery

Soaring gas prices drive students insane JACK WANG

staff writer

etroleum oil is an essential part of daily life; it is what gets us moving, literally. With the prices creeping up to $3.00 a gallon, it poses tremendous threat to students’ wallets. Furthermore, college is coming in sight for seniors and everyone wants to know: is there an end to the climb of the oil prices? “I don’t like getting gas anyways. It’s such an inconvenience. When the prices are always rising, it just aggravates me even more,” said Allie Coleman, 12. Even with the unstoppable rise in gas prices, Americans everywhere still continue to purchase it. According to several economists, high gas prices do not have a significant effect on Americans’ driving habits. Gas is simply necessary, regardless of price. “In a way, rising gas prices are a good thing. They’re forcing us to confront our own consumption habits,” said Sanjay Choudhury, 12. Austan Goolsbee, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, states that in order to see a major transformation on the consumption of gas, prices need to ascend above five dollars and

maintain this price for five years. A new law increased the legal driving age to 16 years and six months in Ohio. This means that these drivers have to pay for gas and college soon, which further stresses the effect of this oil bill. There are 1,027 upperclassmen in this school, and a majority of these students drive. In order to pay for the expense of gas, some plea for parents to help while others work to make ends meet. “I am really annoyed with the rising gas prices. I fill up so much that it has put a significant dent in my wallet,” said Stephanie Post, 11. No one knows what the future holds; even the wisest oil all images by jack wang speculators cannot foretell the oil market. However, students can AS THE GRAPH shows, oil prices in the Southeast region are much lower than those in the Northwest. Ohio falls in the prepare for the worst and take middle range with costs averaging around $2.86 to $2.97. Even though the expense is not as high as in other areas in a lesson in conservation, save the country, such as California, fuel around $3.00 a gallon is still pretty hefty for students. money or gas.

2008: uncommon year

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Leap year adds extra day GABIROSE KEETON business manager

Most students recognize February as the shortest month in the calendar – with only 28 days; however, 2008, being no ordinary year, “bestows” February with an extra day. This phenomenon is known as a leap year. “When the Romans wanted to switch from the Julian calendar, they calculated incorrectly,” said Vlad Podolsky, 11. “Therefore, there is one more day every four years to balance with the earth’s rotation around the sun.”. The solar year, which is the length of time it takes the earth to complete its orbit about the sun, is about 365 ¼ days. This means that the standard calendar, without the leap year is off by about eleven minutes and fourteen

seconds. Although this may not seem like much now, the addition of this time lapse over many years was significant. For that reason, scientists and astronomers found it necessary to counterbalance this natural change by inserting an extra day at the end of February every four years. “I know that leap years happen every four years, but I think there are also some other requirements,” said Laurie Taragano, 12. The rules for determining a leap year are as follows: most years that are evenly divisible by four are leap years, but the exception is that century years are not leap years unless they are evenly divisible by 400.

The estimated probability of being born on a leap day is one in one thousand five hundred. But for those individuals born on a leap day, the most common decision is to celebrate the birthday on February 28 or on March 1 of a common year. “I think leap years are exciting,” said Jenna Samuels, 11. “I mean February is already a short month so it’s nice that it gets an extra day, but I do feel bad for the people born on February 29.” With 2008 being a leap year, students will not only be dating their papers when it is February 28, but when it is February 29 as well. And for the suspicious individuals out there, we still go to school for the same 180 days, not 181.

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feature

2.22.08

Making most of midwest in March CASEY MANNING

a&e chief

CHICAGO 250.5 miles

The Windy City is a midwest road trip mecca. From concert venues to worldclass shopping in its various trendy neighborhoods to amazing dining options and theatre performances, Chicago really offers something for everyone. Even if road trip buddies are not exactly up for the same thing, everyone can find something to do in the midwest’s cultural center.

Stuck in Ohio for spring break? No fear, for without a plane ticket, one can still find adventure with a tank of gas (or two) and a few friends stuck in the same sun-and-sand-less situation.

INDY

EASTON 102.61 miles

Until the end of 2008, Easton, an indoor/outdoor mall, holds the only Nordstrom’s departpent store in Ohio. And to fashion addicts, that is a big deal. Known for its exectional customer service, if one needs personal attention when shopping for the perfect shoes/jeans/ dress etc., this is the place to go.

123.65 miles In Indianapolis, it is easy to get in touch with one’s inner child with it’s world famous Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Fun for all ages, the museum has time and time again been regarded as one of the best interactive museums around. If romping around gets tiring, downtown Indianapolis offers a lot of different dining and shopping options.

New cell phone phenomenon

LOUISVILLE

PITTSBURGH

When most Cincinnatians think of Kentucky, Newport is the only really city that comes to mind. Those tired of the aquarium would benefit from a further drive down south to Louisville, where sports fans will revel in the endless supply of sports-themed museums including the Louisville Slugger bat museum and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Though the longest of these featured road trip destinations, for art fanatics, it is worth it. Home to the Andy Warhol Museum (and the birthplace of the aforementioned artist), Pittsburgh is rising from the ashes to become a second star city in the midwest. The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist is the world, and definitely a road trip spot worth visiting.

117.98 miles

273.83 miles

Drunk driving hurts proves dangerous

Texting behind wheel takes focus from road SAM GRUBBS

O staff writer

ne of the most dangerous distractions on the road these days are cell phones. It seems as if everybody always has their cell phone with them, whether it is in school, at the mall or in the car. While cell phones are a good idea to keep in the car just in case of emergencies, they can also suddenly become lethal weapons if they distract the driver. Such a distraction can often lead to fatal car accidents.

Everybody is doing it

How many times have drivers looked over their shoulder and seen someone texting, e-mailing, or keying in messages into cell phones, PDAs and BlackBerrys? Those texting drivers are indulging in a very high risk, and are not only putting themselves in danger, but everyone else on the road as well. In April 2006, a study found that 80 percent of crashes, and 65 percent of near death accidents are all results from distractions while driving. And according to the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and Students Against Destructive Decisions, (SADD), the number one distraction while driving for teens, is texting. “It’s hard not to look at my phone when it rings in the car; whether it is a text or a phone call,” said Jessica Brown, 11.

More than one on road KAREN BUENAVIDES staff writer

Texting is not talking

Although many states already have laws against cell phone use while behind the wheel, the laws do not address texting. And because this is an ever approaching problem, some states are putting a stop to texting behind the wheel. “I think more states should try and make laws to prevent people from texting while driving,” said Elliott Dirr, 10. “Texting while driving is a really bad habit.”

One state’s new law

Washington is the first state to create a law banning the practice of text messaging while operating a motor vehicle (enforced by Governor Christine Gregoire). New Jersey is now considering similar registration. The only problem with the law Washington is enforcing is that it only applies to those individuals who have already committed a traffic offense, and once the individual has been caught, there is only a fine of $101. “I don’t think too many people will take it serious, because the consequences aren’t that serious, and it would be hard to catch people doing it,” said Katie Tobin, 11.

What is left to do

Although this law is not exactly the answer, it will hopefully help decrease the number of car accidents resulting from the use of cell phones to text while driving. In the meantime, individuals can begin to teach others about the real danger of texting behind the wheel.

Drunk driving kills at least 25,000 mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents and loved ones each year. It has been proven that driving under the influence is by far the most encountered offense in Cincinnati. “My brother was killed by a drunk driver,” said an anonymous source. “The driver is now serving time for murder. He said it was an accident and that he was sorry, but even if it was an accident I’ll never see my brother again.” Alcohol related crashes kill someone every 30 seconds. In previous years, 1.4 million arrests have been made due to drivers driving under the influence; however, in recent years the percentage of deaths has decreased. “I now more and more students drink now a days but a lot of my friends are not that stupid to drink and drive or even get into a car with a drunk driver,” said Kaori Matsui, 10, “I’m against drinking and don’t hang out with people who drink so I really don’t have to worry about that. My friends have been affected by drunk driving and I see how much that one decision changed their life. I know I will never be that dumb.” One person’s decision to drink can change the lives of many. Driving while under the influence is against the law, and if pulled over, fines or even

jail time can be applied and enforced. In Cincinnati, it is unlawful for anyone to have a blood alcohol content of .08 or more in his/her blood to operate a vehicle. DUI conviction in Ohio and Kentucky is a serious criminal offense. Ohio penalties for DUI’s can include large fines, lengthy probation, mandatory alcohol treatment, license suspension, and even jail time. This action also will affect the cost of insurance for several years. “Drinking is dumb but drinking and driving is one of the worst things you can do because it can affect someone else who had nothing to do with your decision,” said Katie Reed, 10. Each year in the United States, alcohol related crashes have cost the country five billion dollars. By Presidential Proclamation, December is National Drunk and Drugged Prevention Month and it was created because of the number of deaths caused by drinking and driving. Statistics have proven that DUI arrests lessen during the winter season because of the snow. People are more likely to stay away from the roads due to ice and heavy traffic; however, when driving in any weather situation, it is important to always pay attention to the other cars on the road.

feature 2.22.08

Looking forward Poetrycorner

17 Seniors ponder differences between high school, college

KIM BERNIE

Haven for student expression MOLLY JOHNSON staff writer

Heartbeat As majestic as a tender smile that wavers and warm like deep laugh lines you write me love letters filled with words of thunder quaking through my bones, something in me pines. As sweet as the gentleness of a bending blade of grass, and tasting like dew on a flower, I kiss you with my mouth fully open breathing into you, I wonder if you feel my tongue’s power. As sure as the waves that constantly change and the moonbeams that bend in the night we’ll love as fast and as hard as a heartbeat hammering in our chests, fluttering into flight.

- Jing Xing, 10

Shrouded Skies As colder air sweeps through the land, the sun, it seems, the clouds have banned, a futile effort is asking why. The trees let out a dying cry for they have yet to see the sky. As lonely as I was before, my bright companion is nothing more than invisible light I cannot see. Its work made worthless by the sea of grayness hovering over me. Continuous does the blanket seem. Existent still is the radiant gleam? What proves the bright sun’s presence still, sitting high upon the magnificent hill? What pleasures would the sun instill. Grayness now does lead to black, not blue, the hue the sky does lack. Horizon comes and calls to my deep longing for a brighter light. Forever I’ll hope to see the sky.

-Terence Southard, 11

staff writer

econd semester is finally underway. This means that students in the 2008 class are finally able to catch a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. College is just around the corner, and students are starting to wonder: what is next? Some may claim that their four years in high school never seemed to end. However, many students reminisce and say that it seems like just yesterday that they were a freshman walking into the commons trying to find someone to eat lunch with. Either way, college is the next step for many. There will be a lot more expected out of students, and excuses will no longer be accepted. Nonetheless, many are looking forward to meeting new people, going to parties, and living on their own. Along with all of this freedom comes much responsibility. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and getting away from here,” said Joe Lecroix, 12. Of course a majority of seniors have spent countless hours hitting the books. Many students have had their fair share of AP classes and exams, but are they prepared for the workload that college is going to bring? It is well-known that college requires far more studying than high school. Many college students stay up at all night just trying to get through material. It seems that many

feel that their years at the high school have helped prepare them as much as possible for the many challenges ahead. “I think college can be prepared for in high school only to a certain extent. A big part of college is being self disciplined - something you must learn on your own,” said Michael Gelfand, 12. Deciding on a college is enough pressure as it is. But now, students seem to be overwhelmed by the thought of actually having to choose a major. Though this decision is important, many incoming freshmen plan to test the waters and go in as undecided. “I am going into school as undecided, but I’m not really too worried. Lots of people don’t know yet, and I have plenty of time to decide,” said Kelly Cassidy, 12. Ready or not, college is approaching, and quickly. Soon enough everyone will be going their separate ways, and high school will become a memory. Friends that have been together for so many years will be parting, some even going to all different parts of the country. All the seniors can do now is finish strong, enjoy high school as much as possible, and look forward to what is ahead. Second semester will eventually come to an abrupt end. One chapter in each person’s life will come to a close, while a new one will soon be written to take its place.

‘Bring on spring’

Student body eager for warmer weather JAKE NEWTON

staff writer

Not only does spring bring warm weather and occasional rain, it also brings the end of winter. This year, winter’s stereotypical snowman weather has, aside from a solitary snow day, been a letdown. The last few months have been marked with more warm to mild days than nippy, frigid days. “Although we have had some spring-like weather, I am looking forward to some consistent warmer temperatures,” said Bryan Summerlin, 10. According to a large majority of students, not only do bad weather patterns affect mood, they also affect academic performance. “Bad weather always gets me depressed, and I would rather not worsen my mood by doing homework... so I just don’t do it,” said Neha Tandon, 10. Students sometimes look at spring as the ideal season for school. They claim that the workload is at a low and that stress is very minimal.

“Spring is, by far, the best part of school. Things aren’t necessarily winding down, but the amount of stress and work is either becoming somewhat a natural part of your night or slowly decreasing,” said John Stucker, 11. Athletics also contribute to students’ feelings about the changing of the seasons. Sports are sometimes a lifesaver to students who participate in them. Teams can make students, who are usually bored out of their minds, feel like they have a purpose as part of the team and give them something to look forward to. “The changing from winter to spring means the changing of skiing to baseball for me,” said Summerlin. But in the end, some students just appreciate the fact that they will be able to take off their thick, heavy jackets at last. “It’s too cold sometimes. Bring on spring,” said Danielle Flemming, 10.

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Dine In or Carry Out The Shops at Harper’s Point 11296 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45249

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#891-7701 Hello Sycamore students! Ringo Lanes is calling. We’re still here offering the lowest prices in town. SATURDAY A.M. LEAGUE still has openings, 9:30 a.m.

feature

02.22.08

Student takes education to international level

Alexander Muss Program deemed eye-opening experience NOA BELILLTI

O staff writer

verlooking the luminous view of the old city of Jerusalem, deep sighs and clicks of cameras were heard among the Alexander Muss Program’s students, as each took in the beauty of the city’s skyline. “Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” said Evan Gildenblatt, 11. Studying ancient artifacts by digging and climbing up the mountains of Massada, learning military history of the Yom Kippur War atop an abandoned army tank, and going out for a night on the town in Tel-Aviv are just some of the once-in-a lifetime opportunities these lucky students experienced. The Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education is designed to give students the opportunity to better understand the history and fundamentals of Judaism and Israel, to become a comfortable and experienced traveler, and to provide an open-minded learning environment for high school students of all backgrounds, worldwide. Students learn for eight weeks, equivalent to one quarter’s credit of their native high school. Students live in dorms on the campus of Bait Sefer Mosenson, an Israeli boarding school in Hod Hasharon, 45 minutes north of Tel-Aviv. Upon arrival, the students were assigned room numbers and roommates, attended a short orientation for the program, and returned to their rooms to unpack. The 31 students met with two madrichim, or counselors, who helped them with their studies and planned events for the students to do in their free time. “After a field trip to northern Israel, my madricha told us that her sister was working with a theater company of blind and deaf actors and that she could get us into one of there shows. Its the only one in the world of its kind. We were laughing, we were crying, it was amazing,“ said Gildenblatt. Although mainly American students apply, this program is open to any high school student interested in traveling and studying in Israel. For more information, visit the Alexander Muss web site at www.amiie.org, or talk to students who have been involved in the program, including Tammy Winkler, 11, Baylee Waterman, 11, and Allison Kahn, 11.

A Day in the Life of an Alexander Muss Student

NOAH RUDIN, 11, Sam Platt, 11, and Evan Gildenblatt, 11, (Top) take a break for lunch on the Arbel Cliff. (Bottom) Gildenblatt bowls with his dormmates in an alley in He’ertzliya Pituach.

7 a.m. Wake up/breakfast 8 a.m. Main class begins 7-12 Travel to Destination 1 p.m. Onsite lesson 4 p.m. Free time 7 p.m. Back to the dorms

Q&A

with Evan Gildenblatt

Q. How was your classroom

experience in Israel different than your classroom experience at Sycamore?

A. Half of our schooling was done out-

doors, out side the school or around Israel. It was tough to come home to regular classrooms. One day we had class on top of a war tank as we studied to Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Q. How do you think this experience prepared you for the future? A. We learned about issues from so many different perspectives. We

were constantly motivated to approach topics with an open mind. I think it was with this that I gained a more independent way of thinking and am better prepared for the future.

Q. To whom would you recommend this program? A. I would recommend it to anyone regardless of their religion, background, or what type of learner they are. This experience just gives you a new outlook on life.

Q. How did you like having a roommate? A. When you have a roommate, there are ups and downs, but overall it’s just another learning experience. At times it was annoying really...especially when your roommate snores like a wild herd of elephants.

Q. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from this experiance? A. The most important thing would have to be the virtue of hope. Among a plethora of

other things, this experience teaches the history of a people who have been persecuted for thousands of years, yet still remain strong today beacuse of their hope .

all photo courtesy of evan gildenblatt

feature

02.22.08

Shopaholic community Teenagers struggle with rising prices $ $

MANDI KIPNER

staff writer

et us face it: teenagers are out of place, we are not in the real world yet, balancing a job and a family. Yet we pretend

$ $

“ “ I usually spend about 45 dollars every 2 weeks on gas, which is used just by driving to school and work. - Katherine Farnham, 11

The money that I could be using to buy things that I want to buy is now used to purchase gas instead. It makes me furious.

WHEN CONSIDERING CUTTING down on how much money one uses, it is important to remember that money does not grow on trees. Although money is both a luxury and a necessity, there are ways to reduce spending. Remember, things are not always as they appear.

- Sara SadatHossieny, 12

Clothes

Try to stick to things that are season friendly, so one does not need to spend money on unnecessary things. If one cannot resist the mall, go straight to the sales. Or one could go to an outlet store which has most of the stores that the mall has.

Gas Fill one’s tank up all the way, so one does not have to keep going back for more.

we are. Because ages our age vary from 15 to 18, there are not a lot of job opportunities. Some work at local fast food and others work at fancy restaurants and clothing stores. Either way, paychecks do not consist of very much. And while we struggle with never ending jobs, the real world does not make things any easier. Teenagers have a lot to balance: jobs, school, and gas prices, all of which are very expensive. With gas up to $3 and clothing stores and movie theatres constantly raising their prices, money can be an issue. It is hard to believe that gas prices used to be only a dollar per gallon and even lower in the past. Because prices for gas are so expensive now and the demand for oil has increased as well, it has become more difficult for teens to pay for gas. According to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, gas prices have risen 34 cents a gallon in a little under a month. This means that gas prices rose 0.1 cents over night with the national average at $3.101 a gallon.

Gas was not always as expensive as it is now; just a year ago, gas was only $2 a gallon and now the national average is $3.10 per gallon. Clothes are not only a necessity but a luxury as well. Shoppers spend an average of $25.00-30.00 on tops and $35.00-$40.00 on bottoms, according to a survey taken from a random survey of 15 students. Subtract the price out of one paycheck, and one may not have much left to spend. Do not be fooled by the ‘fake’ sales, because although something could have an appealing percentage off that really could only mean a few dollars. College is an extremely important step to take toward the future. College helps mold students for the career they desire and into the person they want to be. College can also be very expensive. According to U.S. News and World Report the average cost for a college tuition including, dorms, meals, books and transportation is $11,900. This is 4.1% greater than last year. There is also the price of books, dorms, a new laptop, and food to consider. Money to most people is considered the necessity of life. And as sad as it may seem, this statement is very true.

Go to stores that have the same styles as the mall but with a better price some may be Dilliard’s, Kohls, and or Macy’s

Entertainment

When going to the movies, bring a student identification card; cinemas usually give discounts to students. Order tickets ahead of time on movietickets.com so one does not end up spending too much in only one night.

Do some research; find a gas station that has the cheapest prices. If one knows people that are going to the same place carpooling is an option. This way one can share the price of gas and cut down. As a last resort, one could always use public transportation.

College

Student loans are always an option and with a parent/guardian co-sign one can get a better rate. Fastweb.com is a website with scholarships that one could receive.

Saving

Put money in the bank and only withdraw a certain amount. Decide the most important things to spend money on; for most this is gas, clothes and entertainment.

feature

02.22.08

The Exhibition

Controversy builds over how bodies were obtained

KATE MOORE & ALEXA FOGLER & JARED KAMRASS & JAKE NEWTON & KAVYA REDDY managing editor associate editor

The controversy surrounding BODIES...The Exhibition has drawn additional attention to this already unique display. Tickets for the exhibit are $15 for members and $23 for non-members. BODIES Plus includes the exhibit and the Omnimax film The Human Body; tickets are $20.25 for members and $26.50 for non-members.

Experience a day in the life of...the body. This engaging film follows the functions of the human body from the moment our eyes open in the morning until we finally drift off to sleep hours later. The Human Body follows two adults, their teenage nephew, and their young niece over the course of an entire day. By examining the minute details of our systems, the audience learns about the body in an entirely new way. Highlights include the 100-mile journey of a red blood cell, the genetic fusion of DNA, and the 250 mile-per-hour impulse of a brain cell.

EXHIBIT TRIVIA There are approximately 50 dissected bodies and 200 additional organs and specimens in the Exhibition It takes one year to dissect and preserve a body The earliest specimens were prepared in the late 1970s and are still used in medical schools around the world.

sports editor

staff writer

calendar chief

fter spending almost six months at Easton in Columbus, the divisive Bodies exhibit packed up and travelled the 100 miles down I-71 to come to Cincinnati. Despite the short nature of the trip, the exhibit has come under fire in this area that it had not seen in any other city it had previously visited. The first spark came from Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk when he banned the vast number of Church-affiliated schools from taking field trips to the renowned display. Pilarczk’s objections stem from his questioning the ethics of the exhibit as the bodies on display did not give consent prior to their deaths. The exhibit contains 20 whole specimens in various poses to demonstrate the significance of the circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, nervous, digestive and other systems in the body. The display also utilizes parts of over 50 other bodies to enhance the whole specimens. “It’s the age old question of what’s more important: religion or science,” said Josef Majchzak, 12. Local leaders, both religious and political, have come out either in support or against the exhibit. Local media outlets have been covering the debate extensively, especially as the February 1 opening date rapidly approached. Those in favor of the exhibit argue that the opportunity to view the human body in a way other than cartoon like diagrams and unrealistic representations. This exposure to actual organs and body parts is the first available to the general public in history. Doctors and other medical personnel claim that the possible benefit from this exhibit is limitless. By giving the public the opportunity to view what their body looks like, they will gain a greater understanding of their own body and increase health and fitness awareness. “I think a lot can be learned by viewing the body from this perspective. It’s different, and I think it’s important for people to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Anupreet Lekhi, 11. Despite the controversy, the display opened February 1 with very little public outcry. Although there were a few scattered picketers around Union Terminal, there was little to prevent prospective museum-goers from seeing the exhibit. Thanks to the existence of many Bodies exhibits at different venues around the country, the duration of the exhibit’s stay in Cincinnati will not be short. The display is scheduled to stay until September 1. “The Bodies Exhibit is an incredible opportunity to educate yourself about your own body and health. I found it fascinating and am looking forward to going again,” said Mrs. Laura Miniard, AP Psychology teacher.

After seeing this unique Omnimax film, viewers will no longer take certain functions for granted. So many internal processes occur without our awareness, but this story examines the complexity of these processes in great detail. The Omnimax Theater underwent a renovation in the fall of 2006. It now boasts a new dome screen, projector lens, and a more powerful digital sound system. When BODIES...The Exhibition and The Human Body are paired together, a fabulous opportunity is created. This artistic exhibition merges with science to create the intellectual experience of a lifetime.

If you go...

image by alexa fogler

Now showing Mon-Ths

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 p.m.

Friday

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 p.m.

Sunday

11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 p.m.

EXHIBIT HOURS Entry times are on the quarter hour; last time listed is the last time to enter the exhibit

Where:

Mon-Ths

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

When:

Friday & Saturday

10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal February 1- September 1, 2008

Website:

cincymuseum.org

feature 02.22.08

Heath Ledger dies: America cries MARISSA GUNNARSSON & DAVID DANNENBERG & LIBBY HENNING & MARIA MARBALLI BEN DHIMAN mini-mag editor opinion chief feature chief staff writer & staff writer

ohn Belushi. Jimi Hendrix. Chris Farley. Jim Morrison. And now, Heath Ledger. With his untimely death on January 22, 2008, Ledger joined an unfortunately long list of young stars who died of accidental drug overdoses. Perhaps best known for his roles in The Patriot, Brokeback Mountain (for which he received an Oscar nomination), and 10 Things I Hate About You, Ledger was often regarded as an excellent character actor who could be relied on to enhance the production of any movie through his excellent delivery and personification. What makes Ledger’s death headline news, besides his celebrity status, is the suddenness with which it occurred. As far as the public knew, Ledger had very few, if any, risk factors. Unlike some celebrities, he was a law abiding resident who had little to no history of prior illegal drug use.

21 LIFE of LEDGER

Heath Ledger’s career has been short-lived, but memorable. Here is a small tribute to his major cinematic accomplishes

1999

10 Things I Hate About You also in 1999: Two Hands

Loss of legend, Ledger

On January 22, Ledger was found unconscious in his SoHo apartment at around 2:45 p.m. by a masseuse with whom he was scheduled to have an appointment. After failing to wake Ledger, the masseuse dialed 911, and an emergency medical team arrived in short order. However, they were unable to revive him, and Ledger was pronounced dead at the scene at about 3:30 p.m. The first autopsy on Ledger’s body on January 23 was inconclusive; a second autopsy performed on February 6 was required to determine the cause of death, which was “the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.” The second autopsy findings confirmed that Ledger’s death was an accident, “resulting from the abuse of prescription medications.” The autopsy further concluded the tragic nature of Ledger’s untimely departure, who evidently fell victim to the very medications he was prescribed to treat his depression and insomnia.

Lifetime of success

Ledger first hit the scene in 1999 in the teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. His critically acclaimed performance--not to mention his good looks and irresistable charm--landed him future roles in such films as The Patriot and A Knight’s Tale. It was in 2005 that Ledger reached the apex of his success in the Academy Award winning romantic drama Brokeback Mountain, for which Ledger was nominated for an Academy Award (Best Actor). At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished filming The Dark Knight, an upcoming Batman movie set to be released in 2008. Ledger’s role is that of the villain, The Joker. Ledger’s death will affect the marketing campaign for the film, but should not affect the film itself. Ledger was also working on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, a Terry Gilliam film originally slated for release in 2009. The film has had its production halted in the wake of Ledger’s death, as he had not yet finished filming. Gilliam has said he is determined to “salvage” the production of the film, possibly by using computer-generated imagery to alter Ledger’s character’s appearance.

Aftermath of truly tragic death

all images by marissa gunnarsson

HEATH LEDGER, THE Australian actor nominated for an Academy Award in 2005 passed away on January 22 at his apartment in New York City. The coroner’s office confirmed that his death was the result of an accidental prescription drug overdose. Millions of people around the world mourned his passing.

2000

A Knight’s Tale

2001

Ned Kelly

2003

also in 2001: Monster’s Ball

also in 2003: The Order

Brokeback Mountain

Candy

2006

I’m Not There

2007

users, abusers’ lives end in tragic overdoses

Marilyn Monroe:

A renowned actress, model, and American sex symbol, Monroe died of barbiturate poisoning at the age of 36 from a sleeping pill overdose. To this day, no one knows whether her death was suicide or homicide.

1971

Elvis Presley:

The “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” was an American singer and actor. His addiction to prescription drugs led to his death of a heart attack brought on by long-term drug use at the age of 42.

1970

Jimi Hendrix:

Hendrix was a legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist. His experimentation with drugs and alcohol resulted in his death due to asphyxiation by his own vomit at age 27. A Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, this brilliant artist will be missed.

1986 Leonard Bias:

Less than 48 hours after he was selected to play for the Celtics in the NBA draft, Bias died of a cardiac arrhythmia from a cocaine overdose at the age of 22. He was the second draft pick and had a promising career ahead of him.

1982

John Belushi:

2005

also in 2005: Lords of Dogtown, Casanova, The Brother’s Grimm

Few people have any doubts as to the impact that Ledger left on American cinema and pop culture as a whole, and what he could have done had he not passed away unexpectedly. The Australian actor was only 28 when he died, and is survived by his father, Kim, his mother, Sally, his sister, Kate, and his ex-fiancée, actress Michelle Williams, and their daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger.

Famous fatalities: 1962

The Patriot

Belushi was an actor, comedian, and musician. He struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and eventually died at 33 of a drug overdose. He lives on, however, in The Blues Brothers, National Lampoon’s Animal House, and classic SNL re-runs.

1997

Chris Farley:

Farley was a beloved actor and comedian. He appeared in several films and was a cast member on SNL. He struggled with both drug and alcohol abuse, and died at the age of 33 as a result of a drug overdose.

1992

John “Rambo” Kordic:

Kordic was an astounding hockey player who was infamous for his bad temper. He struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and died at the age of 27 due to heart failure during a fight he instigated while on a cocaine binge.

2007

Anna Nicole Smith:

Smith was known for her work as an actress, model, and Playmate status. She died at the age of 39 from an overdose of chloral hydrate and other prescription drugs.

Batman: The Dark Knight

2008

a&e

02.22.08

popular CULTURE One last goodbye Farewell featuring favorite focus SHARON WAGNER feature chief

As a parting gift to the school, this author is ending her career on The Leaf with a column on the subject that she has probably covered most: music. If there is one thing that a student could learn at this high school-- or at any high school-- it is that peoples’ tastes in music are as different as the people themselves. Unfortunately, music has simply become a way to categorize people. Society attempts to respect the fact that everyone is unique, but still does not always acknowledge these differences. Music is just one aspect by which people are discriminated against. The truth is that there is no single definition for “good” or “bad” music. As with all forms of art, these words are completely relative to the accuser, and thus have no meaning. The only way that one could use these words relative to music (or anything, for that matter) is if they can back them up with reasoning. The reasons for “good” or “bad” still may make sense to one person, but not the next. In the end, there really is no “bad” music. No matter how much listening to a particular artist makes one want to rip their face off and eat it, one must respect the fact that someone took the time to create it and attempt to convey their message. No matter how little it means to one individual, it is guaranteed to mean the world to the next person. All that one can do is either listen to it, tolerate it, or avoid it. There is no need to point fingers, nor to convice people that a certain type of music is better, either. This author is a whole-hearted supporter of sharing music with whoever is curious about it, but forcing it on someone only creates unecessary tension and will not work anyway if that person does not like it in the first place. Still, there are people that wish to listen to music only because it is popular. Music gets popular for a reason, but if one does not like what they are hearing, then they do not have to listen. In the end, when we let people be who they want to be and do what they want to do, we tend to find that everyone is much happier. Music is a universal language with the power to deeply affect everyone with a beating heart, but it seems as if it is currently being used to tear people apart. Maybe if we could start ignoring our differences in musical tastes, we could begin to ignore our differences in race, socio-economic status, or any other meaningless points of separation. Maybe that sounds too "imagine" to some, but to true music fans, it makes all the sense in the world.

image by alexa fogler

WITH THIS MUCH talent vying for Academy Awards, Oscar will certainly have his hands full. Above at left is Ellen Page, star of Juno as well as Keira Knightly and James McAvoy of Atonement. Both films are up for Best Picture. Daniel Day-Lewis

is shown next, up for Best Actor for his role in There Will Be Blood, another Best Picture nominee. At far right is Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Bob Dylan in I’m Not There.

‘And the Oscar goes to...’

look ahead:

Predictions for Sunday’s award extravaganza this month in a&e SAM CLEARY

staff writer

t is that time of year again: Oscar season. On February 24, ABC will host the 80th annual Academy Awards Show. Yes, to some these awards are a big deal. Others, like myself, only watch the Oscars because they are the culmination of an entire year of movie watching. Having seen nearly every movie on the list of nominees, some of my personal predictions are as follows:

Best Actor in a Leading Role

The award for Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role is the highest acknowledgement a single person can receive for his or her work in a film. The nominated actors are George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Johnny Depp, Tommy-Lee Jones, and Viggo Mortensen. As difficult as this decision is, I lean toward Depp for his work in Sweeny Todd. However, the performance of Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood was epic and in all likelihood he will be taking home an Oscar as a result.

Best Actress in a Leading Role

As for the actresses (Cate Blanchett, Julie Christie, Marion Cotillard, Laura Linney, and Ellen Page), for awhile one woman seemed to be a shoo-in: Kierra Knightly, for her role in Atonement. However, she is not one of the nominees, though the movie is up for seven other awards including Best Picture. My vote goes to Christie for her part in Away from Her. Though the movie itself

lacked many key ingredients, she played her role to near perfection.

Best Picture

Now comes the big one. Best Picture is the highest level of credit that can ever be given to a film. It is the most coveted prize in the industry and the biggest award of the night. The nominees this year are all exceptional: Atonement, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood. I will start at the top of the list. Atonement was excellent, anything but a typical love story; even as a guy I enjoyed it. But Knightly still needs work, and it was not up to par with its competition. As for Juno, in my opinion, it does not deserve its nomination at all. Michael Clayton, on the other hand, was an excellent film; it was edgy, yet classic. But in all honesty, Clooney’s part was overplayed, and the plot was a bit cliché, reminiscent of Fracture and The Devil’s Advocate. I could not stand here with a straight face and say No Country for Old Men was not one of my favorite movies of the year, but it is no match for the final film, There Will Be Blood. This film is my pick for Best Picture. As for Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Javier Bardem of No Country is an easy guess, while Cate Blanchett will win for her great work in I’m Not There. Tune in to ABC on Sunday at 8 p.m. to find out who will be taking home a gold statue.

MUSICAL RECAP

Theater puts on successful Seussical play (page 23).

MusicNOW Festival

Four day event brings latest in the arts to Cincinnati (page 23).

WORLD MUSIC

Get the latest dish on different music acts from around the globe (page 24).

a&e

02.22.08

For critically-acclaimed cast, crew of Seussical EMILY MONDRO

‘anything’s possible...’

staff writer

LAURA WACKSMAN, 12, (center) starred as Maize, the main bird in the the show. Her two sidekick birds were played by Camille Lesar, 11 (left) and Noa Beliliti, 12 (right). Maize led the two other birds in song and dance as these characters moved around the stage flaunting their brightly feathered plumes.

HORTON, PLAYED BY Justin Hanks, 12 is inspired by The Cat, played by Aimee Morton, 12, to help the Whos despite the townspeople’s disbelief. Hanks and Morton both were lead rolls and nominated by the Cappies program. There were also many other nominations for the cast members.

all photos by jeremy mcdaniel

LINDSAY HILL, 12 (middle) starred as Gertrude, the bird who lived next to Horton, but was considered different because of her unusually small tail feather. During the show Maize tells Gertrude the story of how she got her large lovely tail feathers, so Gertrude decides to try it. Here she is shown singing and dancing with the pride of her newly grown feathers.

ADMIRING HIS CLOVER where his beloved Whos reside is Justin Hanks, 12 as Horton the Elephant. In the play, Horton accidentally loses the clover and spends hours upon hours counting millions of clovers to search for it in an attempt to save the Whos, for whom nobody else cares.

Cincinnati hotspots DAPHNE HSU

staff writer

The most European place in Cincinnati – besides Oktoberfest and maybe the European Café – is the historic district of the Village of Mariemont. Mariemont was founded in 1923 by Mary Emery, a leading philanthropist who, in response to the unsanitary conditions of Cincinnati, decided to use her fortune to build a community that would be a model for other towns. The community was designed by John Nolen, the top town planner in the United States, and 25 other architects. As disciples of an English campaign to balance areas of residence, industry, and agriculture in towns, the product of the efforts resulted in an English-influenced village. The cobblestone sidewalks and a small fountain in the center contribute to this feeling. This ambience is completed with the Mariemont town crier, who dresses up in colonial garb to call villagers to town meetings. The Village of Mariemont is without doubt a fantastic place for taking walks and seeing the sights, but there is more to do inside the buildings than out. Mariemont Theatre is probably the best-known establishment in the village. It is a tiny theater that specializes in foreign and independent movies. Besides seeing a movie, visitors can go shopping at The Villager, which carries everything from Vera Bradley to Willow Tree figurines; Sara Benjamin’s, a boutique; and The Shop Around the Corner, a home décor store. Visitors can also have a gourmet meal at The Quarter Bistro, more casual cuisine at Dilly Deli, and breakfast at The National Exemplar located inside the Mariemont Inn. Not everything in the village is home-grown. Franchises have staked claim in the Mariemont business district. Regardless, the Village of Mariemont is a community everyone should visit, not only to shop and eat-out, but to also enjoy the European-style architecture and charm.

ALISON TEMPLEMAN, 12 played “the smallest Who of all” who reminded the audience that “anything’s possible with imagination”.

MusicNOW Festival

Recently announced line-up brings four days of film, music, art to Cincinnati DAPHNE HSU

staff writer

With its symphony orchestra, ballet, and Aronoff Center that features Broadway Across America, Cincinnati is known for the classical arts. However, the contemporary culture has been growing in areas such as Northside, and culminates with the MusicNOW Festival, a four day event featuring the latest in today’s film, art, and music. Now in its third year, MusicNOW Festival is the artistic creation of Cincinnati-native Bryce Dessner, the guitarist for The National. His vision was to bring together musicians and artists who go beyond categorization and the mainstream to his hometown. “MusicNOW is more than just a music festival. It’s a culmination of some of the most creative and unique musical minds in the world. No music is off the menu,” said Evan Lind, 11. “Maybe my favorite concert ever.”

Bands with a ‘Bang’

On the first night, Wednesday, April 2, festival-goers will view a selection of vintage experimental films from the Anthology Film Archive, a group dedicated to preserving independent and avant-garde films. Festival performers and special guests, including Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire, will musically accompany the films. The artwork of contemporary artists Matthew Ritchie and Bill Morrisson will also grace the first night. The films, the music, and the art will all be featured at the Contemporary Arts Center. On the second night of the festival, classical guitarist Benjamin Verdery and Bill Frisell’s 858 Quartet will perform at Memorial Hall, a historic 600-seater concert hall located next to Music Hall. This is where the remainder of the festival will be held.

Experimental music group Dirty Projectors and the multi-faceted musical organization Bang on a Can will perform on the third night. Glenn Kotche, percussionist for Wilco, and Dessner himself will perform as special guests with Bang on a Can.

Grand finale

“I can’t wait for this year’s festival because two of my favorite artists - Grizzly Bear and Andrew Bird - are performing,” said Negin Fallahi, 11. The main acts - Grizzly Bear, who Dessner describes as one of the “world’s most creative rock bands,” along with multi-instrumentalist and whistling extraordinaire Andrew Bird - will close the festival on Saturday, April 5.

Modest beginnings

MusicNOW Festival has grown and developed since it began in 2006, with line-ups full of variety and littleknown talent. The first festival was held at the Contemporary Arts Center for five nights of contemporary classical music with experimental leanings. The 2007 festival drew larger crowds as it headlined better known performers including the Icelandic quartet Amiina, vocalist Shara Worden’s My Brightest Diamond, and American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. “Last year’s festival was amazing and brought a lot of culture and unique acts to Cincinnati,” said Fallahi. Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now online at www.musicnowfestival.com. Individual night tickets are available for $15; three-day festival passes for the performances at Memorial Hall cost $40.

a&e

World music:

2.22.08

Touring globe, exploring new cultures through foreign songs

TYLER ALBL staff writer

THE BRILLANT GREEN is a band that revolutionized the Pop scene in Japan in the 1990’s. After a six year hiatus, they returned to re-rock the world. A recent Brillant Green fandom has begun to grow in the USA.

veryone knows of groups and musicians like Kanye West and Fall Out Boy, but those at the school with knowledge of foreign stars like Godessa from South Africa and Thanos Petrelis from Greece are few and far apart. International music is a great way to open new doors. Just by listening to songs and melodies from other countries, one can learn about their culture and sometimes find surprising new interests. “It’s very interesting to hear music from different cultures. I like it,” said Laura Cameron, 10.

Breaking language barriers Language barriers are a huge turnoff for people, especially when it comes to music. It is hard listening to something in Chinese without any idea of what the lyrics mean. There are hundreds of languages in the world, and some of the fun in international music is focusing on the accents and ways they speak. Not understanding the words is an amplifier for appreciating the effects and instruments used, as well as the unique voices that come from around the planet. If one is really bent on English-only, many countries, especially in Europe, have bands that sing fluently. There are even some artists like Nelly Furtado and Feist who have made several albums exclusively in other countries or languages.

Genre on the rise: Bhangra

On the rise in the U.S. is the Indian dance genre, Bhangra. Bhangra started off as music used at festivals in the Punjab region of India. It was originally noticed way back in the 1970’s when singers like Kuldip Manak and Amar Singh Chamkila created a short-lived interna-

tional phenomena. Through the next 30 years, Bhangra leaked into countries like England and fused with other genres, the latest being electronic music. DJs everywhere have taken the folksy traditional style of Bhangra and, by mixing it with rhythms of other genres, mor-

Genre searching Apart from the larger countries, most areas of the world specialize in different genres of music. Relatively close to the U.S. countries like Senegal, Mexico, and Jamaica are seen. Mexico has a vast network of electronic and alternative artists. Yet it also has spawned its own modern music genre, called Nortec. Nortec is a conglomerate of traditional Mexican instruments with synth and heavy bass beats, most popular in Tijuana. Yet it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to genres unique to areas of the world. Across the Pacific Ocean are the Eastern Asian countries. In China, Korea, and Japan unique vocals and soundtracks make far-eastern music appealing and fun. Artists like BoA, Utada Hikaru, and Faye Wong can be easily compared to some of the USA’s greatest superstar singers.

Where to find music The average music store usually has a limited supply of albums. FYE in the Kenwood Town Center supplies several international artists through their soundtrack and world section, but there are no stores specializing in music imports in our immediate area. One’s best bet is the internet. Amazon.com and MP3 Fiesta have extensive collections of albums and downloads. Even iTunes has a wealth of foreign music, best accessed by going to that country’s own iTunes homepage. There are different collections for every language, and it is easy to find something for each individual taste.

phed into the latest in techno. Although there are no official establishments dedicated to Bhangra in the U.S. yet, there are a ton of available songs on the internet for downloading.

Five bands/artists to check out:

Clazziquai

South Korea Groove

Mansour

Iran Pop

Café Tacuba Mexico Alternative

Ewa Farna

Czech Republic Rock

Halcali Japan Hip-hop

all images by tyler albl

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sports

26 Question of the Month

02.22.08

‘The season has been a complete success’

Varsity hockey team competes at state MELODIE JENG

opinion chief

Will Johnston

What should be done about the allegations against Kelvin Sampson concerning his recruiting tactics?

Jared Kamrass

Indiana should let him coach the rest of the regular season and let the team play in the NCAA tournament, doing otherwise would punish innocent players and cause instability in the program. IU would be wise to leave any punishment until after the season is over, and let Sampson state his case as to why he should not be fired. Only then should IU decide what to do with him, before facing the NCAA charges.

Ben Estes

Coach Sampson needs to be let go immediately. Furthermore, IU and A.D. Rick Greenspan should be disciplined. They knew exactly what they were getting into when they lured Sampson, who has a less than squeaky-clean image, away from Oklahoma.

wenty-eight wins, five losses, one tie. Two-time tournament champions, two-time runners-up. These are only a few of the accomplishments the hockey team has achieved this year. And these feats have not come without change and hard work. New coaching the team this year is Greg Ashton who has coached elite, college, and Tier 1 “AAA” hockey for over thirty years. Ashton, assisted by Rob Wocks, has been able to turn the team’s past seasons of losses around and beat tough competitor schools. The team began training in skating, speed, endurance, and executing system plays. “We had a game plan emphasizing our strengths, which could be adapted to the teams we were playing,” said Ashton. The team was rounded with freshmen through seniors and several players from the Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association. The season opened November 9 with an 11-0 victory over Louisville Trinity and the team continued to win its next seven games. November and December continued with many wins and a championship at the Midwest Tournament in Columbus, but also close losses against Talawanda and Moeller. The team was victorious at the Scioto Tournament January 18 to 20, defeating all four opponents and becoming tournament champions once more, now in the toughest division. On senior night February 1,

fans filled the stands of Sports Plus and watched the team take on Talawanda. While they failed to beat their visitors, the following days made up for the loss. The Moeller/Sycamore rivalry has existed for many years unbeknownst to many due to Moeller’s repeated wins. But the great talent this year crushed the Crusaders on February 2. The team immediately scored and dominated the rink for the rest of the game with fierce forechecking, winning 5-3. “It was the greatest experience of my life beating Moeller for the first time,” said Andy Graves, 12. St. Xavier was the foe the next morning. After tying the Bombers 3-3 on December 2, the team upset the Bombers, 5-3. The team is seeded the highest in school history at fourth out of 18 teams in the division (14th overall), and they have beaten all three higher-ranked teams in the last three weeks of January. They placed second in the Soutwest Ohio High School Hockey League. “Exceptional chemistry and the commitment to do what is needed have led to our success this season,” said Ashton. State tournament play began last weekend as the team played Upper Arlington at the Ice Haus in Columbus. The state final is March 8. “The season has been a complete success and so far, we’ve accomplished everything that we set out for. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my teammates in my senior year,” said Captain Danny Dukart, 12.

EYEING THE PUCK and quickly moving towards it is Danny Dukart, 12. Dukart is the captain of the varsity hockey team, and he is very satisfied with how the team has been doing. The varsity team began the state tournament last weekend and hopes for the greatest success. all photos by jeremy mcdaniel

Disappointing loss ends boys basketball season

Varsity falls to Talawanda in first round of post-season

DIVING INTO THE water is Alex DiMasso, 10. A. DiMasso and Jenna Ruff, 10 both qualified to dive at Districts on February 14. A. DiMasso placed seventh, qualifying for the State meet in Canton, while Jenna placed 14th. Matt DiMasso, 12 placed sixth at the boys District meet, just missing the State cutoff of five. “Districts were a great competition,” said M. DiMasso. “I tried the best I could to qualify, it was really the culmination of all my efforts this season.” The diving season has been an overall success with all these divers qualifying for post-season competition.

coming up in sports.

Kelvin Sampson should not be allowed to coach in the NCAA anymore. The NCAA banned him from calling recruits and going on off-campus visits before, and now as Indiana head coach, he has made the same mistakes. Clearly, Sampson did not learned his lessons, and he should be punished.

staff writer

Take a look at what is

Nadia Khan

Kelvin Sampson needs to be fired immediately. The fact that this is his second time violating NCAA recruiting rules shows that he has no business coaching in the league. Indiana needs to save their reputation and fire him, even if it means running the risk of a suit similar to the O’Brien-OSU situation.

MATT SLOVIN

on deck

Rob Friedman

Sampson should be fired immediately. Indiana sold their soul to the devil by hiring him in the first place despite his violations already incurred at Oklahoma. The fact that Sampson then still went on and illegally recuited players and lied about it to university and NCAA officials should boil the school’s blood and cause his unequivocal dismissal.

It was a roller coaster of a regular season for the boys varsity hoops team, and the squad ended the season with a 70-55 loss to Talawanda. The senior-laden team was 8-12 going into the matchup against the Braves at Mason High School. Despite the losing record, just a few points had come between the team and several more wins. “I went to tons of games this season and it was fun to watch the team improve,” said Erik Johnson, 9. The boys were the number 20 seed in the sectional tournament, while Talawanda, located near Oxford, were seeded 18. The teams entered the locker room at halftime all knotted up at 26. However, in the second half, the Braves exploited the varsity team’s defense, causing significant problems

Dive on over to page 27 to read about the big upset in the GMCs involving the girls and boys swim teams.

>>27

for the green and gold that ultimately led to 44 second half points. “Talawanda went on a lot of scoring runs in the second half,” said Josh Samuels, 11. Center Deante Johnson, 12, scored 14 to lead the team, in what turned out to be his last game in a varsity uniform. Steve Hull, 11, also added 14. The team finished the season with an overall record of 8-13 (6-8 GMC). Highlights of the season include the team’s three game winning streak late in January, while the low point of the year was the five game losing streak in December. The team loses eight seniors with the end of the season, but it has two consistent starters expected to return next season. “It was a tough loss, but all in all, it was a good season,” said Scott Anders, 12.

Jump ahead to page 28 and learn all about the Flyerettes’ season and how the team will change in the future.

Check out page30 to learn all about “one of the school’s most beloved sports”: ultimate frisbee.

>>28

>>30

sports Full

02.22.08

REGAN GIRTEN, 10, swims the 500 free, an event that requires both great stamina and endurance. The girls swim team lost the GMCs for the first time in 18 years, and the mens team also lost for the first time in 12 years.

Court Amateur athletics hit prime time JARED KAMRASS sports editor

They said we were headed down a slippery slope when ESPN started broadcasting high school sporting events. They said it again when ESPNU was created. Well, ladies and gentlemen, high school sports have officially become subject to the same “coverage” given to college and pro sports in the media world. A staggering amount of middle-aged message board junkies hiding behind screen names and avatars can tell you who the top football recruit in the country is (QB Terrelle Pryor of Jeannette, PA) or who USA Today picked as the best team in the country (Northwestern High School in Miami, FL). I was recently trolling a local university’s “Insiders Board” and stumbled upon a thread about our very own RB Bud Golden, 11. Fans from around the country were talking about the merits of offering Golden a scholarship for their team. Just then, it hit me that high school athletes are no longer subject to the anonymity that they so richly deserve. The recruitment of Pryor is a scathing indictment of the rise in 24 hour news networks and astounding number of message boards. The whole process has become a circus. “Is he visiting Michigan? Did he drop LSU? Is Ohio State still in the picture?” Are you kidding? This guy is 17 years old and he has a press following that could rival the White House Press Corps. Pryor can’t vote, he can’t buy a lottery ticket, yet somehow every step he takes is reported across the world. The show has recently become bigger than Pryor himself; Jeannette coach Ray Reitz did a round of radio appearances last week. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch was somehow anointed to the title of “advisor” in the Pryor camp. For recruiting junkies who defend the inflated coverage of high school sports and athletes, this is not outside the norm. But someone needs to fill me in as to how Pryor, Batch, and Reitz need to have a press conference on national signing day announcing that they are NOT signing. We go to six or seven classes a day, some of us work, and most of us do homework on a daily basis. Now imagine having the paparazzi in your face as you take a history test or coaches visiting you at your home when you just want to play XBOX360. Nobody deserves that at our age, not even someone as talented as Pryor. Recruiting should be a private matter between athletes and their families; instead the big-wig east coast news networks have made recruitment as public as anything else in sports.

End of an era: Mens swim team fails to capture GMC title for first time in 12 years

photos courtesy of catherine tate

MATT MENDELSOHN

staff writer

ntering the 2007-2008 swim season, many members of the mens swimming team had high hopes, individually and team-oriented. Even with districts and a chance at state on the horizon, the varsity swimming team still had several other important meets to participate in, including the all important GMC Championships. This year, however, their continued dominance of the GMC was tested, where the squad hoped to keep the GMC trophy at Sycamore for the 13th consecutive season. First, the team had their senior night on January 24 versus Lakota East and West where they honored three seniors: Colin Hanner, Jamie Dowdall, and Jason Kao. Varsity then took care of Lakota East and West, riding the emotional night to a 122-116-81 victory. Both 200 relay teams (free and medley) were victorious, with Jonathan Hancher, 11, Kao, Hanner, and Ben Keefe, 10 winning the 200 Medley and Manuel Gutierrez, 9, Hancher, Hanner, and Dowdall winning the 200 Free. Several swimmers had very solid individual performances as Gutierrez, Kao, Hanner, Keefe, and Matt Schramm, 9, all finished second place in their respective events. With the last regular season of the meet over, the team then turned its sights to the GMC championship. However, this would be the toughest year for the squad to continue their streak of dominance as newcomer Mason has proven to be a very talented competitor. Unfortunately for the team, Mason proved how talented they were, snapping the team’s amazing 12 year streak of GMC titles. Mason tallied 358.5 points, compared to varsity who finished in second place with a score of 207.

Individually, Hanner won the 100 Backstroke. However, he was the only varsity swimmer to win an event, though six other swimmers finished in the top five in addition to Hanner, either independently or as part of a relay team. These include Kao, Keefe, Hancher, Dowdall, Gutierrez, and Stephen Winkler, 9 Though the streak was broken, the team had one of the more important meets of the season at sectionals, the first step to reach state. Several swimmers needed some big time performances, and they came through as the team finished fourth overall and had many swimmers moving on to districts. All three relay teams finished with great times, and as a result, qualified for districts. These relay teams are made up of a combination of Hancher, Kao, Keefe, and Hanner for two of the relays, and Hancher, Kao, Keefe, and Gutierrez for the last relay. Many of the swimmers also qualified individually for Districts. Hanner qualified twice, in the 100 Fly and 100 Back. Hancher qualified in the 50 Free, Kao in the Breaststroke, and Keefe in the 100 Fly. Also, Winkler will be making his first appearance at Districts, sneaking into one of the final spots in the 100 Free. The last to qualify for Districts is Dowdall, who qualified in the Breastroke in addition to Kao. “As a team, we swam very well, finishing just behind three very good teams. We also had all of our relay teams qualify for istricts, along with many others who qualified individually. We seem to be hitting our stride at the right time,” said Hancher. Though the season has only two meets left, they may be the most important. For the seniors, this is their last chance at glory. For the underclassmen, it is a chance to make an impact for the future. ALEX NORRIS, 10, ATTACKS her GMC recordwinning 200 IM (left). Fellow Varsity Swim team members cheer wildly, magnifying the excitement and hype of being at the GMC for everyone (right). Although the girls failed to capture the GMCs, they tried their best, which is all that teammates asked of each other all season.

Womens swim team suffers similar fate as mens team ELLEAN ZHANG

Girls lose to Mason in GMCs despite valiant efforts

staff writer

Having bathed in the glory of being girls GMC swimming champions for 18 straight years, this team knows they are capable of greatness. Just because the Mason Comets entered over-confidently into the GMC this year for the first time, did not mean our girls were going let them take the championship title for free. “I’ve never seen the team so united and wanting to win so bad,” said Abby Evans, 11, “we exceeded everyone’s expectations and really put up a fight against Mason.” Upon entering the GMC meet, the girls realistically knew that winning back their beloved GMC trophy this year was wistful more than anything, but they did not hold back by any means, giving their best shot. “It wasn’t about winning. It was about coming together as a team and doing our best. We outperformed every team there and

are satisfied with a second place finish,” said Laura Tufts, 12. The team certainly did swim to impress, with Alex Norris, 10, setting a GMC record in the 200 IM, snagging a first place win in the 100 fly as well. Also, the 100 back was won by Briana Conners, 10. Highly commendable times were also achieved by Christina Noland, 12, Erica Kao, 12, Laura Tufts, 12, Katie Yaroma, 11, Shannon Conners, 11, Rachel Wolkoff, 11. All of the aforementioned swimmers placed in the top eight of their indviidual events, with many of them looking up to see lifetime bests on the scoreboard. All the while, teammates who were not swimming were at the end of the pool, shouting out their support. “Every race we swam, we had people at the end of the pool cheering their lungs out,” said

Catherine Tate, 9. “The team spirit trumped all other teams at the GMC meet,” added Regan Girten, 10. Despite the astonishing swims and outstanding efforts put forth, the Mason Comets still had the upper hand. “Mason had slightly more depth than we did,” said Dr. Dan Carl, varsity headcoach, “but I can say with confidence that we swam just as good as—if not better than—every other team out there.” Though some may think of this GMC as the bittersweet loss of a legacy started nearly two decades ago, the swim team shines a different light on the situation. “The girls tried their hardest, and they were able to drop a lot of time. Our team had the best meet of our lives, which is extremely fulfilling. That’s a full-out victory right there,” said Allison Coleman, 12.

sports

View from the Stands Knight retires a positive presence in world of NCAA hoops

02.22.08

AT THE WINTER pep rally, the Flyerettes performed together for one of their last times. They pulled out their best work for their final pep rally, and the students recognized their great performance.

BEN ESTES sports editor

When the news hit a couple of weeks ago that Texas Tech head coach Bob Knight would be retiring effective immediately, a rush of a certain element followed the announcement, an element that has trailed the legendary coach throughout his coaching career: controversy. Whether it be his chairthrowing incident in 1985, the 2000 episode in which he was accused of choking one of his players, or the more recent chinslapping of one of his Texas Tech players in 2006, Knight’s actions have always seemingly crossed the line. This time, many felt that he bailed on his team after he succeeded in reaching a personal goal, his landmark 900th victory. As far as behavior goes, he swears profusely, berates his players, yells at the media, and, well, generally exudes an air of unpleasantness and rudeness. He has been criticized roundly for his behavior by the media, interest groups, and others. His actions have led him to be fired (after the aforementioned choking incident) and put on probation. You know what else? His players love him. The parents of his players love him. Those close to him could not express more how much they admire and respect him as both a coach but, more importantly, as a human being. True, his methods are certainly not always ideal. But in between all the shouts and curses, Coach Knight molds those young, immature 18-year-olds into 22-year-old men, ready to face the world because of the coach’s sagely leadership. Knight teaches values for life to his pupils, who the public sometimes fails to remember are just kids. The values instilled in them are priceless, and ensure that they will be successful, whether in basketball or not (and Knight has had a surprisingly few amount of NBA players). Not only that, but “The General” has always played by the rules, seemingly a lost art in today’s world of boosters and corrupt coaches. Never once has one of his teams been wracked by scandal, and his players have always gone to class and graduated. In the end, Knight’s boisterous ways are not as important as his good qualities. There’s a reason why high school basketball players have continued to want to play for Coach Knight throughout the years, despite all his negative behaviors. Bob Knight truly practices that forgotten ideal of studentathlete; his off-putting ways are overshadowed by his dedication towards doing things the right way and preparing his players for their lives as men.

all photos by jeremy mcdaniel

Flyerettes’ season winds down JILL COHEN

a&e chief

s always, this has been a long, busy year for the Flyerettes. Eleven basketball games, eight months, four days of dance camp, two pep rallies, one Variety Show, one Race for the Cure, and one Ultimate Frisbee tournament later, the dance team is finally ready to begin winding down their season. “Flyerettes never ends,” said Stephanie Post, 11. “Literally as soon as we walked off the court on Senior Night, the team started talking about performing for the eighth graders and conditioning during the offseason.” In fact, the team has come a long way since tryouts in May. With six rookies joining ten seasoned members, the main hurdle was to achieve a uniform skill level among the dancers. “I was blown away at both the pep rallies this year. Those were the two best dances I’ve ever seen from the Flyerettes,” said Anna Habib, 12.

New changes announced for next year The team most anticipated performing at the Homecoming and Winter Pep Rallies, as the entire school was in the audience, and their routines reflected this. Their other main focus was basketball season, which included dancing during pregame and halftime. Unfortunately, the Flyerettes were unable to attend competition this year due to inclement weather. After months of preparation for this, its cancellation was a bit of a disappointment. “I was pretty bummed that we didn’t get to go to competition this year, because I’ve never been,” said Shivani Parikh, 9. “We put so much work into our dance.” At this point, the Flyerettes are looking forward to celebrating at their annual banquet on Wednesday, March 5. This dinner with the girls and their families will act as the culmination of this past season and the beginning of the next one. As per tradition, the juniors will show a video spoofing the seniors and the season. Then, coach Elise Allen will announce awards and next year’s team leaders.

In fact, next year is going to see two significant changes. First, after four years Allen is passing the position of coach to Danielle Deyo, who has been working with the team for the past year. Both were members of Flyerettes until their graduation in 2002 and have since won two national championships with University of Cincinnati’s team. Second, in an effort to improve organization, Allen and Deyo decided to restructure team leadership. While the three seniors Hannah Brand, Post, and Tamar Weiner will each play a significant role (and one will be elected captain), two juniors will become squad leaders and have a bigger part in team decisions. “I loved all three of the senior Flyerettes this year; they were basically my obsession,” said Post. “They have definitely raised the bar for me for next year.” Indeed, this has been a remarkable season in many ways; perhaps some Flyerettes are wishing it would last even longer.

Varsity quiz team goes undefeated

30-0

The varsity quiz team has done something which has not been done in a long time: gone undefeated. The team has gone 30-0 since their season started at a tournament in Amelia on November 17. The seven varsity seniors, Justin Butler, Rohan Chaudhary, Sanjay Choudhury, Mark Dapkins, Rob Friedman, Mark Szymczak, and Tom Zajdel ended their year rather successfully. In the Amelia tournament, the team defeated Amelia, Turpin, Ross, Western Brown, Williamsburg, Little Miami, and Clermont Northeastern, the majority were from the FAVC. Once the season began, the team continued their streak, defeating Lakota West, Lakota East, Princeton, Mason, Middletown, Hamilton, Oak Hills, Fairfield, and finally, Colerain. With each victory, the team gained more and more supporters. The team won the GMC tournament to bring their overall record to an historic 30-0.

Mens bowling team concludes up-and-down season winning two of last three games DAVID PYLES staff writer

The great bowling season has finally reached a finish. What seemed like a season of ups and downs straightened out at the end. They had a 4-5 record in the GMC and a 7-7 record overall. At the start of the season head coach, Brad Walker, had the team going strong with three straight GMC wins against Lakota East, Mason, and Colerain. “The Aves looked really sharp at the beginning of the year,” said Josh Samuels, 11. After that great start, the season went up and down with two losses to Lakota West and Fairfield. They then rebounded quickly by defeating Princeton. However, the team lost three straight matches to Hamilton, Oak Hills, and Middletown. Knowing the team was slightly under .500 at this point in the season, they had to finish strong. “Near the end of the season our team really had to step things up to finish with a respectable record,” said DJ Donnellon, 11.

With that in mind, the bowling team came out with a positive mentality, winning two of their last three matches versus Lakota East and Mason. They did not win their last game against Lakota West and ended up with a 7-7 record overall. The team had some individual success as well. Paolo Gabriel, 11, is currently 10th in the GMC, averaging 203.8 points per game. Also, Philip LaFrance, 10,who is 23rd in the GMC with an average of 196.5 points per game. In addition Donnellon, Kam Keeling, 11, and Nick Schmidt, 12 are all great contributors for the teams outstanding achievements. “They should be proud of what they accomplished. The team is stacked with incredible talent, and they used it to their best abilities,” said Andy Crusham, 11. It has been a fantastic season for the bowling team, and it seems this tradition will continue in the future.

BOWLING AT A meet is Stephen Carnes, 12. The varsity boys bowling team ended the season an even record of 7-7. A season of ups and downs concluded by winning two of their final three matches.

sports

02.22.08

Varsity girls basketball ends season with successive losses

Young team struggles to provide strong offensive front

Averaging two assists per game, Joanna Lin, 12, the only senior on the team, fought hard to lead her team. The varsity ladies struggled throughout the season, but enjoyed a brief winning streak in midDecember. Lin averaged 4.7 points per game, and the team’s major downfall was a weak offense.

KATE MOORE

managing editor

he varsity basketball season ended on a sour note for these ladies, who struggled for months to break out of their losing streak. They consistently failed to get enough points on the board to pose a threat to their opponents. The ladies lost a much anticipated game to Princeton, 64-36. The girls simply could not get enough points on the scoreboard, though they fought to the end, scoring 13 points in the final quarter. Mia Obiekwe, 11, had 11 points and Amy Isaacs, 10, had eight. Isaacs also had eight rebounds. The ladies continued to fight hard in the game against Mercy, gradually building up from four points in the first quarter to 10 in the final. Maureen Cron, 11, had nine points and Ashley Schaefer, 9, Obiekwe, and Issacs had five points each. The final score was 44-28.

“The team continually played tough defense but did not produce on offense,” said Ms. Paula Hayden, varsity coach. The team eventually pulled halfyway out of its slump for a disappointing but close loss, 52-50, versus Colerain. Their stamina did not last long, however, as the ladies went on to lose 48-17 to the Lakota West Firebirds. They were outmatched and did not manage a single point during the fourth quarter. The varsity girls took on Walnut Hills February 6 in the Sectional Tournament, losing 43-26. “Hopefully the varsity experience along with skill work in the summer will help mold a successful team for next season,” said Hayden. Varsity has an overall record of 8-13 (4-10 in the GMC).

photo by jeremy mcdaniel

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sports

02.22.08

Ultimate sport:

Frisbee club provides team sport, regional competition GARRET STEINBUCH

staff writer

ith endzones similar to that of a football field, the sport of ultimate frisbee can be easily related to one of this schools most beloved athletic activities: football. For a school who loves the pigskin, the similarities between ultimate frisbee and football are obvious. The object of the sport is to receive a pass from a teammate in the opposite teams end-zone, which is exactly like the main objective in football. A pull-off or throw-off in ultimate frisbee is similar to a kick-off in football. “I play football and ultimate frisbee. I enjoy playing both sports a lot. I do believe that if we continue to practice, we can be the Cincinnati tournament and the state tournament. The sport is different because I like the athleticism it takes to play it, but also the chance to relax and have fun,” said Alex Rock, 12. This is the fifth year that this high school has had an ultimate frisbee team. To start out, the team was taken lightly by most opponents, but now it has risen to become one of the powerhouse teams in the Eastern Region of the U.S. Last year, the frisbee squad came in fifteenth in the Eastern Nationals Tournament, and they came in second in the state finals. This year, the team is a top contender in the state finals again. “I think that this year we will be contending for the state finals. I really enjoy playing with the students. Everyone is so friendly but at the same time competitive, which is great. I believe that this sport is excellent with two thumbs up,” said Mr. Mike Gutekunst, science teacher. Recently, the frisbee team went to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a tournament. During this three-day tournament, the team realized the real talents that they hold. The team beat Heritage High School in pool play, who had only two loses in the tournament, the other in the actual bracket. The team had to ignore and play through freezing weather, heavy winds, icy grass, icy ponds, and muddy fields. Even through all of the bad conditions, they team played their hearts out to be able to show teams of what the team can really do.

Ultimate lingo

DURING A TOURNAMENT, Alex Rock, 12, starts the game with a pull. The field at the tournament was not the greatest in the mornings. The grass was so icy that some players got cuts from it.

all photos by garret steinbuch

SCOTT STUBBLEBINE, 11, STARTS the point with a pull. In this game, the team faced the tournament hosts, LFO High School. They lost by only a few points.

CAPTAIN OF THE quiz team, Mark Dapkins, 12, is also on the ultimate frisbee team. Showing his versatility from academics to the fields, he practices with teammates before a game.

MAKING A CRAZY catch is Gus Klofta, 11, during the most recent tournament in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Several steps behind, the defender could do little to impede the play.

Throw Away

When no one catches the disc.

Drop

When a player drops the disc.

Block

When the disc is hit down by the defense in midair.

Interception

When the opposite team catches the disc in midair.

Out of Bounds

When the disc is thrown out of bounds or if a player’s feet are out after making a catch.

Stall Count

When a player does not release the disc within ten seconds after catching it.

Layout

When a player dives for the disc.

Throw Off/Pull

When one team throws the disk to the other team across the field to start the game.

02.22.08

MARCH 2008

KAVYA REDDY calendar chief

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

31 Friday

Saturday

Fine Arts Festival / Pancake Day

High School Musical on Ice at Procter and Gamble Hall 7: 30 p.m.

Fine Arts Festival

Odd Couples 6:30 - 11 p.m.

Choral Concert Choral Concert 7:30 - 9 p.m. 7:30 PM-9 PM

Winter Sports Awards

15 Michael BublĂŠ at U.S. Bank Arena 8 p.m.

Ohio Graduation Tests : Juniors and Seniors arrive at 9:55 a.m.

19 Early Release Day

20 End Of Third Quarter

No School - Spring Break

First Day of Spring Ohio Graduation Make-up Tests

No School - Spring Break

photos by kavya reddy

spotlight

02.22.08

Going places with Georgia Ottoni Sophomore gabs about G-Money, Milo, canvas bags

JACY CAGLE & MICHELA TINDERA spotlight editor

spotlight editor

Q&A with Georgia Ottoni, 10 Q. What are three words you would Q. Who is your celebrity crush? use to describe yourself? Justin Chatwin and Milo A. Audacious, gregarious, and frolic- A. Ventimiglia fun.

Q. If you could pick any actress to

play you in a movie, who would it be?

Q. What are your interests inside and outside of school?

A. Hmm, America Ferrera probably. A. French Club, Unified for UNIFAT, piano, and sometimes volleyball and lacrosse.

Q. Do you have any special talents? A. I can twist my tongue in a funky Q. Who are the people closest to shape, somewhat wave my eyebrows, and wiggle my ears and as far as talents go…that’s about it.

Q. Who are your favorite teachers and why? A. Doc, because he calls me

“Senorina” Ottoni, despite the many times I’ve told him that I’m not Italian. Also, Mr. Peiter Griga, because I still don’t understand the song, “Do We Eat Marsupials for Supper”, is that it?

Q. If you could be any animal what would you be?

A. Probably a bird because I’d be

free to go anywhere, and bonus, I can fly there.

you?

A. My sister Karen, my brother

Giordano, my family friend Melissa and my school friends.

Q. If someone went into your room right now, what would they find that best describes your personality?

A. I have one whole wall covered

in pictures. I love taking pictures and putting pictures up to remember fun times with friends and family. I guess that describes my personality as different and fun.

Q. What are some of the most

recently played songs on your iPod?

Q. Any nicknames? A. Peaches, G-Unit, G-Dog,

A. “Fill My Little World” by The Feeling,

Q. Paper or Plastic? A. Neither. Canvas bag; save the

Q. Have you always lived in Cincin-

G-Money, and simply G.

world.

Q. Did you make any New Year’s

resolutions, and if so, have you kept up with them?

A. Yes, I made a New Year’s

resolution to not make a New Year’s resolution, therefore, I failed immediately.

“Rebellion (Lies)” by The Arcade Fire and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

nati, if not, where else have you lived?

A. For seventh and eighth grade I

lived in Hollywood, Florida. Besides that I’ve always lived here.

Q. What are you most looking for-

ward to for the rest of the school year?

A. Spring break, when I get to go to London, and tye-dying t-shirts in chemistry.

OTTONI SHOWS OFF her incredibly gregarious personality in her photoshoot. Ottoni poses with with friends from left, Abby Costello, 10, Alyssa Caligaris, 10, Gabby Grey, 10 at lunch. Ottoni also mugs for the camera with family over winter break.

all images by jacy cagle and michela tindera