The Review » Entertainment

Water for Elephants Book Review

crystal — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:58:54 +0000

“When you are five, you know your age down to the month. Even in your twenties, you know how old you are. I’m twenty-three you say, or maybe twenty-seven. But then in your thirties, something strange starts to happen. It is a mere hiccup at first, an instant of hesitation. How old are you? Oh, I’m–you start confidently, but then you stop. You were going to say thirty-three, but you are not. You’re thirty-five. And then you’re bothered, because you wonder if this is the beginning of the end. It is, of course, but it’s decades before you admit it.” Jacob Jankowski, Water for Elephants

Jacob Jankowski was in his early 20s when his life changed forever. During his final exam for veterinarian school, Jankowski got the news that both of his parents were killed in an accident. He ran out of his exam and hopped on a train. Little did he know that he was about to enter into a world of freaks, drifters and misfits, all a part of a second-rate circus trying to survive during the Great Depression.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a novel full of adventure, romance and surprises. It is told by the main character, Jankowski, who is in his 90s now but has flashbacks from this period of his life. The book is anything but ordinary, but I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great read. Water for Elephants will teach you many things about love, life and everything in between.

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Angela Geist

School Lunch Gets a Makeover

crystal — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:14:05 +0000

The cafeteria may not seem like such an integral part of the high school experience, but since Ottawa High School adopted the traditional class schedule, lunchtime is now the largest break that our hardworking students get during the day. I certainly feel that lunch is a much-needed 30 minutes to be used for relaxing and refueling in the midst of our tiring studies.

I will be honest: I have not always been a huge fan of our school food. The past two and a half years of my high school career, I deemed the so-called “meals” visually unappealing and bland on the taste buds—to put it kindly. Lunch food became so unpleasant for me that I would actually beg my mother to make me a lunch every morning just so that I would not have to choke down another school meal.

However, when I walked into the lunchroom the first day after Winter Break, I was pleasantly surprised. The hot lunch line (or what I like to call “the commoners’” lunch line) was offering meals made with what looked like whole grain spaghetti…and there were even meatballs! The à la carte lunch line (or the “why-would-you-pay-five-bucks-every-day-for-a-tray-of-fried-food?” lunch line) had done away with the same old oriental and Mexican dishes. Now, you can choose between a burger-with-side combo and some selection of grilled Panini. Even the sandwich cart and fruit bar got a makeover!

Unfortunately, some of my classmates do not understand why I am so happy that our cafeteria got an “upgrade.” Well let’s just say it makes me ecstatic to know that I can thoroughly enjoy my lunch break; a good meal can put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. Also, I am proud of our lunch service for not only boosting the variety, but the quality of the food is also much improved. Now I can certainly say that lunch is the most anticipated part of my school day. And for those of you who are still begging your mother’s to pack your lunches…don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

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Jaime Birzer

5 Minutes to Text a Waste?

crystal — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:20:27 +0000

Into the second week of school, students are struggling to get used to the new changes, such as seven classes every day. One change that many students seem to have taken advantage of, however, is phone use during passing periods. Students get to check and use their phones for five minutes while getting between classes. So, why have students earned this privilege?
“We were looking for ways to decrease phone use in class. Other schools were experimenting with the idea and we decided to try it out. We want students to be able to check in between classes so that phone use will be cut down in class,” Principal Johnson said.
But how will this cut down phone use in class? If all of the students use them between classes, they obviously have them with them during class. I would think that having it in class and sending a message right before would make a student more tempted to use their phone in class.
While many students are thrilled with any allowed phone use during the day, is this the right way to use our phones? Or is it a pointless advantage to students? Our student handbook states that students are encouraged to leave their phones and electronic devices at home, but how many students honestly do that? If we are encouraged to leave them at home, why are we allowed to use them for five measly minutes in between class? I may be in the minority, but I feel as if this new “advantage” is pointless, and I do not benefit from it. I see all of my friends from 7:45 to 3:10 at school, and even afterwards if I choose to, so why would I need to text them the whole time? I am at school for a reason, and that is not to socialize. Does this new rule say that we should be more worried about socializing instead of being focused at school?

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Angela Geist

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: A Saga in Two Parts

crystal — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:28:09 +0000

If you have not been living under a rock for the past ten years, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the story and legacy of “The Boy Who Lived”. (For those of you who seem to have lost touch with the world as we know it: that means Harry Potter in layman’s terms.)

The mystical world of Harry Potter began in 1997, when author J.K. Rowling stepped out in the literature world with a story about a young orphan boy who learns he is a wizard and must go to a school of witchcraft and wizardry to refine his skills; all the while, dodging Quidditch bludgers and the wrath of the vengeful Lord Voldemort. The book instantly captivated young and old readers alike, and a movie was soon made about the best-seller. In 2001, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released, and thanks to a widely positive response from audiences, became the sixth highest-grossing film of all-time.

Fast-forward nine years, and the Potter phenomenon is still growing strong. After six more books and corresponding movies, we have reached the final steps in Harry Potter’s enchanting journey. On July 21, 2007 the last book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released, selling 8.3 million copies in the United States alone (nytimes.com) and leaving fans to anxiously await the arrival of the final movie, set to release Nov. 2010. But wait, there is a catch. Fans will have even more magic to look forward to because the last installment of the Potter series will be made into not one, but two films.

Why would the movie be split into two? Even though it is not the longest book in the series (that award goes to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) it is surely the one with the most content. The book is not set at Hogwarts but rather across the country as Harry, Ron and Hermione go on a quest through the magical world to find an end to Lord Voldemort. It is undeniable that there are many details in this book that need to be expressed in order to make the finale as big as possible—almost every part is a vital one.

Tom Felton, who plays Harry’s Hogwarts nemesis, Draco Malfoy, said that there is a big advantage to the two-movie split.

“We have all the freedom to stick to the books exactly and revel in them and enjoy every page,” Felton said (reelzchannel.com).

Many students are happy about the decision to divide as well.

“I think it is a wonderful idea,” junior Paul Thomas said. “They can pack all the adventure and excitement into two movies instead of just one.”

And do not think that it is only young people who are enticed by the world of Potter. Adults like Ms. Tatum, English teacher, are pleased by this news as well.

“I think it is necessary,” Tatum said about the split. “I think with other movies that’ve been epic fantasy novels, they’ve made the mistake of cropping it too much. But by doing this, they keep more content.”

By keeping more content audiences are sure to not be left disappointed since many parts that would have been cut making only one movie will be kept due to the separation into two. What scenes are fans most hoping will be emphasized in the upcoming films?

“I think they’ll be able to focus on the battle of Hogwarts and the fall of Voldemort and hopefully on all the memories that Severus Snape gave to Harry,” Thomas said.

Tatum said she usually does not realize her favorite sections have been left out until she is done watching the movie.

“I don’t really realize it until it’s over, but then I’m like, ‘Why did they cut that?’,” Tatum said.

Her only request is the same as Thomas’s: keep Snape’s memories.

“They better not cut any of that. Other than that, I know parts will be cut, but they better do it justice,” Tatum said.

It is clear to all, cast of the film included, that this movie must be big in order to end the renowned series with its well deserved bang. Helen McCrory, who portrays Draco’s mother, Narcissa Malfoy, said the sense of anticipation amongst the cast is palpable because these last two movies will offer something the previous six could not.

“It’s got a full stop. I think up to now, every director who has done a Harry Potter has had to do a dot-dot-dot. They know it’s a sequel, they know there’s another film coming out. But with this one, we can actually make everything have an epic ending. It’s going to be final. And it’s going to be huge. There doesn’t have to be any more pauses or dot-dot-dots. So they’re letting out all the stops with this one,” McCrory said (rottentomatoes.com).

The underlying theme in these last two movies is Harry’s transition from boy to man. And that, she emphasizes, really sets the stage for a dramatic finale.

Another factor that will make this last installment a memorable one is the announcement that the two movies will be released in 3D. In a press release regarding a new deal IMAX secured with Warner Bros., mention is made of an IMAX 3D release for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. Previously, Warner Bros. announced that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I is to be released in 3D as well as in traditional 2D form.

Dan Fellman, WB’s President of Domestic Distribution, said that incorporating 3D into the movies will serve as the ultimate experience for audiences.

“We are extraordinarily proud of our forthcoming slate and eager to offer these films to audiences in the most premium of movie-going experiences,” Fellman said (the-leaky-cauldron.org).

So, if you are still a bit unsure of exactly who Harry Potter is, it is advised that you get a library card. The whimsical world of Harry Potter has built itself up into a whirlwind of magic and the end of the epic saga will surely be designed to blow audiences away. Catch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I in theaters Nov. 19, 2010 and Deathly Hallows: Part II in theaters July 15, 2011.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/business/worldbusiness/23iht-potter.4.6789605.html

http://www.reelzchannel.com/movie-news/6153/tom-felton-opens-up-about-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_deathly_hallows_part_i/news/1848518/exclusive_helen_mccrory_updates_on_harry_potter_7

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2010/2/3/confirmed-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-one-to-be-released-in-3d

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Jaime Birzer

Swimsuit Season Survival Tips

crystal — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:24:26 +0000

Get ready girls! It’s swimsuit season! Some women dread the upcoming days where their bodies are exposed to the world only covering the essentials with a skimpy bikini or one piece. It takes confidence to wear a swimsuit in general, but this is the time where self consciousness or confidence is most obvious.

Every girl has their areas on their bodies that they feel uncomfortable with. Do not be afraid! You can get through this and feel confident in yourself to rock that swimsuit and look amazing throughout the whole summer.

If you feel like you need to tone up your body quickly before you pull out that swimsuit to try on for the first time, just do simple workout programs every day for 10 minutes. There are so many credible options online for you to try and get the results you want. Just be persistent and consistent with exercise and healthy eating and you will be on the way to your beach body in no time. It is not hard to keep up with exercise. High school students are all busy during spring time with finals and school work, but 10 minutes a day is a reasonable amount of time with the results you can get from a workout.

The teenage body can only take so much, the don’ts of swimsuit season workouts include power lifting, excessive exercise and expecting unrealistic results. Steer clear of these negative factors and you will be ready for the season.

Always remember to eat right; next time your craving a sugar filled candy bar grab a piece of fruit instead that is just as sweet and your body’s results will be as well. Drink more liquids like water, smoothies and tea, as they cut back on the sugar and keep you and your skin hydrated.

Dry skin brush your body to remove dead skin cells before you take a shower to exfoliate your skin and your skin will be refreshed and ready for the sun. Always remember to protect your glowing skin with sunscreen to prevent skin damage.

Follow these tips and you will no longer dread the season but enjoy the coming of summer with confidence and embrace your newly shaped and swim suit ready body.

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Haley Butler

Vote for 2010 Senior Bests

Wilmes — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:56:42 +0000

Seniors: the nominations are in! Using the password that your CAT teachers have, you may vote at the following link. Please vote for one male and one female for each category! Voting must be done by Friday, April 23 at 3 p.m.

This link will take you to the survey.

The Book of Why

crystal — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:00:55 +0000

The Book of Eli starts off pretty violently for a movie based on a religious text. The camera pans across a dead man getting his legs eaten by rats. The shot then pans over various scenes of a post-apocalyptic world. It is clear that something bad happened, but that it was a long time ago. Broken buildings are covered in sand and rust, and every person has to scrounge around for food.

The Book of Eli is certainly the most captivating movie about a bible currier that I’ve ever watched. Sorry if I ruined the surprise, although the movie’s title and the trailers kind of give it away. It doesn’t matter much in the first 3/4ths of the movie. All Eli does is kill everyone he meets, probably because they are all trying to kill him for his bible.

At this point I expected some sort of religious significance to be injected into the story. But the bible could have been a large diamond or money or any other sort of secret that others covet. Instead of turning into some sort of end of the world movie, it switches gears and becomes a western.

Eli eventually meets up with the leader of a town, Carnegie, who’s after his precious bible. In true western fashion, Eli falls for his wife’s daughter, and chaos ensues.

The movie is visually beautiful, all the scenes are well shot, and the world that Eli lives in appears desolate without going over the top, like 2012 or The Day After Tomorrow. Denzel Washington gives a good performance as Eli, but he is a pretty silent main character.

The story is where the movie falls apart. There is never any explanation as to why Eli seems to be able to kill whomever he wants. And the rationale for why a man who carries a bible shoots everyone he sees seems flimsy at best. But the surprise ending is the worst part. It fails to wrap up anything and creates more questions than it answers.

I would recommend this movie to people the same way I recommended Avatar. See it to take in the stunning setting and watch things go boom, just don’t expect anything out of the story.

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Schuyler Foulke

Charlie Brown Takes the Stage

crystal — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:09:37 +0000

The phenomenon began in 1967. During this year, the first production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” staged on Broadway, which was based off the comic strips by Charles M. Schulz. Since then, the musical has been produced in many theatres. In 1999, the brash musical appeared on Broadway again, bigger and better than ever before. Residents of Ottawa, including eight Ottawa High School students, have been rehearsing the show, and will stage Feb. 12-14.

The show is being produced by ACT Ottawa, which is an acting organization that produces four plays a year, and has many people around the community involved. The director, Marilyn Pilkey, has been directing for 31 years and definitely knows the ropes of producing spectacular productions.

“It’s in my DNA to make stage magic. I love creating art out of different bodies and using different voices to make texture. I have loved onstage drama since I was a little girl, and have directed huge productions,” Pilkey said.

Pilkey also brags that the cast is very talented. “It’s a fantastically energetic group of young actors. Most of the leads are very experienced and are the best in the area!”

Since this musical was on Broadway, it is a lot of work to produce. The cast has been practicing every day, besides Tuesday. On Saturdays, they take part in all-day rehearsals. Despite the long rehearsals, practices are still a blast.

“I love musicals! You can add lots of emotion and they are a lot of fun!” Katy Campell, sophomore participant, said.

The tickets are on sale now! For children up to 18 and seniors 65 and up, the cost is $5. People in between will be charged $10 for admission. If you do not buy now, tickets at the door will be $7 or $12, depending on the age group. See anyone in the cast for tickets and more information.

Synopsis

“An average day in the life of Charlie Brown.” It really is just that, a day made up of little moments picked from all the days of Charlie Brown, from Valentine’s Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed in with the lives of his friends (both human and non-human) and strung together on the string of a single day, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening.

It seems to start off all right. There is the rousing tribute of only slightly qualified praise, in the song You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown’s distant, but always present true love, the “little redheaded girl,” is there. True love is also an element in Lucy’s solid life, which we discover as we watch her try to bulldoze her way through to her boyfriend’s sensitive, six-year-old musician’s heart, in Schroeder. The little scenes then begin to accumulate, and we learn that Lucy’s little brother, Linus, is thoughtful about many things but fanatical when it comes to the matter of his blanket; that Patty is sweet and utterly innocent; and that Charlie Brown’s dog spends much if not most of his time thinking of being something else-a gorilla, a jungle cat, perhaps a handsome trophy or two-but that mostly his life is a pleasant one-Snoopy.

Snoopy is lost in another world atop his dog house. As a World War One flying ace he does not bring down the infamous Red Baron in today’s battle but we know that someday, someday he will.

None of the cast is actually six years old. And they don’t really look like Charles Schulz’ “Peanuts” cartoon characters. But this doesn’t seem to make that much difference once we are into the play, because what they are saying to each other is with the openness of that early childhood time, and the obvious fact is that they are all really quite fond of each other.

Characters
CHARLIE BROWN – Will Paulson
SALLY BROWN – Callie Paquette & Kali Hinman
LUCY VAN PELT – Lauren Wiseman & Ashley McCullough
LINUS VAN PELT – Jordan Hinman / Understudy – Travis Herod
SCHROEDER – Ryan Tipton
SNOOPY – Chelsea Jamison & Ebonia Covington
PIGPEN – Tyler Doty
SHERMY – Travis Herod
PEPPERMINT PATTY – Katy Campbell / Understudy – Georgia Summers
MARCIE – Georgia Summers
FRIEDA – Caralyn Campbell
VIOLET – Rachel Giacin
WOODSTOCK – Chloe Maxwell & Moriah Doty

Technical Support Crew (so far)
COMIC STRIP CREATED by – Charles M. Schulz
BOOK, MUSIC, LYRICS by – Clark Gesner
Additional DIALOGUE by – Michael Mayer
Additional MUSIC & LYRICS by – Andrew Lippa
MUSIC DIRECTOR – Darrell McCune
CHOREOGRAPHER – Sabrina Meador
DRAMA DIRECTOR – Marilyn Pilkey
ASSISTANT DRAMA DIRECTOR – Will Paulson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR – John Webb
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR – Travis Herod
STAGE & BUSINESS MANAGER – Cindy McCullough
SOUND DESIGNER – Will Jongenelen
SET DESIGNER – John Webb
COSTUME DESIGNER – Jennifer Birzer
HAIR DESIGNER – Stephanie Lee
MARKETING – John White, DeEtta Bohling

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Chelsea Jamison

The Blind Side

crystal — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:25:58 +0000

The Blind Side is a heartwarming film about a family taking a homeless teen into their home.

The Blind Side is a true story of the life of Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron. Oher was a homeless 18 year old from a bad childhood. One night as he is walking the streets, Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock, has compassion for him and brings him into her home.The Tuohy’s are very well off and Oher ends up staying at the Tuohy’s house and he starts to become part of the family. After bringing his grades up, he begins playing football. However, this is just a short synopsis. There are many other characters that add to the story including Tim Mcgraw as Sean Tuohy and Jae Head as S.J. Tuohy.

The story is very sad, and many have classified this film as a “tear-jerker”. However, you aren’t just crying the entire movie. The Blind Side is packed with comedy as well. It has just the right combination.

If you have not seen this movie yet, I would definitely suggest going. Whether going with your family, or a group of friends, anyone you go with will enjoy it. In my opinion, it deserves five stars!

Critics Reviews

“I loved The Blind Side! Inspirational, well-crafted, and well acted. I hope Sandra gets a deserving Oscar nod!”

“I thought the movie was so inspirational. This family should be an example to all who saw the movie. They could have simply turned away and forgotten…most people would have…but they didn’t and they should be rendered heroes!”

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Chelsea Jamison

The American Cancer Society

crystal — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:22:08 +0000

“This world is not just a dream. Eleven million cancer survivors will celebrate birthdays this year. That’s a sign of progress, proof that a world with more birthdays is possible. Together we’ll stay well, get well, find cures and fight back,” according to The American Cancer Society.

This year the American Cancer Society has taken the motto “The official sponsor of birthdays, a world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays.” The American Cancer Society is one of the oldest and well known cancer associations throughout the United States. The non-profit organization stresses the importance of sun block, tobacco control, nutrition, early detection and treatment. It is one of the largest voluntary health organizations in the world with over 3,400 units set up around the United States. It brings in approximately $1 billion of donations towards the research to help eliminate cancer as one of the major health issues throughout the United States.

“The American Cancer Society is a very good organization that helps donate money to find a cure for cancer,” Sam Lee, sophomore, said.

The American Cancer Society is also there for help and support of family, friends and patients who are constantly surrounded by cancer. It is not just finding a cure, it is fighting back to help patients become survivors.

“Cancer can be a dreadful disease that can take a loved one. The American Cancer Society is constantly on the drive to find a cure and help make a difference in the world,” Paige McFarland, junior, said.

You are never too young to learn about and be aware of cancer. Whether it is with a loved one or friend, just about everyone will have to encounter cancer in some way, shape or form. For more information about treatments and volunteer services you can visit their Web site at www.cancer.org.

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Emily Leadbetter