The longest-running newspaper in historic The Reserve Record Hudson, Ohio VOL. CI....No. 6 WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY, HUDSON, OHIO. JANUARY 2015

Winter ECHOs Take Off Ong: Korra a Killer Cartoon School Spirit at Student Sections Coin: Debate Over Downloads Students speak their mind on the subject Simon Ong ’15 lauds Legend of Korra Themes bring throngs and make for Simon Ong ’15 can’t pardon piracy, but matter and methods of the modules. and finds the finale fabulous. boisterous Boys Basketball games. Colin Horgan ’15 finds no fault. PAGE 3| COMMUNITY PAGE 7 | ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 8 | SPORTS PAGE 10 | THE COIN Culture Night Offers Reserve a Tour Around the World vided an exciting opportunity for By HELENA AHN ’15 students to try exotic dishes that Western Reserve Academy takes they may have never tasted. pride in its culturally diverse com- Culture Night augmented cul- munity, which boasts an eighteen tural awareness in the community percent international student popu- in other ways, too. Zhang enjoyed lation hailing from fifteen differ- talking to the parents who helped ent countries. On the evening of out with the preparation of the food Jan. 18, students gathered in the as they patiently waited for the pre- Bicknell Memorial Gym for the an- sentations to finish. “Talking to the nual Culture Night, sponsored by parents gave me an insight about the club Students for Intercultural their lives and their cultural heri- Understanding (SICU). They cel- tage,” explained Zhang. ebrated the various cultures repre- Many students reported that this sented on WRA’s campus through year’s Culture Night was a bigger eye-catching presentations and en- success than last year’s. Overall, joying delicious cuisine. there was a much bigger audience In previous years, students at- and many more contributors who tended the night primarily for the made the event possible. “Most of delicious food prepared by faculty, the videos were entertaining and students and parents. SICU’s goal even superbly edited,” said Bor- this year was to shift the focus to the rmann. “But in the end, the voices, presentations. Modern and Clas- expressions and yes, the accents of sical Language Department Chair ALAN DOE the presenters in front of their peers Dr. Ralf Borrmann, serves as the Ryan Hassell (left) and Sam Haseltine emceed the annual Culture Night, sponsored by SICU. bring the event to life and make it club’s advisor. He explained, “[The memorable. There is shared laugh- presentations] make for memorable avoids repetition for the future,” Rich Hoffman’s daughter Libby, remarked Anna McMurchy ’15. “I ter and emotion, which brings us moments of which we speak even added Borrmann. “There are many Erin Adams ’19, Julia King ’19 and liked how the leaders ordered the together as a community.” years later.” topics to choose from in the future, her brother David. It ended in In- presentations so that it felt like we Lee wants to see Culture Night SICU leaders Helena Ahn ’15, MJ and even if there were presenters dia with a video from Indian Club were going on a circular trip around continue to be successful in the fu- Lee ‘15 and Ida Zhang ‘15 selected who have repeated appearances that parodied Slumdog Millionaire. the globe.” ture and suggests “adding in ‘first- a theme of tourism for the presenta- they will give variety and be just as In about two hours, the audience After the presentations, the audi- hand experiences’ where attendees tions because they believed having interesting and entertaining.” took a tour around the top attrac- ence rushed to the Murdough Ath- get to partake in activities that are “a trip around the world” would The “tour guides,” emcees Sam tions in France, China, Aramco letic Center foyer to eat traditional best representative of their respec- make the presentations informative Haseltine ’15 and Ryan Hassell ’15, in Saudi Arabia and Syria, just to cuisine prepared by faculty, students tive cultures.” As Aeri Hong ‘18 yet lively. “The theme helped the took the audience on a “trip around name a few. and parents. Students could have remarked, Culture Night was “in- presenters to focus on an aspect of the world” starting in Ireland with “There was a nice range of pre- Indian burfi and a French crepe on teresting and entertaining for both their culture and the country and an Irish dance from English teacher senters from all different places,” the same plate. Culture Night pro- the eyes and the taste buds.” Action Station Gives Lunch Flavor Sturgis Focuses on

By TARHULE ’15 Writing for English II In the last few months, the din- take. Sturgis experiences plenty of ing hall has offered a highly popular By DARCY KUANG ’17 silence in these conferences, but option at buffet lunches known as English teacher Roman Stur- he believes that the silence demon- the Action Station. At every meal gis has taken an experimental ap- strates that the students are think- it’s offered, it draws an eager crowd proach with the writing process of ing strenuously to find solutions to of teachers and students alike and one section of his English II class. their errors. for good reason; it may very well Throughout each marking period, Although the tactic might seem be the best idea the dining hall staff every student from his class par- unorthodox, Sturgis approaches has ever had. ticipates in a writing conference, each conference in a methodical The Action Station’s success stems usually fifteen to forty minutes in manner. He starts by brainstorm- from a variety of reasons, the prima- length, in which he or she receives ing ideas and opinions on a certain ry one being simply the improved direct feedback and suggestions topic and then begins to organize quality of the food. Rarely does from Sturgis. the ideas in a logical order. the default meal get better recep- MAX FORSYTH After receiving the comment, When it comes to the conclusion, tion than what the Action Station The action station recently served “Pastalaya,” their take on jambalaya. students will start to revise and re- he emphasizes the ability of con- makes, which not only tastes better think their essay. “I encourage my necting a personal essay to a more but tends to be much healthier as of hot chocolate availability. (As the and the salad bar. students to revise their essays after universal issue that the readers can well. author of a somewhat inflammato- Moving the Action Station to the each writing conference,” Sturgis relate to. “The conclusion should Although the wait is typically ry opinion about the dining hall in south end of the dining hall, or sim- explained, “because revision is the open up an interesting new discus- longer, since the food is often cus- the November issue of the Reserve ply turning it around so that people most important process to identify sion rather than repeat the topic tomizable à la Chipotle, dining hall Record, I welcome this trend!) line up in the south side instead of and repair the flaws of the essay.” sentence,” he said. And this makes visitors have demonstrated that No progress can be flawless, the lobby, would be a great step to- Adjoa Tettey-Fio ‘17, one of the the essays more powerful and more they will gladly wait for this option. though. Along with the more mun- wards alleviating this problem. students in the section, appreciates relatable.” Students, faculty and staff love dane problems (such as the unfor- The small staff of the Action Sta- this innovative process because it al- Sturgis also keeps detailed pro- watching the preparation of their tunate temporary mislabeling/dis- tion creates another problem, since lows her to develop better writing files for each of his students, “I dish; the precise motions and the appearance of the hot chocolate), the cooks there, as energetic as they habits. “[Writing conferences] take keep photocopies of my students’ flashes of fire as the chefs toss the the Action Station itself has a vari- are, cannot adequately address the up more time than I would like,” essays in these profiles to observe entree makes it all rather entertain- ety of issues. huge numbers of people that flock she explained, “But they force me how much they have progressed ing and highlight the clear talent of On a petty level, the Action Sta- to the station as soon as lunc starts. to realize where the problem is so throughout the year.” the FLIK Independent School Din- tion closes too soon during many Setting up a second station or ex- that I won’t make the same mistake When asked what inspired him to ing staff. meals, due to its popularity. More panding the current one would be next time.” make such a change in his class, he Other Ellsworth Hall develop- seriously, the line disrupts the entire a wise choice. Come what may, the He also stresses the importance replied humorously, “Well, I want ments include a new diverse choice lobby and blocks access to all fea- Western Reserve Academy com- of thinking independently. During to see my students producing better of fresh (or, at least, fresh enough) tures of the dining hall, including munity loves the action station and a conference he will never give out essays. If we can write well, we can apples and an improved frequency the default food, the coffee/tea area hopes it stays an Ellsworh fixture. the answer or point out the mis- save the world.” 2 RESERVE RECORD NEWS JANUARY 2015 Corrections Established in 1925 The Reserve Record December Issue Community Service Editor-in-Chief Max Forsyth The Reserve Record is the student- For the crossword on page 7: Editor-in-Chief Trevor Levin run, monthly newspaper of Western Day Makes a Difference Reserve Academy and the voice of 24 across should have been “Ce- Managing Editor Kevin Yang and for the student body. It aims to lebrity of 7 Down, to Brits,” not “of 7 Associate Editor Irina Kopyeva educate its staff, writers and photog- Across.” raphers on journalistic style, format, There were two numbered 59 News Niraj Naik, Harrison Ahn ethics and excellence, while enter- down; the first one should have Community Max Forsyth taining and informing the student been 49 down. Arts Timmy Lund body and providing its readership Entertainment Ajay Dakappagari a forum for community expression The clue for 65 down was missing. It Centerfold Max Borrmann and discussion. The editors and staff should have been “Chop.” Sports Trevor Lin have worked on every facet of this Opinion Jaret Skonieczny publication. The Coin Connor Semple, Max Forsyth The opinions expressed in the Re- World News Makena Hayes serve Record do not necessarily Additional Editing Hannah McKenzie represent those of the administra- tion, trustees or student body. The Photography Coordinator Jenny Xu editors assume full responsibility for Faculty Advisor Russell Morrison the contents of the publication and NATALIE DAVIES invite community responses. By ANNA ANDERSON ’17 es of Hope. According to Joey Ran- We cherish Community Service dazzo ’17, the organization’s goal is Peterson Becomes Academic Dean Days for many reasons, including “to help better the lives of cancer pa- that we have no classes. However, tients with some inspiration.” The for [his] colleagues.” we all know that the true purpose group accomplished a great deal in By GEORGE MERRIOTT ’15 His ambitions are guided by his of them is to give us a chance to their allotted time: the members Matt Peterson, an English teacher desire to “make sure that what we assist the community and support made over 55 gym bags and cards currently spending his fourth year say about ourselves, as a school, is worthy causes. that will go to Relay For Life. Ap- living and teaching at Western Re- consistent with what we attempt to The Empty Bowls project, for ex- proximately 40% of both men and serve Academy, became the new do with each student here.” While ample, fought hunger. Because of women are diagnosed with cancer Academic Dean on Jan. 1. His new he has “no set agenda” to change the latest recession in America, mil- at some point during their lives. role is “largely to oversee the aca- teaching at WRA, he seeks to en- lions of people have lost their jobs That is why Relay For Life, a group demic program in its broader philo- sure that the school is “framing the and cannot afford to buy food. The walking event, raises awareness and sophical and conceptual sense.” materials that our students study Empty Bowls participants did their money for those affected by cancer. Peterson said that, rather than in a way where they see how their part by making bowls on potter’s It saves lives and honors those who dealing with issues such as “manag- work is relevant to the world, now wheels and glazing them. They will have survived and lost their lives to ing daily and alternate schedules . . and in the future.” soon be sold to the community of cancer. . or working to support specific stu- Peterson also recognized the im- Western Reserve Academy. Profits Some projects were a bit more dents with specific academic needs” portance of maximising the amount will go to a food bank. casual, the Knitting for Babies proj- (the responsibility of the Director of of student-teacher contact. He The leader of the project, long- ect was pretty casual. “We knitted Studies, Sherry Chlysta), his work hopes to ensure teachers “are not time English teacher Jeffrey Warner, around the fire place, sometimes is to consider WRA’s educational distracted with ancillary tasks” but gave his group a tour of the place watching TV and sometimes talk- goals as they relate to the academic instead “developing meaningful re- COURTESY OF MATT PETERSON Peterson (above) is in his that will receive the profits. Maggie ing,” recalled Minyoung Shim ’17. program. In this sense, his role is lationships with [students].” fourth year teaching at WRA. Olson ’15 made pots. “I like that we Newborn babies need to be kept based more on “best practices and The real importance of his role know exactly who and where our warm during the winter since their broader academic goals than work- is to help ensure that the school is students would learn how to move money will be helping,” she said. body heat is lost significantly faster ing with specific students.” presenting materials in a way where “from a question, to a concept, to “I really feel like our art will make than ours. When asked about his goals as the they “relate to other disciplines.” a method, to execution” within a a difference to people somewhere Some didn’t quite go as planned. Dean of Academics, Peterson said He and “a small team of teachers” structured environment and real- else.” Math teacher Gerard Manoli led a his principal concern is “to support are designing a “program that al- ize the “transformation” that comes Meanwhile, eight groups traveled group of six senior boys to Sarah’s our teachers to do their best work lows students to pursue a particu- with it. to local Goodwill stores. They as- House, a community organization in the classroom.” While it doesn’t lar curiosity or passion and to find While he has had to put some sisted employees in various ways, in Akron, to help stock shelves with sound glamorous, he recognizes the more coherence in their education.” of his other responsibilities on the such as sorting clothes by color fresh produce below market price so importance of his “middle-man- He explains that this means stu- back burner, such as serving as an and household items by use. Latin the disadvantaged community can agement” position, a position that dents should be able to find “pat- assistant tennis coach in the spring, teacher Jeffrey Namiokta’s group better afford them. acts as a bridge between “classroom terns and connections they see with Peterson still holds numerous vis- went to a Goodwill in Twinsburg. Upon arrival, though, they found teachers and the upper administra- their ECHO, core academic work, ible roles on campus. He is the Darcy Kuang ’17 remarked, “The the building closed for the day. tion.” He noted how his “work has any service travel, or an internship Chair of the English Department, project was fun. We contributed to After trying to reach a volunteer a lot to do with synthesis and co- they might be doing between ju- the Housemaster of Long House, the community and also had a great at Sarah’s House, Manoli decided operation” in an attempt to “create nior and senior year.” With this new the Sustainability Co-Chair and a time with our friends.” to take the group back to WRA. and maintain the best conditions program in place, Peterson expects member of the Care Team. Goodwill sells donated clothing Dean’s Office administrator Chris- and other necessities cheaply. It uses tine Manoli put the group to work Cycle Chargers Power Community over 80% of its income to provide putting addresses outgoing mail employment, training and support and organizing bookstore goods. services to workers. The money Colin Horgan ’15, who worked By MAKENA HAYES ’17 Goodwill has obtained in 2015 so with the mail, seemed unperturbed: and TIA FORSYTH ’18 far already helped over 12,000 peo- “Although we didn’t quite help the The “Cruising Collective” initia- ple acquire jobs. cause we had set out to help, we still tive began a few years ago when Another group worked with Voic- did something for the school.” alumna Ingrid Wells ’12 received a grant for 10 orange town bikes sustainable practices in their daily where — and by utilizing the bike that could be used by students for routines.” generators, we will not have to use as long as a day. During the Fall and Borrmann believes everyone may energy created by coal power plants Spring, many bike-less members reap the benefits of this installa- or other polluting energy sources. of the Western Reserve Academy tion. He stated, “The community Energy is not just a ubiquitous river community enjoy riding the bright will benefit by witnessing firsthand of power that flows freely into the orange bikes around campus and in what it takes to power the electronic outlets of our campus. These bike downtown Hudson; however, once devices they use everyday. Almost charging stations will help us value the temperatures begin to drop and everything around us requires en- electricity and encourage us to uti- TREVOR LEVIN the first snow falls, the bikes must Max Forsyth tests the cycle charger in the WRAp after installing it. ergy. By experiencing how much lize clean forms of energy through- be stored for the winter. Earth physical energy goes into generat- out our daily lives. Initiative club members pedal the good use and use them to generate electronic device. When riding a ing a desired amount of electricity, The three bike charging stations bikes from the bike rack outside the power. bike, people will be able to charge I expect that we will become more can be expected to be set up by Fri- John D. Ong library to the base- They wrote a proposal to the anything that uses a USB cable, in- conscious of our energy intake.” day, Jan. 30. There will be one in ment of Longhouse, where they are WRA Dad’s Club to request a grant cluding virtually all phones. This project is a win-win for ev- the WRAp, one in the Murdough stored until April. to purchase a few small, clip-on Forsyth spoke briefly about the eryone. Students and faculty can Athletic Center and one that will However, Earth Initiative leaders bike generators and stationary bike motivation behind this initiative charge their devices while getting rotate from dorm to dorm, switch- Max Borrmann ‘16 and Max For- stands. The Pedal-A-Watt genera- and said, “We hope this unique some fun exercise, and the orange ing about every three weeks. For- syth ‘15 wanted to find a use for tors consist of spinning magnets in- project shows the WRA communi- bikes will serve a new purpose in- syth and Borrmann plan to keep the Cruising Collective bikes dur- side coils of wire. While the back ty how easy it is to make a positive stead of hibernating in Longhouse the three orange bicycles set up on ing the winter, and they found an wheel of the bike spins, a small impact on our environment. These for the winter. Hopefully, the bikes the stationary bike stands through- environmental technology website knob on the generator also spins, new bike generators will allow us will help people understand that all out the whole school year, since called “econvergence.net” that sells causing the magnet to spin within to make a direct impact on our energy, even the seemingly insignif- usually only two to four of the six miniature bicycle generators. They the coil. This causes electricity to carbon footprints and might even icant amount that charges a phone bicycles are checked out from the decided to put the orange bikes to flow through the coil and into an encourage people to pursue other or tablet, has to come from some- library at one time. RESERVE RECORD COMMUNITY JANUARY 2015 3 Ten Finalists Perform in Annual Winter ECHOs: Shakespeare Monologue Contest Five Students Review Their Saturday Class and music among other mediums By OLIVIA CHAN ’17 that keep the class engaging at all As every Western Reserve Acad- times. emy kid knows, the decision on what Saturday class to take can What is the best part of this class? make a world of a difference. Even The best part of the class is being in though many WRA students prefer a classroom with so many other stu- attending classes during the warmer dents that are engaged and excited seasons, avoiding these unique op- to learn about the year 1968. portunities given in the winter will result in missing out on the action. Business of Restaurants With a variety of choices from dis- Sarah Zimmerman ‘17 secting a dead cat with Mrs. Rine- hart to meditating with Doc Rob, Why did you choose this ECHO? the school provides a vast array of I chose the ECHO because I’m re- ECHOs for the students to pick ally interested in this kind of thing. from. Several ECHOs that haven’t I’ve been watching the Food Net- appeared in past years emerged this work since I was really little.

NATALIE DAVIES trimester to be tested out. Simon Ong performed the monologue of Thersites from Troilus and Cressida. He placed third. If you need any guidance on What is the goal that you wish to which winter ECHO to take in the achieve at the end of all this? By CHARLES and Ownership. tures, but they used them decisive- years to come or just want to see I just want to know more about the PRENDERGAST ’15 Rothman emphasized the im- ly.” He also said that his monologue what your friends are up to on a whole industry in case it’s some- On Monday, Jan. 12, Western portance of careful selection, as this year was more suited to his act- Saturday morning, see what a sev- thing I am interested in doing when Reserve Academy students and demonstration an understanding ing. He mentioned his surprise in eral students in the following classes I’m older. teachers gathered in the Chapel to of Shakespeare material is difficult placing as highly as he did: “I had had to say. watch ten student actors perform a within the limit of 20 lines. She also already seen Elliot’s, [third-place Intuitive Calc monologue from the plays of Wil- recognizes the inherent difficulty of finalist] Simon [Ong ’15]’s, and David Chen ‘16 liam Shakespeare. A panel of judges this performance: “When you are Mika [Takahashi ’15]’s and saw that Diversity of the Dead selected Elliot Ong ’17 to repre- on stage the house lights are off and each of them had really dug into the Sidney Preston ’17 Why did you choose to take this sent WRA in the next level of the you can’t see the audience. In the text.” course? English-Speaking Union’s National Chapel you have people looking This year’s winner perfectly dem- What do you do in this class? I have always had an interest in Shakespeare Competition. down and up at you. As judges we onstrated that confidence and com- We’re dissecting organisms so we mathematics, so by taking this About 15,000 students across want to see people completely calm mand of his monologue. Elliot Ong can discover more about how they ECHO, I hoped to get a preview America pick and perform a mono- and committed to the moment.” was “the stand-out winner with function and so we can see how or- and a head start for calculus next logue for the competition. Judges Rothman believes that this con- mostly perfect scoring from all the ganism’s anatomy changes based on year. choose one contestant per school to fidence can also be used offstage, judges.” Ong, who made it to the how complex an organism it is. move on to the regional level. One explaining that students “will be finals but did not place last year, What do you look forward to doing from that group to the national lev- prepared for other important as- expressed that he felt his choice of What are you most looking forward in this class? el in New York. The champion wins pects of life such as interviewing for monologue and its compatibility to? I look forward to understanding all a scholarship to go to London for jobs, giving presentations, or just with him as an actor allowed him I’m looking forward to some of the kinds of different calculus concepts the Young Actors Summer School carrying themselves with pride and to craft a more compelling per- larger dissections, especially because and how to use them effectively. at the Royal Academy of Dramatic conducting themselves with digni- formance. “Last year’s monologue they will be much more complex Arts. ty. Participating in any performance didn’t have a lot of opportunity to organisms. History of WWII In previous years, WRA has most- art at WRA, whether it be drama, make it my own,” said Ong. “With Makena Hayes ‘17 ly brought in guest judges, but, for singing, dance, public speaking or this monologue, I think I really had History of 1968 the second time, Greta Rothman, debate is, I believe, just as impor- a chance, with the three personali- Trevor Lin ’15 What do you like the most about the the Special Events Director in the tant as athletics.” ties, to throw myself into it.” class? Advancement Office, has used her This year’s runner up, who is plac- Another strong aspect of his What makes this class so interesting? I like the subject matter. History bachelor’s degree in theatre to judge. ing for the first time, is Trevor Levin performance was his Ownership Ms. Horgan keeps the class very has always interested me. Rothman and her fellow judges use ’15. In developing his performance, (defined as confidence level). As interesting through both variety of a rubric featuring two categories, he focused on the Physical, defined Rothman said, he “commanded material and activity. The ECHO What is the goal that you wish to broken up further in three subcate- as appropriate movement with in- the room from start to finish.” Ong focuses on many aspects of the year achieve at the end of all this? gories: Understanding, divided into tention. “I recalled previous win- will take this confidence to Cleve- 1968, including pop culture, the My goal is to better understand the Meaning, Language, and Charac- ners, and realized that the winning land and perhaps New York to try Vietnam war, the counterculture events that affected so many mil- ter; and Expression & Communica- monologues had this deliberateness his hand at getting that first place movement and more. We explore lions of people in so many different tion, divided into Verbal, Physical, of motion. They used a lot of ges- scholarship. these topics through film, writing corners of the world. JLH Plans Projects Library Blog Offers New Resources lar to the Humane Society’s “Dogs By LIAM SULLIVAN ’16 on the Green,” which serves to find By AINSLEY RHODES ’15 Junior Leadership Hudson (JLH) as many homes as possible for dogs This year, the John D. Ong Li- is a group of 16 students from that need them. Unlike Dogs on brary staff has expanded their on- Hudson High School and Western the Green, however, this event will line functionality with the “ON- Reserve Academy. The goal of the not be held on the Hudson Green, Going News” blog. An interactive program is to bring students to- due to a new policy involving pets online book catalogue, the “ON- gether from the two high schools in at that place. Going News” site uses social me- Hudson to create a project that will As JLH searches for a new loca- dia to spruce up the search for new benefit the community. In monthly tion for this old-school event, mul- books. The latest blog spot notifies meetings, the students in Junior tiple committees are working on students of the newest additions to Leadership Hudson meet with lo- the marketing, logistical, presen- the Ong Library’s book collection cal government officials, business tation and financial aspects of the while featuring a variety of genres. owners, and key corporate figures. project. Ideally, JLH will be suc- “It’s great!” gushed a librarian. further satisfy students’ tastes in reational books. Through these meetings, the group cessful with their primary project, “It’s the perfect place to check and books, using the blog as a tool for Visitors to the site can find in- learns valuable skills that not only but if it doesn’t work out, the group see the new books that have come the polling of interests. “We’ve tried formative blurbs concerning the help with planning their annual has another project lined up. They in.” Providing feedback from West- to show a variety of interests and to upcoming events for library-going project but also with their lives writ call it “Bike Day,” and they plan to ern Reserve Academy’s own, this get more people to come and check students to enjoy. News regarding large. talk to local bike shop owners about easily accessible catalogue has incor- out good books to read. We’re try- the addition of exciting, new au- As of right now, JLH is still in coming out to the Green and set- porated book reviews that are open ing to find more books that stu- dio books and novels is advertised the planning process of the project, ting up tents for free bike repairs to anyone. Connecting book-lovers dents and faculty would find in- throughout. A librarian concludes: which they will execute in May. for the kids of Hudson and the sur- on campus, the library blog offers teresting”, asserted a librarian. In “It’s a new way to see what’s avail- With a lot of good ideas coming rounding area. In return, the shop the recommendation of book series addition to the featuring of new able here and to inspire kids to use from everyone in the group, this owners can show off some of their in addition to a 5-star rating system books, the “ONGoing News” site some leisure time reading both fic- year’s JLH team decided to do a merchandise and offer discounts to facilitating the often-arduous task discloses fun tidbits such as sections tion and nonfiction.” If you are in- primary project and a secondary bring business into their stores as of book hunting. regarding “this month in history” terested, you can explore “ONGo- project. The primary project is simi- well. The website has endeavored to and student reviews written on rec- ing News” via wra.net! 4 RESERVE RECORD ARTS JANUARY 2015 Jenny Xu Captures Beauty in Photographic Journey WRA Band an essential in photography. By CAT BERRY ’15 Though Xu is partial to her Na- Impresses Sporting a trendy haircut, clothes tional Geographic magazines, she to match and, of course, a camera does not have a favorite photogra- in hand, Jenny Xu ’15 can be found pher. “I do think,” she said, “instead at Concert around campus snapping pictures of learning from professionals, it is for the Reserve Record or filming important to always learn from By CASEY SEMPLE ’18 an awe inspiring English project. your own mistakes, and then you On Dec. 13, the Western Reserve Xu likes to capture life through the can improve a lot.” Academy Band hosted their holi- lens in both photography and film- Xu loves that when she raises her day concert, Festive Yuletide Cam- making, and her multiple Catcher camera and captures that perfect eos, in the Knight Fine Arts Cen- in the Rye movie projects have been landscape shot by pressing the shut- ter Theater. The concert featured community favorites. After asking ter, the present becomes history, numerous songs from the holiday a few questions, I discovered that, frozen into a moment of eternity. season, including “Silent Night,” for Xu, photography is not just a JENNY XU She also loves the challenge of tak- “Hanukkah Highlights,” and “Baby last-minute high school hobby she Xu loves landscapes, such as this shot taken at Yellowstone last August. ing the best possible photo of her It’s Cold Outside,” featuring solo- picked up in hopes of fulfilling an subject material. She is especially ists Helena Ahn ’15, Steve Allaben art credit. In fact, snapping shots then, her passion has expanded and taking them. grateful for her advisor, Fine and ’15, Adam Redlich ’16, and Steve dates back to her childhood. taken form. Her father’s passion, When on the Western Reserve Performing Arts Department Chair Miao ’15. Xu’s current photos may not show Xu’s newfound love and her ability Academy campus, Xu enjoys tak- Alan Doe, who, she noted, has sup- Conducted by Will Talaba, the it, but she was once an amateur. to travel the world at such a young ing studio portraitures. (For those, ported her throughout high school. main attraction of the concert was Though Xu’s father was a lover of age coincided, and her camera’s like me, who don’t know the ter- Even though Xu does not plan on showcased after the short intermis- photography, she did not discover memory was gradually filled with minology of the craft, portraiture pursuing photography as a career, sion, when a screen was lowered be- her passion until she met a friend at panoramas of mountain peaks, is a Photoshop plug-in used to eas- she will forever have her camera hind the band to project a selection an English speaking camp in Lon- close-ups of city skyscrapers and ily edit close-ups of people’s faces.) close by, ready at a moment’s no- of scenes from holiday movies while don, who taught her a few tricks on beautifully detailed shots of desert Who is her most common model tice to shoot the perfect photo. If the band performed songs from their matching Nikon cameras. Xu plains. Xu is personally interested for portraits? Her best friend, Demi photography sounds like the artistic these movies. This fusion celebrat- explained that he introduced her to in landscapes, as her taste for travel Qiao ’15, of course! Through por- discipline for you, Xu has some ad- ed some of the most well-known the beginner’s essentials, and since offers spectacular opportunities for traitures, Xu learns about lighting, vice: “Have a different perspective!” holiday movies and their scores, which the band members appre- ciated. “Playing the soundtracks Moos Gallery: David Bryan Lile’s Urban Photos to the movies playing on the big screen was my favorite part of the By LOGAN SNELL ’18 concert,” said Ahn, a flutist. “Most On Jan. 9, an exhibit opened at people are familiar with the movies, Western Reserve Academy’s Moos so playing the soundtracks with the Gallery in the Knight Fine Arts scenes from the movies make the Center featuring the work of pho- piece more exciting.” tographer David B. Lile. The ex- The clips on the big screen gave hibit will run until Feb. 22. the audience the opportunity to The Cuyahoga Falls-based artist watch the Peanuts gang go ice skat- lives an uncommon life, seeing and ing as the band performed “Christ- photographing the ordinary ele- mastime is Here.” The band also ments around us that he sees as art. performed “A Polar Express Med- “It can be quite profound to real- ley,” “How the Grinch Stole Christ- ize that the common elements of mas,” and “Highlights from Frozen” life can be uncommonly beautiful,” in addition to the movies on the big said Lile. His unconventional por- screen. A blizzard of bubbles broke trayal of familiar urban elements of- out over the audience for the grand fers a refreshing view of what art is. finale when the band performed In the Moos Gallery exhibit, Lile’s “Highlights from Frozen.” photographs include images of elec- Despite the appeal to all ages tric meters, fire alarms, brick walls, by incorporating classic Christ- windows, buildings and a bicycle. mas movies and classical music, it After shooting images with his seemed there was a very small rep-

Canon 5D Mark III camera, Lile, JENNY XU resentation on the students’ behalf. a certified Photoshop Professional, Mr. Lile’s favorite of his pieces, “External Textures”, is a compilation of textures created in a city landscape. “No one knows how hard we work uses Adobe Photoshop to manipu- in band by the very little recogni- late and layer his photography with Lile developed a love for photogra- were processed. is also currently displaying another tion we receive. I think the entire color, design elements, and some- phy from a young age. As a boy, he In the Moos Gallery exhibit, Lile’s exhibition of many of his larger music department is easily ignored times another photo, helping the idolized his father, a man who trav- favorite image is titled “External works in a series of abandoned for all the work that the students viewer to reimagine the world. “I eled the world as a photographer Textures.” This photographs dis- storefronts along South Main Street put in,” Ahn commented. “The want viewers to see a real ‘wow’ in and filmmaker for the Goodyear plays the textures left on an Akron in Akron, just north of the Akron movie clips were fun, but they were each image,” he remarked. Tire Company. He fondly recalls wall after a fire ravaged the build- Civic Theater. also hard,” explained percussionist Lile’s images are shot with inten- his father’s adventures to locations ing. Lile said he drove by the wall An active bicyclist, Lile annu- Peter Campanelli ’18. “Many hours tion and contain a point of view all over the world, including flying several times before he decided to ally cycles nearly 2,000 miles and went into making sure the band was unique to each photograph. He in the famous Goodyear blimp and stop his car and photograph it. Lile hopes to one day use his images on playing at the right time and right especially enjoys taking pictures in attending the world-famous India- plans on printing a much larger ver- a line of cycling clothing and gear. tempo.” urban areas. “Every city has a soul napolis 500 race. Lile remembers at sion of “External Textures” for his He also enjoys skiing. More of Mr. “Band has become a large part and heartbeat,” he said, “and my an early age going to work with his spring exhibit at The Mustard Seed Lile’s work can be found on his art of my high school years. Through goal is to find that soul.” father and watching how real films Market and Cafe in Montrose. He gallery website, davidbdesign.com. band, I became closer with students even from other grades because it is uncommon to have a class with all the different classes,” Ahn reflected. Winter Sportzzz By Timmy Lund ’16 Despite the hard work and time commitment put into practicing by the band members, their efforts are often underappreciated. “We worked really hard for this concert, because we had more than ten piec- es that we worked on in a short pe- riod of time,” Ahn said. “[Students who did not attend] missed out at an opportunity to listen to cheerful Christmas music to get in the holi- day spirit,” she said. “We even had fake snow for Frozen, so it was an amazing concert that they missed out on!” The community will next have the opportunity to see the band in ac- tion at their next concert on Mar. 6. RESERVE RECORD ENTERTAINMENT JANUARY 2015 5 The Ong Review: Legend of Korra The Eggplant: Enabled Series Finale (Spoiler Alert) by Ice, Hockey Team Saves by Practicing on Brick Row the new training facility will help By ARTHUR AUBERGINE them improve even more. “I’m re- The Western Reserve Academy ally looking forward to the prospect hockey team recently announced of making them skate uphill on that they will be coming home, Brick Row,” remarked one coach. bringing them back to Brick Row “It’s a classic skating exercise, and for the first time in years. “We will it should help them become a more actually be practicing on Brick physical squad.” Row,” explained a coach. “Like, the In anticipation of other innova- physical brick path that goes past tive training methods, another Seymour.” The team noted that the coach commented, “I think that iconic path is completely covered in the boys’ skating agility will also ice, making it possible to save the improve given the fact that they are money and hassle in renting a rink going to have to weave in and out of and driving the team there every students and teachers walking back day. from class.” This challenge is espe- The freezing temperatures make cially difficult, given that many stu- By SIMON ONG ’15 Book Four gave us one of the best so times throughout the decisive this iconic brick path conducive to dents are too glued to their phones Well, Avatar fans, we have come episodes of either show in the form battle. playing hockey, and the team is ea- or AP U.S. History textbooks to no- a long way, have we not? I started of “Korra Alone”, which saw Kor- However, the greatest achievement ger to experiment with it. Although tice hockey players flying at them. watching Avatar: The Last Airbender ra’s struggle with her PTSD. The of the finale was its portrayal of the it will take some time for students While there is a lot of positive on February 21, 2005, when Nick- episode was beautifully animated first lesbian heroine on children’s to accustom themselves to dodging energy coming from the players elodeon aired the premiere. Now, and was a fascinating character television. That’s right. Fans were the pucks after school, the move and coaches about returning to ten years, two shows, seven seasons study, indicating that creators Bry- surprised to discover in the final is certainly in the right direction. the WRA campus, not all mem- and 117 episodes later, the saga has an Konietzko and Michael Dante moments of the show that Korra is Hockey players will no longer have bers of the community are as op- ended. The Legend of Korra, the se- DiMartino fully comprehend the gay, venturing into the spirit world to fret about arriving at the vans on timistic about the change. Several quel series of The Last Airbender, emotional repercussions of their with fellow hero and friend, Asami time, because they can easily skate math teachers have grumbled that finished its fourth and final season, characters decisions. Sato, and staring longingly into her right out of Seymour to practice. the coaches’ calls of “Get wide! Get Book Four: Balance, in December. While Korra Alone is one of the eyes as they entered the newly cre- The “Brick Row Rink” will also save wide!” distract their classes, and that (The review that follows contains standouts of the season, there are ated spirit portal. It was left some- the school gas money and rent. The is hardly the only complaint. “All spoilers for Book Three and minor some other great moments which what ambiguous, but the creators coaches are pleased to avoid the it’s going to take is one stray puck spoilers for Book Four.) made Book Four so incredible and have since confirmed it meant what dangers of the winter weather, and and North Hall could go crumbling Book Three left off with Avatar memorable. (This is where I begin we all thought it meant. It was a big the players are looking forward to down,” observed a grounds crew Korra narrowly defeating the an- to tread into spoiler territory, so moment for children’s television the change as well. member, “and don’t even get me archist, Zaheer, but at what cost? reader discretion is advised.) Book and will likely have massive impli- The team is enjoying another started on replacing the windows of Korra was left temporarily para- Four saw the return of a fan favorite cations yet to be realized. successful season, and hopefully Seymour Hall.” lyzed, and the Earth Kingdom was from the original series, Toph Bei thrown into chaos at the death of Fong, who “helps” Korra through their queen. Book Four picks up her emotional journey. It was in- State of the Union by Trevor Levin ’15 three years later as Korra struggles teresting to see the interaction be- with her paralysis as well as a severe tween Korra and Toph. Whereas in ACROSS 38 Kingdom case of post-traumatic stress dis- the original series, Aang was eas- 1 Cat’s cries 40 Simon order that haunts her nightmares. ily pushed around by the stubborn 5 Benchwarmer 41 Capital of With Korra recovering and out of Toph during their training, Korra is 10 Output Tibet? the political scene, the Earth King- equally headstrong and that differ- 13 Figure of 42 31 Down’s in dom witnesses a rise to the power- ence in chemistry was fascinating speech his last one hungry Kuvira, a former member of to see. 15 African capital 43 Temporary the Metal Clan, now attempting to It all came to a conclusion with 16 Garden tool tattoo dye reunify the Kingdom. However, it the finale. One notable fact about 17 Slowly 44 Small crown does not take long before Kuvira’s the finale is just how grand it felt. It 18 Make amends 45 Shade of green desire for unity and order turns to may have been the twenty-story tall 19 Unfashionable 46 DNA units one of tyranny and Korra must rush Mecha-Tank or the Man of Steel lev- 20 Coda 49 Crossword’s to overcome her own turmoil in or- els of destruction in Republic City, 21 A topic of 49 theme der to stop Kuvira and her myste- but everything about the finale felt Across 50 Stand-in rious weapon, a laser powered by epic. I found myself picking my jaw 23 Larger 51 Took to court spirit vines. up off the ground a good dozen or chamber 52 Smack-talk 25 Spielberg hit 55 Barbecue fare 26 Snicket’s real 56 D’Artagnan’s WRA’s Top Ten Most name creator 28 Record holder 59 Eggplant Viewed Movies of 2014 31 Not squeaky inspiration 32 Shooting 61 Get a 7 The Reserve Record An- contest 62 Honshu port nual Movie Survey was 33 Oasis rival 63 Verve DOWN 22 Have debts 43 Frank conducted by Simon Ong 34 Married 64 “___, we can!” 1 Track event 24 Uneven 44 Fiscal policy ’15. Results were based on woman (often) 65 Street urchin 174 votes. 2 First place, to 25 Banter 45 Antagonist 37 One 66 Détente some 26 Daniel ’17 46 Type of paint 1. The Hunger Games: Mock- 3 Zephyr 27 Donor, 47 Blink of an eye ingjay Part 1 (43%) SOLUTION TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 4 Drunkard hopefully 48 Scalia’s 2. The LEGO Movie (40%) 5 Strikebreakers 28 Slam wardrobe 3. 22 Jump Street (39%) 6 Andrew Lloyd 29 Unaccompa- 49 Mrs. Boyle 4. The Fault in Our Stars Webber musical nied 51 Munro (37%) 7 Carnival city 30 Greatest lake, pseudonym 5. Captain America: The Win- 8 Last place, for subjectively 52 Platter ter Soldier (35%) some 31 Speaker at 49 53 Smallest 6. Divergent (33%) 9 Leader of 23 Across amount 7. Guardians of the Galaxy Across 34 Leo’s locks 54 Whitewashing (32%) 10 Evil spirit 35 Flees medium 8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 11 Soak 36 Part of a blind 57 State of what (30%) 12 Author of 38 Hit the books union? 9. The Grand Budapest Hotel many a Coin 39 Goofs 58 Mother, in (28%) 14 California 40 Señor country Cockney 10. Interstellar (25%) desert 42 Affenpinscher 60 Loon 6 RESERVE RECORD CENTERFOLD JANUARY 2015 RESERVE RECORD CENTERFOLD JANUARY 2015 7

What Should Stay Behind inWelcome 2014? What Should to Carry the on Into Year2015? 2015Reserve Predicts the Next Big Thing

• Selfie sticks (unfortunately) Words and Phrases Emotions At Reserve • Miles Teller • the word bae • the word bruh • Negativity • Fear • School spirit • The color “marsala” • the phrase “basic” • “I’m more [stressed, • Prejudice • Tribalism • Snow days • Hope • the word swag exhausted, over- • Vanity • Sadness • The action station in the dining hall • Compassion • the word squad worked] than you” • Pride • Patience • the word yeet competitions • The 1980s • the phrase “on fleek” • UK pop culture • Long beards • School wide revolution over day stu- dent parking • Chilean economy • Honey ice cream • Eyebrows Courtesy of Wikipedia • If only I knew... Courtesy of jobsforlife.wordpress.com • Self-driving flying cars Popular Culture • Cheesy popcorn • Trivia Crack • Coffee • Treating everyone like a human being Courtesy of dshhonline.com • Summer vacation Courtesy of dogomedia.com • Transformers movies • Paying it forward Courtesy of Wikipedia • Taylor Swift • Chinese food • Rappers wearing belts • Snapchat • Jimmy Fallon and the • More technology growth At Reserve • the phrase “going Tonight Show • Hillary Clinton running for president • Homework • Freshmen steady” • Low gas prices (officially) • My grades • Snow • Chipotle • Frozen • Male Doc Martens • Starbucks • TV streaming • Men wearing aviator goggles • Netflix • Net neutrality • Comfy sweaters • Awaken minds • Something stupid • Gas at $4 a gallon • Immigration • Bell-bottoms • Moodrings Courtesy of Wikipedia • Parachute pants • Sun In the Real World • Squirrels Courtesy of amazonaws.com • Crocs with socks Courtesy of Wikipedia • Growing awareness and concern about justice Courtesy of Wikipedia Courtesy of media.syracuse.com matters such as racism and sexism • Gay marriage everywhere Popular Culture • Rights movements • Scientific research on personal contentment • Taylor Swift movie • The Bill of Rights Courtesy of starcasm.net • Kimye • Frozen • Action on Climate Change Courtesy of independent.co.uk • Miley Cyrus • Reality TV shows • The Kardashians • Skinny jeans Emotions In the Real World • “Gangnam Style” • Selfies with food + • Listening • Peace • The last Hobbit • Twerking • Learning • Integrity • Natural and man- • All shootings Courtesy of Wikipedia made disasters • Obamacare • Helping • Mindfulness • Islamophobia • Social justice ex- • Living with joy • Positive emotions • Ebola pressed via social • Wealth • Humanity • Cops killing young media being trendier • Humility • Tolerance black men needlessly than real activism • Curiosity • Peace Should They Stay or • Poor police relations • Terrorism • Love • Compassion • Health • Wisdom Should They Go? Courtesy of googleusercontent.com

• Taylor Swift • YOLO • Frozen

Courtesy of billboard.com

Courtesy of Max Borrmann Courtesy of huffpost.com Courtesy of yalibnan.com

Courtesy of guim.co.uk Courtesy of Wikipedia These answers are based on responses to an online poll con- ducted by the Reserve Record and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the student body or of the editorial staff. 8 RESERVE RECORD SPORTS JANUARY 2015 Simon Ong Shoots for Success Ohio State Wins First

By MAKENA HAYES ’17 NCAA Football Playoff Simon Ong ’15 practically grew up seed of the inaugural playoff. With on Western Reserve Academy’s Russ By MICHAEL ZELEZNIK ’16 this came doubt, as several analysts Hansen Rifle Range. His father, The star quarterback goes down seized the opportunity to dismiss History Department Chair Diccon during preseason, ruled out for the OSU, their third-string quarter- Ong ’81, has been the WRA Rifle season. A freshman replaces him, back, and their conference, the Team’s coach for several years. Un- working his way to superstar status. “weaker” Big Ten. Critics insisted der the encouragement and support And in the end, it seemed the he- that the “unstoppable” first-seeded of his father, the younger Ong had roic effort may all be for naught. Alabama Crimson Tide would his first real experience as a member Facing archival Michigan on Nov. crush OSU in the Sugar Bowl. The of the team when he joined during 29, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ back- Buckeyes, they said, could not han- the winter season of his freshman up quarterback J.T. Barrett was in a dle the Tide’s “SEC speed.” year. position to help his team qualify for Initially, it looked that way. But He liked coming to practice right the first ever College Football Play- after trailing 21-6 in the second away, but competing was one aspect off, a playoff system that replaced quarter, the Bucks doubled down, of shooting Ong had to get used the much-maligned BCS. Against scoring 28 unanswered points to. During his sophomore year, he the odds, Barrett thought his Buck- and surviving a 42-35 shootout, started to let the pressure of com- eyes could win a national title. They thus marking the first time OSU petition eat away at him. His nerves would first have to both beat Mich- had ever beaten an SEC team in got the best of him for a while. igan and their Big Ten Champion- a bowl game. Still, many doubted Ong explained, “Riflery is a mental ship opponents, Wisconsin. the team’s chances against the No. game. Your mind has to be in the Late in what looked to be a win 2 Oregon Ducks in the national right place if you want to be suc- against Michigan, however, the championship game. Like Alabama, cessful.” state of Ohio held its collective Oregon was thought to be unbeat- In his junior year, he learned to breath as Barrett broke his ankle, able. But, just as they had done all finally let all of that pressure go. forcing OSU to insert third-stringer season, the Buckeyes did the un- He discovered he really did have a Cardale Jones. The trouble was that thinkable. knack for shooting when he wasn’t Jones was more famous for a series Riding the strength of Jones and letting all the stress get to his head. of questionable tweets than for sophomore tailback Ezekiel Elliot, This boosted his confidence and al- JENNY XU his football abilities. Yet the third- Ohio State trashed the Oregon lowed him to really hit his stride. Simon Ong shoots a standing target during a January practice. string sophomore never missed defense, while Heisman-winning Currently, Ong is one of the Rifle a beat, securing the rivalry win. quarterback Marcus Mariota strug- Team captains, and his four year it, he stated, “I think in one word, ment, though. “More than the Then, in his first career start against gled to tally half the points that the journey has paid off in the form of it would be ‘diverse.’ There’s a huge competition and awards aspect of the Wisconsin Badgers, the redshirt Buck’s third-stringer did. When bullseyes and admirable scores. range of personalities from [sardon- it,” he said, “I think really the main sophomore looked like a seasoned the dust settled, OSU emerged as In addition to coaches, the elder ic] Michael Damato ’15 to [ebul- highlight is getting to know a group senior, leading Ohio State to a 59-0 national champion in a 42-20 deci- Ong and science teacher Robert lient] Morgan Waldeck ’17.” of people that I otherwise really manhandling and a Big Ten title. sion. Along the way, they defeated Aguilar, Ong says the captains from The team has grown together wouldn’t have gotten to know. ” It was a win so resounding that all three Heisman finalists, dispelled his freshman year, Jonathan Farr over shared experiences like long In practices, he encourages new it reached all the way to the selec- myths of conference superiority and ’12, Tracy Tien ’12 and Alex Elio- van rides, stressful competitions shooters to keep trying to improve tion committee’s table, which, after inferiority, exorcised the demons of poulos ’12, were particularly inspir- and traditional trips out to Big Boy. without worrying too much about heated debate, penciled in the No. program’s past, overcame adversity ing and convinced him to stick with The Rifle Team’s collection of inside how they’re doing. “Don’t over- 5 Buckeyes into the fourth and final and destroyed the odds. shooting. In fact, Farr currently jokes and stories is a testament to think it,” he offers as advice. holds the school’s rifle record. He the closeness of the team. Ong is an encouraging captain. shot an impressive 273 out of 300. Ong is a decorated member of He presses shooters to stick with it, Cavaliers’ Recent Trades One thing Ong emphasizes about the team: last season he was named because a shooter can go from the the Rifle Team is the atmosphere of the co-Most Improved Player. He’s bottom of the line to the top with a the group. When asked to describe quick to dismiss this accomplish- little perseverance. Already Producing Wins ever their recent trades are already By COOPER KAPLAN ’15 making a mark. and TREVOR LIN ’15 In a Jan. 23 matchup with the Student Section Embraces Themes The Cleveland Cavaliers added Charlotte Hornets, Smith scored two new bodies to the team on 21 points on 7-11 shooting from By NEEL RAMAKRISHNAN ’16 Jan. 7, when they received shoot- behind the three-point line. This If you’ve gone to any of the boys’ ing guards J.R. Smith and Iman game also served as Iman Shump- basketball games this year, you’ve Shumpert from the New York ert’s Cleveland debut, where the probably noticed a change in the Knicks in a three team deal that guard scored eight points in limited student section. More students also involved the Oklahoma City minutes due to injury. than in recent memory attend each Thunder. Riding a five game winning game, thanks in large part to the ef- In the blockbuster deal, the most streak, the Cavaliers’ recent surge forts of Brock Sutton ’15 and Kurt notable move was the Cavs’ send- may be thanks to elevated play on Haller ’15. ing shooting guard Dion Waiters to the defensive end. Part of the team’s Before the start of the winter sports Oklahoma City. In recent months, defensive improvement can be at- season, the two seniors hatched the it appeared the Cavaliers organiza- tributed to another new acquisi- idea to create themes and chants for tion grew tired of Waiters’ inconsis- tion, 7’1’’ center Timofey Mozgov. each game in order to get the West- tent performance and questionable Cleveland acquired Mozgov in a ern Reserve Academy community character. Jan. 7 trade with the Denver Nug- together to show their support in a Also in the trade, the Knicks re- gets, and his impact is already obvi- more creative and fun manner. “The ceived two non-guaranteed contract ous. No longer can opposing play- whole idea of superfanning [which players from Cleveland and one ers clog the lane to the basket, as COURTESY OF ALICIA MA often involves painting oneself in Freshman students pose for a photo at basketball’s “Neon Night.” from the Thunder. teams now have to respect the fact school colors or holding custom- The trade seems beneficial to both that the Cavs have a big man who made signs] for every game hasn’t the games we didn’t know much to play in,” noted starter Vince Cleveland and Oklahoma City. In can step outside the paint and hit a really been thought of,” explained about, we looked to see if any holi- Brookins ‘16. “Since we have one J.R. Smith, the Cavs get a veteran 15-foot jumper. Haller. “It’s usually just key games days were close to it and based it on of the better basketball teams in bench scorer who is more reliable But Mozgov hangs his hat on that people superfan for.” that. And some of the other themes recent years, I think the games are than Waiters while Shumpert is the defensive end, where opposing With the new themes, nearly ev- we just thought would be fun.” something the student body looks an athletic wing defender who is guards think twice before driving ery game has had a large amount of “Fun” may be an understate- forward to each week.” expected to move to the starting on him, only to have their shot support from the WRA student sec- ment. The themes bring the stu- It is a large time commitment shooting guard spot. blocked or significantly altered. tion. On Jan. 10, in a game against dent section together, a fact which to support fellow classmates on the Meanwhile, with Waiters, the The trade was looked at as a move Walsh Jesuit, the bleachers were was especially evident in the game court while dealing with home- Thunder acquire a guard who has of desperation, but now it is clear packed with students, all of whom against Walsh. Although the Pio- work and tests, but Haller and Sut- shown flashes of brilliance and may that Cavalier’s GM David Grififin were dressed in that week’s “white- neers ended up falling to the un- ton were able to address this issue succeed in the right system. Under did his research on the Russian big. out” theme. beaten Warriors, the team played a while creating ways to support the a new team and management, Wait- There will not be consistent Haller and Sutton put a great deal competitive game. The energy and team. “I understand that academics ers will provide elite scoring to assist 39 point blowouts like the Cavs of effort into making this student support provided by the student are extremely important at WRA,” superstars Kevin Durant and Rus- showed against Charlotte, but the section a reality. Haller remarked, section surprised both visiting fans said Haller. “However, I believe giv- sell Westbrook. positive results since their recent “We picked the themes based off and players. The crowd was on their ing up an hour or two of your time With a 24-20 record and the fifth trades are undeniable. And if Cleve- of three different things: We first feet throughout the entire game. to support your classmates is well seed in the East at press time, the land continues its upward trend, looked at big games and what we “The crowds definitely make the worth it. It’s great to see WRA stu- Cavaliers have immense ground to postseason success may not be so wanted to do for those. Then, for atmosphere at the games more fun dents taking pride in their school.” make up in the playoff race, how- far-fetched after all. RESERVE RECORD OPINION JANURAY 2015 9 America’s Resurgence Phones Are Tools, Not Diversions us in the classroom and in everyday Thanks to the President By MAX BORRMANN ’16 situations. I would argue that skim- “Put your phones away.” It’s a ming through endless amounts of and His Liberal Policies phrase that we have all heard, prob- information on the internet makes ably more often than we would us more efficient at reading text- like to admit. Now, in the age of books and documents in class. We, By FRANCISCO BLANCO ’18 smartphones, cell phone use is be- through our often frowned upon When President Obama was coming an increasingly pertinent smartphone and internet use, are re- sworn into the Oval Office on topic, and it raises many questions. ally becoming better, more efficient January 20, 2009, he was handed When and where is it appropriate readers. Daily, we are faced with the biggest recession our nation has to be using cell phones? How much with hundreds, if not thousands, of seen since the great depression. The time is too much time spent using facts, figures, opinions, headlines, auto industry was on the brink of cell phones? In our educational en- etc. and we, almost subconsciously collapse and the stock market was vironment, the questions of when now, pick through it and retain hitting record lows, the unemploy- and where smartphones should be what we think is important. ment rate had climbed to 10.2%, used are even harder to discern. We are also able to stay incred- and the healthcare system left tens While I agree that there are times ibly up to date on current events of millions uninsured. and places when cell phones should worldwide. Through media outlets The President was in for a tough not be used (for example, during a such as Buzzfeed and Twitter, we term. He has had to deal with test), I am of the opinion that, more get realtime updates on all the lat- various foreign policy mistakes cre- often than not, smartphone use is est headline news stories. Sure we LOGAN SNELL ’18 ated by the Bush administration’s an important element of our lives. might be on our phones on the way 80% the year before. This clearly warhawk ideology, which left the Smartphones can definitely be to class in the morning, but that is demonstrates that smartphone us- President working from behind a major distraction for students; the modern equivalent of reading age is rising, and we need to accept in foreign policy. Now the biggest however, they are also powerful the morning paper. We are pre- they are here to stay. Of course we question asked about the success of tools that can further enhance our paring ourselves to have opinions, must use them in moderation, but President’s is a very simple one: Is educational experience. We, as share information with our class- when used correctly they are the our nation and the world now bet- “digital-natives,” are incredibly ef- mates, and, hopefully, foster more most powerful tool available to us ter off than it was in 2008? My an- ficient at filtering through massive informed discussions on current in the classroom (besides the teach- swer is yes. amounts of information, more so events in the classroom. er). There is a treasure trove of up- First let us tackle the economic than we are often given credit for. According to our very own to-date, scarily specific information LOGAN SNELL ’18 growth during the President’s term. Finding the valuable gems of infor- Viewpoints survey the percentage floating around in the “cloud,” and Under Obama there have been a ums are rising at their lowest rates mation in a vast pile of content is of students in 2014 who owned a smartphones are our key to unlock- record 58 straight months of job ever. Republicans and Democrats something that we can only benefit smartphone was at 86%, up from ing all there is to offer. creation in the private sector. That alike should love the ACA. It keeps amounts to 11.2 million jobs creat- the industry in the private sector ed in that span. The unemployment while expanding access to care. The rate has dropped to 5.6 percent. The ACA is not perfect, but it is a major Leung Says: Triva Crack is Whack! numbers don’t lie: the economy has step in the right direction (universal seriously improved under Obama. health care). By YING KA LEUNG ’18 In 2015, the stock market has hit The United States has ended its Trivia Crack is one of the most record highs and the Dow Jones is military engagement in two world popular entertainment applica- as high as ever. The U.S. produces conflicts. The President has ap- tions among the Western Reserve more oil now than ever before, and pointed two women to the Supreme Academy community. It has also the country is now a major player in Court. He reversed over 50 years of been widely received by the pub- global oil production. bad foreign policy towards Cuba, lic: it has been listed as one of the In 2008 the health care system and we now have an American em- best gaming apps of 2014, and it was broken. When the Democratic bassy in Havana. More Americans is currently the most popular free Congress passed the Affordable are employed and ensured than ever app in the iTunes App Store. The Care Act (ACA), or ‘“ObamaCare,’’ before. The President is certainly game is characterized by six colorful the nation was put on the right not perfect, but he has done a lot cartoon mascots representing each path. Our nation with ObamaCare of great things for this nation, and of the six categories: Science, Geog- has more people insured than ever his liberal policies have a lot to do raphy, History, Art, Entertainment, in our nation’s history, and premi- with it. and Sports. After playing the game for over a month, I notice a disparity in the For Cool Content, Give difficulty between the academic categories, Science, Geography and History, and the non-academic Local Radio a Chance categories, Sports and Entertain- sic on every channel: even though ment. Art is a hybrid of both types By JARET SKONIECZNY ’17 iHeartMedia owns stations in a va- of questions. I find quite a number Believe it or not, many people still riety of genres, its playlists are near- of the non-academic questions ter- listen to the radio. But for those ly the same no matter where you go. ribly detailed, specific, and as the Ying Ka that tune in, diversity is limited. So, next time you go to turn on name suggests, trivial. I encounter Ying Ka ’18 soundly defeats Trevor Levin ’15 in a game of Trivia Crack Whether in the car or online, ter- some popular radio station, maybe questions about the marital status restrial (i.e., non-satellite) radio try something different. My favorite of celebrities, the career records of the United States. Creating simple academic ques- is dominated by one company: to listen to is a great college radio athletes, the albums of obscure pop I realized later that these ques- tions, however, is nothing more iHeartMedia, formerly known as station, University of Akron’s 88.1. artists. Frequently, when I am pre- tions were created and approved by than “dumbing down” the game ClearChannel. Competition does Peter Kuri ’16 introduced me to sented these questions, I find my- the online community, and it was and the community as a whole, a exists for online radio or streaming, this great station. It has a little bit self struggling to retain information at first surprising to me that the on- serious issue for those who hope the such as Pandora or Spotify, but the of something for everyone. They from the daily sports discussion line community would approve of game remains interesting. majority of the current radio sta- play a wide range of new music occurring in the dormitory and im- such easy questions coming out of Meanwhile, the difficulty of the tions millions of people listen to are combined with music from the mediately dash to my friends for as- the academic section of the “Ques- non-academic questions, which are owned by iHeartMedia. 2000s. Every Saturday morning sistance. tion Factory.” Then it occurred to of less intellectual value, remains It all started back in the halls of they have a show called “Saturday However, I feel the academic me that some prefer to have sim- sky-high. This reflects another issue: the Capitol with one of the “finer” Morning Polka,” during which they questions are not adequately dif- ple questions, and they like to feel how topics such as sports and enter- pieces of legislation passed: The play a whole range of polka music ficult. I remember my first Science smart as much as the next person. tainment are placed on par or even Telecommunications Act of 1996. for a few hours, which speaks to my question in Trivia Crack: “What I can relate to such a feeling. I higher levels in terms of importance This Act abolished many regula- Polish soul. The best part? There are is laughing gas?” The answer was know that sense of euphoria upon or interest to society. Many of those tions in place on radio station com- hardly any advertisements! laughably simple: Nitrous oxide. hearing the ‘correct’ sound, and who follow sports and entertain- panies on how many radio stations But if WZIP isn’t your kind of sta- It has many scientific applications whenever you get a question wrong, ment are perhaps not as willing to they could own. The intent was to tion, there are many other stations and is also a major greenhouse gas. the melancholy rushes at you with research social or scientific issues as improve competition between radio around. Try out Streetsboro’s 88.9 Many other academic questions, the word ‘INCORRECT’ spelled reflected by the disparity shown in stations, but instead of increasing or Kent State’s 89.7. If talk radio is especially those relating to civics, in big red letters, and the gloom the Trivia Crack question pool. competition between stations, radio more your scene, try NPR’s 90.3, as were also answered with ease, and along with the prospect of losing, I encourage those who hope stations began to consolidate. Now it airs thought-provoking local pro- I’m sure my peers agree that some hangs on your chest all day. Since the game remains competitive to we are left with, in all but name, a grams in addition to the nationally- of these questions need to be much most frequently play against their contribute to the Question Fac- monopoly on terrestrial radio. In syndicated material like its famous tougher. I recall a Geography ques- friends, bragging rights are up for tory, increase the amount of use- Ohio alone, iHeartMedia owns 71 This American Life. If all else fails, tion instructing me to identify a grabs, and easy questions psycho- ful, thought-provoking questions radio stations. That’s why it seems explore a bit. The airwaves, at least country highlighted on a map of logically increase the prospect and and rate questions on such criteria like you’re hearing the same mu- for now, still have some diversity. North America. That country was hope of winning. where appropriate. 10

JANUARY 2015 The Coin My Phone is Alive With the Sound of Music are still able to copy the product bum cannot be found on Spotify, with no modification to the origi- the average consumer has two op- nal. Everyone benefits. tions. They can either spend ten to Anti-piracy campaigns equate twenty dollars purchasing the item copying a DVD to walking into on Itunes or spend valuable time a store and physically removing driving to a store like Target to the DVD from the shelf. In real- find a hard copy. As Victoria Hea- ity, however, these two acts hold rin reported in a recent Record ar- completely different consequences. ticle about online music, the lovely When a person steals an actual Taylor Swift, one of my favorite DVD, he robs the store of a physical artists, chose to remove her music item which will never be recovered. from Spotify this year. As a devoted This loss destroys any perspective fan of Ms. Swift, I frequently feel theoretically be listening to “1989” downloads a song, video, or pro- profit that could have been made the urge to listen to her latest al- within minutes of having a need for gram, he downloads another per- By COLIN HORGAN ’15 from the sale of the DVD. Thefts bum, “1989.” Because Taylor has my beloved T-Swizzle. son’s copy, a direct violation of the Piracy is any act that constitutes can reduce the number of employ- removed her music off of Spotify, This decision, of course, brings me aforementioned act. However, cre- “the copying and distributing of...a ees that a company can hire or the however, she has left me with just back to my original dilemma: ethics ating a personal recording through piece of music (or other media) wages that can be paid to workers. three theoretical ways to listen to and legality. The “Freedom and In- a conversion site does not copy any- for which the composer, recording However, if one were to pirate the her work: I can either listen to her novation Revitalizing United States one else’s files, and thus, appears a artist, or copyright-holding record same media, no physical material is music on YouTube, buy her album, Entrepreneurship Act of 2007” viable solution to avoiding piracy. company did not give consent” compromised. or pirate her music. (FAIR USE Act) allows for copies But again we run into the trouble- (Wikipedia). Many people believe If I were to listen to Taylor’s pow- of media to be made for personal some issue of convenience. In the that piracy is a widespread problem erful lyrics on YouTube, I would be use only. The FAIR USE Act per- time that it takes to convert one in our society and that the issue interrupted by frequent advertise- mits use of YouTube-converter sites YouTube video into a storable mp3 must be solved through legal ac- ments and be forced to manually such as Video2mp3.net, so long as file, it is possible to legally copy 100 tion. Governments enforce a myr- chose each new song. I would also the sites are not used to make or songs from a pirated source. In ad- iad of copyright laws against piracy be unable to conveniently take my distribute additional copies. dition to this inconvenient use of because it is seen as an act of theft music with me wherever I go using time, YouTube converters also force against artists. But is copying music an mp3 player. This inconvenience While the price is cer- you to enter information about truly stealing? is simply too much to overcome. I each song into your computer, re- The word ‘theft’ suggests a confis- next consider buying the album on tainly not incermount- questing details about titles, artists, cation of personal property. Piracy, Itunes, a $12.99 purchase. While able, I must ask myself album names, and album artwork. however, allows listeners to share the price is certainly not insur- only one simple question This process can quickly become property. Let’s consider the follow- mountable, I must ask myself only to resolve my dilemma: tiresome. Pirated songs however, ing hypothetical scenario: if I were one simple question to resolve my “Who needs thirteen dol- require no such editing or any to steal a car, I would have sole pos- dilemma: “Who needs thirteen dol- maintenance whatsoever. In the session of the vehicle and no one lars more, me or multi-millionaire lars more, me or multi- end, piracy is a choice based upon else would be able to use it. Acts of In addition to the cost imposed Taylor Swift?” After quickly reach- millionaire Taylor Swift? a combination of convenience and piracy, however, do not prevent a on companies, consumer costs ing my inevitable conclusion, I turn logic, and remains the most effi- product from being used again by must also be considered. If a movie to my third option, pirating. By us- Technically, pirating websites cient method by which to consume multiple users. Other consumers is not available on Netflix or an al- ing a site such as PirateBay, I could are only illegal because when one all types of media. Media Pirates: Walk the Plank! about piracy is that it’s a victimless average Americans. Blame piracy. of piracy, as sequels seem financially and cars and nipped it right there in crime. This is simply false: in fact, With piracy threatening the finan- unfeasible. the beginning.” piracy damages the careers of many cial success of movies, optioning for And the problem doesn’t just harm independent film producers. In films that already have an existing the film industry. Piracy is a detri- As somebody planning on go- order for an indie producer to get fanbase became a much safer choice ment to all types of media outlets; ing into the film industry, piracy their film a wide release in theaters, for studios. Thanks to piracy, stu- in fact, illegally copying music is is a real concern of mine. I know they need to pick up the support dios are taking fewer risks and in- arguably the most frequently occur- that there is nothing that I can say of a studio. The studio then takes stead rehashing the same ideas over ring act of piracy in America. When that will stop anybody from pirat- a risk on that movie by financing deciding whether or not to down- ing movies or music if they really its theatrical release. However, if a load an illegal recording, many want to. However, with this article, film has been leaked before its the- people may wonder to themselves: I hope that I have made media pi- ater release, the value of that movie what exactly is the harm of copying rates feel guilty for what they are has already fallen in the eyes of a just this one song? Of course, a lone doing. I hope I have at least showed studio. The studio cannot make as individual cannot do significant them that piracy is not victimless. I By SIMON ONG ’15 much money on the film at the box damage to an entire industry, but hope that I have proven that piracy “You wouldn’t steal a car, office if viewers can simply watch when piracy occurs collectively, the poses a serious threat to up-and- You wouldn’t steal a handbag, it illegally online. Ultimately, this damage is impossible to ignore. Ac- coming artists, as well as to big stu- You wouldn’t steal a television, may cause the studio to decide to cording to a study by the Institute dio names. Downloading pirated You wouldn’t steal a movie. not even finance the movie at all, for Policy Innovation, the United films is stealing, stealing is against which may end up never being re- States economy loses about 12.5 the law. Piracy. It’s a crime. Downloading pirated films is leased. All of these things can occur billion dollars due to music theft stealing. because of piracy. and over again because it’s safe. each year, not to mention 70,000 Stealing is against the law. But piracy doesn’t just kill inde- lost jobs and another two billion Piracy. It’s a crime.” One common misconcep- pendent movies. It kills big studio dollars in lost wages to American ones too. Kick-Ass 2 is a prime ex- workers. As you might imagine, this This ad campaign, a product of tion about piracy is that ample of this. Following the com- rampant thievery enrages many art- the Motion Picture Association, be- it’s a victimless crime. mercial success of its predecessor, ists. KISS guitarist Gene Simmons came the butt of many jokes when This is simply false: in Kick-Ass 2’s box office performance is famous for his extreme anti-pira- it was originally aired on television fact, piracy damages the fell approximately 30% from the cy stance on the matter: in 2004. Americans everywhere careers of many inde- original film. Actress Chloe Moretz mocked the idea that there was any Grace says: “The hard thing is if “How are you going to get paid for it existing parallel between the act pendent film producers. fans want a third movie, they’ve got if people can just get it for free? The re- of pirating a movie and stealing a to go buy the ticket to go see the cord industry doesn’t have a [expletive car. Admittedly, the comparison is Another victim is you! You, the movie. It was like the second most omitted] clue how to make money. It’s exaggerated, but that is exactly the pirater, only hurt yourself when pirated movie of the year, so if you only their fault for letting foxes get point. The ad is meant to grab your you watch movies illegally. Sick and want a movie to be made into a sec- into the henhouse and then wonder- attention, and to make you aware tired of all the reboots, remakes, se- ond, a third, a fourth and a fifth, go ing why there’s no eggs or chickens. of the fact that, regardless of what quels, and spin-offs in Hollywood? buy a ticket. Don’t pirate it.” While Every little college kid, every freshly- you may think, piracy is illegal and The trend began in the late 90s - at Kick-Ass 2 is by no means a perfect scrubbed little kid’s face should have immoral. the same time that the internet was film, that franchise had devoted been sued off the face of the earth. One common misconception becoming increasingly accessible to fans who now suffer at the hands They should have taken their houses Comics by Sandra Spurlock ’17, Portraits by Max Borrmann ’16 RESERVE RECORD THE COIN JANUARY 2015 11 Simplicity, Ease and Aesthetics Put Apple on Top without the phone getting con- iPhone links flawlessly with my fused about which key I meant to Macbook Pro, so all of my data hit. The autocorrect function will is always backed up. Many apps usually correct any mistakes that I transfer over from iPhone to Mac make. The interface simply looks to iPad, all without the user lifting nice overall. a finger. An important feature not One of Apples more superior fea- to be overlooked is battery life. In tures is its App Store. What’s that a usage test versus other Android you say—there are more apps for phones, the iPhone 5’s battery last- Android? Well, young grasshopper, ed an hour and 16 minutes longer allow me to explain why quantity than the average Android phone. means nothing. When I download For anyone who has ever had their an app from the Apple App Store, phone die with an hour left in a car I can always expect a high quality, ride, flight, or long wait in line, this By GRAHAM SELL ’16 finished project that I know has really makes a difference. Hello, curious reader. I’m here to- been approved by a college intern In the end, one’s phone type day to tell you why the iPhone 4, in Cupertino. There are rarely any does not make or break a person. 4s, 5, 5s, and 6 are better than any apps unique to Android that don’t Both phones have their pros and Android phone in existence (let’s have an Apple counterpart, and their cons, and it really boils down just not talk about the 5c). It all apps that work on both Android to personal preference. Especially boils down to a few simple yet im- and Apple tend to come out first on may be iPhones, but this allows for derstand. computer-savvy consumers will portant principles: Ease of use and the iOS App Store. a smooth experience. This is because Hardware-wise, Android argu- probably prefer the more custom- quality over quantity. Another instance of the qual- the company that writes the soft- ably has the iPhone beat, but let’s izable Android phones. My prefer- The first of the three principles is ity over quantity idea is with the ware is the same company making not forget: these are phones. No- ence, because of the above criteria, arguably the most important. After phones themselves. While Android the phone. With Android phones, body buys a phone for its amazing is for the iPhone. all, why would anyone want a phone may have more types of phones, the phones need to be built around processor and graphics. that is difficult to use and requires the operating system, while on an They buy it because more cognitive ability? Apple is al- Apple phone, the operating system they want a nice, usable ways trying to make their phones Hardware-wise, Android can be built around the phone and phone. The hardware easier to use for everybody. Even arguably has the iPhone vise versa. difference between an grandma can now flip a switch in beat, but let’s not forget: Let’s not forget about music. Android phone and an the settings and make all of the text these are phones. No- There is no debate on whether or iPhone is barely notice- displayed much larger and easier to not iTunes is better than Google able to the average user. see for her weary eyes. It is easy and body buys a phone for its Play Music. The number of artists New iPhones certainly intuitive to change the settings for amazing processor and with music on iTunes far outweighs have Androids beat in everything in the phone. If I want graphics. They buy it be- the number on Google Play. displays. The screen for to download an app, I simply go to cause they want a nice, All new iPhones also come with the iPhone 6 and 6+ in- the app store icon, and immediately usable phone. Siri. For those who don’t know, Siri clude a polarizer in the I am launched into an easy to use is the iPhone’s voice recognition glass, making it easy to experience where everything is laid system. Compared to Android’s, see in bright sunlight. out in a way that makes sense. If many of the phones are not worth Siri simply feels natural. I can speak Apple phones also I’m trying to write a text message, I buying because of price, quality, in normal English (or any other work well with other can accurately tap the touch screen etc. The only phones that run iOS language) to Siri and she will un- Apple products. My iLose: Androids Have Better...Everything their experiences transitioning from the iPhone will win in camera qual- iOS to Android, or vice-versa, have ity, or processing power, or battery found the process to be surprisingly life! Right? Wrong! anticlimactic because the two op- The iPhone 6 has an 8 Megapixel erating systems feel so similar. So rear camera, meaning that it can what sets Android apart from iOS? capture images with up to 8 mil- In one word, hardware. lion pixels. This may sound like a lot, until we consider that the S5 has a 16 Megapixel camera, with the ability to capture images up to 16 million pixels. That’s a seri- ous difference. But what about the front-facing camera, you ask, the one which allows you to take gor- By PETER THEWISSEN ’15 geous selfies! The iPhone has a 1.2 The battle between iPhone/iOS Megapixel camera, while the Gal- and Android has come to define the axy’s is 2.1 Megapixels. Android world of smartphones. These two wins again. operating systems dominate the Next we’ll compare some of the landscape, with 42.7% of smart- most important components in phone users using iOS and 52% phones: Processors and RAM. To- using Android. But the battle is Because iOS and Android are so gether, these two determine how fast your phone works, whether talk time on a full charge (21 hours more complex than just software; similar their user interfaces, com- you’re buffering cat videos on You- vs 14 hours). iPhone loses...again. Apple limits iOS usage to its own paring the leading hardware models tube or playing processor-heavy Finally, we come to perhaps the hardware, the iPhone, while Google for each of these competitors has 3D games. Apple’s iPhone 6 has a most important factor in deciding allows Android to be used across a proven to be a worthy exercise. So The S5 beats the iPhone dual core processor, able to process superiority: price. Even though the wide variety of devices. In this ar- I will now proceed to do exactly in every single techni- at 1400 MHz. It also boasts 1024 S5 beats the iPhone in every single ticle I will set out to prove the un- that, by comparing Apple’s flagship cal specification, but if MB of RAM. The S5, on the other technical specification, if Samsung’s deniable truth: Android is superior model, the iPhone 6, to Android’s Samsung’s device were hand, has a quad core processor, device were more expensive than to iPhone/iOS in every conceivable most popular platform, the Sam- more expensive than the which works at 2500 MHz, and the iPhone, these benefits may be way. sung Galaxy S5. 2048 MB of RAM. The result? The worth nothing at all. However, this Despite their attempts to appear Lets begin with a common crite- iPhone, these benefits Galaxy is able to perform tasks far is not the case. On Amazon (a neu- different, Android and iOS as oper- rion for phones: screen quality. The may be worth nothing faster than the iPhone can. tral vendor), the cheapest unlocked ating systems are very similar. Both iPhone 6 has a decent resolution of at all. However, this is Now, one would think that all of iPhone 6 with 16GB of memory base their user interface on small 750/1334 pixels, with a pixel den- not the case. On Amazon these superior components in the costs $754. The cheapest unlocked tiles on the home screen, and both sity of 326 pixels per inch (ppi). (a neutral vendor), the S5 would lead it to have far inferior Galaxy S5, on the other hand, with use a “home button” system to allow The S5, on the other hand, has full battery life compared to the iPhone. the same amount of memory, costs users to return to the home screen. HD resolution of 1080/1920 pix- cheapest Galaxy S5 cost But this is not the case. Not only over $200 less: only $517. With Furthermore, the lock screens and els, with a pixel density of 432 ppi. over $200 less than the does the S5 have a bigger (thus bet- this final victory, the conclusion notification centers of both operat- Looks like Android handily wins cheapest iPhone 6. ter) battery than the iPhone (2800 is undeniable: the Galaxy S5 (and ing systems are nearly identical. In- this one. But there are many other mAh vs 1810 mAh), but it also Android) clearly beat out Apple’s deed, users who have written about specifications to consider. Maybe gives its users seven more hours of iPhone 6 with iOS. Comics by Sandra Spurlock ’17, Portraits by Max Borrmann ’16 12 RESERVE RECORD WORLD NEWS JANUARY 2014 Congress Begins Session 2014 Was Hottest Year on Record Act has been used to protect pub- of climate change. Professionals absorb each other’s heat. By LEO HOLLAND ’17 lic lands, wildlife refuges and his- By CAT BERRY ’15 had to search seaward. The world’s While barricaded under blankets We are halfway through Presi- toric sites such as the Grand Tetons To students bound within school oceans have been driving up the and layers of snow apparel, it is hard dent Obama’s final term, and, last and Arches National Park. The bill buildings and dorm rooms, buried thermometer with temperatures of for us to recognize that those sub- November, millions of Americans would amend the Act to block the under mounds of snow, and sur- 1.24 degrees Fahrenheit above aver- zero temperatures of last year’s Polar voted in the midterm elections. President from designating any new rounded by talk of a Polar Vortex, age. Vortex do not change the overall Seats in the Senate and the House national monuments without con- the fact that 2014 was the hottest Not knowing much about about trajectory of our planet, which can- of Representatives, on both the gressional approval and an extensive year on record seems almost comi- temperature shifts, I found myself not stop heating up. As surprising state and federal level, were contest- environmental review. cal. You heard correctly: 2014 takes invested in “An Elementary Stu- as it may seem, winters have been ed across the country. This election Liberals allege that the Republican the gold for the hottest year, break- dent’s Guide to Global Climate steadily warming up over the past was one of the most expensive ever, agenda is pushed by fossil fuel in- ing records previously set in 1998. Change” (one of the few articles decade. Debate over climate could due to the United States Supreme terests, and without the President’s 2014 was, in fact, the 38th con- that steered clear of big words). This continue on far past the allotted Court overturning sections of the ability to unilaterally protect our secutive year of anomalously high article, a blessing for those lacking amount of words, but look on the Campaign Reform Act of 2002 that most treasured locations, there is temperatures; the global average in science skills, explained that the bright side: with the inevitable in- had limited independent expendi- risk of our land being pillaged for was 1.03 degrees hotter than aver- ocean’s top layer is increasing at .2 crease in temperatures, maybe Ohio tures by corporations and unions in its natural resources. Republicans age. Although the eastern United degrees fahrenheit per decade, with will find itself with an early summer political campaigns. counter that this action is a natu- States saw January temperatures so this year being an exception. This and more sunshine before habitat The Supreme Court’s decision ral extension of Congress’s check on low that Western Reserve Academy was caused by the increased atmo- destruction, food shortages and ex- opened the door for corporations executive authority. declared its first cold-weather day spheric temperatures. This catch-22 tinctions spell our collective doom. and other special interest groups The Republican Congress also im- off in decades, most of the world will cause the upwards trend to con- to bankroll, without limit, media mediately pursued changes in the experienced unusually high tem- tinue as both atmosphere and ocean campaigns promoting the election Social Security program by passing peratures, even in January. or defeat of a candidate without legislation that eliminates the gov- The summer was even more excep- the involvement of the candidate or ernment’s ability to move money tional. Although we experienced a any political party. The Republican from the Social Security program mild and pleasant summer in Ohio, party emerged victorious with their to the Disability Fund. Congressio- the world at large was sweating in acquisition of at least nine seats in nal Republicans have also discussed the summer heat. The average tem- the House and thirteen seats in the raising the eligibility age for Social perature in August worldwide was Senate, giving them their largest Security from sixty seven years old 60.1 degrees, which sounds cool majority in Congress since 1928. to seventy years. for August until you realize that Congressional Republicans have The President, in his State of the half the world was in the middle of already outlined an ambitious agen- Union address, indicated that he winter. da. For instance, Representative will not hesitate to veto conserva- The year, in fact, was so hot that Don Young of Arkansas introduced tive propositions he believes would climatologists could not explain it a bill that would strip the President not help the nation. If the new merely with the incremental effects of his ability to designate national Congress acts on its word and pass- monuments pursuant to the 1906 es some legislation, he will get the Antiquities Act. This longstanding chance early and often. Terrorists Attack Paris Offices U.S. Economy Grows Gradually, however, the recovery By TREVOR LEVIN ’15 has begun to reach the people. In More than five years after the September, unemployment fell 2007-2009 recession, the American below 6% for the first time since economy may at last be back on July 2008, and December marked track. Output is up, unemployment a record 58th straight month of is down, and the “jobless recovery” private-sector job growth. that left so many dissatisfied is fi- But the statistic most noticed by nally behind us. the average American has been the Although gross domestic product stunning drop in gas prices. Largely (GDP), a measure of an economy’s due to a plunge in worldwide oil output, began to rise in 2009, many prices, the average price per gal- Americans continued to feel that lon in the U.S. has fallen to $2.26. the economy was performing poor- Most stations in the Hudson area ly. An August 2014 poll showed are selling it for under $2, to the de- that 49 percent of adults believed light of Western Reserve Academy that the recession had never ended. students and teachers. COMIC BY DAVID POPE This perception largely stems from “The difference between $2 and what some economists have termed $3.50 gas is huge,” reports Connor By TARHULE ’15 escape the gunmen stopped the car after the printworks siege came to an “unequal recovery.” As the stock Semple ’15, a day student. “I have The beginning of 2015 saw the and shot at him, injuring him se- an end, the police moved on the market rebounded, unemployment to drive to school every day, and I’ve deadliest terrorist attack on French verely before one of them left the market, killing the man during his remained high. It persisted over 8% already saved a noticeable amount soil since 1961. Now called the car to execute him point blank. evening prayer. Fifteen hostages for years and still has yet to return of money just on those miles.” “Charlie Hebdo attack,” the ter- The getaway car, damaged from a were freed, but unfortunately police to its pre-recession levels (under For many students, that noticeable rorist act was triggered by a series collision with another vehicle, was found the bodies of four more. 5%). Despite gains in worker pro- amount will go directly to Hudson of controversial depictions of the found a few kilometers from the The market gunman was identified ductivity, real wages have stagnated. businesses. Similarly, across the prophet Muhammad by Char- Charlie Hebdo offices. Investigators as Amedy Coulibaly. Police reported The upturn, then, affected few country, cheap gas has been cred- lie Hebdo, a controversial French found two jihadist flags and Molo- that he has a partner, a fourth ter- wallets. Neil Shah of the Wall Street ited with saving consumers $14 newspaper. tov cocktails inside. rorist named Hayat Boumeddiene. Journal noted in April 2013 that, billion. Though most economists On Jan. 7, brothers Said and The terrorists hijacked another car Authorities believe she has already in the years immediately following doubt gas will remain this cheap Cherif Kouachi forced their way and escaped, prompting the entire- fled France, suspected of fleeing to the recession, only the richest 7% in the long term, optimists among into the Charlie Hebdo headquar- ty of Paris to be put on maximum Syria through Turkey. of Americans saw wealth gains, and them believe that the growth is here ters in Paris. Armed with assault alert. The following day, a lone In total, 17 people lost their lives the rest continued to lose wealth. to stay. rifles, they killed a caretaker be- gunman killed a policewoman and during the Three Days of Terror, COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA fore forcing one of the cartoonists injured a civilian before escaping, with a further 22 people wounded. to open the locked door to the of- and the brothers were tracked down Two days after the last shootout fices at gunpoint. Although the after robbing a gas station. After a there was a rally for national uni- offices are usually sparsely popu- shootout that left Said wounded, ty, with demonstrations involving lated, their attack coincided with they fled to a nearby printworks. 40 world leaders and 3.7 million a weekly meeting. They killed the Surrounded by police and with people, making it the largest such police bodyguard, the editor, four no possible escape, they alerted the demonstration since World War II. cartoonists, three members of the media that they would die “martyr’s Foreign leaders and individuals editorial staff and a guest. deaths” and came out shooting. around the West have expressed sol- During their escape they ex- Two police officers were injured and idarity with the newspaper, and the changed fire with two policemen the terrorists were killed. hashtag #JeSuisCharlie was trend- that had responded to the report At the same time, the lone gun- ing on Twitter for days. Some also of a shooting incident, and while man from the earlier incident took drew attention to how France’s size- there was extensive damage to their several hostages in an east Paris able Muslim population has been car, the officers themselves were un- market, prompting another police targeted following the attacks with injured. Officer Ahmed Merabet siege. He demanded the safe release the hashtag #JeSuisAhmed in honor was not so fortunate; during their of the Kouachi brothers. Shortly of Merabet.