College accessory or campus necessity? Gun debate making rounds at Indiana statehouse A bill circulating the Indiana Legis- lature meant to make students feel more comfortable while on a college campus may actually be doing the opposite. “It is legislation modeled on a bill that was passed here a few years ago that dealt with local government entities saying that they could not regulate or re- strict gun rights in the state of Indiana,” says Senator Jim Banks-R. “We did not apply that to university campuses.” Banks submitted this bill on behalf of a group of students. “They sat around a table and crafted the bill and they call themselves Students for Campus Carry,” Banks said. “They represent over a dozen colleges around the state of In- diana. It’s a very fundamental issue for me because it is a constitutional right. In my opinion, colleges shouldn’t be able Police and emergency personnel respond to a shooting at the Stevens Institute of Business and Arts in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. (David Carson/St. Louis to restrict their students from carrying Post-Dispatch/MCT) (guns) on a campus.” including the community of Speedway. getting hurt with the weapons on school After the unfortunate events in “I think it’s a horrible idea, just because grounds,” confesses senior Allison Newtown last December, this has been of the fact so many people have been Behrens. “It’s school grounds - it’s a a hot button issue through the country place to learn; you don’t need to carry a weapon.” With school shootings flooding the news, people are forced to watch the tragedies and the aftermath as families lose loved ones. Organizations such as Students for Campus Carry, are still pushing for weapons on campus for a multitude of reasons, stating that shoot-

See Gun Violence on page four Issue 5 February 4, 2013 Community coalesces to combat cancer Speedway student Mia Benge brings town together

The beauty in a small town can be “Our main goal was to raise as easily seen in the whole-hearted way it much money as possible for her family,” comes together to achieve a common said senior Austin Anglea. goal. Eighth grader Mia Benge has Over the past few months the boys’ ultimately helped to bring the town of basketball team had been raising money Speedway together as they unite in her for Mia in support of her fight. Three of battle against her brain cancer. the guys wanted to take it a little further. Mia, younger sister to Speedway (See Austin’s video blog “Mia Benge senior Olivia Benge, has been fighting Vlog” on his YouTube account, Us3Be- on and off with tumors in her brain since ingUs3, about their mission.) she was very young. She was diagnosed “If we raised $750 [through our with brain cancer and more tumors donations], that’s when we would shave along her spine. In between her routine our heads,” explained Casey Anderson, proton radiation in Bloomington and her another senior participating in the extra life as an eighth grader, Mia has been support of Mia and her family. Head able to take part in some special action coach Mr. Bennett also agreed to shave at Speedway High School. his head if the team hit the $1,000 mark. At the December 28th boys’ varsity Anglea, Anderson and classmate basketball game against Ritter, the night Jake Curran, came together and decided Shaving for the Cause: (From L-R) Casey Anderson, Jake Curran, Coach Bennett, son Creighton, Austin Anglea and Olivia Benge after the head shavings at the Coaches vs. was already centered on a Coaches vs. that they wanted to shave their heads Cancer game on December 28th, 2012. Photo courtesy of the Mighty Mia Facebook page. Cancer theme to honor those who have in honor of Mia: that is, if they raised fought against cancer, but the team enough money. The team ended up Robotics team take championship trophy decided to go one step farther. raising over $1,500, as well as quite the reaction as the guys (and Coach Ben- Students earn opportunity to travel and take on the world nett!) shaved their heads at the end of On January 19-20, the Speedway High School Robotics Club took part in the first the Ritter game. ever Indianapolis City Vex Robotics Championship and managed to come home vic- It was also noted that all of the torious. After two days of intense qualifying matches featuring over forty schools, seniors who shaved their heads attended Speedway teamed up with two other schools for the final competition (Horizon Newby Elementary with Olivia and Mia, Christian and International) to win three elimination matches and take home the making the occasion that much sweeter. championship. (Check out the video of the guys shav- “After eighty qualifying matches (in the preliminary rounds), there was a draft, ing their heads on Austin’s YouTube “ said junior Jake Petercheff. “Horizon Christian was the highest ranked team and channel titled “Might Mia”!) The group they picked us in the second round of the draft.” Students from Horizon, Interna- presented the money in a check to Mia tional and Speedway worked together, both in competition and in between rounds. and her family for them to use however The purpose of the competition was that robots were designed to pick up they may choose to. beanbags with the goal of placing them into various scoring zones. Some teams de- see Mia on page 4 see World Acclaim on page 5 My Amazon Addiction Dealing with the Online Shopping World I have a problem. I’m slightly ad- have at one point or another shopped Online shopping and credit cards dicted to Amazon.com, and by slightly for something, whether it be music or have given people a means to spend I mean utterly and completely. I get on otherwise, on the internet. money without thinking about spending every day, no matter what. It may just be However, even though over half of money, myself included. It doesn’t feel to look up a price for something I want, the student body has purchased some- like I’ve bought something because I but it’s every day, and about every week thing online, only about a tenth of those never felt the money leave my hand. For I actually order something. surveyed said that they were actually a generation that has learned to accept The problem isn’t the checking, it’s “addicted” to online shopping. “I would the borrowing of money, this can be a the spending. It’s so nice to just sit at my say I am addicted to iTunes,” said senior very dangerous. computer in my pajamas and order all Hayden Polsgrove. the stupid stuff I want but don’t need. And on the Ama- The same goes for iTunes, but zon side, there is senior worse, because iTunes gives me instant Diana Sanchez. “It’s gratification. And, everyone knows that easier to shop online instant gratification is second only to whenever you want.” Amazon.com; a great place to buy gifts or a place for your soul to die? fatty foods and being self-righteous on most high schoolers don’t have access to What does this Picture by Amazon.com. the list of America’s favorite things. credit or debit cards. mean for our society? Is this a problem that my peers also But I knew there had to be more, Granted, only about 50 people were Anyone who shops online should suffer from, or is it just me? so I broadened my search to add iTunes, surveyed, which is a fraction of the keep careful track of how much they 46 percent of high school students because everyone uses iTunes. 64 actual student population, but doesn’t spend. Give yourself a budget and stick surveyed last week show that they had percent of people had used iTunes. it seem a bit overzealous that we have to it. Then, maybe you can learn to cope, used Amazon, which is almost half of That means that over half of the student already become so complacent with how like I have. the student population surveyed. That body surveyed, which included fresh- we use our money? is an incredible statistic, considering men, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Remembering Valentinus Why we don’t need Valentine’s Day tine could be celebrated. The pinnacle much as the kings of business need them act for which Valentinus gains his real to feed. As we continue to consume fame, however, is when the timely saint further and further into alienation in our healed the blind daughter of his captor assembly-line culture, it becomes clear before he was executed; leaving her a what our real love is. Our true valentine paper heart signed “Your Valentine.” In should be addressed to every fetishized other stories, young couples he illegally product we’ve exalted over our neigh- married were given these hearts as bor, to the syndicate of lies that have symbols of the eternal love of Christ that dominated our thoughts since youth, was changing lives in a time of great to the American cult of excess that has persecution. Regardless of his life’s driven us to war and disgrace at every historicity, his kindness and bravery turn. will invariably be celebrated for ages to In honor of St. Valentine, I won’t come. bow down to Caesar this February 14th. Roman Emperor Claudius II But that was 270 AD. Several If there are cards, I will make them my- keeled over in 270 AD in the Plague martyrs, massacres, and boxes of choco- self and I will tell the people I love that Valentinus, Early Christian Saint of Cyprian, a pandemic that had raged late later, we live in the age of Capital: I love them. But I will tell them that I Photo Courtesy of Google Images throughout the empire for two decades. where our St. Valentine and his paper love them the day after, and the day after That very same year, according to hearts, our Christ and his cross, indeed that. Because St. Valentine didn’t need of us. The love that inspired him was certain accounts, His Imperial Stuffi- even our deepest emotion, love, are all a Valentine’s Day, and neither do any completely free, and it still is. ness had early Christian Saint Valentinus divvied out to us as consumer objects executed for defying Roman authority. by the oligarchs and plutocrats of Wall Plugged In Saint “Valentine” had broken the law by Street. If I can manage to put down my Editor-in-chief: Kacey Ross marrying young Roman soldiers (this smartphone long enough, I might buy a Managing Editor: Haily Merritt was forbidden as Claudius, an eminent mass-produced box of tiny cards with Entertainment Editor: Hanna Vongpraseuth general, thought single men made better product endorsements on them for a few Opinion Editor: Sam McGlone News Editor: Katie McDonnel soldiers). of my better Facebook friends. After all, Features Editor: Sam Scott In the times of Geoffrey Chaucer, I can’t express even my most basic emo- Layout and Design Specialist: Ryan Dailey when the cult of the maiden thrived and tions without a corporation; I’ll need an Staff: Justin Brent, Quentin Ellett, Jon Gregory, Will Harris, Maddie Kenny, a more feminized medieval theology entire media conglomerate to help me John Minniear, Megan Ochs, Sarah Proctor, Hunter Smith, Adam Warren. dominated Europe, this show love. legend was inscribed and These days every commercial kiss Plugged In is the official school newspaper of Speedway High School. It is intended elaborated in various early (they all begin with Kay) is a precious to be a public forum. The newspaper is distributed free of charge to every Speedway student. JS Printing is responsible for printing Plugged In. English accounts so that the one, so the festivals of the early church Adviser: Derek K. Doehrmann romantic acts of St. Valen- serve us well. We need them to feel as 100 Racially Unbiased Coffins Over the top criticisms define an average film What do slavery, freedom, revenge, unsettling experience for viewers of any laugh, battle and love have in common? They are race/gender/etc…, but just because slav- cry, and many all primary themes behind the Christ- ery is presented doesn’t make the movie other similar mas Day inherently racist just as the presence of expressions blockbuster the Holocaust in Inglorious Basterds of testoster- Django doesn’t make it inherently anti-Semitic. one fueled Unchained. All in all, there are two important excitement, Django statements that need to be made regard- but through Freeman ing Django Unchained. The film itself is, it all, I felt (Jamie Fox), in my opinion, neither racist in any form lacking and at a slave un- nor detrimental to the black community. times slightly der punish- If anything it takes a step away bored. The A COLD STARE IN THE HOT SOUTH: SAMUEL ment for an from the traditional “Blaxploitation” whopping attempted films of the 1970’s which blindly em- three hour L JACKSON PLAYS STEPHEN,A MAN WITH FEW escape, is powered a black protagonist for the sake film strug- MORAL CONVICTIONS AND EVEN FEWER SYMPA- purchased and freed by the strange Ger- of attracting a black audience. It instead gles with a THIES (Photo courtesy of insidemovies.ew.com) man dentist turned bounty hunter Dr. showcases Django as a human protago- virulent case King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) in order nist working towards the human goal of excessive to hopefully confirm the presence of of revenge, which allows all races to be dialogue while not delivering for the out his place within the first 15 minutes three runaway convicts. attracted to him as a character. time spent. In essence, people talk too and progresses beyond that point in few The remainder of the film circles Django Unchained isn’t even that much with saying anything. ways in the remaining 160 minutes. around not only slavery and the blood good of a movie. Aside from that, the character While it was indeed one heck of a thrill trail that leads the men around the Here’s the thing, Django Unchained development chugs at best, and is ride, I have trouble seeing why it consti- struggling nation, but Django’s personal is a wonderfully fun movie. It made me nonexistent at worst. Django carves tutes such outrage. search for his wife/slave Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). Without divulging too much detail into the storyline itself, Django Unchained promises blood, Living Strong fun, and steadily developing characters, all the while confronting the issues of slavery and racism through a spaghetti The doping chronicles of Lance Armstrong western-esque platform. Recently the question has been Five years As if doping alone wasn’t bad exposed. He is now a commonly known posed as too whether or not the film in ago, what did enough, Armstrong made a hobby of cheater and an honor less husk of a man. itself is racist, or more accurately, detri- you envi- destroying anything in his way. In a He has recently gone on Oprah for a mental to the black community. Famous sion when certain light the doping could be a “confession” as an effort to scavenge individual Spike Lee was quoted in thinking forgivable crime; a victimless crime. But the little prestige he has left; being that Vibe saying that he would not be see- about Lance Armstrong took no chances and kept his everyone already knew, with or without ing Django Unchained due to it being Armstrong; doping under wraps. He would bully and the confession, that he was guilty. Lance “disrespectful to my ancestors” due to A man who intimidate people into keeping his se- has a deal in the works to reduce his ban its semi-comical nature while including beat cancer, cret, ruining people’s lives. Some people until he is 40 by being an informant on the historical atrocities associated with a philan- had so much stock in Armstrong’s suc- others who use performance enhancing slavery. thropist who cess that he could intimidate fairly hands drugs. I can forgive him for his doping, This is not the first time Quen- broke into off; sending his flunkies to deal with the but the vile actions towards his fellow tin Tarantino, the film’s director, has the main stream, or an athlete of highest opposition. There is actually a voicemail man are abhorrent. sparked controversy on intermingling caliber? When I began this article the published on a website in which a foot tragedy and comedy. His 2009 hit point of focus was Lance Armstrong’s soldier of Armstrong said she wishes Inglorious Basterds features what some doping. However, after immersing my- someone would hit Betsy Andreau (wife claimed to be a inappropriately light self in research I came to realize that the or former team mate) in the head with a hearted fantasy in Nazi occupied France. doping was but a speck on the scum that baseball bat. Andreau was a threat be- This brings about the even greater is Lance Armstrong. cause she sat by Armstrong’s fight dur- question of how exactly do we, as a Lance Armstrong was guilty of us- ing his fight through cancer and heard human species, judge when it becomes ing performances enhancing drugs and him when he told the doctor he took per- okay to make a film like this and has faces a lifetime ban from triathlons; his formance enhancers. When she wouldn’t that critical point already been reached. current sport of choice. He was found to promise her silence, Armstrong ruined Django Unchained is one of the finest have been using cortisone, HGH (human the career of her husband, his teammate. Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor and examples of how society, namely the growth hormone), EPO, and testoster- Other teammates too fearful testify were multi-time winner of the Tour DeFrance, George Hincapie, Tyler Hamilton, and recently confessed to talk show host Oprah American society, needs to view. one; all of which are steroids. He also Winfrey that after years of denying doping Mind you, I understand fully that participated in blood doping, a process Levi Leipheimer. Their reluctance was while competing as a world-class cyclist, some of the themes presented over the of transfusing oxygen rich blood for the understandable due to Armstrong’s army he indeed was misleading the public about course of the film may be deeply upset- effect of needing to breathe less. Even and his willingness to crush anyone who using performance enhancing drugs. ting to black viewers, but that is their if his ban is reduced, Armstrong has was a threat. intent. Seeing Django’s wife whipped permanently lost his athletic integrity Today, five years after the height as she lets out shrieks of agony and he and honor. of his popularity, he has finally been pleads for her life should be a heavily Speedway students make a splash into the world of Conventions of nerds: competition in speech and debate savvy against insignificant schools from We have a truly terrific time at every dorks despite their constantly adapting Who-cares-ville. Meets have included ridiculously long meet. programs. Diamond Griggs has already from ten to forty schools and as many as For Humorous Interpretation and experienced great success in Poetry but 580 competitors. Because there are so Declamation entrant John Merritt, the still has high hopes for the rest of the many people, these are all day events. nerves are present at every meet but that season. Ellen Trout, former Dramatic However, they’re definitely worth it. doesn’t keep him from getting in front Interpretation entrant, is the gravity that The days have their lulls with of a bunch of strangers and pretending keeps the energetic team from getting bountiful breaks between rounds. The to be a very flirtatious washing ma- too crazy. competitors shuffle between buildings chine. Haily Merritt and Sarah Proctor, Honestly, I don’t think a single one or rooms while their carefully compiled competing in Poetry, Prose, and Original pieces prance through their not-quite- Oratory, feel at home in the drove of See Outstanding Orators on page five nervous noggins. There is stiff competi- Speedway’s academically elite have tion; some speechers have spent years From local fame to world acclaim long considered the Spell Bowl and coming to these meets and it is evident continued from page one Academic Team meets to be the gather- in their edge-of-your-seat performances. ing of the geeks. But a new team has Nevertheless, we keep our heads up and designed their robots for defensive purposes to prevent other teams from scoring taken over the title of most dominantly keep Sparkchugging along. while other teams designed offensive robots. dweeb-y. With librarian Joe Troyer blaz- We laugh (a lot and loudly), we During the first day of the competition, the robot from Speedway was ing the trail, five Speedway High School cry (tears of joy, tears of there-isn’t- working great. There was a problem that developed with the robot on the second students have heeded destiny’s beckon- any-fried-rice, tears of I-can’t-handle- day and the Speedway team actually got some help from their new alliance. “Our ing and joined DUN-DADA-DUN! the how-attractive-that-ginger-is, tears teammates in the final round helped us figure out that we had a gearing problem,” Speedway High School Speech Team. of I-totally-flubbed-that-up, tears of said Petercheff. Eventually, the robot was fixed and the team was on its way to the We five speechers have traveled to I-haven’t-eaten-any-real-food-today), championship. the beautiful Butler University, Nobles- we make friends, and some of us even The win automatically qualifies Speedway Robotics for the World Champion- ville, Fishers, and most recently Ben come away convinced we have two fi- ships in Anaheim where they will compete against 400 teams. “Now, we are work- Davis to showcase our supreme Speech ances (cough, cough Diamond Griggs). ing on coming up with sponsors to help with things like paying for plane tickets to California,” noted Petercheff. Additionally, Speedway was awarded $1500 in grants to help with lodging and event fees. Speedway Industrial Technology teacher Bravely battling brain cancer Kyle Owens serves as the club’s sponsor. Winning team members are juniors Ryan Dailey, Jake Petercheff, and Heather Ray along with sophomores Blake Arevalos, Speedway residents raise awareness and Will Jackman, Ryan Duffy, and Alan Duffy money on behalf of Mia Benge continued from page one Gun violence and tensions increase “It was pretty cold at first,” said Jake Curran, regarding his freshly shaven head with a chuckle, “but it was definitely for a good cause.” Local legislators discuss proposed law But for those of us who aren’t quite plucky enough to shave our heads - like the basketball boys and Mia’s older sister, Emmy Gainey, who raised over $2,000 in less continued from page one than 48 hours a few months earlier - but still want to show support, there are more shootings like that at Virginia Tech disciplined them or reprimanded them, options. One of the more popular methods is through Mia’s bracelets, whic hare in 2007 and Lone Star Community they took exception to it,” science purple wristlets, Mia’s favorite color, with “Mighty Mia” inscribed on them in teal College on the 22nd of January have teacher Michael Sieferman stated. writing. nothing to do with the drive for pass- According to Roger Williams “We wanted to do a ‘Chuckstrong’ kind of thing, so we went off of that idea ing the bill. University, one in four college women with ‘Mighty Mia,’ explained Olivia Benge. The family is especially close with the “Sometimes you file bills to raise have been rape victims or attempted Chuckstrong idea as they have Colts cheerleaders sporting bracelets in support of discussion, and that’s exactly what rape victims, so who is there to protect Mia. The bracelets are two dollars and can be purchased upon request from Olivia or this bill has done,” says Banks, “It’s these women? “The school needs to Austin as an easy and sweet way to show your support. raised this constitutional discussion protect them,” says Fleener. “It’s not You can also keep in touch with Mia and her journey by “liking” her page on and I think that’s a healthy discussion up to the students.” Facebook, “Mighty Mia.” to have. I don’t know if it will ever When asked about its gun policy, As for Mia, all this isn’t quite enough to faze her in her day-to-day life. But pass and become law in Indiana - it’s Indiana University released this state- she does have some pretty big plans for the money that was raised at the Cancer still a good discussion to have.” ment: “In general, Indiana Univer- Awareness game: she plans But many students aren’t sure why sity’s campuses, including IUPUI, are to adopt two kids, a boy and it’s even a discussion. Senior Cody safe places, and we have a well-trained a girl aged 15 and 17, so that Fleener talks of problems he sees with police force that is equipped to deal she’ll still have someone at this bill and the situations students are with the safety of our students, staff the house when Olivia goes faced with “They get into confronta- and guests. We feel that allowing off to college. She also wants tions,” Fleener said. “Something as individuals to possess guns on campus to buy a hotel with a pool so simple as ‘you bumped into me in the would add to, rather than diminish, the that she and her family can hall’ could turn into a mass shooting. risk to those on our campuses. While swim whenever they want. There’s no need for that. School is not we certainly respect the constitutional Not much seems to be in the a place for a weapon. You don’t need rights of our citizenry and understand way of this strong young one.” that there are legal ways individuals lady. Teachers have worries of their own. can own and carry guns in Indiana, “Personally, as a teacher, it would we fundamentally believe that we are scare me to death thinking that some in the best position to determine what of my students were sitting there in is in the best interest of our campus class with a loaded firearm and if I population and environment.” Sisterly Love: Speedway senior Olivia and her sister said something they didn’t like or if I Mia sharing a common goal to defeat cancer The path less traveled but so important Billie Jean King honored at women’s philanthropy event

On December 3, 2012, the Indiana Repertory Theater hosted an event honoring Billie Jean King. Being a spokesperson for women’s rights in sports, King spent the event speaking about how far women have come not just in sports, but in life, too. In an opening speech at the ceremony, it was said that “I don’t think there’s any doubt that the most influential athletes in sports are Jackie Robinson and Billie Jean King.” They didn’t win the most matches or games, nor did they score the most points.They both fought for equality. Billie Jean King grew up as an athlete.She played sports alongside her brother, Randy Moffitt, who later would become a professional baseball player, and grew to love any game she played. She developed a special interest in tennis and stuck with that throughout her life. King competed in her first tournament in 1961, when tennis was geared almost completely towards men. As her career went on, she got better, winning 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her life. She made records right and left. She was the first female BILLIE JEAN KING WORKS WONDERS AT PHILANTHROPY EVENT athlete to make more than $100,000 in one year. From left to right: Indiana Fever Coach Lin Dunn, Billie Jean King, and Executive This seems like a feat now, but this was when men Director of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Jennifer Pope Baker speak to inspire women. Photo Courtesy of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. were making twice, maybe three times more than women playing sports. King was confused. She wasn’t neces- Speedway HIgh School is partly known for our prominent female athletes, and sarily thinking about rights for women; frankly, she just without them, the school would lack a certain something. wanted her money. Over time, however, she realized she Many believe that the Title IX bill, the one that BIllie Jean King worked so hard to could use her fame to change how people thought about be enacted, isn’t necessary any more. The thought is that gender equality in athlet- women’s athletics. “I thought that I was going to use ten- ics is something that should be done. It’s just accepted now; equality in sports is the nis as a platform to fight for equal opportunity for boys right thing to do, and doing away with the bill would not cause harm on the oppor- and girls for the rest of my life,” said King. tunities given to high school athletes. Everybody just treats men and women equally King competed in the legendary “Battle of the Sexes” tournament in 1973, and in sports now. It’s the way things are. Avery disagrees. “It’s morally wrong to kill beat Bobby Riggs, a man who firmly believed that women did not belong on the ten- someone,” said Avery, “but it’s necessary to have the laws there as a reminder. It’s nis court. This gave hope for women throughout the nation. the same thing with equality in sports.” Later in her life, King was a big proponent in something women high school During her speech, King made sure the audience knew that she meant equality athletes benefit from today. She was the driving force behind the Title IX bill, which for both genders, and not just equality for women. She spends her time advocating in part provided that equal opportunities must be made for both men and women in for women’s rights, but not just because she is a woman. “Women are a concern; the world of athletics. She was influential in eventually getting the bill passed and that’s why I spend so much time talking about women,” said King. “If boys were a underway .She spoke about her work with Title IX with a sense of pride, letting the concern that’s where my time would have been spent. Don’t you ever think that a audience know that 2012 was the 40th anniversary. certain gender is only helping the same gender.” Our own Athletic Director, Brian Avery, believes fully in the Title IX bill and At the event on December 3, Billie Jean King didn’t seem boastful. She wasn’t the gender equality in sports. “I couldn’t look myself in the mirror and say I was doing greatest public speaker, and she seemed worn. But she also seemed satisfied. She a good job if I wasn’t being respectful to gender equality in sports,” said Avery. knew that she had accomplished big things, and was physically and emotionally Increasing a security presence Outstanding orators continued from page four

Officer Mark Jones joins Speedway staff of us would care if none of us won When asked about a safe place for everyone to be. a thing (okay, maybe not all of us). his new job, “acces- However, this is not the first time Regardless, Ellen received a state-of- sible” was the word Officer Jones has been in Speed- the-art Butler keychain for being Top most often used by way High School. He attended Novice at our Butler meet. Diamond Officer Jones. Jones Speedway High School, and has might have cried when she won First is the Resource Of- worked here part-time for over 2 Place overall in Poetry. John, Haily, ficer for Speedway years. and Sarah continued being awesome schools. His office Contrary to popular belief, Jones and kicking butt. Cue Sparkle Clap. is centralized here at was not added to Speedway staff This Saturday before anyone the high school, but he also checks in at in light of the Sandy Hook trag- else in Speedway is even thinking all Speedway schools. “The Speedway edy. “This was not brought along about waking up, the Speechers will Police Chief is very oriented toward because of Sandy Hook. This has be on their way to Indiana University community policing. This job is to help been in the works for 15 months, Columbus to compete once again. Be me be more accessible to the public,” and it’s purely coincidental… Welcome to Speedway, Officer Jones.Reporter sure to wish them good luck! says Jones. It’s not so much that there’s a big Maddie Kenny poses for a photo with Ofiicer Jones If you’re curious about any of the after an interview. Photo courtesy of Kenny and the A large portion of his salary is paid by threat. It’s a preventative type of references made in this article or the Speedway school system, but Jones thing,” Jones states. Plugged In staff. He is also excited about his future here are interested in joining the is still considered a police officer. His Officer Jones works through Speech Team, any of the job is basically “to fill in all the gaps.” Mr. McRoberts and Mr. Acton, but at Speedway, saying “I hope to provide a positive attitude toward the students. six people mentioned He checks in with Mr. Acton every he is ready to do whatever he can for in this article morning to see if there’s anything he students. Jones says, “Part of my job is Us policeman, we aren’t all bad people. I want to bridge the gap.” would love can do. Then, on a typical day, he’s seen meeting students to help them feel more to talk to roaming the halls, checking security comfortable. Anyone can come in to you. doors, and just making sure the school is talk. My door is always open.” Technology is eating our lives SOS! We are going down with 2013 Let’s face it. It is virtually impossible In 2009, Twitter started to become these days. People hide behind to live our lives without technology. popular, and today we hear about it ev- social media to say things they Many of us cannot go an hour without ery day. Five years ago the smart phones are too afraid to say in person. glancing at our phones. With newer, and started to come around, and now every- They feel a sense of security more improved pieces of technology one and their mother has one. According behind a computer screen or released every day, we can replace our to columnist Goeffery Harden, “2012 their phone. old products or eliminate the need for was a big year. Technology and the in- Some technology trends for them altogether. ternet are forever becoming more social, 2013 according to Tim and connected and important in our Ben Barjarin, writers for Time lives. I think 2013 is going to Magazine, will be, “Apple will create our problems on our own and not let be a defining year as culture and a hybrid tablet-laptop, Samsung will technology do all the work. technology continues to merge invest in its own future, Google will go into one cohesive thing.” fully vertical with Motorola, seven inch I agree with Goeffery just tablets will dominate tablet sales, and because of how technology augmented reality will go mainstream.” is growing in our lives. I am SO watch out and see if any of the always on my phone and I feel trends make it big this year. empty without it. Technology is I feel like if technology keeps chang- becoming a part of who we are ing the way it has been for the past couple of years, things are going to keep getting worse. We can’t stop it, but what Quentin Ellet and Amelia Berry, we can do is not use technology to solve like most students, enjoy listen- ing to music during lunch. Photo our own problems. Yes, sometimes it’s courtesy of Jon Gregory. nice and convenient, but we need to fix

plan to overthrow the British Army in This was not the end of the British in- A nation once again Dublin. This was later dubbed the Easter fluence, however. They created a “truce” Rising. The IRA succeeded in taking that promised the Irish full control of Go on home British soldiers back Dublin, although similar raids in economy and country matters, but Ire- other parts of the country failed. This land would still remain a part of English Recently, British media has made deaths. Although at the time Ireland was glory for the Irish ended when 3,340 Parliament, creating the Irish Free State. quite the impact on our American soci- under British rule, the British govern- men and 79 women were arrested by Split in half by this truce, the Irish Civil ety. Shows and music of British origin ment did absolutely nothing to aid the British, most of them innocent. The War began shortly afterwards. Some have made a large thumb print on our them. They let them starve, even while British regained control and sentenced Irish were satisfied by this agreement culture. I believe it is important for our occupying the country, seeing the fallen 14 men to death, along with heavier and some were still intent on their origi- naïve media consumers to know the bodies of women and children who military influence in Ireland. nal goal of completely ridding Ireland of truth behind this country which so many were forced to eat grass in every effort This heavier influence was even the British. people support and idealize. In fact, not to starve. The British saw this as a crueler than what was there before. The Civil War ended with a split vic- Britain has had quite a dark history of solution to their problems, as if there These new soldiers, called the Black tory. The majority of Ireland finally got tyranny and abuse of power. In particu- were less Irish, there was more land. and Tans, were relentless in their effort their own Republic, but the Northern lar, Ireland has been the victim of many Seven Counties became a part of the of these horrible acts. United Kingdom. This is the situation To very quickly summarize events as seen today; however the conflict has prior to the 19th Century, Britain has never truly ended. Throughout the later gone through many stages of invad- 20th Century, Irish living in England ing the Emerald Isle. The two with the were constantly beaten and ridiculed by strongest impacts are arguably the Nor- a majority of the British. man Invasion and the Tudor Conquest In summary, next time you watch or of Ireland. Both of the Invasions pushed listen to British media, think about the the Irish out of their homes and made history of that cruel empire of evil. Their effort to assimilate them to become cruelty was not only limited to Ireland. English speaking and follow English Many countries in the world have been customs. The Irish, of course, never took and are still colonized by the Brits, kindly to being forced into a different including ourselves. They unjustly got way of life, but never had the means to their worldly power, and greedily used it fight beck. That is, until the Irish Repub- to gain more and more. My question is lican Brotherhood, or Fenian Brother- simply, “Why is this horrible nation so hood, was established in the mid-1800’s. adored?” This was the beginning of an organized movement towards the freedom of A mural promoting the IRA in Northern Ireland. Ireland. This organization formed into Photo courtesy of nsauer01.hubpages.com different subdivisions, including the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Sinn Féin political party, and the In the beginning of the 20th Century, to make the Irish suffer. They would Irish Volunteers. During the the British army occupying Ireland storm into random houses and beat or Great Potato Famine, was horrendously cruel towards the kill innocent people under the possibility Irish all over the Irish, constantly beating and even that they might be rebels. This cruelty country were killing innocent civilians ruthlessly. In was countered by small armies of Irish starving to 1916, with the British occupying all of countrymen, who pushed the Black and their Ireland, Sinn Féin leaders organized a Tans out of Ireland. universal language. There are Should it matter? so many artists who make great music that people fall in love with every day. Their sexual- This song is about a girl ity shouldn’t change the fact I’m going to a show in March over in don’t get me wrong. My mom is neither that their music is relatable or Ohio with Anna Lottes. We’re seeing an prejudiced nor homophobic. She still, catchy or makes you want to indie band from Canada. The band con- however, felt inclined to ask me about drive around with your speakers sists of two my own sexuality. I had to calmly blaring. Their sexuality shouldn’t twin sisters, inform my mother that I am, in fact, not change your view of their craft Tegan and gay nor do I plan on going to the concert because their sexuality, in reality, Sara Quin. because I’m trying to keep who I am a has nothing to do with it. They’re secret. I just find the Quin twins to be To further the statement that music phenomenal incredible musicians. really is just music, our editor thought musicians. Whilst telling my mother very calmly it would be interesting to see whether Tegan and Sara (openly gay twins), Their lyrics that I am not gay, on the inside I was or not people could decipher whether Melissa Etheridge (openly gay), Frank have mean- furious. But then I thought about how a certain song was written by an artist Ocean (openly gay), and Meg and Dia ing deeper much this type of thing actually hap- who happened to be gay or an artist (straight), were played for Mary, Hannah than the pens. People really, really dig a certain who happened to be straight. I’ll let the March, Ellen Sauter, and Shelby Sand- typical Call song until they find out it was written results speak for themselves. ers. The results from having the four Me Maybe for someone of the same sex so, mak- As some of you know, Frank Ocean is listen to these artists were exactly what I tune and they’re able to combine a piano ing them ashamed that they like it. Or an openly gay musician. His music has thought they would be. 2 out of 3 times, and guitar in ways that others just can’t. people really want to see an artist live become increasing popular since he ap- the sexuality of the artist could not be Their songs sound like nothing else out but they’re afraid people might think peared on the VMAs. His songs inspire determined. there today and the harmonies the twins that they, themselves, are in fact gay. It’s people every day and his popularity isn’t If you’re afraid you’re going to be are able to produce are fantastic. Oh, and ridiculous. coming from the fact that he’s gay. It’s judged because you like an artist whose they both happen to be lesbians. I guess today’s society is a bit con- coming from the fact that he is a terrific sexuality isn’t of the norm, don’t be. If When I told my mom that Anna and I flicted, though. With states like New musician. Sisters Tegan and they’re were going to their show, I didn’t men- York allowing same-sex marriage and And three Sara Quin, prepare able to tion their sexuality. I personally don’t states like Ohio banning same-sex mar- out of four for their latest al- make you bum. Heartthrob is find it to be a big deal and my mom usu- riages and civil unions, there is much people due out in January. want to ally doesn’t find it to be a big deal either. discussion about who is right and who couldn’t Photo courtsey off dance or So, I decided to play some of their music is wrong. But should that matter when tell, just teganandsara.com make you for her and she was, in true Carol Ochs we’re listening to music? I think not. from lis- feel like fashion, dancing along in the kitchen To quote Sara Quin, “We're queer, but tening to you’re not with me. But then I brought up that the music doesn't have a sexuality. Even if him, that alone, their songs happened to be about girls. it was more clearly written to women, I he is gay. sexuality To make this story short, my mom still think that music is still just music.” Mary Hendricks, however, could tell shouldn’t matter. Music is just music, turned off the music and asked me Music has nothing to do with sexu- right off the bat. “He’s got a feminine guys. So, go out and listen to whoever why I liked Tegan and Sara. She then ality. Music really is just music. It is voice. But, I also know this song. And I you want. Go play whatever song you proceeded to ask me if I was going to not about just women or men. It can know he’s gay,” she said. If she hadn’t want and sing it loud, down the halls. the concert because I was gay. Now, transcend genders and truly become a known, perhaps she would’ve said Music doesn’t have a sexuality. something different. Anticipation can be severe The French Assailant investigates on this year’s most intriguing artwork. Out of this entire year of filmmaking, the top ten most lish class and know there are many layers to it. This new adaptation of The Great anticipated movies (from most to least) are: Iron Man 3, Gatsby is due to come out in May. It was set to be released over the Christmas The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, period, but the delay (brought by the illusion of Luhrman’s fascination with drag- Oblivion, Roboapocalypse, Oz: The Great and Powerful, ging his projects out by months and to bring forth the excessive amount of grossing Monster’s University, Gangster Squad, Pacific Rim, and ticket prices over a summer’s length) only Elysium. These movies can be worthwhile only if they has the effect of increasing the excitement follow the proper steps to take the advantage of happiness and anticipation. I would predict that the and dread, says the critically acclaimed website IMDB. I elegancy of Leo’s Gatsby should fit into am referring to The Great Gatsby, of course, because crit- the film quite well. ics are extremely up in the air with this new film version This film could prove to be the better of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. It will be starring half of this year aside from the count- Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire under the direction of the less superhero sequels and remakes that highly flamboyant and inventive genius Baz Luhrmann. It may capture your wildest we have either come to love or hate. dreams and imagination and keep you staring at the screen for many hours on end. Iron Man 3 could astound us with the (“The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway unlikely choice casting of Ben King- s- (Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of ley as the evil Mandarin while Matt Da- 1922. The era that loosened morals and glittered jazz brought by bootleg kings.) mon’s unusual choice of hardcore science Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party- fiction with him battling against illegal DiCaprio as the infamous Gatsby giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy aliens. Also, the immense entries of Photo courtesy of Broccolicity.com (Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edg- all-star end of the world flicks with Tom erton). Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, Cruise and Will Smith who have already done this stuff too many times before. loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, Again these choices are dependent upon you and your choice of whether you he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and see them or not. I say that you have to go see The Great Gatsby if you don’t holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles. see any other movie, but this is the audience’s decider of material and Set in 1922 Long Island, it conveys the luxurious yet extremely fake and preten- morality alike; and to end such upright anguish and happiness com- tious lifestyle that many richer Americans had. The book was well received when it bined, good night and good luck. was released, and nearly 100 years later in a more austere time, it remains popular. The themes are still relevant in society today. Many of us have studied it for Eng- Canada’s game is back for now Hockey’s return has fans rushing back to the rinks for their favorite game

After the games. So this season will be 113-day super intense with the players Enthusiastic hockey fans show lockout, the giving it their all to win. With their strong NHL season lots of the players going back displeasure is resumed to their home countries during with the hockey January the lockout to continue playing lockout during 19th. The hockey, they will most likely an NFL football game. Photo lockout already be in shape to start the courtesy of the started back on September 16th season out strong. interwebs. when the players association Unfortunately, the CBA is only and the owners couldn’t agree for 8-10 years. So in 8 years we on a Collective Bargaining will be going through another Agreement. Nearly four months lockout all over again. Unless later the league is scrambling to we kick out Gary Bettman figure out how they are going before then. Untill then we will to go through with a condensed be enjoying hockey but with a season. The lockout has already future lokout looming over us. taken away the Winter Classic With the season well under between the Detroit Red Wings way, the tempo is picking up and the Toronto Maple Leafs every game. Big hits, spec- Tournament tests for the Sparkplugs and shortened the normal 82- tacular goals, incredible saves, game regular season to just 48 heavy-weight fights, and The girls swimming team Juniors Robby Sears and the sectional and they earned a games. lightning quick action are all a wrapped up a very successful Colby Ward earned runner- first round game with the South If you’re not an avid hockey part of the game. I know you season on Saturday at the North up finishes at the Northwest Putnam Eagles. A win ad- fan like I am, then no worries, all like fights and big hits so be Central sectional. Tournament sectional on January 26. Their vances the Sparkplugs into the now is the perfect time to start sure to watch some hockey this results are not available, due to finishes earned them a trip to semifinals against Cloverdale following hockey. With the season. There won’t be very our publishing deadlines. the Perry Meridian regional last which received the bye. devastating lockout, teams are many games this year, but all The team has enjoyed a lot of weekend. Due to publishing Monrovia, Covenant Chris- in need of a strong comeback this action is being packed into success this year. In early Janu- deadlines, results are available tian and Cascade are all on the to survive the shortened season. games almost every night for ary, the team won the school’s online at www.ihsaa.org. other side of the draw. The The players cannot afford to the next 4 months for you all to first ICC swimming champion- The girls basketball team championship game is set for lose a single one of their 48 enjoy! Hockey is back! ship trophy, edging rival Ritter opens sectional play tomorrow Saturday night at the Morris in the final relay race. night. This year, the girls host Pollard Gymnasium. Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame? Baseball Writers of America conduct protest vote in order to keep sport clean In mid – to be a retired athlete. When will always be viewed as cheat- others pro sports all across the league. But as a fan of sports, I January, Ma- getting more specific, the ath- ers in the eyes of the public and world. What if basketball and can tell you allowing cheaters jor League letes that qualified had to have in my eyes, I view it the same football for example let specific to prosper in a league where Baseball’s never used any performance as well. You play the sport for cheaters into the Hall of Fame? majority of athletes put their Hall of Fame enhancing drugs or broke any the achievements and wins. If Wouldn’t this make players less heart and soul into their craft, held its an- major rules during their playing you cheat, it’s expected that scared of the consequences that trying to be the best they can nual vote for careers. That’s what made this you can no longer receive these come from using them? be the fair way will never be induction specific Hall of Fame voting a achievements in award form. Some people might accepted by society. Like stated into the Hall of Fame. When little different. Now because of Allowing these players to have not necessarily view this certain before, I feel even though some it came to it, things were run this some believe the Baseball the chance to be inducted into situation the way I do. For who may have been worthy a little differently. With the Writers of America decided not the Hall of Fame could possibly instance, I know a friend who of an induction into the Hall usual way of being voted in by to accept any former players in allow players now and in the feels allowing pro athletes to of Fame won’t be accepted in 75% of the voters still in place, this year’s hall of fame. This future to think that just maybe use performance enhancers this year, we should thank the things were dissimilar because is looked at by some eyes, as they can cheat, become better would make sports way more Baseball Writers of America of the retired athletes who there way of protesting. But ei- than their peers, and whether interesting, bringing an unreal for keeping the league so many were eligible to get in. Now ther way things became a little they get caught or not, they can feel to the games. I feel this love to watch a fair and clean I know what you’re thinking, different this year when it came still receive one of the big- could be unfair to the athletes one. that makes no sense because in to the voting. Will it ever be the gest achievements of them all, who’d rather work harder than order to get in you always had same? Should the players who induction in the Hall of Fame. another player instead of doing have been viewed as cheat- This is very disturbing. In my harm to their bodies. Doing ers be allowed to be inducted eyes, we are very fortunate steroids can do more harm than in or to say the least, ruin the that the Baseball Writers of good when you get deep into chances for the players who America decided to strike when the harmful side effects. Maybe were clean throughout their it came to the situation even that’s why it’s banned for a playing careers to be voted in? if it came with a price, refer- reason. Anyway you put it, ring to the clean players. What Granted, we will prob- athletes who’ve decided to take most might not understand is ably never see the day I am the performance enhancer drugs that this could trickle down to commissioner of a major sports