Topeka West Campus View- September Issue

Campus ViewTopeka West High School September 2011 Volume 51 Issue 2

“Celebrating 50 years of Charger Pride”

2001 SW Fairlawn Rd. Topeka, KS 66614 twestnews.tripod.com

This year, Topeka West Singers has a Freshman in their ranks. Tina Goodrich is the school’s Choir Director.

“It is rare for [freshmen] to make it because Singers is such an advanced group.” Goodrich said. “Having the experience of Choraliers and Concert Choir

usually helps to give students the experience you need to be in Singers.” Lucero Padilla, 09, is a tenor in the prestigious choir. “It feels awesome [to be in Singers]

because I know the rarity of it,” Padilla said. “The last freshman in Singers was nine years ago I think, so I feel honored to be one of the few in the school’s 50 years.”

Padilla has been singing for long time and enjoys it a lot. “I started loving to sing around my third grade year. It’s sort of corny, but that year I joined a public show choir. My mom heard

Freshman Singer: Lucero PadillaJamie Ladner

Reporter

Lucero Padilla singing in Concert Choir.Photo by Michael Snowden

TWHS Sept issue.indd 1 9/20/11 1:23 PM

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In the world of Internet browsers there are many to choose from. Many simply take the preinstalled browsers that come with their operating system. Internet Explorer (IE) on computers running Windows

or Safari on Apple Mac. These two offer quite a bit and are updating often with better features. Yet, there are many other browsers that can offer more security, resources, and faster browsing.

Many teachers have also opted out of using IE or Safari for Firefox on many of their classroom computers. Loaded with good security, quick browsing, and numerous customization

options, Firefox has become a

giant in the world of browsers. Firefox was first released in November of 2004 by the Mozilla Corporation. It is a free and open source web browser that was originally developed to

overtake the Mozilla Suite (now continued by the community as SeaMonkey). According to statistics from W3Schools (a web tutorial and reference site), the use of Firefox has increased from a measly 16.6% in 2005 to 42.0% as of July 2011, making it the most popular browser, putting Chrome (29.4%) and Internet Explorer (IE; 22.0%) in second and third place. “I’ve left IE because it’s slow, but I don’t want Chrome because it’s too much…Firefox…is awesome,” Victory Rose, 09, said. Despite its popularity, Firefox actually has the slowest open time. However, in everyday performance, TechRadar found that “Firefox and Chrome are generally neck and neck.” Also, with the introduction of

the latest version, Firefox 5, it’s clear that its speed is increasing with every new release. What Firefox lacks in speed, it makes up for in its interface. Users can find a Swiss Army Knife of customization options from simply changing appearance to boosting privacy, speed, and protection. It also has the most advanced syncing options (at present, the only browser allowing syncing on portable devices), and Firefox 5, introduced several new features. Changes include the “do not track” feature, multiple account login, pdf viewer, mp3 player, and several other smaller improvements.

Browser Battle

Helen ShengReporter

“...Firefox is awesome,”

“It’s a great browser, I like it a lot,” Sean Stringer, 11, said. Firefox is also

excellent in the area of web

performance and compatibility. PC World reporter Keir Thomas performed an Acid3 test that tests the browser’s overall HTML and Java compatibility, and Firefox passed with flying colors at 97/100. It also ranked first at the Sunspider benchmark, which tests Javascript performance. All in all, Firefox is the browser of choice for appearance, speed, and performance alike.

“...It’s a great browser,”


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Simplicity with passionate functionality. Chrome is the web browser from Google. It was released September 2008 and has been a sensation ever since. Many have been put off seeing that it is so simple in its interface that it seems stripped of the traditional browser icons. As you start chrome there are only typical back and foreword buttons, a refresh button, one white bar at the top, and two small setting icons. This simplicity bothers most, yet many learn to love it. The “omnibox” where the location bar should be acts as a meld of services. With it you can search (and get suggestions) for websites from google.com, history, bookmarks, extensions, and previous searches. The security of Chrome is also impressive. It opens every tab as it’s own process, meaning it’s separated from

any other tabs. This ability means, should a crash happen, it crashes only one tab that can be reloaded. A national conference of hackers takes place every year called Pwn2Own. In this competition many top companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Research In Motion (Blackberry)

put forth their newest software and hardware to be tested against hackers. Should the hackers be successful they are given up to $20,000 and credit for helping bug test. This may seem odd for companies to pay what they are often attempting to thwart, but this competition allows a more professional bug testing so they can improve security before release. IE8 was cracked on the first

day while Safari 5 was destroyed in five seconds. Teams scheduled to hack Chrome and Firefox didn’t show claiming that their programs were unstable. Chrome allows for personalization, as does Firefox, but gives less room to work with. Chrome has been expanding quite a bit and even has a

Browser BattleGoogle Chrome

“...Chrome is faster than the other browsers I’ve used,”

Mitch MontagueReporter

webstore through google now. This webstore has many applications and extensions such as an Angry Birds version made specifically for Chrome and StumbleUpon. “...Chrome is faster than the other browsers I’ve used,” Jonathan Ostler, 09, said. “It’s more stable and easier and [also] faster than the others and is more reliable.” Above all of the customization and security that

Chrome offers it wouldn’t have taken off like it has if it didn’t have the blazing speed users have come to expect. Many of the Chrome commercials called “Speed Tests” available online show just how quick the browser performs. In one, a Rube Goldberg-esq machine drops a salt shaker on a metal plate that simultaniously pushes down a mouse button and a plunger. The mouse activated a search for “allrecipes” in the Omnibox. The plunger activated a potato cannon, which, then shot it through a vegetable dicer and continued to shoot in front of the monitor and

into a fryer. Google Chrome is still one of the most loved browsers and growing in popularity. Many people continue to use the browsers that are put on their machines when they arrive assuming that this is the only way to the Internet. Yet there are many, as this article is proof, alternatives and browsers not even mentioned. Don’t stick with the browser you have, play around and find something you enjoy, something safer, and something far more customizable. Even if you are running one of the above mentioned you should consider downloading the other and trying new things.


Created by Spencer Gustin

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VS

Clash of the Groups Field

Sponsor

Population

Purpose

Founder

Structure

Attire

Acting Instrumental Music

Students write, direct, perform and select everything

that is performed.

Allows those students excelling in acting to have a place to express

their talents through performances and experience in the theater.

Allows students to learn and grow in their musical abilities through marching, concert, jazz and pep bands.

Pieces are selected and written by professionals and performed by the band.

Ryan McCoy Barry Evans 18 Approx. 120 Doug Goheen Allan Hein Costumes Uniforms

Though The Topeka West Players and Band are extremely different in many ways, They do occasionally work together. Both are classes that work to entertain people. They both have slots in POPS concert. And The band and Players work together directly during the Winter

musical as Players provides actors and Band provides the Pit.


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Freshman Singer: Lucero Padilla-Continued from front cover

about it from a friend and I participated in it for four more years.” Mrs. Goodrich holds the try-outs for Singers every year. “Lucero contacted me last school year while he was still an eighth grader and expressed interest in being in choir at Topeka West his freshmen year.” Goodrich said. “He auditioned for me at French to be in Concert Choir and he got more information on Singers Try-outs.” Joining singers is an audition process. “Lucero came to two ‘workshops’ or practices to learn the audition songs in April 2011.” Goodrich explained. “These were after school and held at Topeka West. Then, he came after school to Topeka West and auditioned. The auditions consist of two parts. The first is singing a solo in front of the whole group of auditioners. The second part is singing a song that they learned at the workshops in a quartet with 4 other auditioners. It’s pretty tough competition, and they are judged by 4 judges. I had two faculty members, Mrs. [Carolyn] Voth, orchestra director, and Mr. [Ryan] McCoy, theater director and former Singer. I also had two judges that are

not connected with Topeka West so that we would be sure to have fair scoring. Those judges scored each students solo and quartet songs. The students with the highest scores made the group.” Padilla finds high school “better than what [he] expected.” With two siblings preceding him, he has gone to many concerts and productions at West. “[High school] has been a long time coming because I’ve been going to events for the past eight years. I’m glad I can be involved in it now.” While it is rare for freshmen to make Singers, they are welcome to audition. “Other Freshmen can try out for singers, just like Lucero did.” Goodrich said. “It’s important for them to make the time to be at the workshops and try-outs. Like I said previously, Singers is a tough group to get into because of the experience that it takes to be apart of the group. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors who are interested in Singers should look for information about auditions in March.” Goodrich and Padilla both encourage students to find their place at Topeka West and to

get involved. “Choir is such a fun community of students.” Goodrich said. “It’s a unique experience where they can be involved in a large group that feels very much like a family. If you like to sing, you should be in choir.” “I believe it is very important to be involved because that is the high school experience.” Padilla said. “You won’t have anything to look back on if you don’t put yourself out there.”


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Ben Brian C. BucklesKelli YoungReporter

Many teenagers go through high school, feeling like the odd-ball, never feeling like they belong. They may have trouble making friends or fitting in. The Right Honourable The Earl of Broomhedge-Darlow County Antrim - Northern Ireland - United Kingdom The Right Reverend Ben Brian Craig Robert Andrew Jayson Isaiah George Buckles was no exception to the social troubles we all go through in our awkward teen years. For Buckles, high school was a social nightmare. “[I] hated it! Academics I loved, socially I hated it.” Buckles said. Spending most of his time in the library and music department, he was quickly labeled a as nerd and a loser. “I was super skinny, a complete nerd, self-hating, awkward, unsure of myself, clueless about myself, and more clueless on how to make social connections.” Buckles said. “It didn’t help to also have a British accent, too.” The friends he made were teachers, who were always there to support him. “I basically ‘hid’ in the library or music department.” Buckles said. He worked as a teacher’s aide in the library often, and volunteered to do extra work for the music department. With today’s

curriculums, he would likely be classified as a gifted student and in advanced placement classes. Unfortunately, such programs weren’t available at the time. “Thankfully, TWHS teachers cared.” Buckles said. “The school set up special extra work for me, setting me up often away from other students; so, often students didn’t even know I was around.” During his senior year at Topeka West, he served as the assistant librarian at McCarter Elementary. “When I showed up for my graduation ceremonies, many of my fellow students were surprised, thought I had moved away.” Buckles said. During his time at West, Buckles was perfectly happy to be set apart from other students. He didn’t attend social gatherings with the rest of his classmates, opting out of athletic events and school dances. “I was shy, nerdish, with low self-esteem. I was often picked on, and made fun of as a child, no friends at all as a child, and only two while in secondary education years.” Buckles said. The abuse and mockery he received from other students was stressful, and better avoided. “I was wound up tighter than a clock.” Buckles said. “The two friends I finally did make were

students who also had difficulties fitting in, too. I was a human three dimensional Charlie Brown.” “It was the care and encouragement of my teachers, especially the Librarian, and the teachers in the Music Department that kept me going.” Buckles said. “I went on to study education, library science, music, and music composition. So, I owe TWHS for my life career path AND for the terrible social experiences I had, too.” His time in the library and music department certainly led to an amazing career path for Buckles. He has served as a librarian for all grade levels, and is currently a specialized field librarian. He is also a professionally trained classical & Celtic musician and composer. Buckles recently finished a composition specifically for the Topeka West Charger Band in honor of the School’s 50th anniversary. Buckles went on to major in education, history, political science, government, sociology, psychology, anthropology, english, geology, religion, and music, with post-graduate degrees in education, library science, and music. He speaks English, French, Italian, German, Latin, Greek, Gaelic (Irish and Scots). His son,

Benjamin Buckles, also attended Topeka West. Like Father like son, he was involved in the music department, playing trumpet in the band. Buckles served as a band parent and chaperon while his son was at Topeka West. With his father’s passing in 2009, Buckles inherited the full family trust and peerage. He decided to contact the principal of Topeka West in the interest of setting up an endowment. “During those years of my son attending TWHS, I would often hear the music teachers say they wished they had the money and resources to do this or that, but this or that, but could not.” Buckles said. “[The Principal] wanted to know how much I was considering giving. I said not less than $35,000, maybe up to $50,000. He just sat there staring at me, in a daze.”

Buckles set up the endowment as a sort of thank-you for everything the program did for him when he was in high school, and when his son was in high school. “Music doesn’t just teach you music, it teaches you self-confidence, how to work with others, submit to authority, be on time, support each other, take pride in your accomplishments, set goals and meet them, receive inner self-satisfaction.” As for Topeka West, Buckles hopes that the school will continue to see many more anniversaries past its 50th. “I just hope it continues long after I am gone, even my son is gone, and that somehow the music endowment will still exist, and still helping keep the excellent tradition and reputation of TWHS’s Music Department going.” Buckles said.

Graduating Class of 1974


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DC Comics, famous for superheroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, are rebooting their entire line of comics. The reboot entails renumbering all following comics starting off with #1 issues again,

including series such as Action Comics and Detective Comics, which have not been renumbered since their start in the 1930s. The reboot follows a storyline called Flashpoint, which is based around Barry Allen (The Flash). Within this storyline, periods of time in the DC Universe had been changed, causing the world to be completely different. The Flash throughout Flashpoint attempts to change the world back to the way it was.

DC RebootA new beginning Derek Rohrer

Editor

The main character of this book is a fire-throwing skeleton—and he’s the good guy.Skulduggery Pleasant is a screwball fantasy by Irish writer Derek Landy (former screenwriter), about a sensible young girl (with parents) who inherits a massive fortune from a beloved uncle. She teams up with the aptly named Mr. Pleasant (how he became a skeleton is a much more somber tale) to stop a magical conspiracy. “It’s exciting, pacy,

nicely handled and it’s fun,” Philip Ardagh, writer and reviewer for the Guardian, said. At first glance, it seems like a juvenile children’s book. However, Landy manages to balance humor and conflict in a way that keeps you chuckling yet riveted through the entire story. “This is the fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but neither does the humour make the dangers an irrelevance. It’s a difficult balancing act and one that first-

time novelist Derek Landy has attempted in Skulduggery Pleasant,” Ardagh said. Landy’s screenwriting experience clearly shows in this debut. He turns a dangerous, dark story into a sunny Gothic tale. Unlike most books about magic, there isn’t a clear line between the good guys and the bad. This is an excellent choice for fantasy fans who want a break from reading the classic orphan-dragon-rider books.

Skulduggery PleasantHelen Sheng

Reporter

The reason for the reboot in the real world was another ordeal. The comic industry over the last decade has been suffering, DC more so than their main competitor Marvel. The reboot will allow them to recreate characters with a 21st century outlook. They are also moving away from the traditional characters and putting characters, such as Cyborg, into the spotlight. They are using the reboot to gain new readers, as they feel many readers would not

want to begin at #881. The reboot will also allow DC to expand their characters into the big screen. The reboot will allow DC to change stories to work in movie ties, to compete with Marvel and their movies, such as the upcoming movie The Avengers. Along with the reboot, DC is offering their comics to be sold online in a digital format, as to move with the digital era. After Flashpoint, the Flash restores

the world, but some changes still remain. Many of the previous DC events over the years still happened, but were changed to work into the reboot. Overall, the reboot is a great place for new readers to begin. Those interested can look for the new series at Hastings, Vintage Stock, and Gatekeeper Hobbies.

for many heroes


Editorial Policy

Campus View is an accessible public forum for the publication readers. Editori-als represent the collective opinion of the publication staff. Other opin-ions expressed in any Topeka West student publica-tion are not nec-essarily those of the Campus View staff, the student body, faculty, administration or school district. Signed columns and letters to the editor represent

the view and opinions of the writer only. The publications are subject to state and federal laws, and the content reflects student thinking and is not necessarily in agreement with administrative policies. The Campus View newspaper will act as an open forum for public discus-sions and field letters for all of the journalism publica-tions. A forum, by definition, is “a mar-ketplace of ideas”, or “a public meet-ing place for open

discussion.” Letters will be edited for content and length as well as spelling, grammar and other considerations. Letters will also be edited if the letter is in poor taste, and letters will be edited to fit space require-ments. Letters that are libelous, obscene, or are an invasion of privacy will not be printed in the paper. All letters must be signed and verified before publi-cation. The number of letters included will depend on page space that is avail-able. The Campus

View will not direct-ly answer letters, unless a question is posed. The opinion pages are a forum for the exchange of comment and criticism, and they are open to stu-dents and others interested in Topeka West High School. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature and class position or role in the community. Typed, double-spac-es letters are pre-ferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable.

Emailed letters to the editor WILL NOT be accepted (since no signature will be included.) Letters should be limited to approxi-mately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewrit-ten pages. Poetry is not accepted for publication. Some informa-tion used has been provided by MCT Campus.

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Co-editors:Derek RohrerMichael Snowden

Adviser:Kristy Dekat, MJE

Graphics Editor:Spencer Gustin

Business Manager:Ana Chavez

StaffReporters:Helen ShengJamie LadnerTrey DarrLindsey KoonSpencer RaymondMitch MontagueArianna ZamoraKelli YoungMicah Snowden

Thanks to our supporters:

Portraitefx by Sunflower PhotographyYouth Entrepreneurs

Tina GoodrichCherylene Lovett


Documents

Topeka West Campus View- September Issue