free press 2011-2012
the
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edition 15 issue 7 february 2, 2012
Swimming in the Fast Lane
phones on a plane
changing from 2011-2012
Don't be an Alec Baldwin and use your electronic devices on an airplane, turn them off for the sake of mankind.
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A look back at 2011 and a jump forward to what's ahead in 2012
4-5
story on pg, 3
fashion 411 Different approaches to all types of fashion for our generation.
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Danger on the Wings
#toptweetsoftheweek
news
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february 2, 2012
use the hashtag #fptoptweets to have your tweet receive 140 characters of fame. @miilkkk It's going to be drizzy outside. Expect a lil wayne.
Are phones on a plane really that big of a deal?
by katie guyot
@CharlieMcDowell Dear GAM, "I'm a vegetarian now! Except for chicken, I love chicken...and fish...and bacon... and crab cakes.." I guess I'm a vegetarian too.
@hipstermermaid I’ve never found a happy hour that lived up to its name.
@grouchyrabbit: Fact: The #1 cause of death in a Disney movie is being a mother.
Top Ten Most Memorable Events of 2011 10. the Caylee Anthony murder trial 9. Jerry Sandusky sex abuse investigation 8. Occupy Wall Street (etc.) movements 7. Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs' death 6. 9/11 attacks 10-year anniversary 5. Tornadoes in the South and Joplin, Mo. 4. Twin terrorist attacks in Oslo; 76 killed 3. Arab Spring (Revolutions in middle eastern countries) 2. 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan 1. Bin Laden, Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il died
As a flight attendant marches to the front of the airplane, frequent flyers feverishly plug away at their mobile devices to launch one more Angry Bird before she can make the dreaded announcement: “Please turn off and stow all portable electronic devices at this time.” “One time I left [my phone] on, and my sister left hers on for the entire flight, and [the flight crew] didn’t tell us anything,” freshman Thomas Paige said. Paige flew to California last December, just a few weeks after actor Alec Baldwin failed to turn off his cell phone on a flight departing from California for New York and was summarily dismissed from the plane. Perhaps passengers would be more motivated to follow airplane regulations if they knew why those regulations are in place. “I’m not sure what the cell phones do to the plane,” junior Aleva Ivanov said. “I might be nervous that it would break some tie and make us fall out of the sky ... but I don’t have enough knowledge to be scared.” No plane crash has ever been officially attributed to a passenger’s use of an electronic device, but the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration would rather passengers be safe than sorry. “There are still unknowns about the radio signals that portable electronic devices (PEDs) and cell phones give off,” according to the FFA's website. “These signals, especially in large quantities and emitted
over a long time, may unintentionally affect aircraft communications, navigation, flight control and electronic equipment.” The heading of the FFA’s section on cell phones is “Cell Phones: A Different Animal.” “Cell phones (and other intentional transmitters) differ from most PEDs in that they send out signals strong enough to be received at distances far away from the user.” If Baldwin had been playing a game on, say, an iPod, which does not necessarily transmit electromagnetic signals -- signals usually associated with communication -- he could have continued playing once the plane reached a height of 10,000 feet. This height marks the end of what Boeing’s magazine, “Aero,” calls the “critical” periods: takeoff and landing. According to “Aero,” wireless devices have been known to cause “autopilot disconnects, erratic flight deck indications, airplanes turning off course, and uncommanded turns” during flights. Technology companies’ solution to their products’ quarrel with air safety is "airplane mode," which Apple says “disables the wireless features of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to comply with airline regulations.” The FFA implies that while airlines “may” allow their passengers to use phones set on airplane mode, which it says allows users only to “play games, check an address or look at the phone’s calendar,” some airlines do not accept this alternative.
On the Cover
Swimming the butterfly stoke at the Free State Invitational, senior John McLees propels himself through the water. The Firebird swim team took first at the meet.
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Miranda Davis Editor in Chief
Ian Patterson Cartoonist
Ryan Loecker Editor in Chief
Taylor Augustine Designer
Megan Engleman Design Editor
Natalie Hiebert Designer
Allison Harwood Copy Editor
Sarah Whipple Designer
Katie Guyot Copy Editor
Amani Safadi Managing Editor
Victoria Crawford Sam Boatright Photographer Reporter
Emma Machell Social Media Editor
Kyle Freese Reporter
Apply in person Human Resources 1501 Inverness Drive Lawrence, KS 66047 Equal Opportunity Sean Chilcoat CatherineEmployer Prestoy John McCain ReporterDrug Free Reporter Workplace Designer
Kimberly Messineo Hannah Moran Reporter Reporter
Sarah Rohrschneider
Reporter
the free press staff
2011-2012
Ciara Sayler Reporter
The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer's name and telephone numbers. Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115 or sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education.
february 2, 2012
photo by mary cairns Far left: Taking a quick beath during the 50 yard freestyle, Fletcher Koch swims during the Free State Invitational. Free State won the meet. photo by bret watson
After a splashingly successful season, swimmers gear up for State
by hannah moran
“When I’m on the blocks, I say, ‘It’s go time,'" sophomore Canaan Campbell said. “I just tell myself 'I can do it!' I’ve put in the effort. When the gun goes off, I react. I don’t think about things when I swim. I don’t expect to win. I just swim my race.” Even without great expectations, the boys swim team managed to claim first overall at all three of their home meets. This is largely due to their rigorous practice schedule, mental strength and team camaraderie. The boys swim team has never before contained members under the age of 15. Fortunately, along with the addition of many freshmen, plenty of juniors and seniors brought their leadership to the pool this year. “It’s a young team," senior team captain Andrew Roman said, "we have a lot of new freshmen who are inexperienced, but we have a lot of experienced juniors. We’re mostly leaning on the juniors.” The way to win: Practice, practice, practice. Even through winter break, the boys practiced for three hours almost every day. Except, of course, for the days when the school was completely shut down. During these five days, the team was encouraged to
swim elsewhere. During the typical school week, practices are just as strenuous. “We start stretching around 3:30p.m.,” sophomore Evan Barnes said. “We normally do squat jumps, volleyball jumps, push-ups and sit-ups. After we do dry lands, we get in and do a warm up which has progressively gotten harder as the season’s gone on.” After the warm up, the swimmers are assigned a “main set” which is designed to be physically and mentally challenging, and the set requires about half an hour to complete. “It’s like any other sport, but in water it’s hard to stop yourself." Barnes said. "If you’re playing another sport you can take a break, but in swimming you’re out in the open,” “Ignoring your mind telling you to breathe is pretty difficult.” On average, each member of the team ends up swimming roughly two miles per practice. The grueling workouts pay off at meets, where the team begins by playing the intimidation factor. “We get there early and we want to be warming up before other teams warm up to show we’re ready
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to go,” Barnes said. Next come the pre-meet rituals, which include a speech, a cheer and the placing of Lawnie the Land Gnome. “Lawnie the Land Gnome is our swim team illustraion toridive crawford mascot," Roman said,photo "he sits on thebyhigh at every home meet and brings us good luck. He’s our guardian,” Finally, the actual swimming begins. Swim meets resemble track meets in that there’s a set schedule of events, different heats and points earned for each swimmer who places in each race. “Another reason it’s a team sport is you swim what the team needs you to swim, " Roman said, "I swim endurance, so the 500 free, 200 individual medley, and for my relays, I do the 200 medley relay,”
Want to read more about boy's swimming? Visit our website fsfreepressonline.com to check it out!
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sports
Just Keep Swimming
Lawnie the Land gnome watches over the boys swim team during a home meet. The boys place him on the highest diving board to ensure good luck.
Tunes and Trends of
feature
february 2, 2012
and Ryan's Tunes of 2011
by ryan loecker
Drake
FAVORITE ALBUM: Drake - Take Care
(note: Drake is performing at the Sprint Center on March 1)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1. Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact 2. Jay-Z / Kanye West - Watch the Throne 3. Panda Bear - Tomboy 4. Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica 5. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
TOP 10 MIXTAPES:
1.The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence 2. A$AP Rocky - LiveLoveA$ap 3. Danny Brown - XXX
RYAN'S ALBUMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO: 1.Tyler, the Creator-Wolf 2. Animal Collective- Title TBA 3.The xx- Title TBA 4. Jay-Z/Kanye West/Watch the Throne Part 2
1. Marvin’s Room - Drake 2. Midnight City- M83
(note: M83 is performing at the Granada on May 1)
3.Yonkers - Tyler, the Creator 4. 212 - Azealia Banks 5. Initiation - The Weeknd 6. Novacane - Frank Ocean 7. N***az in Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye West 8. Pese - A$AP Rocky (note: A$AP Rocky is performing with Drake at the Sprint Center on March 1)
9.Video Games - Lana Del Rey 10. Sleep Dealer - Oneohtrix Point Never
BEST CONCERTS:
1. Jay-Z & Kanye West @ Sprint Center 2. James Blake @ Pitchfork Music Festival 4.The Weeknd - Thursday 3. St.Vincent @ Liberty Hall 5. Clams Casino - Instrumentals 4. Animal Collective @ Pitchfork Music 6. Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra Festival 7. Main Attrakionz - 808s & Dark Grapes 5. CANT / Blood Orange @ The BottleII neck 8.The Weeknd - House of Balloons 9. Pusha T - Fear of God Part II 10. SpaceghostPurrp- Blackland Radio 66.6
St.Vincent
Sarah's Trends of 2011 by sarah rohrschneider
From rompers to Sperrys to feathers on earrings and fringe boots, 2011 was a year of change and experimentation in fashion. Students have mixed opinions as far as to what they specifically liked and disliked. “Sperrys were overpriced and everywhere,” senior Holly Johnston said. “They are ugly and look like safari shoes.” Sperrys (www.sperrytopsider.com) are usually tan, sturdy shoes, popularly worn by college and high school students, despite being pricey -- usually around $70. “I didn’t dig the girls who wore leggings as pants,” sophomore Eva Upman said. “Either the lace or the feather [trends] were the best,” senior Evelyn Mandell said. “Maxi dresses were in too. Rompers don’t work on everybody.” As “Vogue Magazine” puts it, minimalism and the vintage
Minimalism in fashion means plain-colored dresses and tops; sleek clothing, but simple. Pair a simple outfit with a long necklace or a belt, and this was considered “in.” For others, bright neon colors, animal prints, floral patterns and lace were more their 2011 style. “As long as you don’t overdo [the lace], I really like it,” Johnston said. “Vintage sweaters and light cardigans were popular [among guys] this year,” junior Liam Inbody said. “I love flannels. They’re very comfortable and warm. I can wear them with whatever. There isn’t just one pair of jeans you have to wear them with.” A simple plaid or flannel shirt was the safe way to be fashionably “in” this year. But with experimenting through fashion comes self-expression. Dyed hair, and the edgy “punk” look of studs on accessories, clothing and combat boots raged. “It is really exciting that the shorts, tights and boots combo that was popular in the ‘80s is coming back into fashion,” senior Hannah Stevens said. “If you go on Look Book (www.lookbook.nu), at least one girl will
1. Lana Del Rey (debut album "Born to Die" due Jan. 31) 2. Azealia Banks (debut album due early 2012) 3. Kendrick Lamar Good Kid in a Bad City (note: Kendrick Lamar is performing with Drake at the Sprint Center on March 1)
SAM'S ALBUMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Kim's Trends of 2012
FAVORITE SONGS:
(note: Danny Brown is performing at the Beaumont in Kansas City on April 3)
The WeekndThursday
ARTISTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
more of a leather slipper that resembles some kind of dress shoe. Accessories might be the highlight to a by kim messineo The new year has made its entrance, neutral-colored outfit, and there are many different and the fashion reports are in. Neon colors options to decide between. One of these might be a and animal prints have been booted away, decorated hair elastic, to replace the plain black elastic on girls’ replaced by hats, neutral colors and flower wrists used for occasional hair emergencies. prints. Hair salons might be busy this year giving haircuts because short Midnight CityAccording to the January 2012 issue of fringe hair and bangs are making a comeback. According to the 2012 M83 “Real Simple,” slippers are destined to be in hairstyles on fashionising.com, there are plenty of different styles for those this year. They aren’t the old house slippers with short hair. that people wear around the house and the But if short hair is not an option for some, then the style for those long occasional trip to the grocery store, but locks is curls. Not necessarily the perfect, symmetrical curls that one might spend hours creating. These curls would be more like the soft, bouncy curls that are more laid-back. This year, the guys will be experimenting with a new color. Rust is predicted to be a popular color: rust-colored shoes and jeans according to “Esquire.” Along with rust, guys will also have the same earthy, neutral tones in their clothing that girls will be incorporating this year. The average pair of jeans will still be in, but there will be more colors to choose from. The new year has begun and these new fashions will come and go. Only time will show what becomes of them. look were especially popular this year.
MGMT
1.The Shins - Port of Morrow (March 20) 2. Dr. Dog - Be the Void (Feb. 7) (note: will be at Granada
on Feb. 2)
3.The Maccabees - Given to the Wild (released on Jan. 6) 4. MGMT- MGMT (Fall) 5. Grimes - Visions (Feb. 21)
ARTISTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Want to see more of Sam and Ryan's top picks? Go to fsfreepress.com
1. Dog is Dead (single on iTunes) 2. Howler (debut album "American Give Up" is due on Jan. 17) 3. Dry the River (debut album "Shallow Bed" out on Feb. 27)
Sam's Tunes of 2011
by sam boatright
FAVORITE ALBUM: Girls
Girls- Father, Son, Holy Ghost
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1.The Drums-Portamento 2.Yuck- Yuck 3. Youth Lagoon-The Year of Hibernation (note: will be at The Jackpot on March 12)
have a picture like that.” “[Overall], I felt a rejection of pants this year,” Johnston said. “I started wearing more dresses and rompers.” With a new year will come new fashion and trends. What will become of the patterned tights, feathers and lace will only be able to be told in time.
Arctic Monkeys
4.The Vaccines-What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? 5. Arctic Monkeys- Suck It and See
BEST UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS OF 2011:
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feature
4
february 2, 2012
FAVORITE SONGS:
1. Santa Fe- Beirut 2. Weekend- Smith Westerns 3. L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.Noah and the Whale 4. Money- The Drums 5. Midnight City-M83 (note:
will be at Granada on May 1)
6.You Know What I MeanCults 7.The Wall- Yuck 8. After the Moment- Craft Spells 9. Honey Bunny- Girls 10. It’s Real- Real Estate
1. “American Nomad”- The Apache BEST CONCERT: Relay Someone Still Loves You Boris 2. “King Krule EP”- King Krule 3. “Imaginary Future”- French Films Yeltsin @ The Wonder Fair on Nov. 19 4. “Again Into Eyes”- S.C.U.M.
CLASSES FORMING NOW!
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february 2, 2012
opinion
6 Fashion
Forward
by kyle freese and natalie hiebert
Guy's take on women's trends and girl's opinion about guy's fashion.
I
can’t say that I really paid a lot of attention to what women wore until writing this piece. However, walking through the hallways lately, I’ve noticed that girls pay much more attention to how others perceive them than to how comfortable they are and what they enjoy wearing. This doesn’t speak for all, but as a guy, I’d much rather feel relaxed in a jacket and jeans. One thing is for sure: if I had to care about what I wore to school every day, I probably wouldn’t make it in this world. As for girls, it seems to be a ritual. I always wonder who Sam Landgrebe, starts fashion trends, and senior why they are followed so religiously. It’s as though the person wearing the clothes determines what others wear. I’m convinced that a girl forgot a skirt and just wore leggings to school one day, and then everyone decided it was the cool thing to do. Apparently yoga pants and leggings are just the thing now, and everyone has a different opinion on the seemingly small issue. I for one don’t mind the trend at all, and I say keep it up. However, every person should know what they can pull off, and what they can’t. I think the North Face and Uggs era is slowly ending, and I could not be any happier. It just gets old seeing everyone you know wearing the exact same thing. It got to the point where you were inferior if you didn’t wear that magic combination.
A person’s eyes are drawn to things that really stand out, so trying to fit in isn’t always the best tip. There are many ways to be a stand out, and telling you how to be unique is taking away from the point.You can go the route of taking random things from your closet and putting them together into one crazy outfit. You can also just go shopping for things you don’t necessarily see others wearing, but you can see yourself in. Even though I recommend trying to be cozy and complacent, it really is fantastic when girls try hard to look good. But be careful, because there’s a difference between the looks you’ll get with an attractive outfit and a “Your parents were cool with that?” getup. It’s difficult to categorize a girl’s fashion sense, because there seems to be a broad range. Some people can be offended when you recognize them as “this type of person.” Girls will dress like a complete hipster one day, with their corduroys, flannel and Anna Cormack, tie, and the day after they’re junior wearing a hoodie, jeans and boots. The next day they’ll be in high heels and a mini dress. Okay, that never really happens, but you get my point. Guys have their interests and girls have theirs. Fashion just happens to be more for the ladies. The most important thing is to look the way that makes you feel attractive and comfortable.
M
en’s fashion. When I was first asked to write about this, I honestly did not know where to begin. How do I write an article about a pair of jeans and a t-shirt? From my own observations and conversations with a few guys, I have theorized that there are three categories of men’s style -- hipsters, jocks and the guys who wear whatever looks/ smells decently clean. I know the men reading this probably resent that type of categorization, but in the back of your masculine minds you are probably wondering how we women know the shirts you are wearing were picked up off of your bedroom floor this morning. Trust me when I say that it isn’t that hard to tell, especially when you walk in wearing your wrinkled white t-shirt from a Hanes three-pack and tattered jeans. Another giveaway is that bedhead hairdo, when you look like you slept late; it’s obvious that you grabbed the first thing you could lay your hands on. I must exempt hipsters from this sort of behavior. While most men are struggling to find a decent shirt to wear, you have already prepared a fashion forward outfit complete with cashmere sweater, scarf and gorgeous watch. You gave away the big secret: men can wear tailored clothes without coercion or blackmail. But sometime after you started wearing t-shirts with bands that no one knows about, you lost us.
Birds Word
adBlake Bray Murray freshman
"Basketball socks."
Nick Crawford
sophomore
"Short shorts because they keep you cool."
Evan Johnson, junior
Q: What is your favorite fashion trend?
Emily Sadosky junior
Let’s be honest: no woman wants to be seen with a guy who looks more fashionable or intelligent than her, so hold off on the corduroys and cardigans and kick back in that pair of sweats and that wrinkled white Hanes t-shirt every once in a while. While the hipsters need to relax a little, you athletic guys need to dress up more often. It is an unfortunate truth that the only time you do not wear an Under Armour, Nike or Adidas product is when you are actually required to be well dressed in honor of game day. It is on these formal dress-up days that we ladies take notice. I have never met a woman who did not appreciate a pair of nice slacks and button down shirt on a guy. In my opinion, that is the most attractive outfit a man can wear. Pair that with a spritz of cologne, as long as it is not Axe, and you will have our attention in no time. I suppose the best advice I can give to you men is just to find balance in your choices. Wear sweats on lazy days and dress nicely on others; a little variety never hurt anyone. Lastly, just be yourself -- as long as yourself smells nice.
"I like any kind of boots because they're fashionable and they're warm."
Let us know!
senior Anna Avery Dietz Beck senior
"Skinny jeans and graphic tees because they're comfortable."
Have any ideas? Go to fsfreepressonline.com or mention us on twitter with your suggestions!
Peggy Nelson
teacher
"My favorite fashion trend is the whippy scarf around the neck, different colors. I want one so bad."
by ryan loecker
Lawrence and watching Lindsay fill out a report. Boring, I know. The photo illustration by ryan worst part loecker was having to listen to country music the entire time. But all it took to completely change my night was a short call on the radio. My ride-along went from feeling like some lame school field trip, to a scene straight out of “COPS” in a very short period of time. We responded to a call at a North Lawrence trailer park. While there, I experienced something very intense. So intense that I am not able to talk about it. Let’s just say that after the fact, I was told that I was probably going to be subpoenaed because a routine arrest didn’t go as planned. Once we left the trailer park, we spent about 45 minutes at the hospital. Now I know what you are all wondering, and the answer is no, I did not get hurt. After things settled down, I decided to cut short my ride-along by about an hour. While I did overhear that there was a robbery in progress, the reality of being a police officer set in, as Lindsay told me he had about two hours of paperwork ahead of him. Even though my ride-along was exciting, I don’t think I would ever consider becoming a police officer. Lindsay was cool and I realize being a cop is very serious business. Something tells me my sarcastic personality would not be appreciated by the police department or the people of the community.
.
I caused quite a bit of confusion on Jan 6. after making my Facebook status: “If you get arrested within the next four hours you might see me.” To clarify: No, I did not get arrested, I watched others get arrested on a ridealong with the Lawrence Kansas Police Department. My approach to this ride-along wasn’t the most journalistic, but it sure was fun. When asked by a police sergeant what part of Lawrence I would like to ride in, I responded by saying, “Wherever has the most action.” Although one of the first things my officer said to me was, “This is Lawrence, KS, you know? This isn’t ‘COPS,’” my experience felt very similar to the television show. Prior to my ride-along, I was nervous about the officer I was going to be riding with. I did not want to spend four hours in a car with some super serious cop who never smiled. Surprisingly, the officer I rode with, Larry Lindsay, was pretty cool. Throughout the ride-along, I made sure to ask outrageous questions in an attempt to get him to loosen up. One example is when I asked him if he had ever killed a man. He hadn’t. Even though I caught him fighting back a smile, Lindsay’s answers were always proper and politically correct. Lindsay started off the ride-along by giving me a tour of the car. Neither of us were too excited about this, but I did find out that somewhere in the car (he didn’t tell me where) there is a secret button that releases the almighty shotgun each car holds. The first hour of my ride-along consisted of driving around downtown
ian's inspiration: "Goober Wrong"
by ian patterson
I spent New Year’s Eve as I have for the many times, hanging out with friends. Once we counted down to the ball dropping and rang in the new year, someone said, “Guys, we graduate in five months.” That’s when it hit me: I’m leaving high school. I had watched older friends graduate, and two years ago I watched my brother do it again, and every time someone graduated I thought, “Someday, that will be me.” I never realized that my “someday” would be sooner than I ever imagined. In about five months I will leave this building for the last time as a student. I’m sure every senior has that moment of realization, just like mine, but it all seems too soon. I never thought I would actually survive until graduation and now time is flying by. I have no doubt that for most of the graduating class, the next chapter in our lives will only be better. Our college applications are in, we have (for the most part) chosen a path for next year, but for the next five months, our lives will consist of attempting to care about school, forcing ourselves out of bed, planning graduation parties and going through the motions. I hope that everyone in the senior class chooses to enjoy this the way I plan to. I had always heard from the older classes that the senior class really comes together; something I haven’t yet seen this year.
I have heard it described as everyone “just getting along and being happy.” I still have hope for this magical phenomenon. I have spent a lot of time trying to grow up. I always want people to perceive me as mature. Now, while we spend our last minutes on the verge of actual adulthood, I am attempting to cling to my childhood. I don’t want to seem even a little too old for the “childish” things of my past and present at high school. It has dawned on me that all of the things I have been “too mature” for are actually part of the high school experience.
That’s when it hit "me: I’m leaving high school.
"
The world I will enter at college is sort of a test bubble of the real world. Our generation is not being handed a great job market or a perfect world, but there are grand possibilities out there. While we sit in our classes, daydreaming of the future, I am going to make a change. Instead of living my very numbered days in our little Free State community thinking out the next step in my life, I am going to attempt to follow some very overused advice: live in the present. I am going to live up every last cheesy, school-administrator-approved moment while I’m a Firebird. We might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
Sentimental Senior
by miranda davis
7
opinion
t'Ryan #6: Police Officer
february 2, 2012
february 2, 2012
lawrence guide
lawrence guide
8 the
Dr Dog Feb. 2 @ The Granada
By sam boatright
Whimsical folk-poppers Dr. Dog are a sight to be seen. Lucky for all of us, Pennsylvania’s best animal-named band is stopping by the Granada to charm concert-goers with their take on ‘60s psychedelic rock, transfused with indie instrumentation including playful pianos and serenading strings. On their newest album, “Be the Void” -- to be released on Feb. 7 -- Dr. Dog returns with a shinier sound, different from their previous records like “We All Belong” and “Easy Beat.” Emulating John Lennon-esque melodies and instrumentation on earlier records, Dr. Dog transforms into a tighter-sounding, upbeat band on “Be the Void,” even sounding like ABBA and Talking Heads in some respects. However, despite resembling a Swedish pop group from the ‘70s in the song “Control Yourself,” Dr. Dog remains unique with a certain poppy, bubbly, psychedelic sound, inducing listeners into a rock-and-roll trance. If this raving review hasn’t convinced you of Dr. Dog’s supreme awesomeness, then go see their energetic, boisterous and engaging live show. Their songs are perfect to sing along to and their wild performances and light show will stun any veteran concert-goer. If that’s not enough, tickets are only $15 and it will more than likely be filled with cool people who like cool music. The show is all ages and doors open at 8:30p.m.
Zola Jesus Feb. 24 @ The Granada Because Zola Jesus acquired her name from a popular French naturalist writer of the 19th century, it’s not too much of a stretch to deem her music, well, abstract. Its abstraction originates from avant-garde, synth-driven, atmospheric instrumentation as it compliments hauntingyet-delicate lyrics about lost loves and self-alienation. However, Zola Jesus’ music reaches millions of listeners because of its spacey, danceable qualities and its sombering, enlightening effect on listeners. Hailing from Wisconsin, Zola Jesus makes music that seems as though it were from outer space, yet blends it with elements of synth-pop, as her voice hints at Blondie and Florence Welch, although it holds its own to the other two female vocalists. Her newest album, “Conatus,” is a continuation of her past musical ventures, still containing soaring vocals and orchestral synths, but adds more-syncopated rhythms and experimental tonalities and soundscapes. I strongly encourage you to see Zola Jesus at the Granada on Feb. 24. The atmosphere and will be an experience in itself, not to mention the incredible music. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. The show is all ages and Talk Normal will be opening for the critically-accalimed vocalist.
February 10 William Elliot Whitmore @ The Granada
February 16 Mutemath @ The Beaumont Club
February 19 Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks @ The Granada