May 2007 issue by Sycamore High School

leaf

the

INTERESTED IN BEING next year’s mascot? Check out page 16 to find out more about what it takes to be Mr. Aviator, and how senior Greg van Amerongen changed what it means to be our beloved Aves mascot.

FRIDAY May 25, 2007 Volume LIV Issue X 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 513 686. 1770 ext. 3089

LAST MONTH, A group of seniors across the nation, including 16 from our high school, went on March of the Living. On this trek, participants traveled through Poland and Israel to remember the Holocaust. Find out more about this life-changing trip on page 24.

NEWSBYTES Read more about these stories on GoAves.org

National Honor Society If you are a sophomore with a 3.6 GPA or higher, you are eligible to apply for National Honor Society membership in the fall. You are required to have at least 30 hours of community service, so make sure to get those volunteer hours in before next year! Check out goaves.org for more info.

Spring sports advance to state levels Keep following spring sports as they win their way through districts and on to state! Girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, and track are fleet-footing it forward in their endeavor to capture their state goals.

Underclass Academic Award recognition Applaud the vast achievements of our freshmen, sophomores and juniors. 10 book awards; multiple departmental medallions, and numerous local, state and national contest titles were presented in an evening assembly complete with a standing ovation. Now is the time to set your sites on earning some of these prestigious awards next year!

GoAves.org undergoes reconstruction GoAves.org will be on hiatus from the end of the school year until the beginning of August. Keep your eyes on this site, and watch as it is redesigned to deliver news as accurately and as promptly as possible. Track the arrival of the 2007 Log Yearbook and the start-up of the 2007-2008 school year. Note the time when the building officially opens, practices commence, and counselors return, and keep checking blackboard to connect with your summer assignments.

Check out slide show of Arrive Alive, Prom/After Prom A Walk to Remember plus Hollywood teamed up to produce an exhilarating and fun-filled adventure. Many thanks to Student Council (Class of 2008) and SHAPE for providing the juniors and seniors plus their dates the night to remember.

inside

calendar 2 news 3-5 opinion 6-10 fun&games 11 12 diversity

13-23 a&e 24-29 30-34 sports spotlight 36 feature

ACTING IN THE spring musical The Secret Garden are Laura Wacksman, 11, Hilary Fingerman, 12, Aimee Morton, 11, Brandon Cole, 12, and Ben Rosen, 10. 15 students were awarded Cappies Awards. The play itself also received awards for best song and musical.

images by jen lee

Receiving final round of applause

The Secret Garden cast, crew snatch ten Cappies awards JENNIFER LEE

editor-in-chief

or high school theatre students, the Cappies Awards Gala is like the Tony Awards—just without the commercial breaks. It is the one time they can go on stage without their costumes, give heartfelt thank-you speeches like real Broadway stars, and take home shining gold trophies. This year, however, the Cappies Awards was not just a glimmering occasion; it was one that made Aves Theatre history. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” said J. Riley Able, 10. After innumerable hours of rehearsal and four hair-raising performances, the cast and crew of The Secret Garden brought home an impressive ten Cappies awards. “It was really wonderful to be recognized,” said Mr. John Whapam, theatre director. “Ten is big.” Never before has Aves Theatre received so many awards from this program, which was started in Cincinnati in 2002. The Cappies is a national critics and awards program for high school theatre participants, with 15 regional

programs across the U.S. and one program in Canada. Through Cappies, high school theatre and journalism students, trained as theater critics, attend performances at other high schools and compose reviews. At the end of each year, critics serve as judges for the Cappies nominations and Awards Gala, which was held this year at the Aronoff Center. Each of the 29 schools in the Cappies of Greater Cincinnati received the opportunity to perform one scene at the Aronoff, giving the performers a chance to feel what it is like to be on a professional stage. “It’s a great chance to perform at the Aronoff,” said Aimee Morton, 11. Aves Theater was nominated for 21 awards, ten of which they received. Awards were given to the following cast and crew: Zach Goldman, 9, Lydia Griffith, 10, and crew for sound; Lizy LeBlond, 10, Bear Wilfong, 11, and crew for lighting; Candice Nemoff, 10, Noel Ripberger, 9, Kerry Verdier, 10, and Jessica Walling, 10, for costumes; Laura Friedmann, 11, and Jessica

Changes for next year

The upcoming 2007-2008 school year will be marked by several changes, which are as follows:

Walling, 10, for make-up; Riley Able, 10, Phil Brodrick, 11, and crew for stage crew; the Dreamers, for Ensemble in a Musical; Aimee Morton, 11, for Featured Actress in a Musical; Laura Wacksman, 11, for Female Vocalist; and George Benson, 12, for Featured Actor in a Musical. The Secret Garden was also awarded best song and best musical. “We are only one of two high schools to have won both best play, which we won in 2004, and best musical-- ever,” said Whapam. Cappies winners are able to join the Cappies International Theater in the summer in Washington, D.C. For the cast and crew, receiving these awards means more than just having ten trophies to display in the glass case at school. It was a welcome reminder that hard work does not go unnoticed— that every hour spent practicing lines, getting the notes just right, and setting up was worth it. “The Cappies Gala was amazing and it felt like a fitting end to a production where everyone learned a lot and worked incredibly hard,” said Zach Goldman, 9.

Trophy Case The following awards were received:

Best Musical Best Song Costumes Ensemble in a Musical Featured Actor in a Musical Featured Actress in a Musical Female Vocalist Make-up Sound Stage Crew

Kenji Matsudo’s final lap:

Principal announces plans to leave district JENNIFER LEE

editor-in-chief

New Course: Biotech Driving rule: Reduced carpools, in accordance with the new state law. Carpools will be only two students each. Parking passes will remain the same price ($75). Global language: New after-school Hebrew class program in relationship with Raymond Walters. For joint college and high school credit. image courtesy of sycamoreschools.org

After six years at the high school, Principal Kenji Matsudo has decided to leave and take the job of assistant superintendent at Madeira Schools. Matsudo has been the school’s principal for the past two and a half years; he was also an assistant principal for three and a half years. The principal’s departure leaves an empty position that the school hopes to fill in the days to come. Thank you, Mr. Matsudo, for an awesome six years, and we wish you the best of luck at Madeira!

calendar

August

KAVYA REDDY spotlight chief

Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

05.25.07

Friday

Saturday

8 12

20 Girls V Green Tennis vs. Mercy HOME 4 PM

o t k c Ba l o o Sch

Teacher Work Day

Girls V Gold Tennis vs. Oak Hills HOME 4 PM

Sycamore @ Hamilton Girls JV-6PM Girls V-7:30PM

First Day of School

Girls Varsity Golf vs. Princeton, Middletown & Hamilton @ Crestivew HOME 1 PM

Girls Volleyball vs. Seton HOME F - 4:30 PM JV - 5:45 PM Varsity - 7 PM

29 31

Football vs. Springboro HOME 7:30

Boys Soccer vs. Covington Catholic HOME JV - 1 PM Varsity - 3 PM

Girls Soccer vs. Mt. Notre Dame HOME JV - 11 AM Varsity - 1 PM

news

05.25.07

JUSTIN

Senate sessions in full gear

critical decisions made

RASHMI BORAH diversity editor

For the last few months, the Senate has been laboring over critical issues. After much debate, the Senate has made some important decisions. On May 2, the Senate sent a request to attorney general Alberto Gonzales. He was asked to provide all e-mails that had been sent to and from presidential advisor Karl Rove relevant to the firing of eight federal prosecutors. Gonzales is charged with being involved in the illegitimate firing of eight federal prosecutors who simply did not follow through with certain requests. He had until May 15 to produce those e-mails. Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was the one initiating the subpoena for the e-mails that had been sent between Rove and Gonzales. “It is troubling that significant documents highly relevant to the committee’s inquiry have not been produced,” Leahy wrote in a letter to Gonzales [quoted by the Associated Press]. For the Gonzales case, this was the first subpoena issued since the federal prosecutors were fired. In another part of the Senate, debates were raging about the Bush administrations’ support of a bill that would ban any permits or licenses for firearms given to suspected terrorists. The National Rifle Association was urging the Bush administration to withdraw their support of this bill, which is currently backed by the Justice Department. The NRA feels that the bill would deny rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment, which guarantees that all citizens may carry arms. This bill “would allow arbitrary denial of Second Amendment rights based on mere ‘suspicions’ of a terrorist threat,” said NRA Executive Director Chris Cox in a letter to Gonzales. “When I tell people that you can be on a terrorist watch list and still be allowed to buy as many guns as you want, they are shocked,” said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence [as quoted by the Associated Press.] The bill has yet to be voted upon; Senate hearings on these claims will continue soon. The Senate was also dealing with questions arising from the pharmaceutical departments abroad. The Senate recently turned down a drive, 49-40, that would have allowed consumers to purchase prescription drugs from abroad to save money over the domestic monopoly. Pharmaceutical companies feared that imported prescription drugs could not be tested sufficiently for safety. Officials have agreed to this claim. However, other pharmaceutical agencies believed that allowing prescription drug imports would drive down costs of prescription drugs in the United States; which are currently the highest in the world. “Well, once again the big drug companies have proved that they are the most powerful and bestfinanced lobby in Washington,” said Senator David Vitter [as quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer].

Prom

2007

BOOGYING THE NIGHT away, students have a ball at prom. Held on April 28, “A Walk to Remember” was a magical time for those upperclassmen (and lucky underclassmen) who attended. The night did not end at midnight, however, for the fun continued on through the next morning back at the high school with “Hollywood Nights,” this year’s Afterprom, which featured attractions from rock climbing to sumo wrestling, and everything in between.

image by casey manning

raduation Getting prepared for college years CHEN YIN

staff writer

his year’s seniors are thrilled to say that their high school career has finally come to an end and that they are ready to face college. Graduation is one of the most unforgettable moments in one’s life. “Graduation is a ceremony that has a lot of traditions, and we intend to keep it that way so seniors can remember it forever,” said Mr. Jim Skoog, Associate Principal. Graduation this year is on June 3 at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at Xavier University, as it has been for the past three years. For the senior recognitions, the Golden High Honor Cords are given out to students who have a GPA of 3.6 or above, and White Honor Cords are given out to students who have a GPA from 3.0-3.5.

Graduation Ceremony

Cintas Center Xavier University Sunday, June 3, 6:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Seniors report 6:00 p.m. Ceremony begins

Blair Bailey

Senior Recognition Welcome Graduation Address Song

Asian Market

3207 Jefferson Avenue

The following is a list of the students who were chosen to sing and speak at the graduation:

Welcome Speech

Dong Ying

Zack Goldman Corey Gross

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Walk in or by appointment PHONE 984-4388

Hilary Fingerman/ Rachel Schneider

Senior Rec. National Anthem

Adina Farber

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news

04.27.07

Underclass Awards Ceremony Retiring teachers prepare departure Students recognized for achievements Experience at high school will be missed

RASHMI BORAH diversity editor

uch effort is put into awarding the senior students for their four years of academic achievement. However, the achievements of the underclassmen are sometimes overshadowed. The underclass awards ceremony, which

took place on the evening of May 9th, was one night when the younger students were commended for their achievements in academic fields. In addition to subject awards, there were a number of book awards from colleges and universities, as well as counselor medallions.

Book Award Winners Medallion Winners The university and college book awards are presented to juniors who the counselors feel display academic and personal excellence, as decided by the university presenting the award. All book award winners are in the top 5 percent of their class academically.

Gracia Ng, 9 Biological Systems

Dana Reinhart, 10 Spanish

Mitchell Garner, 10 Chemistry

Benjamin Lee, 9 Latin

Mark Dapkins, 11 Physics

Ashvin Srivatsa, 9 Freshman math

Erica Kao Harvard University

Ross Zaenglein, 10 Environmental Systems

Wenjun Zhang Mt. Holyoke

Josh Goldman, 9 English 9

Alexander Rock Northwestern University Jill Cohen Yale University Rohan Chaudhary Williams College

Vlad Podolsky, 10 English 10 Sanjay Choudhury, 11 English 11

Michael Miller Mercantile Library

Benjamin Lee, 9 World History

Sanya Dosani University of Notre Dame

Jill Cohen, 11 American History

Sanjay Choudhury University of Virginia

Anjali Alm-Basu, 11 Japanese

Chelsae Plageman Xavier University Elizabeth Wei Smith College

Rohan Chaudhary, 11 French

Philip Brodrick Clarkson College

Christina Noland, 11 German

Thomas Zajdel Clarkson College

Leslie Touassi, 11 ASL

Lauren Kley, 10 Danielle Ebstein, 10 Sophmore math tie

Mrs. Lynn Toney

Mrs. Susan Warm

Mr. Tom Beschler

all images by rashmi borah

Mrs. Carolyn Miller

Mrs. Diane Kasarda

Lizzy Wei, 11 Junior Math Sheena Patel, 9 Counselor Medallion Brianna Connors, 9 Counselor Medallion Dana Reinhart, 10 Counselor Medallion Lauren Kley, 10 Counselor Medallion Erica Kao, 11 Counselor Medallion Shannon Powell, 11 Art Harrison Steinbuch, 11 Drafting Matthew Giannetti, 11 Photography

FIVE TEACHERS WILL be retiring after the end of the school year. They are, clockwise from top left, Mrs. Lynn Toney, Mrs. Susan Warn, Mr. Tom Beschler, Mrs. Diane Kasarda, and Mrs. Carolyn Miller. All five have been teaching for at least 18 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been a great run at Sycamore and I will miss each and every one [of the students],â&#x20AC;? said Beschler. The students and faculty will be sure to miss these excellent teachers as well.

opinion

05.25.07

Another revolution in France

Socialists lose vicelike grip DAVID DANNENBERG

Best Sound: Sycamore Best Lighting: Sycamore Best Costumes: Sycamore Best Make-up: Sycamore Best Stage Crew: Sycamore Best Ensemble in a Musical: Sycamore Best Female Vocalist: Sycamore Best Featured Actress: Sycamore Best Song: Sycamore Best Musical: Sycamore

opinion chief

Yeah, Pretty Much Amazing: Sycamore image by sharon wagner

he recent hailstorm of Cappies awards marks the end of a year long awards season at our school. Between the hours of homework, sports practice, studying, and volunteering, it is easy to take our achievements, and those of our peers, for granted. In truth, there is a star in every classroom, in every clique, in every club, and every sports team. All one has to do is look around. The whirlwind of success was set in motion with the naming of all 20 National Merit Semi-Finalists in early September. These erudite elite all received a 215 or higher on their junior PSATs and were eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program. One month later, the band made school history while participating in an OMEA competition in Lebanon, where they placed first in their class and received the Grand Champion Award. Our triumphant autumn culminated with another first in school history: the varsity football team gave us our first playoff win. Bouncing back from a lackluster past, they stormed back onto the scene and performed impressively. By the end of the season, the team was third in the city, eleventh in the state, and second in the GMC. More important, the football team brought a renewed sense of school spirit back to student body, not to mention the pep rallies. Our enthusiasm was boundless when the girls soccer team moved on to the state semifinals. Athletic events across the board were met with an outpouring of support in the form of spirit wear, packed stands, and the ever-enthusiastic outbursts of “Go Aves!” Spring brought another growth spurt among high

“

achieving students, beginning with DECA awards in March. Two students placed among the top ten in the state for their events in the marketing competition. More recently, compassionate students banded together to form the Invisible Children club, and organized a concert with UNIFAT to aid relief efforts for children in Uganda. In April, seniors Kyle Battle and Sarah McGrath were among 180 students nominated for the Anthony Muñoz Foundation Straight ‘A’ Student of the Year Award. After carefully considering the grades, athletic achievements and community involvement of all the nominees, Battle was selected to receive the prestigious award. The Underclass Awards Ceremony was as packed as ever, and the program had over seven pages of honorees. Members of The Leaf received accolades for their newspaper, which ranked first in the state, region, and nation by three separate organizations, respectively. Just weeks ago, our school hosted the annual Relay for Life event at our track, and was represented by 28 teams. Their combined efforts contributed at least $39,122.08 to the fundraising efforts of the American Cancer Society. And now the Cappies have turned the spotlight to another group of our multi-talented peers. Anyone who has seen a production by the drama department can appreciate why The Secret Garden won Best Musical, along with recognition for 15 cast members. This most recent honor has only further exemplified the power behind the hurricane of talent that is so prevalent in our student body. Take a bow, Sycamore.

“

The Secret Garden won the Cappie Award for “Best Musical.” 15 cast members also won awards in individual categories.

leafing through the masses I think this year’s been awesome, even better than last year. Last year, I didn’t even know we had so many musically inclined people. - Mia Obiekwe, 10

the

leaf

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

I’m proud of all that our students have accomplished, but I still think we can do better next year. In all areas. - Mr. Breen Reardon

News Wenjun Zhang Opinion David Dannenberg Melodie Jeng Humor Rob Friedman Ben Dhiman Feature Libby Henning Sharon Wagner Diversity Bobby Jungerwirth Nancy Kidnocker Rashmi Borah A&E Casey Manning Jill Cohen Athletics Nadia Khan Will Johnston Spotlight Sanya Dosani Kavya Reddy

politically

incorrect

W s e i i n p ners p a C

staff editorial

France is a country famous for its esprit révolutionnaire, or revolutionary spirit, and this spirit is apparent throughout history. From monarchy to dictatorship, from conservatism to socialism, the French are always willing to try something new. And with the recent election of Nicolas Sarkozy, the French have stayed true to that revolutionary spirit. Finally, the French, fed up with socialism, elected a capitalist as the President. Former (Socialist) President Jacques Chirac implemented some of the most flagitious programs (both foreign and domestic) in democratic French history, including exorbitant tax rates that taxed the GDP ($30,100 per capita) at 50%. With such little personal wealth, the average French citizen spent much less than he would have if the tax rate were set farther left on the Laffer Curve. As a result, deflation ensued, effectively retarding the domestic economy. With a very high unemployment rate that fluctuates around 10%, an increasing number of illegal immigrants, and an exodus of educated French shifting to other industrialized nations, France is in the midst of a deepening economic torpor, incurred through oppressive socialist policies. Perhaps the only reason the French economy has not yet collapsed is that the booming tourist industry in France is the largest of any nation in the world. But this means that the French economy is dependent on foreign wealth. Sarkozy believes he can stimulate the French domestic economy through tax cuts, thereby increasing consumer spending power and ultimately unleashing the power of the free market upon the stifling forces of stagnation and unemployment. At this point, one can begin to form comparisons between Nicolas Sarkozy and the late Ronald Reagan. Both were elected during periods of economic stagnation, both were fairly conservative, and both ran on platforms of similar policies: tax cuts and downsizing government in efforts to balance the budget and stimulate fiscal growth. And just as Reagan’s rise to the American presidency was often characterized as a conservative revolution, so too can Sarkozy’s rise to the French presidency.

Editor-in-chief: Jennifer Lee Associate editor: Alexa Fogler Managing editor: Kate Moore Business managers: Mary Ann Jiang & Gabirose Keeton Mary Ann Jiang Staff Writers Rashmi Borah Leah Burgin Jacy Cagle Jane Chernyak Electra Chronis Sam Cleary Matt Davenport Ben Dhiman Ben Estes Anastasia Flowers Saul Geller Alex Gennett Nathan Gruebmeyer Kevin Hall Elizabeth Henning Elizabeth Hoopes Daphne Hsu Kye Isaac Molly Johnson Will Johnston Jared Kamrass Mandi Kipner

Matthew Mendelsohn Dan Montague Kate Moore Hannah Myers Jake Newton Matthew Scheer Matthew Slovin Lauren Sokol Jeremy Spiegel Austin Stone Heather Storck Michela Tindera Jack Wang Jing Xing Chen Yin Casey York Mini-Mag Marissa Gunnarsson Jack Liu

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

Irrelative Article incites controversy

NORTHWEST, COLERAIN, AND select Cincinnati Public High Schools. They are public and they are in Cincinnati. Now, they all have school uniform policies. Norwood and Princeton are considering school uniforms as well.

Issues of censorship, tolerance raised

ALEXA FOGLER associate editor

On January 19, an edition of the Woodlan Tomahawk was distributed to all students at Woodlan Junior-Senior High. Adviser Amy Sorrell and her staff probably felt pretty great that day—getting a school newspaper together is quite a feat (and I speak from experience). The pages were copy edited and the sections assembled. Sorrell had even gotten the principal’s okay on a potentially controversial article about teen pregnancy. All was well, at least she thought. Little did she know that this particular issue of the paper would lead to her suspension as adviser and a legal battle over student censorship. Megan Chase, 10 of Woodlan High School chose to write her first editorial in her newspaper about being accepting of homosexuality. Her article was insightful. She told her peers her opinion that “it is so wrong to look down on those people, or to make fun of them, just because they have a different sexuality.” That does not seem so bad, right? No inflammatory language, no personal attacks, and even if a reader does not personally agree with her opinion, she is still entitled to it. The administration did not see it that way. They deemed her writing inappropriate and unbalanced. “It’s not the topic of the article, it’s the content,” said Andy Melin, Assistant Superintendent of the district. Because of the “inappropriate” article, principal Edwin Yoder ordered that all future issues of the paper were required to be sent to him for “prior review.” Prior review is a dangerous thing. In this sense, it means that a principal is allowed to see his or her school’s newspaper before it is sent to print, and can “veto” any articles he or she deems contentious. Prior review may sound like a breech of one’s first amendment rights. But, thanks to the 1988 Supreme Court ruling Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, it is not. Educators are allowed by law to “exercise editorial control…so long as their actions are reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns.” Do not let words like “reasonable” and “legitimate” confuse. That sentence is just a lot of lofty language that says one thing: schools can censor. That said, not all schools choose to use prior review. In fact, hardly any do. Take Sycamore, for instance The Leaf can print whatever its staff deems journalistically sound. Sorrell thought that if an article about teen pregnancy was fit to run, that one about tolerance was too. For this, she was written up for insubordination and ultimately replaced and moved to work at a different school within the district. The main issue is still the censorship of the school newspaper though. Is it fair that the words of students can be censored simply because they are those of students? Professional papers do not face the same problem because the first amendment protects them. Teens still have to follow the speed limit. Teens cannot steal, park illegally, or disrespect police officers. Most all of the same laws apply to adults and teens universally. So, when did rights begin to only apply to adults? (N.B. The full text of Chase’s article can be read at indystar.com).

PRO

It’s all

05.25.07

PRO & CON Neighboring public schools

implement new policies School Uniforms: Are we next?

CON

photo courtesy of min young sohn

SANYA DOSANI

spotlight editor

It begins around the time children start preschool. Since the days of allowed naptime and building blocks, kids have innately exercised their freedom to choose and express themselves in numerous ways. The simplest form of selfexpression and personality? Clothing. Even though four-year-olds may need guidance in choosing their daily attire, parents realize the significance and importance of this choice, and allow them to at least attempt to do so. In this way, each of those identical looking “rugrats” gains their own identity and personality. And they do not like that being taken away. Ten years later, things have not changed much. Fashion choices have evolved from “princess shirt or flower shirt?” but the idea is the same. If kids have been dressing themselves before they lost their baby teeth, it only makes sense to keep this seemingly simple right after their “grown-up teeth” have come in. Apparently many school administrators disagree. Some urban schools have instated uniforms upon an unhappy student body, justifying them as protection from gang violence, mayhem causing muffin snatchers, and raspberry chapstick eating delinquents. Not surprisingly, students and even parents protest—and not without reason. Uniforms are starting to become widely seen as a miracle cure for schools’ discipline problems. Not only will gangs and cliques become less common, but school unity and social acceptance will result, claim uniform supporters. While I am sure that wearing a sweater vest daily will be the thing to make an angry individual decide not to punch the guy who stole his pudding, the benefits of school uniforms are not substantial enough to outweigh the losses. Instead of encouraging students to discover their personality and tastes, uniforms force conformity and hinder creativity. Students are expected to express themselves in their writing and artwork, but when it comes to fashion, they should stifle their imaginative energy. Professionals also claim that uniforms prevent students from judging others based on appearance. This is simply not true. Those who judge will always find a way to judge. And though it is always considered terrible, that is how it works in the “real world.” Finally, regardless of what everyone seems to think, having 5000 people wear the same thing will not and has not reduced violence in schools. In fact, if administrators get too tough, it might even increase. Admittedly, most arguments against school uniforms depend on moral and intellectual value, but this does not deem them invalid. Unless administrators can find a real benefit of school uniforms that has been proven successful, there is no reason to change the current dress code.

GABIROSE KEETON

business manager

chool uniforms are usually associated with private schools, but now as the trend is growing, school uniforms are becoming more visible in the public school systems as well. With at least 20 school districts across Ohio mandating school uniforms and two more looking into it, our school would also benefit by doing the same. School uniforms do not have to be the stereotypical preparatory uniforms, where the boys wear nice pants and white shirts and girls wear jumpers and white shirts. The school uniforms could be like the ones recently implemented by Northwest public schools. School uniform codes call for khakis and dark pants and skirts, usually paired with polo shirts in a select variety of solid colors. The more casual approach to school uniforms is not only more acceptable to parents and students, but it is also more affordable. According to USA Today, parents spend, on average, $185 per child buying non-uniform clothing, compared to an average of $104 spent per child to purchase uniforms. Our school would do well in adopting the casual approach to school uniforms, and there are many benefits in having them as well. For what students spend on jeans today – about $50 – a student can buy two complete uniform outfits. For the families who cannot afford the extra expense of school uniforms, the district would provide some sort of financial assistance. School uniforms could also, in sense, serve as a safety measure. In light of all the school shootings, uniforms would be one way to prevent such an atrocity. If all students have the same dress, it would be easy for administrators and students to point out who belongs on campus and who does not. They would also eliminate distractions for students and the obsession of designer clothing. With uniforms, all students would be on the same page. Students who get harassed and bullied for not wearing the newest clothes would also be alleviated since everybody would look the same. School uniforms would undoubtedly save time and money. Students would no longer have to waste time in the morning choosing the outfit for that particular day. Parents would also save some money by purchasing uniforms. With school uniforms, our district would be able to create a more focused environment where the “popularity” of students would be measured by academic achievements rather than their clothing designer. According to Northwest High, uniforms will install an image of order and safety at school, helping kids focus on academics and not fashion. Uniforms would also make the mornings a lot less stressful. So why not make the switch? Are we not always looking for some simplicity in life?

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opinion

05.25.07

Stricter enforcement of iPod rule iPods make cheating easier VANNESA ROLAND

staff writer

t is 10 p.m. on a school night and you have just arrived home. You have a test the following day that determines whether you pass or fail. You know you should study, but you also know that you are exhausted. You see your iPod lying on your computer desk and you have the test material on file on your computer. You have a choice to make. You can download the material and go to sleep. On the other hand you can stay up until 2 in the morning and risk failing the test anyway. You hook your iPod up to the computer and download the test material. Recently, multiple schools have banned iPods, Zunes, and similar digital media players due to students cheating in various ways. Our school should follow in their footsteps. Cell phones, iPods, and other technological devices need to be eliminated from our schools. Although it is not being condoned, cheating is becoming a growing problem to surviving the pressure that is in our daily lives. Many high school kids are involved in things like sports teams, clubs, and plays. Add those to school itself, homework, eating, sleeping, and a huge test or even a quiz, and cheating might not sound like a bad thing. Nevertheless, we know it is not the right thing to do. “If they took away my iPod I would be very sad,” said Mike Deger, 10.

With technology advancing rapidly, it seems nearly impossible to keep the rates of cheating down. However, nothing will change if the rules are not enforced. In the past, our school has not only formulated rules but also implemented them. It would be effective for there to be a technology restriction in the school. School is for learning, yet so much has been added to some of our list of priorities that learning has dropped in importance. There should be no iPods at school because they distract from learning and are probably one of the main resources for cheating. “We think that iPods should be allowed to be brought to school, but they shouldn’t be [in the classroom] during tests and/or quizzes,” said Michelle Grosser, 9 and Ruchika Porwal, 9. Yes, there will probably always be cheating in school, but not trying to limit it when it is possible only encourages it. Eliminating technological devices will move us one step closer to making learning a number one priority again. “I understand that administrators wish to eliminate cheating, but outlawing phones and iPods isn’t they way to do it. Even without them, kids will find other ways to cheat,” said Caitlin Rettenmaier, 11. “It’s up to the teachers to enforce the code of conduct and not allow them out in class.”

List of most likely to kill 100 most dangerous people CASEY YORK

Making another lap around track

JAKE NEWTON

staff writer

Imagine what it would be like if humans had the ability to predict which criminals were the most likely to commit homicide. The act of murder itself could be all together eliminated. Sounds like a remake of Minority Report, right? Well, this originally interesting plotline recently came to life when four community organizers and government officials compiled a list of the “1,500 most dangerous criminals” in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. These 1,500 people, according to the organizers of the list, are the most likely to commit a murder. “We will target and focus on the 1,500 most dangerous criminals walking the streets of Cincinnati,” said Charlie Winburn, one of the organizers of this list. “This will reduce the homicide rate, reduce the number of people shot on the streets, and reduce the number of shots fired. Our next homicide will probably come from this list.” This small group of people plan on presenting police, probation officers, and other officials with this list to help lower the amount of homicides in the Cincinnati area. In order to create this list, Chris Kearney, an advocate of public safety, looked up the histories on people who were convicted of murder and created a connection between the murder and a previous crime. “I think that if they’re a criminal, they should be on a list. It helps the rest of us better protect ourselves,” said Corbin Lay, 10. He found that the criminals committed a murder within

Freshmen to be sophmores

twelve months of another violent crime or a prior conviction involving a gun or drugs. Some people do not think this is the case though. Some believe that compiling a list violates the rights of the people on the said list. “They can’t be 100 percent accurate, and it’s so dangerous. I don’t care if the people have committed violent crimes. They’re being labeled as being the worst of the worst,” said Robert Newman, a civil rights lawyer in Cincinnati. Though the group has refused to release this list of supposed future murderers, it has caused quite the stir. Whether or not the list will be released is inconclusive.

“

They can’t be 100 percent accurate, and it’s so dangerous. I don’t care if the people have committed violent crimes. They’re being labeled as being the worst of the worst. - Robert Newman, lawyer

staff writer

School is almost over, making freshman antsy about the approaching school year, when they will no longer be at the bottom and less will be expected of them. “I did not enjoy freshman year. I had a lot of work and had a lot of things expected of me. I look forward to sophomore year because I will have a year of high school experience under my belt,” said Hannah D’Souza, 9. The freshman have also started to realize that nothing special has happened, and are thinking of it as another school year. Some freshman are just indifferent about freshman year. They look back and find that the school year was a let down and that they could have done better. “I wish I could re-do my freshman year. I didn’t do as well as I thought I could. Socially, though, it was great; I met some really cool people,” said Mike Grannen, 9. Driving and other milestones are something that almost all freshman look forward to. Sophomore year usually means getting temps or even licenses. “I don’t really like being a freshman. It’s not necessarily being in the group, it’s just the things I can do if I am a tad bit older,” said Angela Messina, 9. The end of freshman year means that the beginning of sophomore year is just around the corner. Freshmen can move on with their four year journey toward graduating. “I really liked freshman year. I can’t wait for the upcoming ones”, said Jackie Orent, 9.

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opinion

05.25.07

lock scheduling enefits show need to change

ROB FRIEDMAN

humor chief

GT week had many positive aspects to it. Upperclassmen were able to sleep in, and sophomores and freshmen took a test enabling them to graduate. But most of all, OGT week allowed our school to see the benefits of block scheduling.

Benefits for teachers, students

Block scheduling is when classes meet fewer times per week, but for extended periods each time. There are many benefits to block scheduling that prove that a change should be made. Block scheduling would be of great benefit to teachers. Instead of having to cram in the last ten sentences of a lecture right as the bell rings, teachers would be able to give a complete lecture and allow time for questions. Teachers would be given the same amount of time each week to cover material, but due to the extended blocks of time, they would have greater flexibility as to how they wish to teach and in designing their classes. The benefits are best exemplified in discussion-based classes. The extended periods allow for more in-depth discussions. Students would no longer have seven bells worth of homework crammed into one night. Instead, they would be able to learn time management skills and distribute the homework over multiple nights. Block scheduling has a related, but more abstract benefit. With not as many books necessary for school and home each day, backpacks would be lighter, helping prevent back problems.

Determing effectiveness vs. opposition

The most important determining factor in judging the effectiveness of block scheduling is whether teachers will be able to go into a greater depth of teaching. If teachers are able to have greater blocks of time to teach, they will not feel as rushed to hurry through the curriculum, and will be able to spend time answering questions and going into deeper explanations. Some opponents of block schdeuling say that there will be too much time per class and teachers will not be able to teach effectively. However, there is an easy remedy. By simply allowing a short break from class in the middle, say, around the fiftyminute mark, students will be able to focus better. Another possible problem with block scheduling is that the units would be shorter in terms of week. Tests would be approximately every week, instead of every other week. Also, if a student were to miss one day of school under the block, it is equivalent to missing two days under the regular schedule.

Other schools

Schools throughout the region, including St. Xavier High School, Moeller High School, and Loveland High School, have some form of block scheduling. St. Xavier High School has occasional block-scheduling days, which serve as their version of early release days. Instead of being dismissed early once a month for teacher meetings, students come in late two days in a row on block schedules.

Moeller goes on an A-Day/B-Day block schedule. They have four of their classes on their A-Day, and three of their classes on their B-Day. Also on the B-Day, they have an M-Block. The M-Block is a time where kids can chose to be tutored or work on a program that they choose at the beginning of the year. The M-Block is used because some kids do not have as much time to spend on extracurriculars due to sports.

Below is a copy of the proposed schedule. To see the actual time blocks, look at the schedule chart at the bottom left. The numbers stand for what bell would occur at that time and the white spaces sybmolize bell changes.

7:20

W TH

1st

5th

3rd

2nd

6th

4th 5th 2nd

Proposed schedule

Currently, our school runs on the schedule of seven classes per day, fifty minutes per class, except the lunch bell. This gives each class a total of 250 minutes of class per week. Throughout the year, each class covers 9,000 minutes of learning. The proposed schedule below gives each class a total of 260 minutes of class per week, or 9,360 minutes throughout the year. Over the year, this gives 360 more minutes, or 6 more hours, of class per year on the new schedule. In the proposed schedule, Mondays and Tuesdays would follow the same schedule, and Thursdays and Fridays would have the same schedule; Wednesdays would follow a different schedule. To see actual times of the schedule, look at the copy below and to the side.

Q&A

7th

8:00

9:00

was your experience like teaching at FairQ.What field under a block schedule? I had an enjoyable experience teaching under A.the block schedule at Fairfield High School. I like to use a variety of teaching methods, group activities, class discussion, lecture, class projects etc... I think block schedule gives a teacher freedom to choose student activities within a class period.

10:00

are advantages for students learning under Q. What the block? think students enjoy variety in instructional A. Imethods. Larger course concepts that are carried from one day to the next in a traditional class can be covered in a single block class bell.

Q. A.

4th

with Mr. Andrew Ostendorf

How does a teacher modify their schedule to fit the block? I found that teachers must use a variety of teaching methods within a single class period. No one wants to listen to a lecture for 90 minutes. A 20 minute lecture might be followed by a 30 minute activity and 20 minute video clip. We then would wrap up class with a discussion over that dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concepts. For a teacher, this takes more preparation time.

6th 3rd

7th

3rd

5th

no lunch

1st

6th

11:00

7th

12:00

Proposed Schedule

Monday Tuesday

Proposed Schedule

Wednesday

Thursday Friday

3 7:20-8:40 7:20-8:50 4 7:20-8:50 1 7 5 8:55-9:05 Annouc Annouc 8:45-8:55 Annouc 8:55-9:05 Annouc Annouc 4 8:55-10:00 9:05-10:35 5 9:05-10:35 2 2 6 6 10:05-11:20 10:40-12:10 3 10:40-12:10 3 5 7 7 11:25-12:55 12:50-2:20 1 12:50-2:20 4 6 2 1 1:05-2:20 LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH 11:10-11:40 A 11:10-11:40 A 11:25-11:55 A 11:40-12:10 B 11:40-12:10 B 11:55-12:25 B 12:10-12:40 C 12:10-12:40 C 12:25-12:55 C

L3 L3

1:00

4th

2:00

2:20

2nd 1st

opinion

05.25.07

‘I can’t take it anymore!@#’ Pet peeves cause agitation LAUREN SOKOL

staff writer

magine. One is at a movie they have wanted to see since the first preview on TV. He or she is really enjoying the movie, when all of a sudden a cell phone rings. The beholder answers the phone and begins talking and talking…and talking. One loses full concentration and has no idea what is happening in the movie anymore. One then begins to feel agitated, which eventually turns into frustration, and then mild anger. He or she is no longer a calm and collected being, but extremely angry and agitated. Ah yes, the pet peeve. Those annoying little incidents that can drive someone mad. According to Wikipedia, the definition of a pet peeve is: a minor annoyance that can instill extreme frustration in an individual. Sound familiar? There are many minor agitations that can drive one out of their sanity. “It’s so hard to point out your pet peeves, but when they happen they drive me crazy. I hate it when people smack their chewing gum when I’m trying to concentrate in class. I can’t focus and it’s annoying,” said Chris Gindele, 11. Everyone has a pet peeve that drives them mad constantly. “I hate locked doors. I don’t know I always have to unlock doors when they’re locked,” said Faisal Rahmen, 11. The main question is, how do people react to these “agitations?” There are many tactics to release the fury and regain your collectiveness. “When someone is doing something that annoys me, I have to leave,” said Joanna Chang, 12. “It gets to the point where I can’t take it anymore.” So how does one eliminate them? The sad part is, no one can. These annoyances lurk inside our minds constantly and continue to send anger, frustration, and annoyance. “I hate it when people tell me to just not let stuff bother me or to just get over it. That’s even more annoying then the main reason I was mad in the first place,” said Phil Ganson, 9. [The kid next to me is now popping and smacking his gum, therefore I have lost all concentration and cannot finish.]

Q&A

with Abby Cooper, 10

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve? my step-sister takes my clothes A. When without asking

Q. How do you make yourself feel better? A. Get my clothes back ASAP

Q. How do you react when it happens?

Q. What is a specific time this happened?

start yelling at her and get them [my A. Iclothes] back. Usually if she’s wearing

time, I just bought a new shirt A. One and brought it to my dad’s house.

them I make her take them off right there.

Q&A

I wanted to wear it, couldn’t find it, then found it in my step-sister’s room rolled up in a ball.

with Brian Langhorne, 12

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve? I hate when people chew with their mouth open. I also hate when people act differently around certain people.

“ “ “

photos by lauren sokol

THAT CONSTANT AGONY. Those little frustrations that tend to make us all insane, such as popping gum or not using a turning signal while driving. These annoyances can cause one to not only become infuriated, but to drive our fingernails into a chalkboard.

do you make yourself feel Q. How better?

make fun of them if they are my A. Ifriends [to their face. If it’s people I

don’t know I still make fun of them but but not to their face, I don’t want to be mean

Q. How do you react when it happens?

you think of a specific time this Q. Can happened?

flustered and frustrated, “like A. I getwhyreally are you doing that?!”

at school..a lot, or A. Itjusthappens randomly.

I can’t stand ignorance. It’s annoying when something huge is happening, and someone doesn’t have the slightest clue what’s going on. - Mike Nadel, 11

One of my pet peeves is body odor, especially foot odor. - Audry Kang, 12

I hate when people chew on pens, and then somehow I get that pen. I also hate when I am using a pencil without an eraser. - Jenna Samuelson, 9

fun&games

5.25.07

Song Game JILL COHEN a&e chief

Two players choose a word commonly found in well-known songs. They then have the remainder of the class period to make of list of as many songs containing said word in its title and/or lyrics. The song can also have a compound of the word. (For example, when playing with “sun,” “sunshine” can also be used.) One player may contest a choice the other’s list by asking an impartial third party if a certain song actually exists and contains said word. Whoever has the longest list by the chime of the bell is victorious! Popular suggestions: rain, sun, dream, summer.

J UMBLE

JILL COHEN a&e chief

Celebrity look-a-likes SANYA DOSANI & ALEXA FOGLER spotlight chief

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

associate editor

Have you ever been walking down the hallway and thought to yourself, “Hey, that kid looks like a celebrity?” Because here at The Leaf, we have. We have made it our mission to find every single student that sort of resembles a celebrity. It is hard work; no one can look exactly like Brad Pitt for

TLGEEN ESUMMU

instance, but we try to find people who could at least pass as stunt doubles. If you or a friend look like a celebrity and you would like to be featured, drop us an e-mail at sycamoreleaf@gmail.com or come by room 115 and leave us a note.

HIERVAC LORFRNO

Now, take each circled letter and rearrange to answer this question: all images by alexa fogler

When the ice skater had a problem, she tried to

“

”

George Benson, 12

Danielle Ebstein, 10 Lexie Contursi (Laguna Beach)

(The Pink Panther)

Sudoku Fun

Steve Martin

grid form

ROB FRIEDMAN specials chief

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

Ronald M Alexander, LUTCF 513-469-1402 10760 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati alexander2@allstate.com

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humor

05.25.07

parents

worse

than yours JILL COHEN a&e chief

1. Dark Lord

Brief: Your mother died in childbirth, so he is the only one you have got left. Inherited traits: Bad asthma and mad lightsaber skills. Annoying habits: He is always trying to get you to “lend a hand.” You rebelled …: When you rejected the Dark Side. …but he loved you anyway: So he risked his life to save yours. all images by jill cohen

2. Stupid fairy

Brief: Your real parents were so awful that Fairy World assigned you a godparent. One who is debatably even worse than Mom and Dad. A day in the life: You make a wish, it goes terribly wrong, cockroaches invade the planet, then everything is back to normal by the 28 minute mark. Catchphrase: “Ooh an ant! I’ll name you Carl.” Pro: Three words: floaty, crowny things. Con: Thanks to Da Rules, even magic cannot win you the girl of your dreams.

dmit it: everyone has their faults, and parents are no different. Whether it is the constant nagging, the impossible standards, or the humiliating stories they just have to share with everyone, parents always find a way to push their kids’ buttons. Some moms and dads are so bad that their children have even claimed for them the title of Worst Parent of All Time. If so, think again – there are at least six people who are ahead in that contest. See, no one is perfect, and it is often someone’s imperfections that make him or her so loveable at the end of the day. However, here are some parents whose imperfections make them… well… far from loveable, to say the least.

3. “Cool” Mom

Brief: She is friendly, she is hot, she is the mom whom all the teenage boys want to get with. Last fight: A teenage boy got with her. Your prom date, in fact. Catchphrase: “There are NO rules in the house. I’m not like a regular mom. I’m a cool mom. “ Pro: Her clothes are really cute, and you both wear a size four! Con: (You actually wear a size six.)

*Inspired by books by Justin Racz

4. Your Teacher

Brief: As if you did not already spend enough time with Mommy Dearest, you are subjected to her lectures for 50 minutes every day. Inherited Traits: Patience with children, impeccable grammar amd varied sentence structure. Pro: She is always there for you - whether you need to talk about men or Of Mice and Men. Con: Even with your mom giving out grades, you still got a B for the year.

5. Pop Star

Brief: After her catapult to fame and fortune, she decided it was time to find a nice backup singer and settle down. Conception: K-Fed said, “Oops! I did it again.” Chores?: Nah, the maid will do it. Pro: She is too busy partyin’ to ground you. Con: You could end up being named something like Apple or Shiloh.

6. Little League Dad

Brief: He has always pushed you to do your best, but lately he has been pushing others too. Literally, pushing them. Especially the ref. Catchphrase: “You call that a strike?!” Inherited Traits: A good eye and a killer right hook. Pro: You win almost every game! Con: He is not allowed at games, now that the ref got a restraining order.

? 7. Your Parent Brief: “My parents are kinda out of it,” said Daniel Garfield, 10. Annoying habits: “Whenever I’m trying to concentrate, they always come into my room and bother me. I know they mean well... but still,” said Lizzy Wei, 11. Chores?: “We keep horses, so I make my daughters clean out the stables. Every night they’re out there, mucking manure. I’m not sure how much they like that,” said Mrs. Susan Smanik, PE teacher. Pro: “My mom and are a lot alike, so she teaches me things, like having a positive outlook,” said Jordan Edelheit, 9. Con: “My parents lock me in my closet and force me to eternally run on an exercise wheel,” said Justin Butler, 11.

humor

05.25.07

Celebs gone wild! Out-of-control ‘icons’ astound their public; what stunt will be next as celebrities try to out-weird each other? MARISSA GUNNARSSON

ho all p

tos

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l.com

mini-mag editor

ersonally, I am disgusted with celebrities these days. The eccentric fads. The unconventional stunts. Sure, it is entertaining, but it is starting to get a little old. The following are just a few of my rants and raves about the celebrity community as of late. First, Madonna started practicing kabala, and suddenly dingy red yarn became a fashion statement. Then, Lil’ John got himself a pimp cup. Yeah. Then Paris Hilton thought to herself “Hey, why don’t I get me a vermin like dog?” and just like that, you could not go anywhere without being startled by little yuppie dogs peeping out of women’s purses. Peek-a-boo. It would only seem logical then that Angelina Jolie—not to be topped by Paris—would upgrade from rat puppies to impoverished children from third world countries. Come on now, what better way to “strut your stuff” down the streets of New York and LA with a brand new refugee-baby? (Speaking of adopting children, Katie Holmes became Katie Holmes-Cruise on November 18th of last year). Needless to say, the stars of today have taken ‘freakdom’ to a whole new level. “There seriously must be an underground street competition between the lot of ‘em to see who can outdo the other with outlandish activities. How else do you explain scientology?” said Alexis Ponticos, 11. It seems now, more than ever, that this at-first friendly competition has escalated into complete and utter chaos. Really, what kind of world are we living in where we praise under-aged girls who should not be drinking anyway (cough, cough, Lindsay Lohan) for checking themselves into rehab for alcoholism? Keith Urban, Britney Spears, rehab really has become the spa of the 21st century. -What’d you get your mom for mother’s day? -Oh, an hour session with one of the shrinks at the Promises Treatment Center in Malibu. That’s where Brit went when she shaved her head. -Awesome. Now do not get me started on Britney Spears, who would undoubtedly require her own, separate article to account for all of her, shall we say, peculiar activities— like shaving her head, or marrying Kevin Federline. “All I have to say about her is that I called it a few months back when she was photographed in a gas-station bathroom with nothing on her feet but her bare piggly wigglys [toes],” said Hannah Brand, 10. This was, ironically enough, just after she got back from getting Sean Preston a kid’s meal at the Piggly Wiggly. Moving right along now to hip-hop artist Akon, who brought a whole new meaning to his song “Smack That” about a month ago. Akon was photographed gyrating, to put it politely, on an underage girl during a club performance. He responded to this incident with a sincere “I’m sorry.” “In Akon’s defense, the girl was dressed quite provocatively,” said Cooper Miller, 11. “What mother would let their child out of the house like that in the first place?” On a similar note, cradle-robber Demi Moore married Ashton Kutcher in the September of 2005. -That long ago? It seems like just yesterday? -Well it was just two days ago that young Ashton was in diapers, so there you go. I could go on, but I will spare you the gory details for now. Quite frankly, I am concerned with the celebcommunity. With all the stars trying to outdo one another with crazed stunts and rabid activities, we have to worry what will come next? Pam and Tommy Lee getting back together? Paris Hilton being photographed with underwear? Britney Spears cracks (again) and runs ramped through the streets, vandalizing public property? All we can hope is that ‘the beautiful people’ simmer down before we reach the next apocalypse; or, at least maintain their current level of frenzy for entertainment value.

FROM MEL GIBSON’S drunken rampages, to Tom Cruise’s gravity-defying leaps, what else is to be said other than celebrities have gone mad? And that Britney Spears is on the loose.

humor

05.25.07

all images by jing xing

WHAT IS A joke among friends? Ruchika Porwal, 9, tries to make Elizabeth Potter, 9, strike a pose (left). Michelle Grosser, 9, tries to cheer up a reluctant Hannah Rashkin, 9.

All-time guide to pranking fun

liens sighted around this article

JING XING

staff writer

hoopee cushions, water balloons, and a well-placed leg (to trip the next person that comes along). All talk of a 21st birthday party gone wrong aside, there is no time when pranks are accepted other than April Fool’s Day. However, one should not need a random holiday that only comes once a year in order to have fun. Make the world a little brighter (or funnier at least) and think of every day as (insert month here) Fool’s Day!

There is no ‘i’ in ‘prank’ (or is there?)

Instead of thinking up an evilly diabolical plan on one’s own, a mischievous student could look towards equally-interested friends and think up a group prank. “Yeah, it’s probably a lot of work thinking up your own pranks all the time. Sometimes you’ve got to get some inspiration elsewhere,” said Hannah Desando, 10. Instead of sitting at home (alone) surfing the net on some random webpage (Facebook), one’s brain could be put to better use. Planning Fool’s Day jokes with friends seems perfect, right? “I normally do nothing at home, and I never think of anything for April Fool’s,” said Sukhada Kulkarni, 9. “Even my little sister pranked my dad!” It is time to stop being bested by a seven-yearold. Now is better than never to start practicing for that fateful day in April. There is no shame in asking friends for good ideas for pranks – after all, it takes courage to hoodwink someone who could decide to give the hoodwinker the cold shoulder. Plus, it is always nice to know that there is someone else who will get in trouble, should things go horribly, horribly wrong.

Fun for (almost) everyone

“It’s funny when you’re not the one the trick is played on,” said Gracia Ng, 9. Playing jokes on someone is that it should be funny to both the pranker and the prankee. April Fool’s Day is intendedto spread laughter, not to spark anger and distrust. It would defeat the purpose of the holiday if a fight was caused instead of enjoyment. Pranks should be funny – not harmful. Pulling tricks on people in meanness can be extremely damaging.

Get the pranking started

First of all, narrow ideas down for potential pranks for specific people. Make sure that those pranks would not be (at least permanently) damaging to that person. It is not fun if a prank earns the pranker a karate-chopping “Yeah, there’s been a few times I’ve gotten in trouble because they didn’t get the joke,” said Aaron York, 12. Also, another guideline to follow is to keep it clean. No one wants a dirty, tasteless joke – even an exploding can of fake worms would be better than that. Make it funny enough that they can tell everyone in their family without scaring grandma off. Try to imagine explaining the joke to a family member and think about their reaction – would it be laughter or disgust? Discuss with a partner if it is a group prank. If one is a private pranker, then proceed to make a list of materials. Allot a budget in order to restrict costs. Jokes should make one laugh, not go broke. This is another point in favor of a group joke. If there is more than one pranker on the team, everyone can pool their money into a more elaborate trick. Perform the trick in a secretive manner - if the person who is being pranked already knows what is coming, it ruins the surprise and part of the whole joy. Looking for a reaction? Surprise them and reap the laughs. To do that, pick a day that nothing major is happening on (that way the prank will stand out more). This way fellow prankers on the team will all be free to play the trick.

Rank these pranks Here are some of the classic pranks that people play on each other time and again - but just how creative and funny are they? Very few people bother to think up elaborate jokes anymore. Think Fred from Scooby Doo - he always had an interesting plan up his sleeve. These are some good pranks to pull out of a joker goody bag when ideas are running low. Whoopee cushion - always an interesting prank, however it may be a bit outdated/ old nowadays, since it has been played on so many (perhaps not-so-)innocent bystanders. This is an especially good joke for people that the joker might - heavily dislike. Public embarrassment is always hip and happening. It is also a good standby for when those joke ideas just will not come to the usually creative practical joker. Rating:

The gag gift certificate. Give friends interesting certificates for something sweet (one free backrub) or offer something completely disgusting (one afternoon mud wrestling). This joke has the most opportunities for creativity, something that is usually lacking. Hand someone a gag certificate for a personal toad massage - free from the neighborhood pond. Rating:

Work that whoopee

Now it is time to practice on everyone (and anyone) that is around. Whip out that bag of tricks and start asking people to shake your hand (wink, wink). Even complete strangers! After all, they do not know who to call in case they need to tell the authorities (not that...they would need to). Although picking the right person that matches the prank is important, there is also no harm in trying it out - brilliant scientists run tons of tests before announcing results - why not the brilliant pranker? All of these tips are to work towards a better person – or a better prankster at least. Remember the pointers when it is time to get out those electric zappers and ask for a friendly handshake once more – Happy pranking.

Electrify your friends with this joltingly funny joke. This trick should be used sparingly as handshakes do come in handy every once in awhile (they are not as outdated as one might think). If a joker needs to be respect and impress a person - but that person is scared to shake the hand of the prankster, it will not bode well. However, it would be an ego-booster for someone to be that afraid to shake hands just because of some bad rumors of mad prankster skills. Rating:

feature

05.25.07 Kelsey & Chris

Tasty summer jobs

Great food equals great benefits DAN MONTAGUE

staff writer

s the weather starts to warm up and school lets out, students are left with an unusual amount of free time. They do not have to worry about homework, studying, or afterschool activities. Instead of moping around

all day and being the stereotypical couch potato, many students go out and look for a job. But how does one know where to start or which jobs are better than the others? It can be a difficult process to find a job, and it is helpful to know some of the better places to work to make sure it is worthwhile.

page

Skyline Chili

Skyline Chili is always a good choice for food, but is it a good place to work? There is not a very strict dress code, making it a more comfortable working environment. It is also quite a popular restaurant for teenagers around here so students could see their friends while they are at work. It is also a great place to go after football games so it is easy to celebrate school spirit on Friday nights in the fall. Skyline also has phenomenal food and being an employee means a nice employee discount for all of the cheese conies one can eat. “I have been working at Skyline for a while now and I think it is a really great time because there are a lot of really interesting people that work there,” said Nate Dicken, 11. “I also enjoy a nice cheese coney every now and then.”

Ready for summer? page

Subway is a low-pressure, fairly easy job with a casual dress code and a small clean-up area. Its advantages are the fact that it is usually not too crowded except for a lunch rush in the middle of the day. This gives a subway worker a lot of time to relax and hang out with the other employees. Workers there also get a one on one relationship with their manager which can be advantageous at times. Subway employees get a discount as well. There are not too many things to worry about when working there because it is a fairly simple, selfexplanatory job. You make sandwiches and go home with a full stomach. This makes life easy.

Parker’s Blue Ash Grill

Although Parker’s requires more elaborate uniforms and a stricter dress code, it still has its benefits and is quite popular with Sycamore students. It is a more upscale restaurant so nicer place means nicer pay. Students have been known to make quite an earning from tips there. Tony Miller, 11 worked at Parkers for quite a long period of time as a bus boy. “I think I made more money from tips than I did from my regular paycheck last summer,” said Miller. “That’s where people in that line of business make most of their money.”

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feature How well do couples really know each other? 05.25.07

Kelsey Norton, 9, Chris Mavriplis, 10, accept challenge ELIZABETH HOOPES staff writer

Chris about Kelsey

Kelsey about Chris When is his birthday? January 11 Real answer: January 11

When is her birthday? October 24 Real answer: October 24

What is his middle name? Nicholas Real answer: Nicholas

What is her middle name? Sharon Rose Real Answer: Sharon Rose

What is his favorite color? Blue Real answer: Blue

What is her favorite color? Pink and Orange Real Answer: Pink and Orange

What is his favorite food? Philly Cheese Steak Sub from Penn Station Real answer: Penn Station Subs

What is her favorite food? Rice Krispies Real answer: Rice Krispies and peanut butter

How many siblings does he have? Two Real answer: Two

How many siblings does she have? One brother Real answer: One brother

What lunch does he have? Third Real answer: Third

What lunch does she have? Third Real answer: Third

What does he want to be when he grows up? Teacher Real answer: Teacher/ musician

What does she want to be when she grows up? An instructor of some sort Real answer: Music Teacher

What is his favorite TV show? Fuse Real answer: Fuse

What is her favorite TV show? Law and Order Real answer: Law and Order

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What activities is he involved in? Marching Band and drumline Real answer: Marching band and drumline

What activities is she involved in? Marching band and drumline Real answer: Marching band

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feature

04.27.07

God among mere mortals Who will be the one to carry on the legend? JACK LIU

mini-mag editor

very year, there is one student in our school who takes on the heroic burden of rep-ing the Aviator. In the beginning, wearing the big suit was just a side job: some games were complimented by a mascot while other games lacked one. This year, “Greg really took the whole thing to a new level,” said Kenji Matsudo, SHS Principal. Greg Van Amerongen, 12, who Matsudo is refering to, took on the job last year half way through the year anonymously. Not until this year was it revealed that he was the man behind the mask. Greg also took on another challenge – the morning announcements; but “by no means does the morning announcements person have to be the same person as the one in the Aviator suit,” said Matsudo.

*If you are interested in being next year’s Aviator mascot (girl or boy), please contact Kenji Matsudo.

ANATOMY OF THE SUIT The Aviator suit can be compared to one that a superhero (Spiderman, Superman) wears. There are pros and cons to it. “The suit does quite a lot of work on my neck muscles. I’m sore every time after I wear it but it’s my job - just like batman would wear his suit,” said Van Amerongen. Thus, the person who does decide to be the Aviator must be dedicated and ready for a workout. The only air pockets are in the head so the rest of the body is encompassed in thick fabric that can keep the coldest chill out. There are advantages and disadvantages: in the winter, it will be warm but in the summer... Either way, Mr. Aviator must be worn with upmost pride and without fear of sweating profusely, being sore for weeks on end, and not eating or drinking for long periods of time. These conveniences must be sacrificed for the job- just like any superhero.

BEHIND THE MASK The Aviator must be kind, unprejudiced, enthusiastic and flamboyant. The suit is a symbol how Sycamore can soar through obstacles. “I make everyone feel like they are loved and cherished,” said Van Armerongen. “Who ever it is, they must be ready to stay on the move and run around. Basically, they have to be like Greg,” said Matsudo. As of now, no one has stepped up to the plate but time is running out. The first game that the Aviator must appear at is the first football game of the 07-08 school year.

MR. AVIATOR GROOVES ALONG with the music at a pep rally. Being in the suit requires one to be physically fit and mentally witty. Not only does the suit cause one to constantly sweat but it is also weighs a load.

POSSIBILITIES “Only one person has approached me about being the Aviator but their name has to stay confidential because we are trying to keep everything as secret as possible,” said Matsudo. Plausible candidates are Tamir Haddad, 11 ,who will be 08’s class president, and Jackie Pittman, 11, who will be the student council president next year.

all images by jack liu

THE HOMECOMING GAME was blessed with Mr. Aviator’s presence. Greg ran up and down the field many a times in the suit. From the stands, it seems easy but in the suit, every step takes so much more effort.

HIGH FIVES ALL around. The Aviator must be an energetic being. He or she must make everyone feel like part of the Sycamore family. Along with all this, the person must have good moral which means instead of degrading the opposing team, just supporting the home team.

feature

05.25.07

photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.org

MORRISVILLE ELEMENTARY, LOCATED in North Carolina, keeps flashing signs up on around the roads near the school, to warn drivers that students may be in session during the summer months. Many schools around the nation are beginning to institute new schedules that shorten summer break in order to create a year round learning experience. The year round schedule claims to be able to improve schools; however, many teachers, students, and parents disagree.

Year round education SAUL GELLER

staff writer

ummer is a word that brings out the joy in any student, bringing thoughts of camp, vacation, and no school. However, for over two million students across the U.S., summer is simply another season of school. This is the reality for students enrolled in a year-roundeducation, or YRE school. Thousands of public and private, elementary and secondary schools operated on a YRE schedule in 05-06 and are completing their alternative schedule this year.

The Issue

Year-round education has become a popular alternative to a traditional schedule, beginning in the 1980’s. It is defined as a schedule eliminating a long summer break, and instead creating several smaller breaks throughout the year, in order to create a more continuous cycle of education. An increase in academics, attendance, and safety have all been noted with other schools’ transfer to year round school, though not conclusively. Most schools using a YRE schedule still only attend the typical 180 days. With few exceptions, the YRE schedule focuses on rearranging a school calendar to create a more efficient learning system. Also, YRE has been most rewarding for elementary schools with students from low income families. In A Case Study on the Perspectives of an Optional K-5 Year-Round/ Multi-Age Program in Virginia, parents of elementary students who participated in open ended interviews were quoted saying things like “He loves it,” and “She didn’t struggle as much with SOL’s [standardized of Learning test] as she did in traditional schedule.” “In summary, one may conclude from this particular review of achievement studies that there is an effective maintenance and improvement of the overall academic performance of students participating in a year-round education program in comparison to those on the traditional calendar,” said Dr. Carolyn Kneese, a professor at Texas A&M, who studied YRE and its effects in the review of the study, “Year-Round Learning: A Research Synthesis Relating to Student Achievement.”. Most sources agree that YRE usually helps students and the school, which is why over 2000 schools and districts have been employing the system, some for over 20 years.

photo by saul geller

Clash over school calendar leads students to debate

YRE and Sycamore

The real question for debaters and administrators is if a change to YRE would be beneficial to Sycamore and whether it could rally any support among parents, teachers, and students. “I think it’s hard to answer the question, if Sycamore should change to an alternative schedule like year-round school. Sycamore is a well off district that might not necessarily experience the same effects as other districts with a lower average income and lower average academic achievements,” said Jeremy Spiegel, 10. The question whether Sycamore should switch to a year round calendar has also been chosen as this year’s sophomore debate topic. During the 1990’s, Sycamore discussed this issue, but it was defeated by parents who wanted to stick to a traditional calendar, which appeared to be working, at least for Sycamore. YRE for Sycamore would focus mainly on helping ELL(English Language Learners) or disadvantaged students, especially since the “No Child Left Behind” policy was passed. “This year, we are debating on whether Sycamore should switch to a YRE calendar, and why or why not,” said Dan Tang, 10. Most high school students are against a radical change that would erase the memories of a long, lazy summer.

In this particular debate, the issue is summer, a long standing tradition for the U.S. Most students, parents, and even administrators do not want to struggle against the tide of tradition. However, this alternative schedule may very well be the next step to a better education. With YRE, the U.S. could possibly be more able to improve students’ education and boost the graduation rates. Such a change would be well worth the cost of YRE. On the other hand, the inconsistencies of this schedule have slowed the process of change and left many people doubtful of YRE’s capabilities.

YRE on an International Schedule

YRE became a popular idea during the past 30 years, as American students began scoring lower than foreign students on national and international tests. This slip of education in the U.S. has been regarded as an educational crisis by certain professors and others. One major point of YRE is to improve education in general, which would supposedly boost test scores for students, especially those who are in worse economic conditions. However, there is no proof that this would work. Though most foreign schools do use a YRE schedule, they also tend to function differently. Many countries, such as China, schedule their schools with as many as 220 days per school year. Other nations have cultural values and other factors that might improve the effects of year round education.

Image courtesy of www.nayre.org

THE alternative calendar still has the typical 180 days of attendance. There are spring, summer, fall, and winter breaks. This alternative divides the year more evenly than a traditional schedule by eliminating a long summer break.

Breathe, stretch ,relax

feature

05.25.07

Students struggle with managing stress ANASTASIA FLOWERS

staff writer

s the end of the year approaches, students are plagued by deadlines, busy schedules, and keeping up with assignments. It happens to every student,whether it is a class project or a research paper. Students face a great deal of

stress. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. By identifying and accepting what can be controlled and what can not one can learn to manage stress. Learning stress management skills can help in many ways with this common part of life. Many students handle their stress in lots of effective ways. “I’m in Tae kwon do and I rock climb as well,”said Corbin Lay, 10. It can also affect quality of life and health. It affects us each differently. Some common effects of stress are pain, sensitvity to bright light, elevated sound levels, deception and many others as well. “I play the guitar and tennis,” said Anne Brant, 9. Almost everyone experiences events that they find difficult to cope with. In a recent study, 87% of people said they have experienced serious stress in their lives. Stress can weaken the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to catching infections, colds and also the flu. However, there is positive stress too. Positive stress can help inspire people to do their best and to perform better than if they were not under any stress at all. Go to a friend’s when feeling tension. A friend might be under just as much stress. Experience it together and help each other. It just might change someone’s views on something. The highest percentage of stress belongs to all the students around the world. The stress poll that was conducted at this school was that more people were stressed and less were not, which is not surprising. “I wouldn’t be too surprised about more people being stressed out because this school year has a lot going on with many different people”, said Carrissa Richardson, 11. Overall, stress is a natural part of life and in order to handle it, its important to relax and take one step at a time.

Photo by Anastasia Flowers

In weight training, Wes Denny, 10 sits down on a bench and ponders over all the things that are going on in his life. More high school students indicate in recent surveys that stress has become an issue in their lives that they are attemtpting to resolve. These students noted that school, work and sports are getting them down.

Students’ stress poll* 67% Yes 33% No 45 students were surveyed at random

Top 10 ways to end stress

Quiz: Are you stressed out? 1. You have a major test tomorrow and are not prepared. You.......... A. Have a nervous breakdown because you totally forgot, then eat three bowls of your favorite ice cream. B. Call a friend and ask for the answers to the test, which she took two days ago. C. Call a friend and ask her to help you study. 2. At school, your crush walks toward you in the hall. You.......... A Blush and then, out of embarrassment, try to stuff yourself into a locker. B. Try to catch your breath and turn to walk in the opposite direction. C. Go about your business and act like everything is normal, but inside you’re full of butterflies. 3. Your parents have been super busy lately. You really want to spend some time with them, but when they are both free, they are tired. You.......... A. Turn to your friends for comfort and go to a party. B. Decide that if your parents do not have time for you, you do not have time for them. C. Realize that your parents’ stress is stressing you out, so you take steps to lighten the heavy mood.

*School related items were most stressful

4. You have started interviewing for a summer job. Three employers expressed interest in hiring you, but after a couple of days, no one has offered you a job. You.......... A. Are sure that the wait means that they will hire you. To cheer yourself up, you head to the mall and buy a couple of new outfits. B. Do not worry any longer and decide to contact all the interviewers, hoping they will not be annoyed by your call. C. Trust that you did your best in all the interviews and wait for them to respond. 5. Tonight you have chores to complete, at least two hours of homework, dinner to help with and a youth activity to attend. You.......... A. Decide to forget about your responsibilities and grab that novel you have been dying to read. B. Get on the internet to surf, telling yourself that you will do your chores in a second. C. Make a list of everything you need to do. Then you start working.

Exercise. One of the healthiest ways to blow off some stream is to do a daily exercise. Eat a balanced diet. Step away from the sugar and fattening food. Instead go over to the fruit and vegetables. Talk. Approach someone trustworthy to discuss a situation or problem. Get organized. Buy a planner to record events, tasks and deadlines in order to be reminded of what needs to be done. Write it down. Grab a pen or pencil and start to write down all the bad days, the good days, or just about anything. Develop hobbies. Remember to spend time enjoying something fun. Whatever those activities might be, indulge in them. Laugh. Laughter is a good way to leave the body relaxed and calm.

Answer key

Get a massage. Have someone loosen up those muscles.

Mostly A’s- Sound the alarm! You need help handling your stress. Instead of lying or avoiding the situation, try handling your problems face-on. When stress hits, take a few deep breaths and calmly make the best decision possible.

Breath. Go somewhere quiet and take a few deep breaths, slowly.

Mostly B’s- Sometimes you handle stress very well, but you still have a tendency to procastinate and avoid sticky situations. Ask a friend to keep you accountable to take care of things as they come your way. Try and balance your time. Mostly C’s- You are doing great! Stressful situations come your way, and you approach them honestly with respect for other people. Keep up the good work.

Listening. Listen to some tunes to stop thinking about the negative. Maybe even sing along.

feature

Summer vacation 05.25.07

Cincinnatians go to LIBBY HENNING

feature chief

ummer is fast approaching and families and students are looking forward to vacationing and having fun in the sun. In Cincinnati, a popular place to celebrate the end of school is the Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina. “I had a great time when I visited the outer banks,” said Sarah Schneider, 10.

Where to Stay

There are many places to stay in the Outer Banks, including Duck, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and several others. Each place has its pros and cons; preference is dependent on location. There are several rental agencies that allow families to book an actual house for however many weeks they would like, and some of the houses are directly on the beach. “I would like to go where the sun shines and the water sparkles,” said Mitch Garner, 10. Most of these houses have names, such as Serendipity or Currie Tucker, and are decorated with the beach style. When families arrive they usually find a note from the owner of their house or a complementary basket of beach necessities. Families are required to purchase groceries and bring other beach items. Most houses provide an umbrella and beach chairs, but not all. The weather does not affect the stay because it changes often, and if it is stormy guests can watch the water and the sky. When it is sunny or stormy the experience is different; the whole beach changes and is calm when it is not stormy, but is violent when it is storming. During night walks on the beach, people can find little crabs. If they are careful and have a bit of luck they can even pick one up. Many of the rental houses are just feet from the beach and have walkways straight to the warm sand and pleasant water. The surf is great for all kinds of swimmers and all ages. “I especially enjoyed being a short path away from the beautiful beach!” said Schneider. Bodysurfers will find the waves large but the drifters will find that if they go out just a little bit further it is smooth and calm. The little children can splash where the waves wash up to them or play in the sand.

Fishing and Shopping

Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean is not bad either. There are plenty of fishing shops along the piers where fishermen can find bait. They can fish right there on the pier or back at their

rental house where the ocean is literally in their backyard. If fishing is not really what the vacationers enjoy then they are in luck. The Outer Banks offer a variety of offshore activities that are well suited for everyone. Families can rent a skidoo to ride in one of the smaller lakes off the ocean. If they have a mind for history they can visit Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers achieved their first flight. Vacationers can walk around the site, enjoy the historical monuments, and take several pictures. They could go shopping for beach wear, or enjoy the mom and pop stores in the area. “I used to go to the Outer Banks a lot when I was younger and I honestly wouldn’t mind going again. There are lots of lovely little shops in Duck and Kitty Hawk and plenty of things for people of all ages to see and do,” said Caroline Ibbotson, 10.

OBX

Restaurants and Lighthouses

People also love to taste the seafood available in some of the restaurants, such as The Sunset Grill. Awful Arthur’s is another great place to go. They have wonderful shrimp and fish, but people with fish allergies beware. This restaurant fries all of the food together so the fries or hush puppies could give someone an allergic reaction. Many houses often have magnets on the refrigerators with numbers of pizza places or great places to go. Several houses also provide a grill. Other great things to do are go visit other beaches and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wild horses that live on and near the beach. Many of these beaches also have magnificent shells and sand dollars that are fun to admire. Families should make a point to see some of the multiple light-houses located around the Outer Banks. To name a few, there are the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the Ocracoke lighthouse, the Bodie Island lighthouse, the Currituck Beach lighthouse, and the Bald Head lighthouse. There are several things to do at these lighthouses, such as taking tours, admiring the view from the top of the lighthouse, or even going to several light-houses on a lighthouse tour. “It sounds like a great place to vacation, a place where the whole family can have fun,” said Erik Wilkes, 9.

Trip Home

Of course leaving is the worst part of the whole trip. Almost every vacation house keeps a little journal each year that the families that have stayed there can write about their vacation in. It is always great to read others’ experiences and perhaps borrow some of their ideas for having fun.

all images by libby henning

COLLECTING SHELLS IS a family favorite because anyone can do it. There are so many beautiful shells people can find. At some beaches people can dig into the sand and find mollusk like creatures that, at first glance look like brilliantly colored shells, but- they move back and bury themselves in the sand.

Lying, tanning...not ononly beach... thing to do

AT THE OUTER Banks visitors can find magnificent wildlife. There are turtles, crabs, wild horses, and fish they could spot. The turtles, with their gleaming colors, are hard to miss.

SITTING OUT ON the beach is the best part of some vacations, and in the Outer Banks visitors can do just that for as long as they would like. With beach chairs provided people can stick their toes in the sand while others are splashing in the water. Picnics are a great part about going to the beach, so grabbing a few beach chairs and a picnic basket can make the day an adventure in the sun.

g feature n i n e d r a

05.25.07

Not just for

MICHELA TINDERA

staff writer

ardening. Many consider it a painstaking or boring pastime only grandmothers and elderly neighbors enjoy. While many elderly people do in fact, like to garden, many kids and teens also delight in the pleasures of gardening, considering it a very “cool” hobby to take part in. “Gardening is cool Tomatoes because you put all this hard work into the little For beginners, it is seeds and they turn into recommended to grow pretty flowers,” said Dani these from a seed plant Tsevat, 9. instead of seed packets “Gardening is cool because it’s a unique activity that reaps beautiful products,” said Christine McLaughlin, 9.

Plants for beginners

Thinking about starting a garden? Choose one or more of these four plants, known to grow best in Ohio.

Day Lily These perennials will add a bold splash of color to a garden, and require little care

Black-Eyed Susan Also perennials, these flowers are great for beginners and rarely catch diseases

Historical Gardens Gardening certainly is a unique activity that not only creates attractive flowers, or a tasty snack but also has a rich history dating back to prehistorical times. Gardening for food Hosta purposes extends very far Perfect for shady back into prehistory to areas it requires some of the first humans little care and has who grew crops such as a beautiful green corn or maize. Gardening for ornamental texture purposes also goes back very far in time, with one of the most famous gardens of ancient times being the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Ancient Rome also had many decorative gardens. In Japan in the 1700s Samurai and Zen monks were required to build ornamental gardens known as ikebana. “It’s incredibly interesting that gardening has such a rich history,” said McLaughlin.

Why Garden? Many teens also choose gardening as one of their favorite activities because it allows for a release of stress, restoring calm and relaxation to their very hectic lives. “I love to garden. It gets my mind off of the hassles of my busy life,” said Neha Tandon, 9. Another benefit that goes along with gardening is that it allows for the gardener to become more in touch with nature, even if it is just through growing a simple potted plant on a windowsill. And if you are not in to becoming one with nature and what not, gardening can always be used as

Sow

What? tips for planting

more of a practical hobby for foodgrowing purposes. Many say there is nothing better than being able to walk outside and pull a fruit or vegetable straight off the vine to eat. “I used to grow my own peas, carrots, potatoes, squash, spinach, and strawberries,” said Stephanie Post, 10. There are also many health benefits to growing one’s own food because then one can be sure that no unwanted pesticides or antibiotics have been sprayed onto other plants.

How to get started

To get started all that is really needed is a few simple tools and a bit of knowledge to transform an average teen into a gardening master. The first step into becoming a gardening master is to choose what and where to plant. Be sure the spot receives a good amount of sunlight and to start off small. The worst thing for a gardener is to get frustrated because the workload has become too great. Once one has learned the basics of garden upkeep there is always room to expand. Next a gardener must choose what exactly they want to plant. Cucumbers or squash? Roses or Day Lilies? Tomatoes or carrots? Before purchasing seeds or starter plants take a look at what the growing season for each plant is so as to not buy something, such as peaches or watermelon that could need ten months to fully grow. Once those preliminary decisions have been made it is time to begin planting! When planting be sure to follow all of the instructions on the plant’s container or seed packet. One missed step could really affect your little plant’s livelihood. Once you are finished planting then the real fun begins. Every once in a while take a look through the garden to make sure all the plants seem healthy and unharmed by pests. Make sure to water when specified, and spend some quality time with them!

Join in the fun

grandma

4 Best

Gardening Tools

Though many so-called “professional gardeners” recommend fancy tools to garden properly, all that is really needed is a few, simple tools to get the job done.

Hand rake Hand rakes help to pull up old roots and weeds when first planting a garden.

Watering can All plants need water so a watering can is a must.

Hand trowel Hand trowels enable a gardener to make the perfect size holes to put seeds in when planting.

Gardening gloves Pulling up weeds, or dealing with prickly roses can really take a toll on a gardeners hands.

“I like gardening because you get to eat what you grow!” said Ian Wilson, 9. There are many reasons that gardening can become an enjoyable hobby for all ages. Maybe one just has the desire to wear a ridiculous hat and sit in dirt all day. Whatever the reason, thousands of people around the world choose to sink their trowels into the soil and garden. Happy gardening!

all images by michela tindera

Tip One

Tip Two

Always check how moist the soil is before planting. If the soil clumps together in a muddy ball it is too wet and could damage the soil structure.

Spend some time with your plants. Some professional gardeners even recommend talking to your plants.

Tip Three Beware of deer and other backyard wildlife. Many of these animals enjoy feasting on vegetables as much as you do!

feature

05.25.07

Touring the birthplace of democracy is not an easy feat. The daily schedule for these globe-trotters will be full from sun up to sun down.

DAY 1: The grand excursion

begins with an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.

DAY 2: After arriving in the

Eternal City, travelers will pass through customs and meet their tour director. This guide will follow the group throughout the entire trip.

DAY 3: Students dive in by all photos courtesy of marnie may

From Pompeii to Parthenon

This ROMAN temple is just one of many sites along the way from Rome to Athens. Students who participate in the excursion will be able to visit ancient temples such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaistos, and the Athenian Cemetery. They will also marvel at natural wonders such as Mt.Vesuvius, which buried the entire city of Pompeii when it erupted in 79 A.D.

Students embark on journey of lifetime KATE MOORE

managing editor

ome to temples, plazas, museums, ancient ruins, and the Olympic games, historic Greece has much to offer for anyone interested in indulging in the experience of a lifetime. Next March, 50 students will have the chance to spend spring break overseas on an exciting, fast-paced tour of Italy and the Greek Isles. Over the course of nine days, they will travel from Rome to Athens, visiting cultural hotspots such as Vatican City, Pompeii, Olympia and the Parthenon. “The idea of the trip is to let the students experience a part of history that they have read about for years,” said Mrs. Marnie May, English teacher and organizer of the trip to Greece. “We will see sites that students have read about in the Odyssey.” The trip was an incredible success when it was first organized in 2006. Students were able to visit the Vatican on the first anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II and were present at the blessing given by Pope Benedict XVI later that evening. “Traveling to Greece and Italy was such an experience. We had so much fun shopping, eating, and taking everything in. My favorite [memories were] laying on the beach outside Rome, shopping in Athens, and climbing the mountains in Delphi to see the ancient oracles. This was the perfect spring break!” said Sarah McMillen, 11. When visiting ancient Olympic sites the group was able to have the surreal experience of watching Mr. Greg Cole run around the Olympic track.

“

“I’m looking forward to running on the Olympic track and beating my friends,” said Max Helmsworth, 11. “It was amazing to see the ruins of Greece, and then travel to Italy to see the same architecture, only three times larger. The difference in size really puts a perspective on the power of the Roman Empire,” said May. To top it all off, the group ran into members of the AP European History trip when they were in Italy in 2006. Anyone who is interested in taking part in this great adventure should contact May in room 103 for more information. “We opened up the trip in early March [2007] and it’s already half full,” said May. Those who are interested should start planning and saving as soon as possible. No one should miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I can’t wait to go back to Europe,” said Kevin Kreutz, 9. The rich culture of these extraordinary countries will leave a lasting impression on all who make the journey.

The trip to Greece actually begins in Italy, with the group arriving first in Rome. From there they will travel to Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii. Students will then embark on their journey to Greece, where they will visit Patras, Delphi, and finally, Athens. Along the way, the group will tour historical sites, such as this ancient temple.

I’m sure I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. - Katie Reed, 9

Price Check!

When in Rome...

Traveling around the world can be expensive. Check out the figures and start saving.

Program Fee...........................................................$1580 Departure Fee..........................................................$358 Lifetime Membership Fee......................................$9 Weekend Supplement*...........................................$35 Greek Evening............................................................$60 Private Bus Fee**.......................................................$60 Total...........................................................................$2188

*The weekend supplement may be waived if we leave on a day other than Friday or Saturday.

**The price of the private tour bus willr ise to $175 per participant if we do not fill each bus with 29 students image courtesy of eftours.com

heading off to Vatican City. They will tour the Vatican Museum and marvel at Michelangelo’s fresco debut on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The group will have the chance to view more of the artist’s masterpieces when they visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, everyone will take a guided tour of Rome to view ruins of the mighty empire, including the Colosseum. Students will have a chance to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and see the Pantheon.

DAY 4: The group moves on to

visit Pompeii, one of the wealthiest cities back in the time of the Roman empire. The area was preserved when Mt.Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., and students will have the chance to visit the site. At the end of the day, the tourists will board a night ferry to Greece.

DAY 5: After arriving in Patras,

students will visit Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Later, they will move on the Argolida, the first capital of Greece.

DAY 6: Students will discover

the ancient ruins of Greece on a guided tour of Epidaurus, the most well preserved open theatres in the region. They will also visit Mycenae, the site from which Agamemnon launched his battle against Troy. After touring, the group will journey along the Corinth Canal, finally arriving in Athens, best known as the birthplace of democracy.

DAY 7: A local guide will lead

everyone around the most famous sites in this historic city, including the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the site of the first modern Olympics. Other places of interest will include the Temple of Hephaistos, the Agora, and possibly the Athenian Cemetery.

DAY 8: As the exciting excursion

winds down, the final full day will center around a guided tour of Delphi, home to many great military leaders and the Temple of Apollo, in addition to the Delphi Museum. Students may also have the option to partake in a “Greek Evening” during which they will enjoy an authentic meal and traditional entertainment.

DAY 9: The excursion comes to

an end as the tour director takes the students back to the airport, where they will depart for the long ride home.

feature

Technology family reunion

05.25.07

iPhone:revolutionizing phones

combining all necessities

staff writer

he Apple Corporation set out to produce the highest quality products that would support the consumer to the fullest extent. The goal began with their original computer, which hit schools across the nation. The next step was to produce a faster, sleeker version of the desktop computer. This was met with the iMac and the evolution of “iWorld.” Then, came the iPods mini, video, nano, and Mac was faced with the question: what to do next? This question was approached with an open mind, and answered with the decision to create a handheld ultimate device with MP3, Internet, email, GPS, phone, and texting capabilities. This advanced piece of technology captures all the positives in the cyber world and is called the iPhone. “The iPhone sounds really cool. I am really excited for it to come out,” said Lindsay Harris, 9. Mac’s advances in the ability to create a product that reaches every age group, is simple and fun to use and is compacted into a sleek 3.5 inch LCD screen iPod and phone that is called the iPhone. Somehow the Macintosh Company has had the ability to market and dominate the computer world with their cutting-edge design. “The iPhone looks great, but not that many people will have one because it is so expensive,” said Akshay RoyChaudhury, 9. With ownership over the most modern, trendy gadgets, Apple has created a variation of a monopoly, especially

over the MP3 world. The main reason Apple has been able to accomplish this feat has to do with making their products look and perform the best. The marketing skills of Apple were the most effective tool used to capture the attention of the teenage and adult populace. With their distinctive white headphones and distinguished design, the iPod enabled the iPod frenzy. By insulting the PC dimension of the computer world in their advertisements, Apple has created an image for the PC manufacturer, which is one of outdated design and technology. The Mac influence has reached the young, the old, and the in between. The marketing has gone far enough that, currently, consumers associate the color white with Mac. Also Mac has made virtually all other MP3 players seem inferior to the great iPod. Apple has been highly pressured to continue to produce high quality products from the media and cyber enthusiasts. This call to greatness has been achieved with the iPhone. Not only does this phone capture all of Mac’s unique applications, but it also makes the mobile phones that seem the most contemporary today look decades old when compared side by side to the iPhone. This hyped-up device is expected to meet and defeat all previous expectations and skepticism. The iPhone has become the elite of the cellular market. “I am pumped for the iPhone to come out. It sounds sweet, but I wish it were less money,” said Alex Schatz, 9.

iPod video- The iPhone provides a widescreen iPod that includes songs, videos, audiobokks, and podcasts. It works the same as the previous iPods as the player sychronizes with iTunes on a computer. SMS Texting- Texting becomes simple and easy as typing is on a touch screen, rather than small number keys. It carries a predictive feature, which fixes mistakes made, while typing. Mobile Phone- By pointing a finger at a contact in the address book, a call is made. The iPhone allows a sync with a desktop or laptop computer, or a internet source to enable contacts to be transferred. Camera- the iPhone features a two mega pixel camera, which carries both video and still image recordings capabilities. Email- The iPhone carries a rich HTML so most mail services are applicable on the phone. Safari Internet Program- This program on the iPhone allows unlimited browsing. To enlarge an image a simple touch of the screen is all that is needed.

THE IPHONE IS available exclusively for Cingular Wireless meaning that the phone will be locked for any other service with the exception of Cingular. There is a slim possibility that the iPhone will become unlocked in a few years as Mac’s contract with Cingular will end. This will enable the iPhone to be used by any wireless service.

Tech Specs

BEN DHIMAN

Google Maps- enable the iPhone to carry detailed satellite, maps, and directions. Also, traffic information in available.

SensorsiPhone’s accelerometer detects when you rotate the device from portrait to landscape, then automatically changes the contents of the display WidgetsSmall applications that give you helpful information like stock reports, weather reports, and more in real time.

Comparison Phone

LG Chocolate

All of the great features on the iPhone will, of course, milk every cent out of a wallet. With the 4GB at $499, and the 8GB at $599 the iPhone seems pricey. This large sum appears expensive, and it is, but a device that carries the amount of software as the iPhone is worth the high price.

photo courtesy of apple.com

Coming June 15, 2007

Moto Razr

Apple iPhone

Battery

Up to 6 Hours talk time. 200 Hours on Stand-by.

Up to 7 Hours talk time. 270 Hours on Stand-by.

Weight

3.53 Ounces

3.42 Ounces 4.5 Ounces

Games

Display

Memory Sync

Yes

LCD Screen

128 MB

Yes

LCD Screen

5 MB

USB connec- Yes with PC tion for down- when using a loads USB connection

Up to 5 hours talk/video/ browsing. Up to 16 hours Audio playback.

Yes

LCD Screen, Multi -Touch

4GB or 8GB Yes with PC using given USB connection

Re ay for Life Students walk for good cause KAVYA REDDY

spotlight chief

ope. Determination. Strength. These are the images that are created in the eyes of survivors, families, students, teachers, and any member of Relay for Life. Relay for Life is an event that raises money to help fight cancer, pays tribute to the lives of those lost to the disease and honors all cancer survivors. On May 11-12, 2007, Sycamore High School hosted Montgomery Area’s Relay for Life. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tocoma colorectal surgeon, was the first to inspire others in the walk for cancer. In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Nearly 300 friends, family, and patients watched as he walked and ran the course. Supporters paid 20 dollars to run or walk 30 minutes with him and Klatt raised $27,000 to fight cancer. While walking the track, Klatt came up with the idea of a 24 hour relay event that would raise money to fight cancer. Many months later, he pulled together a team to organize the first team relay event known as City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. In 1986, 19 teams took part with the first team relay event at Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. The spirit and courage brought together many teams, and members camped out circling the track. As quoted from relayforlife.org, “My little sister, Lydia was diagnosed with cancer last February, and passed away this past August. This year I relay in remembrance of her hope, love, and faith throughout her ordeal. And I relay so that one day we may truly find a cure for cancer,” said Esther Wu, 10. The event opens up with the cancer survivors taking the first lap. This first lap sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. All participants gather around the track cheering and waving on the

Numbers

1074

members attended Montgomery Relay for Life

1,444,920

estimated cases of cancer in 2007

95, 675

200

dollars raised at Relay for Life about how many types of cancer

feature

survivors. The survivors feel a boost of energy and happiness that there are people that care for the fight against their enemy. “Taking the survivor lap was a cool experience. It’s really powerful to have all your friends and the people you don’t even know cheering for you. I’m really glad that they have something to celebrate everyone who has overcome or is going through the process,” said Lizy LeBlond, 10. The Luminaria Ceremony of Hope is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost through cancer. People are allowed to by luminaria candles to honor those who have died, survivors, and others who have dealt with the friend or family of a victim of the disease. The candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participant of the incredible importance of their contributions. On the bleachers, candles were lit to spell out HOPE. The word imprinted a memory in the participants’ minds to remind them there is still hope for the fight. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the event with the goal of eliminating cancer. It may just seem that you have to raise a $100.00 and walk around a track all night. But by participating in the event you celebrate those who have battled, remember the ones who have been lost and are inspired to fight back against cancer. The top three teams that raised the most money included Wu’s team who raised $5,315.00, Melanie Wegner’s team who raised 4,091.00, and Erica Wittkugal and Abby Evans who raised $3,671.00. Top individuals included Wu ($4,500.00), Wegner ($4,500.00), and Tori Liming ($1,545.00). Relay has a chance to take cancer where it has not been before

“ “

...And I relay so that one day we may truly find a cure for cancer - Esther Wu, 10

I am really glad that have something to celebrate everyone who has overcome cancer. - Lizy LeBlond, 10

05.25.07

feature

05.25.07

Cincinnati teens experience Poland, Israel through Holocaust journey SARAH MCGRATH & AMANDA ROSS & RACHEL SCHNEIDER staff writer staff writer staff writer

ever forget, never again. This message is especially meaningful to 36 Cincinnati teens who traveled to Poland and Israel on the 19th annual March of the Living. The group witnessed first-hand the horror of what remains of Holocaust concentration camps, including Majdanek, Treblinka, Auschwitz, and Birkenau. In addition, the group visited several significant and historical landmarks, including the Warsaw and Krakow Ghettoes, Janusz Korczak’s orphanage, the infamous Umschlagplatz, or deportation square, Tikocin Forrest, and Oskar Schindler’s legendary factory. “What upset me the most was seeing all the shoes and realizing that these were individual people,” said Melissa Brook, 12. “I felt so much emotion seeing the green stains on the walls of the gas chambers that were left from the gas used to murder so many. I saw all the shoes, mostly dusty grey, but there was one red shoe that stood out and I had to wonder about who wore that one red shoe,” said Jillian Steinberg, 12. The week of remembrance culminated in the “March of the Living” itself, a 1.5 mile walk from Auschwitz I to Auschwitz II (Birkenau) with 8,000 other Jewish teenagers from around the world and two dozen Holocaust survivors. Every year, the march takes place on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Ha’shoah. Accompanying the Cincinnati delegation was survivor Tom Reed, the grandfather of student Alex Reed, 12. Reed, at 14, experienced several work camps during the Holocaust and was interred in Auschwitz-Birkenau for about two weeks. The March of the Living marked the first time since his imprisonment that Reed had been back to Birkenau. “It was very emotional being with my grandpa at the same spot where his whole family was killed. I think it helped him coming with his grand kid and other Jewish youth because it brought closure,” said Alex Reed, 12. After their week in Poland, the group traveled to Israel in order

to celebrate Israeli Remembrance Day, Yom Hazikaron, and Israeli Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut. While the trip through Poland was focused on the destruction of the Jewish people, the visit to Israel was focused on their rebirth, making it a journey of contrast. Once there, the teens visited sites like the Western Wall, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the winding streets of Tel Aviv-Yafo. Connected to the modern city of Tel Aviv is the historic Jaffa, where the group took a walking tour and haggled in the market. “It was a feeling that I cannot put into words. Within 24 hours we went straight from Auschwitz to the Western Wall in Israel. We traveled from one of the lowest places on earth to the homeland of the Jewish people. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I would not give it up for anything,” said Sari Goldhoff, 12. From there, the group traveled to the north of Israel, where just nine months ago the Lebanon War was terrorizing the innocent civilians of the region. They visited Netanya, Cincinnati’s sister city, and observed Yom Hazikaron at the Bet Elizraki Orphanage and paused for the siren that stops the entire country at a standstill. After climbing Mt. Masada and floating in the Dead Sea, they celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut on a disco boat on the Sea of Galilee. “We went to the Netanya Mall, where a massacre had occurred less than a year ago, and there we stood as the siren blew,” said Alex Cooper, 12. “I saw a woman slam on her brakes so she could get out of her car and stand in silence remembering those who died for their country.” However enjoyable the week in Israel was, the trip’s participants will never forget the impact that March of the Living made on their everyday lives. From traveling across Poland with a Holocaust survivor, to witnessing the pride of the Jewish nation in Israel, the teens walked away with a firsthand impression of the spirit of the Jewish people and their resolve through inconceivable hardship. “[This trip] made me realize that the old cliché that you should not take anything for granted is true,” said Ryan Kantor, 12.

THE DOME OF the Rock is one of the most famous spiritual landmarks in Israel. Built on top of the temple mount, the dome lies parallel to the last visible piece of the Western Wall. The group prayed at the wall on three occasions, and found it to be one of the most memorable sites in Israel.

all images by sarah mcgrath

ALTHOUGH THE SOMBER moments of the trip were emotional and draining, the group was able to celebrate in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Above left, Sarah McGrath, 12, and Carrie Hopper, 10, of Wisconsin, have fun dancing on the disco boat. Above right, Walnut Hills student Sara Weil, 12, visits the Umschlagplatz, or Deportation Center, of Warsaw, where the entire Warsaw Ghetto was deported onto trains to the death camp of Treblinka.

THE INFAMOUS ENTRANCE to Auschwitz II (Birkenau) was the first glimpse of the camp that the group saw upon the completion of the March of the Living, which departed from Auschwitz I. The teens wrote messages on wooden plaques, which they then placed in the railroad tracks seen here.

05.25.07

look ahead...

a&e

arts and entertainment

Recipe of the Month: Gyoza

MARY ANN JIANG business manager

Saying goodbye...

pg.

After six years, The Early November is saying goodbye. Read more about their farewell summer tour.

pg.

Potter Palooza!

With the release of both the 7th and final installment of the Harry Potter book series and the movie-version of the fifth novel this July, fans of the teenage wizard are teeming. Share in the hysteria.

pg.

Dream in Zines?

Ever wonder what it would be like to print your own independent magazine? Find out how.

yoza, origins in Japan and similar to Chinese dumplings, are one of Ai Aioki’s, 9, favorite food from home. The filling is made of many kinds of food, in Aioki’s preferred recipe, it contains pork, cabbage, spices, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

“I like gyoza, I picked it because I want to eat it,” said Aioki. Gyoza has a rich garlic flavor and once rolled, can be dipped into soy sauce and vinegar. This sauce can be left plain or made spicy to favor anybody’s individual liking. These are tasty, quick to make storebought and compensate as an entire meal.

How to Make:

Dough Mix the water and flour to dough that should not be sticky but soft Put a wet towel over the dough and let stand for several minutes Separate the dough into 30 pieces, and form each of them to very thin discs with a diameter of about 10cm. The middle of each disc should be a little bit thicker than the edge. Filling Cut some green, outer cabbage leaves, green onion, some nira (or substitute), ginger, and garlic into very small pieces. The amount of these ingredients should equal the amount of meat. Put some salt on the cabbage, and let stand for five minutes. Then press the water out of the cabbage pieces Mix the cabbage, green onion, nira, ginger, garlic and the ground pork all together, add salt , pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well Sauce Mix equal amounts of vinegar and soy sauce together, add any hot sauce as desired.

Ingredients: Dough 170 mL water 200g strong flour (about 0.4 punds) Filling 200g ground pork (about 0.4 pounds) Cabbage Nira (chives) can be found in world foods markets; however, this can be substituted with leek or green Onion Leek or Green onion (also) Garlic Ginger Sake (brewed rice beverage) Soy sauce Salt Pepper Sesame oil

Making the Gyoza Put some of the filling onto the piece of dough (the filling should make thirty pieces). Moisten the edge of the dough with water. Moisten only half of the whole edge Close the gyoza by folding over Fry the gyoza in a bit of oil until the bottom of golden-brown (it should be crunchy). Then add water so that the gyoza are in the water up to about half of their height Remove the gyoza when all of the water has evaporated.

Dipping Sauce Soy sauce Vinegar

Artist spotlight Q&A with Nina Laybourne,12

SHARON WAGNER feature chief

Q. How did you get into art? A. I never really “got into art”, I

have just always loved to draw and create things. It’s a hobby, really.

pg.

Summer Jams...

When school is out, most students try to remain as far away from school-related activities as possible. Concerts - rock music is by definition a rebellion against convention - are the perfect choice. Check out the shows coming to our area.

Q. What art classes have you taken/are you taking? A. I’ve really never taken many art classes... I’ve taken Art 1, Art 2, and am currently in Drawing with Mr. Inwood.

Q. What mediums do you work with and which are your favorites? A. I like to draw so I’d say just a Q. Have you won any awards? A. Sadly, no. I haven’t had many good pencil, paper, and an eraser of course!

Q. What inspires your art? A. My mood, the setting, and sometimes even the people around me.

Q. How would you describe your style? A. Straight-forward. I usually

don’t abstract my work. I draw very tight and together and usually try to duplicate an image.

Q. Any favorite pieces? A. Yeah, I would say my “Mandy

Moore” piece is my favorite so far. I drew it in Art 2.

opportunities to even enter any of my work because most of my work is for pleasure and tends to be on computer paper, at home, in a folder.

Q. Do you plan on turning art into a career? A. Yes, I’m attending the College of Mount St. Joseph in the fall of 2007, and I’m majoring in Graphic Design.

Q. Any other passions? A. Well, I like to dance, but I really

don’t think I’d rely on my dancing to get me far in life!

Q. Any last words? A. Get inspired, be creative, and have fun!

a&e

26 The Secrets of Peaches

05.25.07

Entering the world of art...

The Mad Pianist

Wrapping it up

Trio immortalizes summer friendships

Artists conclude this year’s artistic conquests

MICHELA TINDERA staff writer

The Sight

A rebel, Murphy; a perfectionist, Leeda; a wallflower, Birdie. How could people with such conflicting qualities ever get along? Last summer, these three girls carved their initials into a magnolia tree on Darlington Peach Farm, symbolizing their friendship and ensuring that it would last forever. But forever is a long time, and that was last summer. In Jodi Lynn Anderson’s The Secrets of Peaches, sequel to Peaches, it is the girls’ senior year in small town Bridgewater, Alabama, and everything is not as “peachy” as it was during the summer. Wild-child Murphy spends the year caught between her big city dreams and her love for her small town boyfriend, Rex. The popular and pretty Leeda, recently nominated Bridgewater’s Pecan Queen, spends her year basking in her mother’s sudden affections for her. Then there is Birdie, the anchor of the three friends, who only wishes to stop time and return to the simplicity of the hazy summer which seems so long ago. Anderson’s characterization is certainly the strongest point of the novel, with each chapter being told by one of the three southern girls. Leeda, Murphy, and Birdie are foils of each other, showing stark contrasts in their personalities. Despite their differences, all of the girls are shown to be strong in dealing with their conflicts both internally and externally. This novel keeps a fast pace without getting too confusing. It is also able to keep a light tone and is reminiscent of the Traveling Pants series. Fortunately, there are few references to the previous book, making it easy for anyone to “take a bite out of” The Secrets of Peaches.

WENJUN ZHANG news chief

Disturbia

takes box office by storm MATT SCHEER

staff writer

he latest blockbuster horror film, Disturbia has received excellent reviews from both critics and movie-goers. The film stars Shia LaBeouf as a teenager who is under house arrest after being charged with assaulting a teacher. Locked up in his house all summer, he begins to spy on his neighbors. Soon, he witnesses something horrific and disturbing in one of his neighbor’s homes and reports it, but the clever man hides his secret. After “crying wolf” a number of times and losing the trust of the police and his mother, he decides to take matters into his own hands. LaBeouf started out in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens then made his way to bigger roles in

Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd and as the star of Holes. Disturbia is much more enticing than many recent horror movies. It has an actor with whom most teenagers are familiar, giving the younger audience a chance to see a familiar actor in a different light.

photo courtesy of impawards.com

New installment of Warriors series enthralls fans HEATHER STORCK staff writer

Since its debut in 2003, the Warriors series has grown beyond anything Erin Hunter ever expected. The Sight is the newest book and the first of six installments in the third series. The novel includes many of the same faces from the first two series. Also, like other books by Hunter, the story introduces three new main

characters, who are the subjects of a mysterious prophecy. The story follows three kittens, Jaypaw, Lionpaw and Hollypaw, who each have a mystic power. Only one has had his power revealed: the ability to move from one dream to another and to see the future. The irony is that he is actually blind. In

later books, the powers of the other two will also be disclosed. Though preteens were the intended audience for the Warriors series, the books are filled with mature themes such as death and betrayal, making them appealing to teens. Maybe this is why they seem to come off the shelves as fast as they appear.

Dollface Portrait Arts Please visit our Photography Studio and Fine Photo Gift Shop in historic Montgomery, Ohio

12110 Montgomery Road

583-0583

Delicious Italian cuisine!

We offer photography services with our five unique photographers and can transform your treasured photos into fine photo gifts. 7795 Cooper Road Montgomery, Ohio

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The end is nearing. On June 1, a day of miracles, angels will sing “Hallelujah! School is over!” But before school fades into summer, be sure to check out the last vestiges of art our school has to offer. Our talented artists still have some surprises up their sleeves. The talented students taking AP art classes are creating artwork for the Montgomery calendar. By the end of the year, they will have submitted their artwork; if chosen, their work will be published for 6000 Montgomery residents to see. Also, a prize of $100 is given to the artists whose works are selected to be in the calendar. This year’s theme is patriotism. Students are designing artwork based on places around and in Montgomery. Most of the work displays flags. Orchestra is also gearing up for a new year of music. As of now, they are preparing to play at Senior Recognition Night. The orchestra also did a great job at the Senior Spotlight concert last Thursday, May 10. Senior soloists Mei Hsieh, Audry Kang, Sarah Hansen, and Anna Kwa performed with the orchestra. The choirs will also be performing their Spring Choral Concert will on May 24th at 7 p.m. Cappie awards were also given out for 2007. The Secret Garden was voted the best musical of 2007. In addition, Zach Goldman, 12, and Lydia Griffith, 10, received Cappies for Sound, Lizy LeBlond, 10, Bear Wilfong, 11 received Cappies for Lighting, Candice Nemoff, 10, Noel Ripberger, 9, Kerry Verdier, 10, and Jessica Walling, 10 won for their costumes. Laura Friedmann, 11, and Walling also won Cappie awards for their make-up. Riley Able, 10, and Phil Brodrick, 11 won for best stage crew. Dreamers won for their ensemble. Aimee Morton¸11 was given a Cappie for featured actress and Laura Wacksman, 11 was recognized for vocalist. Even though school is winding down in the face of summer, art still flourishes in our school. Be sure to check out some of these pieces.

Coastal Builders Incorporated Residential Homebuilders Building Homes Since 1982

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Thomas A. Tolle CEO Mobile: (912) 571-1970 Tel./Office (912) 638-8724

a&e

05.25.07

THE EARLY NOVEMBER is an indie rock band that has been playing together since 2001. They have just recently announced they would be taking an indefinite hiatus after releasing 2 EP’s along with 2 full-length albums. The band’s final concert took place on May 6.

‘Sound of Seasons’ one of a kind Indian music fuses with western choral

RASHMI BORAH diversity editor

One who has ever heard Indian classical music knows quite well how different it is from western choral music. The scales that are used, the voice quality the singers possess, even the way that Indian musicians learn music differs from western styles of singing. Up until recently, it was unthought of that western and Indian styles of music could be blended together. However, a local Cincinnati composer has accomplished just that. Kanniks Kannikeswaran has spent several years trying to find a way to blend the two styles together. Extensively trained in both western and Indian music, Kannikeswaran wanted to produce a concert that would encompass aspects of both styles. Yet there is a further twist to his idea—he wanted the concert to be performed by children. Then, on May 6, Kannikeswarans’ dream came true. Entitled The Sound of Seasons, 60 members of the newfound Greater Cincinnati Indian Children’s Choir stood on stage in the auditorium alongside members of the Cincinnati Children’s Choir. The music performed at the concert was, as the title suggests, indicative of the different seasons. The repertoire was done in Sanskrit and Hindi, with the finale in English. Choral Director Robyn Lana described the experience as something “to provide opportunities for the children to sing with children from other cultures in order to gain understanding and respect for the diversity of the world.” “For American-born children of Indian descent,” said Kannikeswaran, “the workshops offer an opportunity for them and their Indian-born parents to share a unique aspect of their cultural heritage.” More than just a historical event, the concert was about making a connection to one’s heritage. Both a groundbreaking step in the development of cultural music and an experience tying members of many cultures together, The Sound of Seasons proved to be a wonderful experience. “What these children have done is simply unbelievable. Nothing like this has ever happened before,” said guest conductor Ray Wheeler.

image courtesy of wikipedia.com

Six years spent rocking The Early November says farewell after emotional last show

MELODIE JENG opinion chief

music fan’s least favorite words, “indefinite hiatus,” have been heard by listeners of the band The Early November; however, the group will not be saying farewell quietly. The break was first announced on the bands website in March; yet TEN quickly informed fans that they would be adding extra tour dates on the east coast, along with selling special merchandise. The Early November was formed in 2001 and was quickly signed to Drive-Thru Records. For All of This, the band’s first EP album, was released in ‘03, while guitarist and vocalist, Ace Ender, worked on his side project, I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business. Over the next few years the band released three more albums and participated in various tours. Then in 2006, TEN released a 3-CD album, The Mother, the Mechanic, and the Path. Like previous releases, the album was positively received and debuted on the Billboard charts. “It’s different. I couldn’t stop listening to it,” said Rosalie Wei, 9.

However, despite the success of their albums, the band decided, in March, to take an indefinite break so that they could return to their normal lives. Ender will continue with his record label and drummer Jeff Kummer will carry on with his side band, Grace Period. “We all love and care for one another tremendously. We have to be where we haven’t been in the past years: with our friends, family and loved ones,” said the band on www.theearlynovember.net. The Early November’s final and most emotional show was scheduled as part of the Bamboozle music festival in New Jersey on May 6. Fans enjoyed their performance, met members of the band, and received their last chance to obtain TEN memorabilia. “It’s exciting, awkward, and scary all at the same time, but that’s life,” said Kummer. While the band returns to their private lives and new music endeavors, Enders, Kummer, Joseph Marro, Bill Lugg, and Sergio Anello will be greatly missed by fans, but will, with no doubt, continue to live successful lives.

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05.25.07

Avid Harry Potter fanatics Fifth movie promises to please DAPHNE HSU

staff writer

ne of the most anticipated movies this summer, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, will be released in theaters and IMAX across the country on July 13, just eight days before the final book of the series is out. “I’m pumped for both the movie and the book,” said Matt Teegarden, 11. “I just hope the film makers don’t ruin the movie by taking too much information out like they did in the past movies.”

The story continues

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) returns to Hogwarts only to find that the wizarding community has been denied the truth about Lord Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) return to power. At the same time, the community’s leader, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy), believes that the Headmaster of Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) invented Voldemort’s return to challenge Fudge’s power and steal his job -- a false accusation. This leads to the villainous Dolores Umbridge’s (Imelda Stauton) appointment as the new Defense of the Dark Arts professor and mole for the Ministry. But, the ineffective course leaves Potter and his friends at a loss on how to defend themselves against Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters. Taking matters into their own hands, the students start their own defensive group, Dumbledore’s Army, a junior parallel Dumbledore’s anti-Voldemort organization, the Order of the Phoenix. Potter teaches and prepares the group for their possible future encounters against the dark forces, all the while learning about his past and going through the pains of growing up. The fifth installment in the Harry Potter series can be considered as a turning point in a way, as the battle between good and evil in the wizarding community begins again.

870 pages in two hours

As the longest Potter novel, the film series’ fourth director David Yates (British TV director) and new screenwriter Michael Goldenberg (Peter Pan, Contact) had the difficult task of condensing all 870 pages J.K. Rowling wrote into a feature-length film. Naturally, cuts were made. “As far as the actual amount of narrative material and story, [Order of the Phoenix] is not that much different than the other books; there’s just a lot more detail and some sub-plots and digressions,” said Goldenberg in an interview. “I mean, the heartbreak is always, ‘What do you have to lose? What can’t you find room for?’” Hard-core Potter fans will miss Ron Weasley’s (Rupert Grint) rise as Quidditch king, Mrs. Weasley’s (Julie Walters) boggart at Grimmauld Place, and Neville Longbottom’s (Matthew Lewis) mad parents in St. Mungo’s hospital. And what about Hermione Granger? Rumors that actress Emma Watson considered dropping out of the series are false, and she plans to see all the Potter films to the end.

Great expectations

The heart of the story of Potter’s maturation and rebellion is still faithfully represented, and there is much to look forward to in the movie. “The book is there if you want to read the book,” said Radcliffe to Entertainment Weekly. “This is one where the fans will be especially pleased. It’s chock-full of stuff.” Movie-goers can still anticipate Radcliffe’s improved acting, thanks to stage experience in Equus and meetings with a bereavement counselor to better his understanding of what people go through after experiencing tragedy. And it is not only Radcliffe’s acting skills that will impress. The actresses portraying Professor Umbridge, Bellatrix Lestrange (a Death Eater), and Luna Lovegood (an oddball member of the D.A.) have all been reported to give delightful performances in pre-screening reviews. Story-wise, fans have even more to anticiBASED ON THE expressions of pate, including the kiss between Potter and those in this poster, the fifth Potter Cho Chang (Katie Leung) and the actionfilm promises to be more intense, packed D.A. and Order versus Voldemort reflecting its PG-13 rating. The and Death Eater fight in the Department of cast is growing older and cautious about the increasingly dangerMysteries. ous wizarding world. Voldemort’s This darker, fast-paced movie filled with desired power will not be easily striking visual effects and relatable themes is gained as “the rebellion begins.” sure to wow audiences this summer.

“

MEMBERS OF DUMBLEDORE’S Army assemble in the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Mysteries, anticipating an attack from their enemy Lord Voldemort and his gang of Death Eaters. As evident by the actors’ blood-splattered appearances, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix promises to be a darker film than its four predecessors, dealing with death and an ongoing fight against evil. From left to right: Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), new character

Predicting fate of Deathly Hollows characters, Harry Potter seven is going to be amazing. Harry is a pretty cool guy, even though he’s kind of a wimp. I’ve only read to book four though... so I don’t know... Dan Zimmer, 12

Draco Malfoy will die because he joined the dark side at such a young age. The Weasley parents are going to die too. Molly Weasley’s nightmares will come true. Joyce Zhang, 9

I think that Dumbledore will come back from the dead and take over the world. And Harry is going to switch alliances and go over to the dark side. Ross Young, 11

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05.25.07

anticipate summer releases Seventh book will reveal all

LEAH BURGIN staff writer

Finally, the last installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, will be released on July 21. After waiting two years since Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was published, fans can barely contain their ecstasy. “Whenever I think about the seventh Harry Potter book, my heart tingles and I feel happy and excited,” said Negin Fallahi, 10. “The wait is unbearable.” While waiting for the seventh book, avid readers have attempted to piece together clues in order to predict the outcome of the seventh novel. Unfortunately, these meager gleanings are all fans will have until the complete truth is revealed on July 21.

The plot thickens

all images by daphne hsu

Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), and Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright). In his left hand, Radcliffe holds an orb containing the prophesy that will reveal a crucial piece of information concerning his destiny.

outcome of Harry vs. Voldemort battle Theoretically, I think that Harry should die. However, I don’t think J.K. Rowling will kill Harry - fans would be too angry. Alison Kirgis, 11

I think Harry that is a horcrux and both he and Voldemort will die in the end. I also hope that Ron and Hermione will finally get together. Aliza Weinberger, 10

Not only will the whole world stop for Harry Potter at exactly midnight of the day it is released, but time will stop. And don’t even say it’s not possible, because it is. After all, anything’s possible with Harry Potter! Abby Evans, 10

When readers left Harry, he was planning to search for the seven shards of Lord Voldemort’s soul, known as horcruxes. The only way for Harry to vanquish his mortal enemy is to destroy the remaining horcruxes. Two horcruxes have already been demolished. The first one, Voldemort’s diary from the time when he was known by his true name of Tom Riddle, was ruined by Harry in the second book. The ring of Marvolo Gaunt (Voldemort’s maternal grandfather) was obliterated by Dumbledore. One horcrux, the golden locket that the non-disclosed R.A.B. stole, has not been proven to be destroyed. There are also several horcrux possibilities that were suggested throughout the course of the sixth book, including Nagini (Voldemort’s pet snake), items belonging to either Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, or Salazar Slytherin (the four original founders of Howarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), and the last soul shard embedded within Voldemort. However, other items mentioned throughout the previous novels could be deemed horcruxes. The leading contenders include the Mirror of Erised, a mirror that shows onlookers what they truly desire. This is a strong horcrux candidate considering Rowling has ceded that the mirror will reappear. The possibility with the most merit is Harry’s lightening-bolt shaped scar. Dumbledore first explained Harry’s scar to him as a mark from the curse of a dark Wizard. As the series continued, Harry found that through his scar, he was able to detect changes in Voldemort’s mood. Harry’s scar and Voldemort’s soul have a deep connection, possibly to the level of a horcrux. On his quest to find the remaining horcuxes, and therefore defeat his foe, Harry will visit Godric’s Hollow, the location of his parents’ final hideout during Lord Voldemort’s reign of terror. Besides returning to Privet Drive (his adopted home) and the Burrow (home of one of Harry’s best friend Ron Weasley), other locations have not been disclosed. Despite which items the horcruxes prove to be, it has been reported that at least one character will die within the course of Harry’s quest, and in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, readers will discover what happens to the characters that survive the novel.

Character clues revealed

Despite theories that claim Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is alive, Rowling revealed that Dumbledore is completely dead. “I was so disappointed when Dumbledore died,” said Meena Thatikunta, 10. “I wanted him to be my grandpa.” Readers will also discover crucial information regarding Dumbledore’s past. The identity of R.A.B., the initials found in the fake horcrux, will be revealed. However, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Sirius Black, Harry’s deceased godfather, reveals that his brother, Regulus, was once a member of Voldemort’s Death Eaters and that he was murdered by Voldemort for a heinous crime. It is logical to assume that Regulus Black was R.A.B., and was murdered for destroying, or relocating Voldemort’s horcrux. Finally, Rowling revealed that readers will ON FEBRUARY FIRST, the cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows discover which side Severus Snape is truly loyal to - the Death Eaters’ or the Order of the was revealed. An article in Newsweek postulated that since Harry is Phoenix’s. depicted without a wand, his last This summer, after waiting a decade (the battle with Voldemort will produce first book was released in 1997), readers will Harry’s death. Additionally, the finally know the fate of the magical world’s absence of Harry’s scar suggests teen hero: Harry James Potter. that it might be a horcrux.

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05.25.07

Create DIY publications

Maga

zines

The zine, defined

Rewind: what exactly is a zine? The term “zine” is a shortened form of “fanzine,” a primitive form of a magazine that is self-published by the creator (usually photocopied) and focuses on a specific topic and audience. That said, the zine would be the equivalent of indie music applied to the journalism world; zines are independently published and infinite in number, topics, and special quirks. Zine editors are often more concerned with getting their message out to others than making a profit. Distribution is almost always very limited, but with the advent of the internet, editors and readers have bigger opportunities to expand their influence and develop reader communities.

SHARON WAGNER

feature chief

he media has an incredible influence on the lives of teens today. It can be seen anywhere at any time; everything in our world is affected by TV, music, the Internet, magazines, and many, many more forms of entertainment. And it cannot be controlled, unless you have connections to the bigwigs in New York and L.A. Or, at least, that is what most people think. People can make their own impact on the newsrooms quite simply by starting their own. This may seem easier said than done, but when you choose to publish a zine, leaving a mark in the media can be easily accomplished with the right combination of skill and motivation.

Origin of the zine

Self-published work has been around for centuries since the invention of the printing press, but the earliest form of the modern zine was first developed in the 1930s by fans of science fiction. However, the popularity of selfpublishing reached its climax in the 1970s with the punk movement, completely unassociated with their fanzine predeccessors. Punk scenes all over the United States began to put together similar publications,

Constructing a zine

Have the commitment? Select a topic or message

Managing a zine is not an easy task. To put together a worthwhile publication, one must forfeit a significant chunk of their life to the success of their zine, so the best course of action is to create a zine about something that already consumes a significant chunk of one’s life. Keep in mind that the most successful zines have the most passionate writers and editors, so pick a topic that you can rant about for a while, or a cause that you are adamant about spreading awareness.

What will it look like? Consider the design

Take a look at the newsstands and it is easy to see that design plays a big role in sales. The first major decision is the size of the zine; first-timers will find that folding a sheet of computer paper in half is most managable. Consider fonts and how the art, text, and other extras hold a page together. Design takes practice, but can make or break a zine.

Print, distribute, profit Learn to manage zines

The most tedious part of the publishing world involves funding. No money means no zine, so make sure your printing method is affordable. One can also charge for copies once their publication becomes betterknown, or even sell ads (eww). However, if their heart is truly in the right place, editors will often simply give out their zine or trade it for others.

TOOLS OF THE trade for the self-publisher: sharpies, glue, pens, pencils, tape, and most importantly, erasers. Beginning zine editors will often have to deal with these unless they make the decision to invest in professional software. The cut-and-paste method will be around for as long as photocopiers exist, kept alive by amateur publishers.

generally unprofessional and explicit, that detailed the events of the subculture by simply cutting, pasting, and photocopying. The acutal distinction of the “zine” from the sci-fi style “fanzines”came in the 1980s, when it was recognized as a useful source of information on obscure topics-what many people use the internet for today.

Zines and the internet

With the dawn of the internet, zines have faced many changes and taken different roles from earlier self-publications. Still, the subculture of zine readers and editors is very tightly knit and is not fading out. Zines are preferred by readers that are more attached to print media, as well as those who value the artistic value of tangible publications. Zines have become a big part of the DIY movement because of their portability, and are often used to spread opinions on social and political issues. Though blogging has come to the surface in this era, many keep the spirit of the zine alive through “e-zines,” similar to blogs, always adapting to and taking advantage of new technology.

Resources for the reader and editor Zine World

A zine containing infinite reviews of music, movies, books, and other zines, as well as other forms of entertainment. www.undergroundpress.org

The Book of Zines

The most comprehensive online directory of zines. Any reader can find a publication here that suits their interests. www.zinebook.com

Zinebook

This is a detailed and informative guide to the ins and outs of creating and distributing a zine.

www.zinebook.com/resource/zinetips.html Gigglebot Distro

When a person is ready to begin their quest to obtain a particular zine, take advantage of this online distributor for easy access to the obscure and scattered world of self-publications.

gigglebot.net E-zine Directory

Does the idea printing a zine sound daunting? Try e-zines, the internet-adapted cousin of the print zine. This site covers everything one needs to know and provides the opportunity to improve and promote e-zines.

www.ezine-dir.com

all images by sharon wagner

Alternative Press An community organization for zine fans of all levels of experience. Also a wonderful source for zine reviews. www.altpr.org

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05.25.07

DRUMMER BRANN DAILOR of the metal outfit Mastodon plays of a fill. The band has frequently stopped in Cincinnati, playing at Bogarts, Cincinnati’s premiere rock club. Bogarts is the home to many events that are ocurring this summer.

Endless summer: KEVIN HALL

all images by kevin hall

Summer brings big name bands to Cincinnati, enjoyment for all

staff writer

sually only lame bands come to Cincinnati, the kinds that reek of 80’s cheese and excess amounts of hair spray. These bands can often be viewed on VH1 classic at obscure hours in the morning, and are often watched by bored youths everywhere. It has become a pastime for students everywhere to make fun of horrible cheesy videos. Well, do not worry! There are plenty of those horrible bands venturing to Riverbend Music Center in the months to come. However, even though at times Cincinnati may seem like a cultural desert where nothing thrives, this summer has many eccentric bands making their way to the queen city. Whether it is country, punk, metal, pop, hip-hop or jazz, this summer has many differing bands coming to Cincinnati, and there is bound to be an artist that appeals to everyone. “I can’t go to Bonnaroo this year, but when I go to see Mastodon at Bogart’s, it will make up for it.” said Mike Caligaris, 11. Popular venues around Cincinnati include: the Madison Avenue theater, Bogart’s, The Poison Room, Top Cats, Southgate House and the Mad Hatter. Even though many people’s favorite artists will ultimately never come to Cincinnati, going to a show with friends offers a fun night out with memories to last a lifetime. Going to see random bands often exposes people to new and even favorite artists. “I went to go see The Bronx and had never heard of the other two bands that were playing, one of them ended up being one of my favorite bands to this day, Converge.” said Nawid Piracha, 11. The atmosphere, songs, and sense of community are reasons why concerts are so fun, even if the person is watching a band they do not know. There are many good bands coming to Cincinnati this summer, so in short go have fun, and go to a show.

Warped TourIncubus- 7/29/2007, TBA at Vans 8/1/07, 12:00 pm at Riverbend Music Riverbend Music Center; Cincinnati OH. Supporting act to be announced.

Wilco-6/14/07, 7:30 pm at the

Proctor and Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center; Cincinnati OH. Deemed the Sky Blue Sky Tour 2007, this tour is in sup5/28/07, 8:00 pm at the Madison Avenue theater; Coving- port of Wilcos recent release Sky Blue Sky. All ages ton, Kentucky. All ages

Deftones-

Center; Cincinnati, OH. Bands include Coheed And Cambria, Circa Survive, Big D And the Kids Table, Killswitch Enagage among many others. Local acts still to be chosen. All ages

Dave Matthews Band-8/22/07, 7:00 pm at Riv-

erbend Music Center; Cincinnati, OH. Opening guest: Peter Yorn. All ages

sports

32 nadia’s sports news

David Beckham prepares to make big move to United States

Attempts to change American view, response to sport of soccer

PREPARING TO TOSS the ball to a team member is Karen Nesbitt, 12. Nesbitt has been a strong leader for the team, which has added to the success of the program by making it to the top once again. The girls have enjoyed continuous success and look to claim the state title.

Number one, undefeated: Girls lacrosse team looks to capture state title, fulfill season-long goal NADIA KHAN

NADIA KHAN

sports chief

ear after year, one team continues to be consistently successful. The girls lacrosse team has done it again. Remaining undefeated, the team has experienced momentous triumph once again. “The success doesn’t really get to our heads,” said Cheryl Thoerner, 12. “We held ourselves up to a higher standard.” The

all images by nadia khan

Senior girls lacrosse players sign with colleges

Congratulations to seniors Allison Bell and Karen Nesbitt, who have signed with the University of Cincinnati and Stanford University respectively. They plan to play lacrosse on scholarships for their universities.

a look at what is coming up

on deck

Not everyone can like the same things. We all have our own unique tastes, but when it comes to sports in our country, we all seem to agree, on the major tournaments at least, except over one sport—soccer. A sport that hosts the world’s largest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup, and yet most Americans seem to have minimal interest. So why is it then that “the most popular sport in the world” is so unpopular here in the United States? So what the rest of the country calls football, we call soccer. But just because the name is the same, it does not mean that we should go so far as to completely switch the two sports. The biggest sporting event in our country is the Super Bowl; so not only did we reverse the name, but we took that as a sign to like football more than soccer. Now I love football possibly more than any other sport. In fact, I don’t even like soccer very much, but this backwardness of the rest of the country is just so mind-blowing. Though the sport is gaining more support throughout the country, there is no comparison to the American culture’s support for football and basketball. One possibility for the lack of interest by the American people is the lack of success by the USA team in the World Cup since its beginning in 1930. After all, that was the country’s best showing, placing third after losing in the semi-finals. Ever since, the farthest they reached in the prestigious tournament was placing eighth and losing in the quarterfinals. Big-named David Beckham is trying to change soccer in the United States. On July 1, Beckham will start playing for the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy for a five year contract, a huge move for Beckham, who has developed into possibly the world’s current biggest sports star. After building his successful career in Europe, first with Manchester United and then with Real Madrid, Beckham elected to come to the United States to try to instigate a positive change in the American soccer world. “I’m coming there to make a difference. I’m coming there to play football,” said Beckham to USA Today. “I’m not saying me coming to the States is going to make soccer the biggest sport in America. But I think soccer has a huge, huge potential. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe in this project. This could create something that we’ve all never seen before.” Maybe Beckham will change the views of some fans, but in all likelihood, he will have little effect on current fans. Many see Beckham’s move as a weak copout—that he is running away from his problems after being dropped as England’s FIFA team captain and Real Madrid not renewing his contract. Whatever Beckham may try to be doing here, he will probably have a negative impact with beloved soccer fans; on the other hand, he might be able to prompt an encouraging response from others. We will just have to wait and see if and how Beckham changes American soccer.

05.25.07

team has a tradition at the beginning of the season when the coach leaves all the girls in the room alone, and they are asked to write their goals on the board. The goal is always the same—to win state. “Our goal is always to win state, so hopefully we can do it this year,” said Thoerner. The girls have stayed at the number one spot in the state rankings since the beginning of the season and have defeated impressive teams like Upper Arlington with ease. There is almost no competition for the girls lacrosse team, who are yet to be deeply threatened by any of their opponents. The girls even traveled to Pennsylvania, where they played various teams and remained undefeated on the East Coast. They also defeated the number two team in Maryland and the number one team in Illinois. By building their repertoire over the past years, the girls lacrosse program has developed into a true powerhouse: the one team to beat. So go out there and support the girls lacrosse team for all their hard work and success in the state championships.

Congratulations to Kyle Battle for winning the 2007 Anthony Munoz Foundation Straight “A” Student of the Year Award. Of the nine male finalists in the tri-state region, nominated for their allaround achievements in academics, athletics, and active role in the community, Battle was chosen as the frontrunner of them all. For his achievements, Battle was awarded $2500 in a scholarship to apply to the school of his choice. He elected to apply to Dartmouth College and was accepted. Battle was also awarded a plaque as well as a medal in recognition of his accomplishments. For the nomination, Battle as well as the other nominees chose their most influential teachers to be acknowledged. Battle chose Mr. Chris Kloesz, who received an engraved clock from the foundation.

Check out page 33 to find out how the varsity softball team has started out in post-season tournament play.

>>33

Jump ahead to page 35 to see how the track team’s season has been finishing up in the post season.

>>35

Go on to page 36 to learn the techniques and styles of playing the classy sport of tennis.

>>36

sports

33 Baseball teams wrap up seasons

05.25.07

Varsity, JV baseball teams both fall in tournament play WILL JOHNSTON

Tale of Redemption: Hamilton’s story provides hope BEN ESTES staff writer

It seems to be human nature to be enthralled with the stories of underdogs. We make them out to be biblical entities, fighting modern-day Goliaths in a romantic sort of way. Nothing can lift spirits more than a little guy beating the odds. We also have an undeniable passion for the next “big thing,” the young wunderkind who is compelled to be a revelation if only for the expectations society places on him. Our society places a premium on those who carry stories of redemption. It is a paramount source of inspiration when a person who hits absolute rock bottom rises once more to reclaim their lofty position, like a modern-day fairy tale. It would seem unlikely that all three of these scenarios can be lumped together into one entity, one incredible larger-than-life character. Yet there exists such a hero, and he works his miracles right here in Cincinnati. That man is Josh Hamilton, outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds. His story is widely known by now. He was chosen number one overall in the 1999 MLB draft, labeled as having great talent. A dark secret was soon to be revealed, however. He failed a drug test and was suspended, continuing to fail more and more tests, leading to his return home to North Carolina, during which he lived in a trailer and lived only for his injections. Yet he finally began to clean himself up, leading to his acquisition by the Reds, a move that elicited little fanfare for it was a long-shot Hamilton would make the team. Yet something magical occurred. He became the Reds’ best player during spring training, leading to a chilling standing ovation on Opening Day, his first hit (a home run), and the Rookie of the Month Award for April. The fact that baseball has been his redeeming enterprise adds to and embodies the magic and wonder of the sport. He captures this in ways movies like The Natural and Field of Dreams do, in ways literature like The Boys of Summer and The Glory of Their Times do, and the way which I have tried to do, doubtlessly in vain when compared to these cultural masterpieces. There is no doubt in my mind that Hamilton will go on to be a leaguewide star. I understand this is a bold statement, and all the goals he would have to fulfill to achieve this status. But he has shown the entire nation that he has not only the physical tools but also the mental strength required to be a MLB presence. In surmounting his deep personal demons, he proved his determination and his true strength of character and human spirit, attributes which will easily allow for him to fulfill his baseball prophecy and remain a clean, successful individual. So I encourage all readers. Go watch him. Become a fan of Hamilton’s, even if not a fan of the Reds. Embrace his story and embrace him as a man. Those who do will gleefully remember why they ever dreamed in the first place.

sports chief

ver the weekend of May 5 to 7, the season of both JV and Varsity baseball came to an end. The JV team entered the GMC tournament as the #1 seed, and beat #9 Hamilton 14-4 in only 6 innings. Advancing to the second round, JV then lost to Lakota West 13-7 with a trip to the championship game on the line. JV finished the season 15-9 (13-7 GMC). Varsity also fell in tournament action, losing to Anderson 5-4 in the regional tournament. Varsity finished the season 13-15 on the season. With the seasons over, the coaching staff collected team uniforms on May 8.

Varsity: Powered by offense

The Varsity Aves have had what can be best described as an up and down season. The team’s main problem has been inconsistent pitching, costing them both close games and leading to blowout losses throughout the season. However, there is a reason that Varsity was far from abysmal: the team had an exceptionally powerful offense. Varsity had an outstanding nine regular players who hit at least .250 or above, highlighted by numerous impressive individuals. Senior Micah Goldfarb led the team in batting average at .453, fifth in the GMC. Trevor Lothrop, 11, accounted for a team high 24 RBI, tied for 6th in the conference. Andrew Hancher, 12, was also a consistent contributor on offense, who led Varsity with 36 hits on the season. Finally, Brian Conner, 12, and Sean Tobin, 12, each knocked out 3 home runs on the season to tie for the team

all photos by jeremy mcdaniel

View from the Stands

TEAM MATES LOOK on as Brian Conners, 12, bats for Varsity. Trevor Lothrop, 11, (below left) rounds the bases for the team. Gary Banks, 10, pitches (below right).

lead. Their impressive offensive statistics illustrate how well the team batted throughout the regular season. The offense carried the load for Varsity, enabling the team to pick up the number of victories it did.

JV: Final reflections on season

With their season over, JV players have mixed feelings on their achievements. Some are disappointed in the team’s early exit from the GMC tournament, while others have taken a more posotive attitude. “We had a solid season, but I think we could have achieved more,” said Matthew Mendelsohn, 10. “We went out in a great blaze of glory that mentally burned success into our minds,” said David Pyles, 10. Not ones to dwell on the past season, players are already looking toward the future. Most are confident that the baseball program has a bright outlook. “We had a really great season, and we are looking forward to having a stacked Varsity team for the next two years,” said Brein Gearin, 10. “We will go one to do great things for Sycamore,” said

Softball team rebounds from poor start to season Girls successful early in tournament

NADIA KHAN sports chief

EMILY PETROCY, 12, field a ball for Varsity. Molly McCarthy , 12, bats (left bottom), while Alex Rodgers, 12, pitches. (left top).

Homeruns, steals, fastballs. These words are all usually associated with baseball, especially during springtime. However, the same terms apply to the underappreciated sport of softball. Though the softball team had a rough start at the beginning of the season and wrapped up the regular season with a record of 8-10, the girls went on an impressive run towards the end of the season. “We started off our season with a rough start, but we calmed down and started playing really well,” said Maura Goris, 12. The team wrapped up the end of the season placing seventh out of ten in the GMC. The girls went on a six-game winning streak to end the season and start the postseason with success. After defeating Middletown 6-2 on Senior Night on May 4, the team moved into the postseason and defeated both Anderson and Harrison 7-4 and 2-0 respectively. “As the season went on our team spirit really improved and that definitely helped a lot,” said Jessica Pelfrey, 11. The girls have certainly built a strong team bond throughout the course of the season, as they have all grown closer to each other. “The softball team is my family,” said Molly McCarthy, 12. So after a rough season, the girls who have been competing well and coming out on top both late in the season and early in tournament play look to have progress further in the tournament.

sports

05.25.07

My Side of the

Dugout

Okoye drafted by Texans Age-Limit becoming crucial in sports world MATT MENDELSOHN staff writer

photo by jeremy mcdaniel

The boys volleyball team huddles together during a timeout at a recent game. The team ended the season on a high note and went on to finish second in the GMC. Individual members of the team also performed very well throughout the season and are ranked highly in the conference.

Boys volleyball nets success Team finishes season on strong run JEREMY SPIEGEL

The volleyball team finished ranked among the top in the GMC,. The season was defined by several hot streaks, leading to many victories

staff writer

he men’s volleyball team had already established a successful season before the end of their schedule. Then, they continued their winning streak, ending the year with a good run. “We had a great start to the season, but we needed to finish strong if we wanted to meet our preseason goals,” said Daniel Boger, 10. The team finished with a 15-7 record, with a 6-2 record in GMC play. They trailed conference leader Lakota East by two games. “We really improved over the course over the season. We played much better than we had been earlier,” said Boger. One of the reasons for the team’s strong season was the play of senior leader Tony Marquardt. Marquardt led the team with 22 aces, 108 kills, and three assists. His team-

high kill number ranks ninth in the GMC. Many other players feature strongly in the team’s record. Niko Suntay, 12, ranks 12th in the conference with 70 kills, while tying for second on the team with Eric DeMuth, 12, with 19 aces. Kevin Mack, 12, also ranks highly in the conference, with 62 kills. “It was a real team effort this year,” said Boger. “Mike Grannen, 9, really showed that he can be a good player for a long time, starring as a freshman.” The team began the year with a hot start, winning six of their first seven games. After splitting their next two, the team then went on a four game win streak. However, they then lost four in a row. They look to break that losing streak, their longest of the year, and finish the year on another win streak with a long run in the tournament

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Mens JV volleyball finishes season staff writer

Even though the JV men’s volleyball team finished with a 3-9 record, the team still feels comfortable about the way they played at the end of the year. “Sure, it was disappointing to finish with such a poor record, but we made great strides at the end of the year and were playing much better,” said David Chen, 10. The team was led by outstanding play from captain Steve Lo, 10, and Nate Schmidlin, 11. Both players improved as the year went on, and were seen as the team leaders by the end of the season. “Steve and Nate really played well for us at the end of the year, and that keyed our better performances,” said Chen. After disappointing losses to start the year, the team was finally able to get a victory on April 5 by defeating Middletown. After several more

losses, they beat Hamilton on April 17. However, they then lost the rest of their games, until their last game on May 9. Many of those losses were close games, with the young team being unable to pull out the win. The group then played what many players consider their best game of the year, beating Fairborn in the season finale. “Coming into that Fairborn game, we were disappointed with ourselves for being unable to win any close games. However, winning the last game of the season was great for us, and it filled us with optimism for next season,” said Chen. Although the final record may not show it, the young volleyball team played much better to close the season, and they are ready to improve more for the next season.

At the age of two, he went to school to learn how to read because his family could not find a babysitter. In 1999, after he and his family immigrated from Nigeria, he went to middle school before testing out to join the high school. He was given two weeks to prove himself, and after correcting a teacher during Algebra class, was allowed to stay for good. He was 12 years old. Now, people may think he is a child genius-- one capable of curing the common cold. But there was something else unique about him. He was 5’9”, 190 pounds. He did not fit in anywhere, so he joined the football team, hoping just maybe he could find some friends. To learn how to play, the coaches gave him a playstation 2 and a copy of Madden. A phenomenon was born. At 16, he accepted a scholarship from the University of Louisville. All of the coaches wanted to redshirt or even grayshirt him. His play, on the other hand, said otherwise, and he rose from fourth on the depth chart to second. Now, at the age of 19, he is an AllAmerican defensive lineman, just drafted into the NFL as the #10 pick by the Houston Texans. By the time he hits the field, he will be the second youngest player to play in the NFL. His name is Amobi Okoye. Okoye used to have trouble making friends, but that does not seem like a problem anymore. However, adjusting to life in the NFL and playing against grown men may be difficult for a guy who is not legally allowed to drink alcoholic beverages. So now there is Okoye, a 19 year-old genius, with the size and strength of a 29 year-old NFL pro. How he is able to adjust to the pro game will be an interesting development for the league and its fans to watch, now and in the future. With players becoming more and more physically impressive and new training techniques available nearly everyday, who knows what may happen next? In the upcoming years, we may see a 6’4”, 250-pound 13 year-old who graduates college early, like Okoye. What will the NFL do about an age limit if that situation arises? Okoye may just want to be another player in the NFL, but what he did by being drafted in this year’s NFL draft may break down barriers in years to come. “It was like, if they recognize me as a phenomenom, I guess it’s what I am,” said Okoye to ESPN the Magazine. If Okoye does manage to have a long and successful career in the NFL, it might provide a brighter future for the younger generation, and pose a dilema for the future NFL. Okoye found the loopholes in the NFL because of his physical maturation and intelligence--a situation the NFL would much rather like to deal with rather then the recent character issues. Who knows? Maybe this “issue” may not be a problem after all, but a needed break from the character issues, and an inspiration to people who feel football and intelligence do not belong together.

sports

05.25.07

Throwing the Heat MATT SLOVIN

staff writer

While games may be won in the winter, the gems that score the points are found in the offseason. Let us take a look at the signees ready to make a difference for local favorite teams this season.

Cincinnati Bearcats

AHNA REESE, 9, has made an immediate impact for the track team this season. The future looks bright for her career in the Sycamore track program. The seniors on the team have shown great leadership towars Reese and other underclassmen.

Girls track breaks records, achieves success MARY ANN JIANG

The girls track team has performed exceptionally. The team has won medals at various meets for both team and individual events. Medalists include numerous field athletes, as well as the 4x800 and 4x100 teams. Sports awards for girls track was May 22.

business manager

t was the goal of the team to set personal records, at the GMC meet for runners, and at the District races. This season, first places, second places, multiple medals and ribbons have been obtained by from each meet. At the Roosevelt Invitational, Alanah Sonntag, 10, broke her’s and Kerry Bogner’s school record for the 3200m or two-mile run, by running a sub-eleven minute 10:53 run. Others have consistently achieved in their races and competition. In field events, juniors Ellen Farr, 11, and Hilary Moore, 11, have placed in finals at the majority of Invitational’s. She won 8th in the GMC but Farr’s greatest pride is her discus throw at the Anderson Invitational. “We [Hilary and I] were the last people there because it was 8:30. I had had five crappy throws and it was my last and I threw a 100 feet. I made a PR,” said Farr.

Deena Schwen, 11, and Ahna Reis, 9, keep alternating places. Schwen jumped 16 feet 1 ½ inches at the Anderson Invitational, securing first place. However, at the Mason Relay Meet it was Reis’ jump that gave the duo 1st place and she placed 4th at GMC right behind Schwen. “Junior year was a good year. I’ve improved in all my events so it’s been a good season,” said Schwen In the high jump, Maria Kellison, 12, had won first place at the cost of tearing her meniscus so had to sit the second half of the season out. Teammate Devon Feagans, 11, placed 1st at the GMC. The 4x800m relay has won points for Sycamore at every meet and came in 4th place at the GMC meet. The runners are Kimmi Oshita, 12, Alanah Sonntag, 10, Danielle Fleming, 9, and Natalie Goodwin, 9. Another team, the 4x100 runners

Ali Shewmon, 11, Reis, Meredith Love, 12, and Schwen ran hard for a second place finish in their preliminaries heat with a final time of 51 seconds. Later on, Shewmon, Love, Oshita, and Schwen ran the 4x400m relay and won 1st place. The 4x200 team came in 6th place In individual races, Fleming placed 6th in the open 800m. Sonntag ran a 5:03 mile and an 11:06 2-mile placing 3rd in both behind two state champions. In the 400m, Shewmon came in 2nd place and Love came in 8th. Hurdling in the 100m race was Emily Elsbrock, 9, at 8th and Schwen who won 1st place in the 300 hurdles, as she tries to break the school record set by her coach Mrs. Emily Sweeney. The teams individual season closed with the GMC, District, Regional or even State meet and collectively at Sports Awards on Tuesday May 22.

Boys track continues success Team places high, strives for perfection

CASEY MANNING a&e chief

Gives new meaning to the phrase “run for your life.” Since placing 2nd in their first meet at the end of March, the Boys Track team has been sprinting, jumping, and hurdling their way through a triumphant season. These boys have made this spring sport their lives. The seniors on the team, including last year’s only State qualifier Taylor Williams, 12, have led a team with large number of underclassman to success. With a first-place win at the Harrison Invitational and many other high placings, they are going into the State qualifying meets with confidence. Individually, Williams won both the 1-mile and 2mile events at GMCs. Other individual placers at GMCs included Luke Tawney, 12, who placed 2nd in the 300 meter hurdles race, as well as the 4x800 relay who placed 2nd as well. The team has bonded over this spring season. They have grown as running companions, teammates, and most importantly, as friends. As they head into their post-season, they hope to remember this fact when they put on their game faces- some of them for the last time. The Boys Track team lives by a motto summed up perfectly by Mateo Villamazar, 11. “Never lose sight of the finish line.”

Following a disappointing 06-07 season, head coach Mick Cronin is poised to lift UC out of the cellar of the Big East and back into the postseason. And by looking at this season’s recruiting class, Cronin’s hard work is obvious, it looks as if the Bearcat squad is ready to be a competitor in conference play. If this does not occur this season, the future still looks bright for the red and black. One prized recruit signed by Cronin is Anthony McClain- 7’0” center from the National Christian Academy McClain should improve the ‘Cats, who last year ranked dead last in the conference in blocks per game. He chose Cincinnati over other teams in the Big East such as Connecticut, Georgetown, and Pitt. Many widely respected recruiting sites rank McClain as the sixth best center in the nation for the class of ’07. He scores with ease from down low, and is very solid on the defensive boards. Scout.com gives McClain four of five stars, as does the popular site, Rivals.com. This was a huge signing for UC and McClain adds height and strength to a team that lacked in those areas last season.

Xavier Musketeers

After a successful season that ended in the Muskies sixth trip to the NCAA tournament in the past seven years, one recruit stands out that will be a part of Xavier Nation next year: Dante Jackson- 6’ 4” shooting guard from McClain High School Jackson’s ability to shoot the 3-ball will help Xavier in its attempt to advance farther than the 2nd round in the NCAA tournament, where they fell in a very close game to Ohio State this past season. Jackson is very athletic, and Scout. com says that Jackson could have played college football instead, but he decided that he would rather play roundball for the Musketeers. Other schools that offered the shooting guard a scholarship include Xavier’s A-10 rival Dayton, as well as the Indiana Hoosiers, who could contend for a national title this year. Jackson is one of the top 25 shooting guards in the class of 2007. The main thing that jumps out at me from these players as the improvement that we will soon be seeing on Ed Jucker Court at Fifth Third Arena on the UC campus. I really like the signing of Anthony McClain who will be a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Xavier lost some great seniors last year, but they have heart and determination which is why they remained on the court last season while Cincy didn’t. Jackson’s athleticism and versatililty are qualities that the Muskies can use. Xavier head coach Sean Miller is a strong believer that Jackson is a player that can help the Musketeers win the A-10. It should be a great season of college basketball as we watch these promising diaper-dandies develop into experienced floor generals.

sports

05.25.07

Serve your way to 40-love

Exploring tennis shots, strategies

all images by bobby jungerwirth

ABOVE, ROHAN PATEL, 11, is in the midst of hitting a forehand. He took his racket back, and is swinging through from low to high. While striking the ball, he slides his racket up the back of the ball in order to give it topspin.

BOBBY JUNGERWIRTH

ABOVE, VARSITY GOLD Tennis Coach Mike Teets talks with second doubles players Jake Maxwell, 9, and Eric Stoltz, 11. When the players switch sides (on odd numbered games), they are allowed to talk with their coach. Coaches usually talk to their players during changeovers to encourage them and give them pointers and strategies to turn the match into a win for the team. BELOW, ELLIOT KINDRED, 9, hits a backhand. On the left, he brings his racket back low, ready to hit the ball. In the center, he has hit the ball, brushing the back of the ball to give it topsin. Lastly, on the right, he follows through as the ball goes over the net.

diversity editor

n the game of tennis, there are many different shots and types of play. They can be separated into various different categories from groundstrokes to volleys. Groundstrokes are shots that are hit from farther back in the court, close to the baseline. In terms of groundstrokes, there are forehands and backhands, and those shots can be hit with topsin, backspin or no spin at all (a flat shot). Tennis is not as easy as it looks. “I find it very enjoyable, but I can’t play well,” said Jessa Ramsey, 11. At the net, there are also a variety of shots that can be hit. There are the regular forehand and backhand volley, which is like a slice. The swinging volley is just like a topspin groundstroke, except that the racket is not pulled back so low. “It seems like it would be fun, but I’ve never played,” said Lauren Levey, 12. A half-volley is hit as the ball barely bounces near the net. The ball bounces, and it is hit while it is on the rise. Moreover, an overhead is just like a serve, just with more of a downward motion. Depending on where one stands in relation to the net, the racket will have a different angle and there will be different angles of force applied. Various shots in the game allow many players to exist with differing styles. “I think it [tennis] is a fabulous display of athleticism, skill, and mental prowess. Players like [Roger] Federer move across the court as though they are gazelles on the savannah,” said Joey Fixler, 12.

BENDING HIS KNEES, getting ready to spring up, Eric Stoltz, 11, serves. He is bending his knees in order to get more power from his legs. As he swings upwards, he moves forward in order to get to the net.

feature

05.25.07

COACH JIM TRESSEL leads the Ohio state Buckeyes onto the field. Tressel is one of several marqee caoches in sports today. In the ultra competative environment of the sports world, coaches such as Tressl are all the more important.

BUILDING

HIGH MAJOR PROGRAMS In college sports today, high major success requires exclusive qualities sports chief

ay you are the athletic director of a division one program. Your school wants to achieve the high major success of programs such as Ohio State and USC. How would one go about raising a program from a conference door mat to a perennial accomplish such a feat is not easy, but there are 4 main attributes every program must have.

A Franchise Coach

Arguably the most important aspect of any program that desires to make a name of itself, having a single, talented coach is an absoulte must. The coach is the face of the team, the voice of the program for however long they are there. A coach recruits, builds fan support, and leads the team throughout the season. A coach can make or break a program. Colleges can either hire a young gun who will hopefully pan out to stay for the long haul (see Duke: Mike Krzyzewski) or buy away a coach from another program to establish (or re-establish) dominance (see Kentucky: Billy Gilipse). Either way one does it, acquiring someone to be the face of the program for an extended period of time is vital to continued success. Going through a coaching carousel will only harm the program and scare away potential recruits. Consider the high major programs of our day. Each of the truely blue-blooded schools have achieved the height of their success under a single coach for a long duration of time. Ohio State football became what it is under Woody Hayes (1951-1979), UCLA achieved what can only be described as the most dominance any team have ever exerted in their field by winning 10 national championships from 1964-1975 under John Wooden (1948-1975), Kentucky experienced its hayday under the incredibly long reign of Adolf Rupp (1930-1972), and the list goes on and on. Each one of these schools, amongst numerous others, have made strides to replace their iconic coaches with another who will stay for a similarly long period of time, and hopefully reach such levels of success. An ever growing trend in college sports today, a long term, or franchise coach is quite simply an absolute must to be an elite program.

Recruiting Prowess

Big time programs need big time wins, and big time wins require big time players. Though there are some remarkable stories of unheralded players becoming stars and going on to accomplish great things (see: Florida’s “Big Four”), success in college sports today is predicated upon how well one recruits. If the coaching staff is able to nab some high quality players and build around them, success usually comes with the territory.

However, the question of signing said big time players is a huge “if” in the ultra-competitive world of sports today, even for some traditional powers. That said, instituting a clear recruting basis is incredibly important for every program. Accomplished coaches in stable programs have long since made their spheres of influence clear, and any up-and-coming program must do the same. Players come from all over these days. From traditional hotbeds of talent such as Indiana and California, to even right here in Cincinnati (OJ Mayo, before he left, and Bill Walker, though he wasn’t really from town either...), prized recruits can be found across the nation, as well as over the seas. With such expansive limits on the recruiting map, it is all the more important that a program establish itself as a threat to sign Mr. Bigshot before another school can, and reap the rewards that follow. If a program fails to do so, then it will condem itself to medicority. If it suceeds, the sky is the limit.

Passionate Fans

The fans are the heart and the soul of the program. They come to the games, watch on TV spend millions on merchandise, and basically pump money into a school through every means available to them. If not for fans, then sports today would not be what sports today are, a multi-billion dollar industry that countless numbers have made a living off of. Without a large fan base, then revenue will be low for school athletically. And unfortunately for those up-andcoming schools, the amount of money any one team is allowed to use is generally equivalent to the level of income they bring in. It is unfair, but where ever money lies success tends to follow. Just look at OSU and Florida, who accumulated over $100,000 and $80,000 in athletic revenues last year, respectively. These two schools have just met one another in the national title game of both college’s glamour sports in the last year. See a pattern? The source of such incredible revenue lies largely in the fan base, as well as tv deals, marketing endorsements, and bowl game income, but these are all ultimately the product of fans’ interest. Fortunately for low athletic income schools, fan support will quickly follow with a measure of success, particularly if the program is in a long period of underachieving. A perfect example of this is Alabama. After a disappointing 6-7 season, the Crimson Tide fired their head coach and hired Nick Saban away from the Miami Dolphins. Before even playing a single down with their new coach, an incredible 90,000+ fans turned out for the teams spring game. Talk about fan support. The most successful programs in college sports today have extremely loyal and large fan bases. Having this support is extremely important to any powerhouse program, and is a certain requirement for any rising school as well.

Sterling Facilities

Though the casual fan may not realize it, the condition of a schools athletic facilities is a very important ingredient in high major programs. Better facilities allow for better preparation for games by players, obviously increasing the chance of victory, and afford better conditions for players to work in. They are crucial to a schools athletic status. A common tactic by coaches when recruiting players is to show them through the school’s brand new, multi-million dollar athletic facilities to increase their program’s appeal. This illustrates the simple fact that better players would rather play for schools with top-of-the-line facilities. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan recently criticized the pathetic state of his schools athletic facilities, saying “There’s a good chance we could be a Top 25 preseason ranked football team and we can’t even get soap in our locker room.We’re going against programs that have $20 million facilities with support and tradition. And you want us to compete with that? Just help us out.” Brennan’s comments show that not only are Hawaii’s facilities borderline uninhabitable, the athletic complexes of any given school are important to the players and the success of the teams. Having an impressive athletic complex will not only help the teams themselves, but can be used as trustworthy recruiting tools. Having one is not only beneficial, but a must for high level programs.

photo from si.com

WILL JOHNSTON

ENTHUSIASTIC MICHIGAN STATE fans cheer on their beloved Spartans. The diehard loyalty of such fans is another essential component to any program.

sports

38 High Heat

05.25.07

Bonds dirties record book Steroid use overshadows home runs

JEREMY SPIEGEL

staff writer

At some point soon over this baseball season, Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants will hit a fastball deep into the seats. As Bonds crosses home plate, every baseball fan in America will tune in with interest. This will be no ordinary home run that Bonds has hit. With this hit, the 756th home run of Bonds’ career, he will pass Hank Aaron for the most career home runs, a record that has stood since Aaron hit his 715th home run in 1974. At any other point in baseball’s history, the breaking of a 33-year old record would be cause for celebration. Normally, the commissioner would be among those in attendance, as he would personally congratulate the athlete for such a milestone. However, this one would be no ordinary celebration. With the threat of steroids hanging over baseball like a dark cloud, no player is safe from suspicion. Bonds, who has been linked numerous times to the BALCO scandal, tops the list of athletes whose performances are in doubt. If and when Bonds breaks the legendary Aaron’s record, there would be a nation-wide debate among sports writers and fans about his true place in baseball history. Many people feel that Bonds’ accomplishments pale in comparison with Aaron’s, if only for the fact that Bonds is believed to have been helped by illegal performance-enhancing drugs. These people believe that Bonds should not be honored for his record. Aaron himself has added fuel to this argument by saying that while he would recognize Bonds’ milestone, he would not attend the congratulatory dinner. However, Aaron does not go far enough. Regardless of what Bonds’ may say, there has been enough proof to associate Bonds with steroids. In 2003, Bonds’ trainer, Greg Anderson, was charged with supplying anabolic steroids to athletes. In a grand jury testimony, Bonds revealed that Anderson gave him a rubbing balm and a liquid substance. These are believed to be forms of THG, a designer steroid. Major League Baseball needs to make a stand. By acknowledging Bonds’ record, they would be admitting that steroid use has forever altered baseball’s historic records and milestones. Players such as Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays, among others, managed to hit high numbers of home runs using only their natural abilities, not by using a substance created in a laboratory. Bonds, among many others, has had his accomplishments overshadowed by his association in the BALCO scandal that plagues baseball. Major League Baseball now needs to make sure that these players do not leave a lasting impact on the game, except for leading to tougher policies for steroid users. When Barry Bonds runs around the bases for the 756th time in his career, commissioner Bud Selig will have a choice to make. Selig needs to make the right decision, and ensure that cheaters stay out of baseball’s hallowed record book.

leon hall, left carries the ball while Chideum Ndukwe, above, catches a pass in the Bengals’ first rookie minicamp. Hall was taken with the team’s first draft pick. Both are expected to help the team improve on defense.

all images by nadia khan

Bengals draft solid haul This year’s crop fills needs, adds depth JARED KAMRASS

In the 2007 NFL Draft on April 28 and 29, the Cincinnati Bengals selected several defensive players to try to improve on last year’s lowranked defense. However, they also used many of their high draft picks on offensive players, a fact that surprised many fans and experts.

staff writer

he Cincinnati Bengals came into the NFL Draft weekend needing to make big improvements on defense. While some of their picks addressed that need, they could have selected more players on that side of the ball. Cornerback Leon Hall was an excellent pick out of the University of Michigan. The Bengals needed a shut down corner to complement Johnathan Joseph, and Hall will do as he will most likely start from day one. Hall was known at UM for having perfect technique and is considered “pro-ready” by most NFL scouts. RB Kenny Irons is a pick that astounded even the most understanding Bengals fan. Sure, Chris Perry is hurt and has been most of his career, but the pick would have been better used to help shore up a miserable defense that finished 30th in total defense last year. The Bengals forfeited their third round pick in last year’s supplemental draft by selecting Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks. Fourth round pick Marvin White will help a secondary that needs some depth following the departures of Kevin Kaesviharn and Tory James.

Reds wrap up first month of season After fast start, offense needs to pick up MATT MENDELSOHN staff writer

The Cincinnati Reds started the season off great. The bullpen was untouchable, not allowing an earned run for the first 14 innings. The starting pitching was magnificent, ranked in the top five of the league. The offense was led by Adam Dunn, who was playing like an MVP candidate after several years of underachieving. There was the feel good story of Josh Hamilton. The Reds were in 1st place. Not anymore. After its sparkling start, the bullpen has fallen apart. It is now ranked among last in the majors, and at one point gave up 22 runs in 21 innings. The offense has also gone dead, with only 2 hitters hitting above .300 and only 4 hitting above .270. The lack of consistency from the starters has hurt the team. Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion, expected big-time hitters for the team, are hitting .263 and .221 respectively. Hamilton, on the other hand, has not stopped hitting. He is tied for the team lead in home runs and second on the team in RBIs. The Reds are doing everything possible to get him in the lineup everyday. Overall, the Reds would get a C+ for the 1st month of the season. Their first month record of 12-13, although not very good, exceeds several expectations to begin the season, as many experts believed the Reds would finish either in 5th or 6th place this season. In the very balanced National League Central, anything could happen, and by the end the papers may say “2007 National Central Champions: Cincinnati Reds.”

Jeff Rowe was a pick that baffled many people. Rowe will be the third quarterback behind Doug Johnson and the team hopes he can learn from the tutelage of Carson Palmer and develop into a solid backup quarterback. Matt Toeania was pretty underrated and unheard of coming out of Oregon. Toeania was often overshadowed at Oregon by 2006 Ravens’ first round pick Haloti Ngata but will be contending for playing time in training camp. Many scouts compare Toeania to DT Domata Peko, a Bengals draft pick in 2006. Dan Santucci and Chinedum Ndukwe will fill in on special teams. The former Fighting Irish stars were solid producers in their days at Notre Dame but will most likely only be bit players in Cincinnati. It is unfair to grade drafts until a few years down the road. Only a true grade can be given when every player has had a chance to prove himself. Hall, Toeania, and White filled needs. But the early selection of a running back could have been better used by picking a defensive lineman or a linebacker. The bottom half of this class is mostly projects who have the potential to raise the status of this year’s crop of picks.

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spotlight

05.25.07

Jeff Spitz

‘I like meeting new people and get along with everyone’ SPITZ IS A man of many interests. (Clockwise) One of his favorite pastimes is playing the drumset, which is among his most prized possessions. He also enjoys hanging out with his friends, such as Austen Lampe, 9 of Indian Hill. He also spends time with his sister, Sarah Spitz, 12.

Favorites

Book: The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl Sports: Lacrosse and basketball T.V. Show: That 70’s Show

all photos courtesy of jeff spitz

SANYA DOSANI

spotlight editor

Q&A

with Jeff Spitz, 9

Q. What three words describe you best? A. Outgoing, funny, and athletic. Q. Do you have any amazing skills? A. I don’t know if it’s amazing, but I can play the drums, which is a skill.

Q. What are your favorite activities? A. I like playing the drums, listening to music, going to concerts, and playing lacrosse. Music is an important part of who I am.

Q. Do you have any annoying habits? A. I don’t think I have any, but some people say it’s annoying when I don’t match.

Q. Do you have any pet peeves? A. No, I’d say I’m pretty relaxed. I like meeting new people and get along with everyone.

SPITZ AND LAMPE joke around on a normal, relaxing, evening. Even though they go to different schools, the two have remained good friends.

Q. What is your most prized possession? A. It has to be a tie between my drum set and my lacrosse stick.

Q. If you could be any animal, which one would you be, and why? A. I would be a dog, just ‘cause they’re cool, you know, man’s best friend and all.

Q. What would be your superpower of choice? A. I would love to teleport because I can’t drive.

And I’d get places faster than people who drove.

Q. Who are your best friends? A. Phil Ganson, 9; Tommy Zipperstein, 10; Tyler Dowdall, 9; and Brent Perlman, 9.

Q. Your most embarassing moment? A. When Brent drooped me at lunch. I guess it’s

funny now, but when it happened, it...wasn’t.

Q. Do you have a favorite quote? A. “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” by Teddy

Roosevelt—it was our lacrosse quote of the week.

Q. How has your impression of high school changed after being here for a year? A. At first it was really big and kind of scary, but now it isn’t that big and definitely not scary. It’s easy to adjust to.