APRIL 2013

TALON

180 S. Livernois Rochester Hills MI, 48307

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THE FUTURE OF

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April 26, 2013

Hal Commerson provides a firsthand account of Boston Marathon bombings.

EQUAL MARRIAGE Supreme Court cases push the same-sex marriage issue into the national spotlight, garnering a variety of reactions from RHS students and staff.

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Volume 75

Issue 7 Students give insight into the trend of “hooking up.�

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North Korea’s Jong-un makes threats of nuclear terror Sydney Bammel Editorial Board

Ever since the Korean War “ended” in 1953, the North Korean government has cut their citizens off from the world. An armistice ended the firing of weapons between the North and the South; however, the war was never truly ended by the nations. Instead, they have lived in a state of agitated coexistence. Now 60 years have passed and North Korea has become restless.

The youthful leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, ordered a third nuclear weapon test in February breaching U.N. sanctions and making U.S. political leaders uneasy.

“Atomic bombs pose the threat of utter destruction to all who oppose North Korea,” sophomore Michaela McMurry said. “War abroad concerns me because the U.S. has a tendency, proven by history, to intervene in worldwide conflict. At this time America is in no state to intervene in another Korean War because we’re not strong enough socially or economically.”

The North Koreans have also been making longrange missiles that could possibly hit the U.S. mainland; however, some citizens of the U.S. are not worried.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un makes battle plans in his war room.

Photo by Reuters KCNA

“We are the most powerful country in the world,” junior Nick Nalu said. “We have the capability to defend ourselves against any threats.”

Others express some concerns about the U.S. being unprepared.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the U.S. has the military capacity to defend ourselves from an attack,” McMurry said. “But, I don’t think that the public is prepared for an attack. Where do you go? What do you do? Hide under my desk? It’s not the Cold War anymore - we’re not educated on atomic attacks. We’re more focused on school

shootings.”

Some people also think that the U.S. doesn’t need to be worrying about the North Korean threat.

“Threats happen all the time,” AP World History teacher Marc Compton said. Others agree.

“This has been happening since the 1950s,” sophomore David Martin said. “Why would there be any reason for us to expect them to do something now?”

North Korea submitted an entry to its propaganda film festival. In this video, a threatening attack on the United States using weapons of mass destruction unfolds.

It illustrates the raid of the city Seoul, where 150,000 Americans are taken as captives and shows the destruction of the Capitol Building.

“Propaganda is powerful enough to alter people’s own views,” McMurry said. “I would know because my own opinions have been shaped by forms of propaganda.

I know that a country in unison is much stronger than a country divided; North Korea unified against U.S. ‘aggression’ is a powerful force that can be used by the North Korean government and military to justify their own acts of aggression.”

The U.S. continues to prepare as politicians and citizens alike await Jong-un’s next move.

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CHAMBER CHOIR ROCKS The Michigan Youth Arts Festival (MYAF) is a comprehensive arts spectacular, culminating a ninemonth search for the finest artistic talent in Michigan high schools.

More than 250,000 students across the state are involved in the process that results in nearly 1,000 being invited to participate in the annual three-day event.

The 38 students in the Rochester High School Chamber Choir have received the highest honor by the state of Michigan to participate in the MYAF as the “Most Outstanding Choir” and will be featured in the Gala Concert at 7 p.m. on May 10 on the campus of Western Michigan in the Miller Auditorium. Although soloists, artists and small ensembles from RCS have participated in MYAF, no large ensemble, choir or band from Rochester Schools has ever been selected for the high honor of “Most Outstanding” large ensemble in Michigan. Rochester Community Schools continue to be the leaders in fine arts education in the state.

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BPA is going to Disney World Sarah Walwema Staff Writer

As senior Ryan Matynka presents his proposal for RHS’s small business group at regionals of Business Professionals of America (BPA), this is what’s running through his mind: “Am I enunciating well?

Am I making eye contact with the audience instead of reading off the screen? Do I have good posture?”

Matynka plays an important role in BPA, which is a club that rewards its members for leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

“BPA allows our students learn key skills in business that they can apply in a competitive environment,” business teacher and advisor Karen Malsbury said. “This is a brilliant way of exposing our students to a competitive world.”

Students often join because their peers tell them it’s a useful experience.

“I joined BPA because Ryan Matynka is the vice president, and he got a group together and asked us if we wanted to do it,” senior John Doroschewitz said. “We joined just to be with our friends and spend time together.”

According to BPA advisor and business teacher Laure Gambaro, the club gains new members in a variety of ways.

“Mrs. Malsbury and I promote in our classes, but I feel most of the recruiting takes place from past members,” Mrs. Gambaro said. “They are the best promoters because they know the events.”

For junior Megan Tack, her promoter was her older sister Laura Tack. Megan Tack went on to run for office and is now the president of BPA, leading thousands of BPA members in Michigan.

“It took a lot of work,” Tack said. “The application process started back in October and it just ended. The hardest, but also most fun and exciting part of campaigning actually happened at States.”

Tack had to fill out a 26-page packet, get several teacher recommendations, create a resume, write a short essay and have a phone interview in January before she could even be considered a candidate. At States, she started with an interview with the current council, and received a speech topic, which she presented that evening to 2,000 BPA members along with a Q&A session. That Saturday she had a campaign rally where she met different members from

Current president Moiead Charawi of Dearborn High School inducts RHS junior Megan Tack, with the help of the new executive vice president Nikita Mungarwadi of Charencevill High School. Tack is now president of the entire BPA organization in Michigan. The BPA competition took place in the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo by Kelly Yu

Junior Megan Tack gives an impromptu speech for 2,000+ BPA members at Regionals. Photo by Kelly Yu

Seniors Dan Roe, Michael Brighi, Ryan Matynka and John Doroschewitz accept an award. Photo by Kelly Yu

Juniors Jasmine Kim and Jenny Lee and senior Kelly Yu accept awards for their individual competitions.

Photo Courtesy of Kelly Yu

different chapters. Tack’s hard work paid off and she won the election.

“There is no way in the world I would have been able to get through States without my campaign manager, Hannah Browe, and my advisors, Mrs. Malsbury and Mrs. Gambaro, helping me,” Tack said. “I also want to do a quick shout out to everyone who came and helped me campaign during the campaign rally, and also everyone who gave me constant pep talks and put up with all of my nervous energy.”

Tack reflects on the experience.

“It was probably the most nerve-racking experience waiting for them to announce

the president, which they do last,” Tack said. “I was completely freaking out before I found out, and all of my friends sitting with me spent at least half of dinner reminding me to breathe. When they finally did announce my name, our entire table jumped up, and I was so happy and excited!

That moment made all of the nerves of that weekend completely worth it.”

BPA juniors Jenny Lee, Megan Tack, Vikranth Cherukuri, Ambika Vohra, and seniors John Doroshewitz, Ryan Matynka, and Michael Brighi all qualified to attend nationals, which will be held at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Even though going any competition can be stressful, Matynka recognizes how rewarding competition and BPA can be.

“I like going to where the competitions are held,” Matynka said. “I’m looking forward to going to Disney World with my friends. Beating Stoney Creek’s small business team was definitely a highlight.”

For the students who worked hard and made it to Nationals, the stress was worth it.

“It is a huge deal because the State Competition is very hard to place,”Mrs. Gambaro said. “There are so many schools around the state of Michigan involved in BPA and only the best of best can win.”

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S N U O C NEEDS

Mrs. Slomka said. “She should really start eating marshmallows and nutella …

Editorial Board together.”

Mother Nature has shown her anger The alarm beeps loudly just as the world before, but not at this frigid of a rate. Mrs. starts to wake and senior Morgan Wright Slomka elaborated on just what Mother rises from her slumber. She looks out the Nature’s anger entails. window and wishes that she were back in “Nature Anger could include outbursts Mexico, in bathing suit weather. To her (i.e. tsunami’s, hurricanes and lightning) chagrin though, it’s April and another frosty and depression (i.e. hail, hurricanes and day in Michigan. rain),” Mrs. Slomka With the unseasonably said. “Also, shifting cold spring and harsh the blame to winter, many think others, ‘No…those that Mother Nature hurricanes are not has not been kind to To connect with my patients, we my fault! It’s global Michiganders, leading start each session holding hands warming!’” folks to speculate that repeating our mantra, ‘I am Although Mrs. Mother Nature may have not my anger.’ Then I have my Slomka has only anger issues. patents do an interpretive dance been in the therapy “I think she’s on her that desribes their week. We end business for a short period,” freshman Kristine the session by petting bunnies amount of time, Ivezaj said. “Maybe she and eating peanut M&Ms.” she’s had other just thinks that we are ~Mrs. Erin Slomka famous clients such mean because we aren’t as Chris Brown, Bill treating her right.”

O’Reilly, Charlie Others students have Sheen and Justin Bieber, who’ve all turned different ideas about why Mother Nature out okay. might not be so happy with the Mitten these “To connect with my patients, we start days. each session holding hands repeating our “Well, the world was supposed to end in mantra ‘I am not my anger,’” Mrs. Slomka 2012, so she thought that she was done with said. “Then, I have my patients do an her job,” senior Morgan Wright said. “She interpretive dance that describes their week. thought she could finally retire.”

We end the session by petting bunnies and Since the frigid spring temperatures eating peanut M&Ms.” have stuck around for April, Mother Nature Mother Nature, though, is in denial about may be forced to enter into weather anger her anger and seems to place blame on management. Luckily, science teacher and others, rather than looking inward. pseudo-weather therapist Mrs. Erin Slomka “I’m not angry, I just hate people.” may be able to help.

Mother Nature said. “I’ve just had a couple “Mother Nature needs to do some deep of rough months; Mr. Nature left me for breathing, count down from 10 to Mesozoic Mother Earth last month. So what if I’ve because she apparently hated the dinosaurs,” Karl Erikson

“

made a hurricane or two? So what if it’s been colder than usual? You can bet that Mr. Nature and Mother Earth aren’t going to visit the north anytime soon! Sounds to me like someone’s warm, spring trip to Michigan might get delayed.”

Despite some sympathy for Mother Nature’s broken heart, many are just plain fed-up, deleting her on Facebook, unfollowing her on Twitter and pleading with the world to replace her.

“I’d really like her to give us some sunshine,” Ivezaj said. “It’s really not THAT hard.”

Junior Scott DiFlippo, though, doesn’t understand all the anger directed toward the embattled weather-maker.

“It’s not Mother Nature’s fault,” said DiFlippo. “It’s all the Illuminati. They control the weather.”

Whether it’s the Illuminati, Mother Nature or just the Earth’s natural weather progression, it’s clear that someone must need weather anger management.

“Mother Nature needs to be in therapy for at least 200 years,” Mrs. Slomka said.

“However long it takes to get carbon dioxide emissions under control.”

Amid all the disdain for the current weather situation in Michigan, Mrs. Slomka believes that other parts of the country should continue to experience the deplorable weather pattern.

“Louisville and Ohio State should get a healthy dose of hail, locusts, and blazing heat,” Mrs. Slomka said. “Then some deep, deep snow so that they would have to stay home and think about what they have done.”

Disclaimer: This story was written merely for entertainment purposes in the style of “The Onion”; it is a parody and should not be taken as fact.

TALON 2012-2013

Q&A

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HGTV’s show, “House Hunters,” aired an episode April 9 at 10:00 p.m. that featured RHS alumni Ben and Katie Marchionna (Class of ’08 and ’07, respectively). The episode highlighted their big move from cool Michigan to warm Lancaster, California. Together, the couple describe their experience, both behind the scenes and on camera, filming for HGTV’s popular show.

Q: For those who don’t know, what is the show “House Hunters” about?

A: “House Hunters’”follows the process of choosing and purchasing a home. Participants discuss what they want in a home, visit three possible choices with a realtor, and go through the decision process.

Q: How did you come to be on the show?

A: We love watching the show, and when we were getting ready to buy, we checked the website to see how it all works. There was an open casting call, so we emailed the producers. They had us create an audition tape in our apartment to see how we would do on-camera, and they loved it!

Q: What was your experience with the HGTV staff? In other words, how intrusive were they into your home-buying experience?

A: The staff was great! When filming, the crew is very small – only three people are involved, so we got to know them over the days of filming. The producers weren’t very intrusive – they wanted to share only what we were willing to share with the world – although they did ask us to embellish a bit on some of our feelings towards the houses, just to help keep the show interesting.

Q: How long did the process take from beginning to end?

A: The whole process (from audition to airing) was about ten months. Filming itself took only five days – and we did our filming over the course of a month.

Q: What happened behind the scenes?

A: We went through each room of a house at least three times, saying the same comments over and over so that they could get a variety of camera angles to choose from when editing the show. During interviews we would answer a question two or three times to make sure we were concise and still interesting for TV. After viewing three homes, Ben and Katie decided to choose house number three, known as “the model.” “The model” is a furnished home that was priced at $256,000, but Ben and Katie were able to bargain with the seller and purchase the home for $240,000.

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Q&A BOSTON MARATHON with Hal Commerson about his experience at this year’s

Q: Can you give us some brief background about your connection to RHS? A: I taught math, physical education and drugs and alcohol education for 31 years at RHS. I also coached cross-country, track, basketball and golf for both boys and girls for 40 years. I’m gonna say I’ve been subbing in the district for about the last five years.

want to go there. He took me to a place called Cleveland Circle and dropped me off. I found a bus stop with a bunch of people. I sat down and the people around me started asking questions about where I was headed and [they] finally said, “You’re on the wrong bus.” I said okay, pulled the cord to stop the bus and got off. I started thinking, “This is ridiculous!”

Q: What was your official finish time? When did the Q: How and when were you able to communicate with first and second bomb go off in relation to your finish your family and friends? time?

A: I ran across a group of college guys and one of them A: I finished in 3 hours, 42 minutes and 5 seconds, at was from Boston; he showed me where I needed to go. about 2:35 in the afternoon, I think, which was about 28 He was the only guy who really knew what he was talking minutes ahead of the first bomb. I walked back to where about that day. In the meantime, I finally got ahold of my I’d come from where I could stand wife. The gal I was staying with, former Rochester and lean against something so student Linda Ingram, came to find me in her I could take clothes off and put car. We went back to her house, cleaned up, on dry clothes. That’s what I was stretched, and I tried to undo the rigor mortis doing when the first bomb went that had set in. Then we watched the news I fought in Vietnam. It off. I’m going to estimate I was report. That’s the first time I actually found out was bad. This was bad. what was going on, at about 9 o’clock that night. about 400 yards or a couple of I survived both and feel blocks away. grateful, but none of Q: What did you think about the Q: What thoughts were going overwhelming support or expressions of this compares to the through your mind when the concern from friends and family? How did you tragedy of losing my first bomb went off? touch base with these people? son.”

A: When I heard the first one, I A: I was gratified to know that so many people ~Hal Commerson froze, because when I hear sharp cared. When I got home, I had almost 400 emails. noises, my mind automatically I read them all, but I sent out a general Facebook goes back to when I fought in notice that everything was okay. I thought the the Vietnam War 43 or 44 years ago. I saw the smoke outpouring was absolutely wonderful. I didn’t know what and debris, then shortly after that the next one went off. was going on [at the scene], which was perhaps a good My first comment to the guy in a bright volunteer vest thing at the time. with a walkie-talkie was, “That’s not right.” He said, “No, that’s not right at all.” He got on the walkie-talkie and Q: Why do you think these guys chose the Boston from that point on would not share any information with Marathon as a target? me. A minute or two later, the sirens started from every A: It was enough damage that people were killed and direction. Ambulances, police, fire. People started to many people were maimed and injured with shrapnel. run toward me down Boylston Street. I thought, “What’s That part of the finish line, where we turn on to coming? Why are people running?”

Boylston Street, is wall-to-wall people; there are roughly 50-100,000 people in that area. If your goal is to do Q: What did you do next? How did you get reunited maximum damage, that’s where you’d do it. with the folks you were staying with?

A: The subway was only a couple of hundred feet away.

Q: What did you think as you heard the explosions?

I went to that entrance and saw a lot of people coming A: Well, after the first one, I thought, “What in the world is up saying, “It’s closed.” I got my cell phone out and tried that?” After the second one, I thought, “Uh oh, we’ve got to make a call to my wife, but they shut the cell phone a terrorist attack on our hands.” Not knowing who, how towers off to prevent further detonations by phone. I extensive the damage would be, or what was going on, I hadn’t walked very far when I saw a cab sitting in the knew there was going to be people hurt. I never would’ve middle of the street. “Is anyone going to Brookline guessed Chechnyan guys, not in a million years. American Village?” I asked. “Shut the door, we’re getting out of here,” citizens? Wow. The way it’s unfolded this week is just so the guy in the front seat said. The cab driver did not speak bizarre. Sounds like they were brainwashed; at least the much English. The guy in front was petrified. I told the cab older one was and he drug the younger one along with driver where I wanted to go, but for some reason he didn’t him. What a shame.

“

Q: What did you think about the way the law enforcement officers handled the situation from start to finish?

A: From my perspective, I think they did an amazing job.

From what I understand, it’s one of those times when all of the different agencies come together to solve a serious problem. Unfortunately, there were a couple other people hurt, but there could’ve been a lot more people hurt. I think they did the job they needed to do.

Q: What do you hope will happen with the 19-year-old they have in custody?

A: Well, I hope that they can get some information out of him. The people of Boston need to know that he’s been taken care of. Whether he’s 19 or 59, the crimes he’s involved in are not forgivable in my mind and he needs to forfeit any rights, any freedoms, and probably his life for what he’s done.

Q: What are your overall thoughts about this experience? How does it compare to other tragedies you’ve faced in the past?

A: The Boston Marathon bombing was a horrible situation for those that had to live it and for those who are going to live it the rest of their lives. It has been somewhat emotional, but I will recover. In terms of other things, I fought in Vietnam. It was bad. This was bad. I survived both and feel grateful, but none of this compares to the tragedy of losing my son Aaron, who died of a rare form of bone cancer on Feb. 4, 2013. Losing him has been the single most difficult event in our family. He was a first-rate teacher, outstanding husband and father, and a guy full of life with many friends who enjoyed his company.

Q: Will you continue to participate in the Boston Marathon in the future? Why or why not?

A: I’ll go back to Boston; it’s my favorite marathon. This is not going to change it for the people of Boston. The runners are doing everything they can to qualify for the Boston Marathon because it’s the oldest and grandest in this country.

Q. What do you hope people will take away from this experience?

A: We continue to be reminded of how fragile life is. I know students in general believe they are invincible and they will live forever, but as you get older, you realize that perhaps you’re a little more vulnerable. I’d like to see people come together more often for less tragic reasons. Be more kind to each other and provide more service to each other. Tragedies seem to be more frequent now: school shootings, bombings, our service people in war zone; it’s time to be done with war and bring those people home.

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School sports should count as P.E. credit Camille Douglas Editorial Board

Students at RHS are required to have at least two physical education classes in order to graduate.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHS), for the 2010-2011 school year, more than 7.6 million students played a school sport, an increase of nearly 40,000 students compared to 2009-2010. From this data, the organization estimates that 55.5 percent of all high school students play a sport. However, even though it is recorded that many students participated in a school sport, the majority of the survey said that they were still required to take at least two gym classes. If a student is putting time and effort into a sport, then it should replace the physical education requirement.

Regular and vigorous participation in physical activity and the ability to understand tactics and concepts of sports are part of the curriculum for physical education classes. Along with the physical aspect of the curriculum, participation, appropriate behavior

and actions during activities are taught. All of these skills and concepts are easily taught and learned by playing any of the sports offered at RHS. Any sport that is held at RHS requires both social and physical participation. This includes good sportsmanship, the ability to follow rules and guidelines, and the skills required to play that sport. If parents or administrators are worried about the level or amount of physical activity a student is receiving, then a gym class is not the answer. A study over the nutrition and physical activity of Michigan public schools by the Michigan Health Institute showed that high school students are active for less than three quarters of a physical education class period.

The participation in a high school physical education class drops from the elementary and middle school level. Also the exposure to and interest in taking a gym class drops once a student reaches high school.

As a result of this, the amount of time committed to an after school sport is greater than in gym class.

A majority of sports practice about five days a week for at least an hour and half, and then compete in one to two games throughout the week. An athlete at high school puts in roughly 10 hours a week, whereas a physical education class is about four hours a week, only if the full 50 minute class period is used for activities. A coach

or supervisor could sign off in order for a student to use that season as a physical education credit.

An after school sport is an extracurricular activity that a student is not required to participate in to graduate, and if a student decides that they wanted or needed to take a physical education class, the school should still offer a selection of gym classes. As a result of this, more schools districts would not need the same number of classes or teachers, and because of this, schools, including RHS, are able to save more money and other resources.

Some would say adding an after school sport as a physical education credit would cause a lack of enthusiasm amongst students because they will not be encouraged to try as hard as they would be in a gym class. However, holding tryouts for a sport will prevent this from happening because after school tryouts test a student on their not only physical state and their abilities, but as well as their passion for the sport.

More than half of RHS is involved in an after school sport but all of these student-athletes have to set aside time in their schedule to take a class that has similar skills and concepts to the sport or sports they play. This is waste of not only time, but also resources for the student’s school.

Illustration by Brian Palmer

Trip to Holocaust museum transforms classroom atmosphere Kristen Froh Guest Writer

The Holocaust: a time of distress, fear and dehumanization.

A few weeks ago, the eleventh grade Elements of Composition teachers distributed the book “Night.” Many students groaned, but once we started reading, it began to hit home. You see, the book is Elie Wiesel’s first-hand account about the atrocities he witnessed in a

concentration camp. Heavy stuff. rolled around and 39 students It’s impossible to read this book approached the museum, the and NOT feel tone shifted. something.

When the Next, group entered the the teachers museum, we were Let’s hope, though announced put into a holding experiences like this, people will that we would room for about 20 continue to become educated be going on minutes. After that, about the mistakes of the past a field trip to the group was split to be sure that we don’t repeat the Holocaust in half and the tour them in the future.” museum in began.

Farmington There were Hills, the only three things that ~Kristen Froh, junior one like it in really touched a the U.S. At lot of hearts. First, first, everyone there was a wall was just thrilled to be away of the names of all the victims from school, but when April 10 who were murdered along with

“

their country of origin. Second, there was a flame that burns in rememberance. In Jewish culture, when someone dies, his or her family lights a candle for 24 hours. The flame in the Holocaust museum is never extinguished. Finally, seeing a real train car that was used to transport thousands of people to the death camps was pretty powerful.

At the end of the tour, we listened to a guest speaker, who was a real Holocaust survivor.

Her story touched everyone’s hearts more than anything.

She talked about the ghetto where she was forced to live,

discussed who in her family didn’t make it, and how hard it was to live through these terrible experiences at such a young age.

She was only 5-years-old when the Germans took her and her familymembers away.

Reading “Night” and walking through the Holocaust museum were valuable educational experiences. The phrase, “It could happen again” was posted throughout the museum.Let’s hope, though experiences like this, people will continue to become educated about the mistakes of the past to be sure that we don’t repeat them in the future.

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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DEBATE

Changing popular opinion and recent Supreme Court cases draw attention to the issue of same-sex marriage Melody Zhang Staff Writer

TWO SUPREME COURT CASES PUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN THE SPOTLIGHT Throughout the past decade, opinions on same-sex marriage have gradually shifted, according to a new poll conducted by the Pew Research Center. Whereas 58% of Americans disapproved of allowing same-sex marriage and 33% were in favor in 2003, a decade later, in 2013, 49% of the population is in support and 41% opposed.

This change is eliciting more than just shifting viewpoints in public opinion and social constructs; in fact, the Supreme Court began hearing two cases that revolve around same-sex marriage: a challenge to California’s Proposition 8 was heard on March 22 and a challenge to the Federal Defense of Marriage Act was heard on March 26.

“The issue with the first dealt with the California law that was passed at the election booth with banning gay marriage and whether or not that is constitutional,” government teacher Mrs. Laura Matthews explained. “The second court case [dealt with] DOMA that was created under the Clinton administration; it was arguing ‘does the Defense of Marriage Act violate your equal rights Protection Clause with the 14th Amendment?’”

The cases will continue to be heard, and the nine Supreme Court justices will later vote on their stances.

“Typically, the Supreme Court will hand down their decision by the end of June at the latest,” Mrs. Laura Matthews said. “And once they hand out their decision, it goes into effect.”

THE GROWING DEBATE ABOUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Same-sex marriage seems to have entered the ranks of other “hot button” topics like abortion, immigration and global warming. Mrs. Matthews thinks the same-sex marriage issue became a key social issue in the 1980’s, and interest in the topic has grown each year, leading up to President Barack Obama’s open support of same-sex marriage.

“When DOMA came into effect, [same-sex rights] became a spotlight,” Mrs. Matthews said. “Then it became a topic issue for debates and elections themselves. People started speaking about it and being proud about it.”

Senior and Spectrum Club president Maddie Pollard said she’s excited about the potential changes.

“I think that if the court cases were ruled [in favor of making same-sex marriage legal], then people would be more willing to come out,” Pollard said.

“Marriage is more about love and not who you’re in love with.”

Senior and openly gay student Mitchell Perun is hoping the Supreme Court will rule in favor of same-sex marriage.

“It will personally impact me because I someday want to get married,” Perun said. “If this is passed, then there will be certain places that I can

1200’s 392

The first law against same-sex marriage is put in place in the Roman Empire.

or cannot get married. If this is passed nationally, then I think there is a lower chance of me getting married actually happening.”

THE CONSTITUIONALITY OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE As an expert on the government, Mrs. Matthews wishes people would think about the issue as a constitutional one, rather than making it personal.

“It’s not really about coming out or staying in, so to speak; I think it’s more [about] where the federal government can regulate your life,” Mrs. Matthews said. “It’s not really about embracing or not embracing who you are. I think everyone, including the media, makes it personal [when] it’s a constitutional question.”

Pollard believes that openly gay students may be treated with more respect if these court decisions rule in favor of same-sex marriage. “[Students will be] more open and feel safe, since everyone’s kind of on the same page,” Pollard said. “We’re such a diverse school, and

of each individual state to decide. Mrs. Matthews predicts the latter.

“I think they’re just going to say that the federal government cannot regulate marriage,” Mrs. Matthews said. “It does not mean that they’re upholding gay marriage; they’re just going to leave it up to the states. After looking at the judge’s questions, that’s where I think they’re headed, but I could be wrong.”

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS ABOUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

THE FUTURE OF THE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ISSUE

Senior Josh Witkowski explains why he is against the passing of laws that would allow same-sex marriage.

“I was taught to hate the sin and not the sinner; unfortunately, people take that out of context,” Witkowski said.

“People often realize as a Christian that there is no severity in something being right and wrong. So if you lie in my eyes or if you commit murder you are no less worse. I’m not trying to cram my views down somebody’s throat.”

In the end, the outcome of these cases will determine if the federal government will have a say in same-sex marriage or leave it up to the voters

Senior Jacob Carl seems to hold a view that is common among heterosexual individuals who make up the 49% of folks who favor same-sex marriage.

“It’s not really going to impact my life,” Carl said. “I would be okay with it because I do know a few people who are gay and I still see everyone as the same person. I don’t really judge. I don’t have solid feelings for it, but if it passes, then I’ll be happy for my friends.”

Perun isn’t sure if Americans are quite ready to be fully accepting of same-sex marriage, but has high hopes.

“It’s hard to say at this point if they’ll support it because some people are fully supportive about gay marriage and [some are in] huge opposition against it,” Perun said. “I don’t think the timing for these to be passed is right because gay marriage has been just around for a short time and people aren’t used to the idea yet.”

Perun has a prediction about the future of the same-sex marriage issue: “Over the years people will come more to terms with it because more people are coming out and they can come to more of an understanding of it.”

1649

1811 The first North American conviction of lesbian activity occurs in Plymouth, Mass.

The Netherlands and Indonesia decriminalize homosexuality.

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US OPINION OF

I feel like a lot of people will be more accepting about diversity at Rochester.”

Mrs. Matthews agrees that RHS students are open to diversity in general.

“Our school does embrace a lot and [it is] very open-minded and diverse, so I think everyone does respect opinions,” Mrs. Matthews said. “But I don’t think it’s going to change how people behave with each other.”

THE HISTORY OF GAY RIGHTS

Pope Gregory IX starts the Inquisition in Italy. Cities go as far as banishing and amputating any “offenders.”

News

SAME-SEX

MARRIAGE

2003

49% in favor 41% opposed

The phrase “crime against nature” is used for the first time in the criminal code in the U.S.

A challenge on the ban that disallowed Proposition 8: the California law that banned same-sex marriage

A challenge of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, created under the Clinton Administration that nationally recognized only opposite-sex marriages

same-sex marriage is not recognized

ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING

2013

1836

MARCH 22 MARCH 26 same-sex marriage is legal

33% in favor 58% opposed

9

This is the year of the last known execution for homosexuality in Britain.

1945

2012

Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to publicly support gay marriage.

Homosexuals were among the first to be sent to concentration camps. They were forced to serve out their terms when everyone else was liberated.

Sources: Lambda.org, Gallup.com Poll Pew Research Center State by State Map of Gay Marriage Laws Human Rights Campaign, the National Conference of State Legislatures

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Opinion

The

TALON 2012-2013

Blocking websites hinders educational process Requesting students “power down” during the school day is unrealistic Maura Losh Guest Writer

Students spend several class periods throughout high school in labs for computer assignments, essays and creating presentations. However, many problems arise while surfing the web for information. Students find that almost every website they want to go on is blocked by the district. Not only is this an annoying hassle for students to do school assignments, but it also does not allow them to pursue their passions.

At RHS, at least one research project

is given every year as part of the English students, creating a problem for students curriculum, but students find it very when giving presentations with YouTube difficult to find the necessary information links. Recently, teachers are requiring or they need in order to do their project. encouraging students to include video clips Teachers donate class time to research in in their presentations as an added visual labs for these assignments thinking they aid. Although a great idea, students cannot are doing their students a favor by giving use time in school to look for a video them school time to get their work done. and have to find time outside of school Not much work can be to accomplish this task accomplished because of because the site is blocked. all the blocked websites.

Some students also may not Students may choose to have access to the internet These blocks should be research hot button teenage at home, and are out of lifted, allowing teens to issues such as sex or drugs, luck. If the district were to both accomplish their but many sites related to unblock Youtube, it would educational assignments these important issues are still automatically block and experience a little blocked. Websites that anything inappropriate for stress relief.” are created for awareness minors to see because of and prevention should the way the site is built. ~Maura Losh, sophomore be accessible to students YouTube also has a safe because the content is not search option that the encouraging any illegal district could utilize. With behavior and the content is creditable and the age-restriction and safe search lock on, accurate. Without being able to access YouTube would be a safe and useful site these websites, students are left with for students to use. significantly less information for research Students these days are also very projects that otherwise would have sent a pressured to take a lot of difficult classes stronger message in their assignment. in school dedicating themselves to several Another popular website that many hours of homework every night and are students and teachers use is YouTube. The finding that they do not have much time to district allows teachers access, but not pursue their interests. During free time in

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school after completing their work, some students wish to access websites that spark their creativity or a site of interest to them, such as Twitter. Twitter can be a useful way to get news and a nice, stress-reliever between classes. It is unrealistic to expect teens to “power down” while they are at school. Instead, teachers should be looking into how to use these sites in conjunction within the curriculum.

The internet is a world-wide search engine that can provide information on any topic with the click of a button. Because of the wide variety of information, some argue that content should be blocked in schools because it is not age appropriate, school-related, or can be seen as a distraction. However, research indicates that technology will play a huge role in future careers, so these blocks should be lifted, allowing teens to both accomplish their educational assignments and experience a little stress relief after that supremely difficult chemistry test.

In summary, administration needs to consider lifting the ban on many sites, from YouTube to Twitter. Teachers need to incorporate these technologies into their lessons. And students should be able to enter school without having to “power down.”

Freshman shares about his family member with Fragile X

Raphael Murrell Guest Writer

If you were 15 and had a 19-year-old uncle, you’d probably beg him to drive you around, introduce you to his girlfriends and take you to college parties, right? Not me.

My Uncle William has Fragile X syndrome, a form of autism that leads to a variety of impairments. Fragile X is a genetic disorder that fractures the X chromosome, which is why it’s more common in males. One must have 600 fractures or more to be diagnosed; well, William has 1,600, so he is considered moderately to severely impaired. Fragile X children have the same distinct features: long narrow faces, high foreheads and

large, protruding ears. The characteristics are the same for every race.

Uncle William was born on February 23, 1994, and was one of 10 children.

My grandmother took him in as a foster child when he was 6-months-old and officially adopted him by the time he was 20-months-old. He started at a pre-primary school for children with impairments in Berkley and was diagnosed with Fragile X when he was 3.

Uncle William came into my life when… actually, I don’t remember. He was always there.

I’ve also never really noticed that he was different until right now as I’m typing this. I never noticed how we have to cut up his food or tie his shoes. I never noticed how he watches the same scenes from movies over and over. I never noticed how he likes to call my name and just look away when I respond because all he wanted was my attention. Never…

So what’s his life like?

Uncle William is able to do simple chores, but he needs reminders. He is able to take care of his own toileting and

grooming needs but needs follow-up, such as reminders to shower, use deodorant and brush his teeth. He eats well and helps himself to simple foods and drinks as needed. He has always been interested in cars, trucks and trains. He is able to navigate on the computer with supervision to find age-appropriate car and truck games. He is able to choose his favorite DS and Wii games on his own. He can ride his bike without assistance. He is also able to behave appropriately in public.

Even with his autism, William has established strong relationships but only with a few people. He likes to hang out with a handful of close friends from Berkley High School, where he is a senior.

When my brothers and I go over every Sunday, he likes to play games.

William loves school and is a hard worker. Schedule and structure are important for him. He has to know about any drills (fire and tornado), half days and late starts and, if possible, when his teachers will be absent.

William has the support of a paraeducator (assistant) at all times. He also has

a separate para for cross-country and track, without whom it would be impossible for William to compete with his team. While his para keeps him on the course, William always crosses the finish line on his own.

He lettered in both these sports last year.

Because my grandmother has always kept him in the general education population, he is well-known and liked by the other students and athletes. He will graduate in May of this year.

William is also very perceptive. He senses your fears, pride, sadness and happiness. He is painfully shy until he knows and trusts you. Because of his poor speaking ability, he has difficulty communicating his thoughts and needs and it is difficult for him to read aloud. He can read at a second grade level.

According to the Center for Disease Control, one in 5,000 people are born with Fragile ‘X,’ so I’m thankful to have the experience of learning more about this condition while developing a close bond with my Uncle William.

And, who knows…maybe I’ll be driving him around in a couple years?

Lifestyles

The

TALON

Staff Writer

Melody Zhang

1.

11

: DIY 8 GIFT IDEAS

2012-2013

MAKE SMALL ACCESSORIES FOR THEIR FAVORITE ITEM For example, if your friend loves playing guitar, buy themed stickers, a cool collection of new picks or a pin for his or her guitar strap as a thoughtful contribution to his or her interests.

5.

BAKE A CAKE-IN-A-JAR This is a great and relevant gift for a friend who has a birthday or for another special event. Bake your choice of brownies, mash them up and spoon them into a mason jar until half-full. Then layer different flavors of pudding and crushed candy. Top it off with whipped cream, place a lid on it and top with a bow. Your sweet-tooth friends will love this.

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2.

BUY A COFFEE AND WRITE A MESSAGE ON THE SLEEVE This is an easy, last minute yet thoughtful gift. This idea works well as a way to say thank you or just to let your friend know that you’re thinking of them.

Write a short poem or note on the sleeve.

6.

CREATE A CARE-PACKAGE Care packages are usually made for soldiers or college students who are living far away. Create a care-package for a friend going through hard times and mail it to them in Rochester. The carepackage could contain an assortment of candies, gift cards, origami, pens/pencils, coupons, chocolate or other snacks.

Themed packages are also a great idea – make the theme based on your friend’s interests.

3.

PREPARE READY-TO-BAKE MIXES Gather up all of the ingredients for a specific recipe and put them in a mason jar along with the instructions on how to bake them. Sweet treats are a sure way to make a friend smile.

7.

CREATE A POSTCARD JOURNAL BASKET Buy a small 3x3 inch basket from the dollar store and stamp and neatly write each day of the year onto 4x6 index cards. Fit the index cards into the basket and tie them together with ribbon.

Explain to your friend that each index card serves as a small journal for each day of the year.

4.

MAKE A BOOK OF COUPONS If you have a special talent or own a personal business, offer your services to your friend for free. Other ideas for coupons could be a lunch out together, a movie night, shopping, ice cream or an offer to babysit.

8.

BURN A MIX CD If your friend likes to listen to music in the car, this is the perfect gift for him or her. Burn a mix of songs the two of you enjoy, especially songs that have funny memories associated with them. Make it personalized and memorable by writing him or her a short note with colored Sharpies.

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Lifestyles

The

TALON 2012-2013

Fishing season generates excitement Austin Bowerman

Commonly targeted fish in Michigan:

Co-Alpha Male

The lake is calm, and freshman John Grandy slowly reels in his top water bait, hoping to entice any largemouth bass lurking below. Suddenly, from out of the murk, a bass strikes and launches its body in full force at the lure, propelling its streamlined body into the air with the plastic lure rattling in its mouth. A spark was ignited for Grandy, and with April 1 marking the start of a new fishing season, many other anglers are setting out in pursuit of such experiences.

According to Lake Huron Basin Coordinator Todd Grischke, the outlook for this season seems positive.

“This fishing season is looking really good,” Mr. Grischke said. “We have had a more typical spring than we have had in previous years. In previous years it has warmed up too early and then got hit with really cold weather. This year it is warming up much more slowly, and fish are showing up and returning to spawn at their normal times, so we are expecting a good fishing season.”

Grandy has similar predictions. “[Success experienced this year] really depends on the summer we have,” Grandy said. “Last year we had a really hot summer, that caused many weeds to grow in lakes making it nearly impossible to use any baits except top water or weedless sinker worms. I think this season will turn out better than the last.”

With the positive outlook, anglers such as senior Adam White, a fisherman of nine years, have high hopes of success during this season. “[This year I’d like] to beat my record of the longest pike that I have ever caught which was 2 feet and 11 inches long,” White said. “It would be really exciting and would get my adrenaline pumping.

Even if I just thought that I had a fish on that was larger than it would be great, because fighting a fish is always fun.”

Grandy has similar aspirations.

“I would like to catch more pike than last year,” Grandy said. “I’d also like to go trout fishing more often. Lastly, I would like to go fish Lake Superior for king salmon and beat my record of 20 pounds.”

Grandy has a few tricks that he hopes will help him land more fish.

“I use many strategies when I fish,” Grandy said. “If the water is muddy I will use brighter colored lures, but if the water is clear, I will match the hatch and use the colors of natural foliage and food. During

Bluegill/Sunfish:

- Average size of 6-10 inches - Round shaped fish that have a round spot on the back of their gills To Catch: - The most widely-used method for catching bluegill is fishing with a hook and a worm, though some anglers prefer the use of small, artificial lures

Largemouth Bass: Sophomore Cole Moore and freshman John Grandy pose with the sucker they caught on the Clinton River, about five miles downstream from Yates Cider Mill. Photo Courtesy of John Grandy

the summer when the weeds come in, I youth participating, currently estimated use lures that dive shallow or lures that at between 500,000 and 800,000 under run on top of the water. If I am fishing a the age of 17, is slowly declining. Mr. more aggressive fish, such as pike, I will Grischke explains. add sudden jerks and turns, as well as “We have had a slight downward make the retrieve faster.” trend in the number of [youth] anglers in Though the thrill of the catch and the last 10 years,” Grischke said. “[The setting out after fish makes fishing Department of Natural Resources] is also enjoyable, it also concerned about the has other meaning lack of recruitment for White. because of the slight “Fishing has decline in license always been an sales. Obviously, When the stresses of an everimportant activity if more youth were changing world fall on my for me,” White purchasing licenses said. “When the shoulders, I can always count this trend would not stresses of an be happening.” on fishing as an escape.” ever-changing White is saddened, ~Adam White, senior world fall on my but not surprised by shoulders, I can this trend. always count “I find the trend on fishing as an very believable,” escape.”

White said. “A lot more people are For Grandy, fishing provides time getting into technology instead of the outdoors with friends. outdoors. I feel that the dwindling number “I cherish a lot about fishing,” Grandy of young people [who] fish is really sad. said. “But what I cherish the most is the Fishing is a really fun thing to do and is chance to go outdoors and have good very relaxing and gets you fresh air, at the times with my fishing buddies.” same time as being able to catch a fish.

Though fishing has a special meaning That is just not something that you can do for both Grandy and White, the number of with a cell phone or a gaming system.”

“

- Average size of 10-16 inches - Oval-shaped fish that gets it’s name from its large mouth, which extends beyond the eye To Catch: - The most widely-used method for catching bass is fishing with a hook and a worm, though using artificial worms as well as spinner baits also work well

Crappie:

- Average size of 7-13 inches - These round-shaped fish are also known as specks for the many speckles on their sides To Catch: - Most anglers fish crappie with live minnows and a bobber, though artificial minnow jigs are also common

Lifestyles

The

TALON 2012-2013

HOOKING UP:

Casual sexual relationships become more common in high school

Staff Writer

Olivia Bennett Editorial Board

Rebecca Jones* feels exposed as she walks through the halls.

Rumors of the big party this weekend disperse throughout the locker bank and she knows her name is everywhere, even on perfect strangers’ lips.

Instead of staying home like she promised her mother, she went to a party and did something that she can never take back: she lost her virginity.

Some scenarios such as this one are occurring as some students decide to consider sex as more of an action, rather than an emotion. “Hookup culture” is the trend in which students break away from the traditional dating mold, choosing instead to “hook up” or perform sexual acts with a variety of people. According to childhealth.org, the number of students in the U.S. who never date but have sexual partners has risen, whereas those who do date have decreased.

Many find this a worrying statistic, mainly because of the many things that can result: teenage pregnancy, the transmission of STD’s and the possible negative mental effects of having sex with people one isn’t committed to.

“I think it’s something that should take place between two mature adults and high school students are not at that level,” physical education teacher Mrs. Kelly Oppat said.

“It’s not necessarily an age thing, but we should be

adults. Sex is something that is supposed to commit two people forever.”

Kyle Brown*, who has a girlfriend, had a different intention when partying that night. She was currently out of town and he was looking to have a “good time.”

Rebecca, on the other hand, was not intending on having the same “good time,” but made a spur-of-the-moment poor choice.

Overall, the age of first intercourse has not changed

since 1990, and is still 17 years of age, according to the Kinsey Institute.

Though the numbers have not changed, many believe the meaning of sex and virginity have changed.

“It’s going to happen,” Jane Doe* said. “As long as you think you are ready, it’s fine, but do high schoolers really know if they’re ready or not?”

Statistically, less than half of teens in high school have already had sex, according to stayteen.org.

Sally Hanson* believes this could be due to the peer pressure.

“People are more accepted if they do sexual acts with another person than if they actually have sex,” Sally Hanson* said.

“This has made physical

interaction more casual and less of a commitment.”

According to an article on “The Demise of Dating”

by New York Times columnist Mr. Charles Blow, things are much different now than what they were in our parent’s generation.

“Under the old model, you dated a few times and, if you really liked the person, you might consider having sex,” Mr. Blow said.

“Under the new model, you

hook up a few times and, if you really like the person, you might consider going on a date.”

As the day progressed, Rebecca* felt as though she had no one to talk to. She knew her friends secretly judged her decision. She was too humiliated to speak with her parents or counselor about it.

“It’s scary to talk to your parents about it,” Doe* said.

“You don’t want them to be ashamed of you or feel like a disappointment, so you keep it to yourself.”

Kyle* wasn’t always obsessed with the idea of sex. As teenagers grow older, thinking about sex occupies a good majority of their thoughts. According to USAToday.com, guys think about sex almost 19 times

per day. In contrast, ladies think about sex about 10 times per day.

“A lot has changed since middle school,” Sally* said. “I was all about waiting until marriage, but now that I’m in high school, I just want to wait until I feel the time is right.”

Kyle* and Rebecca* feel that the reason they didn’t think about the consequences of having sex is because abstinence isn’t pushed in our current culture. Students do learn about safe sex in school.

“I think in health class we do talk about sex and what you could potentially face if you don’t practice safe sex,” Mrs. Oppat said.

“I think kids are aware of the consequences of not practicing safe sex.”

Some students feel as if the discussion of safe sex should happen at home.

“I think it’s important to get information from your parents,” Eric Carlson* said. “They’re the ones who provide for you and care about you. They should be the ones [who] introduce it to you.”

According to Hanson*, sex is no longer something that shows two people’s love for each other, but rather their desire to either fit in with what everyone else is doing or what they think they’re feeling at the time.

“When you are in a relationship it’s almost as if you’re giving your soul away,” Hanson* said. “I think nowadays sex doesn’t really show that you’re in love with someone and that’s a shame because sex should be special.” *The names in this story have been changed.

STUDENTS SHARE OPINIONS ON SEX

Kelly Krako

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Society has changed and I don’t think sex is that big of a deal anymore. Girls are more provocative and open to casually hooking up.” ~Thomas Forde, junior

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It’s not taken seriously.

Everyone now just thinks it’s okay. It’s more fun than it is for love.” ~Maddy Gurley, junior

“

It’s more casual and less intimate. Sex is involved more with partying rather than it is for relationships.” ~Ethan Heberer, sophomore

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They don’t care who it’s with and they’ll do it with anyone. Virginity isn’t valued.” ~Briana Jedrusiejko, freshman

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Entertainment

‘Afraid of Heights’ brings back 90’s rock George Basesski Guest Writer

Don’t let bizzare spelling or a quirky style fool you. After a three-year wait from “King of The Beach,” Wavves has released a new album full of the same hooks and vibes, but all at a different pace. “Afraid of Heights” succeeds at keeping headphone junkies plugged in and putting tracks on repeat.

Wavves worked with producer John Hill to create a clean, produced sound that resembles a lot of 90’s early anthems like Nirvana’s “Nevermind.” The album’s flashy dynamic transitions from wild to laid-back acoustic tracks. “Afraid of Heights” takes away Wavves’ beach appeal and turns it into a grunge- influenced sound. The guitars are turned up, drums are even louder and the bass is steadier than ever.

“Afraid Of Heights” has a wide variety of moods from the scared feelings against the world like in “Paranoid,” Nathan Williams screams, “I’m paranoid, the world is my enemy!” Wavves slows down the bass in grooves like “Dog” and constantly brings out punch in sound dynamic with songs like “Demon to Lean On” and “Sail To The Sun.” This album is consistent and moves along logically, fitting all 13 tracks together in the right sequence.

“Afraid of Heights” is an album that speaks of every wrong, while doing everything right. The lyrics show immense progress, and nothing beats those crumpling hits of the drums. Wavves is on its way to being the holder of many rock anthems to teens around the world. “Afraid of Heights” is an album of poppy hooks, cleaned up vocals, and fuzzy guitars that’s worth every cent.

7.5/10 Nathan Williams, lead singer of Wavves, rocks out at a concert. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Karpala

Justin Timberlake makes much-anticipated return to the music scene with ‘The 20/20 Experience’ AJ Prisciandaro Staff Writer

It’s been a long six and a half years for Justin Timberlake fans. After the enormous success of his 2006 album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” it seemed like JT had become the king of pop music. But then, at his peak, he ditched the whole music industry to focus on an acting career. Go figure. Thankfully, the hiatus finally ended when the single “Suit and Tie” dropped out of the blue in January, and has since entranced the nation. The song is an excellent representation of Timberlake’s hugely anticipated new album “The 20/20 Experience,” which marks a triumphant return.

JT’s songs have always had catchy grooves and unique sounds, and it’s no different here. The ten tracks on the album are all superb pop songs that don’t sound quite like anything you’ve heard before. There are a few standouts, such as the grand “Mirrors” or the uptempo “Let the Groove Get In,” but the album is consistent throughout. There’s not a song that seems noticeably weaker than the others; rather, the different tunes just kind of meld into each other as time passes.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks. This album has a much different sound to it overall compared to Timberlake’s previous music. It’s less digital and

more organic, like the horns on the elegant beat of “Suit and Tie.” “The 20/20 Experience” still sounds great, but there’s nothing on here that’s quite as dynamic as the electronic funk of JT’s earlier hits like “SexyBack” or “My Love.” Will “Suit and Tie” end up as iconic of a song years down the road as “SexyBack” is?

Probably not.

Still, Justin Timberlake just wanted to get back into the music biz after a long break, and the “The 20/20 Experience” is an impressive achievement. Pop music could use more albums like this- ones that are unique, catchy and worth listening to from start to finish.

Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait six+ years for his next one.

7/10

Photo Courtesy of eVanxiao

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Lil Wayne just a ghost of former self on “I am Not a Human Being II” AJ Prisciandaro Staff Writer

Despite the obnoxious title of Lil Wayne’s latest album, “I Am Not a Human Being II,” in the sequel to his mediocre 2010 offering, the famed rapper showed everyone just how human he really is when he lay in a coma on a hospital bed for days due to a drug overdose. Maybe it was all a gutsy promotional ploy for his latest music project. However, “I Am Not a Human Being II” is definitely not a piece of art worth dying for. It’s a rather lazy album filled with a lot of boring music, and sadly a confirmation of Lil Wayne’s decline in creativity.

Most of the songs on “Human Being” will only make fans long for the days when Wayne was engaged in every verse and his music was full of energy. Now, it seems like he’s just not interested anymore. He raps almost exclusively about sex, and not in a light-hearted or funny way. The lazy beats don’t help either. There are only a few instances where Wayne shows the dazzling wordplay and addictive flow that made people like him in the first place.

The singles “My Homies Still” and “No Worries” are pretty fun and are two of the highlights of the album.

Also,“Love Me” is a very catchy track that’s gained a lot of popularity in the past month. Still, the singles can’t match the quality of the hits Lil Wayne put out when he was at his peak, such as “A Milli,” “Lollipop” or “Right Above It.” Back in those days, Lil Wayne had to prove he was the “best rapper alive,” and he was passionate about his work.

He appeared on hit singles all over the radio, thanks to his addictive guest verses and handed out an endless supply of free music through mixtapes. His 2008 album “Tha Carter III” sold over a million copies in its first-week of sales, an exceptionally rare feat for any music artist. Now, however, it seems that passion for music is gone. Maybe he thinks he’s accomplished enough. Or maybe he’s just done too many drugs.

5/10

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Young varsity baseball team aims to win district title AJ Prisciandaro Staff Writer

Spring has started, and that means it’s time for baseball.

As the major league season has begun, so too has the Falcons’.

This year’s varsity baseball team aims to exceed what last year’s team accomplished- a 14-16 record and a first-round loss in districts.

“I think the goal of me and Coach Magiera is to win the league and win districts,” assistant Varsity coach Steve Fox said. “I think we can perform well, but we’re young and inexperienced. It’ll take a while for us to click as a team.”

They’ll have to do it with a fresh group of players, as key pieces of last year’s squad have departed and only three seniors remain. Still, players are optimistic about the new year.

“Our team has really good chemistry this year,” junior 3rd baseman Tommy Smith said, “and I think we have the talent to do really well and exceed expectations.”

Senior 1st baseman Matt Beckstrom agrees that the team has a lot of potential.

“There’s a lot we need to work on, but if we keep improving and

put the pieces together, we could easily end up going farther than we did last year,” Beckstrom said.

Because of the small number of seniors, juniors and sophomores will have a bigger role on this year’s team than in the past. Many of them are firstyear varsity players.

“The guys who haven’t been on varsity before this year will have to get accustomed to the higher level of play,” assistant varsity coach Steve Fox said.

“All the young guys have a lot of talent, though, and I’m sure they’ll help us perform throughout the season.”

Beckstrom thinks the five sophomores on the team will have a notable impact.

“They’ll be an important part of the line-up this season,” Beckstrom said. “They also give the older players motivation to do better.”

Smith thinks the team’s youth won’t be too big a factor in their overall play.

“We have a lot of varsity newcomers, but we’ll all be prepared for the season,” Smith said.

Junior 2nd baseman Conner Pacella, among the other players, had high hopes for the end of the

Top Left: Junior Randy Chuba warms up at third base. Top Right: Sophomores Max Harper and Mitch Weber and junior Conner Pacella pose with their home run balls. Bottom Left: The players set up batting practice before a game. Bottom Right: Sophomore Mike Halsey and junior Andrew Bauer practice outfielding. Photos Courtesy of Conner Pacella

year.

“We’re looking to win the district title this year,” Pacella said. “I think that’s the goal for a lot of us.”

A district title for this Falcon’s

baseball team would certainly be an impressive feat considering the changeover from last year to this year. Regardless, the team has a bright future and lots of potential.

“It’ll be a process, but once the team gets in a groove we can perform very well,” Fox said.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and what it brings.”

Girls varsity tennis team benefits from strong senior talent Zach Libby Staff Writer

The 2013 season of Rochester High girls’ varsity tennis team has begun with the first game on April 15 against Novi High School.

“Our team will be led by captain [Rachel] Parker,” coach Jerry Murphy said.

“Other returning seniors are Stephanie Handley, Stephanie VonBeheren, Lauren Cates, and Avery McLeod.

This year’s squad is coming off from last season that included the first ever “Downtown Showdown,” a match between Rochester and Stoney Creek High School, which was located under the lights on the

Municipal tennis courts.

We have been practicing on the Municipal courts all last season as the RHS courts were being renovated,” coach Jerry Murphy said. “We won the match against SCHS; we are planning on doing it again this year.”

The competition in the Oakland County area, according to coach Murphy, provides some of the best tennis teams in the states.

Some of the teams that have led the way in the county are Clarkston High School and West Bloomfield High School.

“Both teams are in the Red division in the OAA and we are in the White division,” Murphy said. “We won’t see them until regionals and on paper at the

beginning of the season; they are ranked ahead of us.”

A normal high school tennis match can last up to two hours, which is why it’s important to cross-train, according to coach Laura Meroz.

“We do a lot of conditioning because a match can take a long time to finish,” Meroz said. “There are no substitutions in tennis; it can be pretty grueling, especially for singles players.”

Luck can also play a factor. There are no officials in tennis; it’s based on a player’s honor when making line calls.

“Sometimes our girls play against someone who makes a questionable call in their favor,” Meroz said. “It can be a

critical point of the match which can hurt our team. That’s just bad luck.”

In order in qualify for states in girls tennis, a team has to be one of the two top teams or reach a score of 18 points.

“Last year we missed out by only three points,” Meroz said. “Our regional always has the top tennis teams in the state, but we are confident this year in that we will have a good chance.”

Coach Murphy also has the same high hopes in the chance of making states this season.

“It’s a major goal for this year’s team,” Murphy said. “Hopefully, they will have the belief necessary to accomplish this goal.”

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SOPHOMORE BECOMES VARSITY CAPTAIN Danielle Kullmann Editorial Board

Sophomore Jessica Leininger goes for the goal in the RHS Varsity lacrosse game against Liggett High School. Photos Courtesy of Gabby Leininger

Photo by Danielle Kullmann

The fifth grade version of sophomore Jessica Leininger was visibly shorter and younger-looking than the other eighth graders on the Patriots lacrosse team, as she made her way across the field at the Cranbrook LAX Jam. Leininger was involved in a game that would become a crucial part of her sports career. Although she was nervous and jumpy, all of her concentration was focused on the ball flying toward her, and on that sunny day in 2007, Leininger caught her first ball in a competitive match, launching her LAX career.

Now, Leininger is a sophomore and Varsity lacrosse captain, and catching balls and making goals is common occurrence. She has been playing lacrosse since third grade, a sport she and her mother took an interest in when she didn’t want to play soccer or softball. Her experience, along with natural skill caught Varsity coach Dave Hamel’s eye when she was a sixth grader, and when he met her last year as a ninth grader, he knew she was ready for Varsity.

“I first met her when she was a sixth grader and attended a clinic I held for middle school girls,” Hamel said. “At that point she had already been playing lacrosse for two years, and her skill level, athleticism and assertiveness were very impressive. I wasn’t surprised when she showed up as a ninth grader with the skill, speed and strength needed to excel at the Varsity level.”

According to Hamel, freshmen joining the Varsity level in lacrosse is an exceptional feat.

“It is unusual for a freshman to make our Varsity,” Hamel said. “In the nine years I’ve coached here, there have been only four players who bypassed the JV team as ninth graders.”

Leininger also became a co-captain this year as a sophomore, working beside juniors Kelly Krako and Olivia Lord. She was elected the position by the previous year’s team.

“You have to lead the team during the game and at practice, as well as make sure people know what the heck is going on,” Leininger said. “And we lead jumping jacks.”

Leininger’s parents support her playing, but also get worried about injury. Their involvement in her playing is what really pushed her to play. “[My parents] play a lesser role than people think. My mom is the JV coach and a referee, but she started doing that after I started playing,” Leininger said. “All she really did was find me that first clinic.

My dad forced me to play a sport when I was younger, so they were both very integral parts of my beginning to play.”

Not only has Leininger played with many different teams, including the Detroit Lacrosse Club, but lacrosse tournaments have taken her

to many different places in the U.S., including Maryland, Illinois and Virginia.

“I got to play on the East Coast where lacrosse is more popular and the players are better,” Leininger said. “Playing over there has probably made me a better and more aggressive player overall.”

According to Leininger, lacrosse takes up a large amount of her life; she practices weeknights from 7 until 9 p.m. Lacrosse isn’t the only thing taking up her time; she also plays volleyball, and is a part of theatre club, green club, French club and is taking an AP class. The secret to her juggling all these activities: “I don’t sleep a lot,” Leininger said. “I take a nap and go to lacrosse and do homework right after, which means I don’t get a lot of sleep, which is fine-it doesn’t bother me that much.”

Like any sport, lacrosse has some negative aspects.

“The drawbacks [of lacrosse] include the weird practice times and also injury,” Leninger said. “I’ve pulled my quad, as well as sprained both my ankles. My knees are also an issue because I messed up my ACL a while back, too.”

However, it seems as if the drawbacks are not something that will stop Leininger.

“Lacrosse is something I’m good at, and I want to keep getting better. My favorite part of playing is probably going in to score a goal because I don’t have to think, because I’ve played so long that my feet and arms go where they need to go,” Leininger said. “When I’m playing, it feels fluid once you get used to it. You run, but the motivation behind the running keeps you from getting tired. Each goal made feels like an accomplishment within itself. It’s a good game to satiate my personal need for competition.”