Volume 45, Issue 4

April 2010BANNERT

HE

sports school opinions otherVarsity tennis gets a new key player, meet her on

Pg. 3

GB’s got talent, sneak peak on Pg. 7

Take a bite out of the Vampire Generation

Pg. 12

Monster Hunter Tri brings a breath of fresh, fire breathing air - Pg. 13

2 On Campus

Most of the student population looks at teachers as educa-tors, role models, even the rare occasion of their friends. What most students don’t know is what the teachers do outside of the classroom. Teachers of Grand Blanc High School are special; they are skilled with very unique tal-ents that are invisible to the ungifted human eye….

Secrets

-Hunter Spees and Karli Schummer (Staff Writers)

Mr. Incredible

The Hulk

David Hasselhoff

Mr. Trombly Mr. Trombly is a science guru. He runs his class with excellence. Never making a mistake. Some might say he is un-human. The kids look up to him in more ways than one. He instructs with total control and command-ing words and formulas that are impossible to forget. To capture the amount of intelligence in Trombly’s brain is unexplainable. What most students don’t know is what he does after class: In the back room, where know one can see… he experiments. He has made a serum that expanded his mind and with all the cogni-tive activity going on he becomes the Hulk! Teacher by day, Hulk by night.

Mr. Green is a business maniac, a genius sales person. You could seriously give this guy a cookie and he could sell it for a dollar. With his amazing advertising and business intellect one could only dream an ounce of knowledge from this man, but they most likely wouldn’t be able to comprehend it. This is a guy that is way out of every normal person’s league. But what most people don’t know about him, not even members of the student store or DECA, is what he does for his summer job, as well as on spring break. He applies a spe-cial sun tanning lotion that makes the sun glisten off his rock hard body. He is none other than California’s very own David Hasselhoff. Teacher by day, Hasselhoff by night.

Mr. Green

RevealedPhoto: Schummer/ Banner

Photo: Schummer/ BannerPhoto: Schummer/ Banner

Phot

o: S

chum

mer

/ Ban

ner

Photo: Schummer/ Banner

Mr. Stuck is a very successful and brilliant English teacher. He has molded young minds in the class room and suggests a more creative and intelligent way of learning. What most people don’t know about him is what he does during passing time, before school, after school, and every waking minute outside of the classroom; he turns into none other than Mr. Incredible. People always wondered who was behind the mask, and now we know… none other than Stuck. Teacher by day, Mr. Incredible by night.

Mr.

Stu

ck

In the grand tradition of April Fool’s, we present to you this article to tickle your funny bone and get you through May.

3On the Team

Very rarely does a freshman student make it onto a varsity sports team. Even more rarely does that freshman become one of the most valuable athletes on the team. Sabrina Dass is one of two freshmen on the GBHS varsity girls’ tennis team. Dass plays singles 1, which is the most advanced singles position. This means that she plays without a partner against the most talented players from other teams. She usually participates in matches against older and more experienced up-perclassmen, but that doesn’t scare her. “I’m actually used to playing against older girls, I just focus on my own strengths instead of my opponents,” Dass explained. She has been playing really well so far this season, but is hop-ing to improve on her weaknesses and finish off her freshmen year strong. “The whole team and I are really excited for the rest of the season. Even though we usually get really nervous before a match, it’s always a lot of fun,” Dass said. No matter the competitor, the girls push through the pain and continue to have fun while playing.

Never Back Down: Dass always gives her best, no matter the opponent. Being an under-classmen, every match is not just a showcase of talent, but a bat +++tle against the odds.

-Maggie Command (Staff Writer)

A “Love” for the gAme:GBHS freSHman SeTS THe Bar

Photo: Command/Banenr Photo: Command/Banenr Photo: Command/Banenr

4 On Campus 5ads

Considered “one of the foremost ballet companies in the world,” the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City is considered an unlikely dream for most teen-age dancers. This is not the case for sophomore Allison Armfield. Armfield was accepted into a summer intensive program at the school based on a successful audition. She will live in NYC for eight weeks and then come back to Michigan to finish her training in Novi or Oscoda. For being just a sophomore, Armfield’s acceptance into a world-renowned ballet school’s summer program is impressive. Her background may have in-fluenced why she has advanced in ballet. She started taking dance seriously at age 10 and has since taken classes in all styles ranging from ballet to hip hop to lyrical to Tahitian. Her train-ing comes from the Northeast Academy of Dance in Oscoda, the Academy of Russian Classi-cal Ballet in Novi, and Paavola’s School of Dance in Flint. Even with all this training,

Armfield’s love of dance came from Loree Russeau at Loree’s Dance Academy in Grand Blanc. Taking her first dance class here, she was very inspired. That inspiration evolved into success.

There are many great dancers at GBHS, yet she is one that stands out because of her pas-sion and ability. She credits a lot of her ability to a few people. “I’ve learned something

unique and special from each of my instructors,” Armfield said. “They have made me the dancer I am today.”

Putting her dancing shoes onSophomore Allison Armfield has something to dance about

Let’s Dance: Armfield shows her talent on the beach. She thanks all of her dance instructors for helping her improve.

It is quite typical in Michi-gan, when on any day that the sun is shining and there is no snow on the ground, we all rush to throw on our summer apparel. After a discussion with

a few Grand Blanc High School administrators and students, we take a closer look at the dress code violations that are the most frequent in the warm(ish) weather. “The biggest issue with the dress code in the spring is too short of skirts/shorts, too much cleavage, and bare shoulders,” said Dr. Jennifer Hammond. She went on to explain that the punishment for dress code violations is just simply to change, unless it is the same

Nice weather creates issues

-Sydney Daly (Staff Writer)

student breaking the dress code over and over, in which case there will be different consequences. Senior Shelby Hodge stated, “I was at the West Campus talking to my sister when Mrs. Kramer walked up and told me I needed to change because my shoulders were (barely) showing.” It states in the handbook that shoulders are to be covered. Assistant principal Matt Shanafelt explained that there aren’t as many issues with boys’ clothing as girls, but everyone still needs to be reminded. “Everyone knows the dress code at the beginning of the year, so after the winter, students just need to be reminded and re-learn the rules to avoid the inconvenience of having to change clothes,” stated Shanafelt. Seeing as we have such a long winter, there aren’t too many months where students can even wear spring clothing so it is inevitable that students will take advantage of it, but students must remember what is classified as “school appropriate.”

-Taylor Borwn (Staff Writer)

Photo: Armfueld

Photo: Daly/Banner

Short Tempers: Adminis-tration cracks down on the increasingly shorter skirts

of today’s age.

Hey Seniors! How will you create your off–campus experience?

Great amenities and a fresh lifestyle await you at our new off-campus residence hall near the Univer-sity of Michigan-Flint campus. Enjoy luxurious, fully-furnished living quarters and state-of-the-art amenities designed with today’s modern student in mind. Here’s a peak at what Riverfront has to offer.

* 5 different floor plans including private and shared accommodations * Computer Stations * Movie Theatre * On-site Laundry Facilities * Fully Equipped Fitness Center * Game Room with PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii Gaming Systems Want to come see us? Riverfront Residence Hall is open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm!

Come on in and see us at 1 Riverfront Center West or call us at 810.239.1234

visit flintstudenthousing.com

4 On Campus 5ads

Sophomore Allison Armfield has something to dance about

Picture being able to experience a tropical paradise with 30-foot water res-ervoirs and giant pyramids. The Mexico trip consisted of all of these and more. “I have never been out of the coun-try,” said senior Chris Campbell, “And this was my last Spring Break so I felt I should do something exciting.” Exciting doesn’t begin to explain the adventures that Campbell and his fellow companions experienced. Visiting Can-cun, Valla Do Lid, Merida, and Playa del Carmen, these students had the opportu-nity to snorkel, shop in authentic places, cliff jump, and travel through Xcaret. In a unanimous vote, Xcaret was the most enjoyed part of the trip. It is a resort with an aquatic, natural feel that presented a Mayan performance, an un-

derground river, and water reservoirs. “The river was so cool and relaxing, we just floated through in life jackets,” said senior Chelsea Hinkins.

Students didn’t just stay on the resort, they also strolled around the town, ab-sorbing the Mayan culture and shopping at local flea markets. “I was forced to buy a hammock,” said Bas. “I didn’t want one but I still bought it because they kept pressuring us.” The souve-nirs brought back, however, were all a taste of what will be missed. Another popular place visited was Oxxo, better known

as the “7/11 of Mexico,” which was located in every town. “We were at Oxxo all the time, we were pretty much addicted to it,” said senior Derek Oswald. “We bought a lot of slushies and it was open late.” Labeled as “the most fun group of tourists,” it is no surprise that they had an exciting experience.

6 On Campus

For high school students, Spring Break is a huge deal. Plans are made, dates are set, and relaxation arrives. What most people look forward to is leaving Michigan; a few students, however, took the trip of a lifetime and left the country. This opportunity was pro-vided by the foreign language department and interested teachers. Social Studies teacher Marie Bauermeister, and English teachers Nancy Peske and Ava Butzu accompanied a few students to Europe, while Spanish teacher Adrianna Bas and math teacher Karin Tosh-Naugle accompanied other students to Mexico.

For many years the school has allowed teachers to travel to Europe ac-companying an array of excited students. This past Spring Break Bauermeister, Peske, and Butzu traveled to France and Italy with a group of seven eager high school students. “Smaller groups tend to provide a more personal experience because you get close to everyone on the trip,” said Bauermeister. In Florence, Italy, the group adven-

tured through the town and saw the rich history and artistic culture of the region including the Ufizzi Gallery. A drive away from Florence is Rome, where the group visited the Sistine Chapel. In Paris, France, the weather was not in their favor as it was cold and rainy; however, that did not stop the excited group from seeing the Eiffel Tower, al-though they did not get a chance to go to the top. The group also adventured into the Louvre and the Oranges Museum.

“I love the lifestyle of France,” said Peske. “The view on the hillside looking to the Tuscan Valley was breathtaking.” Europe’s expensive culture forces the cost of this trip to be twice as expensive as the Mexico trip. Decisions had to be made on what to spend money on. Pleased with their experiences, the students and teachers recommend trying something new and traveling to witness foreign cultures and ideas. W

hat d

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Mexico-Zeina Hamade, Stephanie Tomczak, Anna Darzi, Emily Burden (Staff Writers)

EuropeLet it rain: The Europe trip encountered some rain during their exploration in Paris (right). The group saw many sights throughout Europe (left).

Mexican adventure: The Mexico trip enjoyed the Mexican culture.

Photo: Tosh

Photo: Stanley Photo: Stanley

7On Campus

One of the most important factors in determining your collegiate future is standardized testing. Every year in March the junior class takes the ACT test. Aiming for the best possible score, students prepare in a vari-ety of different methods for the test. This past March, Meghan Tipsword received a perfect 36. When Meghan is not studying for her challenging school related courses, she balances her time among many different hobbies. From everyday activities such as hanging out with friends and

-Nichole Boehnke (Staff Writer)

This time of year most students are counting down the days to summer. Others, however, are spending their afternoons practicing and perfecting their passions to show an audience at this year’s Talent Show. “It’s a great way for kids not in band, or other school groups to express their talents,” explained Biology teacher, Suzaune Powers. Powers, U.N.I.T.E. advisor, is holding the 10th annual spring Tal-ent Show, May 22. Auditions were April 21 and numerous students tried out. They were rated on a scale by selected U.N.I.T.E members, and were called the week of the 23 to find out if they were accepted. U.N.I.T.E was looking for a diverse number of acts. A lot of these included a majority of musicians, dancing, and singing. Some perfor-mances to look forward to are:

• Senior Cathleen Nielsen singing and playing the piano.• Sophomore Jaland Barton singing and dancing ‘Dreamer’ by Chris Brown.• Sophomores Logan Sancraint and Matt Rizik covering “Consumption” by Wretched on guitar.• Freshmen Doug Grekowicz and Junior sister Maria Irish Dancing• Easy Vibe playing “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock.• Sophomore Javonte Watson, leading a group, dancing styles such as the wave, tut, and jerk.

There will be several other very talented performers. “I’m looking forward to seeing one of my students, Logan San-craint play guitar. It’s fun to see students taking a part and display-ing their strength in a way I can’t see in the classroom,” said Amy Jacobson who will be attending her 6th Talent Show this May.

The Talent Show’s a time to shine

reading to kickboxing, Meghan really can do it all. Meghan also participates in activities connected to the school. Meghan is on the student advisory committee; she is an active member of National Honors Society and is also a member of the student council. When preparing for the test Meghan practices with the review guides that are given in class in the months leading up to the ACT. She has also taken the PSAT test, offered to students in the fall, along with another ACT test that she took in December. The

score on her December ACT test resulted in a score of 36 as well. When asked about preparation tips for right before the test she said, “A good night’s sleep and a big healthy breakfast are key. The things they tell you to usually do before an important test help out a lot and make a big difference.”Meghan’s future career plans, at the moment, include attending Ferris and studying pharmacy.

Beating the ACT: the perfect score

-Marley Walter (Staff Writer)

Talent Search: Students show off their talents with the hopes of mak-ing it into the show.

Mind over matter: Tipsword has got-ten a perfect score not once, but twice.

Photo: Boehnke/ Banner

Photo: Boehnke/ Banner

Photo: Boehnke/ Banner

Photo: Boehnke/ Banner

8 On Campus

English chef and media personality, Jamie Oliver, comes to network televi-sion with his ground breaking new show, “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” a show that examines what exactly American people eat. In the beginning of the season viewers were shocked, along with Oliver, to find that elementary school students of Huntington, West Virginia, statistically one of the unhealthiest cities in the country, don’t even know the names of the most common fruits and vegetables. Facts such as these really draw attention to how healthy United States really is. While Jamie Oliver is revolutionizing America’s food epidemic, one school lunch program at time, one may ask how Grand Blanc High School measures up. When asked in a recent interview,

Dining Service Director, Karen Smith, claimed that she was “absolutely,” confident that students at GBHS are capable of getting nutritional value from foods served in the cafeteria Of course any good food service supervisor would claim that their food was nutritious. However, based on recent attempts to make healthier options avail-able for students it seems that GBHS may be right on track. The informa-tion that Smith gave the Banner on the topic of healthier eating in the GBHS cafeteria appears to be very promising. The 2009 school year marked a new beginning for our dining service, besides the facelifts and improvements to the lunch lines; there may be some changes that students were not even aware of. Among these

many changes, trans fats have been completely eliminated from all menu items, proper portion sizes have been executed, and increased fresh fruits and vegetables are offered daily. The cafeteria staff is urged to encourage students to make healthy, balanced meals, and many items are marked with the “balanced choice” sticker, to help students make healthier choices. While GBHS is clearly making great attempts to make healthier options

for students, one must ask the question of whether or not it really is enough. The foods that the school is trying to make healthier are, after all, things like French fries and pizza. Now it is true that the school serves fruits and vegetables, but they also serve up their fair share of junk foods such as Hot Cheetos, mozzarella sticks, and candy bars. GBHS may of-fer healthy choices to students, but the fact is that the unhealthy options

often times are more ap-pealing than the healthy options, making the task of eating strictly nutri-tious foods somewhat difficult. The day that Grand Blanc High School becomes a school that truly promotes healthy eating will be the day they stop beating around the bush, trying to make the bad somewhat better, and get rid of unhealthy food all together.

The Food Revolution In the age of over processed yet con-

venient foods, and the nagging urge to eat healthier, a television show emerges that

makes America really think.

Eat this. not thatMustard (0 calories, 0g fat, 1g carb per tbsp.)

Instead of :Mayonaise (69 calories, 6g fat, 3.7g carbs per tbsp.)

Pretzels (110 calories, 1g fat, 23g carbs per 1 oz.) Or Baked Potatoe Chips (130

calories, 1.5g fat, 26g carbs per 1 oz.)Instead of:

Potato Chips (150 calories, 10g fat, 15 carbs per 1 oz.)

Skim Milk (86.5 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs per cup)

Instead of: Chocolate Milk (208.4 calories,

8.48g fat, 25.9g carbs per cup)

Getting in line: Students line up for a new, healthier dining experience in the cafeteria.

Photo: Hines/Banner

-Ryan Mohland (Staff Writer)

Photos: Hines/Banner

9On Campus

Picture this: two pieces of juicy fried chicken, melty cheese, a sizzling piece of succulent bacon, and a tangy secret sauce, all combined to make what most people call a “heart attack off the bun.” Sounds delicious, right? America is in for a rude awaken-ing. In the past year, Kentucky Fried Chicken has marketed a wide variety of new selections, the most recent addition being the fried wonder: the Double Down. Claiming to “not have room for the bun,” this sandwich has broken outside of the tradi-tional fast food mold, advertising an Atkins-esque dream of all meat. In comparison to other legendary creations, the Double Down hasn’t broken any nu-

tritional extremes, being very similar to the Big Mac and Whopper at 540 calories. The fat content is 32 grams, which, on a 2000-calorie lifestyle, is about 75 percent of your recommended daily intake. The nutritional stat that really stands out is the sodium content, 1,380 milligrams of the addicting seasoning. This is nearly 40 percent more than its counterparts, but this is the real question: Who cares? If everyone in America listened to these nutritional facts, then we would be a much slimmer and more active nation So what keeps us coming back? The fast delivery? The taste? The price? Like any truthful reporter, I decided to do the deed and try the Double Down to see if

I would really hate this greasy creation, or if I might actually eat my words. I opened up the package to the smell of fried chicken and paradise, already imagining how long it would take to drive over to KFC for another one of these beauties. As I ravenously tore the wrapper off, the melted cheese stretched as far as my appetite, and I was ready to take on this sandwich. If only I had known what I was getting myself into. The first bite came with an explosion of grease and cheese, mixing together to form a thick coating at the back of my throat, while the chicken and bacon disintegrated in the rest of the grease. The look of disgust on my face showed it all: this sandwich was the worst thing I

had ever eaten. Every bite was a struggle between my head and my stomach, and when I had fin-ished, I felt dirty and in need of a mouthwash shower. The grease dripping off of my fingers was my trophy, but it was no reward for what I had just done.

Stomaching the

Double Down

-Cody Harrell (Junior editor)

Although Grand Blanc is trying to take steps to a healthier food system for its students, un-less students embrace these healthier options provided for them, we are not going to make any progress. Some students, such as junior

Bringing the revolution homeNicole Cottrell and junior Chris-tine Mason, have already given up on eating lunch at school and instead bring their lunch every day. “The school food just leaves me feeling gross after I eat it,” explained Cottrell. “I feel sick even if I only eat it once in a while,” added Mason, “I can’t imagine having to eat it everyday.” But Cottrell and Mason make up only a small population of the student body who bring their lunch in attempt to be healthy. Junior Justin Wetenhall also brings his lunch every day but for reasons other than to be healthy. “I feel like society is pushing this health fad on us a little too much,” said Wetenhall, “I really miss the salt and white buns!” Junior Robby Rariden’s

method at lunch is to just find the shortest line and go with that. “The food really doesn’t taste that good, but I can’t stand the long lunch lines,” Rariden claimed. Finding the shortest lunch line seems to be the most popular trend amongst the student body when making a decision on what to eat for lunch. And if not that, most students seem to go with whatever tastes the best. Neither of these decision making process-es lead to the so called “healthy” options that are now being offered at GBHS. “I would bring my lunch but it’s just too much of a hassle for me,” admits junior Joey Brown, “Buying lunch is more conve-nient, and I wish that they were healthier.” Most students are well aware

of the fact that they aren’t making the healthiest of choices despite the nutritional upgrades that the cafeteria has made. They know that school lunches still aren’t always the best for you depend-ing on what you get, but they are powerless in that they have limited options when it comes to the healthy choices. What it all boils down to is that at the end of the day, a teenager is a teenager. And it’s in their nature to want to eat the classic “teen favorites” such as french fries and cookies over salads and sides of vegetables. So, yes, Grand Blanc has provided the tools to a healthier life style regarding one’s eating habits. Now it’s just up to its students to make the adult decision to use them.

Photo: Cornell/BannerTaking the challenge: The first bite was one Harrell wouldn’t forget.

Pizza Pizza: Pizza is among the numerous choices at lunch.

-Emily Hines (Staff Writer)

Photo: Hines/Banner

10 ads

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11On Campus

the Comic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

corner

nOW aCCePTInGSUBmISSIOnS

-Sophomore Ashley Campos

-Sophomore Brittany Boza

12 On our mind

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Just as the ‘20s are known for flappers and prohibition, the first decade of the 21st century will be remembered as the vampire years. Vampires and all associated with them have become the focal point of countless movies and books in the past 10 years more so than any other previous decade. The vampire is no longer just a subject mat-ter, but an entirely new genre. In March alone, three books about vampires were released. One of which, The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls by L. J. Smith, is a continuation of a series that the CW recently adapted for television. Along with The Vampire Diaries, True Blood and Blood Ties are currently airing on television. There have been numerous others in the past decade – Angel and Moonlight to mention a couple – to grab viewers’ attentions as well. Of course, the increase in love of vampiric storylines may easily be chalked up to another fad for the masses, but during an era where a lot of uncertainty and transition is occurring within the economy,

a world of fantasy and make-believe also provides an escape from the worries of job losses, growing debts, and the future in general. There’s something about letting go of worries to let the imagination travel to a world where anything is possible. Females especially have eaten up all of the products of this new era. Now, dating an average guy who doesn’t want to suck your blood is just too boring apparently. Girls scream and swoon over vampire heartthrobs like Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder from The Vampire Diaries. Guys not only have to be dark and mysterious, but also undead too. The vampire genre has created an new bar for the “perfect man” that’s literally impossible to reach. The vampire genre was in the right place at the right time to snatch up the opportunity to provide a getaway. Yet, just like any other media topic, there’s going to be a point when either the con-sumers can no longer tolerate the bloodsucking storyline or when that particular escape is no longer needed. At that point, vampire love will fade since its purpose will have run its course, or there just won’t be any stories of the undead left to dig up.

The Vampire GenerationVampire storylines have taken over entertainment; fans are eating it up

-Kayla Cornell (editor-in-Cheif)

Craving juicy entertainment: Shows like Blood Ties attract viewers.

Making choices: With so many options on television, decisions must be made about which vampire shows are worth the time.

13On Our mind

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Vampire storylines have taken over entertainment; fans are eating it up

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Hardcore gamers’ main gripe with the Nin-tendo Wii system has been the lack of in-depth, challenging games. Sure, there are your favorite party games that everyone wants to play, but some gamers want a real hardcore gaming experience. Bringing its critically-acclaimed Monster Hunter series to the Wii, Capcom has answered those prayers. Capcom’s first Monster Hunter installment on the Wii, Monster Hunter Tri, is an eclectic RPG which requires you to gather materials, hack ‘n slash, and use extreme strategy in order to take out monsters. The Wii also takes it to the next level by allowing Wi-fi play, enabling gamers and their friends to meet up online to take out monsters together. In order to effectively cover this mon-ster of a game, one has to look at both the of-fline and online gaming experiences separately. Offline:Players are allowed to choose any weapon they wish, and can switch anytime; Monster Hunter is not run on a class system. What separates Monster Hunter from many other games is how a player gets their own specific weapons and armor. Monster Hunter Tri uses a very extensive and in-depth gathering system based off of searching and carving. When walking around in the different areas of the game, players will see plants, bones, etc., which they may rummage through for items. Using tools like pickaxes, fishing bait, and bug-nets, players can also mine, fish, and catch bugs at designated spots throughout the map. This seems boring because, well, it is. The most interesting part of the gathering system is carving. When a player kills a monster, they have the option to “carve” it, gaining items like scales, fangs, claws, etc. However, just because you killed a monster and made some armor doesn’t mean it’s going to be quality. The harder the monster is to kill-- usually meaning, the bigger the monster is-- the better items you’ll get from carving. This aspect of the game is what makes the Monster Hunter series so unique, especially in online play where people have killed many

different monsters from many different areas and have chosen to use all of these different materials to make different types of armor and weapons. Online: Online play for the Monster Hunter series has always been an epic win. Many gamers found complaint with the PSP series because it didn’t allow for infrastructure online play. However, this problem has been solved

with Monster Hunter Tri’s amazing Wi-fi en-abled online gaming experience. When online, the dynamics of the game still work the same. Instead of visiting a village, the player is in a city, where he/she has the option of playing with other players around the world with ranging experience. The difficulty of missions are usually doubled than the offline ones. Each mission is allowed four people per group, which is usually more than enough to get the job done, or sometimes hopeless. This difference is usually decided about the equip-ment used by each member of the group, the experience each member has, and how efficient the team is in group play. This is what makes Monster Hunter Tri truly shine as a game. A large advantage of playing online is also that any items or equipment gained online can be accessed in offline play. A common strategy is to play online to gather different resources by taking down large monsters with a group, and then building supercharged weapons and armor that can be used to easily run through offline play. The only issue with online play is that many times missions are a lot harder than offline mis-sions. It’s not uncommon to be hunting a large monster in online play, only to get blindsided by another enormous monster that you had no idea was even on the map. It happens. And it makes you want to poop your pants. However, this increase in difficult only makes the game more fun. All around, Monster Hunter Tri is one of the most innovative games to ever come out for the Wii. From the vast differences in landscape, to the strategy that has to be used offline and online, this game hits all of the bases that a hardcore gamer looks for in a great, solid game. Capcom has clearly outdone themselves. If you have a Wii, and you have some sort of Wi-fi ac-cess, get this game. Then talk to me so we can meet up online and destroy some monsters.

Monster Hunter tri flies onto tHe Wii

-Jerry Hendrix (managing editor)

14 On our minds

In 2005, Elizabeth Kostova’s debut novel, The Historian was the fastest selling debut novel in U.S. history. As a result, she faced quite a daunting task with her second book, The Swan Thieves. This contemporary “thriller” revolves around a painter named Robert Oliver who inexplicably attacks a painting in Washington’s National Gallery with his only explanation being, “I did it for her,” before he falls into complete silence. The narrator of the story is Oliver’s psychiatrist Andrew Marlow, who is in fact, a painter himself. The plot develops as Mar-low investigates the women in

Oliver’s past in an attempt to understand the artist’s genius and subsequent madness. Throughout the novel, Kostova brilliantly blends the plot with letters written by 19th century French Impres-sionist painters in an exhibition of meticulously researched historical description. This novel provides fascinating insight into an artistic movement that is often overlooked due to its ubiquitousness in today’s culture. Kostova emphasizes the rebel-liousness and brilliance of the Impressionist artists. Additionally, anyone the least bit interested in art will find Kostova’s portrait of Oliver and particularly the

female painter of the 19th century fascinating. However, Kostova’s main character was for the most part wooden, whereas the 19th cen-tury characters were passionate and beautifully developed. The psychiatrist’s narrative sections include just enough to provide important plot details. This may just be a lack of depth given to the male character because the narra-tive provided by Oliver’s ex-wife was complex and gave a great understanding into the difficult task Oliver faced by being both a genius and a man. Conclusively, The Swan Thieves is a great historical fic-

tion novel though the “thriller” aspect of it was horribly predict-able; the solution to the central mystery being apparent from the beginning caused the story line to drag at times. However, as soon as Kostova begins writing from the historical perspective she is simply amazing. This book will definitely entice readers to learn more about fine art and lovers of words will find Kostova’s unique writing style immensely refreshing. As some-one who loves both history and art, I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

‘The Swan Thieves’ takes an artistic approach

-Megan Flattley (Staff Writer)

The unique new sound of MGMT MGMT gained fame through singles such as dance anthem “Kids” and vivacious “Electric Feel.” Songs like these are no where to be found on Congratula-tions. This album is a whole new chapter for MGMT, as was fore-shadowed by tracks like “Love Always Remains” and “Of Moons, Birds & Monsters.” This isn’t an easy album to like; it takes a couple listens of the entire thing. This is how the album was meant to be, MGMT said. The band did not release singles, because they wanted it to be listened to as a whole, instead of getting the feel of it through individual pieces. Some might say that Congratu-lations is boring, but others say it is a work of art. When it comes down to it, it really depends on how much patience and time you’re willing to put into liking this album. One who listens to a few songs quickly without thought will most likely not care for it. One who sits down, listens to the album all the way through, really thinks about all the songs together and the thought behind making them, and does it again the next day, might find that it grows on them. MGMT really took their whole

persona and put it into a collection of layered guitars, drums, synths, and Andrew Vanwyngarden’s echoing vocals. While in Oracular Spectacular lyrics were mostly about fame and getting to the point of recognition, Congratula-tions is more of Vanwyngarden and Goldwasser sitting back and watching their success unfold. “It’s Working” starts the album off with a punchy ‘70s feel,

slightly cheesy, but it works (pun intended.) “Song for Dan Treacy” follows with a similar sense, cheery and positive, hinting at a punk influence, as expressed throughout the whole album. “Someone’s Missing” is up next and is immediately likable with Vanwyngarden’s warbling high piched vocals. This song is emo-tional at first then becomes more playful as it progresses. About

halfway through it moves to be an upbeat almost danceable track, one of the best on the album. “Flash Delirium” follows, the closest mimic to “Electric Feel,” but lacking much of the energy, and leads right into “I Found A Whistle,” another highly likable track beginning with guitar and finishing strongly with Vanwyn-garden’s astonishing voice. “Sibe-rian Breaks” is a highly criticized 12-minute ballad that takes so many different turns that one isn’t sure how many songs have played by the time it finishes. “Brian Eno” picks up the pace with a garage-punk vibe, a risky tribute to the near God himself. “Lady Dada’s Nightmare” is slower, a slightly boring track, a failed attempt at alternative musical drama. “Congratulation” finishes the album on a strong note, a well-deserved pat on the back, a tropical song that is extremely enjoyable to listen to. The bottom line is, MGMT did exactly what they wanted with this album, they had their fame, now they’re having their fun, and isn’t that exactly what they said they would do in “Time To Pretend?” We’ve got the vision/Now let’s have some fun. -Chelsea Hohn

(Design editor)

New and improved: MGMT’s new album is a whole new sound for the band.

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16 On the list

Apple’s newest idevice is finally here and it’s revolutionary

Apple’s newest creation: the iPad.

Apple has done it again. Since 2001, the iPod has revolutionized the way we listen, interact, sort and with our music. And now, they have gone one step ahead of the rest, once again. Apple’s newest child to join the family of iDevices is claimed by

some as just a super sized iTouch. But with every new technology, there are ups, downs, and extremes that will either make or break ones will to buy this new revolutionary device. Like former iPod touch models, the iPad is a multi-touch surface, but that’s only the beginning. The 9.7-inch screen allows you to interact with email, photos, and the AppStore like never before, along with a high resolution screen for your favorite HD movies, videos, and TV shows. It also has a 1 GHz Apple A4 custom-designed processor, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive, and up to 10 hours of

surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music. The size is just right, the weight is just right, and it feels great to hold. But that’s not all. Consider this: If the iPad was just for video, it would be remarkable. The stun-ning HD display was a sight to behold, let alone when you put it in your hands. If the iPad was just for gaming, it would be fantastic. After try-ing a few games, I was blown away by the ability to control move-ment seamlessly. It returns memories of the Gameboy for this old Nintendo fan and shows you how far gaming has come. If the iPad was just for touch-screen Internet browsing, it would be special. And of course, if the iPad was just for books, it would be revolutionary. But the fact that all of this is rolled into one device is absolutely mind-blowing. So, the iPad’s lone flaw: its price.

Will the price of the iPad ever come down? Well, it is all about timing. A well-timed price cut could light a fire under iPad sales. That such a cut would be a bit of a black-eye for Apple would be noticed by only a few. -Dylan Page

(Staff Writer)

Thanks to Pandora, The Bobcat Banner has had a new type of music on our hands for the past few weeks. And I do not mean the fictional planet that is home to the Na’vi. If you’re into soft beats with mellow lyrics that are so catchy they are stuck in your head for the rest of they day, then Ingrid Michaelson is the girl for you. This indie-pop singer songwriter’s music has been featured in several popular television shows, such as “Scrubs,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “One Tree Hill.” Pandora has classified her with popular artists such as Ben Folds, Jason Mraz, Meiko, Matt Nathanson, Kate Nash, and Regina Spektor. “If you are chilly, here take my sweater/ you’re head is aching. I’ll make it better./ ‘Cause I love the way you call me, baby/ And you take me the way I am…” from her song “The Way I Am” is currently one of her most popular songs on iTunes. Born to artistic parents, a composer and a sculptor, Michaelson fell right into the music

scene when she started the piano at four. Throughout school, she grew in the theater and choir scenes, eventually leading to her own, individual career in music. Michaelson’s long time relationship with the piano is apparent in all of her songs, the piano creating a melodic rhythm drawing you into not only her song but her unique voice as well. While many of her songs deal with love—and what artist doesn’t spend majority of their time singing about love and heartbreak—Michaelson brings a new twist to classic love stories. Her music will have you singing or humming along all day.

-Sarah Campbell (Copy editor)

What we’re listening to now:

Ingrid Michaelson

Delicious sound: Michaelson will make your day with her light sound.