Contest forms due Feb. 6 for chance to win custom-made dress
January 30, 2009
By Susie Chen
<susiechen@hilite.org>
“The members thought it would be really fun, making a dress for a student. It allows them to show off their sewing skills and for the girls in my fashion classes who want to pursue dress making in the future, it’s kind of a first step for them,” said Judy Fisher, Sew Unique sponsor and Family Consumer Science teacher.
According to Fisher, the idea of creating a custom-made dress was thought up by Jenny Seo, president of Sew Unique and senior. “She thought it would be a great idea that would be fun for the members of the club,” Fisher said.
To enter, any junior and senior girl must pick up a form for the contest to win the dress, either in room B168 or in the Activities Office; the form must be turned in to B168. Although the form said the deadline to turn in the form was Jan. 30, Fisher said that due to the snow days and delays, the deadline will be extended to Feb. 6.
After all the forms are collected, a random drawing will be held and the winner selected. The Sew Unique members will meet with the winner and show her pattern books, from where she will pick out a few of her favorite patterns and fabrics. The members will then go to a fabric store and pick out the fabric needed. After, fittings will be held at school and when all is done, the winner will have a one-of-a-kind dress for prom.
This custom-made dress will not only be featured at prom, but also at the yearly fashion show held by the fashion students. Fisher said, “We’re going to have her model the dress at the fashion show. She’ll be one of the first ones out and will help showcase the dress.”
“I think this is a really great idea,” said Fisher. “It’s a custom-made dress that no one else at prom will have. It’s definitely a great opportunity juniors and seniors should take advantage of.”
New year’s resolutions prove easy to make, more difficult to keep
January 29, 2009
By Beverly Jenkins
<bjenkins@hilite.org>
For junior Jennifer Hosek, the end of the 2008 year was also an end to another failed attempt toward keeping a New Year’s resolution. Hosek, who has been making resolutions annually for quite some time, always looks forward to accomplishing her goals in January. However, when the following December comes around, she realizes that she hasn’t achieved what she said she would.
“I always write down a few simple resolutions every year,” Hosek said, listing a few very common examples such as keeping her room clean, getting better grades, and being more active. “But I usually give up after the first month or two.”
Hosek, who is like many other students here, begins the new year with high hopes and expectations, but for one reason or another, isn’t able to follow through with her goals. Despite good intentions and well meanings, the resolutions are soon abandoned and forgotten. Not unique to CHS students alone, recent research from motivational Web site proactivechange.com shows that less than half of Americans who make resolutions are still keeping them in June. 25 percent of those Americans have reported giving up within the first week of the new year. Whether it is for a legitimate reason such as breaking a leg after resolving to run a certain number of miles in a given week, or one out of laziness such as keeping the house clean, it is evident that people have trouble keeping resolutions. A big reason for this might be because many people don’t know how to make a reasonable resolution.
In the minority of people that actually keep their resolutions is freshman Lauren Kahre. Kahre went above and beyond the resolution she made for the 2008 year and has high hopes for this year too. In 2008, Kahre, a cross country runner for CHS’s girl’s team, resolved to do whatever it took to run on varsity for at least one meet. Because Kahre took appropriate steps and never failed to give up even when she suffered setbacks, she not only met her goal but surpassed it by running on varsity at every meet, being the sixth out of the seven top runners for the team.
Kahre said that she put a lot of time and effort into accomplishing her resolution, working toward it daily. “(The team) had practice for an hour and a half daily during the summer. It wasn’t mandatory, but I went every day anyways,” Kahre said. “I used the pressure to be at the front of the pack as sort of a mental motivation. It kept me going even when I was tired.”
Guidance counselor Shelly Rubinstein said that resolutions that people like Kahre make each year are foolproof and reasonable because the goal is clear and attainable. Rubinstein advises that for the majority of people who have difficulty keeping their resolutions take the extra time to map out a plan in order to help them stay on track.
“A good way to start with a resolution is to take the time to go some place private and write down exactly what you want to do,” Rubinstein said. “Write down a couple of goals, a timeline for each, and when one goal is accomplished, start on another one.”
Another helpful trick that Rubinstein said might help is to break the resolution into several smaller goals to achieve throughout the year. “A short term goal is easier to keep because you can see a clear end; that’s not so easy to see all the time when you have a whole year to accomplish a goal. Break the goal into smaller parts.”
Another reason why Kahre was able to go above and beyond her goal while many like Hosek failed to do also has to do with what the goal is itself. “I enjoy running, and I want to see how far I can go in the sport,” Kahre said.
The fact that Kahre views her resolution as something more than just a chore helps her stay motivated throughout the entire year. However, people like Hosek view their resolutions like getting better grades or keeping the house clean as a chore, because they are. The difference between wanting to achieve a goal and actually achieving a goal is the enthusiasm behind it. “If you really want to (achieve your goals), you’ll be able to,” Kahre said. “But if you don’t have your heart in it, you’re not going to want to do it, so you won’t.”
Schedule for Two-Hour Delays
January 28, 2009
BLUE DAY SCHEDULE
Period 2 9:50-10:50
Period 3 11:00-1:10
Period 1 1:20-2:10 (announcements)
Period 4 2:20-3:05
GOLD DAY SCHEDULE
Period 5 9:50-10:50
Period 7 11:00-1:10
Period 6 1:20-2:10 (announcements)
Period 8 2:20-3:05
Thoughts on Oscar Nominations
January 25, 2009
Before I begin, I’d like to let everyone know that I am not attempting to write formally with these blog entries. So, that’s why this blog comes across as a random rant most of the time. Just a heads up. Now, without further ado, here are my initial thoughts on the 2009 Oscar nominations…
First, everyone needs to chill out. I’ve heard many people, especially teenagers complain about “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’s” abundance of nominations (13 to be exact). After overhearing a few of them, I realized that most of these naysayers had not even seen the film. Don’t knock it till you try it, people! Plus, “Button” is a big, sweeping epic. What did you expect? It is the exact kind of movie the Academy drools over. Look at “Lord of the Rings” (which, like “Button,” was deserving of all its accolades).
I hate to seem like a hypocrite and keep talking about “The Dark Knight” (A few weeks ago if you recall, I scolded people for talking the movie to death). However, I must mention that I am not nearly as shocked as everyone else that it was “snubbed” for a Best Picture nod. It has gotten plenty of recognition and the nominees that took its place are just as deserving. Having said that, I actually would have still loved to see it be nominated and win Best Picture. It is the kind of film the Academy needs to recognize more often: a film that seamlessly belnds “popcorn entertainment” with profound social and psychological analysis. What bugs me, though, is the fact that most of the teenagers that complain about it not being nominated have not seen the other Best Picture nominees. Once again, don’t knock them till you’ve tried them.
The only Best Picture nominee that I feel is less deserving is “Slumdog Millionaire.” It amounts to nothing more than a mildly charming movie. Ultimately forgettable. It doesn’t have the transcendent quality of “The Dark Knight” or “Frost/Nixon” or many other films released this year. However, it will win Best Picture based on its sentimentality and contrived tenderness.
In terms of the acting categories, I am satisfied (with the exception of Amy Adams’ nomination for “Doubt.” I’m still trying to figure out what exactly she did in that movie to deserve a nod for Best Supporting Actress).
Here are some people and films I feel were unfairly snubbed…
Josh Brolin for his surprisingly sympathetic and rich portrayal of George W. Bush in “W.”
Michael Sheen for his extremely charismatic performance in “Frost/Nixon.”
Darren Aronofsky for his powerfully understated direction of “The Wrestler.”
Christopher Nolan for transcending the comic book genre with his direction of “The Dark Knight.”
“Religulous” for being the funniest and most insightful documentary of the year.
Richard Dreyfus for his often chilling portrayal of Dick Cheney in “W.”
That’s all for now, folks. See you on the Red Carpet (I wish).
‘Notorious’ pleases fans and casual moviegoers alike
January 23, 2009
By Mitch Ringenberg
<mringenberg@hilite.org>
Just about anybody who knows anything about hip-hop or pop culture in general is at least vaguely familiar with the music and life of Chris Wallace, more commonly known as Biggie Smalls or the Notorious B.I.G. He had notable success throughout his short career in the mid 90s as a solo rap artist with a string of memorable hits. Then in March 1997, he was shot and killed for reasons, despite countless theories, that still remain unclear. Unsurprisingly, he is now regarded as a folk hero and a “spokesman of his generation.” However, what is surprising is that it took 11 years for a film adaptation to finally be released. Read more
Wonderful Winter Wardrobe: Women’s Fashion
January 23, 2009
By Lexi Muir
<lmuir@hilite.org>
Overall:
Woman’s styles for this winter season have become much more lady-like and classic, from long knee-length pencil skirts to lacy high neck tops. Skin-tight shirts and short skirts are out and classic styles from centuries ago are back in.
Coats:
This season, coats have become more than just a way to keep warm. They have become a fashion statement that far surpasses any other winter-outfit accessory. Long or short, a cute coat is something that every girl must have this winter. Popular in coats right now are big-buttons, plaid and built-in belts. One piece of advice for those venturing out to buy a coat: buy a high quality coat that is very versatile and can go with almost any outfit.
Coats can be found at Burlington Coat Factory, any department store, H&M, Old Navy and Forever 21.
Price: $50 and up.
Animal Print:
The most popular look this winter season is animal print. Whether it’s leopard, zebra, tiger or any other wild animal, animal print is a great way to dress funky and release your wild side. From simple cardigans and shirts to dresses and skirts, animal print is sweeping the nation. Also a popular look for jackets and bags, animal print is a great way to jazz-up any outfit.
Animal print clothing can be found at Forever 21, Delia’s, H&M, Express and any department store.
Price: $15 and up
Handbags:
The absolute must-have accessory that can make or break any outfit is the handbag. This season, the trendiest way to carry must-have items is in a clutch. Small and simple, the clutch is the easy, carefree way to keep track of everything a girl needs when she is out. However, for those women who need more room for their items than a clutch will allow, large bags are definitely still in-style. The popular animal print is also great for handbags and can spice up any dull or slightly boring outfit. Also in this season are bright solid-colored handbags that are also a great asset to any outfit. And don’t forget about vintage handbags, they are also one of the most popular trends in bags this season.
Handbags can be found at most stores.
Prices: $15 and up.
Skirts:
A few years ago, shirt skirts were the way to go. Now, however, being caught wearing a shirt mini-skirt is a definite fashion-don’t. This season, the trend in skirts is to wear high-waisted, long and tight skirts, which are also known as pencil skirts. This skirt is a classy and sophisticated look that goes great on any girl for any occasion. They can be worn with heels to look simple and classy or boots to make a statement. The pencil-skirt is definitely something that every girl should be able find in her closet.
All varieties of boots can be found at any department store, shoe store and most women’s boutiques.
Price: $30 and up
Footwear:
The biggest, most popular style for footwear this season is the boot. Whether they are tall and slouchy or short and simple, boots are the number one must-have look for women’s feet. Tall and slouchy vintage boots look great with jeans, dresses and skirts for any everyday outfit. Sleek black knee-high boots are great for looking hip and sassy for a night on the town. And let’s not forget about the shoe-boot! These ankle-height boots have made a huge comeback this season and can be seen on women everywhere.
All varieties of boots can be found at any department store, shoe store and most women’s boutiques.
Price: $30 and up
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