Thursday, March 31, 2011
Megamind Movie Review
Faulkner Allocco
Megamind is a Paramount Studios animated film, which was released to theaters on November 5 and was recently released onto DVD, February 25. Directed by Tom McGrath this is a classic tale of good and evil, super heroes and villains and the similarities between them. Starring Will Ferrel, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill the movie is not short on big time celebrities.
The premise of the story is that Megamind, voice by Ferrel, and Metro Man, voice of Pitt, have been life long enemies even in their early lives. They both are from other planets and have powers. Megamind is seen to Metro City as a villain and their hero is Metro Man who they admire and love. Megamind tries time and time again to out smart and out whit Metro Man however e always fails to be victorious. Through the action and humor driven movie the Megamind transforms as a character after finally defeating Metro Man and is then faced with another villain and he must choose to save Metro City or let it succumb to evil powers.
This was a very well done movie. It is a good watch for people of all ages. It keeps you engaged from beginning to end with humor and witty dialogue throughout. The plot is well thought out and there are even some unexpected twists in the movie that keep you guessing. The message is about how there is a hero and goodness in all of us, which is applicable to all audiences as is this movie. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Movie Review: The Patriot
Andrew Beaty
Senior
The Patriot is about the Martins, a South Carolina family, in which there dad is a hero in the French Indian War. When Carolina decides to enter the war Benjamin's sons can't wait to join. Gabriel, his oldest son, immediately goes and enlists. His father joins him and takes command of him. The Martin's plantation is burned down and Benjamin decides he will fight Cornwallis and the British army. They form militia and start taking out keep supplies from the British. In the final battle Benjamin kills Cornwallis. This battle was a key turning point in the American Revolution.
I would recommend this movie because Mel Gibson is in it. Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin in the movie. He does a great job of showing emotion in the film. This movie is probably the best American Revolutionary movie ever made. If you like war movies then this is a great original war movie. It has muzzle loader rifles, bayonets, and cannons. This makes the movie seem more real. Overall I would recommend this movie because it is awesome.
TOMS
Toms shoes company has a simple objective when it comes to selling shoes. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.
That one for one, which is their motto. As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children in need through Giving Partners around the world. Toms have not only been helping kids around the world but their shoes are also becoming a major fashion trend. They are becoming popular in weddings, proms and casual shoes.
Seniors Prepare Graduation Speeches
Alison Carmichael
Senior
Seniors have been working hard to prepare for their graduation speeches. The deadline to turn in the speeches is Friday, April 1. Since there are only a few students writing speeches this year, there will be no auditions and voting for who will be presenting them at graduation.
The students who have been preparing their speeches are Jennifer Watkins, Linda Sherfick, and Danielle Watkins. Each student has a different approach to their speech. Jennifer decided to focus more on individual struggle and perseverance in her speech. Danielle, however, decided to focus on what everyone in the class of 2011 has individually contributed to their class throughout the years.
March lives up to its Madness
Photo: Bob Rosato/SI http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1103/cbb-ncaa-road-to-final-four/content.9.html Jordan Swoape
Senior
When you think of Butler basketball you immediately flash back to last years national championship game against Duke where sophomore star Gordon Hayward’s last second miracle heave from half-court hit the rim and bounced out.
Time went on and Hayward went the NBA where he where he was drafted by the Utah Jazz. With losing the college basketball star no one thought the Bulldogs would make another tournament run like last year.
Coach Brad Stevens has proved some people wrong along with his experienced team, the Bulldogs look to take on VCU in the Final Four game that will decide their fate for the contention of the national championship. And this tournament has certainly been madness as it is the first time in tournament history that no #1 or #2 seeds are remaining.
This certainly gives way to a dramatic Final Four matchup between VCU and Butler as well as Kentucky and University of Connecticut. Many college basketball analysts say they favor Butler to win it all because of how phenomenal their team play is in every game. Butler will look to return to the national championship stage again as they face the rolling VCU Rams Saturday at 6:09 PM.
Boys track team prevails over Winchester
Burris juniors Faelion Lipscomb and Taylor Morris, Academy junior Stuart Hilsmier and Burris freshman Austin Futrell racing out of the blocks of the 100 meter dash. Lipscomb said "I love the 100 meter dash because of how exciting it is".
Academy senior Eric Lechner during the last stretch of the mile relay. "The best part of relays, in my mind, is the teamwork and comradery," explains Lechner.
Burris sophomore Nick Hitchens performing a long jump. "Even though it is a challenge, I enjoy long jumping," says Hitchens.
Graduation
Final Goodbye- Austin Quinn
As time flies by, the end comes near
We say goodbye and shed a tear
Years have passed, memories made
Time together will soon begin to fade
The day approaches we all say we want now
It comes closer and closer, all you can say is wow
You feel so sad you begin to cry
As you give your last hug and say goodbye
We’re off on our own, call it a new quest
You start to miss everyone, even the pest
Meet new people, but they can never replace
The thought of your past and your favorite place
Where anything was fun as long as they were there
Late night fun playing games like truth or dare
But I guess after all it’s not so bad
No more reason to cry and be sad
Because here comes summer, it’s not such a bummer
After Jail Reaction
Paige Chambers
Senior
Mr. Canada's 8:00 Government class took a field trip to the jail on Thursday, March 24th. The class also visited the court rooms as they watched a few cases. The reactions to the jail were different among students.
"I thought it was an interesting experience but, I never want to go back." said Tanna Jones, a Burris senior.
Another senior, Kylie Smith said, "I thought the jail was a great experience. I didn't feel like it scared anybody because it did not seem too bad."
Most students felt as the people in the jail had it too easy. They had nice meals, T.V. time until midnight on weekdays and 1A.M. on the weekends, which included more channels then most of the class claim they have.
All together the class seemed to enjoy getting away for a day and found it to be a good experience. Mr. Canada's other government class will be taken to the jail on a Thursday in April.
Burris After School Care
Hannah Badger
Senior
The Burris After School Care program provides Burris families with child care and allows children to participate in many different activities.
The program is ran by Apple Tree Child Development Center which also provides programs at many other after school sites such as Royerton, Wes-Del, Eaton, and Albany. There are around 60 children enrolled in Burris after school care between kindergarten and fifth grade. The program goes from 2 to 6 PM Monday through Friday.
“Providing a program that is on site allows children that have after school activities such as reading club and basketball a chance to participate and have a place to go afterwards,” said Erin Donovan, the School Age Program Director.
This year the program has expanded with the help of Co-site directors. Sarah Quinn, a former Burris student and present Ball State student has teamed up with Jill Jereb a former Apple Tree employee who has returned. The children have participated in many activities such as field trips to the planetarium, the green house and going on a treasure hunt across campus. The program is going to expand even more. The children are going to start swimming on Mondays and Wednesdays starting Monday, April 2.
Ghosts
Amelia Johnson
Senior
Screeching tires and squealing sirens
As a small body is sealed in a bag
Neighbors swarm across the fence
Unable to conceal their disbelief
The mother sits quietly atop
Whispers of murder fill her ears
And she wished for the child to dry her tears
Those afar offer assistance
With lies and rumors the police ignore
For suicidal was the child
Lacking influence, parents mild
Talk from neighbors soon diminished
As the mayor’s wife became a scandal
They chose instead to give a rose
Showing sympathy at last
Vacant was the yard for months
Deserving as a place for ghosts
Mr Fletcher from afar
Observed the yard with thoughts unkind
Wilted flowers and unruly grass
Consumed the yard until at last
One day he was shocked to find
Three small girls swinging in line
Moving slowly and not high
As if being watched by death’s eye
The whole day Fletcher stared beyond
To where the children sat by the fish pond
Although mysterious he could predict
What these girls represent
For that night before his bed
Fletcher spotted 3 floating heads
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Good Friday
Burris students will not be attending their classes on April 22nd because of Good Friday. Although Burris has had several make-up days this year due to weather related issues, Good Friday will remain a day for religious observations. Many Burris students have different plans for their day off.
When asked what she was going to do on her Good Friday, Burris senior Hannah Clemmons said, "I have a volleyball tournament during the break so I'll be out of town."
Burris junior Derek Packard said, "I probably won't be going to church, but I'm not sure of my plans."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
New Middle School Math Teacher
Tanna Jones
Senior
Middle school math has had three teacher adjustments just this year. Beginning with Miss Barnholt then to Mr. Carter. Just after returning from spring break, they now have a new teacher, Mrs. Goney. She teaches two sixth grade classes and two seventh grade classes. Before coming to Burris she has taught at two other school, Daleville and Connersville. Goney says, "I absolutely am enjoying Burris. It has not been very difficult coming in late because the faculty and students have made it easy." A seventh grader Kaylen Jones says, " I really like her because she explains the lessons and makes sure we understand what is going on. We get homework everyday be we were already used to that from the past teachers." Goney does not know for sure if she is returning next year, she will have to go through the interviewing process to be rehired. She seems very nice and would be a great teacher to have at Burris for many years to come.
Megamind Movie Review
By: Faulkner Allocco
Megamind is a Paramount Studios animated film, which was released to theaters on November 5 and was recently released onto DVD, February 25. Directed by Tom McGrath this is a classic tale of good and evil, super heroes and villains and the similarities between them. Starring Will Ferrel, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill the movie is not short on big time celebrities.
The premise of the story is that Megamind, voice by Ferrel, and Metro Man, voice of Pitt, have been life long enemies even in their early lives. They both are from other planets and have powers. Megamind is seen to Metro City as a villain and their hero is Metro Man who they admire and love. Megamind tries time and time again to out smart and out whit Metro Man however e always fails to be victorious. Through the action and humor driven movie the Megamind transforms as a character after finally defeating Metro Man and is then faced with another villain and he must choose to save Metro City or let it succumb to evil powers.
This was a very well done movie. It is a good watch for people of all ages. It keeps you engaged from beginning to end with humor and witty dialogue throughout. The plot is well thought out and there are even some unexpected twists in the movie that keep you guessing. The message is about how there is a hero and goodness in all of us, which is applicable to all audiences as is this movie. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Unstoppable: Movie Review by Hannah Clemmons
Unstoppable, 20th Century Fox drama, is a story about a half-mile long train carrying toxic chemicals becomes a runaway in Pennsylvania due to an accident at the loading station. Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) is a mentor to the new train conductor Will Closon (Chris Pine) and the two find themselves in the direct path of the train. The train is traveling nearly 75 mph and causing mass chaos throughout the state. The fate of a town in Pennsylvania lies in the hands of these two conductors. It is their job to help stop the train and prevent death and destruction to the town.
This movie received a 3.7/5 rating according to Rotten Tomatoes rating site. I, on the other hand, would give it a 2.5/5. This movie was so predictable, every aspect of it. It doesn't compare to Washington's previous classics such as Remember the Titans and The Bone Collector. Although this movie is based on a true story, I find most of the instances hard to believe. And the reactions of the people. The concept was very strange, just sitting through a movie for an hour and 38 minutes about people fearing a train and attempting to stop it and chase it. It was just very strange and seemed to have a strange point. I feel like recent movies are all very pointless because people are having trouble coming up with original topics. Hopefully writers and directors come up with more original material for future movies or else they will start boring all audiences.
Director: Tony Scott
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
In Theaters: November 21, 2010
In Stores: February 15, 2011
Box Office: $81.6M
Friday, March 25, 2011
Students Visit Jail
Hannah Badger
Senior
Students saw preliminary hearings at the court. “Since they were only preliminary hearings it was kind of boring, if it was an actual court case it would have been more interesting,” stated Burris Senior Amelia Johnson. Many students felt the same way as Johnson, saying that the court was not as exciting as they thought it was going to be. “I learned a lot about how the jail system works after our trip, but during court it was hard to stay focused because it was dull,” said Burris senior Katie Hawkins. Some students even fell asleep during court.
Every other year Canada normally has one class of government students, this year he has two. Due to the large number of students he has split up the classes and is taking two separate trips to the jail. The next trip to the jail is on Thursday, April 14. After hearing about the first group’s visit to the jail some students are eager to go. “I am excited because the jail is the most interesting thing about government,” Burris senior Faulkner Allocco said.
One stipulation about the trip is that it can be unpredictable. There is a possibility that people may not show up for court and the class may not see a court case.
Top App Store app review of the week
Johnny Sherfick
This week the game Tiny Wings topped the list as the best selling app on Apple's App Store. The whole point of this game is to slide down hills on islands to gain momentum and get the bird to fly across islands before sundown, but the bird can only fly for a few seconds because its wings are small. Hence the name Tiny Wings. There is only one control and that is just to press down to make the bird heavier and control the accuracy.
This game features a bird, like Angry Birds but instead of hitting structures to destroy pigs you
just slid down hills and jump into different islands. The more accurate you are, in getting the
bird to fall down the slopes the quicker you can go across island and the more points you get.
This game is very fun and simple due to the one control.
How to Write a News Article
Maya Cotton
In journalism, articles follow the inverted pyramid. The inverted pyramid style is a writing style that says that you should put the most important information at the beginning of an article. It will lead the reader into the story. The first sentence is short and attention getting. The first paragraph should contain enough information to give an overview of the story and explain the six important questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. The rest of the article will explain the beginning and offer answers to any other questions the reader may have. The least important information is placed at the end, so that an article can be cut off without altering it. News articles are usually about 200 to 500 words. They are measured in inches. Information for the article should be gathered from many different sources, and double-checked for any errors. In an article, it is smart to focus on individuals, because news is all about people. Never give your own opinion. Stay objective and cover both sides of the story. It is important to include quotes from people who are involved.
Black Hawk Down
Andrew Beaty
Black Hawk Down was a good movie. This movie was about the war in Somalia and about how the Americans are trying to capture Mohamed Farrah Aidid. This was a good movie because of actors like , Tom Sizemore and Josh Hartnett. They played beautiful roles in the movie and it was their best performance yet. They play leading roles in this movie and everyone loves war movies. The fact that it is a war movie helps it get publicity and instantly liked. Many Americans love war movies because they have an infatuation with action movies and people getting killed and shot. Overall I would recommend this movie and think everyone should watch it once because it does a good job of depicting war.
Elementary to perform 'Alice in Wonderland'
Alison Carmichael
5th graders in Dr. Lamb’s music class have been working to prepare for their upcoming performance. T
he class will be performing an "Alice In Wonderland" musical in early April. Not only have the students been working hard, but Dr. Lamb has also been working to perfect the performance. After all of the rehearsing and after the shows are over, Dr. Lamb is looking forward to seeing the pride her students feel after a well-done performance.
The show will be on Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. in the Burris auditorium. The musical will also be given to the school at 8 a.m. on April 4. The admission charge for the evening performances will be $3 per person.
Boys golf course conditions
Derek Packard
Burris Junior
The Burris boys golf team plays at Cardinal Hills Golf Club out near the Monroe Central school district area as well as Selma. The course hosted the boys team for the past years and will continue to serve as the Muncie Burris Owls home golf course. The boys have a vast majority of away matches this year and very few home matches. The course has had maintenance issues in the past involving greens and fairways. The Cardinal Hills staff gives it their all though with everything they have to maintain the course.
First year head coach Johnny Phipps had this to say about the course, "Cardinal Hills is in pretty bad shape. The long winter has certainly taken its tone on the grounds, and the flooding of the nearby creek during the early March rainstorms have taken their toll on the greens. The owner and greens crew are at hard work in order to get the course to playable conditions.” Steps towards improving the greens have included the most recent sanding of the greens and frequent mowing. Due to the cold weather and allowing the greens crew at Cardinal Hills to do their job, the boys have had a good amount of practices at MD’s Driving range which is close to Wilson Middle School.
The golf teams only senior from the Indiana Academy Jimmy Tuttle said, “It is pretty rough out there. We are looking to improve as a whole though this year.”
Derek Packard, Burris Junior said, “Even though the conditions are not perfect. It’s a golf course and everyone has the same conditions. It just comes down to how you as an individual perform.” The course its self is every short, but unless you are consistently straight the trees on the right and left of the fairway can hurt your ability to go for the green.
The greens as well as fairways should be up to par, as should the boys by the time their first match roles around in mid to early April. The boys will begin their 2011 season at Blue river and their season will consist of mostly in conference matches as well as a few weekend invitational’s. Alex Phipps said, “We hope to do well in our conference this year, as well as shoot well at home against opposing teams.”
The Cardinal Hills greens as for now though are rough and almost unplayable. The fairways are a bit better than the greens but there is always room for improvement. The effort of the greens crew will show through and the greens and fairways will come back and be playable for the first match that the boys have at home. The boys appreciate the effort that the owners are putting in order to get the course playable for matches and hope to represent the course well.
A New Track is on the Way
The Ball State University owned track that the Burris Track and Field team uses, is on its way to being renovated. While no major demolition has been done yet, the throwing cages have been disassembled. "For the throwers it's inconvenient because we have no real place to practice throwing discus," Burris junior thrower Jared Gambrel said. The exact plans for the new track are not yet definite, but boys coach David Harman has a pretty good idea of what's being done. "I haven't seen the actual plans, but from what I've been told it's being completely rearranged," he said. The general idea for the new track is that a soccer field will be put in towards the back, where the throwing cages once were. The homeless throwing cages will then be built in the center of the track, which will move the jumping pads to the outside near the current press box. The press box will be moved to the other side of the track and a new speaker system will be included. The remodeling of the track brings excitement to the coaches and athletes. "It's about time!" Burris junior runner Reilly Delk said. Coach Harman also has good opinions about the new track. "I can't wait to have a new track next year! I'm just sorry it couldn't be this year for the seniors," he said. Sophomore thrower Alex Leonhard has a slightly different opinion. "I'm kind of mad that they're tearing down the throwing cages. We're going to lose points that way, but at least it will be nice when it's done," she said.
Glee by Lucas Parson
Talent Show
Austin Quinn
During Thursdays variety show many students came out ranging from elementary to high school students. Junior Corey Reagon was one of the few brave students to come out and show off his talents. "I had a great time and was glad I was able to show off both my ability to play guitar and sing" said Reagon.
Rebecca Black's "Friday" hailed as the worst song ever
Alex Nancarrow
One can find numerous types of videos when searching the popular site YouTube.com. Some of the most popular viral videos to come from the site include music videos, comedy sketches, videos of animals and even babies. Generally these videos become viral because they are extremely funny or are just a quality production. Some videos, however, become popular for all of the wrong reasons.
California teen Rebecca Black recently acquired popularity for a music video which she starred in called “Friday”. This video was recorded and produced by ARK Music Factory. ARK is a small record label in Los Angeles, California who attempts to discover new youth singers. The company will work with the artist to write (or help write) a song and then they will usually create a music video to go along with the song.
Black’s video was uploaded to YouTube on February 10, 2011 and it received several thousand views within the first month. Starting around March 11, 2011 the music video’s views skyrocketed into the millions in only a few days. As of March 24, 2011, “Friday” has received over 44 million views. She has done interviews for radio stations and has even appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to perform her song and then discuss with host Jay Leno the negative feedback she has received for the song.
But why have people given such a negative response towards Black’s music video? It is possible that she has not received praise for her musical talent because her voice is auto tuned throughout the entire song, which just does not sound very good. Maybe it is because of the simplistic lyrics in the song, which includes “7 AM, waking up in the morning, gotta be fresh, gotta go downstairs, gotta have my bowl, gotta have cereal”. After this, Black sings about going to her bus stop to go to school, but she sees her friends drive up. She then contemplates which seat she will sit in, even though the only spot left in the car is in the back seat. Perhaps the silliest part of the song is when Black sings “Yesterday was Thursday, today is Friday…tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards” as if we do not know the days of the week already. “At first I thought the song was obnoxious, then I thought it was funny,” says Burris junior Molly Boylan, “I still think she is a terrible singer though.”
Despite all of her criticism and the fact that her song has been unofficially named “the worst song of all time”, “Friday” has peaked at positions 72, 88, and 33 for the top 100 songs in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand respectively. Her music video on YouTube.com has also been steadily receiving more views every day. Numerous parodies and remixes have also spawned from the video as well. Black plans to donate what she makes off of her iTunes sales and ad revenue from YouTube to the relief effort in Japan and also to her school, El Rancho Charter.
A Spring Sonnet
Jennifer WatkinsA sun that burns an April day
the budding maple, in August may,
reap the mead of rays and rain
stretch lithe arms towards azure domain
sink deep roots within a fertile soil
toughen bark for the elemental toil
a seedling now in springtime warmth
suckles promise of a summer forth
accompanied with growth and age
lies waiting along a narrow stage
to flaunt his leaves of pride and green
before the brisk of Autumn purloins the scene.
Cruise Critic
Amelia Johnson
Let me start out by stating that I’m not a Tom Cruise fan, and I’m not exactly sure how I won this picnic with him, but I am somewhat excited. Not for the actual event of course, but to be able to tell all my friends at bridge about it. Although I am somewhat offended because they probably only awarded me with this activity on account of my age.
Honestly, I don’t think the man is the least bit attractive, my Timothy is much more handsome. Of course, it’s not fair for me to compare anyone to my baby. Tom looks like an oversized ferret, it’s a wonder how he sees out of those squinty little eyes.
And what about his poor child with Katie Holmes? Not only is her name Suri, but she’s also ugly as homemade sin, despite the fact that she was not homemade. Some people need to accept the fact that they’re unable to reproduce and not spend a fortune trying to create a child, maybe there’s a reason it’s possible siblings didn’t want to fertilize each other. I’m no prophet, but I’m sure God was trying to tell Tom something by making it difficult for him to pass on that genetic material.
I mean, he became America’s sexiest man as some kind of sick joke, Garrison Keeler is definitely sexier, judging from his voice.
Luckily this is a picnic I’ve won instead of a dinner date, I can’t imagine if I had to cook dinner for Tom Cruise in my little condominium. I can imagine what would most certainly not be happening though, him jumping on my couch with his shoes on. I don’t tolerate anyone jumping on my couch, but perhaps I could make an exception for him. Of course, he would have to be sock footed and willing to let me photograph.
As I was saying, I’m glad this is a picnic. My first and third husband both once took me on picnic dates, and I think they’re very romantic when you take the necessary precautions to prevent bugs from invading your partner’s food. Which is why I’ll be sure to coat Tom’s sandwich with insecticide, just as I did for my husbands at their final lunches.
My first husband and I had a relatively successful marriage, although he was dreadfully critical of my mothering skills. He always accused me of trying to make our son gay, I can’t help that my son loves high fashion. Besides, I only dressed him like a girl until he started school. This new hoopla about childhood years being so developmental is malarkey, my Timmy is just fine, he did end up gay, but I’m sure that’s completely unrelated.
My second husband and I were much more compatible, we were on the same page regarding all aspects of child rearing. We got together after my late first husband’s death. Timothy was 20 at the time and living at home. I was receiving plenty of insurance money and wanted nothing more than some companionship. Timmy was actually kind enough to search the country for a new mate for his dear old mother. He tells me he received a great deal of help from his friend Craig List but I don’t believe him. I’ve never met this Craig fellow and I have a sneaking suspicion that he doesn’t even exist, my son is so humble.
My new husband only cost me $500, and most of that went to paying for his plane ticket, he came all the way from Sweden just to marry me! We were together for a long time and got along fabulously although the poor man didn’t speak a word of English. In our 7th year of marriage I caught him in bed with my son and promptly shipped him back to Sweden, Timmy was not very happy with me.
My third husband and I were in the local bowling league together, he started courting me the very first time I attended a meeting. We were only together a few months before his tragic death, but the man still managed to embarrass the pants off of me with his ridiculous behavior. He claimed to have a bit of a drinking problem and one night when my girlfriends were over for poker he showed up in the basement in his birthday suit, obviously intoxicated and babbling about some kind of alcohol related mumbo jumbo. However I didn’t endure the embarrassment of this instance for long because his demise came two short weeks later.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Midnight Companion
Jesse Etsler
I wake up in the passenger seat of Tyler’s car; for a second, while I’m struggling to get my bearings, I forget why I’m wherever the hell we are. I blink my eyes a few times to allow the world being thrust behind me to come into focus. I see the red pine tree air freshener dangling from his rear-view mirror; I see the bikini-hula girl and I notice she’s turgid; the road is very smooth, not a bump or pothole in sight, flawless. For a second I almost think it strange, but as I do Tyler’s voice overpowers my groggy mind, “It’s about time you woke up, you’ve been asleep the whole trip.” After wetting my mouth I finally muster out a faint and raspy, “Where are we?” “How the hell should I know; but we’re far from home, and that’s all that matters.” He laughs. “I’ve always been far from home Tyler.” I say as I stare out the window.
I’m a kid again and I never felt at home with my “family”. I had always felt like the odd one out. I remember one of my mom’s friends was pregnant and was inquiring about her pregnancies. My mother described each of them in meticulous detail, but fell short when it came to me. This didn’t surprise me; my parents had always picked favorites; or, rather, their least favorite. I had no clue why they treated me differently; I had never done anything to them. It wasn’t blatant either, just the way they acted towards and around me compared to my siblings. Then one day I was going through some old boxes stashed in the attic so I could pick out some pictures of me to put in our senior slide show for school. A bright light caught my eye. It was the reflection of the moonlight on the latch of a box sitting in the corner. I looked inside and found a folder with some forms in it, from an adoption agency. Then it all just clicked. I never told my family what I’d found and after graduation I called up Tyler, told him about my plan and left.
I’m back in the car, “You know, it’s funny how much of my life recently has been decided by that box. I can’t decide whether I’m angry or glad I found it.” I say. In my mind I think of how much disdain I had for it. All of my life it had been there, sitting in the attic; silent with that little latch shining on me, waiting for me to find it. “We’re stopping soon, I need a break.” Tyler mutters. “How long have you been driving?” I ask. He either doesn’t hear me or just doesn’t answer; I tried to think of when we left but I couldn’t quite remember.
We pull into an all night rest stop to get gas and stretch, “Can you get the gas?” Tyler asks. “Can you? I’m too tired” I whine. “You know, this would be around the right time for you to take some responsibility for once. I always have to do these things for you.” Tyler snaps as he extracts the nozzle from its chamber. “But I need to walk around anyway, I’ll get it…again.” The night air leaves a strange taste in my mouth; I remember the piece of gum I have in my pocket. I reach in and draw out what is now a limp, wrinkled stick of chicle; I toss it aside and just as it hits the ground, somewhere off in the distance I hear an alarm. I stand there for a few moments; everything begins to fade away from me as I fixate on this sound until Tyler’s voice once again startles me, “Someone’s not having a good night.” Tyler’s always found humor in those sort of things. “I’m good, are you ready to head back out?” he asks. Before I can contemplate what he’s asked me, “Yeah, let’s go” slips out of my mouth like the nozzle Tyler grabbed. We get back in the car and pull away from the rest stop. The last thing I see before I drift off to sleep again is Tyler shifting into gear and accelerating down the open road; I think, “I’ve never been good with a stick-shift” Eyes close, darkness.
I am rattled awake, yet again by a strange noise. At first I think it to be some sort of ringing but I quickly realize it is the tires of Tyler’s car screeching to a halt. “We’re here.” He says, relieved. I step out of the car; the night is cold and wet. I feel lost and confused, it takes me a minute to adjust to my surroundings; but once I have I feel more at home, more terrified than I ever have before. For some reason though the only thing on my mind is how tired I am. I turn to Tyler and say, “Thank you for doing this for me.” He gives me a nod as if he understands something I do not; I almost say something to him but instead I turn and head inside. With the moon shining down on me, highlighting every barely discernible imperfection, every fear, every doubt...i just begin to grasp the magnitude of what is happening but as I do Tyler's voice once again rings in my head, "Only you can decide where your home is; that's no one else's choice to make." I strain my eyes open. I smell the faint scent of eggs cooking and coffee brewing, as if it had wafted off some mountain top and was sluggishly creeping towards me. The multiplying red lines criss-crossing like a road-map.....I need to find a bed.
Marsh Remodels
Paige Chambers
The Marsh store on McGalliard and Wheeling, and also the one on Tillotson have begun remodeling in efforts to make the stores look nicer. The stores started construction at the beginning of the year and should be finished by March 31st. The stores will both hold grand re-openings within a week and a half.
Changes to the stores include: new paint on the walls, ceilings, registers, new flooring, a completely new produce section, a new floral department, and the isles have also been rearranged for customer convenience. At the McGalliard store, a painting of ball state's football field has been completed over the produce department. Also, all new deli, meat, and seafood cases have been added.
The newest change is the carryout carts added to the front of the store. Although most carryouts are against them, they were put into place in order to improve our customer service.
"The carryout carts are used so all customers have their groceries taken outside. Our customers are very important to us and we want them to feel welcomed and also to come see us again. Marsh is one of the only grocery stores that employs and uses carryouts full time, we are known for this and it's a great feeling to help our customers to the fullest of our ability", said Mrs. Grubb, the manager of the McGalliard and Wheeling store.
"The carryout carts are used so all customers have their groceries taken outside. Our customers are very important to us and we want them to feel welcomed and also to come see us again. Marsh is one of the only grocery stores that employs and uses carryouts full time, we are known for this and it's a great feeling to help our customers to the fullest of our ability", said Mrs. Grubb, the manager of the McGalliard and Wheeling store.
As an employee at this Marsh, I am personally ready for the construction to be over. It can be difficult to work around at times. I think the stores are going to look very nice and professional once completed, but I do feel as the carryout carts are going to be a big hassle, as they have already been in the past week we have had them.
Never Let Me Go
Faulkner Allocco
Never Let Me 
Go is a 2010 British drama film based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel of the same name. Mark Romanek directed the film and Alex Garland wrote the screenplay. It stars Academy Award nominees Carey Mulligan, Kiera Knightley and Andrew Garfield. Never Let Me Go centers on Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, played respectively by Mulligan, Knightley, and Garfield, who become entangled in a love triangle. They are scientific specimens, created and raised in order to provide their organs to severely ill patients.
Go is a 2010 British drama film based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel of the same name. Mark Romanek directed the film and Alex Garland wrote the screenplay. It stars Academy Award nominees Carey Mulligan, Kiera Knightley and Andrew Garfield. Never Let Me Go centers on Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, played respectively by Mulligan, Knightley, and Garfield, who become entangled in a love triangle. They are scientific specimens, created and raised in order to provide their organs to severely ill patients.The idea of the film has been done before in the movie The Island starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, but theses movies are not at all similar. In Never Let Me Go the characters are new and the relationships are unique to the movie. Although the idea for the movies seems identical I did not feel like I was watching a copy of another movie. Never Let Me Go is purely it’s own masterpiece.
I felt like the plot of the movie got a little lost and could have been better, however the acting was above average. It was a little long and drawn out, however the overall message was inspiring. The movie was beautifully shot and the scenery was magnificent. Overall the movie was very depressing. If you are looking for a feel good love story or a lighthearted drama I do not recommend choosing this movie. However, if you are in the mood for an above average heart wrenching tragedy I would recommend watching this film.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Haiku
Tanna Jones
Springtime
Prepare for the falling rain.
The sun is shining.
Senior
School is ending now.
Time to say goodbye to friends.
New places await.
May term
Kylie Smith
Burris May Term is offering several fitness classes this year. These classes include: Fitness 101, Yoga, and Art walk. Fitness 101 is instructed by Science teacher Amy Miller. The class will be an introduction to fitness and will involve many trips, including to the rock climbing wall recently built on the new Ball State Gym . Yoga will be instructed by English teacher Cassie McGill. This class will introduce the basics of yoga, as well as give a morning stretch to students who take the course. Art Walk will be instructed by art teacher Lilly Stokes and students will spend time walking around and drawing things they encounter on their walk.
Junior Molly Boylan said, "I'm really looking forward to having yoga class because I've heard it's really fun!"
In The End
Jamie Trost
Academy Senior
In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. In the end, she couldn’t feel guilty, couldn’t feel the pain of what had happened, couldn’t bring herself to the reality that-yes, in fact- by helping them she had hurt herself. In the end, she realized that what had happened had happened not only because she had subconsciously wanted it to happen, but because, within the dark, deep, hidden crevasses of her mind, she had needed it to happen. She stopped focusing on the pain within herself, and focused on the feeling that her actions had emanated towards other people. ‘I can feel happy,’ she convinced herself, “because I am happy.”
But in the end, she felt only nothing.
When it had happened, she was confused. Was he really asking her to do this? Had he really wanted her to prove her loyalty this much, this COMPLETELY, that he was pleading her to act against any reasoning, any sound theories she might have held, in order to make him happy? Was it even happiness he sought, or was it merely the satisfaction of her unstoppable loyalty? She had loved him, then; and in loving him, she had transferred the love. For love is a substance that, while fragile and pure, cannot expand, cannot merely be created and distributed; but rather, love must be taken from within oneself and handed to others. Once gone, love is irreplaceable, only able to be filled with love received and love returned, but never recreated. Yes, she had transferred the love, once held so tightly to her own bosom, to him. And, in asking her that which he had so boldly asked, he stole from her whatever love remained clasped to her soul.
She wanted to do it. Looking back, she pondered that, given less time for consideration, allowed fewer minutes alone with her thoughts, she would have done it; but, alas, it was then he walked away. He left, leaving with her a choice that, slowly, ultimately, and wholly, began to consume her. She realized that in complying with his wishes, she would be granted happiness. Happiness, perhaps, that would not measure to that happiness whose amount was sought, maybe; but still, she desired more to be partially happy than to meet the possibility of never visualizing the quantity of bliss she dreamed.
That day, she took a right, instead of following him left. She watched the warehouse disappear into the distance as she took her turn of walking away; however, she refused to see it as such. Instead of leaving, she imagined her purpose, sought to envision it in the sense that she was REFUSING to leave him, refusing to allow him the satisfaction of the poison that would destroy him. She walked with purpose, refusing to let the objective steal away from her mind’s eye. She had so little faith in her strength that she clenched her fists, frightened that if she allowed herself little more than a moment of doubt, she would turn around, face the warehouse, and give in.
It took so little time. When she reached the building, she climbed the stone steps. After the last night’s rain, she felt it. On the walk, she had felt the moisture in the air clinging to her clothes, weighing her down and pulling her back, slowing her down as much as it could; even now, as she trudged resolutely up the steps, she felt the cold of the stone seep through her shoes and soak her soul. She shivered as she grasped the door handle, pulled the doors open, stepped inside, and sought out the lieutenant.
________________________________________________________________________
When he was released three years later, almost to the day, he sought her out. She knew he would, and yet she misunderstood the reason he sought her. The fear she held in her heart- the same fear that had refused to allow her to visit him in his drug-affiliated incarceration- left paranoia in its wake, and so when she heard of his parole, due to good behavior, she pondered frantically. She found nowhere to hide physically, and so she attempted to recede so far into herself as to deny him entry.
But still he came.
He came around lunchtime, and the knock at the door was as soft as the footsteps of a curious child on Christmas morning. Still, though unheard, she opened the door. She had felt him there, and at that moment, she felt herself burst through the wall she had mentally created. Who was she kidding? She could not hide from him! How could she hide her heart, when it was he who owned the most of it?
She felt her very being stutter as she looked at the man on the mantle of her door. The man, now clean-shaven, who held but the vaguest physical resemblance to the person he once was. His eyes, the only part of him still recognizable, she sought and held, clinging to the truth of having him back. She waited for the pain, waited for the anger to strike out at her, and she closed her eyes.
The whisper on the wind, even softer than the door, sighed at her. “Thank you,” it said. “Thank you,” he whispered as his arms encapsulated her trembling body. All at once the sobs shook loose from their bodies, a mixture of hers and his, sorrow and happiness, relief.
They entered the house, sitting at the kitchen counter with their coffees, both black, as they had ten times before. The cups steadily grew cold, both refusing to drink- for to drink would be to admit to the old times, the old ways and customs. And yet they both knew that never again would they drink the coffee. Never again would they argue about the drugs. Never again would he ask her to relinquish her soul to his.
New times. New beings. New souls. New love. She reached across the table and took his hand, already feeling the tender reach of his spirit begin to patch her wounded heart.
“Let me make us some tea,” she said.
Regional Olympiad of Spoken Russian
Jamie Trost
Academy Senior
This past Saturday 16 Academy Russian language students participated in the ACTR Illinois/Indiana Regional Olympiad of Spoken Russian held in Burris. The event is sponsored by the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, and Indiana University. Three schools participated – Indiana Academy, Rickover Naval Academy [Chicago], and Noble Street College Preparatory School [Chicago]. Four levels of participation were involved: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Native Speaker. On behalf of these students and our excellent Russian Instructor Mrs. Rogers, I forward the results. The Academy gathered the most gold medals. Congratulations!
Kalah Gallapoo [Level 2] was the grand prize winner receiving the most points from all 32 participants.
GOLD MEDALS
Jonah Siegel – Level 1
Lauren Snyder – Level 1
Sydny Bohuk – Level 1
Emily McLaren – Level 1
Taylor Hubble – Level 2
Rebecca Thomas – Level 2
Leeah Worley – Level 2
Kalah Gallapoo – Level 2
SILVER MEDALS
Brandon Downs – Level 1
Ryan Clifton – Level 1
Rachel Speer – Level 1
Caroline Strange – Level 1
Autumn Delk – Level 2
Evan Kalember – Level 2
BRONZE MEDALS
Matenya Batchelder – Level 1
Dennis Coffey – Level 1
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