VIEWPOINTS: Crackdown on travel and security invades privacy.PAGE 7

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3 HOLT HIGH SCHOOL DECEMBER 2010

ramparts

THE HOT SPOT: From controller to no controller, Xbox is changing the way gamers play.PAGE 12

SPORTS: Protecting and preventing sports injuries and the path to recovery. PAGE 14

Holt Senior High School5885 West Holt Rd.Holt, MI 48842

Photo by Kelsey Manas

Used by permission of www.xbox.com

Freshman Emily Hadick danced and sang in separate acts during the First Annual Variety Show on December 2. The show benefitted Challenge Day.

Photo by Stephanie Le

Variety show displays student and staff

skillspage 4

Talents Triumph

News2 Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad will be at-tending their first competition in Clio on January 29. They will continue practicing Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school until 4:30 p.m. Students are always welcome to stop by and check it out in room W209.

Student Success Room Students wanting or need-

ing extra help in any class are encouraged to take advantage of the Student Success Room in the media center, Monday through Thursday from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Success Room coordinators are Joann Weil and Elizabeth Graf. Students may con-tact them with any questions.

Once Upon a ChristmasMembers of the choir will be

performing a 40-minute clas-sic opera style Christmas story on December 17 and 18. The performance will include some solo work mixed with chorus and a little dialogue, with the choir members being accompanied by piano. The show starts at 7 p.m. and will be held in the center commons with room for only 50 spectators each night. Tickets are $7 for the show and include a cheesecake dessert.

Prom CommitteeThe prom committee meets

every Tuesday after school. All students are welcome to attend meetings. The prom theme will be released after holiday break, but is narrowed down between Carnival and Arabian Nights.

YearbookYearbooks are on sale now

through January 15 for a special price of $60. Yearbooks can be purchased online at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Senior love notes are also due on January 15. Contact adviser Clara Swihart at 699-7437.

Poetry Out LoudThe school-wide competition

will be held in mid-January. The state competition is in Lansing on March 12. The deadline for confirming participation with coordinator Nick Mourning is on January 5.

DECEMBER 2010 Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS

F.Y.I.

As visitors step out of their cars in the Potter Park Zoo parking lot, the holiday music starts and they can already see the entire zoo lit up with thousands of lights. On the trees, bushes and around the animal exhibits, visitors from young children to grandparents have the view of the beautiful multi-colored lights everywhere.

On November 26, people from a l l a ro u n d t h e L a n s i n g a re a gathered at the local zoo for the Wo n d e r o f L i g ht s, w h e re t h e 18th annual occasion took place. After hours of preparation, it was completed. Viewers not only had the opportunity to view the lights, but also enjoyed strolling carolers, musical performances and more.

If viewers couldn’t make it to the event, they still have multiple chances to enjoy the lights and festivities. Wonderland of Lights continues on Thursdays through Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m. with a $4 charge for adults and $2 for kids aged three to 16.

“We have a yearly pass,” said

Bridget, (who withheld her last name), a mother at the zoo with her daughter and husband. “So we make sure we come during the lights because it’s a lot different.”

The zoo isn’t just for kids either. With so many different animals and activities, such as craft making and cookie decorating, it’s a sure family fun activity for anyone.

“Everyone in the family came last year: grandma, grandpa, cousins, aunts, uncles, after Thanksgiving,” Bridgett said.

Junior Grant Woell went to check out the Wonderland of Lights in the beginning of December.

    “It was fun. I haven’t been there for years,” Woell said. “There was so many more lights than I expected.”       Woell said he’s planning on

going more often, and that it was fun to go with other people, too.       The Wonderland of Lights wasn’t just impor tant for the local community, but also for those who work inside the zoo all the time. Georgia Curry is a docent who has worked at the zoo for five years, and Bob Curry volunteers when he has the chance.       “I enjoy the lights because of al l the joy and enthusiasm I see on ever yone’s face who c o m e s i n ,” B o b C u r r y s a i d , while Georgia agreed with him.     Whether visitors come with their family or friends, Potter Park Zoo is offering entertainment and trying to create a fun-filled time this holiday season.

Annual event attracts families this season

A wonderland of lights

Photo by www.potterparkzoo.org. Used with permission.As the season gets colder, Potter Park Zoo offers a holiday tradition known as Wonderland of Lights. Visitors enjoy thousands of lights throughout the zoo.

Friday, December 17:Sue Leach & Joan Church(music) 5-8 p.m., Lansing Storytellers 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, December 18:Storytelling: “T’was the Night Before Christmas “ at Potter Park Zoo

Sunday, December 19:Laingsburg Community Band 6 p.m.

Thursday, December 23:Regular event programming

Friday, December 24 & Saturday, December 25:Closed

Sunday, December 26:LA Cloggers 6-8 p.m., Edna’s Stretch Limo (music) 6-8 p.m., Wonderland of Lights ends

Wonderland of Lights runs Thursday through Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for kids ages 3-16.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Zoo each Friday and Saturday night.

Wonderland Of Lights Schedule

Talents displayed at Rock the MicA new way for students to perform, socialize out of school BEnjaMin gatES

staff writer

It starts with a feeling. Feelings become thoughts, and thoughts become words. Every third Tuesday students take the stage, grab the mic, and have their words reverberate through the walls of the Vineyard Café.

A new out of school event is increasing in popularity and catching the attention of students. Led by social studies teacher Robert Dozier, Rock the Mic is very similar to a variety show, only it has a base of poetry. Performances range from reciting poems, slamming poems, singing and even beat boxing. Although Rock the Mic is built on a foundation of poetry, the variation of performances

has no boundaries.“It’s an opportunity for you to grab the mic with

whatever your talent may be,” Dozier said.The debut for Rock the Mic was at the Vineyard

Café in Okemos on Tuesday, November 16. Doors opened at 7:30 p.m. and show ran from 8-10 p.m. The cost of a ticket was $5 at the entrance with snacks and drinks included inside.

Rock the Mic began with requests from students in Dozier’s Economics class. Students would volunteer to slam their poems at the beginning of the hour. Dozier was inspired to take these ideas and performances to the next level, not only by taking it off school grounds, but also by expanding the range of possible performances.

“It’s an experience. People actually want to be there, they’re not forced,” Dozier said.

Senior Chandler Pacheco was introduced to slam poetry through English teacher Nick Mourning’s Introduction to Poetry class. Pacheco said she finds it really easy to write when she is bored, and it gives her a chance to express whatever thoughts or feelings she has at the time.

Along with slamming her original poem, Pacheco also sang “Remembering Sunday” by The All Time Low with Claire Orme.

“It’s kind of nerve racking going on stage in front of only people your age, but it’s fun to just hang out and watch what everyone can do,” Pacheco said.

To many, the event was a whole new experience. Senior Fred Turner also performed an original slam poem and said it was his first time performing it in front of people. He said the event was a great way to socialize and have a good time.

“It was a lot of fun. It’s a cool new way to meet people and learn some new things about your peers,” Turner said.

Rock the Mic is a whole new opportunity for students to share and express their own creative talents. The idea is to have the event once a month.

The Vineyard Café will rock again on Tuesday, December 21 with a possibility of an early show time. Tickets will sell at $4 with the inclusion of food.

“Rock the Mic is a vehicle, a vessel to showcase students’ talents and expressions,” Dozier said.

anna pavlik

staff writer

NewsHolt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS

3DECEMBER 2010

CHALLENGE DAYTwenty-five students from each

grade level and 25 adults will participate in a moving event called Challenge Day. It is held in the gymnasium on January 31 and February . Participants will engage in activities that break down the barriers that make them different from everyone else.

GSA BAKE SALE The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) will be hosting bake sales on Wednesdays before school and during nutrition break. Dates will soon be announced. GSA bought a star for 2010 graduate Joe Alvarado, who recently passed away, with the money they have made in previous bake sales. The club now wants to buy a tree in Alvarado’s memory to be planted in the memorial garden in the west courtyard. They will purchase this with the money made in the upcoming bake sales and the rest of the money will be donated towards Challenge Day. They are also raising money for the tree and Challenge Day by selling glow in the dark wrist bands with the stars coordinates on them for $1. To purchase a wrist band see GSA advisor, Dave Runyon in W121 or you can purchase one in the school store.

WINTERFESTThe winterfest dance will be on

February 29 at 8-11. Tickets will be on sale at lunch the week before during A and B lunch in center commons. They will be $5 each.

Winterfest spirit days will be an-nounced soon.

CHEER FOR CHARITYThe varsity cheerleaders per-

formed Cheer for Charity at Web-berville High School on Decem-ber 4. This is the third year the cheerleaders have participated in Cheer for Charity, a budding tradi-tion. The proceeds benefitted Toys for Tots.

In Brief How are you paying for college?Financial aid cuts the cost of schoolkailEy kRauSHaaR

feature editor

As college acceptance letters begin to roll into students’ mailboxes, anticipation for the next step in their lives grows. However, this excitement is also often accompanied by worry over how to pay for college. Higher education is an expensive step in a student’s life, and for many students the expense can seem overwhelming. Financial aid, though, can help to cover college expenses for those who take the time to utilize it.

This January 6 is Financial Aid Night, which is a presentation in the auditorium during conferences that will give students information on financial aid like FAFSA, and encourage them to apply.

This year, as opposed to previous presentations, the event is targeted toward everyone intending to go to college, even underclassmen. While some students find the process intimidating, other students find the process manageable.

“Basically there are two types of financial aid. There’s scholarships, and traditional financial aid which includes FAFSA,” counselor John Connor said. “Things like FAFSA are for anyone, but scholarships usually have an academic component to them.”

Applying for financial aid can be confusing for some students, due to the fact that there are so many

different things to sort out and apply for. However, holtguidance.net has a list of different scholarships that students can look into, for those who are interested in scholarships beyond FAFSA, which is the Federal Application For Student Aid.

“Financial applications are relatively easy with the help of your parents to fill them out, because they have had experience with it before,” senior Jennifer Polin said.

The most common type of financial aid is FAFSA. Filling out FAFSA forms can be tedious, however it is an important step in receiving financial aid. The deadline for FAFSA forms is March 1, however Connor suggests filling them out before then.

“Students should be working on them for sure, the financial aid night is sort of our last push to try to get people interested who haven’t started to apply.”

Connor also suggests that all college-bound students fill out FAFSA

forms and any type of financial aid or scholarship they discover.

“I think lots of students don’t know they qualify for financial aid. Even if their parents have money put away, students should still apply. Even if they just get enough money to cover their books—books are expensive.”

Students like Polin are taking advantage of financial aid and the benefits they hold for their future in college.

“I will at some point apply because I need money for college and medical school,” Polin said.

Given the fact that the average cost of college is about $10,000 a year, financial aid is something most students find worthwhile.

“I’ll be applying because I’d like to get out of college with as little debt as possible,” senior Zach Ray said. “I’m not looking forward to filling them out, but maybe if I get lucky someone will just pay for me to go to college.

Whether the sum of financial aid for a student pays their entire tuition, or for a few textbooks, the overall cost of higher education is reduced with each dollar of income, something that is a benefit to any college bound student.

After receiving information for various colleges, choosing the right one can be difficult. Financial aid is something that requires time, just like applications.

Photo by Kailey Kraushaar

Are you exceptionally tall? Tall Clubs International offers up to $1000 to males 6’2” and taller, and to females 5’10” and taller. To apply, contact a local TCI member, or go to www.tall.org.

Are you planning on going to prom? Duck Brand Duct Tape’s “Stuck At Prom” contest is available to U.S. residents who create prom attire completely out of duct tape. To apply, visit www.duckbrand.com/promotions/stuck-at-prom.aspx

Wacky Scholarships

Are you a vegetarian? The Vegetarian Resource Group gives two $5,000 scholarships to dedicated vegetarians who submit essays regarding being a vegetarian. Those interested in applying should visit http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

Know anything about duck calling? The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest offers up to $2,000 to the person with the best duck call.

Information from scholarships.com

Do you have an interesting talent? You could get financial aid for it.

NewsHolt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtSDECEMBER 2010

4Student, staff showcase benefits Challenge DayParticipants displays wide range of talentsStEpHaniE lE

staff writerMoments before taking the stage,

senior Brittany Anderson took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Her hands started to prickle with sweat as she saw the stage plunge into darkness. She took her place in front of the microphone, a bright spotlight illuminated her body. The crowd went silent with anticipation. She opened her mouth and let the words spill out, finding her own natural rhythm and flowing with it. The crowd broke out in applause while she concluded her poem and stepped off stage.

“I was very happy after I performed and it felt good knowing that I was doing it for a good cause,” Anderson said.

Anderson was only one of the many performers to be a part of the The First Annual Student Staff Variety

Show. This show, held on Thursday, December 2, was a fundraiser for Challenge Day.

“Challenge Day costs $5,000 per day to participate in,” said Joann Weil, this year’s Challenge Day coordinator. “The bulk of the money goes to the organization that is in charge of Challenge Day. We also have to

pay for the subs, the lodging for the leaders of Challenge Day, air fare, et cetera. ”

Challenge Day is an event that is focused on helping students bond and accept one another for who they are. It aims to break down barriers that separate students and helps them deal with diversity.

“We all go through hard times in life and Challenge Day helps us realize that we aren’t as alone as we might think we are,” Weil said.

Some who have participated in Challenge Day said that it was a life changing experience. To keep the event going, the school is setting up a string of fundraisers to help pay for the expenses.

“The variety show is our second fundraiser for Challenge Day,” Weil said. “Our first was the Craft Show and we raised a good amount of money from that.”

The variety show showcased the talents of not only students but of teachers as well. There were 28 performers overall, 22 students and six teachers, with talents that ranged from singing to slam poetry.

Junior Evan Fischer sang “Crazy Love” by Micheal Bublé at the show.

“I like performing and Challenge Day is a good cause, so I wanted to support it,” Fischer said.

Freshman Amanda McCuistion agrees that Challenge Day is definitely a good cause.

“I thought [the show] would be fun

to be in and I wanted to help people raise money,” McCuistion said.

McCuistion performed a song on her violin, the only violinist in the whole show.

T h e c o n c e p t o f t h e s h o w was developed on the day of the homecoming pep assembly.

“Me and Mr. Dozier performed and everyone seemed to enjoy it, so we just kind of took it from there,” Weil said. “This whole fundraising process is kind of a hit and miss type of thing, so I hope it turns out well.”

Weil said that she wanted to have both students and staff to participate in the show to try and promote some concepts of Challenge Day.

“I think that it was a good idea to have both the students and the staff in the show because it’s all these different people coming together to support one cause which is what Challenge Day is all about to me,” sophomore Sydney Kramer said.

Challenge Day will be held on January 31 and February 1. Students signed up for the event in the counseling office. Student sign up ended on December 10.

Governor-elect Rick Snyder to change educationStudents and staff weigh in on Snyder’s education planRyan CaRRiER

staff writerGovernor-elect Rick Snyder takes office on

January 1 with education reform high on his priority list. His goal to fix the education system may bring changes to public schools around the state.

Snyder has fixing Michigan’s education system as number seven on his 10-point plan to reinvent Michigan, believing that the long run success of the state is dependent on how well the next generation of workers is educated and prepared.

Snyder says he believes schools don’t need any additional funding. He thinks that they should focus on being more efficient and getting better results with the money they are already given. He backs up this view by referring to a study by the American Legislative Exchange Council that has ranked Michigan fourth in the nation in average teacher salaries and 18th in student expenditures but only ranking 49th in ACT scores and 42nd in overall performance.

Senior Rebecca Sodervick said she thinks money would help the situation, but Michigan doesn’t have much money to go around.

“The economy is so bad right now that it isn’t really a feasible option to increase school funding,” Sodervick said.

Sodervick said that despite the economic position Michigan is in, schools should still get more money. However, she does not see this happening because the money would have to come from some other social service that citizens would not want to give up.

Senior Avery Gleason thinks that increasing taxing on everyone can be the solution of where to get more school funding money.

“I think to increase taxes we should legalize pot, tax it as well,” Gleason said. “Also we should tax businesses more, but Snyder won’t do any of those because he’s against taxes as a whole.”

Snyder’s next area of focus is on teacher salaries and tenure laws, the laws that govern how teachers are evaluated. He wants to make teachers’ salaries merit-based, and to make it easier for administration to fire under-performing teachers.

While some students and staff at HHS back up the theory of merit-based salaries and easier termination of failing teachers, they see it very hard to implement fairly.

“I’m all for getting rid of bad teachers, the problem is finding a way to assess them,” social studies teacher CoreyMartin said.

Martin thinks that looking at test scores is not a good way to judge a teacher’s performance, whether it is for their salary or to judge if they should be fired or not. He said that different

teachers have different types of students where it would be hard to compare their test scores.

Social studies teacher Jessica Cotter shares a similar idea to Martin; she believes standardized tests are not the way to judge students.

Cotter said that the process of evaluating and assessing a teacher is very subjective.

“Holt hopes to implement a progress-based model. It looks at where a student started, and sees how far the student has progressed throughout their academic careers,” Cotter said

Another belief of Snyder’s that some students and staff find to have both positives and negatives is his strong support for school of choice. Snyder wants to create a website that will allow parents to compare schools and districts around the state and make it easier for them to choose where to send their kids.

Junior Tyler Leighton strongly supports Snyder’s plan.

“Just as in the democratic free market, in which people ‘elect’ which product or business they like best by spending their money on that product or business,” Leighton said, “I feel parents should be able to ‘elect’ where their

kids go to maximize their child’s educational outcomes.”

Sodervick thinks that school of choice is an important option for parents and students, but it can be very harmful for school districts.

“Students should not be forced to go to a school that isn’t good just because they happen to live in the district,” Sodervick said.  

Although she sees it as a positive for parents, she believes that this concept can further hurt struggling districts. Kids will leave districts, taking state allotted money with them, making the situation in the district worse causing more students to leave. She thinks this is a continuing cycle.

Gleason believes that there is a big portion missing in Snyder’s plan to fix education. He believes that Snyder needs to address one of the roots of our education problem: the way society has taught kids to view education.

“So many people focus on sports and extra activities instead of their education,” Gleason said, “and it’s because we are taught from a young age by society that that is alright.”

Gleason believes that school hours need to be lengthened and students need to start focusing on their school work more than sports and extra-curricular activities.

As the lame-duck-session is coming to a close, the Michigan Congress is working on changing the tenure law bill. The first step in Rick Snyder’s education reform may have already begun.

Photo by Stephanie Le

Senior Gerald Render was one of the 28 performers at the Student Staff Variety Show. The money raised in ticket sales will go toward Challenge Day.

“I feel parents should be able to ‘elect’ where their kids go to

maximize their child’s educational outcomes.”

-- junior Tyler Leighton

News 5Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

The island of Yeonpyeong in the Yellow Sea sits 30 miles off the South Korean mainland and less than one mile from the 45th parallel; the line that separates the communist north from the republic south. The sounds of bombs being dropped could be heard by passing ships and residents on the South Korean mainland on a crisp, cool, quiet Wednesday morning.

The bombing on November 23 was, “Just one of provocative incidents in a series that we’ve seen over the last several months,” said President Obama in an interview w i t h A B C i n l a t e Nov e m b e r. President Obama also clearly stated in the interview that we stand united with the South Koreans to any threat that the North may hold.

The series of events dates back into March of this year where the North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il ordered his youngest son, Kim Jong Un to take a North Korean submarine and sink a South Korean warship in international waters.

“Seoul is such a large economic hub for the Pacific, any war over there will easily be felt over here,” said social studies teacher James Keckeisen of the possible outcome to a war.

A n u n d e r l y i n g m o t i v e f o r the North Koreans may be the beginning of a new era. Reports by FOX News and CNN claim that the pure Marxist Kim Jong Il has recently promoted Kim Jong Un to a high ranking general. Un is the most probable successor of Il who has been the Supreme Ruler of North Korea since 1996.

“His son is not him,” social studies teacher Dave Runyon said about the possible successor. “And once the people of North Korea find that out, they will need the help of the world.”

In the reports by Fox and CNN, Kim Jong Un’s first action as a new

high-ranking general and politician was to show military dominance in convincing fashion. The island of Yeonpyeong proved to be a worthy target.

In reaction to the bombings, The United Nations has called for an emergency meeting to be held at their headquarters in New York City. From there the top 25 most influential nations of the committee will decide their next move.

The combination of the attack on the warship and the island attacks in late November has led to forced U.S. attention on the Korean peninsula for the first time since the Korean War (1950-1953).

On July 27, 1953, the three year war on the Korean peninsula was finally over for the United States. On this date the U.S. signed a treaty to bring all fighting to an end with North Korea and China. A final tally put 92,000 wounded, 83,000 Missing in Action or confirmed Prisoners of War, and thousands more killed.

T h e n e w U . S . P r e s i d e n t , World War II General Dwight D. Eisenhower, thought he had signed a treaty to rid the U.S. of foreign affairs in the North Pacific, thus showing no reason for future wars. To President Eisenhower’s surprise, it had only begun the struggle and tension that exists today between the U.S and communist nations of the Pacific.

“North Korea actions toward the South is an attention-getter,” social studies teacher Alex Mann said about possible reasons for North Korea’s actions. “The North Korean government needs the attention to make their people happy. If not, it’s all but over for them and the whole Kim family.”

W i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f t h e Korean War, the U.S. has not held a strong military presence in the North Pacific since the release of Japan in 1952, where the Allied Powers occupied Japan to set a ruling government and other political structures that have strong similarities to our government. This year’s conflict could shed light on new areas of U.S. military presence in the world.

Many believe that the U.S. should station troops in and around the Korean peninsula, to help insure a state of peace.

The North has not only stretched its limits in military manpower, but in the field of nuclear warfare as well. The North Korean military now has known technology to create a weapon of mass destruction, a nuclear bomb, to kill hundreds of thousands.

“This needs to be cleaned up quickly and carefully.” junior Andy Seguin said. “If not, and it exceeds our time and effort, then we all could get drafted in a few years, fighting a fight that nobody wants to.”

Tension in the East, trickles to the WestNorth Korea’s actions get world attention

joEy MyERS

staff writer

Editors in Chief:

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Editorial Policy: Ramparts is published by the Journalism class of Holt High School. The newspaper serves the students and staff of Holt High School and as a connec-tion to the Holt-Dimondale community. The objective of Ramparts is to publish a factual, informative and entertaining newspaper, and to provide a forum for the expression of diverse viewpoints. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, the adviser, or all Ramparts staff members. The editors reserve the right to reject any material that is libelous, obscene, or poses an immediate and material disruption to the educational environment. Ramparts prints letters to the editor and guest editorials as space allows. Letters must be typed, less than 100 words in length and signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for length. Ramparts will not print letters that are obscene, libelous or that target an individual. Advertisements that are obscene, misleading, or illegal to minors will not be printed. Ramparts reserves the right to reject any advertisement. To place an ad, contact the adviser or the Ramparts staff at (517) 694-2162.

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Lindsey HamlinKelsey Manas

Brian ProctorKailey KraushaarKarina DrachmanJacqui MarpaMariah MassaChloe HenleyMeg McKayBen GatesJordan RakasJoey Myers

Iman Ben-Hamza, Ryan Carrier, Hannan Gedeon, Stephanie Le, Collin Mohr, Anna Pavlik, Cody Shattuck, Alyssa Stepter, Will Thurston

Amy Clark

6 ViewpointsOur View

Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtSDECEMBER 2010

Bracelets support a good cause

ramparts Holt Senior High School

Riddle me this, riddle me that. What is not being reported accurately due to biased

opinions formulated by journalists nowadays, that lead to misinterpreted facts? The news.

In our generation, not that many of us watch the news, and that is scary. Part of the reason is because news appears to be boring to us, it’s not as entertaining as “Jersey Shore”, and it’s definitely not like our typical Prime Time television shows.

But even if we are interested in watching the news, it is being reported poorly anyway—in fact it’s not being reported at all. News reporting has lost its meaning since TV news stations such as Fox News and MSNBC began expressing their opinions and views on the news that they apparently “report.”

Fox News is a news TV station that is criticized for being biased towards the right end of the political spectrum, the conservative side.

Glenn Beck is one of the dominant Fox News personalities who would preach about, how the Tea Party movement is a logical way into bringing America “back” and would criticize the decisions that President Obama makes.

On the other hand, MSNBC is also being criticized for taking the left end of the spectrum, the liberal side. During the presidential election, Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann were very much opinionated rather than staying neutral during the presidential campaign. Another MSNBC personality, Dylan Ratigan of Morning Meeting, attacked Sarah Palin because of the fact that she is releasing a book titled Going Rogue, by photoshopping some of Palin’s photos that hurt her reputation.

T V journalism has changed because instead of unbiased news being reported, the news anchors are expressing their opinions instead. The last time I checked, news is supposed to be unbiased. They even say “the most trustworthy news channel” to get us to watch the news they report. Really? I find it hard to believe it because, how is it “trustworthy” if I couldn’t be informed with just the news and not their opinions included? They might as well say “the most trustworthy news channel if you are a Republican” or “if you are a Democrat.”

How is that fair to us viewers? To the ones who really want to know what’s happening and not what the anchors think is happening? This

is why the future of this country is at stake: because our generation is being deprived of good news reporting. How are we able to make the choices of our own if opinions are being spoon fed to us by the so-called “unbiased” news channels?

Even though I am not America’s voice, I demand good news reporting because I want America to have the chance to think of their decisions and choices based on what is happening and not based on what poorly conducted TV news stations opinions are. How is this the land of the free if the citizens do not have the freedom to formulate their own opinions regarding the issues happening in their country and in the world because the goal of the such TV stations is to convince the society to be on their side?

The ratings of each station are not significant to me at all, just because they are skyrocketing it doesn’t mean that they are the best journalists around, they are just good at what they do and horrible at what they should (emphasis on should) be doing. This is one of the reasons why I would prefer to watch “The Daily Show with John Stewart”, “The Colbert Report” and “Real Time with Bill Maher” because at least viewers are already aware that these people are going to be biased. They don’t mislead the viewers by saying that they are the most watched news shows because they give the “unbiased truth.”

The ugly truth about newsTV journalism has lost its credibility

Your View

Express your view If you’d like to comment on an article in Ramparts, or

any issue in the news, write us a letter to the editor of 100 words or less and e-mail it to us at ramparts@hpsk12.net.

Many people have heard the buzz, but don’t know what to think of recent sales of “Alvarado” bracelets. The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) bought and sold the bracelets to commemorate and remember the

life of Joe Alvarado, a 2010 graduate who recently passed away. The bracelets display “Alvarado” and RA 114.607/Decl 32.262, which represents the star, bought in his name by the GSA. The bracelets were sold by GSA, social studies teacher Dave Runyon and the school store for a dollar each.

The controversy deals with where the money is going and debate over making money off of Alvarado’s name. Part of the profits have been put towards planting a tree in the memorial garden to remember Alvarado and the rest has been put towards Challenge Day. Some students are uncomfortable with the fact that part of this money goes to support Challenge Day, and not directly to Alvarado’s family.

The GSA is known for doing good deeds and promoting equality for all students who attend HHS. Challenge Day is also an opportunity to open up about personal issues, and it gives students and teachers a better chance to understand each other.

As many know, Challenge Day has become quite expensive for our school to host, and advisers have been brainstorming ideas to pay for it. The portion of the bracelet’s profits that goes to support Challenge Day is simply a donation by the GSA to benefit the students of HHS.

Another issue is the bracelets being sold by the school store. School store adviser, Dan Knechtel was asked by Runyon to help sell the bracelets. The store made absolutely no profit off the bracelets and simply sold them to help out the GSA and their cause.

Friends of Alvarado and those who knew him say that this is what he would have wanted with the bracelet profits: an opportunity for students to open up and release pain and worry to their peers. We believe that there couldn’t be a better cause to donate this money to and are thankful for the GSA’s efforts to support Challenge Day and a memorial for Joe Alvarado.

Inconsistent sleeping patternsDear Editor,

How much sleep did you get last night? There’s a good chance it wasn’t the eight to nine hours that most teenagers are recommended to have. Many sources, such as kidshealth.org, show that during a person’s teenage years, their circadian rhythm is temporarily reset. This being said, it’s harder for teenagers to fall asleep at night and wake up early in the morning.

Yet, as teenagers we still get squashed with loads of homework and the pressure to do our best while running on a measly six hours of sleep. So why does the school make us start at 7:30? That mind straining question may never be answered. Though late start Wednesdays are much appreciated, truly they don’t make that much of a difference. They just throw off sleeping patterns and leave teenagers feeling more tired than they were before. It may be difficult to incorporate a later start to our schedules and policies may not allow for it, but we never know until we try.

We can’t have everything and eliminating some things, like late start Wednesdays, would most likely be necessary. In the end, it all comes down to what priorities are more important, getting that extra hour of sleep every day of the week or only receiving that extra hour of sleep one day a

week and having our brains turn to mush by Friday. We could all benefit from a little more sleep.

Sarah Blohm, senior

Winter school bluesDear Editor,

I have noticed a common pattern in the two years that I’ve been here at HHS. This pattern is that when kids arrive at school during the winter there always seems to be a problem of wet floors and kids slipping on the tile or wet mats when they come into school.

As the problem continues to re-occur, I notice that more students complain and are also getting injured more often. To solve this problem, I believe we should bring in large fans or a certain drying system to air the rugs out as kids walk in.

Also we should continuely mop and dry the floors so that they stay clean and free of ice. This is a big problem and should be taken care of this winter.

Tyler Mariage, junior

Jacqui Marpa

“New Years is fun. My family comes down, and we play a bunch of board games.”

Viewpoints 7

Corrections

Speak up

Listening to non-stop holiday music: Nothing is worse than totaling your car in a blizzard listening to ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ for the 300th time.

Listening to non-stop holiday music: Do everything on your ‘to do’ list this holiday season with a jingly beat in your head.

Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

Hot or not?

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

“Leaving Cookies for Santa.”

Rickelle Moubray, junior

Katrina Schlicker, senior

“Opening Christmas stockings on Christmas morning. Kids get really

excited, even the adults.”

Jeff Miller, theater and events coordinator

Derek Dunn, sophomore

“Going out to Grandmas.”

“Going to Chicago and playing games with my family on Christmas Eve.”

Colleen Lierman, senior

Ramparts is committed to printing news that is both informative and accurate. If we get it wrong, we want to put it right. If you are aware of any errors of fact in our reporting please contact us in room E221 or send an e-mail to ramparts@hpsk12.net.

Cartoon by Chloe Henley

Increase in airline security creates concern for privacy

As temperatures continue to decline, snow starts to fall and winter break approaches,

many students prepare for their getaway. For some, this means traveling by plane to visit family or to paradise in a warmer destination. If you’re included in that category, consider this before choosing to fly: Airline security is now highly increased, and these new methods are invasive and inappropriate.

A main reason for these new methods includes the attempted Christmas Day terrorist attack last year. Because of that, two procedures that arrived in airports around the country have raised large amounts

of concern.The first of these is the Advanced

Imaging Technology scanner (AIT). Many refer to them as “naked scanners” because they allow security to see you virtually stripped as you walk through them.

A c c o r d i n g t o N B C n e w s , a T r a n s p o r t a t i o n s e c u r i t y Administration (TSA) worker was arrested for aggravated battery after walking through the new scanners because a fellow employee made fun of his private areas.

Not only is it an uncomfortable situation, some say the AIT brings about serious health risks.

These scanners emit radiation that is feared to increase the risk of cancer. The president of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents almost 12,000 pilots, has urged fellow members to refuse the machines. Pilots are already exposed to great amounts of radiation.

Even passengers are refusing to go through these dangerous and violating machines. This refusal brings an even worse consequence.

Avoiding AIT scanners, looking suspicious or simply being an unlucky random selection will lead to the second procedure- the “enhanced

pat-down.” A more perverse version of the usual pat-down performed by TSA officials, some feel it is sexual assault. A union of 2,000 flight attendants is protesting these pat-downs saying they do not want their private areas touched in public.

Rosemary Fitzpatrick of CNN reported that a TSA screener felt her breasts, butt and inner thighs. She said she felt violated, humiliated and helpless.

Our only choice is to drive or stay home over winter break this year to steer clear of the inappropriate measures taken by the airport security. Strangers do not need to look at us naked or grope our bodies just to escape from the cold.

Homeland Security states these new methods are for our safety and freedom. However, sacrificing our privacy is sacrificing our freedom.

The question then becomes whether or not this new method of protection is worth the invasion of personal space it requires. How many terrorists have actually been caught? Until TSA or Homeland Security can answer this satisfactorily, our only option is to find other ways to travel.

New security measures violate passenger rights

Jordan Rakas

8DECEMBER 2010 Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS

Features

With the holiday season wrapping up, the time to get all your friends

what’s on their wish lists is coming to a close. But getting the right gift can be challenging depending on who you’re shopping for and a tight budget.

“It’s hard because everyone likes different things, and no one our age knows what we want. People our age change their minds weekly,” senior Hannah Shuler said.

But whether to ask someone what they want or try to surprise them is a

tough decision for some students.“I wouldn’t know what to say if

someone asked me what I want them to get me. I would probably say nothing,” sophomore Henry Pacheco said.

People who assume the bigger the cost, the better the gift may want to rethink that concept.

“You should just keep it simple, I wouldn’t want something that cost a lot,” Pacheco said, “Everybody has different tastes so shoppers should completely avoid or always count only a few gifts.”

iMan BEn-HaMza

staff writer

Best and worst gifts for the holidays

Nobody really wants to recieve socks and underwear. Even if you have these personal items, chances are these would not be on someone’s wish list from a friend.

“I guess it depends who it’s from, but most of the time it might be a little awkward,” Shuler said.

Getting a friend favorite candy is a thoughtful gift, but the thought only stays while the candy or food is present. Sweets are a great idea for accompanying a gift that can be kept for longer.

Getting a gift you don’t like is inevitable, but giving that gift to someone one else may not be a good idea. Impersonal gifts like this are the easiest to pick, because there is not a lot of thought that goes into them. “I keep the gifts that people give me even if I don’t like them,” junior Reagan Brock said.

Whether it is an iTunes gift card or a new CD, music is a good gift in any form. Mostly everyone has a favorite artist or enjoys music so it’s a safe gift to get too. A recent release to look into is Kid Cudi’s new CD “Man on the Moon 2: the Legend of Mr. Rager.”“The new Kid Cudi CD is definitely on my Christmas list,” senior Dustin Houser said.

This is good for getting a gift for someone really close to you, like your best friend or significant other. Everybody has quirks, or unique things they enjoy, and getting them a gift like that plays on that will make a gift more thoughtful. If you know a friend has to have a cup coffee every morning to start their day, try getting them an assortment of different kinds of coffee.

Tie blankets are cost friendly, and are always personal. They come in many different patterns and you have to put some effort into the making of them. Gifts that are made are always special because there is obvious thought put into them.

Photos by Iman Ben-Hamza

Features 9Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

Folding-up origami with Douglas Tran

Whether it’s being followed at night or examined on Facebook, many individuals today find themselves in situations they don’t know how to handle. Commonly known as “creepers,” suspicious characters will approach unnoticed and invade another’s personal safety. But the one question many face today is how to put an end to this and why they lurk in another’s presence in the first place.

“It could be just because they have nobody else to turn to so they’re only option is to find affection in someone else. Maybe they lost something a long time ago and they try to find the closest thing to that feeling again,” sophomore Jacob McCreery said. “But it could be that they are just lonely and looking for someone to take the pain away from their own problems.”

One of the most important ways to stay protected is to learn how to stay protected.

Almost every Facebook user has had the experience of getting a friend request questioning whether they know who they are or not. If you wouldn’t talk to them in person, chances are you shouldn’t add them on Facebook either.

“I tend to add somebody if we have more than 100 or more mutual friends. I really need to go through

my friends and delete the people I don’t know because I get a lot of creeps liking my pictures when I have no idea who they are,” sophomore Taylor Hull said

Google and other search engines can link into the information a person puts on Facebook. Changing privacy settings is a key way to prevent search engines and scammers from accessing your account. If you don’t want your personal information,

such as address and telephone number, exposed to the world then don’t add it, or change the settings.

The settings can be changed on Facebook by going to the account tab, then privacy settings. Once at the privacy settings page, you can set who is able to see information you have posted such as pictures, status updates, basic information, and friends.

“Back in the day, I put my number on Facebook and a grown man kept calling my house phone and my mom had to tell him to stop calling,” junior Ericka Halfmann said.

After work or running to the grocery store alone, you are walking out to their car texting. How would you know whether or not you were being followed if you were too busy on your phone? You w ou l d n ’ t . S t a y i n g a l e r t is a tactic that teenagers need to learn. Always have keys in hand to make use of a weapon in case of emergenc y. Having keys in hand can also provide a quicker entry to their car.

“I always carry my keys in my hand and carry pepper spray on my keychain because I don’t want

to chance anything,” senior Kylie Hoose said.

Hoose said she always tries to park in well-lit areas that are close to her destination so she doesn’t

have to walk far alone. Even if you have to wait for a parking spot, it is better to be safe than to be sorry. The closer you park to the destination, the less chance you have of getting attacked.

L e a v i n g valuables in the

car before exiting can only cause more excitement and attention drawn to you and your car. By taking these items with you, it causes less desire for someone to break in or follow you. Children know when parents go away and they’re home alone that dangers can linger. The best way to stay protected is to know how. Locking windows and doors is the obvious way to keep an individual in and strangers out, but there are other ways people can find to invade others’ safety.

“When I’m home alone, I make sure that I have all the lights on so the creeper knows I am home and I would hide in my basement after I lock all of the doors and windows,” sophomore Martin Welch said.

Staying out of sight and keeping the house well-lit is a prime example of keeping oneself safe. Privacy on Facebook relates with privacy at home as well. If you make your Facebook status that you are home alone and bored in your room, this let’s a predator know where their prey is located. All this does is make their job easier.

McCreery said he would feel violated and taken advantage of if someone had felt the desire to creep on him. This could be a life changing event and the best way to protect

Douglas Tran is a senior who enjoys the complex art of paper folding, known as origami.

Origami has a goal of taking a flat sheet of paper and ending with a three-dimensional work of art that is complex, yet simple.

Steps that involve glue and cuts are not considered origami, so even if a figure looks to be held together with glue, hard work, proper folding, and a little bit of luck is all that is needed to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Tran has been folding since

kindergarten, starting simple with paper airplanes.

“I first saw my brother do it. Then over the years, I did it to impress a certain girl. It didn’t work out in the end, though,” Tran said.

As he worked his way through school, he spent most of his class time building his skill, creating more and more complex creations.

“It was an escape, a time killer. It

kept me awake in class,” Tran said. After years of folding, he does not

keep any figure he creates. “I give them away. If I kept every

piece of origami I made, my room would be stuffed.”

Shapes like planes, animals and many different birds are some of the simplest of things he makes.

Tran recently made a replica of ‘Spaceship Earth’, the symbol of the Disney theme park Epcot. The creation took him almost four months to finish.

He gifted it to a close friend of his, who took it in amazement.

‘The fact that people keep the things I make for them makes everything I make worthwhile,” Tran said.

Tran’s outlook on life: “I wish I could have a career in

Origami. I have been told I should try and make a paper home, but I think that would get boring.”

Predators beware: exposing tips against youTips to stay safe no matter the occasionCHloE HEnlEy

staff writer

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

BRian pRoCtoR

news editor

A fun and simple gift for anyone

Privacy settings protect your Facebook profile from unwanted viewers.

Locking the doors in your home will inhibit intruders.

Photo by Chloe Henley

Holding keys in a “wolverine” manner gives a weapon against predators.

Photo by Chloe Henley

Photo by Chloe Henley

Nine quick steps to make a cute piece of canine origami:

Photos by Brian Proctor

9

Features10Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtSDECEMBER 2010

Connecting the Dots

Jacqui Marpa

WiseGraduates of HHS share their advice on how to do high school the right way

After the diploma is in hand, the open house tent is taken down, the U-Haul is packed up, and college classes begin, alumni students move on with their lives. Finally settled into their new environment, some students look back on their high school careers and share regrets and advice with the current students of HHS.

linDSEy HaMlin

MaRiaH MaSSa

staff writers

I took the liberty of interviewing Santa Claus* and gave him the chance to set the record straight.

Due to conflicting schedules, we ended up exchanging e-mails with each other and this is how it went:

Q : In you r o p i n i o n , w h i c h Hollywood actor did the best impersonation of you?

Santa: Tim Allen (“The Santa Claus”)

Q: Do adults make it in the nice list? And if they do, what do they get? Do their mortgage, debt and taxes get paid for?

Santa: I only give presents to kids. Adults don’t believe in me, so I don’t get them anything.

Q: Did you ever consider using machines to create gifts? Or are elves cheaper so might as well keep them?

Santa: I care about my coworkers. The elves will never be replaced!

Q: I heard that you had to do some downsizing in your factory, how many elves did you have to let go?

Santa: Well, we have not had to lay any elves off, but we have been on a hiring freeze due to tough economic times, so when one retires they are not replaced.

Q: Are you allowed to downsize the number of nice kids this year? Or it isn’t necessary?

Santa: Funny you mention that because it seems as if the kids are getting naughtier each year. I have heard about many kids disrespecting their parents and teachers, so their lists have been downsized.

Q: Were you enraged by the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” since it suggests that Rudolph is a boy when she is a girl?

Santa: We are focused on a team effort, so when songs focus on just one individual we tend to not play it much.

Q: Have you been accused of house robbery?

Santa: Yes, I was appalled by the accusations and I did not return to their house the next year.

*Social studies teacher Russ Olcheske agreed to answer these questions as Santa Claus to make this column possible.

“Don’t try too hard to fit in because being “popular” doesn’t mean anything in college and after college,” Schaffer said.

Damaris Schaffer, now a sophomore at Grand Valley State University, was a graduate with the Class of 2009. Some of the activities Schaffer participated in were tennis, softbal l , Spanish club and National Honor Society (NHS).

Sarah Abent is now a freshman at Grand Valley State University. She graduated in 2010. In high school she participated in NHS, served as president of the German club, and mentored a fifth grader at Hope Middle School.

“In high school I wish I wouldn’t have got caught up in the drama because it was a waste of my time and energy,” Couturier said.

A graduate from 2009, Anne Courturier, now attends Aquinas College. While in high school she participated in basketball for two years, golf, Model United Nations, NHS and prom committee her senior year.

“I do wish I played more sports. We take sports for granted, and some are offered in high school that we can never play again,” Maier said.

A f t e r graduating with

the Class of 2010, Adam Maier is now a freshman at

the University of Michigan. While in high school he was a member of NHS, played on the hockey team and participated in Model

United Nations.

“Do everything. The things I regret most are the things I didn’t get to do. Whatever current students are thinking of doing, they should go do it,” Frankovich said.

Matt Frankovich, a freshman at Michigan State University, graduated with the Class of 2010. While in high school he participated in marching band, pit band, brass quintet, Debate, Forensics, Poetry Out Loud and theater.

“I wish I would have loosened up, I was too afraid of ruining my future and too uptight,” Currin said.

Now an alumnus of Michigan State University and HHS, Brandon Currin, graduated high school in 2006. During his high school career he participated in tennis, NHS, was NHS president in 2006, and he was a dancer. Currin is currently observing in social studies teacher Matt Trunk’s class four hours a week in preparation for his internship next year.

“Take advantage of the time you have with the people around you. High school is the only time you’ll ever be in an environment like the one you’re in. Make the most of it. Get to know everyone, each person has such a unique perspective on the world that can teach you so much about not only them, but yourself,” Marecki said.

Stephanie Marecki, now a

sophomore at Marquette University, graduated with the Class of 2009. While in

high school she played on the tennis team.

“Looking back at my high school career I wish I wouldn’t have slept through my junior year of math,” Olsen said.

Alex Olsen, now a freshman at Michigan State, graduated in 2010. In high school he participated in golf and was on the newspaper staff.

Santa Unplugged

words

“Go to as many events as possible. I regret not going to more sporting events,” Abent said. “Also, become close to your teachers. In college, it’s really hard to have a relationship with your professors. You literally have to go out of your way. Being close to your high school teachers pays off in college. You can ask them questions about anything later on.”

FeaturesHolt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

11

With break approaching, students are gearing up to have a relaxing and enjoyable time off of school and celebrate the holidays. Many students have a lot of different traditions unique to their family that they participate in around this time of year. Some don’t do anything necessarily unique, but have traditions nonetheless.

A majority of students celebrate Christmas. Christmas is a special holiday to many people.

“(Christmas) is a time for social gathering,” senior Noah Asseffa said. “Reconnect with family members, hang with friends and have fun.”

One reason why people feel Christmas is special are the memories that they have from Christmas’ past.

“I remember when I was six, I was at my grandma’s house,” junior Justin Whitlock said. “It was the first time I ever saw snow.”

Another reason why this holiday is unique is that lots of people get to see family members that they don’t usually get to see. Some travel out of town to see family members as well.

“(This year) I plan to go see my family,” senior Webster Ndovie said. “I’m going to Athens,

Ohio.” Still, not everybody’s methods of celebrating

the holiday are the same. Lots of people open up gifts every Christmas. However, people have different systems of opening presents. Some people have one day to open gifts and some have multiple days.

“I get to open up one gift on Christmas Eve,” junior Lena Garcia said.

Other people have to wait a little longer to unwrap their first present.

“On Christmas morning I open up all of my presents,” senior Abdullah Qawwee said. Students’’ traditions range from a certain movie they watch to a song they listen to. There are so many holiday movies and songs students have

to watch and listen to every year.“Every year I watch ‘The Grinch’,” Garcia said.

“I also have to listen to ‘All I Want For Christmas is you’ by Mariah Carey.”

Dinner also is a very important aspect of how people celebrate the holiday.

“We eat turkey, ham, stuffing, apple pie, mashed potatoes, candied yams,” Asseffa said. “Basically another Thanksgiving.”

Even though a large percent of HHS celebrates Christmas, there are students who celebrate other holidays as well.

“I celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas,” senior Jacke Zussman said. “My family is Christian.

Jewish is more cultural than a religion [to my family].”

Since, Hanukkah goes by the Jewish calendar, the holiday does not occur during the holiday break this year, December 1-9. Still, it will still be celebrated by those who are Jewish. Many traditions can be practiced when celebrating Hanukkah. Zussman has some traditions that she and her family participate in, but they don’t celebrate the holiday how it is usually celebrated. Zussman’s family sums up the eight-day holiday into one day.

“We light all the candles on one day and say a prayer,” Zussman said. “We go to brunch at my grandma’s house. We eat traditional food like lox and latkes.”

Muslims have recently celebrated the holiday Eid (al-Adha). Eid occurs at the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage many Muslims make to Mecca, to commemorate the Muslim prophet Abraham. It is one of the Islamic religion’s biggest holidays. This year, it took place from November 16-19.

“We fast until like 8:00 (at night). We don’t swear and (there is) no music,” sophomore Mohamed Mahawi said. “Fast again at like 10:00.”

There are many holidays students of HHS celebrate during the holiday season. They have their differences. However, they are alike in the fact that this is a special time of year to them.

“(The holidays are) really special. We celebrate both holidays,” Zussman said. “I get to be with my four sets of grandparents and do the traditions they like.”

It is the most wonderful time, of the year

Sitting in the library, the candles represent Hanukkah. It took place November 16-19.

Photos by Will Thurston

The Christmas Tree is just a piece of the display in the library of all the holiday celebrations.

Holiday season brings excitement to students at HHSWill tHuRSton

staff writer

Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtSDECEMBER 2010

12 The Hot SpotGet

A wave of the hand turns it on. It scans and recognizes the shape standing before it. It captures the

movement of a figure jumping, recognizes the elongated leg kicking, an extended arm punching. The new Xbox 360 Kinect knows the world around it, and it’s a whole new way to play.

The Kinect works by scanning the room with an invisible infrared light as it tracks 48 points on up to two human bodies. The Kinect ID feature remembers physical data to track each movement to make the first controller-free gaming system.

Although the Kinect sees people in infrared light, the console can record players in RGB color, and associates physical data with an avatar of the player’s creation.

At $150, over 2.5 million Xbox 360 Kinects have been sold. One buyer, junior Patrick Carrier, said he likes the Kinect and has noticed few problems.

“I like the Kinect because you can play anywhere in your house since it wirelessly connects to Xbox Live,” Carrier said. “The only problem that I’ve noticed is I get disconnected from Xbox Live a lot more with the Kinect than I did with my regular Xbox 360.”

The Kinect is compatible with every Xb ox 360, and can

connect to Xbox Live. Just in time for the holidays, 17 games

have been launched with the Kinect, including Harry Potter

and the Deathly Hallows Part One, Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout and Dance Central, making the Kinect fun for families, as well.

“The whole family can get into it and have fun,” senior Manuel Banda said.

To play the Kinect, there should be at least six feet between the player and the console and eight feet if there is more than one player. Not only can a player move to interact with the Kinect, but it recognizes voices as well, and can pick them out from other noises in the room.

“It looks fun,” Banda said, “You can get into the game, literally.”

The Kinect creates a digital skeleton of each player based on depth data to put a person right in the game. It is sensitive to direct sunlight whether it is on the console or the person playing. The Kinect works best when it is above the television, but not on the television.

Senior Alexa Caskey said she would like to have the Kinect because a controller isn’t needed to play the games, like other interactive gaming systems such as the Wii.

“There aren’t many games for the Wii,” Caskey said.

Carrier and Caskey both said it would be worth it to buy the Kinect instead of the Wii, or to replace the Wii.

“I think it’s worth it to get a Kinect because a lot of people play on Xbox Live,” Carrier said, “It’s a lot more fun to play online with your friends than it is to play the regular game by yourself.”

KinectedKinect console puts gamers in motionkaRina DRaCHMan

opinion editor

How Kinect has changed video games

s Can play in a larger space and all around the house

s No controller

s Don’t have to worry about the dangers of accidental remote-throwing

s Involves more physical interaction

s More realistic game-play

Photo courtesy of xbox.comUsed with permission

Photo courtesy of xbox.comUsed with permission

Style of Music: “I mostly listen to acoustic rock. It’s sorta mellow, I like singer songwriter stuff, songs with stories.”

“Rain King (Live from Soho)” by Counting Crows: “Awesome song from my favorite band.”

“We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes: “This was the first song I learned to play on guitar and it reminds me of being a kid.”

“Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee: “Song that was played during my wedding dance.”

“Don’t Cry a Tear” by Lyle Lovett: “This is the song I want played at my funeral (a little morbid, but a great song).”

Style of Music: “My favorite genre of music is country because I have listened to itsince I was little.”

“Strawberry Wine” by Dean Carter: “This song is really soft and pretty.”

“Speechless” by Lady Gaga: “It’s not country, but it’s still really good.”

“Landslide” by The Dixie Chicks: “I really like this song because it’s about growing up and changing.”

“White Liar” by Miranda Lambert: “I like a lot of Miranda Lambert songs, especially this one.”

“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry: “This song is very moving.”

If you’d like to telll us what songs are stuck in your head, e-mail a list of five songs and your comments to ramparts@hpsk12.net .

What’s stuckin mathteacher Brian Vessell’s head?

We’ve selected two people to interview and find out what music they love this month.

The Hot Spot 13Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

What’s stuck in senior Meghan Hanrahan’s head?

My TunesChristmasCollin MoHR

alySSa StEptER

staff writers

Home Alone“Home Alone” is the first of a three-movie-

series. Kevin, a 13-year-old boy, gets left behind on a family vacation and has the whole house to himself. Two big time burglars pose as cops prior to the McCallister departure to France and ask around the neighborhood seeing who will be gone and who is staying home. They plan to rob all the places where people will be gone. The two burglars attempt to break into the McCallister house, while Kevin defends the house by setting up traps for the burglars to run into.

“I think “Home Alone” is the best Christmas movie because it is really funny when the two burglars keep getting hurt by all of this 13 year old boys traps,” senior Marcus Losewski said.

Elf “Elf” is a movie about

a human born boy who ends up at the North Pole. Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, grows up not fitting in at the North Pole and struggling to keep up with the rest of the elves.

Papa elf decides one day when he believes Buddy is old enough, he tells him about how he is really an ordinary human being. Buddy travels to New York City where he finds his real dad and he attempts to get him to truly believe in Christmas.

“It has good funny jokes that make me laugh, but at the same time it really makes kids believe in Santa,” senior Horacio Londano said.

Polar Express“Polar E xpress” is

about a young boy who finds himself becoming too old to believe in Santa Claus. One Christmas Eve night, he hears a loud train toot coming from outside his house. When he walks out the front

door he sees the Polar Express. He travels on the Polar Express meeting all sorts of new kids and when they arrive to the North Pole, they make it just in time to see Santa Claus leave. In the end, the boy receiving a gift from Santa Claus, allows him never to stop believing in Santa Claus.

Santa Claus“The Santa Claus” is

about a young boy named Charlie who has divorced parents. In the middle of the night Charlie hears a noise on the roof. He and his dad go out to look, and on the roof is Santa. Santa falls off the roof and Scott, Charlie’s dad puts on the suit, making him the new Santa. Charlie

tells his mom Laura and stepfather Neil about their Christmas Eve adventure, and Laura doesn’t allow Charlie to see his dad anymore due to her thinking he is insane for thinking he is actually Santa Claus. “I feel Tim Allen really delivers a sleigh-full of laughs in this festive comedy,” senior Adam Lansdell said.

Hot chocolate with mini-marshmallows, sledding, snow days and the holiday season are things on every student’s mind. But what would the holiday season be without the wonderful movies we enjoy to go with it? Students shared some of their seasonal favorites with Ramparts.

This ChristmasAmong favorites are “This Christmas”

released in 2007 by Rainforest Films, starring Chris Brown as well as Lauren London and Loretta Devine. The movie is about the Whitfield family, who have all come home for the first time in years for a big family Christmas celebration, but each member brings along plenty of baggage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed to one another and family bonds are tested throughout. As their lives begin to mesh, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family.

“This Christmas relates to my community, plus it’s funny and it’s different,” senior Sarah Butler said.

“I think it’s just a really great family movie,” sophomore Taylor Hull said.

A Christmas CarolAnother classic is “A Christmas Carol” based

off of a novella created by Charles Dickens in 1843. The story tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is an old, lonely and grumpy old man who hates Christmas and everything about it. He forgets about the joy and happiness of the holiday spirit, so he is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghost.

Throughout each of his journeys to the past, present and future, Scrooge learns something about himself and the world around him so that he has a complete change of heart and regains the spirit of Christmas once again.

Many different versions have been created, but the moral remains the same: The spirit of Christmas will always be alive, as long as it’s alive in your heart.

Christmas with the Kranks:“Christmas with the Kranks” is about a couple

who lives in a community where Christmas is the most anticipated time of the year, and decorations are everywhere in town and on every house. Luther and Nora Krank have a daughter who is away on a school event overseas, and Luther decides he is not going to decorate this year. Instead, he and his wife will go on a cruise. The community is angered by his decision. Nora then receives a phone call from her daughter who says she is coming home for Christmas. Luther and Nora, with the help of the rest of the community, hurry to set up their house and throw a party just in time for her return home.

8 Crazy NightsNext up on the list is Adam Sandler’s musical

comedy “8 Crazy Nights.” Sandler plays Davey Stone, a 33-year old party animal, who finds himself in trouble with the law after his wild ways catch up to him. The judge gives Davey one last chance; he can either spend the holiday performing community service as the assistant referee for the youth basketball league or go to jail. Davey thinks he’s gotten off easy until he meets Whitey Duvall, head referee. Between Whitey’s good heart and consistent optimism and Davey’s troublemaking, soon both of them end up wondering if going to jail would have been easier.

A Christmas Story

“A Christmas Story” is a 1983 American classic based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd.

“ I w a t c h i t e v e r y C h r i s t m a s d a y ; i t ’s always on in a 24-hour marathon. My mom hates

it, but I love it,” junior Alyssa Robinson said. Students agree that the movie is outrageously funny, and when talking about it, the smiles and giggles come out.

“It’s just hilarious and everyone knows it,” junior Drew Dyer said.

The story is set to the 1940’s about a nine-year-old boy named Ralphie who wants one thing for Christmas -- an official Red Ryder BB rifle. When he asks his mother for the BB gun for Christmas, she says, “No, you’ll shoot your eye out.” Everyone he turns to gives him that exact same response.The movie takes us through the surprising adventures of young Ralphie and his quest for that one special gift

How The Brinch Stole Christmas

Another top holiday movie among students is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” made into a film in 2000 by Universal Pictures and Imagine E n t e r t a i n m e n t . T h e movie stars Jim Carey.

Although it is based on the 1957 book by Dr. Seuss, it is fun for all ages. The movie features the Grinch, who hates Christmas and becomes annoyed with the all of the Christmas festivities occurring around him in Whoville. But after the Grinch comes up with a plan to deprive the Who’s of their favorite holiday by sneaking into the town on Christmas Eve to steal everything associated with the holiday, he learns that the spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than the tinsel and toys.

Classics

14DECEMBER 2010

SportsBOYS BASKETBALLrecord:1-1league standing: N/Aseason highlight: “We look forward to surprising other teams in our league with our hidden talent,” senior Danny Middleton said.in their words: “Every game is going to be a battle. We’ll be underestimated, but we’re going to play really good and surprise a lot of people,” junior Blake Darling said.

GIRLS BASKETBALLrecord:2-2league standing: N/Aseason highlight: “We are getting really close. We know each other’s way of thinking and that helps us on the court,” sophomore Sherye Bradley said.in their words: “I like knowing that we are closer to our goals and that every time we step on the court we learn and get closer to them,” senior Robyn Robinson said.

BOYS BOWLINGseason highlight: “Our first match is January 6. I feel that we are going to have some competition against Mason, and maybe Jackson,” senior Chris Lander said.in their words: “I feel great about the upcoming season. The team is strong. We have a lot of talent. I feel that we can make it to states and come out on top,” senior Caleb Wyatt said.

GIRLS BOWLINGseason highlight: “I am looking forward to getting better and competing in matches,” junior Lauren Strong said. in their words: “So far I have enjoyed learning how to become the best bowler I can be,” junior Tori Frailey said.

CHEERLEADINGseason highlight: “Cheer for charity was the coolest thing we have done so far,” junior Kaitlin Barner said. in their words: “The best part of cheerleading so far has been finally getting to cheer with the seniors. Before, we were always separate,” junior Hannah Johnson said.

The Press BoxHolt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS

A little more than a Band-AidAthletes aim to prevent and recover from injurieskElSEy ManaS

editor-in-chief

Preparing for basketball practice, sophomore Morgan David has her ankle taped to prevent rolling it and causing harm. Athletes are advised to stop in the trainer’s office before a game or practice to be taped.

Photos by Kelsey Manas

Having his rotator cuff realigned, junior swimmer Jason Ziolkowski has his shoulder manipulated by athletic trainer Steve Pingston after school to reduce pain in practice.

Sports injuries can happen to any athlete, at any time, in any sport. From a minor concussion, to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), athletes find themselves taking time out of practice, games and even school to deal with injuries. Knowing exactly what is wrong and knowing how to recover, is necessary for the success of an athlete.

Steve Pingston is the athletic trainer for all HHS sports. As a trainer, he is the first medical professional on the scene to any injury. Athletic trainers are now licensed medical professionals in the State of Michigan. This means that any person (coach, parent, student, etc.) that acts as an athletic trainer without being licensed, can be subject to felony charges.

Pingston recognizes and properly assesses the injury to provide immediate medical care. If an injury is not life threatening, Pingston allows the athlete to begin the rehabilitation process.

“The rehabilitation part of the recovery could be as simple as using the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method,” Pingston said. “It is my job to make sure the athlete can perform the necessary functions pain-free and safely before they get back on the field or court.”

Recently, regulations in Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) have changed in relation to concussions. By definition, a concussion is a type of brain injury that causes a temporary disturbance in brain function. Symptoms of a concussion are headaches, dizziness, nausea, impairment and irritability.

As an athletic training assistant, sophomore

Abby Lucas sees a lot of injuries, from rolled ankles to severe concussions. Lucas says that the trainers ask the athlete questions that force him or her to think, to test brain function.

“If an athlete works while they have a concussion, it could make it much worse and cause them long time effects,” Lucas said. “We ask them questions such as date and time. While they’re recovering we ask them the same questions and watch their improvement.”

MHSAA has enforced a five-step protocol that is to be followed during a contest when an athlete may have sustained a concussion. This protocol requires an athlete to be removed from play and not allowed back until a release is written by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine.

Senior Ryan Schooley is no stranger to sports injuries, after having a concussion and dislocating his shoulder and tearing the labrum (a large shoulder tissue). Schooley spent weeks recovering from his recent shoulder surgery and also had to take time off after his concussion.

“I was able to play four days after my concussion and three days after dislocating my shoulder,” Schooley said. “I probably wouldn’t have played if it wasn’t my senior year.”

Injuries affect an athlete not only physically, but also mentally. Having to stay inactive after an injury can hurt an athlete’s chances of staying positive.

“Injuries are kinda depressing,” Schooley said. “They take away time from your team, time you’ll never get back.”

Senior varsity football and basketball player Danny Middleton missed four months before football after suffering a complete ACL tear and a miniscus tear. Middleton underwent surgery to repare the ACL and was able to play all of football season.

Recently, however, Middleton re-tore his ACL and will possibly have to miss all of basketball season. Middleton says that it’s hard to possibly never reach his goal of playing division one or two football, and that has been the hardest part for him.

“These injuries have really tested me mentally, I never expected to face any type of injury like this,

especially going into and during my senior year of football and basketball,” Middleton said.

Athletes turn to different strategies for support in these hard times, Middleton says he has a large support group, and is thankful for the help.

“It’s hard to deal with the bad attitude I get from my injury,” Middleton said. “I have had to rely on many close friens, my family, God and just flat out my inner strength.”

Prevention is key in saving athletes time and pain. Pingston suggests having proper fitting equipment such as helmets and mouth guards. According to Pingston, only 15 percent of all high school helmets fit properly. Helmets and other equipment can be essential in preventing injury, but there are also steps athletes can follow everyday to prevent injury.

“To prevent injuries you need to eat right, get enough sleep, stretch at least three to four times a day to maintain flexibility, lace your shoes, follow the school’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport and practice and perfect the skills of your sport,” Pingston said.

A speedy recovery is all an athlete can hope for after suffering from an injury. From needing just rest, or even surgery, Lucas recommends getting checked out immediately, because an injury can only get worse without the proper care.

Do you have a concussion? No one can see a concussion, but athletes may notice some of the symptoms right away. Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury. Symptoms may include:

-Amnesia or confusion-Headache-Balance problems or double vision-Sensitivity to light-Nausea-Irritability

Source: Athletic Trainer Steven Pingston

DANCErecord: N/Aleague standing: N/Aseason highlight:“Competitions will be fun and we’ll hopefully do well at them,” junior Shannon Kraemer said.in their words: “The season’s going to go wonderful. We have a lot of new styles compared to previous years, “ sophomore Neeley McCall said.

GYMNASTICSrecord: N/Aleague standing: N/Aseason highlight: “Being able to be a family again. Everyone is really close,” sophomore Taylor Hull said. in their own words: “It’s nice being on varsity. Everyone is bonding well, and it’s like we are a family,” sophomore Alexis Dorer said.

HOCKEYrecord: 1-1league standing: N/A season highlight: Beating Lansing Patriots because it was our first game of the season,” junior Nick Payne said. in their words: “Hopefully we’ll make it to states. We have a good team, but work is needed. Everyone has different skills that contribute to the team,” junior Taylor Beck said.

BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVINGconference record: 1-0league standing: N/Aseason highlight: “I think that we will have a very strong season, and we will definitely be giving Okemos and Grand Ledge a run for their money,” junior Eric Dawdy said.in their words: “I’m looking forward to the CAAC championship. The challenge we might face is Okemos. We are going to have to want to win more than them," junior Collin Harris said.

WRESTLINGrecord: N/Aleague standing: N/Ain their words: “We have the talent and ability to win the state title. So it’s going to be tons of fun seeing us this year, to see how our hard work will pay off,” junior Robert Barrios said.

The Press Box

Sports 15Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

Swim team dives into excitementAthletes and coach set big goals for strong seasonCoDy SHattuCk

staff writer

With a new roster and fall behind them, the boys swim team couldn’t be more prepared for the season ahead of them. 

It’s only likely to have goals set in mind for what they want to accomplish.  The coach, the swimmers and the fans all have similar aims in mind.

“A big goal the swim team has is to win conferences and to qualify for states, because we haven’t done it before,” junior Kurtis Smith said. “And qualifying for states is huge because only certain people make it.”

With more than half the team being juniors, a lot of practice will go into the season. The sw immers are w el l-prepared w ith s ome differences from last season. One swimmer said there is more pressure for the upperclassmen and the workouts are more intensive.

“We are practicing longer and harder. One hour in the morning, three hours in the afternoon. We also added P90X, an extensive mixed up workout has been added to practices this year,” junior Erik Fiasky said.   “We are also team building with the upper and lower classmen to connect more as a team.”

With one meet under their belt, there are mixed feelings about what‘s to come.

“I have a pretty good feeling. We don’t have many seniors, but we’re hoping that the juniors can step up and do well,” Smith said.

With hard work and determination to make it to the conference championship and to get state cuts. The team said they are going to need some support from the fans to get there. 

“People should come and watch swimming at least once, to see what we can do because we are an underestimated sport,” Fiasky said. “Even though we are predicted to win, we don’t exactly have the strength in the upcoming freshmen, unlike Okemos and Grand Ledge, but we hope to win a championship nonetheless.”  

Although there may be some factors that come into play this season, they are sure about one thing. They have some talent on the team, some strengths that can take them far.  Last year they came a little short of their goals and are hoping to accomplish them this year.

“We have some breast strokers this year that will help the team.   We also have Eric Dawdy, who is our returning state swimmer,” senior Tanner Kletke said.   “Last year we didn’t have any breast strokers, which contributed to us not beating Okemos, but this year that will help us to accomplish our goals.”

Coach Marty Pohl has the same thing in mind for what he wants to see from the swimmers: Going

to the conference championship as a repeat from last year.

“I would like to see them earn the success they have worked hard for,” Pohl said. “I feel this is going to be an exciting year. There might be about four meets that may be decided by a few points, but our ultimate goal is to win the conference championship.”

Junior Eric Dawdy preforms the 400 freestyle at the Waverly meet on December 8 where Holt came in 3rd against Waverly, Jackson, St. Johns, Okemos, Grand Ledge and many other schools.

Photo by Cody Shattuck

Boys Swimming and Diving Schedule Jan. 6 Everett Home 6:00

Jan. 11 St. Johns Away 6:00

Jan. 13 East Lansing Home 6:00

Jan. 20 Brighton Home 6:00

Jan. 27 Okemos Away 6:00

Feb. 3 Jackson Away 6:00

Feb. 5 Dewitt invite Away 10:00

Feb. 10 Grand Ledge Home 6:00

Feb. 25 CAAC Prelim @ East Lansing 5:00

Feb. 26 CAAC Final @ East Lansing 2:00

Sports 16 Holt HigH SCHool RaMpaRtS DECEMBER 2010

Will Thurston

The water cooler

Don’t Miss ThisHockey:December 17-18With a challenging game today against the Eastside Hockey Club, the team is in for a busy weekend of competition. Coming off a productive 2009 season, this year’s Rams look to be a competitor in the league. Saturday’s challenge is against Lumen Christi Titans who are among the league’s best year in and year out.

WrestlingDecember 17-18The wrestling team attends the annual Canton, Ohio tournament this weekend. Each year it helps the team compete against higher competition, getting them ready for the state’s best at the end of the season.

Boys Swimming January 6Following a past season of personal accomplishments, the season looks to achieve many more for the players. Starting with a win during their first meet, the team can only improve more. The meet on January 6

should be nothing less than a competition.

Meet and greet with two athletesFellow classmates by day, inspirational athletes and competitors by nightHannan gEDEon

staff writer

When LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to join Dewayne Wade and try to

form a super-team with the Miami Heat last summer, two types of reactions surfaced. The Heat fans were saying how the Heat would win countless numbers of championships for years to come and replace the Los Angeles Lakers as the elite NBA team.

Others said that a team with three superstars and a lack of talented role players couldn’t win a championship. They have to share one ball when they aren’t used to playing sidekick to anyone ever.

The NBA season is now two months in and the season has not gone as well as Heat fans hoped. Still, it has not been the disaster some have predicted. However, it is closer to the latter than the former. They are currently 15-8.

The reasons why they are not playing well seem to be very fixable, but they don’t seem to have been attempting to fix the problems. The main problem is that they don’t run a lot of set plays. James and Wade take turns going one-on-one. Also, the transition game is not getting going and that’s where they would excel with the caliber of athletes and playmakers they have. They lack a true center who can rebound, score and battle with other teams’ centers.

If they can get a half-court game going and they play inside-out with Bosh, James and Wade and then push the ball and get out in transition, their offense should increase in productivity dramatically. Also, Eric Dampier will need to be the team’s true center and must play solid enough to compete with the centers the Heat will face if they want to win a championship: Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers’ Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Almost all of these adjustments come from coaching and just waiting for the team to develop chemistry. The Heat have disappointed early, but don’t be surprised come playoff time if they are right in there battling for a championship. The only thing that will hold them back is the lack of a true talented center.

Senior Jackelyn Zussman is a member of the gymnastics team. She has participated in the sport for eight years. She practices five days a week, and has competitions on Saturdays. Her mom is her main encouragement; she talks to her when she doesn't feel like going and when she feels mentally and physically exhausted.

Q. What made you want to participate in this sport?

A. My mom was a gymnast. I just like girly things.

Q. What do you like about this sport?

A. It’s hard, but at the same time you have to be poised.

Q. Are you going to continue this sport in college?A. No, I am going to CMU. I’d never compete, but I would practice with

them.Q. What’s hard about this sport?A. Getting up when you fall. It’s embarrassing because you work so hard.Q. Who is your favorite athlete?A. Shawn JohnsonQ. Does it affect your time management when it comes to homework

and other activities?A. Yes, I coach too, and I come home so late.

Jackelyn Zussman: Gymnast

Senior Zachary Smith is a member of the swimming and diving team. He has participated in this sport for two years and is onto his third season. He practices five days a week during the season, and three days a week off-season. The people that encourage him the most are his friends who are divers as well as the coaches; they really motivate him to do well and to pull through the tough practices and the occasional bad meet.

Q. What made you want to participate in this sport?

A. I decided to start diving after watching diving at the 08' Olympics because it was really exciting to watch, and I had always wanted to but never had the courage.

Q. What do you like about this sport?

A. I like that the hard work that we put into practice, and even outside of the high school diving season is really

worth it, especially when I can do harder dives and get better scores.Q. Are you going to continue this sport in college?A. I don't think I’ll continue diving because it gets a lot more intense. You

have to dive on higher boards, and I think it would be way too time-consuming.Q. What’s hard about this sport?A. Well, diving is a perfection sport, so having to correct every little thing that

can subtract from getting a perfect score can be frustrating at times, and we use almost every part of our bodies for every dive, so it can get physically tiring.

Q. Who is your favorite athlete?A. I really don't have a favorite athlete for diving. I guess I like Kelci Bryant

because she dives at the college that I want to go to, and she's very good.

Zachary Smith: Diver

Senior Jackelyn Zussman shows off one of her beginning stances on the balance beam. Over the last eight years of competing, she has mastered this pose very well.

Photo by Hannan GedeonWith many long hours of practice under his belt, senior Zachary Smith jumps hard in order to get good air for his dive. With friends behind him, he is going into this season strong.

Dream Team

Photo by Chloe Henley

T w o s t u d e n t s f r o m H H S are recognized for their athletic accomplishments, as they strive to achieve their personal goals.