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Issue Three • the official school newspaper of Speedway Senior High School • 18, 2015 Paying tribute Part Two fufills a melancholy moment As a sixth grader, I delved into the dystopian world of the fictional teen heroine, (played by ), and as a sophomore in high school, I have reread the trilogy and watched the words transfer to the screen. The weekend before J O A N N A B E R R Y Thanksgiving, the final Plugged In Reporter installment in the monu- mental Hunger Games EN FUEGO: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, far right) and her fellow comrades in the thick of the rebellion against the weaking grip of President Snow and series, : Mockingjay, Part 2 was the Capitol. The final film centers around the rebellion and the extensive sacrifices the ‘Girl on Fire’ has to make. Still from “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, released to instant success, and I had the chance to see Part 2.” () it over Thanksgiving break. It was a melancholy feeling cashed in around $150m its opening weekend, but with significance of this all-franchise low, Mockingjay, Part 1 as I walked into the theatre and prepared myself for the Mockingjay, Part 2 ranking last in financial success, cash- was heavily criticized for being “boring” and “stripped of last “first” time I’d see a Hunger Games film in a theater. ing in $102m its opening weekend, many were surprised. the color” that its predecessor Catching Fire possessed. I had seen all of the movies at their release except for You would think that moviegoers and fans alike This popular but negative review could have put people Part 1, and had an emotional connection to the series would be piling into the theaters, eager to see how it off and lessened the eagerness of seeing the second part, because of my obsession with it in elementary school. plays out for Katniss and her love triangle between Peeta which is a direct continuation from Part 1 and carries the While preteens like myself had matured with the Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam same dark, dreary mood and tone. books and eventual movies, this powerful trilogy can’t Hemsworth), but, unlike fellow money-making series Before listening to critic reviews, I went to see compare to series like Harry Potter, which bookwise powerhouses Harry Potter and Twilight, the final film the movie to review it for myself (and also to see it be- is much longer and lasted for 12 years as opposed to was a series low for opening weekend box office success. cause it was the last film, duh!). Coming from seeing Part Hunger Games’s 7 year span. But that doesn’t mean According to International Business Times’ article on the See A FITTING FINALE on page four Katniss’s first-person fictional story can’t stand alone - it definitely can. In the past few years, young adult novels have emerged with a female protagonist leading their stories along with The Hunger Games: Veronica Roth’s You’d better watch out dystopian Divergent trilogy, John Green’s heart-wrench- ing The Fault in Our Stars, Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, and many more. and you might just cry This growing popularity in a female heroine has had a positive impact on young girls and even older Everyone knows teenage girls. Those who grew up with Harry Potter the jolly fat man Saint connected with Hermione Granger, Harry’s bookworm Nicholas, and every- sidekick who stands up for herself and gave young girls one accepts the story a character to look up to, and even a real woman in the that the man breaks form of , who portrayed Hermione in the into your home, and eight film adaptations. While no girl will go through a for cookies he’ll leave magic school or participate in a fight to the death, these presents to all the little women have strong traits of independence, knowledge, good girls and boys. P A M A L B R E C H T self-confidence, and that little bit of toughness that just The real question is Plugged In Veteran Reporter makes them so cool. what happens to the This is significant in Katniss’s case; as a sixteen/ little boys and girls seventeen-year old, she has to make several choices and that aren’t really all too good? The answer to that is Krampus. This creature from German folklore teaches children sacrifices even the wisest adults couldn’t begin to con- that the naughty list is nothing to play with at all. sider, although Katniss’s situation is much more extreme Krampus is the impeccable description of every child’s nightmare: seven feet tall, hairy, big bulging eyes, a whip- than anything we may experience in reality. like tongue, pointed ears, mismatched feet (one a hoof, the other a bear claw), and enormous horns on his Filmwise, the franchise has remained financially and head. In traditional stories, Krampus is armed with a bundle of birch switches and a basket to put children in. When socially successful, in both box office and bookshelves. children are caught by Krampus, they are spanked, whipped, and whisked away to Krampus’s lair in the basket to be The leading film in the franchise is Catching Fire, which punished until they can repent from their bad ways. The story of Krampus was created to try and frighten children See KRAMPUS IS A NIGHTMARE on page four

SEASONS FIRST FRIDAY GREETINGS IS FUN FOR page 4 ALL AGES page 2 Greetings from everyone’s favorite Captured in the Murphy Art I , Center in Fountain Square. Krampus! Read about An elderly couple enjoying the age old monster the art gallaries open for inside. Gruss Vom First Friday Krampus! N side Photo by Josh March. 2 Features Enjoy all Fountain Square has to offer Art, food, and music at a discounted price various designs and colors; however, de- spite the cold weather, I couldn’t find one absent of a smile. I, myself, am not a fan of the cold and wondered why nobody seemed to be affected by the chilling 30 degree winds. But as I got closer, fifteen bold capital letters came into view that answered my question. High up on the side of the building, these letters spelled out the statement “YOU ARE BEAU- FREE, FUN, FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. “We saw murals of all kinds; some pop-art, some TIFUL;” and after pointing this out to graffiti, and one perplexing visual illusion on a staircase.” Photo by Josh March. J O S H U A M A R C H Plugged in Columnist my girlfriend it didn’t seem as cold and I some pop-art, some graffiti, and one per- even compelled to strike up a conversa- I have been impatiently waiting barely noticed the wind. The excitement plexing visual illusion on a staircase. Our tion with a man dressed as an X-Wing to attend a First Friday at Fountain Square that First Friday was going to be just as journey, however, came to a close when Fighter Pilot about the new addition to for nearly half a year. I was originally satisfying as I had imagined had taken a familiar font from a galaxy far far away the series (Episode VII: The Force Awak- told about First Friday this summer by a over. caught my eye. ens). It was a spectacular gallery and my friend of mine who had gone before and As my girlfriend and I assimilat- “There it is! Toy Wars!” favorite in the Murphy Art Center. enjoyed it a lot. Shortly after, with such ed into the mob of winter garments, and We approached a large room full of We left through the exit hallway of the a high recommendation in mind, I made eventually into what I knew to call the vivid colors and the sound of people en- archaic building back into the cold. I de- plans to attend First Friday for the month Murphy Building, specifically the Murphy joying themselves. By the entrance was a cided that before we left we needed some of July. Cue a week of torrential rain. On Art Center, I was boiling over with antici- poster, about four feet tall, displaying the coffee to warm up, so we walked a block July 3rd, the First Friday of the month, pation. name of the gallery and all the artists who east and conveniently found a coffee/ Fountain Square was in the middle of “I know there’s a gallery here tonight had contributed. This gallery was amaz- gelato shop that doubled as a boutique a thunderstorm so instead of walking called Toy Wars that has a ton of Star ing. It contained all different art pieces, for jewelry, vinyl records, and local art. around in the rain I decided it best to Wars art.” I said to my girlfriend who drawing inspiration from different aspects The place was magnificent; but what drew wait four more weeks and try again then. quickly replied, of the series, expressed through different us to Funkyard were the sounds of live Unfortunately, four weeks turned to eight; “Well we’ll definitely have to go to that mediums. music that rang through the door. and eight weeks turned to twelve; and so one!” There were paintings of Darth Vader As we waited on our barista to finish on until nearly twenty weeks had gone So the two of us embarked on a journey and hung behind a statue of the our drinks and listened to acoustic covers by. Finally, on December fourth I had to find where exactly Toy Wars was; how- Millennium Falcon. There were pen- of Nirvana and Jason Mraz, we perused the opportunity to make the excursion to ever, unbeknownst to me, the Murphy Art cil drawings of ewoks displayed above through the vinyl records and found First Friday at Fountain Square. I was not Center is just slightly easier to navigate ceramic storm trooper helmets glazed in some classic like Pink Floyd’s disappointed. than the Labyrinth and I had left my ball the style of Dia de los Muertos skulls. The Dark Side of the Moon and Frank First Fridays, as described by of thread in the car. So instead of rush Along with all of the truly awesome art Sinatra’s Nice and Easy. When our drinks wikipedia.com, are “various public events through trying to find our destination, were the other people within the gallery. were finished and we sat to enjoy them … that occur on the first Friday of every we took our time and enjoyed looking They all had the same look of awe that I couldn’t help but smile as I sipped my month … including art gallery openings, at the countless art that had plastered my girlfriend and I had as we observed piping hot coffee. “I can’t wait to do this and social and political networking.” In themselves onto the walls of the dim all the same pieces of art; a look that you again.” I said, and I meant it. other words, First Friday is a collection and narrow hallways. We saw posters for get when something that you could only First Friday at Fountain Square was of events, usually city-wide, for people of upcoming events juxtaposed with posters imagine in your head has somehow made an experience I plan to have many times all ages. These events can range anywhere for concerts from a decade ago. We saw its way onto a canvas or sheet of paper again. If you aren’t busy on New Year’s from concerts to art gallery openings to dozens of crayon-on-lined-paper mas- or clay. Day, I would urge you to make your way food truck gatherings to anything your terpieces that overflowed with toddlers’ There was an atmosphere of overall to Fountain Square to enjoy all that First city has to offer. But the best part by far is imaginations. We saw murals of all kinds; satisfaction and real excitement. I was Friday has to offer. that most of these events can be enjoyed at a discounted price or for free! Having waited nearly 6 months to get to this thing, I had quite the expecta- Thank Saturn for Christmas tion for First Friday at Fountain Square. The district has a very interesting history and I’d highly recommend visiting when The origin of your favorite time of year you have the chance. It is full of unique ‘Tis the season to be jolly. ‘Tis the The point of the following article is shops, restaurants, and things to do. I’d season to be merry. ‘Tis the season to set not to disprove Christianity or offend been there many times before with family aside differences and exchange gifts and those affiliated with it. This is solely and friends for various occasions and my enjoy karaoke at various potlucks. ‘Tis meant to refute those who proclaim that own opinion is that Fountain Square has the season to protest sitting at the kid’s only Christians are allowed to celebrate an indie/artsy feel which only furthered table at the family dinner-- again. Christmas, all Christmas Trees are my interest as to what First Friday there And, as of recently, ‘tis the season to required to bear Christian symbols, and would have to offer. So at 5:30 I hopped wage the “War on Christmas” by raging that Santa is a distraction from the “true in my car, picked up my girlfriend, and over a red cup and other forms of the meaning of Christmas”. fought rush-hour traffic until we arrived generalized and widespread celebration Saturnalia took place December promptly at 6:15. After searching up and of the most sacred of Christian holidays. 17-25 and was a time to eat, drink, and down for somewhere to park, I could Proclaiming “Keep ‘Christ’ in be merry, if merry means drunk, naked, barely contain my excitement. I had finally ‘Christmas,’” these warriors are too and breaking every law in place prior made it to First Friday. After nearly 6 busy seeing red and green to realize that to the festival. This celebration was months of waiting, I was finally here! this festival originally belonged to the created in honor of the deity of time, After getting out of the car we Romans as a week full of public drunk- wealth, agriculture and other concepts A L L Y S O N B U R N S approached what could only be described enness, gambling, and ceremonial rituals Plugged In Features Reporter as a mob of coats, gloves, and scarves of to the pagan gods. See TAKING CHRIST on page three Features 3 What’s in a radio station? The perfect music destination... according to me

I can’t be the only person that’s unsat- plug my iPod in. figured that it would only be right to isfied with the majority of radio stations Alternatives to standard radio such as start off my station with ten songs I tune in to. In fact, I know I’m not. Any Pandora and Spotify are nice if you’ve that are particularly important to me time I’m in the car with someone, they’re paid for a premium version or until you and that give the listener a very basic constantly flipping stations and opting run out of skips. When this happens, idea of what they can expect from to plug their own device in to listen to you’re back to the same problem you the station. These ten songs are: 1. music, podcasts, etc.. have with normal AM/FM stations. And All My Loving (The Beatles) 2. As I don’t listen to regular FM stations as touched on above, you can just plain Long as I’m (Bobby Darin) really at all anymore and for a very simple forget about being consistently happy 3. Mad Sounds (Arctic Monkeys) 4. reason. None of them, at least the ones with them. Your Love (The Outfield) 5. Mid- available to me on a daily basis, are Having the “if you don’t like it, do night, The Stars, and You (Al Bowlly) consistently enjoyable. The Bloomington something about it” mindset that I do, I 6. The Monkees Theme Song (The station, 92.3 WTTS, World Class Rock, decided to concoct the perfect radio sta- Monkees) 7. What a Feeling (One is about as consistent as it gets for good tion. Let me rephrase that… my perfect Direction) 8. Let Me Roll It (Wings) music that I prefer to listen to, and even radio station. Each element of the station 9. If I can Dream () A B B Y T H O M A S • Plugged In Reporter then after about three songs it’s time to has been placed carefully and with much 10. Livin’ Thing (ELO) All of these thought put into what it it songs are personal favorites of mine. I themselves. would do to contribute to chose All My Loving to go first because Like most people, I am more partial the overall quality of the when I discovered The Beatles, that was to some groups and artists than others. station. It is designed to my favorite song and it will always hold To pay special tribute to these people and be much like a specialized a special place in my heart. I chose Livin’ their musical masterpieces, there will be Sirius radio station. Thing to go last because it’s simply an certain days, times of day, and occasions While the station is awesome song and I think ELO is pretty where the spotlight is on them. Birthdays meant to be quite diverse underrated. of artists and important historical release and enjoyable for most To accompany the music in my sta- dates are just a few examples of when people that would tune tion, there will be a historical element in these spotlights would take place. in, I would say that the some way or another to not only educate Keep in mind that this radio station is larger part of the station is people on the people behind the songs a very idealistic thing, and whether it ever dedicated to my personal and potentially get someone into an artist materializes is for the future to decide. If favorite genre of music, or particular song that they weren’t into the opportunity is ever presented to me, Classic Rock. before. This can include anything from I would heavily consider it. Until then, I First impressions are small fun facts here and there, radio ads/ encourage others to explore other genres, very important to me. shows/interviews with various artists, artists, and eras of music. You may be With this being the case, I and actual live interviews with the artist surprised at what you find. Taking Christ out of Saturnalia Is Christmas based on Roman ritual?

continued from page two Saturn -- hence the name “Saturnalia”. During this time, all Roman courts were closed and laws against gambling were discarded. The most well known tradition was role reversal, where rich landlords would pay the poor’s rent the upcoming period and servants were provided with table service from the masters for a day. Other festivities included going door to door singing naked -- which eventually led to the modern act of carolling, exchanging of gifts, parties and family gatherings, and decorating homes using greenery and decorating trees, though they were decorated and left outdoors. Many sources suggest that Christ was actually born sometime in mid-summer, rather than on December 25. Early Christians, in an attempt to persuade Roman Pagans A poster containing the victims photographs sits among notes and flowers at the growing makeshift to convert to Christianity, adapted Saturnalia and called it “Christmas”. They did away memorial near the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. with a variety of the original festivities, primarily the rituals and sacrifices to pagan (Gina Ferazzi/ Times/TNS) gods. Instead, Christians taught the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, the recollections of Reverend Increase Mather of Boston in 1687: “the early Christians who first observed the Nativity on December 25 did not do so thinking that Christ was born in that Plugged In Month, but because the Heathens’ Saturnalia was at that time kept in Rome, and they were willing to have those Pagan Holidays metamorphosed into Christian ones.” Staff: Pam Albrecht, Joanna Berry, Allyson Burns, Josh March, Considering that Christmas is simply an adaptation of someone else’s holiday, who’s Tony Ray, Abby Thomas. to say those aren’t affiliated with Christianity or religion in general shouldn’t celebrate it? A study held by the Pew Research Center in 2013 showed that 8-in-10 non-Chris- Adviser: Derek Doehrmann tians claimed they celebrate Christmas. Could it be that humans just naturally respond to the dark and cold season with colorful lights and being nice to one another without Printer: JS Printing and Publishing asking for anything in return? In an informal survey of twelve students at Speedway, a majority responded that Some materials provided courtesy of ASNE/MCT Campus. family is the meaning of Christmas when asked. So this year, instead of shutting out what you don’t agree with, practice peace on earth and good will toward men (or people in general)-- just for a little bit.

4 Features End of semester new teacher survey An opportunity to learn more about some of our new additions

There are lots of new S h e l b y H a s z J a s m i n e J o h n s o n faces that have joined Science Teacher English Teacher the Speedway faculty and What drew you to pursue What’s something most people staff since August. The a career in teaching? don’t know about you? Plugged In team thought it “I had a rotation at Ben Davis during I lived in seven different states. might be fun to see what my athletic training program. Working they are thinking about as with the students in their program made we approach the holiday me realize I wanted to teach.” break. A N T H O N Y R A Y R o b e r t G a r c i a C r a i g F u g a t e Plugged In Columnist Science Teacher Business Teacher E l i z a b e t h D e n n i e Have you always wanted to Any advice for the seniors Spanish Teacher be a teacher? If not, what did who will be graduating? What drew you to pursue you originally want to be? “Enjoy your last few months. Also, a career in teaching? I wanted to be a paleontologist. remember the choices you make from “I wanted to understand more about teaching as an this point forward, they will have a more art, and better understand the political structure of significant and lasting impact on the rest educational policy and how it influences students, of your life than before because you are teachers, classes, schools, etc.” finally going to be viewed as adults.” A fitting finale to a successful series Katniss’s heroic tale concludes with a realistic feel

continued from page one ing children with Peeta, who it is revealed is her husband the case for any other book to film adaptation - because 1, which indeed has the dark, gray-blue uniformity and in the epilogue. Instead of a fluffy, sparkly, unrealistic the film may seem choppy and confusing to those who coldness that critics had complained about, I was expect- ending, Katniss is fear-struck, even traumatized, forever. opted for the films alone. Like Harry Potter, we are say- ing the same mood to carry into the final installment. It While it’s a very sad ending, it’s something those of us ing goodbye to another fantastic series, raising our hands did indeed carry over, but in my opinion it was appropri- who read, or watched it, could empathize with. in that three-finger salute made so famous by Katniss, ate for the setting and mood of the final book, which Despite public and critic ratings and reviews (including but there are other books to read and other movies to is basically describing the uprising caused by the rebels, mine), anyone who is a fan of The Hunger Games series see. So, in classic Hunger Games fashion, “may the odds led by Katniss, their “Mockingjay”. There’s no way to should disregard those opinions and see it, for closure if be ever in your favor!” positively portray the death of beloved characters like nothing else. It’s helpful if you’ve read the book - as is Finnick Odair and Primrose Everdeen, let alone posi- tively portray a rebellion. Before Catching Fire’s theatrical release, which Krampus is a Nightmare was during my eighth grade year, I was extremely disap- continued from page one pointed with the Mockingjay book, as were what seemed behaving properly around St. Nicholas Day. Krampus season, and many people want to go back to traditional a majority of the people who read it also. Of course, this was created by Nor mythology in the alps region of rituals and stories. Although Krampus originated from goes for any book, film or TV show - the conclusion has Germany and Austria to scare children into acting right Germany and Austria, Americans are really into the to tie up all the loose ends, resolve all issues, and create throughout the entire year. The name Krampus comes concept of the Christmas Devil. In San Francisco and in a satisfying climax that leaves readers content. This was from the Old High German word krampen which Portland, there are the Krampusnacht celebrations across not the case with Mockingjay. With the first two books’ translates to “claw”. According to the old Norse legend, the cities says the event calendar on the official Krampus explosive successes and my personal approval of both Krampus is the son of the goddess of the underworld, website (http://www.krampus.com/krampusnacht- books, I was eager to read about what would happen in Hel, sent to scare the children of the world. The story events.php) the last novel. originated between the 11th and 13th centuries in After viewing the movie on it’s release date, I can Instead of the strong-willed, level-headed Southern Germany and Austria, before moving to the assure you it was a well developed film. I must say, I am Katniss so well known in the first two books, Mockingjay other European countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, a little disappointed that it didn’t scare me as much as I created a stranger out of the heroine - an overly moody and even the Alps of Italy. anticipated; I have to say I laughed the whole film. The and rash young woman who seems to simply glower at The tradition of Krampus is to ride shotgun with concept of the movie was well developed, and the design the entire world. Not to say she didn’t do that before; Santa to each child’s house the night before St. Nicholas of the monster itself was just great (although it’s not the Katniss was a heavy criticizer of the Capitol throughout Day (December 6th) to terrorize the children on the description that is widely known). I also have to compli- the entire saga. naughty list. Since Krampus goes with St. Nicholas on ment the writers to incorporate the stories of the elves in Also an important thing to take into account the eve of St. Nicholas Day, the fifth of December was the mythology, and the ideas of demented toys helping when judging Mockingjay, novel or film: it’s a war book. named Krampusnacht which translates to Krampus him around. The character development of the main The entire story takes place during the rebellion in Night. On Krampusnacht, Krampus runs around towns character, Max, and his Omi is just simply well done. I fictional Panem, and it undoubtedly took a toll on every and frighten the children of the town. The naughty kids have to give it to the producers; this movie was funny, single character involved, Katniss especially. This may on Santa’s list are punished with his birch switches and interesting, and intense. even have been author ’ purpose: to pitchfork. As a form of “protest” to the superficial Christmas destroy Katniss emotionally in the finale. It does indeed With the release of the new movie, there has been and Santa, you can now get into the thought of a goat- make the story reliable and thought-provoking; you can’t a larger interest in the mythological creature. In the demon hybrid coming and getting the naughty children just stay the exact same person you were a year ago after previous Christmas seasons, there has been a sudden of the world. The good-cop/ bad-cop scenario with surviving the horror and pain that Katniss does. Even infatuation with the creature. The sudden interest in the Santa may not be too terrible of an idea, but I can assure personal happiness for her is a difficulty: “... it took five, demonic Santa is because a lot of teenagers and young you that if kids were accustomed to Krampus, there ten, fifteen years for me to agree” on the subject of hav- adults are tired of the childlike hue around the holiday would be no shouting or crying.